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Human activities and their urban expansion are increasingly intruding upon wildlife habitats. This has forced animals into dangerous proximity with human infrastructure, resulting in a tragic surge of accidental deaths among animal populations. The situation is no different in Tamil Nadu, which has been grappling with the issue of <keyword id="21240191" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="elephant-deaths" source="keywords">elephant deaths</keyword> on and near its railway tracks. The southern state has recorded at least 36 fatalities from train collisions over the past decade. In response to this pressing issue, the state's high court mandated collaborative efforts between the forest department and railways to curb these incidents. To address this issue, Tamil Nadu has now sought help from the phenomenon that promises to change the world as we know it: <keyword id="19904566" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="artificial-intelligence" source="keywords">artificial intelligence</keyword> (<keyword id="6355999" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="AI" source="Orion">AI</keyword>). Installing 12 towers equipped with advanced <keyword id="7885611" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AI-cameras" source="Orion">AI cameras</keyword> along two key rail tracks near Madukkarai, the state forest department aims to detect and prevent elephant-train collisions, particularly along routes intersecting the elephants' migratory paths. Each tower is outfitted with AI cameras capable of thermal and visible light imaging, comparable to those deployed by the Indian Army along the nation's borders. These cameras are programmed to detect elephants and humans near railway lines. When elephants are spotted within 100 feet of the tracks, alerts are swiftly relayed to forest and railway authorities, enabling them to mitigate risks by slowing down trains and guiding the animals away from harm's way. The project has been executed at a cost of ₹7.2 crore since its launch in February this year, Supriya Sahu, secretary of the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, told the BBC. But the AI-based surveillance system has proved its worth by demonstrating promising results, detecting nearly 400 instances of elephants approaching railway tracks and facilitating timely interventions to prevent potential accidents. This proactive approach marks a significant improvement over traditional methods, such as regular patrols by forest personnel, which often proved inadequate in ensuring elephant safety. Encouraged by the success of this initiative, Tamil Nadu plans to expand the AI-based system to five additional vulnerable areas across the state, including Coimbatore, Dharmapuri, Hosur and Gudalur. This strategic expansion underscores the state's commitment to safeguarding wildlife and mitigating <keyword id="20694291" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="human-wildlife-conflicts" source="keywords">human-wildlife conflicts</keyword> through innovative technological solutions. Moreover, Tamil Nadu's adoption of AI technology reflects a broader trend in India, where initiatives like the Gajraj project — spearheaded by the federal railway ministry — aim to protect wildlife in elephant corridors across multiple states. By leveraging AI-based surveillance systems to monitor animal movements near railway tracks, these initiatives strive to prevent accidents and foster better coexistence between humans and wildlife.

Tamil Nadu is using army-grade AI surveillance to prevent elephant deaths on railway tracks, and it’s working!

New Delhi, <keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="Orion">India</keyword> on Thursday accorded an initial approval to defence acquisition projects worth Rs 2.23 lakh crore that included procurement of 97 <keyword id="6376012" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tejas" source="Orion">Tejas</keyword> light combat aircraft and 156 Prachand combat helicopters, in a major move to significantly enhance the combat capabilities of the armed forces. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, cleared the projects, at a time India is locked in a bitter military standoff with China at a number of friction points in eastern Ladakh for over three years. The defence ministry said 98 per cent of the total procurement worth Rs 2.23 lakh crore will be sourced from the domestic industries and that the move will give a substantial boost to the Indian defence industry in achieving the goal of 'Aatmanirbharta' (self-reliance) in defence industry. The DAC also approved a proposal of the Indian Air Force to upgrade its Su-30 fighter fleet by state-run aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (<keyword id="68124" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="HAL" source="Orion">HAL</keyword>). The DAC further accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) or initial approval for procurement of two types of anti-tank munitions namely area denial munition (ADM) type-2 and type-3. The top body on procurement of military hardware also cleared acquisition and integration of automatic target tracker (ATT) and digital basaltic computer (DBC) for T-90 tanks besides approving another proposal to buy medium range anti-ship missiles (MRAShM) for the Indian Navy. The MRAShM is a lightweight surface-to-surface missile which will be a primary offensive weapon onboard various Indian naval ships. "The DAC accorded AoNs for procurement of Light Combat Helicopter for Indian Air Force and Indian Army and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-1A for IAF from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under Buy (Indian-IDDM) category," the ministry said. Though it did not mention the specific numbers, official sources said 97 Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (Mark 1A) are being procured for the IAF and 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) are being procured for the Army and the Air Force. In February 2021, the defence ministry sealed a Rs 48,000 crore deal with the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd for procurement of 83 Tejas MK-1A jets for the IAF. With the additional fleet, the number of indigenously-developed Tejas aircraft being procured by the IAF would go up to 180. "The AoNs have also been accorded by the DAC for upgradation of Su-30 MKI aircraft indigenously from HAL. "While procurement of these equipment will provide enormous strength to the IAF, acquisition from domestic defence industries will take the indigenous capability to a new height," the ministry said in a statement. "It will also reduce dependability on foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) substantially," it added.

