News Analysis India

Tag: Indian Army

  • India dismisses China’s concerns on military exercise with US in Uttarakhand

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: India on Thursday dismissed China’s objection to the joint Indo-US military exercise near the Line of Actual Control in Uttarakhand’s Auli, saying it did not give a veto to third countries on these issues.

    Hitting back at China, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the joint exercises with the US in Auli has nothing to do with the 1993 and 1996 agreements with China.

    “But since these were raised by the Chinese side, I must emphasise that the Chinese side needs to reflect and think about its own breach of the agreements of 1993 and 1996,” Bagchi said responding to questions at the weekly briefing of the ministry.

    “India exercises with whomever it chooses to and it does not give a veto to third countries on these issues,” the External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said.

    The 1993 agreement deals with maintaining peace and tranquility along the LAC with China in the India-China Border Areas, while the 1996 pact was about confidence-building measures in the military field along the LAC with China in the India-China Border Areas.

    PHOTOS | Indo-US joint military exercises in full swing; kites and dogs get trained, too

    On Wednesday, China said it was opposed to the joint Indo-US military exercises and claimed that it violated the spirit of the two border agreements signed between New Delhi and Beijing.

    The 18th edition of the India-US joint military exercise ‘Yudh Abhyas’ is currently underway in Auli, about 100 km from the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

    To questions on protests in parts of China against prolonged lockdowns and isolations to contain Covid, Bagchi said he would not comment on specific Covid strategies pursued by any country.

    “We would hope that humanity as a whole is able to emerge fully from Covid at the earliest. But insofar as specific Covid strategies that each country may be pursuing, I might not like to get into that. Just like to hope that we are able to come out of Covid,” he said.

    NEW DELHI: India on Thursday dismissed China’s objection to the joint Indo-US military exercise near the Line of Actual Control in Uttarakhand’s Auli, saying it did not give a veto to third countries on these issues.

    Hitting back at China, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the joint exercises with the US in Auli has nothing to do with the 1993 and 1996 agreements with China.

    “But since these were raised by the Chinese side, I must emphasise that the Chinese side needs to reflect and think about its own breach of the agreements of 1993 and 1996,” Bagchi said responding to questions at the weekly briefing of the ministry.

    “India exercises with whomever it chooses to and it does not give a veto to third countries on these issues,” the External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said.

    The 1993 agreement deals with maintaining peace and tranquility along the LAC with China in the India-China Border Areas, while the 1996 pact was about confidence-building measures in the military field along the LAC with China in the India-China Border Areas.

    PHOTOS | Indo-US joint military exercises in full swing; kites and dogs get trained, too

    On Wednesday, China said it was opposed to the joint Indo-US military exercises and claimed that it violated the spirit of the two border agreements signed between New Delhi and Beijing.

    The 18th edition of the India-US joint military exercise ‘Yudh Abhyas’ is currently underway in Auli, about 100 km from the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

    To questions on protests in parts of China against prolonged lockdowns and isolations to contain Covid, Bagchi said he would not comment on specific Covid strategies pursued by any country.

    “We would hope that humanity as a whole is able to emerge fully from Covid at the earliest. But insofar as specific Covid strategies that each country may be pursuing, I might not like to get into that. Just like to hope that we are able to come out of Covid,” he said.

  • Army issues fast-track tenders to buy body cams, ballistic shields

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The Indian Army on Monday issued two requests for proposals (RFP) for fast-track procurement of 7,000 body-worn cameras (BWC) and 1,612 body shields with harness under emergency procurement. 

    The BWC is a small, audio/video recording device worn usually on the chest over the uniform to capture real time footage of a live operation. Whereas, the body shield is to protect the soldier and should have ambidextrous design and not weigh more than 21 kgs with a service life of five years. Both are to be procured through fast-track procedure. While the camera systems will be procured under the ‘Buy Indian’ category, the body shields would be under the ‘Buy Indian IDDM’.

