In News:

The 22nd edition of the India-France bilateral naval exercise, VARUNA, took place in the Mediterranean Sea from September 2 to 4, 2024. This exercise highlights the strong maritime partnership between the Indian Navy and the French Navy, showcasing their commitment to enhancing interoperability and operational effectiveness.

Key Highlights:

1. Participating Vessels and Aircraft:
   • Indian Navy:
     • INS Tabar: A frontline stealth frigate commanded by Captain MR Harish.
     • Ship-borne Helicopter: Provided air support during the exercises.
     • LRMR Aircraft P-8I: An advanced long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft.
   • French Navy:
     • FS Provence: A French naval ship participating in the exercise.
     • Submarine Suffren: A French attack submarine.
     • Aircraft F-20: Providing air support.
     • Atlantique 2: A French maritime patrol aircraft.
     • Fighters MB339: Multi-role fighter aircraft.
     • Helicopters NH90 and Dauphin: Providing additional aerial capabilities.
2. Exercise Activities:
   • Tactical Maneuvers: Advanced maneuvers showcasing the operational capabilities of both navies.
   • Anti-Submarine Warfare: Exercises designed to enhance capabilities in detecting and countering submarines.
   • FLYEX (Flight Exercises): Coordinated air operations involving various aircraft.
   • Air Defence Exercise: Training in defending against aerial threats.
   • Live Weapon Firings: Demonstrations of weapon systems in action.
   • PHOTO-EX (Photographic Exercise): Exercises designed for documenting and assessing naval operations.
   • Steam Past: A ceremonial maneuver showcasing the participating ships.
3. Significance of the Exercise:
   • Evolution of VARUNA: Since its inception in 2001, VARUNA has become a key component of the India-France naval relationship. The exercise has evolved to improve interoperability and share best practices between the two navies.
   • Strategic Importance: Conducting the exercise in the Mediterranean Sea reflects the Indian Navy's capability and commitment to operate far beyond the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). It underscores the strategic depth and outreach of the Indian Navy.
   • Enhanced Interoperability: VARUNA demonstrates the mutual commitment of India and France to enhancing naval collaboration and operational effectiveness through joint exercises and shared experiences.
4. Future Outlook:
   • Commitment to Partnerships: The Indian Navy continues to prioritize building strong partnerships with like-minded navies worldwide. The VARUNA exercise is a testament to this ongoing commitment and the broader strategic goals of both India and France in strengthening maritime security and cooperation.

This bilateral exercise not only enhances the operational capabilities of both navies but also reinforces the strategic partnership between India and France in the maritime domain.

In News:

India is significantly ramping up its efforts to establish a semiconductor manufacturing industry, with plans to invest $15 billion in the second phase of its chipmaking incentive policy. This move aims to bolster the country's position in the global semiconductor supply chain, where it currently has minimal presence.

Key Points:

1. Government Funding and Projects:
   • Increased Investment: The Indian government is boosting its funding for chipmaking incentives to $15 billion, up from the $10 billion committed in the first phase.
   • Approved Projects: Four major semiconductor projects have been approved, totaling over Rs 1.48 lakh crore ($18 billion). This includes:
     • Tata and PSMC Fabrication Plant: India’s first commercial semiconductor fabrication plant, with an investment of more than Rs 91,000 crore ($11 billion), developed in partnership with Taiwan’s Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC).
     • Assembly and Testing Plants (ATMP/OSAT): Three plants:
       • Micron Technology is building the first plant, approved in June 2023.
       • Tata is constructing an assembly plant in Assam.
       • C G Power and Industrial Solutions, in partnership with Japan’s Renesas Electronics, is developing the third plant.

2. Government Subsidies:
   • Capex Subsidies: The central government will provide nearly Rs 59,000 crore ($7 billion) in capital expenditure subsidies for these projects.
   • State Support: State governments are offering incentives such as discounted land and electricity rates.
3. Strategic Importance:
   • Economic and Strategic Impact: Semiconductor chips are critical to a wide range of industries, including defense, automotive, and consumer electronics. Developing domestic chipmaking capabilities is seen as essential for economic growth and strategic independence.
   • Global Competition: India is entering a highly competitive field dominated by Taiwan and the US. The US has a $50 billion chip incentive scheme, while the EU has a similar program. India’s efforts are part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on global chip supply chains and capitalize on geopolitical shifts.
4. Challenges and Realities:
   • Technology Barriers: The Tata-PSMC plant will not produce cutting-edge chips, as the technology for advanced nodes is currently beyond their reach. Manufacturing chips with smaller node sizes involves significant technological expertise and innovation, areas where leading companies like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) excel.
   • High Entry Barriers: The chipmaking industry has high entry barriers, and India’s new plants will face challenges in achieving technological and competitive parity with established global leaders.

