Latest Public Information Bulletin Summaries (June 18, 2025)
The 8th edition of the Indo-French joint military exercise, Exercise SHAKTI, is underway in France, marking a significant step in deepening strategic relations between the two nations. This biennial ground forces exercise, focused primarily on counter-terrorism and sub-conventional warfare in semi-urban terrain, is designed to enhance interoperability, operational coordination, and military-to-military connect [1][4].
The 2025 edition of Exercise SHAKTI, spanning two weeks, involves intensive training in operational preparedness under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, simulating realistic combat environments during both day and night [1][4]. The main objectives of the exercise are to boost joint operational preparedness against tough combat conditions, facilitate an exchange of best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), enhance tactical, technical, and procedural synergy between Indian and French forces, and strengthen the strategic defence partnership [1].
Over 90 Indian personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles and other arms are participating in the exercise, working alongside over 500 French military personnel, including units from the French Army, Foreign Legion, Air and Space Force, and Navy. The drills include live firing, combined unit maneuvers, and open-field tactical exercises [4].
Beyond its operational impact, Exercise SHAKTI serves as a practical and symbolic pillar underpinning the robust Indo-French defence partnership, alongside other exercises like Garuda (Air Force) and Varuna (Naval) [1]. It demonstrates both nations’ shared commitment to global peace, security, and regional stability [1]. Furthermore, it provides a foundation for deeper defence collaborations, including joint production, arms exports, and broader geopolitical cooperation [5].
The exercise reinforces trust and mutual strategic interests, helping India and France navigate the evolving security landscape in Eurasia and beyond [5]. This edition of Exercise SHAKTI focuses on joint operations in a sub-conventional environment under Chapter VII of the UN Charter [1].
Meanwhile, in the realm of medical research, a novel one-step synthesis method for PEGylated semi-shells (SS) has been developed. This method, using ZIF-8 as a sacrificial template and ascorbic acid as a mild reducing agent, allows for the efficient production of PEGylated nano-cups, which are effective in destroying cancer cells [2]. The development of this method could enable targeted cancer treatment via photothermal therapy without damaging healthy tissues [3].
In other news, the Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal at Maruti Suzuki's Manesar plant is now connected to Patli railway station via a 10 km dedicated rail link, forming part of the 121.7 km Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor [6]. The terminal, which has one of the highest automobile loading capacities in India, capable of handling 4.5 lakh automobiles per annum, is a testament to the massive infrastructure investment in Indian Railways [7].
Over the past year, Indian Railways has added more than 1,200 General Coaches under a focused campaign to improve basic passenger amenities [8]. The current annual budget of Indian Railways has increased from ₹24,000-25,000 crore before 2014 to ₹2.5 lakh crore, reflecting this significant investment [7].
References:
- The Hindu
- Nature Communications
- Science Daily
- NDTV
- Indian Defence Review
- Financial Express
- The Indian Express
- The Hindu
- The collaboration in Exercise SHAKTI, while enhancing military tactics and strategic partnership between India and France, also provides a platform for broader geopolitical cooperation and joint production initiatives, particularly in the realm of cybersecurity and technology.
- Simultaneously, advancements in science, such as the development of a novel one-step synthesis method for PEGylated semi-shells, promise significant breakthroughs in the field of medicine, including targeted cancer treatment via photothermal therapy and protecting healthy tissues.
- The growing investments in Indian infrastructure, as seen in the construction of the Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal and the addition of General Coaches, are not only improving the country's economy but also safeguarding the environment by reducing carbon emissions from traditional means of transport, especially in crowded urban areas.
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