Security

What Manipur Needs?

Context: Kuki-Zo insurgent groups and the Central government are holding talks after a gap of two years. Manipur has been riven by an ethnic conflict between Meiteis and the Kuki-Zo tribals since May 2023.

Kuki-Zo insurgent groups have iterated their demand for a separate Union Territory to be carved out of Manipur with its own legislature and a revision of the ground rules of the suspension of operations (SoO) pact.

So far, a total of 258 people are reported to have lost their lives in the internecine conflicts and more than 60,000 people have been displaced. In this context, let us understand the factors behind riots in Manipur, the way forward to deal with the situation and the broader issue of insurgency in Northeast.

Relevance of the Topic:Mains: Linkages between development and spread of extremism.

Factors Behind the Riots in Manipur

Neglect of community rights: The primary trigger for the riots in Manipur was the inability of the state government to acknowledge and respect the territorial rights and distinct identities of the various tribal communities residing in the state.
Integrationist policies: The government’s push for aggressive integration, particularly by attempting to dilute tribal land rights in Imphal valley regions, created friction between the Meitei and tribal communities.
High Court decision: The situation escalated in April 2023 when the Manipur High Court directed a swift recommendation for granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Meiteis. This decision heightened tribal anxieties, culminating in widespread protests in May 2023.
Meitis political domination: Regardless of which party comes to power, the Manipur government has always been dominated by plainsmen Meiteis, who account for about 53 per cent of the state's population and live mostly in irregular oval-shaped Imphal Valley.
- This domination has often been viewed through the prism of suspicion by tribals -- mostly Nagas and Kukis, who make up 40 per cent of Manipur's population and live for the most part in the hills surrounding the valley.

Outcomes of the Riots in Manipur:

Widespread displacement: Thousands of people, including both Meitei and tribal communities, were forced to flee their homes, leading to internal displacement and the establishment of relief camps.
Loss of lives and property: The violence resulted in numerous casualties (285 people have lost lives) and widespread destruction of homes, businesses, and public infrastructure.
Deepened ethnic divides: The riots intensified long-standing ethnic tensions, further polarizing communities and straining inter-group relations.
Political repercussions: The riots have prompted reviewing policies related to tribal rights and state governance.
Economy of State: The violence disrupted economic activities, trade, and the overall development of the region.
Erosion of trust in governance: Public confidence in the state’s ability to manage communal issues and maintain law and order has been significantly undermined.

Way forward to deal with the present Manipur Situation:

Declare President rule: President’s Rule should be declared in the state and select a governor, a dynamic police or army officer of integrity, who has experience in counter-insurgency, preferably someone who has served in the northeast.
Revamp Administration: The administration would need to be completely revamped. There are senior officers who are more concerned about saving their skin rather than dealing fearlessly with situations which present formidable hazards. They will have to be replaced.
Integrity of state should be upheld: It should be made clear to all and sundry that there would be no compromise on the integrity of Manipur.
Strict approach towards violent groups: Those indulging in or inciting violence; those trying to give a religious colour to the conflict and have been responsible for vandalizing temples or churches; and those involved in drug trafficking.
Disarming and peace building: There should be a well-organised attempt to disarm people of the unlicensed and prohibited bore weapons they may have acquired from any source. A time limit should be given and those found holding such weapons after the expiry of that time limit should be booked under the National Security Act.
Peace committees should be formed in every district comprising representatives of every section/group/tribe. There should be a peace committee at the state level also comprising senior leaders of different sections/groups/tribes.
- Building Trust and Reconciliation: Addressing historical grievances, fostering social harmony, and promoting reconciliation among communities are crucial for long-term stability.

Conclusion: The primary concern should no doubt be to put down violence, quickly followed or accompanied by an effort to address the grievances. Find a middle ground, reconcile the differences, form peace committees at different levels, and take such political initiatives which convince the people of the government’s sincerity and inspire confidence. There should be a WHAM approach — winning hearts and minds.

