The Maharaja Ranjit Singh National Polo Tournament concluded today at the Chandigarh Polo Club, with 61 Cavalry securing the championship title after a spectacular victory over the Indian Navy, finishing the match with a score of 4-1. This exhilarating showdown took place on the tournament’s seventh day, showcasing high levels of skill from both teams.

The match began with early promise for the Indian Navy. Dhruv Pal Godara capitalized on a strategic pass from Captain AP Singh, scoring within the second minute to give his team a 1-0 advantage at the conclusion of the first round. However, that lead would not last long.

As the second round progressed, 61 Cavalry’s Major Anant Raj Purohit leveled the playing field with a skillful equalizer. The Indian Navy faced a missed opportunity shortly after when they failed to convert a 25 yard penalty. In a dramatic turn of events toward the end of the second round, Lt Col Vishal Chauhan maneuvered skillfully around the opposition, scoring to give 61 Cavalry their first lead of the match, closing the round with a score of 2-1.

The intensity heightened in the fourth and final round, with both teams launching aggressive attacks in pursuit of victory. In a defining moment just a minute before the match ended, Chauhan struck again, executing a precise 25 yard shot that successfully found the back of the goal, bringing 61 Cavalry’s tally to four and sealing their triumph over the Navy.

Following the match, Lt Major Manoj Kumar Katiyar, GOC-in-C, Western Command, took to the podium to honor the winners, runners-up, and participating teams. This ceremony was held in conjunction with a gathering that included Dilpreet Singh Sidhu, president of the Chandigarh Polo Club, and secretary Col Manoj Dewan. In his remarks, Sidhu praised the club for its ongoing efforts to promote polo in the region, emphasizing their commitment to hosting another tournament in April of the following year, which aims to attract teams from across the country.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is preparing to announce the Agniveer Vayu Cut Off for the 2025 intake, coinciding with the examination results. This announcement is highly anticipated by candidates who have participated in the recruitment process. The selection procedure for the Agniveer recruitment consists of two phases: the first phase is an online written examination, followed by phase two, which includes a physical fitness test, document verification, and a Physical Efficiency Test (PET). The cut-off marks will be specified separately for each phase, allowing candidates to comprehend the thresholds necessary for progression.

In a detailed overview of the IAF Agniveer Vayu Cut Off for the 2/2025 intake, it has been confirmed that the examination will take place on November 16, 2024. Candidates preparing for this exam should be aware of the important details regarding the cut-off, exam format, and scoring system. Notably, there will be negative marking implemented in the exam, with a deduction of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer. For candidates to qualify, a minimum passing mark of 70% has been set.

The expected cut-off marks for different categories for the IAF Agniveer Vayu Intake 2025 have also been speculated based on historical trends. The anticipated cut-off ranges are as follows:
– OBC: 65-75
– General: 70-80
– EWS: 65-75
– SC: 60-70
– ST: 60-70

Candidates hoping to succeed in the recruitment process must achieve or exceed these expected cut-off scores, which will be made available through the official Indian Air Force website alongside the examination results.

To check the IAF Agniveer Vayu cut-off marks, candidates should follow these steps:
1. Visit the official Indian Air Force website at indianairforce.nic.in.
2. Locate and click on the Agnipath section featured on the homepage.
3. A new page titled “Agnipath – IAF: Touch The Sky With Glory” will appear.
4. Click on the link directing to the Indian Air Force Agniveer Answer Key.
5. Log in using your Email ID, Password, and Captcha to access your results.
6. The IAF Agniveer Vayu Cut-off will be displayed on your screen.

As candidates prepare for the upcoming exam, understanding the trends from previous years could provide valuable insights into the expected outcomes. The cut-off marks for the Indian Air Force Group ‘Y’ exam from previous years reflect the minimum essential scores candidates needed in various phases of the selection process. Notable past cut-off marks include:

– Batch 1 of 2020: 37.25
– Batch 2 of 2020: 33
– Batch 1 of 2019: 37.25
– Batch 2 of 2019: 34.25
– Batch 1 of 2018: 36
– Batch 2 of 2018: 32.75
– 2017: 34
– 2016: 29

These past scores serve as benchmarks for candidates weighing their chances and preparing effectively for the upcoming examination. The IAF Agniveer recruitment process remains a significant opportunity for aspirants looking to serve in the air force, making knowledge of the cut-off and preparation strategies critical for success.

