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- General
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Sam Manekshaw, Mohammad Usman, Somnath Sharma: Who were India's war heroes added to school textbooks?
Chapters on Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Brigadier Mohammad Usman, and Major Somnath Sharma have been included in the current curriculum of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), the Union Ministry of Defence said on Thursday. The three are India's war heroes who showed exemplary courage on the battlefield. Here's who they were read more India's three war heroes, Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Brigadier Mohammad Usman and Major Somnath Sharma, have been added to the curriculum of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) for the 2025-26 academic year. The Union Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced on Thursday (August 7) that the chapters on the life and sacrifices of Manekshaw, Usman, and Sharma will be included in the syllabus for Class 8 (Urdu), Class 7 (Urdu), and Class 8 (English), respectively. The move aims to instil students with 'inspirational narratives of courage and duty". STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Let's take a closer look. Who was Sam Manekshaw? Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw, popularly known as Sam Manekshaw, was India's first officer to be conferred the rank of Field Marshal. Born on 3 April 1914 in Amritsar, British India, Sam Manekshaw is hailed for his exceptional leadership. During the Burma War with Japan in 1942, he sustained several bullet injuries. After Independence, Manekshaw, a Parsi, chose India as his home and was transferred to the Gorkha Rifles, where he earned the title Bahadur. He played a crucial role during the India-Pakistan war between 1947 and 1948. Sam Manekshaw was appointed as the Indian Army chief by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in July 1969. One of the most defining moments of his career was the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War, which led to the liberation of Bangladesh. As the Chief of the Army Staff, his leadership led the Indian Army to victory over Pakistan. Manekshaw was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan, India's second and third-highest civilian awards, respectively. Known for his wit, he remains one of the only two military leaders to become a Field Marshal. Who was Mohammad Usman? Brigadier Mohammad Usman is remembered as the 'Lion of Naushera'. He was pivotal in the recapture of Jhangar and Naushera in Jammu and Kashmir during the 1947-48 war between India and Pakistan. Born on July 15, 1912, in Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh, Usman's father was a police officer. Usman joined the Baluch Regiment of the British Indian Army in 1934. During the partition, the Brigadier stayed in India even though he was offered a plum post in the Pakistani Army by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, reported The Statesman. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Brigadier Mohammad Usman is known as the 'Lion of Naushera'. Wikimedia Commons Brigadier Usman was commanding the 50 (Independent) Parachute Brigade in Jammu and Kashmir during the 1947-48 Indo-Pak war. The Pakistani Army, along with Pashtun tribal fighters, launched an attack to conquer vital regions in Kashmir, especially Naushera, located in the Rajouri district. Despite being outnumbered, the Brigadier did not bow down. Instead, he reportedly told his men, 'Do not retreat an inch. Fight to the last man and the last bullet.' Under his leadership, the Indian soldiers defended Kashmir and also forced the enemies to retreat. Brigadier Usman was martyred during shelling in Jhangar on July 3, 1948. He was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra (MVC), India's second-highest wartime gallantry award. ALSO READ: How Major Shaitan Singh Bhati valiantly led India's 120 soldiers against China in Battle of Rezang La Who was Somnath Sharma? Major Somnath Sharma was India's first Param Vir Chakra awardee. Born on January 31, 1922, in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra, he was commissioned in the 4th battalion of the Kumaon Regiment in October 1942. Major Somnath Sharma led the ''D'' Company of 4 Kumaon and established a base at Budgam against the on November 3, 1947, according to a defence spokesperson. On November 3, 1947, Major Somnath Sharma led the 'D' Company of 4 Kumaon to defend the Srinagar airport against around 500 Pakistani forces approaching Srinagar from the northern side. Although he was injured and India faced heavy casualties, Major Sharma showcased extraordinary bravery. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Major Somnath Sharma was India's first Param Vir Chakra awardee. Wikimedia Commons He encouraged his men to continue fighting, even exposing himself to enemy fire. Sharma filled magazines for light machine gunners despite having his hand injured. He eventually died due to a mortar shell. However, his company held to its position for six hours until reinforcements arrived. His last message before his death reportedly was: 'The enemy is only 50 yards from us. We are heavily outnumbered. We are under devastating fire. I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to the last man and the last round.' With inputs from agencies
Time of India
27-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Indus Water Treaty Favoured Pakistan, Left India With Little Share: Lt Gen Vinod Khandare
Nagpur: Retired Lieutenant General Vinod Khandare, former Principal Advisor to the Union Ministry of Defence during Operation Sindoor , has termed the Indus Water Treaty of 1960 as "unfair and biased towards Pakistan ." Speaking at a Jansamvaad event organised by Janmanch NGO, Khandare stated that the political leadership of the time gave away significant control over India's river resources, leaving the country with a disproportionately small share of the Indus waters. "The Indus River, originating from the Himalayas, carries a large amount of silt and sludge that used to accumulate in our dams," he said. "We wanted to de-silt it for efficiency, but were told the treaty doesn't permit us. Despite this, we cleaned the river." Khandare pointed out that the river flows from Indian states like Punjab and Haryana into Pakistan's Punjab, significantly boosting their agriculture. "They reaped harvests, earned revenue, and used that very money to fund terrorism against us," he said, underscoring the strategic imbalance the treaty has created. He added that all that changed in 2016, after a team of experts were appointed to asses and review the pact. General Khandare also raised alarms over China's covert meteorological manipulation program. According to him, China's Department of Weather Modification, with over 37,000 personnel, has been closely studying Indian monsoon patterns. "We discovered one of their meteorological sensors in the Bay of Bengal," he revealed, adding that China intends to redirect rain clouds meant for the Indian subcontinent towards Tibet and Sichuan. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Search & compare rates from major search-engines, along with local, reputable engines. Hotel Deals | Search Ads Browse Now Undo The motive, he said, is to support Beijing's industrial shift from its eastern coastal belt to inland provinces. Touching upon India's evolving defence posture, Khandare highlighted Operation Sindoor as a turning point. "The military had full operational control without political interference, which enabled decisive surgical strikes and air operations like the one at Jabbar Top," he said. The operation targeted terrorist launchpads and training facilities in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, sending a strong message that no safe havens would be tolerated. Cyber warfare, he warned, is the new front. "Smartphones can now be weaponised. Cyberattacks, like the one that paralysed Estonia in 2008, can happen here too." He called for urgent investment in cyber resilience and civil defence, citing India's inadequate infrastructure—no public sirens in cities like Nagpur, and lack of shelters in urban areas, unlike Europe or Israel. "India's civil defence infrastructure remains alarmingly inadequate in the face of growing conventional and unconventional threats. Unlike countries like Israel, where every building has a shelter, or Europe, where metros are built underground for protection, Indian cities are ill-equipped. Nagpur, for example, lacks even basic sirens," Khandare said. General Vinod Khandare pointed out that while our armed forces may be battle-ready, the country lacks systems to protect its citizens in times of crisis or war. He further stressed the need for reforms in India's defence production. "With 41 ordnance factories underperforming, joint ventures and privatisation are no longer optional—they are essential," Khandare concluded by stating that only a self-reliant, strategically alert, and technologically equipped India can deter the evolving threats in a turbulent global order.
Hindustan Times
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Local census, hi-tech surveillance for Independence Day event in Capital
A comprehensive security and surveillance plan—ranging from a full-scale residential census to the deployment of high-tech video analytics and advanced vehicle scanning systems—has been set in motion around the Red Fort and its adjoining areas ahead of this year's Independence Day celebrations. For vehicle security, the Delhi Police will introduce the under vehicle surveillance system (UVSS) at Red Fort entry points—marking its first use for Independence Day security. (Vipin Kumar/HT PHOTO) These measures were finalised during a high-level coordination meeting held on Tuesday, involving officials from the Union Ministry of Defence, Delhi Police, the army, the air force, and other participating agencies. A senior Delhi Police officer said a census exercise launched about two weeks ago in the sensitive neighbourhoods near the Red Fort such as Chandni Chowk, Chawri Bazar, Jama Masjid, and Paharganj. 'While census drives have been done before, this year's operation is more expansive. Police personnel are visiting households across the area, checking identities and verifying the background of non-local residents through their home states,' the officer said. In a first for the Independence Day event, five types of surveillance cameras will be deployed in the days preceding the celebrations, and these will include head count cameras capable of automatically tallying the number of people in a frame and devices designed to flag unattended or suspicious objects. The officer added that on the day of the event, cameras with intrusion detection features will be activated around restricted zones. 'This is in addition to the existing technologies already in place—facial recognition systems and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras,' the officer said. Another key upgrade involves seating arrangements at the venue. Moving away from the traditional flat layout, this year's audience seating will follow an auditorium-style configuration, allowing for an elevated view of the celebrations. 'Each row will be raised to ensure attendees have a clear, uninterrupted view,' the officer explained. For vehicle security, the Delhi Police will introduce the under vehicle surveillance system (UVSS) at Red Fort entry points—marking its first use for Independence Day security. 'Though UVSS has been used during high-profile visits, this is the first time it will be deployed for August 15. It enables detailed scanning of the underside of vehicles, improving detection of hidden devices,' said the officer. More than 10,000 Delhi Police personnel and 3,000 traffic police personnel will be deployed in and around the Red Fort complex, key routes, and other sensitive zones in the national capital on August 15. The celebrations will be overseen by a multilayered security ring equipped with anti-drone and anti-aircraft systems. Officials said aerial surveillance will be intensified, and coordinated drills are underway to maintain a tight vigil on any movement near the venue. The measures are part of the broader national security apparatus being scaled up across the Capital in the lead-up to the Prime Minister's address from the ramparts of the Red Fort.
The Hindu
23-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Defence Secretary holds bilateral meeting with Director General of Israeli Ministry of Defence
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh held a bilateral meeting with the Director General, Ministry of Defence, Israel, Major General (Res) Amir Baram in New Delhi on Wednesday (July 23, 2025). The two sides agreed to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation with a long-term perspective, according to Union Ministry of Defence (MoD). They agreed to work towards developing an institutional framework for further deepening of defence ties. The Israeli Director General condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and conveyed full support for India's fight against terrorism, the MoD added. The Defence Secretary reiterated India's zero tolerance approach to terrorism, condemned the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks in Israel, and called for the release of all hostages. The two sides also reviewed the progress of the ongoing defence collaboration activities since the previous Joint Working Group meeting held in July 2024 in India. This visit by the senior Israeli defence official marks a pivotal step in India-Israel defence relations, and reinforces the commitment of both sides to enhance their strategic partnership.
The Hindu
21-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Naval Dockyard staff pedal to protect environment
Naval personnel were seen pedalling on bicycles within the premises of the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam, under the Union Ministry of Defence as part of an eco-friendly initiative. As many as 300 bicycles and 15 bicycle stands have been installed at various locations inside the Naval Dockyard. The initiative looks to reduce pollution levels and promote sustainability saving the environment. The Naval Dockyard authorities have introduced this Public Bicycle Sharing System (PBSS) to enable personnel ride bicycles to official movement during office hours within the premises of the dockyard free of cost. The system is operated and maintained by a private contractor under a three year contract agreement. These bicycles are available to all naval officers, employees, sailors, engineers, as well as those working in the dockyard on contract and outsourced staff. Users must register via SMS/app-based over the phone. Once registered, a user can cycle during the permitted hours and the bicycles are restricted for use within the dockyard. Each user will have an employee ID, which will be registered with the PBSS staff. The cycles have a sticker reading PBSS Dockyard Visakhapatnam. In a formal conversation with The Hindu, a naval personnel said, 'I commute to the dockyard on my two-wheeler. I park my vehicle and then take the cycle to carry out departmental tasks. I have been doing this for the past two years.' PBSS Supervisor N. Nagaraju said that the PBSS initiative was first started three years ago and has inspired similar efforts at the Naval Dockyard in Karwar (Karnataka), where 200 bicycles are now in use. He said: 'At least 500 naval personnel use our bicycles inside the dockyard in Visakhapatnam daily, and 300-400 personnel in Karwar. The initiative saves the environment by discouraging polluting motor vehicles. It also gives promotes physical fitness among the naval staff, and employment to at least 50 individuals including young women.'
