1. Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar is new Army Vice Chief
Tags: Defence Person in news
The Indian Army has named Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar as the new Vice Chief of the Indian Army, while current Vice Chief Lt Gen BS Raju has been transferred to the South Western Army Command (Jaipur) as Army Commander.
An overview of the news
At present, Suchindra Kumar is serving as Deputy Chief of Staff (Strategic) at the Army Headquarters.
BS Raju will succeed Lt Gen AS Bhinder, who is retiring as the Chief of the South Western Army Command on February 28.
Lt Gen NSR Subramani has been promoted to the rank of Army Commander. He will be the new commander of the Army's Central Command in Lucknow. He is currently the Chief of Staff in the Northern Command.
About MV Suchindra Kumar
Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar is an alumnus of the National Defense Academy, Khadakwasla, Pune.
He has completed several courses including Defense Services Staff College in Wellington, Higher Command Course in Mhow and National Defense College in New Delhi.
He has also attended specialised training programs like 'Cooperative Security in South Asia' in Sri Lanka and 'United Nations Senior Mission Leaders Course' in Egypt.
He was first commissioned into the Assam Regiment in June 1985 and has had an illustrious career in the Indian Army.
2. India Japan joint training exercise "Dharma Guardian" to begin at Camp Imazu in Shiga Prefecture, Japan
Tags: Defence International News
The 4th edition of the joint military exercise between India and Japan, "X Dharma Guardians" will be conducted from 17 February to 2 March 2023 at Camp Imazu, Shiga Prefecture, Japan.
An overview of the news
Soldiers from the Garhwal Rifles Regiment of the Indian Army and an infantry regiment from the Japan Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) are participating in the exercise this year.
They will share experiences gained during operations in order to enhance inter-operability in planning and execution.
The Indian Army contingent reached the exercise site on 12 February 2023.
Focus area of training
The training will mainly focus on high level of physical fitness and sharing of exercises at tactical level.
During the exercise, the participants will engage in various missions including joint planning, joint tactical exercise, integrated surveillance grid.
The joint exercise will help both the armies to know each other better, share their vast experiences and enhance situational awareness.
What is Exercise Dharma Guardian?
It is an annual joint military exercise conducted between India and Japan since 2018.
It aims to share experience gained during various Counter Terrorism Operations in respective Countries.
The exercise assumes immense significance in the context of the security challenges faced by both the countries in the backdrop of the current global situation.
The scope of the exercise includes platoon level joint training on operations in jungle and semi-urban/urban terrain.
Other Exercises Between India and Japan
SHINYU Maitri - A bilateral exercise between the Indian Air Force and the Japanese Air Self Defense Force (JASDF).
JIMEX- A bilateral maritime exercise between India and Japan.
Sahyog-Kaijin- Joint Bilateral Exercise between Indian Coast Guard and Japan Coast Guard.
3. Indo-US exercise TARKASH
Tags: National Defence National News
The 6th edition of joint exercise Tarkash was recently concluded in Chennai by the National Security Guard (NSG) and the US Special Operations Force (SOF).
About Exercise TARKASH
This is the sixth edition of the exercise which began on 16 January and ended on 14 February.
It is a joint exercise by the National Security Guard (NSG) and US Special Operations Forces (SOF).
“Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Terror Response” has been included in this exercise for the first time.
An exercise to deal with chemical and biological attacks by terrorists was also included in the exercise.
Chemical and biological attacks have been made part of the exercise in the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war.
Last year, Russia accuses Ukraine of receiving aid from Western countries and of carrying out a chemical attack in Kharkiv.
Objectives of the Exercise
The objective of the exercise is to neutralize the terrorists, safe release of hostages and neutralization of chemical weapons being carried by the terrorists.
Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Weapons
These weapons are classified as weapons of mass destruction (WMD).
In the past these weapons have been used by states and terrorist groups.
The most recent use of CBRN was in the form of a sarin gas attack in Syria in 2017 that killed over 100 people.
These weapons are a serious threat to international peace and security.
Chemical, Biological and Radiological weapons
Chemical weapons include mustard gas and nerve agents.
Biological agents like anthrax, botulinum toxin and plague are some examples of biochemical weapons.
Radiological weapons include weaponised radioactive waste and dirty bombs as well as nuclear weapons.
4. Asia's largest helicopter manufacturing unit inaugurated
Tags: Defence National News
The helicopter manufacturing unit of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Tumkuru, Karnataka has been dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
An overview of the news
It is the largest helicopter manufacturing facility in Asia.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation stone of this manufacturing unit in the year 2016 with an aim to promote the vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.
Initially, the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) will be produced in this helicopter factory.
