Grit, speed, and squadron pride were on full display as 517 trainees, including 53 women cadets, battled through a grueling course at the Inter-Squadron Cross-Country Championship ST 25 at the Indian Naval Academy (INA).
The challenging terrain, featuring jungle trails, steep inclines, and beach runs, pushed every participant to their limits in a true test of endurance, teamwork, and determination.
After an intense and high-energy race, Eagle Squadron soared to victory, claiming the coveted championship title. The event was filled with fierce sprints, relentless climbs, and the thunderous echoes of squadron war cries, as cadets pushed through fatigue and adversity, embodying the spirit of resilience and competitive excellence.
The championship reinforced the INA’s commitment to physical fitness, mental toughness, and leadership development, ensuring that future naval officers are prepared to meet the demands of military life with unwavering strength and team spirit.
Maharashtra Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan hosted a grand reception at Raj Bhavan, Mumbai, to honor the Maharashtra NCC cadets who returned after securing several individual and team medals and trophies at the Republic Day Camp (RDC) 2025.
During the felicitation ceremony, the Governor interacted with the cadets, inspected the trophies and medals, and extended his congratulations to the victorious Maharashtra NCC contingent. He also praised the efforts of the trainers and instructors, acknowledging their role in the cadets’ outstanding performance at the national event.
A total of 124 cadets, along with their trainers and senior NCC officers, were present at the event. Major General Yogender Singh, Additional Director General (ADG) of Maharashtra NCC, welcomed the Governor and highlighted the cadets’ dedication, discipline, and commitment in representing the state with distinction.
The event celebrated the spirit of excellence and perseverance, reinforcing the National Cadet Corps’ role in fostering leadership, patriotism, and discipline among the youth. The Maharashtra NCC contingent’s stellar performance at RDC 2025 stands as a testament to their hard work and rigorous training.
A week-long Logistics Review Exercise aimed at mitigating functional criticalities and evolving a grid-based logistics model concluded at Chandimandir, marking a significant step in the Indian Army’s transformation journey. The exercise, conducted in alignment with the themes of #OnPathToTransformation and #YearOfTechAbsorption, explored innovative logistics solutions essential for future battlefield scenarios.
Key Discussions and Innovations
The review focused on enhancing logistics stamina and improving operational sustainability in modern warfare. Emerging technologies and mechanized logistics solutions were at the forefront of discussions, including:
Robotic Mules for automated and efficient load transportation.
Logistics Drones to enhance supply chain efficiency in difficult terrains.
Mechanization for rapid and seamless logistical support.
Multi-Agency Collaboration for Efficiency
Addressing a distinguished gathering of officers from the Indian Army, Indian Air Force (IAF), and Border Security Force (BSF), Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, PVSM, AVSM, emphasized the need for:
Enhanced multi-agency synergy to optimize logistics operations.
Low-cost innovations to improve efficiency.
Incorporation of local resources in logistical planning to ensure sustainability and adaptability in dynamic operational environments.
Strengthening Future-Ready Logistics
The successful completion of this high-impact review highlights the Indian Army’s proactive approach toward integrating technology-driven logistics solutions. With an emphasis on modernization, efficiency, and joint operational coordination, the Indian Armed Forces continue to build resilient and future-ready logistical frameworks to meet the demands of modern warfare.
Major General Amresh Ghai, AVSM, has assumed command of the Base Hospital Delhi Cantt, one of the largest and busiest military medical facilities in India. He succeeds Major General J B Singh, VSM, who has now taken over as MG Med, HQ Delhi Area.
A highly accomplished orthopedic surgeon from the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS), Maj Gen Ghai brings with him vast clinical and administrative expertise. Under his leadership, the hospital is expected to continue its legacy of excellence in patient care, advanced medical research, and multi-specialty treatment for personnel of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The Base Hospital Delhi Cantt serves as a premier tri-service medical facility, handling complex surgeries, specialized treatments, and critical care services. It also plays a pivotal role in providing medical support to active-duty personnel, veterans, and their families.
