Indian Army News & Discussions

[Hindustani78]

http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/rs-3-547-crore-plan-for-new-rifles-okayed/529424.html

Ajay Banerjee
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, January 16

The Defence Acquisition Council, the top decision making body of the Indian Ministry of Defence, on Tuesday okayed a Rs 3,547-crore project to acquire two separate types of rifles for the Indian Army.

The DAC, headed by Nirmala Sitharaman, okayed the procurement of 72,400 assault rifles for the infantry and another 93,895 carbines for close quarter encounters in built up areas – largely fighting insurgency.

The assault rifles will replace the Army’s standard assault weapons. This will replace the existing INSAS (Indian Small Arms System) rifle, a 5.56 calibre, which was designed some three decades ago. The new rifle will be 7.62 calibre, meaning it can fire bigger ammunition.

The carbines are seen as replacement for the Russian made AK 47 assault rifles. These will weigh less than 3 kg and have the ability to fire at distances up to 200 metre.

Besides the numbers okayed today, the Army needs another 6 lakh assault rifles and the 3.25 lakh carbines. The remaining quantity will be made in two tranches – 25 per cent by the Ordnance Factory Board and the remaining by the Indian private industry.

The one developed in India will eventually be the standard issue for the forces and also the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). This will mean some 15-18 lakh such rifles in all. In June last year, the Army rejected the rifle made by the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB). The OFB made eight such pieces which were being tested by the Army. The OFB is not happy with the Army’s decision and says the weapon did well in the trials.

A reliable weapon of an infantry or a paramilitary soldier is a good self-loading rifle that can fire with accuracy. The DAC also made some changes in the policy for make in India procedure, this includes relaxation in norms to participate in prototype development.

Members of the Defence Women Welfare pay tribute to Kargil martyrs in Mandi on Monday. Photo: Jai Kumar

POWER SHOW: Residents take a look at weapons displayed on the Army Day celebrations in Shimla on Monday. Photo: Amit Kanwar

Tribune News Service
Mandi, January 15
http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/army-day-celebrated-with-fervour/528958.html


Army Day was celebrated with fervour here today to commemorate the sacrifice of brave soldiers, who laid down their lives for the sake of the country. Ex-servicemen and people paid floral tribute to the martyrs.

Brigadier Khushal Thakur (Retd) who was the chief guest said during the war in 1962, 1965, 1971 and 1999 many soldiers laid down their lives not only from Himachal Pradesh but also from other parts of the country.

He said from the state, several soldiers were martyred, but it was a matter of concern that there was no regiment in the name of the state. He said in Mandi district, ex-servicemen were struggling to construct a Sainik Bhawan and the state government had done nothing about it.

“There was no progress in the construction of the proposed martyr memorial at the Kargil Park, Mandi. There should be inscription of each martyr of the district at the memorial” he remarked.

Army Day is celebrated on January 15 every year in India, in recognition of Field Marshal Kodandera M Cariappa (then a Lieutenant General) taking over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from General Sir Francis Butcher, the last British Commander-in-Chief of India, in 1949.

The day is celebrated in the form of parades and other military shows at New Delhi as well at all headquarters. Army Day marks a day to salute the valiant soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect the country and its citizens.

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http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/jammu-kashmir/800-villagers-attend-army-fair/529556.html

Posted at: Jan 17, 2018, 12:09 AM; last updated: Jan 17, 2018, 12:09 AM (IST)
800 villagers attend Army fair


Tribune News Service

Srinagar, January 16

In a bid to engage people and provide them with various facilities, the Army organised a village mela in south Kashmir which was visited by 800 villagers of Pulwama and Shopian.

An Army spokesman said a medical camp was also organised wherein 414 patients were treated by a team of Army doctors and free medicines were also distributed.

“Apart from this, various entertainment stalls were also put up where children enjoyed thoroughly. People also danced to the tunes of open air music,” he said.

The villagers paid gratitude to the Army for providing such an opportunity and requested them to organise such activities more frequently, the spokesman said.

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http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/uttarakhand/second-veterans-day-celebrated/528572.html

Tribune News Service
Dehradun, January 14

Hundreds of ex-servicemen from the state celebrated the second Veterans’ Day at Uttarakhand sub-area here today.
The day began with a march-past by veterans with the army band at the Mall Road, Garhi Cantt Dehradun. The march culminated at the Lal Gate War Memorial where a wreath laying ceremony took place in the remembrance of martyred soldiers.

