Tag: Indian army

Nine soldiers killed as Army vehicle plunges into gorge in Ladakh

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

Listen to the Article (6 Minutes)

Nine soldiers were killed and another was critically injured when their vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into a deep gorge in Leh district of Ladakh on Saturday, officials said.

The accident occurred near Kiari in southern Ladakh’s Nyoma, the officials said.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Leh P D Nitya said the Army vehicle, with 10 personnel on board, was on its way to Nyoma from Leh when its driver lost control and it plunged into a gorge at 4.45pm on Friday, August 19.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh condoled the death of the personnel.

“Saddened by the loss of Indian Army personnel due to an accident near Leh in Ladakh. We will never forget their exemplary service to our nation,” the defence minister said on ‘X’, formerly Twitter.

“My thoughts are with the bereaved families. The injured personnel have been rushed to the Field Hospital. Praying for their speedy recovery,” Singh said, without mentioning the number of soldiers killed and injured in the accident.

SSP Nitya said a police team rushed to the accident site and all the injured soldiers were shifted to an Army medical facility where eight personnel were declared dead. Another jawan died subsequently, she said.

The officer said one more jawan was undergoing treatment and his condition was stated to be “critical”.

Condoling the death of the soldiers, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, “Deeply saddened by the tragic road accident in Ladakh in which we lost our valiant soldiers, as their vehicle fell into a gorge.” “The entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. My sincerest condolences to them. May the injured recover at the earliest,” he posted on ‘X’.

Also Read: Industrialist Ratan Tata conferred with Udyog Ratna award in Maharashtra | WATCH

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

3 Mins Read

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

Boeing commences Apache helicopter production for Indian Army with indigenous fuselage

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

Listen to the Article (6 Minutes)

In a significant boost for the Indian Army, American aerospace OEM Boeing has begun the production of the AH64 Apache helicopter e-model at its Mesa facility in Arizona. This development not only supports the “Make in India” initiative but also highlights the earlier manufacture of the Apache helicopter’s fuselage at the Tata Boeing Aerospace facility in Hyderabad.

The Apache attack helicopter will substantially augment the Indian Army’s capabilities. Equipped with 16 anti-tank AGM-114 Hellfire and Stringer missiles, alongside Hydra-70 unguided missiles, these three distinct missile types possess specialised capabilities for neutralising armoured vehicles, countering mid-air threats and engaging ground targets. The attack helicopter is also armed with a 30-mm chain gun capable of firing 1,200 rounds, maintaining a rate of fire between 600 and 650 rounds per minute.

The AH64 features a modern radar system that enhances its stealth capabilities, rendering it less susceptible to detection, and enabling it to operate at lower altitudes. The helicopter can attain a maximum speed of 280 km/h at higher altitudes, offering an extended combat and ferry range.

“The advanced technology and proven performance of the AH-64 will enhance the Indian Army’s operational readiness and strengthen its defence capabilities,” said Boeing India President Salil Gupte.

Notably, in 2020, Boeing delivered 22 Indian Air Force E-model Apache helicopters. The company remains on track to deliver six Apache twin-turboshaft attack helicopters to the Indian Army by 2024.

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

3 Mins Read

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

Senior women military officers have this message for young girls aspiring to join armed forces

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

Listen to the Article (6 Minutes)

Former Navy Vice Admiral Punita Arora feels that girls or women aspiring aiming to join the armed forces are welcomed with open arms and are provided with comprehensive support throughout their journey. However, she underscores the significance of embracing the responsibilities that come with this esteemed role, highlighting the commitment required to serve the nation with dedication and honor.

“For those who want to join the armed forces, they will take you with an open arm and look after you, but you have to remember your responsibility. Women should try to adapt as per the needs of the organisation because it is very difficult for the organisation to do it,” she said during a discussion hosted by Shereen Bhan at News18 Rising India-She Shakti conclave in New Delhi.

Arora was commissioned into the Indian armed forces way back in 1968, making her among the first ones to be inducted into a permanent commission.

Sharing her experience as a part of both the Indian Army and Navy, she said the armed forces give so much respect and opportunity to women members.

“The armed forces is a wonderful organisation. It gives so much respect to the women. Given that I have to repeat my life, I will still go into the armed forces.”

Squadron leader Sindhu Reddy, who led the Indian contingent on the Bastille Day Parade in Paris this year, said that opportunities are plenty for young women aspirants in the armed forces.

