Monthly Archives: August 2018

Tribune News Service

Aditi Tandon

New Delhi, September 9

India’s G20 Presidency stands out as the most ambitious in terms of the substantive agenda and outcomes.

With a total of 112 outcomes and presidency documents, India has more than tripled the substantive work from the previous presidencies.

As G20 leaders reached a consensus on the New Delhi Declaration, India’s G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant flagged the historical and path-breaking G20 Declaration with 100% consensus on all developmental and geo-political issues.

”The new geopolitical paras are a powerful call for the Planet, people, peace and prosperity in today’s words and demonstrate PM Narendra Modi’s leadership.”

A comparison of recent G20 Presidency outcomes places India on the top.

Compared to India’s 112 outcomes and presidency documents, other G20 Presidencies fared as follows—Indonesia 2022 — 50 outcomes and documents; 65 in Italy 2021; 30 in Saudi Arabia 2020; 29 in Japan 2019; 33 in Argentina 2018 and 22 in Germany 2017.

Besides, India has ensured its footprint on G20 Outcomes by christening them after Indian landmarks and locations such as Deccan High-Level Principles on Food Security and Nutrition;  Chennai High-Level Principles for Blue and Ocean Economy; Goa Roadmap for Tourism; Gandhinagar Implementation Roadmap for land restoration;  and Jaipur Call for Action to enhance MSMEs access to information.

Dear Sir,

When I was with Lt Col Ranjan Kumar in PCDA(Pensions) Prayagraj on 30 & 31 Aug, he asked me to give few advices to all those who are migrated to SPARSH.

1. Never give your user id and password to unknown persons. You have to give them to Col Veterans or Record Office or DPDO or SBI bank nominated as SPARSH Nodal Centre to upload your documents. But not to any computer shop or cyber cafe etc. A simpleton from a remote village gave his user id and password, he got from SPARSH, to a cyber cafe. Thereafter he found he was not getting his pension for few months from SPARSH. He lodged a complaint through Col Veterans to SPARSH. Then it was found the cyber cafe guy managed to get the bank account Number changed and the pension of Ex- Serviceman was going to some other Bank Account.
   Finally the pension got restored and the Ex- Serviceman lost the pension of a few months. It was not possible for SPARSH to recover from the culprit who stole the pension of the Ex-Serviceman for few months. Then it becomes a police case.
2. The Fixed Medical Allowance granted to pre – 2003 pensioners has to be stopped if they wish to join ECHS. The stoppage has to be done through Regimental centres (for JCOs /OR or their widows) or MP- 5/NAVPEN / DAV ( for officers and single ladies).
   Warm regards & respects.

Brig CS Vidyasagar(Retd),
President, TSEWA & Administrator DSSLOG,
Mobile – 94931 91380

PTI

Mendhar/Jammu, September 9

A BSF jawan was reported missing from his post near the Line of Control in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Saturday.

The constable, hailing from Bihar, was on general duty at the Bharani forward post in Balakote sector when he went missing on Friday, they said.

They said BSF troops carried out a search operation for the jawan who could not be traced following which a missing report was lodged with the police station concerned. 

India is reportedly considering its possible responses to a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan, following discreet inquiries from the US on how India could contribute in the event of a war. The Indian government has commissioned a study to examine the wider impact of a war over Taiwan that involves the US and its allies, and to explore what actions India could take in response. Possible options being considered include serving as a logistics hub for allied forces and getting directly involved along the northern border with China.
https://7eaf6385ca6d8a12bcae4920cfa5e3c5.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.htmlIndia is studying possible responses to a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan following discreet inquiries from the US on how the South Asian nation could contribute in the event of a war, according to senior Indian government officials. About six weeks ago, Defense Chief General Anil Chauhan — India’s top military commander — commissioned a study to examine the wider impact of any war over the island that also involves the US and its allies, and what action India could take in response, according to two senior Indian officials, who asked not to be named since discussions are private. The order came after the US raised the issue in several different forums, they said. The study will assess various war scenarios and provide options for India in case a conflict breaks out, they said. Some Indian military commanders believe that strong statements may suffice as a response in case the war is short, but ultimately that will not be enough if the conflict drags on like Russia’s war in Ukraine, the officials said.
India’s preparation for a potential war over Taiwan shows how its policy of “multi-alignment” will be tested in the event of a drastic deterioration of US-China ties. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has forged its own path on international relations, effectively hedging its bets by developing close ties to the US while refusing to join international sanctions on Russia.
Yet tensions with China have also flared along LAC, contributing to a deterioration in relations that may have prompted President Xi Jinping to skip the Group of 20 summit this weekend in New Delhi. India has strengthened defence ties with the US in recent years, joining the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue along with Japan and Australia — a band of democracies intent on countering China’s growing influence.
One option the Indian military will study involves serving as a logistics hub to provide repair and maintenance facilities for allied warships and aircraft, as well as food, fuel and medical equipment for armies resisting China, the officials said. A more extreme scenario, they added, would assess the potential for India to get directly involved along their northern border, opening a new theatre of war for China.
While no deadline has been set to complete the study, the Indian military is under orders to finish it as soon as possible, one of the officials said. The options prepared will be available for Modi and other political leaders to make a final call on any action should the need arise, the official said.
India’s Defence Ministry and Foreign Ministry didn’t respond to emailed questions. The US State Department didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
India and China have mobilized thousands of troops, artillery guns, tanks and missiles closer to the unmarked border running some 3,500 kilometers (2,200 miles), roughly the length of the US-Mexico boundary. Diplomatic talks have yielded little, with China last month releasing a new map claiming India-controlled territory that External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar described as “absurd.”
India has publicly resisted efforts to make the Quad appear like a military alliance, and remains reliant on Russia — China’s most important diplomatic partner — for weapons that would be used in any regional war. Even so, it has quietly sought better relations with Taiwan: Three former Indian military chiefs who stepped down in the past year all visited Taiwan last month.
Five years ago, India and the US signed a Logistics-Exchange Memorandum of Agreement, a foundational pact to allow refuelling and replenishing of warships and aircraft, as well as access to bases when required.

PTI

Imphal, September 9

The toll in the violence that broke out at Pallel in Manipur’s Tengnoupal district rose to three with a 37-year-old man succumbing to his injuries while undergoing treatment at a hospital, officials said on Saturday.

The man sustained bullet wounds on his head during the crossfire between security forces and armed miscreants, they said.

He died overnight while undergoing treatment at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal, they added.

Earlier, two persons were killed and 50 others, including an Army major, were injured when hundreds of people from the majority community attempted to storm tribal villages, officials said.

On Friday morning, a gunfight erupted at Molnoi village near Pallel between security forces and armed persons who attempted to arson and indulge in violence in the village.

As the news of the gunfight spread, large groups of Meitei community members, including Meira Paibis and Arambai Tenggol militiamen dressed in commando uniforms, attempted to break through security check posts and move towards Pallel.

Security forces personnel attempted to stop the mob to ensure peace and stability in Pallel, where the situation had been tense for a few days.

Being blocked by the forces, some armed persons who were dressed in police uniforms and part of the mob opened fire, resulting in gunshot injuries to an Army major. The officer was evacuated to a military hospital in Leimakhong by helicopter. Three other police personnel were also injured in the incident.

In a calibrated response, the forces used minimum force to disperse the mob, officials said.

More than 45 women were injured after security forces personnel lobbed teargas shells to defuse the situation, officials said.

The Friday morning gunfight led to the death of a person, officials said.

Also, a 48-year-old man was killed in the crossfire, officials said.

In the meantime, a contingent of RAF personnel heading to Pallel from Imphal to contain the mob was blocked by locals, including Meira Paibis, at Thoubal.

This comes two days after thousands of protesters gathered at Phougakchao Ikhai in Bishnupur district on Wednesday and tried to break through army barricades.

Though they were claiming that they wanted to reach their deserted houses in Torbung, sources within the security establishment alleged that the mob wanted to ransack the houses of tribals besides attacking them.

A day before the protest, a full curfew had been clamped in all the five valley districts of Manipur as a preventive measure.