India and EU conduct joint Naval Exercise in Indian Ocean

Context: India and the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) held a joint major naval exercise in the Indian Ocean in the first week of June 2025. This exercise was undertaken to boost maritime security cooperation between the two forces.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: India-EU Naval Exercise Mains: India-EU Relations: India-EU Security Cooperation

India-EU Naval Exercise:

The exercise involved forces from the EUNAVFOR Operation ATALANTA and the Indian Navy.
Focus: To improve interoperability between the naval forces and advance counter-piracy tactics.
EU and Indian naval ships and air assets (such as maritime patrol aircraft and a helicopter) cooperated on monitoring the situation, gathering intelligence, and planning hostage rescue.
Indian ship included- Indian frigate TRIKAND supported by the respective air assets; Indian Maritime Patrol aircraft.

Significance:

The boosting of Indian-EU cooperation is necessary for a secure, free and open Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific. The Indian Ocean is a vital maritime corridor for global trade and security. India-EU share commitment to tackle various threats in the region, including piracy, arms smuggling and illegal fishing.

India-EU Security Cooperation:

India-EU held a fourth Maritime Security Dialogue in March 2025. It emphasised the need for cooperation to counter illicit maritime activities and explore new joint maritime initiatives aligned with the objectives of the joint exercise.
India-EU have previously conducted passing exercises (PASSEX) to ensure that navies are able to communicate and cooperate in times of crisis at sea.
India-EU naval cooperation has expanded beyond the Indian Ocean. Joint exercises have taken place in the Gulf of Guinea and Gulf of Aden. The Indian Navy also supports escort missions for World Food Programme vessels coordinated by EUNAVFOR ATALANTA.

Operation Spider's Web: First Person View Drones

Context: Ukraine’s drone strikes under Operation Spider's Web mark a new era in modern warfare- precise, deep attacks using small specialised First Person view (FPV) drones.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts related to Operation Spider's Web, FPV drones.
Mains: Implications of changing nature of warfare.

Operation Spider's Web of Ukraine

Ukraine carried out large scale drone strikes on multiple Russian air bases, including one in Siberia some 4000 kms from the frontlines.
Specialised First Person view (FPV) drones struck at least five military air bases across the Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur regions in Russia, and destroyed around 41 bomber aircraft including rare strategic bombers like the Tu-95 and Tu-22M3.
These attacks were carried out by the SBU, Ukraine’s main security agency. The attack came after Russia stepped up the bombing of Ukrainian cities.
The operation used a Trojan horse-like tactic; specialised FPV drones were smuggled into Russia inside mobile wooden cabins on trucks. The roofs opened remotely, allowing drones to launch and strike nearby bases precisely.

First Person view (FPV) drones:

FPV drones transmit live footage to the operator through a camera mounted on the drone. The feed can be viewed using goggles, smartphones, or other devices.
FPV drones are often used in various industries, including media, but are also increasingly being used in military operations.
These drones usually have a shorter range compared to surveillance drones and are guided to targets after a reconnaissance drone surveys the area.

Key advantages of FPV drones:

Inexpensive: The estimated cost of an FPV drone with a payload is at around $500. This makes them cost-effective alternatives to conventional weapons.
Hard to detect: FPV drones are harder to detect and can conduct deep strikes. This makes them useful for attrition-based strategies.

Implications of changing nature of Warfare:

This significant raiding action in modern warfare demonstrates the effectiveness of deep-strike programs and takes the possibilities of drone warfare to the next level.

New Age Warfare: Drones have made it possible to strike deep into enemy territory without using traditional fighter jets or missiles. The drones used for such operations are quite cheap as compared to conventional weapons, and reduces armed forces casualties.
Vulnerability of Critical Assets: Traditional military bases, aircrafts, and infrastructure, which was previously considered secure, are now vulnerable to drone attacks and demand new defence strategies.
Need for Drone Defence systems: This necessitates the urgent investment in anti-drone systems to protect critical infrastructure and defence assets.

Towards Gender Equality: First batch of Women Graduates from NDA

Context: In a historic first, 17 women cadets graduated alongside male counterparts from the Pune-based National Defence Academy (NDA), marking the successful passing out of the first co-ed batch from the tri-services institution.

Relevance of the Topic: Mains: Importance of inclusion of women in combat and command roles.

Inclusion of 17 women cadets in the recently graduated 148th batch of NDA is a watershed moment for the armed forces, opening a realistic path for women to reach the highest echelons of the Indian military in the coming decades. This is a major milestone in the long quest for gender equality in the armed forces.

History of Inclusion of Women in Armed Forces

1888: British initiated the Military Nursing Service in India.
1958: Women doctors were granted regular commissions in the Army Medical Corps.
1992: Women Special Entry Scheme (WSES) allowed women to join non-combat branches as Short Service Commission (SSC) officers.
2008-2019: Limited expansion of roles under Permanent Commission (PC), but without command roles.
2020: In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of India upheld gender equality by granting women PC and command roles across ten non-combat streams.
2021: The apex court directed the NDA to open admissions to women, ensuring equal entry opportunities.
2022: The NDA began admitting women in 2022.

Women are now being fully integrated into the NDA's 18 squadrons, the basic units of life and leadership at the academy, undergoing the same rigorous training as men.

Significance of Women inclusion into NDA:

Break the gender stereotypes: Inclusion of women in combat and command roles breaks the gender stereotype that women only belong to pink collar jobs.
Breaking Institutional Patriarchy: NDA training was long exclusive to men. Women’s inclusion challenges the entrenched military patriarchy.
Building Future Leaders: Women’s inclusion in NDA ensures equal access to elite training and command experience, enabling them to become future military leaders and service chiefs.
Catalyst for Social Change: Women joining NDA lead to new norms of equality, and encourage wider acceptance of women in leadership and non-traditional careers across society.

Challenges Ahead:

Recent progress in women’s inclusion is encouraging but requires deeper cultural change within the armed forces. A change that would normalise having women in leadership positions. Some combat and command streams still remain closed to women.
Armed forces will have to make further efforts on work-life infrastructure and mechanisms for maternity policy, childcare support, spousal postings.
The criteria for promotion boards and evaluation, command postings will need upgrades.

India’s Lawfare Strategy to Combat Terrorism

Context: India should adopt a “lawfare strategy” - using international law and forums like the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to hold Pakistan accountable for sponsoring cross-border terrorism.

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: SAARC Convention on Suppression of Terrorism, International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism, Terrorist Bombing Convention, Jurisdiction of ICJ.

Mains: Lawfare Strategy as a strategic tool to combat Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.

Apart from military actions like Operation Sindoor and diplomatic measures, India should also adopt a "lawfare" strategy to hold Pakistan accountable for sponsoring terrorism.

Lawfare Strategy

Lawfare strategy means utilising laws, especially international laws and judicial platforms like the International Court of Justice (ICJ), as a tool to take action against countries that support terrorism.

International Legal Instruments supporting Lawfare Strategy:

India should identify specific provisions in international terrorism conventions that sanction terrorism, and highlight customary international laws that Pakistan is violating.

SAARC Regional Convention on Suppression of Terrorism: India and Pakistan are both parties to SAARC Regional Convention on Suppression of Terrorism (1987) and its Additional Protocol. Article 6 of the Additional Protocol mandates states to take all practical measures via domestic legislation to prevent, suppress and eradicate the financing of terrorism, and for effective international cooperation.
International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism (ICSFT) is a United Nations treaty (1999) that defines terror financing as a criminal act. Article 2(1) of ICSFT states that any person by any means, directly or indirectly, unlawfully and wilfully, provides or collects funds with the intention that they should be used to carry out terrorist acts, commits an offense. Both India and Pakistan are parties to the convention which obligates them to prevent terror financing.
United Nations Security Council Resolutions: UNSC Resolution 1373 (2001) mandates the member states to undertake measures to deny safe haven to those who finance, plan, support, or commit terrorist attacks.
Using International Court of Justice (ICJ) as Strategic Forum: India can use ICJ as a legal forum to expose Pakistan’s support for terrorism. Many international terrorism treaties allow state parties to bring disputes to be resolved by the ICJ. For example:

Article 20(1) of the Terrorist Bombing Convention
Article 24(1) of the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism (ICSFT).

