Daily Current Affairs :12-November-2024
India has launched its first-ever space exercise, Antariksha Abhyas – 2024, to address the growing challenges related to space-based assets and integrate space capabilities with military operations. This initiative is designed to bolster India’s defense preparedness, especially in the context of an increasingly contested space environment.
Purpose and Objectives of Antariksha Abhyas – 2024
Antariksha Abhyas aims to simulate real-world scenarios to test and enhance India’s readiness for threats related to space. The primary goals of the exercise are:
- War-gaming threats to space-based assets and services.
- Enhancing understanding of the military’s dependency on space assets like satellites.
- Identifying vulnerabilities in space operations, especially in situations of disruptions or denials.
The exercise is an essential step to strengthen India’s defense capabilities and prepare for potential space warfare or interference with critical satellite systems.
Participants and Organizers
Antariksha Abhyas – 2024 is organized by the Defence Space Agency (DSA) under the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff. Several key stakeholders are involved in the exercise, including:
- Defence Space Agency and allied units.
- Army, Navy, Air Force, and Defence Cyber Agency.
- Defence Intelligence Agency and Strategic Forces Command.
- Representatives from ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) and DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation).
These agencies and services are collaborating to test how different branches of India’s military can work together in a space threat scenario.
Significance of Antariksha Abhyas
This exercise holds immense significance for India’s security strategy in space. Key points include:
- National Security: It highlights India’s commitment to securing its space-based assets and national interests in the increasingly competitive and contested space domain.
- Collaboration and Innovation: The exercise underscores the importance of cutting-edge innovation and cooperation with institutions like ISRO, DRDO, and academic bodies.
- Military Preparedness: It reinforces India’s preparedness for potential space-related threats and its ability to protect its critical space infrastructure.
Defence Space Agency: India’s Space Warfare Unit
The Defence Space Agency (DSA) plays a crucial role in India’s space defense operations. Some key facts about the DSA include:
- Headquarters: Located in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
- Primary Purpose: The DSA operates space warfare and satellite intelligence assets for the Indian Armed Forces.
- Personnel: It draws its workforce from all three armed services — the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
- Historical Background: The DSA was created based on recommendations from the Naresh Chandra Task Force (2012), which proposed tri-service commands for cyber, aerospace, and special operations. The agency was officially approved in 2018 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The DSA integrates several key facilities, including the Defence Imagery Processing and Analysis Centre (Delhi) and the Defence Satellite Control Centre (Bhopal), to enhance operational efficiency in space defense.
Important Points:
- Antariksha Abhyas – 2024: India’s first space exercise to address threats to space-based assets and enhance military space operations.
- Purpose of the Exercise:
- Simulate threats to space assets and services.
- Enhance understanding of military dependence on space.
- Identify vulnerabilities in space operations during disruptions or denials.
- Participants and Organizers:
- Organized by the Defence Space Agency under the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff.
- Key participants include the Army, Navy, Air Force, Defence Cyber Agency, Defence Intelligence Agency, Strategic Forces Command, and representatives from ISRO and DRDO.
- Significance:
- Reinforces India’s commitment to securing space-based assets and national interests.
- Emphasizes the need for innovation and collaboration with ISRO, DRDO, and academia.
- Prepares India for an increasingly contested space environment.
- Defence Space Agency (DSA):
- Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka.
- Role: Operates space warfare and satellite intelligence for the Indian Armed Forces.
- Established: Based on the Naresh Chandra Task Force (2012) recommendations, approved in 2018 by Prime Minister Modi.
- Integrates key facilities like the Defence Imagery Processing and Analysis Centre and the Defence Satellite Control Centre.
- Overall Goal: Enhance military preparedness to protect space-based infrastructure and assets in a complex and competitive space environment.
Why In News
India has launched its first-ever space exercise, Antariksha Abhyas – 2024, to address the growing challenges to space-based assets and ensure the integration of its space capabilities with military operations, reflecting the country’s commitment to securing its space infrastructure amidst the increasing militarization of space.
MCQs about India Launches Antariksha Abhyas – 2024
-
What is the primary purpose of the Antariksha Abhyas – 2024 exercise?
A. To develop new space technologies
B. To simulate threats to space-based assets and services
C. To train astronauts for space missions
D. To test the launch of new satellites
-
Which of the following agencies is NOT involved in the Antariksha Abhyas – 2024 exercise?
A. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
B. Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA)
C. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
D. Defence Cyber Agency
-
What is the role of the Defence Space Agency (DSA) in India’s defense strategy?
A. To monitor the launch of commercial satellites
B. To operate space warfare and satellite intelligence assets for the Indian Armed Forces
C. To provide satellite internet services
D. To conduct space tourism missions
-
What is the significance of the Antariksha Abhyas – 2024 exercise for India’s national security?
A. It focuses on space exploration for commercial purposes.
B. It strengthens India’s space security and prepares the country for space warfare.
C. It aims to improve international space treaties.
D. It develops new space communication technologies.
Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions
