Tag: Indian army

Operation Meghdoot: Indian Army marks 40 years of presence in Siachen Glacier | Watch

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The Indian Army on Saturday, April 13, marked 40 years since its presence on the strategically significant Siachen Glacier. Under ‘Operation Meghdoot’, the Army gained full control over the region on April 13, 1984.

To mark the occasion, the Army has released a video showcasing “four decades of valour at the highest battlefield on Earth”.

#SiachenDay

‘Four Decades of Valour at the Highest Battlefield on Earth’#OperationMeghdoot#IndianArmy pic.twitter.com/nnHBoIWSZt

— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) April 13, 2024

For the last four decades, there have been a host of measures that have enhanced the country’s combat prowess in Siachen. These include the induction of heavy-lift helicopters and logistic drones, the laying of an extensive network of tracks and the deployment of all-terrain vehicles.

They noted that there have been extensive improvements in the operational capabilities of the armed forces due to the enhancement of infrastructure in the region.

Located at the height of around 20,000 ft in the Karakoram mountain range, the Siachen Glacier is known as the highest militarised zone around the world where the Indian Army soldiers have to battle frostbite and high winds.

The unique military operation was the first assault launched on the world’s highest battlefield and resulted in Indian troops gaining control of the Siachen Glacier. It is considered a feat unparalleled in the history of high-altitude warfare, wherein soldiers of the Indian Army and Air Force operate under most adverse weather conditions with sub-zero temperatures.

‘Operation Meghdoot’ was launched under the leadership of Lieutenant General Manohar Lal Chibber, Lieutenant General PN Hoon and Major General Shiv Sharma. The primary objective behind this operation was to pre-empt the seizure of Sia La and Bilafond La passes by the Pakistan Army.

An official on Saturday informed that the Army’s control over the region is not just a story of “unparalleled valour and determination,” but also highlights the journey of “technological advancements and logistical improvements that transformed it from one of the most formidable terrains into a symbol of indomitable spirit and innovation”.

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Bombay High Court pulls up Maharashtra Govt for not granting allowance to martyrs’ widow

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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On May 2, 2020, 30-year-old Major Anuj Sood sacrificed his life while rescuing civilian hostages in Kashmir in an anti-militancy operation. He was awarded the Shaurya Chakra, which was received by his wife, Aakriti Sood. The two got married a few months before Major Sood was martyred. Now, it’s been three years since martyr Major Anuj Sood’s widow has been fighting to get her allowance from the Maharashtra government.

Aakriti started writing letters to the Maharashtra CM and the Prime Minister in 2021. The government in the state changed, but nothing changed for Martyr Major Sood’s family.

Last month, Aakriti finally approached the court. In the beginning, when the Bombay High Court sought a reply from the state government, the government said that Major Sood didn’t have a domicile certificate so the government couldn’t do anything.

Aakriti Sood’s lawyer Adv Sneha Bhange told CNBC-TV 18 that, “The petitioner (Aakriti Sood) started writing letters to the Maharashtra govt officials, the CM, the sainik welfare board and the PM in 2021. She and Maj Sood’s family is eligible for benefits under two GRs (Government Resolutions) of 2000 and 2019. Her request was rejected citing the lack of a domicile certificate. She provided all the evidence proving that the only house the family has is in Pune and they are Maharashtra residents. But it didn’t help so we filed a writ petition in March 2024.”

In the previous hearings, the court ordered the state government to consider this as a special case. The state government told the court that it can’t do anything now because of the Lok Sabha elections as the model code of conduct has kicked in. The court said that this should be treated like a special case and since it’s a court order, the code of conduct won’t come in the state government’s way.

But in the next hearing, the state govt repeated its earlier reply. The court pulled up the state government for not considering this a special case. The court said in its order that it is conscious of the fact that the state government certainly can take lightning decisions on several issues and as compared to such decisions, the present issue is small but needy.

On Friday, the state government counsel once again mentioned that Martyr Major Anuj Sood didn’t have a domicile certificate. To provide benefits to his family under these circumstances will need a policy change. The state govt’s counsel said that this decision will require policy changes and the government needs a cabinet nod for the same, and that can’t happen because of the code of conduct.

Post this, the Bombay High Court once again pulled up the state government. The court said that it’s very unhappy and surprised at the state government’s stand. “It’s surprising to see that the Maharashtra government wants a cabinet nod to grant compensation to the widow of Major Anuj Sood who sacrificed his life for the nation,” the court said, and directed the state government that if the CM is unable to decide, he has to place it in an affidavit, and the court will deal with it.

The next hearing will take place on April 17.

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Indian Army gets Igla-S air defence system from Russia; Here’s all you need to know

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The Indian Army has received its first batch of 24 Russia-made Igla-S Man Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS), accompanied by 100 missiles that will enhance its Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) capabilities.