    The process of the fast-track procedure was started to meet the requirement of the equipment and systems which are urgently required by the forces. The Indian Army had recently issued RFPs for drones, loitering munitions and ballistic helmets.

    The emergency procurement has been done under the financial powers given by the Ministry of Defence under which they can clear procurements up to Rs 300cr without any further clearance. There had been three occasions when the Army used the emergency procurement; in 2016, post Uri surgical strike, in 2019, Balakot strike and in 2020, during the standoff with China in Eastern Ladakh. 68 contracts worth Rs 6,000 were executed during this period. The fourth cycle of the EP is underway as told by General MK Pande recently. 

    For both procurements the prospective bidders have to submit their proposals by December 20.As per the Ministry of Defence the aim of the fast-track procedure is to ensure expeditious procurement for urgent operational requirements of the Armed Forces such as war, border security and critical situations. Fast track procedures may also be applied for cases where timelines of the normal prescribed procedure in procuring of operationally critical equipment is seen to be adversely impacting the capability and operational preparedness of the Armed Forces.

    NEW DELHI: The Indian Army on Monday issued two requests for proposals (RFP) for fast-track procurement of 7,000 body-worn cameras (BWC) and 1,612 body shields with harness under emergency procurement. 

    The BWC is a small, audio/video recording device worn usually on the chest over the uniform to capture real time footage of a live operation. Whereas, the body shield is to protect the soldier and should have ambidextrous design and not weigh more than 21 kgs with a service life of five years. Both are to be procured through fast-track procedure. While the camera systems will be procured under the ‘Buy Indian’ category, the body shields would be under the ‘Buy Indian IDDM’.

    The process of the fast-track procedure was started to meet the requirement of the equipment and systems which are urgently required by the forces. The Indian Army had recently issued RFPs for drones, loitering munitions and ballistic helmets.

    The emergency procurement has been done under the financial powers given by the Ministry of Defence under which they can clear procurements up to Rs 300cr without any further clearance. There had been three occasions when the Army used the emergency procurement; in 2016, post Uri surgical strike, in 2019, Balakot strike and in 2020, during the standoff with China in Eastern Ladakh. 68 contracts worth Rs 6,000 were executed during this period. The fourth cycle of the EP is underway as told by General MK Pande recently. 

    For both procurements the prospective bidders have to submit their proposals by December 20.
    As per the Ministry of Defence the aim of the fast-track procedure is to ensure expeditious procurement for urgent operational requirements of the Armed Forces such as war, border security and critical situations. Fast track procedures may also be applied for cases where timelines of the normal prescribed procedure in procuring of operationally critical equipment is seen to be adversely impacting the capability and operational preparedness of the Armed Forces.

  • Army Chief General Manoj Pande leaves for France on 4-day visit

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Army Chief General Manoj Pande on Sunday left for France on a four-day visit with an aim to further strengthen the “bonds of trust” between the Indian and French armies amid the fast-evolving security matrix and the geopolitical situation.

    Gen Pande will hold extensive talks with the top military brass of France including the Chief of the Defence Staff, the Chief of the Army Staff and the Commander of the Land Combat Forces.

    “The Chief of the Army Staff has proceeded on a visit to France from November 14 to 17. During the four-day visit, he will be meeting his counterparts and senior military leadership of France with an aim to enhance defence cooperation between both the nations,” the Army said.

    It said Gen Pande will lay a wreath at Neuve Chapelle Indian Memorial, which commemorates the sacrifices of 4,742 Indian soldiers during the First World War.

    “He is scheduled to call on the Chief of the Defence Staff, Chief of the Army Staff, and Commander Commandement des Forces Terrestres (CFT) / Command of the Land Combat Forces, where he will discuss avenues for enhancing India-France defence relations,” the Army said in a statement.

    It said the Army Chief will be visiting Ecole Militaire, comprising various military training establishments in Paris, and address senior staff officers attending a course at Ecole de Guerra-T, which is a French military academy.

    He will also be visiting Military Schools at Draguignan, which are premier training establishments that train commissioned officers and non-commissioned officers.

