The decisions were taken by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), which met earlier in the day…reports Asian Lite News
The Union Cabinet on Wednesday cleared a proposal to raise seven new battalions of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), which guards the strategic Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
With the aim of providing all weather connectivity between Ladakh and the rest of the country, it also gave the nod for the construction of a 4-km-long Shinkun La tunnel along with an approach road.
Both the decisions were taken by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), which met earlier in the day.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur informed media persons after the meeting, that as per the proposal, a sector headquarter would also be set up, for which a fresh strength of 9,400 posts would be created. The sector headquarter would be set up by 2025-26 and will entail a recurring expense of Rs 1,808 crore, while for meeting the ration and food requirements of the troops, a recurring expenditure of Rs 963 crore would be required.
In 2020, the CCS had sanctioned 47 new border outposts along with setting up of 12 staging camps. These are currently being set up, Thakur said, informing that for manning these outposts and staging camps, it was decided by the CCS on Wednesday, to raise seven new battalions.
Apart from this, the Shinkun La tunnel along with an approach road would be constructed.
The CCS approved this proposal and the tunnel is expected to be completed by December 2025, Thakur told reporters. It will entail a cost of Rs 1,681 crore and its construction will lead to Ladakh’s connectivity with Zanskar valley through an all weather road.
This will lead to investments in health, tourism and education sectors and will also help in improving supply chain during winters and enable smoother troops movement, the minister said.
NATO allies agreed in 2014 to move toward spending 2 per cent of their GDP on defence by 2024….reports Asian Lite News
The member states of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) should commit to spending at least 2 per cent of their gross domestic product (GDP) on defence by next year, the alliance’s Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said.
He was addressing journalists following a NATO defence ministers’ meeting here to address key issues for their security, Xinhua news agency reported.
“More countries are now spending at least two per cent of their GDP on defence. And 2022 was the eighth consecutive year of increased defence spending by European allies and Canada. With an additional investment of $350 billion, this trend is expected to continue this year. But more needs to be done,” he said.
NATO allies agreed in 2014 to move toward spending 2 per cent of their GDP on defence by 2024.
He said the allies had agreed on the need to work hand-in-hand with the defence industry to ramp up industrial capacity because Ukraine, to which they were providing unprecedented support, was “consuming an enormous quantity of allied ammunition and depleting our stockpiles”.
He said the ministers had also discussed the security of critical undersea infrastructure following the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines.
He announced the establishment of a Critical Undersea Infrastructure Coordination Cell within the NATO headquarters.
The US Navy has been accused in press reports of involvement in last September’s attacks on the Nord Stream gas pipelines in the Swedish and Danish exclusive economic zones under the Baltic Sea, which were built to transport natural gas from Russia to Germany.
US investigative journalist Seymour Hersh alleged in recent days that US Navy divers detonated explosives under the pipelines during the Baltic Operations 2022 NATO maritime exercise.
Singh concluded his address by urging the media to provide extensive visibility to the event and present the rise of a ‘New India’ to the world…reports Asian Lite News
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said that efforts are on to make Light Combat Aircraft Tejas 100 per cent indigenous and it will be done soon.
While addressing the curtain raiser of ‘Aero India’ 2023, which will begin from Monday, the Defence Minister said, “We are putting in all efforts to see that Tejas becomes 100 per cent indigenised. That is our ultimate aim.” Singh added that investments in Tejas will increase in the coming years.
“The government has positioned it at the centre of the Aero India show while also planning to promote its exports,” he said.
The Minister highlighted that defence exports from India have increased ever since the government adopted the ‘Atmanirbhar Scheme’, or self-reliance programme, for the defence sector.
“Ever since we have accepted the commitment of self-reliant India since then the export of defence items in India has increased. We want to make India self-reliant, this is our resolution and we want to increase India’s defence exports.”
Singh said that over 75 friendly countries and more than 700 exhibitors will be part of the biggest-ever Aero-India Show in the country.
