Five Eminent Personalities Conferred Bharat Ratna in 2024, Including PV Narasimha Rao, Charan Singh, and MS Swaminathan
In a significant announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed on Friday that five distinguished individuals, including former Prime Ministers PV Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh, alongside agricultural scientist MS Swaminathan, would be honoured with the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour.
This year’s recipients surpass the record set in 1999, with five Bharat Ratnas being awarded in a single year.
Praising the contributions of Rao, Singh, and Swaminathan, Prime Minister Modi lauded their invaluable service to the nation. Rao was acknowledged for his transformative liberalization policies that revolutionized the Indian economy, while Singh was commended for his unwavering advocacy for farmers’ rights.
Swaminathan received recognition for his globally acclaimed contributions to agriculture, which have significantly impacted food security and welfare.
Among the recipients, four will be honoured posthumously, while Lal Krishna Advani, aged 96, is the sole living recipient of the prestigious award.
Here is the list of Bharat Ratna awardees for 2024:
Karpoori Thakur (Posthumous): A prominent socialist leader and former Chief Minister of Bihar, Karpoori Thakur, affectionately known as ‘Jan Nayak’ (people’s leader), will be posthumously honoured with the Bharat Ratna. Thakur’s legacy as a champion of social justice and advocate for the marginalized has earned him widespread acclaim.
Lal Krishna Advani: A stalwart in Indian politics and a former Deputy Prime Minister, Lal Krishna Advani has made significant contributions to the nation’s development and governance. As a key figure in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Advani’s leadership and vision have left an indelible mark on India’s political landscape.
Pamulaparthi Venkata Narasimha Rao (Posthumous): Recognized for his multifaceted service to the nation, PV Narasimha Rao, a distinguished scholar and statesman, served as Prime Minister from 1991 to 1996. His leadership during a critical period of economic reforms has been instrumental in shaping India’s trajectory towards growth and prosperity.
Chaudhary Charan Singh (Posthumous): A prominent Jat leader and former Prime Minister of India, Chaudhary Charan Singh played a pivotal role in championing the cause of farmers and spearheading anti-Congress politics. His enduring legacy continues to inspire generations of leaders committed to serving the nation.
Mankombu Sambasivan Swaminathan (Posthumous): Revered as the father of the Green Revolution in India, MS Swaminathan’s pioneering work in agriculture has had a transformative impact on food security and rural livelihoods. His visionary guidance continues to shape agricultural policies and practices, ensuring sustainable development and prosperity for future generations.
The announcement of the Bharat Ratna recipients for 2024 reflects the nation’s appreciation for their exemplary contributions across various fields, underscoring their enduring legacy and invaluable service to the country.
Last month, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) achieved a significant milestone with the successful flight test of the New Generation Akash (Akash-NG) missile from the integrated test range (ITR) in Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha.
During the test, conducted against a high-speed, unmanned aerial target at a very low altitude, the Akash-NG missile system demonstrated its capability by intercepting and destroying the target, as confirmed by DRDO.
The test validated the functionality of the complete weapon system, including the missile with an indigenously developed radio frequency seeker, launcher, multi-function radar, and command, control, and communication systems.
The system’s performance was further corroborated through data captured by various radars, telemetry, and electro-optical tracking systems deployed by ITR, Chandipur.
The Akash surface-to-air missile (SAM) is a key achievement of DRDO’s Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). The Indian Air Force has already procured five units of the Akash to safeguard its airfields in the North East from potential threats posed by enemy fighter aircraft. Additionally, the Indian Army has acquired two units of the Akash and has placed orders for two more.
The Akash-NG represents a significant improvement over its predecessor, with its weight reduced by half to 350 kilograms from the original Akash’s 700 kilograms. Furthermore, it boasts an increased altitude ceiling of 25 kilometers and a range of 30 kilometers, compared to the Akash’s altitude ceiling of 20 kilometers and range of 25 kilometers.
These enhancements are attributed to the incorporation of a new two-pulse solid rocket motor and a DRDO-developed seeker, which enables target locking during the terminal phase, ensuring precise guidance to the impact point.
DRDO’s post-test statement hailed the Akash-NG as a state-of-the-art missile system capable of intercepting high-speed, agile aerial threats, paving the way for user trials. The Akash-NG’s rapid target engagement capability is underscored by its ability to detect, track, and neutralize enemy aircraft within seconds.
The surveillance radar identifies enemy fighters up to 80 kilometers away, initiating the launch sequence. By the time the enemy aircraft is 50 kilometers away, the missile is launched, reaching the impact point 30 kilometers away within a minute.