More than 160 people have been killed and several hundred injured since ethnic violence broke out in Manipur on May 3, when a “Tribal Solidarity March” was organised in the hill districts to protest against the majority Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status.

Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal valley, while tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 per cent and reside mostly in the hill districts.

New Delhi: US President Joe Biden on Friday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed issues ranging from defence cooperation, and technology sharing. The US President also congratulated India for the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission.
https://678dd10d91dbe6ceb5feab70c11bafd2.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.htmlThe two leaders held bilateral talks at PM residence – 7, Lok Kalyan, Marg in New Delhi, ahead of the G20 Summit over the weekend.
During this, India and the US also settled the seventh and last outstanding World Trade Organisation (WTO) dispute.
Notably, the six previous disputes were resolved during PM Modi’s state visit to the US.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed United States President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., to India today, reaffirming the close and enduring partnership between India and the United States. The leaders expressed their appreciation for the substantial progress underway to implement the ground breaking achievements of Prime Minister Modi’s historic, June 2023, visit to Washington,” the India-US joint statement read.
The two leaders called on their governments to continue the work of transforming the India-US Strategic Partnership across all dimensions of our multifaceted global agenda, based on trust and mutual understanding.
After the meeting, both the leaders lauded the India-US relations and said that the friendship between the two nations will continue to play a great role in furthering global good.
“Happy to have welcomed @POTUS @JoeBidento 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. Our meeting was very productive. We were able to discuss numerous topics which will further economic and people-to-people linkages between India and USA. The friendship between our nations will continue to play a great role in furthering global good,” PM Modi said in a post on ‘X’ (formerly known as Twitter).
President Biden also affirmed support towards making the India-US partnership stronger, closer, and more dynamic.
“Great seeing you, Mr Prime Minister. Today, and throughout the G20, we’ll affirm that the United States-India partnership is stronger, closer, and more dynamic than any time in history,” President Biden posted on X.
The two leaders re-emphasized that the shared values of freedom, democracy, human rights, inclusion, pluralism, and equal opportunities for all citizens are critical to the success our countries enjoy and that these values strengthen our relationship.
“PM Modi and President Biden also lauded the settlement of the seventh and last outstanding World Trade Organisation (WTO) dispute between India and the United States. This follows the unprecedented settlement of six outstanding bilateral trade disputes in the WTO in June 2023,” the joint statement read.
President Biden also lauded India’s G20 Presidency for further demonstrating how the G20 as a forum is delivering important outcomes.
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the G20 and expressed confidence that the outcomes of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi will advance the shared goals of accelerating sustainable development, bolstering multilateral cooperation, and building global consensus around inclusive economic policies to address our greatest common challenges, including fundamentally reshaping and scaling up multilateral development banks, as per the statement.
During the bilateral meeting, PM Modi and President Biden reaffirmed the importance of the Quad in supporting a free, open, inclusive, and resilient Indo-Pacific. Prime Minister Modi looked forward to welcoming President Biden to the next Quad Leaders’ Summit to be hosted by India in 2024.
India also welcomed the US decision to co-lead the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative Pillar on Trade Connectivity and Maritime Transport, further to the US decision to join IPOI in June 2023.
President Biden reaffirmed his support for a reformed UN Security Council with India as a permanent member.
The US also welcomed India’s candidature for the UNSC non-permanent seat in 2028-29, the White House said in a statement.
“Continuing to share the view that global governance must be more inclusive and representative, President Biden reaffirmed his support for a reformed UN Security Council with India as a permanent member, and, in this context, welcomed once again India’s candidature for the UNSC non-permanent seat in 2028-29,” the joint statement read.
The two leaders reaffirmed technology’s defining role in deepening our strategic partnership and lauded ongoing efforts through the India-US Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) to build open, accessible, secure, and resilient technology ecosystems and value chains, based on mutual confidence and trust, which reinforce our shared values and democratic institutions.