The Indian Navy has announced an opportunity for aspiring candidates to apply for recruitment as Permanent Commissioned Officers in the Executive and Technical branches through the 10+2 B Tech Cadet Entry Scheme. Interested individuals must submit their applications by December 20, 2024, via the official Indian Navy website, joinindiannavy.gov.in.

This recruitment drive offers a total of 36 positions across the Executive and Technical branches. Of these, a maximum of seven positions are earmarked specifically for women, promoting diversity and inclusion within the naval forces.

To qualify for these positions, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria. They should have been born between January 2, 2006, and July 1, 2008. Academic requirements include achieving a minimum of 70% in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) in the Senior Secondary Examination (10+2 Pattern) or its equivalent, along with at least 50% in English.

The application process is straightforward. Candidates need to:

1. Navigate to the official website, joinindiannavy.gov.in.
2. Locate and click on the Indian Navy recruiting 2024 link.
3. Register by providing the necessary information.
4. Log in to complete the application form.
5. Upload relevant documents and pay the required application fee.
6. Submit the completed form and download a copy for personal records.

Essential documents for upload include a scanned copy of the birth certificate, mark sheets for 10th and 12th grades, the JEE (Main) 2024 scorecard, and a recent passport-sized color photograph. It is crucial that all uploaded documents are clear and legible, as any unreadable scans may lead to automatic rejection of the application.

Furthermore, it is important for applicants to be aware of certain regulations governing eligibility. Candidates must be single and unmarried at the time of application. Any indications of marital status or issues related to drug use will result in dismissal from service.

This recruitment initiative reflects the Indian Navy’s ongoing commitment to attract talented young individuals into its ranks, fostering a strong foundation for future leaders in the maritime domain.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to embark on an important visit to the Russian Federation from December 8 to 10. During this trip, he will co-chair the 21st meeting of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MT) alongside Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov. This significant meeting, taking place in Moscow on December 10, aims to assess and strengthen the wide-ranging defense relations between India and Russia, particularly in areas of military cooperation and industrial partnerships.

The agenda for this high-level discussion includes a comprehensive review of collaborative projects and exchanges between the two nations, focusing on military and technical cooperation. Furthermore, the two ministers are scheduled to deliberate on various current regional and global issues that hold mutual interest.

Among the highlights of Singh’s visit will be the commissioning of the Indian Navy’s latest addition, the multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate ‘INS Tushil.’ This event is scheduled for December 9 at the Yantra Shipyard in Kaliningrad, showcasing India’s naval capabilities. Notably, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi will accompany Singh for this significant ceremony, underscoring the importance of maritime collaboration and advancements in defense technology.

In a related development, it has been announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin is anticipated to visit India next year for the annual summit between the two countries. The specific dates for this summit will be determined through diplomatic channels, as shared by a spokesperson from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The last annual summit was held in Moscow, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged with President Putin.

The MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, reiterated the ongoing arrangement for annual summits between India and Russia, highlighting the historical importance of these meetings in fostering a robust partnership. Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov further disclosed that President Putin has received an official invitation from Prime Minister Modi, with discussions aimed at scheduling the visit in early 2025. As both nations continue to navigate the complexities of global geopolitics, Singh’s upcoming trip represents a crucial step in reinforcing historic ties and collaborative efforts in defense and security.

As the Indian Air Force prepares for an exciting air show this Sunday, the Hyderabad Police have released a detailed traffic advisory to ensure the event runs smoothly. This advisory highlights various traffic restrictions and deviations affecting key roads leading to popular gathering spots such as Necklace Road, Tank Bund, and Hussain Sagar. The diversions will be in effect from 2 PM to 9 PM, creating significant changes to the usual traffic flow in these areas.