This is part of a larger deal that includes domestic production in India, ThePrint reported.

The current order is a larger one compared with the one made in 2021 – 24 launchers and 216 missiles – as part of an emergency procurement, sources in the defence establishment told the news outlet.

In November last year, India signed a contract with Russia for 120 launchers and 400 missiles. While the first batch from Russia has been received by the Army, the rest of these systems will be made in the country through Transfer of Technology (ToT) from Russia by an Indian company, the report said.

Igla-S: Capabilities

A hand-held defence Igla-S system that can be operated by a crew or an individual, Igla-S has been designed specifically to bring down low-flying aircraft and even can identify and neutralise air targets like drones and cruise missiles.

According to reports, this system comprises a 9M342 missile, a 9V866-2 mobile test station, a 9P522 launching mechanism and a 9F719-2 test set, which all work towards providing a comprehensive air defence solution.

These systems are intended for the new air defence formations for high mountainous terrain along the northern border of the country. One regiment has already received these systems, while more will follow as the deal progresses, sources said.

The Request for Proposal (RFP) for VSHORADs was issued in 2010 when the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) was in power at the Centre, after which the selection process started.

In 2018, Russia’s Rosoboronexport-manufactured Igla-S won a competitive bid as the lowest bidder against MBDA-manufactured infrared homing short-range air defence system Mistral of France and Sweden’s SAAB-manufactured RBS 70 NG.

The acquisition of the Igla-S systems addresses the Army’s need to replace the outdated Igla-1M systems. The crucial move was highlighted in a letter in 2012 from then Army Chief General VK Singh to former Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, citing the obsolescence of then-air defence systems.

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Meet the Indian Army’s elite unit that will work on 6G, AI, other future tech

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The Indian Army has raised an elite unit, named Signals Technology Evaluation and Adaptation Group (STEAG), which will undertake research and evaluation of futuristic communication technologies for military purposes.

STEAG will conduct research and evaluation of technologies like 6G, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and quantum computing, PTI reported.

According to officials, the elite technology unit has been mandated to nurture technologies spanning the complete spectrum of wired and wireless systems. The setting up of this unit is part of the Indian Army’s efforts to develop technologies keeping in mind the future battlefield.

“It will be a premier organisation, the first of its kind equipped with the capability to harness niche technology, leverage cutting-edge solutions and identify suitable cases for defence applications by fostering collaboration with academia and industry,” the news agency quoted an official as saying.

The official noted that the group has been tasked with keeping a focus on all forthcoming technology domains like software-defined radios, electronic exchanges, mobile communications, electronic warfare systems, 5G and 6G networks, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and machine learning among others.

What will STEAG do?

As per the Army officials, the hi-tech unit will be carrying out technical scouting, development, evaluation, and management of core ICT solutions, besides providing user interface support by maintenance and upgradation of contemporary technologies available in the environment.

Keeping in mind the changing nature of warfare, Indian Army Chief General Manoj Pande has time and again been highlighting the need for acquiring new technologies by the security forces.

“Aligning itself with the tenets of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Start-Up India, the STEAG will help bridge the divide between the armed forces and the industry and academia,” the official said.

The new Centre of Excellence has been projected to be a game changer in promoting self-reliance in high-end communication technologies, which have so far been monopolised by select countries with developed economies and research ecosystems.

The Army believes communications will be an important component during military operations. “In the fast-evolving technologies for the battlefield, the side with better communication technologies and the ability to connect the various constituents for information sharing will have an edge over its adversary,” another Army official said.

The new unit will ensure that units and formations have uninterrupted communication support during operations, modern warfare necessitates the induction of new equipment. STEAG will bolster the Army’s capabilities in the digital domain.

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Supreme Court seeks Army, IAF reply in contempt plea over non-payment of ₹1.6 crore compensation

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The Supreme Court on Monday sought a reply from the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army in a contempt plea filed by a veteran over non-payment of ₹1.6 crore compensation for medical negligence. The petitioner had contracted HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) during a blood transfusion at a military hospital.

The notice was issued by a Bench of Justices BR Gavai and Sandeep Mehta, seeking a reply in four weeks, Bar and Bench reported.

While hearing the matter in September last year, the apex court directed the Air Force to pay around ₹1.6 crore in compensation to the affected officer.

In September 2023, a bench of the apex court had slammed the Air Force and Army over their conduct and held them vicariously liable, both jointly and severally, the report added.

The veteran officer had moved the SC against a verdict of the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), which dismissed his petition seeking ₹95.31 crore in compensation for medical negligence.

On Monday, the Supreme Court heard the plea by the petitioner seeking contempt proceedings against the Air Force and Army for failing to implement the September 2023 order of the apex court.

