Third Indo-Maldives Joint Exercise Conducted

Exercise Ekuverin-2011, a joint exercise with Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) was conducted from 05 to 18 Dec 2011 at Maldives.

The exercise was aimed at joint operations between MNDF and IA, with a view to enhance interoperability while carrying out Counter Insurgency/Counter Terrorism operations in a semi urban insurgency environment.

Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica (ISEA)

The 31st Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica (ISEA) was launched with 44 members on a long expedition (14 Months) from various organizations viz NCAOR, SASE, ITBP etc. Out of these, three members are from Army (BRO). This team left Antarctica from Goa via Cape Town, South Africa in Oct 2011, and will return to India by 31 Mar 2013.

Second Indo-Nepal Joint Training Held

Second Indo Nepal Joint Training: Surya Kiran-II, was conducted from 09 to 22 Dec 2011 at CIJW School Amlekhganj, Nepal.

The aim of the exercise was to conduct one platoon level joint training between Nepal Army and Indian Army with emphasis on joint operations, jungle warfare and Counter Terrorists operations, with a view to enhance inter-operability at a functional level. Lieutenant General Nepal Bhushan Chand, Chief of General Staff, Nepal Army and Brig Ranbir Singh from IA witnessed the closing stages of the joint training.

Army Dental Corps Celebrates 71st Corps day

The Army Dental Corps celebrated its 71st Corps Day on 01 Feb. Various academic and cultural events were organized to include wreath laying at Amar Jawan Jyoti by the DGDS & Colonel Commandant, a special sainik sammelan, games, tambola, fancy dress and cultural events for families and troops. The Corps also organized a Contin uing Dental Education programme at Army Dental Centre (R & R) on “Multidisciplinary Approach: Need of the Hour.” The Corps pledged to keep our soldiers “Biting Fit” and keep up the motto-“Nishtaiv Nirogyam”.

Corps of Signals Celebrates 101st Anniversary

Corps of S ignals celebrated Corps day on 15 Feb. SO-in-C & Senior Colonel Commandant paid homage to martyrs at Amar Jawan Jyoti and a social evening was a organized.

A Central Barakhana was organized at Army HQ Signal Regiment, with an enchanting display by Military Pipes & Drums Band, a performance by the ‘Dare Devils’ Motorcycle team, a display of close combat skills by Kalaripayattu & Taekwondo teams and a fancy dress competition for children of all ages.

Gorkha Brigade Celebrates Diamond Jubilee

The Diamond Jubilee Reunion of Gorkha Brigade was organised in Gorakhpur & Delhi from 8-12 Feb. Colonels of all Gorkha Regiments, Centre Commandants and COs of the Gorkha Brigade fraternity participated. The function at Gorakhpur was also attended by a large number of ESM and their families from Nepal.

‘Know Your Army’ Mela At Faridkot

A ‘Know Your Army’ Mela for youth and school children was organised at Faridkot Military Station on 01 Feb. A spectacular display of Army Aviation Fly Past, followed by Free Fall Para Jump by the Para Commandos was organised. In addition to equipment of Armour, Infantry & Artillery on display, motivational & educative stalls were set up. An overwhelming response was seen, with more than 2000 students of various schools/colleges attending.

‘Dakshin Maitrey Rally’ : A Solidarity

Initiative A ‘Dakshin Maitrey Rally’ organized by Bison Division was flagged off on 22 Feb. Traversing through the four southern states, the rally aimed at promoting harmony and igniting patriotic fervour in the youth of South India and motivate the youth to join the armed forces. The team motivated over 2000 school children with a talk about career opportunities in the army. Traversing 2100 kms in six days, the team conducted road shows and seminars and reached out to the ex servicemen and next of kin of martyrs.

Infrastructural Upgrade For Gurj Auditorium

With the inauguration of a UFO Satellite Movie System, Gurj Division became the proud owner of a Hi-tech, State-of-the-Art Projection System in its auditorium. It now runs 14 shows of latest Hindi movies and one show of a regional movie Punjabi/Bhojpuri every week. With latest Dolby Surround Audio System & an ambience rivaling the best multiplexes, these facilities are now available at a fraction of cost to all ranks and their families in Mamun Cantt.

MH Wellington Conducts Seminar on Diabetes Mellitus

MH Wellington recently conducted a CME on “Diabetes Mellitus”, where eminent speakers from Armed Forces and civil emphasized that chronic kidney complications are avoidable and treatable and stressed the need for early diagnosis and proper control by diet, exercises and judicious use of drugs. The highlight was a workshop on blood sugar monitoring, administration of oral diabetic drugs and different types of insulin, besides nutrition and diabetic foot care.

MILAN - 2012 : An Excercise for "Friendship Across the Seas"

MILAN 2012, a biennial congregation of Littoral Navies of the Asia-Pacific region, was conducted at Port Blair from 01 - 06 Feb, wherein fourteen foreign countries participat ed. The event aimed at fostering better understanding and bonhomie between our littorals. An ‘International Maritime Seminar’ on the theme 'Capacity Building Through Maritime Cooperation’ was conducted on 03 Feb and inaugurated by Lt Gen (Retd) Bhopinder Singh, Lt Governor of the Islands. Admiral Nirmal Verma, CNS delivered the Keynote Address. City Parade, the 'Grand Finale' was held on 05 Feb. Marching contingents from Army, Navy, Air Fo rce, Coast Guard and Andaman Police participated, along with contingents from visiting Nations. Then was an aerobatic show by Air Force’s SU-30 & followed by a demonstration of simulated attack on a dummy Oil Rig platform by Marine Commandos and a Search and Rescue display by two Chetak aircraft. In the end, three Ships sailed out for the Passage Exercise (PASSEX), during which they carried out Manoeuvres and Communication drills, to enhance interoperability.