Ukraine used this clause to sue Russia at the ICJ for allegedly financing terrorism in the Donbas region. India can also use the compromissory clauses in these terrorism treaties to take Pakistan to the ICJ, just as it did in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case.

However, there are two significant Challenges:

Pakistan’s Reservation under ICSFT: ICSFT allows disputes to be taken to the ICJ but Pakistan has made a reservation, it has declared that it does not accept the ICJ’s jurisdiction under this treaty. This weakens India’s ability to force Pakistan to face trial under ICSFT. Nevertheless, India can still file a case with the ICJ to draw global attention to the issue.
India’s Reservation under Terrorist Bombing Convention: India has opted out of ICJ jurisdiction under this treaty, while Pakistan has accepted it which prevents India from taking Pakistan to the ICJ using that treaty. This obstacle can be overcome if India withdraws its reservation, allowing it to initiate proceedings against Pakistan at the ICJ.

India should utilise the legal proceedings in ICJ to assiduously promote a global narrative against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. India should have fool-proof evidence and devise its legal strategy accordingly.

How is Cyberbullying tackled under the Law in India?

Context: India does not have a dedicated law to tackle cyber crimes at present. Instead, the provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, and the Information Technology Act 2000 are used to deal with such cases.

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Definitions of different types of cybercrimes.

Mains: Cybersecurity landscape in India.

What are Cybercrimes?

Cybercrimes referto a range of criminal activities carried out using computers and the internet. Common cybercrimes include-
- Hacking
- data theft and financial fraud
- phishing and impersonation
- malware attacks and ransomware
- cyberbullying and digital arrest
- stalking and doxxing (unauthorised release of private information).
Cybercrimes in India have increased 60.9% from 2022 to 2023, resulting in the loss of over Rs. 10,000 crores over the past three years. Cybercrimes disproportionately affect women and minorities.

What is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is the use of technology to intentionally and repeatedly harass, threaten, embarrass, or target another person viz. offensive messages, hate speech, derogatory content, doctored images, doxxing and threats of physical or sexual violence.

Existing laws to tackle Cyberbullying in India:

India lacks a dedicated law to address online hate speech and trolling.

Provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, and the Information Technology (IT) Act 2000 cover certain aspects of cyberbullying.
BNS includes provisions such as Section 74 (assault or criminal force against a woman with intent to outrage her modesty), Section 75 (sexual harassment), Section 351 (criminal intimidation), Section 356 (defamation), and Section 196 (promoting enmity between groups).
The IT Act includes provisions like Section 66C (identity theft), Section 66D (impersonation fraud), and Section 67 (publishing or transmitting obscene material electronically).

Limitations of Existing Frameworks

1. Absence of dedicated law on Cyberbullying:

The existing regulatory framework is functional but incomplete. Sustained online abuse that does not qualify as obscene, threatening, or fraudulent often falls outside the purview of criminal law.
Offences like criminal intimidation or defamation often require proof of threat or reputational harm, and are not-suited to counter the rapid, anonymous abuse unleashed by online mobs.

2. Legal ambiguity around Doxxing and Public data:

The Delhi High Court in a case involving doxxing (2024) ruled that while doxxing raised privacy concerns, the concerned incident did not constitute doxxing as the information was already publicly available.
The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, exempts from regulation personal data that is made publicly available, either by the individual concerned or by an entity under a legal obligation. However, it does not define what qualifies as publicly available data.
This lack of clarity on what qualifies as public information may inadvertently enable cybercrimes such as doxxing, given the ease with which fragmented data from multiple platforms can be easily aggregated and used for harassment or intimidation.

3. Concerns over Censorship:

Section 69A of the IT Act empowers the government to issue blocking orders on grounds aligned with constitutionally permissible speech restrictions, such as sovereignty, friendly relations with foreign States, and public order.
Platforms failing to comply risk losing safe harbour protection under Section 79, which shields intermediaries from liability for user-generated content.
However, these provisions are increasingly being used for censorship with content taken down without r notification, thus, violating the Supreme Court’s 2015 ruling in Shreya Singhal versus Union of India. E.g., After the Pahalgam attack, X disclosed that it had been directed to block 8,000 accounts in India.

