Category: Defence

Lt Gen Jaiveer Singh Negi Takes Charge as 49th Commandant of Indian Military Academy From Lt Gen SK Jha

Lieutenant General Jaiveer Singh Negi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, VSM**, on Saturday took over as the 49th Commandant of the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. Lt Gen Negi took over the Command Baton of the academy from Lt Gen Sanjay Kumar Jha, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, who superannuated after four decade of distinguished service on Jan 31, 2020. After taking the charge, Lt Gen Negi paid tributes to the martyrs at the War Memorial. General Bipin Rawat Takes Over as India’s First Chief of Defence Staff; Here is What New Uniform of CDS Looks Like.

The General Officer was commissioned into 16 DOGRA in Jun 1981. In his illustrious career spanning close to four decades, he has held many important challenging command and staff appointments in India and abroad. He has commanded his Battalion during ‘Operation Parakram’ in the Western Sector, an Assam Rifles Sector in Counter Insurgency Area in North East, a Division in High Altitude Area of Ladakh Area and a Strike Corps in Wester Sector.

Lt Gen Sanjay Kumar Jha, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, Handing Over Baton to Lt Gen Jaiveer Singh Negi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, VSM__
Lt Gen Negi Taking Over The Command Baton of the IMA from Lt Gen Jha (Photo Credits: IMA)

He is an alumnus of the prestigious National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, Army War College (Higher Command Course) and National Defence College. He has done instructional tenures at Infantry School, Mhow and Indian Military Training Team, Bhutan. Lt Gen Negi has also been the Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff of an Indian Brigade deployed in UN peacekeeping Mission in the conflict zone of Congo. IMA POP Autumn 2019 – Multi Activity Display And “Son-Et-Lumiere” Show Held at Indian Military Academy, Rajnath Singh To Be Reviewing Officer of Passing Out Parade.

The General officer has tenanted important instructional and staff appointments in Infantry School, Mhow, Colonel General Staff of a Division, Military Secretary’s Branch and as a Maj Gen served in both Military Operations Directorate as also Military Secretariat Branch. He has vast operational experience and service experience having served in all terrains of the country.

For his dedicated and distinguished service of the highest order, he has been Awarded Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishist Seva Medal, Yudh Seva Medal and Bar to Vishist Seva Medal. He has also been awarded the UN Force Commander’s Commendation for his distinguished service in United Nations. Prior to taking over the reins of Indian Military Academy, he was handling a crucial appointment of Deputy Commander and Chief of Strategic Force Command.

Republic Day 2020 Gallantry Awards – Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, VCOAS Lt Gen SK Saini Awarded PVSM; UYSM to Kargil War Hero Lt Gen YK Joshi, Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen KJS Dhillon

President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday approved awards of 409 Gallantry and other Defence decorations to Armed Forces personnel and others on the eve of 71st Republic Day celebrations. A total of 19 top Indian Army commanders were awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM). The Army Commanders who were awarded the Param Vashishth Seva Medal include – Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Ranbir Singh and Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS)  Lt Gen Satinder Kumar Saini.

Out of the 19 Officers who were awarded the PVSM, three were Major General-ranked officers. Besides, Indian Army commnders, six Indian Air Force and ther Indian NAvy officers were also awarded the PVSM. The government of India awarded Uttam Yiudh Seva Medal (UYSM) to four Indian Army Officers including Kargil war Hero Lt Gen Yogesh Kumar Joshi and Commander of Chinar Corps Lt Gen Kanwaljeet SIngh Dhillon. The other two officers who were conferred with the UYSM were Lt Gen Paramjit SIngh Sangha and Rajiv Sirohi. General Bipin Rawat Conferred With Param Vishisht Seva Medal in Recognition of Peace-Time Services.

Besides PVSM and UYSV, other awards approved by the President include – 53 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals, 10 Yudh Seva Medals, 123 Vishisht Seva Medals, four Bar to Sena Medals (Gallantry), 107 Sena Medals (Gallantry), five Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry), fourVayu Sena Medals (Gallantry), four Bar to Sena Medals (Devotion to Duty), 36 Sena Medals (Devotion to Duty), eight Nao Sena Medals (Devotion to Duty), one Bar to Vayu Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty) and 13 Vayu Sena Medals (Devotion to Duty).

Two IAF helicopter pilots – Squadron Leaders Ninad Anil Mandavgane and Siddharth Vashisht- who were killed by friendly fire in Jammu and Kashmir, the day when the Pakistan Air Force fighter jest violated the Indian air space were also awarded Vayu Sena Medal poshumously.