The primary road diversions have been mapped out to manage the anticipated increase in vehicular movement due to the air show. Drivers coming from Khairtabad flyover heading towards NTR Marg will be redirected at the Indira Gandhi statue, also known as Necklace Rotary, guiding them towards PVNR Marg and Necklace Road or the Mint compound lane. Similarly, traffic coming from Rajbhavan and Panjagutta will be diverted at VV Statue towards Shadan, Nirankari, and Old PS Saifabad.

For those approaching from Iqbal Minar, significant changes are also in place. Vehicles will be rerouted to the Telugu Thalli flyover towards Katta Maisamma, prohibiting access to the old Ambedkar Junction. At Old Telugu Thalli Junction, traffic from Liberty will be redirected towards Iqbal Minar while restrictions will apply towards the Upper Tank Bund.

Further diversions include traffic from Nirankari Junction and surrounding roads which will be guided towards Ravindra Bharathi, preventing movement towards Iqbal Minar. Additionally, vehicles traveling from HTP will be redirected to Lakdikapool, ensuring no access to Iqbal Minar.

Those traveling from Ranigunj towards Upper Tank Bund will also face restrictions, with the detour occurring at Karbala Maidan towards Bible House. The advisory continues with further reroutes, including traffic from CGO Towers being diverted at Kavadiguda X roads towards DBR Mills and Jabbar Complex, while traffic coming from DBR Mills will be redirected at the same junction towards Jabbar Complex and CGO Towers.

Specific points to avoid during the event have been outlined for residents and travelers. Key areas include Ravindra Bharati, Ambedkar Statue, Iqbal Minar, Nallagutta, V.V. Statue in Khairatabad, Old PS Saifabad, Kavadiguda Crossroads, Indira Park crossroads, Telugu Thalli Junction, Necklace Rotary, Kattamaisamma, Liberty, Ranigunj, Karbala Maidan, and surrounding locations.

Public transport will be significantly affected as well. All city buses heading towards Tank Bund will be diverted at Karbala Maidan towards Bible House. Inter-district RTC buses leaving from Secunderabad towards MGBS via Tank Bund will also experience detours, redirecting them at Sweekar–Upakar Junction in JBS Chowk towards alternate routes through YWCA, Sangeeth, Mettuguda, Tarnaka, Nallakunta, Fever Hospital X roads, Barkathpura, Tourist Hotel, Nimboli Adda, Chaderghat, Rangmahal, and onto their destination at MGBS.

Citizens are advised to plan alternate routes and allow for extra travel time on Sunday to navigate around these diversions. The police urge all road users to comply with the traffic guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone attending the air show.

Chandimandir military station recently hosted a seminar aimed at exploring Punjab’s significant role in nation-building and its contributions to the Indian Army. The event sought to address contemporary challenges faced by the state, including issues of drug abuse, socio-economic development, and talent migration.

A diverse group of panelists and subject matter experts gathered for the seminar, including representatives from the civil administration, serving and veteran members of the Army, the Narcotics Control Bureau, and civil society organizations. Among the speakers was Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Command, who underscored the crucial role of the youth in Punjab in revitalizing both society and the nation as a whole.

During his address, Lt Gen Katiyar praised the contributions and insights shared by the panelists and urged all attendees to make sincere efforts toward the betterment of society and the nation. The discussions highlighted the pressing economic distress affecting Punjab, focusing particularly on the socio-economic ramifications of substance abuse—viewed not only as a local issue but one that poses broader national security concerns.

The effects of substance abuse on recruitment processes within the Indian Army were also a topic of concern, emphasizing the need for a collective societal effort to combat this growing menace. The seminar fostered a spirit of collaboration between military and civilian sectors, aiming to inspire actionable measures to tackle these challenges head-on and ultimately facilitate a stronger, more secure Punjab and India.

In related news, initiatives across India also reflected similar themes of empowerment and governance. For example, at the University of Mysore, the registrar inaugurated a program commemorating Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s legacy of women’s empowerment, emphasizing the importance of legal rights and education for women. Furthermore, discussions on governance reforms emerged during an address by V Srinivas, Secretary to the Government of India, stressing the necessity for civil servants to enhance their skills to foster better governance and achieve national development goals under the Viksit Bharat initiative.

