Since there is no scientific evidence to support notions such as spinal deformities affect flying, the Air Force will soon modify its medical norms for pilot selection for new applicants.
A panel has been formed by IAF comprising spinal surgeons, neurosurgeons, physicians, radiologists and it was concluded that there is no evidence to show spinal deformities can affect flight safety and physical capability and conditioning of the pilots.
This means, taking medication for blood pressure or undergoing a laser eye surgery will no longer make an IAF pilot ineligible for flying.
Also, with new medical technologies and better drugs available for treatment, several ailments such as asthma, diabetes, coronary heart diseases and hypertension may also go off the list.
The Medical Board of the Air Force has also removed 19 drugs like anti-diabetics off the list, which were earlier considered as a “taboo” for flying.
. Rest are in the pipeline and decision is likely in 7-10 days.
Certain abnormalities, however, like disk degeneration will be taken up on a case-to-case basis.
These norms are said to have been relaxed to increase the number of pilots in the Air Force, which is suffering not only from a depleting squadron strength, but also from manpower crunch.
The pilot-cockpit ratio in IAF was only 0.81 for fighter jets as compared to the sanctioned ratio of 1.25 for fighters, 1.5 for transport planes and 1 for helicopters.
Exercise SAMPRITI is a bilateral defense cooperation between India and Bangladesh, hosted alternately by both countries.
This year’s SAMPRITI, 2016 is hosted in the semi-mountainous and jungle terrain of Bangabandhu Senanibas in Tangail of Bangladesh.
Here are the key points of this exercise:
SAMPRITI 2016 is the sixth edition of this exercise. It is being held at Shaheed Salauddin Cantonment in Dhaka.
The Indian Army contingent is represented by a company of the Mahar Regiment, led by Col P S Sandhi. It consists of a troop strength of 120 soldiers.
The joint exercise SAMPRITI 2016 will simulate a scenario where both nations are working together in a counter insurgency and counter terrorism environment under the UN Charter.
The exercise curriculum is progressively planned where the participants will initially get familiar with each other’s organizational structure and tactical drills.
Subsequently, the training will advance to joint tactical exercises wherein the battle drills of both the armies will be practiced.
The training will culminate with a final validation exercise in which troops of both armies will jointly practice a Counter-Terrorist Operation in a controlled and simulated environment.
This 14-day long engagement will go on from November 5 to 18.
The first edition of the exercise in this series was held at Jorhat in Assam in 2010. Last year’s exercise, SAMPRITI 2015 was held at Binnaguri in north Bengal.
COMBINED DEFENCE SERVICES EXAMINATION (I), 2017 [INCLUDING SSC WOMEN (NON-TECHNICAL) COURSE]. The candidates applying for the examination should ensure that they fulfil all the eligibility conditions for admission to the Examination. Their admission at all the stages of the examination will be purely provisional subject to satisfying the prescribed eligibility conditions. Mere issue of Admission Certificate to the candidate will not imply that his candidature has been finally cleared by the Commission. Verification of eligibility conditions with reference to original documents will be taken up only after the candidate has qualified for interview/Personality Test.
Candidates are required to apply online by using the website www.upsconline.nic.in Brief instructions for filling up the online Application Form have been given in the Appendix-II. Detailed instructions are available on the above mentioned website.
Russia recently agreed to lease a second nuclear attack submarine worth $2 billion to India during the BRICS summit in Goa this month. Other major defense deals also were inked during the summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Here are the key take-offs from this deal:
The Indian Navy already operates one Akula 2 class nuclear submarine, Nerpa, now called INS Chakra, which was leased by Russia for 10 years.
It was commissioned in the navy on April 4, 2012, and its lease expires in 2021, making India reluctant to acquire the second submarine.
The Akula 2 class submarine, while not the latest class of nuclear-powered fast attack submarine in the world, is still considered one of the most advanced.
The Akula 2 weighs around 8,140 tons and are nuclear powered but are armed with conventional land attack missiles.
They are considered one of the most silent SSNs in service and are capable of sailing at speeds up to 35 knots, a defining feature of the boat which makes tracking it underwater very difficult.
Meanwhile, China has four nuclear-powered submarines in operation and in a couple of years this number that will go up to six. China’s Nuclear-submarines carry a version of the Dong Feng nuclear missile that has a range of up to 7,000 km.