Uttarakhand sub-area GOC Maj Gen JS Yadav honoured 48 ex-servicemen above 80 years of age, included 20 disabled, four war widows and 24 veterans. Maj General Yadav said the basic objective behind the celebration was to honour ex-servicemen as well as to resolve the problems they were facing, post retirement.

The information useful to the veterans was shared on the occasion in the form of various organised lectures by military hospital, Pay and Pension Cell, ECHS and Rajya Sainik Board.

 

[Hindustani78]

New recruits of Madras Engineer Group and Centre during a military training demonstration at MEG Centre in Bengaluru on Wednesday. PTI Photo

 

[Hindustani78]

The Chief of Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat chairing the 72nd Board of Governors Meeting of Army Group Insurance Fund, in New Delhi on January 18, 2018.

The Chief of Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat chairing the 57th Investment Advisory Committee Meeting of Army Group Insurance Fund, in New Delhi on January 18, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Director General, Assam Rifles, Lt. General Shokin Chauhan calling on the Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh, in New Delhi on January 19, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
20-January, 2018 09:46 IST
Casuality Evacuation: Tibba Cave

Yesterday, The Siachen Pioneers- 114 HU based at Leh, carried out a daring casevac mission from the far flung reaches of the Zanskar valley in the Ladakh sector. The casualty was part of the “Chadar Trek” organised over the frozen Zanskar river. Inspite of the short notice, the crew got airborne in 40’ of receipt of message. The mission being in highly inaccessible area called for a two helicopter mission. This way if one helicopter went down, the other was available for support. As the coordinates for the site were not available due to poor communication, the aircrew were faced with the daunting task of searching for the casualty in the icy mountains and crevices of the Zanskar Valley. Once they located the casualty the Capt – Wg Cdr Khan realised that the landing would be an arduous and dangerous task due to the terrain in the narrow valley on an unprepared surface.


Undeterred and in keeping with the motto of the unit-“We do the difficult as routine, the impossible only takes a little longer”, the crew displayed exceptional skill in maneuvering the aircraft in an extremely tight space and landed the helicopter on a rocky outcrop next to a river in between the steep mountains. All this while the #2 helicopter gave airborne support to his #1. The casualty was successfully evacuated and brought to Leh- another life saved by the helicopter of IAF.

“The Siachen Pioneers”, Leh based Helicopter Unit carrying out casevac mission in Ladhak sector, at Leh on 19 Jan 2018.

“The Siachen Pioneers”, Leh based Helicopter Unit carrying out casevac mission in Ladhak sector, at Leh on 19 Jan 2018.

“The Siachen Pioneers”, Leh based Helicopter Unit carrying out casevac mission in Ladhak sector, at Leh on 19 Jan 2018.

“The Siachen Pioneers”, Leh based Helicopter Unit carrying out casevac mission in Ladhak sector, at Leh on 19 Jan 2018.

“The Siachen Pioneers”, Leh based Helicopter Unit carrying out casevac mission in Ladhak sector, at Leh on 19 Jan 2018.

“The Siachen Pioneers”, Leh based Helicopter Unit carrying out casevac mission in Ladhak sector, at Leh on 19 Jan 2018.


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[Hindustani78]

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india...k-northeast/story-bo1oFpLFiorlBisHifQclJ.html

Home ministry to hire Air India planes to ferry security men deployed in J-K, Northeast

The ministry has sanctioned around Rs 110 crore for the air service in which priority will be given to those personnel availing the facility for the first, second and third time.
Updated: Jan 21, 2018 11:58 IST
Press Trust of India, New Delhi

The Air India is expected to deploy its narrow-body jet Airbus A319 which has around 144 all-economy seats.(Representational Photo)

The ministry of home affairs will hire Air India aircraft to facilitate travel of personnel of central armed police forces, Intelligence Bureau and the NDRF serving in remote areas of the northeast and Jammu and Kashmir from home and place of postings, an official said.

An amount of Rs 109.84 crore has been sanctioned by the ministry to offer the air services to the security personnel during the first seven months of 2018 by hiring the Air India planes.

Priority will be given to those personnel availing the facility for the first, second and third time respectively and those going on temporary duties, subject to availability of seats, a home ministry official told PTI.

