UPSC has published the SSB interview marks for the candidates who have attended the SSB interview for CDS 1 2018 but did not clear it. The list has the name and marks of the candidates who are willing to put their SSB interview marks online in the public domain. The Final Results of the Combined Defence Services Examination –
(I), 2018 for IMA, NA & AFA coursed has been declared on 09/11/2018 and for OTA (Men & Women) course has been declared on 01/02/2019. The scores and other details of the non-qualified candidates of IMA, NA, & AFA who opted for disclosure of their details under this Disclosure Scheme are given below in Annexure-1 (Scores out of total 600 Marks) and non-qualified candidates of OTA at Annexure-II (Scores out of total 400 Marks). Besides sharing of the above information of nonqualified candidates of the Combined Defence Services Examination – (I), 2018 conducted by the Commission, the Commission assumes no further responsibility or liability for the method and manner in which the above information related to candidates, is utilized by other private or public organizations.
Able Seaman Boatswains Mate Joel Robertson from the HMAS Stirling Armoury takes members of the Indian Navy through a weapons display during a tour as a part of AUSINDEX 2017.
The third edition of AUSINDEX, an acronym for Australia India Exercise is scheduled to commence with the arrival of HMAS Canberra (L02), a Landing Helicopter Dock, HMAS New Castle(06) and HMAS Paramatta(154), both frigates; HMAS Collins, a conventional submarine and HMAS Success(OR 304), a Durance-class multi-product replenishment oiler at Visakhapatnam on 02 April 19. The aim of the exercise is, “To strengthen and enhance mutual cooperation and interoperability between the IN and RAN, providing opportunities for interaction and exchange of professional views between the personnel of the two navies”. A sign of strengthening of bilateral and defence cooperation between the two countries as envisaged in the Framework for Security Cooperation (FSC) announced by the Australian and Indian Prime Ministers in 2014. The maiden edition of the exercise was held in September 2015 at Visakhapatnam. Australia hosted the second edition of the exercise off Freemantle in June 2017, wherein ships of the Eastern Fleet of the Indian Navy (IN) exercised with Royal Australian Navy (RAN) ships and submarines.
Building on a long history of cooperation – including the shared experiences in the trenches of World War I in Gallipoli and along the Western Front – Australia and India have a positive defence relationship, underpinned by the 2006 Memorandum of Defence Cooperation and 2009 Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation. However, post the 2014 bilateral FSC the cooperation on defence and security matters between the two countries has gained significant momentum thus, witnessing conscious and focussed enhancements.
The complexity of the biennial maritime exercise over the past four years has steadily increased. The third edition would involve exercises in all three dimensions with focus on ASW. The number of units being fielded by both navies in the bilateral exercise is the highest till date. The increased scale of participation signifies the importance attached to the exercise by both countries while the enhanced complexity is indicative of the interoperability between the two navies. Overall, the exercise underscores India’s vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and shared objectives of the two countries towards ensuring good order in the maritime domain and solidarity with friendly and harmonious countries.
The Union Public Service Commission will be conducting the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I) 2019 at various Centers/Venues all over India on
21st April, 2019 (Sunday). The Commission has uploaded the e-Admit card for the convenience of the admitted candidates on the Commission’s web-site (https://upsconline.nic.in). The admitted candidates are advised to download their e-Admit Card for the Examination and take a printout thereof. The admitted candidates will have to produce the printout of their e-Admit Card at the allotted Venue for appearing in the Examination, along with Photo Identity Card mentioned in the
e-Admit Card. In case, the photograph is not visible or available on the e-Admit Card, candidates are advised to carry two (2) identical photographs (one photograph for each session) along with the printout of e-Admit Card at the Venue of the Examination for appearing at the Examination with an undertaking. No paper Admit Card will be issued for the Examination by the Commission. In case of any discrepancy is noticed in the e-Admit Card, the same may be communicated to the Commission immediately at e-mail ID [email protected] latest by 11th April, 2019 to enable the Commission to take a decision in the matter.
The Candidates are advised to take a printout of the e-Admit Card well in advance to avoid last minute rush. “Important Instructions to the candidates” must be read carefully by the candidates. It may also be noted that entry into the Examination Venue shall be closed 10 minutes before the scheduled commencement of the Examination i.e. 09.50 A.M. for the Forenoon Session and 01.50 P.M. for the Afternoon Session. No candidate shall be allowed the entry into the Examination Venue after closure of the entry.
Candidates should also note that they shall not be allowed to appear at any other Examination Venue except the Examination Venue mentioned in the e-Admit Card. Candidates are also advised to bring Black Ball Point Pen as the candidates shall be required to fill the Attendance List and the OMR Answer Sheet with Black Ball Point Pen only.
Candidates may submit representations, if any, on the questions asked in the Question Papers of this Examination to the Commission through the “Online Question Paper Representation Portal (QPRep)” only by accessing the URL: https://upsconline.nic.in/miscellaneous/QPRep/ within a period of Seven (07) days from the date of Examination. No representation through any other mode and received after the above period shall be accepted by the Commission.
Mobile phone (even in switched off mode), pager or any electronic equipment or programmable device or storage media like pen drive, smart watches etc. or camera or Bluetooth devices or any other equipment or related accessories either in working or switched off mode capable of being used as a communication device are banned inside the Examination Hall. Any infringement of these instructions shall entail disciplinary action against the concern candidates including debarment from future Examination/ Selection. Use of normal or simple wrist watches by candidates is allowed inside the examination Rooms/Halls. However, use of watches fitted with any special accessory that might be used as communication device or smart watches is strictly prohibited and candidates are not allowed to take such watches into the examination Rooms/Halls. Valuable/ costly items and bags are also not allowed inside the Examination Venue.
Current Affairs March 2019 questions and notes PDF For CDS 1 2019, CDS 2 2019, NDA 1 2019, NDA 2 2019, AFCAT 1 2019, AFCAT 2 2019 and SSB Interview 2019. Download the current affairs questions with answers and current affairs ebook for March 2019 with around 1600 questions and detailed answers. Download the best current affairs books from ssbcrack shop. Current Affairs ebook PDF covering all the latest current affairs in March 2019 happened around India and the World. The Capsule includes Awards & Recognitions, Science & Technology, Sports related updates, Indian and International Affairs, and Environment related news. Current Affairs PDF will definitely help those who are preparing for competitive exams like NDA, CDS, AFCAT, TA, UPSC, SSC, Railways, Postal, State level exams and all kinds of Bank exams (IBPS, SBI, RRB, RBI, Defence & Intelligence). Download Current Affairs March 2019 eBook
Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj attends the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation or OIC meeting. India for the first time addressed the OIC meeting in Abu Dhabi.
Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot Abhinandan Varthaman who was captured by Pakistan after an air encounter between the countries on Wednesday, 27 Feb 2019, returned to India.
02 March 2019
DRDO Chairman G Satheesh Reddy has been honoured with the prestigious Missile Systems Award by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) for his excellence in the field of missile systems technology.
04 March 2019
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 4, 2019 launched ‘One Nation, One Card’ Model from Ahmedabad, Gujarat for seamless travel through different metros and other transport systems.
Prayagraj Kumbh Mela 2019 concluded on March 4, 2019 with the sixth and final “Shahi Snan” (royal bath) held on the occasion of Mahashivratri. The world’s largest religious and cultural human congregation, ‘Kumbh 2019’ began at Prayagraj (erstwhile Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh on January 15, 2019.
05 March 2019
Delhi has been ranked the most polluted capital in the world, while Gurugram is the most polluted city, according to a Greenpeace report.
Virat Kohli broke former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting’s record to become the fastest to score 9,000 international runs as a captain. The Indian skipper achieved the milestone when he reached 22 runs against Australia during the second One-day International (ODI) in Nagpur. Virat Kohli reached the 9,000-run mark as a skipper in 159 innings while Ponting took 203 innings to reach the same figure.
06 March 2019
Indore has bagged the cleanest city award for third straight year under Swachh Survekshan, 2019.
Israel’s first lunar lander sent back a selfie taken with the Earth clearly visible in the background. It marks an important milestone for the mission as it is the first in-space selfie.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on March 5, 2019 launched smart fencing under the Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System along the Indo-Bangladesh border in Dhubri district of Assam to deter illegal infiltration.
07 March 2019
Google has launched a new application called ‘Bolo’ that aims to help children in primary school to read in Hindi and English. The application features an animated character called ‘Diya’, who encourages children to read stories aloud.
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 7, 2019 released the new series of visually impaired friendly circulation coins of Rs 1, Rs 2, Rs 5, Rs 10 and Rs 20.
08 March 2019
The Supreme Court on Friday referred Ayodhya’s Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case to mediation for amicable settlement. Former apex court judge Justice (retd) F M Kallifulla will head a panel of mediators in the case. Other members of the panel of mediators include spiritual guru Shri Shri Ravi Shankar and senior advocate Sriram Panchu.
Governor of Mizoram Kummanam Rajasekharan has resigned from his post.
President Ram Nath Kovind presented the Nari Shakti awards, 2018, the highest civilian honour for women in India, in New Delhi on the occasion of International Women’s Day.
Ausaf Sayeed, presently High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Seychelles, has been appointed as the next ambassador of India to Saudi Arabia.
09 March 2019
The Supreme Court of India on March 8, 2019 decided to refer the Ayodhya-Babri Masjid title dispute case for mediation. The apex court has formed a panel of mediators to resolve the issue, which will be headed by Supreme Court judge, Justice F M Kalifullah. The other members of the panel include spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Sankar and senior advocate Sriram Panchu.
10 March 2019
The national election will be held in seven rounds from 11 April and the results will be announced on May 23. Voting will be held across India on April 11, April 19, April 23, April 29, May 6, May 12 and May 19.
Ethiopian airlines plane bound for Nairobi crashed today, killing all 157 people on board.
The most awaited big fat Indian wedding took off on March 9, 2019 with Akash Ambani and Shloka Mehta tying the knot at a hotel in Mumbai. Akash Ambani is the eldest son of Reliance Industries Chairman, Mukesh Ambani and Shloka Mehta is the daughter of high profile diamond merchant Russell Mehta. The couple got engaged in July 2018.
11 March 2019
The President Ram Nath Kovind on March 11, 2019 conferred the Padma Awards 2019, one of the highest civilian awards of India, to 112 awardees.
Kavinder Singh Bisht in the 56kg-category struck gold while four others claimed silver medals to end Indian campaign at the 38th GeeBee Boxing Tournament in Helsinki, Finland.
The new visa agreement between India and Maldives, providing a liberal visa policy for Maldivian citizens seeking medical treatment as well as education and business opportunities in India, came into force on March 11, 2019.
12 March 2019
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina on March 11, 2019 jointly unveiled e-plaques for development projects in Bangladesh through video conferencing.
India is the second largest importer of weapons in the world, as per the annual report ‘Trends in International Arms Transfers-2018’released on March 11, 2019 by the think tank Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) spacecraft has observed water molecules moving around the dayside of Moon, a finding that could help scientists learn about the accessibility of water that can be used by humans in future lunar missions.
13 March 2019
British Parliament will vote on a new motion today to decide if the UK should leave the EU within the March 29 deadline without any deal in place.
Former IAS officer C Lalsawta sworn-in as Mizoram’s first Lokayukta chairman.
Zinedine Zidane has been re-appointed as the coach of Spanish football club Real Madrid till 2022.
Rohit Sharma becomes the third fastest batsman, along with Sourav Ganguly, to reach 8000 ODI runs in cricket.
Australia defeated India by 3-2 in the five matches ODI series in India.
14 March 2019
World Kidney Day being observed today. The day is observed annually on the second Thursday in March to create awareness on the importance of kidneys and reducing the frequency and impact of kidney diseases.
The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO)-developed Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile was successfully fired in the desert ranges of Rajasthan.
15 March 2019
Forty-nine people are dead and many are seriously injured after a heavily armed gunman opened fire during prayers at a mosque in the center of Christchurch, New Zealand.
The 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games starts in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
The Supreme Court revoked the life ban on former Indian cricketer S. Sreesanth in a case of spot-fixing.
16 March 2019
India will host the Under-17 Women’s Football World Cup in 2020.
17 March 2019
Goa Chief Minister and Former Defence Minister of India, Manohar Parrikar dies after long illness. He was diagnosed with a pancreatic ailment. He was 63 years old.
Bengaluru FC wins the Indian Super League (ISL) 2019 after defeating Goa by 1-0 in the final.
18 March 2019
BJP’s Pramod Sawant elected as the new Chief Minister of Goa.
The Election Commission issued a notification for the first phase of Lok Sabha polls.
19 March 2019
Goa Legislative Assembly Speaker and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, Pramod Sawant was sworn-in as the 11th Chief Minister of Goa in a late-night ceremony, hours after his predecessor, Manohar Parrikar was cremated with state honours.
Just a day before the expiry of Supreme Court set deadline, the Reliance Communications (RCom) on March 18, 2019 cleared the outstanding dues by paying Rs 458.7 crore to Swedish telecom equipment maker, Ericsson.
India gets its first Lokpal six years after the passage of Act, former Supreme Court judge, Pinaki Chandra Ghose was on March 19, 2019 appointed as India’s first Lokpal also known as the anti-corruption ombudsman.
20 March 2019
The Gauhati High Court has declared the strikes and road or rail blockades as illegal in Assam and directed the police to lodge FIRs against organisations who call for bandh.
Kazakhstan’s parliament voted to rename the country’s capital Astana as Nursultan in honour of long time ruler Nursultan Nazarbayev.
Indian-origin Jagmeet Singh has created history in Canada when he made his debut in the House of Commons as the first non-white leader of a major opposition party in the country.
Today is observed as World Sparrow Day to raise awareness about the bird.
21 March 2019
The festival of colours Holi is being celebrated across the country today.
Former Supreme Court judge Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose appointed as the India’s first Lokpal.
India returned with 368 medals, including 85 gold, at the Special Olympics World Summer Games, held at Abu Dhabi, UAE which concluded today.
22 March 2019
Kazakhstan’s parliament on March 20, 2019 renamed its capital Astana as ‘Nursultan’ in honor of outgoing leader Nursultan Nazarbayev. Nursultan stands for “Sultan of Light” in Kazakh language, while, Astana means ‘capital’ in Kazakh language.
The United States President, Donald Trump on March 21, 2019 declared that the US will recognise Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights, a disputed land which Israel captured from Syria in 1967.
23 March 2019
President Ram Nath Kovind administered the oath of office to the former Supreme Court judge Pinaki Chandra Ghose as Lokpal chairperson.
Vice Admiral Karambir Singh has been appointed as the next Navy Chief. He will succeed Admiral Sunil Lanba who retires on 31st of May this year.
President Ram Nath Kovind administered the oath of office to the former Supreme Court judge Pinaki Chandra Ghose as Lokpal chairperson.
Vice Admiral Karambir Singh has been appointed as the next Navy Chief. He will succeed Admiral Sunil Lanba who retires on 31st of May this year.
24 March 2019
The 64th Filmfare Awards held yesterday. Raazi wins the Best Film award, while Alia Bhatt wins Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female) award. Ranbir Kapoor wins the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male) award for the movie Sanju.
25 March 2019
Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal and his wife Anita Goyal resigned from the board of the airline they founded 25 years ago.
Indian Air Force (IAF) today formally inducted the four heavy-lift Chinook helicopters.
President Ram Nath Kovind has left on a three-nation visit to Croatia, Bolivia and Chile.
26 March 2019
Pakistan government on March 25, 2019 approved a proposal to open the Sharada Peeth Corridor for Hindu pilgrims. Pakistan government to establish a corridor that will allow Hindu pilgrims from India to visit Sharada Peeth located in PoK.
The Indian Navy’s state of the art Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Training Facility (NBCTF) was inaugurated on March 25, 2019 by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba at INS Shivaji, Lonavala.
Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) corvette, INS Kadmatt will participate in the 15th edition of Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA-19). The corvette arrived at Langkawi, Malaysia on March 25, 2019 for seven days official visit.
27 March 2019
First Indian Army Mountaineering Expedition to Mt Makalu (8485m) was flagged off on March 26, 2019. Expedition team comprises five Officers, two JCOs and eleven other officers. This expedition was flagged off by Director General Military Training.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 27, 2019 announced that India has established itself as the world’s 4th largest space super power. The Prime Minister stated that the feat is historic, as till now, only three countries in the world – United States of America, Russia and China have achieved this.
28 March 2019
The United States on March 27, 2019 circulated a draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to blacklist Chief of Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), Masood Azhar.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Indonesia on March 27, 2019. This MoU subjects combating illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and its precursors. India has signed similar Conventions/MoUs/Agreements with the 37 countries.
29 March 2019
European Parliament on March 28, 2019 has voted to ban single-use plastic products. It includes plastic cutlery, cotton buds, straws and stirrers as part of a sweeping law against plastic waste that despoils beaches and pollutes oceans.
30 March 2019
India and the United States on March 29, 2019 signed the first amendment to the Statement of Guiding Principles (SGP) on triangular cooperation for global development.
31 March 2019
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch the country’s latest observation satellite EMISAT tomorrow (Monday, 1st Apr 2019).
Most of the defence aspirants have watched Lakshya and a whole generation get inspired by this cult movie. I mean whenever I watch this movie it gives me goosebumps. I remember my father coming from his unit and ordered this movie on DVD and make me and my brother sit and watch is as he felt it’s a very inspirational movie. But when I again saw it in my college days what caught me perplexed was that “Captain Karan Shergill” had two thumbs in his right hand. This condition is called as polydactyly and is a case for permanent rejection in SSB medical.
Well! The entire movie had very less to nil inaccuracies but the fingers in the hand of the Captain while saluting stood out to me and that too many others defence aspirants also. Most of us know that the actor playing the role of Captain Karan Shergill has an extra thumb in his right hand. The makers of the movie didn’t try to hide this fact or didn’t use any kind of prosthetic to cover up his extra thumb. Though showing in a movie is a totally different thing and inaccuracies do find their way in a large number but its influence can’t be neglected. There are a large number of candidates who get influenced and think it to be true but gets disappointed when they are not recommended for medicals. Their only fault is that they were misinformed and didn’t dig deep into this regard. The defence aspirants who have a similar condition of extra growth of fingers are quite confused regarding the medical criterion of selection for officers in armed forces.
What is Polydactyly?
Let’s explore what exactly Polydactyly means in the medical terms and what other interpretations can be drawn from it. Polydactyly simply breaks up to form the words “many fingers” and is congenital physical mutilation in humans and animals which results in extra growth of fingers or toes. Generally, such a case of extra growth of finger does not have any negative implications or any kind of hindrances in doing the daily work. But, in the case of armed forces, it is taken very seriously and such cases are given downright permanent rejection. This means that if you will go to the SSB medicals with extra fingers or toes then it is a sure case that you will be rejected on the grounds of polydactyly.
The reasons were given by veterans:
The reasons which are given generally by veterans are that the military clothing and equipment, including that of the standard gear such as gloves and footwear, comes in prescribed standard sizes. It would be too expensive and will often stand out for the makers to make items for people with extra fingers and toes. Sometimes, in an operational area, you are out of your gear or you lose it somewhere and no spare is in sight then it would be difficult for a soldier to arrange for proper gear. It will be disastrous for the soldier as well as for his immediate commanding officer to tackle such an issue which could have been no issue at all. Military medicals are often pre-determined according to the operational norms which are suitable for people with a certain type of physique. That’s why you won’t find any candidate with less height, other than that of hilly terrains or with other medical issues which can’t be cured.
Consider this example with which you will be able to relate:
Many of us, who have tried for flying branch, are aware of the fact that candidates who don’t fit in the prescribed torso and leg length are rejected for the same. Usually, the militaries across the world prefer that its members are confirmed to a set standard of physical criterion and that’s why correlated height and weight brackets are created. Anything, which is outside the functional norm, which may or may not require out of the way accommodation, is generally a case for disqualification. As already stated above that in the case of polydactyly, it would prevent that person from wearing a standard size gear in a comfortable manner. These are some of the answers which have found their way as preconceived notions in the mind of aspirants.
Well! A convenient solution for aspirants:
What could be the possible course of action in such a case? That’s just the question which will be lingering in your thoughts as being an armed forces aspirant you won’t back off so easily. That’s what makes us defence enthusiasts different in every domain. In the case of Polydactyly, one can go for a surgical operation to get the extra growth of finger or toe removed. In such an operation, it should be ensured that no such visible dominant scars or disability is left that can hamper the normal functioning of that body part. It is highly advisable for the aspirants to undergo such an operation with proper caution and by taking consultation of, if possible, any military associated doctor.
The above is a classic case of deformity and is a sure shot permanent rejection scenario. But, as stated it is treatable and one can join armed forces if the external growth of extra fingers or toes is eliminated completely with full functioning of the body parts.
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The disciplinary proceedings against Major Leetul Gogoi who was caught with a local girl in a hotel, have been completed and the officer has been recommended to be awarded the loss of seniority in service for the offence.
Major Leetul Gogoi, who hit the headlines in April 2017 for using a civilian as a shield against stone-throwers, had been held guilty by a court of inquiry of fraternising with a local and being away from his place of duty in an operational area. “The disciplinary proceedings have been completed and he has been recommended to be punished with the loss of seniority by the authorities concerned. The punishment recommended will have to be confirmed by the Northern Command,” Army sources said.
Army Chief General Bipin Rawat had last year said that the officer had not committed as grave a mistake as was being made out by the media. He had backed the officer when the jeep episode happened but also talked about giving him exemplary punishment when the hotel episode got exposed. On May 23 last year, the Kashmir police had detained Major Gogoi when he was found in a Srinagar hotel with an 18-year-old girl. After the altercation, the Army ordered a court of inquiry (CoI) to probe the incident. The CoI held him guilty of “fraternising” with a local in violation of Army instructions in operational areas.
The UPSC Union Public Service Commission has published the e-admit cards for the NDA 1 2019 National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I) 2019 for candidates who have registered for the NDA 1 2019 examination successfully. The National Defence Academy (NDA) NA (Indian Naval Academy) examination (I), 2019, is scheduled to be held on 21st April 2019. The examination is being conducted by the UPSC for admission into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air force wings of the NDA and NA. Below are the important details related to NDA 1 2019 exams and admit card instructions.
The NDA exam consists of two papers: Mathematics and General ability test, below we have discussed both the papers in details.
Mathematics: The mathematics paper is of 300 marks and consist of multiple choice questions based on the syllabus of class 11th and 12th. The time allowed to write the paper is 2.5 hr.
General Ability: The General Ability test comprises of two sections i.e. Section A and Section B. Section A is of English (200 marks) and Section B (400 marks) is of general knowledge.
All the question are MCQ type and contain a negative marking for the wrong answers.
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We all watched URI and in a cinematic view of expression found it more or less very thrilling as it made us stick on our seats with not a moment of boredom. Of course, when a movie is made by Bollywood the cinematic liberties are taken during the making of the movie which results in some over the top dialogues or inaccuracies which are hard to digest. It was cringing worthy to see so many mistakes in the uniform in the past military movies. Uri matched the level of Hollywood in more than many ways and it can be said that Bollywood has started churning some good military movies and more will follow. That being said, I was impressed by the accuracies that were shown in the badges and medals which were worn by the actors throughout the movie. Defence enthusiasts and aspirants were very excited to see Vicky Kaushal as Major Vihaan Shergill in his full glory of a PARA SF officer depicting. The brethren of defence experts and aspirants were able to decode the medals and badges which the officer was sporting. But, it was slightly confusing for the civilians who were not at the advantage of having such knowledge in this domain. The shiny, glittery and badges of different shapes and designs received the awe but at the same time, they were quite a mystery for civilians.
Every badge and every medal has a story behind it which usually consists of efforts being made in blood and sweat. These badges and medals are not meant for decoration but whenever a concerned person have a look at them, it is easily understood the bearer’s background.
Let’s, take a look at all the badges and medals worn by Major Vihaan Shergill and try to extract the meaning behind each one of them.
The rank on the shoulders:
Major is the military rank of a commissioned rank officer in the Indian army. The rank of a major is signified by the single national emblem on both his shoulders. The norm to reach till the rank of a major is the completion of 6-7 years of service as well as clearing part B exam. A major usually commands a company of around 120 men within a unit.
Basic paratrooper badge (Static line jump):
A basic paratrooper badge or wing is earned after completing the Parachute Basic Course successfully. The badge consists of a single airborne brevet with an open parachute in colour white with wings extended from both the sides in a light blue colour. A green-grey drab background covers the entirety. It is worn on the right chest, a little high from the nameplate and the right chest pocket.
There were other variants for the same which existed for the mess as well as ceremonial uniforms. The gold wired wings on a flannel or maroon colour, and you will remember it from the ceremonial tunics of President’s Bodyguards. It was formerly worn on the upper right sleeve till 1975.
Special Group Badge (Mavericks):
Para SF operatives who are deputed in the Special Frontier Force (SFF) hold a badge which shows a snow lion while those who depute into the Special Group holds a Maverick badge. The maverick badge consists of a hand holding a knife in golden colour and two straight golden wings protruding from it in a black background.
Special Forces are carved out of the parachute regiment basically and are denoted by a distinct insignia which is called Balidaan. Balidaan insignia has a dagger pointed in a downward manner while two wings are extended in an upward manner from the dagger blade. Also, a scroll is superimposed on the lower part of the blade and “balidaan” is inscribed in devnagri script. The entire badge is in silver metal form while the background is a maroon rectangle. This badge is only worn by Para SF operatives who are selected after 90 days long probation period where the drop rate is very high. It is worn on right chest pocket.
Combat free fall jump badge:
The combat free-fall course requires a soldier to have at least 50 jumps from altitude as high as 33,500 feet to pass this course. In this course, two types of techniques are learned and they are HAHO (High Altitude High Opening) AND HALO (High Altitude Low Opening). Freefall jumpers wear a golden badge that is worn above the left chest pocket, just above the service plates.
Underwater diver’s badge:
This badge depicts a diver who is fully geared with the combat load and national emblem. It signifies that the diver is ready to take any kind of specialized underwater operations. A diver who is trained fully in endurance, stamina and strength and also skilled enough to handle a variety of weapons, pieces of equipment and explosives for underwater operations and even as a saboteur.
Service ribbons:
Service ribbons are strips on metal plates depicting the locations, missions and medals a soldier have been awarded. If you will look carefully on the service ribbons of Major Vihaan Shergill then you will notice the following details.
Coming from left to right on the topmost plate, it is Shaurya Chakra followed by Special Service Medal and the Army Medal. In the bottom plate from left to right, High Altitude Service Medal, Foreign Service Medal, 9 Years Long Service Medal which is followed by United Nation’s Mission medal.
COAS Commendation Card:
All the three branches of the Indian armed forces issue Commendation cards, which are those badges being awarded for “individual acts of gallantry or distinguished service or devotion to duty being performed either in non-operational or operational areas ”. This award will not be given to anyone posthumously and will be awarded for a specific act of bravery or any other distinguished service. Commendation Cards are issued at the level of the highest officer of the particular branch such as Chief of the Army Staff.
Jump indicator wings:
A brass badge which has stars at the bottom of a single parachute with each star denoting the number of jumps the badge bearer has undergone. One star denotes 25 jumps, two stars denote 50 jumps while 3 stars denote 100 jumps. It is worn below the left chest pocket
You are familiar with most of the basic badges and medals in the uniform of Indian Army Para SF operatives. So, it will be extremely beneficial to gain knowledge by decoding the rest of them which comes into your view at times on the internet or in real life. Like they say very often, ” In the military, they give medals to people who are willing to sacrifice themselves so that others may survive.”
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Opening ceremony of Exercise MITRA SHAKTI VI, a 14 days joint training exercise of the Indian Army and the Sri Lankan Army has been held on 27 March at Diyatalawa Parade Ground in Diyatalawa, Badulla District, Sri Lanka. This is the sixth edition of the joint exercise between the two nations. The exercise is being conducted from 26 March to 08 April 19. The Indian Army contingent comprises of a company group from BIHAR Regiment and a similar strength from the First Gemunu Watch Battalion of Sri Lankan Army. Brigadier HPNK Jayapathirana, General Officer Commanding 21 Division of Sri Lankan Army was the chief guest for the opening ceremony.
The primary focus of the exercise is to train and equip the contingents to undertake joint counter insurgency and counter terrorist operations in urban/ rural environment under the United Nations flag. The exercise provides an ideal platform for both contingents to share their operational experience and expertise while being instrumental in broadening interoperability and cooperation between the armies of India and Sri Lanka.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the nation today. In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister said “In the journey of every nation there are moments that bring utmost pride and have a historic impact on generations to come. One such moment is today. India has successfully tested the Anti-Satellite (ASAT) Missile. Congratulations to everyone on the success of Mission Shakti. Mission Shakti was a highly complex one, conducted at extremely high speed with remarkable precision. It shows the remarkable dexterity of India’s outstanding scientists and the success of our space programme.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) today successfully conducted an Anti-Satellite (A-SAT) missile test ‘Mission Shakti’ from the Dr AP J Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha. A DRDO-developed Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) Interceptor Missile successfully engaged an Indian orbiting target satellite in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in a ‘Hit to Kill’ mode. The interceptor missile was a three-stage missile with two solid rocket boosters. Tracking data from range sensors has confirmed that the mission met all its objectives.
The test has demonstrated the Nation’s capability to defend its assets in outer space. It is a vindication of the strength and robust nature of DRDO’s programmes. With this India joins a select group of nations, which have such capability. The test has once again proven the capability of indigenous weapon systems.
Mission Shakti is special for 2 reasons:
India is only the 4th country to acquire such a specialised & modern capability.
Entire effort is indigenous.
India stands tall as a space power! It will make India stronger, even more secure and will further peace and harmony.”
Shortly after his address to the nation today, Prime Minister spoke to scientists involved with the successful conduct of Mission Shakti, via video conference. The successful conduct of Mission Shakti today, has made India the fourth nation in the world, with the capability to successfully target satellites through an Anti-Satellite Missile. Congratulating them on their success, the Prime Minister said that the entire nation is proud of our scientists for achieving well, what they had set out to accomplish. He said that in line with the “Make in India” initiative, the scientists have given a message to the world that we are less than no one. The Prime Minister said that India follows the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the world is one family. He however, also emphasized, that the forces which work for peace and goodwill, must remain ever-powerful, for the achievement of peace.
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The Prime Minister asserted that for global peace and regional peace, India should be capable and strong. He said that the scientists have contributed to this effort with dedication. He also conveyed the greetings of the entire Union Cabinet to the scientists. The scientists thanked the PM for giving them this opportunity to prove their skills.
The UPSC Union Public Service Commission has published the e-admit cards for the NDA 1 2019 National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I) 2019 for candidates who have registered for the NDA 1 2019 examination successfully. The National Defence Academy (NDA) NA (Indian Naval Academy) examination (I), 2019, is scheduled to be held on 21st April 2019. The examination is being conducted by the UPSC for admission into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air force wings of the NDA and NA. Below are the important details related to NDA 1 2019 exams and admit card instructions.
