The Maharaja Ranjit Singh National Polo Tournament continued to showcase exhilarating matches at the Chandigarh Polo Club in Khuda Lahora, as the Indian Navy and 16 Cavalry emerged triumphant on the second day of the event. The day commenced with the Young Riders Cup, where Panchkula claimed victory over Chandigarh with a score of 5-1.

In the Young Riders Cup match, Vijay Shakya was the standout performer for Panchkula, demonstrating remarkable skill and precision by netting four goals. Amaan Warring managed to score the sole goal for Chandigarh, but it was not enough to turn the tide against a dominant Panchkula squad.

The afternoon featured a thrilling encounter between the Indian Navy and Artillery, which concluded with a scoreline of 9-5 in favor of the Navy. The spotlight shone brightly on Dhruv Pal Godhara, the Jaipur-based rider who delivered an electrifying performance by scoring six goals. Godhara showcased his prowess, starting strong with three goals in the first chakkar (round), which set the tone for the match and granted the Indian Navy a substantial 4-1 lead. Despite Grenadier Uday Kumar of Artillery attempting to rally his team with three goals of his own, it was ultimately not enough to bridge the gap.

The day was further marked by 61 Cavalry’s impressive 15-0.5 victory over the Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC). Lt Col Vishal Chauhan, a veteran player with extensive experience, was pivotal in this lopsided match. He scored a phenomenal eight goals, leading his team to an early advantage. The match began with a close score of 2-0.5, but Chauhan’s outstanding performance in the second round, where he netted five goals, propelled the Cavalry to a commanding 10-0.5 scoreline. His collaboration with fellow riders Major Anant Rajpurohit and Captain Anmol Waraich further solidified their team’s dominance, culminating in a decisive 15-0.5 victory.

Overall, the tournament showcased the skill and competitive spirit of the participating teams, with thrilling performances that set the stage for more exciting matches in the days to come.

Dehradun witnessed a significant event as 201 Agniveer recruits joined the Indian Army’s prestigious Garhwal Rifles regiment following a ceremonial passing-out parade held at the regimental center in Lansdowne. The ceremony took place at the Naik Bhawani Dutt Joshi, Ashok Chakra Parade Ground, showcasing the culmination of 31 weeks of rigorous and demanding training that the recruits undertook.

Lt Col Manish Srivastava, the PRO for defense in Dehradun, provided insights into the event, noting that Brig Vinod Singh Negi served as the reviewing officer for the parade. In his address to the recruits, Brig Negi emphasized the importance of dedication and commitment to their duties as new members of the Indian Army, encouraging them to embrace their roles in service to the nation with a sense of pride and responsibility.

The celebratory occasion also held significant meaning for the families of the recruits, as parents and guardians were invited to witness their loved ones’ attestation to the Army. This inclusion of families not only highlights the communal spirit of the event but also honors the sacrifices made by the families who support these young recruits in their journeys.

The parade attracted a large crowd, drawing in locals from Lansdowne and the surrounding areas, including veterans and school students from Lansdowne and Kotdwar. This gathering reflects the strong sense of community and pride associated with the Garhwal Rifles, a regiment known for its storied history and contributions to the Indian Army.

The event not only marks a new chapter for the recruits but also reinforces the enduring spirit of service and sacrifice ingrained in the ethos of the Indian Armed Forces. As these new soldiers embark on their military careers, they carry with them the hopes and aspirations of their families and their community, pledging to serve the nation with honor and integrity.

A significant milestone was reached as a total of 3,192 Agniveers graduated from their military training at two prominent centers in southern India. The Artillery Centre in Hyderabad celebrated the passing-out parade of 2,600 Agniveers, while 592 Agniveers from the 1 EME Centre in Secunderabad concluded their rigorous 31-week training program. The simultaneous parades showcased the culmination of months of hard work, discipline, and dedication.

At the Artillery Centre, the event was honored by Major General Punit Mehta, General Officer Commanding of the Jodhpur Sub Area and Colonel Commandant of the Regiment of Artillery. During his address to the newly inducted Gunners, Major General Mehta emphasized the historic nature of the day, declaring that “a new chapter has begun in the history of the Indian Army and the nation.” He expressed confidence that the Agniveers would become crucial players in the ongoing journey of nation-building while serving their homeland. He commended the strong sense of discipline and camaraderie fostered during their training, which he noted would significantly impact their professional careers and future.

