Commentaries & Articles
Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX): Where do We Stand?
Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and the Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC) platforms
The iDEX platform was launched in April 2018 under the DIO (Defence Innovation Organisation) and the aim was for “creation of an ecosystem to foster innovation and technology development in Defence and Aerospace by engaging industries including MSMEs, Start-ups, Individual Innovators
Post-election turmoil within Nepalese politics
Nepal politics never has a dull moment. From elections to government formation to maintaining the government, each aspect of Nepal politics is nothing short of a thriller. In 2022, Nepal held its second local, provincial and federal elections since the 2015 implementation of its Constitution. The results were an incredible amalgamation of the unlikeliest of alliances and fierce power struggle within the Parliament.
Pervez Musharraf : The 1999 coup
With the death of Gen Pervez Musharraf in Dubai on 05 February 2023 an era has ended in Pakistan. While his complex legacy will be debated and discussed over the next few months and even years, it is useful to look back on the manner in which he ousted the elected Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in a coup in October 1999. This is especially so in view of the recent developments in Pakistan. Musharraf, of course, called his actions as the ‘counter-coup’ and termed Nawaz Sharif’s attempt to dismiss him as the ‘coup’.
Xi Jinping Preparing to Initiate another ‘Party Rectification’
Since Chinese President Xi Jinping withdrew the stringent zero-Covid restrictions overnight and eased the campaign against China’s tech platforms, there has been considerable speculation in the international media to suggest that Xi Jinping had been weakened by the popular protests. A few observers suggested that some members of the Politburo or its Standing Committee had together urged Xi Jinping to amend the policies. There are, however, no indications that point to a weakening of Xi Jinping’s power or authority.
India Launches World’s First Intranasal Anti-Covid Vaccine
On 26th January 27, 2023, Bharat Biotech launched the world’s first intranasal vaccine against Covid 19 in New Delhi. The vaccine uses a modified chimpanzee adenovirus to carry the Covid spike protein and cannot replicate in the body. It was developed with the support of the Department of Biotechnology and through a partnership between Bharat Biotech and Washington University- St Louis.
Imperatives for Reconsideration of the Armed Forces Doctrines
Modern warfare dictates different Services and indeed different components of national power to be brought together intelligently to achieve unity of command and unity of effort. Modern warfare is also extremely complex, and no two wars can be stated as being similar.
Balloon Surveillance and the Near Space Region
With the US shooting down a fourth unidentified object over US airspace on 11 Feb 2023, it has been an unprecedented week or so for NORAD and the homeland defence. Among the four objects that have been brought down is the well publicised Chinese balloon that was shot down by an F-22 using a single AIM-9X missile from an altitude of about 18,000 meters (58,000 feet) on 04 Feb 2023. The other three that have been brought down have not been “identified” with reports ranging from octagonal shape to unknown origin. This has led to some bizarre speculation as to their nature and origin.
VIF News Digests
Neighbourhood News
March 31, 2023
Neighborhood News Digest – 31 March 2023

Afghanistan UN Says Attacks On Afghans 'unacceptable' After Deadly Explosion Rocks Kabul – Republic World The United...

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China Weekly Digest
March 15, 2023
China Weekly Digest 1 March -15 March 2023

India-China Border: tactics, talks and Transgressions: Takshashila Institution Newsletter, March 11 2023 People’s Republic...

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Global Developments And Analysis: Weekly Monitor
March 31, 2023
Global Developments and Analysis: Weekly Monitor, 20 March - 26 March, 2023

Economic World Bank predicts ‘lost decade’ Average potential global economic growth could slump to a three-decade low of 2.2...

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Africa Now
March 27, 2023
Africa Now - Weekly Newsletter (Week 13, 2023)

Welcome to Africa Now, your weekly newsletter for Africa, presenting the most important developments in the continent - news...

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Defense, National Security and Terrorism, VIF Alerts
March 1, 2023
VIF News Digest: National Security - Defence Studies & Terrorism, 16-28 February 2023

DEFENCE 4th edition of joint military exercisebetween India and Japan. Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) Ships...

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Science and Technology
March 20, 2023
Science and Technology (S&T) Digest, 16-28 February 2023, Issue 8

In this Issue I. Defence and Security Missile Cum Ammunition (MCA) Barge, Yard 75 (LSAM 7) Launched Keel Laying of Second...

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Multilateralism Digest
March 15, 2023
Multilateralism Digest : February 2023 - Issue 2

Contents INDIA IN THE UN INDIA’S G20 PRESIDENCY MULTILATERAL INSTITUTIONS PLURILATERAL DEVELOPMENTS PEACE AND SECURITY...

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VIF Cyber Review
March 27, 2023
VIF Cyber Review: February 2023

NATIONAL “Firms should invest over 10 per cent of IT assets in cyber security”: NCSC Lt Gen Pant. During his address at...

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Myanmar Round Up
March 17, 2023
Myanmar Round-Up: February 2023

01 February marked the completion of two years of military rule in Myanmar. Though as per the 2008 Constitution, the state...

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West Asia Round Up
March 20, 2023
West Asia Round Up -February 2023

Abstract: Closely on the heels of President Xi Jinping’s visit to Riyadh for three landmark Summits in December 22,...

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China URL Archive
Global Development and Analysis - Url Archive
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The Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) is a New Delhi-based think tank set up with the collaborative efforts of India's leading security experts, diplomats and philanthropists under the aegis of the Vivekananda Kendra. The VIF’s objective is to become a centre of excellence to kick start innovative ideas and thoughts that can lead to a stronger, secure and prosperous India playing its destined role in global affairs.

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