The Indian Army, through its South Western Command, has demonstrated its commitment to excellence in oral health care with a recent visit by Lt Gen Vineet Sharma, VSM, Director General Dental Services (DGDS) and Colonel Commandant Army Dental Corps, to the Sapta Shakti Command Military Dental Centre. During his visit on January 11, 2025, Lt Gen Sharma reviewed the infrastructure, equipment, and dental care services provided to defense personnel and their families at the centre.

The South Western Command detailed the visit, emphasizing the Army’s dedication to ensuring high standards in oral healthcare. The visit aimed to assess the current state of dental care facilities and discuss future prospects for modernization within the military dental sector.

Lt Gen Sharma also took the opportunity to engage with Lt Gen Manjinder Singh, the Army Commander of Sapta Shakti Command, to discuss the mechanisms of oral health care delivery. This interaction highlights the collaborative efforts within the Army to streamline and enhance healthcare services for its personnel.

The focus on dental health care is part of a broader initiative to improve the overall well-being and operational readiness of military personnel. With the increasing recognition of dental health’s impact on general health, such visits are crucial for ensuring that the armed forces maintain peak physical condition.

The commitment to dental care modernization comes at a time when the Indian Armed Forces are also pushing forward with significant procurement plans, like the acquisition of 419 Indian Multi-Role Helicopters from HAL, showcasing a unified approach to enhancing defense capabilities across various fronts, including health services.

This development reflects the Indian Army’s ongoing efforts to not only equip its forces with the latest military technology but also to ensure their health and welfare are at the forefront of its strategic planning.

The Indian Army’s Western Command conducted its Investiture Ceremony on January 10, 2025, at the Manekshaw Auditorium in New Delhi, celebrating the valor and service of its personnel. The ceremony, marked by military precision and honor, saw the Army Commander of the Western Command bestowing various awards upon distinguished soldiers for their exemplary service to the nation.

During the event, a total of four Bar to Sena Medals (Distinguished), thirteen Sena Medals (Distinguished), one Bar to Vishist Seva Medal, and thirty-five Vishist Seva Medals were awarded. These accolades recognize the exceptional bravery, dedication, and contributions of the recipients in their service to the country.

In addition to individual awards, the Golden Arrow Division was honored with the coveted Army Commanders Banner. This prestigious recognition was given for their outstanding overall performance in professional activities, sports, and adventure, reflecting the division’s high standards and commitment.

The ceremony was not only a moment of pride for the recipients but also a testament to the enduring legacy of service and sacrifice within the Indian Army. The backdrop of the Manekshaw Auditorium, named after the architect of the 1971 war victory, Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, added a layer of historical significance to the proceedings.

This event underscores the Indian Army’s tradition of recognizing and celebrating the valor of its personnel, reinforcing the ethos of duty, honor, and country. The Western Command’s investiture ceremony serves as a reminder of the ongoing dedication of the Indian military to uphold the highest standards of service and bravery.

The Southern Command of the Indian Army celebrated the grandeur of military discipline and technological prowess at the Southern Command Investiture Ceremony 2025, held at the iconic BEG & Centre Parade Ground in Khadki, Pune. Presided over by Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, AVSM, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of Southern Command, the ceremony was a testament to the Indian Army’s commitment to excellence and readiness.

The event, themed with the motto ‘जयो वधो वा संग्रामे’ (Victory or Martyrdom in Battle), showcased an impressive march past by eight distinguished contingents from various Regimental Centres of the Indian Army, demonstrating the ethos and valor that define the nation’s armed forces.

A highlight of the ceremony was the display of the Indian Army’s technological advancements, underlining its modernisation roadmap for 2025. The parade ground was abuzz with state-of-the-art military technology, including advanced weaponry, combat vehicles, and other sophisticated systems, reflecting the Army’s operational readiness and its dedication to safeguarding the nation. This display was part of the broader initiative to foster public engagement and pride in the military’s capabilities, in line with the Army Day celebrations planned for Pune later this month.

The ceremony not only honored the bravery and service of the soldiers but also showcased the Indian Army’s commitment to embracing new technologies, which is pivotal for its future operations. The event aligns with the ongoing efforts to enhance the Army’s technological footprint, as seen in the recent ‘Know Your Army Mela 2025’, which attracted over 2.65 lakh visitors and showcased indigenous defense capabilities.

Pune, known for its rich military heritage and as a hub for defense training and innovation, was chosen to host this year’s Army Day, marking a significant shift from the traditional venue in Delhi. This decision underscores the Army’s intention to engage more directly with citizens across different states, enhancing the bond between the military and the public, and inspiring a new generation to consider careers in service to the nation.

The Investiture Ceremony 2025 in Pune not only paid tribute to the city’s contributions to India’s defense forces but also set the stage for the upcoming Army Day Parade, emphasizing themes of modernisation, inclusivity, and public engagement. As the Indian Army continues to adapt and evolve, these ceremonies serve as platforms to inspire, innovate, and honor the nation’s defenders.

The Indian Army’s Surya Command successfully concluded the 28th Infantry Centre Commandants Conference (ICCC) in the historic city of Varanasi on January 9-10, 2025. The conference was a platform for brainstorming sessions focused on enhancing the training infrastructure for Agniveers, reflecting the Army’s dedication to achieving excellence across all domains.

During the event, the JAK RIF Training Centre located in Jabalpur was honored with the title of ‘Best Training Centre 2024-25’. This accolade underscores the centre’s exceptional contribution to the training and development of Agniveers. Additionally, the MARATHA LI Centre in Belgaum and 39 GTC in Varanasi were recognized as runners-up, showcasing their commendable efforts in military training.

Lt Gen Ajay Kumar, Director General of Infantry, praised the 39 GTC for their professional and flawless execution of this significant annual event, emphasizing the importance of such conferences in driving forward military training initiatives.

The conference not only highlighted the Indian Army’s commitment to modernization of training but also celebrated the professional achievements of various training centers, fostering a culture of excellence within the defence forces.

As part of its efforts to integrate advanced technology into combat operations, the Battle Axe Division recently conducted a Drone Handling Validation Training at Jaisalmer under the banner of #TechInfusion.

The exercise focused on assessing the operational understanding of drones and refining tactics, techniques, and procedures following their induction as critical force multipliers.

The training tested the participants’ proficiency in drone operations and their ability to adapt to evolving combat scenarios. The insights gained from this exercise will help enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of drone deployment in real-world operational settings.

This initiative underscores the division’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to bolster battlefield capabilities, ensuring readiness to meet contemporary and future challenges.

Major General Anupinder Bevli, VSM, Additional Director General (ADG) of the Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh (JK&L) Directorate of the National Cadet Corps (NCC), conducted a comprehensive review visit to the newly established 1 J&K Air Squadron NCC on January 10, 2025. His visit was aimed at assessing the functioning of the unit and ensuring the highest standards of flying safety.

During his visit, Major General Anupinder Bevli took the opportunity to commend the staff for their dedication and hard work in setting up and managing the operations of the squadron. He emphasized the critical importance of timely cadet enrollment, quality training, and an early commencement of flying training to ensure the cadets receive the best possible preparation for their future roles. This focus on early training aligns with the NCC’s broader objective of fostering leadership, discipline, and a sense of national service among the youth of the region.

The ADG’s visit comes at a time when the NCC is actively engaging with the youth from the border areas of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, regions that have recently seen significant administrative changes following their bifurcation into Union Territories. Maj Gen Bevli’s engagement with NCC units in these areas underscores the organization’s commitment to integrating local youth into national service and development activities, promoting unity and discipline amidst diversity.

