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.

Two aspiring officers from the Mai Bhago Armed Forces Preparatory Institute for Girls (AFPI) in Mohali, Charanpreet Kaur and Mahak, have achieved remarkable success in their quest to join the Indian Air Force. Both cadets are set to embark on their pre-commission training at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, scheduled for January 2025.

Charanpreet Kaur, hailing from Kurali in Mohali, has made her family proud by securing an impressive All India Rank of four among 192 candidates in the competitive selection process. She is the daughter of Harminder Singh Banwait, who works as a driver in a private company. Similarly, Mahak, the daughter of government teacher Anil Kumar Dahiya, has demonstrated her capabilities by ranking 23rd in the merit list. Mahak also resides in Mohali, sharing a community that celebrates the achievements of its young women.

In response to this notable achievement, Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Minister Aman Arora extended his congratulations to the two young women. He emphasized that their accomplishments will serve as an inspiration for many other girls in Punjab who aspire to pursue careers in the armed forces, particularly as commissioned officers.

The AFPI, which was established with the vision of preparing young women for leadership roles in the defence sector, is actively working to create more pathways for girls to join the armed forces. The institute’s director, Maj Gen Jasbir Singh Sandhu (retd), highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at encouraging female enrollment in all branches of military service.

The landscape of defence education is changing with the National Defence Academy (NDA) now admitting girl cadets after the 10+2 level. In conjunction with this shift, a new training wing has been established specifically to equip girls for NDA entrance examinations. The efforts of AFPI have already borne fruit, as four of its cadets have successfully cleared the NDA entrance exam and are currently preparing for interviews with the Service Selection Board.

As the nation looks to increase female representation in the military, the success of Charanpreet Kaur and Mahak stands as a testament to the growing opportunities available for women in the Indian Armed Forces. Their journey exemplifies dedication and determination, and their future endeavors are sure to pave the way for many young women to follow in their footsteps.

In a significant advancement in military technology, the Indian Army has introduced a new Auxiliary Power Management System (AAPM), developed collaboratively with Aartech Solonics and validated by experts at IIT Mumbai. This innovative system is designed to optimize power usage during gun-firing operations, allowing military vehicles to operate without the need to run their main engines. As a result, the AAPM can preserve as much as 20 percent of engine life that would typically be consumed during these demanding operations.

The system is engineered to operate efficiently in extreme temperature conditions, functioning seamlessly across a wide range from +60 degrees Celsius to -30 degrees Celsius. This versatility makes it particularly suitable for deployment in diverse environments, including the scorching deserts of India and the frigid heights of the Himalayas. Such adaptability is crucial for the Indian Army, which often operates in challenging terrains that test the limits of conventional equipment.

By enabling powering systems without running the main engine, the AAPM not only enhances operational efficiency but also contributes to the longevity of the military vehicles involved. This preservation of engine life is a critical factor in maintenance and cost savings, as well as reducing the logistical burden of fuel consumption. As military operations increasingly rely on advanced technology to gain tactical advantages, innovations like the AAPM stand out as vital contributions toward enhancing the operational readiness of the armed forces.

The collaboration between Aartech Solonics, the Indian Army, and IIT Mumbai represents a successful merging of expertise from industry and academia, showcasing the potential for innovative solutions tailored to the unique demands of defense operations. As military technology continues to evolve, the AAPM sets a new benchmark for auxiliary power systems, reflecting a commitment to modernization and efficiency in the Indian defense sector.

Lieutenant General Karanbir Singh Brar, the General Officer Commanding of Dakshin Bharat Area, recently conducted a comprehensive visit to the military installations in Hyderabad and Secunderabad, primarily aimed at evaluating the operational preparedness of various military units and facilities. His focus was particularly on the Headquarters Telangana and Andhra Sub Area (TASA), including training centres and military hospitals.

During the visit, Lt Gen Brar meticulously reviewed the operational readiness of the units under the purview of HQ TASA. He underscored the critical importance of maintaining high standards not only in military training but also in administrative practices. Engaging directly with the troops, he expressed his appreciation for their unwavering commitment to service, acknowledging the sacrifices made by the personnel in support of national security.

In addition to operational evaluations, Lt Gen Brar paid a visit to the Military Hospital where he examined the healthcare services provided to soldiers and their families. He stressed the necessity for continued advancements in medical care and welfare programs, indicating a strong commitment to the health and well-being of all military personnel and their dependents.

Through this visit, Lt Gen Brar reinforced the Indian Army’s ongoing dedication to achieving operational excellence as well as prioritizing the well-being of its members. His leadership and oversight are expected to significantly enhance both the readiness and effectiveness of HQ TASA and its subordinate units, thereby contributing to the overall mission of the Indian Army.