Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi has commenced a significant five-day visit to Nepal aimed at enhancing defense partnerships and exploring new areas of cooperation between the two neighboring countries. This visit marks an important step in strengthening the ties between India’s armed forces and the Nepalese military.

On his first day in Nepal, General Dwivedi engaged in discussions with Naveen Srivastava, the Indian Ambassador to Nepal. This meeting served as a crucial starting point for his visit and set the tone for further interactions. Following this initial engagement, he held an informal discussion with General Ashok Raj Sigdel, his Nepali counterpart, which paved the way for more structured bilateral talks.

On the second day of his trip, General Dwivedi is set to receive a ceremonial guard of honor at the headquarters of the Nepali Army, an event that underscores the respect accorded to him and the strategic importance of the visit. This will be followed by a formal meeting with General Sigdel, where they are expected to address matters of mutual concern. Additionally, the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of the Nepali Army will provide a briefing on issues that are of shared interest to both nations.

A highlight of the visit will occur later the same day when General Dwivedi will be honored with the prestigious Honorary Rank of General of the Nepali Army by President Ram Chandra Poudel at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, Shital Niwas. This ceremonial acknowledgment reflects the long-standing military and cultural ties between the two countries.

General Dwivedi’s schedule includes meetings with high-ranking officials, including Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Defense Minister Manbir Rai, where discussions will focus on defense cooperation and regional security matters. The Army chief is also scheduled to address officers participating in the Nepali Army Command and Staff Course at Shivapuri, demonstrating India’s commitment to sharing knowledge and expertise with its neighbor.

On November 23, he will attend an ex-servicemen rally in Pokhara, where he is expected to interact with Indian Army veterans living in Nepal and honor ‘Veer Naris’—the widows of soldiers—and gallantry awardees. This aspect of the visit reflects India’s recognition of the sacrifices made by military personnel and their families.

General Dwivedi will also visit the Nepali Army’s Western Division Headquarters, where he will receive briefings on operational matters, further solidifying the collaborative efforts in defense.

The Army chief will conclude his visit on November 24 before returning to India, marking a significant chapter in the ongoing efforts to enhance military ties and address shared security concerns in the region. This visit is expected to yield fruitful discussions and pave the way for further cooperation between the Indian and Nepali armed forces.

In a recent briefing, Indian Navy officials highlighted the ongoing efforts to bolster coastal security in India while addressing the emergence of new threats in the realm of maritime defense. Commodore Dushyant Purohit emphasized the importance of vigilance among security agencies in response to current geopolitical conflicts, which have seen the evolving use of drones in military operations.

With advancements in technology, challenges related to coastal security are becoming increasingly complex. Purohit noted that every decade presents new threats, necessitating updates to countermeasures. As he remarked, “With technology, almost every decade there is a new threat and a new way to counter it. We are very cognizant of that.” He cited the two ongoing wars around the world as significant learning opportunities, from which security agencies aim to derive valuable insights to enhance their defense strategies.

A crucial element of coastal security remains surveillance, which has become a focal point following past incidents, including the infamous 26/11 terrorist attacks in Mumbai. Purohit explained that while a coastal radar network had been established to improve monitoring, the task of identifying fishing vessels continues to pose challenges. “Surveillance is the most important thing in coastal security… this is also an area of weakness because we do not know 100% what is happening,” he stated, underlining the need for improved methods to track maritime activities.

Integral to this surveillance effort is the fishing community, which serves as the “eyes and ears” for security agencies along the coastline. The commodore highlighted the emerging threat posed by drones, which have the potential to inflict significant damage. As part of the ongoing Sea Vigil maritime exercise, which began on November 12 and concludes on Thursday, the Navy is considering simulations to test the community’s ability to report unfamiliar or suspicious objects in the sky.

The Sea Vigil exercise involves the cooperation of 21 agencies and six ministries, all focused on evaluating the coastal defense readiness of the nation. A comprehensive coastal security audit has been carried out, aimed at identifying both the capabilities and vulnerabilities specific to Goa’s coastal infrastructure—be it at fish landing points, jetties, or beaches.

Purohit disclosed that a joint team from various agencies will simulate an infiltration scenario over a 36-hour period to assess the effectiveness of current defenses. “We get a list of vulnerable areas and points from the state government. These are well defended by the respective agency. However, there are always areas that need to be tested, and this is the aim of this exercise,” he explained, reinforcing the necessity of continuous evaluation and adaptation in response to evolving maritime threats.

