The School of Artillery at the Artillery Centre in Nashik Road recently hosted a group of young officers for an immersive drone training session, focusing on next-generation warfare technologies. The visit, part of their ongoing course, aimed to deepen their understanding of drone operations and handling, a critical skill in modern military strategies.
The officers gained hands-on experience in the Drone Maneuver Battlefield Arena, a specialized facility designed to simulate real-world combat scenarios. They were also introduced to various drone platforms currently employed in training at the School of Artillery. This initiative underscores the Indian Army’s commitment to integrating advanced technologies into its operations, aligning with the Regiment of Artillery’s broader modernization efforts.
The Artillery Centre in Nashik has been a key hub for such advancements, building on its legacy as a premier army training institution. The Indian Army’s Southern Command emphasized that this training is a step toward preparing officers for the evolving nature of warfare, where drones play an increasingly vital role in counter-insurgency operations, offering precision targeting with minimal collateral damage.
This program also reflects the Army’s strategic shift toward self-reliance in defense technologies. In 2023, the Southern Command launched initiatives to reduce dependence on costly imported equipment, fostering collaboration with academia, industry, and startups to develop indigenous solutions. The drone training at Nashik is a testament to the Army’s ongoing “Decade of Transformation,” aiming to equip its forces with cutting-edge tools to address contemporary security challenges.
In a significant step towards enhancing India’s defence capabilities through cutting-edge technology, officers from the Indian Army’s Southern Command visited the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) and the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) in Pune. The visit aimed to foster collaboration in the field of quantum technology, aligning with the government’s #AtmaNirbharBharat initiative to promote self-reliance in defence innovation.
The delegation engaged with researchers and experts to explore potential applications of quantum technology in military operations. Key focus areas included quantum computing, secure quantum communication through Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), and the development of AI-enabled defense networks. These technologies are poised to revolutionize secure communications and enhance computational capabilities for defense purposes, offering robust protection against emerging cyber threats, including those posed by quantum computing attacks on traditional encryption systems.
This initiative is part of the Indian Army’s broader #YearOfTechAbsorption and #DecadeOfTransformation (2023–2032) strategies, which aim to modernize military capabilities by integrating advanced technologies. The collaboration underscores the importance of military-civil fusion, leveraging India’s research ecosystem to develop indigenous solutions for national security. Institutions like C-DAC, a premier R&D organization under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, are at the forefront of such advancements, with expertise in areas like supercomputing, cybersecurity, and quantum technology.
Photographs from the visit showed army personnel in discussions with researchers in a high-tech laboratory, examining advanced equipment likely related to quantum experiments. Another image depicted a formal meeting in a conference room, where presentations on quantum technology applications were shared, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the initiative. The visit marks a pivotal moment in India’s journey towards becoming a leader in quantum technology for defense applications, reinforcing the synergy between academia, industry, and the armed forces.
The Services Selection Board (SSB) interview is a pivotal step for candidates aspiring to become officers in the Indian Armed Forces. This rigorous evaluation process is designed to identify individuals who possess the necessary traits and attributes to lead effectively. Central to this assessment are the 15 Officer Like Qualities (OLQs), which serve as a foundation for determining a candidate’s suitability for military leadership. Understanding and embodying these qualities can significantly enhance a candidate’s chances of success.
The 15 Officer-Like Qualities (15 OLQs) hold significant importance in the Service Selection Board SSB Interview process. The SSB interview is conducted to assess candidates for officer positions in the Indian Armed Forces, and the 15 OLQs serve as a framework to evaluate the suitability of candidates for leadership roles.
The majority of the candidates face their SSB interview without any preparation and have no clue about the officers like qualities that the board is looking for.
Understanding Officer Like Qualities (OLQs)
The 15 OLQs are a set of characteristics that the SSB evaluates to gauge a candidate’s potential as a future officer. These qualities encompass a range of personal attributes, from cognitive abilities to social skills. The OLQs are grouped into four major factors, each reflecting a different aspect of leadership and effectiveness in military roles.
Factor I: Planning and Organizing
This factor assesses a candidate’s ability to strategize, prioritize, and execute tasks efficiently. Key qualities within this category include:
Effective Intelligence: The capacity to apply knowledge to real-world situations, demonstrating practical problem-solving skills.
