CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -PTI . The USD 858 billion defence bill passed by the US Senate seeks to strengthen defence ties with India, including supporting efforts to reduce India’s reliance on Russian-built military equipment and funds billions of dollars to take measures to address the challenges posed to America’s national security by China.

Detailed explanation-2: -Though India is not a part of any major military alliance, it has close strategic and military relationship with most of the fellow major powers. Countries considered India’s closest include the United Arab Emirates, Russian Federation, Israel, Afghanistan, France, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and the United States.

Detailed explanation-3: -Currently, India has defence cooperation agreements with over 53 countries. In light of evolving power dynamics and new challenges, India must consider utilising its defence forces and related scientific, technical, business and academic communities to protect its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

Detailed explanation-4: -HINDUSTAN AERONAUTICS LIMITED (HAL): Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a Navratna Company, is the largest DPSU under the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, India.