The Military Hospital, Dehradun, is hosting a groundbreaking free Cataract Screening and Operative Camp for veterans from 24 to 29 December 2024. This unique initiative, led by Brigadier Sanjay Kumar Mishra and his expert team from Research and Referral Hospital, Delhi, reflects the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to the well-being of its veterans.

Highlights of the Camp

1. Comprehensive Eye Care for Veterans:
   • The camp provides free cataract screening and surgeries, ensuring that veterans receive the highest quality eye care without any inconvenience.
   • Advanced equipment and cutting-edge techniques are being used to deliver efficient and precise medical interventions.
2. Impressive Progress:
   • In just two days, 30 cataract surgeries have been successfully completed, setting the tone for a highly productive and impactful event.
3. Expert Leadership and Team:
   • Brigadier Sanjay Kumar Mishra, along with a skilled team of ophthalmologists and medical professionals, is spearheading the camp, ensuring exceptional medical outcomes.

A Tribute to Our Veterans

This initiative underscores the Indian Army’s commitment to caring for those who have dedicated their lives to the service of the Nation. By providing state-of-the-art medical care, the Army ensures that its veterans continue to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

Commitment to Excellence

The first-ever camp of this kind not only showcases the Army’s capability to organize specialized medical programs but also highlights its focus on minimizing inconvenience while maximizing care for its esteemed veterans.

With initiatives like this, the Indian Army continues to honor its legacy of service, ensuring that those who served the Nation receive the respect and care they truly deserve.

The Bison Division recently hosted a special and heartwarming event featuring Manu Bhaker, India’s youngest Olympic shooter and an inspiration to millions. Known for her incredible achievements and unwavering dedication, Manu Bhaker interacted with the wards and families of soldiers, leaving a lasting impact on everyone present.

A Champion Beyond the Shooting Range

Manu Bhaker, a true role model for aspiring athletes, shared her journey from humble beginnings to becoming a global sporting icon. Her words resonated deeply with the young attendees, as she encouraged them to:

• Pursue Their Passions: Emphasizing the importance of dedication and hard work in achieving one’s dreams.
• Stay Resilient: Sharing anecdotes of her struggles and triumphs to inspire perseverance in the face of challenges.
• Value Discipline and Determination: Drawing parallels between the rigor of sports and the ethos of the armed forces.

A Moment to Cherish

The event fostered a spirit of inspiration and motivation, as Manu Bhaker’s interaction extended beyond shooting, touching upon life lessons, the significance of family support, and the role of community in achieving success.

Message from the Bison Division

The Bison Division expressed their gratitude for her visit, acknowledging her influence in shaping the next generation of achievers. Her presence reinforced the importance of nurturing young talent and fostering a culture of excellence among the children of soldiers.

Manu Bhaker’s visit was more than just an interaction; it was a beacon of hope and encouragement, inspiring the young generation to aim high and achieve greatness in every sphere of life.

President Droupadi Murmu has approved a significant reshuffle of Governors across several states, appointing prominent figures to new roles.

Key Appointments

1. Ajay Kumar Bhalla
   • Former Union Home Secretary, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, has been appointed as the Governor of Manipur. Bhalla brings with him vast administrative experience and a deep understanding of national governance.
2. General VK Singh (Retd.)
   • Former Chief of Army Staff, General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, has been appointed as the Governor of Mizoram. Known for his exemplary military service and previous tenure as a Union Minister, Gen Singh’s appointment reflects his stature as a leader capable of addressing strategic and governance challenges.
3. Arif Mohammed Khan
   • The former Governor of Kerala will now serve as the Governor of Bihar. His tenure in Kerala was marked by his progressive outlook and administrative acumen.
4. Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar
   • The current Governor of Bihar has been reassigned as the Governor of Kerala, continuing his journey in public service with a new responsibility.
5. Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati
   • The Governor of Mizoram has been appointed as the Governor of Odisha, filling the vacancy created by the resignation of Shri Raghubar Das.

Official Statement

The office of the President of India, in an official release, stated, “The above appointments will take effect from the dates they will assume charge of their respective offices.”

