Monthly Archives: August 2018

The Pong Dam water level that was already a few inches above the danger mark for the past some days rose by nearly two feet on Monday following heavy rainfall in the Beas catchment areas in Himachal Pradesh.

According to data released by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), the water level in the dam rose to 1,392.48 feet this morning.

The swollen river had wreaked havoc in over 100 villages in Kapurthala, submerging crops on thousands of acres and damaging property worth hundreds of crores over the past one month. The BBMB operates the Pong and Bhakra dams. The data revealed that the water inflow at the dam was recorded at 64,964 cusecs, far more than 49,899 cusecs released from it on Monday morning.

This year, the Pong Dam witnessed unprecedented inflow during the August-September period, touching 2.25 lakh cusecs, with the outflow being maintained at 1 lakh cusecs for several days to discharge excess water. The Pong Dam is located in the Shivalik foothills in Kangra district of Himachal.

After originating near Rohtang Pass, the Beas flows through Kullu, Mandi and Kangra districts before entering Punjab. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the rainfall has been in excess by 566 per cent in Mandi and by 207 per cent in Kangra during the past 24 hours.

In Kullu, however, it has been deficient by 36 per cent. Over the past week, the rainfall in Mandi and Kangra was above normal by 285 per cent and 128 per cent, respectively, while the overall rainfall across the state was above normal by 20 per cent. The seasonal surplus for Himachal since June 1 is 44 per cent so far.

At Bhakra Dam, which is located on the Sutlej in Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh, the water level was 1676.16 feet on Monday morning, almost four feet below the danger mark. The inflow into the reservoir was 40,999 and the outflow at 55,000 cusecs, according to the BBMB.

The Sutlej flows through Kinnaur, Shimla, Kullu, Mandi and Bilaspur of Himachal Pradesh, where rainfall during the past week has been below normal, except for Mandi, according to the IMD.

The weather department has predicted isolated to scattered rain across Himachal Pradesh till September 21, with fairly widespread rain and thunderstorm expected on September 16, for which a yellow alert has been issued.

In Punjab, where monsoon has been surplus by 50 per cent so far, light to moderate rain with spells of heavy rainfall occurred at isolated places over the past 24 hours. The IMD has predicted that light to moderate rain is likely to occur at some places till September 19, with dry weather thereafter.

China has a role as one of the ‘observer countries’

Ajay Banerjee Tribune News Service

India Navy has joined a multi-nation submarine-rescue exercise in the contested waters of the South China Sea. Uniquely, the US and Japan are among the 40 participants while China has a role as one of the observer countries’.

India, US, Japan, South Korea and Singapore are among the countries which have sent either their submarines or submarine rescue ships for the exercise named ‘Pacific Reach-2025’. India has sent in INS Nistar, its newly commissioned specialised submarine rescue vessel.  

The Indian Navy said “the sea phase of the exercise would witness INS Nistar the engaging in multiple intervention and rescue operations with participating assets in South China Sea”.

Exercise Pacific Reach 2025, being hosted by Singapore will see participation of more than 40 nations as active participants or as observers.

Sources said China was one of the ‘observer countries’ meaning it has not sent a sea-going asset or an air asset. Military exercises have ‘observers’, the source said explaining the oddity. China has unilateral over-lapping maritime claims in the South China Sea with Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei and Taiwan.  

The exercise will be conducted in two phases — the harbour and sea phase.

The week-long harbour phase started today will involve in-depth discussions on submarine rescue systems, medical symposium and cross deck visits between the participating nations.

The Singapore Navy today said, “We look forward to exercising with our partners to share best practices, strengthen interoperability, all with one goal — to enhance the safety of our submariners at sea.”

Indian Navy’s latest indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Vessel, INS Nistar reached the port of Changi, Singapore yesterday.

INS Nistar, commissioned in July this year, will play the role of mothership for ‘deep submergence rescue vehicle (DSRV). India inducted two DSRVs in 2018-19 that are capable of rescue operations till depths of 650 meters of depth.  The DSRV’s can either be deployed on ships or airlifted to the nearest mobilisation port for rapid deployment to distant seas.

One of DSRV’s will be operating from the INS Nistar for the ‘Pacific reach’ exercise, a biennial feature.

