An integrated firepower exercise, dubbed Kharga Shakti, was carried out by the Ambala-based 2 Corps this month to practice and validate the synchronized delivery of firepower by a strike corps. The exercise emphasized complete integration with surveillance resources and various air power assets of the Indian Air Force. The culmination of the maneuvers was reviewed by Lt Gen Manoj Katiyar, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Command, at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges located in north-western Rajasthan.

Present during the evaluation was Lt Gen Rajesh Pushkar, the GOC of Kharga Corps, along with senior officers from Command and Corps Headquarters and formation commanders. During the exercise, the Army Commander engaged with officers and soldiers, emphasizing that the event highlighted the strengths of the Indian Army and marked a critical milestone in the operational preparedness of the Kharga Corps.

In his remarks, the General Officer stressed the vital importance of synergy with the Indian Air Force, urging the participating soldiers to pursue excellence and uphold the storied history and ethos of the Corps, represented by the “Kharga of Maa Kali.” This emblem is viewed as the ultimate weapon against adversaries in battle.

The Kharga Shakti exercise showcased seamless and impactful integrated firing in a simulated operational environment, particularly tailored for operations in terrain heavily obstructed by obstacles. The synchronized delivery of firepower saw all elements of the Kharga Corps coordinate effectively with missions conducted by fighter bombers, photo reconnaissance sorties, and attack helicopters from the Air Force.

Additionally, the exercise included the use of several newly inducted technologies aimed at enhancing battlefield efficiency. These innovations included swarm drones, loitering munition systems, quadcopters, and logistic drones, all of which were validated through newly established tactics, techniques, and procedures. This integration of advanced systems reflects the evolving landscape of modern warfare and the commitment of the Indian Armed Forces to adapt and enhance their operational capabilities.

The Indian Army has formally requested the state government for the allocation of 300 units of free electricity per month for its personnel stationed in Punjab. This appeal has placed the government in a challenging position, as it is already contending with significant financial pressures stemming from its domestic power subsidy obligations.

In a letter addressed to the state government, the South Western Command of the Indian Army highlighted that while the government has been providing 300 units of complimentary power to domestic consumers since July 2022, this benefit has yet to be extended to service members and defense civilians living in married quarters within cantonments and military stations across Punjab.

Officials from the Punjab government have opined that providing a power subsidy to individuals residing in cantonments and military stations is not feasible, as these locations are supplied with bulk electricity. The subsidy program is designed for individual domestic consumers, and officials maintain that extending this benefit to service personnel would deviate from the established protocol.

Moreover, the Indian Army has pointed out that a similar initiative is currently in place in Delhi, where the government extends free power provisions to service personnel. This demand is actively being deliberated at high levels within the state government, reflecting the complexity of the issue.

Currently, over 100,000 troops are stationed in Punjab, with all officers and junior commissioned officers eligible for family accommodations, as well as 35% of enlisted personnel. Additionally, numerous civilian employees of the Defence Ministry residing in military establishments are also qualified for accommodation.

The financial implications of accommodating this request could be substantial. The anticipated domestic power subsidy burden on the state government is projected to reach Rs 8,785 crore, marking an increase of Rs 1,550 crore compared to the previous fiscal year. If the government were to approve the demand for free power for military personnel, it would effectively have to expand the offer to other military formations located in Jalandhar, Ferozepur, Patiala, Amritsar, and Pathankot.

The government is grappling with its own fiscal instability while attempting to meet its current obligations to the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL). As of mid-November, the state had disbursed only Rs 4,508.2 crore of the total subsidy required for free domestic power, out of a total estimated subsidy bill of Rs 20,477 crore, of which Rs 11,401.26 crore has been settled. In the current month, aside from the Rs 200 crore subsidy to PSPCL, the government provided a grant-in-aid totaling Rs 2,387 crore to the utility.

As discussions continue within the state government regarding the Army’s request for power subsidies, the balancing act between supporting military personnel and managing the state’s power subsidy budget remains a delicate matter.

On November 26, 2024, demonstrations erupted outside the Leimakhong Army Camp in Imphal West following the mysterious disappearance of Laishram Kamalbabu Singh, a works supervisor employed by a contractor associated with the Military Engineering Services. Singh, originally from Assam’s Cachar district, had left his home in Khukrul on the afternoon of November 25 to report for duty at the military facility but did not return that evening, prompting immediate concern from his family.

