Jan-17Sec Flashcards
Jan-17Sec -Index
- Security Council Resolution 2322
- Issues of Paramilitary Forces
- Cold Start Doctrine
- Quantum Cryptography
- Ins Khanderi
- Pinaka Rocket
- Make in India in Defence: Issues
- New Post of Military Adviser
4.1. SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 2322
Why in news?
The Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution aimed at enhancing and fortifying judicial cooperation worldwide in countering terrorism.
Resolution 2322 aims to enhance the efficacy of international legal and judicial systems in their fight against terrorism through operational collaboration.
Major Highlights
The Resolution emphasizes five major issues related to counter terrorist activities:
Use of applicable international instruments like
bilateral and multilateral treaties and
designation of national central authorities for
mutual legal assistance and extradition.
International cooperation in checking the flow
of foreign terrorist fighters and their return
from conflict zones and sharing of available
information regarding foreign terrorist fighters
including their biometric and biographic
information
It emphasizes the importance of providing such
information regarding foreign terrorists to
multilateral screening databases, which is now
done at bilateral level.
The resolution suggests that States make financing of terrorism as a serious criminal offence and also to deny safe haven to terror financiers.
Increasing role of information technology in gathering and sharing evidence
Role of multilateral agencies such as UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) and INTERPOL in preventing terrorist activities.
Analysis Resolution 2322 provides an opportunity to strengthen the multilateral counter-terrorism endeavors in many ways:
The proposed judicial cooperation would help in mobilizing tangible evidence to ensure admissibility in courts.
A systematic use of international databases would be helpful in preventing terrorists from entering/travel from the territory of one State to another. This is significant in the light of the imminent threat posed by the return of foreign terrorist fighters from Syria and Iraq.
The resolution, if implemented in letter and spirit, would help in getting evidence regarding their actions in Syria and Iraq rather than allegations which could not be proved in a court of law.
Moreover, active legal cooperation at the international level, as envisaged by resolution 2322 would open ways to end the stalemate in extradition of wanted terrorists, and would put an end to the practice of providing safe havens to such persons by other States.
Conclusion
The Security Council resolution on international judicial cooperation is a significant development in countering the scourge of terrorism, particularly by transnational terrorist groups.
The response to threat posed by terrorism should be at global level.
It can be viewed as the first step to overcome the practical challenges associated with the prosecution of terrorists in their country of origin or elsewhere, for their criminal activities in a foreign country.
Box–Issues Facing Counter-Terrorism
In most of the recent terrorism cases, including cases in Mumbai, Brussels, Paris etc. significant components of the case, such as evidence, suspects, and witnesses were spread across the jurisdictions of several States.
The lack of cooperation amongst police forces, judiciary, and absence of international databases regarding terrorist groups and their members.
Firstly, the lack of clear evidence or unfeasibility of collecting evidence from several states often directed enforcement agencies to wrong targets.
Secondly, it resulted in a judicial development that shifted the burden of proof from the prosecution to the accused. The Indian amendments to the UAPA (Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in 2008 as a response to the Mumbai attacks are a case in point.
4.2. ISSUES OF PARAMILITARY FORCES
Why in news? The Delhi High Court asked the Centre on steps taken after a BSF constable’s allegation of meagre and poor quality food at LoC border postings. Background Paramilitary forces allege of step motherly treatment done by the government as compared to military. For E.g. A video by jawan alleged disparity in pay and allowances as compared to military personnel. Another alleged of ration diversion in the paramilitary forces. A paramilitary soldier was against the sahayak/buddy system where soldiers were forced to do personal chores for senior officers. They also allege of victimization with court martial proceedings for complaining against problems.
A study by the Bureau of Police Research and Development (2005) found serious stress-related problems among the paramilitary forces.
A study done by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) found that over 400 paramilitary men have died since 2009 much higher than similar deaths in the Army.
Issues involved
There is an absence of a dedicated grievance redressal system for paramilitary forces.
Grievance redressal through social media is considered as an act of insubordination.
