Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) Conducted A Joint Services Exercise ‘Bull Strike’
- A Joint services three-day exercise code-named ‘Bull Strike’, involving the three Services components of Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) ended on Thursday.
- Indian Army’s Parachute Brigade, Marcos and Special Forces were part of the exercise that happened between November 3 and November 5, 2020 at the remotely located Teressa Island, in the strategically important Nicobar Group of Islands.
- “The exercise was carried out to validate and rehearse operational plans and contingencies in a realistic tactical setting under the overall command and control of Andaman and Nicobar Command, the only joint services operational command of the defence forces of India,” Indian Army Spokesperson Colonel Aman Anand said.
- The major training activities comprised combat free fall and para drop from strategic lift aircraft C-130 by a company of Para Commandos from the mainland, action by Marcos of Indian Navy and Special Heli Borne Operations (SHBO) by the Indian Army Ghatak Platoons.
- As part of the exercise, troops of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force of Andaman and Nicobar Command were mobilised for amphibious landing, in close co-ordination with the para drop of Special Forces. Ground-based manoeuvres, tactics and procedures for joint operations in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands were rehearsed.
- The exercise focused on enhancing inter-operability and synergy among the three Services, to maximise combat potential. In addition, Search and Rescue (SAR) and Medical Evacuation procedures were perfected by participating troops.
- Lieutenant General Manoj Pande, Commander-in-Chief Andaman and Nicobar Command witnessed the exercise on the final day and addressed troops, complimenting them for achieving high standards of training and exhorting them to maintain the highest state of operational readiness at all times.
Indian Army Chief Conferred Honorary Rank of General of Nepali Army
- Indian Army Chief, General MM Naravane arrived in Nepal’s Kathmandu on November 04. General Naravane has be conferred with honorary rank of ‘General of the Nepal Army’ during his visit by Nepalese President Bidya Devi Bhandari at an event in Kathmandu. Army Chief is on a three-day long visit to Nepal.
- Ahead of Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane’s visit to Nepal, Naveen Kumar, spokesperson of the Indian Embassy in Nepal stated that his visit would deepen the long-standing and customary bonds of friendship between the two Armies.
- “In reply to several media queries regarding upcoming official visit of COAS of India from 4th Nov, the Indian Embassy’s spokesperson Mr Naveen Kumar said that Gen. MM Naravane’s visit would deepen the long-standing and customary bonds of friendship between the two Armies,” said India in Nepal.
- Kumar further stated that Naravane’s visit would provide an opportunity for both sides to discuss the bilateral defence partnership and explore avenues for mutual benefit. “His visit will provide an opportunity for both sides to discuss the bilateral defence partnership and explore avenues to further strengthen it for mutual benefit,” tweeted India in Nepal.
- Last month, Nepali Army on Tuesday confirmed a three-day visit by General Naravane, starting from November 4, when he would be accorded the rank of an honorary General of the Nepali Army.
- India on Thursday gifted medical equipment including X-ray machines, computed radiography systems, ICU ventilators, video endoscopy units and anesthesia machines, for two field hospitals of the Nepali Army.
- The batch of equipment was presented by Indian Army chief General MM Naravane, who is on the three-day visit to Nepal, according to a statement by the Indian embassy here.
- The equipment includes X-Ray machines, computed radiography systems, ICU ventilators, video endoscopy units, anesthesia machines, laboratory equipment and ambulances. Additional ventilators were also gifted to assist the Nepali Army in its fight against COVID-19 pandemic.
- General Naravane arrived in Kathmandu on November 04th for a three-day official visit to Nepal, on the invitation of Nepali counterpart General Purna Chandra Thapa.
- General MM Naravane was received at the airport by Lieutenant General Prabhu Ram Sharma, CGS Nepali Army and officials of the Indian Embassy.
- In a ceremony on Thursday, General MM Naravane laid a wreath and paid homage at Bir Smarak (Martyr’s Memorial) at Army Pavilion in Tundikhel, Kathmandu. He thereafter visited the Nepali Army Headquarters where he was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour.
- This was followed by a meeting with his counterpart General Purna Chandra Thapa, during which both delegations discussed Army-to-Army relations and enhancing bilateral defence cooperation.
- He was also given a comprehensive briefing by senior officers of the Nepali Army.
India’s Sudarshan Chakra Corps Contingent Receives UN Force Commander Unit Citation
- UNHMEC66 contingent of Sudarshan Chakra Sappers has been awarded United Nation Force Commander Unit Citation on UN Day for unflinching commitment towards infrastructure development in South Sudan.
- India is among the largest troop contributing countries to UN peacekeeping operations. Currently, 2,342 Indian troops and 25 police personnel are deployed with the UN Mission in South Sudan.
About Sudarshan Chakra Corps
- Headquarters: Bhopal
- Part of: Southern Command
- Current commander: Lt General Atulya Solankey
- Founded: 1990
- Engagement: World War II
MoD invites Logo Designs to commemorate victory of Indian Armed Forces in 1971 Indo – Pak war; Winner to be awarded Rs. 50,000/- cash prize
- In December 1971, Indian Armed Forces achieved a stellar victory over Pakistan which led to the creation of Bangladesh. 16 December 2021 marks the 50th year of the famous victory and the year 2021 is being celebrated as the Swarnim Vijay Varsh. Several events are being planned, during the year commencing from December 2020 till 16 December 2021. Ministry of Defence proposes to commission a distinct Logo which will uniquely identify all events connected to the Swarnim Vijay Varsh celebrations. Towards that end Ministry of Defence invites Logo Designs from Indian Citizens. Contestants may adhere to following guidelines while designing the logo:-
- Logo should be so designed that participation of all three Services i.e Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force be depicted.
- Logo should commemorate achievements of our Armed Forces rather than mocking / maligning our adversary.
- Weapon / equipment, if depicted in logo, should be the one in use by the Indian Armed Forces during 1971 War.
- All quotes used in logo to be bilingual (English and Hindi).
- The last date of submission of entries is 11 November 2020. The winning logo will be awarded a cash prize of Rupees 50,000/-(Rs. Fifty thousand only). Details about the Terms and Conditions, Technical Criteria and Selection Process can be accessed at the following link https://www.mygov.in/task/logo-design-contest-swarnim-vijay-varsh/.
REVIEW QUESTIONS
- General Purna Chandra Thapa is the Chief of Army Staff of which nation?
- Bhutan
- Myanmar
- Nepal
- Sri Lanka
ANSWER: C
- Indian Army’s Parachute Brigade, Marcos and Special Forces were part of which exercise that happened at Andaman and Nicobar Command?
- Bull Strike
- Power Strike
- Cloud Strike
- Strategic Strike
ANSWER: A
- Exercise “Bull Strike” was conducted from
- 01 to 03 November 2020
- 02 to 04 November 2020
- 03 to 05 November 2020
- 04 to 06 November 2020
ANSWER: C
- Commander-in-Chief of Andaman and Nicobar Command is
- Lieutenant General Manoj Pande
- Lieutenant General T. S. A. Narayanan
- Lieutenant General P. K. Bharali
- Lieutenant General P. S. Jaggi
ANSWER: A
- UNHMEC66 contingent of which Indian Army unit has been awarded United Nation Force Commander Unit Citation on UN Day?
- Konark Corps
- Fire and Fury Corps
- Vajra Corps
- Sudarshan Chakra Corps
ANSWER: D