In response to his disappearance, the Army initiated a large-scale search operation. Defence officials reported that all available resources were deployed, including the analysis of CCTV footage, interviews with co-workers, and the use of tracker dogs. Despite thorough searches of the surrounding areas, Singh and his two-wheeler have not been found. Efforts have since expanded to include aerial reconnaissance with drones and coordination with local civil society organizations in an attempt to locate the missing man. Authorities have reassured Singh’s family that every possible measure is being taken for his safe return.

The situation turned tense when hundreds of demonstrators from the Meitei community organized a march toward the military camp, demanding information about Singh. Their movement was halted near Kanto Sabal to prevent further escalation, leading to protesters blocking the road with rocks. In a bid to ease tensions, the Army has requested that the Meitei civil society organizations help to remove these blockades, emphasizing the need for unimpeded access for military and police operations.

Protesters expressed fears that Singh may have been kidnapped by militants and urged the state government to send additional forces for his rescue. The Leimakhong Military Station, which is about 16 kilometers from Imphal, has a complex security context, surrounded by hills predominantly inhabited by the Kuki community. This demographic tension is heightened by the ethnic violence that has plagued the region since May of the previous year, which has resulted in over 250 fatalities.

As the search continues and community tensions rise, both the Army and state police are working together to address the crisis and navigate the precarious situation in the region.

A remarkable exhibition of naval prowess was displayed over the Kochi coast as the Indian Navy celebrated Navy Week 2024. The event was highlighted by the impressive capabilities of INS Shardul, a landing ship tank that played a pivotal role in the demonstration alongside INS Sujata.

The naval display was not just a showcase of advanced maritime skills, but also served as a testament to the commitment of the Indian Navy towards maintaining maritime security and operational readiness. Spectators gathered along the coastline, captivated by the synchronized movements and precision maneuvers of the naval vessels, which included an array of naval operations demonstrating the versatility and strength of the Indian fleet.

INS Shardul, designed to transport troops, equipment, and vehicles, showcased its amphibious capabilities, emphasizing its ability to operate effectively in various maritime environments. The vessel executed an impressive range of drills that involved launching and recovering landing crafts, thereby highlighting its operational flexibility and readiness for potential humanitarian assistance or disaster relief missions.

Meanwhile, INS Sujata, a fleet replenishment ship, illustrated the importance of logistical support in naval operations. It performed fleet support actions which are crucial for sustaining maritime operations over extended periods, thereby ensuring that the navy can maintain its presence and effectiveness in critical maritime regions.

The event, which is part of the larger Navy Week celebrations, aims to foster public interest in naval affairs and promote awareness about the Indian Navy’s contributions to national security. It also serves to inspire younger generations to consider careers in the armed forces.

Audience members expressed awe and pride in witnessing the capabilities of the Navy, reinforcing the nation’s belief in the strength of its maritime forces. With its rich history and ongoing advancements, the Indian Navy continues to play a pivotal role in the region’s security dynamics, underlining the importance of naval strategy in contemporary geopolitics.

As Navy Week activities unfold, this display serves as a reminder not only of the technological advancements within the Indian Navy but also of its readiness to respond to challenges, thus ensuring peace and stability in the maritime domain. The successful execution of maneuvers during this showcase speaks volumes about the training, professionalism, and dedication of India’s naval personnel.

In a disturbing incident in Kishtwar district of Jammu & Kashmir, four local men were reportedly assaulted at an army camp after being detained for questioning regarding the recent killings of two village defence volunteers and a soldier by terrorists. The men, identified as Sajad Ahmed (37), Abdul Kabir (32), Mushtaq Ahmed (37), and Mehraj-ud-Din (40), all residents of Kwath Mughal Maidan village, were apprehended on November 20. They were suspected of aiding the terrorists involved in the murders of village defence guards Nazir Ahmed and Kuldeep Kumar, as well as Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar, who were killed in earlier incidents that month.

According to sources, the four men were taken to a Rashtriya Rifles camp in Chas where they allegedly suffered physical abuse. They were released later that evening. A relative of one of the victims, Irshad Goarwal, disclosed that the men sustained injuries to their faces, backs, and legs and are currently receiving treatment at a military hospital in Bhandarkot. He expressed concern over the treatment the men received, stating that they are local laborers who were unjustly treated.