Reasoning Ability: The skill to analyze information logically and draw sound conclusions.
Organizing Ability: The aptitude for arranging resources and tasks systematically to achieve desired outcomes.
Power of Expression: The ability to communicate ideas clearly and persuasively.
Factor II: Social Adjustment
Social adaptability is crucial for officers who must work effectively with diverse teams. This factor includes:
Social Adaptability: The ability to fit into various social environments and interact positively with different individuals.
Cooperation: The willingness to work harmoniously within a group, prioritizing collective goals over personal ambitions.
Sense of Responsibility: The commitment to fulfilling obligations and duties with integrity and reliability.
Factor III: Social Effectiveness
This factor evaluates how well a candidate can influence and motivate others. The qualities assessed include:
Initiative: The readiness to take proactive steps in unfamiliar situations and drive actions toward goals.
Self-Confidence: The belief in one’s capabilities, particularly in challenging circumstances.
Speed of Decision: The ability to make timely and effective decisions, considering practicality and feasibility.
Ability to Influence the Group: The skill to inspire and guide others toward achieving common objectives.
Liveliness: The capacity to maintain enthusiasm and positivity, even in difficult situations.
Factor IV: Dynamic Qualities
This factor focuses on resilience and determination, encompassing:
Determination: The persistence to pursue goals despite obstacles and challenges.
Courage: The willingness to face risks and challenges head-on.
Stamina: The physical and mental endurance to withstand prolonged stress and pressure.
Understanding the significance of OLQs is essential for candidates preparing for the SSB interview. These qualities not only define a candidate’s potential for leadership but also play a critical role in their overall effectiveness as officers. Here are some reasons why OLQs are vital:
Leadership Potential: OLQs help identify candidates who can inspire and lead others, a fundamental requirement for any officer.
Decision-Making Skills: Qualities such as effective intelligence and reasoning ability are crucial for making sound decisions in high-pressure situations.
Teamwork and Collaboration: The ability to cooperate and adapt socially ensures smooth functioning within diverse teams.
Integrity and Responsibility: A strong sense of responsibility reflects a candidate’s commitment to ethical standards and duty fulfillment.
Effective Communication: Clear and confident communication is essential for leadership and coordination within military operations.
Preparing for the SSB Interview
To excel in the SSB interview, candidates must invest time in developing the 15 OLQs. Here are some strategies to enhance these qualities:
Self-Assessment
Begin by conducting a self-assessment of your existing qualities. Identify strengths and areas for improvement related to the OLQs. This reflection will provide a roadmap for your preparation.
Engage in Group Activities
Participating in group discussions, team sports, or community service can help improve social adaptability, cooperation, and leadership skills. These activities provide opportunities to practice influencing and motivating others.
Develop Decision-Making Skills
Enhance your reasoning ability and speed of decision-making by engaging in activities that require critical thinking. Puzzles, strategy games, and real-life problem-solving scenarios can be beneficial.
Build Communication Skills
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Engage in public speaking, join debate clubs, or participate in workshops that focus on effective communication.
Cultivate Resilience
Building stamina and determination requires facing challenges head-on. Set personal goals and gradually push your limits to develop mental and physical resilience.
The Role of OLQs in Military Leadership
Officers in the armed forces are expected to lead by example, and the OLQs play a significant role in shaping their leadership style. Here’s how these qualities contribute to effective military leadership:
Fostering Trust and Respect
Officers who embody OLQs are more likely to earn the trust and respect of their subordinates. This trust is essential for maintaining morale and cohesion within a unit.
Enhancing Operational Effectiveness
Effective leaders who possess OLQs can make timely decisions, adapt to changing circumstances, and motivate their teams to achieve operational objectives.
Promoting Ethical Standards
A strong sense of responsibility and integrity ensures that officers uphold ethical standards, fostering a culture of accountability within the military.
Encouraging Innovation
Officers with initiative and effective intelligence are more likely to encourage innovation and creative problem-solving within their teams, leading to improved operational outcomes.