Meet Lieutenant Priyanka Khot: A Mother, A Widow, Now an Indian Army Officer

From Miss International India title in 2023 to now a commissioned Army officer: How Pune-based Kashish Methwani did it all 

Mohali institute’s Deepit Sharma commissioned into army

In a first, Indian Armed Forces’ all-women sailing team to circumnavigate the globe

Cut-off for two weeks, BRO restores connectivity to several Kishtwar villages

India’s balancing act: Tiff with US, strategic outreach towards Russia but joint drills with botH

FLOOD TIGRESS OF PUNJAB : DC AMRITSAR SAKHI SAHNI

WATCH: Pipping Ceremony Live- Young Officer’s from OTA Chennai take their first step as their parents and wellwishers look on

Enhance ex gratia, insurance of cadets disabled during military training: Supreme Court

Unveiling this week’s top defence stories

Bhupendra Singh Martyr : विजय नगर के सूबेदार भूपेंद्र सिंह चौहान जम्मू-कश्मीर में बलिदान हुए, सदमे में परिवा

India-European Union (EU) Security and Defence Cooperation meeting took place in New Delhi

SINGLE WINDOW SYSTEM AT AMC FOR BENEFIT OF VETERANS

Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh visited Southern Command HQs in Pune

Niraj Kumar Chaudhary Agniveer of the 19th Mahar Regiment. with Military Ceremony

Lieutenant Priyanka Nilesh Khot’s transformation from a grieving widow to a commissioned officer exemplifies this enduring spirit. Commissioned on September 6, 2025, at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai, her journey resonates as a beacon of resilience, particularly under the banner of NariShakti women’s empowerment and aligns with broader narratives of honoring legacies through service.

This article delves into her background, the challenges she overcame, the institutional support that enabled her path, and the wider implications of her story, drawing parallels with similar inspiring tales while acknowledging the complexities involved.

A Rural Roots and a Life Upended

Born and raised in Taradal, a modest village in Maharashtra’s Kolhapur district, Priyanka Nilesh Khot led a life rooted in simplicity and community. Her marriage to Naik Nilesh Khot, a soldier in the Indian Army’s Signals Corps, brought her into the fold of military life.

Nilesh served with distinction for 13 years, his last posting at a headquarters unit, where he contributed to communication and operational support essential to army functions. Tragedy struck in quick succession: first, the loss of her father-in-law, and then, on November 9, 2022, Nilesh succumbed to a sudden cardiac arrest. This double blow left Priyanka, then a young mother, to navigate profound grief while supporting her daughter and extended family.

In the immediate aftermath, Priyanka took up a role as a teacher in her village school, a position that provided stability and allowed her to contribute to her community. However, this period of quiet perseverance was interspersed with a growing resolve. As she reflected in a post-commissioning interview: “It was a big storm for the family. I decided to stand up for the family.” Her story underscores the often-overlooked emotional labor of military widows, who must balance mourning with practical responsibilities.

Discovering the Veer Nari Scheme: A Turning Point

The catalyst for Priyanka’s military career was the Veer Nari Special Entry Scheme, an initiative by the Indian Army to integrate widows of servicemen into its ranks. This program, part of broader efforts to support ‘Veer Naris’ (brave women), offers streamlined entry for eligible candidates, recognizing their unique circumstances. Priyanka’s discovery of the scheme “reignited her dream of serving the nation,” as noted in official army communications. Despite the challenges ranging from physical fitness requirements to psychological evaluations she cleared the Services Selection Board (SSB), a multi-stage assessment that tests leadership, intelligence, and personality.

Her training at OTA Chennai spanned 49 weeks, a rigorous regimen that includes physical drills, tactical education, and leadership development. The academy, known for producing short-service commissioned officers, hosted her passing-out parade, reviewed by Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh. Commissioned into the Army Ordnance Corps, Priyanka now handles logistics, supply chain management, and equipment procurement roles critical to operational readiness.

Quotes and Personal Reflections

In her own words, shared during media interactions at the parade, Priyanka emphasized the personal significance: “Today, I was commissioned in the Ordnance. This is truly a special moment for me and my family.” She highlighted her husband’s influence, noting his service in the Signals Corps and how his sudden loss propelled her forward. Her narrative echoes the Hindi proverb “कोशिश करने वालों की हार नहीं होती” (those who try never fail), a sentiment amplified across social media and official posts.

Also Read: Meet Lieutenant Parul Dhadwal: 5th Generation Army Officer Continuing a Proud Family Legacy

Kashish secured an All India Rank of 2 in the Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination in 2024, and entered the Officers Training Academy in Chennai.

