The Three Service Chiefs of Indian defence services, Indian Air Force chief Air Marshal RKS Bhaduria, Navy chief Admiral Karambir Singh and newly appointed Indian Army chief Lieutenant General Manoj Mukund Naravane were course-mates in National Defense Academy (NDA).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/terror-camps-continues-to-exist-in-pakistan-army-chief-mm-naravane-to-wion-271729">Also read: Terror camps continue to 'exist in Pakistan', says Army Chief MM Naravane to WION</a> 
 
All three service chiefs on Indian Armed Forces did the 56th course collectively from the National Defense Academy (NDA) in 1976.&nbsp;

This is the second time inside the recorded past of the Indian Army when the heads of the three armed forces are the cadets of the same batch of NDA.

In 1991, the then chiefs of three armed forces Army Chief Sunit Francis Rodriguez, Naval Chief Admiral Laxmi Narayan Ramdas and Air Chief Marshal Nirmal Chandra Suri were the batchmates of same NDA course.

According to the news reports, all three services heads of Indian Armed forces have&nbsp;a common Indian Air Force (IAF) connection as their fathers had served in it.

The National Defense Academy (NDA) is the joint institute of the Indian Armed Forces, where cadets of the all three services, the Army, the Navy and the Air Force train together before they go on to particular assistance foundations for additional pre-commissioning preparing. The NDA is situated in Khadakwasla, Pune, Maharashtra.

The Three Service Chiefs of Indian defence services, Indian Air Force chief Air Marshal RKS Bhaduria, Navy chief Admiral Karambir Singh and newly appointed Indian Army chief Lieutenant General Manoj Mukund Naravane were course-mates in National Defense Academy (NDA).

The Three Service Chiefs of Indian defence services, Indian Air Force chief Air Marshal RKS Bhaduria, Navy chief Admiral Karambir Singh and newly appointed Indian Army chief Lieutenant General Manoj Mukund Naravane were course-mates in National Defense Academy (NDA). Also read: Terror camps continue to 'exist in Pakistan', says Army Chief MM Naravane to WION All three service chiefs on Indian Armed Forces did the 56th course collectively from the National Defense Academy (NDA) in 1976. This is the second time inside the recorded past of the Indian Army when the heads of the three armed forces are the cadets of the same batch of NDA. In 1991, the then chiefs of three armed forces Army Chief Sunit Francis Rodriguez, Naval Chief Admiral Laxmi Narayan Ramdas and Air Chief Marshal Nirmal Chandra Suri were the batchmates of same NDA course. According to the news reports, all three services heads of Indian Armed forces have a common Indian Air Force (IAF) connection as their fathers had served in it. The National Defense Academy (NDA) is the joint institute of the Indian Armed Forces, where cadets of the all three services, the Army, the Navy and the Air Force train together before they go on to particular assistance foundations for additional pre-commissioning preparing. The NDA is situated in Khadakwasla, Pune, Maharashtra.

From NDA to Defence Chiefs: Common connection between all three heads of Indian Armed Forces

Government of India today appointed Bipin Rawat as its first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), who will act as the single-point advisor to the government. General Rawat's new duties will include heading the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force.

Government of India today appointed Bipin Rawat as its first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), who will act as the single-point advisor to the government. General Rawat's new duties will include heading the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force. The newly instituted designation aims to integrate different branches of the Indian armed forces. The first recommendation for creating the post was made after the 1999 Kargil War. Watch: General Bipin Rawat, who served a full three-year-long term as the Indian Army Chief after he superseded two officers in 2016, was announced as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) today. Besides being at the helm of important operations, Rawat has a vast experience in high altitude warfare and counter-insurgency operations. Rawat was born in Pauri, Uttarakhand, and is currently serving as the 32nd Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee, the office he had assumed in September 2019. Earlier, he served as the 27th Chief of the Army Staff starting December 2016. The new CDS was awarded the 'Sword of Honour' from the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun after being commissioned in the Fifth Battalion of the Eleven Gorkha Rifles in December 1978. Additionally, he has also commanded an Infantry Battalion, along the Line of Actual Control in the Eastern Sector; a Rashtriya Rifles Sector, and an Infantry Division in the Kashmir Valley. Rawat also commanded a Multinational Brigade in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC). The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) has also received awards for gallantry and distinguished service carrying various military decorations including Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), Yudh Seva Medal (YSM), Sena Medal (SM), and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM). Rawat attended the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington, New Zealand.

Army chief General Bipin Rawat appointed as India's first Chief of Defence Staff

In an apparent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-media-mogul-rejects-rape-accusations-by-filmmaker-271209">reference to Pakistan</a>, Army Chief General MM Naravane on Tuesday said that the "neighbouring country" uses terrorism as a tool of state policy. 
 
In an exclusive interview to ANI hours after taking the charge as the new Army Chief, General Naravane asserted that terrorism is a worldwide problem. 
"Terrorism is a worldwide problem, India has been at the receiving end of terrorism for a long time. It is only now that the entire world and many countries affected with terrorism are coming to realise what a threat it is," he said. 
 
"As far as our neighbour is concerned they are trying to use terrorism as a tool of state policy, as a way of carrying out a proxy war against us...while maintaining deniability. However, this state can't last long, as they say, you can't fool all the people, all the time," General Naravane added. 
 
The new Army Chief said that post the abrogation of Article 370, there has been a definite improvement in the situation on the ground. 
 
"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/army-better-prepared-to-take-on-challenges-at-pakistan-china-borders-cds-general-rawat-271188">Incidents of violence</a> have seen a marked decline, this augurs very well for the population of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a step forward towards bringing peace and prosperity to the region," he said.

In an apparent reference to Pakistan, Army Chief General MM Naravane on Tuesday said that the "neighbouring country" uses terrorism as a tool of state policy. In an exclusive interview to ANI hours after taking the charge as the new Army Chief, General Naravane asserted that terrorism is a worldwide problem.

In an apparent reference to Pakistan, Army Chief General MM Naravane on Tuesday said that the "neighbouring country" uses terrorism as a tool of state policy. In an exclusive interview to ANI hours after taking the charge as the new Army Chief, General Naravane asserted that terrorism is a worldwide problem. "Terrorism is a worldwide problem, India has been at the receiving end of terrorism for a long time. It is only now that the entire world and many countries affected with terrorism are coming to realise what a threat it is," he said. "As far as our neighbour is concerned they are trying to use terrorism as a tool of state policy, as a way of carrying out a proxy war against us...while maintaining deniability. However, this state can't last long, as they say, you can't fool all the people, all the time," General Naravane added. The new Army Chief said that post the abrogation of Article 370, there has been a definite improvement in the situation on the ground. "Incidents of violence have seen a marked decline, this augurs very well for the population of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a step forward towards bringing peace and prosperity to the region," he said.

Pakistan uses terrorism as tool of state policy: Army Chief Naravane

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/union-cabinet-approves-funds-for-updating-national-population-register-officials-269981">Central Government</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday approved the creation of a chief of defence staff (CDS), who will be the single-point military adviser to the government as suggested by the Kargil Review Committee in 1999.

"Government has approved the creation of post of Chief of Defence Staff. The officer to be appointed as Chief of Defence Staff will be a four star General and will also head the Department of military affairs," Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said in a press conference.

According to the Government Sources the Armed forces will fall under ambit of Department of Military Affairs which will have appropriate expertise to manage military affairs. Chief of Defence Staff will head it.&nbsp;

The Department of Military Affairs will have appropriate mix of civilian and military officers.

The department of military affairs under the Chief of Defence Staff will facilitate restructuring of military commands for optimal utilization of resources by bringing about jointness in operations, including through establishment of joint/ theatre commands.

Chief of Defence Staff will also have a second role, will be the permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee. In this role, the CDS will be supported by the Integrated Defence Staff.

Earlier in the morning the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved creation of post of Chief of Defence Staff.&nbsp;

The first recommendation for creating the post was made after the 1999 Kargil War.

The officer appointed for the post of Chief of Defence Staff is expected to be responsible for creating synergy in operations and finances for the armed forces.

The CDS is expected to be the main point of contact between the armed forces and the government on the issues related to the armed forces.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-unveil-atal-bihari-vajpayee-statue-in-lucknow-tomorrow-269943">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> had announced the creation of the new office of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) on August 15 in his Independence Day speech.

(With inputs from ANI)

Central Government on Tuesday approved the creation of a chief of defence staff (CDS), who will be the single-point military adviser to the government as suggested by the Kargil Review Committee in 1999.

Central Government on Tuesday approved the creation of a chief of defence staff (CDS), who will be the single-point military adviser to the government as suggested by the Kargil Review Committee in 1999. "Government has approved the creation of post of Chief of Defence Staff. The officer to be appointed as Chief of Defence Staff will be a four star General and will also head the Department of military affairs," Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said in a press conference. According to the Government Sources the Armed forces will fall under ambit of Department of Military Affairs which will have appropriate expertise to manage military affairs. Chief of Defence Staff will head it. The Department of Military Affairs will have appropriate mix of civilian and military officers. The department of military affairs under the Chief of Defence Staff will facilitate restructuring of military commands for optimal utilization of resources by bringing about jointness in operations, including through establishment of joint/ theatre commands. Chief of Defence Staff will also have a second role, will be the permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee. In this role, the CDS will be supported by the Integrated Defence Staff. Earlier in the morning the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved creation of post of Chief of Defence Staff. The first recommendation for creating the post was made after the 1999 Kargil War. The officer appointed for the post of Chief of Defence Staff is expected to be responsible for creating synergy in operations and finances for the armed forces. The CDS is expected to be the main point of contact between the armed forces and the government on the issues related to the armed forces. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the creation of the new office of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) on August 15 in his Independence Day speech. (With inputs from ANI)

Government approves Chief of Defence Staff post, single-point military adviser to government

1. A new department called&nbsp;the ''Department of Military Affairs'' (DMA) would be created as an imprint of the&nbsp;Ministry of Defence. The work pertaining exclusively to the military matters will fall within the ambit of this department, with the parent Department of Defence dealing&nbsp;with larger defence-related issues.

2. Armed forces would fall within lines of the Department of Military Affairs, with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-to-announce-indias-first-chief-of-defence-staff-today-269990">Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)</a> at the helm. This department would&nbsp;have a mix of defence and civilian officers. CDS would&nbsp;be responsible for restructuring the military command and to promote jointness in procurement, training, and staffing for the services. The CDS would also be responsible for joint theatre command and&nbsp;for bringing jointness in operations.

3. The CDS would&nbsp;be a four-star general and shall not be eligible to hold any government office after demitting the office of CDS. He would also not be part of any private employment without prior approval for a period of five years after demitting the office of CDS.

4. The CDS would&nbsp;also be the permanent Chief of Staff and would be supported by the integrated defence staff. He would also act as the permanent advisor to the Raksha Mantri. The CDS&nbsp;will, however, not exercise any military command, including over the three service chiefs. He will also have to&nbsp;administer tri-service organisations. Additionally, the command&nbsp;related to cyber and space will be under the office of CDS.

5. CDS will provide integrated inputs of the services to relevant authorities and will also be a member of the Defence Acquisition Council and Defence Planning Committee. He will bring jointness in operations, logistics, transport training and support services, communications, repair and maintenance within three years of first CDS assuming office.

6. CDS&nbsp;will also enhance the usage of indigenous equipment and evaluate plans for out of area contingencies including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.&nbsp; He will also implement a five-year Defence Capital Acquisition Plan and Annual Acquisition Plans.

7. The CDS would also be responsible for bringing reform in the functioning of three services aimed at augmenting combat capabilities of the armed forces. CDS will also prepare an annual report for RM on the annual achievements in jointness during the year. He will also integrate and rationalise international cooperation plans.

1. A new department called the ''Department of Military Affairs'' (DMA) would be created as an imprint of the Ministry of Defence. The work pertaining exclusively to the military matters will fall within the ambit of this department, with the parent Department of Defence dealing with larger defence-related issues.