Officer qualities must be differentiated from other factors assessed at the selection. Broadly defined, these personal qualities (PQs) or Officer Like Qualities( 15 OLQs) as they are called in Indian context refer to traits, states, needs, motives, goals, attitudes, interests, determining tendencies and general dispositions towards personal/social situations.
They are different from cognitive, intellectual factors and medical factors which will also be examined in that they usually form an intrinsic part of officer selection.
Officer Like Qualities(15 OLQs)
Factor – I (Planning and Organising) (a) Effective Intelligence (b) Reasoning Ability (c) Organising Ability (d) Power of Expression Factor – II (Social Adjustment) (e) Social Adaptability (f) Co-operation (g) Sense of Responsibility Factor – III (Social Effectiveness) (h) Initiative (i) Self Confidence (j) Speed of Decision (k) Ability to Influence the Group (l) Liveliness Factor – IV (Dynamic) (m) Determination (n) Courage (o) Stamina
What are 15 OLQs required in Officers
1. Effective Intelligence
Is the intelligence utilized in coping with practical situations of varying complexity. It is different from basic intelligence which is the capacity to perceive relations or to do abstract thinking.
Basic intelligence is assessed by the use of intelligence tests may be verbal or non verbal effective intelligence includes the following:
(a) Practical intelligence. The capacity to evolve independent solutions of practical problems and situations.
(b) Resourcefulness. The capacity to use the available means for the desired end with the help of improvisation of resources and finding a solution when in a tight corner.
* Generally students with higher effective intelligence are bright, mentally sharp, penetrating, innovative and inventive.
2. Reasoning ability
The ability to grasp the essentials well and to arrive at conclusions by rational & logical thinking. It includes receptivity, inquiring attitude, logical reasoning and seeing the essentials of a problem.
(a) Receptivity. The ability to understand and absorb new impressions. It involves interest, attention and grasping power.
(b) Inquiring attitude. Healthy curiosity resulting in an urge to increase one’s general knowledge and experience in life.
(c) Logical reasoning. The ability to arrive at conclusion or judgment based strictly on a presses of rational thinking and excluding emotional factors.
(d) Seeing essentials of a problem. The ability by which the individual is not only clear in his knowledge of the situation at hand, but also is able to analyses various factors, shift them in order of importance and make best use of them towards achieving a solution.
* Students with higher reasoning ability are exceptionally sharp, analytical, highly imaginative, logical & practical.
3. Organising ability
The ability to arrange the resources in a systematic way so as to produce effective results. It can also be defined as the ability to put to the best use of the available means for attainment of a desired objective.
* Students with higher organising ability are very meticulous in planning est dealing with complex issues without over looking details, use commonsense, original in actions and quick in comprehension.
4. Power of expression
This is the most important tools of personality where his/her ability to put across ideas adequately with ease and clarity are assessed.
* Students with this quality are more eloquent, forceful, lucid, precise & effective in their expression.
5. Social adaptability
The ability of an individual to adapt himself to the social environment and adjust well with persons and social groups, with special reference to superiors, equal and subordinates. Social adaptability includes social intelligence, attitude towards others, tact, and adaptability.
(a) Social Intelligence. It is the intelligence ability applied in social field. It is the ability to understand people & adjust well in new surroundings.
(b) Attitude towards others. The ability to put oneself into the other man’s position so as to appreciate justifiable difficulties, to enable rendering help in a proper way.
(c) Tact. Skillful management of the feelings of the persons dealt with.
(d) Adaptability. The ability to adjust to the environment with special reference to the social situations in that environment. When considering service aspect it involves not only a resilient nature shown by and accommodative tendency but also keenness and interest in service life.
* Persons with higher adaptability are genial, very spontaneous in adjusting well in short time, outgoing, amiable, accommodative, flexible understanding, friendly & sympathetic.
6. Cooperation
The attitude of an individual to participate willingly in harmony with others in a group, in achieving the group goal. This implies a belief in the collective effort being more productive than the individual effort. Cooperation includes the element of joint effort and team spirit.
Team spirit indicates loyalty to the aims and objects of the group to the extent of subordinating individual aim to the group aim.
* Such persons are altruistic, selfless, volunteers workers with tremendous esprit – de corps. They are also humane, warm hearted, spontaneous and group minded people.
