Daily Current Affairs : 1-January-2025
The 18th edition of the Indo-Nepal joint training exercise, “Surya Kiran,” will be held in Saljhandi, Nepal in January 2025. This annual military exercise, conducted alternately between India and Nepal, focuses on improving cooperation and operational readiness between the two armies.
Overview of Surya Kiran
The Surya Kiran exercise aims to enhance the capabilities of both armies in various aspects of military operations. This collaboration helps strengthen the relationship between the two neighboring countries, fostering trust and mutual understanding.
- Past Exercises: The 17th edition took place in December 2023 in Uttarakhand, India. It marked another successful year of joint training between the two nations.
- Host Locations: The exercises alternate between India and Nepal each year, ensuring that both armies get an equal opportunity to host and participate in the training.
Objectives of Surya Kiran
The main goal of Surya Kiran is to improve the operational effectiveness of both Indian and Nepalese forces. Some of the key objectives include:
- Counter-Terrorism (CT) Operations: Both armies train together to improve their response to terrorism and enhance cooperation in tackling security threats.
- Jungle Warfare: The exercise focuses on strategies and tactics to combat in dense forests and mountainous terrains.
- Mountain Operations: Training on how to effectively operate in high-altitude environments, such as the Himalayas, is a core part of the exercise.
- Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR): The exercise also includes simulations of disaster management scenarios to improve coordination during emergencies.
- Medical Training: Enhancing the medical capabilities of both armies is an essential part of the joint training.
- Environmental Conservation: The exercise emphasizes the importance of protecting the environment during military operations.
India-Nepal Relations
India and Nepal share a 1,850 km long border, which touches five Indian states: Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. This extensive border requires close military cooperation between the two countries for maintaining peace and security.
Key agreements between India and Nepal include:
- The India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship (1950): This treaty forms the basis of the close bilateral relations between the two nations.
- Water-sharing Agreements: Several agreements, including the Koshi Agreement (1954), Mahakali Treaty (1996), and Gandak Agreement (1959), are essential for cooperation on shared water resources.
Important Points:
- 18th Edition of Surya Kiran: The Indo-Nepal joint military exercise will take place in Saljhandi, Nepal in January 2025.
- Previous Exercise: The 17th edition was held in Uttarakhand, India in December 2023.
- Alternating Locations: The exercise is conducted annually, alternating between India and Nepal.
- Main Objectives of Surya Kiran:
- Enhance interoperability in Counter-Terrorism (CT) operations.
- Improve coordination in Jungle Warfare and Mountain Operations.
- Focus on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).
- Develop operational preparedness, including aviation aspects, medical training, and environmental conservation.
- Key Areas of Training:
- Counter-Terrorism (CT) Operations.
- Jungle Warfare techniques.
- Mountain Operations in high-altitude areas.
- Disaster Relief Operations under UN Charter guidelines.
- Medical Assistance and environmental protection during operations.
- India-Nepal Relations:
- Nepal shares a 1,850 km border with five Indian states: Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
- The India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship (1950) serves as the foundation for their strong bilateral relations.
- Water-sharing Agreements:
- Koshi Agreement (1954), Mahakali Treaty (1996), and Gandak Agreement (1959) are important agreements that govern water resources between India and Nepal.
- Strategic Importance: The exercise strengthens military cooperation and enhances defense preparedness between the two countries.
Why In News
The 18th edition of the Indo-Nepal joint training exercise, “Surya Kiran,” will be conducted at Saljhandi, Nepal, in January 2025, marking another significant milestone in the longstanding defense cooperation between India and Nepal. This exercise aims to enhance military interoperability and strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations.
MCQs about Indo-Nepal Joint Training Exercise:Surya Kiran
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Where will the 18th edition of the Indo-Nepal joint training exercise, “Surya Kiran,” be held in January 2025?
A. Uttarakhand, India
B. Saljhandi, Nepal
C. Kathmandu, Nepal
D. Sikkim, India
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Which of the following is a key objective of the Surya Kiran military exercise?
A. Strengthening diplomatic relations
B. Enhancing counter-terrorism (CT) operations
C. Promoting tourism between the countries
D. Focusing on space exploration
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Which of these countries shares a border of 1,850 km with India, touching five Indian states?
A. China
B. Nepal
C. Pakistan
D. Bangladesh
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Which treaty is the foundation of the special bilateral relations between India and Nepal?
A. Mahakali Treaty
B. India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship
C. Gandak Agreement
D. Koshi Agreement
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