    “The ever-expanding defence cooperation engagements which encompass a broad spectrum of activities have established a strong bonhomie across every level of the two Armies,” the Army said.

    “The visit of the Chief of Army Staff to France will further strengthen the bonds of trust and understanding between the two armies,” it said.

    NEW DELHI: Army Chief General Manoj Pande on Sunday left for France on a four-day visit with an aim to further strengthen the “bonds of trust” between the Indian and French armies amid the fast-evolving security matrix and the geopolitical situation.

    Gen Pande will hold extensive talks with the top military brass of France including the Chief of the Defence Staff, the Chief of the Army Staff and the Commander of the Land Combat Forces.

    “The Chief of the Army Staff has proceeded on a visit to France from November 14 to 17. During the four-day visit, he will be meeting his counterparts and senior military leadership of France with an aim to enhance defence cooperation between both the nations,” the Army said.

    It said Gen Pande will lay a wreath at Neuve Chapelle Indian Memorial, which commemorates the sacrifices of 4,742 Indian soldiers during the First World War.

    “He is scheduled to call on the Chief of the Defence Staff, Chief of the Army Staff, and Commander Commandement des Forces Terrestres (CFT) / Command of the Land Combat Forces, where he will discuss avenues for enhancing India-France defence relations,” the Army said in a statement.

    It said the Army Chief will be visiting Ecole Militaire, comprising various military training establishments in Paris, and address senior staff officers attending a course at Ecole de Guerra-T, which is a French military academy.

    He will also be visiting Military Schools at Draguignan, which are premier training establishments that train commissioned officers and non-commissioned officers.

    “The ever-expanding defence cooperation engagements which encompass a broad spectrum of activities have established a strong bonhomie across every level of the two Armies,” the Army said.

    “The visit of the Chief of Army Staff to France will further strengthen the bonds of trust and understanding between the two armies,” it said.

  • Lt Gen Ajai K. Singh assumes charge of Southern Command

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI:  Lieutenant General Ajai Kumar Singh assumed the command of the Indian Army’s Southern Command as its 50th Army Commander on Tuesday. He took charge from Lt Gen J S Nain. On taking charge, the General Officer laid a wreath at the War Memorial, Pune in a solemn ceremony to remember the fallen heroes.  The occasion was followed by a traditional Guard of Honour at the Headquarters Southern Command.

    Lt Gen Ajai Kumar Singh is an alumnus of St Gabriel’s Academy, Roorkee and National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla. The General officer has a comprehensive and well-rounded operational experience through varied command and staff appointments tenanted during his distinguished military career. He was commissioned in December 1984 into the Eleventh Gorkha Rifles. 

    He commanded a battalion initially as part of Strike Corps and subsequently in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on the Line of Control.  The General Officer commanded a Brigade in Rann Sector, a Counter Insurgency Force in J&K and the strategically important Trishakti Corps in the Eastern Sector.  He is academically inclined and an ardent reader with interest in spirituality, mythology, military history and nature. He is a graduate of Defence Service Staff College, Wellington on a competitive vacancy and attended the National Defence College (NDC) course.

    The General Officer has been an Instructor at Commando School, Belgaum and has also tenanted a foreign assignment with Military Wing at the Indian Embassy, Nepal.  He has held many prestigious staff appointments including the Director, Military Operations Branch, Deputy Director General, Discipline & Vigilance, Additional Director General of Military Operations and Director General of Operations & Logistics branch at the IHQ of MoD (Army).  He has been awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Yudh Seva Medal, Sena Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, twoChief of Army Staff Commendation Cards and a General Officer Commanding in Chief Commendation card.

    Lt General Ajai Kumar Singh is a keen mountaineer and has scaled Mount Rathong (22005 ft) on the Kanchenjunga Massif. He is also a keen sportsman, cyclist and yoga enthusiast.

    Officer with rich operational experienceThe General Officer has a comprehensive and well-rounded operational experience through varied command and staff appointments tenanted during his distinguished military career. He was commissioned in December 1984 into the Eleventh Gorkha Rifles. He commanded a battalion initially as part of Strike Corps and subsequently in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on the Line of Control.

