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.

In a significant development reflecting the strengthening military collaboration between India and Egypt, an Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent has arrived in Egypt to participate in the month-long Tactical Leadership Programme (TLP) at the Egyptian Air Force (EAF) Weapon School. This initiative underscores the commitment of the IAF to enhance its operational capabilities through joint training exercises with international partners.

The Indian delegation is comprised of SU-30MKI fighter jets and a specialized team of personnel, marking a crucial presence at the TLP, which also includes contributions from the air forces of Jordan and Greece. This diverse representation aims to foster greater interoperability among allied forces in air combat operations.

Leading the IAF’s participation in the TLP is the Gwalior-based Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE), a premier institution recognized for training some of the top combat pilots and instructors within the IAF. The involvement of TACDE in this international program signifies a focused approach to enhancing tactical proficiency in air combat scenarios.

Sources indicate that the IAF team arrived in Egypt earlier this week, completing a non-stop flight aided by IL-78 mid-air refuelers, a testament to the logistical capabilities of the IAF in sustaining long-distance operations. This operation showcases India’s advancing aerial refueling capabilities, vital for extending the range and endurance of its combat aircraft.

The Tactical Leadership Programme is designed to refine air combat skills through a series of simulations and operational exercises that cover a variety of scenarios, including both day and night missions. Participating aircraft will engage in complex air-to-ground and air-to-air combat exercises, collaborating closely with EAF’s F-16s and Rafales, as well as F-16s from Greece and Jordan.

This joint exercise with Egypt aims not only to improve tactical responses but also to develop deeper military ties among the nations involved, paving the way for potential future collaborations in defense and security. As global geopolitical dynamics evolve, such initiatives may play a crucial role in maintaining stability and enhancing cooperative security arrangements within the region.

Puri is set to host an extraordinary Navy Day celebration on December 4, as the Indian Navy showcases its military strength and operational prowess along the scenic shoreline. As part of the preparations, over 15 warships have already anchored off the coast, creating a striking backdrop for the festivities. The skies were alive with activity on Thursday as more than 10 helicopters and five fighter jets conducted practice runs, captivating thousands of spectators who gathered to witness the rehearsals.

In anticipation of the event, the Eastern Naval Command has meticulously organized the venue into designated sectors, utilizing bamboo barricades to manage the crowd effectively. Visitor arrangements are rapidly nearing completion, ensuring a well-coordinated experience for attendees.

The celebration will be inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu, who will launch an impressive lineup of over 20 demonstrations that highlight the Navy’s capabilities. Among the opening acts will be the ‘Bomb Burst’ demonstration by Hawk AJT aircraft, which is expected to kick off the proceedings in a spectacular fashion. The celebration will also feature a patriotic display, with Chetak helicopters parading the National Flag and Naval Ensign, emphasizing the pride of the nation.

Audiences can look forward to an array of exciting highlights, including demonstrations of submarine operations and Marine Commandos, alongside a collaborative tri-service amphibious operation that will involve personnel from the Navy, Army, and Air Force. The advanced MiG-29K jets and MH-60R helicopters will execute intricate combat maneuvers, showcasing their capabilities, while warships will perform demonstrations of anti-submarine warfare, reinforcing the Navy’s technological advancements. A Navy officer expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating, “This year’s celebrations will offer an unprecedented display of our naval prowess.”

In addition to the modern military demonstrations, the event will pay homage to tradition with features like the hornpipe dance and the ceremonial beating retreat, blending the rich history of the armed forces with contemporary exhibitions of power. The Navy Day celebrations in Puri promise to be an unforgettable spectacle that honors the dedication and excellence of India’s naval forces.

In a significant address at the 26th Doctrine and Strategy Seminar (DSS) held in Mhow, General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), emphasized the evolving nature of modern conflicts, highlighting a shift towards achieving political goals through non-military means while integrating advanced technology into military strategies. General Dwivedi characterized contemporary warfare as a continuum defined by five interconnected phases: Competition, Crisis, Confrontation, Conflict, and Combat. He articulated a vision where statecraft and diplomacy harmonize with both kinetic and non-kinetic actions.

The seminar, which spanned two days, focused on the need for adaptive military doctrines and operational philosophies that reflect the lessons learned from recent conflicts, particularly the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. General Dwivedi outlined several pivotal lessons from this conflict, particularly emphasizing the significance of Combined Arms Operations, the strategic use of asymmetric tactics, and the enhancement of Civil-Military Integration. These points were presented within the context of the DIME T framework, which integrates Diplomacy, Information, Military, Economic, and Technological strategies for cohesive military action.

The COAS also discussed the Decade of Transformation (2023-2032), underscoring it as a critical initiative aimed at fostering a more integrated military approach to responding to modern warfare challenges. He praised the thorough analysis presented during the seminar that addressed strategic and operational issues, reiterating the necessity of transformation and adaptation in military practices to meet the demands of contemporary conflicts.

Addressing the complexities of 5th-generation warfare, General Dwivedi highlighted the significance of non-kinetic military actions, including disinformation campaigns, cyber operations, and the deployment of artificial intelligence and autonomous systems. He noted that while newer forms of warfare are emerging, the relevance of historical warfare strategies remains steadfast. There is a growing need to integrate both non-contact and non-kinetic methods into military strategies as national security threats evolve.

The COAS elaborated on confronting national security challenges, particularly the intricacies of Grey Zone operations and the two-front challenge. He stressed the importance of synchronizing land operations with maritime and aerial strategies to safeguard India’s interests in the increasingly contested Indo-Pacific region. As adversaries adopt hybrid strategies, it is crucial for the Indian Army to revise its doctrines to effectively counter these multi-dimensional threats posed by state and non-state actors.

Recognizing the role of technology, General Dwivedi emphasized the necessity of integrating advancements like artificial intelligence, precision warfare, and cyber capabilities to facilitate multi-domain operations. He urged military leaders to remain agile in adapting to technological shifts and highlighted the importance of fostering institutional agility for rapid development and deployment of innovative technologies.

Leadership was another focal point in the COAS’s address, with a strong emphasis on its critical role in military adaptation. He described strong, adaptive leadership as vital in meeting the evolving challenges related to doctrine and technology. General Dwivedi called for a reduction in rigid doctrinal frameworks, advocating for agility, decentralization, and expedited decision-making processes, especially at the tactical level.

In closing, the COAS championed the development of adaptive doctrines that account for dynamic threat environments, technology integration, robust training methods, and realistic wargaming exercises. He advocated for a military framework that promotes jointness and interoperability with allied nations while fostering seamless cooperation between civilian and military sectors — encouraging the adoption of innovations from the private sector for military applications.

The Indian armed forces, including the Indian Air Force (IAF), Navy, and Coast Guard, are moving to terminate their individual contracts with Uber, the ride-hailing service, to provide transportation for serving and retired personnel. This decision comes in the wake of a security scare that was raised during a news podcast, which sparked significant public backlash on social media platforms.

An Uber spokesperson addressed the situation, stating, “We stand ready to discuss our data-security practices in detail should they choose to reconsider.” The spokesperson emphasized that Uber has robust safeguards to prevent the loss and unauthorized use or disclosure of personal data. The company has built a foundation of trust over the past decade, with millions of Indians relying on its services.

Sources indicate that the armed forces have commenced the process of contract termination. The Indian Navy was the first service to formalize a deal with Uber on September 11, 2023, followed closely by the Coast Guard, which announced its agreement on December 22. The IAF signed its contract later, on October 18, 2024. These agreements were intended to facilitate reliable, convenient, and safe transportation for military personnel, veterans, and their families. However, no official statements have been released by the three services regarding the current review of these contracts.

The reconsideration of these transport arrangements follows a strong defense from Deputy Army Chief Lieutenant General Raja Subramani regarding the decisions made by the Navy and Air Force amidst criticisms arising from the podcast, which thrust the matters under scrutiny. Notably, the Indian Army has not entered into a contract with Uber unlike its sister services.

After the public criticism and the controversial podcast, the IAF chose to remove its social media post that labeled Uber as its preferred mobility partner. Abhijit Iyer Mitra, a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, expressed gratitude on social media to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for their prompt actions within 48 hours regarding various cybersecurity concerns, including the partnership with Uber. Mitra indicated that he had previously brought these issues to the attention of the Defence Minister in a letter, which he shared on the platform X.

This heightened concern over cybersecurity comes in the context of escalating global fears regarding eavesdropping and vulnerabilities in supply chains, especially in light of recent technology-driven attacks in other parts of the world. The Indian forces’ review and potential scrapping of contracts with Uber underscores a significant intersection of operational logistics and national security considerations, as they navigate the complexities of modern technology and the imperative of protecting sensitive data.

