The Eastern Army Command organized a motorcycle rally in Kolkata as part of the lead-up to the ‘Vijay Diwas’ celebrations, which commemorate India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. This event, held in collaboration with a well-known FM radio channel, aimed to honor the valor and sacrifices of the armed forces while fostering a closer relationship between the military and the civilian community.

Leading the charge was Lieutenant General R C Tiwari, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command, who rode alongside motorcycle enthusiasts from both the armed forces and local residents. The rally was officially flagged off by Lieutenant General R C Srikanth, Chief of Staff of the Eastern Command, from Fort William, which serves as the Eastern Army Command headquarters located in the heart of Kolkata.

The motorcycle procession covered a distance of 25 kilometers, taking riders past some of Kolkata’s most iconic landmarks, including the historical Eden Gardens, the majestic Victoria Memorial, and the culturally significant Birla Mandir. The rally provided not only a thrilling experience for the participants but also a sense of unity and purpose as they traversed the city.

The event concluded at the East Gate of Fort William, where the Eastern Army Commander paid homage to the heroes who lost their lives during the 1971 war at the ‘Vijay Smarak.’ This somber ceremony drew participation from riders, including armed forces officers and notable citizens of Kolkata, who collectively offered their respects to the martyrs, highlighting the enduring respect and gratitude held for those who fought for the nation’s freedom. such community-driven initiatives reinforce the spirit of camaraderie and respect between the military and civilian populations in India.

General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of the Indian Army, concluded his five-day official visit to Nepal and returned to India on Sunday. His visit was at the formal invitation of General Ashok Raj Sigdel, the Chief of the Nepali Army. Accompanying him was his wife, Sunita Dwivedi, highlighting the personal and diplomatic significance of the trip.

Upon his arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, General Dwivedi was warmly welcomed by Lieutenant Colonel Prem Dhoj Adhikari, who serves as the Chief of the Department of War Affairs. The reception underscored the importance of military relations between India and Nepal.

During the stay, a significant highlight came when General Dwivedi was bestowed the honorary rank of General of the Nepali Army, an accolade presented to him by Nepal’s President Ram Chandra Poudel. This gesture illustrates the close ties and mutual respect between the two nations, particularly in matters concerning defense and military cooperation.

Throughout his visit, General Dwivedi engaged in productive discussions with key Nepali leaders, including Prime Minister KP Oli and Defense Minister Manbir Rai. These meetings focused on strengthening bilateral military relations and enhancing cooperation in various defense sectors. The dialogue likely touched upon regional security challenges and ways to address them collaboratively.

General Dwivedi also took the opportunity to visit significant military and cultural sites in Nepal. His itinerary included a trip to the Army Command and Staff College in Shivpuri, where he presumably discussed training and operational aspects with Nepalese military leaders. Additionally, he visited the West Frontier Headquarters in Pokhara, further emphasizing the collaborative military engagement between the two countries.

Culturally, General Dwivedi explored Nepal’s rich heritage by visiting the renowned Muktinath Temple, a sacred site for Hindus and Buddhists alike. To cap off his visit, he took a mountain flight to soak in the breathtaking vistas of the Himalayan peaks, showcasing not only the natural beauty of Nepal but also the personal enjoyment of his visit.

Overall, General Dwivedi’s trip signifies ongoing collaboration and camaraderie between the Indian Army and the Nepali Armed Forces, aimed at enhancing mutual understanding and preparedness.

In a significant advancement for the Indian Army’s defence capabilities, the launch of Project Akashteer marks a pivotal moment in India’s air security strategy. This next-generation air defence system is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing the country’s ability to respond to contemporary aerial threats with increased speed, accuracy, and precision. Project Akashteer is part of the Army’s broader initiatives known as the “Decade of Transformation” and the “Year of Tech Absorption,” which aim to modernize India’s military infrastructure.

Recently, the system underwent a meticulous real-time validation process, where it demonstrated its capabilities in a simulated environment designed to replicate potential future combat scenarios. A senior military official attending the validation praised the project team for their commitment and highlighted Akashteer’s potential to transform India’s air defence readiness significantly.

The phased induction of Project Akashteer is progressing as planned, with the army currently deploying the systems to enhance its air defence network. Out of the total requirement of 455 systems, 107 have already been deployed, with an additional 105 systems scheduled for delivery by March 2025. The remaining units are anticipated to be inducted by March 2027, which will systematically bolster air defence coverage across various Army units and formations.

Project Akashteer stands as a testament to the Indian Army’s focus on technological innovation and its strategic shift toward self-reliance in defence capabilities. By leveraging advanced automation, decentralization, and real-time data integration, the Indian Army aims to establish itself as a leader in regional air defence technology. As the Akashteer project continues to roll out, it is expected that India will enjoy improved oversight and protection of its airspace, ensuring preparedness against evolving aerial threats in the years to come.

