Defense

Three national highways connect to these army establishments: Rishikesh-Dharasu-Gangotri (NH-94 and NH-108, connecting Nelong and Nilapani Axis); Rishikesh-Joshimath-Mana (NH-58) connecting Mana-Rimkhim and Niti Pass; and Tanakpur-Pithoragarh (NH-125) connecting Lipulekh Pass.

‘Himgiri’, the first of the three Project 17A ships being built at M/s Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE), Kolkata was launched today, 14 Dec 20. She made her first contact with the waters of Hoogly River at 1335 Hrs at the launch ceremony, General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) was the Chief Guest.

National Security Guard (NSG) conducted a four-day-long exercise GANDIV in Goa. This exercise was started on December 6 and ended on December 9. According to NSG, the scope of the exercise was enhanced multifolds and ‘Multiple Cities Multiple Target’ scenario was depicted.

In a step which will further enhance India’s preparedness for a two-front war scenario, the Indian Army is discussing proposals to create dual-task formations. These formations will simultaneously look after both the Pakistan and China borders.

The 20 member’s team will carry out cleaning drive in and around the Kanchenjunga National Park and bring down the garbage for proper disposal. During the same period, under the aegis of HMI, a group of volunteers from Andaman & Nicobar Islands will carry out beach cleaning drive at Port Blair. This team will also trek to the highest point in Andaman & Nicobar Islands and carry on the cleaning drive there also.

Commander Nishant Singh, a fighter pilot of the Indian Navy, was laid to rest with full military honours at Goa on 11 Dec 20. Commander Nishant did not survive the Mig-29K crash off Goa on 26 Nov 20. His wife, Mrs Nayaab Randhawa received the tricolour and her husband’s uniform from the Commanding Officer of the squadron.

Defence Research and Development Organsiation (DRDO) designed 5.56×30 mm Protective Carbine has successfully undergone the final phase of User trials on 7th December 2020 meeting all the GSQR parameters. This has paved the way for induction into the services. This was the last leg of trials in a series of User trials which have been carried out in extreme temperature conditions in summer and high altitudes in winter.

A milestone of this project was achieved today when DRDO developed Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology underwent trials in Hyderabad between two DRDO labs, DRDL and RCI, to show secure communication. Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO team for successful demonstration of QKD communication.

The National Metallurgical Laboratory (NML) on Monday, in a major move entered into an agreement with the Indian Air Force (IAF) in the field of Research and Development (R&D). The NML is a leading Ranchi-based laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

In this new advanced version, the firing system has been upgraded with automatic fire control system guided missiles. It also has many other features which will strengthen the firing capacity of the army. Indian army deputy chief staff Lt Gen SS Hasabnis and director general armed Lt Gen MJS Kahlo and other senior officers were present during the trial.