Tarang Shakti-2024: Indian Air Force’s First Multinational Air Exercise

• India will host its first multinational air exercise called Tarang Shakti-2024 in August 2024, with the participation of 10 countries and some others as observers.
• It is inspired by the Red Flag exercise hosted by the US.

This air exercise will be conducted in two different phases:

• First round Phase: The Indian Air Force’s first multinational air exercise, Tarang Shakti – 2024, will be conducted in South India during the first two weeks of August under the first phase in India.
• Second phase: Air Exercise Tarang Shakti 2024 will be conducted in the Western Region of India under Phase II from late August to mid-September.

Participating Nations

• Ten countries will be participating in the exercise. In addition to this, few others would be acting as observers.
• Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States will be sending contingents. 
• Germany will showcase the A-400M aircraft, which will be displayed for the Indian Air Force (IAF) as it is being considered as a potential option for the current open tender seeking medium transport aircraft.

Significance of the Exercise

• The exercise provides a platform to showcase advanced military technologies and capabilities, including fighter jets, transport aircraft, and aerial refuelling systems.
• This enables participants to demonstrate their equipment’s effectiveness and interoperability in multinational settings.
• It would enhance regional stability and promote collective security in the Indo-Pacific region.
• It reinforces India’s role as a key partner in global security initiatives and strengthens diplomatic relations with participating countries.

Red Flag Exercise 

• Hosted by USAF: The recently concluded Red Flag exercise at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, involved diverse international participation.
• IAF Deployment: Deployed eight Rafale fighters, supported by IL-78 mid-air refuellers and C-17 Globemaster aircraft.
• Combat Simulations: Included scenarios for air combat, with Red and Blue Forces simulating defensive and offensive roles respectively.

Aircraft Amendment Bill

• Bill to replace Aircraft Act 1934 tabled in Lok Sabha amid protest.
• It intends to bring radio telephone operator restricted certificate test within the DGCA ambit.

Aircraft Amendment Bill 

Key provisions of the Bill include:

• Authorities:  The Bill converts three existing bodies under the Ministry of Civil Aviation into statutory bodies under the Act.  

These three authorities are:

 (1) the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), 

(2) the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), and 

(3) the Aircraft Accidents Investigation Bureau (AAIB).   

Each of these bodies will be headed by a Director General who will be appointed by the centre.  

• The DGCA will carry out safety oversight and regulatory functions with respect to matters under the Bill.  

The BCAS will carry out regulatory oversight functions related to civil aviation security.  

The AAIB will carry out investigations related to aircraft accidents and incidents.  

The central government may issue directions to these authorities on matters related to their functions, if considered necessary in public interest. 

• Power of centre to make rules:   

The Bill adds the regulation of air navigation services to this list.  It also allows the centre to empower the Director General of BCAS or any authorised officer to issue directions and make rules on certain matters.  

• Adjudicating officers:  The Bill provides for the appointment of designated officers, not below the rank of Deputy Secretary to adjudicate penalties under the Bill
• Offences and Penalties:  

 The Bill raises the maximum limit on fines for all these offences from Rs 10 lakh to one crore rupees. 

• Only courts equivalent or superior to a Metropolitan Magistrate or a Magistrate of the first class may try offences under the Act.

Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs

India and China held the 30th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India- China Border Affairs (WMCC) in New Delhi.

WMCC:

• The WMCC was established in 2012 as an institutional mechanism for consultation and coordination for management of India – China border areas, as well as to exchange views on strengthening communication and cooperation, including between the border security personnel of the two sides.
• It is headed by joint secretary-level officials from both sides.
• They are entrusted to help the special representative for boundary talks, a position currently held by NSA Ajit Doval.

Key highlights of 30^th meeting:

• The two countries are making efforts to resolve the standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.
• Both sides agreed on the need to jointly uphold peace and tranquillity on the ground in the border areas in accordance with bilateral agreements and protocols reached between the two governments.

Major friction points along the India-China border

• Depsang Plains: This area is located in the northernmost part of Ladakh and has seen incursions by Chinese troops in the past.
• Demchok: This area is located in eastern Ladakh and has seen disputes over the boundary between India and China.
• Pangong Lake: This area has been a major flashpoint between the two countries, with Chinese troops attempting to change the status quo on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the region.
• Gogra and Hot Springs: These two areas are located in eastern Ladakh and have seen standoffs between Indian and Chinese troops in recent years.
• Arunachal Pradesh: This north-eastern Indian state is claimed by China as part of its territory and has been a major point of contention between the two countries.

