THE DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AFFAIRS
Indian Army confirms payment of Rs 98.39 lakh to Agniveer Ajay Kumar's family after Rahul Gandhi's claim
The Indian Army affirmed its commitment to honoring soldiers' sacrifices amid controversy over compensation for Agniveer Ajay Kumar's family. The Army clarified that they received Rs 98.39 lakhs and are due another Rs 67 lakhs pending police verification, totaling around Rs 1.65 crore under the Agniveer Scheme. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi accused Defence Minister Rajnath Singh of misleading Parliament about the compensation, triggering a dispute. Singh defended the Agniveer Scheme, denying discrepancies and emphasizing its purpose to support personnel not eligible for standard military benefits.
Jaishankar, Wang to intensify LAC disengagement efforts
Indian and Chinese foreign ministers meet to discuss achieving complete disengagement in Eastern Ladakh. Efforts to resolve remaining issues along the Line of Actual Control are underway through diplomatic and military discussions.
Three Theatre Command bases identified, Military Affairs Dept working to integrate forces for future wars
Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed progress on creating Theatre Commands as the Defence Ministry selected Lucknow, Jaipur, and Thiruvananthapuram as headquarters locations. The Department of Military Affairs, led by Chief of Defence Staff Genral Anil Chauhan, is working on over 150 integration points among the services for future multi-domain warfare. The plans include setting up Western Theatre in Jaipur, Northern Theatre in Lucknow, and Maritime Theatre in Thiruvananthapuram to address threats and enhance joint culture and work ethic.
Why is China so annoyed over Modi's reply on X?
Modi's reply to Taiwan President's congratulatory message has sparked controversy, leading to China's strong protest. China has urged India to resist Taiwan's 'political calculations'. Taiwan's President Lai congratulated Modi on his election victory and emphasized enhancing India-Taiwan ties on trade and technology.
Agnipath a national security threat: Congress
Congress criticizes Modi govt's Agnipath scheme, citing national security threat and personnel shortage in Eastern Ladakh. Rahul Gandhi condemns the scheme, while Amit Shah defends it, offering job security for armed forces.
Major Radhika Sen of India to receive prestigious 2023 UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award
Indian woman peacekeeper, Major Radhika Sen, to be honored with prestigious military gender advocate award from United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
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More than 670 feared dead in Papua New Guinea landslide, UN agency says
PAPUA-More than 670 feared dead in Papua New Guinea landslide, UN agency says
UN court order demanding Israel to halt Gaza offensive further isolates US position
The decision Friday by the International Court of Justice in The Hague adds to the pressure facing an increasingly isolated Israel, coming just days after Norway, Ireland and Spain said they would recognize a Palestinian state, and the chief prosecutor of a separate international court sought arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as well as leaders of Hamas.
China plans to float nuclear reactors in disputed South China Sea, analysts see it 'risky for environment'
China's development of marine nuclear power platforms in the South China Sea raises concerns for regional stability and security. The US warns of the risks posed by China's plans to power disputed islands with floating reactors. Analysts highlight the potential for radiation leaks, weaponization, and security implications in the region.
US State Dept moves $1 bln weapons aid for Israel to congressional review, officials say
President Joe Biden said last week he had delayed a shipment of 2,000-pound (907-kg) bombs and 1,700 500-pound bombs to Israel over concerns they might be used for a major invasion of Rafah, a town in southern Gaza.
US says Israel's use of US arms likely violated international law, but evidence is incomplete
Biden administration suggests Israel's use of U.S. weapons in Gaza may breach international law, lacking specific evidence. Report underscores potential violations. Debate stirs over humanitarian aid restrictions and political motives, fueling tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Congress.
US says Israel's use of US arms likely violated international law, but evidence is incomplete
The Biden administration suggested that Israel's use of U.S.-supplied weapons in Gaza may have breached international law but stopped short of conclusive evidence due to wartime complexities. While finding "reasonable" evidence of violations, the report did not link specific U.S. arms to individual airstrikes. This assessment could influence future decisions on arms provisions to Israel. Critics argue the review overlooks clear Israeli blocks on aid delivery during the conflict, raising concerns about potential starvation among Palestinians in Gaza.
Has Israel followed the law in its war in Gaza? The US is due to render a first-of-its-kind verdict
The Biden administration is set to determine if Israel's actions in Gaza violate international and U.S. laws, amid scrutiny over its military support for Israel. This decision could influence the flow of weapons and aid to Israel. Critics question whether the U.S. will hold Israel accountable for alleged human rights violations, while supporters argue for maintaining strong ties with Israel. The administration's findings could impact future military assistance to Israel and have broader implications for U.S. foreign policy in the region.
North Korea criticizes US for supplying long-range missiles to Ukraine, KCNA says
North Korea criticized the United States for supplying long-range missiles to Ukraine, as reported by state media KCNA. The U.S. official confirmed the shipment of missiles to Ukraine for its defense against Russia. North Korea's Ministry of National Defence expressed concern over the supply, stating that the U.S. could not defeat Russia with such support. The statement comes amid growing military ties between North Korea and Russia, seen by the U.S. and its allies as a source of escalating tensions in the Korean Peninsula.
