Jammu:

Pakistani troops on Wednesday violated ceasefire by resorting to unprovoked firing on Indian posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, prompting a befitting response by the Indian Army, security officials said.

The extent of damage on the Pakistan side was not known immediately but the officials said the enemy forces suffered “heavy casualties”. The Indian Army neither confirmed nor denied the information.

The ceasefire violation by Pakistan in the Krishna Ghati sector came a day after two Indian Army personnel including a captain were killed in an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion triggered by suspected terrorists near the LoC in the Akhnoor sector of Jammu district.

The ceasefire violation along the LoC is very rare ever since India and Pakistan renewed the ceasefire agreement on February 25, 2021.

The officials said Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked firing on a forward post in the Tarkundi area along the LoC, prompting a strong retaliation by the Indian Army which resulted in “heavy casualties” among the enemy forces.

An undated video of a Pakistani army officer is making rounds on social media paying last respects to killed soldiers.

Meanwhile, the officials said a junior commissioned officer (JCO) of the Indian Army sustained minor injuries when he accidentally stepped over a landmine in the same sector this evening.

The JCO, who is a resident of Mendhar, was part of a patrolling party keeping a close vigil on the LoC to prevent infiltration of terrorists, they said, adding the injured officer was evacuated to the military hospital.

The situation along the LoC is tense following a spurt in hostile activities from across the border over the past week, the officials said.

This was the first ceasefire violation this year and a fourth cross-border incident in five days.

On Monday, a soldier was hit by a bullet from across the border while manning a forward post in the Kalal area of the Nowshera sector in Rajouri district while an Army patrol came under terrorist fire from a forest across the LoC in Rajouri’s Keri sector on February 8. The terrorists were apparently waiting for an opportunity to sneak into the Indian side.

During the intervening night of February 4 and 5, a land mine explosion reportedly resulted in some casualties to terrorists attempting to infiltrate into the Indian side from across the LoC in the Krishna Ghati sector of Poonch district.

On February 10, General Officer Commanding of the Jammu-based White Knight Corps, Lieutenant General Navin Sachdeva, reviewed “hostile activities” along the LoC in Rajouri district.

“GOC White Knight Corps, along with GOC Ace of Spades and GOC Crossed Swords divisions, visited forward areas of the Rajouri sector for an operational update on the prevailing security situation and the hostile activities,” the Army had said in a post on X.

The post, shared by the White Knight Corps on its official social media handles, said the corps commander complimented all ranks for their vigil and relentless operational focus.

He also urged them to remain prepared for all contingencies, the Army said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Kolkata:

Indian Army’s robotic dogs ‘MULE’ (Multi Utility Legged Equipment) stole the show at the Republic Day parade in Kolkata on Sunday. Named ‘Sanjay’, the ‘MULE’ is an all-weather ground robot dog that can climb stairs, steep hills, and cross hurdles.

According to the Indian Army, it is designed for several operations, including perimeter security, asset protection, and chemical-biological-nuclear warfare scenarios. They can also be used for explosives detection and disposal, intelligence, and surveillance.

#WATCH | West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee takes part in #RepublicDay2025 celebrations at Kolkata.

(Source: Mamata Banerjee Social Media) pic.twitter.com/1KUWOvFFvL

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2025

The robotic dogs can carry a payload of 15 kgs and can be operated in extreme temperatures from -40 degrees to 55 degrees Celsius.

The Indian Army has so far inducted 100 robotic dogs in various units, officials said.

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose unfurled the national flag at Red Road in Kolkata today morning. This was followed by a parade – led by Naib Subedar Rajneesh.

Contingents of the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, West Bengal Police, Kolkata Police, Rapid Action Force, and Disaster Management Group took part in the parade. Apart from these, students from various schools also participated in the ceremony and performed cultural dances.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee attended the event.

West Bengal tableau at Republic Day parade

West Bengal’s Republic Day tableau at the Kartavya Path in Delhi highlighted the state’s ‘Lakshmir Bhandar’ scheme which provides a guaranteed monthly income to women. It also featured the state’s ‘Lok Prasar Prakalpa’ initiative showcasing its rich cultural heritage, architectural excellence, and artistic traditions.