India's push into semiconductor manufacturing represents a major step in its economic development and strategic planning, aiming to position itself as a significant player in the global tech landscape while addressing critical supply chain vulnerabilities.

In News:

• India and the Maldives held their first defence talks since India withdrew its military personnel early this year.

Significance of Talks:

• The dialogue is notable given recent tensions in bilateral relations. Relations soured after President Mohamed Muizzu's election on an "India Out" platform, leading to the withdrawal of Indian troops. The last defence cooperation dialogue was held in March 2023 under President Ibrahim Solih.

Discussion Topics:

• • Expediting ongoing defence cooperation projects.
  • Planning forthcoming bilateral military exercises.
  • Enhancing high-level exchanges and capability development.

Context of Tensions:

• • Mohamed Muizzu, who took office in November 2023, had called for the removal of Indian military personnel, a significant shift from the previous administration’s stance.
  • India agreed to withdraw 80 military personnel between March and May 2024. Indian technical personnel now operate key equipment like helicopters and a Dornier aircraft in the Maldives.

Recent Developments:

• • Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer visited India in May.
  • President Muizzu attended PM Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony in June.
  • In August, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited the Maldives to reaffirm bilateral ties.

Historical Defence Cooperation:

• • India gifted a Dornier aircraft to the Maldives in 2020 and a patrol vessel in 2019.
  • India provided a coastal radar system last year and laid the foundation for the 'Ekatha Harbour' project, enhancing Maldivian Coast Guard capabilities.

Ongoing Projects:

• • Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP) - a $500 million initiative financed by India.
  • Building a new Coast Guard base at Uthuru Thilafalhu (UTF) atoll.
  • India’s grant for High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs).

Strategic Importance:

• • For Maldives: India is a key security partner and crisis responder, with historical assistance during emergencies (Operation Neer, Vaccine Maitri). Maldives seeks to restore Indian tourist numbers, vital for its economy.
  • For India: The Maldives is crucial to India's Neighbourhood First Policy and Vision SAGAR. Its strategic location between major Indian Ocean chokepoints makes it a vital partner for maritime security and countering China's influence.

Recent Changes:

• • The Muizzu government decided not to renew a 2019 MoU for hydrographic surveying with India, ending joint hydrographic surveys conducted under the pact.

Travel and Trade:

• • Both countries benefit from an open skies arrangement and visa-free access for tourism, medical, and business purposes

In News:

IMEC is an important initiative that can add to India's maritime security and faster movement of goods between Europe and Asia, said Union Minister of Commerce & Industry at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) India-Mediterranean Business Conclave 2024 in New Delhi.

Key Details:

• Corridors:
  • East Corridor: Connects India to the Gulf.
  • Northern Corridor: Links the Gulf to Europe.
• Components:
  • Railroad: Provides a reliable and cost-effective cross-border ship-to-rail transit network.
  • Ship-to-Rail Networks: Integrates road, sea, and rail transport routes.
  • Road Transport: Complements the overall transport infrastructure.
• Expected Benefits:
  • Increased Efficiency: Enhances transit efficiency and reduces costs.
  • Economic Unity: Promotes economic integration and job creation.
  • Environmental Impact: Lowers greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Transformative Integration: Connects Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
• Additional Features:
  • Infrastructure: Includes laying cables for electricity and digital connectivity, and pipes for clean hydrogen export.
• Implementation:
  • MoU Commitments: Participants will collaboratively address technical design, financing, legal, and regulatory aspects.
  • Action Plan: A meeting is planned within 60 days to develop an action plan with specific timetables.

Geoeconomic Perspective

1. Economic Integration and Interdependence:
   • Prosperity Through Integration: IMEC aims to foster trade and investment among India, the Middle East, and Europe, potentially leading to mutual prosperity and regional stability.
   • Building Bridges: Aligns with the liberal international order by promoting economic interdependence to reduce tensions and create shared interests.
   • Support from Major Powers: Backed by the US, Europe, and India, signaling a strong commitment to economic ties and regional stability.
2. Economic Potential:
   • Infrastructure and Trade Routes: Enhances infrastructure and trade routes, boosting economic activity, trade volumes, and investment opportunities.
   • Regional Development: Promotes job creation and development in economically disadvantaged areas along the corridor.