1. A new department called the ''Department of Military Affairs'' (DMA) would be created as an imprint of the Ministry of Defence. The work pertaining exclusively to the military matters will fall within the ambit of this department, with the parent Department of Defence dealing with larger defence-related issues. 2. Armed forces would fall within lines of the Department of Military Affairs, with the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) at the helm. This department would have a mix of defence and civilian officers. CDS would be responsible for restructuring the military command and to promote jointness in procurement, training, and staffing for the services. The CDS would also be responsible for joint theatre command and for bringing jointness in operations. 3. The CDS would be a four-star general and shall not be eligible to hold any government office after demitting the office of CDS. He would also not be part of any private employment without prior approval for a period of five years after demitting the office of CDS. 4. The CDS would also be the permanent Chief of Staff and would be supported by the integrated defence staff. He would also act as the permanent advisor to the Raksha Mantri. The CDS will, however, not exercise any military command, including over the three service chiefs. He will also have to administer tri-service organisations. Additionally, the command related to cyber and space will be under the office of CDS. 5. CDS will provide integrated inputs of the services to relevant authorities and will also be a member of the Defence Acquisition Council and Defence Planning Committee. He will bring jointness in operations, logistics, transport training and support services, communications, repair and maintenance within three years of first CDS assuming office. 6. CDS will also enhance the usage of indigenous equipment and evaluate plans for out of area contingencies including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. He will also implement a five-year Defence Capital Acquisition Plan and Annual Acquisition Plans. 7. The CDS would also be responsible for bringing reform in the functioning of three services aimed at augmenting combat capabilities of the armed forces. CDS will also prepare an annual report for RM on the annual achievements in jointness during the year. He will also integrate and rationalise international cooperation plans.

7 things one needs to know about Chief of Defence Staff and his functions

The exercise will conclude with a 72-hour validation exercise. Indra 2019 will culminate on 19 December with an Integrated Fire Power demonstration and the Closing Ceremony.

The India-Russia ten-day long joint exercise "Indra 2019" culminated is currently wrapping up at three locations in India. The exercise will conclude with a 72-hour validation exercise.

The massive wargames which had kicked-off on December 10th, as Russian naval vessels docked at Mormugao in Goa. The opening ceremony was held at the naval station in Goa to welcome the 700 Russian troops who participated in the military drills and exercises along with the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.

The grand scale of the exercise symbolises the continued goodwill and continuance of warm relations between the two old friends. Alignment of interest in a global world order has helped maintain all-round good ties between India and Russia.

Army - land warfare

The Indian Army is believed to have utilised offensive equipment in the land-based exercises which took place in Babina, Uttar Pradesh (near Jhansi). Some of the heavy equipment included the infantry combat vehicle - BMP-1, as well, as the main battle tank T-90M Bhisma, both of Russian origin.&nbsp;

Company-sized mechanized infantry contingents and the Ghatak platoon of the Indian Army participated alongside their Russian counterparts in Babina, Uttar Pradesh.

The exercise was largely aimed at countering terrorism under the UN mandate. Tactical operations and drills such as cordon house intervention and handling and neutralisation of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) also took place.

<div class="ui-state-default">
<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Exercise <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDRA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDRA</a> 2019<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Synergy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Synergy</a> 
 
Tri services contingents of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russian</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indian</a> Armed Forces will rehearse <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Counter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Counter</a> Terrorism drills in ten day Exercise. Aim of exercise is to hone the skills of troops in conduct of counter terrorism operations under the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnitedNations?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnitedNations</a> mandate. <a href="https://t.co/aQ76H2CKtC">pic.twitter.com/aQ76H2CKtC</a>
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) <a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi/status/1205091543549403136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Naval warfare

"The Russian Federation Navy (RuFN) Ships Yaroslav Mudry, Viktor Konetsky and Elyna arrived in Goa on December 10 to participate in INDRA 2019, the second edition of the tri-services exercise between the Indian and the Russian armed forces," the defence ministry had said in a statement.

INS Aditya and RuFN ship Yaroslav Mudry cast-off from Mormugao harbour on December 16, 2019, to commence the sea phase of the joint tri-service exercise.&nbsp;

INS Tarkash, INS Aditya and RuFN ship Yaroslav Mudry participated in an encounter exercise and cross-deck flying on the same day. Sea riders were also exchanged between the Indian and Russian ships which was followed by air defence exercise involving four MiG29K aircraft.

On Dec 17, a combined boarding team of Indian Navy and Russian Federation Navy personnel conducted boarding exercise to train for anti-piracy operations on a hijacked merchant vessel. Other exercises included firing practice, aviation operations and other manoeuvres like maintaining station and replenishment at sea.

 
Aerial warfare

Aerial operations were conducted in the outskirts of Pune, Maharashtra. According to the ministry of defence, the Indian Air Force employed the Su-30MKI multi-role aircraft, Jaguar attack aircraft, MI-17 multi-purpose helicopters and AWACS aircraft. The IAF currently employs its DRDO-made Airborne Warning &amp; Control System(AWCS) on the Brazillian-made Embraer ERJ-145 aircraft. The Air Force Garud commandoes also participated in the exercise as part of counter-terrorism wargames.

Pilots of the Russian Federation Air Force also joined their Indian counterparts to pilot the newly inducted and indigenously built HAL Tejas multirole light aircraft.

The broad theme for the exercise was to organise a Joint Task Force for undertaking planning and execution of air operations for eliminating terrorists at the request of the third country under UN mandate. However, combined missions between IAF and RFAF were also undertaken for enrichening experience and maximising training value in terms of interoperability. 
&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default">
<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Training together to achieve <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Synergy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Synergy</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Interoperability?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Interoperability</a> 
 
Exercise <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDRA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDRA</a> commences with Joint Opening Ceremony at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Babina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Babina</a>.Tri-Services contingents of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russian</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indian</a> Armed Forces will rehearse &amp; share best practices in their <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CounterTerrorism?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CounterTerrorism</a> drills in ten days Exercise. <a href="https://t.co/WX27bQ586f">pic.twitter.com/WX27bQ586f</a>
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) <a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi/status/1205009773885841408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"As part of validation exercise held on 19 December 2019, troops of both the countries carried out specialised joint counter-terrorist operations which was witnessed by dignitaries of services of both countries," the defence ministry said. 
&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default">
<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SeaPhase?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SeaPhase</a> of Indo-Russian <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Triservice?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Triservice</a> exercise <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDRA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDRA</a> 2019 off Goa. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INSTarkash?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INSTarkash</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INSAditya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INSAditya</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RuFN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RuFN</a> ship Yaroslav Mudry in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Encounter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Encounter</a> Exercise &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CrossDeck?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CrossDeck</a> flying. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SeaRiders?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SeaRiders</a> exchanged between <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianNavy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianNavy</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RuFN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RuFN</a> ships followed by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AirDefence?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AirDefence</a> exercise involving MiG29K aircraft. <a href="https://t.co/o7icW9ZBp1">pic.twitter.com/o7icW9ZBp1</a>
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) <a href="https://twitter.com/indiannavy/status/1207330046400065536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"The exercise concluded on 19 December 2019 with a ceremonial closing ceremony by both the contingents," the defence ministry added.

The exercise will conclude with a 72-hour validation exercise. Indra 2019 will culminate on 19 December with an Integrated Fire Power demonstration and the Closing Ceremony.

The exercise will conclude with a 72-hour validation exercise. Indra 2019 will culminate on 19 December with an Integrated Fire Power demonstration and the Closing Ceremony. The India-Russia ten-day long joint exercise "Indra 2019" culminated is currently wrapping up at three locations in India. The exercise will conclude with a 72-hour validation exercise. The massive wargames which had kicked-off on December 10th, as Russian naval vessels docked at Mormugao in Goa. The opening ceremony was held at the naval station in Goa to welcome the 700 Russian troops who participated in the military drills and exercises along with the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. The grand scale of the exercise symbolises the continued goodwill and continuance of warm relations between the two old friends. Alignment of interest in a global world order has helped maintain all-round good ties between India and Russia. Army - land warfare The Indian Army is believed to have utilised offensive equipment in the land-based exercises which took place in Babina, Uttar Pradesh (near Jhansi). Some of the heavy equipment included the infantry combat vehicle - BMP-1, as well, as the main battle tank T-90M Bhisma, both of Russian origin. Company-sized mechanized infantry contingents and the Ghatak platoon of the Indian Army participated alongside their Russian counterparts in Babina, Uttar Pradesh. The exercise was largely aimed at countering terrorism under the UN mandate. Tactical operations and drills such as cordon house intervention and handling and neutralisation of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) also took place. Exercise #INDRA 2019#Synergy Tri services contingents of #Russian and #Indian Armed Forces will rehearse #Counter Terrorism drills in ten day Exercise. Aim of exercise is to hone the skills of troops in conduct of counter terrorism operations under the #UnitedNations mandate. pic.twitter.com/aQ76H2CKtC — ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) December 12, 2019 × Naval warfare "The Russian Federation Navy (RuFN) Ships Yaroslav Mudry, Viktor Konetsky and Elyna arrived in Goa on December 10 to participate in INDRA 2019, the second edition of the tri-services exercise between the Indian and the Russian armed forces," the defence ministry had said in a statement. INS Aditya and RuFN ship Yaroslav Mudry cast-off from Mormugao harbour on December 16, 2019, to commence the sea phase of the joint tri-service exercise. INS Tarkash, INS Aditya and RuFN ship Yaroslav Mudry participated in an encounter exercise and cross-deck flying on the same day. Sea riders were also exchanged between the Indian and Russian ships which was followed by air defence exercise involving four MiG29K aircraft. On Dec 17, a combined boarding team of Indian Navy and Russian Federation Navy personnel conducted boarding exercise to train for anti-piracy operations on a hijacked merchant vessel. Other exercises included firing practice, aviation operations and other manoeuvres like maintaining station and replenishment at sea. Aerial warfare Aerial operations were conducted in the outskirts of Pune, Maharashtra. According to the ministry of defence, the Indian Air Force employed the Su-30MKI multi-role aircraft, Jaguar attack aircraft, MI-17 multi-purpose helicopters and AWACS aircraft. The IAF currently employs its DRDO-made Airborne Warning & Control System(AWCS) on the Brazillian-made Embraer ERJ-145 aircraft. The Air Force Garud commandoes also participated in the exercise as part of counter-terrorism wargames. Pilots of the Russian Federation Air Force also joined their Indian counterparts to pilot the newly inducted and indigenously built HAL Tejas multirole light aircraft. The broad theme for the exercise was to organise a Joint Task Force for undertaking planning and execution of air operations for eliminating terrorists at the request of the third country under UN mandate. However, combined missions between IAF and RFAF were also undertaken for enrichening experience and maximising training value in terms of interoperability. Training together to achieve #Synergy & #Interoperability Exercise #INDRA commences with Joint Opening Ceremony at #Babina.Tri-Services contingents of #Russian & #Indian Armed Forces will rehearse & share best practices in their #CounterTerrorism drills in ten days Exercise. pic.twitter.com/WX27bQ586f — ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) December 12, 2019 × "As part of validation exercise held on 19 December 2019, troops of both the countries carried out specialised joint counter-terrorist operations which was witnessed by dignitaries of services of both countries," the defence ministry said. #SeaPhase of Indo-Russian #Triservice exercise #INDRA 2019 off Goa. #INSTarkash, #INSAditya & #RuFN ship Yaroslav Mudry in #Encounter Exercise & #CrossDeck flying. #SeaRiders exchanged between #IndianNavy & #RuFN ships followed by #AirDefence exercise involving MiG29K aircraft. pic.twitter.com/o7icW9ZBp1 — SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) December 18, 2019 × "The exercise concluded on 19 December 2019 with a ceremonial closing ceremony by both the contingents," the defence ministry added.

India-Russia joint tri-service excercise 'Indra 2019' concludes

The Pentagon on Wednesday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-planning-to-send-14000-troops-to-middle-east-report-266277">denied a report</a> that the United States was weighing sending up to 14,000 more troops to the Middle East in the face of a perceived threat from Iran.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the possible deployment would include "dozens" more ships and double the number of troops added to the US force in the region since the beginning of this year, citing unnamed US officials.

The paper said President Donald Trump could make a decision on the troop boost as early as this month.

But the Pentagon disputed the accuracy of the report.

"To be clear, the reporting is wrong. The US&nbsp;is not considering sending 14,000 additional troops to the Middle East," spokeswoman Alyssa Farah tweeted.

The region has seen a series of attacks on shipping vessels and a drone and missile attack on Saudi oil installations in September blamed on Iran.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-envoy-to-rejoin-doha-talks-with-taliban-after-kabul-visit-state-department-266270">Washington</a> has already ratcheted up its military presence in the Gulf and expanded economic sanctions on Tehran, elevating tensions across the region.&nbsp;

In mid-November, the US aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln sailed through the Strait of Hormuz in a show of force aimed at reassuring allies worried about the Iran threat.

In October Defense Secretary Mark Esper announced that two fighter squadrons and additional missile defence batteries were being sent to Saudi Arabia, for a total of about 3,000 new troops.

Earlier Wednesday Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said the country was willing to return to the negotiating table over its nuclear program if the United States first drops sanctions, which have hampered the country's economy and may have contributed to recent domestic turmoil sparked by fuel price hikes.

Speaking at a defence conference in Manama, Bahrain on November 23, General Kenneth McKenzie, commander of US Central Command, said the US does not have all the resources it needs to cover the Middle East region.

"There is a lot of water to cover. Simply put, we don't have sufficient resources to be where we want to be in the right numbers all the time," he told the annual Manama Dialogue on regional security.

But McKenzie rebuffed criticism that Washington has been disengaging from the region.

"We have a carrier in the theatre, we've reinforced Saudi Arabia," he said.

"So I'm not sure I would agree with the narrative of abandonment or a narrative of walking away."

"Clearly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-willing-to-compromise-us-security-impeachment-hearing-chair-266274">the United States</a> has different global priorities and this is probably not the highest global priority, but I think it remains a very important thing for the United States," he added.

The Pentagon on Wednesday denied a report that the United States was weighing sending up to 14,000 more troops to the Middle East in the face of a perceived threat from Iran.

The Pentagon on Wednesday denied a report that the United States was weighing sending up to 14,000 more troops to the Middle East in the face of a perceived threat from Iran. The Wall Street Journal reported that the possible deployment would include "dozens" more ships and double the number of troops added to the US force in the region since the beginning of this year, citing unnamed US officials. The paper said President Donald Trump could make a decision on the troop boost as early as this month. But the Pentagon disputed the accuracy of the report. "To be clear, the reporting is wrong. The US is not considering sending 14,000 additional troops to the Middle East," spokeswoman Alyssa Farah tweeted. The region has seen a series of attacks on shipping vessels and a drone and missile attack on Saudi oil installations in September blamed on Iran. Washington has already ratcheted up its military presence in the Gulf and expanded economic sanctions on Tehran, elevating tensions across the region. In mid-November, the US aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln sailed through the Strait of Hormuz in a show of force aimed at reassuring allies worried about the Iran threat. In October Defense Secretary Mark Esper announced that two fighter squadrons and additional missile defence batteries were being sent to Saudi Arabia, for a total of about 3,000 new troops. Earlier Wednesday Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said the country was willing to return to the negotiating table over its nuclear program if the United States first drops sanctions, which have hampered the country's economy and may have contributed to recent domestic turmoil sparked by fuel price hikes. Speaking at a defence conference in Manama, Bahrain on November 23, General Kenneth McKenzie, commander of US Central Command, said the US does not have all the resources it needs to cover the Middle East region. "There is a lot of water to cover. Simply put, we don't have sufficient resources to be where we want to be in the right numbers all the time," he told the annual Manama Dialogue on regional security. But McKenzie rebuffed criticism that Washington has been disengaging from the region. "We have a carrier in the theatre, we've reinforced Saudi Arabia," he said. "So I'm not sure I would agree with the narrative of abandonment or a narrative of walking away." "Clearly the United States has different global priorities and this is probably not the highest global priority, but I think it remains a very important thing for the United States," he added.

United States not mulling 14,000 more troops for Middle East: Pentagon

Veterans from armed forces and family members of 135 fallen heroes were facilitated at a ceremony held in Delhi Cantt's Sadar Bazaar area. 
 
While 135 war widows were felicitated on the occasion, 15 gallantry award winners were also honoured on the occasion, social worker and army veteran TC Rao said on Monday. 
 
Family members of the soldiers who lost their lives during the Kargil war and 1962 India-China conflict were also honoured on the occasion. 
 
Organisers also raised issues related to war-veterans and dependents of martyrs during the ceremony and urged for central government to take necessary action in this regard.

Veterans from armed forces and family members of 135 fallen heroes were facilitated at a ceremony held in Delhi Cantt's Sadar Bazaar area. While 135 war widows were felicitated on the occasion, 15 gallantry award winners were also honoured on the occasion, social worker and army veteran TC Rao said on Monday.

Veterans from armed forces and family members of 135 fallen heroes were facilitated at a ceremony held in Delhi Cantt's Sadar Bazaar area. While 135 war widows were felicitated on the occasion, 15 gallantry award winners were also honoured on the occasion, social worker and army veteran TC Rao said on Monday. Family members of the soldiers who lost their lives during the Kargil war and 1962 India-China conflict were also honoured on the occasion. Organisers also raised issues related to war-veterans and dependents of martyrs during the ceremony and urged for central government to take necessary action in this regard.

Delhi: War veterans, widows felicitated by social workers

Israel struck a series of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinian-rockets-israeli-airstrikes-jolt-tenuous-gaza-truce-262543">military targets in the Gaza Strip</a> overnight Wednesday in response to rockets fired from the Palestinian enclave, the Israeli army said.

"Fighter jets struck a number of Hamas terror targets in the southern Gaza Strip," an army statement said early Wednesday.

It said a weapons manufacturing site and underground infrastructure were among the sites targeted.

At least two Hamas sites were hit, in addition to one for allied group Islamic Jihad, a security source in Gaza said.

There were no immediate reports of any casualties.

Islamists Hamas control <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-carries-fresh-strikes-on-gaza-after-rocket-fire-army-262515">Gaza and Israel</a> holds the group responsible for any rockets launched from the strip, even if fired by smaller groups.

The strikes came in response to two rockets fired at Israel late Tuesday, one of which was intercepted by the Iron Dome anti-missile system, the army said.

The rockets caused sirens to sound around the Israeli town of Sderot, close to the border with Gaza.

The latest incident comes after a brief flare-up between Israel and the Islamist-ruled territory ended two weeks ago.

On November 12, Israeli fire killed a top Islamic Jihad commander in Gaza, sparking immediate retaliatory rocket fire from the group.

The Israeli military said around 450 rockets were fired at its territory in that episode and air defences intercepted dozens of them.

After two days of clashes which killed 34 Palestinians and no Israelis, a ceasefire began on November 14.

Israel struck a series of military targets in the Gaza Strip overnight Wednesday in response to rockets fired from the Palestinian enclave, the Israeli army said.

Israel struck a series of military targets in the Gaza Strip overnight Wednesday in response to rockets fired from the Palestinian enclave, the Israeli army said. "Fighter jets struck a number of Hamas terror targets in the southern Gaza Strip," an army statement said early Wednesday. It said a weapons manufacturing site and underground infrastructure were among the sites targeted. At least two Hamas sites were hit, in addition to one for allied group Islamic Jihad, a security source in Gaza said. There were no immediate reports of any casualties. Islamists Hamas control Gaza and Israel holds the group responsible for any rockets launched from the strip, even if fired by smaller groups. The strikes came in response to two rockets fired at Israel late Tuesday, one of which was intercepted by the Iron Dome anti-missile system, the army said. The rockets caused sirens to sound around the Israeli town of Sderot, close to the border with Gaza. The latest incident comes after a brief flare-up between Israel and the Islamist-ruled territory ended two weeks ago. On November 12, Israeli fire killed a top Islamic Jihad commander in Gaza, sparking immediate retaliatory rocket fire from the group. The Israeli military said around 450 rockets were fired at its territory in that episode and air defences intercepted dozens of them. After two days of clashes which killed 34 Palestinians and no Israelis, a ceasefire began on November 14.

Israel strikes military targets in overnight Gaza in response to rocket fire: Army

In a major step towards enhancing jointness among the three services, the special forces of Army, Navy and Air Force have been deployed in the Kashmir valley to carry out combined counter-terrorist operations.

The three special forces, namely, the Army`s Para (Special Forces), Navy`s Marine Commandos (MARCOS) and Indian Air Force`s Garud Special Forces are being deployed in the Kashmir valley under the Defence Ministry`s newly-raised Armed Forces Special Operations Division (AFSOD), senior Defence sources told ANI.

The induction of the joint special troops of the three forces has already started as the Army Para (SF) elements have already been inducted into an area considered to be a traditional terror hotbed near Srinagar, they said.

The elements of the MARCOS and the Garuds would also be getting fully inducted into the anti-terrorist operations very soon, they said.

Although small teams of Navy`s MARCOS and IAF`s Garuds have been operating in the Kashmir valley, this is the first time when the three services would be deployed jointly there.

The MARCOS commandos are deployed in and around the Wular lake area while the Garud teams have been operating in the Lolab area and Hajin.

The Air Force Special Forces had a very successful stint in the Kashmir valley as they managed to eliminate six terrorists in one go in Operation Rakh Hajin for which its Corporal JP Nirala was also awarded the Ashok Chakra posthumously.

The aim of joint Special Forces deployment in the Kashmir valley is to give the troops exposure of operating jointly in real operations.

The AFSPD has already carried out two exercises in different locations practising assault on strategic enemy positions and taking back captured areas.

The first exercise of the AFSOD was in the Kutch region codenamed Ex Smelling Field while the second was in Andaman and Nicobar Islands codenamed DANX-2019.

The first head of the Armed Forces Special Operations Division (AFSOD) is Major General Ashok Dhingra.

The division has performed well since it came into existence and is still facing issues involved in raising including manpower and equipment shortcomings.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

In a major step towards enhancing jointness among the three services, the special forces of Army, Navy and Air Force have been deployed in the Kashmir valley to carry out combined counter-terrorist operations.

In a major step towards enhancing jointness among the three services, the special forces of Army, Navy and Air Force have been deployed in the Kashmir valley to carry out combined counter-terrorist operations. The three special forces, namely, the Army`s Para (Special Forces), Navy`s Marine Commandos (MARCOS) and Indian Air Force`s Garud Special Forces are being deployed in the Kashmir valley under the Defence Ministry`s newly-raised Armed Forces Special Operations Division (AFSOD), senior Defence sources told ANI. The induction of the joint special troops of the three forces has already started as the Army Para (SF) elements have already been inducted into an area considered to be a traditional terror hotbed near Srinagar, they said. The elements of the MARCOS and the Garuds would also be getting fully inducted into the anti-terrorist operations very soon, they said. Although small teams of Navy`s MARCOS and IAF`s Garuds have been operating in the Kashmir valley, this is the first time when the three services would be deployed jointly there. The MARCOS commandos are deployed in and around the Wular lake area while the Garud teams have been operating in the Lolab area and Hajin. The Air Force Special Forces had a very successful stint in the Kashmir valley as they managed to eliminate six terrorists in one go in Operation Rakh Hajin for which its Corporal JP Nirala was also awarded the Ashok Chakra posthumously. The aim of joint Special Forces deployment in the Kashmir valley is to give the troops exposure of operating jointly in real operations. The AFSPD has already carried out two exercises in different locations practising assault on strategic enemy positions and taking back captured areas. The first exercise of the AFSOD was in the Kutch region codenamed Ex Smelling Field while the second was in Andaman and Nicobar Islands codenamed DANX-2019. The first head of the Armed Forces Special Operations Division (AFSOD) is Major General Ashok Dhingra. The division has performed well since it came into existence and is still facing issues involved in raising including manpower and equipment shortcomings.

Army, Navy, Air Force Special Forces deployed jointly to hunt terrorists in Kashmir valley

The Taliban has released ten captured Afghan soldiers, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Friday. 
 
The ICRC said that ten&nbsp;Afghan soldiers were handed over to Red Cross by Taliban in Nahr-e Saraj district, Helmand, who transferred them to the Afghan authorities in Lashkar Gah on Thursday, Tolo News reported. 
 
This comes days after the terrorist group released two foreign professors as part of a prisoner swap deal between the group and the Afghan government, under which the latter released three terrorists, including Anas Haqqani, from Bagram prison. 
 
US Special Representative for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad has welcomed the recent steps by Taliban and hoped that they lead to a reduction in violence and rapid progress towards a political settlement involving the Afghan government.

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(1/2) Welcome the news that the Taliban released 10 Afghan soldiers today. This action followed the release of Taliban prisoners by the Afghan government, and the separate Taliban goodwill gesture of releasing two <a href="https://twitter.com/AUAfghanistan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AUAfghanistan</a> professors.
— U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad (@US4AfghanPeace) <a href="https://twitter.com/US4AfghanPeace/status/1197630918099386369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"US envoy @US4AfghanPeace Welcomes the news that the #Taliban released 10 Afghan soldiers today. This action followed the release of Taliban prisoners by the Afghan government and the separate Taliban goodwill gesture of releasing two @AUAfghanistan professors," said Khalilzad

"Hopeful these steps lead to a reduction in violence and rapid progress towards a political settlement involving the Afghan government, the Taliban, and other Afghan leaders. The Afghan people yearn for peace and security, and we stand with them," he added.

The Taliban has released ten captured Afghan soldiers, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Friday. The ICRC said that ten Afghan soldiers were handed over to Red Cross by Taliban in Nahr-e Saraj district, Helmand, who transferred them to the Afghan authorities in Lashkar Gah on Thursday, Tolo News reported.

