Recently Defence Minister said that India’s ‘No First Use of Nuclear weapons’, in future depends on the circumstances.
NFU is India’s commitment to not be the first to use a nuclear weapon in a conflict,doctrine adopted from 2003.
NFU pledge is a component of a country’s nuclear declaratory policies.
India will use Nuclear weapons only in retaliation against a nuclear attack on Indian territory or on Indian forces.
According to the doctrine, Nuclear retaliatory attacks can only be authorised by the civilian political leadership through the Nuclear Command Authority.
The Nuclear Command Authority comprises a Political Council and an Executive Council.
The Political Council is chaired by the Prime Minister.
India would not use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapon states.
India would continue to put strict controls on the export of nuclear and missile related materials and technologies.
India remains committed to the goal of a nuclear weapons free world, through global, verifiable and non-discriminatory nuclear disarmament.
In the event of a attack against India, or Indian forces anywhere, by biological or chemical weapons, India will retain the option of retaliating with nuclear weapons.
China declared its NFU policy in 1964, and has since maintained this policy.
Geographical Indication Tag (GI)
The GI Tag under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has recenly registered new GIs.
‘Tirur Betel vine’ from Kerala
Tirur betel vine is mainly cultivated in Tirur, Tanur, Tirurangadi, Kuttippuram, Malappuram and Vengara block panchayaths of Malappuram district.
It is valued both for its mild stimulant action and medicinal properties.
It is commonly used for making pan masala for chewing.
It has many medicinal usages and is considered as a remedy for bad breath and digestive disorders.
‘Tawlhlohpuan’ of Mizoram
It is a medium to heavy, compactly woven, good quality fabric.
It is known for warp yarns, warping, weaving and intricate designs that are made by hand.
Tawlhloh, in Mizo language, means ‘to stand firm or not to move backward’.
It holds high significance in the Mizo society, is produced throughout the state of Mizoram.
Aizawl and Thenzawl town are the main centre of production.
Mizo Puanchei of Mizoram
It is a colourful Mizo shawl/textile, which is considered as the most colourful among the Mizo textiles.
It is an essential possession for every Mizo lady and an important marriage outfit in the state.
It is also the most commonly used costume in Mizo festive dances and official ceremonies.
The weavers insert the designs and motifs by using supplementary yarns while weaving to create this beautiful and alluring textile.
KONKAN bilateral exercise
It is an annual bilateral exercises between Indian Navy and Royal Navy of Britain.
It is currently underway off the South Coast of UK.
It aims to promote mutual understanding, provide exposure to operating procedures, communication measures and best practices.
INS Tarkash, the Indian Navy's stealth frigate is exercising with the Royal Navy's, HMS Defender with integral helicopter Wildcat.
The thrust of this year exercice is on Anti-Air warfare, Anti-Surface Warfare, Flying Operations and Seamanship Evolutions of varying complexities. \
INS Tarkash
It is a state-of-the-art stealth frigate of the Indian Navy.
It is the 5th Talwar-class frigate constructed for the Indian Navy, built at the Yantar shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia.
It is equipped with a versatile range of weapons and sensors capable of addressing threats in all three dimensions.