A delegation from Bangladesh is anticipated to participate in the Vijay Diwas celebrations at the Eastern Command headquarters in Kolkata on December 16, 2024, according to sources within the Indian Army. This annual observance marks India’s resounding victory over Pakistani forces during the 1971 war, which ultimately led to the emergence of Bangladesh from the former East Pakistan.

The forthcoming Vijay Diwas event is expected to include muktijoddhas, or Bangladeshi freedom fighters, who played a significant role in the country’s quest for independence in 1971. Their presence underscores the enduring bond and historical ties between the two nations, particularly in the context of their shared struggle for freedom.

This development comes in the wake of recent diplomatic engagements, where Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with key figures in the Bangladeshi government, including Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossein, and Foreign Secretary Mohammad Jashim Uddin in Dhaka on December 9, 2024. This high-level dialogue follows a period of heightened tensions, particularly after the controversial arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, which sparked socio-political unrest on both sides of the border. Misri’s visit marks the first by a senior Indian official since Sheikh Hasina stepped down as Prime Minister of Bangladesh in August amid widespread protests.

The Vijay Diwas celebrations in Kolkata are planned to be both solemn and celebratory, featuring a wreath-laying ceremony, a military tattoo, and opportunities for interactions with veterans of the 1971 conflict. This year’s commemoration reflects a continuation of the collaborative spirit established in previous years, as evidenced by the participation of a Bangladeshi delegation, which included senior armed forces officials and muktijoddhas, during the celebrations in 2023.

As the commemorative day approaches, the shared history and mutual respect between India and Bangladesh are poised to come to the forefront, reinforcing the significance of their ongoing partnership in the region.

A fresh political dispute has emerged between the State and Central governments regarding the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) insistence that Kerala pay an overdue bill of ₹132 crore for airway services deployed during humanitarian disaster operations since 2019. This contention has surfaced during a critical period when both the ruling and opposition parties in Kerala are advocating for substantial federal assistance to aid the rehabilitation of areas devastated by recent landslides in Wayanad.

During a press conference in Thrissur, Revenue Minister K. Rajan expressed his strong disapproval of an October communication from the Centre, which called on Kerala to remit significant operational costs accrued by the IAF during various search, rescue, and relief operations, including those responding to the recent landslide in Wayanad. A joint secretary from the Ministry of Defence, holding the rank of Air Vice Marshal, had formally requested the settlement of these costs through a letter directed to the Chief Secretary of Kerala, providing an itemized airway bill as part of the correspondence.

Rajan criticized the Centre’s demand as yet another instance of perceived discrimination against Kerala. He argued that it was unjust for the Centre to require the state to cover expenses incurred by the IAF while conducting life-saving operations during major natural disasters, such as the catastrophic floods of 2019, particularly by utilizing the already strained State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF).

Highlighting the state’s financial struggles, Rajan stated that Kerala was in a precarious fiscal situation, further exacerbated by the Centre’s refusal to expedite emergency assistance for the crisis in Wayanad for seemingly political motives. He warned that adhering to the Centre’s demands to compensate the IAF could plunge the state into deeper financial turmoil, potentially draining essential funds allocated for disaster response.

In light of these developments, Rajan mentioned that the state government has no choice but to contemplate compensating the IAF using its limited SDRF resources if the Centre continues to press for payment. He vowed to approach the Centre once more to request a waiver for the substantial airway charges retroactively from 2019.

Amidst this political contention, leaders from both the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) have united to protest outside Parliament against the Centre’s refusal to release aid for the Wayanad disaster. CPI(M) leader K. Radhakrishnan characterized the Centre’s demand for payment as an insult to the people of Kerala who are grappling with the challenge of rehabilitating those affected by the landslide.

In New Delhi, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra joined the protest, condemning what she described as a politically driven delay in providing disaster assistance. She drew attention to the plight of Congress-ruled Himachal Pradesh, which similarly faced severe flooding and is still awaiting crucial federal support. Vadra urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to transcend partisan divides during national emergencies and reaffirm his commitment to safeguarding the welfare of citizens.

K.V. Thomas, Kerala’s Special Representative in New Delhi, further underscored the sense of grievance, alleging that the Centre’s actions reflected a politically vindictive stance towards Kerala. He stressed that the state was not begging for charity but asserting its rights in the federal framework, pointing out that the government had offered generous assistance to other states impacted by natural crises. He emphasized the scale of the Wayanad disaster, asserting that it had few parallels across the nation and would not intimidate Kerala’s resilient population into silence.

India’s ambitious initiative to develop six diesel-electric submarines, valued at $6 billion, is encountering significant delays, primarily due to contractors voicing concerns over procedural issues observed during recent sea trials. As reported by Bloomberg, these setbacks come at a critical juncture, as the Indian Navy intensifies efforts to bolster its fleet in light of China’s expanding influence in the Indian Ocean. The project is already behind schedule, having been postponed by a year, and now faces additional obstacles.

The initiative is part of India’s broader strategy to modernize its military under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s new defense acquisition policy. Complaints from local contractors appear to be a major factor in the slowdown, with reports indicating a range of objections—approximately six in total—relating to procedural violations and ambiguous guidance during key technology assessments conducted during the June sea trials.

Officials have expressed concerns that some contractors could be intentionally delaying the project, motivated by apprehensions about potentially losing out in the final selection process. Each complaint is expected to undergo thorough investigation before any progress can be achieved.

Key industry players involved in this venture include the German firm ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, which is collaborating with India’s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd, and Spain’s Navantia SA, which has partnered with Larsen & Toubro Ltd. The slow progress has already impacted stock performances, with shares of Mazagon Dock plummeting over 2% on Indian exchanges, while other state-run shipbuilders like Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers and Cochin Shipyard Ltd have also experienced losses.

In a statement regarding the contractor objections, L&T indicated, “The field trial evaluation process is ongoing at the Ministry of Defence. It would be inappropriate for us to comment on it at this stage.” Meanwhile, neither the Indian Navy nor Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders has issued a formal response to the reports.

India’s existing submarine fleet comprises 16 vessels primarily sourced from Russian and German manufacturers, many of which are reaching the end of their operational lifespan despite multiple upgrades over the last three decades. The addition of these new submarines is critical for replacing the aging fleet, with the first vessel initially anticipated for delivery by the early part of the next decade.

Beyond these conventional submarines, India is also planning the construction of two nuclear-powered submarines armed with conventional weaponry. The success of these projects would position India as a competitive low-cost manufacturer of advanced military platforms amidst a rising global demand, particularly as defense needs in Europe escalate due to geopolitical tensions resulting from Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Geopolitically, the submarine endeavor is pivotal for India as it seeks to counteract China’s assertive presence in the Indo-Pacific region, while simultaneously enhancing partnerships with Western allies through collaborations like the Quad bloc, which includes the US, Australia, and Japan. However, the current delays underscore the challenges faced in the realization of PM Modi’s defense policy objectives, aimed at diminishing reliance on foreign defense imports and increasing domestic production capabilities.

The recent visits of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to India highlighted defense cooperation as a significant topic during discussions with Prime Minister Modi. A joint statement released on October 25 outlined commitments to strategic exports, co-development, and collaborative production of defense technologies, further signifying the importance of this project and its implications for India’s future defense landscape.

The Indian Army has announced an open recruitment process for unmarried male and female candidates for the positions of Havildar and Naib Subedar under the sports quota. Interested individuals can download the application form and submit it by post, with the application window open until February 28, 2025.

Eligibility Criteria

For the Havildar position, candidates must possess a minimum educational qualification of matriculation. Applicants are required to demonstrate significant sports achievements, such as being a medalist at either the junior or senior level while representing their state in national competitions or their country in international events. Candidates should also have a record of participation in national or international competitions at junior or senior levels, either individually or as part of a team. Furthermore, medalists in Khelo India Games, Khelo India Youth Games, or Khelo India University Games are also eligible to apply.

In the case of the Naib Subedar position, the educational requirement remains the same, with candidates needing to have secured medals in prestigious events such as the World Championships, Asian Championships, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, or the World Cup. Additionally, candidates should have represented India two times in the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, or the World Cup, or should have participated in the Olympics.

Physical and Medical Standards

Applicants must also meet the specified physical and medical standards according to the service norms, which vary based on gender and geographical considerations. This requirement is applicable to both male and female candidates.

Age Limit

The age range for enrollment into the Havildar and Naib Subedar positions is set between 17-and-a-half years and 25 years. To be eligible, candidates must turn 17-and-a-half by the beginning of the enrollment period and not exceed 25 years by the end of that period. This means that candidates must have been born between March 31, 2000, and April 1, 2007, inclusive.

