The Indian Army is also providing security and other amenities to the shepherds.
Aiming to further strengthen its intelligence apparatus, the Indian Army is now providing villagers access to traditional winter grazing ground along the Line of Actual Control, bordering China. The Indian Army is also providing security and other amenities to the shepherds. The locals have been playing an important role in intelligence gathering for the Indian Army.
The decision comes in the backdrop of the standoff between India and China at multiple locations in eastern Ladakh since May 2020. Though disengagement has happened at several points, the de-escalation process is yet to happen. So far, the two militaries have held 13 rounds of talks to resolve the impasse.
Earlier, the Army used to desist the villagers from accessing the grazing lands. Time and again, Chushul Councillor Stanzin Konchok had raised this issue and even met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in this regard last month.
Singh was informed as to how the nomad community is being used by the Chinese army along the Line of Actual Control to transgress. The locals of Chushul also apprised the minister that the security forces on the Indian side are restricting the shepherds to grazing lands for grazing of livestock.
In the garb of grazing livestock, the Chinese Army has been trying to dominate the areas and claim the areas as their own. An official confirmed the recent development and said that the Indian Army is helping villagers, shepherds and nomads get access to the traditional grazing lands.
About two months ago, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Chief Executive Councillor Tashi Gyalson had convened a meeting to review and find solutions with regards to restrictions imposed on shepherds to access traditional grazing lands. In reply to Stanzin’s letter, the defence ministry in April had said that the grazers have been advised to restrict their cattle movement due to the ongoing operational situation in the Ladakh region.
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A unit of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed India's lightest bulletproof jacket, providing protection against the highest threat level 6. The jacket, developed by DRDO's Defence Materials and Stores Research and Development Establishment (DMSRDE) in Kanpur, underwent successful testing against 7.62 x 54 R API ammunition
A unit of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has achieved a significant milestone by successfully developing the lightest bulletproof jacket in India, offering protection against the highest threat level 6, according to an official statement released on Tuesday.
DMSRDE, Kanpur has successfully developed indigenous light weight Bullet Proof Jacket( BPJ) for protection against highest threat level 6 of BIS. This is the first of its kind in monolithic ceramic which can stop 6 7.62x54 API bullets pic.twitter.com/v8O43kf8hC
— DRDO (@DRDO_India)The innovative jacket, developed by DRDO's Defence Materials and Stores Research and Development Establishment (DMSRDE) in Kanpur, marks a breakthrough in design and material utilization, as per the Ministry of Defence.
The statement highlighted that the jacket provides protection against 7.62 x 54 R API ammunition, meeting the level 6 standards of BIS 17051-2018. It underwent rigorous testing at TBRL, Chandigarh, confirming its effectiveness.
Key features of the jacket include a front hard armour panel (HAP) capable of withstanding multiple hits (up to six shots) of 7.62x54 R API sniper rounds, both in conjunction with (ICW) and standalone designs. The front HAP, designed ergonomically, consists of a monolithic ceramic plate with polymer backing, ensuring enhanced wearability and comfort during operations.
Moreover, the jacket boasts impressive areal density, with the ICW hard armour panel (HAP) and standalone HAP weighing less than 40 kg/m2 and 43 kg/m2, respectively.
The successful development of this advanced bulletproof jacket has earned accolades from the Department of Defence R&D secretary and DRDO chairman, who commended DMSRDE for its groundbreaking achievement.
Last Updated Jan 3, 2022, 11:12 AM ISTIndia on Friday delivered the first batch of supersonic BrahMos missile system to the Philippines, marking the first-ever export of such weaponry to another nation.
New Delhi: India on Friday delivered the first batch of supersonic BrahMos missile system to the Philippines, marking the first-ever export of such weaponry to another nation.
This development follows a deal inked between the two countries two years and four months ago, securing three batteries of the BrahMos missile systems valued at approximately USD 375 million. The agreement was finalized in January 2022.
Transported via an Indian Air Force's C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft, the missile system arrived at Clark Airbase in the Philippines earlier today.
India delivers supersonic BrahMos missile system to Philippines
The Philippines Marine Corps will deploy them in South China Sea
It flies at a speed of 2.8mach — 3 times the speed of sound. pic.twitter.com/ti7GvIZAwu
Asianet Newsable reached out to experts to gain insights into the significance of exporting the BrahMos system.
Dr Pooja Bhatt, a maritime scholar, told Asianet Newsable, "The timely delivery of the Brahmos missile makes India a reliable defence partner of like-minded countries that are seeking to bolster their security."
“With the South China Sea situation between China and the Philippines heating up, Brahmos missile adds to Manila’s much needed coastal defence. But more importantly, it sends the strategic signal to Beijing that Manila has support from several countries including India on the South China Sea issue,” Dr Pooja Bhatt added.
It's worth noting that Beijing has consistently escalated tensions with the Philippines, prompting Manila to bolster its military capabilities by acquiring the BrahMos missile system.
In January 2023, at the BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited facility in Nagpur, Maharashtra, India provided training to 21 marine personnel from the Philippines on operating the systems. Following the conclusion of the training, Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar awarded them interim missile badges and pins.
Another maritime expert and Assistant Professor at the Amity University’s Department of Defence and Strategy Dr Aprajita Pandey said, “It is imperative that countries in the South China Sea build their military capabilities. China is expanding its influence in the Indo-Pacific and whole countries like Australia, India, and the US are taking cognizance of this attempt towards expansion. The countries which are sharing greater physical proximity with China stand to lose the most in Beijing's ambition towards growth.”