The Taliban has released ten captured Afghan soldiers, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Friday. The ICRC said that ten Afghan soldiers were handed over to Red Cross by Taliban in Nahr-e Saraj district, Helmand, who transferred them to the Afghan authorities in Lashkar Gah on Thursday, Tolo News reported. This comes days after the terrorist group released two foreign professors as part of a prisoner swap deal between the group and the Afghan government, under which the latter released three terrorists, including Anas Haqqani, from Bagram prison. US Special Representative for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad has welcomed the recent steps by Taliban and hoped that they lead to a reduction in violence and rapid progress towards a political settlement involving the Afghan government. (1/2) Welcome the news that the Taliban released 10 Afghan soldiers today. This action followed the release of Taliban prisoners by the Afghan government, and the separate Taliban goodwill gesture of releasing two @AUAfghanistan professors. — U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad (@US4AfghanPeace) November 21, 2019 × "US envoy @US4AfghanPeace Welcomes the news that the #Taliban released 10 Afghan soldiers today. This action followed the release of Taliban prisoners by the Afghan government and the separate Taliban goodwill gesture of releasing two @AUAfghanistan professors," said Khalilzad "Hopeful these steps lead to a reduction in violence and rapid progress towards a political settlement involving the Afghan government, the Taliban, and other Afghan leaders. The Afghan people yearn for peace and security, and we stand with them," he added.

Ten Afghan soldiers released by Taliban: Red Cross

The Supreme Court granted another opportunity to the Indian Army to take a final decision on granting Permanent Commission (PC) to eight women Army officers, against the bar on their absorption in the armed forces, the lawyer appearing for women Army officers told ANI. 
 
"One another opportunity has been given to the Indian Army to consider granting Permanent Commission to eight women officers, who had approached the Apex court in 2010," the lawyer, Aishwarya Bhatti, told ANI on Tuesday. 
 
The PC would be granted for consideration by the Army to those women Army officers, who had approached the apex court, seeking a direction in this regard, according to Bhatti. 
 
After being apprised by the Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Sanjay Jain, that the issue is being already considered for giving the women Army officers the PC, the SC bench, headed by Justice Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud, said, "We can pass an order but we are giving you an opportunity to take credit for it." 
 
ASG Jain today told the apex court that the central government had finally decided and agreed to grant PC, but the decision left out the women who had first approached the court in this regard. 
 
In an affidavit filed by the Union of India, it had stated that the three wings of the armed forces,&nbsp;Army, Navy and Air force,&nbsp;and the Ministry of Defence (MOD) are actively considering the issue of parity between male and female officers in securing the PC in the Armed forces, with regard to the various pending and concluded litigations before various Courts.

The Supreme Court granted another opportunity to the Indian Army to take a final decision on granting Permanent Commission (PC) to eight women Army officers, against the bar on their absorption in the armed forces, the lawyer appearing for women Army officers told ANI.

The Supreme Court granted another opportunity to the Indian Army to take a final decision on granting Permanent Commission (PC) to eight women Army officers, against the bar on their absorption in the armed forces, the lawyer appearing for women Army officers told ANI. "One another opportunity has been given to the Indian Army to consider granting Permanent Commission to eight women officers, who had approached the Apex court in 2010," the lawyer, Aishwarya Bhatti, told ANI on Tuesday. The PC would be granted for consideration by the Army to those women Army officers, who had approached the apex court, seeking a direction in this regard, according to Bhatti. After being apprised by the Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Sanjay Jain, that the issue is being already considered for giving the women Army officers the PC, the SC bench, headed by Justice Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud, said, "We can pass an order but we are giving you an opportunity to take credit for it." ASG Jain today told the apex court that the central government had finally decided and agreed to grant PC, but the decision left out the women who had first approached the court in this regard. In an affidavit filed by the Union of India, it had stated that the three wings of the armed forces, Army, Navy and Air force, and the Ministry of Defence (MOD) are actively considering the issue of parity between male and female officers in securing the PC in the Armed forces, with regard to the various pending and concluded litigations before various Courts.

Supreme Court asks Army to decide on granting special commission to female officers

Four soldiers and two civilian porters killed on Monday when an avalanche hit Indian Army positions at Siachen Glacier's northern sector.

According to preliminary information, the avalanche struck the camp located in the northern Siachen Glacier, at a height of 18,000 feet at around 3.30 pm and eight personnel were trapped under the snow.&nbsp;

According to the officials, despite best efforts, six persons — four soldiers and two civilian porters — succumbed to extreme hypothermia.

The incident highlights the severe dangers that soldiers face in manning the inhospitable terrain at heights of 18,875 ft in intense climate conditions on the world’s highest battlefield.

In 2016, ten soldiers, including nine jawans of the Indian Army's 19 Madras battalion and one junior commissioned officer (JCO), were killed after an avalanche came crashing down on their post situated at 19,600 feet on the Actual Ground Position Line, which is India's border with Pakistan at Siachen.

Around 900 soldiers have lost their lives due to bad climatic conditions in Siachen Glacier since the 1980s.

(With inputs from agencies)

Four soldiers and two civilian porters killed on Monday when an avalanche hit Indian Army positions at Siachen Glacier's northern sector. According to preliminary information, the avalanche struck the camp located in the northern Siachen Glacier, at a height of 18,000 feet at around 3.

Four soldiers and two civilian porters killed on Monday when an avalanche hit Indian Army positions at Siachen Glacier's northern sector. According to preliminary information, the avalanche struck the camp located in the northern Siachen Glacier, at a height of 18,000 feet at around 3.30 pm and eight personnel were trapped under the snow. According to the officials, despite best efforts, six persons — four soldiers and two civilian porters — succumbed to extreme hypothermia. The incident highlights the severe dangers that soldiers face in manning the inhospitable terrain at heights of 18,875 ft in intense climate conditions on the world’s highest battlefield. In 2016, ten soldiers, including nine jawans of the Indian Army's 19 Madras battalion and one junior commissioned officer (JCO), were killed after an avalanche came crashing down on their post situated at 19,600 feet on the Actual Ground Position Line, which is India's border with Pakistan at Siachen. Around 900 soldiers have lost their lives due to bad climatic conditions in Siachen Glacier since the 1980s. (With inputs from agencies)

Four soldiers and two porters killed as avalanche hits Indian Army positions in Siachen Glacier

As violence continues to eclipse Hong Kong, China's military today defended the deployment of soldiers into the city. They referred to the violence as the ''most pressing task''.

The brief clean-up operation came at the end of a week of particularly intense clashes between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-set-fire-to-hold-off-police-at-university-campus-262783">police and protesters</a> that had caused chaos across Hong Kong.&nbsp;Soldiers, besides trying to quell the violence, were seen helping out clean nearby streets that were soiled by protesters.

"There were some Hong Kong citizens clearing roadblocks near the PLA Hong Kong garrison," Chinese defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian told reporters at a security event in Bangkok when asked about the brief deployment.

"The soldiers from the PLA Hong Kong garrison joined these citizens in clearing these roadblocks and their efforts were welcomed by Hong Kong citizens", Qian added.

China has made it clear that it won't entertain any of the demands put forward by the protesters while adding that no violence will be tolerated.

After another weekend of violence and protesters setting fire to the entrance of a university entrance on Monday morning to defend themselves from police, Wu issued another warning.

"Ending violence and restoring order is the most pressing task we have in Hong Kong," Wu said after China's defence minister Wei Fenghe met his US counterpart, Mark Esper, in Bangkok.

China's People Liberations' Army has maintained a garrison in Hong Kong since the former British colony was returned to China in 1997.

However, these troops barely leave their barracks. They were last seen on the streets to help clean up after a typhoon in 2018.

According to Hong Kong's Basic Law, troops from mainland China can operate in the city if local authorities request it.

Hong Kong authorities may, "when necessary", ask the central government for assistance from the garrison "in the maintenance of public order and in disaster relief", according to Article 14.

Article 18 of the Basic Law allows the central government to effectively suspend Hong Kong's laws if there is a "state of war" or "turmoil" which "endangers national security or unity".&nbsp;

Hong Kong's government said on Saturday that it did not request the Chinese troops to clean up the streets.

Recently, A government ban on demonstrators wearing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anti-mask-law-to-quell-protests-unconstitutional-hong-kong-high-court-262838">face masks</a>, aimed at helping to quell months of pro-democracy unrest in Hong Kong, was ruled unconstitutional by the territory's high court.

Owing to the unrest in Hong Kong, many Asian carriers have <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/asian-airlines-slash-flights-to-hong-kong-as-unrest-escalates-262832">cancelled flights</a> to Hong Kong.

(With inputs from AFP)

As violence continues to eclipse Hong Kong, China's military today defended the deployment of soldiers into the city. They referred to the violence as the ''most pressing task''.

As violence continues to eclipse Hong Kong, China's military today defended the deployment of soldiers into the city. They referred to the violence as the ''most pressing task''. The brief clean-up operation came at the end of a week of particularly intense clashes between police and protesters that had caused chaos across Hong Kong. Soldiers, besides trying to quell the violence, were seen helping out clean nearby streets that were soiled by protesters. "There were some Hong Kong citizens clearing roadblocks near the PLA Hong Kong garrison," Chinese defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian told reporters at a security event in Bangkok when asked about the brief deployment. "The soldiers from the PLA Hong Kong garrison joined these citizens in clearing these roadblocks and their efforts were welcomed by Hong Kong citizens", Qian added. China has made it clear that it won't entertain any of the demands put forward by the protesters while adding that no violence will be tolerated. After another weekend of violence and protesters setting fire to the entrance of a university entrance on Monday morning to defend themselves from police, Wu issued another warning. "Ending violence and restoring order is the most pressing task we have in Hong Kong," Wu said after China's defence minister Wei Fenghe met his US counterpart, Mark Esper, in Bangkok. China's People Liberations' Army has maintained a garrison in Hong Kong since the former British colony was returned to China in 1997. However, these troops barely leave their barracks. They were last seen on the streets to help clean up after a typhoon in 2018. According to Hong Kong's Basic Law, troops from mainland China can operate in the city if local authorities request it. Hong Kong authorities may, "when necessary", ask the central government for assistance from the garrison "in the maintenance of public order and in disaster relief", according to Article 14. Article 18 of the Basic Law allows the central government to effectively suspend Hong Kong's laws if there is a "state of war" or "turmoil" which "endangers national security or unity". Hong Kong's government said on Saturday that it did not request the Chinese troops to clean up the streets. Recently, A government ban on demonstrators wearing face masks, aimed at helping to quell months of pro-democracy unrest in Hong Kong, was ruled unconstitutional by the territory's high court. Owing to the unrest in Hong Kong, many Asian carriers have cancelled flights to Hong Kong. (With inputs from AFP)

China defends deploying soldiers in Hong Kong, calls it 'most pressing task'

Pope Francis, who years ago hoped to be a missionary in Japan, travels to the sites of the world's only atomic attacks this week seeking a ban on nuclear weapons.

The Argentine pontiff, 82, flies to Asia on Tuesday, where he will first visit Thailand and then Japan, including the two cities destroyed by devastating US nuclear attacks during the Second World War.

Despite both countries having less than 0.6 per cent Catholic populations, Francis is thirsty for interreligious dialogue with them.

He will arrive in Thailand on Wednesday before flying on to Japan on Saturday, where he will stay until November 26.

Sunday is set to be a marathon day with visits to Nagasaki and Hiroshima, where at least 74,000 people and 140,000 people respectively were killed by the atomic bombs attacks.&nbsp;

The August 6, 1945 bombing of Hiroshima and of Nagasaki three days later contributed to Japan's surrender and the end of the Second World War on August 15, months after Nazi Germany capitulated.

Father Yoshio Kajiyama, director of the Jesuit social centre in Tokyo, was born in Hiroshima shortly after the war and is eagerly awaiting the pope's anti-nuclear speech.

"My grandfather died the day of the bomb in Hiroshima, I never knew him. Four days later my aunt died when she was 15 years old," said the 64-year-old.

"If you grow up in Hiroshima, you can't forget the bomb."

No nukes message

The pope will make "as vigorous an appeal as possible in favour of concerted measures to completely eliminate nuclear weapons," the Vatican number two Cardinal Pietro Parolin told the United Nations in September.

"Using atomic energy to wage war is immoral," the head of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics told Japanese television in September.

A previous member of Japan's diplomatic mission to the Vatican, Shigeru Tokuyasu, said he hopes the visit will pull the world back from "the globalisation of indifference" over nuclear weapons.

But, said Tokuyasu, the pope should avoid discussing the politically sensitive issue of nuclear energy.