“I’m thankful to my organisation in a way that IAF has opened its door for all streams for women. So that way, if any young woman, any young girl wants to join the forces, I’ll say opportunities are plenty. Don’t think there are no opportunities.”

“Even if it is not there, it will be made, if you have the determination, if you have the grit,” she added.  “If you want it, go for it.”

Sonal Mishra, Inspector General of CRPF, also joined the panel discussion. She is the first woman IPS officer from Chattisgarh to receive the Indian police medal award in 2016.

“Don’t hold yourself back,” she said when asked for her message for aspirants.

She also batted for more women representation across organisations.

“Within the organisation, we must have more women at the right levels to give the right prestige to a woman’s needs. And, as an organisation, maybe at every level, there has to be a little more understanding of the requirements.”

Sophia Qureshi, an Indian Army Colonel, advises aspirants to be “bold, brave and dynamic”. She advises women candidates to create their own legacy and destiny.

Also Read:President Murmu praises women achievers, calls for their contribution in nation-building

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

3 Mins Read

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

Indian Army denies Manipur Police allegations against Assam Rifles as ‘fabricated’

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

Listen to the Article (6 Minutes)

In a strongly worded response after the Manipur Police filed an FIR against Assam Rifles, the Army has said that it is a “fabricated attempt to malign the image of Assam Rifles.”

The FIR was filed on August 5 when police alleged that the Assam Rifles blocked police vehicles on the Kwakta Gothol road in Bishnupur district. As per news agency PTI, the FIR claimed the Assam Rifles stopped its personnel from proceeding when “the state police was proceeding Pholjang Road along Kwakta as follow up action to conduct search operations in an arms act case in search of Kuki militants.”

In a statement titled, “Continue to be fair to all & fear none,” the Army’s Spear Corps posted on X, formerly Twitter, “Some inimical elements have made desperate, repeated, and failed attempts to question the role, intent, and integrity of the central security forces, especially Assam Rifles, working relentlessly towards saving lives and restoration of peace in Manipur from May 3 onwards. It needs to be understood that due to the complex nature of the situation on the ground in Manipur, occasional differences at the tactical level do occur between various security forces.”

Assam Rifles is a central paramilitary force under the Home Ministry but acts under the operational control of the Indian Army.

Meanwhile, the Manipur BJP has submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to replace Assam Rifles with any other paramilitary forces permanently from the state in the interest of the public.

The memorandum said, “Since Day 1 of the violence on May 3, Assam Rifles has failed to maintain neutrality so as to restore peace in the state”.

Last month, a group of 31 MLAs proposed to the Union Home Minister to replace the ninth Assam Rifles, the 22nd Assam Rifles and the 37th Assam Rifles with central security forces.

So far, over 150 people have been killed due to ethnic clashes between Meiteis and Kukis in the state.

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

3 Mins Read

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

Army foils infiltration bid in J-K’s Poonch, one terrorist killed

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

Listen to the Article (6 Minutes)

A terrorist was gunned down in a gunfight as Army troops guarding the Line of Control (LoC) on Monday scuttled an infiltration attempt from across the border in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, officials said.

The alert troops in Degwar sector noticed the movement of some terrorists attempting to sneak into this side under the cover of darkness in the early hours of the day and engaged them in an encounter, the officials said.

They said one terrorist was gunned down but his body was yet to be retrieved from the scene. Jammu-based defence PRO Lt Col Suneel Bartwal said an army ambush party established contact with terrorists in Garhi battalion area around 2 am.

Two individuals were observed moving across LoC in the general area Degwar Terva. In the ensuing firefight, one terrorist was seen dropping while the second moved towards Pintu Nala, the officer said. The whole area was cordoned off and a search operation is underway, officials said, adding further details are awaited.

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

3 Mins Read

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

Indian Army unveils common uniform for officers of Brigadier rank and above, see pics

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

Listen to the Article (6 Minutes)

The Indian Army has put in force a common uniform for the rank of Brigadier and above like Major General, Lieutenant-General and General, irrespective of an officer’s parent cadre and appointment. The step has been implemented to maintain uniformity all across the Indian Army. There will be no change in the uniform worn by Colonels and officers below that rank.

According to news agency ANI, the decision was taken after a discussion with all stakeholders during the recently concluded Army Commanders Conference.

“Indian Army has implemented a common uniform for Brigadier and above rank officers irrespective of the parent cadre and appointment. This will also reinforce the Indian Army’s character to be a fair and equitable organisation,” news agency ANI said in a post. “The decision was taken after detailed deliberations during a recently concluded Army Commanders Conference and extensive consultations with all stakeholders,” it added.

Indian Army has implemented a common uniform for Brigadier and above rank officers irrespective of the parent cadre and appointment. This will also reinforce the Indian Army’s character to be a fair and equitable organisation. The decision was taken after detailed deliberations… pic.twitter.com/9mK1LyFyTg

— ANI (@ANI) August 1, 2023

As per the earlier reports of ANI, the decision was made earlier this year and the date to implement the new uniform was decided as August 1. The new uniform will not give away the regimental or service affiliation of any senior officer. Currently, the uniform of a senior officer in the Indian Army varies according to the person’s regiment and service. All senior officials will wear green berets as part of the new uniform.

The officials mentioned that the decision will reinforce a common identity as well as the Indian Army’s character as a fair and equitable organisation. Flag-rank officers will not wear any lanyards. The shoulder rank badges, shoes, headgear and belts of senior officers will now be standardised. Apart from that, there will be no identifiers. The shoulder flashes such as ‘Arunachal Scouts’, ‘Dogra Scouts’ or ‘Special Forces’ will no longer be in use.

The decision has been taken to promote a common approach amongst the senior leadership beyond the boundaries of their regiments. The move is also being implemented with the vision of integrating the three services. The new uniform aims to reflect the true ethos of the Indian Army and ensure a common identity for all the senior rank officers.

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

3 Mins Read

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

Defence forces to jointly maintain common weapon platforms: Report

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

Listen to the Article (6 Minutes)

Defence officials on Sunday said that the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) is working towards creating a system where the three forces will collaborate for the maintenance of a common weapons system and platforms.

“Working towards creating joint fighting formations under the Theatre Commands, the DMA has already started joint procurement of weapon systems and is now looking at joint maintenance of weapon platforms,” officials were quoted by ANI as saying.

The move is reportedly aimed at saving funds. “Even if we look around today, the light helicopters including the Cheetah/ Chetak fleet are operated by the three services and if they are maintained jointly, they can lead to savings,” officials said.

The report also cites example of the Dornier aircraft which is operated by the Indian Air Force, Navy and the Coast Guard. “If they are maintained jointly, we can even improve serviceability along with savings,” officials said.

According to the report, the relatively new aircraft fleet would also be now maintained jointly. The Apache attack helicopters coming from the US for the Indian Army are likley to be maintained along with the existing fleet of the Indian Air Force.

Officials also said the Indian Navy’s decision to go for the Rafale will help in joint maintenance of the fleet and can help in improving the management of their spares and other equipment. Rafale is the common fighter aircraft – also flying with the Indian Air Force.

The joint acquisition case of buying 31 Predator drones from the US for all the three services caters for a common maintenance, repair and overhaul facility within the country.

The Defence forces have also now started working in combined acquisitions and major programmes like the major ones to buy light helicopters, Indian Multirole Helicopters, Medium Altitude Long Endurance drones would all have common maintenance facilities.

The weapon systems acquired by the defence forces are maintained using their revenue funds and commonality of platforms and maintenance facilities can help in savings, ANI reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

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

3 Mins Read

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

Ready to cross LoC if need arises: Rajnath Singh on Kargil Vijay Diwas

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

Listen to the Article (6 Minutes)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said India is ready to cross the Line of Control (LoC) to maintain its honour and dignity, and called upon civilians to be ready to support the soldiers in such a situation.

Citing the example of the Russia-Ukraine war, he said the war has been going on for more than a year because civilians have stepped up and are participating in the war. Singh was speaking at the Kargil War Memorial in Ladakh on the occasion of the 24th Kargil Vijay Diwas.

Earlier, he laid a wreath at the memorial to pay tributes to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the 1999 Kargil war.

“We can go to any extreme to maintain the honour and dignity of the country — if that includes crossing the LoC, we are ready to do that — if we are instigated and if the need arises, we will cross the LoC,” he said.

“Whenever there has been a war situation, our public has always supported the forces but that support has been indirect. I urge the public to be ready and mentally prepared to support the soldiers directly on the battlefield if the need arises,” he added.

Singh said the Kargil war was imposed on India, which was ‘backstabbed’ by Pakistan.

“The Kargil war was imposed on India. At that time, India had tried to solve the issues with Pakistan through talks — we are backstabbed by Pakistan,” he said.

“During Operation Vijay, the Indian Army sent a message not only to Pakistan but to the whole world that when it comes to our national interests, our Army will not back down at any cost.

“We are fully committed to safeguarding our national interests even today,” the minister said.