The tableau’s front featured a ‘Durga’ idol, with Chhau performers accompanying the tableau.

The mega Republic Day parade in the national capital was attended by President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other high-level dignitaries. Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto attended the event as a chief guest.

New Delhi:

President Droupadi Murmu lauded the Indian Army for its pivotal role in ensuring national security and fostering peace in the country during the 77th Army Day celebrations.

The President highlighted the Army’s invaluable contribution to the nation’s progress and prosperity, stating that their efforts have created a secure and peaceful environment.

Army Day, observed annually on January 15, marks the foundation of the Indian Army and symbolises India’s military independence. It commemorates the historic moment in 1949 when General Sir Francis Butcher, the last British Army Chief of India, handed over command to Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa, who became the first Indian Chief Commander of the Legion of Merit.

The theme for the 77th Army Day celebrations is “Samarth Bharat, Saksham Sena.”

In a statement, the President conveyed her warm greetings to the Army, acknowledging its courage and professionalism in defending India’s borders.

“The courageous army personnel have consistently displayed extraordinary courage and high standards of professionalism in defending our borders. The Indian Army has been involved in anti-terrorism operations and has been instrumental in containing terrorism,” the statement read.

“A grateful nation pays tribute to the bravehearts who sacrificed their lives in service of the nation. The nation is indebted to them and their families. I wish the Indian Army continued success in all its endeavours and convey my best wishes to its gallant soldiers, veterans and their families,” it added.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed his admiration for the Indian Army’s “indomitable courage, valour, and selfless service” on the occasion.

He extended his heartfelt greetings to all soldiers, officers, and their families, stating that Army Day provides an opportunity to honour their invaluable contributions to national security and integrity.

The Defence Minister highlighted the Army’s unparalleled role in “guarding the borders of the country but is also making an unparalleled contribution in the field of disaster management, peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance.”

He described the Indian Army as “a symbol of pride and confidence for every Indian.”

Rajnath Singh underscored the Army’s importance as one of the key pillars of national security and its incomparable role in nation-building. He expressed satisfaction with the Army’s preparedness to address all forms of threats, “whether traditional or unconventional and its vital contribution to India’s emergence as a Viksit Bharat.”

He noted the Army’s rapid adoption of modern technology and its commitment to promoting indigenisation through self-reliance. He lauded its efficiency, discipline, and patriotism, which have brought glory to India on the global stage.

The Defence Minister also paid homage to the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the nation. He emphasised that their courage and dedication have ensured a secure future for the country.

In his message, he described the Indian Army as a symbol of unity, courage, and devotion to duty, saluting its unwavering commitment to the nation.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

New Delhi:

Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi today spoke out over the removal of the iconic picture of Pakistan’s surrender to India in the 1971 war from his office at Raisina Hill in New Delhi. It was recently replaced by a new painting titled ‘Karam Kshetra’. The move had caused much anguish among army veterans, who have criticised the decision.

The iconic picture of Pakistan’s surrender used to be on the wall of the army chief’s lounge at his office. In December it was taken down for maintenance and upkeep, but later sent away to the Manekshaw convention centre instead of being brought back to the army chief’s office. A new artwork was installed in its place.

Defending the move, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi said, “If you see the golden history of India – it has three chapters. It has the British era, the Mughal era and the era before that. If we wish to connect that and the Army’s vision, symbolism becomes important.”

Suggesting a generational change, the army chief said the new painting is created by Lt Col Thomas Jacob of the 28 Madras regiment, “who belongs to the younger generation in the force”.

The Indian Army has said that the new painting, “Karam Kshetra” means “Field of Deeds”. “It portrays the Army as a guardian of Dharma that protects the nation’s values and reflects its evolution into a technologically-advanced integrated force,” it explained.

The painting shows snow-capped mountains around the Pangong lake in Ladakh, Lord Krishna’s chariot and Hindu statesman and philosopher Chanakya – all representing strategic wisdom.

The army chief suggested that the new painting was made considering the current realities as he mentioned about the re-balancing of troops in view of challenges coming from the northern front.

