Indian Army Chief, General Upendra Dwivedi, conducted a comprehensive tour of all the Corps formations under the Eastern Army Command in the northeastern region of India. His visit included stops at the 3 Corps headquarters in Dimapur, Nagaland, where he reviewed the ongoing security dynamics in the region, particularly the conditions along the Myanmar border and in Manipur.

During his two-day visit, which began yesterday, General Dwivedi also visited the 4 Corps headquarters in Tezpur to assess their operational preparedness.

The tour continued at the 33 Corps headquarters in Sukna, West Bengal, where he evaluated the progress of various projects being implemented in the Sikkim area.

This marked General Dwivedi’s inaugural visit to the Northeast since assuming the role of Chief of Army Staff on June 30. The visit underscores the strategic importance of the Eastern Command and the Army’s commitment to ensuring robust defense preparedness across the northeastern frontiers.

Indian Army officials highlighted that General Dwivedi’s visit was crucial for firsthand assessment of the security situation and for ensuring that the troops are well-prepared to address any challenges in these strategically sensitive regions.

His direct engagement with the corps formations is expected to strengthen the operational capabilities and morale of the forces stationed there.

The parents of Captain Anshuman Singh, who died in a fire incident in Siachen last July, are demanding changes to the Indian Army’s next of kin (NOK) criteria for financial assistance in the event of a soldier’s death. Speaking to a news channel, Ravi Pratap Singh and his wife, Manju Singh, stated that their daughter-in-law, Smriti Singh, left their home and now receives most of the entitlements following their son’s death. Mr. Singh expressed that all they have left of their son is a photo “hanging on the wall.”

“The current NOK criteria are flawed. I have also raised this issue with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Anshuman’s wife no longer lives with us, their marriage lasted only five months, and they had no children. We are left with only a garlanded photo of our son,” Mr. Singh told TV9 Bharatvarsh.

“Therefore, we urge a revision of the NOK definition. It should be determined how much dependency there is if the martyr’s wife remains with the family,” he added.

Captain Singh’s mother emphasized their desire for the government to reconsider the NOK rules to prevent other parents from suffering similarly.

What are the NOK rules?

Next of kin rules designate a person’s closest relatives or legal representatives. According to Army regulations, if something happens to a service member, the ex-gratia amount is given to the NOK, similar to a bank nominee. When a cadet or officer joins the Army, their parents or guardians are recorded as NOK. However, once they marry, their spouse’s name replaces the parents’ names as the NOK.

Captain Singh was posted with the 26 Punjab as a medical officer in the Siachen Glacier area. On July 19, 2023, a short circuit caused a fire in an Indian Army ammunition dump around 3 am. Captain Singh noticed a fibreglass hut engulfed in flames and immediately acted to save those trapped inside. He successfully rescued four to five individuals, but the fire soon spread to a nearby medical investigation room.

Captain Singh re-entered the blazing structure. Despite his efforts, he was trapped inside and could not escape the inferno, ultimately losing his life.

He was posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra, India’s second-highest gallantry award. Captain Singh’s wife, Smriti, and his mother received the award from President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on July 5.

Major General Akhilesh Kumar, SM, General Officer Commanding of Bison Division, recently visited the newly established Bison Gunners Drone Training Node. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to enhance the drone flying and handling skills of troops, aligning with the dynamic requirements of contemporary battlefields.

The Bison Gunners Drone Training Node features advanced simulators and multiple outdoor obstacles, providing both virtual and realistic training environments. This allows the troops to practice and improve their proficiency in operating drones, which are increasingly becoming crucial tools in modern military operations.

The establishment of this facility underscores the Indian Army’s commitment to incorporating cutting-edge technology in its training programs. By equipping soldiers with the necessary skills to operate sophisticated drone technology, the Bison Division is ensuring that its forces are well-prepared to meet current and future challenges.

Maj Gen Akhilesh Kumar’s visit highlighted the importance of this initiative and the Army’s focus on enhancing operational capabilities through continuous training and technological upgrades.

The College of Military Engineering (CME) in Pune recently hosted personnel from the Maharashtra Intelligence Academy, in a significant collaborative effort aimed at enhancing national security capabilities.

During this visit, the Indian Army shared critical knowledge on bomb disposal techniques, the handling of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and the application of jamming technology.

This interaction marks a crucial step in fostering mutual cooperation and sharing expertise between the military and intelligence agencies.

By exchanging vital information and best practices, both organizations aim to strengthen their operational readiness and efficiency in handling threats related to explosives and electronic warfare.

The partnership between CME and the Maharashtra Intelligence Academy highlights the importance of collaborative training and knowledge transfer in addressing contemporary security challenges.

This initiative not only enhances the technical skills of the personnel involved but also contributes to a broader strategy of building a cohesive and integrated security framework across different branches of India’s defense and intelligence establishments.

The Southern Command of the Indian Army is taking significant steps to engage and inspire the youth in the border areas of Rajasthan and Gujarat, including regions such as Barmer, Jalipa, and Bhuj.

Recognizing the potential and vibrancy of this demographic, the Command has initiated several programs aimed at channeling their energy towards national development and instilling a sense of national pride.

In an effort to enhance employability and encourage positive contributions to society, Southern Command has set up various upskill and employment training programs. These initiatives are conducted in collaboration with the Rural Self Employment Training Institute (RSETI) in Barmer, and also include outreach drives at Industrial Training Institutes (ITI) colleges.

Additionally, weapon and equipment displays have been organized to increase awareness and interest in national defense among the youth.

These efforts by the Southern Command are proving instrumental in shaping the future prospects of young individuals in these strategically important regions. By providing the necessary tools and knowledge, the Indian Army is ensuring that the youth not only contribute positively to the nation’s growth but also uphold the values of patriotism and service.

Through these proactive engagements, the Southern Command is fostering a generation equipped to contribute significantly to India’s development and security.

Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar, Army Commander Northern Command, accompanied by the General Officer Commanding of the Fire and Fury Corps, recently visited forward posts of the Siachen Brigade.

The visit was aimed at reviewing the operational readiness and assessing the conditions of the troops stationed at one of the most challenging environments in the world.

During the visit, Lt Gen Suchindra Kumar expressed his appreciation for the professional excellence demonstrated by the brigade. He commended the troops for their resilience and high level of operational proficiency under extreme conditions.

The Army Commander exhorted the soldiers to maintain a high state of readiness and vigilance to meet all potential challenges.

This visit underscores the strategic importance of the Siachen region and the commitment of the Indian Army’s leadership to ensure the welfare and preparedness of its forces.

The Army Commander’s presence and encouragement serve to boost the morale of the troops, reinforcing their role in safeguarding the nation’s borders.