In a thought-provoking session aimed at enlightening Officer Cadets about the dynamic landscape of modern warfare, Major Gaurav Arya (Retd) delivered a captivating talk titled “Social Media – A Force Multiplier” at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Gaya.

Maj Gaurav Arya, a seasoned military veteran renowned for his insightful analysis and commentary on strategic affairs, delved into the intricate role of social media as a force multiplier and its strategic impact in contemporary conflicts.

The session, attended by Officer Cadets undergoing training at OTA Gaya, provided a comprehensive understanding of the evolving nature of warfare in the digital age.

Maj Gaurav Arya underscored the transformative power of social media platforms in shaping narratives, influencing perceptions, and mobilizing public opinion, thus significantly augmenting the capabilities of modern military forces.

Throughout the discourse, Maj Gaurav Arya elucidated the multifaceted role of social media as a potent tool for information dissemination, psychological operations, and strategic communication.

He emphasized the importance of leveraging digital influence to counter adversarial propaganda, counter disinformation campaigns, and shape the narrative in favor of national security objectives.

“Social media has emerged as a force multiplier in modern conflicts, offering unprecedented opportunities for strategic communication and influence operations,” remarked Maj Gaurav Arya. “In today’s interconnected world, the ability to harness the power of digital platforms effectively can tip the scales in favor of those who adeptly utilize this resource.”

The session also explored the strategic implications of social media in the context of hybrid warfare, highlighting its role in blurring the lines between conventional and unconventional modes of conflict. Maj Gaurav Arya elucidated how state and non-state actors alike leverage social media to wage influence campaigns, sow discord, and project power in the virtual realm, often with far-reaching consequences for national security.

The discourse served as a wake-up call for Officer Cadets to recognize the importance of digital influence in shaping the outcome of modern conflicts.

As future leaders of the Indian Armed Forces, they were urged to cultivate a nuanced understanding of social media dynamics and harness its potential to advance national security objectives while safeguarding against its misuse by adversaries.

The insightful talk by Maj Gaurav Arya underscored OTA Gaya’s commitment to providing its Officer Cadets with holistic training that encompasses not only traditional military tactics but also contemporary strategic realities.

By equipping future leaders with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of the digital battlefield, OTA Gaya remains at the forefront of preparing the next generation of military leaders to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

The National Defence Academy (NDA) Exposition Spring Term 2024, known as NDAExpoST24, was ceremoniously inaugurated by Mrs. Reyman Kochhar, President of the Family Welfare Organisation NDA.

The inauguration marked the commencement of the Passing Out Parade (POP) of the 146th Course ST-24, a significant milestone for the cadets who are poised to embark on their journey as officers in the Indian Armed Forces.

The prestigious event, held at the NDA campus in Khadakwasla, Maharashtra, was attended by Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, Commandant of the NDA, along with other key officials of the Academy.

The presence of dignitaries and senior officers added to the grandeur of the occasion, underscoring the importance of the Passing Out Parade and the role of the NDA in shaping the future leaders of the armed forces.

One of the highlights of the NDAExpoST24 is the opportunity it offers to the proud parents of the cadets belonging to the 146th Course. Alongside local dignitaries and visitors, parents have the chance to witness firsthand the achievements and accomplishments of their wards during their tenure at the academy.

It is a moment of immense pride and joy for families to see their sons on the cusp of graduating from one of the most prestigious military training institutions in the world.

Moreover, the exposition serves as a platform to showcase the numerous club activities conducted at the NDA during the Autumn Term 2024.

These activities, aimed at the holistic development of cadets, encompass a wide range of interests and pursuits, including sports, cultural events, academic competitions, and community service initiatives. Through active participation in these clubs, cadets undergo comprehensive personality development, honing their leadership skills, teamwork abilities, and overall character.

The NDAExpoST24 provides visitors with a glimpse into the multifaceted training and grooming process undergone by cadets during their tenure at the academy.

From rigorous academic pursuits to physical fitness training, from leadership drills to ethical and moral education, the NDA curriculum is designed to mold cadets into well-rounded individuals capable of shouldering the responsibilities of military leadership with distinction and honor.

As the Passing Out Parade of the 146th Course ST-24 draws near, anticipation and excitement fill the air at the NDA. It is a momentous occasion that symbolizes the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice on the part of the cadets, faculty, and staff.

As these young men prepare to take their oath of allegiance and embark on their journey as officers in the Indian Armed Forces, the NDAExpoST24 stands as a fitting tribute to their achievements and a celebration of their future endeavors in service to the nation.

In a concerted effort to streamline and modernize defence financial systems, Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS), convened a joint meeting with the Defence Account Department (DAD) to address pertinent issues and deliberate on various initiatives aimed at ensuring efficient and automated financial processes within the defence establishment.

The high-level meeting saw Lt. Gen. Upendra Dwivedi being briefed by Mrs. Devika Raghuvanshi, Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA), on the array of initiatives being undertaken by the DAD to enhance financial management within the armed forces.

