India is now seen as a preferred security partner in Indian Ocean Region; Navy playing a crucial role in promoting peace & prosperity: Raksha Mantri

On September 19, 2024, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh addressed the second edition of the Naval Commanders' Conference in New Delhi. The conference focused on reviewing and strategizing India's maritime security amidst evolving geopolitical challenges in the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific regions. Senior military and civil officials, including Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, were in attendance.

Key Points from the Address:

• Significance of the Indian Ocean Region:Shri Rajnath Singh emphasized the Indian Ocean's strategic value, highlighting its importance in global trade, security, and geopolitical dynamics.
• He mentioned that while piracy, hijacking, drone and missile attacks, and undersea cable disruptions pose significant threats, the Indian Navy has played a key role in securing the region.
• The Navy’s successful anti-piracy operations and safeguarding of economic interests have earned global appreciation.
• India's Emerging Role in Maritime Security:The Raksha Mantri noted that India, previously viewed as a landlocked nation with sea borders, is now seen as a pivotal maritime power.
• He reinforced the Indian Navy’s position as a "first responder" and a preferred security partner in the Indo-Pacific region, pledging continued efforts to ensure the region's security.
• Strengthening Naval Capability and Aatmanirbhar Bharat:Rajnath Singh stressed the importance of further strengthening the Navy to protect India's economic, trade, and national interests.
• He highlighted the ongoing modernization efforts, including the construction of 64 ships and submarines in Indian shipyards and the placement of orders for 24 more.
• Over two-thirds of the Navy's modernization budget has been allocated to indigenous procurement in the last five years, boosting the domestic defense ecosystem. The Raksha Mantri lauded the Navy’s indigenization efforts, encouraging further strides toward self-reliance and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ by 2047.
• Jointness and Resource Optimization:The need for increased cooperation between the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard was underscored, especially in strengthening maritime security through better coordination.
• Shri Singh called for a shared vision in utilizing resources effectively and enhancing synergy between naval forces.
• Technological Advancements and Innovation:A Tech Demo showcasing indigenous solutions, such as Autonomous Systems, domain awareness, and software-defined radios, was held as part of the conference, demonstrating India's commitment to enhancing naval capabilities through cutting-edge technology.

Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2056628

Question: Which of the following is the first indigenous stealth Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) corvette built in India?

1. INS Shivalik
2. INS Kamorta
3. INS Kiltan
4. INS Sahyadri

Why India and Pakistan signed the Indus Water Treaty in 1960

On September 19, 1960, Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Pakistani President Marshal Mohammad Ayub Khan signed the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) in Karachi. This agreement followed years of negotiations, aimed at establishing a cooperative approach to managing the waters of the Indus River system. The treaty's preamble highlighted the mutual desire to utilize the waters of the Indus and its tributaries in a spirit of goodwill and cooperation between the two nations.

Geopolitical Context and Importance: The Indus River has been vital to the Indus Valley Civilization and continues to play a crucial role in agricultural practices in both India and Pakistan. After Partition in 1947, control over the Indus Basin’s water became a contentious issue. The new international borders divided the upper river systems in India from the lower agricultural plains in Pakistan. This geographical division caused disputes, with India asserting its territorial rights over the rivers and Pakistan defending its downstream access, crucial for its irrigation.

Terms of the Treaty: The World Bank facilitated negotiations, resulting in a treaty that divided the river system between the two nations:

• India was granted full rights over the Eastern Rivers (Sutlej, Beas, Ravi).
• Pakistan retained control over the Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab).

This arrangement ensured water-sharing amidst ongoing tensions, fostering a fragile peace between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

Contemporary Challenges and Tensions: Although the treaty has endured through various conflicts, including the 1965 and 1971 wars, tensions persist, especially over India's hydroelectric projects. Pakistan has raised concerns about the Kishanganga and Ratle projects, fearing that these could reduce water flow crucial for irrigation in its territories. Additionally, climate change is exacerbating concerns, as melting glaciers and erratic monsoons threaten the long-term viability of the water-sharing agreement.

Strategic and Environmental Concerns: As a rare cross-border water-sharing agreement in Asia, the IWT has remained a symbol of cooperation. However, with India controlling the headwaters of all six major rivers, its upstream position provides strategic advantages. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s dependence on downstream water resources makes it vulnerable to disruptions, including those potentially triggered by climate change. Rising temperatures are causing glaciers to melt, which could initially benefit India but ultimately lead to reduced river flows, raising concerns over future water security for both nations.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/research/why-india-and-pakistan-signed-the-indus-water-treaty-in-1960-9578348/

Question: Which river is not retained by India under Indus Valley treaty?

1. Sutlej
2. Beas
3. Ravi
4. Indus