In a significant initiative to guide and assist young aspirants, the Chinar Warriors organized a career counseling session at Tral, Pulwama, focusing on the Agniveer recruitment process for the Indian Army.
This event aimed to provide comprehensive guidance and support to the youth of Kashmir interested in joining the Indian Army under the Agniveer scheme.
The orientation lecture covered various aspects of the recruitment process, offering valuable insights into the preparation strategies, eligibility criteria, and the selection process.
The initiative is part of the ongoing efforts to empower the youth of Kashmir with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue their dreams of serving the nation.
The Agniveer scheme, a part of the Indian Army’s recruitment process, has garnered significant interest among the youth, promising a unique opportunity for those aspiring to join the armed forces. The Chinar Warriors’ career counseling session has been lauded for its timely guidance, helping to pave the way for the future protectors of the nation.
The event underscores the commitment of the Chinar Warriors towards the welfare and development of the youth in Kashmir, fostering a sense of pride and aspiration among the potential Agniveer candidates.
In a heartwarming display of solidarity and care, the Chinar Corps, in collaboration with its Dagger Division and the Indian Bravehearts Foundation (IBF), Pune, has played a pivotal role in saving the life of a 9-year-old boy from Baramulla, Kashmir.
The young boy, Malik Burhan, a student of the Dagger Parivaar School in Baramulla, underwent a critical cardiac surgery at the Army Hospital Research and Referral (AHRR) in Delhi Cantt, marking a significant milestone in his life.
The life-saving operation was carried out by a team of specialist doctors at RR Hospital, signifying a beacon of hope and renewal for Malik Burhan.
This successful surgery not only bestowed a new lease of life upon the young boy but also highlighted the Chinar Corps’ unwavering dedication and commitment towards the health and well-being of the citizens of Kashmir.
The Chinar Corps, through this noble act, reaffirms its promise to support and improve the lives of the Kashmiri people, emphasizing the message that they care deeply about the community’s welfare. The collaborative effort between the military units and the IBF in Pune showcases a remarkable synergy aimed at making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals in need.
This story of Malik Burhan’s successful heart surgery is a testament to the compassion, expertise, and commitment of all the parties involved, bringing not just a smile, but a renewed sense of hope to the young boy and his family.
In a significant blow to narcotics smuggling operations, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Mandapam, in a joint operation with the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) Chennai, successfully intercepted and seized 99 kilograms of Hashish with an estimated value of Rs 108 crores from a country boat sailing towards Sri Lanka in the Gulf of Mannar on March 5, 2024.
The operation was initiated based on specific intelligence inputs developed by the officers of the DRI Chennai Zonal Unit, indicating a plan by a smuggling gang to transport narcotics substances from India to Sri Lanka via the coastal route near Mandapam sea coast.
Responding swiftly to the intelligence, officers from the DRI and the Indian Coast Guard launched a coordinated surveillance operation over the Gulf of Mannar aboard an Indian Coast Guard Ship during the intervening night of March 4th and 5th, 2024.
Their vigilance paid off when they identified a country boat heading towards Sri Lanka during the surveillance. Without hesitation, the officers intercepted the vessel after a brief but intense pursuit on the high seas.
Upon boarding and searching the country boat, officers discovered five sacks concealed inside. Suspecting foul play, they immediately brought the vessel, along with its cargo and the three individuals on board, to the Indian Coast Guard Station Mandapam for further investigation.
During questioning, the individuals confessed that they had received the bags containing narcotics from an unidentified person in the Pamban Coastal area. They admitted to being instructed to transport the contraband to rendezvous with unknown individuals from Sri Lanka at a predetermined location in the deep sea.
A meticulous examination of the seized sacks revealed a total of 111 packets, weighing a staggering 99 kilograms in total. The packets contained a brown, sticky substance which, upon testing with a field testing kit, was confirmed to be Hashish, a highly potent narcotic substance with a significant international market value.
Acting swiftly and decisively, all four individuals involved in the smuggling attempt were apprehended for further investigation under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
The successful interception and seizure of such a large quantity of narcotics underscore the unwavering commitment of the Indian Coast Guard and the DRI Chennai to combatting drug smuggling activities in the region.