Manufactured by Bharat Electronics Limited for the Indian Air Force and integrated by Bharat Dynamics Limited for the army, the Akash missile system boasts indigenization levels exceeding 96 percent, as per the Ministry of Defence.
With its demonstrated prowess, the Akash missile system has garnered interest from countries like Vietnam, the Philippines, and various African nations, signaling its potential as a reliable defence solution against emerging threats.
The Indian Army and Royal Saudi Land Forces successfully wrapped up their inaugural joint exercise, ‘Sada Tanseeq 2024,’ at the Mahajan field firing range on February 9.
This historic collaboration between the two nations in a military exercise aimed to strengthen cooperation and interoperability.
Kicking off on January 29, the exercise concluded after intensive training sessions spanning from January 29 to February 9 in Mahajan, Rajasthan.
The validation phase of ‘Sada Tanseeq,’ the first joint military exercise between the Indian Army and the Royal Saudi Land Force, was completed at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges on Thursday, as stated in an official announcement.
The 12-day exercise aimed at achieving interoperability between the two forces and familiarizing each other with operational procedures and combat drills under the UN mandate.
The Indian contingent, comprising the 20th Battalion of The Brigade of Guards Regiment, and the Saudi Arabian contingent, consisting of a group of 45 soldiers, actively participated in the exercise conducted in two phases.
The first phase emphasized combat conditioning and tactical training, while the second phase culminated in physical exercises and validation.
During the validation phase, both contingents collaborated in various activities, including establishing a temporary operating base, setting up an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance grid, operating a mobile vehicle check post, and conducting cordon-and-search operations, heliborne operations, and house intervention drills.
The closing ceremony of the joint exercise is scheduled for Friday, as mentioned in the statement.
This milestone event not only strengthens bilateral ties between India and Saudi Arabia but also underscores the commitment of both nations to enhance cooperation and readiness in the military domain.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for the launch of its meteorological and disaster warning satellite, INSAT-3DS, scheduled for February 17 at 5:30 pm IST from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR in Sriharikota.
The satellite will be carried into orbit aboard GSLV F14, marking ISRO’s 16th mission with the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).
The primary objective of this mission is to position the INSAT-3DS satellite into the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). Following successful orbit-raising manoeuvres, the satellite will be placed into a Geo-stationary Orbit, enabling it to fulfill its role in advanced meteorological observations and weather forecasting.
INSAT-3DS is equipped with state-of-the-art payloads, including a 6-channel Imager and 19-channel Sounder, designed to enhance meteorological observations and ensure the collection of high-quality data.
Additionally, the satellite features essential communication payloads such as the Data Relay Transponder (DRT), which receives data from automatic Data Collection Platforms and Automatic Weather Stations, thereby further improving weather forecasting capabilities.
One of the critical components of INSAT-3DS is the SAS&R transponder, which plays a pivotal role in relaying distress signals and alert detections from beacon transmitters, contributing significantly to global search and rescue services.
With its advanced payloads and communication features, INSAT-3DS is poised to monitor land and ocean surfaces effectively, providing valuable data for disaster warning systems and enhancing early-warning capabilities.
Looking ahead, the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, SHAR, has ambitious plans for the future, with approximately 30 launches scheduled in the next two years, according to the ‘Integrated Launch Manifesto for 2023-24 (Q4) & 2024-25’ released by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe).
These launches are aimed at serving a variety of purposes, including India’s commercial space sector, user-funded missions, scientific endeavors, and technology tests.
The 17th Staff Talks between the Indian Navy (IN) and the French Navy (FN) were held in New Delhi from February 6 to 7, 2024, highlighting the commitment of both nations to deepen cooperation in various naval domains.
Co-chaired by Rear Admiral Nirbhay Bapna, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff for Foreign Cooperation and Intelligence, Indian Navy, and Rear Admiral Jean-Marc Durandau, Director of International Engagements, French Navy, the discussions explored ongoing naval activities and opportunities for collaboration in operational, training, and Subject Matter Expert exchanges.
In a statement shared by the Indian Navy on social media platform X, it was emphasized that the talks fostered fruitful discussions, with both sides acknowledging the growing cooperation between the two navies.
The officials expressed a mutual desire to enhance collaboration and interoperability in the maritime domain, reflecting the shared commitment to maritime security and stability in the region.
The sidelines of the staff talks provided an opportunity for Rear Admiral Jean-Marc Durandau to meet with Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, Indian Navy, on February 7.
During the meeting, both officials reaffirmed the high level of synergy and interoperability between the Indian and French Navies, underscoring the importance of continued cooperation.
