Current Affairs - Defence

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.

Senior Odisha cadre IPS officer Amrit Mohan Prasad has been appointed as the Director General of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), taking over from Daljit Singh Chaudhary. Prasad, previously serving as Special DG of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), will hold this position until his superannuation on August 31, 2025, or until further orders. His leadership role in this crucial security force reinforces his long-standing service in the Indian police system.

The Kalvari Submarine Escape Training Facility, also known as VINETRA, was commissioned at INS Satavahana in Visakhapatnam by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-chief, Eastern Naval Command. Visakhapatnam is home to the Eastern Naval Command, one of the three command-level formations of the Indian Navy. This city hosts key naval establishments, including the Naval Dockyard, and serves as a strategic location for India's maritime defence. The VINETRA facility enhances the escape capabilities of the crew from distressed Kalvari-class submarines, aligning with India's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative and highlighting the nation's focus on self-reliance in defence capabilities.