This operation serves as a stern warning to criminal elements involved in narcotics trafficking, reaffirming the authorities’ determination to uphold law and order and safeguard national security.
In a demonstration of its swift responsiveness and commitment to maritime security, the Indian Navy swiftly reacted to a distress call from the Liberian-flagged MV MSC Sky II, which was reported to be on fire approximately 90 nautical miles southeast of Aden in the Gulf of Aden on the evening of March 4th.
Promptly deploying its assets, the Indian Navy’s INS Kolkata, which was already on mission deployment in the region for maritime security operations, arrived at the scene of the incident by 10:30 PM, within hours of the distress call.
Upon arrival, a specialized firefighting team comprising 12 highly trained personnel from INS Kolkata was immediately dispatched to assist in the firefighting efforts aboard the stricken vessel.
Despite the late hour, the team embarked the vessel in the early morning hours of March 5th, demonstrating the Indian Navy’s unwavering dedication to ensuring the safety and security of maritime traffic in the region.
In addition to the firefighting team, a Specialist Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team was also deployed to assess residual risks and provide assistance in ensuring the safety of the vessel and its crew.
The MV MSC Sky II, which had a crew of 23 personnel, including 13 Indians, was promptly escorted to safer waters under the vigilant watch of the Indian Navy.
The relentless efforts and rapid response by the Indian Navy’s mission-deployed platforms exemplify the Navy’s steadfast resolve in safeguarding merchant shipping and the lives of seafarers navigating through the challenging waters of the Gulf of Aden.
This incident underscores the critical role played by the Indian Navy in maintaining maritime security and upholding the principles of freedom of navigation in vital sea lanes.
In a monumental step towards bolstering India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities, the Carl Gustaf M4, a versatile recoilless rocket system widely used by infantry units, is set to be manufactured within the country.
The manufacturing facility, to be established in Haryana’s Jhajjar district, marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance in defence production.
The initiative comes as Saab, a renowned Sweden-based defence company, received approval for 100 per cent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from the Indian government.
Under the banner of Saab FFVO India Private Limited, the company will spearhead the production of the Carl Gustaf M4 system, a move hailed as a ground breaking achievement in bilateral cooperation between India and Sweden.
Expressing pride in the venture, Gorgen Johansson, Senior Vice President and Head of Saab’s business area Dynamics, remarked, “I am proud to start constructing our first facility outside Sweden for Carl-Gustaf, a product with a long history with the Indian Armed Forces.
We look forward to starting production of our excellent product, now engineered and made in India.”
The establishment of Saab’s factory in India marks a historic moment, as highlighted by Hakan Jevrell, State Secretary for Foreign Trade, Sweden, who stated, “Today is an important milestone for Sweden and India.
Saab’s factory will be the first foreign fully-owned defence production facility in India. It is a testament to the strong bilateral relationship between our countries.”
The Carl Gustaf rocket system has been an integral part of the Indian Army’s arsenal since 1976 and has played a crucial role in numerous counter-terrorism and insurgency operations.
Known for its portability, versatility, and effectiveness in urban combat scenarios, the Carl Gustaf M4 variant represents the latest evolution of this indispensable weapon system.
Saab has affirmed its commitment to fully comply with India’s “Make in India” initiative by partnering with Indian suppliers and ensuring that all systems manufactured at the facility meet the stringent requirements of domestic production.
The company plans to deploy cutting-edge technologies, including advanced sighting technology and carbon fibre-winding techniques, to manufacture the Carl Gustaf M4 rockets and associated components.
The establishment of the manufacturing facility aligns closely with the Centre’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative, which aims to enhance India’s defence capabilities through robust domestic infrastructure and strategic partnerships with global defence majors.
By fostering public-private participation, the initiative seeks to propel India towards self-reliance in defence production and reduce dependency on imports.
The introduction of the Carl Gustaf M4 manufacturing facility in India signifies a major leap forward in the nation’s quest for defence self-reliance, paving the way for enhanced capabilities and indigenous innovation in the defence sector.
In a momentous ceremony, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated the new Administrative & Training building, named ‘Chola’, at the Naval War College (NWC) in Goa.