Additionally, Rear Admiral Durandau visited the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) on February 6.
The IFC-IOR, established by the Government of India in 2018 and hosted by the Indian Navy, serves as a platform for promoting collaboration among maritime stakeholders to enhance maritime safety and security in the Indian Ocean Region.
The 17th Staff Talks between the Indian Navy and the French Navy underscored the commitment of both nations to strengthen bilateral ties and promote regional maritime security, reflecting the shared values and strategic interests of India and France in the maritime domain.
We know that both these forces have proven their combat capabilities time and again. In the case of most aspirants, the slight chance of ending up in one of these elite units is a major reason why they chose this path. Both these forces operate in a very secretive manner, hence speculations are often all we get about them. For aspirants, we present the difference between PARA-SF and NSG.
PARA-SF
The Indian Army’s Para (Special Forces), often known as Para SF, is a special forces unit that is part of the Parachute Regiment. Hostage rescue, counter-terrorism, unconventional warfare, special reconnaissance, foreign internal defense, counter-proliferation, counter-insurgency, search and destroy, and human recovery are among the unit’s specialties.
The 50th Parachute Brigade was formed in October 1941 during World War II, and the unit’s history dates back to that time. The 9th Parachute Special Forces Battalion, part of the Parachute Regiment, was created in 1966 as the 9th Parachute Commando Battalion. It is the oldest of the Indian Army’s nine para SF battalions. It has participated in several successful operations throughout its history, including the 1971 Indo-Pakistan conflict, Operation Bluestar, Operation Pawan, Operation Cactus, the Kargil War, the 2015 Indian counter-insurgency operation in Myanmar, the 2016 Indian Line of Control strike, and countless anti-terror operations.
Structure and Organisation
Nine Special Forces, five Airborne, two Territorial Army, and one Counter-Insurgency (Rashtriya Rifles) battalions make up the Parachute Regiment. The regiment attempted to raise additional battalions to supplement the special forces’ strength, but the mission was not accomplished owing to the difficult selection process. Furthermore, in the absence of a centralized command and a unified and regulated method for selection, selection procedures vary even across Para (SF) battalions. To put it another way, various Para (SF) battalions have varying entry requirements.
There were intentions in the mid-1980s to combine the three para commando battalions of the Parachute Regiment into a single specialized organization, the Special Forces Regiment. However, because of logistical and administrative challenges, these plans were shelved, and the Parachute Regiment continues to train and recruit them.
The 9 battalions are:
1 PARA (SF) – for urban warfare and CI/CT
2 PARA (SF) – for mountain warfare and CI/CT
3 PARA (SF) – for desert warfare and CI/CT
4 PARA (SF) – for mountain warfare and CI/CT
9 PARA (SF) – for mountain warfare, urban warfare and CI/CT
10 PARA (SF) – for desert warfare and CI/CT
11 PARA (SF) – for jungle warfare and CI/CT
12 PARA (SF) – for jungle & mountain warfare and CI/CT
21 PARA (SF) – for jungle & mountain warfare and CI/CT
Functions
Special reconnaissance, gathering intelligence
Deep penetration and precision strikes behind enemy lines to sabotage crucial enemy facilities and communications.
The Indian Army’s counter-terrorist and counter-insurgency operations include both covert and overt/direct action special operations.
Hostage rescue operations are carried out both within and outside of Indian territory.
Special operations, direct action, hostage rescue, counter-terrorism, special reconnaissance, foreign internal defense, counter-proliferation, counter-insurgency, search and destroy, and people recovery are among the duties assigned to the force.
Selection & Training
Volunteers make up the whole Indian paratrooper force. Some new recruits join the Para regiments, while others move from regular army formations. They go through a three-month probationary period / selection process for Paratroopers (Airborne) Battalions (5,6,7,23,29) and six-month probationary period / selection process for Para (Special Forces) Battalions (1,2,3,4,9,10,11,12,21 PARA). To be a para (Special Forces), all personnel must first qualify as Paratroopers; once selected, candidates may choose to advance to the SF
The first training to become a special forces operator takes 3.5 years, which is the longest in the world, but the training is ongoing. Members of the special forces get both basic and advanced training. They learn specialized infiltration and exfiltration techniques, either by air (fight freefall) or by water (combat diving).
NSG
The National Security Guard (NSG) is the Ministry of Home Affairs’ special counter-terrorism organization (MHA). Following Operation Blue Star, the Golden Temple attack, and the death of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, it was established on October 16, 1984, under the National Security Guard Act of 1986, “to fight terrorist operations and defend states against internal disturbances.” The Black Cats are a nickname for members of the National Security Guard.