The factory would later be expanded to manufacture Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and Indian Multirole Helicopter (IMRH) as well as repair LCH, LUH, civil ALH and IMRH.
This helicopter manufacturing unit is spread over 615 acres, which is by far the largest helicopter manufacturing unit in India.
This manufacturing unit will manufacture 30 helicopters per year, which will be increased to 90 helicopters per year in a phased manner.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited plans to manufacture over 1,000 helicopters in the 3-15 tonne range with a total turnover of over Rs 4 lakh crore in 20 years.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
It was established as Hindustan Aircraft Limited in 1940 by Walchand Hirachand in Bangalore (now Bengaluru), Karnataka.
The name was changed to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited on 1 October 1964 after it was merged with Aeronautics India Limited by the Government of India.
Its core business is to design, develop, manufacture, repair and overhaul aircraft, helicopters, engines and related systems such as avionics, instruments and accessories.
It comes under the Ministry of Defence.
Headquarters: Bengaluru
5. Air Marshal AP Singh will be the new Vice Chief of the Air Force
Tags: Defence Person in news
-01_zr3JRbn.png)
Air Marshal Amanpreet Singh has been appointed as the new Vice Chief of the Air Staff.
An overview of the news
He will replace Air Marshal Sandeep Singh.
Air Marshal AP Singh is currently serving as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command, Prayagraj.
Air Marshal AP Singh was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on 21 December 1984.
Achievements/Services
He has served as Project Director (Flight Test) at National Flight Test Centre.
Air Marshal AP Singh has also headed the 'MiG 29 Upgrade Project Management Team' in Moscow, Russia.
He has also served as the Air Defense Commander in the South Western Air Command.
Indian Air Force
It was established on 8 October 1932. It comes under the Union Ministry of Defence.
The President of India is the Supreme Commander of the Air Force.
Every year October 8 is celebrated as Air Force Day.
Chief of the Air Staff: Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Choudhary
Chiefs of other Services/Paramilitary Forces
Army Chief - General Manoj Pandey
Navy Chief – Admiral R Hari Kumar
Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) - Lt Gen Anil Chauhan
Indian Coast Guard Director General - Director General Virender Singh Pathania
Border Security Force (BSF) Director General – Sujoy Lal Thousen
Sashastra Seema Bal Director General - Anish Dayal Singh
6. Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh felicitates 25 winners of Veer Gatha 2.0
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh felicitated 25 winners of Veer Gatha 2.0 at an event in New Delhi on the eve of Republic Day.
An overview of the news
Rajnath Singh gave away the winners a cash prize of Rs 10,000, a medal and a certificate, in the presence of Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan and Raksha Rajya Mantri Ajay Bhatt.
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande, Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane were also present.
More than 100 NCC cadets and students from Army Public School and Cantonment Board were present in the programme.
Veer Gatha project
The 'Veer Gatha Project' has been launched by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) for students of grades 3-12.
The aim of the project is to commemorate the courage of the armed force officers and personnel.
It aims to honour the acts of bravery and sacrifice of the Armed Forces, other legally constituted forces and officers.
Veer Gatha 2.0 is the second edition of Project Veer Gatha.
Last year, Veer Gatha Edition-1, which was launched jointly by the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Education as a part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, was a huge success.
7. President Murmu approves 412 Gallantry Awards to Armed Forces personnel
President Droupadi Murmu on 25 January approved 412 Gallantry awards, including six Kirti Chakras and 15 Shaurya Chakras for Armed Forces personnel and others on the eve of the 74th Republic Day.
An overview of the news
These include six Kirti Chakras, including four posthumous, and 15 Shaurya Chakras including two posthumous.
These include one Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry), 92 Sena Medals, including four posthumous, one Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry), seven Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry) and 29 Param Vishisht Seva Medals.
The Kirti Chakra is India's second highest gallantry award after the Ashoka Chakra. The Shaurya Chakra is the country's third highest gallantry award.
The President has also awarded the President's Tatrakshak Medal to Indian Coast Guard personnel for conspicuous gallantry, exceptional devotion to duty and distinguished service.
Kirti Chakra Awardees
Major Shubhang of the Dogra Regiment from Indian Army
Naik Jitendra Singh of the Rajput Regiment from Indian Army
Jammu and Kashmir police constable Rohit Kumar (Posthumous)
Sub Inspector Deepak Bhardwaj (Posthumous)
Head constable Sodhi Narayan (Posthumous)
Head constable Shrawan Kashyap (Posthumous)
Shaurya Chakra Awardees
Major Aditya Bhadauria, Kumaon Regiment, Indian Army
Captain Arun Kumar, Kumaun Regiment, Indian Army
Captain Yudhvir Singh, mechanised infantry, Indian Army
Captain Rakesh TR, Parachute Regiment, Indian Army
Naik Jasbir Singh, Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, Indian Army (Posthumous)
Naik Vikas Choudhary, Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, (Posthumous)
Constable Mudasir Ahmad Sheikh, Jammu and Kashmir Police
Group Captain Yogeshwar Krishnarao Kandalkar, Air Force
Flight Lieutenant Tejpal, Air Force
Squadron leader Sandeep Kumar Jhajhria, Air Force
Corporal Anand Singh, Air Force
Leading aircraftman Sunil Kumar, Air Force
Assistant Commandant Satendra Singh
Deputy Commandant Vikki Kumar Pandey
Constable Vijay Oraon
Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry)
Major Rakesh Kumar, Indian Army
Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry)
Late CDR Nishant Singh (Posthumous), Navy
Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)
Wing Commander Sumedh Ashok Jamkar, Air Force
Squadron leader Krishna Kumar Singh, Air Force
Junior Warrant officer Srikanth Bonam, Air Force
Sergeant Pankaj Kumar Rana, Air Force
Corporal Satendra Kumar, Air Force
Corporal Anthony Mang Kham, Air Force
Leading Aircraftman Ravinder Singh, Air Force
Uttam Yudh Sewa Medal
Lieutenant General Ram Chander Tiwari, Indian Army
Lieutenant General Anindiya Sengupta, Indian Army
Lieutenant General Amardeep Singh Aujla, Indian Army
8. Border Security Force (BSF) started a seven-day "Operations Alert'' exercise
Tags: Defence National News
The Border Security Force (BSF) has started an "Operations Alert'' exercise to enhance security along the Indo-Pak border in Kutch district of Gujarat and Barmer in Rajasthan in view of the upcoming Republic Day celebrations.
An overview of the news
The 'Operations Alert' exercise commenced on January 21 and will continue till January 28 "all along the Indo-Pak international border from Sir Creek (marshy area) to the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat and Barmer district of Rajasthan.
The BSF will carry out special operations in the depth areas as well as in the creek and 'Harami Nala' as part of the exercise.
It has also planned public outreach programs as part of the exercise.
The Indo-Pak border along Kutch in Gujarat is sensitive as several Pakistani nationals have been caught in the past after entering Indian waters on fishing boats.
To enhance security, for the first time concrete "permanent vertical bunkers" are being built to deploy BSF troops in the strategically important Sir Creek and Harami Nala marshy areas.
Sir Creek
Its original name is Baan Ganga which is named after a British representative Sir Creek.
It is a 96 kilometre long strip of water disputed between India and Pakistan in the Rann of Kutch marshlands.
It opens into the Arabian Sea and divides the Kutch region of Gujarat from the Sindh province of Pakistan.
Harami Nala
It is also known as the Sir Creek area.
This area is a 22 km long and about 8 km wide marshy area which is navigable most of the time.
9. Indian Navy's flagship maritime exercise TROPEX 2023 held in the Indian Ocean
Tags: Defence
Amaritime exercise called TROPEX is being conducted by the Indian Navy in the Indian Ocean region.
An overview of the news
TROPEX-2023 is being organised over a period of three months from January to March.
The TROPEX exercise is held once every two years.
Apart from the Indian Navy the exercise will involve their participation with assets from the Indian Army, Air Force and Coast Guard.
The aim of the exercise is to test the combat readiness of the Navy and safeguard national interests in the maritime domain and promote stability and peace in the Indian Ocean region.
The first exercise of maritime surveillance was held in January 2019. It is also called the biggest war game of the Indian Navy.
10. Border Security Force (BSF) started a special combat exercise "Ops Alert"
Tags: Defence
A seven-day 'Ops Alert' exercise is being conducted by the Border Security Force (BSF) from 21 to 28 January 2023 along the Indo-Pak International Border from Sir Creek to Rann of Kutch in Gujarat and Barmer district of Rajasthan.
An overview of the news
The exercise has been started from the India-Pakistan border - Line of Control (LOC).
Amid preparations for the Republic Day celebrations in the country, exercise 'Ops Alert' has been launched to thwart the nefarious designs of anti-India elements.
During this exercise special operations will be carried out in forward and depth areas as well as in Creek and Harami Nala.
Border Security Force (BSF)
The Border Security Force was established on 1 December 1965 after the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.
It comes under the Union Home Ministry.
It is a border force deployed along the international border with Bangladesh and Pakistan.
BSF is also known as the 'first line of defence' of the country.