In another development, Kerala’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan engaged with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to discuss critical highway development projects, including the upgrade of NH 66. The meeting highlighted innovative funding strategies for land acquisition and projected completion timelines for the expected infrastructure improvements.

In a significant demonstration of the Indian Army’s commitment to innovation and operational excellence, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi addressed the Idea & Innovation Competition and Seminar, named ‘Inno-Yoddha 2024-25’, held at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi. During his speech, General Dwivedi emphasized the importance of innovation in modern military contexts, stating, “Recent conflicts have shown that innovation is not just a word, it is a mindset. It is the spark that drives progress and shapes the future.”

This annual event serves as a platform for the Indian Army to identify and nurture innovations that address capability gaps, enhance operational efficiency, improve logistics, and support troop welfare. Given the unique operational challenges posed by various terrains, weather conditions, and adversarial threats, the army promotes in-house solutions that are closely aligned with the real-world challenges faced by soldiers in the field.

This year, out of numerous submissions, a total of 75 innovations were selected from across different levels of the army, ranging from unit to formation level. The top 22 innovations were showcased during the event and were honored by the Army Chief. These selected innovations are set to be advanced for production under the Army Design Bureau, catering specifically to the needs of field formations.

Among the standout projects presented was the “Phoenix Foot”, an innovative prosthetic designed to aid amputees. Crafted using indigenous materials, this artificial foot incorporates a single-axis load and balance shaft alongside a sagittal pin with helical limit springs. Initial trials have received positive feedback regarding its comfort and functionality, from amputees of various ages.

Another highlight was the ‘Baaz Attack Drone’, recognized for its versatility and advanced capabilities. This multi-weapon drone can operate autonomously or manually via a hand-held controller, boasting a range of up to 20 kilometers and the ability to carry payloads exceeding 50 kilograms. Its applications are not limited to surveillance and counter-insurgency; it also serves as a logistics drone, enabling efficient supply replenishment in forward areas.

The event further featured the ‘TiVRA Attack System’, an advanced reconnaissance and precision targeting drone system. This innovative solution employs two drones: the first drone conducts reconnaissance missions to detect targets and relays their coordinates to a second drone, which autonomously navigates to the target to execute missions.

Additional innovations on display included the Advanced Flood Monitoring System, Low-Cost Fabrication Drone, Kharga Drone, and the Rapid Construction Rubik PD among others. Over the past four years, ‘Inno-Yoddha’ has driven substantial innovations within the Indian Army, resulting in the filing of 26 Intellectual Property Rights and the successful implementation of 21 innovations.

The event not only serves to highlight the innovative spirit of the Indian Army but also marks a significant step toward ensuring that its forces are equipped with cutting-edge technology and solutions tailored to meet contemporary and future challenges.

In anticipation of the Indian Air Force (IAF) Airshow scheduled for the evening of December 8, Hyderabad police have issued a comprehensive traffic advisory aimed at managing the expected influx of visitors. Significant restrictions and diversions will be implemented from 2 PM to 9 PM across multiple key locations leading to Hussain Sagar, Tank Bund, and Necklace Road.

At the VV Statue, traffic from Rajbhavan and Panjagutta will be rerouted to avoid the Khairtabad Flyover, directed instead toward Shadan, Nirankari, and Old PS Saifabad. Similarly, at Necklace Rotary, vehicles heading from Khairtabad Flyover to NTR Marg will be diverted at the Indira Gandhi statue towards PVNR Marg and Necklace Road.

Traffic will also experience changes at several other junctions. Those traveling from Liberty towards Upper Tank Bund will be redirected at Old Telugu Thalli Junction towards Iqbal Minar. Vehicles coming from Iqbal Minar will not be permitted toward old Ambedkar Junction and must instead head towards the Telugu Thalli flyover.