Maj Gen Ghai’s leadership is expected to further enhance the hospital’s operational efficiency, technological advancements, and overall healthcare standards, reinforcing its reputation as a center of medical excellence within the armed forces.
In a remarkable humanitarian initiative, Lt Gen Abhijit S Pendharkar inaugurated a Voluntary Blood Donation Camp and a Voluntary Organ Donation Pledge Camp at Rangapahar Military Station, Nagaland. The event, organized in collaboration with Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research, Dimapur, aimed to promote awareness and participation in life-saving medical contributions.
The event witnessed over 105 individuals donating blood, reaffirming their commitment to saving lives through voluntary contributions. Additionally, more than 30 individuals took a pledge to donate their organs, officially registering with the National Organ & Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO), thus contributing to a noble cause that can transform and save numerous lives in the future.
A Commitment to Social Responsibility
The initiative reflects the Indian Army’s dedication to community service and social welfare, reinforcing its role not just as a security force but also as a pillar of humanitarian support. By organizing such awareness and donation drives, the Army continues to lead by example in fostering a culture of voluntary contributions for the greater good.
The successful execution of this event stands as a testament to the spirit of selflessness and service, further strengthening the bond between the armed forces and the civilian population in the region.
In a significant step toward modernizing battlefield communication, Gajraj Corps of the Indian Army successfully concluded a fortnight-long training program focused on next-generation communication systems spanning the ground, air, and space domains.
The intensive training initiative aimed at honing troops’ technical mastery and operational expertise, ensuring seamless, secure, and resilient communication networks essential for modern warfare. The exercise emphasized real-time data sharing, encrypted communications, and integration of advanced technology to enhance battlefield connectivity.
Driving the Transformation in Defence Communications
During the closing address, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Gajraj Corps, encouraged all ranks to embrace and master new-generation communication equipment. He highlighted the critical role of advanced connectivity in modern warfare and its importance in achieving the Indian Army’s vision of transformation in the Decade of Transformation.
This initiative reinforces the Indian Army’s commitment to technological superiority, ensuring that troops remain prepared for future challenges with enhanced situational awareness and rapid response capabilities.
In a significant step toward enhancing modern warfare preparedness, 38 Junior Leaders of the Indian Army successfully completed a three-week intensive course on Cognitive Warfare at the Army War College (AWC), Mhow. The course, which concluded on January 31, 2025, aimed at empowering junior leaders with cutting-edge knowledge in information warfare, artificial intelligence, and media engagement.
Focus Areas of the Course
The training program delved into the scientific nuances of Cognitive Warfare, an emerging domain that integrates psychological operations, perception management, and information superiority to gain a strategic advantage on the battlefield.
Key highlights of the course included:
Understanding Cognitive Warfare: Exploring its impact on modern military strategies.
Artificial Intelligence in Warfare: Examining how AI is transforming decision-making, threat analysis, and information operations.
Media Engagement: Learning how to counter misinformation, leverage narratives, and maintain information dominance.
Strengthening India’s Information Warfare Capabilities
This transformative course aligns with the Indian Army’s commitment to strengthening its capabilities in the information domain, recognizing that modern conflicts are increasingly shaped by information superiority and perception management. The initiative underscores the Army’s vision to prepare its leaders for the complex and dynamic battlefield of the future.
The successful culmination of this course marks another milestone in the Indian Army’s adaptation to evolving warfare techniques, ensuring that its personnel remain equipped, informed, and ready to tackle the challenges of the digital age.
The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted three successive flight trials of the Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, off the Odisha coast. The tests demonstrated the missile’s capability to intercept and neutralize aerial threats, particularly low-flying drones and high-speed targets.