Reshuffling Governors: A Strategic Move

This reshuffle highlights the President’s effort to place experienced and capable leaders in key gubernatorial roles, ensuring effective governance and administration in these states. The appointments of Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Gen VK Singh are particularly noteworthy, bringing expertise in national security, governance, and military strategy to their respective roles.

This new lineup of Governors is expected to bolster state-level leadership, fostering better coordination between the central and state governments.

Lt Gen Sadhna S Nair, Director General Medical Services (Army) and Senior Colonel Commandant, visited an operational field hospital in Bhopal on 24 December 2024. The visit underscored the Army’s commitment to operational readiness and excellence in field medical care.

Key Highlights of the Visit

1. Briefing on Operational Role:
   • The General Officer was briefed on the operational role of the medical echelon, including its capabilities in providing critical care in operational scenarios.
2. Innovative Medical Support Systems:
   • She reviewed advancements such as:
     • Operation Theatre (OT) on Wheels: A mobile surgical facility designed for rapid deployment in the field.
     • Blood Supply Chain: Highlighting advanced storage and efficient blood transport systems to ensure seamless support during operations.
3. Interaction with Troops:
   • Lt Gen Nair interacted with the medical personnel, appreciating their operational readiness and professionalism in delivering field medical care under challenging conditions.
   • She acknowledged their dedication to maintaining the highest standards in providing lifesaving care.

Enhancing Field Medical Capabilities

This visit emphasized the Army Medical Corps’ focus on leveraging innovation and technology to enhance field medical support. The operational field hospital in Bhopal showcased its capability to adapt to the evolving demands of modern warfare, ensuring efficient and effective medical care for troops.

Lt Gen Nair’s visit served as both an acknowledgment of the unit’s professionalism and a motivation for continued excellence in delivering medical services in operational settings.

Major General Anupinder Bevli, Additional Director General (ADG) of the NCC Directorate Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh (JK&L), visited the 2 J&K Battalion NCC in Jammu.

Key Highlights of the Visit

1. Review of Training Systems:
   • The ADG conducted a detailed review of the training systems employed by the battalion, focusing on their effectiveness and alignment with the objectives of the National Cadet Corps (NCC).
2. Acknowledgment of Excellence:
   • Maj Gen Bevli praised the officers, staff, and cadets for their commitment to excellence in all aspects of NCC training and activities.
   • He commended their dedication and efforts in maintaining the highest standards of performance and discipline.
3. Emphasis on Institutional Training and Accountability:
   • Addressing the cadets and staff, the ADG stressed the importance of institutional training in shaping future leaders and instilling values of discipline, responsibility, and patriotism.
   • He highlighted the role of accountability in ensuring the continued success and credibility of the NCC.

Upholding the Legacy of NCC

Major General Anupinder Bevli’s visit reinforced the commitment of the NCC Directorate JK&L to fostering leadership, discipline, and a sense of national service among the youth. His emphasis on institutional training and accountability serves as a guiding principle for the cadets and staff to continue upholding the legacy of the NCC as a premier organization for youth development.

Lt General Sadhna S Nair, Director General Medical Services (Army) and Senior Colonel Commandant, visited Military Hospital (MH) Sagar as part of its Bicentennial Celebrations. Established in 1824, the hospital has a storied legacy of providing exemplary medical services and continues to uphold the highest standards of care.

Key Highlights of the Visit

1. Inauguration of New Facilities:
   • Lt Gen Nair inaugurated the Department of Medicine and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), marking a significant milestone in the hospital’s journey of excellence.
   • These additions underscore the hospital’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art medical services.
2. Address to Troops:
   • During a Sainik Sammelan, the General Officer addressed troops, emphasizing the core values of the Army Medical Corps: Professionalism, Integrity, and Discipline.
   • Her address inspired the personnel to uphold these ethos in their duties and continue their dedication to excellence in service.
3. Assessment of Operational Readiness:
   • Lt Gen Nair assessed the operational readiness of the Shahbaaz Healers, ensuring their preparedness for all contingencies.
   • She also engaged with Maj Gen KTG Krishnan, SM, VSM, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Shahbaaz Division, to discuss medical logistics and the readiness of medical echelons in the region.

Celebrating 200 Years of Service

The visit commemorated the rich history of MH Sagar, a hospital that has served as a cornerstone of military healthcare for two centuries. The addition of new medical facilities marks a progressive step forward, ensuring that the hospital continues to meet the evolving needs of its clientele.