India approves defence acquisition projects worth Rs 2.23 lakh cr

<ul><li>Flipkart is opening its Bengaluru warehouse to the Indian Army. </li><li>The Indian Army will conduct tours of the warehouse to educate college students from Jammu and Kashmir (J&amp;K) about supply operations. </li><li>The warehouse was recently upgraded to include 100 automated robots. </li></ul>Homegrown e-commerce giant Flipkart has opened the doors of its <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/flipkart-announces-delivery-robots-automation/articleshow/68493938.cms">Bengaluru warehouse</a> to the Indian Army. The armed forces has been invited to conduct their ‘Confidence Building Tours’ for college students of Jammu and Kashmir (J&amp;K) at the location. This is the same warehouse that was recently upgraded by the Walmart-owned enterprise to include 100 automated robots. These robots are to pick up objects from the conveyor belt, scan for their destination and drop packages down the respective chutes. This move hasn’t impacted the human workforce but has made operations more efficient, according to the company. As a part of the tour, the students will be able to learn about the company’s key supply chain functions. They will also see how technology is used to deliver packages from a metropolitan city like Bengaluru to some of India’s most remote locations. This initiative is a part of the <keyword id="8233376" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sadbhavana-Project">Sadbhavana Project</keyword> — a collection of various knowledge building projects for Jammu and Kashmir (J&amp;K) students — by the armed forces. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/flipkart-announces-delivery-robots-automation/articleshow/68493938.cms">Flipkart is bringing in robots to help it sort through packages</a>

Flipkart opens its robotic warehouse in Bengaluru to the Indian Army

The <keyword id="32723" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="defence" source="Orion">defence</keyword> ministry has approved a fresh list of 928 components and subsystems which will only be procured from the domestic industry after a ban on their import kicks in under a staggered time-line of around five-and-half years. The ministry on Sunday said the aim of the move is in sync with the government's overall aim to promote 'Atmanirbharta' (self-reliance) in defence production. It is the fourth such "positive indigenisation list (PIL)" comprising line replacement units, sub-systems and components used for various military platforms, equipment and weapons. "To promote 'Aatmanirbharta' in defence and minimise imports by defence public sector undertakings, the <keyword id="6369097" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="ministry-of-defence" source="Orion">Ministry of Defence</keyword> has approved fourth Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) of 928 strategically-important line replacement units/sub-systems/spares and components, including high-end materials and spares, with import substitution value worth Rs 715 crore," the ministry said in a statement. The aim of the indigenisation list is also to minimise imports by the defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs). The defence ministry has set specific timelines for import ban of the items, spanning the period from December 2023 to December 2028. This list is in continuation to the three similar PILs that were brought out in December 2021, March 2022 and August 2022 "These lists contain 2,500 items which are already indigenised and 1,238 (351+107+780) items which will be indigenised within the given timelines," the ministry said. Of the 1,238, 310 items have been indigenised so far, it said. The items which were already indigenised comprised 262 from the first PIL, 11 from the second list and 37 from the third PIL, according to the ministry. "The DPSUs will undertake indigenisation of these items through different routes under 'Make' category and in-house development through the capabilities of MSMEs and private Indian industry, thereby providing impetus to the growth in economy, enhanced investment in defence and reduction in import dependence of DPSUs," the ministry said. "In addition, this will augment the design capabilities of the domestic defence industry by involving academia and research institutions," it said. In a tweet, Defence Minister <keyword id="6355121" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="rajnath-singh" source="Orion">Rajnath Singh</keyword> said the Narendra Modi government is committed towards indigenisation and ensuring self reliance in the defence sector. "Keeping this in mind, the 4th Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) of 928 strategically-important Line Replacement Units (LRUs)/Sub-systems/Spares and Components has been approved," he said. "The list includes high-end materials and spares, with import substitution value worth Rs 715 crore," Singh added. The ministry said DPSUs will soon initiate procurement action for these notified items. In the last few years, the government has taken a series of measures to promote domestic defence production. <keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword> is one of the largest importers of arms globally. According to estimates, the Indian armed forces are projected to spend around USD 130 billion in capital procurement over the next five years. The government now wants to reduce dependence on imported military platforms and has decided to support domestic defence manufacturing. The defence ministry has set a goal of a turnover of USD 25 billion (Rs 1.75 lakh crore) in defence manufacturing in the next five years which includes an export target of USD 5 billion worth of military hardware. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/govt-to-roll-out-lost-mobile-blocking-tracking-system-pan-india-on-may-17/articleshow/100224875.cms">Govt to roll out lost mobile blocking, tracking system pan-India on May 17</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/markets/news/fpi-bought-equity-worth-rs-18617-crore-in-may/articleshow/100225129.cms">FPI bought equity worth ₹18,617 crore in May</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/pm-modi-wants-us-to-start-building-rd-around-6g-technology-cisco-coo/articleshow/100224961.cms">PM Modi wants us to start building R&amp;D around 6G technology: Cisco COO</a>