In the plea, the veteran alleged that he has not received the amount, including litigation expenses, so far.

While appearing for the Air Force and the Army, Additional Solicitor General Vikramjit Banerjee argued that a review petition had been filed against the September 2023 order of the court. He requested that the case should be deferred till the outcome of the review petition.

However, the division bench of the Supreme Court declined the request.

While hearing the matter, Justice Gavai said, “No, no. Union is always at liberty to move the court for expeditious disposal of review application before the returnable date”.

According to the Bar and Bench report, the matter took place during Operation Parakram in 2002, when the officer fell sick and was admitted to 171 Military Hospital in Jammu and Kashmir’s Samba. At the hospital, one unit of blood was given to him.

Later, the officer got to know in 2014 that he had been diagnosed with HIV infection. He then sought information regarding the Personal Occurrence Report (POR) related to his hospitalisation in 2002. Medical boards were convened and it was revealed that his condition was linked to the blood transfusion.

The officer was then denied an extension and was discharged from service in May 2016, while his application for a disability certificate was also denied.

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Meet Preeti Rajak, Indian Army’s first woman Subedar

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Havildar Preeti Rajak, who is a champion trap shooter, has become the first woman to hold the rank of Subedar in the Indian Army after she was promoted on Saturday January 27.

“In a proud moment for the Indian Army as well as women of the country, today Havildar Preeti Rajak, trap shooter, was promoted to the rank of Subedar,” the Army said.

“Subedar Preeti Rajak is now the first woman Subedar of the Indian Army. Her achievement is an extraordinary display of Nari Shakti,” it said.

Subedar Preeti Rajak joined the Army in the Corps of Military Police on December 22, 2022. She was the first meritorious sportswomen in the shooting discipline enrolled in the Army as a Havildar.

During the 19th Asian Games, held at Hangzhou in China, Rajak won a silver medal in the trap women team event. Based on her extraordinary performance, she was awarded the first out of turn promotion to Subedar, the Army said in a statement.

Subedar Rajak is currently ranked sixth in India (trap women event) and is training at the Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU) in preparation for the Paris Olympic Games 2024.

“Her great achievement will motivate generations of young women to come forward to join the Indian Army as well as carve a niche for themselves in professional shooting,” the Army said.

Today, Padma Shri and Arjuna awardee Subedar Major and Honorary Lieutenant Jitu Rai was promoted to the rank of Subedar Major and Honorary Captain for his meritorious service, the Army added.

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

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Army Day 2024: A look at this year’s theme and celebrations

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Army Day is celebrated on January 15. On this day, people honour and pay tribute to the brave soldiers of the Indian Army. We salute and express our gratitude to the valiant soldiers, who dedicate their lives to protect our great nation.

Army Day 2024: Theme

The theme for the 2024 Indian Army Parade is “In Service of the Nation” which resonates deeply with the core values and commitment of the Indian Army.

This year’s celebration of the 76th Army Day is set to take place in Lucknow, UP, as reported by news agency ANI.

History

Army Day is celebrated on January 15 to commemorate the day in 1949 when General K M Cariappa took over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from General Sir Francis Butcher, the last British Commander-in-Chief.

Significance

The Indian Army Day is a celebration of General KM Cariappa becoming the first Indian Commander in Chief of the Indian Army. On this day, the Indian Army performs military parades and performances in the national capital as well as other Army headquarters spread across the country. The main parade occurs at the Cariappa Parade ground in Delhi cantonment.

Indian Army Day Quotes

1. “Some goals are so worthy, it’s glorious even to fail.” – Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey
   2. “There will be no withdrawal without written orders and these orders shall never be issued.” – Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw
   3. “We fight to win and win with a knockout because there are no runners-up in war” -General JJ Singh
   4. “I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to our last man and our last round.” – Major Somnath Sharma
   5. “If a man says he is not afraid of dying, he is either lying or is a Gurkha.” – Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

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Maldivian President sets March 15 as deadline for Indian troop withdrawal

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu has asked India to withdraw its military personnel from his country by March 15, a senior official here said on Sunday, nearly two months after Male sought their removal. According to the latest government figures, there are 88 Indian military personnel in the Maldives.

In a press briefing, Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, the public policy secretary at the President’s Office, said that President Muizzu has formally asked India to withdraw its military personnel by March 15, the SunOnline newspaper reported. Indian military personnel cannot stay in the Maldives. This is the policy of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and that of this administration, he said.

Maldives and India have set up a high-level core group to negotiate the withdrawal of troops. The group held its first meeting at the Foreign Ministry Headquarters in Male’ on Sunday morning. The meeting was also attended by Indian High Commissioner Munu Mahawar, the report said. Nazim confirmed the meeting and said the agenda for the meeting was the request to withdraw troops by March 15.