7. Sense of Responsibility
It enable a person to be dependable and to willingly discharge his obligation. It includes sense of duty but is much more comprehensive in meaning and scope.
It implies:
(a) Sense of duty Faithfully and firmly doing what one is ordered to do.
(b) Discipline. A trained sense of acting strictly in accordance with rules, regulations and conventions. This factor promotes development of self control and keeps one within bounds of social and normal standards.
Sense of responsibility therefore means:- (a) A through understanding of the values of duty, social standard, and of what is required of an individual and then to give it his energy and attention of his own accord.
(b) Doing one’s best, carrying out even unspecified and probably unforeseen duties and obligations rather than faithfully carrying out what one is told to do. It demonstrates moral willingness to bear the consequences.
* Persons with higher sense of responsibility are exceptionally dutiful, faithful and respectful to authority. They are very conscientious and go out of the way to soldier responsibilities.
8. Initiative
The ability to originate purposeful action. It has the following aspects:- (a) Ability to take the first steps in an unfamiliar situation. (b) In the right direction. (c) Sustain it, till the goal is achieved.
* Persons with higher initiative display plenty of originality in thoughts & actions. Persons with positive initiative never get stuck, they are pushing, enterprising, persistent and will come out with numerous fresh idea.
9. Self-confidence
It is the faith in one’s ability to meet stressful situations particularly those that are unfamiliar.
* People with higher self – confidence are totally composed, rationally active, have abundant faith in their abilities, self reliant and constructive in difficulties.
10. Speed of decision
The ability to arrive at workable decisions expeditiously. It comprises:- (a) Then appropriateness and cost-effectiveness. (b) Feasibility & practicability. (c) The quickness in arriving at the decision.
* Persons with this ability are Infallible, prompt, judicious and take sound decisions with a considerable sense of urgency.
They are never wavering, impulsive, hesitant, erratic in their decisions.
11. Ability to influence the group
The ability which enables an individual to bring about the willing effort from the group for achieving the objective desired by him. This influence is the prime cause of cooperative and willing effort of a group towards the achievement of a set objective.
* Persons with this quality are highly inspiring with magnetic charm, indispensable, impressionable, assertive, persuasive, firm & have considerable capacity to overcome opposition.
12. Liveliness
The capacity of an individual to keep himself buoyant when meeting problems and bring about a cheerful atmosphere
13. Determination
A sustained effort to achieve objectives in spite of obstacles and setbacks. It implies fixedness of purpose: mental concentration and strength of will.
It includes:-
(a) Application to work. The capacity of physical application to work.
(b) Drive. The inner motive power at the disposal of an individual. It is the capacity to force oneself along when under pressure and urgency, towards the achievement of the object. It may inspire energetic action in others towards the achievement of a common goal.
* They are highly resolute, unwavering, advent, industrious, firm and steady, persevering and persistent.
14. Courage
The ability to appreciate and take purposive risks willingly. It includes:
(a) Ability to meet appreciated dangers.
(b) Spirit of adventure, and enterprising spirit and a willingness to dare or risk a hazard.
(c) Capacity to keep oneself composed in adverse situations enabling to be steady in facing and handling such situations.
* They are doubtless risk takers, daring, aggressive, creative, bold & plucky with tremendous physical & moral courage.
15. Stamina
The capacity to withstand protracted physical and mental strain. It emphasizes endurance.
* such persons possess Herculean physical & mental capabilities & can withstand plenty of physical & mental stress. They are indefatigable, calm & are very tough individuals.
Importance of 15 OLQs
Leadership Potential: OLQs help identify candidates with the potential to lead and inspire others, a crucial requirement for officer positions.
Decision-making Abilities: OLQs such as effective intelligence, reasoning, and speed of decision-making assess a candidate’s ability to make sound and prompt decisions in various situations.
Teamwork and Cooperation: The OLQs related to social adaptability, cooperation, and team spirit evaluate a candidate’s inclination and capability to work effectively in a team and collaborate with others.
Responsibility and Integrity: OLQs like sense of responsibility and integrity are essential to gauge a candidate’s commitment to upholding ethical standards and fulfilling the duties and obligations of an officer.
