MILITARY

The maiden bilateral tri-service exercise, Konkan Shakti 21, between the armed forces of India and the UK culminated in the Arabian Sea on 27 October 2021. Smooth execution of the first edition of the exercise is testimony to the professional abilities, mutual understanding and shared commitment of the two nations and their personnel in uniform. 

Spanning over four days, the exercise saw the two defence forces work in cohesion through a series of complex multi-service combat drills in all domains of maritime operations – air, surface and sub-surface. Drills undertaken during the exercise involved ‘replenishment at sea’ practice, Strike Operations by fighter aircrafts, Cross Control of helicopters, simulated induction of army troops, gun shoots on expendable air targets, advanced air and sub-surface exercises, composite helicopter formation fly-past and large force engagement involving fighter aircraft of the UK (F35B), Indian Navy (MiG 29K) and Indian Air Force (SU-30 and Jaguar), all of which reflected high synergy, professionalism and readiness of both nations to conduct joint maritime operations, when required. 

The exercise provided both forces the opportunity to share best practices and experiences with each other in a collaborative spirit that is particularly important in the complex and unpredictable global security environment. 

The culmination of the exercise was marked by the traditional steam past between ships of the two navies.

National Cadet Corps (NCC), the largest uniformed youth organisation in the world, is celebrating its 73^rd anniversary of its raising on November 28, 2021. Marking this solemn occasion, Director General NCC Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh laid wreath and paid homage to the fallen heroes on behalf of the entire NCC fraternity at the National War Memorial, in New Delhi on November 27, 2021.

The NCC raising day is also being celebrated all over the country with cadets participating in marches, blood donation camps and social development programmes. In the year gone by, NCC has successfully overcome the restrictions imposed by COVID-19 Pandemic and effectively executed the assigned mission. Contribution of cadets through various initiatives in Exercise-Yogdan in the management of the pandemic have been widely appreciated by the people across the country.

The cadets and Associate NCC Officers, led by example in activities such as ‘Ek Bharat Shresht Bharat’, ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Fit India’. The cadets participated wholeheartedly in ‘Swachhta Abhiyan’, ‘Mega Pollution Pakhwada’ and played a pivotal role in spreading awareness about various government initiatives like ‘Digital Literacy’, ‘International Day of Yoga’, ‘Tree Plantation’ and present COVID vaccination drive, etc.

A scheme for expansion of National Cadet Corps coverage, in Border and Coastal regions of the country was announced by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on August 15, 2020. A total increase of one lakh additional cadet strength in all three streams of Army, Navy and Air Force focusing on the border districts, coastal talukas and talukas housing Air Force Stations has been completed. Expansion of NCC in these border and coastal districts will certainly motivate the youth from these areas to join the armed forces. The nation looks forward to NCC, to inculcate the values of fraternity, discipline, national unity and selfless service amongst our youth.

The launch of NCC Alumni Association by Prime Minister in a grand ceremony held at Jhansi on November 19, 2021 has added another feather in the cap of NCC. Shri Narendra Modi was made the first member of this prestigious Alumni Association. Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh was made the second member of this association.

This association will bring all ex-cadets and uniformed persons who have served in NCC, on one platform for furtherance of aims and objectives of the organisation and effectively participate in society and community development for the common good.

The multifaceted activities and varied curriculum of the NCC, provides unique opportunities to the youth for self-development. Many cadets have done the nation and the organisation proud by their remarkable achievements in the field of sports and adventure.  The NCC continues its relentless efforts, towards moulding the present-day youth into responsible citizens of tomorrow.