In parallel, the 1 EME Centre in Secunderabad held a similar celebratory event, where Brigadier Prashant Bajpai, the Commandant, reviewed the parade and extended his congratulations to the 592 Agniveers. He praised their commitment and urged them to serve the nation with sincerity, emphasizing the importance of upholding the fundamental values of safety, honor, and integrity.

The Agniveers trained at the 1 EME Centre have specialized as technical experts within the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers. They have acquired critical skills in operating and maintaining essential military equipment, including Armoured Fighting Vehicles, telecommunications systems, and refrigeration units. Following the formalities of the passing-out parade, these newly qualified Agniveers are set to be assigned to various field army units across the country, ready to contribute to the operational capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces.

This graduation not only marks the end of a rigorous training program but also the beginning of a promising career for these young individuals, poised to make their mark in service to the nation.

In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of India has directed the Indian Army to compensate the widow of a soldier with Rs 50,000 following a dispute over the benefits of a Liberalised Family Pension (LFP). This decision came after the soldier, who participated in Operation Rakshak in Jammu and Kashmir, passed away under challenging circumstances in January 2013.

A bench led by Justice Abhay S. Oka addressed a special leave petition filed by the Union government contesting an order from the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) that granted the soldier’s widow certain pension benefits. The court criticized the Union government for prolonging the widow’s struggle, highlighting that she should not have been compelled to seek justice at such a high level.

The soldier, while engaged in an ‘Area Domination Patrol’ in a region near the Line of Control, began experiencing severe breathlessness due to the extreme climatic conditions. A regimental medical officer assessed his deteriorating condition, which was deemed critical at that time. Unfortunately, due to inclement weather conditions, he was unable to be air-evacuated and had to be evacuated on foot. His eventual death was attributed to cardiopulmonary arrest. Initially, his demise was classified as a “battle casualty,” but it was later reclassified as a “physical casualty” connected to military service.

Following his death, the soldier’s widow received all terminal benefits, including a special family pension. However, she found herself contesting the denial of the Liberalised Family Pension, prompting her to appeal to the AFT. In August 2019, the AFT ruled in her favor, ordering the Indian Army to grant her the LFP along with an ex-gratia lump sum amount normally assigned for battle casualties.

During the proceedings before the Supreme Court, the respondent authorities argued that the AFT’s determination was misguided, stressing that the soldier’s death was attributable to a physical casualty due to cardiopulmonary arrest, and thus he was only eligible for a special family pension.

The Supreme Court, however, noted that the initial classification of the soldier’s death as a “battle casualty” was significant, especially considering the conditions he faced during his service. It was also noted that the commanding officer’s certificate confirmed that he was deployed in harsh climatic conditions at the time of his death. As a result, the court concluded that the circumstances surrounding his death could indeed be attributed to illness stemming from these extreme conditions, categorizing it under “Battle Casualties.”

In its ruling, the top court rejected the Union government’s appeal, affirming the AFT’s judgment, and ordered that the directives be implemented within three months. Furthermore, it mandated that the authorities pay the widow the quantified costs of Rs 50,000 within two months, thereby underscoring the court’s commitment to uphold the rights and dignity of the families of those who serve in the armed forces.

Mumbai: The Indian Navy is preparing to enhance its capabilities with the upcoming commissioning of four advanced warships and submarines, including a vessel constructed at a Russian shipyard. During the annual press conference for Navy Week 2024, held aboard the stealth destroyer INS Mormugao, Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, revealed that “four vessels are set for induction within the next month.” The vessels expected to join the fleet are INS Nilgiri, INS Surat, INS Tushil, and INS Vagsheer.

Among these, INS Tushil, which has been constructed in Russia, marks the conclusion of the Indian Navy’s acquisition of two foreign-built vessels. Emphasizing a shift towards indigenous construction, Vice Admiral Singh pointed out the Navy’s current progress: “Currently, 65 vessels are under construction, 63 of which are being built in Indian shipyards.” This focus on local production reflects the Indian Navy’s commitment to bolstering domestic shipbuilding capabilities.