Additional traffic diversions include Old PS Saifabad, where movement from Nirankari Junction heading toward Iqbal Minar will be restricted, diverting vehicles toward Ravindra Bharathi. Traffic from HTP in the direction of Iqbal Minar will likewise be diverted toward Lakdikapool.

At DBR Mills, traffic from Dhobi Ghat towards Children’s Park and Upper Tank Bund will face restrictions and be directed towards Kavadiguda X roads. Traffic adjustments will also occur at Kavadiguda X roads, including diversions towards Jabbar Complex and CGO Towers, as well as re-routing from CGO Towers towards Sailing Club.

Karbala Maidan will see traffic moving from Ranigunj towards Upper Tank Bund redirected toward Bible House.

Public transport will also be affected, with all inter-district RTC buses coming from Secunderabad being diverted at Sweekar-Upakar Junction in JBS Chowk. City buses bound for Tank Bund will be re-routed at Karbala Maidan.

To accommodate the anticipated large crowd, the government has designated several parking spots throughout the city. These include parking for 250 cars and 500 two-wheelers at PVNR Marg/Necklace Road, 200 two-wheelers at Adarsh Nagar Lane, and a variety of spaces at other key locations, including a total of 300 car slots at the Martyrs Memorial reserved for dignitaries.

Given the expected congestion, the authorities have suggested that daily commuters avoid major junctions likely to experience heavy traffic, including V.V. Statue, Khairatabad, Old PS Saifabad, Iqbal Minar, Necklace Rotary, Liberty, Ravindra Bharathi, and several others.

Individuals planning to attend the airshow or travel through central Hyderabad on that day are advised to plan their routes accordingly to minimize delays and ensure a smooth experience.

In a groundbreaking development aimed at mitigating the persistent issue of aircraft misidentification, Colonel Prashant Thakur of the Army Air Defence has introduced the Next Generation Aircraft Recognition for Bharat by Harnessing Artificial Intelligence (NABH AI). This initiative comes in light of the significant challenges posed by friendly fire incidents, particularly highlighted during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has reportedly resulted in losses amounting to approximately USD 1.77 billion (about Rs 15,000 crore).

Colonel Thakur’s NABH AI system is designed to swiftly identify both fixed-wing and rotary aircraft, as well as unarmed aerial vehicles (UAVs). By utilizing artificial intelligence to process captured images through sophisticated computational algorithms, the system can distinguish aircraft and ascertain their friend or foe status in a matter of 6-8 seconds, achieving an impressive accuracy rate of 80% following machine learning enhancements.

Currently, the NABH AI database includes a comprehensive Aircraft Recognition (ACR) package enriched with open-source information and service-specific imagery, containing around 1,400 images that cover 10 different helicopter models. This technological advancement addresses significant limitations faced by traditional radar systems, which often classify 70-80% of aerial targets as ‘Unknown’ due to inadequate data from air force sources. Such uncertainties can lead to dangerous blue-on-blue engagements, especially during times of heightened combat stress.

As Colonel Thakur elaborated, the increasing threat posed by UAVs, underscored by 188 drone strikes against Ukraine, has amplified the need for effective identification solutions across all branches of the armed forces. “This identification challenge affects all three Indian armed forces operating air defence weapons and aircraft,” he stated. He explained that the motivation behind creating the system stemmed from the necessity to enhance aerial target recognition capabilities, resulting in nearly a year-long effort to develop NABH AI.

Recognizing the innovation, Colonel Thakur recently applied for a patent for his technology and received a cash award of Rs 25,000 from Chief of Army Staff Upendra Dwivedi at the Inno-Yoddha 2024-25 event held at the Manekshaw Centre in Delhi Cantonment, where NABH AI was also acknowledged as one of the top 10 innovations.

Looking ahead, the project is poised for expansion with plans to develop a chip model specifically for use in Zi-23mm, Zu-23 mm, and upgraded L-70 gun systems. Colonel Thakur, an alumnus of Seth MR Jaipuria School in Lucknow, and a recipient of the Sena Medal for gallantry, has distinguished himself throughout his 18 years of service in the army.