This week, the renowned knowledge-based game show Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 16 is making waves with its special segment, KBC Juniors, showcasing brilliant young minds aged 8 to 15. Among the talented participants is Tritee Ranjhana from Assam, a spirited girl with ambitious dreams. As Tritee engages in the game, she opens up about her aspiration to join the Indian Navy, expressing her deep passion for serving the nation.

In a heartwarming exchange, veteran host Amitabh Bachchan commends Tritee’s vision, stating, “Wow! It’s rare to see young people with such a strong vision and dreams like yours. Serving the nation is a truly noble ambition.” Tritee has shown remarkable dedication by conducting research on the educational path necessary to realize her dream. Although science was not her initial choice, she is now resolute in pursuing this subject to equip herself for a future in the Navy.

Bachchan, who has a profound respect for the Indian Navy, shares his own experiences and admiration with Tritee. He reveals, “Not many people know much about the Indian Navy. Recently, I had the honour of meeting some high-ranking naval officers who asked for help to raise awareness about the Navy. I even lent my voice to their documentary. Few realize the incredible work they do. The Indian Navy is a formidable force, and it has grown tremendously over the years, now equipped with powerful weapons.”

He also expresses a personal desire to learn more about the Navy up close, stating, “I told them I’d love to learn more firsthand by visiting one of their ships—perhaps even an aircraft carrier—to understand and share the details of their operations. For example, when an aircraft lands on a carrier, the challenges are immense. Many aren’t aware of how difficult this process truly is.”

Beyond discussing naval operations, Bachchan shares a fascinating anecdote about navy practices, mentioning the unique experience of ship transfers at sea. “One thing I find fascinating is when two ships come side by side in the open sea, and the captain has to transfer to another ship. They use a ropeway with a leather seat to cross, and I told them I’d love to try it myself someday!” he adds enthusiastically.

With Tritee as a shining example of ambition and passion for service, viewers can catch the inspiring episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati Juniors, hosted by the legendary Amitabh Bachchan, airing at 9 PM.

In a significant move to bolster its military capabilities, India is set to launch a major tri-services military exercise named ‘Poorvi Prahaar’ on November 8, following the recent disengagement of Indian and Chinese soldiers in eastern Ladakh. This 10-day exercise aims to demonstrate the cohesive operational synergy among the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, enhancing their collective combat readiness.

Sources indicate that the Indian Army will deploy a variety of units, artillery guns, Light Combat Helicopters (LCH), and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) as part of the exercise. The Indian Air Force is expected to participate with its advanced fleet, including the Su-30 MKI and Rafale fighter jets, C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft, and various helicopters. Air force bases located in Kolkata, Hashimara, Paanagarh, and Kalaikunda will be actively involved during the course of the exercise. Furthermore, the Indian Navy’s elite MARCOS commandos will also play an active role in this multi-service drill.

A senior defense official explained that the exercise is designed to test and enhance the integration and operational readiness of the three services as part of a strategic defence posture aimed specifically at the eastern sector. This initiative comes on the heels of the successful disengagement of troops at the Depsang and Demchok friction points in eastern Ladakh, which has opened avenues for de-escalation discussions between India and China.

After disengagement, negotiations continue between the two nations to achieve a broader de-escalation of troops in the eastern sector. There are ongoing talks aimed at securing an agreement on restoring patrolling rights in the Yangtse region of the Tawang sector—a highly sensitive area where Indian forces had previously restricted access to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) following clashes in December 2022.

An informed source indicated that alongside diplomatic discussions with China, India is actively enhancing its joint combat capabilities along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). This dual approach not only emphasizes India’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty but also serves to strengthen its negotiating position in pursuit of a peaceful resolution to ongoing tensions.

Additionally, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is expected to visit the Tawang sector during the Diwali festivities, further underscoring the government’s commitment to reinforcing defensive measures in this strategically crucial area. His visit, coinciding with the preparations for the ‘Poorvi Prahaar’ exercise, symbolizes India’s resolve to secure its borders and maintain a state of readiness against potential challenges along the LAC.

Overall, ‘Poorvi Prahaar’ marks a significant strategic shift for India, emphasizing a proactive defence strategy as the nation seeks to bolster stability and security in its border regions with China.