Francis is also set to meet victims of the devastating 2011 earthquake that struck northeastern Japan and the subsequent tsunami that between them killed 18,500 people and sparked the nuclear power catastrophe at Fukushima.

Fear of nuclear war

Francis is used to railing against countries that make money from weapons and has already voiced his fear of a nuclear war.

In January last year, he printed cards with a photo of a Nagasaki bomb victim, inscribing the words "the fruit of war" above his signature.

The 1945 photo, captured by American photographer Joe O'Donnell, showed a small boy standing ramrod straight carrying his dead younger brother on his back while waiting for his turn at a cremation site.

The late pope John Paul II visited Japan in 1981, where at Hiroshima's peace monument he pointed to war as "the work of man".

In August, the city of Hiroshima called on Japan to sign the U.N. treaty calling for a ban on nuclear weapons, something that all the world's nuclear powers have refused to do.

Japan, with its pacifist post-war constitution, adhered in 1967 to the principle of "not producing, possessing or allowing nuclear weapons on its territory," despite counting on the US nuclear umbrella for protection.

Multiethnic Thailand

Before arriving in Thailand on Wednesday, the pope praised the "multiethnic nation" which "has worked to promote harmony and peaceful coexistence, not only among its habitants but throughout Southeast Asia."

In a video message to the Thai people, the pope said he hoped to "strengthen ties of friendship" with Buddhists.

Since&nbsp;Francis' election six years ago, he has made two trips to Asia, visiting the Philippines and Sri Lanka in 2014, followed by Myanmar and Bangladesh in 2017.

On Thursday in Bangkok, the pontiff is to pay a visit to supreme patriarch Somdej Phra Maha Muneewong at a Buddhist temple.

Pope Francis, who years ago hoped to be a missionary in Japan, travels to the sites of the world's only atomic attacks this week seeking a ban on nuclear weapons.

Pope Francis, who years ago hoped to be a missionary in Japan, travels to the sites of the world's only atomic attacks this week seeking a ban on nuclear weapons. The Argentine pontiff, 82, flies to Asia on Tuesday, where he will first visit Thailand and then Japan, including the two cities destroyed by devastating US nuclear attacks during the Second World War. Despite both countries having less than 0.6 per cent Catholic populations, Francis is thirsty for interreligious dialogue with them. He will arrive in Thailand on Wednesday before flying on to Japan on Saturday, where he will stay until November 26. Sunday is set to be a marathon day with visits to Nagasaki and Hiroshima, where at least 74,000 people and 140,000 people respectively were killed by the atomic bombs attacks. The August 6, 1945 bombing of Hiroshima and of Nagasaki three days later contributed to Japan's surrender and the end of the Second World War on August 15, months after Nazi Germany capitulated. Father Yoshio Kajiyama, director of the Jesuit social centre in Tokyo, was born in Hiroshima shortly after the war and is eagerly awaiting the pope's anti-nuclear speech. "My grandfather died the day of the bomb in Hiroshima, I never knew him. Four days later my aunt died when she was 15 years old," said the 64-year-old. "If you grow up in Hiroshima, you can't forget the bomb." No nukes message The pope will make "as vigorous an appeal as possible in favour of concerted measures to completely eliminate nuclear weapons," the Vatican number two Cardinal Pietro Parolin told the United Nations in September. "Using atomic energy to wage war is immoral," the head of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics told Japanese television in September. A previous member of Japan's diplomatic mission to the Vatican, Shigeru Tokuyasu, said he hopes the visit will pull the world back from "the globalisation of indifference" over nuclear weapons. But, said Tokuyasu, the pope should avoid discussing the politically sensitive issue of nuclear energy. Francis is also set to meet victims of the devastating 2011 earthquake that struck northeastern Japan and the subsequent tsunami that between them killed 18,500 people and sparked the nuclear power catastrophe at Fukushima. Fear of nuclear war Francis is used to railing against countries that make money from weapons and has already voiced his fear of a nuclear war. In January last year, he printed cards with a photo of a Nagasaki bomb victim, inscribing the words "the fruit of war" above his signature. The 1945 photo, captured by American photographer Joe O'Donnell, showed a small boy standing ramrod straight carrying his dead younger brother on his back while waiting for his turn at a cremation site. The late pope John Paul II visited Japan in 1981, where at Hiroshima's peace monument he pointed to war as "the work of man". In August, the city of Hiroshima called on Japan to sign the U.N. treaty calling for a ban on nuclear weapons, something that all the world's nuclear powers have refused to do. Japan, with its pacifist post-war constitution, adhered in 1967 to the principle of "not producing, possessing or allowing nuclear weapons on its territory," despite counting on the US nuclear umbrella for protection. Multiethnic Thailand Before arriving in Thailand on Wednesday, the pope praised the "multiethnic nation" which "has worked to promote harmony and peaceful coexistence, not only among its habitants but throughout Southeast Asia." In a video message to the Thai people, the pope said he hoped to "strengthen ties of friendship" with Buddhists. Since Francis' election six years ago, he has made two trips to Asia, visiting the Philippines and Sri Lanka in 2014, followed by Myanmar and Bangladesh in 2017. On Thursday in Bangkok, the pontiff is to pay a visit to supreme patriarch Somdej Phra Maha Muneewong at a Buddhist temple.

Pope Francis to visit Hiroshima, Nagasaki on anti-nuclear weapon mission

An avalanche has hit Indian Army positions in the Siachen Glacier where some Army jawans are stuck under the snow.&nbsp;

According to preliminary information, the avalanche struck the camp located in the northern Siachen Glacier, at a height of 18,000 feet at around 3.30 pm on Monday.&nbsp;

Rescue operations by specialised teams of the Army are underway and are being coordinated from other Army bases in the nearby areas.

The incident highlights the severe dangers that soldiers face in manning the inhospitable terrain at heights of 18,875 ft in intense climate conditions on the world’s highest battlefield.

In 2016, Ten soldiers, including nine jawans of the Indian Army's 19 Madras battalion and one junior commissioned officer (JCO), were killed after an avalanche came crashing down on their post situated at 19,600 feet on the Actual Ground Position Line, which is India's border with Pakistan at Siachen.

Around 900 soldiers have lost their lives due to bad climatic conditions in&nbsp;Siachen Glacier since the 1980s.

(With inputs from agencies)

An avalanche has hit Indian Army positions in the Siachen Glacier where some Army jawans are stuck under the snow. According to preliminary information, the avalanche struck the camp located in the northern Siachen Glacier, at a height of 18,000 feet at around 3.

An avalanche has hit Indian Army positions in the Siachen Glacier where some Army jawans are stuck under the snow. According to preliminary information, the avalanche struck the camp located in the northern Siachen Glacier, at a height of 18,000 feet at around 3.30 pm on Monday. Rescue operations by specialised teams of the Army are underway and are being coordinated from other Army bases in the nearby areas. The incident highlights the severe dangers that soldiers face in manning the inhospitable terrain at heights of 18,875 ft in intense climate conditions on the world’s highest battlefield. In 2016, Ten soldiers, including nine jawans of the Indian Army's 19 Madras battalion and one junior commissioned officer (JCO), were killed after an avalanche came crashing down on their post situated at 19,600 feet on the Actual Ground Position Line, which is India's border with Pakistan at Siachen. Around 900 soldiers have lost their lives due to bad climatic conditions in Siachen Glacier since the 1980s. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian soldiers trapped in snow as avalanche hits Army positions in Siachen Glacier

Pakistan has been whipping up <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/article-370-abrogation-in-jammu-and-kashmir-puts-pakistan-in-a-tight-spot-242885">hysteria over Kashmir </a>ever since the Indian government revoked the special status of the state.

There are reports of Pakistan moving more aircraft and troops to its forward bases close to Ladakh near the LoC.

The two armies have clashed four times in the past seventy years.&nbsp;

At the present situation, there is a red line somewhere, notional of course, which, if crossed, could lead to the war.&nbsp;

Here is how their militaries stack up.

In the latest report released by Global Firepower&nbsp;ranking, there is absolutely no match between the military might of India and Pakistan.

While India is only behind the US, Russia and China in terms of the overall power index Pakistan is far behind on the 17th position.

<img alt="India-Pakistan war" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f9d7e283-6628-4208-946e-28c619419310" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/INDIA%20PAK.JPG" />

On every parameter, be it land, air or sea, Pakistan languishes far behind India's military power.

Pakistan barely has half the manpower as compared to the Indian military.

Be it combat tanks or other ammunition Pakistan does not match up to India.

Even when both nations are compared based on airpower India has at least 700 more aircraft than its neighbour.

In terms of naval strength, while India already has an aircraft career on the high seas and a second one likely to be inducted in the next few years, Pakistan is yet to get its first.

In terms of submarines and naval destroyers, the matchup couldn't be more mismatched.

Maybe it is about time Pakistan focuses more on its fragile economy and not on aggressive rhetoric. Because 'Naya Pakistan' would not even be close to new India in any way.

Pakistan has been whipping up hysteria over Kashmir ever since the Indian government revoked the special status of the state. There are reports of Pakistan moving more aircraft and troops to its forward bases close to Ladakh near the LoC.

Pakistan has been whipping up hysteria over Kashmir ever since the Indian government revoked the special status of the state. There are reports of Pakistan moving more aircraft and troops to its forward bases close to Ladakh near the LoC. The two armies have clashed four times in the past seventy years. At the present situation, there is a red line somewhere, notional of course, which, if crossed, could lead to the war. Here is how their militaries stack up. In the latest report released by Global Firepower ranking, there is absolutely no match between the military might of India and Pakistan. While India is only behind the US, Russia and China in terms of the overall power index Pakistan is far behind on the 17th position. On every parameter, be it land, air or sea, Pakistan languishes far behind India's military power. Pakistan barely has half the manpower as compared to the Indian military. Be it combat tanks or other ammunition Pakistan does not match up to India. Even when both nations are compared based on airpower India has at least 700 more aircraft than its neighbour. In terms of naval strength, while India already has an aircraft career on the high seas and a second one likely to be inducted in the next few years, Pakistan is yet to get its first. In terms of submarines and naval destroyers, the matchup couldn't be more mismatched. Maybe it is about time Pakistan focuses more on its fragile economy and not on aggressive rhetoric. Because 'Naya Pakistan' would not even be close to new India in any way.

How India's military might stacks up against Pakistan's: A comparative study

Hours after the Indian Army launched an artillery attack on terrorist camps in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Sunday, defence experts have lauded the move saying the Army has ensured that the terrorists do not enter into our country.

"Indian Army took the action after receiving information that terrorists were at a camp trying to enter into Indian territory. Our forces have hit these camps and neutralised many of them ensuring these terrorists do not enter into our country," Defence Expert Shivalee Deshpande told ANI on Sunday.

She lauded the move saying this is a major action by the Indian Army and we have to continue this to keep Pakistan at bay.

"In a bid to divert Indian soldiers, Pakistani forces usually give these terrorists cover fire when they try to enter into Indian territory. Similarly, Pakistani soldiers violated ceasefire, in which two Indian soldiers were killed," Deshpande said.

She said that the terrorists had been trying to cross the border since yesterday but failed because of vigilance in the area.&nbsp;

Another defence expert DS Dhillon has said that the Army had credible information that over 200 terrorists were gathered at several terror camps in the region.

"The Indian Army targeted camps with the most concentration of terrorists and neutralised them. Since the target was within 15 km, the artilleries would have accurately hit them," Dhillon said.

Retired Lieutenant General PN Hoon, on the other hand, has said that if we know their location, we should target them using our helicopters and aircraft as well.

"During my time, I had instructed the soldiers under my command to shoot anyone who tries to cross the border. If we know where these terrorists are, why shouldn`t we use artillery guns to neutralise them? I say we should send our helicopters and aircraft and neutralise them," Hoon said.

Earlier today, the Indian Army used artillery guns to target terrorist camps in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) which have been actively trying to push terrorists into Indian Territory.

Four launch pads in Neelam valley of PoK were targeted and fatalities have been reported, sources said.Two Indian soldiers were also killed in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan Army in Tangdhar sector of Kupwara in Jammu and Kashmir earlier today.&nbsp;

Hours after the Indian Army launched an artillery attack on terrorist camps in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Sunday, defence experts have lauded the move saying the Army has ensured that the terrorists do not enter into our country.

