The Indian Air Force (IAF) marked the 10th International Day of Yoga (IDY) with grandeur and widespread participation today.
Chief of Air Staff (CAS) spearheaded the celebrations by engaging in yoga exercises alongside IAF personnel at the Air Force Station in New Delhi.
This year’s celebrations revolved around the theme ‘Yoga for Self and Society’.
Emphasizing the profound impact of yoga on holistic wellness, the CAS encouraged personnel and the wider community to adopt yoga as a regular practice.
He highlighted the tranquility achieved through the union of mind, body, and spirit, advocating for yoga as a path to serenity and enhanced well-being in both personal and societal contexts.
The event not only showcased the commitment of the IAF to fostering physical and mental health among its ranks but also reinforced the role of yoga in building resilient communities.
In a significant move to bolster the welfare measures for its serving personnel, the Indian Army has signed an addendum to its existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Punjab National Bank (PNB). This enhancement will introduce several new benefits and increase existing ones, affirming their commitment to the well-being of the military staff and their families.
Under the revised MoU, personnel of the Indian Army will now be entitled to Personal Accident Insurance and coverage for Total or Partial Disability up to ₹1 Crore. This substantial increase aims to provide better financial security in the event of any mishaps during their service period.
Additionally, the addendum includes improved educational benefits for the children of the personnel. The Child Education cover has been significantly raised to ₹20 Lakh, ensuring better access to quality education. In a move to support the families further, the Girl Child Marriage cover has also been increased to ₹10 Lakh.
Moreover, the Air Accidental cover has been enhanced to ₹1.5 Crore. This considerable increment addresses the higher risks associated with air travel and operations, providing a more comprehensive safety net for the Army personnel.
These revised benefits under the MoU reflect the ongoing efforts of the Indian Army and Punjab National Bank to provide substantial support and reassurance to the armed forces’ community, acknowledging their invaluable service to the nation.
Raksha Rajya Mantri, Shri Sanjay Seth, conducted a visit to the Indian Naval Air Station, Rajali, near Arakkonam in Tamil Nadu on June 20, 2024, to assess the station’s operational readiness and its role in maritime security. During his visit, the minister was briefed on both ongoing and upcoming maritime operations, as well as the infrastructure developments at the air station.
INS Rajali, named after a local hawk species, was commissioned on March 11, 1992. Located approximately 80 kilometers west of Chennai, the station spans over 2,200 acres and plays a crucial role in the security dynamics of the Indian Ocean Region.
Today, INS Rajali stands as one of the most advanced and largest naval air stations in the country, with a garrison strength of 4,700 personnel. It operates under the aegis of the Headquarters, Eastern Naval Command. The air station is pivotal in performing dual roles, focusing both on operations and training.
During his interactions with the station’s personnel, Shri Sanjay Seth expressed his appreciation for their dedication and significant contributions to enhancing India’s maritime security capabilities.
On June 19th, the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) held its esteemed Annual Idea Innovation Competition, a showcase of cutting-edge solutions and technological prowess within the naval community. This year’s event saw a remarkable display of creativity and engineering with the prestigious first prize awarded to NSRY for their innovative traveller block solution.
The competition, chaired by Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan, Commander-in-Chief of the ANC, featured participants from various divisions who put forth their projects in hopes of taking home the top honors. 32 Field Company, part of the 108 Mountain Brigade, clinched the second place with their advanced 2.5-ton water supply system named ALS 2.5. Meanwhile, the team from INS Utkrosh earned the third spot for their Universal Test Bench for the Advanced Light Helicopter Mk-III, a critical tool for enhancing aircraft maintenance.
Air Marshal Balakrishnan commended all the participants for their innovative contributions and the spirit of excellence they brought to the competition. The event not only recognized the ingenuity of the winners but also highlighted the ANC’s ongoing commitment to fostering innovation within the naval forces.
The ANC’s Annual Idea Innovation Competition continues to be a pivotal event, driving technological advancements and operational efficiency within India’s naval technology sector. The successful implementations of these innovative solutions stand to significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the ANC, ensuring it remains at the forefront of maritime and defense innovation.
The Sapta Shakti Command of the Indian Army, led by Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, Army Commander of the South Western Command, inaugurated a new, cutting-edge Command Military Dental Centre today. This modern tertiary care facility is set to revolutionize dental and oral health services within the military community.
Equipped with the latest healthcare infrastructure and equipment, the facility not only serves as a hospital but also integrates a training centre for para dental staff. The comprehensive multispecialty dental and oral health hospital is designed to provide holistic care under one roof.
As the apex dental institution of the South Western Command, the centre offers a wide range of clinical specialties. These include preventive care, restorative treatments, cosmetic dentistry, and emergency services, ensuring comprehensive oral health care for the military personnel and their families.
This initiative is a significant step forward in enhancing the health care services provided to armed forces personnel, aiming to deliver world-class dental care and training in the region.
