Indian Army News & Discussions

[Hindustani78]

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/638393/army-chief-reviews-security-situation.html

Army chief General Bipin Rawat addressed all officers in Badami Bagh Cantt. and complimented them for providing excellent military leadership in the most challenging circumstances. PTI Photo

Army chief General Bipin Rawat today reviewed the security situation in Kashmir valley.

General Rawat was received by Lt Gen D Anbu, Northern Army Commander, and Lt Gen J S Sandhu, Chinar Corps Commander, a defence spokesman said.

"The Army chief addressed all officers in Badami Bagh Cantt. and complimented them for providing excellent military leadership in the most challenging circumstances," he said.

The Army chief also commended all ranks for their relentless pursuit towards achieving the objective of bringing in peace and normalcy to the valley, the spokesman said.

"The Army chief was briefed by the Chinar Corps Commander on the latest operations and updated on the overall security scenario along the Line of Control as well as in the hinterland," he added.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india...om-tomorrow/story-2l4CYWZO4Kbmb845JldngN.html

Telecom minister Manoj Sinha said on Wednesday that armed as well as paramilitary forces will be able to make calls to their families using satellite phone for Re 1 per minute from Thursday.

The current call rate for most of such connections was Rs 5 per minute, although some subsidised ones paid Re 1.

“On the eve of Diwali, we are announcing that Armed forces and paramilitary forces stationed in remote areas and tough terrains on borders will be able to make satellite phone calls at the rate of Re 1 per minute, instead of Rs 5 applicable on it. This will enable them to talk their family for longer duration,” Sinha said.

The minister also announced that no rental will be charged from security forces from Thursday.

“At present, Rs 500 monthly rent is charged for satellite phone connections from security forces. From tomorrow onwards, they will not need to pay any rental,” Sinha said.

Satellite phone service was earlier being provided by Tata Communications but now it will be provided by the state- run telecom firm BSNL.

The call charge was Re 1 in 2009-10 to begin with, to be revised every 5 years.

“We have decided that charges will be Re 1 only per call and not increased to Rs 5,” Sinha said.

Telecom secretary Aruna Sundararajan said the cost will have an impact of Rs 3-4 crore per annum which will be borne by the government.

At present there are 2,500 satellite phone connections operational in the country.

“We have capacity of 5,000 connections. We are informing the defence and the home ministries that more connections can be given. The total capacity can be further increased, if required, in six months,” Sinha said.

 

[Papa Dragon]

CRPF will buy 30K new rifles

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), playing a key role in counter-terror operations in Kashmir over the last one year, wants to add nearly 30,000 new assault rifles to its armoury — a four-time increase in the demand only in the last six months. The last tender for 7,150 rifles was issued in April 2017.

A month after Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that indigenous procurements for para-military forces should be expedited, CRPF issued a global tender for 29,823 "folded butt" assault rifles (7.62 x 39 mm) on October 6.

International manufacturers can also bid, provided they have service facilities in India. CRPF is looking at manufactures from the USA, Israel France, Denmark, United Kingdom, Russia, Italy and Austria. They are among the 21 Embassies where tender requirements have been sent.

Sources said the increased demand is in the wake of CRPF's proactive role in the restive Valley that has seen one of its worst phases of violence in recent times. CRPF is also the main force in Maoist conflict zones.

Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani's killing on July 8 last year sparked daily clashes between security forces and stone-pelting protesters, plunging the Valley in an unprecedented four-month spiral of violence that claimed 90-odd lives and left thousands of people wounded.

Curfews, hartals, stone pelting and encounters have crippled life since then.

Joint operations by the Army, CRPF and Jammu & Kashmir police have been successful and resulted in the killings of terrorists, including several top commanders. Over 175 terrorists have been gunned down this year in Kashmir, going past last year's tally of 150.

Last month, CRPF was handed armoured buses, bulletproof jackets, assault rifles, all-terrain vehicles, carbines and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) developed in India by defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs) to push indigenisation.

"There has been a delay in supply of equipment and weapons to them (CRPF). There is a need to think about it, as they suffer due to the delay," Rajnath had said.