Health Camp for Persons with Disabilities at MH Roorkee

A Workshop cum interactive session and a Health Camp were organized at MH Roorkee, for vete rans and soldiers with disabilities, to highlight the resources available at MH and SMC Roorkee, ALC Pune and Queen Mary Technical School Kirkee, for their Rehabilitation. The Station HQ explained various benefits, including loans and welfare schemes available. Specialists highlighted facilities available for rehabilitation. Stalls were put up by leading companies marketing prosthetic devices. NIVH Dehradun distributed Wheel chairs and walking sticks.

National Integration Programme at Army Goodwill School, Hanzik

Counter Insurgency Force (Kilo) organized a ‘National Integration Programme’ for eight ‘Army Goodwill Schools’ providing an opportunity for interaction and co-operation. The program included a cultural event showcas ing the unique cultural richness of different parts of North Kashmir and culminated with a precision sky diving by Army paratroopers.

Inter Village Ice Hockey Championship at Chushul

Army and Lalock Sports Association, Tangtse, jointly organized the Lalock Inter village Ice Hockey championship from 02 - 05 Feb, wherein eight teams participated. The final was played between the teams of Tangtse & Tharuk village and was won by the former. The recently re novated Ice Hockey Rink is among the best Ice Hockey Rinks in Kashmir and an opportunity to the youth to pursue their favorite sport.

Army Helps in Rehabilitation Of Village Jarjoi

Recently a midnight fire had broken out in Jarjoi village in Gurez Sector of J&K, engulfing the entire village having wooden houses. Troops of the local formation immediately reacted by sending a fire fighting party and helped the locals in salvaging their belongings and live stock. They further helped the locals by distributing rations and k/oil for the villagers. The civil administration was contacted at night and provided with all possible assistance, including transport and porters.

Chader Trek by Ladakh Scouts in Zanskar Valley

A team the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre conducted a traditiona l trek from Chiling to Padum in Zanskar Valley along an ancient route used by locals when Zanskar valley gets cut off from rest of Ladakh region. This is the shortest walking route to reach Leh in harsh winters.

Armymen Win Olympic Quota At Doha

Subedar Imran Hasan won a quota for the country at the Asian Shooting Championship at Doha, Qatar. The army team led by Col JS Saran overall won 2 gold, 2 silver and 5 bronzes, its highest medal tally till now at the event. Lt Colonel (Honorary) Abhinav Bindra of Territorial Army won the gold medal in 10 M Air Rifle event. The army team has won the highest medal tally at the national games and the national shooting championships. The army team has won 3 quotas, with the other two being won by Sepoy Hari Om and Subedar Vijay Kumar.

First Indian Ski Expedition To North Pole Flagged Off

In the last decade, Army teams have made four first ascents on eight thousanders and scaled seven out of nine available peaks. Army has now ventured into the world of polar journey and exploration, by undertaking the ‘First Indian’ Ski Expedition to North Pole, which was flagged off by the DCOAS from New Delhi on 21 Feb. Training was conducted at Svalbard, Norway from 10 Jan to 28 Jan. The team flew to the northernmost island of Ellesmere in Canada, took off from ‘Ward Hunt’ and plan to ski for 780 Kms from the coast off Ellesmere Island, Canada to the North Pole, from 25 Feb to 30 Apr.

Trans Rajasthan Hang Gliding Expedition

Regiment of Artillery undertook a 700 Kms Cross Country Trans-Rajasthan Hang Gliding Expedition wi th powered harness from 16 Feb to 20 Feb, in which the team attempted world record for longest distance flying in a single leg with powered harness hang glider. Naib Subedar Paramjeet Singh created a world record, covering a distance in excess of 350 Km on one leg.

Know your Army Exhibition at Kolkata

HQ Bengal Area conducted a “Know your Army Exhibition” at Kolkata on 31 Jan, in which children and NGOs participated. Besides the entire array of Army equipment, an underground living bunker was displayed, to show how our soldiers stay on the frontiers. Students were educated about the schemes and options of making Army a career at different levels, by Young Officers, Territorial Army personnel and staff from the Recruiting Zone.

Provision of Educational Assistance to School in Nampong

Nampong Valley Area, lying in the insurgency prone/infested area in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh state, is a cluster of 35 villages with an approx population of 5000. The Govt Higher Secondary School at Nampong, with approx 350 students, was in a poor state of main tenance. Assets worth Rs two lakhs were handed over by the Sector Commander Assam Rifles to the school recently for furniture and educational assistance.

Leprosy Awareness Programme

Assam Rifles organized a Leprosy Awareness Programme at Tengnoupal Village on 07 Jan. Medical teams conducted lectures on health care, hygiene and sanitation at Old Samtal to educate vi llagers about various diseases including HIV/AIDS, seasonal aliments, dental problems, malaria and advised on precautionary measures. More than 150 villagers including ladies and children benefited from the initiative.

Career Counseling and Guidance Cell Opened

A DOGRA Unit has opened a Career Counselling and Guidance Cell at Umrangso in Assam. The cell provides free career counselling and guidance to youth about various career options, job opportunities and vacancies available in professional and academic fields as well as training for recruitment in the Army. The facilities also include a library with reference books, computer with internet facility and online registration for the National Open School.