M Krishna Murthy, now 101 years old, fondly reminisces about his early years under the rule of Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan in Hyderabad, a time when India was still bound under colonial rule, 13 years away from independence. The city was adorned with a trade fair known as the “Numaish Masnuāt-e-Mulki,” showcasing local crafts and products in the lush public gardens constructed during the Nizam’s reign, during which he was considered one of the wealthiest individuals globally. Murthy recalls how streets were meticulously maintained and illuminated, creating an atmosphere of pride among the locals who considered it a privilege to be subjects of the Nizam.

Murthy highlights the enigmatic nature of the Nizam’s character, with contrasting opinions on his generosity. He particularly cherishes memories of the Nizam’s Prime Minister, Maharaja Sir Kishen Pershad, who used to make grand gestures by tossing newly minted coins to children lining the streets during parades. “I still have the two paise and three paise,” Murthy affirms, reflecting contently on the affluence that characterized those times. Commemorating the abundance during his childhood, he recalls how the Nizam’s ministers would distribute gifts during festive occasions like Diwali and Eid.

As time marched on, Murthy acknowledges that the vibrance of the city has waned. Having spent his life journeying between the neighborhoods of Chadrkhandil and Bazaarghat, he laments the loss of the historical skyline, filled with architectural marvels such as tombs and gardens, now overshadowed by towering glass and metal structures. “Hyderabad then was about vineyards, gardens, mosques, and palaces,” he reflects nostalgically.

Born on June 15, 1924, Murthy navigated through a tapestry of cultures and languages in Hyderabad. He is well-versed in multiple languages, including Telugu, Urdu, Hindi, and English, with a smattering of Marathi picked up during his service in Pune with the Indian Army from 1941 to 1951. His military experience coincided with India’s transition from British rule to independence, allowing him to witness history unfold, albeit from a distance. Serving in the Remount Veterinary Corps, he recalls the moment when the Tricolour was raised on August 15, 1947, although as a young soldier, he didn’t fully grasp the significance of independence.

Murthy continues to thrive, living with his two daughters and son in Yousufguda, despite the passing of his wife, Savitri Devi, in 2019. His mental acuity remains sharp, and he combats the effects of aging through daily exercises, attributing much of his well-being to the discipline instilled by the army. He fondly remembers his athleticism, particularly excelling in football, which aided in his enlistment.

From a poignant chapter in his life, he recollects a commendation from Field Marshal KM Cariappa for his handwriting. Serving in Meerut around 1946, Murthy was tasked with recording duties on a blackboard, catching the attention of the distinguished General, who praised his penmanship.

Although he stays engaged with national politics and was keenly following the recent general elections, Murthy expresses a sense of disillusionment with contemporary political dynamics. He harbors respect for historical leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Kishen Pershad, recognizing their perceived wisdom and contributions to the nation.

Another defining moment in his life occurred around 1950 when he was part of B.R. Ambedkar’s security team during a visit to Hyderabad. Although he longed to sit in on the discussions, he was relegated to guard duty outside the venue.

After leaving the army, Murthy transitioned into a quieter life as a nurse and compounder at Pradeep Clinic in Gunfoundry, a role he held until his retirement in 1985. His experience in the army did not deter him from political aspirations, as he sought to run for office as an independent candidate. His brief political career, characterized by a rigorous grassroots campaign supported by local students, ultimately ended in a loss, yet he returned stoically to his life in healthcare, leaving behind any intentions of entering politics again.

Murthy’s journey reflects an era of significant change, marked by personal memories intertwined with the history of a city and a nation in transition. His recollections serve not only as remarkable anecdotes from a bygone era but as a testament to the profound transformations that have taken place in Hyderabad and India over the last century.

In a significant development for the Indian Army, the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) HAL Prachand has successfully performed high-altitude firing exercises, marking what is being described as a “historic milestone.” This achievement underscores India’s enhanced capabilities in executing operations in challenging high-altitude environments, as highlighted by the IV Corps, also known as the Gajraj Corps, in a recent tweet.

The LCH, a product of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is specifically designed as an attack helicopter equipped to engage both air and ground targets. Its operational capabilities extend beyond high-altitude warfare, making it suitable for a range of missions including anti-tank operations, counter-insurgency tasks, and close air support. The helicopter is particularly adept at tracking and engaging slow-moving aerial threats such as enemy helicopters and drones, a function vital in modern combat scenarios.

One of the key features of the LCH is its Low Observable (LO) design, which minimizes the aircraft’s visibility and detectability across various spectrums, including visual, aural, radar, and infrared. This stealth aspect enhances its tactical advantages in engagements. The helicopter is a two-seater, armed with advanced weaponry including 70 mm rockets, a 20 mm turret gun, and helicopter-launched anti-tank guided missiles. Additionally, it is equipped with radar and laser warning receivers, enabling it to effectively operate in both anti-infantry and anti-armour roles.

Significantly contributing to the indigenous defense manufacturing initiative, nearly 45 percent of the LCH’s components are domestically sourced, with plans to increase this figure to 55 percent in future iterations. This move is aligned with the Indian government’s focus on self-reliance in defense production. The helicopter was formally inducted into the Indian Air Force in October 2022, further enhancing India’s aerial strike capabilities.

As the Indian military continues to adapt to the complexities of modern warfare, the successful high-altitude firing of the LCH Prachand stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to advancing its defense technology and ensuring operational readiness in diverse combat scenarios.

The Indian Army has marked a significant milestone by successfully conducting a patrol at one of the five designated Patrolling Points in Depsang Ara, Eastern Ladakh. This announcement was made by the Leh-based 14 Corps on November 4, 2024. The recent activity signifies the first time patrolling has resumed in the area since the disengagement process that took place the previous week, as well as since the beginning of the prolonged stand-off in May 2020.

The patrolling operation was conducted following a mutual agreement between Indian and Chinese forces for disengagement and reinstatement of patrols in both Depsang and Demchok, as outlined by the 14 Corps in a post shared on X. During this successful patrol, the Indian Army gained access to Patrolling Point 10, a move that is seen as a positive step toward maintaining peace and tranquility along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The recent disengagement distinctly completed the last remaining friction points of the 2020 standoff, particularly in the Demchok and Depsang sectors, reverting the situation to a status quo akin to what existed before April 2020. Immediately following the completion of disengagement at these crucial locations, the Indian Army resumed its patrol operations in Demchok just a day later.

With the resumption of patrols at Depsang, Indian forces are now able to conduct patrols up to Patrolling Points 10, 11, 11A, 12, and 13. It is noteworthy that these points had not been accessed since January 2020. While Patrolling Points 11A, 12, and 13 are situated on the Limit of Patrolling (LoP), points 10 and 11 lie significantly before the LoP boundary. The Depsang region is characterized by the greatest distance between the LoP and the LAC, making this area particularly strategic.

With completion of the disengagement process across all friction points, the next phase involves formulating new patrolling norms along the LAC. Plans also include resuming patrol activities at other friction points such as Galwan, Patrolling Points 15 and 17A in the Gogra Hotsprings area, as well as the northern and southern banks of Pangong Tso, where current arrangements include buffer zones.

Following the finalization of the disengagement, both Indian and Chinese military commanders carried out on-ground verification to ensure that the terms were adhered to. Meetings among ground commanders of brigadier rank and lower were convened last Wednesday to finalize the modalities for future patrols in Depsang and Demchok. In an effort to prevent confrontations during these patrols, it has been agreed that the timing and frequency of patrols will be coordinated between the two sides.

However, there is some uncertainty regarding how far the Indian Army will be permitted to patrol in the Demchok area, particularly given the long-standing stand-off in the region since 2017. The recent agreements emphasize restoring the ground situation to pre-April 2020 conditions, leaving ambiguity regarding the extent of patrol permissions moving forward.

In a somber reflection of duty and sacrifice, Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu conveyed their heartfelt condolences following the martyrdom of Havildar Suresh Kumar from the 18 Dogra Regiment. He lost his life while valiantly serving in the challenging terrains of Leh and Ladakh, a sacrifice that echoes the commitment and bravery of Indian soldiers.

Hailing from Baggi Tungal village in Mandi district, Havildar Suresh Kumar’s dedication to his duty has been acknowledged by both leaders, who emphasized that his valor will be etched in the nation’s memory for generations to come. In expressing their sorrow, Governor Shukla noted that the sacrifice of soldiers like Kumar serves as a powerful inspiration for others to uphold the values of courage and devotion.

The Chief Minister further reinforced this sentiment, stating that the state stands firmly in solidarity with the bereaved family during this distressing time. He highlighted that the selfless service rendered by Havildar Kumar is a source of pride and gratitude for the entire nation. Both Governor and Chief Minister offered prayers for the soul of the departed soldier and for the strength of his family to endure this profound loss.

The community continues to mourn the passing of a brave son, whose life and legacy will resonate deeply within the hearts of those who honor the sacrifices made for the nation’s security.

The Flight Safety Seminar (FSS) and Annual Naval Flight Safety Meeting (NFSM) for 2024 have successfully concluded at INS Dega in Visakhapatnam, organized by Headquarters Eastern Naval Command. This year’s gathering revolved around the theme “Emerging Threats and Challenges – Naval Air Operations and Compliance with Flight Safety,” reflecting the growing complexity and dynamic nature of Naval Aviation safety today.

The seminar brought to the forefront critical issues that significantly impact contemporary naval operations. Experts delved into advancements in counter-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and unmanned aircraft system (UAS) technologies and tactics, highlighting the need for the naval forces to stay ahead of potential threats. The discussions also extended to cyber security risks that jeopardize aviation operations, with an emphasis on countermeasures designed to protect aircraft systems from these vulnerabilities.

A pivotal session focused on managing emerging operational risks. This segment underscored the necessity of shared vigilance among India’s defence services to safeguard aerial assets effectively. Participants engaged in meaningful exchanges about the importance of adopting proactive and adaptable safety protocols that cater to the unique challenges faced by Naval Aviation in the modern operational landscape.

The seminar also witnessed the participation of representatives from the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, and defense organizations, including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Their presence highlighted a collaborative approach toward enhancing flight safety standards across the armed forces, exemplifying the commitment to a unified strategy in confronting the multifaceted threats posed to naval aviation.

Overall, the successful conclusion of the FSS and NFSM signifies a crucial step towards reinforcing flight safety measures and preparing the naval forces for future challenges in the realm of air operations. The insights gained during this event are expected to influence ongoing safety protocols and operational strategies within the Indian Navy and allied defense services.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed the flight tests of the Guided Pinaka Weapon System, marking a significant milestone in the Provisional Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) Validation Trials. These trials were meticulously conducted in three phases at various field firing ranges and focused on assessing the weapon system’s key performance metrics, including range, accuracy, consistency, and rate of fire.

The Pinaka system is a state-of-the-art multi-barrel rocket launcher developed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) of DRDO. It has the capability to launch a barrage of 12 rockets within just 44 seconds, effectively covering a target area of 700 by 500 meters. Initially introduced with a range of 37.5 kilometers, the system has seen multiple enhancements, resulting in several upgraded versions:

1. Pinaka Mk-I: The basic version, which boasts a range of 38 km and various warhead types.
2. Pinaka Mk-II: An upgraded variant that extends its reach up to 60 km.
3. Extended Range Pinaka: The latest iteration, capable of striking targets located up to 75 km away.

The development of the Pinaka system has undergone a phased approach characterized by comprehensive testing to meet the dynamic requirements of the Indian Army. In 2020, the Enhanced Pinaka variant was tested at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha, where the system successfully achieved its targets in terms of range and performance. The following year, further evaluations were conducted with the Extended Range Pinaka rockets, achieving successful launches of 25 rockets at various distances up to 45 km. The trials continued in 2022 at Pokhran, focusing on other variants, such as the Pinaka Mk-I (Enhanced) Rocket System (EPRS) and the Pinaka Area Denial Munition (ADM).

The development and production strategy of the Pinaka system involves collaboration with Indian industries. Partnerships with companies like Munitions India Limited and Economic Explosives Limited for ammunition, along with Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Larsen & Toubro for launcher and command post production, aim to bolster domestic manufacturing and decrease dependence on foreign military supplies.

Recently, interest has emerged from the French Army regarding the Pinaka system, with Brigadier General Stephane Richou highlighting India’s growing indigenous military production capabilities, which have positioned the country as a formidable player in the global defence landscape.

As part of India’s robust defence export initiative, the country has been supplying military hardware to over 100 nations, with key markets including the United States, France, and Armenia. The Pinaka weapon system is anticipated to enhance India’s position in the global defence market and further its export ambitions.

In light of the successful completion of the PSQR Validation Trials, both Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat have expressed their commendations for the performance of the Pinaka system. The completion of these trials solidifies the Pinaka’s role as an advanced artillery asset, ready for induction into the Indian Armed Forces, which will benefit from its precision strike capabilities at extended ranges.