The Indian government did not immediately confirm the media report or comment on it. Soon after taking oath as the President of Maldives on November 17 last year, Muizzu, who is regarded as a pro-China leader, formally requested India to withdraw its military personnel from his country, saying the Maldivian people have given him a ”strong mandate” to make this request to New Delhi.

The request for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel comes amid a row between the two nations in the backdrop of derogatory comments posted by three deputy ministers of the Muizzu government against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Muizzu suspended the three ministers after their social media postings, which stirred concern in India and calls for a boycott by Indian tourists who ranked highest in numbers followed by Russia. Chinese tourists figured third.

During his just-concluded state visit to China, Muizzu sought to align Maldives closer to Beijing. Speaking to the press on Saturday after returning from China, President Muizzu indirectly attacked India. Without naming any country, he said, ”We may be small, but that doesn’t give you the license to bully us.

He also announced plans to reduce the country’s dependency on India, including securing imports of essential food commodities and medicine and consumables from other countries. We aren’t in anyone’s backyard. We are an independent and sovereign state, he said, addressing the reporters gathered at the Velana International Airport.

He said that no country has the right to exert influence over the domestic affairs of a country, regardless of its size. He vowed that he would not allow any external influence on the domestic affairs of the Maldives. Male is also reviewing more than 100 bilateral agreements with New Delhi signed by the previous government here.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Saab is hoping Indian Army places an order for Carl-Gustaf M4 rifles

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Getting approval for 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in defence manufacturing makes Swedish defence company Saab more committed to the ‘Make in India’ vision.

Mats Palmberg, the Chairman and MD of Saab India, spoke to CNBC TV18 about this and said, “Carl-Gustaf is a well-established weapon for the Indian army for many years. We are reasonably confident of the need of the Indian army for replacing the existing inventory of Carl-Gustaf rifles with the latest M4 Version”.

The Indian Army has been using the Carl-Gustaf rocket system since 1970. Now, Saab is offering to make the latest M4 version in India.

Palmberg confirmed that Saab hasn’t received an order from the Indian army yet. However, they have found a location for manufacturing. The whole process, from applying for FDI to getting approval, took about six months.

Also Read: FinMin considering requests by Steel Ministry, industry to stop dumping of steel which can be made locally

Saab plans to create an Indian subsidiary to manufacture the Carl-Gustaf weapon systems. While their main focus is the Indian Army, they also plan to export the weapon system.

Palmberg said, “There are opportunties elsewhere in the world as well. But having an order from the Indian army to launch production would be extremely important for our domestic manufacturing. For exports we will have to take permission from both Indian and Swedish governments”.

He also mentioned that making Carl-Gustaf rifles in India would create more opportunities to deepen supply chains. He pointed out that foreign-owned companies are currently not allowed to participate in certain defence contracts. He urged the government to give equal opportunities to companies like Saab that are well-established in India.

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Women soldiers, sailors and air warriors will get similar maternity, adoption benefits as officer counterparts

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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India’s defence ministry announced on November 5, Sunday, that the provision for maternity, child care and child adoption leaves for women soldiers, sailors and air warriors had been made at par with women officers in the defence forces. With this, the grant of such leaves to all women in the military, will be equally applicable, irrespective of their ranks.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved a proposal for extension of the rules for maternity, child care and child adoption leaves for women soldiers, sailors and air warriors in the Armed Forces at par with their officer counterparts.

As per the government as of March 2023, the total number of women serving in Indian Army, category-wise is as under:

Apart from this, women are serving in officer’s cadre in the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the strength of such women officers, as on March 1, 2023, in the IAF (excluding medical and dental branches) was 1,636. The strength of women officers in the Indian Navy, as on March 9, 2023, was 748 including medical and dental officers.

According to some reports, the current maternity rules in defence is as under:

– 180 days leave on full pay for each child subject to maximum of two children.

– In exceptional cases, a further extension of one month may be granted by Naval Headquarters (Chief of Personnel), without pay in addition to annual leave and furlough entitlements.

– 30 days leave on full pay and allowances in case of miscarriage/abortion (including medical termination of pregnancy under MTP Act), subject to the following restrictions:-

(i) Leave shall not be permissible more than twice in the course of service of an officer.

(ii) An interval of not less than 24 months between two successive spells of maternity leave should exist.

The government release said on Sunday that the extension of leave rules will go a long way in dealing with women-specific family and social issues relevant to the Armed Forces. “This measure is going to improve the work conditions of women in the military and aid them to balance the spheres of professional and family life in a better manner,” it said.

From being deployed in Siachen, the highest battlefield in the world, to being posted on warships as well as dominating the skies, Indian women are breaking barriers in almost every field in the Armed Forces. In 2019, a significant milestone was achieved through recruitment of women in the Indian Army as soldiers in the Corps of Military Police.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow