The Indian Army has unveiled an innovative online learning platform named “Eklavya,” which is a critical component of the Army Chief’s broader vision for a “decade of transformation.” General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of the Army Staff, officially launched the initiative in a move aimed at modernizing and enhancing the educational framework within the Army.

Eklavya is designed to support the Indian Army’s focus on elevating technology as a core aspect of its operations, synchronizing with the 2024 theme designated as the “Year of Technology Absorption.” Developed under the auspices of the Headquarters Army Training Command, the platform has been sponsored by the Army War College. Notably, the Eklavya platform was created at no financial cost, with technology support provided by the Bhaskaracharya National Institute of Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG-N) based in Gandhinagar, alongside the contribution from the Directorate General of Information Systems.

The online platform has been deployed on the Army Data Network, ensuring a robust and scalable architecture. This feature allows the integration of various training establishments within the Indian Army, enabling each to offer a diverse array of courses. Importantly, student officers now have the flexibility to enroll in multiple courses at the same time. Currently, the platform hosts 96 courses developed by 17 Category ‘A’ Training Establishments, covering a wide range of military education.

The Eklavya platform categorizes its courses into three distinct types. The first category, known as “Pre-Course Preparatory Capsules,” provides essential study material for offline physical courses at various Category ‘A’ establishments. This online component aims to streamline the basics, enriching physical training with modern content focused on practical applications. This innovation is expected to help alleviate the congested nature of current courses and free up time to incorporate emerging concepts into military training as warfare evolves.

The second category encompasses “appointment or specific assignment-related courses.” These courses are designed for officers transitioning into specialist roles who require on-the-job training to become fully operational in their new positions. Such appointments cover crucial areas, including information warfare, financial planning, veteran affairs, and more. By offering online capsule courses that coincide with their postings, officers can develop domain-specific knowledge and enhance their readiness for specialized tasks.

The third category offers a “Professional Development Suite,” which includes courses on various subjects such as strategy, operational art, leadership, organizational behavior, finance, and emerging technologies. This suite aims to foster continuous professional education among military officers, ensuring they are well-prepared for the complexities of modern warfare.

Additionally, the Eklavya platform features a searchable “Knowledge Highway” that provides access to an array of journals, research papers, and articles in a single space. This innovative platform is expected to significantly promote ongoing professional military education, enrich existing physical courses, and support officers in preparing for specialist appointments while encouraging their domain specialization.

The Indian Navy has successfully intercepted a Sri Lankan fishing vessel carrying an impressive 500 kilograms of narcotics, specifically Crystal Meth. This significant operation was conducted following actionable intelligence received from the Sri Lankan Navy, which alerted Indian authorities about potentially illicit activities involving Sri Lankan-flagged fishing vessels in the Arabian Sea.

To ensure the mission’s efficacy, the Indian Navy launched extensive surveillance efforts utilizing state-of-the-art long-range maritime patrol aircraft, notably the Boeing P8I, complemented by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Furthermore, intelligence was gathered from the Information Fusion Centre located in Gurugram, which focuses on monitoring activities in the Indian Ocean Region.

Based on the intelligence provided, an Indian Naval ship was dispatched to enhance operational capabilities. Over the course of detailed reconnaissance, two fishing boats were identified and closely monitored, thanks to continuous inputs from the Sri Lankan Navy and aerial oversight from Indian Navy personnel.

In a meticulously coordinated operation conducted between November 24 and 25, Indian Navy teams executed boarding actions on both vessels. This decisive operation culminated in the recovery of nearly 500 kg of narcotics. The two fishing boats, along with their crews and the confiscated drugs, are set to be handed over to Sri Lankan authorities to facilitate further legal proceedings.

This incident underscores the ongoing collaboration between India and Sri Lanka in combating maritime narcotics trafficking, revealing the proactive stance both nations are taking to enhance regional security and tackle the pervasive issue of drug smuggling in the Indian Ocean.

In the remote regions of Arunachal Pradesh, a significant transformation is taking place as the Indian Army has shifted perceptions among local tribal communities from skepticism to trust and hope through its philanthropic initiatives. Specifically, in the village of Bene, located over 300 kilometers from the state’s capital, Itanagar, the army’s involvement has enhanced community welfare alongside its primary duty of border security.

Under the stewardship of ‘Operation Sadbhavana’, the army is actively engaged in various enterprises focused on improving the lives of the villagers. Efforts include the construction of educational facilities, healthcare services, and sports infrastructure, as well as attentive responses to the unique needs of local residents. For instance, the army has recently erected fencing around the government school in Bene, ensuring the safety of the 50 children studying there. Tumto Ete, the school’s principal, expressed gratitude for the continuous support, highlighting a desire for the army to further adopt and assist the institution.

The initiatives extend beyond Bene as well. In Darka village, the Eastern Command of the army has constructed a community center, installed swings at government schools, and provided fencing for another school as a direct response to community requests. Mobi Ete, a teacher in Darka, noted that the improvements, including new swings and slides, have significantly benefitted the students, and he has also requested further maintenance of the school’s infrastructure.

In addition to educational improvements, infrastructure projects are underway, such as the construction of a bridge in Doji Basti and the installation of a compost fertilizer machine in another location. The army has also proactively promoted local tourism in the area by conducting a 15-day hospitality certification program for the owner of the only homestay in Wak village. Tumge Ete, who operates the homestay, reported that many of his guests are army personnel and expressed optimism for tourism development in the region, which has remained largely untapped.

Local leaders note a substantial shift in community attitudes towards the army. Medam Ete, the head of Darka village, reflected on the past skepticism of elder community members, stating that trust in the armed forces has grown. He characterized the army as an essential part of the community, expressing that they represent hope and support for the villagers.

Furthermore, the army’s endeavors include setting up fitness centers for children, building bridges, establishing waste disposal systems, and ensuring access to clean drinking water. For the financial year 2024-25, plans are in place for 19 projects in the West Siang district, with a budget of Rs 3.14 crore allocated for their execution, underscoring the army’s commitment to improving the living conditions of these remote communities.

The tragic fate of two fishermen who went missing following a collision between their fishing boat and an Indian Navy submarine has been illuminated with the recovery of their bodies. The incident occurred in the Arabian Sea, off the coast of Goa and Maharashtra, on November 21, when their vessel, named “Marthoma”, was involved in the maritime accident.

According to statements from the Indian Navy, a coordinated search effort was launched and involved both the Indian Navy and the Coast Guard. Over the course of a week, these teams worked diligently to locate the wreckage of the sunken fishing boat on the ocean floor. As part of this extensive search operation, the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) also provided crucial assistance, which ultimately led to the recovery of the bodies, found in proximity to the wreckage.

The vessel was reportedly operating approximately 70 nautical miles northwest of Goa at the time of the collision. While it was a harrowing event, it’s noteworthy that eleven out of the twelve crew members aboard the “Marthoma” were rescued immediately after the collision, which reflects the prompt response of the rescue teams following the incident.

This recovery brings closure to a tragic event that has raised concerns over maritime safety and the interactions between fishing vessels and military naval operations in the busy waters off the Indian coast. The Indian Navy has stated their commitment to further investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident to ensure such tragedies are mitigated in the future.

In a landmark ruling, the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh asserted that the right to property is fundamentally intertwined with human rights, marking a significant development in legal interpretations related to property disputes. The case arose from a petition filed by Abdul Majeed Lone, who has claimed that his 1.6-acre land in Tangdhar, located near the Line of Control in the Kupwara District, was occupied by the Army in 1978—an occupation that has persisted for nearly five decades without any form of compensation or rent.

Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal presided over the case and, in a judgment delivered on November 20, directed the Army to pay accrued rent for the disputed land within a month. Lone contended that despite the long-term occupation of his land, he had never received any financial redress or acknowledgment of his ownership. This assertion brought to light a conflict between individual property rights and state authority under the doctrine of “eminent domain,” which allows the state to acquire private property for public purposes, provided fair compensation is given.

In the ruling, the court emphasized that while the state possesses powers to acquire property, such actions must be executed for legitimate public purposes and accompanied by reasonable compensation. The argument presented by the counsel for the Centre, claiming that the Army had not occupied the land, was met with contrary evidence from the local revenue department, which confirmed the Army’s possession for over 46 years.

The High Court’s order for a fresh survey of the land was pivotal in affirming the petitioner’s claims. The court stated that the facts presented were indicative of a significant violation of Lone’s rights, noting that the appropriate legal procedures had not been followed in depriving him of his constitutional property rights.

The ruling’s implication extends beyond this specific case, as Justice Nargal articulated that the state and its agencies could not dispossess citizens of their property without adhering to established legal frameworks. The court inferred an obligation to provide compensation from Article 300A of the Indian Constitution, highlighting the necessity for a human rights-based approach to property ownership and state acquisition.

This judgment not only addresses the immediate concerns of the petitioner but also sets a precedent for upholding property rights within the broader context of human rights in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, signaling a shift toward greater accountability and adherence to legal norms in cases involving property dispossession.

In a significant development, the Indian Army has initiated an inquiry following serious allegations of torture against four civilians detained in connection with recent terrorist activities in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir. The detainees, identified as Sajad Ahmad, Abdul Kabir, Mushtaq Ahmad, and Mehraj-ud-Din, all hailing from Kwath village, were reportedly subjected to brutal treatment during interrogation.

Family members of the detained men have claimed that the individuals exhibited visible signs of assault, including bruise marks on their legs and buttocks from flogging, a laceration on one man’s temple, and severe swelling of another’s eye. In light of their injuries, the detainees were subsequently taken to Kishtwar district hospital for medical attention, raising concerns over the methods employed during their questioning.

The Army’s White Knight Corps has publicly responded to the allegations on their social media platform, X, stating that the operation leading to the arrests was based on specific intelligence regarding a group of terrorists in the sector. They acknowledged the reports of alleged mistreatment and assured that an investigation is underway to determine the facts surrounding the incident, emphasizing that necessary follow-up actions will be taken based on the findings.

The situation has drawn criticism from political figures, including Iltija Mufti of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who condemned the alleged torture in an online statement. Mufti highlighted this incident as a stark reminder of the broad powers granted to armed forces under certain laws in Jammu and Kashmir, which often lead to impunity for misconduct.

This incident is not an isolated one; it follows a troubling pattern of incidents where the Army and governmental authorities have faced backlash over the treatment of civilians amid counter-terrorism efforts. A particularly distressing case occurred in December of the previous year when three civilians died while in custody in the Poonch district. Their detention followed a terrorist ambush that resulted in the deaths of three soldiers. Public outrage prompted the Jammu and Kashmir government to offer compensation to the families of the deceased and provide jobs for their next of kin. Furthermore, disciplinary measures were taken against several officers involved, with a brigadier-level officer being reassigned.

The recent allegations have reignited discussions about military protocols in conflict zones and the essential need for accountability to protect civilians amidst ongoing security operations. As the inquiry progresses, the outcomes will be closely monitored by both local communities and human rights advocates, who continue to call for transparency and justice in cases of alleged military misconduct.

In a significant achievement for the National Cadet Corps (NCC) program, four cadets from DAV College, Hathi Gate, are poised to join the Army as officers. Among those selected are Cadet Under Officer Yugraj Singh and cadet Akash from the 11 Punjab Battalion of the NCC, who will be commissioned as Agniveers. In addition, Jashan Preet Singh and Cadet Prabhjeet Singh have already secured recruitment into the Army.

The Principal of DAV College, Dr. Amardeep Gupta, celebrated this momentous occasion, highlighting it as a pivotal milestone in the cadets’ careers. He emphasized their unwavering dedication to serving the nation and the rigorous training they will soon undertake to prepare for their roles as Army officers. “This achievement reflects their commitment and hard work,” he stated.

The Commanding Officer of the NCC, Colonel Birendra Kumar, underlined the cadets’ journey as a testament to the perseverance and leadership qualities they have exhibited throughout their time in the NCC. These values are integral to the ethos of the armed forces, and Col. Kumar expressed pride in the accomplishments of the cadets.

Captain Kamal Kishore and Chief Training Officer Puneet Kumar also praised the cadets for their exceptional performance during their training. They noted that the cadets have embodied the spirit and values of the armed forces, demonstrating impressive leadership skills and determination throughout their NCC tenure. As these young men prepare to enter the Army, they will undergo specialized training designed to equip them with the necessary skills to excel in their future roles.

The success of these cadets not only reflects their personal achievements but also serves as an inspiration to their peers, and it reinforces the importance of the NCC program in fostering the next generation of leaders in the defense services.

India has successfully achieved a significant milestone in its maritime nuclear deterrence strategy with the operationalization of the sea leg. The test launch of a long-range ballistic missile from its indigenous nuclear-powered submarine marks a pivotal moment, extending the reach of its nuclear capabilities to much of mainland China.

The missile, a K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile boasting a range of 3,500 kilometers, was test-fired from the newly commissioned INS Arighat on November 27 in the Bay of Bengal. This event comes as a revelation, as it challenges the widespread belief regarding the capabilities of India’s second indigenous nuclear-powered ballistic submarine. While the Indian government has not publicly confirmed the details of the test, a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was issued, warning flights to avoid a specific corridor, underscoring the seriousness of the test.

Prior to this, India’s first nuclear submarine, INS Arihant, was limited to K-15 missiles with a range of only 750 kilometers. This restricted capability was barely sufficient for engaging significant targets in China or even Pakistan, emphasizing the necessity for a more potent maritime deterrent. The introduction of the K-4 on INS Arighat significantly enhances India’s strategic posture in the region.

The significance of the K-4 missile operation cannot be overstated. Nuclear-powered submarines equipped with reliable ballistic missile systems are considered the most survivable delivery method in nuclear warfare, primarily due to the challenges of detecting submarines in the ocean’s depths. However, constructing a reliable underwater vertical launch system presents considerable technical challenges that India has now begun to surmount.

Manpreet Sethi, a nuclear expert, highlighted that for submarines to be effective in a nuclear context, they need to be equipped with missiles that allow them to remain at a safe distance from potential threats. The successful test of the K-4 missile aboard INS Arighat is a significant step toward achieving this requirement.

Regional tensions have been escalating, particularly in the context of China’s burgeoning military capabilities and its deployment of nuclear submarines (SSBNs) in the Indian Ocean Region. These developments raise strategic concerns for India, emphasizing the importance of survivability in nuclear retaliation. With India’s extensive coastline and geographic setting, SSBNs like the INS Arighat can maintain a clandestine posture in the deep ocean, ensuring the integrity of its second-strike capability.

India’s naval ambitions continue with plans to commission its third nuclear submarine, the INS Aridhaman, by 2025. This submarine is set to carry K-4 missiles, further operationalizing India’s second-strike capabilities. Following the Aridhaman, India is also developing another advanced SSBN, the S-4, and an additional fifth SSBN equipped with the K-5 missile with a range of 5,000 kilometers. This expanding fleet hints at a strategic shift in India’s defense posture, wherein the necessity of keeping submarines on continuous patrol becomes evident.

The test comes amid ongoing debates regarding India’s No First Use (NFU) nuclear policy, which is becoming increasingly contentious as the lines between conventional and nuclear deterrents blur. The NFU policy, premised on principles of credible minimum deterrence and massive retaliation, faces challenges due to the growing nuclear capabilities of China and the nuanced threats in the Indo-Pacific region.

India is also cognizant of the communication challenges inherent in the operation of its nuclear submarines. The command and control systems are designed to prevent unauthorized arming and launching of nuclear weapons, relying on a complex interplay of controls and permissive action links. However, the inherent limitations of communication systems used by SSBNs pose risks of missed commands from authority, necessitating continuous improvements in operational protocols.

The successful test of the K-4 missile from INS Arighat signifies a robust strategic advancement for India, bolstering its nuclear deterrent capabilities and enhancing its geopolitical posture in an increasingly complex security landscape. As the region’s dynamics evolve, India’s commitment to maintaining a credible and survivable nuclear deterrent becomes ever more critical.

On November 4, 2024, the Pakistan Navy publicly announced the successful test of its Ship-Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM), named SMASH. The timing of this announcement—just one month ahead of India’s Navy Day on December 4, a date that commemorates India’s pivotal victory over Pakistan during the 1971 war—has sparked widespread interpretations that it is an attempt by Pakistan to demonstrate military strength amid an increasingly evident naval disparity between the two countries.

Pakistan touts the SMASH missile as a notable technological milestone, claiming it boasts a range exceeding 350 kilometers and the capability to engage both terrestrial and maritime targets. Yet, several defense analysts and naval experts express skepticism regarding the missile’s actual strategic significance. They reference Pakistan’s limited expertise and operational history with advanced maritime weaponry, suggesting that the hype surrounding SMASH may be more symbolic than substantive. Consequently, concerns remain that such developments do little to mitigate the Indian Navy’s overwhelming dominance in the region.

