Indian Air Force – Air Power Beyond Boundaries

Context

• Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Vivek Ram Chaudhari unveiled a new Ensign for the force, as it marked its 91st anniversary, by the inclusion of the Air Force Crest in the top right corner of the Ensign, towards the fly side. This year, the Air Force Day parade was held at Air Force Station Bamrauli in Prayagraj.

Key Details:

• The air display held in the afternoon on the banks of Triveni Sangam, saw a few lakh people turn up to watch the aerial manoeuvres.
• In a first, scaling up the degree of difficulty by a couple of notches, the Sarang helicopter display team has gone from a four helicopter to a five helicoptermilitary display team.
• “Catch us perform the five aircraft display on the occasion of Air Force day on October 08 at Prayagraj,” the team posted on social media platform ‘X’.
• In another first, the newly inducted C-295 transport aircraft made its maiden appearance in any air display in India, while the legacy MiG-21 Bison made in what is likely its last appearance in an air display, prior to the planned phasing out by the year 2025.
• Air Force operations extend worldwide, providing rapid mobility and global reach. This reach allows a nation to project air power beyond boundaries in the form of rapid deployment, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and peacekeeping missions,” he said stressing on the need to understand the nuances of evolving air power, setting the pace to preserve peace and if and when necessary, to fight and win wars.

Theme of 2023:

The theme for this year’s Air Force Day was ‘IAF - Air Power Beyond Boundaries’ which the Air Chief said aptly reflects the “inherent global reach of air power and how air power will prove decisive in future conflicts.”

History of Indian Airforce Day

• Indian Air Force Day is celebrated on October 8th every year. It marks the official foundation day of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and commemorates the establishment of the force in 1932.

Established:

• The IAF was officially established as an auxiliary air force of the British Empire, and it played a crucial role during World War II.
• On October 8, 1932, the Indian Air Force was established as the Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF) under the British rule. After India gained independence in 1947, the prefix "Royal" was dropped, and it became the Indian Air Force.
  • Since then, the IAF has played a vital role in the defense of the country, participating in various conflicts and peacekeeping missions.
• Indian Air Force Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm and pride. The day usually begins with a grand parade and air display at the Hindon Air Force Station in Ghaziabad, near Delhi. The air show showcases the capabilities and prowess of the Indian Air Force, featuring various aircraft and aerobatic displays.
• The event is attended by top military and government officials, and it serves as an opportunity to recognize and appreciate the contributions of the Air Force personnel.
• The celebrations also include events and activities at various air force stations across the country. It is a day to honor the dedication, bravery, and sacrifice of the men and women serving in the Indian Air Force. The day is a source of inspiration for the youth and a reminder of the crucial role the Air Force plays in safeguarding the nation's sovereignty.

Significance of Indian Airforce Day:

Establishment of the Indian Air Force:

• The day commemorates the establishment of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on October 8, 1932. It marks the beginning of an independent and sovereign air force for India.

Recognition of Service:

• It serves as a day to recognize and honor the dedication, valor, and sacrifices of the men and women serving in the Indian Air Force. It is an occasion to pay tribute to their commitment to the defense of the nation.

Showcasing Capabilities:

• The celebrations, including parades and air displays, showcase the capabilities and prowess of the Indian Air Force. This not only instills a sense of pride among the armed forces but also demonstrates to the public the technological advancements and preparedness of the Air Force.

Inspiration for Youth:

• Indian Air Force Day serves as an inspiration for the youth of the country. The displays and events encourage young individuals to consider a career in the Air Force and contribute to the defense and security of the nation.

National Unity:

• The day fosters a sense of national unity and pride as people come together to celebrate the achievements and contributions of the Indian Air Force. It strengthens the bond between the armed forces and the civilian population.

Awareness and Appreciation:

• The celebrations raise awareness among the general public about the role and significance of the Air Force in safeguarding the country. It provides an opportunity for civilians to appreciate the challenges faced by the Air Force personnel in ensuring national security.

Old Ensign

• The now old Air Force ensign was blue, containing the National Flag in the first quadrantand a roundel consisting of the colours of the national flag i.e. saffron, white and green, at the centre. This ensign was adopted in 1951.
• Going back in history, the Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF) Ensign comprised the Union Jack in the upper left canton and the RIAF roundel (red, white and blue) on the fly side.
• Post-Independence, the Indian Air Force ensign was created by replacing the Union Jack with the Indian Tricolour and the RAF roundels with the IAF Tricolour roundel in the lower right canton.