In a significant recognition of the efforts of the Rashtriya Rifles (RR) in maintaining peace and stability, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Northern Command, Lieutenant General M V Suchindra Kumar, commended the force for their outstanding contributions during the past decades. Speaking at the 13th Rashtriya Rifles Biennial conference held in Udhampur, he emphasized the crucial role that RR has played in countering insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir since its inception in the 1990s.

Lieutenant General Kumar highlighted the importance of the RR’s evolving strategies, urging the unit to remain adaptable and responsive to contemporary operational challenges. He called for continued efforts to re-orient, restructure, and reconfigure the force to ensure it remains a technologically advanced, agile, and capable entity.

The GOC-in-C also encouraged RR troops and commanders to deepen their community engagement, functioning effectively as a counter-terrorism force that is deeply entrenched in the local geography and demography. “Operate for the people and with the people,” he urged, reinforcing the idea that the Rashtriya Rifles should continue to act as facilitators of peace in the region.

Lt Gen Kumar praised the RR’s integral role as emissaries of the Indian Army and underscored their position as vital contributors to both community and national development. He stressed that the overarching goal of community engagement should guide the efforts of all ranks within the force.

In closing, he expressed heartfelt congratulations to all personnel of the Rashtriya Rifles for their unwavering dedication and sacrifices made in the pursuit of counter-terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. This conference, chaired by the Northern Army Commander, also saw participation from notable military leaders, including Major General Anupam Bhagi, Additional Director General of the Rashtriya Rifles, and various other senior officers from Army Headquarters and the Northern Command.

In a significant development for aviation enthusiasts and locals alike, the groundwork has begun for a helicopter museum along Visakhapatnam’s beach road. The centerpiece of this new attraction will be the UH-3H helicopter, which was recently retired from active service with the Indian Navy after 17 years of dedicated service. Onlookers observed personnel assembling the helicopter’s parts on Wednesday, marking a pivotal moment in the creation of the museum.

The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) is spearheading this project, which carries a budget of approximately Rs 2.2 crore. Officials from the VMRDA have expressed their commitment to completing the museum within the upcoming months. This initiative follows the successful establishment of other aviation-themed attractions in the region, including the TU-142 aircraft museum, a submarine museum, and the Sea Harrier museum, showcasing the authority’s dedication to enhancing the aerospace heritage in Visakhapatnam.

The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation has facilitated the project by leasing a designated area on beach road to the VMRDA specifically for the helicopter museum. The decision to display the UH-3H at a prominent location in the city came after a commemorative de-induction ceremony at INS Dega earlier this year, which celebrated the helicopter’s service and contribution. Navy officials have emphasized the importance of the museum not only as a tribute to the helicopter’s legacy but also as an inspiring landmark for future generations.

In conjunction with the handover of the UH-3H, the Indian Navy presented a commemorative plaque to representatives of the state government, which was received by officials from Visakhapatnam district. This gesture underscores the collaborative effort between military and local authorities in preserving the history and significance of naval aviation. As the project moves forward, it is anticipated that the helicopter museum will become a notable attraction, drawing visitors interested in aviation history and the naval forces of India.

The Indian Army recently held a significant Multi-Agency Capability Demonstration aimed at enhancing disaster management practices among various stakeholders. The event witnessed the participation of 15 senior officials and representatives from nine friendly foreign nations within the Gulf Cooperation Council, Indian Ocean Region, and South East Asia. This international collaboration highlighted the vital importance of sharing best practices, domain knowledge, and experience in managing disasters effectively.

The demonstration centered on a simulated cyclone scenario, allowing multiple agencies to work in coordination on logistics, rapid response, and effective disaster management strategies. Key participants included the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), alongside the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and other central and state agencies. This collaborative effort aimed to reinforce the collective response capabilities in the face of natural calamities.

In addition to military participation, representatives from several important organizations were present at the event. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA), the Meteorological Department, and FICCI contributed their expertise and insights into enhancing disaster response frameworks.

Complementing the demonstration was an industrial display designed to showcase innovations and technological advancements in disaster response made by Indian defense industries. This platform not only facilitated the exhibition of various technologies but also emphasized India’s commitment to self-reliance and continuous technological progress in managing disasters efficiently.

General (Gen) Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), praised the collaborative efforts of all participants. He recognized their commitment and effort in organizing and executing the exercise with professionalism and excellence, reinforcing the critical nature of preparedness and coordinated responses in disaster management scenarios.

Dehradun: The Indian Army is set to conduct a recruitment drive under the Agnipath scheme for both male and female candidates at the Bengal Engineers Group & Centre in Roorkee from December 11 to December 21, as announced by Lt Col Manish Srivastava, the Public Relations Officer for Defence in Dehradun.