In a strategic move that underscores India’s commitment to enhancing its military readiness, the Indian Armed Forces are set to initiate a comprehensive tri-services military exercise named ‘Poorvi Prahaar’ starting November 8. This extensive 10-day exercise follows recent disengagement between Indian and Chinese soldiers in eastern Ladakh, specifically at two critical friction points, Depsang and Demchok.

The ‘Poorvi Prahaar’ exercise aims to demonstrate the operational synergy among the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. It will incorporate a range of military assets to assess combat readiness and operational preparedness across all three branches. According to sources, the Indian Army plans to deploy various units, artillery guns, Light Combat Helicopters (LCH), and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) during the event. Concurrently, the Indian Air Force will utilize its fleet of advanced aircraft, including Su-30 MKI and Rafale fighters, as well as C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft and a variety of helicopters. Air Force bases in Kolkata, Hashimara, Paanagarh, and Kalaikunda are slated to be activated specifically for the exercise.

The participation of the Indian Navy is notably highlighted by the role of its elite marine commandos, MARCOS, adding an additional layer of operational capability to the exercise. A senior defense official explained that the primary objectives of ‘Poorvi Prahaar’ are to evaluate the cohesive functioning of the three branches and to fortify India’s defense posture in the eastern sector.

This tri-services exercise is taking place against the backdrop of ongoing negotiations between India and China to de-escalate military tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Despite the recent withdrawal of troops from the conflict zones in Ladakh, discussions continue regarding the restoration of patrolling rights in the Yangtse area of the Tawang sector. This particular region had seen restricted access for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) following a clash in December 2022, leading to increased strategic sensitivities.

As part of its dual approach to diplomatically engage China while simultaneously enhancing military capabilities, India is focused on augmenting its readiness along the LAC. A defense source noted that this strategy serves to enhance India’s leverage in pursuing a peaceful resolution while also ensuring the nation’s sovereignty is defensively safeguarded.

Adding to the significance of this military exercise, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is anticipated to visit the Tawang sector during the upcoming Diwali celebrations. His visit is expected to reinforce the government’s commitment to national security in the region and coincide with the ‘Poorvi Prahaar’ preparations. This exercise represents not only a tactical drill but also a declaration of India’s resolute aim to maintain stability and security along its borders with China, marking a notable shift towards a more proactive defense strategy.

In an exciting development for the upcoming Navy Day celebrations, the Indian Navy has proposed an invitation to President Draupadi Murmu to be the chief guest for the event on December 4, which will take place in the temple town of Puri, Odisha. This marks a significant occasion as it will be the first time the Eastern Naval Command will conduct the Navy Day celebrations in Odisha. Last year, President Murmu attended the celebrations held in Visakhapatnam, where she fulfilled the role of chief guest.

Preparations for the event are already underway, with a preliminary hydrographic survey and drill conducted at Puri beach in mid-August. These exercises were overseen by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, along with the anchoring of five warships off the coast. Senior naval officers were also present during the survey, highlighting the importance of the upcoming celebrations.

The public of Puri will have a unique opportunity to witness naval displays that have rarely been seen in the area. Among the naval vessels participating are the INS Jalashwa, INS Kiltan, and INS Sumedha, which have been patrolling off the coast, creating excitement among the local population and tourists. Many visitors were seen at Puri beach, captivated by the sight of the naval ships, as it is not common for such vessels to be present in this region.

Navy Day, celebrated annually on December 4, honors the significant role and accomplishments of the Indian Navy, notably its actions during ‘Operation Trident’, a key engagement against Pakistan. This year’s celebrations promise to be grand, featuring a variety of demonstrations including high-speed runs by inshore support vessels, complex maneuvers by fleet ships, anti-submarine rocket firings, and helicopter landing demonstrations. Furthermore, audiences can anticipate a composite fly-past by aircraft and Hawks, as well as a spectacular illumination of the ships to conclude the festivities.

However, the celebrations will bring mixed emotions as the residents of Visakhapatnam, who typically participate in this major annual event drawing over half a million attendees to the city’s waterfront, will miss out on the festivities this year. The shift of the event to Puri illustrates the expanding reach of the Indian Navy’s engagements and its efforts to connect with different regions across the country.