New Ensign:

• Earlier, the Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF) Ensign comprised of the Union Jack in the upper left canton and the RIAF roundel (Red, White & Blue) on the fly side.
• Post-Independence, the IAF ensign was created by replacing the Union Jack with the Indian tricolor and the Royal Air Force roundels with the IAF tricolore roundel.
• A new lAF ensign has now been created to better reflect the values of the Force.

Details of the new ensign:

• The IAF Crest has the national symbol, the Ashoka lion on the top with the words ‘Satyameva Jayate’ in Devanagari below it.
• Below the Ashoka lion is a Himalayan eagle with its wings spread, denoting the fighting qualities of the IAF.
• A ring in light blue color encircles the Himalayan eagle with the words ‘Bharatiya Vayu Sena’ and the motto of the IAF is inscribed below Himalayan eagle in golden Devanagari.
• Last September, the Indian Navy too had adopted a new naval ensign as part of measures to move to do away with colonial practices.

IAF’s first woman officer This is the first Air Force Day Parade to be commanded by a woman officer, GP Capt. Shaliza Dhami. She is also the first woman officer of the IAF to command a combat unit. For the first time, the parade had an all women contingent composed of the newly inducted Agniveer Vayu women. The parade also included a flight of Garud Commandos of the IAF for the first time, as they recently completed 20 years of service

Closing thoughts

• In essence, "Indian Air Force – Air Power Beyond Boundaries" reflects the idea that the Indian Air Force is not just a defender of national airspace but a force with the capability and willingness to extend its reach, influence, and assistance beyond the borders of the nation. It highlights the IAF's versatility and adaptability in addressing a range of challenges, from national defense to international cooperation and humanitarian endeavors.

https://newsonair.gov.in/News?title=Indian-Air-Force-to-unveil-new-ensign-on-91st-anniversary&id=469082

https://m.economictimes.com/news/defence/air-force-day-iaf-lethal-and-formidable-force-says-rajnath-singh/articleshow/104261249.cms

https://www.livemint.com/news/india/indian-air-force-must-be-one-of-the-best-by-iaf-chief-calls-for-focus-on-innovation-11696752200717.html

https://government.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/air-force-day-2023-air-chief-marshal-talks-of-extending-air-power-beyond-boundaries-unveils-new-ensign/104257221

India assumes the Vice Chair in IORA

Context

• The 23rd Council of Ministers of IORA met in Colombo today as Sri Lanka assumed the chairmanship from Bangladesh.

Details

• The Council of Ministers is the highest decision-making body of IORA. India has assumed the Vice Chair in the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) for the next two years.
• The External Affairs Minister Dr, Subramanyam Jaishankar addressed the 23rd Council of Ministers and emphasized India’s priority of creating an Indian Ocean community that is strong and resilient.
• He said that India’s commitment to the well-being of the countries of the Indian Ocean Region and as a net security provider and first responder is based on the Neighbourhood First policy and SAGAR outlook.

About Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA):

• The IORA, an intergovernmental organization established in 1997, comprises 23 member states and 11 dialogue partners hailing from regions surrounding the Indian Ocean.

About	IORA is an inter-governmental organisation which was established in March 1997. It was formerly known as the Indian Ocean Rim Initiative and the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC).
Members	It has 23 Member States and 10 Dialogue Partners. China is a dialogue partner in the IORA.
Secretariat	The IORA Secretariat is based in Mauritius. It became an observer to the UN General Assembly and the African Union in 2015.
Objectives	The primary objectives of IORA include promoting regional economic cooperation, facilitating trade and investment, encouraging sustainable development, and enhancing social and cultural exchanges among member states.
Areas of co-operation	IORA focuses on various areas of cooperation, including trade and investment, fisheries management, disaster risk reduction, academic and scientific collaboration, tourism, women's economic empowerment, and maritime safety and security.

https://newsonair.gov.in/News?title=India-assumes-the-Vice-Chair-in-Indian-Ocean-Rim-Association-(IORA)-for-2023-2025&id=469243

Israel intensifies air raid at Gaza Strip

Context

• The conflict between Israel and Hamas is escalating. Israel claimed that it recaptured Gaza border areas from Hamas yesterday. 