This year, Shaurya Chakra was awarded to six Indian Army personnel for showing bravery against all odds. Shaurya Chakra, the third highest gallantry award during peace time, was awarded to Lieutenant Colonel Jyoti Lama, Major KB Singh, Naib Subedar Narender Singh, Naib Subedar Sombir, Naik Naresh Kumar and Sepoy Karmdeo Oraon. Three policemen – Challapilla Narasimha Rao, Kamal Kishore and Aman Kumar were also awarded Shaurya Chakra (posthumously).

 

Six Indian Army Personnel Awarded Shaurya Chakra on Republic Day

Ahead of the Republic Day 2020, the government of India on Saturday released a list of gallantry awards. This year, Shaurya Chakra was awarded to six Indian Army personnel for showing bravery against all odds. Shaurya Chakra, the third highest gallantry award during peace time, was awarded to Lieutenant Colonel Jyoti Lama, Major KB Singh, Naib Subedar Narender Singh, Naib Subedar Sombir, Naik Naresh Kumar and Sepoy Karmdeo Oraon. Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman to Get Vir Chakra, 5 IAF Pilots to be Conferred Vayu Seva Medal For Carrying Out Balakot Airstrikes; Yudh Seva Medal For Sqn Ldr Minty Agarwal.

Lt Col Jyoti Lama was awarded the third highest gallantry award for killing two terrorists in an operation in Manipur in July last year. Lt Col Lama also captured fourteen hardcore terrorists in his area of operation. Major Konjengbam Bijendra Singh of Army Air defence deployed with Assam Rifles killed two terrorits in Manipur last year.

Indian Army’s Tweet:

Naib Subedar Sombir of Jat Regiment was awarded Shaurya Chakra posthumously for killing foreign terrorist in operation in Jammu & Kashmir. Naib Subedhar Narender Singh of Parachute Regiment of the Special Forces, was awarded the Shaurya Chakra for engaging and eliminating two armed intruders along the Line of Control. President Ram Nath Kovind Approves 132 Gallantry Award For Armed Forces Personnel and Members of Paramilitary Forces, Check Full List.

Indian Army’s Tweet:

 

Naik Suresh Kumar of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry gunned down “A++ terrorist” last year. Sepoy Karmdeo Oraon, was awarded Shaurya Chakra for an operation on Line of Control where he was hit by bullet on his bulletproof patka. Even after being hit by the bullet, he lobbed nine grenades and killed two terrorists while thwarting the attack by four terrorists.

Three policemen – Challapilla Narasimha Rao, Kamal Kishore and Aman Kumar were also awarded Shaurya Chakra (posthumously). President Ram Nath Kovind Approved 409 gallantry and defence decorations on Saturday. These includes nine Shaurya Chakras, 28 Param Vishisht Seva Medals, four Uttam Yudh Seva Medals, 53 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals, 10 Yudh Seva Medals, 123 Vishisht Seva Medals.

Kargil War Hero Lt Gen YK Joshi Appointed as Northern Army Commander, Will Take Charge on February 1

Kargil War hero Lieutenant General Yogesh Kumar Joshi on Thursday was appointed as the new Northern Army Commander. Lt Gen Joshi will succeed Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, who is superannuating on January 31. Lt Gen Joshi is currently serving as the Chief of Staff of the Northern Command and will take charge as the Northern Army Commander on February 1. Vishal Batra, Brother of Captain Vikram Batra, Climbs 16,000-Foot-High Peak on 29th Death Anniversary of Kargil War Hero.

The Kargil War hero also served as commander of Leh based Fire and Fury Corps till October 2019. He also commanded a Brigade and a Division in Leh and served as Director General, Infantry. Kargil Vijay Diwas 20th Anniversary Celebrations: 13 JAK RIF Organises Motorcycle Expedition From Uttarakhand’s Mana Village to Kargil.

During the Kargil war, Lt Gen Joshi, who was then Lt Col, led the 13th Battalion of the J&K Rifles to launch four successful attacks on the enemy during the Operation Vijay in 1999. For his gallant effort during the Kargil War, Lt Gen Joshi was awarded Vir Chakra.

Joshi hails from Faridabad, Haryana. He was an alumnus of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Military Academy. Lt Gen Joshi was commissioned into the 13 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles.

Meanwhile, Lt Gen CP Mohanty has been appointed as the commander of the Southern Command. He will succeed Lt Gen SK Saini who will take charge as the Vice Chief of  Army Staff (VCOAS) on Saturday.

General Bipin Rawat Takes Over as India’s First Chief of Defence Staff; Here is What New Uniform of CDS Looks Like

A day after General Bipin Rawat was appointed as India’s first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) on Tuesday tweeted out images of the badges of his new uniform. General Bipin Rawat today retired as the Chief of Army Staff. Speaking to reporters, after receiving his farewell ‘Guard of Honour’ at South Block, General Rawat said, “I will fulfill my role as Chief of Army Staff till the handover.”

The colour of the uniform of the CDS will be olive green. However, there will be few changes in it as the CDS will represent all the three wings forces. The insignia of the Chief of Defence Staff draws elements from all the three wings of the armed forces which are encircled by laurel wreath. There will be a maroon patch on the shoulders of the uniform with golden ranks. There will no lanyard as the CDS will represent all the three service wings. General Manoj Mukund Naravane Takes Charge as 28th Indian Army Chief.

Sneak Peak Into Badges of the Uniform of Chief of Defence Staff:

 

 

 

 

 

There will also be no four stars on the collar of the uniform of the CDS. The Chief of Defence Staff will have his office in South Block. According to reports, General Bipin Rawat will reside at 3, Kamraj Marg in New Delhi. The CDS will head the Department of Military Affairs and will bring jointness in the military operations.

The creation of CDS was announced in August in 2019 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The announcement was made on the Independence Day during his address to the nation. The demand to create CDS dated back to 1998, when the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government came to power. The recommendation for creating the post was first made after the Kargil War.

General Manoj Mukund Naravane Takes Charge as 28th Indian Army Chief

General Manoj Mukund Naravane took charge as the 28th Indian Army Chief on Tuesday. General Naravane succeeded the outgoing Chief General Bipin Rawat, who has been appointed as the first Chief of Defence Staff. Containing cross border-terrorisms in Jammu and Kashmir, resolving border issues with China and bringing Army reforms will be on priority of the new Army Chief. With General Naravane taking charge as the 28th Army Chief, now all the three chiefs of the service wings are from the 56th batch of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune.

An alumnus of the NDA and the Indian Military Academy, the General Officer was commissioned into the seventh Battalion of the Sikh Light Infantry Regiment in June 1980. He is an alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and Higher Command Course, Mhow. He holds a Master’s Degree in Defence Studies, M. Phil Degree in Defence and Management Studies and is currently pursuing his Doctorate. President Ram Nath Kovind Presents Gallantry Awards 2019 to Indian Army, Paramilitary Personnel, General Bipin Rawat Receives Param Vishisht Seva Medal.

Video of Gen Rawat Passing on the Army Chief’s Baton to General Manoj Mukund Naravane:

 

In a distinguished military career spanning almost four decades, the General Officer has the distinction of tenating key command and staff appointments in Peace and Field both in North East and Jammu & Kashmir and has been part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka during ‘Operation Pawan’. The Officer brings with him enormous experience of serving in the most challenging areas. Gen Naravane had also commanded 2nd Battalion, Rashtriya Rifles (Sikh Light Infantry), 106 Infantry Brigade, Inspector General Assam Rifles (North) at Kohima, Nagaland and 2 Corps.

His staff assignments included tenures as a Brigade Major of an Infantry Brigade, Assistant Adjutant & Quartermaster General (AA&QMG) of Headquarters Establishment No 22, Defence Attache at Yangon, Myanmar, an instructional appointment in the Army War College as Directing Staff in the Higher Command Wing, besides two tenures at the Integrated Headquarters of Ministry of Defence (Army), New Delhi. The General Officer had the privilege of commanding the Republic Day Parade in 2017 in his capacity as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) Delhi Area. After successfully commanding the Army Training Command, Shimla, he took over as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of Eastern Command on October 01, 2018.

IMA POP Autumn 2019 – Multi Activity Display And “Son-Et-Lumiere” Show Held at Indian Military Academy, Rajnath Singh To Be Reviewing Officer of Passing Out Parade

 

Aa a prelude of Passing Out Parade (POP) at Indian Military Academy(IMA), a Multi Activity Display was conducted at Somnath Stadium on December 6, 2019. The Gentlemen Cadets (GCs) showcased the high standards of the training and physical excellence. The IMA is the premium training institute imparting Pre-Commissioning military training to the future leaders of Indian Army. The Display was witnessed by a large gathering of spectators, which included the Passing Out Course, their parents and relatives.

The aim of training at the Academy includes developing physical fitness and a robust mind with a sense of adventure amongst the Gentlemen Cadets. The Gentlemen Cadets showcased dare devil acts on horse back, which included tent pegging, trick riding and show jumping. Further, a scintillating performance by the Gentleman Cadets showcasing their physical prowess through their gymnastic agility and acrobatic skills. The Malkhamb Team of 5th Battalion Maratha Light Infantry surprised the audience by the display of their extraordinary skills. IMA Ball Night – Autumn Term 2019: Precursor to December 7 Passing Out Parade Held at Indian Military Academy; Yashaswini Sharma Adjudged Miss IMA, GC Dhruv Mehla Declared Mr IMA.

Shri Rajnath Singh Hon’ble Defence Minister of India along with Lt Gen SK Jha, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, Comdt, IMA and Maj Gen GS Rawat, AVSM, YSM, SM DC&CI, IMA attending Sound and Light Show.jpg
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the Light And Sound Show at IMA Picture Courtesy: IMA, Dehradun)

The second event of the day was the Continuity Drill and “Son-et-Lumiere’’ (Sound and Light show). The show was graced by Shri Rajnath Singh, Hon’ble Defence Minister of India the Reviewing Officer for the Passing Out Parade alongwith the parents of the passing out course and the visiting dignitaries.

The event was held at the sprawling Drill Square which provided the pristine environment for the conduct of the event, the spectacular show commenced with exquisite drill movements of Continuity Drill by the Gentlemen Cadets. A contingent comprised of sixty four Gentlemen Cadets bidding farewell to the senior colleagues, conducted a masterly display of drill movements synchronized with an accompanying band.

The Sound and Light Show conducted at The Indian Military Academy, is one of its kind in Armed forces in India. It is done in front of the famous Chetwode Building, covering a stage of more than 400 feet, it depicts the history of eight decades of Indian Military Academy. People come to know the discipline, bravery, camaraderie and the valour of the Heroes in making. It is more of a heritage and an iconic legacy into practice for more than 87 years. An audience of more than 3000 people and a crew of more than a hundred people. It uses live action, horses, lasers, light, films, world class audio and fireworks. All these activities of 40 minutes, give parents of Gentlemen Cadets, Officers and Guest an enthralling experience of their life time, and swells their hearts with pride.

IMA Ball Night – Autumn Term 2019: Precursor to December 7 Passing Out Parade Held at Indian Military Academy; Yashaswini Sharma Adjudged Miss IMA, GC Dhruv Mehla Declared Mr IMA

The glittering and most awaited social event for the Autumn Term 2019 – The
‘IMA Ball’, was held on November 23, 2019 at the Indian Military Academy. Yashaswini Sharma was adjudged as Miss IMA and Gentleman Cadet Dhruv Mehla was declared as Mr IMA. The proud winners won exquisite gift hampers. IMA Ball Night – Spring Term 2019: Precursor to June 8 Passing Out Parade Held at Indian Military Academy: Anushka Chauhan Adjudged Miss IMA, GC Armanjit Singh Declared Mr IMA

The evening of joy, merriment and nostalgia commenced with the Commandant
IMA, Lt Gen SK Jha, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, rolling the symbolic ‘IMA Ball’. The
Gentleman Cadets looked radiant in evening military attire and the ladies were at their
dazzling best during the gala event.

Lt Gen SK Jha, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, Commandant, Indian Military Academy and Mrs Anita Jha, the first lady of the Academy, with farewell to 145 Reg & 128 TGC course on the occasion of IMA Ball
IMA Commandant Lt Gen SK Jha (Picture Courtesy: IMA)

The IMA Ball is held at the end of each term to mark the culmination of a rigorous training schedule of the Passing Out Course. The event is marked with fun and frolic, it can also be termed as the ‘Break Up Party’ for the Passing Out Course. The IMA Ball is a precursor to the final event – The Passing Out Parade of the IMA, which is scheduled on December 7, 2019. IMA POP Spring Term 2019: Identical Twins Commissioned Into Indian Army After Completing Training From Indian Military Academy.

Lt Gen SK Jha, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, Comdt, IMA and Mrs Anita Jha, the first lady of the Academy, Maj Gen GS Rawat, AVSM, YSM, SM, DC&CI and Mrs Anupa Rawat second lady of the Academy alongwith the winners of IMA Bal.jpg
Award winners of IMA Ball (Picture Courtesy: IMA)

The occasion was characterised by the display of a high sense of chivalry,
courtesy, etiquette and gentlemanly conduct of the passing out course. These qualities
which are imbibed and nurtured in the IMA, remain as an important part of their lives as officers on commissioning.The highlight of the evening was the selection of Mr IMA and Miss IMA, in which the Gentleman Cadets and their lady guests participated whole-heartedly with great zealm and enthusiasm.

Ponung Doming Creates History by Becoming First Lady Officer From Arunachal Pradesh to be Promoted to Rank of Lt Col in Indian Army

Ponung Doming created history on Monday by becoming the first lady officer from Arunachal Pradesh to be elevated to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Army. While speaking to media, Doming expressed happiness after being promoted to Lt Col rank. Meet Lt Garima Yadav: A Journey From Beauty Queen To Indian Army Officer.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu congratulated Lt Col Doming for creating the history. He tweeted, “A proud moment for all of us…, Major #PonungDoming creates history. She is first woman Army officer from #Arunachal to be elevated to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the #IndianArmy. Hearty congratulations and best wishes! @adgpi.”

Prema KHandu’s Tweet:

 

In March this year, the Centre announced that lady officers would get permanent commissions in 10 branches of the Indian Army. Permanent commission will be granted to lady officers serving in branches such as Signals, Engineers, Army Aviation, Army Air Defence, Electronics and Mechanical Engineers, Army Service Corps, Army Ordinance Corps and Intelligence. Lady officers will have to give their option for permanent commision before completion of four years of commissioned service. All-Woman IAF Crew Flies Military Chopper Mi-17 V5 For First Time.

Last month, Wing Commander Shaliza Dhami became the first woman Flight Commander of the Indian Air Force (IAF). Wg Cdr Dhami took over the Chetak helicopter unit at the Hindon airbase in Uttar Pradesh. Born in Ludhiana, she took her first solo flight in 2003 in Hyderabad, on the HPT-32 Deepak. In 2017, Dhami became the first woman flying instructor of the IAF. Wing Commander Dhami is also the first woman officer to get a permanent commission of the flying branch.

(Picture Courtesy: Twitter/Indian Army)

Air Marshal RKS Bhadauria Appointed as 26th IAF Chief, WIll Take Over Charge From Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa on September 30

Air Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria, PVSM, AVSM, VM, ADC was appointed as the 26th Indian Air Force (IAF) chief by the government on Thursday. Air Marshal Bhadauria will take charge from Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa who is scheduled to retire on September 30. Air Marshal Bhadauria will serve as the chief of IAF for next two years. He is currently serving as Vice Chief of the Air Staff. Air Marshal Bhadauria assumed the office on May 1, 2019, after superannuation of Air Marshal Anil Khosla. Admiral Karambir Singh Takes Charge As 24th Naval Chief; Indian Navy Gives Emotional Farewell to Admiral Sunil Lanba, Watch Video.

Interestingly, Air Marshal Bhadauria was also set to retire on the September 30 this year, but he has given two years of extension and now will be retiring in 2021 at 62 years of age. He has over 4250 hours of flying on 26 types of fighters and transport aircraft. Air Marshal Bhadauria  is an alumnus of National Defence Academy, Pune and holds a Masters in Defence studies from Command and Staff College. He was commissioned in fighter stream of the IAF on June 15, 1980, and was recipient of ‘Sword of Honour’.

Air Marshal Bhadauria held various Command, Staff and Instructional Appointments at various levels including the present one as Vice Chief of Air Staff. This Air Officer is decorated with PVSM, AVSM, VM and he is one of the ADCs to the supreme Commander. Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman Flies Joint Sortie With IAF Chief BS Dhanoa From Pathankot Airbase.

He also commanded Flight Test Squadron at Aircraft & System Testing Establishment (ASTE) and was the Project Director of National Flight Test Centre on Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) project. As Deputy Chief of Air Staff (DCAS), he was instrumental in the finalisation of contract of Rafale aircraft for IAF. Air Marshal Bhadauri also headed a frontline deep strike Jaguar Squadron and a frontline fighter base in South Western sector. Bhadauria is from Korath, a village near Agra.

(Picture Courtesy: Twitter/Indian Air Force)