Govt approves 4th 'positive indigenisation list' of sub-systems to promote domestic defence industry

<ul class="summary-list"><li>A months-long clash between <keyword id="3658" type="COUNTRY" weightage="60" keywordseo="India">India</keyword> and <keyword id="1334" type="COUNTRY" weightage="60" keywordseo="China">China</keyword> on their Himalaya border has dramatically increased tensions.</li><li>But the growing rivalry between the two Asian powers is also likely to play out in the <keyword id="12350" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="60" keywordseo="Indian-Ocean">Indian Ocean</keyword>.</li><li>China's navy is capable and only getting bigger, and India is trying to catch up.</li></ul>Last year, an all-out brawl between Chinese and Indian troops along the disputed Sino-Indian border killed 20 Indian and at least four Chinese soldiers.The medieval-style battle in the Himalayas showed that the countries' rivalry is entering a new phase of intensity."China is definitely factoring larger and larger in India's defense strategy today," Timothy Heath, a senior <keyword id="6356001" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="international">international</keyword> and defense researcher at the Rand Corporation think tank, told Insider.The military focus of that rivalry has primarily been on the ground, as reflected by <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-india-tanks-armor-could-make-future-war-much-deadlier-2021-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the buildup in the Himalayas</a>, but another <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-china-border-clashes-could-cause-more-indian-ocean-activity-2020-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">area is growing in importance</a>: the Indian Ocean.<div type="image" title="India China troops soldiers Pangong Ladakh border" height="1000" width="2000" msid="83204985" hostid="261"></div>With some of the world's most <a href="https://lki.lk/publication/the-importance-of-the-indian-ocean-trade-security-and-norms/" target="_top">important</a> trade routes running through it, the Indian Ocean's value is hard to understate, which <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-is-guarding-against-chinas-big-plans-across-asia-2020-11" target="_blank" rel="noopener">China has already recognized</a>."Given its importance for China, it's pretty obvious the Chinese are elevating in priority the security needs for the maritime silk road," Heath said. "That means India has to be ready for possible situations involving China."But Indian dominance in its home waters is far from assured. While India's navy has some advanced capabilities, China's People's Liberation Army Navy, or PLAN, is <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-challenged-to-build-balanced-to-compete-with-us-navy-2021-5">substantially larger</a> and more sophisticated.With the rivalry entering a new phase, India is trying to catch up.<h2>Outnumbered at sea</h2><div type="image" title="Indian Navy aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya" height="1098" width="2000" msid="83204986" hostid="261"></div>The <keyword id="6355100" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Indian-Navy">Indian navy</keyword> isn't small or weak. Its primary combatants include 10 destroyers, 13 frigates, 17 submarines, and one aircraft carrier.A number of India's warships, like its <a href="http://www.military-today.com/navy/kolkata_class.htm" target="_top">Kolkata-class destroyers</a> and <a href="https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/world-naval-forces/asian-navies-vessels-ships-equipment/india-indian-navy-ins-vessels-ships-equipment/india-indian-navy-destroyers-and-frigates/2492-shivalik-class-frigate-india-indian-navy-ins-guided-missile-frigate-satpura-sahyadri-datasheet-pictures-photos-video-specifications.html" target="_top">Shivalik-class frigates</a>, were commissioned within the last decade and have stealth capabilities.Some Indian ships have modern vertical launching systems and are armed with Russian and Israeli anti-ship and anti-aircraft missiles. India's navy also has the <a href="https://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/brahmos/" target="_top">BrahMos</a> supersonic missile, a joint Indian-Russian design that is one of the fastest missiles in the world.Two of India's submarines are nuclear-powered: one attack submarine (SSN) on loan from Russia and one <a href="https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/arihant-class/" target="_top">Arihant-class</a> domestically designed and built ballistic-missile submarine (SSBN) - the first SSBN for a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.India <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/navy-to-get-aircraft-carrier-vikrant-missile-destroyer-visakhapatnam-in-2021-101619498533809.html" target="_top">expects</a> to commission a second Arihant SSBN and a second aircraft carrier (also domestically designed and built) within the year. But the Indian navy is outnumbered and outclassed by the PLAN.Chinese ships are "largely composed of modern multi-role platforms featuring advanced anti-ship, anti-air, and anti-submarine weapons and sensors," according to a <a href="https://media.defense.gov/2020/Sep/01/2002488689/-1/-1/1/2020-DOD-CHINA-MILITARY-POWER-REPORT-FINAL.PDF" target="_top">2020 Pentagon report</a>.By comparison, India is "still quite a way behind the Chinese in their warship development," Heath said. "The Chinese have certainly developed some very impressive platforms, and the Indians are really trying to catch up."