In a significant move towards modernizing military strategies through technology, General Anil Chauhan, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of India, visited the Wargaming Development Centre (WARDEC) of the Indian Army. The visit took place at 09:00 AM UTC on January 08, 2025, highlighting the military’s ongoing commitment to innovation and technological advancement in warfare.

During his visit, General Chauhan was briefed on the roadmap for the development, proliferation, and exploitation of computer wargaming within the Indian Army. This initiative is part of the broader ‘Year of Technology Absorption’ declared by the Indian Army, aimed at integrating disruptive technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance operational capabilities and ensure self-reliance in defense technology.

The CDS appreciated the efforts of WARDEC in advancing computerized wargaming, recognizing its pivotal role in providing an impetus for technology absorption within the military framework. The visit underscores the Indian Army’s resolve to evolve into a technologically advanced force, capable of addressing contemporary security challenges with efficiency.

General Anil Chauhan, who succeeded General Bipin Rawat as CDS after Rawat’s tragic death in 2021, has been instrumental in driving this transformation. His leadership is steering the Indian Army towards a future where strategic planning and decision-making are significantly enhanced by AI and other advanced technologies.

The development and focus on WARDEC come in the context of the Indian Army’s ‘Decade of Transformation’ initiative, which seeks to make the force nimble, agile, and prepared for future warfare scenarios. This visit not only reinforces the commitment to technological innovation but also marks a step towards achieving ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ or self-reliant India in defense technology.

Images shared from the event depicted senior military officials, including General Chauhan, engaging in discussions, presentations, and demonstrations related to wargaming technologies, further showcasing the collaborative and educational aspect of the visit.

This move by the Indian Army is expected to set new benchmarks in military AI applications, strengthening India’s defence infrastructure and readiness for future challenges. The initiative is also reflective of the broader national strategy of reducing dependency on foreign technologies and fostering indigenous innovation in defence.

In an initiative to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical exposure, students from Rashtriya Raksha University embarked on a field visit to the units of the esteemed Golden Katar Division located in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. This visit, which took place on January 8, 2025, was highlighted by the Indian Army’s Konark Corps on their official X account, emphasizing the importance of understanding the ‘Indian Army Way of Life’ for budding national security and defense management experts.

The Golden Katar Division, also known as the 11 Infantry Division, has a rich legacy, having played pivotal roles in significant historical events including the 1971 war and the relief operations following the devastating 2001 Gujarat earthquake. This visit provided the students an opportunity to witness firsthand the operational readiness and the day-to-day life within one of India’s most respected military units.

During the visit, students were able to observe various military activities and engage with army personnel, gaining insights into the strategic and tactical operations of the Indian Army. The experience was further enriched by activities such as climbing exercises, as seen in one of the images shared, which not only tested the physical capabilities of the students but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and teamwork, mirroring the discipline and unity found within military ranks.

The Ahmedabad Cantonment, situated between the bustling city of Ahmedabad and the state capital Gandhinagar, served as the backdrop for this educational outing. Established in 1833, the cantonment not only acts as a military base but also as a residential area, providing a comprehensive environment for such educational visits. With a population of 14,345 as per the 2011 census, it is a class II category cantonment, equipped with its own infrastructure, including water supply, roads, and health services, offering a self-sufficient community setting for military families and personnel.

This initiative by Rashtriya Raksha University underscores the institution’s commitment to providing a holistic education in defense and security management, ensuring that future leaders in these fields are well-versed not only in theory but also in the practical aspects of military life and operations. The visit was praised by Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, Army Commander of Southern Command, during his recent commendation of the Golden Katar Division for their exemplary service, particularly in humanitarian and disaster relief efforts in Gujarat.

This educational visit, supported by the Indian Army and facilitated by the unique setting of the Ahmedabad Cantonment, marks a significant step in the practical training of defence management students, preparing them for the challenges of national security in a real-world context.

In a significant stride towards enhancing medical care for military personnel and their families, a new state-of-the-art Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Operating Theatre (OT) complex was inaugurated at the Command Hospital Chandimandir on January 7, 2025. The inauguration was performed by Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Western Command of the Indian Army, underscoring the commitment to healthcare excellence within the military establishment.

The Command Hospital, located approximately 5 km east of Chandigarh, serves as a critical healthcare facility for the Western Command, which was originally formed in 1920 and re-raised in 1947 post-partition. This new complex is part of the ongoing efforts to modernize and improve medical facilities available to armed forces personnel, reflecting the Indian Army’s dedication to ensuring that its soldiers, veterans, and their families receive the best possible medical attention.

The new ICU/OT complex is equipped with the latest medical technology and facilities, aimed at providing advanced care in emergency situations. This development is a testament to the Indian Army’s commitment to the health and well-being of its personnel, as highlighted by the hashtags #CommittedToCare and #ArmyCares in the announcement on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) by @dgafms_mod.

The inauguration signifies not only an upgrade in infrastructure but also reinforces the rich legacy of the Army Medical Corps, which traces its roots back to the formation of the Indian Medical Service in 1612. The ceremony was also acknowledged by various official accounts including @adgpi, @SpokespersonMoD, @westerncomd_IA, and @indiannavy, indicating broad support and recognition within the military community.

This enhancement at Command Hospital Chandimandir is expected to significantly improve the medical response capabilities for the personnel stationed in the region, contributing to the overall mission of maintaining a healthy and combat-ready force. The initiative also aligns with the broader objectives of the Indian Army to provide comprehensive healthcare services, which include primary, specialist, and super specialist care, though currently excluding traditional systems like Ayurvedic and Unani medicine due to the focus on combat medical requirements.