In a poignant ceremony at the National War Memorial, Lt. Gen. Ajai Kumar Singh, the Army Commander of Southern Command, paid his respects to the fallen heroes of the Indian Army. As he prepares to retire on June 30, his tribute was marked by the laying of a wreath in a solemn ceremony, highlighting his profound respect and commitment to those who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
Lt. Gen. Singh, who has been leading the Southern Command since November 1, 2022, has a distinguished military career. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Military Academy, he was commissioned into the 7/11 Gorkha Rifles in December 1984. His extensive operational experience spans across diverse terrains — from counter-insurgency areas and the icy Siachen glacier to high-altitude regions and the desert sector.
Throughout his service, Lt. Gen. Singh has held several key command and staff positions. He commanded the 1/11 Gorkha Rifles along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, an elite brigade in the Western Theatre, a frontline Counter Insurgency Force in the Kashmir Valley, and the Trishakti Corps in Northeast India. His instructional roles include serving as an Instructor at the Commando Wing in Belgaum and significant appointments at the Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Army) in New Delhi, such as Additional Director General of Military Operations and Director General (Operational Logistic & Strategic Movement).
For his exceptional service, Lt. Gen. Singh has been honored with multiple military decorations, including the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Yudh Seva Medal, Sena Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal. His act at the National War Memorial not only signifies a personal tribute but also underscores the Indian Army’s enduring commitment to honoring its heroes.
In a significant visit to the Command Hospital in Kolkata, Lt Gen Arindam Chatterjee, Director General of Medical Services (Army), emphasized the importance of dedicated patient care during his interactions with the troops on Thursday.
During his tour, Lt Gen Chatterjee highlighted the virtues of dedication, humility, and courtesy in patient treatment. He expressed his appreciation for the hospital staff’s commitment to these values and underscored their importance in medical services.
The General Officer also visited several key facilities, including the newly established Early Intervention Centre (EIC), various super-specialty centers, and the recently installed Digital Mammography Centre. He praised the ongoing infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing patient care and the integration of advanced technologies in treatment processes.
The Command Hospital’s recent upgrades and the addition of the Early Intervention Centre are part of a broader initiative to provide comprehensive and state-of-the-art healthcare services to both military personnel and civilians.
Lt Gen Chatterjee’s visit underscores the Army’s commitment to improving healthcare facilities and ensuring that medical services remain a top priority in the welfare of troops and their families.
In a prestigious ceremony, seven BSc Nursing graduates were commissioned as Lieutenants into the Military Nursing Service, taking up their new roles at INHS Asvini, the Indian Navy’s oldest Command Hospital.
Surgeon Rear Admiral Vivek Hande VSM, Commanding Officer of INHS Asvini, presided over the event, expressing his best wishes for a fulfilling career dedicated to healthcare and national service.
Established in 1756 as King’s Seamen Hospital, INHS Asvini boasts a rich history spanning over 250 years. It was officially commissioned into the Indian Navy on September 18, 1951.
Over the decades, the hospital has seen extensive advancements in its facilities and technologies, affirming its status as one of the premier Command Hospitals in the country.
Equipped with cutting-edge patient care systems, INHS Asvini continues to excel with a team of super-specialists and dedicated nursing staff committed to excellence in healthcare.
Lt Gen Arindam Chatterjee, DGMS (Army) & Colonel Commandant, visited the Army Hospital (Research & Referral) to inaugurate several new advanced patient care facilities, marking a significant enhancement in the medical services provided to the armed forces.
The newly introduced facilities include a state-of-the-art Biplane Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, which is expected to improve the precision and efficiency of cardiac interventions. Additionally, the hospital proudly unveiled the first Preventive Cardiology Clinic in the armed forces, aimed at advancing preventive care measures among military personnel.
During the visit, the Armed Forces’ inaugural Cardiac Rehabilitation Centre was also launched alongside a specialized heart valve museum. These facilities are designed to offer comprehensive care and education regarding heart health, further strengthening the hospital’s cardiac care capabilities.
Lt Gen Ajith Nilakantan, Commandant of Army Hospital (R&R), highlighted the importance of these new additions. He stated, “These state-of-the-art facilities significantly strengthen our patient care protocols, representing a substantial step forward in enhancing the medical services we provide.”
The introduction of these advanced medical facilities underscores the armed forces’ commitment to improving healthcare services for its personnel, ensuring they receive the best possible care.
In a recent visit to the Likabali Military Station, Lieutenant General Kavita Sahai, Commandant of the Army Medical Corps Centre and College, and Officer in Charge of Records and Colonel Commandant, lauded the medical personnel for their exceptional service under challenging circumstances.
During her inspection of the medical facilities, she expressed her appreciation for the high level of medical support provided to the forces, despite existing constraints.
Lieutenant General Sahai, a prominent figure in the Indian Army, holds the distinction of being the eighth woman in the Indian Armed Forces to achieve a three-star rank and the fourth to attain the rank of Lieutenant General.
Her historic role as the first woman Commandant of the Army Medical Corps Centre and College in Lucknow underscores her pioneering contributions to the military.
Her visit to Likabali highlights her ongoing commitment to enhancing medical operations and support within the army.