In addressing ongoing piracy challenges, Vice Admiral Singh stated that the Indian Navy has been consistently involved in anti-piracy operations since October 2008, maintaining a continuous naval presence in the Gulf of Aden for the past 16 years. He highlighted the Navy’s success in this domain, noting, “Initially, there were questions about our endurance, but we proved our capability.” The decline in piracy incidents was attributed to a combination of adverse weather conditions during monsoon seasons and the Navy’s proactive measures against pirate activities. Key pirate leaders have either been captured or deterred, which has helped to disrupt the momentum of piracy in these waters. Despite these successes, Vice Admiral Singh reaffirmed the Navy’s readiness to counter any potential resurgence in pirate incidents.

The Vice Admiral also addressed a recent incident involving the Indian Navy submarine INS Karanj and a fishing boat, FV Marthoma, which collided off the coast of Goa. Although INS Karanj suffered damage, he assured that the submarine remains operational. “Whenever there’s a collision, some damage is inevitable. The Navy assessed the damage, and repairs are underway,” he explained. An internal inquiry is currently in progress, and necessary corrective measures will be taken. The collision, which occurred on November 21, 2023, led to the sinking of the fishing boat and resulted in the loss of two crew members, while the damages to the submarine were reported to exceed Rs 10 crore.

With these developments, the Indian Navy underscores its commitment to modernizing its fleet while ensuring the safety and security of sea routes, reflecting a strategic prioritization amid evolving maritime challenges.

In a significant development for the Indian Navy, the frontline warship INS Brahmaputra, which faced severe damage and was left tilted due to a fire incident over four months ago, has been uprighted and is set to return to operational status. Vice-Admiral Sanjay J Singh, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, provided this update during a media briefing ahead of Navy Day.

He outlined the timeline of recovery efforts, revealing that the warship was successfully returned to an upright position on November 2 and subsequently placed in dry dock on November 8. The Navy is currently engaged in an extensive damage assessment and initial repair tasks, which will inform a comprehensive restoration plan for the warship.

The fire incident that led to the damage occurred in late July while INS Brahmaputra was docked at the naval yard in Mumbai. The blaze resulted in significant structural deformation, causing the vessel to tilt dangerously to one side. Following the incident, the Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi conducted a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding the emergency.

In addition to updates on INS Brahmaputra, Vice-Admiral Singh addressed another incident involving the Indian Navy submarine INS Karanj, which collided with a fishing boat, FV Marthoma, off the Goa coast. He confirmed that while the submarine incurred damages exceeding Rs 10 crore, it remains operational. The fishing boat, unfortunately, sank due to the impact, with 13 crew members on board; thankfully, 11 were successfully rescued during subsequent search operations.

In response to the collision, the Mumbai Police have initiated legal action against the captain of FV Marthoma, known as the ‘tandel’, following the tragic deaths of two individuals as a direct result of the incident. Vice-Admiral Singh assured that the Navy will conduct an internal inquiry into the collision, and based on the findings, the organization will implement any necessary corrective measures.

As the Navy prepares to celebrate its dedication and service on December 4, the revival of INS Brahmaputra stands as a testament to the resilience and commitment of the Indian Navy to maintain its operational readiness amid challenges.

Guwahati witnessed a vibrant celebration of Assam’s cultural heritage as the Indian Army’s Spear Corps marked Asom Diwas on December 3. The event took place at Bhimbor Deori LP School in Jagun, Tinsukia district, attracting an audience of 100 enthusiastic students and eight dedicated teachers. The initiative aimed to instill a sense of pride and awareness among the younger generation, highlighting Assam’s rich history and its significant contributions to the nation.

The program featured a variety of engaging activities designed to immerse students in the essence of their cultural legacy. Participants showcased their creativity through rhythm, movement, and expression, echoing the historical narratives, traditions, and societal values intrinsic to Assamese culture. By integrating education with cultural exploration, the event sought to cultivate an appreciation of heritage among the youth, encouraging them to actively participate in preserving their unique identity.

Additionally, the event included an interactive session with members of the Indian Army, allowing students to engage directly with the armed forces. This opportunity sparked thoughtful discussions, as the young audience posed incisive questions about the Indian Army’s illustrious history and its pivotal role in the country’s defense. The exchange fostered a deeper connection between the students and the military, enriching their understanding of national pride and duty.