Like most other nuclear-powered submarines, its range of operations is essentially unlimited since its 190 Mega Watt nuclear power plant is unlikely to need refueling during the course of the life of the submarine.
Like the INS Chakra, the second Akula 2 submarine being leased from Russia is likely to be based in Visakhapatnam and would have two roles – defending India’s fleet of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, and second, to track Chinese nuclear-powered attack submarines which are increasingly frequent visitors to the Indian Ocean where they are regularly deployment as part of what the Chinese say are anti-piracy missions.
Built in the Soviet Union as the Bars Class 971, Akula 2 is the NATO reporting name for the submarines.
Meanwhile, indigenous nuclear submarine INS Arihant has been inducted in the navy as well amidst secrecy.
By choosing INDIAN NAVY, you are choosing more than just a job. We offer a unique way of exploring your life and provide ample opportunities to exploit your potential in every sphere of life. We provide a level of security and comfort that is almost unheard of in civilian life.
For many people, the greatest attraction of a career in the Indian Navy is the variety or opportunities to make you career challenging. You can face the challenges and develop methods to exploit the full potential in you. A job in the Navy offers you a chance to exploit your true potential as a professional – by learning new skills, acquiring unrivalled experience in the process of applying those skills, and making the most of Navy advancement.
In the Indian Navy, you’ll find there’s much more to be gained than a regular salary. In fact, the experience that you gain in the Navy can help you shape your future through outstanding financial benefits, unparalleled career potential, and the lifestyle of freedom and personal growth that you’ve been waiting for.
Think about it. As long as you have the drive to make a difference in the world – and in your own life – there will be a place for you in the Indian Navy. You can gain valuable sills and build a secure future.
If you are starting your career with zero professional experience or seeking to enhance your current skill set and education, the Navy is a sure way to take your career to the next level.
In the Navy where you can build a career that thrives. Here your individual thoughts, ideas and skills are given an opportunity to shine. Whether you’re looking to build your leadership attributes, learn a skilled trade or rise to the top of your field, the Navy will help you do it.
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While it’s common for girls to give up their passions and engage in homemaking in most Indian parts, Maj Deepika Rathore took the road less travelled by to chase her dreams. She had the courage to pursue her dreams and that made Maj Deepika Rathore the only lady from Indian Armed Forces to have conquered Mt. Everest twice.
Maj Deepika is an ex-NCC cadet from Rajasthan. She had been a part of Republic Day Parade in 2002 and had represented India in Singapore in the Youth Exchange Programme. Apart from this, she had won a national level silver medal in guess what? Dancing! So yeah, the word ‘multi-talented’ will surely define her best.
But wait, that’s not it. She had developed mountaineering as her hobby since her NCC days when she was first rejected for the Basic Mountaineering Course at Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) in Uttarkashi for being underweight. But she, however, convinced the doctor and signed an undertaking to overrule her medical hurdles, clearing her basic and later, advanced mountaineering course with flying colours.
Deepika later joined the army in 2011 in the Army Ordnance Corps through then WES (Women Entry Scheme). When she was posted in the Leh-Ladakh sector,she went on an All Army Everest Expedition, climbing Everest with pride.
The then Captain, Deepika Rathore (Standing, first from right) with the Everest summit team. Their climb was documented by Discovery channel.
After this, as her luck and will would have it, she was approached to lead an NCC girls expedition to Mt Everest in May 2016. She accepted the offer under the command of Col Gaurav Karki with pride and they created a world record of ‘Largest number of women climbing Everest from a single organisation’.
Maj Rathore with May 2016 NCC Girls Everest Expedition
Incidentally, the team left for Everest from Siachen camp just a day before the deadly avalanche in which many Indian soldiers, including Lance Naik Hanumanthappa Koppad, were buried alive. News of the incident served as a reminder of the dangers of their mission. To keep their morale high Rathore told them, “If you feel you are strong, no one can stop you. If you think, you can. Brave soldiers like Hanumanthappa are a constant source of inspiration to us all.”
The team had 2 girls from Leh, 2 from Manipur, 1 from Darjeeling, 2 from Uttarakhand and 1 from Rajasthan and Mizoram each.