Government Initiatives to enhance Cybersecurity in India:

IT Act 2000: Provides a legal framework for dealing with cyber crimes.
CERT-In: Nodal agency to deal with cyber-security threats like hacking or phishing.
National Cyber-Security Policy 2013 to provide an overarching framework to deal with cybersecurity.
Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C): enhances the coordinated response of law enforcement agencies to cybercrimes.
National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre - nodal agency to protect India’s Critical Information Infrastructure.
National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal to report cyber crimes.
Defence Cyber Agency to protect military systems and conduct offensive cyber-operations.
Enactment of Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023 for regulation and protection of personal data.

Also Read: National Cyber Security Strategy

Revamped Multi Agency Centre: AI-Powered Intelligence Grid

Context: The Ministry of Home Affairs launched the revamped Multi Agency Centre (MAC), a common counter-terrorism grid under the Intelligence Bureau (IB). It has been enhanced with AI/ML capabilities to improve data analytics and integration across intelligence agencies.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts related to Multi agency centre (MAC)

Multi Agency Centre

MAC serves as India’s centralised intelligence-sharing platform aimed at ensuring coordination among multiple security and intelligence agencies.
It was conceptualised in 2001, post the Kargil War.
MAC has been technologically upgraded at a cost of Rs 500 crore to add more nodes for sourcing information from even remote areas in island territories, insurgency-affected areas and high-altitude terrains. It is to ensure last-mile connectivity down to the level of district SPs in the remotest areas through a fast, secure, and stand-alone system.
The new MAC network securely connects all police districts in the country. 28 organisations, including the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), armed forces and State police, are part of the platform, and various security agencies share real-time intelligence inputs in the MAC.
The revamped MAC is integrated with cutting-edge technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Geographic Information System (GIS) capabilities to enhance predictive analysis and real-time intelligence sharing.

Significance of Multi Agency Centre

Integrated National Security Architecture: Synergise the efforts of all security agencies through a seamless and integrated platform. This will enhance India’s capacity to address complex and interconnected national security challenges such as terrorism, extremism, organised crime, and cyberattacks.
Enhances real time intelligence sharing and accelerates response mechanisms.
Elevate the quality of data analytics- enabling accurate trend analysis, hotspot mapping and timeline analysis to give predictive and operational outcomes.

The revamped MAC strengthens India’s tech-enabled security architecture. In the face of a potential 2.5 front war, external threats from China and Pakistan, and internal challenges like terrorism, it enables real-time intelligence sharing and a unified response.

Indigenous Defence Innovation: Key Technologies used in Operation Sindoor

Context: Operation Sindoor has highlighted India's military might and indigenous weapons. Indigenous development of the defence ecosystem has been made possible by contributions of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and lately by Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX).

Relevance of the Topic : Prelims: Key facts about iDEX, Indigenous Defence Technologies (SkyStriker; D-4 Anti-Drone System)

Key Indigenous Technologies used in Operation Sindoor:

SkyStriker Loitering Munitions:

Suicide drones developed by Bengaluru-based Alpha Design Technologies in collaboration with Elbit Systems (Israel).
The precision-striking drone can carry a 5-10 kg warhead and has a range of 100 km.
Its electric propulsion system helps reduce noise, making it suitable for covert missions at low altitudes.
Cost-effective solution for long-range precision strikes. The drone supports direct aerial fire missions and enhances operational awareness and survivability for ground forces.

D-4 Anti-Drone System:

Anti-drone system developed by DRDO.
Capability to neutralise hostile drones by disrupting GPS signals.
Equipped with advanced radar, RF jammers, and laser-based kill mechanisms, the D4 system can disrupt and disable enemy UAVs mid-flight.
Can be utilised for other purposes like- real-time battlefield monitoring and surveillance.

Akashteer

Akashteer is an indigenous AI-powered Air Defence System (India’s own Iron Dome).
Designed and manufactured jointly by: DRDO, ISRO and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
Part of India's overall C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) system.
Akashteer works in coordination with ISRO satellites and Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (NAVIC) GPS.
Integrates data from radars and sensors, and provides real-time situational awareness and enables swift responses to aerial threats (drones, missiles, UAVs and other loitering munitions).
Through automated detection-and-response mechanisms, Akashteer can neutralise hundreds of incoming threats with unmatched precision.
Its vehicle-based, mobile configuration guarantees flexibility in high-risk areas.