<div type="image" title="Indian Navy Scorpene-class submarine Karanj" height="1287" width="2000" msid="83204988" hostid="261"></div>The Indian navy's primary fighting vessels are outnumbered by the PLAN's <a href="https://www.rand.org/pubs/external_publications/EP68058.html" target="_top">South Sea Fleet</a> alone, which has some 11 destroyers, 19 frigates, 22 submarines (including two SSNs and four SSBNs), and one aircraft carrier. The PLAN, now the largest navy in the world, can draw on even more vessels from its two other fleets.To address the imbalance, the Indian navy plans on <a href="https://www.naval-technology.com/features/future-ships-indian-navy/" target="_top">acquiring</a> a number of new and advanced vessels, especially <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/defence/story/20210426-india-s-nuclear-sharks-1791817-2021-04-17" target="_top">nuclear-</a><a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/defence/story/20210426-india-s-nuclear-sharks-1791817-2021-04-17" target="_top">powered</a><a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/defence/story/20210426-india-s-nuclear-sharks-1791817-2021-04-17" target="_top"> and diesel-electric submarines</a>.Two more Arihant-class SSBNs are in production and are expected to join the fleet by 2025. Three more larger SSBNs from the new <a href="http://www.hisutton.com/S-5_SSBN.html" target="_top">S5-class</a> are also being planned.The Indian navy also <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/project-to-build-n-powered-attack-subs-set-to-get-ccs-nod/articleshow/81770216.cms?from=mdr" target="_top">hopes</a> to build six Project-75 Alpha-class SSNs and to <a href="https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2019/03/08/india-signs-3-billion-contract-with-russia-for-lease-of-a-nuclear-submarine/" target="_top">replace</a> its leased Russian SSN INS Chakra (which will be returned soon) with another leased Akula-class SSN by 2025.Six new <a href="https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/p75i-scorpene-class-attack-submarines/" target="_top">Project 75I-class</a> diesel-electric attack submarines have <a href="https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/the-wait-for-more-submarines-gets-longer-project-75-i-gets-delayed-further/2209149/" target="_top">been delayed</a> but could start entering Indian service by 2030.A third aircraft carrier, INS Vishal, is planned to replace the aging INS Vikramaditya. The new carrier, not expected to be completed before 2030, <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-uk-in-talks-to-build-copycat-naval-supercarrier-report/articleshow/69186727.cms" target="_top">may be based on</a> the UK's Queen Elizabeth-class supercarrier.Seven brand-new <a href="https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2020/12/indian-navys-2nd-project-17a-frigate-himgiri-launched-by-grse/" target="_top">Nilgiri-Class</a> stealth frigates are also under construction, and four Admiral Grigorovich-class frigates, two built by Russia and two by India, are also <a href="https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2021/january/9586-india-procures-from-ukraine-gas-turbine-engines-for-admiral-grigorovich-class-frigates-of-indian-navy.html" target="_top">expected</a> to join India's navy before the end of the decade.<h2>China's 'string of pearls'</h2><div type="image" title="India navy Malabar" height="1429" width="2000" msid="83204989" hostid="261"></div>There is little doubt in India that the new vessels are needed. Although China is relatively far from the Indian Ocean, it has ramped up its activity there.Over the last few years, China has taken control of ports across the Indian Ocean that have the potential to support the PLAN - a network that has been called China's "String of Pearls.""People have been theorizing about the so-called String of Pearls for years," Heath said. "We are actually starting to see some evidence of the Chinese implementing something along these lines."China has <a href="https://www.npr.org/2019/12/13/784084567/in-sri-lanka-chinas-building-spree-is-raising-questions-about-sovereignty" target="_top">taken control</a> of a port in Sri Lanka, is <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/hisutton/2020/06/02/chinas-new-high-security-compound-in-pakistan-may-indicate-naval-plans/?sh=2180b3d21020" target="_top">building</a> naval