Guwahati: The search for a missing worker from the Leimakhong military station in Manipur has escalated, with both the Indian Army and the Manipur Police increasing their efforts to locate him. Laishram Kamalbabu Singha, a 56-year-old supervisor for a private construction company working on military projects, has been unaccounted for since November 25 after reporting to work at the site, located approximately 16 kilometers from Imphal.

Kamalbabu is originally from Cachar district in Assam, and was residing in Khurkul village in Imphal West district. Reports indicate that he was last seen wearing grey trousers and a dark green jacket. His disappearance has raised concerns among locals, leading to a flurry of activity from both law enforcement and the Army. His younger brother lodged a First Information Report (FIR) at Sekmai Police Station on Tuesday, while his wife reported him missing to the Cachar Police the following day.

The Indian Army has been actively coordinating with the police and has held discussions with village leaders and local elders in an attempt to gather information that could aid in the search. In their efforts, they have deployed drones and helicopters to search the surrounding areas of Leimakhong.

Tensions are palpable in the region following Kamalbabu’s disappearance, particularly in the peripheral regions of Imphal Valley, as some locals speculate that insurgents may be involved. This suspicion has incited action from the community; on Tuesday, large numbers of Meitei protesters marched to the military station, demanding accountability from the authorities. Protesters also blocked roads and hindered the movement of both army and police personnel, underlining the unrest surrounding the situation.

In response to the incident, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh confirmed that the government is aware of the case and that search operations are actively ongoing. The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), representing a coalition of Meitei civil society organizations, issued a statement urging for more extensive search efforts, labeling the disappearance from a military establishment as a significant concern not only for the family involved but for the nation as a whole.

Further complicating the matter, Kamalbabu’s brother has petitioned the Manipur High Court, expressing fears that Kamalbabu may suffer a fate similar to that of a Meitei family previously abducted and murdered by suspected Kuki-Zo insurgents in the Jiribam area. The High Court has responded by issuing notices to key officials, including the authorities of the Manipur Security Advisors, the Director General of Police, and the General Officer Commanding of the 57 Mountain Division of the Indian Army. The case is set for a hearing on Friday, as the search for Kamalbabu continues amidst rising community tension and concerns for safety.

An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent of Sukhoi-30 MKIs and personnel has arrived in Egypt to participate in the second iteration of the Tactical Leadership Programme (TLP) at the Egyptian Air Force (EAF) Weapon School. This month-long exercise involves collaboration with the Air Forces of Jordan and Greece, marking a significant step in enhancing operational capabilities and interoperability among allied air forces.

Unlike standard military drills, the TLP is specialized and conducted at the instructor level. It focuses on the exchange of best practices and operational techniques among participating nations. Leading the IAF team is the Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE), based in Gwalior, which is known for training elite fighter pilots.

The IAF contingent reached Egypt on November 26, 2024, as confirmed by defense sources. The primary aim of the TLP is the exchange of tactical ideas concerning large force engagements and complex multi-aircraft missions, further advancing the interoperability among the air forces involved.

In the first edition of the TLP held in 2022, TACDE contributed three Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft and six combat instructor pilots. That exercise featured extensive logistical maneuvers, including flights exceeding six hours, supported by mid-air refueling from both the IAF and the United Arab Emirates Air Force. This year’s exercise will also utilize an IL-78 mid-air refueling aircraft to maintain non-stop operational capabilities.

During the programme, IAF pilots and their SU-30MKI jets are set to sharpen their combat skills and refine strategic tactics through a series of challenging missions conducted day and night. These missions will encompass air-to-ground and air-to-air combat scenarios in collaboration with Egyptian forces flying F-16s, Rafales, and MiG-29s, along with F-16s from Jordan and Greece.

India and Egypt have significantly expanded their military cooperation over the past decades, a partnership that dates back to the 1960s. Notably, the relationship began when Group Captain Kapil Bhargava, an esteemed IAF Test Pilot, conducted test flights of the Egyptian prototype Helwan HA-300 alongside Egyptian Air Force Test Pilots. This foundational exchange was furthered by an initiative in which Indian Qualified Flying Instructors trained Egyptian pilot cadets, a program that extended into the 1980s.

The ongoing TLP signifies the deepening ties and mutual commitment to advancing military readiness and joint operational capabilities, positioning both nations to respond effectively to emerging security challenges.