Legacy of Leadership and Care

Lt Gen Nair’s visit highlighted the enduring legacy of the Army Medical Corps and its unwavering commitment to service, innovation, and operational readiness. Her interactions with the hospital staff and troops reflected her dedication to enhancing military healthcare and inspiring the next generation of caregivers.

In a tragic incident, five Indian Army soldiers lost their lives, and eight others sustained injuries when their vehicle veered off the road along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday evening.

The accident occurred in the Gharoa area as an Army vehicle was en route to Banoi. The vehicle plunged into a deep gorge, approximately 300-350 feet, causing severe injuries to those onboard.

Condolences and Ongoing Efforts

The 16 Corps of the Indian Army (#WhiteKnightCorps) expressed their heartfelt condolences, stating:

“All ranks of #WhiteKnightCorps extend their deepest condolences on the tragic loss of five brave soldiers in a vehicle accident during operational duty in the #Poonch sector. Rescue operations are ongoing, and the injured personnel are receiving medical care.”

Rescue Operations Underway

The Army and police teams promptly rushed to the accident site to carry out rescue operations. The injured soldiers, some in critical condition, are receiving medical treatment. The swift response of the rescue teams underscores the Army’s commitment to the welfare of its personnel even under challenging circumstances.

A Heartbreaking Loss

This incident is a stark reminder of the risks and challenges faced by the armed forces, even during non-combat duties. The nation mourns the loss of its brave soldiers and prays for the speedy recovery of the injured.

Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar, Army Commander, Northern Command, recently visited the College of Defence Management in Secunderabad and delivered an insightful talk to the faculty and student officers of the Higher Defence Management Course.

Focus on Asymmetric Challenges

The talk, titled “Mitigating Asymmetric Challenges Along the Northern Front,” shed light on the dynamic and complex security landscape faced by India. Lt Gen Kumar highlighted the significance of leveraging cutting-edge technology and the critical role of disruptive innovations in addressing asymmetries in warfare.

Key Highlights of the Address

• Leveraging Technology: The Army Commander emphasized the need for incorporating advanced technology to counter emerging threats along the northern borders.
• Disruptive Innovations: He discussed the impact of technological innovations in reshaping defense strategies and maintaining an operational edge.
• Strategic Preparedness: Lt Gen Kumar urged the officers to adopt forward-looking approaches in defense management, focusing on long-term solutions to asymmetric challenges.

Inspiring the Next Generation

The session was highly enriching for the faculty and officers, equipping them with valuable insights into modern warfare and the evolving challenges on the northern front. His address resonated with the theme of technological adaptation and strategic foresight, inspiring the future leaders of the Indian Armed Forces to stay ahead of adversaries in an era of rapid technological advancement.

Lt Gen Kanwar Vinod Kumar, Signal Officer-in-Chief and Senior Colonel Commandant of the Corps of Signals, recently visited the newly operationalized Regional Network Centre to validate its capabilities and ensure its readiness.

This state-of-the-art communication hub represents a significant leap forward in achieving the vision of a Digital Army by enhancing robust, secure, and efficient communication networks for the Indian Army.

A New Era of Communication

The Regional Network Centre is a cornerstone in modernizing military communication, integrating cutting-edge technology to ensure seamless connectivity across the theatre. It is designed to strengthen operational readiness by offering reliable and secure communication solutions, catering to the dynamic requirements of the Indian Army in the modern digital battlefield.

Recognizing Excellence

During his visit, Lt Gen Kanwar Vinod Kumar praised the Sapta Shakti Command for its commitment and determination in shaping the future of military communication. He highlighted the critical role of the Corps of Signals in driving progress and operational efficiency, ensuring the Army remains ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of warfare technology.

Towards a Digital Indian Army

The operationalisation of the Regional Network Centre marks another milestone in the Army’s journey toward becoming a fully digitized and networked force. This initiative not only bolsters national security but also empowers troops with secure, high-speed communication to ensure mission success in diverse terrains and scenarios.

The Corps of Signals continues to lead the charge in leveraging innovation and technology to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Army, laying the groundwork for a truly Digital Army.