Visakhapatnam witnessed a poignant tribute to the Indian Navy as the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) held a wreath-laying ceremony at the Victory at Sea War Memorial on Wednesday, commemorating Navy Day 2024. The solemn event was presided over by Rear Admiral Chetan Chandegave, the Flag Officer Submarines, and attended by various dignitaries including district collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad, police commissioner Shankar Brata Bagchi, GVMC commissioner P. Sampath Kumar, metropolitan commissioner K.S. Viswanathan, and Rear Admiral T. Sudhakar (Retd), vice president of the Navy Foundation, Vizag chapter. Additionally, G. Satyanandam, the Zilla Sainik welfare officer, was present to honor the occasion.

Celebrated annually on December 4, Navy Day marks a significant milestone in Indian naval history, particularly commemorating the achievements of the Indian Navy during the 1971 War. This year, the celebrations are especially significant as they underscore Operation Trident, a key operation that involved a successful assault on Pakistan’s naval base in Karachi.

The theme for this year’s celebrations, “Strength and Power through Innovation and Indigenisation,” reflects the Indian Navy’s ongoing commitment to elevate its capabilities through advanced technological innovations and self-reliance.

Meanwhile, the main celebrations were taking place in Puri, Odisha, where Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi welcomed President Draupadi Murmu as the chief guest. The event drew attention with a spectacular display of naval prowess, featuring over 15 warships and submarines, along with an impressive fleet of 40 aircraft. The celebrations also included demonstrations by elite marine commandos (MARCOS) and personnel from the Indian Army, showcasing the multifaceted strength of the Indian armed forces.

Traditional elements added a cultural richness to the event, highlighted by the Beating the Retreat ceremony. In a blend of tradition and technology, the celebrations were further embellished by an eye-catching drone and laser show, captivating the audiences and demonstrating the evolving nature of naval strength in a modern context.

An Indian Navy helicopter was compelled to execute an emergency landing on a farmland in the vicinity of Amarda village, situated within the Rasagobindapur Police Limits of Mayurbhanj district. This incident occurred due to a technical issue, according to Superintendent of Police (SP) Varun Guntupalli.

The helicopter was navigating through the area when the technical fault arose, leading to the emergency landing about five kilometers from an airstrip of historical significance dating back to the Second World War. Fortunately, the helicopter was able to continue its journey after a brief delay of approximately 15 to 20 minutes. The adept handling of the situation by the crew ensured that the helicopter was able to take off without any further complications.

Furthermore, it is noteworthy that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) had previously granted permission for the development of the airstrip, which spans around 160.35 acres near Amarda Road in the district. The land designated for the airstrip is owned by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

This incident highlights the challenges posed by technical issues in aviation, yet the successful resolution also emphasizes the crew’s competency and the overall safety protocols in place to manage such emergencies.

Every year on December 4, India honors Indian Navy Day, a celebration rooted in the Navy’s successful operation against Karachi Port during the 1971 conflict. This day serves as a reminder of the significant role the Indian Navy plays in securing the nation’s maritime borders, inspiring many young individuals to pursue careers within its ranks.

Ranked as the seventh most powerful navy globally, the Indian Navy is recognized for providing diverse and fulfilling career opportunities. Aspiring naval officers have various pathways to enlist after completing their Class 12 education, facilitating entrance into one of the armed forces renowned for its commitment to upholding national security.

One primary route for aspiring naval personnel is the National Defence Academy (NDA) examination, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year. The NDA exam invites candidates aged between 16.5 and 19, who must have completed their Class 12 education with subjects in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. After successfully passing the written examination, candidates progress to the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, which assesses their suitability for officer training.

Alternatively, candidates can explore the 10+2 BTech Cadet Entry Scheme. This programme is tailored for those who achieve impressive scores in the JEE Main examination. Successful candidates embark on a rigorous four-year training regimen at the Indian Naval Academy in Ezhimala, Kerala. Upon completion, they attain the rank of officer in the Navy, along with a BTech degree. Candidates wishing to pursue this route must have completed their Class 12 with at least 70% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, and must secure a qualifying rank in JEE Main to be considered for the SSB interview process.