Challenges of India-China peace process:

• Border Disputes: Despite several rounds of talks, the two sides have not been able to reach a lasting solution to the border dispute especially along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
• Strategic Competition: India and China are both major regional powers and have competing interests in the region which has led to strategic competition in areas such as trade, infrastructure development, and influence in neighbouring countries.
• Differences in Political Systems: India is a democracy, while China is a one-party state this difference in political systems have led to a lack of mutual trust and understanding.
• Military Build-up: The military build-up by both countries along the border has increased tensions and made the peace process more challenging.
• Historical Issues: Historical issues, including the 1962 Sino-Indian War, continue to affect relations between the two countries.
• Geopolitical Factors: Geopolitical factors, such as the increasing role of the United States in the region, have also added to the complexity of the India-China peace process.

Lung cancer

Lung cancer is a form of cancer that initiates from the lungs and can spread to other body parts. It is classified into two main types:

• Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): The most common type of lung cancer, accounts for about 85% of lung cancer cases. It includes subtypes like adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.
• Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC): A less common but more aggressive, makes up about 15% of lung cancer cases and is known for its rapid growth and spread.

Key Facts About Lung Cancer

• Global Prevalence: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, accounting for approximately 18.4% of all cancer deaths.
• Incidence Rate: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were an estimated 2.1 million new cases of lung cancer in 2020.
• Mortality: Lung cancer causes more deaths each year than breast, colon, and prostate cancers combined, with over 1.8 million deaths annually.
• Survival Rates: The 5-year survival rate for lung cancer is about 19%, highlighting the need for early detection and effective treatment.

Risk Factors in India

• Tobacco Use: India is one of the largest consumers of tobacco globally, with approximately 267 million tobacco users. Both smoking and smokeless tobacco contribute to lung cancer risk.
• Indoor Air Pollution: The use of biomass fuels for cooking in rural areas leads to indoor air pollution, which is a significant risk factor for lung cancer, especially among women.
• Environmental Pollution: Rapid urbanization and industrialization have led to increased air pollution, contributing to the rising incidence of lung cancer in urban areas.

Government Initiatives

The Indian government has implemented many initiatives to combat lung cancer and promote lung health:

• National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP): This programme aims to reduce tobacco consumption through awareness campaigns, regulatory measures, and support for cessation programs.
• Ayushman Bharat Scheme: This government scheme provides financial assistance for cancer treatment, improving access to healthcare for economically disadvantaged individuals.
• Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: Focuses on reducing air pollution and improving overall public health by promoting cleanliness and sanitation.

India elected as Vice-Chair of the Supply Chain Council

India has been elected as the Vice-Chair of the Supply Chain Council under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF). This appointment highlights India’s critical role in developing a resilient supply chain in the Indo-Pacific region. The election, part of a larger agreement on supply chain resilience, establishes India alongside 13 other IPEF partners in shaping regional supply chain policies.

• The 14-member countries of the IPEF elected a Chair and Vice Chair of these three supply chain bodies. The Chair and Vice Chair will serve a two-year term.

• Supply Chain Council:  Chair-USA, Vice-Chair - India.
• Crisis Response Network: Chair- South Korea, Vice-Chair - Japan.
• Labor Rights Advisory Board:  Chair- USA, Vice-Chair - Fiji.

Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF)

• The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is a United States of America (USA) led initiative which was launched by the American President Joe Biden on 23 May 2022 in Tokyo, Japan.
• The IPEF aims to promote economic interaction and cooperation among partner countries, advancing growth, economic stability, and regional prosperity.
• The IPEF seeks to achieve its objective through four pillars relating to 

                             Pillar I- Fair and resilient trade

                            Pillar II- Supply chain resilience;

                             Pillar III-Infrastructure, decarbonisation and clean energy; and 

                             Pillar IV- Tax and anti-corruption.

• India has not joined the Pillar I and has an observer status.
• The 14 Member countries of IPEF are India, Japan, Australia, Brunei, Fiji, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and the USA.