This recent visit by Maj Gen Bevli follows his earlier commendation of the 2 J&K Girls Battalion NCC, highlighting the consistent efforts by the NCC to maintain high standards of performance and discipline. His leadership emphasizes institutional training as a cornerstone for shaping future leaders who embody values like responsibility, patriotism, and a secular outlook, which are crucial for the NCC’s mission.

In light of these developments, the NCC Special Entry Scheme for the 58th Course, scheduled for October 2025, was announced, offering a golden opportunity for both male and female candidates to join the Indian Army. This initiative not only broadens the scope of youth involvement but also aligns with the strategic vision Maj Gen Bevli has for the NCC in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, focusing on accountability, excellence, and early engagement in training activities.

Maj Gen Bevli’s visit and his emphasis on these aspects serve as a guiding principle for the NCC units, reinforcing the organization’s legacy as a premier institution for youth development in India. His engagement with the cadets and staff at 1 J&K Air Squadron NCC was marked by an interactive session, leaving the participants motivated and inspired to uphold the values and standards set forth by the NCC.

In a significant visit to bolster military preparedness, Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Indian Army’s Central Command, inspected the Kumaon Regimental Centre in Ranikhet. The visit, which took place on January 10, 2025, was aimed at reviewing the operational, training, and administrative preparedness of the regiment.

Lt Gen Sengupta, a decorated officer with a commendable service record, was briefed on various initiatives undertaken by the establishment. His visit included interactions with Agniveers, the new recruits under the Agnipath Scheme, and the instructors, where he appreciated the high standards of training and the robust administrative infrastructure in place.

This visit reflects the ongoing efforts of the Indian Army to adapt and modernize its forces under schemes like Agnipath, which recruits soldiers for a four-year term, a significant change from the traditional long-term service model.

The visit underscores the Indian Army’s commitment to maintaining high professional standards and readiness, with Lt Gen Sengupta urging all ranks to continue their pursuit of excellence. This initiative is part of a broader transformation within the military to ensure that the forces remain strong, capable, and ready for future challenges.

The Kumaon Regimental Centre, known for its historical significance and recruitment from the Kumaon division of Uttarakhand and Ahirs from various states, continues to play a pivotal role in the Indian Army’s structure. Lt Gen Sengupta’s review comes at a time when the Indian Army is undergoing significant reforms to enhance capability development and prepare the next generation of soldiers.

This visit by Lt Gen Sengupta not only highlights the importance of continuous assessment and improvement in military training but also signifies the leadership’s dedication to the welfare and professional growth of its personnel.

A delegation from Tanzania, led by Brig Gen George Mwita Itang’are, Commandant of the Tanzanian Peacekeeping Training Centre, visited the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping (CUNPK) in New Delhi today. The visit aimed to foster collaboration between India and Tanzania in the realm of peacekeeping operations, focusing on sharing knowledge and enhancing joint efforts in global peace missions.

During their visit, the Tanzanian delegation observed the rigorous training schedule of the Indian Battalion, known as INDBATT, which is preparing for deployment to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). This hands-on observation allowed the delegation to gain insights into the comprehensive preparation processes undertaken by Indian peacekeepers.

The delegation also participated in a lecture and demonstration on crowd control techniques, a critical skill in peacekeeping operations. They were briefed on India’s significant contributions to various UN Peacekeeping Missions, highlighting the extensive training provided to Indian peacekeepers to ensure they are well-equipped to handle complex peacekeeping environments.

Brig Gen Itang’are expressed his appreciation for the valuable insights gained during the visit, emphasizing the importance of such international collaborations. He stated, “Our visit to CUNPK has been incredibly insightful. It’s clear that the training and preparation here are of the highest standard, and we look forward to enhancing our peacekeeping efforts through this partnership with India.”

The visit underscores the growing relationship between Tanzania and India in peacekeeping, aligning with broader efforts to strengthen peacekeeping operations worldwide. The Indian Army’s commitment to UN peacekeeping was highlighted, with officials from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) India, Ministry of Defence, and other related departments in attendance, showcasing the government’s support for such international endeavors.