facilities in Pakistan, and is pursuing port projects in <a href="https://www.globalconstructionreview.com/news/china-signs-deals-myanmar-create-back-door-indian-/" target="_top">Myanmar</a>, <a href="https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/china-bangladesh-strategic-linkages/" target="_top">Bangladesh</a>, and <a href="https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/falling-apart-a-story-of-the-tanzanian-bagamoyo-port-project/" target="_top">Tanzania</a>.China already has a <a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/Indo-Pacific/China-adds-carrier-pier-to-Djibouti-base-extending-Indian-Ocean-reach" target="_blank" rel="noopener">military base in Djibouti</a>, but other "pearls" appear to be primarily for civilian use.That doesn't mean those facilities couldn't be used to support PLAN vessels. A number of Chinese ships and submarines have <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/sri-lanka-china-submarine/chinese-submarine-docks-in-sri-lanka-despite-indian-concerns-idINKBN0IM0LU20141102" target="_top">already docked</a> at Sri Lanka to refuel and resupply. Sri Lanka has since <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-sri-lanka-china-submarine/sri-lanka-rejects-chinese-request-for-submarine-visit-sources-idUSKBN1871P9" target="_top">denied</a> Chinese requests for other warship port visits due to Indian concerns."The Chinese are not interested in building full-fledged bases in the US model," Heath said. "These are facilities that primarily offer refueling, repair, and replenishment to passing warships."<div type="image" title="India Australia US Navy P-8" height="1125" width="2000" msid="83204991" hostid="261"></div>India does have a few advantages over China. As the region is its backyard, it will always be able to bring more to bear against threatening Chinese vessels, such as land-based aircraft and anti-ship missiles.India also has its own overseas outposts. It <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-sets-up-coastal-radars-in-neighbourhood-to-keep-eye-on-china-1744751-2020-11-27" target="_top">has set up</a> radar stations for maritime surveillance in Sri Lanka, Seychelles, and Mauritius; it's <a href="https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/agalega-glimpse-india-s-remote-island-military-base" target="_top">constructing</a> facilities on the Mauritian island of North Agalega, and <a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/Indo-Pacific/Seychelles-in-crosshairs-of-India-s-maritime-security-axis" target="_top">it's pursuing</a> military facilities elsewhere in the region.India also controls the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/r-india-navy-set-to-open-third-base-in-strategic-islands-to-counter-china-2019-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">strategically important islands</a> on the Indian Ocean side of the Malacca Strait. India has beefed up its military presence there, and some <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/analysis/militarising-andamans-the-costs-and-the-benefits/story-J3mGWFQS3NgLUiPYwIVb2N.html" target="_top">advocate</a> allowing partner countries to have a presence there as well. (A US Navy patrol plane <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-intelligence-sharing-with-india-helps-monitor-chinese-military-2020-12" target="_blank" rel="noopener">has already refueled</a> there.)Despite the government's renewed attention, India's navy still has a ways to go. Most of its new ships and submarines will not be fully operational until the end of the decade at the earliest, and its budget is still smaller than that of India's army or air force.India's navy will also have to compete with the considerable attention that remains <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-intelligence-sharing-with-india-helps-monitor-chinese-military-2020-12" target="_blank" rel="noopener">focused on India's land borders</a>, where New Delhi also has to worry about Pakistan, the rival it has focused on almost exclusively since independence.But the rivalry with Pakistan also has a naval element. The Pakistani terrorists who carried out the deadly 2008 attack in Mumbai <a href="https://www.stimson.org/wp-content/files/file-attachments/Mumbai-Final_1_1.pdf" target="_top">arrived by sea</a>, and Islamabad, which is a Chinese military partner, is <a href="https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2020/10/14/outgoing-pakistan-navy-chief-reveals-details-of-modernization-programs/" target="_top">modernizing its </a><a href="https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2020/10/14/outgoing-pakistan-navy-chief-reveals-details-of-modernization-programs/" target="_top">own</a><a href="https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2020/10/14/outgoing-pakistan-navy-chief-reveals-details-of-modernization-programs/" target="_top"> navy</a>, including with Chinese submarines and drones.