Younger applicants also have the option to join the Navy through the Agniveer scheme, recently introduced by the central government. This entry pathway is open to candidates between the ages of 17.5 and 21 years who have achieved a minimum of 50% in their Class 12 examinations, specifically in Mathematics and Physics. Notably, this opportunity also extends to students currently appearing for their Class 12 exams, making it an accessible route for many.

Another avenue for entering the Indian Navy is through the Indian Navy Entrance Test (INET), designed for those seeking either a permanent or short service commission. The INET is held twice a year, and applicants can easily access the application process online via the official Indian Navy recruitment website. Following a successful performance on the written examination, candidates are invited to partake in the SSB interview, marking another critical step toward a career in the Navy.

In summary, Indian Navy Day not only commemorates a significant historical victory but also serves as an invitation for the youth of India to consider a future where they can serve their country on the high seas. With multiple pathways to enlistment, including the NDA exam, 10+2 BTech Cadet Entry Scheme, Agniveer, and INET opportunities, the Indian Navy continues to attract those eager to embark on a rewarding career in defense.

Indian troops have successfully completed their first round of patrols in the Depsang Plains, specifically reaching the critical patrolling point PP13. This development follows the resumption of patrols on November 5, marking the culmination of negotiations between Indian and Chinese forces that took place at the end of the previous month.

On the day of the initial resumption, Indian soldiers were able to patrol only up to PP10, with restrictions on further movements to ensure mutual confidence-building. The agreement stipulated that patrols would proceed slowly, with both sides deciding to cover only one or two specific patrolling points at a time.

In a noteworthy display of adaptability, a group of 15 personnel, which included members from both the Indian Army and the Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), mounted Zanskari horses to navigate the rugged terrain of the Depsang Plains. The decision to use these small mountain horses was necessitated by the area’s challenging topography, particularly the “bottleneck” zone in the Burtsa Nala Valley that restricts vehicle movement.

According to the agreement, the patrols are subject to timing constraints, specifically prohibiting stops for more than 15 minutes. During their mission, Indian troops successfully reached PP13, documenting their location with GPS devices and capturing photographs before returning.

While no Chinese personnel were present during the Indian patrols, both sides maintained surveillance of each other using various monitoring systems, including drones. Following the recent agreement, the Chinese troops have dismantled their posts in the “bottleneck” area and the adjacent “Y Junction,” relocating their positions further back while still remaining within India’s perceived boundaries of the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The geographical nuances in this area complicate the situation; the patrolling points are positioned approximately 150 meters shy of the stipulated “limit of patrolling,” which itself is located several kilometers away from the contested LAC. Additionally, Chinese posts have been established about 2.7 kilometers beyond India’s patrolling points.

In further developments, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the Lok Sabha, indicating that the disengagement agreement concerning Depsang and Demchok lays the groundwork for more extensive discussions on de-escalation and enhanced bilateral relations. Emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility in border regions, Jaishankar noted that future discussions would focus on both de-escalation strategies and efficient management of activities within these sensitive areas.

A Territorial Army soldier was reportedly shot at by terrorists in the Tral area of south Kashmir, escalating tensions in a region that has witnessed sporadic violence in recent months. The incident occurred while the soldier, who was on leave, was targeted. According to officials, the soldier sustained injuries but is currently in stable condition and receiving medical care.

Upon receiving news of the shooting, security forces swiftly cordoned off the area to prevent the assailants from escaping and to initiate a search operation for the suspects involved. The mobilization of troops and law enforcement agencies underscores the ongoing challenges in bolstering security in a region that has been historically fraught with conflict.

Local sources indicate that this attack is part of a broader pattern of violence in the area, which has seen a rise in militancy-related incidents. The Tral region, which has been a hotspot for militant activity, remains under heightened surveillance as security forces work to ensure the safety of civilians and pursue those responsible for recent attacks.

Officials have condemned the act of violence, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures to protect members of the armed forces and the local population. The situation is still developing, with authorities continuing their operations in an effort to restore peace and stability in the affected area.