Hours after the Indian Army launched an artillery attack on terrorist camps in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Sunday, defence experts have lauded the move saying the Army has ensured that the terrorists do not enter into our country. "Indian Army took the action after receiving information that terrorists were at a camp trying to enter into Indian territory. Our forces have hit these camps and neutralised many of them ensuring these terrorists do not enter into our country," Defence Expert Shivalee Deshpande told ANI on Sunday. She lauded the move saying this is a major action by the Indian Army and we have to continue this to keep Pakistan at bay. "In a bid to divert Indian soldiers, Pakistani forces usually give these terrorists cover fire when they try to enter into Indian territory. Similarly, Pakistani soldiers violated ceasefire, in which two Indian soldiers were killed," Deshpande said. She said that the terrorists had been trying to cross the border since yesterday but failed because of vigilance in the area. Another defence expert DS Dhillon has said that the Army had credible information that over 200 terrorists were gathered at several terror camps in the region. "The Indian Army targeted camps with the most concentration of terrorists and neutralised them. Since the target was within 15 km, the artilleries would have accurately hit them," Dhillon said. Retired Lieutenant General PN Hoon, on the other hand, has said that if we know their location, we should target them using our helicopters and aircraft as well. "During my time, I had instructed the soldiers under my command to shoot anyone who tries to cross the border. If we know where these terrorists are, why shouldn`t we use artillery guns to neutralise them? I say we should send our helicopters and aircraft and neutralise them," Hoon said. Earlier today, the Indian Army used artillery guns to target terrorist camps in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) which have been actively trying to push terrorists into Indian Territory. Four launch pads in Neelam valley of PoK were targeted and fatalities have been reported, sources said.Two Indian soldiers were also killed in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan Army in Tangdhar sector of Kupwara in Jammu and Kashmir earlier today.

Indian army targets terror camps in Pakistan occupied Kashmir

Top commanders of the Indian Army met on Monday and reviewed the security situation in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/postpaid-mobile-services-restored-in-jammu-and-kashmir-after-two-months-255767">Jammu and Kashmir</a> and other parts of the country.

The Army Commanders' Conference is being held in the national capital from October 14 to 19.

"On the initial day of the conference, the commanders along with Army Chief General Bipin Rawat reviewed the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir where the force is playing a major role in maintaining peace and conducting counter-terrorist operations," Army sources said.

The Indian Army has deployed additional troops in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/residents-of-jammu-and-kashmir-express-joy-after-restoration-of-postpaid-mobile-services-255860">Kashmir valley</a> and Line of Control to counter any attempts by the Pakistan Army to push terrorists into India especially after the abrogation of Article 370 in the valley.

Rawat will also address the conference that would be followed by an update by Army Commanders on their respective operational and administrative issues.

Discussions on ongoing contemporary issues are also scheduled to take place.

The Army Commanders' Conference is an apex-level biannual event held in April and October every year.

A conference is an important event in the planning and execution process of the Indian Army. To ensure due diligence, decisions are taken through the collegiate system comprising Army Commanders and Senior Officers.

The Army Commanders' Conference has comprehensively deliberated all aspects of extant security dynamics, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/postpaid-mobile-services-restored-in-jammu-and-kashmir-after-two-months-255767">emerging security scenarios</a>, enhancing operational capability in the near and long term and enhancement of combat edge over potential adversaries.

Top commanders of the Indian Army met on Monday and reviewed the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the country. The Army Commanders' Conference is being held in the national capital from October 14 to 19.

Top commanders of the Indian Army met on Monday and reviewed the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the country. The Army Commanders' Conference is being held in the national capital from October 14 to 19. "On the initial day of the conference, the commanders along with Army Chief General Bipin Rawat reviewed the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir where the force is playing a major role in maintaining peace and conducting counter-terrorist operations," Army sources said. The Indian Army has deployed additional troops in the Kashmir valley and Line of Control to counter any attempts by the Pakistan Army to push terrorists into India especially after the abrogation of Article 370 in the valley. Rawat will also address the conference that would be followed by an update by Army Commanders on their respective operational and administrative issues. Discussions on ongoing contemporary issues are also scheduled to take place. The Army Commanders' Conference is an apex-level biannual event held in April and October every year. A conference is an important event in the planning and execution process of the Indian Army. To ensure due diligence, decisions are taken through the collegiate system comprising Army Commanders and Senior Officers. The Army Commanders' Conference has comprehensively deliberated all aspects of extant security dynamics, emerging security scenarios, enhancing operational capability in the near and long term and enhancement of combat edge over potential adversaries.

Top army commanders reviewing security situation in Jammu and Kashmir

Female candidates are participating in the ongoing recruitment drive for Special Police Officers (SPOs) being organised in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-director-general-of-police-says-all-precautions-will-be-taken-during-restoration-of-mobile-services-255669">Jammu and Kashmir</a>.

"In the ongoing recruitment of SPOs, starting from October 9, as many as 4,072 candidates including a large number of females are competing for their final selection," said Anita Sharma, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP).

"These female candidates are from backward districts of the state. They are feeling encouraged. Most of them have qualified marathon, shot-put, and other tests. They want to help their families. They also want to be independent," Sharma told ANI.

"I have qualified 1,000-metre&nbsp;long run and shot-put outdoor tests. Now the height and documents are to be examined. I want to serve my country and have no fear in the mind," said one of the participants.

These girls are from the remotest and hilly parts of Ramban district and are participating in the recruitment rally with a lot of enthusiasm.

"This is the second time I have come. Last time, I didn't qualify but I hope this time I will be selected. I was always passionate about joining the police. It will also make me financially sound," said another candidate.

The minimum qualification to be an SPO is matriculation. However, many aspirants are intermediates and graduates.

Female candidates are participating in the ongoing recruitment drive for Special Police Officers (SPOs) being organised in Jammu and Kashmir. "In the ongoing recruitment of SPOs, starting from October 9, as many as 4,072 candidates including a large number of females are competing for their final selection," said Anita Sharma, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP).

Female candidates are participating in the ongoing recruitment drive for Special Police Officers (SPOs) being organised in Jammu and Kashmir. "In the ongoing recruitment of SPOs, starting from October 9, as many as 4,072 candidates including a large number of females are competing for their final selection," said Anita Sharma, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP). "These female candidates are from backward districts of the state. They are feeling encouraged. Most of them have qualified marathon, shot-put, and other tests. They want to help their families. They also want to be independent," Sharma told ANI. "I have qualified 1,000-metre long run and shot-put outdoor tests. Now the height and documents are to be examined. I want to serve my country and have no fear in the mind," said one of the participants. These girls are from the remotest and hilly parts of Ramban district and are participating in the recruitment rally with a lot of enthusiasm. "This is the second time I have come. Last time, I didn't qualify but I hope this time I will be selected. I was always passionate about joining the police. It will also make me financially sound," said another candidate. The minimum qualification to be an SPO is matriculation. However, many aspirants are intermediates and graduates.

Many female candidates participate in police recruitment drive in Jammu and Kashmir

The number of ceasefire violations by Pakistan has gone up significantly this year compared to 2018.

"2317 ceasefire violations by Pakistan in 2019 till October 10 while 147 terrorists have been killed in different operations by the security forces on the Line of Control (LoC) and hinterland," Indian Army sources said.

In 2018, the total number of ceasefire violations was 1629.

254 terrorists were killed last year including a large number of local and foreigner terrorist commanders.

The surge in ceasefire violations has happened in a year when the Indian abrogated Article 370 giving special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

The Indian Air Force jets struck a Jaish e Mohammed terrorist camp in Pakistan's Balakot on February 26 earlier this year, days after a terror attack on CRPF convoy in Jammu Kashmir's Pulwama which claimed the lives of around 40 CRPF personnel.

Earlier in the evening, Pakistan violated ceasefire in Nowshera sector in which one security personnel, Naik Subash Thapa, succumbed to injuries.

The number of ceasefire violations by Pakistan has gone up significantly this year compared to 2018. "2317 ceasefire violations by Pakistan in 2019 till October 10 while 147 terrorists have been killed in different operations by the security forces on the Line of Control (LoC) and hinterland," Indian Army sources said.

The number of ceasefire violations by Pakistan has gone up significantly this year compared to 2018. "2317 ceasefire violations by Pakistan in 2019 till October 10 while 147 terrorists have been killed in different operations by the security forces on the Line of Control (LoC) and hinterland," Indian Army sources said. In 2018, the total number of ceasefire violations was 1629. 254 terrorists were killed last year including a large number of local and foreigner terrorist commanders. The surge in ceasefire violations has happened in a year when the Indian abrogated Article 370 giving special status to Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian Air Force jets struck a Jaish e Mohammed terrorist camp in Pakistan's Balakot on February 26 earlier this year, days after a terror attack on CRPF convoy in Jammu Kashmir's Pulwama which claimed the lives of around 40 CRPF personnel. Earlier in the evening, Pakistan violated ceasefire in Nowshera sector in which one security personnel, Naik Subash Thapa, succumbed to injuries.

Surge in ceasefire violations by Pakistan in 2019: Indian Army sources

The recruitment drive for a Territorial Army (TA) Battalion in this Jammu and Kashmir town has drawn overwhelming response with youth from forward&nbsp;areas also coming to join the force. 
 
Colonel Ashish Rikhey, CO, 160 TA Battalion, said the recruitment drive was being held for Territorial Army Battalion based in Kupwara. 
 
"This rally is for recruitment to 160 TA battalion. This is the second day of the four-day drive and 4000-5000 youth are expected to participate," he said. 
 
"The response is overwhelming. Quite a large number of youth are from the forward areas like Kandhar, Machil, Gurez and other areas," he said. 
 
Raja Khan, a youth who took part in the rally, said unemployment was very high among the valley youth and Army was a good option. 
 
"I have participated in the race followed by a physical test. I want to say to the youth that they should join the Army as it is a very good force and what they say outside about it is not true," he said. 
 
Naseem Ahmed Khan, another youth who had come to take part in the recruitment process, said they were being treated with respect. "All (the youth) must come here to join the Army. The discipline of the Army is praiseworthy," he said.

The recruitment drive for a Territorial Army (TA) Battalion in this Jammu and Kashmir town has drawn overwhelming response with youth from forward areas also coming to join the force.

The recruitment drive for a Territorial Army (TA) Battalion in this Jammu and Kashmir town has drawn overwhelming response with youth from forward areas also coming to join the force. Colonel Ashish Rikhey, CO, 160 TA Battalion, said the recruitment drive was being held for Territorial Army Battalion based in Kupwara. "This rally is for recruitment to 160 TA battalion. This is the second day of the four-day drive and 4000-5000 youth are expected to participate," he said. "The response is overwhelming. Quite a large number of youth are from the forward areas like Kandhar, Machil, Gurez and other areas," he said. Raja Khan, a youth who took part in the rally, said unemployment was very high among the valley youth and Army was a good option. "I have participated in the race followed by a physical test. I want to say to the youth that they should join the Army as it is a very good force and what they say outside about it is not true," he said. Naseem Ahmed Khan, another youth who had come to take part in the recruitment process, said they were being treated with respect. "All (the youth) must come here to join the Army. The discipline of the Army is praiseworthy," he said.

Youth from J&K border areas take part in Territorial Army recruitment drive

Among the destroyed buildings of&nbsp;Syria's&nbsp;Aleppo, a battered sign between two army checkpoints welcomes visitors to an area earmarked to become a beacon of&nbsp;post-war reconstruction.

"The industrial city of&nbsp;Aleppo&nbsp;thanks you for your visit," it reads.

Once the country's powerhouse,&nbsp;Aleppo&nbsp;was devastated by&nbsp;Syria's ongoing civil war before Russia-backed government forces expelled the last rebels in late 2016 after a devastating siege.

As some of the city is slowly rebuilt, the Russian army this week showed reporters around, as Moscow seeks to highlight its role in the reconstruction&nbsp;of the war-torn country.

Several factories have reopened in the almost three years since the fighting ended in&nbsp;Aleppo, large parts of which were flattened.

At Katerji Engineering and Mechanical Industries, 1,000 people are employed in metalworking jobs.

About a fifth of the workers recently returned to&nbsp;Aleppo.

"We started work again a year ago and today we have four operational warehouses," said Salah Mitar, the engineer in charge.

"We hope to expand to 11 by 2020," he told AFP, as employees bustled around him in one huge warehouse.

But Mitar said international sanctions against President Bashar al-Assad's government and associated businessmen meant the factory cannot import sophisticated machinery.

The two main shareholders of Katerji Engineering and Mechanical Industries Hussam and Baraa Katerji are targeted by European Union and US sanctions respectively.

The factory was under rebel control until&nbsp;Aleppo's recapture and production ground to a halt during the fighting.&nbsp;

For the past eight months since the factory re-opened, employee Khaled said he had received a good salary.

But "very high prices in town" still make life difficult for him and his family, said the 38-year-old father of five.