Effective Communication: The OLQ of effective communication assesses a candidate’s ability to convey ideas clearly and confidently, which is crucial for effective leadership and coordination.
Initiative and Self-Confidence: These OLQs determine a candidate’s willingness to take charge, show confidence in decision-making, and exhibit proactive behavior.
Physical and Mental Attributes: OLQs like courage, stamina, determination, and emotional stability assess a candidate’s physical and mental capabilities, which are essential for facing the challenges of military service.
Adaptability and Flexibility: OLQs related to adaptability and dynamism evaluate a candidate’s ability to adjust to changing circumstances and demonstrate flexibility in their approach.
Positive Attitude: OLQs regarding a positive attitude help gauge a candidate’s ability to maintain optimism, resilience, and motivation even in adverse situations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering the 15 Officer-Like Qualities is essential for candidates aspiring to succeed in the SSB interview and excel as officers in the Indian Armed Forces. By understanding the significance of these qualities and actively working to develop them, candidates can enhance their leadership potential and make meaningful contributions to the military.
FAQs
What are OLQs?
Officer-Like Qualities (OLQs) are a set of 15 personal attributes evaluated during the SSB interview to assess a candidate’s suitability for military leadership.
Why are OLQs important in the SSB interview?
OLQs help identify candidates with the potential to lead effectively, make sound decisions, and work collaboratively within teams.
How can I improve my OLQs?
Engage in self-assessment, participate in group activities, develop decision-making skills, build communication abilities, and cultivate resilience.
What role do OLQs play in military leadership?
OLQs foster trust, enhance operational effectiveness, promote ethical standards, and encourage innovation among military leaders.
Can OLQs be developed over time?
Yes, with conscious effort and practice, candidates can develop and enhance their OLQs to succeed in the SSB interview and military leadership roles.
During a visit to the frontline areas of Punjab, General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of the Indian Army, presented a Commendation Disc to an Inspector of the Border Security Force (BSF) in recognition of his exemplary service. The award ceremony highlighted the officer’s outstanding coordination and liaison work between the BSF and the Indian Army, underscoring the importance of synergy between the two forces in bolstering national security.
General Dwivedi, who assumed the role of COAS on June 30, 2024, lauded the BSF Inspector for his professionalism and dedication. He emphasized that the officer’s efforts not only reflected individual merit but also symbolized the strong collaborative relationship between the Indian Army and the BSF. The COAS’s words of appreciation underscored the shared commitment of both organizations to strengthen India’s defence mechanisms, particularly along the sensitive Punjab frontier.
The BSF, often regarded as the first line of defense for India’s borders, has a storied history of safeguarding the nation’s boundaries. In the 1980s and 1990s, the force played a pivotal role in counter-insurgency operations in Punjab, including significant operations like Blue Star and Black Thunder, before shifting its focus to Jammu and Kashmir to address rising militancy in the region. Today, the BSF continues to modernize its operations, equipping its formations with advanced technology and vehicles to enhance border security.
This recognition ceremony is part of a broader initiative to foster greater integration and cooperation between the Indian Army and the BSF. By honoring the BSF Inspector, General Dwivedi reaffirmed the commitment of both forces to work together in ensuring a vigilant and robust defense framework for the country. The event also served as a testament to the enduring partnership between the two organizations, which is vital for maintaining security along India’s borders and addressing emerging challenges.
The ceremony concluded with a renewed call for unity and coordination among all defence organizations, with General Dwivedi emphasizing the importance of such efforts in safeguarding India’s sovereignty and security.
Lt Gen Bhupesh K Goyal, Director General (Organisation & Personnel) at the Office of the Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), visited Military Hospital Jodhpur on April 11, 2025, to review its facilities and ongoing initiatives. During his visit, the General Officer commended the hospital for its efforts in supporting military families through innovative welfare programs.
Lt Gen Goyal particularly appreciated the establishment of “ANKUR,” a 24×7 creche designed to support working mothers in the armed forces. This facility addresses a significant challenge for military personnel, enabling them to balance their professional duties with parenthood by providing a safe and nurturing environment for their children. The initiative reflects a growing emphasis on family welfare within the military community.
