Madikeri: In a significant development following derogatory remarks made by a lawyer against celebrated Indian Army figures Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa and Padma Bhushan Gen. K.S. Thimayya on social media, the Kodagu Sarvajanangada Okkuta has announced a peaceful bandh in the region. The protest is scheduled for tomorrow from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM, aimed at expressing public outrage and seeking the lawyer’s exile from Kodagu.

During a press conference held yesterday, Rajiv Bopaiah, the Convenor of Kodagu Sarvajanangada Okkuta, emphasized the increasing unrest caused by the lawyer’s comments. He asserted that such statements are not only disrespectful to the valor of Indian Army heroes but also threaten to disrupt the peace within the community. The organization expressed its readiness to engage in a legal battle to address the situation.

Bopaiah highlighted the collective sentiment among the local population, noting that the response to the lawyer’s remarks has been overwhelmingly negative. He reiterated the importance of honoring the legacy of the Army’s distinguished leaders and preserving the region’s harmony.

Support for the bandh has been robust, with Nagendra Prasad, President of the Chamber of Commerce, confirming that several organizations are backing the initiative. He stated that all business establishments in the area are expected to close during the protest hours to show solidarity.

Key figures from various associations also attended the press meet. Zaheer, Vice-President of the Hotel Association, along with Jagadish, President of the Bunts Association, and Medappa, President of the Owners and Drivers Association, conveyed their support for the bandh, highlighting a unified stance against any actions perceived as disrespectful to national icons.

The Kodagu Sarvajanangada Okkuta is urging community members to come together during this period of protest, reinforcing their commitment to uphold the dignity of revered national figures and maintain peace in the district.

In a significant step towards strengthening bilateral relations, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi and Nepal Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel engaged in comprehensive discussions today, focusing on various facets of defense cooperation and regional security issues. The discussions took place during General Sigdel’s four-day visit to India, which runs from December 11 to 14.

A key highlight of the meeting was General Dwivedi’s announcement regarding the transfer of essential military resources, including a target practice drone and medical equipment tailored for military field hospitals, to Nepal. This gesture underscores India’s commitment to assist in enhancing Nepal’s defense capabilities. The dialogue also included a briefing on India’s security perspective, with an emphasis on issues of mutual interest between the two nations.

The Army Design Bureau presented insights during the discussions, providing a detailed overview of India’s current and future security strategies. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) remarked that these sessions were instrumental in identifying potential areas for cooperation in defense, reflecting a proactive approach towards regional stability.

In a parallel development, the first Nepal-India Tourism Meet was held in Kathmandu, aimed at promoting the Maha Kumbh 2025 and bolstering tourism ties between the neighboring countries. Organised jointly by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the Indian Embassy, the event emphasized maximizing the sector’s potential. Efforts were directed towards promoting the upcoming Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, scheduled to take place from January 13 to February 26 next year. Attendees also explored creating business-to-business (B2B) connections to facilitate the implementation of circuit tourism between Nepal and India.

During his visit, General Sigdel conducted high-level meetings with prominent Indian officials, including National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. These high-level discussions were centered on pivotal defense and security concerns of mutual interest, which aim to further solidify the bilateral relationships.

The Nepal Army Chief also took the opportunity to engage with representatives of India’s defense industry, praising India’s initiatives under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” campaign, which encourages self-reliance in the defense sector. Earlier, General Sigdel paid tribute by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi and received a formal Guard of Honour, signifying the respect and recognition between the two armed forces.

The Ministry of Defence has indicated that General Sigdel’s visit is aimed at enriching military ties and exploring new avenues for defense collaboration. As part of the ceremonial honors, General Sigdel is set to be conferred with the prestigious Honorary Rank of General of the Indian Army by President Droupadi Murmu, further symbolizing the enduring friendship and military collaboration between Nepal and India.

The Indian Navy is poised to enhance its maritime capabilities in the coming years with significant developments on multiple fronts. As part of its modernization efforts, the Navy plans to induct the last of the Scorpene class submarines by 2025, bolstering its fleet with advanced underwater warfare capabilities.

In a strategic move, the Navy is also set to welcome a new class of stealth ships, which are expected to significantly improve operational effectiveness in various maritime environments. These additions are part of India’s broader initiatives to fortify its naval strength amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Indian Navy is concurrently focused on expanding its nuclear capabilities, with plans for its first nuclear submarine base expected to be fully operational within two years. This facility will play a crucial role in supporting the development and deployment of India’s nuclear submarines, further enhancing the nation’s strategic deterrence posture.

Looking ahead, India is working on an indigenous design for a nuclear attack submarine, which is projected to take approximately four to five years to finalize. Following that, construction of the submarine is anticipated to take an additional five years. This ambitious project underscores India’s commitment to developing self-reliant defense capabilities and reducing dependence on foreign technology.

