Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, AVSM, Army Commander of the Southern Command, embarked on a comprehensive review of several key medical facilities under his command in Pune, including the Army Institute of Cardio Thoracic Sciences (AICTS), the Command Military Dental Centre, and the Command Hospital.

AICTS Inspection At the AICTS, Lt Gen Seth inspected the recently introduced Adult Immunisation Clinic, the Cardiology & Respiratory Outpatient Department, the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and the innovative Virtual Reality Lab. His interaction with both the staff and patients gave him a deep insight into the operational effectiveness and the cutting-edge facilities the institute offers. The General Officer commended the AICTS for its state-of-the-art facilities and pledged full support for its ongoing modernization efforts.

Command Military Dental Centre Visit The Army Commander’s visit to the Command Military Dental Centre, one of the most prestigious dental units of the Indian Army, included tours of various dental surgeries, the dental lab, the office complex, and the medical store. He praised the exceptional facilities and the staff’s dedication to patient care and professional commitment, highlighting the centre’s role in maintaining high dental health standards within the army.

Command Hospital Assessment At the Command Hospital, Pune, Lt Gen Seth’s inspection covered the Surgical ICU, Officer’s Ward, Dialysis Centre, Early Intervention Centre, Patient Dining Area, Mechanised Laundry, and the Department of Laboratory Sciences. He lauded the professionalism and relentless commitment of the hospital staff. His visit underscored the critical importance of maintaining the highest standards of excellence in patient care and operational efficiency across all facilities.

Lt Gen Seth’s detailed assessments and interactions across these premier institutions underscore the Southern Command’s dedication to ensuring the health and well-being of its personnel through advanced medical facilities and services. His visits reinforce the army’s commitment to improving healthcare services, which are crucial for the well-being of military personnel and their families.

The continued support for modernization and innovation in medical facilities highlights the strategic priority the Indian Army places on healthcare as a fundamental aspect of military readiness and personnel welfare.

Lieutenant General Navneet Singh Sarna, AVSM, SM, VSM, Commandant of the School of Artillery and Colonel Commandant of the Regiment of Artillery, conducted a comprehensive visit to the Artillery Centre in Nasik. The visit focused on reviewing the training and administrative operations, particularly the integration and progress of the Agniveers within the centre’s programs.

During his visit, Lt Gen Sarna was updated on the ongoing training activities and the administrative processes at the Centre. He took a keen interest in the adaptation and performance of the Agniveers, the new category of soldiers recruited under India’s transformative military scheme. The visit provided Lt Gen Sarna with insights into how the training modules are tailored to integrate these soldiers effectively into the armed forces’ rigorous environment.

Lt Gen Sarna also visited the Grievance Cell at Artillery Records, which has been established to facilitate veterans, addressing their concerns and enhancing their post-service experience. This cell is part of a broader effort to improve the welfare services provided to former servicemen, ensuring that their contributions are honored and their needs are met promptly.

Praising the high standards of training and the state-of-the-art infrastructure at the Artillery Centre, Lt Gen Sarna lauded the efforts of all ranks involved in maintaining excellence. He emphasized the importance of such facilities in fostering a professional and competent artillery unit capable of meeting modern military challenges.

The visit underscores the Indian Army’s commitment to enhancing its training programs and administrative support to adapt to contemporary needs and ensure the effective service of its personnel, both serving and retired. The focus on both the Agniveers’ integration and veteran support highlights the balanced approach the military is taking towards personnel management across different stages of military careers.

Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, made a significant visit to the Directorate General of Medical Services (Army) where he was briefed by Lieutenant General Sadhna S Nair, the DGMS (Army). The visit highlighted the Army’s dedication to bolstering its healthcare services, ensuring robust support for personnel in both war and peacetime conditions.

During his visit, General Dwivedi laid out a comprehensive directive aimed at enhancing the medical services provided to the armed forces. He emphasized the importance of leveraging healthcare technology to improve service delivery, maintaining transparency in operations, and enhancing human resource management within the medical services.

The COAS stressed the need for the Army’s healthcare services to uphold the military ethos and integrity, promoting gender-neutrality, and enhancing automation processes to improve efficiency. He pointed out the critical role of credible medical research in advancing healthcare practices that support the well-being of all service members.

Furthermore, General Dwivedi underscored the integration of these healthcare improvements as part of the broader ‘Viksit Bharat@2047’ mission—an initiative aimed at developing a comprehensive growth and development framework by the year 2047, marking 100 years of India’s independence.

The directives issued by the COAS are set to initiate a series of reforms that will not only streamline medical services but also ensure that they are equipped to meet the future challenges of military healthcare. These reforms are expected to have a lasting impact on the overall operational readiness of the Indian Army, providing a resilient healthcare system that supports soldiers in all aspects of their service.

The visit to the Directorate General of Medical Services (Army) reflects the COAS’s proactive approach in ensuring that the health and welfare of the troops remain a top priority, reinforcing the Army’s commitment to sustaining the highest standards of healthcare for its personnel.

In a significant recognition of their commitment to excellence and adherence to international standards, the Ranbankura Tuskers have been officially awarded ISO certification. This certification is a testament to the unit’s dedication to delivering superior stores and services to all stakeholders, reflecting their ongoing commitment to quality, efficiency, and reliability.

The ISO (International Organization for Standardization) certification is a globally recognized mark that signifies a company’s or organization’s compliance with industry-leading standards in various aspects of operations, including quality management, customer service, and product consistency. For the Ranbankura Tuskers, achieving this certification highlights their rigorous processes and systematic approach to maintaining the highest standards in every facet of their operation.

The ceremony celebrating the achievement was attended by senior military officials, team members, and other stakeholders. During the event, speakers highlighted the stringent criteria the unit had to meet to qualify for the certification, including audits of their operational procedures, quality control measures, and customer service protocols.

This achievement not only underscores the Ranbankura Tuskers’ capability in managing complex operations efficiently but also sets them apart in their field, enhancing their reputation among peers and stakeholders alike. The ISO certification assures that the Ranbankura Tuskers are well-equipped to handle the demands of their operations while adhering to the highest standards of quality and accountability.

The recognition serves as a motivational boost for the unit, encouraging them to continue their pursuit of excellence and innovation. It also reassures their stakeholders of the unit’s capability to deliver outstanding services consistently, further solidifying their position as a leader in their sector.

With this ISO certification, the Ranbankura Tuskers are poised to continue their tradition of excellence, setting benchmarks in the industry and contributing positively to the broader objectives of their organization. The certification is not just a recognition but a responsibility that the Tuskers are ready to uphold, promising a future of continued excellence and leadership in quality management.

In a significant enhancement to healthcare facilities for Armed Forces personnel and their families, Lieutenant General Karanbir Singh Brar, General Officer Commanding of the Dakshin Bharat Area, inaugurated a state-of-the-art MRI Centre at the Military Hospital in Chennai. This new facility is set to provide advanced diagnostic services, significantly boosting medical support for the military community including veterans and their dependents.

The inauguration ceremony was marked by the presence of senior military officials, medical staff, and members of the Armed Forces community. The new MRI Centre is equipped with the latest technology in magnetic resonance imaging, which will enable the hospital staff to perform highly detailed scans necessary for diagnosing a range of medical conditions more effectively and efficiently.

Lt Gen Karanbir Singh Brar, in his address at the ceremony, emphasized the importance of this modern medical facility in enhancing the quality of healthcare provided to service members and their families. He noted that the addition of the MRI Centre is a crucial step forward in ensuring that Armed Forces personnel receive the best medical care possible, reflecting the nation’s commitment to their well-being.

The MRI Centre at Military Hospital Chennai will play a critical role in diagnosing complex cases, allowing for timely and accurate treatment plans. It is designed to handle a high volume of patients, thereby reducing wait times and improving access to essential diagnostic services. This will be particularly beneficial for the veterans and their dependents, who often require such specialized medical services.

The establishment of the MRI Centre also highlights the ongoing efforts to modernize and upgrade medical facilities across military hospitals in India. By investing in advanced medical technologies, the Indian Armed Forces ensure that their healthcare systems are on par with international standards, providing comprehensive care and support to their personnel and families.

This initiative not only strengthens the medical infrastructure of the Armed Forces but also contributes to the morale and satisfaction of the personnel, knowing that their and their families’ health needs are adequately supported. The Military Hospital Chennai, with its new MRI Centre, is set to become a pivotal institution in delivering high-quality medical care within the military healthcare network.

In a significant move to enhance military interoperability, the Chetak Gunners conducted a joint training exercise with the Army Aviation unit under the banner of the Sapta Shakti Command. This strategic exercise aimed to standardize operating procedures and improve coordination between land forces and air units, enhancing operational efficiency in land-air operations.

The joint training sessions were meticulously planned to address the complexities of modern warfare where coordination between different military branches is crucial for success. The exercise involved simulated scenarios that required both the Chetak Gunners and Army Aviation to engage in a unified operational strategy, thereby ensuring a seamless integration of efforts.

During the exercise, participants focused on refining tactics that enhance the speed and accuracy of responses during combined land-air missions. The drills included rapid deployment of artillery via helicopter, providing air cover to ground operations, and executing precision strikes that are critical in a high-threat environment.

The commanders of both units underscored the importance of such joint exercises in fostering a spirit of teamwork and mutual understanding among the forces. By training together, the Chetak Gunners and Army Aviation were able to develop a shared language of operation, which is essential for the success of joint missions.

The successful completion of the exercise showcased the unity of purpose and the commitment of the Indian Army to maintaining joint military effectiveness. It also highlighted the ongoing efforts by the Sapta Shakti Command to ensure that its forces are well-prepared to operate in diverse and challenging environments.

The exercise not only strengthened the operational capabilities of the participating units but also demonstrated the Indian Army’s proactive approach in adapting to new combat strategies and technologies. The Chetak Gunners and Army Aviation have set a high standard for future joint operations, emphasizing the critical role of interoperability in achieving comprehensive national defense objectives.

Marking a significant stride towards technological advancement in warfare, the General Officer Commanding of the Shahbaaz Division inaugurated the Centre of Excellence named VAULT 36.0 (Vanguard of Advanced Unified Leading Technologies) in Sagar. This state-of-the-art facility is aligned with the Indian Army’s vision to integrate cutting-edge technology across its operations.

VAULT 36.0 is set to become a central hub for the latest technological innovations, focusing on spearheading initiatives that involve close collaboration with industry leaders and academic institutions. The center aims to harness new technologies that will significantly enhance the operational capabilities and efficiency of the Indian Armed Forces, ensuring they remain at the forefront of modern military readiness.

During the inauguration, the commanding officer highlighted the importance of VAULT 36.0 in transforming the armed forces into a future-ready entity, fully equipped with advanced technological tools. The center will serve as a central repository for new innovations, facilitating the rapid adoption and implementation of technologies ranging from artificial intelligence and robotics to cyber defense and advanced communication systems.

The facility’s strategic partnerships with key stakeholders in the tech industry and academia will enable the continuous flow of knowledge and resources, ensuring that the armed forces are always equipped with the most effective and cutting-edge solutions. These collaborations are expected to yield breakthroughs that will not only advance military capabilities but also contribute to national security and defense strategy enhancement.

VAULT 36.0 is more than just a technological hub; it represents a critical component of the Indian Army’s ongoing efforts to modernize and prepare for the complexities of contemporary and future warfare environments. By investing in such advanced facilities, the Indian Army underscores its commitment to maintaining and enhancing its status as one of the most technologically advanced military forces in the world.

The inauguration of VAULT 36.0 was attended by senior military officials, representatives from tech companies, and academics, all of whom commended the Indian Army’s proactive approach to embracing technology. The center is expected to play a pivotal role in the technological transformation of India’s defense capabilities, marking a new era of innovation and strategic superiority.