The defence minister said that owing to India’s resolve to promote self-reliance, the export of defence items has increased.
“Karnataka has got the good fortune of organizing this. Karnataka is the foremost among the states contributing to the economic growth of our country. This state is known for its skilled human resource and robust defence manufacturing ecosystem,” he said.
India Pavilion with the theme of ‘Wings of the Future’ will be the centre of attraction for this event. This pavilion will introduce the potential, opportunities and possibilities of New India to the world.
CEOs Round Table is also an important event of Aero-India. This event will provide us with an opportunity to explore the strength and capabilities of our defence industry in association with the world’s top business leaders.
“Through this platform, our youth will be able to showcase their capabilities in Defence Sector in Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, e-Management, Augmented and Virtual Reality, Autonomous Systems and other innovations for future forces, and empower the Defence Sector,” the Defence Minister said.
“Promotion of the opportunities available in Karnataka will be beneficial because most of the investments coming from outside will be likely to come to Karnataka. This will create new jobs in the state,” he added.
Singh said that it is a matter of pleasure for all of us that in the inauguration ceremony of this event, all of us will get the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself.
“His presence will add more glory to this event,” he added.
He also highlighted the benefits of Aero India for the youth of Karnataka, saying that their pavilion will showcase the state’s opportunities and possibilities and likely investments will create new jobs. He reiterated that the Government’s focus is on the future of the youth.
Singh concluded his address by urging the media to provide extensive visibility to the event and present the rise of a ‘New India’ to the world.
He stated that media can play the role of a medium in connecting people with the phenomenal progress in the defence sector.
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai,MoS defence Ajay Bhatt, Minister of Large and Medium Industries of Karnataka Murugesh Rudrappa Nirani, Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane, Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka Vandita Sharma and other senior officials of the state government and Ministry of Defence were present on the occasion.
The ‘India Pavilion’, based on the ‘Fixed Wing Platform’ theme, will showcase India’s growth in the area, including the future prospects.
There will be a total of 115 companies, displaying 227 products. It will further showcase the growth of India in developing an ecosystem for the ‘Fixed Wing Platform’ which includes the demonstration of various structural modules, simulators, systems (LRUs) etc. of LCA-Tejas aircraft being produced by Private Partners.
There will also be a section for Defence space, New Technologies and a UAV section which will give an insight into the growth of India in each sector.
A number of seminars will be held during the five-day event. The themes include ‘Harnessing Potential of Ex-servicemen for Indian Defence Industry; India’s Defence Space Initiative: Opportunities for shaping Indian private space ecosystem; Indigenous development of futuristic aerospace technologies, including aero engines; Destination Karnataka: US-India defence cooperation innovation and Make in India; Advancement in maritime surveillance equipment and assets; sustenance in MRO and Obsolescence Mitigation and achieving excellence in defence grade drones and Aatmanirbharta in Aero Armament Sustenance. (ANI)
About 1,000 policemen in civvies, who are proficient in spoken English, will be deployed at the venue for the convenience of the guests…reports Asian Lite News
With top politicians, industrialists and eminent persons arriving in Lucknow for the Global Investors’ Summit-23 and the G20 meetings this month, unprecedented security arrangements are being made in the state capital.
More than 6,000 personnel from the central paramilitary forces and UP Police have been engaged to ensure law and order during the GIS and G-20 events in Lucknow.
According to the government spokesman, night vision drones and ATS commandos coupled with specialized squads from the STF, and cyber cops have been engaged for security at venues where events will be held.
Prashant Kumar, Additional DG, law and order, said that a four layer security ring will be in place at the venue, comprising central forces.
He said that separate security measures have been taken for keeping vigilance at the airport, venue and the spots where the guests will stay.
“Units of ATS and STF have been prepared which will coordinate with the district police and central forces at the event,” said the ADG.
Kumar added that a hi-tech operational command and control centre will be established for controlling and keeping an eye on the entire event.