    NEW DELHI:  Lieutenant General Ajai Kumar Singh assumed the command of the Indian Army’s Southern Command as its 50th Army Commander on Tuesday. He took charge from Lt Gen J S Nain. On taking charge, the General Officer laid a wreath at the War Memorial, Pune in a solemn ceremony to remember the fallen heroes.  The occasion was followed by a traditional Guard of Honour at the Headquarters Southern Command.

    Lt Gen Ajai Kumar Singh is an alumnus of St Gabriel’s Academy, Roorkee and National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla. The General officer has a comprehensive and well-rounded operational experience through varied command and staff appointments tenanted during his distinguished military career. He was commissioned in December 1984 into the Eleventh Gorkha Rifles. 

    He commanded a battalion initially as part of Strike Corps and subsequently in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on the Line of Control.  The General Officer commanded a Brigade in Rann Sector, a Counter Insurgency Force in J&K and the strategically important Trishakti Corps in the Eastern Sector.  He is academically inclined and an ardent reader with interest in spirituality, mythology, military history and nature. He is a graduate of Defence Service Staff College, Wellington on a competitive vacancy and attended the National Defence College (NDC) course.

    The General Officer has been an Instructor at Commando School, Belgaum and has also tenanted a foreign assignment with Military Wing at the Indian Embassy, Nepal.  He has held many prestigious staff appointments including the Director, Military Operations Branch, Deputy Director General, Discipline & Vigilance, Additional Director General of Military Operations and Director General of Operations & Logistics branch at the IHQ of MoD (Army).  He has been awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Yudh Seva Medal, Sena Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, twoChief of Army Staff Commendation Cards and a General Officer Commanding in Chief Commendation card.

    Lt General Ajai Kumar Singh is a keen mountaineer and has scaled Mount Rathong (22005 ft) on the Kanchenjunga Massif. He is also a keen sportsman, cyclist and yoga enthusiast.

    Officer with rich operational experience
    The General Officer has a comprehensive and well-rounded operational experience through varied command and staff appointments tenanted during his distinguished military career. He was commissioned in December 1984 into the Eleventh Gorkha Rifles. He commanded a battalion initially as part of Strike Corps and subsequently in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on the Line of Control.

  • Indian Army to get high and medium-altitude logistics drones

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: In a bid to strengthen the logistics capabilities in high-altitude areas the Indian Army has floated a Request For Proposal (RFP) to procure drones through the emergency procurement route through fast track procedure. As per the plan, the Indian Army is looking for 163 drones to be operable at the high altitude while the remaining 200 at medium altitudes with accessories. 

    The Ministry of Defence (MoD), intends to procure quantity 163 Logistic Drones (High Altitude) and 200 Logistic Drones (Medium Altitude) along with Accessories under Buy (Indian) category and seeks participation in the procurement process from prospective Bidders subject to requirements in succeeding paragraphs.

    As per the Defence Ministry, the mandate is to have 60 per cent indigenous content.

    The responses have been sought from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) or Authorised Vendors or Government Sponsored Export Agencies (applicable in the case of countries where domestic laws do not permit direct export by OEM) subject to the condition that in cases where the same equipment is offered by more than one of the aforementioned parties, preference would be given to the OEM.

    As per the brief, the drones should be compatible with Defence Series Map and Shape file format with a mission range of not less than 10 km. Also, 163 drones with an operational altitude of not less than 4000m AMSL (Approx 13,000ft) and 200 drones should be compatible to operate from 3000m AGL (Approx 9800ft).

    The drones should consist of one audiovisual per system, one MPGCS, one colour day video camera, a Monochromatic night Thermal Sensor, a container for carriage of stores and one set of a spare battery.

    Weight of the drones should not be more than 100 Kg (+10%) but suitable to withstand high altitude strong wind currents/ gusts.