In the backdrop of these developments, India is also expected to finalize a major arms deal with France, which includes the acquisition of 26 Rafale-M fighter jets and three additional Scorpene submarines by January 2025. This deal is seen as a pivotal step in strengthening the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy and enhancing its strategic partnerships.

The initiatives outlined reflect the Indian Navy’s proactive approach to modernizing its fleet and infrastructure, ensuring the nation remains capable of responding effectively to emerging security challenges in the maritime domain.

In a thought-provoking keynote address at the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court, former Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande underscored the importance of identity, loyalty, and respect—referred to as “Naam, Namak, Nishan”—as the foundational values of the Indian Army’s ethos. This special session was organized by the High Court Bar Association (HCBA) Study Circle, drawing an engaged audience from the legal fraternity and students.

General Pande articulated ten core principles of warfare, which he asserted are applicable beyond military contexts to various non-military professions. These principles include aim selection, morale maintenance, offensive action, security, concentration of effort, flexibility, sustainability, cooperation, and decision-making. He emphasized that integrating military ethos into professional ethics leads to the development of superior professionals.

The general highlighted the Army’s egalitarian principles, asserting that rank does not determine responsibility. He shared that every position, from a cadet to a general, is equally crucial and demanding, thus fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose within the ranks. Addressing the legal community, Pande stressed the judiciary’s vital role in delivering justice at grassroots levels, signifying the intertwined nature of law and military ethics.

In a resonant engagement with younger attendees, he urged them to embrace a lifestyle enriched with camaraderie, tolerance, sports, reading, and meditation alongside their academic and professional pursuits. Reflecting on his personal connection to Nagpur—his birthplace and where he completed his early education—General Pande noted the city’s remarkable transformation over the past 45 years, highlighting advancements in infrastructure, educational institutions, and amenities. He attributed the unique character of Nagpur residents to their simplicity, warmth, and adherence to tradition.

Discussing the Army’s motto of ‘service before self’, he elaborated on the concept of ‘sarva dharma sthal,’ a common space for prayer that accommodates all religions, emphasizing inclusivity. He conveyed that a life in the Army is deeply fulfilling, instilling a profound sense of purpose.

Justice Anil Pansare, the chief guest at the event, echoed Pande’s sentiments, articulating that there exists only one religion in the Army: selfless service. He remarked on the respect commanded by the uniform and drew an analogy between the black-and-white attire of lawyers and judges—the black symbolizing authority and the white representing fairness—concluding that their combination signifies submission to justice.

The significance of the event was framed by the leadership of HCBA, including president Atul Pande, secretary Amol Jaltare, and study circle convenor Firdos Mirza, alongside the presence of distinguished guests such as General Pande’s wife, Archana Pande, Colonel Niveet Bajpayee, and justices Vrushali Joshi and Urmila Joshi-Phalke. This gathering served as a meaningful intersection of military values and legal ethics, fostering dialogue about building stronger, more cohesive professional identities.

A tragic incident unfolded at the Headquarters Maintenance Command (HQMC) in Nagpur, where a 36-year-old Indian Air Force (IAF) sergeant reportedly took his own life in the early hours of Wednesday. The deceased, identified as Sergeant Jaiveer Singh, allegedly shot himself in the head with his service INSAS rifle while on duty, raising serious concerns and sending shockwaves throughout the armed forces community.

Sergeant Singh, originally from Santor village in Haryana, had been stationed in Nagpur for over two years. He lived in Vayusena Nagar quarters with his wife and their two children, a son in Class 10 and a daughter in Class 5. Witnesses described him as a dedicated service member, making the incident all the more shocking for those who knew him.

On the night preceding the tragedy, Singh was assigned to guard post number eight. At approximately 1 a.m. on Wednesday, another guard arriving for the night shift discovered Singh slumped over in a chair, suffering from a gunshot wound to the head, with his service weapon positioned between his legs. Upon alerting higher authorities, Gittikhadan police were notified around 2:15 a.m.

Responding to the call, law enforcement arrived at Vayusena Headquarters to find Singh unresponsive, with his AK-103 rifle without a magazine awkwardly positioned between his legs and a visible wound on his forehead. Senior IAF officials, along with medical personnel, were present when a doctor pronounced him dead, prompting the summons of a forensic team to investigate the scene.

Gittikhadan police’s senior inspector, Kailash Deshmane, stated, “We recovered an empty shell from the location. Preliminary investigations suggest that Singh had taken his own life. It appears he may have sat on the chair, positioned the rifle between his legs, and then pulled the trigger.” However, the motives behind this drastic action remain unclear.

Following the completion of his post-mortem at Mayo Hospital on Wednesday morning, Singh’s family took his remains back to their hometown in Haryana for last rites. The IAF has expressed its sorrow over the incident, issuing a statement indicating that they are in mourning alongside Singh’s family. They also confirmed that civil police are conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death and that the IAF is providing necessary assistance.

As part of the ongoing inquiry, authorities are expected to engage ballistic experts, while family members and others connected to Singh will be interviewed once the funeral proceedings are concluded. This helpless loss has raised questions not just about Singh’s personal struggles, but also about mental health support available for armed forces personnel.