Air services were introduced a few years ago by the ministry for limited sectors but the scheme has now been expanded with new sectors, enhanced frequency and aircraft with more seats.

The Air India is expected to deploy its narrow-body jet Airbus A319 which has around 144 all-economy seats.

The sectors in which the air service will be available are: Delhi-Leh-Delhi, Delhi-Jammu-Srinagar-Jammu-Delhi, Delhi-Dibrugarh-Guwahati-Delhi, Kolkata-Imphal-Kolkata, Kolkata-Agartala-Kolkata, Kolkata-Aizwal-Kolkata and Kolkata- Silchar-Kolkata.

The service will end a major grievance of the personnel of the CAPF like CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, Intelligence Bureau and National Disaster Response Force deployed in Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast as they have to spend at least six days of their leave only in travelling, another ministry official said.

The official said though the scheme has been approved until July 31, it will be further extended for the whole year and subsequent years too.

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[Hindustani78]

South block has informed China stopped sharing information, They said that the monitoring site across the border is damaged,” AK Gupta, the commission’s regional director, said.

The commission has two monitoring stations: One in Chumar near Leh and the other in Sumdoh in Lahaul and Spiti district

 

[Chaosmaster]

Alpha wins ₹45 crore firing simulator order from Army
Alpha Design Technologies Ltd. has signed a ₹45-crore deal with the Ministry of Defence to supply to the Army indigenous simulators for gunnery and missile firing from BMP II vehicles.

The BMP II is a Soviet-origin amphibious infantry fighting vehicle. The simulators will be used to train missile firing personnel.

As many as 57 simulators would be manufactured at the company’s Bengaluru facility and supplied to the Army over two years, said Col. (retd.) H.S. Shankar, chairman and managing director, Alpha Design.

The mid-size company focussing on defence electronics products said the simulator bid was floated about five years back for Indian public and private enterprises and involved trials over two years.

'Save vehicles from wear and tear'
Col. Shankar said Army firing personnel currently train fully on actual BMP vehicles and use of simulators would save vehicle wear and tear to a large extent.

Alpha viewed this contract as a “forerunner” to a few other simulator projects that it hoped to secure, Col. Shankar said.
http://www.thehindu.com/business/In...r-from-army/article22530672.ece?homepage=true

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Home Affairs
26-January, 2018 17:14 IST
Jammu school children call on Union Home Minister

A group of 40 school children consisting of 20 girls and 20 boys hailing from remote and far flung areas of Jammu region called on the Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh here today. The students are on a Bharat Darshan Tour from 19th January 2018 to 30th January 2018 organized by the BSF.

The concept of Bharat Darshan Tours for the children from Jammu & Kashmir was started as an annual feature in the year 2000. Shri Rajesh Ranjan, SDG BSF apprised the Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh of the composition of the group. He informed that Bharat Darshan tour has widened horizons and given the children an opportunity to see the diversities of the nation.

The children then shared their experiences of visits to different historical places and thanked the BSF and the Government of India for organizing tours of this nature.

While addressing the children, Shri Rajnath Singh desired to communicate the experiences gained during this tour to the remote areas from where all have come. It was also told that the anti-national elements should not overpower the thoughts of national integration. A token of remembrance has been given to the Home Minister by the children.

These children are selected for Bharat Darshan as a part of intensive civic action programme of the force in remote and backward areas of the border.

This tour is conducted to give them insights into the rich historical, cultural and social profile of the country and the progress made in industrial, technological and scientific fields. The tour also aims at inculcating in them a sense of pride for the nation.

As part of the programme, they visited Amber Fort, Albert Hall Museum, Junagarh Fort, Jantar Mantar and City Palace in Jaipur, Fatehpur Sikri, Taj Mahal and Agra Fort in Agra, Qutab Minar, Lotus Temple, Rastrapati Bhawan and Metro Ride and witnessed the Republic day parade at New Delhi.

After meeting with the Home Minister, all the children will proceed to Amritsar where they will witness the Retreat Ceremony at Attari Border and also visit the historical places of Amritsar.

Till date 1619 children from J&K have participated in BSF sponsored 58 Bharat Darshan Tours.