During the trials, the VSHORADS missile system successfully destroyed all three targets, which were designed to mimic drones with reduced thermal signatures under varied flying conditions. These trials were conducted in the final deployment configuration, where two field operators handled weapon readiness, target acquisition, and missile firing, replicating real-world battlefield conditions.
Pinpoint Accuracy and Advanced Tracking
The flight data was captured by an array of sophisticated range instruments, including Telemetry, Electro-Optical Tracking Systems, and Radar deployed by ITR Chandipur. The tests validated the pinpoint accuracy of the VSHORADS system and reinforced its effectiveness in neutralizing drones and other airborne threats at close range.
Three consecutive trials of Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) was successfully carried out against high-speed targets flying at very low altitude. During flight-tests, the missiles intercepted and completely destroyed the targets pic.twitter.com/OrNVPPP2vx
VSHORADS is a Man-Portable Air Defence System (MANPADS), designed and developed indigenously by Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and Development cum Production Partners. The system is built to cater to the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, providing them with a highly mobile and efficient air defence capability.
High-Level Appreciation for the Success
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Armed Forces, and industry partners, calling the achievement a significant milestone in India’s defence capabilities.
Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO, also commended the entire DRDO team, recognizing the collaborative efforts of researchers, users, and production partners in making the VSHORADS system a success.
This achievement further strengthens India’s self-reliance in defence technology, showcasing its ability to develop cutting-edge air defence systems capable of tackling emerging aerial threats.
Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Upendra Dwivedi, visited the Smritivan Earthquake Memorial and Museum in Bhuj, paying tribute to the victims of the 2001 Gujarat earthquake. The memorial stands as a symbol of resilience and remembrance, commemorating those who lost their lives in one of India’s most devastating natural disasters.
The Smritivan Museum, which has been nominated by UNESCO’s prestigious Prix Versailles as one of the world’s most beautiful museums, showcases Gujarat’s journey of reconstruction and recovery after the earthquake. It serves as an inspiration for future generations, highlighting stories of survival, rehabilitation, and resilience.
During his visit, General Dwivedi interacted with key officials, including the Deputy Commissioner of Bhuj, Inspector General of Kutch, and the Director of Smritivan. Their discussions focused on the significance of the memorial in preserving history, the role of disaster management strategies, and the collaborative efforts in community rebuilding.
As part of his ongoing visit, the COAS also met with veterans, recognizing their selfless service to the nation. He praised their continued contributions to nation-building and acknowledged their efforts in strengthening the defense ecosystem and community welfare initiatives.
The visit of General Upendra Dwivedi to Smritivan reaffirmed the Indian Army’s commitment to honoring the past while preparing for the future, and underscored the enduring bond between the armed forces, veterans, and the community.
Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Upendra Dwivedi, visited the forward areas of the Creek Sector, where he conducted a comprehensive review of the operational preparedness of the formation. His visit underscored the Indian Army’s commitment to safeguarding national security in challenging terrains and ensuring the highest levels of readiness and coordination among various security agencies.
During the visit, General Dwivedi closely assessed the infrastructure development and technology absorption initiatives undertaken by the formation. He also interacted with personnel from the Indian Air Force (IAF), Border Security Force (BSF), and Indian Coast Guard (ICG), reaffirming the importance of joint operations and inter-agency synergy in securing India’s strategic frontiers.
A key highlight of the visit was the demonstration of operational battle drills, showcasing seamless integration and multi-agency coordination at the tactical level. These drills reflected the high state of combat readiness and the ability of India’s armed forces to respond effectively to evolving security threats in the region.
On the occasion of the Indian Coast Guard Raising Day, the COAS extended his compliments to ICG personnel, acknowledging their crucial role in coastal security, maritime surveillance, and disaster response.
In his address, General Upendra Dwivedi interacted with all ranks, commended their dedication and professional excellence, and felicitated individuals for their outstanding contributions to national security. His visit served as a morale booster for the troops and reinforced the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to operational preparedness and national defence.