Images depicting the men’s injuries have circulated on social media, although the authenticity of these images has not been independently verified. The Kishtwar district police chief, Javed Iqbal, described the injuries as minor and indicated that the police are investigating the circumstances surrounding their injuries while maintaining communication with the army.

The context of this incident follows the violent abductions and subsequent murders of the village defence guards earlier in November, which sparked significant outrage and protests in the region. Following the killings, the army launched an operation based on intelligence regarding the movements of a terrorist group in Kishtwar.

The White Knight Corps, stationed in Nagrota, acknowledged the allegations of civilian mistreatment during the operation and announced that an investigation would be conducted to determine the facts surrounding the treatment of the detainees. In a statement on social media, they indicated that necessary follow-up actions would be taken based on the investigation’s findings.

An army officer, speaking anonymously, indicated that the army intends to compensate the detained men for their injuries and has apologized for the incident. “The army is providing free treatment to the victims and taking care of them. The army has also assured them of adequate compensation,” the officer stated, affirming a commitment to work cooperatively with the local population in combating terrorism.

This incident has resurfaced discussions surrounding the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), which grants special powers to armed forces in areas deemed disturbed. Local political leaders expressed their outrage and called for accountability regarding the alleged torture of civilians. Iltija Mufti, a leader from the Peoples Democratic Party, highlighted the issue of impunity granted to armed forces under current laws, urging for a rigorous investigation into the Kishtwar incident. Similarly, Apni Party chief Altaf Bukhari demanded a thorough inquiry and appropriate punitive actions against those responsible.

The Kishtwar incident arrives nearly a year after a similarly controversial situation in Poonch, where three men were allegedly tortured to death by army personnel, leading to significant backlash and protests. In that case, the army instituted a court of inquiry, but the results have not been made public, reflecting ongoing concerns about transparency and accountability in military operations within the region.

The ongoing free electricity scheme offering up to 300 units has significantly increased both domestic electricity consumption and the resulting subsidy expenditures for the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL). This surge has raised concerns about the financial stability of the corporation. Since the scheme’s introduction in 2022, PSPCL has recorded an influx of domestic electricity connections, with an impressive increase of 80,000 new accounts.

Prior to the scheme’s launch, PSPCL sanctioned 5.5 lakh new domestic connections between 2020 and 2022. However, this figure jumped to 6.27 lakh connections from 2022 to 2024, demonstrating a substantial rise in consumer reliance on subsidized power. The average annual addition of new connections hovered around 2.2 lakh, but with the introduction of the free electricity initiative, those numbers surged to 3.65 lakh in the 2022-23 period, followed by 2.63 lakh in 2023-24. Notably, approximately one lakh of these new connections have been categorized as “split connections,” a move perceived as a strategy to maximize the benefits derived from the 300-unit subsidy.

When the scheme initially rolled out, a recorded 63 lakh out of a total of 74.6 lakh consumers were utilizing less than 300 units of electricity per month. This number has since escalated, with the proportion of domestic consumers receiving zero bills swelling from 67.53 percent in August 2022 to an astonishing 89 percent by the conclusion of the 2022-23 fiscal year. As per PSPCL data, domestic power usage soared to 17,510 million units during the 2022-23 financial year.

Simultaneously, the state government is grappling with its own fiscal difficulties, which hampers its capacity to fulfill the power subsidy obligations to PSPCL. As of November 13, the government had disbursed only Rs 4,508.2 crore of the total subsidy owed for free domestic power, which amounts to a staggering Rs 20,477 crore. This leaves an outstanding amount of Rs 11,401.26 crore yet to be paid. Moreover, in the current month alone, the government has supplemented its subsidy payments with a grant-in-aid of Rs 2,387 crore, alongside a subsidy of Rs 200 crore to the corporation.

The state’s financial burden concerning domestic electricity subsidies is projected to reach Rs 8,785 crore, indicating an increase of Rs 1,550 crore compared to the previous financial year. This mounting financial pressure raises critical questions about the sustainability of the free electricity initiative and its broader implications for energy regulation and governance in Punjab. With policy decisions regarding bulk electricity supply—accounting for significant consumption by entities such as the Border Security Force (BSF), Indian Railways, the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), and other central government agencies—ultimately resting at the higher echelons of government, stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation as it unfolds.