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[Hindustani78]

This file photo shows artillery men firing a 155mm Bofors gun.(AFP File Photo)

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
01-February, 2018 17:55 IST
CORPS OF EME CONDUCTS ‘EME ULTRA MARATHON’

‘EME Ultra Run’ was flagged off on 01 Feb 2018 from India Gate by Maj Gen SS Suhag. This run is one of the event being organized to celebrate Platinum Jubilee by the Corps of EME this year. ‘EME Ultra Run’ comprises of running half marathon everyday for 50 days. Aim of the run is to spread the message of ‘Health, Clean, Green and Pollution Free Happy India’ amongst the masses through conduct of yoga session after termination of each half marathon at various schools/colleges/institutions of NCR.


Col Aman Anand

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Ministry of Defence
01-February, 2018 17:07 IST
Army Dental Corps celebrates its 77th raising day

Army Dental Corps is celebrating its 77th Raising Day today with zeal and fervour in all Dental Centres spread across the three services; Army, Navy and Air Force at different parts of the country. The main event was held at Army Dental Corps (Research & Referral), Delhi Cantt. where Director General Dental Services (DGDS) and Col Commandant, Army Dental CorpsLt General TK Bandyopadhyayinaugurating a museum on Military Dentistry depicting the heritage of the Corps in all aspects its service to the nation.

President of Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA) Mrs MadhulikaRawat released an attractive hand book on oral health for the children as well as an e-book covering interesting and successfully managed clinical cases inclusive of different specialties. Mrs SwarnmoyeeBandyopadhyay, first lady of the Corps inaugurated a new maxillofacial imaging room as well as commissioned a captive power unit at the Armed Forces Dental Clinic.

Earlier, the day started with DGDSand Col Commandant of Army Dental CorpsLt Gen TK Bandyopadhyaythe laying of wreath at Amar JawanJyoti, India Gate.

From a humble beginning in 1941 with eight Dental Officers, the Army Dental Corps is now an elite service of the Indian Armed Forces with 725 officers and nearly two thousand other ranksdedicated to looking after the oral health requirements of our soldiers, their dependents and Ex Servicemen. The dental treatment facilities of the Corps are based on a model where prevention of oral and dental disease is given top most priority.

In sync with the structure of the Armed Forces, the Army Dental Corps too is a multi-cultural society with the largest proportion of lady officers adding value to the profession. The Corps has carved a niche in the field of Military Dentistry and has undergone rapid transformation in technology, training and physical infrastructure in consonance with the evolving requirements of the patients as well as the changing operational scenario.

In Delhi NCR too, the occasion was marked by a series of events befitting the same which was attended by a galaxy of veterans, their spouses, senior representatives from all other Arms and Services of the Armed Forces besides the serving personal of the Corps. General TK Bandyopadhyay also conveyed his felicitations to one and all via a special SainikSammelan. A blood donation camp was also held at the venue where many donated blood.

Army Dental Corps is working in unison with the primary mission being to excel in treatment delivery and complementary mission to foster creativity, innovation and leadership qualities. The Corps has always followed the motto of "Service Before Self" thus ensuring best oral health care to the troops, their families and dependents in both peace time as well as the operational scenario.

NAo/Nampi/DK/Rajib

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Home Affairs
01-February, 2018 17:29 IST
School children from Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram call on MoS Shri Kiren Rijiju

The School children from Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram called on the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju here today.

The group of 16 school children from Arunachal Pradesh consisted of 8 girls and 8 boys belonging to Kibithu district. They are on a national integration tour from 27th January-8th February, 2018, organised by Sikh Light Infantry of Indian Army. The students have visited Connaught Place, Qutub Minar and metro in Delhi. They will also visit Agra and Dehradun after Delhi. Shri Kiren Rijiju welcomed the students and asked them to focus on their education. The success depends on the hard work, he added. He also said that students should participate in literary activities that will help them gain confidence essential for success in life.

Another Group of 18 School children from Mizoram’s Champhai and adjoining regions also met the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju here today. The National Integration Tour which began on 21st January was organized by the Assam Rifles. During the tour the students visited the historic and iconic places like Lal Kila, Jama Masjid, Parliament House, Connaught Place, Qutub Minar and Delhi metro etc. The students also witnessed the Republic Day parade and they called on the Hon’ble President of India during their visit. After welcoming the students MoS, Shri Kiren Rijiju appreciated the efforts done by Assam Rifles in organizing the such an informative excursion for the students from far-flung areas of Mizoram.