“The supply of the BrahMos system to the Philippines is a key event when it comes to countries in the region trying to build their arsenal. While it is clear that a singular move will not bridge the gap between Chinese and Pilipino military capacity, it does however bring in the aspect of mutual deterrence. This concept of mutually assured destruction because of the Philippines acquiring the BrahMos gives it greater leverage against China,” Dr Aprajita Pandey added.
The Philippines has already activated its first shore-based anti-ship missile battalion (SBASMB), a specialized unit within the Coastal Defense Regiment assigned to operate BrahMos missiles.
With the receipt of BrahMos missile systems, the Philippines has made history as the first nation to acquire this system developed through the joint venture between India and Russia.
The agreement between New Delhi and Manila was finalized in response to reported belligerent actions and strategic expansions by China in the South China Sea.
Additionally, New Delhi is engaged in discussions with Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and several other nations including the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Interest in the system has also been expressed by Latin American countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Chile.
What does the BrahMos missile system boast of?
The BrahMos system delivered to the Philippines boasts a range of 290 kilometers and an impressive speed of 2.8 Mach, equivalent to three times the speed of sound.
BrahMos stands as a highly advanced supersonic cruise missile, capable of deployment from various platforms including land, submarines, ships, and aircraft.
Last Updated Jan 3, 2022, 11:12 AM ISTTwo heavy lift transport aircraft from the Indian Air Force, aided by civil aviation agencies, facilitated the delivery to the western part of the Philippines in a non-stop six-hour journey. The agreement includes three batteries of BrahMos missile systems with a range of 290 kilometers and a speed of 2.8 Mach, along with operator training and integrated logistics support
India on Friday delivered the first batch of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines. The two countries had signed a deal worth USD 375 million in 2022. Indian officials were seen distributing sweets after the special aircraft landed in the Philippines.
Indian officials offered sweets to the Philippines Marine Corps officers on the delivery of the BrahMos missile to the Philippines under an export order of USD 375 million. pic.twitter.com/m2Q4sbr6lj
— Baba Banaras™ (@RealBababanaras)Two heavy lift transport aircraft from the Indian Air Force, supported by civil aviation agencies, transported equipment to the western part of the Philippines in a non-stop six-hour journey. This effort follows a defense export deal signed in 2022, where India agreed to supply BrahMos supersonic cruise missile systems to the Philippines, marking India's first major defense export order to the country.
| supersonic cruise Missiles delivered to the by India today. The two countries had signed a deal worth USD 375 million in 2022. pic.twitter.com/dfI3lbqZGT
— DD News (@DDNewslive)The deal, valued at USD 374.96 million (Rs 2,700 crore), includes three batteries of BrahMos missile systems, which have a range of 290 kilometers and a speed of 2.8 Mach. Training for operators and integrated logistics support are also part of the agreement.
In 2023, 21 personnel from the Philippines Navy received training at BrahMos’ Nagpur facility in Maharashtra, with Admiral R Hari Kumar awarding interim missile badges and pins upon completion.
The Philippines Navy's efforts aim to bolster its naval capabilities in response to China's assertive actions in the South China Sea, where territorial disputes persist. The BrahMos missile, developed through collaboration between India and Russia, can be launched from various platforms and is undergoing a localization process for 83% of its components.
Additionally, other Southeast Asian nations such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia have shown interest in acquiring the BrahMos supersonic missile system, with negotiations at advanced stages.
Last Updated Jan 3, 2022, 11:12 AM ISTThe government on Friday appointed senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Nalin Prabhat as the chief of National Security Guard (NSG), the country's counter-terrorism force.
New Delhi: The government on Friday appointed senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Nalin Prabhat as the chief of National Security Guard (NSG), the country's counter-terrorism force.
A 1992-batch Andhra Pradesh cadre IPS officer Nalin Prabhat, is currently serving as the Additional Director General in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
“The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved his appointment as the Director General, NSG for a period up to August 31, 2028 i.e. the date of his superannuation," a government order read.
1992-batch Andhra Pradesh cadre IPS Nalin Prabhat appointed as director general of National Security Guard.
He will be superannuated in August 2028.
Currently, he is additional director general of pic.twitter.com/7Sc7e750FC
Also known as the "Black Cats", the federal contingency force NSG was raised in 1984.
Prior to Prabhat's appointment, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) chief Daljit Singh Chawdhary was having the additional charge of the NSG.
Here's all you need to know about NSG's new chief Nalin Prabhat
Before this role, Nalin Prabhat dedicated approximately 17 years to the CRPF, serving in various capacities such as deputy inspector-general and inspector general. He also spent three years until 2006 with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) as a commandant.
The ITBP's responsibilities include guarding the borders with Tibet and Bhutan.
During his tenure in Andhra Pradesh, he managed the law and order situation in three districts—Karimnagar, Cuddapa, and Warangal—before transitioning to central deputation as the deputy director-general of the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) in July 2004.
A graduate from St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi, Nalin Prabhat began his career in the police service in 1992.
Throughout his 32-year police service career, he has earned numerous awards, including the Police Medal for Gallantry (with 2nd bar), Parakram Padam, Antrik Suraksha Seva Padak (Andhra Pradesh), Antrik Suraksha Seva Padak (Jammu & Kashmir), Police (Special Duty) Medal and Bar (Jammu & Kashmir), and Police Medal for Meritorious Service.
Last Updated Jan 3, 2022, 11:12 AM IST