Structure and Organisation
Special Action Unit (SAG)
SAGs 51 and 52 are the two types of Special Action Groups. The counter terrorist force (CTF), which is NSG’s counter-terrorist arm, is made up of both of them, as well as 11 SRG. Counter-terrorist and counter-insurgency operations are handled by 51 SAG and 11 SRG, while anti-hijacking operations are handled by 52 SAG. SRG members are mostly selected from CAPFs, whilst SAG members are mostly drawn from the Indian Army.
Special Ranger Group (SRG)
Special Ranger Groups (SRG) 11, 12, and 13 are the three SRGs. Along with 51 SAG, 11 SRG is part of the counter-terrorist force (CTF) and is solely employed for counter-terrorist activities. Close protection and special security services are provided by the 12 and 13 SRG for India’s high-profile targets, such as the defence minister. Border guarding troops like the BSF, ITBP, and SSB, as well as Internal Security Forces like the CRPF, CISF, and Assam Rifles, make up the SRG. In recent years, the Government of India has opted to withdraw SRGs from protection responsibilities and refocus them only on NSG mandates such as SAG and 11 SRG.
Special Composite Group (SCG)
The Special Composite Group (SCG) of the National Security Group (NSG) has established five regional centers for regional deployment. SCG is made of of Army and CAPF troops who are responsible for counter-terrorist activities in their area of duty. As Group Commander, each SCG is led by a colonel-rank officer on deputation from the Indian Army. The five regional hubs are as follows:
26 SCG Mumbai
27 SCG Chennai
28 SCG Hyderabad
29 SCG Kolkata
30 SCG Gandhinagar
Functions
Counter hijacking tasks on land, sea, and air
Bomb disposal (search, detection and neutralization of IEDs)
Post Blast Investigation (PBI)
Hostage Rescue missions like in Taj Hotel during 26/11 Mumbai attack
VIP security (like security to Cabinet Ministers and others eminent persons)
Selection & Training
Selection is difficult, with a dropout rate of 70–80 percent. The basics take up three months of their 14-month training in Manesar, Haryana. A cross-country obstacle course, jumping from heights and over divides, and ascending various types of terrain are among the 26 aspects of physical fitness training. At the end of an obstacle-filled cross-country marathon, one endurance test combines martial arts and target shooting. This is used to assess the candidate’s ability to perform under duress and tiredness. Those who pass the examinations will be assigned to advanced training for nine months.Aspirants must also pass a psychological examination before being accepted into the NSG. Urban counter-terrorism, underwater operations, home intervention, counter-UAV and anti-drone operations, bomb detection and disposal abilities, and several other specialisations are all included in the training.
Conclusion
Regardless of the challenges they face, both these forces are well trained and well equipped to overcome them. Although they are trained to serve different functions, one common factor between them would be their rigorous training and commitment to excellence. Aspirants should be inspired by this and aim to inculcate that relentless pursuit for the objectives set for themselves. SSBCrack provides ample resources to support aspirants in their journey.
India is poised to bolster its defense capabilities with the development of three new spy planes designed for close monitoring of enemy communications and conducting extensive surveillance missions.
The project, set to be predominantly indigenous, will utilize technology and equipment made in India, signaling a significant step towards self-reliance.
Defence officials disclosed to ANI that the proposal for acquiring three new spy planes, also known as signal intelligence and communication jamming system aircraft, is nearing clearance and is expected to receive approval next week.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory and the Indian Air Force, will utilize an Airbus-319 class aircraft as its base, according to sources familiar with the matter. Tender processes will be initiated by relevant agencies to procure the necessary platform for the aircraft.
Having identified the need for such aircraft for an extended period, the project has now reached the stage of finalizing specifications, officials revealed.
Additionally, the Centre for Airborne Studies (CABS) is concurrently engaged in multiple development projects, including the advancement of the Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) systems, building upon the existing Netra aircraft with the introduction of the AEW&C Netra Mark1A.
Previous reports highlighted the Indian Air Force’s intent to present proposals for the acquisition of six additional AEW&C aircraft based on the Embraer platform to the Defence Acquisition Council in September and November of the previous year.
Furthermore, plans are underway for the indigenous development of Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (I-STAR) aircraft, as well as the AEW&C Mark 1A aircraft on the Embraer legacy jet plane platform, and the AEWC Mark 2 on Airbus 321 jets for the Indian Air Force. CABS is concurrently involved in the Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance project for the Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy.