I was lucky enough to have a talk with Maj Deepika during the All India Vayu Sainik Camp-2016 and ask the question to her that kept me tickling since the start of her talk – “What motivates you to keep going and achieve new feats, especially when you are a class 1 gazetted officer in the armed forces? You can just sit back and relax.” First things first, this question had offended the other officer standing by but I purely had no intentions of offending anyone. What I meant to ask was, what was her inspiration of risking life and climbing mountains when your life is already going all well.
In her witty reply, she said “You know, kuch logon ko keeda hota hai kuch karte rehne ka. Wo keeda mujh me hai. I like the adventure. And I do it all while earning a handsome salary. So, why to back-off?”
Maj Deepika Rathore Sharing Her Experience And Interacting With Cadets During AIVSC-2016
By her looks, she looked nothing like a mountaineer, just a beautiful lady officer who came to deliver a lecture. But as we listened to her we realise that it was her mental stamina and will to do that helped her achieve this feat. ‘You do not need a muscular body to touch the sky, all you need is a muscular mind’ is what we realised that day.
This was what she said “Yes, you do need physical strength for such expeditions but more than that you need mental strength. It is the test of your indomitable courage and strong willpower to face the challenges and hurdles that come on the way.”
But, “What About Studies?” Was the Question on Fire:
Lastly, one question asked to her was the question in mind of each and every cadet listening to her. Recalling that she have had been to RDC and YEP, it was asked: “how did you manage your studies along with all this?” Her response was, “You need to manage it anyhow. That defines the officer in you.” At the same time, do not sacrifice studies for anything else as, at the end, it is what will save your day.
At the end, she said “Truly, life in the services provides one with many different opportunities. I love mountaineering and thanks to the army I have had the privilege of scaling the Mount Everest, not once but twice”.
It is not uncommon for individuals who aspire to join the military or law enforcement to hold a deep respect and admiration for those who have served before them, particularly their own family members who have served in similar roles. The image of an officer saluting their father or grandfather who has served in the military is a powerful symbol of respect and honor.
For many aspiring military or law enforcement personnel, the desire to follow in their family member’s footsteps is a strong motivating factor in their decision to pursue a career in these fields. The sense of pride and tradition that comes with serving in these roles can be deeply ingrained in family culture and can be a source of inspiration and motivation for generations.
However, it’s important to note that joining the military or law enforcement should be a personal decision based on an individual’s own values, interests, and goals. While the desire to honor family members who have served before can be a powerful factor in this decision, it’s important for individuals to also consider their own motivations and aspirations for pursuing such a career.
SSB is the interviewing process that accesses the personality of the candidate deep into his soul. The process selects the fit for the service. The process is based on judging the qualities of candidates by comparing their performance in three techniques, depending on what the candidate speaks, thinks, and performs.
The candidate is always instructed to perform as per his normal behavior. But some candidates try to bluff the SSB system by following some myths. Like faces, personalities are also identical. So don’t hide it or try to change it. Below are some of the myths that are commonly followed by candidates, especially repeaters.
Speaking More Will Show Your Qualities – It happens mostly with repeaters. They try to speak more to show their qualities, which is not a way to present their personality. Well, overspeaking always spoil the game. Give chance to other candidates and speak about what is relevant and necessary. Don’t display your qualities by yourself. Let the accessory grasp them.
Writing Tremendous Quality Rich Stories Will Raise Your Chances Of Selection – It is generally seen among candidates that writing a story full of all kinds of qualities is accepted and praised in the SSB. Psychology is not a story-writing competition. They always instruct the candidates to perform in their natural fluency, rather than trying to make a facade in front of it.
Bluffing In Interview Can Hide Your Shortcomings – Some candidates perceive practicing for the interview as preparing to bluff the Interviewing Officer. IO is trained to observe the personality of the candidate by his words. If the access-er finds any contradiction in what you speak and what you write or do, then it will take you down. It is better to accept your shortcomings and mistakes rather than hide or justify them with fake excuses.
Cramping Things Will Ease You in Your Selection – There are several books and institutes that provide written data for practicing for the SSB. But some candidates cramp the stories, sentences, and SRT responses to avoid making efforts and copy the material made to give directions. Be yourself and don’t make your personality more complex by the amalgamation of qualities that you don’t possess.
Following The Selected Candidates Ensures Recommendation – Performing like the recommended candidates can never ensure recommendation. The activities performed by the recommended candidates would have suited their personalities, but it is not compulsory that those would suit you. Try to reveal your own personality without any mix-up and stay genuine.