Senior police officers said that night vision enabled drone cameras will be placed at strategic spots of the location.
About 1,000 policemen in civvies, who are proficient in spoken English, will be deployed at the venue for the convenience of the guests. The police have identified some hotspots during the event where additional force will be deployed.
A gazetted rank officer will be deployed for VVIP guests.
A helipad for the Prime Minister’s visit is being prepared for February 10.
The police have also identified some hotspots during the event where additional force will be deployed.
Monuments being revamped
Historical and heritage buildings and monuments located on the heritage zone from Kaiserbagh to Hussainabad in Lucknow, are being revamped and renovated on a war footing to welcome delegates for the G20 and GIS events.
The Hussainabad Trust is working on the Bada Imambara and Naubat Khana, while the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is giving a facelift to Residency and Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) is illuminating all the monuments with facade lighting.
The benches installed in these monuments are also being painted and flowering plants have been planted in vacant areas.
Apart from this, PWD and LMC are painting dividers, installing flower pots and getting walls painted under flyovers and boundary walls. The roads are also being renovated by the PWD.
Officials said the area was chosen because most of the monuments are located on the stretch where delegates will visit and learn about the city’s Nawabi culture and history.
Municipal commissioner Inderjit Singh said: “The beautification drive is not only event-oriented, but will continue after that and the area will be developed as a major tourism hub.”
LDA executive engineer Manoj Kumar said: “As of now, facade lighting is being done in three monuments — Bada Imambara, Naubatkhana and Residency. Five more monuments — Clock Tower, Rumi Darwaza, Sadat Ali Khan Tomb, Kothi Darshwan Vilas and Kotshi Gulistan-e-Iram — will be illuminated in the second phase to promote night tourism in the area.”
He said that a mechanism would be created to sustain and maintain the beautification of the heritage area being developed for night tourism.
Such a mechanism should also have public participation to imbibe a sense of belongingness among people, thus motivating them in conservation of the monuments.
Environmentalists criticised the move, claiming the aircraft carrierhad tonnes of harmful elements that could leach into the Atlantic
Brazilian Navy sank a decommissioned aircraft carrier in the Atlantic Ocean despite carrying toxic materials, Al Jazeera reported on Saturday.
The warship, “Sao Paulo” that Brazil sank in a planned and controlled manner on the Brazilian coast was reportedly six-decade-old. The “planned and controlled sinking occurred late in the afternoon” on Friday, some 350 km (220 miles) off the Brazilian coast in the Atlantic Ocean, in an area with an “approximate depth of 5,000 meters [16,000 feet]”, Al Jazeera quoted Brazil’s Navy as saying.
Environmentalists criticised the move, claiming the cruiser had tonnes of asbestos, heavy metals, and other harmful elements that could leach into the ocean and pollute the marine food chain, despite the fact that defence authorities claimed they would destroy the ship in the “safest place,” according to Al Jazeera.
Notably, the Sao Paulo took part in France’s first nuclear tests in the Pacific in the 1960s, and from the 1970s to the 1990s, it was stationed in Africa, the Middle East, and the former Yugoslavia.
The 873-foot (266-meter) aircraft carrier was purchased by Brazil in 2000 for USD 12 million. The ship’s downfall was hastened in 2005 when a fire broke out on board. (ANI)
Two fighter jets crash in MP's Morena . (photo:Twitter)
The aircraft- a Sukhoi-30 was carrying two pilots and the Mirage 2000 was carrying one pilot during the time of the crash, reports Asian Lite News
Sukhoi and Mirage fighter jets of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed on Saturday in Madhya Pradesh’s Morena district after reportedly colliding during a routine bombing exercise, resulting in the death of one pilot.
According to the sources, the Sukhoi-30 MKI had two pilots, while the Mirage had one during the crash that occurred in the bordering area of Morena and Bharatpur (Rajasthan).
One fighter jet fell in Bharatpur and the other one in Morena.
