In line with the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, Major General Akhilesh Kumar, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Bison Division, made a significant visit to key defense manufacturers in Hyderabad, including T-Hub, Telangana’s flagship startup incubation hub. The visit underscored the Indian Army’s commitment to fostering indigenous technological development and self-reliance in defense production.

During his visit, Maj Gen Akhilesh Kumar engaged in in-depth discussions with industry experts and startup founders to explore innovative technological solutions tailored to the Indian Army’s operational needs. The visit provided an opportunity to gain firsthand insights into the production lines, assembly processes, and proof-of-concept developments at various defense manufacturing units.

One of the central focuses of the discussions was addressing problem statements submitted by the Sub Regional Technical Node of the Bison Division. These problem statements pertain to critical operational challenges that require cutting-edge solutions, further highlighting the Army’s proactive approach towards capability development through indigenous innovations.

Maj Gen Kumar’s visit to T-Hub—a Telangana government initiative aimed at nurturing startups—offered a platform for collaboration between the Indian Army and the country’s growing startup ecosystem. By engaging with entrepreneurs and innovators, the visit aimed to encourage the creation of scalable, practical solutions that can be implemented across various defense domains.

This engagement marks a significant step towards the Indian Army’s On Path to Transformation, as it embraces new technologies, promotes Tech Infusion, and strengthens defense capabilities through local innovation and development. The visit also aligns with the Army’s focus on the Year of Tech Absorption, emphasizing the need for rapid adaptation of cutting-edge technologies in defense applications.

Udhampur: The Dhruva Air Defence Conclave 2024 was successfully conducted in Udhampur, focusing on strengthening India’s air defence capabilities in the Northern Theatre.

The event was attended by senior military officials, including Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar, Army Commander, Northern Command, who addressed the gathering and reviewed the equipment display.

The conclave brought together domain experts from the Army Air Defence and the Indian Air Force (IAF) to discuss the evolving aerial threats faced in the region. A key focus of the discussions was the joint deployment of Ground-Based Air Defence systems to counter these threats more effectively.

The integration of these systems is seen as critical in ensuring seamless coordination between the Army and Air Force in defending the nation’s airspace, especially in the strategically sensitive Northern Theatre.

The equipment display at the conclave showcased the latest advancements in air defence technology, underscoring the Army’s commitment to modernizing its capabilities.

The conclave also served as a platform for discussions on how technological absorption, in line with the Year of Tech Absorption, can enhance national security.

With the increasing sophistication of aerial threats, the conclave highlighted the importance of joint operations and technological innovation in ensuring a robust air defence shield for the nation.

In a significant visit to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), addressed officers on the ongoing transformation of the Indian Armed Forces, with a focus on Tri-Services Jointness and Integration. The visit highlighted the increasing emphasis on fostering synergy among the Army, Navy, and Air Force to enhance operational efficiency and combat readiness.

During his address, General Chauhan spoke extensively about the future direction of the Indian Armed Forces, outlining key initiatives aimed at modernization and structural reforms. He emphasized the importance of seamless cooperation between the three services, underscoring the need for joint operations and unified command structures in future military engagements.

The CDS further stressed the critical role of young officers in driving these changes, calling for innovation, adaptability, and leadership as the armed forces transition into a more integrated and technologically advanced force.

General Chauhan was also briefed by Lt Gen Sandeep Jain, Commandant of IMA, on various training initiatives undertaken at the academy. These initiatives aim to prepare cadets and officers for the evolving demands of modern warfare, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to lead in an increasingly joint operational environment.

The visit reaffirmed IMA’s vital role in shaping the future leadership of the Indian Armed Forces, particularly in the context of the ongoing transformation towards greater tri-services cooperation.

Lt Gen Daljit Singh, Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), officially relinquished his post today, marking the end of an illustrious military career spanning more than 40 years. A stalwart in the field of military medicine, Lt Gen Singh’s service has left an indelible mark on the Indian Armed Forces’ medical infrastructure.

To commemorate his retirement, Lt Gen Daljit Singh paid tribute to the brave soldiers of the nation by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi early this morning. The solemn homage underscored his deep connection to the Armed Forces and the fallen heroes who have laid down their lives in service to the nation.

Later, Lt Gen Singh participated in the traditional ‘walk through’ at the office of the DGAFMS, located at the Defence Offices Complex, Africa Avenue, New Delhi.

The ceremony was attended by senior officers, colleagues, and staff who have served with him, celebrating his vast contributions to military healthcare and leadership over the decades.

Throughout his tenure, Lt Gen Daljit Singh spearheaded numerous initiatives that strengthened the Armed Forces’ medical services, modernized healthcare facilities, and enhanced the overall well-being of soldiers, veterans, and their families.

His leadership has been instrumental in ensuring that military medical infrastructure remains at the cutting edge, capable of responding to both peacetime needs and wartime exigencies.

As he retires, Lt Gen Singh leaves behind a legacy of professionalism, dedication, and transformative leadership in the field of military medicine, which will continue to benefit the Indian Armed Forces for years to come.

In a significant development for military healthcare, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, AVSM, Army Commander of Southern Command, inaugurated a state-of-the-art biplane Cardiac Catheterization Lab at the Army Institute of Cardio Thoracic Sciences (AICTS), Pune.

The advanced facility is set to revolutionize cardiac care for serving soldiers, their dependents, and veterans across the Southern Command’s Area of Responsibility.

The new biplane Cardiac Catheterization Lab features cutting-edge cardiac interventional technology designed to provide precise, minimally invasive procedures for diagnosing and treating heart conditions.

This upgrade places AICTS at the forefront of cardiac care, enhancing its ability to perform complex interventions such as angioplasty, stenting, and other critical cardiac procedures with greater accuracy and safety.

During the inauguration, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth emphasized the importance of providing world-class medical care to soldiers and their families, ensuring their health and well-being while they serve the nation. He acknowledged the role of advanced medical technology in saving lives and improving treatment outcomes, particularly in cardiac care where timely intervention is crucial.

The Army Institute of Cardio Thoracic Sciences has long been a premier institution for cardiac care in the armed forces, and the addition of this new lab underscores the Indian Army’s commitment to upgrading healthcare facilities.

With this facility, AICTS will continue to serve as a vital healthcare resource for the Southern Command’s personnel, offering cutting-edge cardiac services to those who have dedicated their lives to the service of the nation.

The inauguration coincided with World Heart Day 2024, reinforcing the Indian Army’s dedication to heart health and preventive care. This initiative is a testament to the Army’s ongoing efforts to prioritize the well-being of its personnel and veterans by providing them with access to the best possible healthcare resources.

#WeCare about the health of our soldiers, veterans, and their families, ensuring that they receive the finest care available at all times.

In a significant step toward enhancing medical infrastructure within the armed forces, Lt Gen Sadhna Saxena Nair, Director General of Medical Services (Army), visited the Military Hospital Roorkee and inaugurated the newly established CT Scan Centre. This advanced diagnostic facility is poised to improve the hospital’s capability to provide precise and timely medical diagnoses for military personnel and their families.

The CT Scan Centre, equipped with the latest technology, is expected to play a crucial role in the early detection and treatment of various medical conditions. It marks a significant upgrade in the hospital’s radiology department, offering high-quality imaging services that will assist doctors in making more accurate diagnoses. This new addition ensures that the hospital remains at par with leading medical institutions in terms of diagnostic capabilities, reflecting the Army’s ongoing commitment to providing world-class healthcare to its personnel.

During her visit, Lt Gen Sadhna Saxena Nair reviewed the hospital’s overall functioning, including the quality of patient care, available medical facilities, and administrative operations. She interacted with the medical staff, discussing their experiences, challenges, and the future prospects of the hospital. She was highly impressed with the professionalism, dedication, and hard work displayed by the hospital’s medical personnel. In her address, Lt Gen Nair lauded the staff for maintaining high standards of healthcare delivery under challenging conditions, highlighting their role in ensuring the well-being of the military community.

The visit by Lt Gen Nair underscores the Indian Army’s focus on continuous improvement in medical services and infrastructure for its personnel. The Military Hospital Roorkee, with the newly operational CT Scan Centre, is now better positioned to handle complex medical cases, offering quick and accurate diagnostic services that will improve treatment outcomes.

The inauguration of this facility is part of a larger initiative to modernize and upgrade healthcare services across military hospitals nationwide. With advancements in medical technology, the Army Medical Corps is committed to providing the best possible care to its personnel, ensuring that they remain in peak health while fulfilling their duties.

In a recent development, the Election Commission of India has put a halt to the appointment of Colonel Vikrant Prasher from the Indian Army as Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) (Training) and Special Operations in the Jammu and Kashmir Police. This decision has been made in light of the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for the upcoming 2024 Legislative Assembly Elections in the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Election Commission, in a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, cited Government Order No.444-Home of 2024, dated 27th September 2024, which outlined the appointment of Colonel Prasher, currently serving with the Para Unit of the High Altitude Warfare School, Gulmarg. The Commission noted that the MCC is in full effect due to the forthcoming elections and prohibits the transfer or appointment of officers connected to the electoral process without prior permission.

Model Code of Conduct in Force

The Model Code of Conduct, which comes into effect once elections are announced, sets strict guidelines to ensure free and fair elections. One of the key provisions under the MCC is the prohibition of the transfer of officers directly involved in election-related duties. Colonel Prasher’s appointment as SSP in a civil role falls under this category, thus triggering the Election Commission’s intervention.

The Commission stated that while it does not wish to delve into the reasons or urgency behind the posting of an Army officer in a civil role, the transfer should have been subjected to prior approval due to the sensitive period of elections in Jammu and Kashmir. Given this, the Election Commission has directed that the appointment order of Colonel Prasher be kept in abeyance—meaning it is temporarily suspended.

Immediate Action Required

In its communication, the Election Commission has instructed that if the appointment order has already been executed, the post should be immediately vacated, and the previous status restored. The Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir has been given a deadline to provide a compliance report by 11:00 AM on 1st October 2024. Furthermore, the report must also explain why the appointment was made without prior permission from the Commission, as required under the MCC.

Importance of Compliance

The Election Commission’s swift action emphasizes the importance of following the MCC to ensure that the electoral process remains impartial and uninfluenced by administrative decisions. Given the sensitive nature of elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the Commission remains vigilant about any appointments or transfers that could impact the functioning of the state machinery during the election period.

This intervention by the Election Commission highlights the robust measures in place to maintain the sanctity of elections in India. As Jammu and Kashmir gears up for its Legislative Assembly elections, the suspension of Colonel Prasher’s appointment serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to the Model Code of Conduct, even in cases involving the deployment of senior personnel from the Indian Armed Forces.

The upcoming elections in the UT will be a significant event, and the Election Commission’s vigilance will play a crucial role in ensuring that the democratic process proceeds without disruption or undue influence.

Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Surya Command, recently conducted a comprehensive review of the security and operational preparedness along the northern borders. This visit forms a crucial part of ongoing efforts to assess and enhance the readiness of forces in strategically important areas.

During his visit, Lt Gen Sengupta was briefed on the current security situation and the measures in place to maintain peace and stability in the region. He interacted with troops stationed at various posts, gaining insights into their challenges and the strategies employed to overcome them.

Commending the troops for their high morale and professionalism, Lt Gen Sengupta encouraged all ranks to continue their pursuit of excellence. He emphasized the importance of vigilance and preparedness to ensure the security and integrity of the nation’s borders.

The visit highlighted the Indian Army’s commitment to strengthening its capabilities in the face of evolving threats and maintaining a state of readiness. Lt Gen Sengupta’s leadership and encouragement play a vital role in boosting the morale of the troops and ensuring that they are well-prepared to face any challenges that arise.