The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Fire and Fury Corps recently visited the forward areas managed by the Forever in Operations Division, where he reviewed the operational preparedness and performance of the troops stationed in the challenging terrain.

During his visit, the GOC expressed appreciation for the high standards of operational readiness, professionalism, and steadfastness exhibited by the soldiers. The difficult terrain of the area demands exceptional endurance and skill, and the troops have demonstrated remarkable proficiency in maintaining security and readiness under such demanding conditions.

This visit highlights the ongoing efforts of the Fire and Fury Corps to ensure the effectiveness and welfare of its personnel, ensuring they are well-prepared to face any challenges in one of the most strategically significant and challenging sectors. The GOC’s recognition serves as a testament to the dedication and hard work of the troops who are committed to safeguarding the nation’s frontiers with utmost competence and resilience.

Lt Gen Adosh Kumar, Director General of Artillery, recently visited the Artillery Centre in Nashik, the largest artillery training facility in Asia. During his visit, he reviewed the training programs and infrastructure enhancements at the Centre, praising the well-structured training standards and efficient administration.

Established in 1947 following the partition of India, the Nashik Artillery Centre was relocated from Pakistan and has since developed into a pivotal institution for artillery training in the Indian Army. The Centre is renowned for its comprehensive training modules, including those on advanced artillery systems like the Bofors gun.

The facility not only trains Indian Army officers and soldiers but also houses the Regiment of Artillery Museum, which showcases the rich history and evolution of the Army’s artillery branch. This includes an extensive display of artillery equipment and memorabilia that highlights the significant role of artillery in India’s military history.

The Artillery Centre in Nashik, along with its counterpart in Golconda, Hyderabad, represents the core of artillery training within the Indian Army. The Nashik facility’s proximity to additional military institutions like the Deolali Cantonment Board and the Combat Army Aviation Training School (CAATS) further establishes the region as a crucial hub for military training and education in India.

Lt Gen Adosh Kumar’s visit underscores the ongoing commitment of the Indian Army to maintaining high standards of training and readiness, ensuring that its artillery units are well-prepared to meet modern-day challenges.

Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, released a special postal cover to mark the 25th anniversary of the capture of Tiger Hill by the 18 Grenadiers during Operation Vijay on July 4, 1999. The event paid tribute to the bravery and valor of the soldiers who played a pivotal role in one of the most significant battles of the Kargil War.

The ceremony honored heroes such as Hony Capt (Retd) Yogender Singh Yadav, PVC, Col Balwan Singh, MVC, and Col SA Nimbalkar, VrC, who were decorated with the highest gallantry awards for their exceptional courage during the conflict. General Chauhan acknowledged the sacrifices made by the bravehearts of the battalion and expressed gratitude towards the Veer Naris for their immense contributions.

In his address, General Chauhan encouraged all ranks to draw inspiration from the valor and sacrifice of the fallen heroes. He emphasized the importance of embracing the challenges of future multi-domain wars with an adaptive and innovative approach, ensuring that the legacy of bravery continues to inspire the current and future generations of the Indian Armed Forces.

CTO Madhvi Mathur of 2 J&K Girls Battalion has been awarded the Best ANO Trophy along with three silver medals and three certificates of excellence at PRCN JW-113. In a similar vein of excellence, CTO Meenakshi of 1 J&K Girls Battalion earned the prestigious Sharma Cup for the best academic performance, accompanied by multiple certificates of excellence.

The achievements of both officers were celebrated in a ceremony where Maj Gen RK Sachdeva, ADG, personally commended CTO Madhvi Mathur for her outstanding contributions and dedication. “Madhvi, your hard work and commitment are truly inspiring. Keep shining brightly,” he remarked, highlighting her role as a beacon of strength and dedication.

These recognitions not only honor individual excellence but also underscore the significant impact of dedicated training and leadership within the J&K Girls Battalions. The accomplishments of CTO Madhvi Mathur and CTO Meenakshi serve as a testament to their commitment to their duties and their exceptional capabilities in fostering a spirit of achievement within their units.

The Indian Army has taken a significant step towards environmental sustainability by procuring 113 electric buses for troop transportation. This initiative aligns with the Government of India’s green directives aiming for zero-carbon emissions and showcases a pivotal shift in the Armed Forces towards eco-friendly transportation solutions.

These 40-seater buses, designed to cover an endurance of 250 kilometers, are suited for operation in plains and semi-hilly areas. Currently, they are in the trial stage, evaluating their performance and efficiency before full-scale deployment.

The procurement of these electric buses is not only a testament to the Indian Army’s commitment to the country’s environmental goals but also positions India as a leader in adopting sustainable practices within the defense sector. This initiative is expected to foster innovation, setting a precedent for other government agencies and industries to adopt similar eco-conscious approaches.

With this move, the Indian Armed Forces are demonstrating that national security and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand, marking the beginning of a greener future in military operations.

The 16th edition of the joint military exercise Nomadic Elephant between the Indian Army and the Mongolian Army commenced with an opening ceremony at Umroi in Meghalaya.

The event was marked by the presence of Mr. Dambajavyn Ganbold, the Ambassador of Mongolia to India, and Major General Prasanna Joshi, GOC 51 Sub Area.

Exercise Nomadic Elephant 2024 is designed to enhance interoperability between the two armies, focusing on conducting semi-conventional operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrains under a United Nations mandate.

The joint exercise aims to strengthen military ties and improve tactical skills in line with international peacekeeping standards.

This collaboration highlights the commitment of both nations to maintaining and enhancing peacekeeping capabilities and readiness in diverse geographical conditions.

The exercise provides a platform for sharing best practices and experiences, thereby fostering a deeper military and strategic bond between India and Mongolia.

The Brahmastra Corps of the Eastern Command organized a Road Safety Week at Panagarh Military Station, focusing on educating troops, their families, and particularly children on road safety, discipline, and responsible behavior. The week-long event featured a series of lectures, road shows, interactive videos, and demonstrations designed to instill a culture of safety on the roads.

Participants, including military personnel and their families, engaged actively in the activities, taking a pledge to adhere to safe driving practices. The event aimed to foster a sense of discipline and awareness, emphasizing the importance of road safety in preventing accidents and ensuring the well-being of the community.

The initiative successfully educated attendees and established a strong sense of responsibility among them, enhancing their propensity for safer road behaviors. Through these efforts, the Brahmastra Corps has taken a significant step towards reducing road-related incidents within the military community by empowering its members with the knowledge and tools needed for safer road usage.

The Indian Army issued a clarification late Wednesday night regarding the compensation for the family of Agniveer Ajay Kumar, who lost his life in the line of duty. This response came swiftly after Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, accused Defence Minister Rajnath Singh of misleading Parliament about the financial assistance provided to Kumar’s family.

In a video message, Rahul Gandhi stated, “Protection of truth is the basis of every religion. But Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lied in Parliament about the assistance given to the family of martyred Agniveer. Agniveer Ajay Singh’s father himself has told the truth about their lies. The Defence Minister should apologize to the Parliament, the country, the Army, and the family of Agniveer Ajay Singh ji,” he said.

Responding to these allegations, the Army clarified through a post on X (formerly Twitter) that the family of Agniveer Ajay Kumar had been paid ₹98.39 lakh. They further detailed that an ex-gratia and other benefits amounting to approximately ₹67 lakhs, as stipulated by the provisions of the Agniveer Scheme, will soon be finalized following the necessary police verification. The total compensation will approximately amount to ₹1.65 crore.

Rajnath Singh’s office reposted the Army’s statement, affirming, “Indian Army is committed to the welfare of Agniveers.”

Sources indicated that ₹98 lakh was disbursed to the family at the end of June. The clarification and subsequent statements aim to reassure the public and the bereaved family of the government’s commitment to the welfare of its service members and their families.

General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), presided over a high-level Joint Security Review Meeting held at Nagrota, Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting saw participation from top military and security leadership, including the Army Commander of Northern Command, GOCs of White Knight Corps, Chinar Corps, and Rising Star Corps, along with the Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Additional DG of CRPF, heads of intelligence agencies, and representatives from various security forces of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir.

The focus of the discussions was on the prevailing security dynamics within the region, addressing both current challenges and strategic responses. The meeting underscored the critical need for enhanced synergy and seamless coordination among all armed forces and security agencies to maintain peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir.

This collaborative approach highlighted during the meeting is fundamental in reinforcing the security framework in the region, ensuring that all forces operate with a unified strategy and shared objectives. The deliberations aimed at further strengthening the joint operations and intelligence-sharing mechanisms, which are pivotal for addressing the complexities of the security environment in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Joint Security Review Meeting not only provided a platform for evaluating the ongoing security measures but also facilitated a comprehensive exchange of insights and plans to adapt to the evolving security scenarios effectively. The high-level engagement demonstrates the commitment of India’s security apparatus to uphold safety, peace, and stability in the region, reflecting a collective resolve to counter and manage security threats with utmost efficiency.