    The endurance of both the drones should be minimum of 40 minutes with a payload capacity of about 15 Kg for High Altitude drone and not less than 20kg for the medium altitude drone. In medium altitude, the operational altitude should be 3000m AMSL and 1000m AGL (above ground level).

    The drones will have multiple use including ferrying ammunition, food, fuel and even medicines, said a source.

    “This RFP is being issued with no financial commitment; and the Ministry of Defence reserves the right to withdraw the RFP and change or vary any part thereof or foreclose the procurement case at any stage,” the RFP reads. 

    NEW DELHI: In a bid to strengthen the logistics capabilities in high-altitude areas the Indian Army has floated a Request For Proposal (RFP) to procure drones through the emergency procurement route through fast track procedure. As per the plan, the Indian Army is looking for 163 drones to be operable at the high altitude while the remaining 200 at medium altitudes with accessories. 

    The Ministry of Defence (MoD), intends to procure quantity 163 Logistic Drones (High Altitude) and 200 Logistic Drones (Medium Altitude) along with Accessories under Buy (Indian) category and seeks participation in the procurement process from prospective Bidders subject to requirements in succeeding paragraphs.

    As per the Defence Ministry, the mandate is to have 60 per cent indigenous content.

    The responses have been sought from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) or Authorised Vendors or Government Sponsored Export Agencies (applicable in the case of countries where domestic laws do not permit direct export by OEM) subject to the condition that in cases where the same equipment is offered by more than one of the aforementioned parties, preference would be given to the OEM.

    As per the brief, the drones should be compatible with Defence Series Map and Shape file format with a mission range of not less than 10 km. Also, 163 drones with an operational altitude of not less than 4000m AMSL (Approx 13,000ft) and 200 drones should be compatible to operate from 3000m AGL (Approx 9800ft).

    The drones should consist of one audiovisual per system, one MPGCS, one colour day video camera, a Monochromatic night Thermal Sensor, a container for carriage of stores and one set of a spare battery.

    Weight of the drones should not be more than 100 Kg (+10%) but suitable to withstand high altitude strong wind currents/ gusts.

    The endurance of both the drones should be minimum of 40 minutes with a payload capacity of about 15 Kg for High Altitude drone and not less than 20kg for the medium altitude drone. In medium altitude, the operational altitude should be 3000m AMSL and 1000m AGL (above ground level).

    The drones will have multiple use including ferrying ammunition, food, fuel and even medicines, said a source.

    “This RFP is being issued with no financial commitment; and the Ministry of Defence reserves the right to withdraw the RFP and change or vary any part thereof or foreclose the procurement case at any stage,” the RFP reads. 

  • Army inks pacts with 11 banks to provide banking facilities to Agniveers

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Indian Army has said it has signed agreements with 11 banks to provide banking facilities to Agniveers after their enrolment, the defence ministry said on Saturday.

    In June, the government announced the ‘Agnipath’ scheme for the three services to recruit youths between the age bracket of 17-and-half years and 21 for only four years with a provision to retain 25 per cent of them for 15 more years.

    For 2022, the upper age limit has been extended to 23 years. The three services are currently undertaking the recruitment process under the new scheme. The first batch of Agniveers will be joining Army training Centres by January next year.

    “The Indian Army has signed historic MoU with 11 Banks viz State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Bank of Baroda, IDBI Bank, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, Yes Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, IDFC First Bank and Bandhan Bank for providing banking facilities to Agniveers on enrollment,” the defence ministry said.

    The Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed on Friday.

    “The features and benefits offered under Agniveer salary package are similar to the defence salary package,” it said in a statement.

    NEW DELHI: The Indian Army has said it has signed agreements with 11 banks to provide banking facilities to Agniveers after their enrolment, the defence ministry said on Saturday.

    In June, the government announced the ‘Agnipath’ scheme for the three services to recruit youths between the age bracket of 17-and-half years and 21 for only four years with a provision to retain 25 per cent of them for 15 more years.

    For 2022, the upper age limit has been extended to 23 years. The three services are currently undertaking the recruitment process under the new scheme. The first batch of Agniveers will be joining Army training Centres by January next year.