India and the US also intend to undertake a midterm review of iCET in September 2023 to continue to drive momentum toward the next annual iCET review, co-led by the National Security Advisors of both countries, in early 2024.
During the meeting, President Biden congratulated PM Modi and the scientists and engineers of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on the historic success of Chandrayaan-3 at the south polar region of the Moon, as well as the successful launch of India’s first solar mission, Aditya-L1.
The leaders welcomed efforts towards the establishment of a Working Group for commercial space collaboration under the existing India-US Civil Space Joint Working Group. Determined to deepen our partnership in outer space exploration, ISRO and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have commenced discussions on modalities, capacity building, and training for mounting a joint effort to the International Space Station in 2024, and are continuing efforts to finalise a strategic framework for human space flight cooperation by the end of 2023, the joint statement read.
India and the US also intend to increase coordination on planetary defence to protect planet Earth and space assets from the impact of asteroids and near-Earth objects, including US support for India’s participation in asteroid detection and tracking via the Minor Planet Center.
The leaders further reiterated their support for building resilient global semiconductor supply chains, noting in this respect a multi-year initiative of Microchip Technology, Inc., to invest approximately USD 300 million in expanding its research and development presence in India and Advanced Micro Device’s announcement to invest USD 400 million in India over the next five years to expand research, development, and engineering operations in India.
The leaders also expressed satisfaction at the ongoing implementation of announcements made in June 2023 by US companies, Micron, LAM Research, and Applied Materials.
PM Modi and President Biden reaffirmed their commitment to building resilient technology value chains and linking defence industrial ecosystems.
The leaders recommitted their administrations to promoting policies and adapting regulations that facilitate greater technology sharing, co-development, and co-production opportunities between Indian and US industry, government and academic institutions. They also welcomed continued engagement through an inter-agency monitoring mechanism under the auspices of the bilateral Strategic Trade Dialogue, launched in June 2023.
They also welcomed the signing of an MoU between Indian universities, represented by the Council of Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT Council), and the Association of American Universities (AAU) to establish the India-US Global Challenges Institute, with a combined initial commitment of at least USD 10 million, as per the joint statement.
PM Modi and President Biden also welcomed the growing number of multi-institutional collaborative education partnerships, such as those between New York University-Tandon and IIT Kanpur Advanced Research Center, and the Joint Research Centers of the State University of New York at Buffalo and IIT Delhi, Kanpur, Jodhpur, and BHU, in the areas of critical and emerging technologies.
The Global Challenges Institute will bring together leading research and higher education institutions from across our two nations, including beyond AAU and IIT membership, to advance new frontiers in science and technology, spanning collaboration in sustainable energy and agriculture, health and pandemic preparedness, semiconductor technology and manufacturing, advanced materials, telecommunications, artificial intelligence, and quantum science.
Prime Minister Modi and President Biden reaffirmed their commitment to deepen and diversify the India-US Major Defence Partnership through expanded cooperation in new and emerging domains such as space and AI, and accelerated defence industrial collaboration.
The two leaders also pledged high-level of engagement to realise their ambitious vision for an enduring India-US partnership.
“Prime Minister Modi and President Biden pledged to sustain the high-level of engagement between our governments, industries, and academic institutions and realize their ambitious vision for an enduring India-US partnership that advances the aspirations of our people for a bright and prosperous future, serves the global good, and contributes to a free, open, inclusive, and resilient Indo-Pacific,” the joint statement further stated.
Earlier in June, Prime Minister Modi was on a state visit to the US from June 21 to 24. During this, he led a special yoga event at the UN Headquarters, held bilateral talks with US President Joe Biden at the White House and also addressed the UN Congress
Meanwhile, the 18th G20 Summit is scheduled to begin at the state-of-the-art Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre in New Delhi on September 9.

