CDS Inaugurates Upgraded Railway Infrastructure in Andaman & Nicobar Islands
CDS inaugurates upgraded railway infrastructure in strategically vital Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Photo by Nabil Naidu
Key Facts
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan inaugurated upgraded railway infrastructure
Location: Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Aims to enhance connectivity and strategic capabilities
Part of broader infrastructure development in the region
UPSC Exam Angles
Role and mandate of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)
Strategic importance of Andaman & Nicobar Islands (Geography, Geopolitics, Security)
India's Indo-Pacific strategy and its pillars (SAGAR, Act East Policy)
Defense infrastructure development and its impact on national security
Governance and administration of Union Territories, particularly those with strategic significance
Visual Insights
Andaman & Nicobar Islands: India's Strategic Outpost
Illustrates the geographical location and strategic importance of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, highlighting key infrastructure developments and their role in India's defense and Indo-Pacific strategy.
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More Information
Background
Latest Developments
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. With reference to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in India, consider the following statements: 1. The CDS acts as the permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC). 2. The CDS is the single point of contact for the government for giving military advice. 3. The Department of Military Affairs (DMA) functions under the Ministry of Defence, and the CDS serves as its Secretary. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
All three statements are correct. The CDS is indeed the permanent Chairman of the COSC, providing single-point military advice to the government. The Department of Military Affairs (DMA) was created under the Ministry of Defence, and the CDS heads it as its Secretary, facilitating integration and synergy among the armed forces.
2. In the context of India's strategic interests, consider the following statements regarding the Andaman & Nicobar Islands: 1. The Ten Degree Channel separates the Andaman Islands from the Nicobar Islands. 2. The Indira Point, India's southernmost point, is located in the Great Nicobar Island. 3. The islands are strategically located near the Malacca Strait, a crucial global shipping lane. 4. India has established a tri-service command, the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), on these islands. How many of the statements given above are correct?
- A.Only one
- B.Only two
- C.Only three
- D.All four
Show Answer
Answer: D
All four statements are correct. The Ten Degree Channel indeed separates the Andaman and Nicobar groups. Indira Point is the southernmost point of India and is located in Great Nicobar. The islands' proximity to the Malacca Strait gives them immense strategic importance for maritime surveillance and control. The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) is India's first and only tri-service theatre command, established in 2001.
3. Which of the following statements best describes the significance of upgraded railway infrastructure in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands for India's Indo-Pacific strategy?
- A.It primarily aims to boost tourism and local economic development, with minimal impact on defense capabilities.
- B.It is a crucial step towards enhancing logistics, facilitating troop movement, and strengthening India's defense posture in the strategically vital Indo-Pacific region.
- C.The project is mainly a symbolic gesture to demonstrate India's commitment to island development, without significant strategic implications.
- D.It is part of a larger plan to establish a direct rail link between the Indian mainland and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Show Answer
Answer: B
The summary explicitly states that the development is 'crucial for improving logistics, facilitating troop movement, and strengthening the overall defense posture of India in the strategically vital Indo-Pacific.' While economic development is also a goal, the primary strategic significance highlighted is defense and logistics in the Indo-Pacific. Options A and C downplay the strategic aspect, and D is factually incorrect as a direct rail link to the mainland is not feasible.