Geopolitical Perspective

1. Strategic Rivalry with China:
   • Countering the BRI: IMEC is seen as a strategic counterbalance to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), offering an alternative aligned with US, European, and Indian interests.
   • Regional Influence: Aims to limit China’s influence in the Middle East and South Asia by establishing a competing corridor.
2. Geopolitical Alliances:
   • Aligning Interests: Involves strategic partnerships among the US, Europe, and India, reflecting concerns about China’s global strategy and shifting power dynamics.
   • Rivalry and Competition: The IMEC could be viewed as a global positioning move, responding to China’s growing influence and securing strategic interests.

Reasons for Joining the IMEC

1. Economic Enhancement:
   • Boosts Indo-Gulf Relations: Enhances trade and economic ties with the Arab Gulf, addressing infrastructure gaps.
   • Regional Connectivity: Links India with key partners like Israel and Jordan, boosting economic opportunities.
2. Strategic Trade Routes:
   • Alternative Routes: Complements existing routes like Chabahar Port and INSTC, connecting India to southern Eurasia.
   • Bypassing Choke Points: Offers a shorter route to Eastern Mediterranean and Western Europe, avoiding strategic choke points.
3. Energy and Trade Opportunities:
   • Access to Resources: Provides potential access to Eastern Mediterranean gas fields.
   • Trade Bloc Connectivity: Links India with the EU and GCC, opening up growth opportunities.
4. Geopolitical Aspirations:
   • Global Power Ambitions: Supports India’s goal to enhance global influence and integrate with eastern and western neighbors.
   • Economic Growth: Leverages economic integration to support development and influence.
5. Infrastructure Development:
   • Economic Integration: Facilitates infrastructure creation for increased trade volumes and regional stability.

In News:

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has launched e-Sankhyiki portal with the objective to establish a comprehensive data management and sharing system for ease of dissemination of official statistics in the country.

Key Highlights:

• Launched on National Statistics Day 2024, the e-Sankhyiki portal is designed to create a comprehensive system for managing and sharing data, facilitating the easy dissemination of official statistics across the country.
• The portal is also accessible at - https://esankhyiki.mospi.gov.in. It aims to provide timely and valuable data inputs for policymakers, researchers, and the general public. 
• It provides time series data for key macroeconomic indicators, with features for filtering and visualising the data. Users can also download customised datasets and visualisations and access them through APIs, enhancing the data's reusability.
• It consists of two modules viz. Data Catalogue and Macro Indicators. 
  • Data Catalogue Module:
    • This module catalogues the Ministry’s major data assets, simplifying users' access. It enables searching within datasets and tables, downloading relevant data, and enhancing its value and reusability. 
    • The Data Catalogue includes seven core data products: 
      • Consumer Price Index
      • Index of Industrial Production
      • National Accounts Statistics
      • Periodic Labour Force Survey
      • Annual Survey of Industries
      • Household Consumption Expenditure Survey
      • Multiple Indicator Survey. 
    • It currently hosts over 2,300 datasets, each accompanied by specific metadata and visualisations for user convenience.
  • Macro Indicators module:
    • This module provides time series data on key macro indicators, featuring tools for filtering and visualising data.
    • It allows users to download custom datasets, generate visualisations, and share data through APIs, promoting greater reusability. The initial phase of this module covering data from the past decade includes four major MoSPI products:
      • National Accounts Statistics
      • Consumer Price Index
      • Index of Industrial Production
      • Annual Survey of Industries
    • The portal currently features over 1.7 million records, providing access to extensive vital data.

Government Initiatives for Safe Data Dissemination

• In response to the rapid data expansion, the Government of India has instituted robust data safety measures. These include storing data in the cloud facilities provided by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), conducting comprehensive security audits of applications, and implementing Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology for domain protection. 
• Additionally, the government has focused on vulnerability assessments and ensured compliance with guidelines issued by organisations such as NIC and the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In).
• In addition , CERT-In under the Ministry of Electronics and Information technology (MeitY) also undertakes various activities like issuance of advisories and guidelines for cyber/information security, conduct of sensitization programmes/trainings/workshops, operating Cyber Threat exchange platform & Cyber Swachhta Kendra, formulation of a Cyber Crisis Management Plan, setting up of National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC) and empanelment of security auditing organisations etc. for data safety.