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About Gaza Strip:

• Geography: The Gaza Strip is located on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea and is bordered by Israel to the east and north, and Egypt to the southwest. It has a coastline along the Mediterranean to the west.
• Size and Population: The Gaza Strip is relatively small in size, measuring about 41 kilometers (25 miles) in length and varying in width. It is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. The population is predominantly Palestinian.
• History: The Gaza Strip has a complex history, marked by conflicts between Israelis and Palestinians. It was part of Mandatory Palestine under British rule until 1948 when the State of Israel was established.
  • After the Arab-Israeli War of 1948, Egypt administered the Gaza Strip, and it came under Israeli occupation during the Six-Day War in 1967. In 2005, Israel unilaterally withdrew its settlers and military from the Gaza Strip.
• Governance: Since 2007, the Gaza Strip has been governed by the Palestinian political and militant group Hamas (Islamic Resistance Movement). This followed a conflict with the rival Fatah party, leading to a split in Palestinian governance between the West Bank (controlled by the Palestinian Authority) and the Gaza Strip.
• Blockade: The Gaza Strip has been subject to a blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt since 2007. This blockade severely restricts the movement of people and goods in and out of Gaza, impacting its economy and humanitarian conditions.
• Conflict and Violence: The Gaza Strip has been a focal point of conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant groups. Periodic escalations of violence have occurred, leading to conflicts such as the Gaza War in 2008-2009, 2012, and 2014.

https://newsonair.gov.in/News?title=Israel-intensifies-air-raid-at-Gaza-Strip%3b-strikes-more-than-2200-Hamas-targets&id=469245

Khadi Mahotsav

Context

• The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) is celebrating a nationwide Khadi Mahotsav from the second to 31st of October.

Details

• This festival is dedicated to supporting the "Vocal for Local" initiative and the 'Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan'.
• The ideas of Khadi for Nation, Khadi for Fashion and Vocal for Local. Once again Khadi has come forward with its new ideas.
• The objective of which is to encourage citizens to buy and wear Khadi products to contribute to the goal of self-reliant India.
• Celebrating the 154th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Narayan Rane had flagged off the Khadi Yatra in Mumbai and announced ‘Khadi Mahotsav’ to be held from October 2 to October 31, 2023.

About the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC):

About	·The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) is a statutory body formed in April 1957 (During 2nd Five Year plan) by the Government of India, under the 'Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act of 1956'.
Objectives	The Social Objective - Employing in rural areas The Economic Objective - Providing saleable articles The Wider Objective - Creating self-reliance amongst people and building up a strong rural community spirit.
Governing Council	It is an apex organization under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, about khadi and village industries within India.
Pupose	It seeks to - "plan, promote, facilitate, organize and assist in the establishment and development of khadi and village industries in the rural areas in coordination with other agencies engaged in rural development wherever necessary."
Schemes	Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP). Interest Subsidy Eligibility Certificate (ISEC) Scheme.

https://newsonair.gov.in/News?title=Khadi-and-Village-Industries-Commission-celebrates-nationwide-Khadi-Mahotsav-till-31st-October&id=469252

Mera Yuva Bharat for youth development

Context

• The government has approved the establishment of an autonomous body Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat).

Details:

• The primary objective of MY Bharat is to make it a whole government platform for youth development.
• Briefing reporters in New Delhi after the Union Cabinet meeting, Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh Thakur said that there are nearly 40 crore youth in the country who are in the age group of 15-29 years.
• The Minister said, this Mera Yuva Bharat will be dedicated to the nation on 31st October, on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Iron Man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. 

About the Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat):

• The aim is to instill a sense of nation-building among the youth as they were at the forefront of various government initiatives like ‘Swachch Bharat’ and while developing applications like CoWin, Arogya Setu and mask-making during the Covid pandemic.
• It will be a one-stop platform for them to engage with each other and to look for opportunities in various fields like education, experiential learning, community service, etc.
• The establishment of ‘MY Bharat’ would lead to leadership development in the youth through experiential learning by shifting from isolated physical interaction to programmatic skills.
• It will also set the focus of the government on youth-led development and make them active drivers of development and not merely passive recipients.
• The body will lead to better alignment between youth aspirations and community needs. Also it will enable enhanced efficiency through convergence of existing programmes

https://newsonair.gov.in/News?title=Government-approves-establishment-of-Mera-Yuva-Bharat-for-youth-development&id=469253