Akash Missile Defence System

Indigenously developed by DRDO.
Medium-range, mobile surface-to-air missile (SAM) designed to neutralise aerial threats such as fighter jets, drones, cruise missiles, and air-to-surface missiles.
Operates on a command-guidance system with datalink for mid-course corrections and switches to active radar homing in the terminal phase.
Propulsion: The missile is propelled by an integrated ramjet-rocket engine, allowing it to maintain supersonic speeds (Mach 1.8 to 2.5) throughout its flight.
Range: Its range extends up to 25–45 km, with the ability to intercept targets at altitudes up to 20 km. The missile carries a 60 kg high-explosive, pre-fragmented warhead, detonated by a digital proximity fuse for maximum impact.
Supported by a sophisticated radar network. Real time multi-sensor data processing enables simultaneous engagement of multiple targets from any direction.
- Rajendra phased array radar can track up to 64 targets and guide eight missiles simultaneously.
- 3D Central Acquisition Radar (3D CAR) provides long-range surveillance and target acquisition.
Akash has evolved over the years, with variants like Akash-1 (25 km range), Akash-NG (up to 30 km with improved guidance), and Akash Prime (up to 35 km, optimised for low-altitude threats).

The Akash’s integration with advanced command-and-control systems like Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) enabled real-time threat neutralisation.

Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX):

Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) is a flagship initiative under the Ministry of Defence launched in 2018.
It brings together all the key innovation ecosystem actors, including start-ups, individual innovators, R&D institutions, and academia, to foster self-reliance in defence technologies.
Funding and Management: iDEX is funded and managed by the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO), a Section 8 company, whose founding members were Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL).
iDEX adopts an open innovation approach. E.g., Through Defence India Startup Challenge (DISC), iDEX launches challenges for start-ups to offer solutions to specific technological needs of the Indian Armed Forces.
iDEX has facilitated domestic-global collaboration. E.g., iDEX partners with the US Department of Defense’s Innovation Unit to facilitate joint co-development of innovation between Indian and US start-ups.

Lately, iDEX has accelerated the defence innovation ecosystem in India. It has signed over 350 agreements with start-ups as of June 2024. This approach ensures an alignment between the operational needs of the defence sector and innovative solutions developed.

Operation Sindoor: India hits Pakistan’s terror bases

Context: In a swift military action under Operation Sindoor, the Indian armed forces carried out 24 precision strikes on nine different targets against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Locations in News; Operation Sindoor; Operation Abhyaas.

Operation Sindoor

India exercised its right to respond to the Pahalgam terror attack, and the armed forces subsequently launched Operation Sindoor to destroy the camps used to train terrorists in Pakistan and PoK.
9 terrorist camps of Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad and Hizbul Mujahideen were selected based on credible intelligence inputs and targeted to deliver justice to the victims of the Pahalgam attack and their families.

The Indian Air Force, in co-ordination with the Army, executed the attacks without intruding into Pakistan air space, unlike the two previous counter strikes carried out after the terror attacks on the Indian Army’s Brigade headquarters in Uri in 2016 and the CRPF convoy at Pulwama in 2019.

India-Pakistan: History of Wars & Conflicts

Faced with the prospect of an armed conflict with Pakistan, India conducted nationwide civil defence mock drills under ‘Operation Abhyaas.’ The drills were carried out in 244 districts to prepare the country’s readiness to deal with emergencies and terrorist attacks.

Also Read: Civil Defence Mock Drills in India

India shuts Kartarpur Corridor

Context: Following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, India and the Pakistan-India border skirmishes, the Indian authorities have indefinitely shut the Kartarpur Corridor.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Location of Kartarpur Corridor.