After fuel shortages the government blames on sanctions, the value of the Syrian pound fell to its lowest level ever on the black market earlier this month.

Customers will return

Aleppo's UNESCO-listed historic centre and its centuries-old covered markets are also returning to life.

The frontline once ran through the old souqs, but today large parts of the historical trading centre have been restored.

Workers still shovel rubble in some alleys, like coffee shops and stalls most still empty prepare to receive merchandise.

Among them,&nbsp;59-year-old Abdel Rahman Mahmud could not wait to see shoppers back in his two-decade-old shop, where he will resume selling soap and spice.

"Customers will return. I'm sure of it. We just need to wait a bit," said the trader, who lost a son in the war.

The civil war has killed more than 370,000 people and displaced millions since starting in 2011 with the repression of anti-government protests.

But, Mahmud said, "our lives have changed a lot these past few years.

Things are a lot better&nbsp;we have electricity, water."

Russian pipes and cables

President Bashar al-Assad's government has won back large parts of the country from rebels and jihadists since Russia intervened militarily on its side in 2015.

After blistering military campaigns and Russia-brokered surrender deals, Damascus now controls more than 60 per cent of&nbsp;Syria&nbsp;and is looking to rebuild with Russian support.

Moscow says it has delivered thousands of tonnes of the water pipe and hundreds of kilometres (miles) of high-tension cable to improve water and power supplies.

Its military police on the ground have deterred looters, Russia says.

Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov, a longtime Kremlin protege with vast resources, has offered to fund the restoration of&nbsp;Aleppo's centuries-old Umayyad Mosque after it was damaged in the fighting.

But in the east of the city, residential neighbourhoods once under rebel control still largely lie in ruin.

Flattened apartment blocks lie on either side of deserted streets, dotted only by army checkpoints.

And just 10 kilometres (6 miles) away, fighting has continued.

The city lies east of the jihadist-run region of Idlib, where a Russia-announced ceasefire has largely held in recent weeks, despite sporadic bombardment.

The governor of&nbsp;Aleppo&nbsp;province, Hussein Diab, said fighting wounded 123 people in the province in September.

Among the destroyed buildings of Syria's Aleppo, a battered sign between two army checkpoints welcomes visitors to an area earmarked to become a beacon of post-war reconstruction.

Among the destroyed buildings of Syria's Aleppo, a battered sign between two army checkpoints welcomes visitors to an area earmarked to become a beacon of post-war reconstruction. "The industrial city of Aleppo thanks you for your visit," it reads. Once the country's powerhouse, Aleppo was devastated by Syria's ongoing civil war before Russia-backed government forces expelled the last rebels in late 2016 after a devastating siege. As some of the city is slowly rebuilt, the Russian army this week showed reporters around, as Moscow seeks to highlight its role in the reconstruction of the war-torn country. Several factories have reopened in the almost three years since the fighting ended in Aleppo, large parts of which were flattened. At Katerji Engineering and Mechanical Industries, 1,000 people are employed in metalworking jobs. About a fifth of the workers recently returned to Aleppo. "We started work again a year ago and today we have four operational warehouses," said Salah Mitar, the engineer in charge. "We hope to expand to 11 by 2020," he told AFP, as employees bustled around him in one huge warehouse. But Mitar said international sanctions against President Bashar al-Assad's government and associated businessmen meant the factory cannot import sophisticated machinery. The two main shareholders of Katerji Engineering and Mechanical Industries Hussam and Baraa Katerji are targeted by European Union and US sanctions respectively. The factory was under rebel control until Aleppo's recapture and production ground to a halt during the fighting. For the past eight months since the factory re-opened, employee Khaled said he had received a good salary. But "very high prices in town" still make life difficult for him and his family, said the 38-year-old father of five. After fuel shortages the government blames on sanctions, the value of the Syrian pound fell to its lowest level ever on the black market earlier this month. Customers will return Aleppo's UNESCO-listed historic centre and its centuries-old covered markets are also returning to life. The frontline once ran through the old souqs, but today large parts of the historical trading centre have been restored. Workers still shovel rubble in some alleys, like coffee shops and stalls most still empty prepare to receive merchandise. Among them, 59-year-old Abdel Rahman Mahmud could not wait to see shoppers back in his two-decade-old shop, where he will resume selling soap and spice. "Customers will return. I'm sure of it. We just need to wait a bit," said the trader, who lost a son in the war. The civil war has killed more than 370,000 people and displaced millions since starting in 2011 with the repression of anti-government protests. But, Mahmud said, "our lives have changed a lot these past few years. Things are a lot better we have electricity, water." Russian pipes and cables President Bashar al-Assad's government has won back large parts of the country from rebels and jihadists since Russia intervened militarily on its side in 2015. After blistering military campaigns and Russia-brokered surrender deals, Damascus now controls more than 60 per cent of Syria and is looking to rebuild with Russian support. Moscow says it has delivered thousands of tonnes of the water pipe and hundreds of kilometres (miles) of high-tension cable to improve water and power supplies. Its military police on the ground have deterred looters, Russia says. Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov, a longtime Kremlin protege with vast resources, has offered to fund the restoration of Aleppo's centuries-old Umayyad Mosque after it was damaged in the fighting. But in the east of the city, residential neighbourhoods once under rebel control still largely lie in ruin. Flattened apartment blocks lie on either side of deserted streets, dotted only by army checkpoints. And just 10 kilometres (6 miles) away, fighting has continued. The city lies east of the jihadist-run region of Idlib, where a Russia-announced ceasefire has largely held in recent weeks, despite sporadic bombardment. The governor of Aleppo province, Hussein Diab, said fighting wounded 123 people in the province in September.

In Syria's Aleppo, reconstruction makes slow start

More than 6000 youth took part in the recruitment drive organised by the Army in the bordering Sowjian belt for the post of porter here on Tuesday.The recruitment drive was organised by 40 Rashtriya Rifles unit of the Indian Army.

Amidst the complaints of large-scale unemployment in the area, the candidates expressed their gratitude to the administration for carrying out the recruitment.

Thankful to the Indian Army, a local of Poonch, Khalil said, "We thank the army for keeping the recruitment as there is a lot of unemployment here."

One of the candidates, Altaf hailing from Nowhera, requested the government to carry out more such recruitments in order to provide the youth of the region with livelihood opportunities.

"There is so much unemployment here that more than 5,000 people are desperate for the job of a porter. If we are craving for the job of porter then imagine what would happen if there was permanent recruitment here? We have graduates and postgraduates here who are competing for this job," he said.

Sarpanch of the area, Mohammad Bashir Mir also requested the government to carry out permanent recruitment.

"Around 7000 people have come here to appear for the recruitment and many of them are highly educated owing to widespread unemployment. The government should take note of this and carry out more recruitment," he said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

More than 6000 youth took part in the recruitment drive organised by the Army in the bordering Sowjian belt for the post of porter here on Tuesday.The recruitment drive was organised by 40 Rashtriya Rifles unit of the Indian Army.

More than 6000 youth took part in the recruitment drive organised by the Army in the bordering Sowjian belt for the post of porter here on Tuesday.The recruitment drive was organised by 40 Rashtriya Rifles unit of the Indian Army. Amidst the complaints of large-scale unemployment in the area, the candidates expressed their gratitude to the administration for carrying out the recruitment. Thankful to the Indian Army, a local of Poonch, Khalil said, "We thank the army for keeping the recruitment as there is a lot of unemployment here." One of the candidates, Altaf hailing from Nowhera, requested the government to carry out more such recruitments in order to provide the youth of the region with livelihood opportunities. "There is so much unemployment here that more than 5,000 people are desperate for the job of a porter. If we are craving for the job of porter then imagine what would happen if there was permanent recruitment here? We have graduates and postgraduates here who are competing for this job," he said. Sarpanch of the area, Mohammad Bashir Mir also requested the government to carry out permanent recruitment. "Around 7000 people have come here to appear for the recruitment and many of them are highly educated owing to widespread unemployment. The government should take note of this and carry out more recruitment," he said.

Over 6,000 youth take part in Army recruitment drive in Jammu and Kashmir

<div class="content" itemprop="articleBody">
After the Centre abrogated Article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army is now planning to open up several high altitude military locations such as the Siachen Glacier for Indian citizens.

The plan was recently mentioned by Army chief General Bipin Rawat during a seminar attended by several officers including senior Lieutenant Generals.

"During the conference, the Army chief stated that there is increased curiosity about the Indian Army and its operational challenges," top Army sources said.

"The chief further said that this would be good for national integration. As the force has been allowing citizens to visit training centres and institutions, we now plan to open some forward posts like Siachen Glacier as well," they said.

The Siachen Glacier is part of Ladakh which has now been converted into a Union Territory by the Narendra Modi government by separating it from the state of Jammu and Kashmir which has also been turned into a Union Territory.

Sources said the Army has not yet decided on the procedures and the particular positions where it would allow tourists.

The Siachen Glacier is the world's highest battlefield and is maintained by thousands of Indian troops round the year where extreme cold conditions and the treacherous glacial terrain are bigger enemies than the enemy bullets.

Army sources said that Indians visiting Ladakh and nearby places have been requesting for permission to visit famous Kargil war positions as well like the Tiger Hill where the Indian Army fought the Pakistanis.

Asked whether there would be any opposition to the Army's plan from Pakistan, sources said the entire area belongs to India and it was upto the Indian administration to decide on these matters.

From 2007, India had started allowing civilians to trek from Siachen Base Camp to high altitude locations in the Siachen Glacier which is around 11,000 feet at the base camp and goes beyond 21,000 feet at the higher reaches.

After the Centre read down Article 370 last month, Pakistan has been trying to rake up the issue at the international stage but India has defended the decision calling it an internal matter.&nbsp;
</div>

After the Centre abrogated Article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army is now planning to open up several high altitude military locations such as the Siachen Glacier for Indian citizens.

After the Centre abrogated Article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army is now planning to open up several high altitude military locations such as the Siachen Glacier for Indian citizens. The plan was recently mentioned by Army chief General Bipin Rawat during a seminar attended by several officers including senior Lieutenant Generals. "During the conference, the Army chief stated that there is increased curiosity about the Indian Army and its operational challenges," top Army sources said. "The chief further said that this would be good for national integration. As the force has been allowing citizens to visit training centres and institutions, we now plan to open some forward posts like Siachen Glacier as well," they said. The Siachen Glacier is part of Ladakh which has now been converted into a Union Territory by the Narendra Modi government by separating it from the state of Jammu and Kashmir which has also been turned into a Union Territory. Sources said the Army has not yet decided on the procedures and the particular positions where it would allow tourists. The Siachen Glacier is the world's highest battlefield and is maintained by thousands of Indian troops round the year where extreme cold conditions and the treacherous glacial terrain are bigger enemies than the enemy bullets. Army sources said that Indians visiting Ladakh and nearby places have been requesting for permission to visit famous Kargil war positions as well like the Tiger Hill where the Indian Army fought the Pakistanis. Asked whether there would be any opposition to the Army's plan from Pakistan, sources said the entire area belongs to India and it was upto the Indian administration to decide on these matters. From 2007, India had started allowing civilians to trek from Siachen Base Camp to high altitude locations in the Siachen Glacier which is around 11,000 feet at the base camp and goes beyond 21,000 feet at the higher reaches. After the Centre read down Article 370 last month, Pakistan has been trying to rake up the issue at the international stage but India has defended the decision calling it an internal matter.

Army planning to open Siachen Glacier for citizens

Several rockets were fired Wednesday from the Gaza Strip at Israel, which responded by striking Hamas military positions in the enclave, the Israeli army said.

The afternoon exchange came a day after rockets fired from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-attacks-gaza-targets-following-drone-raid-248492">Palestinian territory</a> towards the Israeli city of Ashdod forced Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to flee the stage during a campaign rally.

"Three projectiles were launched from the Gaza Strip towards Israel," the Israeli army said in a statement, adding that sirens were triggered in nearby Israeli communities.

In response, it added, a "tank struck two Hamas military posts in the northern Gaza Strip."

The strikes were confirmed by a security source in Gaza, which is controlled by the Islamist movement Hamas.

There were no immediate reports of any injuries.

Overnight Tuesday the Israeli army struck 15 sites it said belonged to Hamas in the northern and central Gaza Strip.

It said the strikes were in response to the rockets fired towards Ashdod which forced Netanyahu to cut short a speech.

The right-wing premier is campaigning for re-election on September 17 parliamentary polls.

On Tuesday Netanyahu announced his intention to annex a large part of the occupied West Bank if re-elected.