Addressing the criticism over the new painting, Army Chief Gen. Dwivedi said, “It is also being said that there is a semi-clad Brahmin standing at the centre on the banks of Pangong Tso. If Indians do not know Chanakya, they need to refer back to their civilisational approach.”

The army chief further said that “If I have to connect the past, present and future, the new painting symbolises that.”

Laying the case to rest, the army chief concluded that the move should not be seen as a removal of the iconic 1971 painting from his office. “The army chief has two lounges and the surrender painting is at the lounge at Manekshaw Centre,” Gen. Dwivedi said.

(Inputs from PTI)
 

New Delhi:

Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi today spoke out over the removal of the iconic picture of Pakistan’s surrender to India in the 1971 war from his office at Raisina Hill in New Delhi. It was recently replaced by a new painting titled ‘Karam Kshetra’. The move had caused much anguish among army veterans, who have criticised the decision.

The iconic picture of Pakistan’s surrender used to be on the wall of the army chief’s lounge at his office. In December it was taken down for maintenance and upkeep, but later sent away to the Manekshaw convention centre instead of being brought back to the army chief’s office. A new artwork was installed in its place.

Defending the move, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi said, “If you see the golden history of India – it has three chapters. It has the British era, the Mughal era and the era before that. If we wish to connect that and the Army’s vision, symbolism becomes important.”

Suggesting a generational change, the army chief said the new painting is created by Lt Col Thomas Jacob of the 28 Madras regiment, “who belongs to the younger generation in the force”.

The Indian Army has said that the new painting, “Karam Kshetra” means “Field of Deeds”. “It portrays the Army as a guardian of Dharma that protects the nation’s values and reflects its evolution into a technologically-advanced integrated force,” it explained.

The painting ‘Karam Kshetra’ has replaced the iconic picture of Pakistan’s surrender to India in the 1971 war. (Photo Credit: X / @bsdhanoa)

The painting shows snow-capped mountains around the Pangong lake in Ladakh, Lord Krishna’s chariot and Hindu statesman and philosopher Chanakya – all representing strategic wisdom.

The army chief suggested that the new painting was made considering the current realities as he mentioned about the re-balancing of troops in view of challenges coming from the northern front.

Addressing the criticism over the new painting, Army Chief Gen. Dwivedi said, “It is also being said that there is a semi-clad Brahmin standing at the centre on the banks of Pangong Tso. If Indians do not know Chanakya, they need to refer back to their civilisational approach.”

The army chief further said that “If I have to connect the past, present and future, the new painting symbolises that.”

Laying the case to rest, the army chief concluded that the move should not be seen as a removal of the iconic 1971 painting from his office. “The army chief has two lounges and the surrender painting is at the lounge at Manekshaw Centre,” Gen. Dwivedi said.

(Inputs from PTI)
 

New Delhi:

Women officers in the Army are performing exceedingly well and the force is looking at increasing their induction, Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi said Monday while playing down concerns of a senior commander who flagged “problems” facing the units commanded by women officers.

In an unprecedented move, Lt General Rajeev Puri, a Corps Commander, had written a five-page letter to Eastern Army Commander Lt General Ram Chander Tiwari listing a series of issues impacting Army units commanded by women officers in the eastern sector.

The women officers are performing remarkably well, Gen Dwivedi said while replying to a question at a press conference ahead of the Army Day.

“The letter which got leaked out, shouldn’t have gotten leaked out. A court of inquiry has been ordered about it. It is a perception, it is his perception. He has all the right to give out that perception and comment,” the Army chief said.

“It is an internal communication,” he said.

The Chief of the Army Staff said the Army appointed the women commanding officers following an order by the Supreme Court.

“Today, I just wish to assure you, women officers were doing exceedingly well,” he said.

“Today, there are approximately 16 women officers who are doing Staff College. There are women officers who are pilots in the aviation branch also,” he said.

The Army wants a strong woman officer, who is “Kaali mata ka roop”, the Army chief said.

At the same time he emphasised on the need to follow a gender neutral approach.

The Army started assigning women officers to command roles following a Supreme Court order in 2023.

Several women officers are now helming units in various forward locations, including in areas under the Northern and Eastern Commands.

The Army chief suggested that the force is looking at a 12 times increase in women’s induction in officer rank by 2032.

In his letter, Lt Gen Puri wrote: “During the last one year, there has been an increase in the number of officer management issues in units commanded by women officers.” He wrote that most cases pertain to lack of tact and understanding of the personal requirements of unit personnel, especially officers.

Lt Gen Puri also listed “misplaced sense of entitlement”, “lack of empathy” and a “tendency to complain” among the issues impacting the units.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

After over 80 cadets from the National Cadet Corps (NCC) were hospitalised after suspected food poisoning at a training camp in Kerala, a video has surfaced showing two men – A local Councillor and a leader of the left party – assaulting a senior Army officer in the camp premises.

On December 23, over 80 cadets from the 21 Kerala Batallion NCC fell sick following a suspected case of food poisoning at the KMM College in Thrikkakara. Following the claims, the two men along with others barged into the premises and assaulted Lt Colonel Karnail Singh of the NCC battalion.

The video showed the Lt Colonel being shoved against the wall and the man grabbed his throat. Another man pinned him against the wall with his arm and the Army officer pushed him away. Later, a man in a blue t-shirt pulls out a weapon, which appears to be a knife, and threatens the officer inside the camp premises.

Later, a cop, who was present at the scene when the men were assaulting Lt Colonel Singh, pushes one of them away and tries to control the situation. The officer reportedly suffered injuries to his neck and back.

The cadets first complained of discomfort in the evening after dinner and were taken to the hospital.

“These cadets were taken to the Primary Health Centre and later to the Medical College. Subsequently, 47 more cadets who reported similar symptoms were also taken to the Medical College, where they were treated in the OP department and promptly sent back to the camp,” NCC said. A total of 513 cadets (283 boys and 235 girls) participated in the camp.

Additional Director General of NCC has directed a Brigadier-led panel to submit a report on the case of suspected food poisoning.

The incident, which happened a week ago, led to a massive outrage and cases of trespassing, criminal intimidation and voluntarily causing hurt, have been filed against the accused under relevant sections and a senior police officer is probing the incident.

– with inputs from PTI

New Delhi:

The Indian Army has installed a statue of Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji on the bank of Pangong lake at an altitude of 14,300 feet, a region that is close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China in the eastern Ladakh sector. The Army’s Leh-based 14 Corps said the inauguration of the statue celebrated the “unwavering spirit” of the Indian ruler as his legacy remains a source of inspiration.

The statue was unveiled on Thursday by Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla, the General Officer Commanding of the 14 Corps, widely known as Fire and Fury Corps.

The towering symbol of valour, vision and unwavering justice was inaugurated by Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla, the 14 Corps said on X.

“The event celebrates the unwavering spirit of the Indian ruler, whose legacy remains a source of inspiration for generations,” it said.

SHRI CHHATRAPATI SHIVAJI MAHARAJ STATUE AT PANGONG TSO, LADAKH

On 26 Dec 2024, a majestic statue of Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was inaugurated on the banks of Pangong Tso at an altitude of 14,300 feet.

The towering symbol of valour, vision and unwavering justice was… pic.twitter.com/PWTVE7ndGX

— @firefurycorps_IA (@firefurycorps) December 28, 2024

The Army has been making efforts to integrate India’s “ancient strategic acumen” into the contemporary military domain.

The unveiling of the Shivaji statue came weeks after India and China completed the disengagement process in the last two friction points of Demchok and Depsang marking an end to the nearly four-and-half-year-long border standoff.

Following an understanding reached on October 21, the two sides completed the disengagement of troops at the two remaining friction points.

The eastern Ladakh border standoff erupted on May 5, 2020, following a violent clash in the Pangong lake area.

As a result of a series of military and diplomatic talks, the two sides completed the disengagement process in 2021 on the north and south banks of the Pangong Tso. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

New Delhi:

A CAG report for the year ending March 2021 has flagged “persistent delays” in the finalisation of the Court of Inquiry proceedings in the Army, and cited that out of 95 cases involving financial loss in three commands, stipulated timeline for assembly and completion of CoI was met “only in 46 and 25 cases”.

The report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India on Union government (Defence Services-Army) was presented in Parliament on Tuesday.

This report contains the results of audit of the transactions of Ministry of Defence pertaining to the Department of Defence, Army, Military Engineer Services, Border Roads Organisation, and Defence Research and Development Organisation in 2020-21, as per the statement on it issued by the CAG.

It also audited the functioning of the Remount and Veterinary Services and Utilisation of Animal Transport Units.

The Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC), headed by Director General Remount Veterinary Services (DG RVS), is responsible for breeding, rearing, training and managing health of the entire equine and canine population in the Indian Army.

“Audit covered the period from 2018-19 to 2020-21 which included the period of 13th Army Plan (2017-22). Audit observed that the 13th Plan for RVS did not include capability development and modernisation aspects,” the statement said.

The audit was also on ‘Court of Inquiry in Indian Army’, ‘Raising of Porter Companies in Eastern Command’, and ‘Management of Water Supply by Military Engineer Services’, among others.

“There were persistent delays in finalisation of the CoI (Court of Inquiry) proceedings in Indian Army. Out of 95 cases involving financial loss in the three Army Commands (Central Command, Eastern Command and Western Command), stipulated timeline for assembly and completion of CoI was met only in 46 and 25 cases respectively,” the CAG said in the statement.

In 11 cases, time taken in completion of CoI was “more than two years and even up to 11 years,” it flagged.

“In 10 CoIs related to fire incidents where the Command HQs were authorised to convene a CoI, the convening order was issued by an authority lower than the Command HQs. The terms of reference (ToR) which lay down the scope of investigation for a CoI did not have specific mention of fixation of responsibility and apportioning of blame/loss in 29 cases,” the statement said.

“Further, in 28 out of these 29 cases, there was no mention of the relevant Army Rules, Orders, Instructions, etc., and in 13 of these 29 cases, no mention was made of assessing the extent of loss and damage to life/property,” the audit body said.

The statement further said that in 95 cases, CoI assessed “financial loss of Rs 50.76 crore”.

“The financial losses of Rs 7.12 crore were regularised in respect of 43 cases (April 2022). However, in 52 cases involving financial loss of Rs 43.64 crore, the information relating to regularisation of loss by Competent Financial Authority was not available,” the statement said.

“In 57 out of 95 cases, the required documents relating to intimation of details of loss to accounting authorities, that is, Controllers of Defence Accounts (CsDA), were not available in the documents furnished. As such, Audit was unable to ascertain whether the loss was reported to CsDA either initially or finally after investigation,” it added.

In 20 out of 38 remaining cases, where the Commands/Units furnished details of financial losses to the concerned CsDA after completion of CoI, “the time taken in reporting of losses to CsDA ranged between three months and more than two years,” it flagged.

On the functioning of the Remount and Veterinary Service, it further said that “three out of the six short-term training goals” as per the Technical Training Directive of RVS, related to import of frozen semen of proven elite stallions from European countries to upgrade the sporting potential of Army equines; training of raptors to hunt down drones or surveillance devices; and training of local breeds of dogs to assess their suitability for employment as military working dogs, were “either not achieved or under-achieved”.

On the audit related to the raising of Porter Companies in Eastern Command, the audit body said the Ministry of Defence sanctioned (June 2019) raising of nine Porter Companies (Coys) in the area of responsibility (AoR) under the Headquarters Eastern Command (HQ EC) for the years 2019-20 and 2020-21 at a cost of Rs 180.85 crore and for the year 2021-22, at a cost of Rs 93.78 crore.

“Out of total 12,000 porters hired under the Porter Coys raised between 2019-20 and 2021-22, Corps HQ allotted 11,297 porters to ETFs/Engineer Regiments. Division HQ further allotted only 7,938 porters to ETFs/Engineer Regiments. As such, 3,359 porters were deployed in units other than Engineer Regiments. Out of 7,938 porters deployed, the utilisation certificates rendered by the Engineer Regiments were only in respect of 4,634 porters,” it said.

The report also flagged “unwarranted expenditure due to delay in termination of bandwidth services” by the Canteen Stores Department.

The report also mentions cases of avoidable expenditure of Rs 3.20 crore on account of not following the IRC specification in road markings, and sanctioning similar nature of works under different code heads. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)