A year after a showdown on 'the roof of the world,' India is gearing up to take on China at sea

The Chinese government had planned the <keyword id="9241086" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Galwan-Valley">Galwan Valley</keyword> incident in June, potentially including the possibility for fatalities, a US Congressional Commission has said, asserting that Beijing "provoked" the first deadly clash on the Sino-India border in nearly half a century. The ruling Chinese Communist Party employs its armed forces as a coercive tool during peacetime, carrying out large-scale intimidation exercises around Taiwan and in the South China Sea, the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission said in its latest annual report to Congress. "This year, it provoked the first deadly clash on the China-India border in nearly half a century. China's rising aggression has not gone unnoticed," the report said. In June, China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) and Indian troops engaged in a massive physical brawl in the Galwan Valley, located in the far-western Ladakh region along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) separating the two countries, said the report dated December 1. The clash, which followed a series of standoffs beginning in early May along multiple sectors of the LAC, led to at least 20 Indian deaths and an unconfirmed number of Chinese casualties, the first time since 1975 that lives were lost in fighting between the two sides. "Some evidence suggested the Chinese government had planned the incident, potentially including the possibility for fatalities," the report said. For instance, several weeks prior to the clash Chinese Defence Minister Gen. Wei Fenghe made a statement encouraging Beijing to "use fighting to promote stability." Just over two weeks before the incident, in another potential indication of Chinese leaders signalling their intent to escalate tensions, an editorial in China's state-owned tabloid Global Times warned that India would suffer a "devastating blow" to its trade and economic ties with China if it got "involved in the US-China rivalry." Further satellite images depicted a large Chinese buildup in the Galwan Valley, including potentially 1,000 PLA soldiers, the week before the deadly skirmish, said the Congressional Commission created in 2000 for monitoring and investigating national security and trade issues between the US and China. China and India have engaged in multiple physical clashes along their border for decades, but since General Secretary Xi Jinping assumed power in 2012 the two countries have seen five major altercations along their border. The exact motivations behind the Chinese government's provocative behaviour on the LAC this year remain unclear, it noted. "The proximate cause of the clash appeared to be India's construction of a strategic access road to support troops stationed along the LAC. China has also built extensive infrastructure along the LAC in recent years. In the aftermath of the clash, Beijing asserted sovereignty over the entire Galwan Valley, a new claim and significant change to the territorial status quo," the report said. According to the report, the Chinese Navy has also regularly deployed diesel-electric and nuclear attack submarines in the Indian Ocean since 2013, which - despite their ostensible mission to support China's Gulf of Aden antipiracy task forces - serve to collect intelligence and signal to India that China could contest the Indian Navy or threaten commercial shipping. Chinese hydrographic survey vessels also sometimes venture into waters around India's strategic sites to collect intelligence, the report said, citing an example of India's navy chasing away China's Shiyan-1 research vessel in December 2019 after catching the vessel loitering without permission near Port Blair. The Commission said that in 2020, China sought to project an image of confidence and increased efforts to portray itself as a global leader superior to the United States even as it faced an increasing array of challenges at home and abroad. "Beijing ramped up its multiyear coercion campaign against its neighbours, provoking military or paramilitary standoffs with countries from Japan to India and much of Southeast Asia. Shortly after China's defence minister urged Beijing to use military force to stabilise its periphery, a violent clash on the China-India border in June led to the first loss of life between the two countries since 1975," it said. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/environment/news/geo-tagged-bottles-in-the-ganges-river-show-how-plastic-pollution-can-travel-thousands-of-kilometres-in-just-a-few-months/articleshow/79540173.cms">Geo-tagged bottles in the Ganges river show how plastic pollution can travel thousands of kilometres in just a few months</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/trump-h1-b-visa-restrictions-scrapped-by-us-court-spells-good-news-for-indian-and-american-it-companies-alike/articleshow/79531053.cms">Trump's H-1B visa restrictions scrapped by US court spells good news for Indian and American IT companies alike</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/indias-three-main-surveillance-projects-natgrid-cms-and-netra-have-been-directed-to-stop-collecting-data-citing-breach-of-privacy/articleshow/79529256.cms">India's three main surveillance projects NATGRID, CMS and NETRA have been directed to stop collecting data citing breach of privacy</a>