Paying homage to the mighty maritime empire of the Chola dynasty of ancient India, the modern edifice symbolizes India’s legacy of maritime excellence and aspirations in the maritime domain.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Rajnath Singh commended the Indian Navy for establishing a world-class training facility that reflects India’s stature among the maritime powers of the world. He described Chola Bhawan as a testament to India’s rich historical heritage and a symbol of the country’s new mindset of pride and self-reliance.
The Raksha Mantri highlighted the shift in India’s approach towards maritime security under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He emphasized the importance of re-assessing threat perceptions in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and rebalancing military resources to address maritime challenges effectively.
“India has emerged as the first responder and preferred security partner in the IOR, ensuring a rules-based maritime order and protecting the autonomy and sovereignty of littoral countries,” Shri Rajnath Singh stated. He praised the Indian Navy for its readiness and commitment to safeguarding India’s strategic interests in the region.
Emphasizing India’s commitment to strengthening economic and security cooperation with maritime neighbors, the Raksha Mantri reiterated the government’s vision of Security And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). He underscored the importance of the Indian Navy in advancing this vision and enhancing India’s stature at the global level.
Shri Rajnath Singh also highlighted the significance of the Indo-Pacific region in India’s economic prosperity, emphasizing the need for a strong naval presence to ensure security and stability.
He praised the Indian Navy for its efforts in countering piracy and trafficking, stressing the importance of remaining vigilant against emerging threats.
The inauguration ceremony also witnessed the unveiling of two major piers at Naval Base, Karwar, capable of accommodating multiple ships and submarines. These infrastructure developments are part of Project Seabird, aimed at enhancing the capacity and strategic presence of the Indian Navy on the western coast.
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar underscored the evolving security challenges in the maritime domain and the role of higher military education in addressing these challenges.
He expressed confidence that the new training facility at NWC Goa will serve as a beacon of maritime excellence, not only for the Indian forces but also for maritime neighbours.
The event, attended by dignitaries including Goa Chief Minister Shri Pramod Sawant and Union Minister Shri Shripad Naik, marked a significant milestone in the history of NWC Goa, reaffirming its commitment to excellence in military education and maritime thought.
With the inauguration of ‘Chola’ and the unveiling of new infrastructure at Naval Base, Karwar, the Indian Navy takes another stride towards bolstering its capabilities and securing India’s maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.
In a notable event symbolizing the deepening military and strategic ties between India and Japan, Lieutenant General Togashi Yuichi, the Commanding General of the Eastern Army of the Japan Ground Self Defence Force (JGSDF), paid his respects to the fallen heroes at the National War Memorial (NWM) in India.
This visit underscores the mutual respect and shared values between the two nations, particularly in honoring the sacrifices made by soldiers in the line of duty.
During his time in India, Lt Gen Togashi Yuichi engaged in significant discussions with Lieutenant General Tarun Kumar Aich, DCOAS (Strategy), of the Indian Army. The dialogue focused on enhancing Defence Cooperation and exploring opportunities for Joint Military Training, aiming to further common strategic objectives.
These interactions are pivotal in strengthening the military bond between Japan and India, signifying a united front in addressing regional and global security challenges.
Furthermore, the visit provided an opportunity for the Japanese General Officer to gain comprehensive insights into India’s Strategic & Security Perspective. He was briefed on the country’s commitment to leveraging technological advancements and transformative initiatives that are currently being implemented within the Indian Army.
This focus on tech-centric developments aligns with India’s broader goals of achieving self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta) and marks the Year of Tech Absorption, emphasizing the importance of innovation and modernization in military capabilities.
The meeting between the military leaders of India and Japan, marked by the exchange of views on defence cooperation and joint military endeavors, is a testament to the growing partnership and friendship between the two countries. The event highlights the shared vision and collaborative efforts towards achieving enhanced security and technological advancements, paving the way for a stronger, more resilient future for both nations.
In a significant development aimed at bolstering India’s defense preparedness, General Manoj Pande, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), recently visited the prestigious White Tiger Division. During his visit, General Pande was thoroughly briefed on the operational readiness of the forces by the Division’s Commanders.