Brussels: A prominent political and human rights activist from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), who is now based in Brussels, lambasted Pakistan for exploiting the region for over seven decades and leaving the indigenous people struggling for even basics.
https://1b0992d17c1510edfcda8318d980a8d3.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.htmlJamil Maqsood, Secretary, Foreign Affairs at the United Kashmir People’s National party said that people in PoK are now aware of rapid progress and development taking place on the other side of the border.
“Social media is also a kind of media that exposes what a nation, government, or state does not want to be seen or exposed. So it is social media that is showing everything. For instance, the biggest bridge in the Jammu region was constructed and the people were watching the construction process when the two arches were joining so it was a good jubilation that was even higher than the Eiffel Tower from France. And then the highways, the Banihal Tunnel, and then the access to Railway facilities”, he said by adding that all such things are educating people about how the people from the other side are developing, and progressing.
Jamil added, “We have been compelled to collect donations and construct our own roads, which means we are left as unattended people as an orphan and there is nobody who can look after us, and left marginalized and deprived of all boxes of life”.
The political activist said the people in PoK enjoy no constitutional rights.
“If we talk about the Constitution, we do not have constitutional rights, we cannot take part in elections although we can vote”, he told ANI in an exclusive interview.
Pakistan occupied Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan, which remain under Pakistan’s forceful occupation since 1947, are witnessing massive protests due to high inflation, irregular supply of essential items and Inflated electricity bills.
Jamil said the people are now fed up and angry as Pakistan has exploited them especially in the case of electricity because every month they earn billions of rupees.
He said, “Now, people are asking the electricity produced in their area because Pakistan constructed nine hydropower project dams (in PoK).”
“First and foremost was the Mangla Dam which was constructed in the late 60s. During that period of time, it was believed that the then government of POK and Pakistan agreed to provide free electricity to these areas because their land, property, graveyard and whole habitat were destroyed and went under the Mangla Dam. So at least they should have been compensated for that, but they were not compensated which is the other case. But the free electricity or the electricity which they needed was not provided to them at the local scale”, he said.
Jamil said that Pakistan is buying electricity from PoK under the price of Rs 2.50 per Unit, and returning the same electricity at the price of sixty rupees (per unit), which is too much.
He said, “People are searching everywhere for the price of a megawatt in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan, and nearby countries. It is unprecedented that the unit price in India is six rupees. The Pakistani price is down so you can make it ten rupees or make it twenty, but not sixty-five.”
Jamil said that the people of PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan have been persecuted by Pakistan for the past many decades.
“This is not the episode of one day, one year, or ten years, this is the historical process ever since the area came under the illegal occupation of Pakistan. But now in the age of communication and social media, people have access to all those historical documents, and they know the facts of how Pakistan manipulated their territorial, tribal, and religious sentiments.”
He added, “And how Pakistan also exploited their wishes to be united with the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir whose large chunk is under the administration of Pakistan. So when they levied very large-scale taxes on electricity bills, they ended subsidies on local essentials like flour, sugar, and many other things. That was the last stage and it is also our constraint that we have been asking our people that if they will not stand against Pakistan, it will not guarantee you anything so this is the last show.”
Jamil said, “I think the struggle, the protest, and the demonstration will enter into the next phase very soon when their demands will be withdrawn for Pakistani former officials and military from the hospital and also from educational institutions which they are running under the name of Army Public school and exploiting huge resources of our people.”