China planned in advance and 'provoked' Galwan Valley clash with India, indicates US report

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The US Army activated the <keyword id="14157993" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="11th-airborne-division" source="Orion">11th Airborne Division</keyword> in <keyword id="12020240" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="alaska" source="Orion">Alaska</keyword> on June 6.</li><li>The division will incorporate Alaska-based units and focus on training for Arctic combat.</li></ul>The US Army activated the 11th Airborne Division in Alaska on Monday, reestablishing it as an Arctic-focused unit in what <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/alaska-is-growing-more-valuable-amid-competition-with-russia-china-2021-9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Pentagon sees as a valuable outpost</a> to project power in region, into Europe, and across the Pacific."We expect them to be masters of their craft in the Arctic warfighting, in extreme cold weather, in mountainous and high-altitude terrain, and we expect them to develop innovative ways of operating in this environment," Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville said at a press conference on Monday.The two major Army units in Alaska — the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team based at Fort Wainwright and the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) based at Fort Richardson — were previously under the Hawaii-based 25th Infantry Division.<div type="image" title="Army 11th Airborne Division patch insignia Alaska" height="1334" width="2000" msid="92115145" hostid="261"></div>Those units, along with the headquarters unit <keyword id="12658338" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="us-army-alaska" source="Orion">US Army Alaska</keyword>, are now part of the 11th Airborne Division — a redesignation that Army leaders say underscores the unit's Arctic orientation and will enhance its soldiers' sense of mission and identity."There's a collection of different unit patches that we're all wearing right now," Maj. Gen. Brian Eifler, who led US Army Alaska and now commands the 11th Airborne Division, said at the press conference. "What we're doing is consolidating under one.""Arctic warfighting is not just what they do. It's really who they are, and that's the identity that these great soldiers are going to have in the 11th Airborne Division," Eifler said.<h2>Survive and thrive in the Arctic</h2><div type="image" title="Army Alaska Arctic paratroopers small unit support vehicle" height="1167" width="1557" msid="92115146" hostid="261"></div>The Army <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-army-figuring-out-whats-needed-to-regain-arctic-dominance-2021-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Arctic Strategy released last spring</a> emphasized the need for Arctic-specific training and equipment and infrastructure that could support operations over the region's long distances and tough terrain.The Army conducted a "gap analysis" to determine what was needed and sought to address "near-term deficiencies" in its 2023 budget request. In that request, Army asked for $101.8 million to support the strategy by buying 13 new <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/army-is-looking-for-a-new-arctic-all-terrain-vehicle-2021-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cold-weather, all-terrain vehicles</a>, acquiring more Arctic clothing and gear, and continuing to winterize equipment, an Army budget official said this spring.The budget official also said that money would cover "exportable" Combat Training Center rotations, allowing Alaska-based troops to do large-scale training in Alaska rather than the Army's training centers in Louisiana and California.Training in Alaska allows soldiers "to train the way we're going to fight" and fielding new vehicles along with "the right equipment and the right clothing" means they will "not only survive in this environment but they will thrive," McConville said Monday.<div type="image" title="Army Alaska Arctic paratroopers" height="1333" width="2000" msid="92115147" hostid="261"></div>The 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team will shed its more than 300 Stryker vehicles, which will be upgraded for use elsewhere or stripped for parts, and become a light or air-assault-capable infantry brigade combat team, Eifler said."The structure of the organization will change slightly inside of it," Eifler said of the Stryker unit, "but their focus will be on dismounted [operations] and Arctic mobility and capabilities to sustain operations in the Arctic, in extreme cold weather, and in addition to providing those capabilities in other cold-weather environments, like <keyword id="12329412" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="nepal" source="Orion">Nepal</keyword> and <keyword id="11892747" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword>."The airborne brigade will remain airborne "and it'll have the Arctic capabilities that go along with that," McConville said."You're going to see a lot more training in the [Alaskan] training areas, dismounted. You'll probably see a lot less Strykers [and] maybe a little bit more airborne operations up here, because again, the only Arctic airborne capability is in this unit," Eifler said.<h2>'A tough new airborne division'</h2><div type="image" title="US Army soldiers paratroopers in Alaska" height="1333" width="2000" msid="92115148" hostid="261"></div>The 11th Airborne Division was first activated in February 1943. Its paratroopers and glider-borne soldiers fought in the Pacific and developed tactics and concepts for airborne operations during and after World War II.The division has "a storied history of valor" and "a proud history of innovation," McConville said. "They were the ones that actually tested and validated the effectiveness of division airborne operations that actually gave confidence to the leaders that it could be used during D-Day."Eifler said the former Stryker brigade will "spearhead" the effort to "refine and develop our techniques, tactics, and procedures, our equipment, [and] the structure that's needed to fight and win in the Arctic."That effort will draw on soldiers and equipment in Alaska and on allies and partners — "the Canadians and Norwegians and folks around the world," Eifler said.Alaska-based soldiers regularly train with Canadian forces, and in May, Alaska-based paratroopers trained in <keyword id="12154095" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="norway" source="Orion">Norway</keyword> for the first time, an exchange that <a href="https://www.highnorthnews.com/en/us-and-norwegian-armies-plan-more-arctic-training" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Norwegian</a> and US <a href="https://www.highnorthnews.com/en/us-army-alaska-training-arctic-defense-operations-northern-norway" target="_blank" rel="noopener">officials</a> want to continue.US Army Alaska soldiers trained with Indian troops in October during the Yudh Abhyas exercise and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-indian-soldiers-yudh-abhyas-exercise-alaska-amid-china-tension-2021-12" target="_blank" rel="noopener">plan to train in India later this year</a>.<div type="image" title="Indian soldiers capture opposition forces in Alaska" height="1213" width="1618" msid="92115149" hostid="261"></div>Eifler said Monday that Nepalese army officials are also interested in training together: "They want to do a joint expedition on Everest with us, and they want to do a lot more training with this Arctic force."Those exercises reflect Alaska's role in defense of the US and in operations in Europe and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-us-army-paratroopers-launch-mock-long-range-pacific-invasion-2020-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Indo-Pacific region</a>, which the Pentagon <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/alaska-is-growing-more-valuable-amid-competition-with-russia-china-2021-9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wants to capitalize on</a> amid increasing competition with Russia and China."I think what's happening today represents a sea change in the Pentagon's focus on the Arctic," Sen. Dan Sullivan said at the press conference on Monday."With the 11th Airborne Division, we now have a strategically located, tough unit that can deploy thousands of airborne troops anywhere in the world," Sullivan said. "Just take a look at a map, very quickly, within hours, [it can reach] Korea, China, Russia, you name it."The Army has about 12,000 soldiers in Alaska and doesn't currently plan to change that, but <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/alaska-is-growing-more-valuable-amid-competition-with-russia-china-2021-9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">other services are "plussing-up" their presence</a>. The Air Force has deployed <a href="https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3036523/eielson-afb-celebrates-f-35-beddown-completion/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">54 F-35s</a> to join the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-us-f-22s-intercept-russian-aircraft-over-alaskan-arctic-2020-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">F-22s stationed there</a>, and the Navy is looking at additional basing and ports."China, North Korea, and Russia are soon going to realize that the US just put 100 fifth-gen[eration] fighters and a tough new airborne division in their rear and on their flanks," Sullivan said. "Although that might not make Putin and Xi Jinping happy, it enhances our national security for our country very significantly."