Conclusion – The myths mentioned above can be easily phased out by the SSB panel. Don’t follow what others say or copy other people or material given in the books. The more you try to hide your personality, the more you will reduce your chances of selection. Try to stay genuine and true to the panel. It is not bad to prepare and practice. So, introspect your mistakes and shortcomings and work hard to eradicate them.
On 21st October 2016 The Indian Coast Guard Ships Aryaman and Atulya were commissioned at Kochi by Financial Advisor to Defence Services Shri Sunil Kumar Kohli. The ceremony was attended by Inspector General VS Pathania Commander Coast Guard Region (West) and flag/senior officers of Indian Navy and dignitaries from Armed Forces, Central and State Govt.
Here are 8 points about ICGS Aryaman and ICGS Atulya:
Aryaman’ and ‘Atulya’ are designed and built by Cochin Shipyard Limited. These are the eighteenth and nineteenth in the series of twenty Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs).
Equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry, advanced communication, and navigational equipment, the ships are ideal for undertaking multifarious missions such as surveillance, search and rescue and interdiction.
‘Aryaman’ and ‘Atulya’ are capable of achieving a maximum speed of 33 nautical miles.
The special features of the ships include an Integrated Bridge Management System (IBMS) and Integrated Machinery Control System (IMCS).
The 50m long indigenous FPVs displace 317 tons of water and can achieve a maximum speed of 33 knots with a range of 1500 nautical miles at an economical speed of 13 knots.
Aryaman literally meaning ‘Possessor of Greatness’ is based at Kochi under the administrative control of the Commander, Coast Guard Region (West) and is commanded by Commandant Neeraj Singh
ICGS Atulya, meaning ‘Unrivalled’ is based at Visakhapatnam under the administrative control of the Commander, Coast Guard Region (East) and is commanded by Commandant (JG) Shivprasad
The ships have a complement of 05 officers and 33 enrolled personnel each.
The armed forces is a mesmerizing organization. It never fails to seize a conversation every time someone takes up the topic of Indian Armed Forces. But one thing that comes to our mind when we think about the armed forces is their way of disciplined living which includes inventing new life hacks and techniques to make life easier.
The armed forces have given a lot to the world and continue to do so. Here we compile a list of tips and tricks that civilians can learn from military living and be reluctant to say “Damn, that was such easy!”
The Navy Shower: This is not only water-efficient but also a time saver. The trick is to rinse your body using a small amount of water and work the lather on your body. Then use the rest water to clean off the leather. This is efficient in places which have a lesser available fresh water (we’re talking military!). I always do this. Any takers, anyone?
Packing Clothes: When you are in the military, you have to travel, a lot at a moment’s notice. With this, you often need to pack light, keeping your uniforms wrinkle-free. The ‘Ranger Rolling’ technique is the best in terms of efficiency and saves a lot of time too (google it). Even during my last All India Vayu Sainik Camp, this technique has helped me pack my clothes real efficiently saving a lot of luggage space.
Taking initiative: People who take initiative show great leadership qualities, exude positivity and their ‘can do’ approach become inspiring for others to learn from them.
Jet-Lag Diet: How often has it happened that you travel the world across different time zones only to find out that the time is totally different there. And a difference in time means a difference in routines. Jet-Lag often results in a lack of sleep and proper meal as it takes a time to adjust to new time zone. Hence, the 4-day jet-lag diet plan by the military has helped many keep their tasks organized.
Military Diet: Looking forward to shedding some extra fat within a weeks time? The military diet is here. It is a well-formulated diet plan which helps you lose about 2-5 kgs of weight in a week! Read about it here.
Dressing: Proper turn-out in the military is looked upon very seriously. This includes being dressed well from beret to boot polish. Often, tucking in your shirt also involves trick (my trick is to tuck the shirt in the underwear so it doesn’t come out easily during normal tasks). There is nothing like casual wear in the military. It’s either formal or sports turn out.
Maintain A Swiss-Army Knife: Believe me, nothing will come as handy to you as this little tool which includes a bunch of about 10-15 tools ranging from magnifying glass to scissors to cutting pliers. You name it.
Discipline: Finally, the most important thing to learn from the military is discipline and social adaptability. Discipline in your life will take you very far and to great places.