It also threatens to affect the morale of the other soldiers thus impacting India’s defence preparedness.
A defence bureaucracy creates delays in the solution of root problems in paramilitary.
Reasons of discontentment
Without an organized service status, they do not
get the non-functional up gradation (NFU) required
for promotion like in other Group A services.
They are overburdened by doing the job of both
the army and the police. Eg. They guard the borders
and also battle terrorists and insurgents.
Manpower shortage adds to their burden.
Top posts are taken by Indian Police Service (IPS)
officers who don’t understand paramilitary’s root
problems. It lowers the morale in the force.
Poor working conditions like no housing facilities, poor food and low allowances adds to problems. (Napoleon once said “An Army marches on its stomach”).
They are devoid of justice. For e.g.
Armed forces tribunal does not cover them.
They have a court martial like system called Security Forces Court with lesser safeguards.
Appeals to courts and home minister are expensive and complex.
Even Article 33 deters them to approach civilian judiciary.
What steps government has taken?
Better dispute resolution, communication facility in field areas, yoga etc. have been introduced.
Increased interaction between jawans and officers were part of the 14 measures undertaken by government to boost morale.
In 2015, Delhi HC ordered government to give pay upgrade to Group A officers of paramilitary according to 6th Central Pay Commission.
To improve gender equality in the paramilitary -
The government approved reservation of 33% women at the constable rank in CRPF and CISF.
It also set a 15% quota in the border forces BSF, SSB and ITBP for women.
What needs to be done?
The DoPT notification to bring paramilitary forces under the organized service category has been refused by MHA. MHA needs to notify it soon.
The Assam Rifles was shifted to MHA. But it is still under Defence Ministry’s operational control. MHA should be given complete control for better synergy.
The demand of the paramilitary forces should be considered for e.g.
A Military Service Pay
Timely career promotion,
Better infrastructure
Martyr status when they die fighting.
There can be a separate Ministry to take care of their needs.
There is a need of a separate grievance redressal mechanism and a separate tribunal for paramilitary forces.
For parity in allowance “one area, one allowance” should be implemented. It gives same allowance for both military and paramilitary deployed in same area.
They also want greater hardship allowance.
Box–1-Central Armed Police Forces as per MHA
Assam rifles: It came into existence in 1835. It has functions of counter insurgency and border security operations along Myanmar border.
Border Security force: It came into existence after 1965 India-Pakistan war. It is the primary border security force of India manning western borders of India.
Central Industrial Security Force: It was set up in 1969. It is the largest such force in the world. Its job is to provide security to various PSUs and commercial places.
Central Reserve Police Force: It was set up in 1939. It is the largest central armed police force in India. It looks after internal security in India like naxal operations. It also helps with UN peacekeeping missions.
Indo-Tibetan Border Police: It was formed after India-China war in 1962. It guards the China border. It is also trained in disaster management, UN peacekeeping etc.
National Security Guard: It combats terrorist activities and also internal disturbances in States.
Sashastra Seema Bal: It was established in 1963 and guards Nepal and Bhutan borders. It also helps control anti-national activities at these borders.
Box–2-Differences between army and paramilitary
Paramilitary forces are all under Home Ministry while military is under the Defence Ministry.
In ideal case, Army is deployed mostly for border warfare and sometimes in natural calamities.
Paramilitary forces are deployed for internal disturbances, insurgency, border protection, elections, VIP protection, terrorism etc.
Paramilitary’s working hours are mostly longer and inflexible than defence personnel.
4.3. COLD START DOCTRINE
Why in News?
In an interview, the chief of army staff
has acknowledged the existence of
Cold Start Doctrine (CSD) which India
has not acknowledged officially yet.
Background
India from 1984 till 2004 followed
Sundarji Doctrine (SD) on possible war
with Pakistan.
As per SD, seven holding corps at the
Pakistan border and three strike corps
in Central India would be deployed.