In a significant display of its commitment to regional security cooperation, the Indian Navy is extending its ship maintenance expertise to several neighboring nations and countries within the Indian Ocean region. At the request of the governments of the Maldives and Mauritius, the Indian Navy is currently undertaking the maintenance and repair of two coast guard vessels: the Maldivian Coast Guard Ship (MCGS) Huravee and the Mauritius Coast Guard vessel, MCGS Valiant. These refits are being conducted without charge to the host countries, highlighting India’s dedication to fostering strong diplomatic and defense relationships in the region.

The MCGS Huravee, which was originally commissioned by India in 2016, was ceremonially handed over to the Maldives in 2023. The vessel is now undergoing extensive refitting at the Naval dockyard in Mumbai. This process focuses on crucial repairs and upgrades to bolster its operational capabilities. The decision to proceed with the refit was established during a state visit to India by Maldives President Muizzu in October. The Indian High Commission in the Maldives issued a statement indicating that the refit would incur an estimated cost of over $4 million, which will be covered by the Indian government, underscoring the deep-rooted friendly ties and multifaceted defense cooperation between the two nations.

Simultaneously, the MCGS Valiant, constructed by Goa Shipyard Ltd for the Mauritius Coast Guard in 2017, is undergoing a scheduled four-month refit in Visakhapatnam. This effort is aimed at ensuring that the vessel remains ready for a range of critical missions, including patrolling, anti-piracy operations, and search and rescue efforts.

The Indian Navy’s involvement extends beyond maintenance. In an effort to bolster maritime security capabilities in the region, India recently gifted two Fast Interceptor Crafts (FICs) to Mozambique. Delivered by the Indian Navy ship INS Gharial, these crafts were formally handed over to the Mozambican government by Indian High Commissioner Robert Shetkintong. This aid is particularly significant as it will enhance Mozambique’s ability to combat maritime terrorism and address ongoing insurgencies in the Cabo Delgado province. India had previously gifted two large interceptor boats to Mozambique in 2019, followed by two FICs in January 2022.

Last year marked a notable development in India’s naval cooperation, as the Indian Navy vessel INS Kripan was transferred to the Vietnam Navy. This transfer was historic, being the first instance of an active warship being gifted by India to another country, which reflects the strengthening defense ties between the two nations.

This comprehensive approach, described as “Womb to Tomb” support, aligns with the Indian government’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and its vision for “Security and Growth for All in the Region” (SAGAR). The Indian Navy continues to play a crucial role in fortifying relationships and promoting security in the Indian Ocean, illustrating India’s commitment to collaborative maritime governance.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially announced the commencement of the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 1 for the year 2025. The registration for this prestigious examination is set to begin on December 2, 2024, and will close on December 31, 2024. Aspiring candidates are encouraged to visit the official IAF website to submit their applications.

The recruitment initiative aims to fill a total of 336 vacancies across various branches, including the Flying Branch, as well as the Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches, along with special entries. Specifically, the breakdown of available positions is as follows:

• Flying Branch: 30 vacancies
• Ground Duty (Technical): 189 vacancies
• Ground Duty (Non-Technical): 117 vacancies

To be eligible for these positions, candidates must meet certain age criteria. For the Flying Branch, applicants should be within the age range of 20 to 24 years, while those seeking Ground Duty positions must be aged between 20 and 26 years. It is also important to note that all candidates must be single.

An application fee of Rs 550, in addition to applicable GST, is required to process the application.

To apply for the AFCAT 1 Exam 2025, candidates should:

1. Visit the official IAF website.
2. Click on the AFCAT 01/2025 registration link.
3. Complete the application form, upload the necessary documents, and make the required payment.
4. Submit the application and download a copy for personal records.

The admit cards and the exam schedule will be released at a later date, providing candidates with further details on the examination process.

Candidates who are successful in their recruitment can expect a range of perks and privileges associated with being an officer in the Indian Air Force. These benefits include furnished accommodation, comprehensive medical cover, access to subsidized loans, and contributory insurance coverage amounting to Rs 1.10 crore. Moreover, officers can enjoy various sports facilities and participate in adventure activities.

As for the training aspect, flight cadets will receive a monthly stipend of Rs 56,100 during a one-year training period. It is crucial to highlight that physical fitness is a mandatory requirement for selection and training, which includes running and strength training.

The IAF maintains a strong stance on a fair and merit-based selection process, cautioning candidates against any attempts to influence the procedure, as such actions may lead to termination or legal consequences. For those interested in detailed information, including eligibility requirements and the application process, the notification is available on the IAF’s official platform.