Many of the soldiers who fought in the Kargil war were newly married, about to get married or were the sole breadwinners of their families. But they did not think about their lives and put them on the line, Singh said.

“I salute our brave sons who put the country first and sacrificed their lives. Their sacrifices have not gone waste, their contribution will continue to inspire generations,” he added.

The defence minister also called upon the Army to work towards ensuring that the contribution of these unsung heroes does not go unnoticed.

The Indian Army had launched a fierce counterassault, Operation Vijay, to push back Pakistani forces that had stealthily occupied important heights in Ladakh in 1999. The war saw Indian armed forces fight in the most challenging terrains amid harsh weather conditions in Drass, Kargil and Batalik sectors.

Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed to mark India’s victory over Pakistan.

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

3 Mins Read

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

Kargil Vijay Diwas | Army pays tribute to soldiers, showers petals from helicopters on memorial — WATCH

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

Listen to the Article (6 Minutes)

The Indian Army is observing the 24th anniversary of the Kargil War in Drass, Ladakh today. Every year, the Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed on July 26 across the country to commemorate India’s victory over Pakistan in the war that was fought in 1999.

Chief of defence staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, Army chief General Manoj Pande, navy chief Admiral R Hari Kumar and chief of air staff chief marshal VR Chaudhari laid wreaths at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass today to pay tributes to the soldiers who lost their lives in the war.

#WATCH | Ladakh | Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan lays a wreath at Kargil War Memorial in Drass and pays tribute to soldiers who lost their lives in the 1999 Kargil War.#KargilVijayDiwas pic.twitter.com/Pk92rpMH0Y

— ANI (@ANI) July 26, 2023

Defence minister Rajnath Singh is also present at the event and will be laying wreath to pay tribute to the soldiers as well.

#WATCH | Ladakh | Three Cheetal helicopters of Army Aviation fly past over the Kargil War Memorial in Drass and shower flower petals. #KargilVijayDiwas2023 pic.twitter.com/lrqqCAtIWT

— ANI (@ANI) July 26, 2023

Three Cheetal helicopters of the Army aviation flew past the memorial to shower flower petals. Four MIG 29 aircraft also flew past the memorial on Wednesday morning.

The war was fought for over 60 days and ended with India taking back control of all the territories that were held by Pakistan. The day is also observed to remember the 527 martyrs who laid their lives for the country in the war.

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

3 Mins Read

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

Kargil Vijay Diwas 2023: How India is observing 24th anniversary of Kargil War victory

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

Listen to the Article (6 Minutes)

Every year, Kargil Diwas is observed across the country on July 26 to commemorate  India’s victory over Pakistan in the Kargil War that was fought in 1999. During this war, brave Indian soldiers defeated Pakistani intruders who illegally tried to capture Indian posts in Kargil. The day is also observed to remember the 527 martyrs who laid their lives for the country in the war.

The war was fought for over 60 days and ended with India taking back control of all the territories that were held by Pakistan.

As India observes its 24th anniversary of the Kargil War, let us take a look at how the day will be observed this year.

The Indian Army has made elaborate arrangements for a two-day event at Kargil War Memorial in Drass, Ladakh, for the Vijay Diwas. The event started on Tuesday and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will grace the celebrations as the chief guest on Wednesday, July 26.

Many relatives and family members of the Kargil War martyrs will also participate in the event.

The two-day event at the Kargil War Memorial will mark performances by Army bands and cultural programmes by local artists.

Various events are organised across the country by government bodies and different organisations across the country observe Kargil Vijay Diwas. The events include memorial services, parades and cultural programmes, among others.

Last Week, the Indian Army organised a mini-marathon in Ladakh as a part of the celebrations of Kargil Vijay Diwas. In the mini marathon organised by Real Sport India in association with Indian Army on Sunday, July 16, over 300 runners participated. The participants included army personnel, veterans, local youth and students, among others. The marathon was fagged off from War Memorial in Drass.

Like previous years, this year too, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay tribute to Indian soldiers at Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate in New Delhi on Wednesday. The President and Vice President of India will also pay homage to the war heroes.

To make the 24th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas more special, this year an all-women motorbike expedition has been organised from Delhi to Kargil War Memorial in Drass. The Tri-Service ‘Nari Sashaktikaran Women Motorcycle Rally’ was flagged off by the Chief of the Army Staff, General Manoj Pande, on July 18, from the National War Memorial in New Delhi. The expedition is scheduled to reach Ladakh on July 25.

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

3 Mins Read

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