A multi-domain tri-service exercise is currently in progress at the strategically important Nicobar group of islands of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
A multi-domain tri-service exercise is currently in progress at the strategically important Nicobar group of islands of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. As part of the exercise, troops of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force were mobilised for amphibious landing, in close coordination with the para drop of airborne troops.
The rapid response capability of the Shatrujeet Brigade has been validated wherein the paratroopers who had moved from the mainland executed airborne drop in an island territory of Andamans in a realistic tactical setting. The overall command and control of the operation was under the Andaman and Nicobar Command -- the only joint services operational command of the defence forces of India.
Lt Gen Ajai Singh, Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman Nicobar Command, witnessed the Airborne Exercise and complimented the paratroopers for their battle readiness.
A total of 19 Vice Chancellors from various universities across the country were recently conferred honorary rank of Colonel by the National Cadet Corps (NCC).
A total of 19 Vice Chancellors from various universities across the country were recently conferred honorary rank of Colonel by the National Cadet Corps (NCC). Among these distinguished individuals were notable figures such as Prof. Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit from Jawaharlal Nehru University, Dr. Jayakara SM from Bangalore University, Prof. Vijay Kumar Srivastava from The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Dr. Girish Chandel from Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyala, and Dr. Rajeshwar Singh Chandel from YS Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, among others.
The ceremony, presided over by the Additional Director General of the respective NCC directorates on April 30, saw the conferment of the honorary rank of Colonel upon these Vice Chancellors. In addition to receiving the rank, they were also presented with the official gazette notification and ceremonial baton.
With this honour, they now hold the prestigious title of Colonel 'Commandant' of their respective university's NCC Wing.
The government issued a notification on April 13, appointing 19 Vice Chancellors as Colonels during their tenure.
These include Dr. Neelima Gupta from Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyala, Dr. V Geethalakshmi from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Prof. SN Sridhara from Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science, Prof. G Ravi from Alagappa University, Prof. Ganga Prasad Prasain from Tripura University, Prof. Renu Vig from Punjab University, Dr. Ranpal Singh from Chaudhary Ranbir Singh University, Rashmi Mittal from Lovely Professional University, Prof. Hemlata K Bagla from HSNC University, Dr. R Karabhari Kale from Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Technology University, Dr. Ujwala Shirish Chakradeo from SNDT Women’s University, Prof. P Nagabhushan from Vignan’s Foundation for Science, Technology and Research, and Prof. Hari Bahadur Srivastava from Siddharth University.
It must be noted that this is the defence ministry’s charter through the NCC. “The Indian Army is not involved in the recommendation or appointment process,” a source said.
Previously, honorary ranks were conferred upon sports celebrities such as Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Indian Army), Sachin Tendulkar (Indian Air Force), Kapil Dev (Indian Army), and others.
“This new policy extends similar honours to academic leaders, recognising their contributions to nation-building," the source added.
The source also emphasized that bestowing honorary ranks upon Vice Chancellors highlights the significant role academia plays in nurturing disciplined, well-rounded, patriotic, and morally grounded youth.
“The integration of Vice Chancellors as Colonel Commandants could encourage the establishment of more NCC battalions in colleges akin to the National Service Scheme (NSS), imbibing discipline and nationalistic fervour among students," the source concluded.
Last Updated Dec 23, 2021, 1:15 PM ISTAccording to officials, the confrontation ensued around 8:20 pm when the intruder persistently disregarded warnings and attempted to breach the border from the Pakistani side. Faced with the intruder's determined advancement, BSF personnel resorted to firing, neutralising the threat posed by the infiltrator.
In a recent development along the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir, the Border Security Forces (BSF) successfully thwarted an infiltration attempt by a Pakistani intruder, resulting in his demise. The incident occurred in the Samba sector on Wednesday (May 1) night, where BSF personnel engaged the intruder near the Border Outpost Regal.
According to officials, the confrontation ensued around 8:20 pm when the intruder persistently disregarded warnings and attempted to breach the border from the Pakistani side. Faced with the intruder's determined advancement, BSF personnel resorted to firing, neutralising the threat posed by the infiltrator.
In response to the incident, reinforcements were swiftly deployed to the area, initiating a comprehensive search operation to ensure the security of the border region.
This incident echoes a similar confrontation in August 2023, when BSF troops intercepted and neutralised another intruder attempting to enter Indian territory near Simbal Sakol village in Punjab's Pathankot district.
Despite repeated warnings issued by the BSF, the intruder advanced towards the border fencing, prompting the security forces to take decisive action to protect the territorial integrity of the nation.
Last Updated Dec 23, 2021, 1:15 PM ISTIndia on Wednesday successfully flight tested the supersonic missile-assisted release of torpedo (SMART) system from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast.
In a significant milestone for India's defence capabilities, the country successfully conducted a flight test of the Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, situated off the coast of Odisha on Wednesday. The test, conducted around 8:30 am, involved the launch of the SMART system from a ground mobile launcher.
The test validated several state-of-the-art mechanisms integral to the SMART system, including symmetric separation, ejection, and velocity control. These mechanisms are crucial for ensuring the precise and effective deployment of torpedoes in anti-submarine warfare scenarios.
Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo system successfully flight-tested by DRDO off the Odisha coast pic.twitter.com/IRJiHeFK6n
— Anish Singh (@anishsingh21)The SMART system represents a leap forward in India's defence technology and capabilities. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), it is designed to enhance the Indian Navy's anti-submarine warfare capability significantly.
Unlike conventional lightweight torpedoes, the SMART system boasts an extended range and utilizes missile-based delivery, providing the Indian Navy with enhanced operational flexibility and effectiveness in combating underwater threats.
With this successful test, India reaffirms its commitment to advancing indigenous defence technologies and strengthening its defence infrastructure. The SMART system's development and deployment mark a significant step forward in India's efforts to bolster its maritime security and protect its strategic interests in the region.
Last Updated Dec 23, 2021, 1:15 PM ISTA 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 Dec 23, 2021, 1:15 PM IST