ANI

Mumbai, September 9

A special screening of the Punjabi film, ‘Mastaney’’ was held in Mumbai recently.

Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt and the team of talk show ‘Pehchaan’, in collaboration with the Young Progressive Sikh Forum, Patiala, came together to host the special screening.

The event was attended by luminaries from the world of cinema and Sikhism, making it an evening dedicated to the spirit of Sikhs and Sikhism.

The gathering included the star cast of the film, including Tarsem Jassar, Gurpreet Ghuggi, Daler Mehandi and Manpreet Johal.

As Mahesh Bhatt hosted a show on Sikhs ‘Pehchaan’, he decided to host the team of ‘Mastaney’, which is on Sikhs and Sikhism.

Prabhleen Singh, president of the YPSF, also attended the function, emphasising the significance of the special screening in promoting Sikh culture and heritage.

Kyiv, September 9

The United Nations atomic watchdog warned of a potential threat to nuclear safety due to a spike in fighting near Europe’s largest nuclear power plant in Ukraine as the forces of the war-torn country continued pressing their counteroffensive on Saturday.

The International Atomic Energy Agency said its experts deployed at the Russia-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant reported hearing numerous explosions over the past week, in a possible indication of increased military activity in the region. There was no damage to the plant.

“I remain deeply concerned about the possible dangers facing the plant at this time of heightened military tension in the region,” IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi warned in a statement issued late Friday.

He noted that the IAEA team was informed that staff at the nuclear power plant had been reduced temporarily to minimum levels due to concerns of more military activity in the area.

“Whatever happens in a conflict zone, wherever it may be, everybody would stand to lose from a nuclear accident, and I urge that all necessary precautions must be taken to avoid it happening,” Grossi said.

The IAEA has repeatedly expressed concern that the fighting could cause a potential radiation leak from the facility, which is one of the world’s 10 biggest nuclear power stations.

The plant’s six reactors have been shut down for months, but it still needs power and qualified staff to operate crucial cooling systems and other safety features.

As Ukrainian forces pressed to expand their gains after recently capturing the village of Robotyne in the Zaporizhzhia region, the UK Defence Ministry noted in its latest report that Russia has brought in reinforcements to stymie the Ukrainian advances.

“It is highly likely that Russia has redeployed forces from other areas of the frontline to replace degraded units around Robotyne,” it said.

“These redeployments are likely limiting Russia’s ability to carry out offensive operations of its own along other areas of the front line.”

The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War noted that the Russian military has made notable changes to its command and control structure to “protect command infrastructure and improve information sharing.”

Russian forces have continued their barrage across Ukraine. The regional authorities in the northeastern region of Sumy that borders Russia said that the latest Russian shelling of the region has left four people wounded, one of whom later died in a hospital.

Tribune News Service

Vijay Mohan

Chandigarh, September 9

He was all of three months when he lost his father in an anti-terrorist operation near Baramulla in 1999. Now 24 years later, Lt Navteshwar Singh’s first step out of the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai, has been to his father’s battalion into which he was commissioned today.

In the process, he became the third-generation officer in his family that hails from Ropar in Punjab.

In nation’s service

• Lt Navteshwar Singh’s father, Major Harminder Pal Singh, of 18 Grenadiers, was posthumously decorated with the Shaurya Chakra for gallantry displayed by him during a heavy gunbattle with terrorists in Sudarkut Bala village near Baramulla in 1999
• His grandfather, Capt Harpal Singh, was an Emergency Commission Officer of 3 Field Regiment

His father, Major Harminder Pal Singh, of 18 Grenadiers, was posthumously decorated with the Shaurya Chakra for gallantry displayed by him during a heavy gunbattle with terrorists in Sudarkut Bala village. His grandfather, Capt Harpal Singh, was an Emergency Commission Officer of 3 Field Regiment.

Major Harminder’s brother, a merchant navy officer, legally adopted Navteshwar. “At 10 years when I learnt the reality, my resolve strengthened to follow my real father’s footsteps. I look up to both my fathers — one who displayed immense courage and stayed true to the oath he took on commissioning and the other who left his personal life in order to take care of his elder brother’s family,” Navteshwar wrote in an inhouse OTA publication.

My grandfather and father always motivated me to join the Army although my mother always tried to hold me back for the fear of losing me. But I was determined enough to make her agree eventually, he wrote.

He had desperately wanted to join the National Defence Academy after school, but going by his mother’s wishes, he pursued B.Tech (Mechanical). While doing so, he joined the NCC without telling anybody at home. This made his mother realise that he was serious about his aim of joining the Army and she too started supporting him.

In his first attempt, which was for the Air Force, he was declared unfit to fly due to longer thigh length. He finally made it to the OTA on his sixth attempt through the NCC Special Entry Scheme.

“Just before joining OTA, I came across a baby book that my father prepared in that brief one month he spent with me. In that, the last page is about ‘What father and mother want the baby to become in the future’, where in capitals and bold, he mentioned, ‘Indian Army Officer’. Seeing this, I got that extra push to perform to my best of my ability in the academy and opt for a parental claim into 18 Grenadiers,” he wrote.

Navteshwar was among the 161 gentleman cadets of the SSC-116 course along with 36 women cadets of the SSC(W) – 30 course that passed out today.