    “The Indian Army has signed historic MoU with 11 Banks viz State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Bank of Baroda, IDBI Bank, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, Yes Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, IDFC First Bank and Bandhan Bank for providing banking facilities to Agniveers on enrollment,” the defence ministry said.

    The Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed on Friday.

    “The features and benefits offered under Agniveer salary package are similar to the defence salary package,” it said in a statement.

  • Bharat Forge sends 16 Kalyani M4 vehicles to Indian Army for UN Peacekeeping deployment

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Defence firm Bharat Forge Ltd on Monday said it sent 16 Kalyani M4 armoured personnel carrier vehicles to the Indian Army for deployment in UN Peacekeeping missions.

    The Kalyani M4 is a state-of-the-art armoured personnel carrier that provides protection to the occupants against high threats, including severe mine blasts and grenades.

    The vehicle is capable of carrying an infantry platoon in full combat gear.

    “Bharat Forge Ltd today dispatched 16 world-class and Made-in-India Kalyani M4 vehicles to the Indian Army for United Nations Peacekeeping deployment,” the company said.

    It said Kalyani M4 successfully completed a series of extreme vehicle trials in some of the toughest environments in India.

    The trials were conducted in the freezing terrains of Leh and Ladakh, and the unforgiving deserts of Rann of Kutch.

    Speaking on the occasion, Baba N Kalyani, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Forge Ltd, said, “We are proud to be delivering the Made-in-India Kalyani M4 for UN Peacekeeping missions.”

    “This encourages us to work for the benefit of our armed forces and it reinforces our commitment to harness our Prime Minister’s vision for atmanirbharata and self-reliance in the defence sector,” he said.

    Amit Kalyani, Deputy Managing Director, Bharat Forge Ltd, added, “Keeping crew safety and vehicle performance as paramount factors, Kalyani M4 has been ergonomically and aesthetically designed to allow the crew to perform their duties in an optimum manner.”

    The Kalyani M4 is equipped with modern military-grade power terrain with all-time situational awareness.

    Recently, the Indian Army’s northern command inducted the Kalyani M4 to its fleet of armoured vehicles under an emergency procurement, the company said.

    NEW DELHI: Defence firm Bharat Forge Ltd on Monday said it sent 16 Kalyani M4 armoured personnel carrier vehicles to the Indian Army for deployment in UN Peacekeeping missions.

    The Kalyani M4 is a state-of-the-art armoured personnel carrier that provides protection to the occupants against high threats, including severe mine blasts and grenades.

    The vehicle is capable of carrying an infantry platoon in full combat gear.

    “Bharat Forge Ltd today dispatched 16 world-class and Made-in-India Kalyani M4 vehicles to the Indian Army for United Nations Peacekeeping deployment,” the company said.

    It said Kalyani M4 successfully completed a series of extreme vehicle trials in some of the toughest environments in India.

    The trials were conducted in the freezing terrains of Leh and Ladakh, and the unforgiving deserts of Rann of Kutch.

    Speaking on the occasion, Baba N Kalyani, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Forge Ltd, said, “We are proud to be delivering the Made-in-India Kalyani M4 for UN Peacekeeping missions.”

    “This encourages us to work for the benefit of our armed forces and it reinforces our commitment to harness our Prime Minister’s vision for atmanirbharata and self-reliance in the defence sector,” he said.

    Amit Kalyani, Deputy Managing Director, Bharat Forge Ltd, added, “Keeping crew safety and vehicle performance as paramount factors, Kalyani M4 has been ergonomically and aesthetically designed to allow the crew to perform their duties in an optimum manner.”

    The Kalyani M4 is equipped with modern military-grade power terrain with all-time situational awareness.

    Recently, the Indian Army’s northern command inducted the Kalyani M4 to its fleet of armoured vehicles under an emergency procurement, the company said.

  • Chinese army in India, PM Modi messed up big time: Rahul Gandhi

    By Express News Service

     TURUVEKERE: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the party would continue to raise the fundamental issue of poor handling of external affairs by the Central government. “The Chinese army is sitting today inside Indian territory, and has occupied more than 1,000 sqkm, a slightly smaller area than Delhi, and the government refuses to do anything, refuses a discussion in Parliament as it is scared. The PM stated that no land has been taken and destroyed India’s negotiating position. But we will continue to raise the issue,” he told the media.

    On the ban on Popular Front of India, he clarified that he is in favour of a ban on any organisation or individual who spreads hatred in society, regardless of their community, and everybody should oppose hatred. 

    The NEP is against the ethos of the country as it distorts our history, tradition and culture, besides centralising the education system, he remarked.  On the BJP’s allegation that the Congress contributed to India’s partition, Rahul shot back that no RSS leader had fought for freedom. “According to my understanding of history, they backed the British and Veer Savarkar was an example,” he alleged. 

    Rahul said the Bharat Jodo Yatra is not aimed at the 2024 polls, though political leaders are participating in it. “By nature, I believe in tapasya. I wanted an element in this communication with people, the element of suffering for myself. I can share the suffering, that’s the idea of my yatra,” he said philosophically.

     TURUVEKERE: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the party would continue to raise the fundamental issue of poor handling of external affairs by the Central government. “The Chinese army is sitting today inside Indian territory, and has occupied more than 1,000 sqkm, a slightly smaller area than Delhi, and the government refuses to do anything, refuses a discussion in Parliament as it is scared. The PM stated that no land has been taken and destroyed India’s negotiating position. But we will continue to raise the issue,” he told the media.

    On the ban on Popular Front of India, he clarified that he is in favour of a ban on any organisation or individual who spreads hatred in society, regardless of their community, and everybody should oppose hatred. 

    The NEP is against the ethos of the country as it distorts our history, tradition and culture, besides centralising the education system, he remarked.  On the BJP’s allegation that the Congress contributed to India’s partition, Rahul shot back that no RSS leader had fought for freedom. “According to my understanding of history, they backed the British and Veer Savarkar was an example,” he alleged. 

    Rahul said the Bharat Jodo Yatra is not aimed at the 2024 polls, though political leaders are participating in it. “By nature, I believe in tapasya. I wanted an element in this communication with people, the element of suffering for myself. I can share the suffering, that’s the idea of my yatra,” he said philosophically.

  • Army instals radar at 15,000 feet in North Sikkim to predict avalanche

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI:  In a move to save precious lives of the troops, the Indian Army and Defence Geoinformatics and Research Establishment (DGRE) have jointly installed the Avalanche Monitoring Radar in North Sikkim.

    The radar was inaugurated by Lieutenant General Tarn Kumar Aich, General Officer Commanding TriShakti Corps on 20 September 2022 at one of the Forward Posts of the Indian Army deployed at an altitude of 15,000 feet in North Sikkim.

    “This radar, a first of its kind in India, has the capability to detect avalanches within three seconds of its trigger and will assist in saving valuable life of troops and reducing damage to property in Super High Altitude Areas,” said the Army.

    Evincing hope that in an area where the frequency of triggering of avalanches is high, the installation of the first Avalanche Radar will go a long way in safeguarding the life of troops of the Indian Army deployed in harsh terrain and sub-zero temperatures, the Army added, “while at the same time limiting damage to vehicles and equipment operating at such snowbound High Altitudes Areas.”

    The avalanche radar was made operational by DGRE of DRDO, an organisation which is involved in forecasting and mitigating avalanche hazards faced by the Indian Army in the Himalayan Region. This radar uses a series of short microwave pulses which are scattered at the target and can detect an avalanche in under 3 seconds. The radar can permanently scan the targeted slope for avalanche release and track the path of the avalanche and its size in case it is triggered, the army added.

    Army sends RFI for carbines and bullet-proof jackets

    NEW DELHI: The Indian Army on Friday issued a Request for Information (RFI) for Close Quarter Battle (CQB) Carbine and Bullet Proof Jackets (BPJs). The Defence Acquisition Council, the highest decision-making body of the Ministry of Defence had given the Acceptance of Necessity for the two projects in July this year with the stipulated project cost of Rs 28,732 crore. AoN is the formal approval of the project so that the process can be started.

    The RFI is for procurement of 4,25,213 of 5.56 x 45mm CQB Carbine under the ‘Buy (Indian)’ category. The Procurement of 47, 627 BPJs along with accessories are to be procured under the category ‘Buy (Indian-IDDM)’ with 60% Indigenous Content. The CQB Carbine should have a minimum service life of 15 years/15,000 rounds whichever is earlier (OEM certificate).

    NEW DELHI:  In a move to save precious lives of the troops, the Indian Army and Defence Geoinformatics and Research Establishment (DGRE) have jointly installed the Avalanche Monitoring Radar in North Sikkim.

    The radar was inaugurated by Lieutenant General Tarn Kumar Aich, General Officer Commanding TriShakti Corps on 20 September 2022 at one of the Forward Posts of the Indian Army deployed at an altitude of 15,000 feet in North Sikkim.

    “This radar, a first of its kind in India, has the capability to detect avalanches within three seconds of its trigger and will assist in saving valuable life of troops and reducing damage to property in Super High Altitude Areas,” said the Army.

    Evincing hope that in an area where the frequency of triggering of avalanches is high, the installation of the first Avalanche Radar will go a long way in safeguarding the life of troops of the Indian Army deployed in harsh terrain and sub-zero temperatures, the Army added, “while at the same time limiting damage to vehicles and equipment operating at such snowbound High Altitudes Areas.”

    The avalanche radar was made operational by DGRE of DRDO, an organisation which is involved in forecasting and mitigating avalanche hazards faced by the Indian Army in the Himalayan Region. This radar uses a series of short microwave pulses which are scattered at the target and can detect an avalanche in under 3 seconds. The radar can permanently scan the targeted slope for avalanche release and track the path of the avalanche and its size in case it is triggered, the army added.

    Army sends RFI for carbines and bullet-proof jackets

    NEW DELHI: The Indian Army on Friday issued a Request for Information (RFI) for Close Quarter Battle (CQB) Carbine and Bullet Proof Jackets (BPJs). The Defence Acquisition Council, the highest decision-making body of the Ministry of Defence had given the Acceptance of Necessity for the two projects in July this year with the stipulated project cost of Rs 28,732 crore. AoN is the formal approval of the project so that the process can be started.

    The RFI is for procurement of 4,25,213 of 5.56 x 45mm CQB Carbine under the ‘Buy (Indian)’ category. The Procurement of 47, 627 BPJs along with accessories are to be procured under the category ‘Buy (Indian-IDDM)’ with 60% Indigenous Content. The CQB Carbine should have a minimum service life of 15 years/15,000 rounds whichever is earlier (OEM certificate).

  • Army recruitment rally for ‘Agniveers’ kicks off in Agra 

    By PTI

    AGRA: More than 5,000 candidates participated on the first day of the Army recruitment rally for ‘Agniveers’ here on Tuesday.

    The 21-day long rally has been organised at Anand Engineering College, Keetham on NH-2 in the Uttar Pradesh district. 

    The total registration for the Agra recruitment rally is 1,75,218.

    “The rally is being organised at the venue for the youth of 12 districts under Army Recruitment Office in Agra,” Public Relation Officer (PRO) Defence, Lucknow Shantanu Pratap Singh said.

    AGRA: More than 5,000 candidates participated on the first day of the Army recruitment rally for ‘Agniveers’ here on Tuesday.

    The 21-day long rally has been organised at Anand Engineering College, Keetham on NH-2 in the Uttar Pradesh district. 

    The total registration for the Agra recruitment rally is 1,75,218.

    “The rally is being organised at the venue for the youth of 12 districts under Army Recruitment Office in Agra,” Public Relation Officer (PRO) Defence, Lucknow Shantanu Pratap Singh said.