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General NS Raja Subramani Assumes Charge as India’s Third Chief of Defence Staff

General N.S. Raja Subramani on Sunday assumed charge as 3rd Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)

New Delhi, May 31 (NVI): General N.S. Raja Subramani on Sunday assumed charge as the third Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Secretary, Department of Military Affairs, pledging to strengthen jointness among the armed forces and accelerate the induction of indigenous military capabilities to bolster national security.

After taking over, General Subramani paid tribute to his predecessors and expressed gratitude for the trust reposed in the armed forces. He said the military would continue to work in close coordination with all stakeholders under a whole-of-nation approach to further strengthen the country’s security architecture.

The new CDS emphasised enhancing integration, synergy and operational effectiveness among the Army, Navy and Air Force, while focusing on the development, induction and integration of indigenous defence systems to achieve self-reliance in the sector.

He also called for innovation and greater collaboration among stakeholders to drive capability development and military modernisation. Commending the professionalism and operational readiness of the armed forces, General Subramani reiterated his commitment to strengthening training standards and ensuring the welfare of veterans and Veer Naris.

Earlier in the day, General Subramani laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi and paid homage to soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in service of the nation. He was also accorded a Tri-Service Guard of Honour at South Block.

A highly decorated officer with more than four decades of service, General Subramani was commissioned into the Garhwal Rifles in December 1985.

During his distinguished military career, he held several key command and staff appointments, including General Officer Commanding of 2 Corps, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Command, and Vice Chief of the Army Staff.

Before assuming charge as CDS, he served as Military Adviser at the National Security Council Secretariat.

He took over from General Anil Chauhan, who had succeeded General Bipin Rawat after his death in an air crash. (NVI)

CBSE acknowledges ‘vulnerabilities’ in its digital platform

cbse

New Delhi, May 31: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), which has been under intense criticism over widespread irregularities in marking of Class 12 exam papers, today acknowledged “vulnerabilities” in the OnMark portal and said these are being addressed.

Thus far, the Board has been refusing to admit any lapse in On-Screen Marking (OSM) system even while thousands of students have complained about irregularities in the marking of their Class 12 exam papers and ethical hackers have flagged loopholes in the portal meant for storing the exam papers.

“We have been closely monitoring the vulnerabilities in the OnMark portal of our service provider that are being flagged in the public domain,” the CBSE said in a post on X.

“An expert team of cyber security professionals has been deployed over the last few days from across various arms of the government as well as the IITs to fortify these systems, including taking them over to a more security set up,” it added.

It said the “identified vulnerabilities have been contained and other exploitable weaknesses are being ruled out.”

The acknowledgement by CBSE of the problems comes against the backdrop of ethical hackers flagging security loopholes.

Questions have also been raised over the tender process through which the contract was awarded to a particular company for the OSM system.

CBSE to Ethical Hackers

The CBSE said it is “grateful to all alert citizens and ethical hackers (for) pointing out such weaknesses, and have gotten in touch with some of them directly.”

The Board invited others who may have identified vulnerabilities or security concerns to share their findings with its security team via email at [email protected].

Controversy

CBSE’s digital infrastructure has recently come under intense scrutiny and triggered questions after a 19-year-old ethical hacker Nisarga Adhikary alleged that answer sheets and question papers stored in an AWS bucket were publicly accessible online.

Adhikary’s disclosures triggered a nationwide unease among the student community and a debate over the CBSE’s technology ecosystem.

Admiral Krishna Swaminathan Takes Charge as 27th Chief of Indian Navy

Admiral Krishna Swaminathan (right) assumed charge as the 27th Chief of the Naval Staff, succeeding Dinesh Kumar Tripathi (Left)
Admiral Krishna Swaminathan (right) assumed charge as the 27th Chief of the Naval Staff, succeeding Dinesh Kumar Tripathi (Left)

New Delhi, May 31 (NVI): Admiral Krishna Swaminathan on Sunday assumed charge as the 27th Chief of the Naval Staff, succeeding Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, who retired after over four decades of service in the Indian Navy.

Commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1987, Admiral Swaminathan is a specialist in Communication and Electronic Warfare and brings with him nearly four decades of operational, staff and training experience.

During his naval career, he commanded several frontline warships, including the missile vessels INS Vidyut and INS Vinash, missile corvette INS Kulish, destroyer INS Mysore and aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya.

As a Rear Admiral, he served as Chief Staff Officer (Training) at the Southern Naval Command and later held key appointments as Flag Officer Sea Training and Commander of the Western Fleet. He also served as Flag Officer Offshore Defence Advisory Group and Adviser on Offshore Security and Defence to the Government of India.

After promotion to Vice Admiral, he held important assignments including Chief of Staff, Western Naval Command; Controller Personnel Services; Chief of Personnel; and Vice Chief of the Naval Staff. Before taking over as Navy Chief, he was serving as Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command.

An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, the Joint Services Command and Staff College and the United States Naval War College, Admiral Swaminathan holds multiple academic qualifications, including a PhD in International Studies.

He has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) in recognition of his distinguished service to the nation.(NVI)

Defence companies of 12 countries display assets in Meghalaya

Umroi (Meghalaya), May 31: At least 52 defence companies from 12 countries showcased their assets including UAVs and counter-UAV systems, surveillance and smart monitoring at an exhibition here in the North Eastern State of Meghalaya.

The exhibition, organised jointly by the Indian Army and FICCI chamber of commerce, also showcased other defence equipments like secure communications, armament and ammunition, autonomous and robotic systems, AI-enabled defence solutions, electronic warfare, cyber defence, and medical survivability equipment.

The exhibition was held alongside the first-ever Multilateral Joint Exercise PRAGATI — an acronym for Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region.

The two-day exposition was inaugurated by Vice Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth yesterday in the presence of senior military leadership and representatives from participating nations.

Participating friendly foreign countries include Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam.

Senior military delegations, defence attachés, procurement heads, and strategic stakeholders from these nations are engaging directly with Indian industry across indoor and outdoor display areas designed to deliver a world-class exhibition experience.

Of the 52 participating organisations, 47 are private-sector defence companies — including MSMEs and start-ups — alongside five Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), reflecting the depth of India’s emerging private defence industrial base.

Specific capabilities on display include ISR and loitering munition drones, swarm technologies, anti-drone systems, artillery guns, air defence platforms, multi-barrel rocket launch systems, robotic mules, unmanned ground and maritime vehicles, thermal and night-vision devices, precision ammunition, simulators, and ruggedised cyber-hardened platforms.

Structured as a Business-to-Government (B2G) engagement platform, the exposition enabled direct interaction between Indian industry representatives and senior military leadership from partner nations.

A dedicated networking reception with vice chiefs and senior delegates from participating countries has been organised to facilitate strategic dialogue and lay the groundwork for future defence cooperation.

The second day of the exposition marked extension of engagement to Central Armed Police Forces and state police organisations, broadening the scope to include homeland security requirements, modernisation priorities, and indigenous technology solutions for internal security — a dimension that reinforces India’s ambition to serve regional security needs beyond conventional military supply.

Army Foils Exfiltration Bid in Uri, Three Held Near LoC; PoJK Intruder Also Apprehended

File Photo

Srinagar, May 31 (NVI): Security forces have foiled an exfiltration attempt in Jammu and Kashmir’s Uri sector and apprehended three persons, including two residents of Sopore, during a joint operation by the Army and police, officials said on Sunday.

Acting on specific intelligence inputs, the Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a joint search operation in the Uri area of Baramulla district, officials said.

According to the Army’s Srinagar-based Chinar Corps, two persons from Sopore were apprehended while allegedly attempting to exfiltrate through the Uri sector along with a guide.

“Based on specific intelligence input, a joint search operation was launched by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police in the general area of Uri, Baramulla. Two individuals from Sopore were apprehended by vigilant troops while attempting exfiltration in Uri sector along with their accomplice guide. Further probe is underway,” the Army said in a post on X.

In a separate incident, the Army said an intruder from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) was apprehended after being intercepted while crossing the Line of Control (LoC) in the Uri sector.

The Army said alert troops challenged the intruder and took him into custody without causing harm.

“A PoJK intruder was intercepted by alert troops while crossing the Line of Control in Uri sector. The individual was apprehended and later handed over to the Jammu and Kashmir Police for legal proceedings,” it said.

Officials said investigations are underway to ascertain the circumstances surrounding both incidents.

Security has been intensified along the LoC amid continued vigilance against infiltration and cross-border movement, they added. (NVI)

Cross-Border Link Suspected as PoK National, Local Girl Held in Uri

J-K Police
Representational image

Srinagar, May 31 (NVI): A man from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and a local woman were detained by security forces near the Line of Control (LoC) in Uri sector of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, officials said on Sunday.

The PoK resident was identified as Zeeshan Ahmad Mir, a resident of Painkadi village in Muzaffarabad district, while the woman was identified as Iram Bano of Tilawari area in Uri, they said.

Officials said the duo was apprehended near the Silikote area by Army personnel during surveillance along the LoC.

Preliminary inquiries indicate that the incident could be linked to a possible cross-border relationship, although officials said no conclusion has been drawn and all aspects of the case are being examined.

Both individuals are being questioned by security agencies to ascertain the circumstances under which the PoK resident reached the area and whether there was any violation of security protocols, officials said.

Further investigation is underway and more details are awaited.(NVI)

Rajouri Forest Hunt Continues for Ninth Day Amid Tight Security Cordon

File Photo

Rajouri, May 31 (NVI): A massive anti-terror operation entered its ninth day on Sunday in the forested areas of Rajouri district’s Manjakote sector, where security forces are searching for suspected terrorists believed to be hiding in the region, officials said.

The operation, launched on May 23 following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists in the Gambhir Mughlan and adjoining Dorimal forest areas, is being jointly conducted by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the CRPF.

Officials said security forces have maintained a tight cordon around the area and intensified search efforts to prevent the suspects from escaping. Reinforcements have been deployed and surveillance has been enhanced across key routes in and around the dense forest belt.

The operation gained momentum after an exchange of fire was reported in the Dorimal area earlier this week, prompting security agencies to strengthen the cordon and expand search operations.

The difficult mountainous terrain and thick forest cover have posed significant challenges to the operation, officials said, adding that search teams are proceeding cautiously while using all available resources to track the movement of the terrorists.

Security forces have continued area domination and surveillance measures, while access to certain locations remains restricted as a precautionary measure.

Officials said the operation will continue until the entire area is thoroughly searched and cleared of any terrorist presence.(NVI)

Violence grips Paris after its team wins European League Football Cup

New Delhi, May 31: Paris saw extensive violence and arson last night after the victory of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the Football Champions League final against Arsenal.

Several shops and vehicles were damaged in violence and arson by hundreds of people as celebrations converted into ugly incidents.

Even the iconic Eiffel Tower was not spared as a fire incident was reported from there as well.

The violent unrest disrupted bus, train and rail services in Paris for hours.

Police and other law enforcement agencies had a tough time in controlling the situation as they clashed with arsonists at a number of places in Paris and elsewhere.

The police used teargas to disperse the violent mobs.

At least 7 police officers were injured in the clashes, according to the authorities.

Authorities reported arrest of 416 people, including 280 people in Paris.

Similar violence was witnessed when PSG won the same trophy last year, with celebrations turning deadly.

Earlier, the iconic Champs-Élysées in Paris was swarmed by fans soon after the French team defeated Arsenal in a penalty shootout.

Far-right leader Marine Le Pen wrote on X: “Only in France does a football club’s victory spark riots.”

J&K to Have Dry Weather Till June 2, Rain and Gusty Winds Likely From June 3

Rainfall
Representational image

Srinagar, May 31 (NVI): The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has forecast generally dry weather across Jammu and Kashmir from May 31 to June 2, with only brief spells of rain or thundershowers at a few places during late afternoon hours.

According to the forecast, weather conditions are expected to remain generally cloudy on June 3, with rain, thundershowers and gusty winds with speeds of 40-50 kmph likely at a few places across the Union Territory.

The MeT Department has predicted one or two spells of rain, thundershowers, hailstorm and gusty winds at many places on June 4 and 5, while June 6 is expected to remain generally cloudy with brief showers at isolated locations.

Weather is likely to remain generally dry again on June 7 and 8, the department said.

In its advisory, the MeT Centre warned of the possibility of thunder, lightning, hailstorm and gusty winds with speeds of 40-50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph, at scattered places during June 3-6 and advised people to remain cautious during adverse weather conditions.(NVI)

Centre Waives Cooling-Off Period for IGP Kashmir V K Birdi

File Photo: IGP Kashmir V.K.Birdi

Srinagar, May 31 (NVI): The Centre has relaxed the mandatory cooling-off period for Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, V K Birdi, clearing the way for his fresh deputation to a central assignment before the completion of his tenure in the AGMUT cadre, officials said on Sunday.

The relaxation was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on a proposal moved by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), they said.

Birdi, a 2003-batch IPS officer of the AGMUT cadre, had returned to Jammu and Kashmir in September 2023 after serving with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and rejoined his parent cadre the following month.

Under the existing IPS tenure policy, officers returning from central deputation are generally required to serve a three-year cooling-off period in their parent cadre before being considered for another assignment with the Centre.

However, the latest decision exempts Birdi from the requirement, making him eligible for a fresh central posting ahead of schedule, officials said.

Birdi is currently serving as IGP Kashmir and has been overseeing security and policing operations in the Valley.

His cooling-off period was originally due to end in October 2026. With the relaxation now granted, he can be considered immediately for a central assignment.

No official announcement has been made regarding his next posting, though the move is being seen in administrative circles as a precursor to his likely appointment to a key position in the Central Government, officials added.

Birdi has held several important assignments during his career, including positions in counter-insurgency and internal security operations.(NVI)

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