CRPF has been moving to replace the INSAS rifle (Indian Small Arms Systems) inducted in 1988. It seems the force is keen on a foreign assault rifle since the 7.62 x 39 mm or the Indian version of an AK 47 assault rifle has been developed by Indian ordnance factories. These were handed over to the Chhattisgarh police in March this year and were expected to replace the Russian Kalashnikov. However, sources said para-military forces have shown a preference to other rifles.

The Army has also been facing a problem of assault rifles. A review of a 'desi' or indigenously designed assault rifle done by the Army recently found the weapon "unsatisfactory" and "unreliable".

The assault rifle being developed by the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) was expected to meet the Army's requirement of nearly 2 lakh assault rifles. With the Army expressing reservations, the plan has been junked.

In September 2016, when the Ministry of Defence came out with a Request For Information (RFI) to identify probable vendors, it was stated that out of the total requirement of 1.85 lakh rifles, 65,000 were needed urgently.

http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-dna-exclusive-unrest-in-jk-crpf-will-buy-30k-new-rifles-2553917

 

[Hindustani78]

Prime Minister's Office
19-October, 2017 14:33 IST
PM celebrates Diwali with jawans of Indian Army and BSF, in Gurez Valley


The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today celebrated Diwali with the jawans of Indian Army and BSF, in the Gurez Valley, near the Line of Control, in Jammu and Kashmir. He was there for nearly two hours. This is the fourth successive Diwali that the Prime Minister has celebrated with jawans on the border.

The Prime Minister offered sweets and exchanged greetings with the jawans.

Addressing the jawans, the Prime Minister, said that like everyone else, he too wishes to spend Diwali with his family. Therefore, he said, he had come among the jawans of the Armed Forces, whom he considers to be "his family."

The Prime Minister said he gets new energy when he spends time among the jawans and soldiers of the Armed Forces. He appreciated their penance and sacrifice, amid harsh conditions.

The Prime Minister said that he had been told that the jawans present at the gathering regularly practice Yoga. He said that this would definitely enhance their abilities, and give them a sense of calm.

He said that jawans who leave the Armed Forces after completing their duty tenure, can become excellent yoga trainers subsequently.

The Prime Minister spoke of the new resolve that each Indian citizen must make for 2022, the 75th anniversary of independence. He also encouraged the jawans to innovate, so that their routine tasks and duties become easier and safer. He mentioned how best innovations are now being recognised and awarded at the Army Day, Navy Day, and Air Force Day.

The Prime Minister said that the Union Government is committed to the welfare and the betterment of the Armed Forces, in every way possible. In this regard, he mentioned the implementation of One Rank, One Pension, which had been pending for decades.

The Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Bipin Rawat, and other senior Army Officers were present on the occasion.

In the visitors' book, the Prime Minister wrote:

“Protecting the Motherland, far from your loved ones, displaying the highest traditions of sacrifice, all soldiers at the nation's borders, are symbols of bravery and dedication.

I have an opportunity to spend the festival of Diwali with you. The presence of brave soldiers at the border, on this festive occasion, lights the lamp of hope, and generates new energy among crores of Indians.

To accomplish the dream of "New India," this is a golden opportunity for all of us to work together. The Army too is a part of it.

Greetings to all of you on Diwali.”


****

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi celebrating Diwali with the jawans of Indian Army and BSF, in the Gurez Valley, near the Line of Control, in Jammu and Kashmir, on October 19, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi celebrating Diwali with the jawans of Indian Army and BSF, in the Gurez Valley, near the Line of Control, in Jammu and Kashmir, on October 19, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi celebrating Diwali with the jawans of Indian Army and BSF, in the Gurez Valley, near the Line of Control, in Jammu and Kashmir, on October 19, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi celebrating Diwali with the jawans of Indian Army and BSF, in the Gurez Valley, near the Line of Control, in Jammu and Kashmir, on October 19, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi celebrating Diwali with the jawans of Indian Army and BSF, in the Gurez Valley, near the Line of Control, in Jammu and Kashmir, on October 19, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi celebrating Diwali with the jawans of Indian Army and BSF, in the Gurez Valley, near the Line of Control, in Jammu and Kashmir, on October 19, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi celebrating Diwali with the jawans of Indian Army and BSF, in the Gurez Valley, near the Line of Control, in Jammu and Kashmir, on October 19, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi celebrating Diwali with the jawans of Indian Army and BSF, in the Gurez Valley, near the Line of Control, in Jammu and Kashmir, on October 19, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi celebrating Diwali with the jawans of Indian Army and BSF, in the Gurez Valley, near the Line of Control, in Jammu and Kashmir, on October 19, 2017. The Chief of Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat is also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi celebrating Diwali with the jawans of Indian Army and BSF, in the Gurez Valley, near the Line of Control, in Jammu and Kashmir, on October 19, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi celebrating Diwali with the jawans of Indian Army and BSF, in the Gurez Valley, near the Line of Control, in Jammu and Kashmir, on October 19, 2017. The Chief of Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat is also seen.

 

[Hindustani78]

Bofors gun in Drass sector.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india...s-from-cats/story-ssamT8PFlG2vAlQ3ehzfPN.html

Twenty seven officers of the 28th batch of combat aviation corpse graduated from the Combat Army Aviation Training School (CATS) here on Saturday.

The aviators were given the coveted ‘aviation wings’ on the successful completion of their 18-week training programme. They are now certified to be army aviation pilots.

During the course, they were put through rigorous training and were tested progressively in flying and aviation subjects, a CATS release said.

Those officers, who were outstanding in various disciplines, were awarded medals. Captain Gagandeep Singh, who stood first in overall order of merit, was awarded The ‘Silver Cheetah’ trophy, the release added.

The passing out parade ceremony was attended by senior army officials, members of the family of the passing out aviators. The student officers were presented the aviation wings by Commandant of CATS, Brig Vinod Kumar Bahree, who presided over the function.

The ceremony was marked by an integrated training exercise by the mainstay aircraft of army aviation. The spectacular exercise displayed by the aviators was the high point of the event.

CATS, located at Gandhinagar airfield, 3 kilometres from Nashik is a premier training institution of the army aviation corpse, is the only institute that provides combat orient training to helicopter pilots, the release said.

Established on September 1, 2003, this institute conducts approximately 10 courses every year.

 

[Hindustani78]

//economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/61172068.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

NEW DELHI: The Army is finalising a plan to modernise around 2,000 military stations and develop them in line with the government's smart city initiative.

Army officials said 58 military stations have already been identified as part of the pilot project to implement the ambitious initiative.

They said all cantonments will be part of the project.

"We are looking at developing the military stations as smart cities where all modern amenities will be made available. Developing state-of-the-art IT network will be a key feature," said a senior Army official.


Top Army brass had deliberated extensively on the implementation of the project during the recent commanders' conference.

"We are planning to develop all military stations across the country in a time-bound manner," said the official.


The initiative is part of the Army's overall modernisation drive that envisages significantly ramping up infrastructure at all its military installations across the country.

Another official said the Army is also moving forward with the implementation of the reform measures recommended by the Lt Gen (retd) D B Shekatkar committee which includes redeployment of nearly 57,000 officers and other ranks to enhance the combat capability of the force.

The panel had suggested optimisation of signals establishments, closure of military farms and army postal establishments in peace locations as well as restructuring of repair echelons in the Army. The officials said steps were being taken to implement the recommendations.

The officials said the 65 reform measures recommended by the Shekatkar committee will be implemented by December 31, 2019.

Tribune News Service
Jammu, October 21

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Bipin Rawat today presented Standard to 47 Armoured Regiment of the Western Command on behalf of the President, the supreme commander of armed forces, at Sunjwan military station here. General Rawat presented the Standard at a function which was attended by Northern Command chief Lt Gen D Anbu, Western Command chief Lt Gen Surinder Singh, all officers of the regiment and families of officers and other ranks.

The Army Chief praised the regiment for its commitment towards the country and hoped that the regiment would work selflessly in future also. He congratulated all ranks of the regiment.

The 47 Armoured Regiment was raised at Babina on November 15, 1982, by then Colonel Tejvir Singh Sirohi, who was later promoted to the Brigadier-rank. Brigadier Sirohi is the founding father of the regiment and was at the helm of affairs till July 30, 1984.

It is the first armoured regiment to be equipped with T-72 tanks on raising, which is a unique distinction. The significance of the Standard is that Guidons and Colours are presented to the Army units on approval of the President in recognition of their meritorious service rendered on the battlefield.

*************

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat during the Standard-presentation function in Jammu on Saturday. Tribune photo: Inderjeet Singh

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat during the Standard-presentation function in Jammu on Saturday. Tribune photo: Inderjeet Singh

 

[ejaz007]

Smugglers Kill Top Indian Border Security Force Official at Bangladesh Border
© AP Photo/ Anupam Nath
ASIA & PACIFIC
16:42 21.10.2017Get short URL
0 40812
Sputnik had reported earlier this month that cattle smugglers had regained strong footing in pockets of West Bengal and northeastern states bordering Bangladesh as the Border Security Force was asked by the state to divert all resources towards checking the influx of Rohingya refugees.

New Delhi (Sputnik) — An officer of India’s Border Security Force (BSF) has lost his life, fighting smugglers in the northeastern state of Tripura that lies at the border with Bangladesh. BSF’s second-in-command, Deepak K Mandal was attacked by a racketeer when he tried to stop him from smuggling cattle to the other side of the border. The smuggler reportedly hit Mandal from behind with the car he was driving. Mandal, who sustained heavy injuries in the attack, was airlifted and taken to a hospital in Kolkata where he breathed his last.

"He was injured on 16th October, when he tried to stop a brazen smuggling attempt on Tripura border," a BSF official told Sputnik.

Earlier in September this year, a head constable of Border Security Force was killed by cattle smugglers in the Angrail area of North 24 Parganas district in West Bengal.

READ MORE: India-China Rivalry Spills Over in Sri Lankan Airport

According to the Indian government data, eight BSF personnel were killed and approximately 500 BSF injured in scuffles with smugglers along the border with Bangladesh in the last four years.

© REUTERS/ ANUWAR HAZARIKA
Indian PM Celebrates Diwali Festival With Soldiers, Calls Them 'Family'
Sputnik had reported earlier this month that cattle smugglers have regained a strong footing in pockets of West Bengal and northeastern states bordering Bangladesh as the BSF have focused their attention on checking the influx of Rohingya refugees. Following the reports of increased smuggling, India’s Home Ministry, last week, directed the BSF to once again focus on the problem. Since then, security forces have seized hundreds of truckloads of cattle that were proceeding towards Bangladesh from the Indian states of Tripura, Meghalaya and West Bengal.

https://sputniknews.com/asia/201710211058430755-smuggler-india-kill-border-security/

 

[Hindustani78]

The Chief of Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa and the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Sunil Lanba at the Commanders’ Conference 2017, in New Delhi on October 25, 2017.

The Chief of Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa and the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Sunil Lanba at the Commanders’ Conference 2017, in New Delhi on October 25, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

//economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/61215020.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
The Indian Army’s decision to reduce the minimum height requirement for recruits from Himalayan states has resulted in a substantial increase in the number of aspirants, with figures shooting up by 30% in Uttarakhand alone.

The Army had, in August, reduced the criteria from 166 cm to 163 cm for recruits from the western Himalayan regions of J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab as well as Garhwal and Kumaon in Uttarakhand. The impact has been ‘immediate and drastic’, say organizers of pre-recruitment training camps in Uttarakhand.

An Army recruitment official (ARO) told TOI that the number of applicants had indeed risen. “Approximately 18,000 youths had appeared in the recruitment drive in Chamoli district in April while 22,000 aspirants lined up in Dehradun in October. Several young men, who had been rejected in previous drives after failing the height criteria, participated in the latest recruitment exercise.” This was the first recruitment drive conducted by the Army in Uttarakhand after the new height rule.

Col Ajay Kothiyal, principal, Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, who also founded the Youth Foundation Uttarakhand which organizes pre-recruitment training camps, told TOI, “In the next camp in November, we are expecting 70% more applications to pour in. Many people in remote areas are still unaware of the reduction in height criteria.”

Suraj Negi, member, Youth Foundation Uttarakhand, said, “The next drive will be in March or April 2018 and cover Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli and Tehri, so more people are expected to apply.”

 

[Hindustani78]

The Chief of Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat releasing the Operational Guidelines for Tobacco Control Initiative in the Indian Army, in New Delhi on October 25, 2017.

The Chief of Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat addressing the gathering at the release of the Operational Guidelines for Tobacco Control Initiative in the Indian Army, in New Delhi on October 25, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

A group of students from Rashtriya Military School, Dholpur, Rajasthan, calling on the Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh, in New Delhi on October 27, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
27-October, 2017 17:20 IST
Infantry Day Tribute to its Heroes in a Novel Way


As part of the Infantry Day Celebration 2017, for the first time this year a mega event showcasing the martial traditions and extraordinary marching skills with arms by the Infantry soldiers is being organized on 28 Oct 17 from 5:00pm onwards at the lawns of the iconic ‘India Gate’. Infantry Day has historic relevance, as on 27 Oct 1947 Indian troops first landed at Srinagar to thwart Pakistan’s attempt to severe Kashmir. This event “Veerta Ka Prateek” is a tribute to the Infantry soldiers. During the three hour extravaganza, teams from various Regiments belonging to different regions across India will display spectacular precision ‘Continuity Drill’ and various martial arts from all parts of the country. As a tribute to our Unsung Heroes, renowned singers and famous choreographer will also perform on the occasion. Entry is open and all are welcome to witness the event.



Col Aman Anand
PRO (Army)

***************



Ministry of Defence
27-October, 2017 17:41 IST
71ST Infantry Day Celebrations

71st ‘Infantry Day’ was celebrated on 27 October 2017. On the occasion, General Bipin Rawat,Lieutenant General YK Joshi, DG Infantry and Colonels of the Infantry Regiments laid the wreaths and paid homage to the braves in a solemn ceremony organised at ‘Amar Jawan Jyoti’. Subedar (Honorary Captain) Khajur Singh, VrC (Retired) represented the veterans in the Wreath Laying Ceremony.

Since the advent of warfare, the Infantry soldier has remained the pillar for decisive victory and imposition of National will. The Infantry has been at the forefront of all operations that the Indian Army has undertaken. Battle hardened and combat rich experienced, the Infantry has a glorious history and an enviable combat record, having been awarded 17 Param Vir Chakras and 48 Ashok Chakras.

Infantry celebrates 27 October each year as the Infantry Day to commemorate the first Infantry action post independence. In response to the threat posed to the sovereignity and territorial integrity of our Nation, on this day in 1947, the leading elements of the Indian Army from 1st Battalion of the SIKH Regiment, air landed at Srinagar. This bold action by the Indian Army and resolve displayed by the Infantrymen reversed the tide of events and thwarted the nefarious designs of Pakistani Raiders aided by the Pakistan Army.

As part of the Infantry Day celebrations, Field Marshal KM Carriappa Memorial Lecture was also organized at Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantonment on ‘Defence Diplomacy and Management of Geo - Strategic Environment in India’s Neighbourhood’.


Col Aman Anand
PRO (Army)

**************
The Chief of Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat paying homage to the Martyrs, on the occasion of 71st Infantry Day, at the Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate, in New Delhi on October 27, 2017.

*************

Ministry of Defence
27-October, 2017 17:23 IST



Lamp Lighting Ceremony of 4thbatch of BSc(H) Nursing students, College of Nursing was held today at Army Hospital (Research &Referral). The ceremony witnessed 30 budding nursing cadets adorn the uniform to begin their noble profession of nursing.

Speaking at the ceremony, Commandant, Army Hospital (R&R)Lt Gen AK Das stressed the fact that the students should not only enhance their knowledge, skills and competence but also learn the techniques of soft skills. He gave away prizes to the University level meritorious students, namely N/CdtArunima GP and N/CdtDixeena OA of III Year B.Sc (H) for securing first and second rank respectively.

In an impressive ceremony, as per tradition, the lit lamp was relayed from ADGMNS Maj Gen Elizabeth John, Maj Gen AnnakuttyBabu, PM to Col AmitaDevrani who in turn passed it to the teachers. The teachers then transferred the light to the students denoting the transfer of knowledge and wisdom from one generation to the next.

*************


The newly inducted nursing cadets at the lamp lighting ceremony of the 4th Batch of BSc (H) Nursing Students, College of Nursing, in New Delhi on October 27, 2017.

Prime Minister's Office
27-October, 2017 17:11 IST
PM addresses Officer Trainees of the 92nd Foundation Course at LBSNAA, Mussoorie, on the 2nd day of his visit


The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today addressed over 360 Officer Trainees of the 92nd Foundation Course at LBSNAA, Mussoorie, on the 2nd day of his visit. The Officer Trainees belong to 17 Civil Services, and 3 Services from the Royal Bhutan Civil Service.

The address was preceded by presentations made by the Officer Trainees on essays written by them on the subject "Why I joined the Civil Services"; and on themes such as housing, education, integrated transport systems, malnutrition, solid waste management, skill development, digital transactions, Ek Bharat - Shreshtha Bharat, and New India - 2022.

Officer Trainees also presented the best of their ideation on the Swachh Bharat Mission.

Addressing the Officer Trainees (OTs), the Prime Minister began by complimenting them on the presentations. He said that he has given instructions that these presentations be studied in depth by senior officers of the Government of India. He said their observations and feedback should be shared with the OTs before the end of the Foundation Course.

Giving tips to the OTs on how to prepare for their life immediately after the end of the training, the Prime Minister said that they must always be alert and attentive to the people around them. He said that the learning from books would surely prevent them from straying down the wrong path; but it is the connect and rapport they can establish with their teams and the people, that will help them to become successful.

The Prime Minister stressed on the importance of jan-bhagidaari, or public participation, for policy initiatives to be successfully implemented.

The Prime Minister said that before independence, the Civil Services were tasked with the objective of preserving the British Raj. Now, he said, the objective of the Civil Services is the prosperity and well-being of the people. He said if civil servants imbibe these objectives, the gap between Government machinery and the people can be bridged.

The Prime Minister said that the problem of silos, and lack of team spirit among civil servants, can be effectively tackled during the initial training at Mussoorie. Referring to the trek performed by OTs during the Foundation Course, the Prime Minister asked them to imbibe the learnings of the trek, such as team spirit and leadership, and apply them throughout their careers.

The Prime Minister said that social movements can drive change in a democracy, and the civil services should be catalysts for the same. Referring to the devotional song "Vaishnav Jan", performed by OTs during the cultural programme yesterday, the Prime Minister said that the OTs should contemplate on the lyrics of this song, after replacing the words "Vaishnav Jan" with "Civil Servant."

The Prime Minister said that anonymity is the biggest strength of the civil servant. He compared the civil services to the fourth lion of the Ashoka Emblem, which remains invisible, yet makes its presence felt at all times.

The Prime Minister said travel is a great Indian tradition, and travelling and interacting with people is a great learning experience. He urged OTs to tour the field areas, during their postings.

Exhorting the OTs, the Prime Minister said that the "sense of career," which had successfully brought them to LBSNAA, should now be replaced by a "sense of mission" - to serve the people of India. He said that in future, when they serve in the field, this should be their "purpose of life."

Earlier this morning, the Prime Minister participated in the Yoga session of the Officer Trainees, held in the lawns of the Academy, in the backdrop of the Himalayas.

The Prime Minister unveiled plaques to mark the laying of Foundation Stone of the New Hostel Building, and a 200 metre multifunctional synthetic athletic track.

The Prime Minister visited the Balwadi at the Academy and interacted with the children. He also visited the gymnasium and other facilities at the Academy.

***

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi participated in the Yoga session of the Officer Trainees, at the lawns of the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand on October 27, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi participated in the Yoga session of the Officer Trainees, at the lawns of the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand on October 27, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi participated in the Yoga session of the Officer Trainees, at the lawns of the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand on October 27, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi participated in the Yoga session of the Officer Trainees, at the lawns of the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand on October 27, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi interacting with the children at Balwadi, at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand on October 27, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi interacting with the children at Balwadi, at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand on October 27, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi interacting with the children at Balwadi, at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand on October 27, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi with the children at Balwadi, at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand on October 27, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing the Officer Trainees of the 92nd Foundation Course, at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand on October 27, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing the Officer Trainees of the 92nd Foundation Course, at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand on October 27, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing the Officer Trainees of the 92nd Foundation Course, at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand on October 27, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing the Officer Trainees of the 92nd Foundation Course, at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand on October 27, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing the Officer Trainees of the 92nd Foundation Course, at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand on October 27, 2017.

Officer Trainee Hamna Mariyam presenting her essay on “Why I joined the Civil Services” before the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand on October 27, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi unveiled the plaque to mark the laying of Foundation Stone of the New Hostel Building, and synthetic athletic track, at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand on October 27, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi unveiled the plaque to mark the laying of Foundation Stone of the New Hostel Building, and synthetic athletic track, at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand on October 27, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

The process to acquire 7 lakh rifles, 44,000 LMGs and nearly 44,600 carbines has been finalised.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/army-finalises-plan-to-modernise-weapons/article19944773.ece

₹40,000-crore shopping list ready

The Army has finalised one of its biggest procurement plans for infantry modernisation under which a large number of light machine guns (LMGs), battle carbines and assault rifles are being purchased at a cost of nearly ₹40,000 crore to replace its ageing and obsolete weapons.

The broad process to acquire around 7 lakh rifles, 44,000 LMGs and nearly 44,600 carbines has been finalised and the Defence Ministry is on the same page with the Army in moving ahead with the procurement, official sources said.

Security threats

The world’s second largest standing Army has been pressing for fast-tracking the procurement of various weapons systems considering the evolving security threats.

“We will definitely look for participating in the ₹40,000 crore modernisation programme. We have capabilities in the air force, navy and land systems. We have to look for their procurement needs and bid accordingly,” a spokesperson for Reliance Defence, told The Hindu.

The sources said a fresh RFI (request for information) to procure the LMGs will be issued in the next few days, months after the defence ministry scrapped the tender for the 7.62 calibre guns as there was only one vendor left after a series of field trials. The plan is to initially procure around 10,000 LMGs.

The Army has also finalised the specifications for a new 7.62 mm assault rifle. and the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), the defence ministry’s highest decision making body on procurement, is expected to give the go-ahead for the much needed procurement soon.

“The General Service Quality Requirements (GSQR) for the new assault rifle has been finalised. The procurement plan will soon be placed before the DAC for approval,” said a senior official, who is part of the acquisition process.

In June, the Army had rejected an assault rifle built by the state-run Rifle Factory, Ishapore, after the guns miserably failed the firing tests.

The procurement of assault rifles has witnessed significant delays due to a variety of reasons including the Army’s failure to finalise the specifications for it. The Army needs around 7 lakh 7.62x51 mm assault guns to replace its INSAS rifles.

The Army had issued RFI for the rifles in September last year and around 20 firms responded to it. An RFI is a process whose purpose is to collect information about capabilities of various vendors.

In June, the Army had kick-started the initial process to procure around 44,600 carbines, nearly eight months after a tender for it was retracted, also due to single-vendor situation. Around half a dozen firms including a few global arms manufacturers have responded to the RFI.

Army sources said various specifications for the LMGs and battle carbines were tweaked to ensure that the problem of single vendor does not recur.

The combined cost of the LMGs, assault rifles and carbines will be in excess of Rs 40,000 crore, said an official.

On DRDO missing a number of deadlines in finalising the LMGs, an official said the defence secretary has called a meeting this week of all stakeholders to discuss the project.

“The infantry modernisation plan is a major initiative of the Army and it will significantly bolster the overall capability of the foot soldiers,” said a senior army official.

The issue was extensively discussed at the recently concluded Army Commanders conference, which felt modernisation of the Army must be in tune with the evolving security threat facing the country.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman conveyed to the Army during the conference that modernisation of the force was a priority for the government and all its “deficiencies” will be addressed to strengthen its combat capability.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Chief of the Ground Forces Command, Israel Defence Force, Major General Yaakov (Kobi) Barak paying tributes to martyrs at Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate, in New Delhi on October 30, 2017.

The Chief of the Ground Forces Command, Israel Defence Force, Major General Yaakov (Kobi) Barak inspecting the Guard of Honour, in New Delhi on October 30, 2017.