Daily Current Affairs :18-July-2023

In recent news, an Indian Army contingent has reached Ulaanbaatar to participate in the exercise ‘Nomadic Elephant-23’, a significant annual training event conducted between India and Mongolia. The exercise serves as a platform to foster positive military relations, exchange best practices, develop interoperability, and build camaraderie and friendship between the two armies. This essay will delve into the details of Exercise Nomadic Elephant, its focus and aims, as well as the various activities involved in this joint military training.

Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT: Strengthening India-Mongolia Military Bonds

Exercise Nomadic Elephant is an annual training event jointly conducted by India and Mongolia. This exercise alternates between the two countries, fostering strong military ties and cooperation. The previous edition took place at the Special Forces Training School in Bakloh in October 2019.

Focus and Aims

The primary focus of Exercise Nomadic Elephant is to enhance military cooperation and understanding between India and Mongolia. The exercise aims to achieve several important objectives:

  1. Building Positive Military Relations: The exercise creates an opportunity for the armed forces of both nations to interact and collaborate, laying the groundwork for strong bilateral military relations.
  2. Exchange of Best Practices: Through this joint training, both armies can share their experiences and best practices, enabling them to learn from each other’s expertise.
  3. Developing Interoperability: Interoperability is crucial for joint military operations. By conducting exercises together, the armed forces of India and Mongolia can improve their ability to work seamlessly with each other in various scenarios.
  4. Fostering Bonhomie and Camaraderie: Beyond the military aspect, the exercise promotes a sense of camaraderie and friendship between the soldiers of both nations, enhancing mutual trust and understanding.
Focus on Counter-Terrorism Operations in Mountainous Terrain

Exercise Nomadic Elephant-23 will primarily focus on counter-terrorism operations in mountainous terrain under the mandate of the United Nations. This aspect of the exercise holds particular significance, given the ongoing global challenges in combating terrorism and the need for specialized training in challenging geographical environments.

Activities in Exercise Nomadic Elephant

The exercise involves a variety of training activities designed to enhance the skills and capabilities of the participating troops. Some of the key activities include:

Endurance Training: Troops undergo rigorous endurance training to improve their physical and mental resilience, essential attributes for military personnel operating in difficult conditions.

Reflex Firing: Reflex firing exercises aim to enhance the soldiers’ shooting skills, accuracy, and response time, thereby ensuring their preparedness for combat situations.

Room Intervention: Room intervention training focuses on honing the troops’ abilities in close-quarters combat, essential for urban warfare and counter-terrorism operations.

Small Team Tactics: This training involves small teams working together effectively to accomplish missions, promoting teamwork and coordination among the soldiers.

Rock Craft Training: Given the mountainous terrain focus, rock craft training helps soldiers develop expertise in navigating and operating in challenging landscapes.

Important Points:

  • Exercise Nomadic Elephant is an annual joint training event conducted between India and Mongolia.
  • It aims to build positive military relations, exchange best practices, develop interoperability, and foster camaraderie between the two armies.
  • The exercise alternates between Mongolia and India; the last edition was held at the Special Forces Training School, Bakloh, in October 2019.
  • The primary focus of Exercise Nomadic Elephant is on counter-terrorism operations in mountainous terrain under the United Nations mandate.
  • Activities in the exercise include Platoon level Field Training Exercise (FTX).
  • The training activities involve endurance training, reflex firing, room intervention, small team tactics, and rock craft training.
  • Endurance training enhances soldiers’ physical and mental resilience.
  • Reflex firing exercises improve shooting skills and response time.
  • Room intervention training focuses on close-quarters combat skills.
  • Small team tactics promote teamwork and coordination.
  • Rock craft training helps soldiers navigate challenging landscapes.
  • The exercise contributes to regional and global security and cooperation.
  • It reinforces the commitment of India and Mongolia to work together for a safer and more secure world.
Why In News

An Indian Army contingent, comprising highly skilled soldiers from diverse units, reached Ulaanbaatar, warmly welcomed by their Mongolian counterparts, to engage in the eagerly anticipated exercise, ‘Nomadic Elephant-23′. The joint training aims to foster greater cooperation and strengthen the enduring bond between the two nations’ armed forces.

MCQs about India-Mongolia Joint Military Training

  1. What is the primary focus of Exercise Nomadic Elephant?
    A. Enhancing military ties between India and Mongolia
    B. Developing counter-terrorism strategies globally
    C. Promoting cultural exchanges between soldiers
    D. Strengthening economic cooperation between nations
    Correct Answer: A. Enhancing military ties between India and Mongolia
    Explanation: The primary focus of Exercise Nomadic Elephant is to build positive military relations, exchange best practices, develop interoperability, and foster camaraderie between the armed forces of India and Mongolia.
  2. Which aspect of military operations does Exercise Nomadic Elephant mainly focus on?
    A. Maritime warfare
    B. Counter-terrorism operations in mountainous terrain
    C. Airborne assault tactics
    D. Urban warfare strategies
    Correct Answer: B. Counter-terrorism operations in mountainous terrain
    Explanation: The main theme of Exercise Nomadic Elephant-23 is to focus on counter-terrorism operations in mountainous terrain under the United Nations mandate.
  3. What is the purpose of reflex firing exercises in Exercise Nomadic Elephant?
    A. Enhance soldiers’ physical endurance
    B. Develop small team tactics
    C. Improve shooting skills and response time
    D. Foster camaraderie and friendship between soldiers
    Correct Answer: C. Improve shooting skills and response time
    Explanation: The reflex firing exercises in the exercise aim to enhance the soldiers’ shooting skills, accuracy, and response time, ensuring their preparedness for combat situations.
  4. What is the significance of Exercise Nomadic Elephant in India-Mongolia relations?
    A. Fostering economic partnerships
    B. Strengthening cultural exchanges
    C. Enhancing mutual trust and understanding
    D. Promoting diplomatic negotiations
    Correct Answer: C. Enhancing mutual trust and understanding
    Explanation: Exercise Nomadic Elephant plays a significant role in fostering camaraderie and friendship between the armed forces of India and Mongolia, thereby promoting mutual trust and understanding.

Boost up your confidence by appearing ourĀ Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions

Loading