The holding crops would hold offensive strike of Pakistan till the strike corps, having offensive potency give
punitive response to Pakistan.
After Parliamentary terrorist attack of 2001, SD was used under Operation Parakaram. It took about 3 weeks to mobilize soldiers due to the long distance.
By then international pressure prevented India from taking action.
CSD was developed after the failure of SD. Whereas SD adopts a strategy of defensive offense, the CSD adopts a strategy of Offensive Defense.
In 2001, Operation Vijayee Bhava and Operation Sudarshanshakti successfully reduced the mobilisation time drastically to 48 hours as per CSD.
Significance of the Doctrine
In the wake of recent terror attacks at Pathankot and Uri this doctrine can help improve our defence preparedness.
It can also prepare India’s strategy on any responsive surgical strike.
It carefully avoids risking escalation of the conflict to the nuclear level.
The strategy helps sensitise Pakistan to India’s tolerance threshold and reinforces deterrence.
This would bring about self-restraint in Pakistan’s employment of proxy war.
Criticisms of the Doctrine
It gives a justification for Pakistan to build its nuclear forces. E.g. Short range missiles called tactical nuclear weapons aimed at deterring a limited Indian military incursion.
India’s defence budget has also increased in this response diverting money away from various social sector schemes.
Some argue that India lacks the manpower and ammunition to implement it.
It increases nuclear arms race and also the threats of nuclear terrorism and theft.
Way Forward
The CSD is a good doctrine from India’s point of view, but it adversely impacts strategic stability of India since Pakistan’s strategy is to counter India’s conventional military superiority with a nuclear shield. Any misadventure on the part of India could lead the region to nuclear catastrophe and therefore demands both the nuclear powers exercise restraint.
Box–What is Cold Start Doctrine? CSD aims to retaliate Pakistan’s attack with a significant harm before any international community interferes. It is to be done in such a way that Pakistan is not provoked for a nuclear attack. Its main elements include - Enhancing the offensive operations capability of defensive or ‘PIVOT’ corps to launch offensive from a “cold start”. Moving Strike Corps cantonments closer to the border. A number of “integrated battle groups” to be formed to launch limited offensive operations to capture Pakistani territory. The captured territory would act as a bargaining chip to force Pakistan to wind down its institutional support to terrorists.
4.4. QUANTUM CRYPTOGRAPHY
Why in news?
Russian Quantum Center (RCQ) said that it is ready to offer “quantum cryptography” that could propel India to the forefront of hack proof communication in sectors such as banking and national and homeland security.
What is Cryptography?
This is the process of encoding and decoding
information or messages so that it is sent securely over
communication network.
Until the 1990s, cryptography was based
on algorithms - a mathematical process or procedure.
These algorithms are used in conjunction with a key
which is a collection of bits (usually numbers).
Without the proper key, it’s virtually impossible to
decipher an encoded message, even if one knows
what algorithm to use.
What is Quantum Cryptography?
Quantum cryptography uses quantum physics and not
mathematics.
In this, key is generated using polarized photons.
Since, it uses polarized photons, i.e. spin of photons as key, there’s little chance it can be cracked using mathematics.
It is important in the wake of increased cyber-attacks.
About RCQ
RQC conducts scientific research that could lead to a new class of technologies.
These include developing ‘unbreakable cryptography’ for the banks and the government organisations.
The research is mostly funded by the government money.
—Fig—
4.5. INS KHANDERI
Why in News? INS Khanderi, second of the Scorpene class submarine, was launched in Mumbai at the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).
It will undergo trials before being inducted in the Indian
Navy.
Need of new submarine
Submarines help wage a covert war against the enemy
and also helps maintain naval superiority giving navy
the capability to fight under water.
Addition of new submarines is also necessary to replace
the earlier aged submarines.
It is also important in light of rising accidents in the old
submarines. Eg. Fire accident at INS Sindhurakshak.
Features of the submarine
The Kalvari class submarines include superior stealth and precision guided weapons.
INS Khanderi is designed to operate in all theatres, including the tropics.
It also has interoperability with other components of a Naval Task Force.
INS Khanderi can undertake diverse types of missions like anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, mine laying, area surveillance etc.
It has ability to launch attacks with torpedoes.
Box–1-Project 75
Under Project-75, French Company DCNS will provide design and technology to public sector Mazagon Docks to make six Scorpene diesel submarines by 2022
Box–2-Significance of the mission
Khanderi is second of the six submarines of Project 75 of Indian Navy. The first was Kalvari.
It would increase our strategic ability to wage a stealth fight.
It would protect our sea lanes of commerce
It would help India maintain primacy in the Indian Ocean.
It would boost indigenous manufacturing and self-sufficiency in submarine manufacturing.
4.6. PINAKA ROCKET
Recently, DRDO conducted the second successful flight test of the Guided PINAKA rocket from Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha.
Guided PINAKA Mark-II is an improved version of Mark-I with increased range of 70 km (earlier 40 km) and better accuracy of 50m (earlier 500m).
PINAKA Mark-II is converted into guided version by equipping it with navigation, guidance and control kit developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad. PINAKA Mark-I was unguided.
It is jointly developed by Pune based Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), RCI and Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad.
PINAKA II like PINAKA I is fired using multi-barrel rocket launcher which can fire 12 Rockets loaded with explosives within 44 seconds and destroy a target area of 4 sq km at a time.
Successful test show the country’s capability of converting unguided weapon into precision weapon.
4.7. MAKE IN INDIA IN DEFENCE: ISSUES
Why in news?
Many projects under the ‘Make in India’ programme in the defence sector are pending due to not finalizing the strategic partnership (SP) model to choose private Indian companies for indigenous defence manufacturing.
Stuck Projects Include
Construction of submarines for urgent replacements in the Navy’s submarine fleet under project P 75I
Manufacturing of a fighter aircraft to supplement the 36 Rafale fighters in the medium weight category. Three foreign companies, Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Saab, wants to make their fighters — F-16, F-18 and Gripen - in India but are awaiting the finalization of the SP model.
Construction of the Naval Utility Helicopters also awaits a decision on the Indian manufacturer.
Background
Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) issued in March 2016 did not list down the criteria for selecting the private Indian defence companies under the SP model.
The SP model was first envisaged by the Dhirendra Singh Committee in which it proposed assured contracts for all requirements of a particular military platform to be given to a particular chosen private firm.
It means that one company could get all the contracts for making submarines in India while another, could make all the planes in India for the next 20 years.
Reasons for Delay in Finalization of SP Model
The acquisition wing of the ministry wants two or more companies to be selected as strategic partners for each platform to allow for price discovery through competitive bidding.
While Department of Defence is in favour of the SP model and the price is determined on a cost-plus model.
The proposed cost-plus model has been done away with by even defence public sector units, which was seen as a reason for highly inflated costs for indigenously-produced equipment.
The total quantum of assured deals would exceed Rs. 1000 crore which is beyond the powers of the ministry and would have to go for approval to the Cabinet Committee on Security, which can insist on competitive bidding.
The SP model may also face legal challenges from losing companies.
Way Forward
The indigenization of the sector is crucial for the self-sufficiency of the country with 3rd largest armed force.
Also, the sector has the potential to boost manufacturing and add one million direct and indirect jobs.
The issues raised by different wings of the Defence ministry and industry must be amicably solved by taking all the stakeholders on board.
4.8. NEW POST OF MILITARY ADVISER
Lt General D B Shekatkar Panel has recommended creation of a new post of military adviser who will be of four-star rank, i.e. equivalent in rank to the current chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force.
The report says that the new post which may be called either the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) or Permanent Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (PC-COSC), is essential for smooth functioning of the armed forces in the prevailing security environment.
India’s armed forces have to defend the nation and stabilize the neighbourhood, and their main priority, the report argues, is “to degrade the combat endurance, combat capability, combat potential and combat capacity” of Pakistan.