Srinagar recently witnessed a momentous celebration as the High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) of the Indian Army marked its platinum jubilee, commemorating 75 years of exceptional service in training and operational readiness in challenging terrains such as mountains, snow-covered areas, and glaciated regions of India.

Founded in 1948 initially as the Army Ski Training School, HAWS has transformed over the decades into a premier institution recognized for equipping the Indian Army, paramilitary forces, special missions, and personnel from allied nations with specialized combat skills. The school’s evolution reflects its commitment to meeting the unique demands of warfare in high-altitude environments, as highlighted by a spokesman from the Srinagar-based defense establishment.

The grand celebration underscored HAWS’ rich legacy and its significant contributions to national defense, adventure sports, and mountaineering. This milestone provided a moment for reflection on the school’s notable achievements, including its crucial involvement in historic military operations such as Operation Meghdoot in 1984 and Operation Vijay in 1999.

During the jubilee, special homage was paid to the valiant ‘mountain warriors’ whose exceptional courage and skills have been foundational to HAWS’ ethos and have played a vital role in safeguarding national interests. The institution is a repository of numerous gallantry awards, commendation plaques, and accolades in adventure climbing and winter sports, cementing its esteemed position in both military history and civilian accomplishments.

Reverently referred to as the ‘White Devils’, HAWS symbolizes excellence, resilience, and innovative spirit in overcoming formidable challenges and adversities. The platinum jubilee celebrations also served as an opportunity to honor the school’s heroes, acknowledge its remarkable legacy, and recommit to the pursuit of excellence in military training.

With its unmatched expertise and crucial operational significance, HAWS is poised to remain a cornerstone of India’s defense preparedness, bolstering its stature as a global leader in high-altitude warfare training. The occasion not only celebrated the past but also aimed to inspire future endeavors in military training and operations, ensuring that HAWS continues to produce elite soldiers adept at handling the rigors of mountain warfare.

The Vizag Navy Marathon is set to take place at RK Beach on December 15, showcasing a collaboration between the Indian Navy and various local agencies and sports organizations. The marathon has received certification from the Association of International Marathons (AIMS), underscoring its international standards and organization.

With participation expected to soar to around 13,000 individuals from both India and abroad, the event aims to cater to runners of all skill levels through multiple race categories. These categories include a Full Marathon, Half Marathon, a 10 km race, and a 5 km race, each with staggered starting times. The Full Marathon will kick off at 4:15 a.m., followed by the Half Marathon at 4:30 a.m., the 10 km race at 5:30 a.m., and the 5 km race at 6:15 a.m. All races will start and finish in front of the Vishwapriya Function Hall located near RK Beach.

Ensuring the safety and well-being of participants, the organizing committee has planned extensive medical support throughout the marathon. Five ambulances will be strategically stationed at the Start/Finish line and at key turn-around points for the Full, Half Marathon, and 10 km races. Additionally, twelve medical stations will be positioned along the race routes for rapid assistance, while physio teams will be present at both the Start/Finish line and critical locations along the route. Six mobile medical teams will also be deployed to provide immediate support in emergencies.

To assist participants with hydration, approximately 12 to 16 hydration stations will be set up along the marathon course, making it easier for runners to remain hydrated and energized as they tackle the challenges of the race.

Designated parking facilities will be available to accommodate spectators and participants, with slots prepared at AU English Medium School, AU Convention Hall, and the APIIC Grounds. All these arrangements indicate a robust commitment to delivering a safe, enjoyable, and memorable experience for all involved in the marathon.

The Indian Army has reportedly uncovered a significant terrorist hideout in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the recovery of a substantial cache of arms and ammunition during a coordinated operation on December 11. According to military officials, the operation was carried out by troops from the Rashtriya Rifles in the densely forested area of Mahore.

During the operation, the army seized an AK assault rifle along with three magazines containing over 400 rounds of ammunition. Additionally, two pistols were recovered, accompanied by two magazines holding 14 rounds, as well as four hand grenades. Authorities indicated that the search operation was ongoing, and they were awaiting further details regarding the findings and any potential leads that may arise from the intelligence gathered.

This operation follows a tragic incident that occurred on December 9, when an Army soldier lost his life due to a mine blast near the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district. Havildar V Subbaiah Varikunta of the 25 Rashtriya Rifles was conducting an area domination patrol in the Thanedar Tekri region when he accidentally stepped on a landmine, resulting in his death. The loss of the soldier has raised concerns about mine safety in high-risk areas and has underscored the ongoing challenges faced by the armed forces in maintaining security in the region.

The operations and incidents in Jammu and Kashmir highlight the delicate security situation in the area, with continued efforts by the military to combat terrorism while ensuring the safety of their personnel. Further updates regarding the ongoing search and the implications of the uncovered arms cache are anticipated as the situation develops.