With a new, 'strategically located' unit in Alaska, the US Army wants to extend its reach in the Arctic and beyond

The <keyword id="43909" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Defence-ministry">Defence Ministry</keyword> on Friday sealed a deal with state-run Bharat Dynamics Ltd (<keyword id="469076" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="BDL">BDL</keyword>) to acquire 4,960 anti-tank guided <keyword id="41758" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Missiles">missiles</keyword> at a cost of ₹1,188 crore for the <keyword id="6354416" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Army">Indian Army</keyword>. The missiles, having a range of 1,850 metres, can be fired from ground as well as vehicle-based launchers and their induction is planned to be completed in three years, the <keyword id="48413" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ministry">ministry</keyword> said. In the last few months, the ministry finalised a range of procurement projects for the three forces to enhance their overall combat capabilities. "The acquisition wing of the <keyword id="6369097" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="ministry-of-defence">Ministry of Defence</keyword> signed a contract with defence public sector undertaking <keyword id="129646" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bharat-Dynamics-Limited">Bharat Dynamics Limited</keyword> (BDL) for supply of 4,960 MILAN-2T anti-tank guided missiles to Indian Army at a cost of ₹1,188 crore," the ministry said in a statement. The missiles are being produced by BDL under license from French defence major MBDA Missile Systems. "These missiles can be fired from ground as well as vehicle-based launchers and can be deployed in anti-tank role for both offensive and defensive tasks," the ministry said. "Induction of these missiles will further enhance the operational preparedness of the armed forces. Induction is planned to be completed in three years," it added. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/easemytrip-ipo-listing-price-at-13-5-premium/articleshow/81581828.cms">EaseMyTrip lists at 13.5% premium – but gives up some of the listing gains soon after</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/oneplus-9-pro-specs-oneplus-9e-specs-and-price-leak-and-oneplus-9-series-launch-date/articleshow/81168227.cms">OnePlus 9 series specifications and features leaked – here's everything we know about the upcoming OnePlus smartphones</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/checkout-review-of-moto-g10-power-mobile-phone-review-and-features-information/articleshow/81583548.cms">Moto G10 Power mobile review – big battery on a shoestring budget</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/future-retail-shares-take-a-massive-hit-as-it-loses-the-case-against-amazon-in-delhi-high-court/articleshow/81583165.cms">Future Retail shares take a massive hit as it loses the case against Amazon in Delhi High Court</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/oneplus-9r-will-be-the-companys-next-affordable-smartphone-india-launch-confirmed-for-march-23/articleshow/81586104.cms">OnePlus 9R will be the company’s next affordable smartphone, India launch confirmed for March 23</a>

Bharat Dynamics inks ₹1888 crore deal to sell 4,960 anti-tank guided missiles to the Indian government

Pakistani troops violated ceasefire by resorting to heavy firing and mortar shelling in forward areas in three sectors along the <keyword id="44759" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Line-of-Control">Line of Control</keyword> in <keyword id="17605" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jammu-and-kashmir">Jammu and Kashmir</keyword>'s Poonch district on Monday, prompting the <keyword id="6354416" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Army">Indian army</keyword> to give a befitting reply, officials said. "At about 1445 hours today, Pak army initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by firing with small arms along LoC in Khari Karmara sector in district Poonch", defence spokesman said. He said that Indian army retaliated befittingly. Pakistan troops had violated ceasefire on Sunday too by targeting several sectors in Poonch. On October 1, one army jawan was killed and another injured, when Pakistan army violated ceasefire and resorted to heavy firing and mortar shelling along the LoC in Krishnagati area of Poonch district, officials said. On September 5, an army personnel was killed and two others, including an officer, were injured as Pakistani troops violated ceasefire in Sunderbani sector of Rajouri district, officials said. While on September 2, a JCO was killed in ceasefire violation by Pakistan army along LoC in Keri sector of Rajouri. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/china-launches-earth-observation-satellite-amid-border-tensions-with-india/articleshow/78613147.cms">China launches Earth observation satellite amid border tensions with India</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/massive-power-cut-reported-across-mumbai-discom-points-finger-at-tatas/articleshow/78613787.cms">Massive power cut across Mumbai due to grid failure —electricity restored in certain areas</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/policy/economy/news/sitharaman-offers-states-12000-crore-interest-free-for-the-next-50-years-if-they-can-spend-it-on-capital-projects-by-march-2021/articleshow/78616741.cms">Sitharaman offers states ₹12,000 crore interest-free for the next 50 years if they can spend it on capital projects by March 2021</a>

You Searched For "indian army projects" and got 9 results

Tamil Nadu is using army-grade AI surveillance to prevent elephant deaths on railway tracks, and it’s working!

Kunal Kambli

India approves defence acquisition projects worth Rs 2.23 lakh cr

PTI

Flipkart opens its robotic warehouse in Bengaluru to the Indian Army

Prabhjote Gill

Govt approves 4th 'positive indigenisation list' of sub-systems to promote domestic defence industry

PTI

A year after a showdown on 'the roof of the world,' India is gearing up to take on China at sea

Benjamin Brimelow

China planned in advance and 'provoked' Galwan Valley clash with India, indicates US report

PTI

With a new, 'strategically located' unit in Alaska, the US Army wants to extend its reach in the Arctic and beyond

Christopher Woody

Bharat Dynamics inks ₹1888 crore deal to sell 4,960 anti-tank guided missiles to the Indian government

PTI

Pakistan shells areas along LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch

PTI

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