Shri Sanjay Seth officially took over as the Minister of State for the Ministry of Defence. The ceremony held at the South Block office was attended by prominent officials including Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane, who warmly welcomed Shri Seth alongside other senior members of the ministry.

During the inauguration, Shri Seth expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for entrusting him with this critical role. He also acknowledged his anticipation to work under the leadership of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh. Shri Seth, who has previously collaborated with Shri Rajnath Singh in various capacities, reaffirmed his commitment to advancing key initiatives aimed at bolstering national security.

Prior to his new appointment, Shri Seth met with Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh at the latter’s residence in New Delhi. His political career includes serving as a Member of Parliament for the Ranchi Lok Sabha constituency since 2019. During his tenure, he contributed to the Standing Committee on Information Technology and the Committee on Welfare of Other Backward Classes. Furthermore, from 2016 to 2019, Shri Seth chaired the Jharkhand State Khadi and Village Industries Board.

The new Raksha Rajya Mantri also received calls from senior defence leaders, including CDS Gen Anil Chauhan, COAS Gen Manoj Pande, CAS Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, and CNS Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, all of whom congratulated him on his new role and discussed matters pertaining to the nation’s defense strategy.

Shri Seth’s appointment marks a significant step in continuing the efforts to strengthen India’s defense infrastructure and address various security challenges.

Lt. Gen. M.V. Suchindra Kumar, the Army Commander of Northern Command, recently visited the Raiwala Military Station in Dehradun district, Uttarakhand, to assess the operational preparedness of the troops stationed there. During his visit, he was briefed on the latest technology initiatives that have been integrated to boost the combat potential of the forces.

The Raiwala Military Station, known for its critical role in army training, houses several training centres that specialize in niche areas. These facilities are pivotal in enhancing the operational capabilities of the Indian Army, preparing soldiers for a variety of challenges they might face in the field.

Commending the troops for their readiness, Lt. Gen. Suchindra Kumar emphasized the importance of maintaining a high state of morale. He praised the soldiers for their dedication and the level of preparedness they displayed.

The visit highlights the ongoing efforts by the Indian Army to ensure its forces are well-equipped and ready to undertake any challenges, reinforcing the strategic importance of Raiwala Military Station in national defense.

The Government of India has announced the appointment of Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM, as the next Chief of the Army Staff, effective from the afternoon of June 30, 2024. He will succeed General Manoj C. Pande, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, who will retire on the same day.

Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi was born on July 1, 1964, and commissioned into the Infantry, Jammu & Kashmir Rifles, of the Indian Army on December 15, 1984. With a career that spans nearly four decades, Lt Gen Dwivedi has held numerous prestigious positions across various facets of the Army. His extensive experience includes command of the 18th Jammu & Kashmir Rifles, the 26th Sector of the Assam Rifles, and the esteemed 9 Corps. Additionally, he has served as the Inspector General of Assam Rifles (East).

Prior to his latest appointment as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, Lt Gen Dwivedi was the Director General of Infantry and the General Officer Commanding in Chief at the Northern Command Headquarters from 2022 to 2024.

Educated at the Sainik School Rewa and the National Defence College, Lt Gen Dwivedi is also an alumnus of the US Army War College. He has further enriched his military education with courses at the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) Wellington and the Army War College, Mhow. His academic credentials include two Master’s Degrees in Strategic Studies and Military Science, and an MPhil in Defence & Management Studies. Moreover, he was honored as a ‘Distinguished Fellow’ during his tenure at the US Army War College in Carlisle, USA.

Lt Gen Dwivedi’s exemplary service has been recognized with several decorations, including the prestigious Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), and three GOC-in-C Commendation Cards.

As he prepares to lead the Indian Army, Lt Gen Dwivedi brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished track record of service and leadership. His strategic expertise and comprehensive military background are expected to guide the Army through the evolving challenges of modern warfare and security.

In a significant development aimed at bolstering jointness and integration within the Indian Armed Forces, Air Vice Marshal Vivek Blouria, Commandant of the Military Institute of Technology (MILIT), recently met with Lieutenant General Ajai Kumar Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Command. The meeting focused on training-related aspects to enhance tri-services jointness and integration.