Selection Procedure

The selection process includes several assessments: candidates must pass a physical fitness test, a physical standards test, and a skill evaluation. Additionally, a medical examination will take place at the trial site. Those who successfully fulfill all these requirements will be issued an offer letter.

Candidates should print the application form on A4-sized paper in accordance with the format provided at the end of the recruitment advertisement. Applications that do not conform to the specified format will be rejected. The completed form must contain the candidate’s signature, thumb impression, and a recent photograph, in addition to copies of their educational and sports achievement documents. These should be sent to the Army Sports Control Board at the official address specified in the notification.

For more detailed information, candidates are encouraged to refer to the official notification regarding this recruitment process.

India has encountered a significant setback as a crucial submarine project, estimated at around USD 6 billion, has been halted due to procedural compliance issues raised during recent sea trials. The project aims to bolster the Indian Navy by constructing six advanced diesel-electric submarines, a move considered essential in light of China’s increasing influence and activity in the Indian Ocean.

The delay is primarily attributed to concerns regarding adherence to established procedures during these sea trials, with reports indicating that improper protocols may have been followed. Sources familiar with the developments disclose that this postponement could extend beyond a year, adding further uncertainty to a program already facing scrutiny.

This submarine project is pivotal not only for enhancing naval capabilities but also aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s defense procurement strategy, which emphasizes the ‘Make in India’ initiative. This policy is designed to foster collaboration between foreign companies and Indian partners, facilitating technology transfer and domestic manufacturing to reduce reliance on foreign armaments.

Among the key stakeholders in this ambitious undertaking are German firm ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, in partnership with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd., and Spain’s Navantia SA, collaborating with Larsen & Toubro Ltd. However, the six objections raised during field trials conducted in June have effectively stalled progress.

Contractors involved in the project have expressed concerns regarding regulatory breaches and the absence of clearly defined guidelines throughout the testing stages. Experts emphasize the urgency of resolving these procedural issues, as they pose a risk of significantly delaying project timelines. Speculation arises that some contractors may be strategically stalling the process due to fears of potential financial losses.

In light of China’s growing maritime assertiveness, the implications of this delay for the Indian Navy are profound. As the nation grapples with these setbacks, there are increasing worries regarding India’s military readiness and the viability of the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Experts are calling for immediate action to address and rectify these complications to ensure the timely completion of this strategically vital project.

Despite inquiries, both the Indian Navy and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders have refrained from commenting on the specifics of the situation. Larsen & Toubro has also indicated that it cannot provide further details due to a review being conducted by the Ministry of Defense concerning the field trials. An expert group has been established by the Ministry of Defense to evaluate the submarine project proposals, with the intent of aiding the government in making a conclusive decision. If the project resumes successfully, it is anticipated to significantly enhance India’s naval capabilities and fortify self-reliance in defense production.

Syria is experiencing escalating conflict marked by heavy airstrikes in pivotal cities such as Aleppo and Homs, resulting in a dire humanitarian crisis characterized by high civilian casualties and mass displacement. Reports indicate that Syrian rebels have made significant territorial gains in and around Damascus, potentially signaling the faltering grip of Bashar al-Assad on power after decades of ruling. Amidst this upheaval, speculation regarding Assad’s whereabouts has heightened, particularly in light of a recently surfaced 7-second video that purportedly shows an aircraft crash, with claims alleging that the plane was transporting Assad when it went down near Homs.

However, an investigation into the video’s authenticity reveals that the visuals pertain to a separate incident entirely. The aircraft in question was a MiG-29 fighter jet from the Indian Air Force (IAF) which crashed in Barmer, Rajasthan, on September 2, 2024. The crash occurred during a routine training mission due to a technical malfunction, and the pilot ejected safely without sustaining injuries. This event is unrelated to any developments in Syria or Bashar al-Assad’s situation.

A reverse image search indicated that the video had been shared by a user on X (formerly Twitter) under the handle “Eagle Eye”, which confirmed the specific details about the crash in Rajasthan. Further corroboration from multiple sources, including a report by NDTV on YouTube, highlighted that the incident involved no casualties or property damage, as it took place in a sparsely populated region. Following the crash, the IAF officially confirmed the event, emphasizing that a Court of Inquiry would investigate the circumstances surrounding the technical failure that led to the crash.