The celebration of Asom Diwas reaffirmed the importance of cultural awareness and the vital role it plays in shaping the identities of future generations, emphasizing the need for young individuals to cherish and uphold their rich heritage.

The Manipur High Court has taken significant steps in addressing the case of Laishram Kamal, a 56-year-old man who has been missing since November 25 from the Leimakhong Army Camp. In response to a petition filed by his brother, the court has established a committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding Kamal’s disappearance.

During a hearing on Wednesday, Justices D Krishnakumar and Golmei Gaiphulshillu discussed the case, recalling that the court had previously issued notices to relevant parties on November 27, urging them to report on Kamal’s whereabouts. However, the court noted that the respondents had failed to submit the required reports, prompting the formation of the investigatory committee.

This committee is comprised of key officials, including the District Magistrate (DM) and Superintendent of Police (SP) from Kangpokpi, the SP of Imphal West, and a Colonel serving as the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the Army’s 57 Mountain Division. The court’s directive mandates the committee to ascertain whether Kamal was kidnapped within the premises of the Army camp or if he left voluntarily.

The High Court has emphasized the need for collaboration from Kamal’s family, instructing them to provide any relevant evidence or documentation that could assist in the investigation. The District Magistrate, as the head of this committee, is responsible for notifying the petitioner and his family members to attend the inquiry. The committee’s findings are expected to be presented to the High Court during the next scheduled hearing on December 11.

In his petition, Kamal’s brother has expressed concerns that his sibling was abducted by Kuki militants from within the high-security area of the Army camp. Additionally, a formal complaint was lodged with a local police station regarding Kamal’s disappearance shortly after he went missing on November 27. According to the petitioner, Kamal was employed as a supervisor with a construction company operating within the confines of the Leimakhong Army campus.

As the investigation unfolds, the case has garnered attention, highlighting security concerns in the region and the potential implications of military operations. The community awaits the outcomes of the committee’s inquiry, as the family seeks answers regarding the fate of Laishram Kamal.

In a remarkable display of military training and readiness, the Indian Army celebrated the graduation of Agniveers from the prestigious training centres located in Secunderabad and Hyderabad. This event signified a crucial step forward in enhancing the country’s defense capabilities.

The celebrations commenced with the passing out of 592 Agniveers at the 1 EME Centre, where Brigadier Prashant Bajpai, the Commandant of the Centre, reviewed the Passing Out Parade. During this significant event, he recognized the hard work and dedication of the recruits, who endured a rigorous 31-week training program that equipped them with essential military and technical skills. The graduates, upon their completion, are now poised to serve as technical specialists adept in areas such as Armoured Fighting Vehicles, telecommunications, military vehicles, and refrigeration systems. The ceremony also highlighted exceptional performers, with A.V. Rustam Kumar Maurya being acknowledged for his excellence in drill and A.V. Abhishek Rawat awarded as the overall best Agniveer, further exemplifying the outstanding caliber of the graduating class. The event was marked by an emotional atmosphere, with proud parents and relatives cheering on their loved ones during this pivotal moment in their lives.

The celebrations continued at the Artillery Centre in Hyderabad, which played host to an equally grand ceremony. Major General Punit Mehta, an esteemed officer of the Indian Army and Colonel Commandant of the Regiment of Artillery, presided over the occasion. This specific graduation batch, characterized as one of the largest in the history of the regiment, saw over 2,600 Agniveers successfully completing their training. The ceremony was a vibrant affair, featuring a spectacular Agniveer combat display at Makhan Singh Stadium, which included displays of martial arts, Mallakhamb, torch performances, and a captivating military symphony.

In his speech, Major General Mehta underscored the vital role that Agniveers will play in shaping the future of the Indian Army and, by extension, the nation. He emphasized the values of discipline and camaraderie that were instilled during the training, noting that these principles would benefit them both in military service and in their civilian lives. In a poignant moment, a wreath was laid at the War Memorial in tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of fallen heroes, reminding all present of the noble legacy that these new recruits are now a part of.

This graduation not only marks the entry of these young soldiers into the Indian Army but also reflects the ongoing commitment of the armed forces to adapt and evolve in response to contemporary challenges, fostering a new generation of capable, motivated personnel ready to serve their nation.