Additionally, the General lauded the hospital for upgrading its Early Intervention Centre, named “KHUSHI.” This centre focuses on providing therapeutic support and early diagnosis for children with special needs, catering to the dependent clientele of the armed forces. The enhancement of “KHUSHI” aligns with similar initiatives across military hospitals, such as the “Prayas” Early Intervention Centre inaugurated at the Army Hospital (Research and Referral) in Delhi in 2022, which also aims to support differently-abled children and their families.
The visit underscores the Indian Armed Forces’ commitment to improving the quality of life for its personnel and their families. Facilities like “ANKUR” and “KHUSHI” highlight a broader focus on holistic care, ensuring that the dependents of military personnel receive the support they need. Lt Gen Goyal’s appreciation of these initiatives signals continued efforts to strengthen welfare and medical services within the armed forces community.
Jodhpur, April 12, 2025 – Lt Gen Bhupesh K Goyal, Director General (Organisation & Personnel) at the Office of the Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), visited the Konark Healers in Jodhpur Cantonment today.
The visit focused on reviewing the medical echelons and reinforcing the importance of equipping personnel with essential skills to save lives during combat across diverse terrains.
During his visit, Lt Gen Goyal inspected the newly equipped Technical Training Lab, a facility dedicated to training paramedics in critical life-saving techniques. The lab features hands-on training setups, including simulations for CPR and other emergency medical procedures, aimed at preparing paramedics for real-world scenarios.
The General Officer commended the unit’s commitment to enhancing the capabilities of its medical personnel, emphasizing the importance of such training in ensuring operational readiness.
The visit underscores the Armed Forces’ ongoing efforts to strengthen medical infrastructure and readiness, ensuring that personnel are well-prepared to provide world-class healthcare in both operational and peacetime scenarios. This initiative aligns with broader programs, such as critical care paramedic training courses, which focus on advanced medical skills for inter-facility transports and emergency response.
The DGAFMS continues to prioritize the development of its medical teams to meet the challenges of modern combat environments.
The Indian Army has paid tribute to Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) Subedar Kuldeep Chand of 9 Punjab, who lost his life during a counter-infiltration operation along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Keri-Battal area of Sunderbani on the night of April 11, 2025. The operation successfully thwarted an infiltration attempt by terrorists, showcasing the bravery and determination of the Indian Army in securing the volatile border region.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the White Knight Corps, along with all ranks, saluted the supreme sacrifice of Sub Kuldeep Chand, who gallantly led his team in the operation. His actions ensured the terrorists were unable to breach the LoC, a critical frontier in the ongoing counter-insurgency efforts in Jammu and Kashmir. The White Knight Corps expressed solidarity with the bereaved family, offering condolences during this hour of grief.
This incident comes amid heightened security operations in the region. In a related development, three terrorists were killed in separate operations in Kishtwar and Akhnoor, Jammu and Kashmir, as of April 12. The operations, which began on April 9 in the Chhatru forest area of Kishtwar, involved joint efforts by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and other security forces. Despite challenging terrain and adverse weather, the forces neutralized the threats, though firing continues in some areas, with reports suggesting one or more terrorists may still be trapped.
The Indian Army’s XVI Corps, also known as the White Knight Corps, headquartered in Nagrota, has been at the forefront of such operations, managing specialized units like Delta Force and Romeo Force of the Rashtriya Rifles.
The region remains tense due to frequent infiltration attempts, with historical data indicating the scale of the challenge. The sacrifice of Sub Kuldeep Chand underscores the ongoing risks faced by Indian forces in their efforts to maintain security along the LoC.
INS Agrani, a premier leadership training establishment of the Indian Navy, celebrated the successful completion of its Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Management and Petty Officer (PO) Leadership courses on April 9, 2025. The ceremony, reviewed by Commodore Manmohan Singh, Commanding Officer of INS Agrani, marked the culmination of a rigorous training program for 292 trainees, including two foreign trainees from Malaysia.
The event highlighted the Indian Navy’s commitment to fostering leadership and management skills among its personnel. The CPO (Management) and PO (Leadership) courses are designed to equip naval officers with the necessary tools to excel in their roles, ensuring operational efficiency and effective decision-making in challenging environments. The inclusion of international trainees underscores the Indian Navy’s growing collaboration with friendly foreign navies, promoting mutual learning and strengthening maritime ties.