Two fighter aircraft of IAF were involved in an accident near Gwalior today morning. The aircraft were on routine operational flying training mission. One of the three pilots involved, sustained fatal injuries. An inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the accident.
The sources said that the two pilots were safe and taken to a hospital in Gwalior, while an IAF chopper has been dispatched to the location of the third pilot.
The jets took off from the the Gwalior Air Force Station for the routine bombing exercise.
The sources also said that Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was briefed by the Chief of Air Staff on the incident.
The Defence Minister enquired about the well-being of the pilots and is monitoring the developments closely, they added.
In a statement, the IAF said that it has established a “Court of Inquiry which will establish whether there was a mid-air collision or not” between the two fighter jets.
Locals who witnessed the crash informed the local police after which the Gwalior Air Force Station was notified about the incident.
Videos from the scene shot by residents of the area showed aircraft debris on the ground.
During the grand parade, the major attraction was the Indian forces marching contingents and their military equipment…reports Asian Lite News
The Republic Day parade began from Kartavya Path in New Delhi after a 21-gun salute was performed. President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and this year’s chief guest, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi are among the dignitaries present at the venue.
During the grand parade, the major attraction was the Indian forces marching contingents and their military equipment. Notably, this year the marching contingents of the Navy and the Air Force were led by women officers.
'Nari Shakti' depicted in Central Armed Police Force's tableau at the 74th Republic Day parade pic.twitter.com/z7dgu46ChO
The Indian Army troop of 61 Cavalry was led by Captain Raizada Shaurya Bali. The 61 Cavalry is the only serving active regiment in the world to have a combination of all ‘State Horse Units’.
Main Battle Tank Arjun, Nag Missile System (NAMIS), BMP-2 Infantry Combat Vehicle of SARATH, Quick Reaction Fighting Vehicle, K-9 Vajra-Tracked Self-Propelled Howitzer Gun, BrahMos Missile, 10 Meter Short Mobile Network Center and Aakash (new generation equipment) in Span Bridge, Mobile Microwave Node and Mechanized Column were the main attractions.
A total of six contingents of the army including the Mechanized Infantry Regiment, Punjab Regiment, Maratha Light Infantry Regiment, Dogra Regiment, Bihar Regiment and Gurkha Brigade marched during the parade.
Another highlight of the parade this year was the tableau of ex-servicemen titled ‘Towards India’s Amrit Kaal with Sankalp’ – A Veteran’s ‘Commitment’. The presence of soldiers provided a glimpse into the contribution of veterans over the last 75 years and their initiatives in shaping India’s future during the ‘Amrit Kaal’.
The Navy contingent was led by Lieutenant Commander Disha Amrit. The marching contingent includes three women and six Agniveers for the first time. This was followed by the Navy tableau, which has been designed on the theme ‘Indian Navy – Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive and Future Proof’.
It showcased the Indian Navy’s multi-dimensional capabilities, Nari Shakti and indigenously designed and built assets under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ campaign.
The major part of the tableau was showcasing the ‘Make in India’ initiative of the Navy. A model of the new indigenous Nilgiri class ship was also on display along with a Dhruv helicopter deployed by Marine Commandos. Models of indigenous Kalvari class submarines were displayed on the sides. The rear part of the tableau was displaying models of autonomous unmanned systems being developed indigenously under the IDEX-SPRINT Challenge.
The Indian Air Force contingent led by Squadron Leader Sindhu Reddy consisted of 144 airmen and four officers. The tableau of the Air Force, designed on the theme ‘The Power of the Indian Air Force Beyond Borders’, displayed a revolving globe.
It highlighted the progress of the IAF, enabling it to provide humanitarian assistance across borders, as well as conduct exercises with friendly countries.
Light Combat Aircraft Tejas MK-II, Light Combat Helicopter ‘Prachanda’, Airborne Early Warning and Control Aircraft Netra and C-295 Transport Aircraft were also displayed here. The tableau also displayed a team of Garudas in combat gear with laser designation equipment and specialist weapons.