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[Hindustani78]

The Director General Dental Services and Colonel Commandant, Lt. General T.K. Bandyopadhyay paying homage at Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate, on the occasion of the 77th anniversary of the Army Dental Corps, in New Delhi on February 01, 2018.

The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju with a group of students from Kibithu district of Arunachal Pradesh attending the National Integration Tour, organised by the Sikh Light Infantry of Indian Army, in New Delhi on February 01, 2018

The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju with a group of students from School children from Champhai district of Mizoram attending the National Integration Tour, organised by the Assam Rifles, in New Delhi on February 01, 2018.

The Director General Dental Services and Col Commandant of Army Dental Corps, Lt. Gen. T.K. Bandyopadhyay inaugurating a museum on Military Dentistry, on the occasion of 77th Raising Day of Army Dental Corps, at Army Dental Centre (Research and Referral), in New Delhi on February 01, 2018.

The Director General Dental Services and Col Commandant of Army Dental Corps, Lt. Gen. T.K. Bandyopadhyay visiting after inaugurating a museum on Military Dentistry, on the occasion of 77th Raising Day of Army Dental Corps, at Army Dental Centre (Research and Referral), in New Delhi on February 01, 2018.

The Director General Dental Services and Col Commandant of Army Dental Corps, Lt. Gen. T.K. Bandyopadhyay visiting after inaugurating a museum on Military Dentistry, on the occasion of 77th Raising Day of Army Dental Corps, at Army Dental Centre (Research and Referral), in New Delhi on February 01, 2018.

The Director General Dental Services and Col Commandant of Army Dental Corps, Lt. Gen. T.K. Bandyopadhyay and the President of Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA), Smt. Madhulika Rawat releasing a children book on dental care, on the occasion of 77th Raising Day of Army Dental Corps, at Army Dental Centre (Research and Referral), in New Delhi on February 01, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
02-February, 2018 12:21 IST
Casuality Evacuation: Saving Lives

Nine year old Taufik started suffering acute pain as a result of a very serious case of appendicitis, at night. He lives in Gurez an area where adequate medical care for these situations is not available. The next best option was to evacuate him to Srinagar for treatment. Message for an evacuation was received at Airforce Station Srinagar at night and the crew of the helicopter was put on standby. Bad weather at Gurez prevented the helicopter from getting airborne in the morning. The helicopter was then put on another assignment. On the way back from this assignment the crew of the helicopter received a message that the weather at Gurez has improved to marginal. The copter was diverted to the landing site, inflight, and after a successful landing Taufik and his father was picked up and despite the continuous snowing and low clouds they were evacuated to Srinagar.


Prompt action by IAF and its highly motivated crew led by Squadron Leader Vinit Singh Sikarwar and co-pilot Lakhsay Mittal of “Hovering Hawks” saved a young life. Taufik is now recuperating at a medical facility in Srinagar.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/jammu-kashmir/nirmala-visits-ladakh-forward-areas/538322.html
Posted at: Feb 4, 2018, 1:23 AM; last updated: Feb 4, 2018, 1:23 AM (IST)
Nirmala visits Ladakh forward areas
Srinagar, February 3

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today visited forward areas along the Indo-China border in Eastern Ladakh, Srinagar-based defence spokesman said.

She arrived at Thoise, where she was briefed on the operational preparedness in the forward areas.

“She visited the highest post in the Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) sector and Chushul along the Indo-China border in Eastern Ladakh and interacted with troops,” the spokesman said.

This was the Defence Minister’s first visit to the DBO sector and to one of the highest posts in Eastern Ladakh. Northern Command chief Lt Gen D Anbu and Corps Commander of the Ladakh Corps accompanied her during the visit.

She complimented the troops for their steadfastness and dedication despite harsh climate and terrain. “Her visit has further boosted the morale of the troops deployed at the extremely difficult snow-covered locations in Ladakh,” he said. — TNS

Homage paid to soldiers
Srinagar: The Army on Saturday paid homage to three soldiers killed in an avalanche along the LoC in Kupwara on Friday. A defence spokesman said a solemn ceremony was held at the BB Cantonment, Srinagar, where Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen AK Bhatt and all ranks paid homage to the soldiers. TNS