Current Affairs - Defence

The 41st Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Commanders’ Conference was inaugurated by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh in New Delhi. The conference focused on addressing evolving maritime security challenges and highlighted strategic discussions for the future of the ICG. The Defence Minister emphasized the ongoing construction of 31 ICG ships by Indian shipyards, with a total worth of over Rs 4,000 crore, aimed at enhancing India's maritime capabilities. Key figures include Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane and Chief of Army Staff Upendra Dwivedi.

The Battle of Haifa, a significant military engagement during World War I, took place in 1918. Indian soldiers from the British Indian Army played a crucial role in achieving a decisive victory against Ottoman and German forces, marking the liberation of Haifa. This event is commemorated as Haifa Day, reflecting the historic contribution of Indian troops. The victory strengthened India’s legacy in military history and is celebrated as a symbol of courage and strategic success.

The Indian Air Force successfully completed Exercise Eastern Bridge-7 with the Royal Air Force of Oman, enhancing strategic relations, operational coordination, and tactical skills between the two air forces. The exercise, held at the RAFO airbase in Masirah, Oman, from September 11 to 22, 2024, featured MiG-29 and Jaguar aircraft from the IAF and F-16 and Hawk aircraft from Oman. This bilateral exercise aimed to strengthen military cooperation, interoperability, and joint operations, underscoring the commitment of India and Oman to regional peace and security.

Topa Pir, a remote village in Jammu's Poonch district, has undergone a remarkable transformation after being adopted by the Indian Army. Over the last nine months, the village has seen the development of crucial infrastructure such as roads, healthcare facilities, and educational services. This initiative has brought significant improvements to the quality of life in the village, enabling better access to essential services and fostering a sense of community engagement and optimism about future development.

The Indian Army signed an MoU with Tiranga Mountain Rescue (TMR) to strengthen its rescue and survival capabilities in mountainous terrains. This partnership focuses on specialized training for Army instructors, improving their skills in avalanche rescue and survival techniques. Since 2016, TMR has been supporting the Indian Army in enhancing its operational readiness in challenging environments, and this latest collaboration formalizes and expands their joint efforts.