At the Republic Day parade in the national capital on Thursday, 23 tableaux — 17 from states and union territories and six from various ministries and departments — rolled down the Kartavya Path showing a plethora of cultures from across the country and bringing the boulevard alive with song and dance.
The parade was kicked off in Delhi by the guest contingent of the Egyptian Armed Forces, followed by a show of strength by the Indian Armed Forces. Only made-in-India weapons are on display this year.
The indigenous 105-mm Indian Field Guns (IFG) offered the 21-gun salute to President Droupadi Murmu. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed President Murmu and her Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the ceremony’s chief guest.
Interacting with NCC and NSS cadets and Tableux artists PM @narendramodi says, #RepublicDay parade pays tribute to India's great social, cultural heritage, as well as strategic strength and bows to the Constitution that gives life to the world's largest democracy.#RDayWithAIRpic.twitter.com/t3l5cFHYDW
The parade, which began at around 10.30 a.m., is showcasing the country’s growing indigenous capabilities, women power and the emergence of a ‘New India’.
It was commanded by the Parade Commander, Lieutenant General Dheeraj Seth, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, second generation Army officer. Major General Bhavnish Kumar Parade, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Delhi Area, was second-in-command.
Param Vir Chakra winner Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Bana Singh, 8 JAK LI (Retd); Subedar Maj (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Singh Yadav, 18 Grenadiers (Retd); ubedar (Honorary Lt) Sanjay Kumar, 13 JAK Rifles; and Ashoka Chakra winner Maj Gen CA Pithawala (Retd) were on a jeep behind Deputy Parade Commander Col D Sriram Kumar and Lt. Col. Jas Ram Singh (Retd).
Republic Day 2023: The newly-recruited Agniveers will also be a part of the Republic Day parade for the first time…reports Asian Lite News
January 26 marks the 73rd Republic Day, celebrated annually to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of India in 1950.
This year’s grand celebrations in New Delhi will mark many firsts starting with the venue.
This year, Republic Day celebrations will be held at Kartavya Path, a ceremonial boulevard running from Rashtrapati Bhavan on Raisina Hill through Vijay Chowk and India Gate, National War Memorial to National Stadium. It was renamed last year from Rajpath.
The women officers of the Indian Army will be leading missile contingents and riding motorcycles as part of the famous Daredevils team at this year’s parade. Among them, lieutenant Chetana Sharma will be leading the ‘Made in India’ Akash surface-to-air missile system.
Lt Commander Disha Amrith will lead a 144-member naval contingent at the parade. The naval tableau’s central theme is Nari Shakti. Women soldiers guarding the desert border with Pakistan will also be a part of the Border Security Force’s (BSF) camel contingent this year.
The newly-recruited Agniveers will also be a part of the parade for the first time. The Narcotics Control Bureau will also showcase a tableau for the first time.
This year, only Made-in-India weapon systems will be showcased at the Republic Day parade, keeping with the theme of “Atmanirbhar Bharat”. Some of the indigenously developed weapons include K-9 Vajra howitzers, MBT Arjun, Nag anti-tank guided missiles, BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, Akash air defence missiles, and Quick Reaction Fighting Vehicles.
The Made-in-India 105mm Indian Field Guns will replace the British-era 25-pounder guns for the first time this year for the 21-gun salute.
A military contingent from Egypt will also be part of the parade. The chief guest this year is Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
For the last time at this year’s parade, the Navy’s IL-38 aircraft will have its last take-off at the parade. The aircraft has served for over four decades.
Another feature of this year’s Republic Day is a team of “Daredevils” Motor Cycle Riders from the Corps of Signals co-led by a woman officer who will be part of the parade.
For the first time, women will form part of BSF Camel Contingent.
The aerial show will include nine Rafale aircraft and the Navy’s IL-38, which according to a senior Indian Air Force (IAF) official, will be showcased for the first and perhaps for the last time. Navy’s IL-38 has served the Indian Navy for around 42 years and is a maritime reconnaissance aircraft. “It will be showcased during the Republic Day celebrations here for the first time and perhaps the last time. It will be among the 50 aircraft that will take part in the event,” the IAF official said.
Besides the IL-38 aircraft, the formations like ‘Bheem’ and ‘Vajrang’ will be showcased over the Kartavya Path for the first time.
A military contingent of the Egyptian Army will march in India’s Republic Day parade on January 26. The Egyptian military contingent will have 144 personnel participating in the parade. This time, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi will be the Chief Guest of the 74th Republic Day celebrations. He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including five Ministers and senior officials. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi is due to arrive in New Delhi on January 24. “This is for the first time that the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt has been invited as Chief Guest on our Republic Day. A military contingent from Egyptian Army will also participate in the Republic Day parade,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in an official statement on Monday.
The Indian Army will be represented by Mounted Columns of 61 Cavalry, nine Mechanised Columns, six Marching Contingents and a fly-past by helicopters of Army Aviation. Three Param Vir Chakra and three Ashok Chakra awardees will also participate in this year’s Parade.
Indigenously produced Prachand, a multi-role, light attack helicopter will also be part of the Indian Air Force flypast. “ALH Dhruv and ALH Rudra will be seen, and Indian Air Force Prachand will also be on display in this year’s Republic Day,” Major General Kumar mentioned.
For the first time, a 3-D anamorphic projection will be organised during Beating Retreat Ceremony 2023 on the façade of North and South Block.
There will be 16 marching contingents from the Armed Forces, Central Para Military Forces, Delhi Police, NCC, NSS, Pipes and Drums Bands. Besides, 23 tableaux — 17 from states and Union territories, and six from various ministries and departments, — depicting the nation’s rich cultural heritage, economic and social progress and strong internal and external security will roll down the Kartavya Path during the ceremonial parade, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.
6,000 policemen deployed in New Delhi district
Delhi Police have deployed over 6,000 police personnel in and around the New Delhi district amid adequate security arrangements for the safe conduct of the Republic Day parade, an official said on Tuesday.
Deputy Commissioner of Police, New Delhi, Pranav Tayal said that the police have made arrangements for around 70,000 people and the total deployment will be more than 6,000 police personnel.
Both static and mobile Quick Response Teams will remain alert to handle any untoward situation, he said,
“We have intensified the anti-terror measures in coordination with other agencies. Teams of National Security Guard will also be deployed,” the DCP said.
The city is already under a heavy security cover after intelligence agencies received inputs of a possible terror attack in the run-up to the Republic Day. Vehicles are being thoroughly checked at all the entry and exit points of Delhi.
“Delhi has always remained a target for anti-social elements. Threat perception is very high during such occasions. There are threat inputs and we have strengthened our security apparatus,” the DCP said.
The police have also installed 150 new CCTV cameras with some even having a feature of face recognition to keep an eye over the movement of every unsocial element.
This time the police have also introduced a new security feature in the entry pass of the Republic Day parade. “Every pass or ticket has a QR code. The entry will only be given when that code is scanned and the person carrying it is identified and verified,” the DCP said.
He said that no person without a pass or a ticket will be allowed to gain entry at the Kartavya Path.
The Delhi Police on Monday banned the flying of sub-conventional aerial vehicles over the national capital for security and safety reasons.
Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora issued the order, prohibiting the flying of aerial vehicles such as para-gliders, para-motors, hang-gliders, UAVs, UASs, microlight aircraft, remotely-piloted aircraft, hot air balloons, small-sized powered aircraft, quadcopters or even by para-jumping from aircraft till February 15.
CRPF bags maximum 48 Gallantry awards
A total of 901 police personnel have been awarded medals on the occasion of Republic Day, 2023 with Central Reserve Force (CRPF) personnel selected for a maximum of 48 Gallantry Awards.
Police Medal for Gallantry (PMG) has been awarded to 140, President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service (PPM) to 93 and Police Medal for Meritorious Service (PM) has been awarded to 668 Police personnel. Among the majority of the 140 Gallantry Awards, 80 personnel from Left Wing Extremism affected areas and 45 personnel from Jammu and Kashmir region are being awarded.
Among the personnel receiving Gallantry Awards, 48 are from Central Reserve Force (CRPF) followed by 31 from Maharashtra; 25 from Jammu and Kashmir Police, nine from Jharkhand; seven each from Delhi, Chhattisgarh and Border Security Force (BSF) and the remaining from the other states and Union Territories (UTs) and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).
Police Medal for Gallantry (PMG) is awarded on the ground of Conspicuous Gallantry in saving life and property, or in preventing crime or arresting criminals. President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service (PPM) is awarded for special distinguished record in Police Service and Police Medal for Meritorious Service (PM) is awarded for valuable service characterized by resource and devotion to duty. (ANI)
Jammu and Kashmir’s Firdous Ahmad Khan and Bashir Ahmad Ahanger have been selected for Fire Service Medal for Gallantry awards…reports Asian Lite News
This year, as a part of the Republic Day celebrations, the biggest drone show in India, comprising of 3,500 indigenous drones, will light up the evening sky over the Raisina Hills, weaving myriad forms of national figures and events through smooth synchronisation.
Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane on Wednesday said that, it depicts the success of start-up ecosystem, technological prowess of the country’s youth and pave the way for future path-breaking trends.
A total of 45,000 people will be able to watch the march past at the Kartavya path.
However, the percentage of common people will be increased this year as around 32,000 tickets have been reserved for the common public. Earlier there was 1 lakh seating capacity, but most of the passes for Republic Day used to be given to the VIPs and to the officials.
Contingent of IAF will be led by Sqn Ldr Sindhu Reddy
Marching contingent of IAF for the Republic Day parade will be led by a woman officer of the Indian Air Force, Sqn Ldr Sindhu Reddy.
Comprising four officers and 144 air warriors marching in a box formation, the contingent will be led by Sqn Ldr Reddy, along with three supernumerary officers — Flt Lt Ayush Agarwal, Flt Lt Tanuj Mailk and Flt Lt Pradhan Nikhil.
According to the Indian Air Force on Wednesday, the fly-past will comprise 45 IAF aircraft, including 9 Rafal Jets and four helicopters from the IA. The IL 38 Jet of the Indian Air Force will take part for the last time in the parade. The fly past would comprise formations of Dhwaj, Rudra, Baaz, Tiranga Garuda Bheem Amrit Thriul and Vijay.
The IAF had won the Best Marching Contingent trophy in the years 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2020. The award of the Best Marching Contingent in the popular choice category in 2022 was also won by it.
The marching tunes for the contingent will be played by the Air Force Band contingent consisting of 72 musicians and three drum majors. The band would be led by Warrant Ashok Kumar who has the distinction of participating in the RD Parade Airforce band contingent for the past 26 Years, and of leading the contingent for the past 16 years.
16 states, Union Terrotries tableaux
Tableaux of 16 states and Union Territories are learnt to be participating in this year’s Republic Day parade function on January 26, where the main theme would be achievements of states in 75 years since Independence, the international year of millets and “Nari Shakti”, sources aware of developments said.
The states whose tableaux have been finalised by the government till now, include Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal as well as Union Territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
Notably eight of the nine states which will go to polls in 2023, are not in the abovementioned list whose tableaux would be on display during the Republic Day parade this year. These include Congress-ruled Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh and even other Assembly poll-bound states like Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Mizoram.
Only poll-bound Tripura’s tableaux is there.
Home ministry announces 103 Gallantry awards
Jammu and Kashmir’s Firdous Ahmad Khan and Bashir Ahmad Ahanger have been selected for Fire Service Medal for Gallantry awards on the occasion of Republic Day, 2023.