Iran’s better, stealthier drones are remaking global warfare
Iran's drone technology is reshaping global conflicts, with drones based on Iranian designs being used in various countries, including Sudan, Syria, and Ukraine. These drones, like the Zagel-3 based on Iran's Ababil model, are becoming increasingly sophisticated and are used by militias and militaries worldwide. Iran's drone industry, fueled by sanctions and innovative methods to circumvent them, is a key element of its military strategy, allowing it to project power and influence far beyond its borders.
Amid alert in US, Iran again warns Israel of retaliation, says "attack won't remain unanswered"
This comes as the Iranian top general attended the funeral procession of military officer Mohammed Reza Zahedi on Saturday, vowing Iran would respond to the strike on its embassy consulate in Damascus that killed top figures from its Revolutionary Guard Corps.
China conducts military drills in South China Sea
A statement from the Chinese army indicates that military "combat patrols" will be carried out in the contested South China Sea on Sunday, coinciding with joint drills involving the Philippines, the United States, Japan, and Australia.
Philippines to hold joint naval drills with US, Japan, Australia
The Philippines is set to conduct joint naval drills with the United States, Japan, and Australia in the disputed South China Sea. The exercises, aimed at countering China's influence in the region, will take place days before a trilateral summit involving the leaders of the Philippines, Japan, and the US. The move comes as tensions rise in the region, with China asserting its claims over the South China Sea. The US has been strengthening its alliances in the region, including with treaty allies Japan and the Philippines, to counter China's actions.
Chinese military slams US for recognising Arunachal Pradesh as part of India
China's military criticized the US for asserting that Arunachal Pradesh is part of India, stating that India and China have mature mechanisms and communication channels to handle border issues. The US was accused of stoking disputes between countries for selfish gains. China reiterated its claim that Arunachal Pradesh is part of its territory, describing India's claim as "absurd" and "ludicrous." The Chinese military emphasized that Arunachal Pradesh has been China's territory since ancient times.
Top former US generals say failures of Biden administration in planning drove chaotic fall of Kabul
The top US generals overseeing the Afghanistan evacuation blamed the Biden administration for the chaotic departure, saying it was inadequately planned and ordered too late. They advised keeping 2,500 troops in Afghanistan for stability but were overruled. The State Department's delay in calling for an evacuation was cited as a major flaw. The White House defended Biden's decision to withdraw, citing constraints from previous agreements. The generals also discussed their discomfort with the lack of readiness for an evacuation and the challenges faced in the final days of the war.
IAF to carry out three mega exercises, joint warfighting to be focus in biggest ever wargames
The Indian Air Force is set to conduct three major exercises to showcase jointness and integration in future wars. The first exercise, VayuShakti-2024, will involve a firepower demonstration in Jaisalmer, featuring major fighter aircraft and Indian Army and Navy elements. The next exercise, Exercise Gaganshakti, will activate the entire Indian Air Force from Ladakh to the Indian Ocean Region and Bhuj to Arunachal Pradesh. The S-400 long-range air defence system will be activated on both western and northern fronts.
US deploys cutting-edge military capabilities in Indo-Pacific, supports India's defence modernization plans
Calling 2023 a 'decisive year', the US Department of Defence, in an official release has stated that it is supporting allies and partners as they invest in their capabilities.
India announces fresh 'positive indigenisation list' to boost domestic defence manufacturing
The new "positive indigenisation list" is in continuation of the first four such lists, which contained a total of 411 military items. Separately, the Department of Defence Production notified four positive indigenisation lists consisting of 4,666 items, including line replacement units, sub-systems, spares and components for Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), according to the defence ministry.
MoD recasts disability pension rules, keeps out lifestyle diseases
The Indian defence ministry has implemented new rules for granting disability pensions to armed forces personnel. The rules introduce the concept of "impairment relief" to cover lifestyle-related diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. The changes come after concerns were raised by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) that almost 40% of officers were claiming disabilities to receive higher pension benefits.
Philippine military condemns Chinese coast guard's use of water cannon on its boat in disputed sea
China has long demanded that the Philippines withdraw its small contingent of naval forces and tow away the actively commissioned but crumbling BRP Sierra Madre. The navy ship was deliberately marooned on the shoal in 1999 and now serves as a fragile symbol of Manila's territorial claim to the atoll.
From joint weapon acquisitions to cross postings, Defence Ministry promoting integration culture in armed forces
Even as the government is moving towards creating theatre commands, the Department of Military Affairs is working towards creating a culture of integration among the forces for which many steps have been taken and many are in the pipeline.
Vice Admiral Atul Anand takes over as Additional Secretary of Department of Military Affairs
Vice Admiral Atul Anand has been appointed as the Additional Secretary of the Department of Military Affairs, according to the Defence Ministry. He replaces Lt Gen Anil Puri, who retired in February this year. Vice Admiral Anand joined the Indian Navy in 1988 and has a distinguished career. He has served in various key appointments and has received prestigious medals.
Defence Ministry to hold 'chintan shivir' to brainstorm on critical issues
The departments of defence, defence production, military affairs and ex-servicemen welfare have identified a number of themes, on which subject experts will share their views with ministry officials.
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