During the ceremony, Commodore Manmohan Singh presented awards to outstanding trainees, recognizing their dedication and performance. A formal parade by the trainees showcased their discipline and training, reflecting the high standards upheld by INS Agrani. The event took place under a canopy adorned with naval insignia, with the backdrop of the establishment’s campus in Coimbatore, a hub for leadership training under the Southern Naval Command.
INS Agrani has been a cornerstone of the Indian Navy’s training framework since its establishment, focusing on developing leadership qualities among officers and sailors. Commodore Singh, who assumed command in June 2022, has been instrumental in advancing the training programs, continuing the legacy of excellence at this esteemed institution. The Southern Naval Command, headquartered in Kochi, oversees INS Agrani as part of its role as the Training Command of the Indian Navy, ensuring that personnel are prepared for both basic and advanced operational challenges.
Lt Gen Navin Sachdeva has officially taken over as the Chief of Staff of the Indian Army’s Central Command on April 10, 2025, following the completion of his tenure as the General-Officer-Commanding (GOC) of the Nagrota-based White Knight Corps, also known as 16 Corps.
The announcement was made by Surya Command, which expressed confidence in benefiting from the General’s vast experience in both operational and administrative domains.
Lt Gen Sachdeva assumed command of the White Knight Corps in January 2024, a prestigious formation with a rich history in Jammu and Kashmir, before transitioning to his new role at Central Command.
Headquartered in Lucknow, Central Command oversees military operations across eight states and manages the central sector of India’s western border with Pakistan, playing a pivotal role in strategic planning and humanitarian missions, such as flood relief operations in the region.
The General’s appointment comes at a time when Central Command continues to be instrumental in both defence and disaster response, as seen in past initiatives like Operation Surya Hope during the 2013 Uttarakhand floods. Lt Gen Sachdeva’s leadership is expected to further strengthen the command’s operational readiness and administrative efficiency, drawing on his extensive military expertise.
The Indian Army and associated defence bodies extended their greetings to the General, expressing optimism for his tenure in this critical role.
A serious incident involving the alleged maltreatment of a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) of the Indian Army and his wife by the Bihar Police has sparked outrage and swift action from both military and civilian authorities. The incident, which occurred on the night of April 9, 2025, has raised concerns about the treatment of serving military personnel by local law enforcement.
Following the incident, the Indian Army took immediate action. The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the local Army formation met with the Director General of Police (DGP) of Bihar to address the issue. In response, the DGP ordered the suspension of the Station House Officer (SHO) of Telhara Police Station and initiated an Inspector General (IG)-level inquiry to investigate the matter. The DGP also assured full cooperation in ensuring an impartial investigation and promised strict action against those found guilty.
The JCO has since been released, and the Officer Commanding of the JCO’s Army unit visited the family at their residence to check on their well-being. The Army’s Surya Command praised the prompt response from police authorities while emphasizing their commitment to ensuring justice for the JCO and his family.
The incident has drawn significant attention on social media, with the Surya Command’s post on X garnering reactions from the public. Many users expressed support for the Army’s swift response, with comments like “Fast action by Surya Command” and “Well done for being prompt. Defaulters must be punished.” Others, however, raised concerns about the behavior of some personnel, with one user noting, “This has become inevitable for a handful of personnel who are irresponsible, selfish, and egoistic.”
This incident comes against the backdrop of occasional tensions between military and civilian authorities in India. Historical cases, such as the 2018 Bomdila incident in Arunachal Pradesh, where soldiers were allegedly beaten by local police, highlight the sensitivity of such interactions. The Indian Army, through its various commands, has consistently emphasized the need for mutual respect and cooperation between the armed forces and civilian law enforcement agencies.
The investigation into the Telhara incident is ongoing, and further details are awaited as the Bihar Police work to address the allegations of misconduct. The Army, meanwhile, continues to stand by its personnel, ensuring that the JCO and his family receive the necessary support during this challenging time.
For now, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of coordination and respect between India’s military and civilian institutions, especially when it comes to the treatment of those who serve the nation.
Disclaimer: Image used is generated by AI for representation purpose only