Their names are among those 47 personnel who have been awarded Fire Service Medals. In addition, 55 personnel are also awarded Home Guard and Civil Defence Medals on the occasion.
Of the 47 Fire Service Medals, Fire Service Medal for Gallantry is awarded to only two personnel for their act of valour and gallantry, Firdous Ahmad Khan, Selection Grade Fireman, and Bashir Ahmad Ahanger, Fireman– both from Jammu and Kashmir– are among them.
President’s Fire Service Medal for Distinguished Service is awarded to seven personnel and Fire Service Medal for Meritorious Service is awarded to 38 personnel for their respective distinguished and meritorious records of service.
Of the 55 personnel awarded Home Guard and Civil Defence Medals, Home Guards and Civil Defence Medal for Gallantry is awarded to one person for his act of valour and gallantry.
Prakash Singh Negi, Home Guard Volunteer, from Chandigarh has been awarded Home Guards and Civil Defence Medal for Gallantry.
President’s Home Guards and Civil Defence Medal for Distinguished Service and Home Guards and Civil Defence Medal for Meritorious Service are awarded to nine personnel and 45 personnel respectively.
President’s Medal for Gallantry and President’s Medal for Distinguished Services as well as Gallantry Medal and Meritorious Services Medals are awarded to the personnel of Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards on Republic Day and Independence Day each year.
India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar speaks at a news conference in New York on Saturday, September 24, 2022. (Photo: Arul Louis/IANS)
Dr S. Jaishankar said that within two years of the Pokhran nuclear tests, India had engaged with all the important nations of the world, reports Asian Lite News
Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s diplomacy following the Pokhran nuclear tests are lessons for anyone in the field of diplomacy should look at and learn from, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said. He praised Vajpayee for his deft diplomacy after the Pokhran nuclear tests, which was conducted in 1998.
Presiding over the third Atal Bihari Vajpayee Memorial lecture, Jaishankar said that within two years of the nuclear tests, India had engaged with all the important nations of the world.
India’s Nuclear Weapons Program
Operation Shakti: 1998
The lecture was delivered by former Singaporean diplomat Bilahari Kausikan in New Delhi.
Jaishankar also praised Vajpayee’s tenure as External Affairs Minister, and his role in strengthening India’s ties with the US and Russia.
He said the fundamentals of mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest that are talked about now in terms of the modus vivendi with China, a lot of it is credited to Vajpayee.
Vajpayee saw a lot of opportunities for cooperation with our neighbourhood, but at the same time, was aware of the challenges of terrorism, Jaishankar said while hinting towards China and Pakistan.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee
“In our neighbourhood, Prime Minister Vajpayee saw a lot of opportunities for cooperation but was never impervious to the challenges of terrorism,” Jaishankar said on Monday while addressing the Third Atal Bihari Vajpayee Memorial Lecture in New Delhi. Jaishankar said that Vajpayee used all instruments at his command to develop a relationship in the region which would very openly shun terrorists.
“When you look at trying to reach a modus vivendi (mode of living) with China, the fundamental basis for that, that it has to be on the basis of mutual respect, mutual sensitivity, mutual interest, which we articulate today, a lot of it was visible during Vajpayee’s visit to China,” the external affairs minister said while addressing the lecture.
According to Jaishankar, Vajpayee had a very nuanced and developed understanding of the contemporary world and he helped India transform its relationship with the United States.
Prime Minister Vajpayee with Indian troops and other dignitaries at Kargil after the war in 1999.
“He transformed India’s relationship with the United States in the post-cold war environment after recognizing how important that relationship had become for India nationally and internationally,” Jaishankar said.
“He imparted continuity and stability to our ties with Russia. At a time when so many important relationships across the world were changing, there was a unique steadiness about the India-Russia relationship and a lot of it has to do with the personal understanding and the efforts that were made by Prime Minister Vajpayee,” the minister added.