During the discussions, AVM Blouria apprised the Army Commander of recent initiatives undertaken by MILIT to promote jointness among the services.

These initiatives include the formation of ‘Joint Divisions’ and ‘Joint Training Teams’ aimed at fostering a unified approach among the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Lt Gen Singh expressed his appreciation for MILIT’s pathbreaking efforts in upgrading its training infrastructure and its commitment to enhancing joint operational capabilities.

He commended the institution for its role in advancing the defense preparedness through innovative training methods.

Located in Pune, the Military Institute of Technology is a premier tri-services institution under the Ministry of Defence, Republic of India.

It plays a crucial role in training select officers from the Indian Armed Forces and friendly foreign countries, preparing them for command and staff appointments. The recent initiatives by MILIT underscore its ongoing commitment to fostering synergy and operational efficiency across the Indian Armed Forces.

In a significant development for the Military Nursing Service (MNS), five newly graduated BSc Nursing professionals have been commissioned as Lieutenants and have joined the Army Hospital (R&R) as Short Service Commissioned Officers.

The commissioning ceremony saw Commandant (Offg) Maj Gen Kanwarjit Singh in attendance, who extended his congratulations to the new officers.

The Military Nursing Service, a crucial component of the Indian Army, offers a prestigious career path for female nursing professionals aspiring to serve their country.

This tradition of service dates back to 1896 when the Indian Army Nursing Service was first established. The service underwent a significant transition when it was renamed the Indian Military Nursing Service in 1927, further solidifying its role within the armed forces.

The induction of these five lieutenants marks an ongoing commitment to strengthening the healthcare services within the military infrastructure, ensuring that the armed forces receive top-notch medical and nursing care.

In a significant military leadership transition, Lt Gen Zubin Minwalla has taken command of the prestigious Trishakti Corps, replacing Lt Gen VPS Kaushik. The formal handover ceremony saw Lt Gen Minwalla honoring the corps’ fallen heroes at the War Memorial. His inaugural address emphasized a continued commitment to boosting the operational effectiveness of the corps.

Trishakti Corps, also designated as XXXIII Corps, is a vital element of the Indian Army’s Eastern Command based in Siliguri. This corps, established in 1960 by Lieutenant General Umrao Singh, was tasked with reducing the operational burden on the IV Corps. It traces its lineage back to the British Indian XXXIII Corps, which was initially formed in 1942 but disbanded three years later.

The corps boasts a rich history of valor and strategic importance, notably during the Indo-China war of 1962. During the conflict, it achieved a significant feat by capturing vital Chinese communication equipment, artifacts that are currently preserved at the Corps of Signals Museum in Jabalpur.

Today, the Trishakti Corps comprises three robust mountain divisions—the 17th in Gangtok, the 20th in Binnaguri, and the 27th in Kalimpong. It is also supported by key air capabilities, including an Indian Air Force air control unit, 3 TAC, and an Army Aviation Helicopter Squadron based in Sevoke, enhancing its operational readiness and strategic mobility.

Lt Gen Minwalla’s leadership comes at a crucial time as the corps continues to fortify India’s defense capabilities on its eastern frontiers. His experience and strategic insight are expected to herald a new era of operational excellence and readiness for the corps.

In a series of official visits, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Manoj Pande, conducted a thorough review of the operational preparedness, training standards, and combat readiness at the Shahbaaz Division. General Pande engaged with personnel of all ranks, expressing his appreciation for their professionalism, dedication to duty, and high state of readiness.

Further enhancing the military’s focus on training excellence, the COAS visited the Mahar Regimental Centre in Sagar. He commended the centre for its noteworthy training standards and its integration of eco-friendly and smart innovations.

During his review of the training modules, General Pande encouraged the continuation of rigorous training imbued with zeal and professionalism. He emphasized the importance of incorporating technology to maintain a cutting-edge force.

The tour also included a stop at the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy in Dhana, where General Pande lauded the high standards of training. He took the opportunity to felicitate achievers at the academy, highlighting their exemplary performance.

These visits underscore the Indian Army’s commitment to maintaining a highly prepared and capable force, ready to meet current and future challenges.