In stark contrast, India continues to advance its own missile technologies and naval capabilities. On November 16, 2024, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully executed a flight trial for India’s first long-range hypersonic missile, which is designed to carry diverse payloads beyond 1,500 kilometers. This significant leap in defense technology emphasizes India’s position, far outstripping Pakistan’s fledgling developments in the same field.

Furthermore, India has fortified its naval prowess by deploying Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MR-SAM), which provide a defensive shield with an operational range between 90 to 100 kilometers. These systems ensure comprehensive protection for India’s naval assets against potential threats from neighboring entities. In a bid to preserve its technological superiority, the Indian Navy is engaged in developing advanced interceptor systems capable of countering a spectrum of maritime threats, further evidencing its focus on state-of-the-art defense solutions.

The legacy of maritime superiority of the Indian Navy is deeply entrenched in historical contexts. The 1971 Indo-Pak War saw the execution of Operations Trident and Python, which successfully crippled Pakistan’s naval capabilities. Operation Trident dealt a hard blow by destroying crucial fuel reserves and sinking the destroyer PNS Khaibar, while Operation Python caused significant damage to Karachi’s port infrastructure, leaving Pakistan’s naval forces in disarray.

During the Kargil conflict of 1999, the Indian Navy demonstrated strategic acumen through Operation Talwar, deploying a resolute fleet in the Arabian Sea that deterred Pakistan from escalating the conflict to maritime engagement. This maneuver underscored India’s control over critical maritime routes and exemplified its strategic military planning.

In the wake of the Kargil conflict, the Indian Navy has embarked on an extensive modernization initiative, manifesting its commitment to enhance maritime capabilities. The induction of cutting-edge platforms, including the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya and the indigenous carrier INS Vikrant, alongside nuclear-powered submarines such as INS Arihant and INS Arighat, fortify India’s status as a formidable naval presence. The anticipated addition of INS Aridhaman promises to bolster India’s second-strike capabilities, an area where Pakistan remains considerably disadvantaged.

India’s integration of advanced missile systems, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and substantial advancements in anti-submarine warfare technologies, positions it at the forefront of naval power in the region. These innovations not only enable India to address challenges posed by less experienced neighbors but also ensure a sustained strategic edge.

In light of Pakistan’s limited naval advancements, such as the SMASH missile, which may capture media attention, they are insufficient to shift the regional balance of power. India’s superior technological capabilities, grounded in a pronounced history of maritime dominance, undergird a robust defense posture that sustains national interests.

As the preeminent security provider in the Indian Ocean Region, the Indian Navy plays a crucial role in maintaining the stability of vital international waters. Fueled by indigenous innovation and strategic foresight, the Navy not only secures India’s maritime interests but also significantly contributes to regional peace and stability, affirming its role as a seasoned and capable maritime force.

In a significant ruling, the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has mandated the Indian Army to compensate a private landowner for over four decades of unauthorized occupation of land in the Budgam district. The court has directed the army to pay rent for the land that has been occupied since 1978, emphasizing the need for adherence to property rights as guaranteed under the Indian Constitution.

Justice Sanjay Dhar, who delivered the judgment, underscored the importance of compensating landowners whose properties are utilized by state agencies or military forces. He pointed out that the owner of the land had initiated a legal battle to seek justice after the army occupied their property without a formal requisition order and failed to provide any rental payment throughout the years.

The landowner had consistently approached local authorities and the judiciary, seeking rightful compensation for the use of their land, which had been taken under a temporary arrangement. The court noted that the delays in addressing the rent payments amounted to a violation of the landowner’s fundamental rights, specifically referencing Article 300A of the Indian Constitution that protects against deprivation of property without lawful compensation.

In its order, the court directed the Indian Army to clear the accumulated rent arrears at the prevailing market rates, as determined by a competent revenue authority, and mandated that future payments be made in a timely manner. This ruling is being viewed as a crucial affirmation of property rights, with legal experts noting its potential implications for similar cases where government entities have commandeered private land without compensation.

A senior lawyer remarked on the significance of the ruling, stating that it reinforces the legal principle that no institution is above the law regarding property rights. While the Indian Army has yet to provide a formal response to the court’s directive, sources suggest that steps will be initiated to comply with the ruling and to review the administrative procedures concerning land usage.

This judgment sets a precedent, highlighting the necessity for government agencies to act in accordance with legal provisions when it comes to the occupation of private land. The court also urged relevant authorities to address such disputes proactively to avoid lengthy litigation processes in the future.