Relevance IN - Prelims (about exercise yudh abhyas)
What's the NEWS

• As part of the ongoing Indo-US defence cooperation, a joint military training, Exercise Yudh Abhyas - 2019 is being conducted at Joint Base Lewis Mc Chord, Washington, USA from 05-18 September 2019.

• It is one of the largest joint running military training and defence corporation endeavours between India and USA. This will be the 15^th edition of the joint exercise hosted alternately between the two countries.
• Exercise Yudh Abhyas will provide an opportunity to the armed forces of both countries to train in an integrated manner at Battalion level with joint planning at Brigade level.
• The exercise is also an ideal platform to learn from each other's expertise and experiences of planning and execution of operations.
• Both armies will jointly train, plan and execute a series of well developed operations for neutralization of threats of varied nature.
• ln the end a joint exercise will be undertaken by both countries in an operational setting under a UN mandate. Experts from both sides will hold expert academic and military discussions to share each other's experiences on varied topics for mutual benefit.

What's the NEWS

• The IAF formally inducted the AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopter into its inventory at Air Force Station Pathankot.

Know! all about Apache Attack Helicopter

• Apache attack helicopters are being purchased to replace the Mi-35 fleet. Alongside the capability to shoot fire and forget anti tank guided missiles, air to air missiles, rockets and other ammunitions, it also has modern EW capabilities to provide versatility to helicopter in a network centric aerial warfare.
• Apaches have been an integral part of numerous historic campaigns worldwide.
• These aircraft have been modified specifically to suit the exacting standards demanded by IAF.
• IAF has signed a contract with ‘The Boeing Company' and US Government for 22 Apache Attack Helicopters.
• The first eight helicopters have been delivered on schedule and the last batch of helicopters is to be delivered by March 2020. These helicopters will be deployed in the Western regions of India.
• The helicopter is capable of delivering variety of weapons which include air to ground Hellfire missiles, 70 mm Hydra rockets and air to air Stinger missiles.
• Apache also carries one 30 mm chain gun with 1200 rounds as part of area weapon sub system. To add to the lethality of the helicopter, it carries fire control radar, which has a 360° coverage and nose mounted sensor suite for target acquisition and night vision systems.

Know! the significance

• The addition of Apache Attack Helicopter is a significant step towards modernisation of Indian Air Force helicopter fleet.
• This procurement will enhance the capability of IAF in providing integrated combat aviation cover to the army strike corps.
• These tandem seating helicopters are day/night, all weather capable and have high agility and survivability against battle damage. These are easily maintainable even in field conditions and are capable of prolonged operations in tropical and desert regions.

Economic Development
Cabinet approves Infusion of capital by Government in IDBI Bank
Relevance IN - Prelims ( about IDBI bank's crisis and steps taken by the government) + Mains ( GS III economic developments)
What's the NEWS

• The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the Infusion of Rs 4,557 crore by Government in IDBI Bank.
•  It will help in completing the process of IDBI Bank's turnaround and enable it to return to profitability and normal lending, and giving Government the option of recovering its investment at an opportune time.

IDBI's current status

• IDBI Bank needs a one time infusion of capital to complete the exercise of dealing with its legacy book.
• It has already substantially cleaned up, reducing net NPA from peak of 18.8% in June 2018 to 8% in June 2019.
• The capital for this has to come from its shareholders. LIC is at 51% and is not allowed to go higher by the insurance regulator.
• Of the Rs. 9,300 crore needed, LIC would meet 51% (Rs. 4,743 crore). Remaining 49%, amounting to Rs. 4,557 crore, is proposed from Government as its share on one time basis.

Know! the benefits of this infusion

• After this infusion, IDBI Bank expects to be able to subsequently raise further capital on its own and expects to come out of RBI's Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) framework sometime next year.
• This cash neutral infusion will be through recap bonds i.e. Government infusing capital into the bank and the bank buying the recap bond from the Government the same day, with no impact on liquidity or current year's Budget.
• Following Cabinet's approval in August 2018, LIC acquired 51% stake in IDBI Bank. Government continues to be a promoter and holds 46.46% stake.
• The financial parameters of IDBI Bank have improved considerably during the last one year:

Economic Development
Joint India- NDB Workshop on Enhancing New Development Bank (NDB) Engagement with the Indian Private and Public Sector

Relevance IN - Prelims (about the outcome of the workshop and about NDB) + Mains (GS III economic developments)
What's the NEWS

• A one-day Joint India- NDB workshop on Enhancing NDB's engagement with the India private and public sector was held recently

Know! all about NDB

• The NDB is the first Multilateral Development Bank established by developing countries and emerging economies - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
• The mandate of the Bank is to mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging economies and developing countries, complementing the existing efforts of multilateral and regional financial institutions for global growth and development.
• India is one of the founding members, holding 20% stake in the Bank. The Bank is headquartered in Shanghai.
• As of now, NDB's approved loan proportion to India is 28%, the second highest after China amongst the BRICS countries. States like Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Assam are receiving funding from the Bank.
• NDB is now keen on expanding its operation in other states and union territories in India. The Bank is also looking forward to expand its lending to private sector in India.
• The workshop was co-organized by NDB and the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) Ministry of Finance, Government of India.

NDB and India (How NDB will help in infrastructure financing)

• India will require an investment of about USD 1.30 trillion in the infrastructure sector over the next five years, which will require innovative sources of funding, and that NDB can contribute towards meeting this funding requirement.
• NDB aims to provide local currency financing options in its member countries and expressed hope that NDB will be able to provide rupee financing in India soon.

Health and Family Welfare
India announces contribution of 22 mn USD to GFTAM for 6th replenishment cycle

Relevance IN - Prelims (about Global Fund for AIDS, TB and Malaria (GFTAM) + Mains (GS II Issues relating to development and management of social sector/services relation to health
What's the NEWS

• India has announced a contribution of 22 million US Dollars to the Global Fund for AIDS, TB and Malaria (GFTAM) for the 6^th replenishment cycle (2020-22), an increase of 10% over the amount contributed by us in the 5^th cycle.

Know! more about Global Fund for AIDS, TB and Malaria (GFTAM)

• India stands firm to its long-standing partnership with the Global Fund and its commitment to eliminate AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
• India's pledge for the Global Fund strongly demonstrates its strong political leadership to achieve the universal health for all and its equally strong commitment to work across borders to join hands in fighting the epidemics of these three diseases.
• India was the first implementing country to host a replenishment milestone of the Global Fund and now has become first among G20, BRICS and implementer countries to announce the pledge for the 6^th Replenishment Conference, setting precedent for other donors to contribute generously for the cause.
• India shares a sustained partnership with the Global Fund since 2002 both as recipient and as a donor. Global Fund support with investment of US $ 2.0 billion so far has made significant contribution in attaining targets related to HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria reduction and escalating our fight against these three diseases.
• In the current funding cycle (2018-21), the Global Fund has allocated US$ 500 million to India. As a donor, India has contributed US$ 46.5 million so far till 2019 including US$ 20 million for the 5th Replenishment.

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