In the current geopolitical landscape, there are ongoing unverified reports concerning a flight that supposedly disappeared from radar in Syria, with some conjecturing about Assad’s involvement. While outlets including the BBC have stated that Assad may have fled to Moscow, possibly under the protection of Russian authorities, concrete details about his fate remain shrouded in uncertainty.

The recent misinterpretation and misrepresentation of the IAF crash video underscore the challenges of navigating misinformation in an environment already fraught with chaos and uncertainty. The footage has been wrongly attributed to the ongoing crisis in Syria, demonstrating the critical need for careful verification of information in times of conflict.

During a momentous ceremony at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Telangana, the Indian Air Force (IAF) celebrated the graduation of 204 flight cadets from both flying and ground duty branches. Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh addressed the audience, emphasizing the vital role of aerospace power in modern warfare and defense strategies. He highlighted the importance of collaboration across all branches of the IAF, stressing that no unit operates in isolation and that success is rooted in teamwork and shared knowledge.

The event, marked by the prestigious Combined Graduation Parade (CGP), saw the induction of 26 female officers into various roles within the IAF. Air Chief Marshal Singh conferred the President’s Commission on the graduates, affirming their readiness to take on new challenges in their respective fields. The parade also recognized nine officers each from the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard, along with one officer from the Vietnam People’s Air Force, who were awarded their wings following the completion of their flying training.

In a display of individual excellence, Flying Officer Parag Dhankhar was honored with the President’s Plaque and the Chief of the Air Staff Sword of Honour for achieving the first position in the overall merit of the pilots’ course. Similarly, Flying Officer Ram Prasad Gurjar secured the President’s Plaque for topping the ground duty officers course.

A significant highlight of the ceremony was the commissioning of the inaugural batch of officers into the newly-established Weapon Systems Branch of the IAF. The new branch, initiated in July at Air Force Station Begumpet, aims to provide specialized and effect-based training to meet the operational demands of the IAF. It encompasses four specialized streams: the Flying Stream, which will manage advanced weapon systems; the Remote Stream, focused on remotely operated aircraft; the Mission Command and Operators Stream, handling missile systems; and the Intelligence Stream, which will concentrate on space intelligence and imagery.

As the ceremony advanced, the newly commissioned officers took to the parade ground in unison, performing a slow march to the stirring strains of Rabindranath Tagore’s ‘Anandaloke.’ The event culminated in an exhilarating aerobatics display featuring the Su-30MKI, alongside a synchronized performance by the helicopter display team ‘Sarang’ and the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team, leaving a lasting impression on attendees and marking a significant milestone in the careers of the newly graduated officers.

In a significant event marking the culmination of rigorous training, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Chief of Air Staff, addressed the graduating cadets at the Combined Passing Out Parade held at the Air Force Academy near Hyderabad. Emphasizing the honor and responsibility associated with their new roles, Singh implored the cadets to embody the ethos, traditions, and honor of the Indian Air Force (IAF) as they embark on their careers.

During his address, Singh described the journey ahead as both challenging and honorable, underscoring the vital roles the officers will play, whether in the air or on the ground. He urged the newly commissioned officers to view their future responsibilities as an opportunity to lead and shape the destiny of the Indian Air Force, encouraging them to let this immense responsibility serve as a source of motivation rather than a burden.

“You are the future leaders and commanders, not just air warriors,” Singh stated, calling on the cadets to uphold the IAF’s core values of mission, integrity, and excellence. He assured them that adhering to these guiding principles would be paramount as they navigate the complexities of their careers.

The Combined Passing Out Parade celebrated the successful completion of pre-commissioning training for the flight cadets across various branches of the IAF, marking a pivotal moment for the 214th Course. A highlight of the ceremony was the commissioning of the inaugural batch of Weapon Systems Branch officers, a significant addition to the capabilities of the IAF.

In a ceremonial tradition, Singh conferred the prestigious ‘President’s Commission’ upon the graduating trainees, recognizing their hard work and dedication. The event also featured the presentation of ‘Wings’ and ‘Brevets’ to the flight cadets, in addition to honors bestowed upon officers from the Indian Navy, the Indian Coast Guard, and one officer from a friendly foreign nation, all of whom successfully completed their training requirements.

As the event concluded, the atmosphere was one of celebration and anticipation, with the new officers poised to make significant contributions to the Indian Air Force and the nation’s defense architecture in the years to come. The ceremony stands as a testament to the enduring legacy and commitment to excellence that characterizes the Indian Air Force.