Jammu & Kashmir Administrative Services (JKPSC)

• 09 Sep 2024

Jammu and Kashmir Film Policy, 2024

Why in News?

Recently, the Jammu and Kashmir administration unveiled the Jammu and Kashmir Film Policy, 2024 to incentivize film shooting in the region

Key Points

• The Jammu and Kashmir Film Policy, 2024 was unveiled on 1^st August by J&K Lieutenant Governor in Srinagar.
  • The policy aims to boost both domestic and international film production in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
  • The policy includes plans for high-impact infrastructure and financial incentives to enhance the attractiveness of filming in J&K.
• Access to Locations: The policy opens up scenic locations, including previously restricted areas closer to the Line of Control (LoC) like Gurez, Machil, and Tangdhar, for film shooting.
  • Traditional tourist hotspots such as Gulmarg and Pahalgam remain accessible for filmmakers.
• Administrative Mechanism:
  • The Kashmir Film Development Council (JKFDC) has been established as an online single-window mechanism for facilitating film production.
  • A ‘location permission committee’ and a ‘script screening committee’ will review applications. Final approvals are expected within two to four weeks.
• Historical Context:
  • Kashmir was a popular filming location until the 1950s, with significant movies like “Jungle” (1961) and “Jab Jab Phool Khile” (1965) showcasing its beauty.
  • The region's filming opportunities were restricted due to security concerns until recent peace agreements.

India Boosts Military Diplomacy with Tri-Service Drills

Why in News?

Recently, India has ramped up its military diplomacy through a series of high-profile joint exercises, engaging with nations across the globe in back-to-back drills involving all three services.

Key Points

• Yudh Abhyas (India-U.S. Army Exercise) set to begin on 9^th September, 2024, in Rajasthan with one of the largest U.S. contingents, including 600 personnel. India is evaluating Stryker vehicles and Javelin ATGMs(Anti-Tank Guided Missiles) for potential procurement.
• Tarang Shakti (Indian Air Force Multilateral Exercise), Phase-II is underway in Jodhpur from 1st September to 14th September, 2024, with 8 participating nations and 17 others observing. The U.S. A-10 Thunderbolt II is flying in Indian airspace for the first time.
• Malabar Naval Exercise Scheduled for October 2024 off Visakhapatnam, featuring India, Australia, Japan, and the U.S. as key participants, enhancing naval cooperation.
• Mitra Shakti exercise with Sri Lanka occurred from 12^th - 25^th August, 2024. India also participated in the Khaan Quest peacekeeping exercise in Mongolia (27^th July - 9^th August, 2024) with 23 nations.
• Russian ships visited Kochi in August 2024, while INS Shivalik took part in RIMPAC (Rim of the Pacific Exercise) from 27th June - 1st August, 2024. INS Tabar participated in Exercise Varuna with France in September 2024.
• For the first time, India deployed the P-8I maritime patrol aircraft in Europe for Exercise Varuna, enhancing operational presence.
• India participated in Exercise Pitch Black in Australia (12^th July - 2^nd August, 2024) and Exercise Red Flag hosted by the U.S. in June 2024, strengthening air force cooperation.

Joint Exercises with India:

Country	Exercise
Australia	Austra Hindbah
Bangladesh	Sampriti
China	Hand in Hand
France	Shakti
Indonesia	Garuda Shakti
Kazakhstan	Prabal Dostykk
Kyrgyzstan	Khanjar
Maldives	Ekuverin
Mongolia	Nomadic Elephant
Myanmar	Imbex
Nepal	Surya Kiran
Oman	Al Nagah
Russia	Indra
Seychelles	Lamitiye
Sri Lanka	Mitra Shakti
Thailand	Maitree
UK	Ajeya Warrior
USA	Yudhabhayas
USA	Vajra Prahar

Multilateral Exercises:

Exercise	Countries
Malabar	India, USA, Japan, Australia
Varuna	India, France
La Perouse	India, Australia, United States, France, Japan, and United Kingdom
Sea Dragon	India, USA, Japan, Canada, South Korea
Konkan	India, UK
Aime & Imdex	India, Asean Countries
Bright Star	India, 34 Countries
Salvex	India, USA
Slinex	India, Sri Lanka
Samudra Shakti	India, Indonesia
Al-Mohed Al-Hindi	India, Saudi Arabia
India - France - UAE Trilateral Exercise	India, France, UAE
India - France - UAE Trilateral Passex	India, France, UAE
Komodo	India, Multiple (36 Countries)
Ausindex	India, Australia
Simbex	India, Singapore