Though Kashish was always driven and dedicated, her success story was shaped by the rigours of the National Cadet Corps. (Express Photo)

Kashish Methwani didn’t want to be in an “either/or option”. She wanted “ands” in her life. “I wanted to be Miss India and a scientist and an officer. I didn’t want to pick one field. I wanted to go after all the fields and excel in all of them. That is what I ended up choosing and ended up following,” says Kashish in a TEDx talk, “A change in the mindset is all you need”.

Pune-based Kashish, a supermodel, who won the Miss International India 2023, and has an MSc from Savitribai Phule Pune University and an MSc thesis in Neuroscience from the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, has now been commissioned as an officer in the Indian Army. Her passing-out parade was on September 6. She is Lt Kashish Methwani with the Army Air Defence (AAD). Kashish opted to serve in AAD, when it came to choosing the wing. It is a combat arm that demands high levels of precision, technical skill, and courage under pressure.

Kashish secured an All India Rank of 2 in the Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination in 2024, and entered the Officers Training Academy in Chennai.

“Since childhood, she was keen on participating in every competition in school. She used to say, ‘Mujhe sab kuch karna hai (I want to do everything)’. Generally, it is parents who tell children to participate, never mind the result. In our case, she used to tell us that she would compete in cultural and other events and not worry about the outcome,” says Shobha Methwani, Kashish’s mother.

Punjab employment generation, skill development and training minister Aman Arora congratulated Lieutenant Sharma and wished him success in serving the nation. He said with this commissioning, the number of cadets from MRSAFPI who have become officers has reached 179.

Deepit Sharma of the seventh course at Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (MRSAFPI), Mohali, has been commissioned as a lieutenant into the Kumaon Regiment of the Indian Army at the Officers’ Training Academy in Chennai on Saturday. Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh reviewed the parade.

Sharma has joined the same unit of the Kumaon Regiment where his father serves, becoming a second-generation officer.

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Punjab employment generation, skill development and training minister Aman Arora congratulated Lieutenant Sharma and wished him success in serving the nation. He said with this commissioning, the number of cadets from MRSAFPI who have become officers has reached 179.

Maj Gen Ajay H Chauhan (retd), director of MRSAFPI, also congratulated Lieutenant Sharma and said the current batch of cadets will appear for the UPSC NDA (II) written examination on September 14.

The expedition will include crossing the equator twice and rounding the three Great Capes, i.e. Cape Leeuwin in Australia, Cape Horn in South America and the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa.

We will be the forerunners of the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni and showcase the power of Indian tri-Services, “ said Squadron Leader Shraddha Raju, who will be part of the all-women sailing team to circumnavigate the globe on IASV Triveni, set for expedition on September 11. 

Ms. Raju has 11 years of experience as a technical officer, who worked on Sukhoi-30 aircraft. In a first for the Indian Armed Forces, 10 women officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force are set for a sailing expedition to circumnavigate the globe on Triveni, covering 21,600 nautical miles. 

According to the expedition leader, Lieutenant Colonel Anuja Varudkar, this is a milestone in India’s maritime journey and a shining example of Nari Shakti in uniform as the Indian Armed Forces are jointly leading a circumnavigation mission for the first time. With 21 years of experience in the Services, Lt. Col. Varudkar said, “The mission is basically the synergy between all three Services. We all bring distinct skill sets gained during our intense training to fulfil the mission.”

Tri-services all-woman team to circumnavigate the globe on IASV Triveni

The team comprises five Army officers, one Naval officer and four Air Force officers, who went through training for the last two and a half years, including a training expedition to Seychelles, covering 10,000 nautical miles. 

“We were trained in several sections, including navigation, communication, scuba diving, basic medicals and first aid. Crisis handling, fatigue management, weather readings, and mechanical work were all part of the training,” said Captain Prajakta Nikam. 

The challenging part

The expedition will include crossing the equator twice and rounding the three Great Capes, i.e. Cape Leeuwin in Australia, Cape Horn in South America and the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. “The most challenging part for the team will be Drake Passage, known for rough seas and strong currents,” said Navy spokesperson Captain Mehul Karnik. 

The expedition is planned for eight to nine months, including a visit to four foreign ports — Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, and South Africa — and returning to Mumbai in May 2026. 

Triveni, a 50-foot yacht built indigenously in Puducherry, is an embodiment of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Equipped with modern navigation and communication systems, it has already logged 10,000 nautical miles in training and is now set to take on the global challenge.

Naval constructor, Lt. Commander Priyanka Gusain, said, “We will be meeting the diaspora and, in a way, also strengthen our diplomatic relations.” Ms. Gusain has eight years of experience in the Navy.

Working round-the-clock for 13 days in treacherous conditions, BRO personnel cleared a 14-km road stretch

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has restored the critical Gulabgarh-Chashoti road in the Kishtwar region of Jammu and Kashmir that was washed away in torrential rains and subsequent landslides in August, cutting off numerous remote villages in the Jammu division for almost two weeks.

BRO’s 118 Road Construction Company (RCC), led by Maj Jivitesh Razora, launched a restoration effort from the Chashoti side of the route, which is to the north of Gulabgarh. Working round-the-clock for 13 days in treacherous and unforgiving conditions, battling unstable hillsides and mountains of debris, BRO personnel cleared a 14-km road stretch.

The damage had rendered the road completely impassable, creating a crisis for local communities who depend on it for daily supplies, medical emergencies and essential travel.

While the 118 RCC tackled the more extensive damage from Chashoti, the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) initiated clearance from the Gulabgarh end, opening a 7-km stretch. The combined effort of the two agencies ensured that the entire 21-km damaged route was made motorable in record time.

According to BRO officials, the challenge was immense and the initial days were fraught with danger due to the risk of further landslides. The BRO had come as life saviours for the local residents who had been completely cut off for almost two weeks.

“The swift and efficient operation by the 118 RCC not only highlights the strategic importance of the Border Roads Organisation in maintaining connectivity in India’s most challenging terrains, but also reaffirms their role as a force for national integration and a critical support system for civilian populations in times of natural calamity,” a BRO officer said.

There are various joint military exercises held with both countries, with which India has had strong bilateral relations

Amidst a trade war with the US over levy of heavy tariffs on Indian goods and a strategic outreach towards Russia, Indian troops have proceeded to both countries, which happen to be arch rivals, for joint military exercises.

An Indian Armed Forces contingent comprising 65 personnel departed for the Mulino Training Ground at Nizhniy in Russia on September 9, to participate in ZAPAD – 2025, a multilateral military exercise being conducted from September 10-16.

An Indian Army contingent is already at Fort Wainwright in Alaska, USA, to participate in the 21st edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas – 20025, an India – US joint military drill being held from September 1 to 14.

There are various joint military exercises held with both countries, with which India has had strong bilateral relations. While India – Russia relations have been historically deep-rooted, with the bulk of India’s military equipment being of Soviet / Russian origin, military ties with the US began developing in the early years of this century and moved on to a strategic level involving weapon sales as well as drills.

Relations with the US, however, deteriorated over the past few months over tariffs. During this period, Prime Minister Modi proceeded to Beijing to attend the SCO summit, where he met Russian President Vladimir Putin as well as Chinese President Xi Jinping. The visit, the first in seven years, as well as positive statements from China, was widely seen as reaching out to Russia and China to counter the challenge from the US.

The Indian contingent proceeding to Russia comprises 57 Indian Army personnel along with seven personnel from the Indian Air Force and one from the Indian Navy. The Indian Army contingent is being led by a battalion of the Kumaon Regiment along with troops from other arms and services.

ZAPAD 2025 is aimed at enhancing military cooperation, improving interoperability and providing a platform for participating armies to exchange tactics, techniques and procedures in the domains of conventional warfare and counter-terrorism operations.

The exercise will focus on joint company level operations in open and plain terrain, wherein troops will undertake missions ranging from joint planning, tactical drills, and special arms skills. It will offer a valuable opportunity to hone joint operational capabilities, integrate emerging technologies, and operate in a multinational combat environment.

On the other hand, the Indian contingent in the US comprises personnel from a battalion of the Madras Regiment, will train alongside US soldiers from its 11th Airborne Division involving a spectrum of tactical drills, including heliborne operations, employment of surveillance resources and unmanned aerial systems, rock craft, mountain warfare, casualty evacuation, combat medical aid and the integrated use of artillery, aviation and electronic warfare systems.

In addition, subject-matter experts from both armies will conduct working groups on critical domains such as UAS and Counter-UAS operations, information warfare, communications and logistics, execute tactical manoeuvres and conduct live firing.

Statements issued by the Ministry of Defence in regard to these drills state that such activities will further strengthen defence cooperation and foster camaraderie between India and the other two countries, improve capabilities and enhance preparedness for multi-domain challenges.

Indra Navy, Vostok, Monsoon, Avia Indra and SCO Peace Mission are other joint exercises that India undertakes with Russia, where as Tiger Triumph, Malabar, Vajra Prahar, Tarkash, Sea Dragon, Red Flag and Cope India form the basket of other bilateral or multilateral exercises held periodically with the US and its allies.