Israel and Hamas have fought three wars since 2008. 
&nbsp;

Several rockets were fired Wednesday from the Gaza Strip at Israel, which responded by striking Hamas military positions in the enclave, the Israeli army said. The afternoon exchange came a day after rockets fired from the Palestinian territory towards the Israeli city of Ashdod forced Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to flee the stage during a campaign rally.

Several rockets were fired Wednesday from the Gaza Strip at Israel, which responded by striking Hamas military positions in the enclave, the Israeli army said. The afternoon exchange came a day after rockets fired from the Palestinian territory towards the Israeli city of Ashdod forced Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to flee the stage during a campaign rally. "Three projectiles were launched from the Gaza Strip towards Israel," the Israeli army said in a statement, adding that sirens were triggered in nearby Israeli communities. In response, it added, a "tank struck two Hamas military posts in the northern Gaza Strip." The strikes were confirmed by a security source in Gaza, which is controlled by the Islamist movement Hamas. There were no immediate reports of any injuries. Overnight Tuesday the Israeli army struck 15 sites it said belonged to Hamas in the northern and central Gaza Strip. It said the strikes were in response to the rockets fired towards Ashdod which forced Netanyahu to cut short a speech. The right-wing premier is campaigning for re-election on September 17 parliamentary polls. On Tuesday Netanyahu announced his intention to annex a large part of the occupied West Bank if re-elected. Israel and Hamas have fought three wars since 2008.

Israel has struck Hamas after Gaza rocket fire: Army

Myanmar’s army said on Monday it had dropped a criminal complaint against a religious leader who told US&nbsp;President Donald Trump the military was oppressing Christians, days after the United States voiced concern about the lawsuit.

Reverend Hkalam Samson, of the Kachin Baptist Convention, an organisation based in the northern Kachin state representing Myanmar’s mostly Christian Kachin minority, took part in a gathering at the White House in July, when victims of religious persecution met with Trump and other US officials.

Samson told Trump that Christians were being "oppressed and tortured by the Myanmar military government" in the Buddhist-majority country.

He also thanked Trump for imposing sanctions against top generals over Myanmar's crackdown on Rohingya Muslims, saying it was "very helpful".

A military officer, Lieutenant Colonel Than Htike, then filed a lawsuit against Samson, but a spokesman told Reuters on Monday that it had now been formally withdrawn.

"We withdraw the case voluntarily because it is what we should do," army spokesman Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun said by phone, without giving a reason.

Samson called the move a positive gesture towards the Kachin people.

"We welcome this issue being finished with understanding and without needing to be brought to the court," he said.

The move came after the US State Department last Thursday expressed concern about the lawsuit, which it said had sought "to unduly limit his freedom of expression and potentially could disrupt his critical work on behalf of tens of thousands of internally displaced people".

In July, the United States banned Myanmar military Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing, three other senior commanders, and their families from entering the United States, in the strongest steps yet taken by Washington in response to a massacre of the Rohingya Muslims.

A military crackdown in Myanmar in 2017 drove more than 730,000 Rohingya to flee to neighbouring &nbsp;Bangladesh, according to United Nations figures.

UN&nbsp;investigators have said Myanmar’s operation included mass killings, gang rapes, and arson and was executed with "genocidal intent".

Myanmar’s army said on Monday it had dropped a criminal complaint against a religious leader who told US President Donald Trump the military was oppressing Christians, days after the United States voiced concern about the lawsuit.

Myanmar’s army said on Monday it had dropped a criminal complaint against a religious leader who told US President Donald Trump the military was oppressing Christians, days after the United States voiced concern about the lawsuit. Reverend Hkalam Samson, of the Kachin Baptist Convention, an organisation based in the northern Kachin state representing Myanmar’s mostly Christian Kachin minority, took part in a gathering at the White House in July, when victims of religious persecution met with Trump and other US officials. Samson told Trump that Christians were being "oppressed and tortured by the Myanmar military government" in the Buddhist-majority country. He also thanked Trump for imposing sanctions against top generals over Myanmar's crackdown on Rohingya Muslims, saying it was "very helpful". A military officer, Lieutenant Colonel Than Htike, then filed a lawsuit against Samson, but a spokesman told Reuters on Monday that it had now been formally withdrawn. "We withdraw the case voluntarily because it is what we should do," army spokesman Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun said by phone, without giving a reason. Samson called the move a positive gesture towards the Kachin people. "We welcome this issue being finished with understanding and without needing to be brought to the court," he said. The move came after the US State Department last Thursday expressed concern about the lawsuit, which it said had sought "to unduly limit his freedom of expression and potentially could disrupt his critical work on behalf of tens of thousands of internally displaced people". In July, the United States banned Myanmar military Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing, three other senior commanders, and their families from entering the United States, in the strongest steps yet taken by Washington in response to a massacre of the Rohingya Muslims. A military crackdown in Myanmar in 2017 drove more than 730,000 Rohingya to flee to neighbouring Bangladesh, according to United Nations figures. UN investigators have said Myanmar’s operation included mass killings, gang rapes, and arson and was executed with "genocidal intent".

Myanmar army drops lawsuit against religious leader who complained to Trump of persecution

The Indian Army has received intelligence inputs of possible terror attacks in South India after security forces recovered abandoned boats from Sir Creek in Gujarat.

While interacting with media General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (Southern Command) Lt Gen SK Saini said that We have got many inputs that there may be a terrorist attack in the southern part of India and peninsular India. There have been some abandoned boats also which have been recovered in the area of Sir Creek.

He said the Army has undertaken "measures for capacity building and capability development" due to heightened threat in Sir creek. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"We have undertaken measures for capacity building and capability development in the area of Sir Creek keeping in mind the enhanced threat," he said, adding the precautions were being taken to ensure that inimical elements or terrorists do not succeed in their designs.

The remarks came a fortnight after government sources told ANI that Pakistan had deployed SSG commandos along Sir Creek in Gujarat to carry out anti-India activities in the region.

Pakistan has made irresponsible and provocative statements after government repealed Article 370, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir last month. India has said it was an internal matter.

(With inputs from ANI)

The Indian Army has received intelligence inputs of possible terror attacks in South India after security forces recovered abandoned boats from Sir Creek in Gujarat.

The Indian Army has received intelligence inputs of possible terror attacks in South India after security forces recovered abandoned boats from Sir Creek in Gujarat. While interacting with media General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (Southern Command) Lt Gen SK Saini said that We have got many inputs that there may be a terrorist attack in the southern part of India and peninsular India. There have been some abandoned boats also which have been recovered in the area of Sir Creek. He said the Army has undertaken "measures for capacity building and capability development" due to heightened threat in Sir creek. "We have undertaken measures for capacity building and capability development in the area of Sir Creek keeping in mind the enhanced threat," he said, adding the precautions were being taken to ensure that inimical elements or terrorists do not succeed in their designs. The remarks came a fortnight after government sources told ANI that Pakistan had deployed SSG commandos along Sir Creek in Gujarat to carry out anti-India activities in the region. Pakistan has made irresponsible and provocative statements after government repealed Article 370, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir last month. India has said it was an internal matter. (With inputs from ANI)

Army warns of possible terror attack in South India as reports say LeT terrorists infiltrated into Tamil Nadu

A US&nbsp;soldier killed by an improvised bomb in Afghanistan has been identified as Army Sgt. 1st Class Elis A. Barreto Ortiz of Puerto Rico, the Department of Defense said on Friday.

Barreto, 34 and based out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, was killed on Thursday when an improvised bomb in a vehicle exploded in a suicide attack near his vehicle in the Afghan capital Kabul, the department said in a statement.

Barreto was a paratrooper and maintenance control sergeant in the 82nd Brigade Support Battalion.

A Romanian soldier also died in the attack near a neighbourhood in Kabul that housed embassy staff from the United States and other countries, the Army Times reported on its website.

The incident is under investigation, the department said.

A US soldier killed by an improvised bomb in Afghanistan has been identified as Army Sgt. 1st Class Elis A. Barreto Ortiz of Puerto Rico, the Department of Defense said on Friday.

A US soldier killed by an improvised bomb in Afghanistan has been identified as Army Sgt. 1st Class Elis A. Barreto Ortiz of Puerto Rico, the Department of Defense said on Friday. Barreto, 34 and based out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, was killed on Thursday when an improvised bomb in a vehicle exploded in a suicide attack near his vehicle in the Afghan capital Kabul, the department said in a statement. Barreto was a paratrooper and maintenance control sergeant in the 82nd Brigade Support Battalion. A Romanian soldier also died in the attack near a neighbourhood in Kabul that housed embassy staff from the United States and other countries, the Army Times reported on its website. The incident is under investigation, the department said.

United States soldier killed in Afghanistan identified

A day ahead of the Passing out Parade(POP) at the prestigious Army Officer’s Training Academy in Chennai, the cadets, their trainers and teams from the Indian Army showcased their spectacular skills and daredevilry - ranging from Equestrian, Para-motor, Gymnastics followed by the Gatka, a Sikh Martial art.

A total of 204 cadets are to pas out of the OTA in Chennai for the batch of 2019. They include 153 Gentlemen Cadets, 30 Lady cadets, and 21 Foreign cadets (12 men and 9 women) from friendly countries.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION, Major General A Arun, Deputy Commandant and Chief Instructor said, “The Passing Out Parade is a Red-letter day in the life of cadets, as they get commissioned into the Army as Officers, the same applies to the foreign cadets that train here and return to their respective armies. 46 weeks back they were young men and women.”

“What we have witnessed today in the form of a Combined display are the Co-curricular activities of the cadets, it was being performed by the trainers, cadets and also other teams from our Army” added the Major General.
<img alt="Army Officer’s Training Academy in Chennai" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f41fbdf6-7990-4549-8a4d-97239e231d6f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Equestrian2.JPG" />
Equestrian - Physical Training Instructors and cadets from the OTA in Chennai enthralled the audience by performing tent-pegging, six-bar jump, jumping through a ring of fire etc.
<img alt="Gatka" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="28872439-7b72-4273-901d-d7ed104e758a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Gatka%200.JPG" />
Gatka - An Indian Army team form the Punjab Light Infantry display acts of daredevilry that are part of the Sikh Martial Art Gatka.&nbsp;
<img alt="Gymnastics" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bccfa7d3-0a4d-4713-ad2c-fa057c008f26" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Gymnastics1.JPG" />
Gymnastics - Cadets and their Physical Training Instructors showcase their prowess and agility and perform a variety of jumps, rolls, synchronized acts of team gymnastics.

<img alt="Paramotor" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="af9945c8-3eac-44f3-adf5-64bb52368c2e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Paramotor%201.JPG" />

A team from the Para Regimental Centre Bengaluru soared to the skies and showcased a range of aerial maneuvers.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A day ahead of the Passing out Parade(POP) at the prestigious Army Officer’s Training Academy in Chennai, the cadets, their trainers and teams from the Indian Army showcased their spectacular skills and daredevilry - ranging from Equestrian, Para-motor, Gymnastics followed by the Gatka, a Sikh Martial art.

A day ahead of the Passing out Parade(POP) at the prestigious Army Officer’s Training Academy in Chennai, the cadets, their trainers and teams from the Indian Army showcased their spectacular skills and daredevilry - ranging from Equestrian, Para-motor, Gymnastics followed by the Gatka, a Sikh Martial art. A total of 204 cadets are to pas out of the OTA in Chennai for the batch of 2019. They include 153 Gentlemen Cadets, 30 Lady cadets, and 21 Foreign cadets (12 men and 9 women) from friendly countries. Speaking to WION, Major General A Arun, Deputy Commandant and Chief Instructor said, “The Passing Out Parade is a Red-letter day in the life of cadets, as they get commissioned into the Army as Officers, the same applies to the foreign cadets that train here and return to their respective armies. 46 weeks back they were young men and women.” “What we have witnessed today in the form of a Combined display are the Co-curricular activities of the cadets, it was being performed by the trainers, cadets and also other teams from our Army” added the Major General. Equestrian - Physical Training Instructors and cadets from the OTA in Chennai enthralled the audience by performing tent-pegging, six-bar jump, jumping through a ring of fire etc. Gatka - An Indian Army team form the Punjab Light Infantry display acts of daredevilry that are part of the Sikh Martial Art Gatka. Gymnastics - Cadets and their Physical Training Instructors showcase their prowess and agility and perform a variety of jumps, rolls, synchronized acts of team gymnastics. A team from the Para Regimental Centre Bengaluru soared to the skies and showcased a range of aerial maneuvers.

Combined display of Indian army from the Officers Training Academy in Chennai

Pakistan has mobilised its army troops along LoC. It has deployed its elite commando force. Watch this video to know more.

Pakistan army mobilises troops along LoC

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