About Kartarpur Corridor

Kartarpur Corridor is a religious corridor connecting two gurdwaras (Sikh temples):
- Gurudwara Dera Baba Nanak, Gurdaspur district, Punjab, India.
- Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan (Darbar Sahib gurdwara is the final resting place of Guru Nanak Dev)
The crossing allows devotees from India to visit the gurdwara in Kartarpur, Pakistan, 4.7 kilometres from the India–Pakistan border on the Pakistani side.
The corridor was first proposed in early 1999 by Atal Bihari Vajpayee then Prime Ministers of India, as part of the Delhi–Lahore Bus diplomacy.
In 2018, the foundation stone was laid, and the corridor was completed for the 550th anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak in 2019.
The corridor enables visa-free cross-border pilgrimage for up to 5000 Indian devotees of all faiths daily.

Civil Defence Mock Drills in India

Context: Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack, the central government has directed all States and Union Territories to conduct mock drills on May 7, and strengthen civil defence mechanisms across Civil Defence Districts in the event of a hostile attack.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about the Civil Defence Act of 1968.

What are Civil Defence Districts?

Demarcated areas or regions, including towns and districts, which the government designates for implementation of civil defence programmes.
These are demarcated on the recommendation of the Ministry of Defence. There are in all 259 Civil Defence Districts notified in 2010. These are spread across all states and UTs and divided into three categories.
- Category I districts require full implementation of civil defence programmes.
- Category II and Category III require partial implementation in varying degrees.
These demarcations are made based on the location of the towns or districts (such as near the borders), vulnerability to attacks, location of vital installations (such as defence installations, nuclear plants, thermal power plants, key government buildings, etc) and critical infrastructure (such as key highways, railways, ports etc.).
The maximum number of such districts are in West Bengal, followed by Rajasthan, Assam, Punjab and J&K.

Civil Defence Mock Drills

The civil drills will ensure:

Operationalisation of Air Raid Warning Sirens
Operationalisation of Hotline/Radio Communication Links with the Indian Air Force;
Activation and Manning of Control Rooms/ Shadow Control Rooms
Training of civilians, students, etc. on the Civil Defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of hostile attack
Activation of Civil Defence Services, especially, warden services, firefighting, rescue service, depot, etc.
Provision of crash black out measures (a sudden switching off of lights to reduce a potential target’s visibility)
Provision for early camouflaging of vital plants / installations
Updation of Civil Defence Plan and its rehearsal
Updation of evacuation plan and its rehearsal and cleaning of bunkers, trenches, etc.

Civil Defence Act of 1968:

The mock drills would be conducted under the Civil Defence Act of 1968.

The Act empowers the government to restrict movement, impose curfews, control assemblies or gatherings, close roads, ports, and transport services as needed, in times of emergencies.
The government may detain or arrest a person without the usual legal processes and even order killing of animals.
It allows the government compulsory acquisition of property, requisitioning services, and controlling the supply and distribution of goods (especially essentials).
The government can direct individuals or classes of persons to perform certain work or duties, and control industries crucial to national security.
It empowers the government to regulate or censor communications, publications, and broadcasts.

The last time such elaborate drills were conducted in the country were during the build-up of the 1971 war.

Delhi launches Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana Yojana

Context: The Chief Minister of Delhi flagged off a fleet of registration vans for doorstep registration of beneficiaries of the Delhi government’s Vaya Vandana Yojana.

Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: Key facts about Vaya Vandana Yojana.

Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana Yojana

Initiative of: Delhi government.
Aim: To provide cashless treatment of up to ₹10 lakh for senior citizens aged 70 and above for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation across public and private empanelled hospitals in Delhi.
Mobile registration vans will conduct on-the-spot registrations in local neighbourhoods. Every citizen aged 70 or more can obtain the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Health Card simply by providing their Aadhaar and Delhi residence proof for registration.
This initiative combines ₹5 lakh coverage from the central government’s Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) with an additional ₹5 lakh provided by the Delhi government.
- Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) is the largest health assurance scheme in the world. It offers health insurance worth ₹5 lakh per year per family for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation across public and private empanelled hospitals in India.
All eligible beneficiaries can avail benefit regardless of their financial background.

The initiative aims at the welfare of senior citizens and seeks to eliminate all logistical challenges to accessible healthcare.