The recruitment rally for male candidates is scheduled to take place from December 11 to December 16, while the rally for female candidates will be held on December 19. Aspiring candidates are required to download their admit cards from the official Join Indian Army (JIA) website prior to attending the rally.

The announcement emphasizes the importance of bringing essential documents for smooth entry into the recruitment event. Candidates must present an Aadhaar card along with all original documents and three photocopies of each document. Additionally, they should have a mobile number that is registered with Aadhaar for OTP-based verification upon entry.

Lt Col Srivastava also provided key information for candidates seeking assistance. For queries or further information, they can reach out to the Army helpline at 7456874057 or access guidance through the JIA website. Furthermore, candidates are advised to be vigilant against touts or middlemen who may attempt to exploit them during the recruitment process. The army maintains that the recruitment effort is entirely fair and transparent, and any suspicious approach by a tout should be reported to the Army officers present at the rally venue.

CHENNAI: A significant initiative aimed at enhancing the maritime security of the nation commenced with a two-day nationwide exercise known as Sea Vigil, which began on Wednesday and will continue until Thursday. This exercise is being overseen by the Indian Navy, specifically from the TN and Puducherry Naval area headquarters, and marks the fourth iteration of this crucial national coastal security drill.

Spanning the extensive 11,098 kilometers of India’s coastline, Sea Vigil involves the collaboration of six central ministries, along with 21 Central and State agencies and various key stakeholders integral to the country’s maritime security framework. Coordinated meetings with stakeholders in Tamil Nadu have been taking place since October 2024, emphasizing proactive engagement ahead of the exercise.

The primary objective of Sea Vigil 24 is to enhance the security of India’s coastal assets, which encompass critical infrastructure such as ports, oil rigs, and cable landing stations, along with addressing vulnerable areas (VAs) and vulnerable points (VPs). Notably, this year’s exercise includes participation from the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force, underscoring a significant integrated approach to coastal and maritime security.

Since the devastating Mumbai attacks on November 26, 2008, the Indian Navy has assumed the role of the lead agency for maritime security. The Sea Vigil 24 exercise is seen as a crucial measure to ensure effective coordination among various Central and State security agencies, aimed at fortifying coastal defense.

In Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, the Indian Navy has reached out to over 2,000 students, including those from the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and Scouts, through maritime security awareness programs. Additionally, the Navy has conducted extensive Coastal Defence and Security Readiness evaluations at 51 locations and organized maritime awareness sessions across more than 60 sites. This comprehensive effort has been bolstered by significant cooperation from local agencies, such as the Coastal Security Group of the Tamil Nadu Police, alongside entities from the fisheries, forest, customs departments, and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).

As the exercise unfolds, the emphasis on collaboration and readiness illustrates India’s commitment to safeguarding its vast and vital maritime territories against potential threats.

The Indian Navy has officially released the admit card for the Indian Navy Civilian Entrance Test (INCET-01/2024). Candidates who have applied for any of the 741 civilian positions available under this recruitment initiative are now encouraged to download their admission tickets. To do so, applicants should visit the official Indian Navy portal at joinindiannavy.gov.in and log in using their credentials.

The current recruitment drive is designed to fill a variety of posts within the Indian Navy, including:

– Fireman (444 positions)
– Tradesman Mate (161 positions)
– Chargeman (29 positions across diverse disciplines)
– Pest Control Worker (18 positions)
– Fire Engine Driver (58 positions)
– Cook (9 positions)
– Multi-Tasking Staff (16 positions)
– Scientific Assistant (4 positions)
– Draughtsman (2 positions)

Educational qualifications for these roles differ, and candidates are advised to consult the official notification detailed on the Indian Navy website for specific eligibility criteria.

Regarding age limits, candidates must note the following:

– 18-25 years: applicable for Chargeman (Ammunition Workshop, Factory), Draughtsman, Tradesman Mate, Pest Control Worker, Cook, Multi-Tasking Staff
– 18-27 years: applicable for Fireman and Fire Engine Driver
– Up to 30 years: applicable for Chargeman (Mechanic) and Scientific Assistant

To assist candidates in obtaining their INCET-01/2024 admit cards easily, the following steps are recommended:

1. Navigate to the official Indian Navy website at incet.cbt-exam.in.
2. Click on the section labeled ‘INCET-01/2024’ on the homepage.
3. This will redirect you to a new page.
4. Enter your registered mobile number and password to log in.
5. Review, download, and print your admit card for future reference.

Candidates are also advised to confirm their personal details and eligibility before the examination day to ensure a smooth process.