Latest news with #SpecialProtectionGroup
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Meet Adaso Kapesa, the first woman officer in the Special Protection Group (SPG), responsible for PM Narendra Modi's security
When Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the UK recently, a striking image went viral, not of the Prime Minister himself, but of a poised woman officer standing right behind him. Meet Adaso Kapesa, the first-ever woman officer in the Special Protection Group (SPG), India's most elite security force tasked with protecting the Prime Minister. The SPG, known for its precision, secrecy, and high-stakes assignments, rarely makes headlines about its personnel. But Kapesa's inclusion has done just that, challenging norms and setting a powerful precedent for women across India aiming for careers in elite security roles. From a remote village in Manipur to standing behind the PM as part of the SPG – what a journey! Saluting Inspector Adaso Kapesa for rewriting what's possible for Indian women in uniform. @narendramodi @PMOIndia — Manasi Kirloskar Tata (@M_KirloskarTata) August 4, 2025 Kapesa joins a global league of pioneering women in security. Kimberly Cheatle, the former US Secret Service Director, rose from trainee to Director of the US Secret Service in a 30-year career. Though she resigned after the failed assassination attempt on former President Trump, she left behind an enduring legacy of leadership. Back home, Tamil Nadu is also leading change. Since March 2022, trained women police personnel have been part of Chief Minister MK Stalin's core security team. These officers are trained in unarmed combat, firearms, and bomb detection, a model that other states are slowly beginning to replicate. The story of Veena Gupta, India's first female bodyguard, also resonates in this context. Having founded Seam Group Services, which provides security for firms like Adobe, Barclays, and Bell Helicopter, Gupta recalls her unconventional journey: 'Most people would expect a protection officer to be physically bulky. I am neither. I don't look intimidating—but that's exactly what gives me the edge,' she told Deccan Chronicle, referencing her work with the Prince of Hungary during Liz Hurley's wedding in India. Women like Adaso Kapesa are proving that elite security roles are no longer defined by gender but by excellence, adaptability, and courage. As India redefines its security apparatus, Kapesa stands tall, not just behind the Prime Minister, but at the forefront of change.
Hans India
04-08-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Who is Adaso Kapesa?
New Delhi: When images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent UK visit surfaced online, it wasn't just the diplomacy or the optics that caught the public eye. It was the confident woman standing right behind him, calmly watching over the scene in a black suit and earpiece, someone who wasn't just present, but commanding attention. People quickly took to social media to praise her presence, and many felt a surge of pride seeing a woman in such a critical role. So, who is she? The woman behind the PM in viral images is Inspector Adaso Kapesa, a trailblazer from Manipur who has made history as the first woman from her state-and the first woman ever-to serve in the Special Protection Group (SPG), India's elite force dedicated to protecting the Prime Minister. Her journey to this prestigious role began in the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), a Central Armed Police Force under the Ministry of Home Affairs. She currently serves with the 55th Battalion stationed in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. Her inclusion in the SPG marks a watershed moment for women in security and law enforcement in India. Adaso Kapesa's assignment to the Prime Minister's security team is more than just a personal achievement -- it's a symbol of growing gender inclusivity in Indian defence and paramilitary services. Her appearance alongside the PM during his UK visit was a visible sign of progress, one that deeply resonated with women across the country. Social media flooded with messages of admiration and pride. Many users called her a role model, and a powerful example of what determination, discipline, and skill can achieve-regardless of gender. The Special Protection Group is a highly trained and selective force responsible for the personal security of India's Prime Minister and, under certain circumstances, former PMs and their immediate families. Its members go through intense physical, tactical, and psychological training. Until recently, the SPG was an all-male unit. Adaso Kapesa's entry into this elite squad is not just historic-it opens the door for more women to break into high-stakes security roles and redefine what leadership looks like in uniform.
Time of India
03-08-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Who is Adaso Kapesa? Manipur's SPG officer who made history guarding PM Modi in the UK
When images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent UK visit went viral, it wasn't just the diplomacy or formalities that stood out. What truly captured public attention was a composed woman in a black suit and earpiece standing just behind him — a figure of calm authority. Who is Adaso Kapesa? That woman is Inspector Adaso Kapesa, a pioneering officer from Manipur who has created history. She is the first woman from her state — and the first ever — to join the ranks of the Special Protection Group (SPG), India's premier security force dedicated to safeguarding the Prime Minister. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Degree Data Analytics MCA healthcare Management PGDM others Healthcare Technology Artificial Intelligence Data Science Others Cybersecurity MBA Finance Public Policy Operations Management Digital Marketing Product Management Leadership CXO Data Science Design Thinking Project Management Skills you'll gain: Data-Driven Decision-Making Strategic Leadership and Transformation Global Business Acumen Comprehensive Business Expertise Duration: 2 Years University of Western Australia UWA Global MBA Starts on Jun 28, 2024 Get Details Kapesa began her journey in the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), a Central Armed Police Force operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Currently, she serves with the 55th Battalion in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. With her entry into the SPG, she has overcome one of the most formidable gender barriers within the country's security forces. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now From the Northeast to the Heart of National Security Her induction into the SPG isn't just a personal milestone — it signals a significant move towards gender representation within India's elite security services. The SPG has traditionally been an all-male unit — a precedent that Kapesa has now officially disrupted. Live Events Her appearance beside the Prime Minister during a critical international event was not just symbolic. It was both strategic and historic. Social Media Applauds: 'A Role Model for the Nation' As pictures of her circulated online, admiration poured in across platforms. Netizens praised her as a 'trailblazer,' a 'symbol of strength,' and a 'powerful inspiration,' particularly for young women aiming to break into law enforcement and defence roles. Her visibility in such a critical role struck a chord nationwide — especially among communities that have long remained underrepresented. Why Her SPG Role Matters The Special Protection Group isn't a typical security assignment — it is India's most elite protective unit, solely responsible for the Prime Minister's security. Members undergo rigorous training in close-quarter combat, intelligence operations, surveillance, and emergency response — making it one of the most demanding roles in India's defence ecosystem. Kapesa's induction isn't merely about representation — it reimagines what leadership and strength look like in Indian security forces. A Defining Chapter in Uniformed Leadership Her achievement sends a powerful signal: women belong everywhere — even in roles previously deemed out of reach.
Hans India
26-07-2025
- Business
- Hans India
PM Modi to attend millennium celebrations of Chola emperor's maritime expedition in TN tomorrow
Chennai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend a series of high-profile programmes in Tamil Nadu on Sunday, July 27, including the millennium celebrations of Rajendra Chola I's maritime expedition and the commencement of the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple's construction. In a post on social media platform X, the Prime Minister wrote: 'Tomorrow, 27th July will witness a very special programme to mark a thousand years of the maritime expedition of the great Rajendra Chola I to South East Asia and the commencement of the construction of the iconic Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, a shining example of Chola architecture. It is our privilege that a commemorative coin honouring Rajendra Chola I is being released, also celebrating the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival.' Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, currently recovering at Apollo Hospitals in Chennai, has deputed Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu to submit a memorandum to the visiting Prime Minister. The memorandum outlines key demands related to the state's financial and developmental concerns. In his post on X, Stalin said: 'Due to my hospitalisation, I have sent a petition containing the requests to be presented to the Honorable Prime Minister visiting Tamil Nadu through the Chief Secretary. Minister Thangam Thennarasu will present it to the Honourable Prime Minister.' Security has been significantly tightened in Tiruchirappalli and Ariyalur districts ahead of the Prime Minister's visit to Gangaikonda Cholapuram. A five-tier security arrangement has been in place since Thursday, with deployment of the Special Protection Group (SPG), Tamil Nadu police, and central security agencies. The Prime Minister is expected to arrive at Tiruchy airport around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, after inaugurating the expanded terminal at Thoothukudi airport. PM Modi's visit comes immediately after returning from official trips to the UK and the Maldives. He will first arrive in Tuticorin, where he will unveil a series of infrastructure and connectivity initiatives aimed at boosting the state's economic and industrial growth. In a significant step toward enhancing regional air infrastructure, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the new terminal building at Tuticorin Airport, built at a cost of around Rs 450 crore. He will stay overnight at the tourist bungalow in Tiruchy, which has also come under intense security cover. On Sunday morning, PM Modi will travel by helicopter to Ariyalur to participate in the Rajendra Chola I millennium celebrations at Gangaikonda Cholapuram. SPG teams have conducted security sweeps at all critical points, including Tiruchy airport, the tourist bungalow, and the event venue. Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) teams have scanned the entire route, and residents near key locations have been asked to adhere strictly to police instructions. Local authorities have also enforced a ban on flying drones and unmanned aerial vehicles from July 24 to July 27. District administrations have been instructed to maintain heightened vigilance throughout the Prime Minister's visit, which concludes on Sunday evening. The event is being held to honour the maritime prowess and architectural legacy of the Chola empire.
News18
23-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
Salaries Of Indian PM, President, Vice-President, MPs Revealed
1/10 Salary: Rs 5 lakh per month (as per the President's Emoluments and Pension Act of 1951). Exempt from taxes, the President enjoys various allowances, including free travel by train and plane worldwide, free housing, medical care, and Rs 1 lakh annually for office expenses. (File Pic) Vice-President: The Vice-President is the second highest constitutional position in the country. He primarily presides over the Rajya Sabha and acts as the caretaker President in their absence. The salary and allowances of the Vice President of India are determined under the Salaries and Allowances of Officers of Parliament Act, 1953. (File Pic) Salary: Rs 4 lakh per month. Other perks and allowances include free accommodation, medical care, train and air travel, a landline connection, mobile phone service, personal security, and staff. (File Pic) Prime Minister: He is the head of government of India, and holds significant executive authority and responsibility. He is appointed by the President of India, and has to be a member of one of the houses of bicameral Parliament. (File Pic) Salary: Rs 1.66 lakh per month, including a basic pay of Rs 50,000, an expense allowance of Rs 3,000, a parliamentary allowance of Rs 45,000, and a daily allowance of Rs 2,000. An official residence, Special Protection Group (SPG) security, access to government vehicles and aircraft, and government-paid travel, stay, and food expenses for international trips are the other perks. (File Pic) 7/10 Member of Parliament (MP): An MP represents their constituency in Lok Sabha. The members of Lok Sabha are directly elected by the people through general elections held every five years. Their salary and allowances are to compensate for their role in governance. (File Pic) Salary: Rs 1 lakh per month, with increases every five years in the form of daily allowances. Their perks and allowances include a basic pay of Rs 50,000 per month, a daily allowance of Rs 2,000 for attending Parliament sessions, committee meetings and a traveling allowance of Rs 16 per km for road travel. MPs also receive a constituency allowance of Rs 45,000 per month and an office expense allowance of Rs 45,000 per month, including Rs 15,000 for stationery and postage. (File Pic) 10/10