Director General Rakesh Pal of the Indian Coast Guard recently emphasized the significance of the C-295-based maritime surveillance aircraft, highlighting its potential to fortify the force’s indigenous surveillance capabilities over Indian territory.
In a remarkable achievement that speaks volumes about determination and resilience, Vaishnavi Tripathi and four other young women from the UP Sainik School in Lucknow have secured their places at the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla near Pune. This distinguished accomplishment not only highlights the individual perseverance of these cadets but also underscores the evolving landscape of military education in India, particularly in terms of gender inclusivity.
Vaishnavi Tripathi, alongside Hansi Malik, Priyanka, Sanskriti Sharma, and Jyotsna Yadav, have all triumphed over the rigorous selection process of the Service Selection Board (SSB), marking a significant milestone in their journey towards becoming commissioned officers in the Indian Defence Services. Their success is a beacon of inspiration, demonstrating that with unwavering determination, one can overcome personal adversities to achieve their dreams.
The UP Sainik School, known for its comprehensive preparation of students for entry into the armed forces, has been instrumental in shaping the futures of these young aspirants. The school’s holistic approach, focusing on academic, physical, and mental training, has evidently paid off, with these five girls representing an impressive 18.5 percent of the total seats allocated for women at the NDA. This achievement is particularly noteworthy as it comes from a batch of 15 girl students, reflecting the school’s pioneering role in admitting women since 2018.
Colonel Rajesh Raghav, the principal of UP Sainik School, expressed immense pride in this unparalleled success, attributing it to the hard work of the students and the dedicated support of the faculty and staff. The school’s focused preparation, including specialized training modules and continuous assessment through tests and interviews, has been a key factor in enabling these young women to excel in the rigorous SSB examination process.
The journey of these cadets, especially that of Vaishnavi Tripathi, who pursued her dream of becoming an army officer despite the loss of her father, and Priyanka, who has been inspired by her father’s service in the Indian Army, exemplifies the power of perseverance and the importance of support and guidance in achieving one’s goals.
This remarkable feat by the students of UP Sainik School not only celebrates their individual successes but also marks a significant step forward in the integration of women into combat roles in the Indian armed forces. As these young women prepare for their training at the NDA, they pave the way for future generations of women to dream big and achieve greater heights in the defence sector.
On Sunday, February 4, Delhi Police apprehended Riyaz Ahmed, a retired Army soldier suspected to be affiliated with the banned terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), at New Delhi Railway Station.
This arrest follows closely on the heels of a recent operation by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, which dismantled a LeT module operating in Kupwara district and thwarted a planned attack in the region.
According to authorities, Ahmed played an active role in this conspiracy alongside two accomplices, Khursheed Ahmad Rather and Ghulam Sarwar Rather, collaborating with handlers across the Line of Control (LoC) to procure weapons and ammunition.
“The detained individual, Riyaz Ahmed, previously served in the army and was heavily involved in devising plans with his associates to acquire arms and ammunition from LeT handlers across the LoC, with intentions of carrying out disruptive activities in Jammu and Kashmir,” stated Delhi Police.
This arrest follows the successful interception by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, where a terrorist module operating from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) was dismantled. Earlier, five associates linked to the smuggling of various arms and ammunition were apprehended in Karnah.
One of the detainees, Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, was found in possession of an AK series rifle, magazines, rounds, and pistols. Investigations revealed Bhat’s communication with two LeT handlers based in PoK, who facilitated the transportation of weapon consignments to support their illicit operations.
The Pune International Exhibition and Convention Centre will host the Maharashtra MSME Defence Expo from February 17 to 19. With a focus on fostering growth and forging strategic alliances, the Expo will welcome over 1,000 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.
The Expo underlines Maharashtra’s dedication to becoming a leading centre for defence manufacturing, capitalizing on its skilled workforce and favourable business climate.
It marks a significant stride towards realizing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat in the defence sector, empowering MSMEs to contribute to national security and economic advancement.
The event’s objective is to offer a stage for distinguished industry leaders, inventive start ups, and vibrant MSMEs to display their prowess, nurturing collaboration and unleashing vast potential within the defence sector.
The Expo promises to be a dynamic event, showcasing cutting-edge technologies and innovations in defence production.
It also provides invaluable networking opportunities with industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders, facilitating discussions on critical issues and exploring investment prospects and potential business partnerships that can propel growth and innovation in the defence sector, according to a press release issued on Sunday.
Additionally, the event will witness the involvement of around 10,000 students from diverse universities and engineering colleges in Maharashtra.
This presents an exceptional opportunity for students to engage with the senior ranks of the Tri-Services and industry experts deeply immersed in the defence sector, as stated by an official.