Highlighting the visit was General Pande’s observation of the Integrated Fire & Manoeuvre exercise at the Babina Field Firing Ranges. This exercise showcased the Division’s deep strike capability, demonstrating the advanced level of preparedness and the strategic prowess of the Indian Army.
In addition to the exercise, General Pande took the opportunity to interact directly with the troops stationed at the Division. He commended the soldiers for their high standards of training and professionalism, acknowledging their commitment and dedication towards maintaining the nation’s security.
The COAS’s visit and the conduct of the Integrated Fire & Manoeuvre exercise underscore the Indian Army’s continuous efforts to enhance its operational capabilities. These endeavors are crucial for ensuring the country’s readiness to face various security challenges and for maintaining peace and stability in the region.
A military micro aircraft encountered a technical malfunction and crashed into a field in Bagdaha village, located in the Bodhgaya area of Gaya district, generating widespread panic among the local population due to the sudden noise. The crash occurred during a training flight when the aircraft’s engine unexpectedly failed.
Both pilots aboard the aircraft miraculously emerged without injuries. The incident quickly attracted a large gathering of villagers at the crash site. Military officials promptly responded to the situation, focusing on securing the area and making arrangements to recover the damaged aircraft, which is to be covered in plastic for transportation back to the base.
The aircraft was engaged in a training operation, launched from the Officer’s Training Academy (OTA) in Gaya, with the goal of training the two pilots. The engine failure near Bagdaha village precipitated the crash, momentarily causing disorder among the villagers. The accident drew significant attention from the community and resulted in the destruction of roughly 4 Katha (a traditional unit of land measurement) of wheat crops.
A military official, speaking off the record, verified the aircraft’s involvement in a training mission and indicated that efforts to remove the wreckage were in progress. This event is not isolated; a comparable incident previously occurred in the same village on January 28, 2022, highlighting a recurring issue with such training flights in the area.
In a significant move towards fostering innovation and self-reliance in the defence sector, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh launched the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme during DefConnect 2024 in New Delhi.
The scheme aims to promote research, development, and innovation in critical and strategic defence technologies by providing start-ups with grants of up to Rs 25 crore.
Addressing a gathering of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and policymakers, Shri Rajnath Singh emphasized the importance of nurturing the innovation of youth to propel India forward in the field of technology.
The ADITI scheme, with a budget of Rs 750 crore for the period 2023-24 to 2025-26, falls under the iDEX framework of the Department of Defence Production (DDP), Ministry of Defence.
It seeks to develop about 30 deep-tech critical and strategic technologies and create a ‘Technology Watch Tool’ to bridge the gap between the requirements of the Armed Forces and the capabilities of the defence innovation ecosystem.
Under the scheme, 17 challenges have been launched by the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, and Defence Space Agency, inviting innovative solutions to address critical defence challenges.
Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted the Government’s commitment to encouraging young innovators, mentioning the expansion of iDEX to iDEX Prime with increased assistance from Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 10 crore. He emphasized the importance of transforming India into a knowledge society and leveraging technology to achieve self-reliance in defence production.
The launch of the ADITI scheme coincided with the 11th edition of the Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC), which introduced 22 problem statements aimed at enhancing the country’s defence capabilities.
Shri Rajnath Singh stressed the significance of acquiring state-of-the-art defence technology, stating that India’s self-reliance in defence production is crucial for strategic autonomy.
During the event, a technology showcase by iDEX-Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) featured cutting-edge innovations in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Cyber Security, and Wearable Technology.
The event also hosted a panel discussion on ‘Women as Drivers of Change,’ exploring the role of women in shaping the future of defence innovation.
Furthermore, DefConnect 2024 witnessed the launch of a rolling iDEX internship program to nurture young talent in defence innovation and the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with new investors under the iDEX Investors Hub (IIH) to facilitate increased investment in defence start-ups.
The launch of the ADITI scheme and other initiatives underscores the Government’s commitment to promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance in defence production.
These initiatives are poised to accelerate India’s journey towards becoming a global leader in defence technology and innovation, ensuring the nation’s security and sovereignty in the years to come.