In a significant decision reflecting the ongoing challenges faced by the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Air Force has opted to extend the service of its MiG-21 Bison fighter jets. This move comes as a result of delays in the induction of the indigenous Tejas Mk1A fighter jets, which were expected to replace the aging MiG-21 fleet.

Originally slated for retirement by December 2025, the MiG-21 Bison will see its service period prolonged to accommodate a slower than anticipated production schedule of the Tejas Mk1A. According to sources, the IAF had planned to establish its first squadron of Tejas Mk1A at the Nal Air Force base in Rajasthan’s Bikaner by July 2024. This base is notable for currently being home to the last operational squadrons of MiG-21 Bison jets. However, manufacturing challenges—particularly delays in engine supply—have hindered Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) from adhering to the expected timeline for the new fighters.

The MiG-21 Bison has been a significant part of the IAF fleet since it was inducted in the 1960s, notwithstanding the aircraft’s notorious reputation for accidents, leading to its colloquial label of a “flying coffin.” The aircraft has a storied combat history, including crucial roles in several major conflicts, such as the 1965 and 1971 India-Pakistan wars, the Kargil conflict in 1999, and more recently, the Balakot airstrikes in 2019. The prowess of the MiG-21 was highlighted during Operation Vijay in 1999, where it played an integral part in the air campaign.

Despite many upgrades, the MiG-21 Bison, which includes advanced features compared to the earlier versions, has surpassed its intended operational lifespan. Currently, the IAF operates two squadrons of these aircraft, totaling 31 units. The extension of their service underscores a pressing requirement for the induction of new aircraft into the IAF’s inventory, as the force operates approximately 30 fighter squadrons—a number significantly below the sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons.

As the IAF seeks to modernize its fleet, the Tejas Mk1A is expected to fulfill this role with its advanced capabilities, including cutting-edge avionics, Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, and enhanced electronic warfare systems. The Tejas Mk1A represents a vital component of India’s efforts to bolster its indigenous defense capabilities and secure its airspace in an increasingly complex regional security environment.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh, has taken significant steps to strengthen India’s defence capabilities by approving Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for five capital acquisition proposals, totaling over Rs 21,772 crore. These proposals are designed to enhance the nation’s maritime, aerial, and land defence capacities, reflecting a focused approach to addressing contemporary security challenges.

Among the key approvals is the acquisition of 31 New Water Jet Fast Attack Crafts (NWJFACs) for the Indian Navy. These vessels are intended for Low-Intensity Maritime Operations, primarily focused on coastal surveillance, patrols, and search-and-rescue missions. The addition of these NWJFACs is anticipated to significantly enhance anti-piracy operations in and around India’s island territories, ensuring a robust maritime presence.

In a move to fortify coastal defence operations, the council has also sanctioned the purchase of 120 Fast Interceptor Crafts (FIC-1). These high-speed vessels are designed to escort valuable naval assets, including aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates, and submarines, thereby reinforcing the security of critical maritime routes.

Moreover, in the realm of aerial capabilities, the DAC has approved the procurement of an Electronic Warfare Suite (EWS) for the Su-30 MKI aircraft. This suite will encompass advanced jammer pods and next-generation radar warning receivers, among other equipment. The implementation of this system is expected to greatly enhance the operational capabilities of the Su-30 MKI, providing improved protection against enemy radar and weapon systems during missions in hostile environments.

For coastal security, the Indian Coast Guard will receive six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) M (MR), which will play a crucial role in improving surveillance and response in India’s maritime zones. This acquisition aims to bolster the Coast Guard’s ability to secure the nation’s maritime interests more effectively.

In addition to these acquisitions, the DAC has approved the overhaul of several key defence assets, including the T-72 and T-90 tanks, BMP vehicles, and Sukhoi fighter aircraft engines. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to extend the operational service life of these assets, ensuring their readiness for emerging threats.

These crucial approvals underscore India’s determination to enhance its defence infrastructure comprehensively, addressing evolving security challenges across land, air, and sea. The DAC’s decisions reflect a proactive stance in maintaining national security and sovereignty in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.