AUKUS

• Vaid's ICS, Lucknow
• 07, Dec 2021

Why in News?

Recently a new Trilateral Security Partnership grouping has been formed between the US, UK and Australia (AUKUS) for the Indo-Pacific.

The aim of the grouping is to advance the strategic interests, uphold the international order and promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

What will be the central feature of this AUKUS group?

Submarines: The group will help Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines in an 18-month effort. These Nuclear powered submarines are more capable and can be deployed for longer periods. But, the submarine will not carry nuclear missiles. This would also ensure that there is no nuclear proliferation.

Cooperation: It also envisages an engagement across other emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Technology etc.

Significance of AUKUS Grouping

The grouping will help to sustain peace and stability across the entire Indo-Pacific region.

The Indo-Pacific is fast emerging as the theatre of geopolitical rivalry, with China staking claim over the whole of the South China Sea.

AUKUS is significant as the USA sharing the technology for nuclear submarines. This has happened only once in 70 years when it shared the technology with UK.

Facts for Prelims :

Baijayant Panda Committee:

It is a committee constituted by Ministry of Defence constituted a High Level Expert Committee for a comprehensive review of National Cadet Corps (NCC).

Objectives of the Committee:

• Committee is to suggest measures to empower NCC cadets to contribute more effectively towards nation building.
• To propose ways for gainful engagement of NCC Alumni for betterment of the organization.
• To recommend best practices of similar international youth organizations for inclusion in NCC curriculum.