Lieutenant General J K Gera has assumed the appointment of Commandant at the Army Service Corps Centre & College (ASCC&C) in Bengaluru.

Congratulating him on his new role, Lt Gen Devendra Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of Army Training Command (ARTRAC), along with all ranks, extended their best wishes.

The ASCC&C in Bengaluru is a premier institution under the Ministry of Defence, dedicated to training personnel in logistics and transport management for the Indian Army.

Known for its state-of-the-art infrastructure and scientific training methods, the institution upholds global standards, equipping all ranks with essential logistics skills to enhance operational readiness.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh celebrated Diwali with the soldiers of the 4 Corps Headquarters in Tezpur, Assam, on October 30, 2024. Joined by Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Eastern Command’s GOC-in-C Lt Gen RC Tewari, and GOC of 4 Corps Lt Gen Gambhir Singh, the Defence Minister extended festive greetings and acknowledged the soldiers’ spirit, courage, and commitment to the nation.

During the celebrations, which included a traditional Barakhana meal, Rajnath Singh commended the soldiers for their exemplary discipline and bravery, calling them an inspiration to India’s youth. He emphasized that India is committed to peaceful relations with its neighbors and highlighted recent diplomatic and military efforts with China to restore peace along certain areas of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Reflecting on a policy initiated by former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he stated, “We can change our friends but not our neighbors,” underscoring India’s dedication to peaceful coexistence. However, he assured that all necessary measures would be taken to secure India’s borders, with a focus on the welfare of the forces.

Shri Rajnath Singh also highlighted India’s rising stature on the global stage, attributing it to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and the strength of the Indian Armed Forces. He urged the troops to stay vigilant, noting the complexities of an evolving global security environment.

Earlier in the day, the Defence Minister reviewed 4 Corps’ operational readiness and infrastructure advancements along the LAC. He praised the Corps’ deployment of advanced technology and military equipment to enhance operational effectiveness and recognized their significant contributions to border area development.

The Defence Minister concluded by lauding the concept of Barakhana for fostering camaraderie among ranks, saying, “Barakhana illustrates that we are more than just our official titles; we are a family united in our commitment to safeguarding the nation.”

The Dhanurdhari Gunners of the Fire and Fury Corps showcased their dedication to the motto “सेवा परमो धर्मः” (Service is the highest duty) by performing a heroic rescue on October 30, 2024.

In the early hours near Nurla, a civilian driver found himself in dire circumstances after his vehicle accidentally plunged into the chilling waters of the Indus River.

Demonstrating exceptional bravery and compassion, the Fire and Fury Corps promptly intervened to rescue the individual.

The driver received immediate medical treatment at the Central Medical Inspection room at Nurla Station before being further transported to the Government Hospital in Leh for continued care.

This courageous act reflects the Indian Army’s commitment to protecting and serving the people, both on and off the battlefield.

At the ongoing Army Commanders’ Conference (ACC), General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), presented the prestigious ‘Aviation Flight Safety Award’ to honor excellence in flight safety.

This award was established to recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals and teams committed to ensuring the highest standards of safety and reliability in Army aviation operations.

To ensure fair competition, the award was divided into two categories: single-engine and multiple-engine helicopter units.

The 663 Army Aviation Squadron emerged as the top unit in the single-engine category, while the 257 Army Aviation Squadron took first place in the multiple-engine category.

These awards underscore the Indian Army’s dedication to promoting rigorous flight safety standards, reflecting the commitment and professionalism of Army Aviation personnel.

The 663 Army Aviation Squadron, known as the Snow Leopards, is a prominent unit within the Indian Army Aviation Corps. This squadron is based in Jammu and Kashmir and plays a crucial role in various operational capacities, particularly along the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan.

It operates multiple types of helicopters, including the Cheetah and Chetak models, which are essential for reconnaissance, transport, and support missions.

In a strong display of India’s commitment to women empowerment, Lieutenant General Sadhna S Nair, Director General Medical Services (DGMS) of the Indian Army, represented India at the Women, Peace, and Security Week in New York, USA.

Co-hosted by India, Germany, and Switzerland, the event on October 25, 2024, saw Lieutenant General Nair participate in a multinational panel discussion on the status of women in defense, followed by an interactive session.

As the first woman to hold the prestigious position of DGMS (Army), Lt Gen Nair discussed India’s strides toward creating a gender-neutral environment within the armed forces.

She highlighted the Indian Army’s progress and the ongoing efforts in recruitment, promotion, and retention to ensure equal opportunity and meaningful participation for women in the defense sector.

She emphasized the importance of initiatives that enable military personnel to balance family and career, supporting a holistic approach to service.

Lt Gen Nair also discussed the Indian Army’s active inclusion of women in United Nations peacekeeping missions, underscoring India’s role in promoting gender neutrality and enhancing multinational collaboration.

Her contributions to the panel reinforced India’s commitment to advancing #NariShakti in the defense sector and supporting women’s roles in peacekeeping and security.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan marked Diwali with troops from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Indian Coast Guard stationed at the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, enhancing the festive spirit and camaraderie among the forces.

On October 29, General Chauhan participated in the Diwali Mela celebrations, bringing a wave of joy and festivity to the occasion. He also joined the troops for a special Bara-Khana, held in honor of the dedicated soldiers safeguarding India’s sovereignty.

During his visit to Sri Vijaya Puram, General Chauhan addressed officers from the Andaman & Nicobar Command (ANC) engaged in a Joint Services exercise, discussing mission readiness and commending their steadfast commitment to national security.

The Diwali evening was spent at Military Station Brichgunj, where the CDS celebrated with Joint Services troops, attending cultural events and extending warm Diwali greetings.

His presence at the vibrant Bara-Khana event fostered camaraderie and morale among the soldiers, highlighting the spirit of Service Before Self. General Chauhan praised ANC personnel for their unwavering dedication to India’s security and wished all ranks a joyous Diwali.