Discussions revolved around the need for improvements in SPARSH, the Defence Ministry’s financial management software, as well as other endeavors aimed at automating financial systems and human resources packages under development in collaboration with the CGDA.

With a focus on fostering an inclusive and joint approach, the deliberations were marked by constructive exchanges and brainstorming sessions aimed at identifying key areas for improvement and charting out a roadmap for future enhancements.

Lt. Gen. Upendra Dwivedi underscored the importance of integration and automation in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of defence financial systems, emphasizing the need for a cohesive and unified approach in all endeavors.

The Indian Army delegation, comprising senior officials including the Adjutant General, Director General Financial Planning, and Director General Information System, lent their expertise and insights to the discussions, contributing to the holistic assessment of the challenges and opportunities in modernizing defence financial processes.

Expressing his appreciation for the initiatives undertaken by the DAD, Lt. Gen. Upendra Dwivedi commended the dedication and commitment of all stakeholders involved in driving forward the agenda of financial modernization within the defence establishment.

He reiterated the importance of leveraging technology and innovation to streamline processes, enhance transparency, and optimize resource utilization in support of the armed forces’ operational readiness.

The joint meeting between Lt. Gen. Upendra Dwivedi and the Defence Account Department served as a testament to the collaborative spirit and shared commitment towards advancing the cause of defence financial management.

As the Indian armed forces continue to evolve and adapt to meet the challenges of the 21st century, initiatives such as these play a pivotal role in ensuring that financial systems remain robust, agile, and responsive to the needs of the modern battlefield.

In a significant event held at the School of Artillery in Devlali, 60 artillery officers, including 8 officers from Friendly Foreign Countries (FFC), graduated from the Long Gunnery Staff Course (Officers) (LGSC). The officers were awarded the prestigious Instructor Gunnery Badges.

The ceremony was graced by Prof. (Dr.) Suresh Gosavi, Vice Chancellor of Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), who served as the Chief Guest. In his address to the graduating officers, he underscored the importance of integrating cutting-edge technologies with military strategies.

Lt Gen S Harimohan Iyer, Commandant of the School of Artillery, also addressed the officers, highlighting the need for readiness to undertake significant responsibilities in their future roles.

Major Ankur Jyoti Saikia was honored as First in Order of Merit, while Major Devesh Kumar was recognized as the overall Best Student. Among the international officers, Major HM Seempon from Kenya was adjudged the Best Officer.

The Long Gunnery Staff Course (Officers) is a specialized training program designed to enhance the technical knowledge and skills of selected officers in gunnery, preparing them for increased responsibilities in technical and training roles either at regimental duty or in Instructor Gunnery appointments.

In a resounding display of military prowess and preparedness, Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, the Army Commander of the South Western Command, led a comprehensive review of the operational readiness of the Ranbankura Division Chetak Corps.

This exercise, aptly named ‘Exercise Anant Vijay’, showcased the division’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding India’s Western Borders through a series of meticulously planned tactical drills and maneuvers.

The Ranbankura Division, entrusted with the critical responsibility of securing a significant portion of India’s western frontiers, underwent rigorous training and evaluation under the keen supervision of Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth.

The exercise, conducted with precision and attention to detail, aimed to assess the division’s combat readiness and validate its operational capabilities in varied terrain and weather conditions.

One of the key highlights of ‘Exercise Anant Vijay’ was the seamless integration of combined arms tactics, wherein infantry, armored units, and artillery formations collaborated harmoniously to execute tactical maneuvers.

Notably, the division also synchronized its operations with attack helicopters from the Army Aviation and the Indian Air Force, underscoring the importance of jointness and interoperability in modern warfare scenarios.

Moreover, the exercise provided an opportune platform to validate the efficacy of tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) evolved with the induction of state-of-the-art New Generation Equipment.

By incorporating cutting-edge technology and weaponry into its operational repertoire, the Ranbankura Division demonstrated its adaptability and readiness to counter emerging threats and challenges effectively.

In the aftermath of the exercise, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth expressed his profound appreciation for the dedication and professionalism exhibited by all ranks of the Ranbankura Division.

He lauded their unwavering commitment to duty and relentless pursuit of operational excellence, despite the formidable challenges posed by the rugged terrain and unpredictable weather conditions prevalent in the region.

“The exemplary performance displayed by the Ranbankura Division during ‘Exercise Anant Vijay’ is a testament to their indomitable spirit and steadfast resolve to uphold the highest standards of operational readiness,” remarked Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth. “Their ability to seamlessly integrate various combat elements and leverage cutting-edge technology underscores their readiness to tackle any threat to national security with utmost efficiency and effectiveness.”

As India continues to navigate a dynamic and evolving security landscape, exercises like ‘Anant Vijay’ assume paramount significance in enhancing the combat readiness and operational effectiveness of its armed forces.

Through rigorous training, meticulous planning, and unwavering dedication, the Ranbankura Division reaffirms its role as a bulwark of India’s defense architecture, steadfastly guarding its frontiers and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens.