Latest news with #AtiVishishtSevaMedal
India.com
01-07-2025
- General
- India.com
Air Marshal Sivakumar Takes Charge As Air Officer-In-Charge Administration
Air Marshal S. Sivakumar VSM took charge as Air Officer-in-Charge Administration (AOA) at Indian Air Force Headquarters in New Delhi on Tuesday, an official said. The Air Marshal was commissioned in the Administration branch of the IAF in June 1990. He holds an MBA in HRM from Pondicherry University and an MPhil degree in Defence and Strategic Studies from Osmania University. In a career spanning over 35 years, the Air Marshal has held a number of important Command and Staff appointments which include Senior Air Traffic Control Officer of a forward base, represented IAF in the UN Mission at Congo, Air Force Examiner and Chief Administrative Officer of a premier Flying Station. He has also worked as Command Works Officer and Command Personnel Staff Officer at two Operational Commands, Air Officer Commanding of an Equipment Depot, Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Air Force Works) at Air Headquarters and Senior Officer-in-Charge Administration of an Operational Command. Before assuming the present appointment, the Air Marshal was Director General (Administration) at Air HQ. He is a recipient of the Vishisht Seva Medal. Earlier on June 1, Air Marshal Jasvir Singh Mann took over as Senior Air Staff Officer of Western Air Command. The Air Marshal, an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, was commissioned as a fighter pilot in the IAF on December 16, 1989. He has flown over 3,000 hours primarily on various types of fighter aircraft. He is a Pilot Attack Instructor and in his operational career, he has commanded a fighter squadron, been Chief Operations Officer of a forward base and Air Officer Commanding of a premium fighter base. On May 2, Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari PVSM AVSM VM took charge as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff. Prior to assuming charge as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff, he was the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief at South Western Air Command. In recognition of his distinguished service, the Air Marshal was awarded the Presidential Award of Param Vishisht Seva Medal in 2025, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2022, and Vayu Sena Medal in 2008.
NDTV
10-06-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
"So Proud": Daughter Of Officer Behind Pak Ceasefire Talks Praises "Cool" Father
New Delhi: Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, who played a major role in Operation Sindoor, was honoured with the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM) during the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2025 (Phase-II) on June 4. The senior officer, who continues to serve as the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), was also appointed the Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy) on Monday. The role is among the most critical in the Indian Army, overseeing key verticals, including Operations and Intelligence. His daughter, Sharan Ghai, has now posted a heartfelt message praising her "cool" father. "So proud of you, Dad," Ms Ghai wrote. "Glad to see everyone's finally realising just how cool you are. We've known it all along. Love you, @RgGhai, can't wait to see the amazing things you achieve next." So proud of you, dad. Glad to see everyone's finally realizing just how cool you are - we've known it all along. ???? Love you, @RgGhai, can't wait to see the amazing things you achieve next. — Sharan Ghai (@ghaishar) June 9, 2025 The Uttam Yudh Seva Medal is a high wartime military honour awarded for exceptional service during conflict or hostilities. It is the wartime counterpart of the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and is open to all ranks of the armed forces, including auxiliary, reserve, and nursing staff, for outstanding operational leadership and distinguished service. Lt Gen Ghai played a key role in Operation Sindoor, a military offensive launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. The operation targeted nine terror bases across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and killed over 100 terrorists. During the strikes, Pakistan's DGMO called Lt Gen Ghai, reportedly pleading for a ceasefire. Mr Ghai later described India's response using the phrase "Ashes to Ashes" to explain how the country's air defence neutralised threats. Earlier this year, he visited Manipur to assess the security situation along the Indo-Myanmar border, reviewing infrastructure and coordination with state officials. A seasoned officer from the Kumaon Regiment, Mr Ghai also led the Chinar Corps in Jammu and Kashmir before assuming the DGMO role in October 2024.
The Print
05-06-2025
- General
- The Print
Ati Vishisht Seva Medal recipient Air Marshal Manish Khanna assumes charge of Southern Air Command
'Air Marshal Manish Khanna Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), Vayu Sena Medal (VM), assumed command of the Southern Air Command (SAC) as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief on June 1, 2025 at Thiruvananthapuram,' it said. He was commissioned in the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on December 6, 1986, the government said in a statement. New Delhi: Air Marshal Manish Khanna, an accomplished officer with over 4,000 hours of flying experience on various fighter and trainer aircraft, on Sunday assumed the charge of the Southern Air Command. The air officer is a category 'A' Qualified Flying Instructor and an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, College of Air Warfare and National Defence College. 'The air officer has over 4,000 hours of flying experience on various fighter and trainer aircraft,' it said. Apart from his rich operational experience in air defence, ground attack, strategic reconnaissance and electronic warfare, the air marshal has wide ranging experience in the training domain, including an international assignment as the Chief Flying Instructor with the Botswana Defence Forces, it added. In his illustrious career spanning almost four decades, he has served as commanding officer of the fighter squadron, air crew examining board, a major flying base, advance headquarters, the Western Air Command and Commandant at College of Air Warfare (CAW) among others. The air marshal was Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) at South Western Command (SWAC) prior to taking over the present appointment. In another announcement, the defence ministry on Sunday said Air Marshal Jasvir Singh Mann took over as Senior Air Staff Officer of the IAF's Western Air Command (WAC) on June 1. The air marshal is an alumni of the National Defence Academy and was commissioned as a fighter pilot in the IAF on December 16, 1989, it said in a statement. He has flown over 3,000 hours primarily on various types of fighter aircraft. He is a pilot attack instructor and in his operational career, he has commanded a fighter squadron, been Chief Operations Officer of a forward base and Air Officer Commanding of a premium fighter base, the ministry said. PTI KND DV DV This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
The Hindu
03-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
BJP MP calls environmental activists as ‘agents of Goa government', told to apologise
Environment activists protesting against Mahadayi basin projects in Karnataka have demanded an apology from BJP MP Jagadish Shettar for calling them 'agents of Goa government'. 'The statement by Belagavi MP Jagadish Shettar, branding eminent environmentalists of Belagavi as 'agents of the Goa government', is not only shameful, it is a deliberate attack on truth, dignity, and the democratic voice of the people. The MP should immediately issue a public apology,' activist Sujit Mulgund said in Belagavi on June 2. He told reporters that the activists who Mr. Shettar had termed agents are respected personalities who had worked hard for decades to protect and preserve the environment. They include Dileep Kamat who has been involved in selfless activism for over 60 years. He has worked with Baba Amte and saved 80,000 acres of forest from exploitation by corporates and others. Shivajirao Kaganikar, who is known as the 'Water Man of North Karnataka' He has been honoured with the Rajyotsava and Devraj Urs awards. He is a Gandhian, and has been a relentless advocate of justice to the deprived classes, rainwater harvesting, and afforestation Lieutenant General Srikrishna Sardeshpande a war hero, awarded the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, and the Rajyotsava Award, who laid the groundwork for Bhimgad, Kodachadri, and Mhadei conservation zones with his environmental activism. 'The activists also include Colonel Ravindra Saini, Captain Nitin Dhond, Nyla Coelho, and Sharada Gopal. They comprise social activists, scientists, social reformers, educators, all sons and daughters of this soil who are tirelessly working to protect the environment,' he said. 'These are not outsiders. They are the soul of Belagavi, guardians of our forests, rivers, and communities. They have received awards from successive governments, including the Parisara Mitra Award and commendations from Chief Ministers. Mr. Shettar has no right to insult them. These environmental warriors have achieved what politicians only promise. They have protected our land without asking for votes or power. Mr. Shettar's attack reeks of political insecurity, and an attempt to deflect from the real issue — illegal deforestation, ecological destruction, and political nexus with land-grabbing interests,' Mr. Mulgund said. Raju Topannanvar, activist, said that the 'Save Water, Save Western Ghats' movement will organise a rally in Belagavi on June 3 to protest against the Mahadayi basin projects. 'We are doing this for the environment. Not for any party, not for Goa, not for votes. We will march for truth, forests, water, and future generations. Let the people judge who is truly serving Belagavi and who is serving vested interests,' Mr. Topannanavar said. He said that Ridhima Pandey, a 17-year-old climate activist from Haridwar, would join the rally. 'Her journey of activism began in 2017 when she filed a petition against the government of India for failing to fulfil its commitments under the Paris Agreement. In 2019, Ridhima joined 15 other children, including Greta Thunberg, in a historic lawsuit at the United Nations against five countries —Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, and Turkey — for violating the rights of children through inaction on climate change,' Mr. Topannanavar said.
United News of India
02-06-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
Lt Gen D S Rana takes over as Commander-in-Chief of Andaman & Nicobar Command
New Delhi, Jun 1 (UNI) Lieutenant General Dinesh Singh Rana assumed charge as the 18th Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman & Nicobar Command (CINCAN) on Sunday. The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), based at Sri Vijaya Puram, is India's first and only joint services operational command, integrating the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard to safeguard national interests in the strategically vital Indian Ocean Region, a Defence Ministry statement said. Lt Gen Rana was commissioned into the 10th Battalion of The Garhwal Rifles on December 19, 1987 and later had the honour of commanding the same battalion. A graduate of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, and a postgraduate of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, he is also an alumnus of the National Defence College, New Delhi; Centre for National Defence Studies, Madrid, Spain; and the National Defense University, USA. His academic record is distinguished by topping multiple professional military courses. In a career spanning over 37 years, the General Officer has held diverse operational, instructional, and staff appointments across various terrains and theatres. His service includes tenures with the Indian Military Training Team and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. He has commanded an Infantry Brigade and Division in the Eastern Sector and subsequently led the Gajraj Corps along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Lt Gen Rana has also served as an instructor at the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun; College of Defence Management, Secunderabad; and the Higher Command Wing, Army War College, Mhow. His staff appointments include Brigade Major of an Independent Armoured Brigade, Deputy Director General Staff Duties, Brigadier Military Intelligence (East), Provost Marshal, and Director General Staff Duties at Integrated Headquarters, Ministry of Defence (Army). Prior to taking over as CINCAN, the General Officer served as Director General, Defence Intelligence Agency, making history as the first Chief of Defence Intelligence to be elevated to the rank of Commander-in-Chief — a reflection of the growing importance of defence intelligence and jointmanship in India's military leadership. For his distinguished service, Lt Gen Rana has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), Yudh Seva Medal (YSM), Sena Medal (SM), and the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Card. As a young officer, he earned the Sena Medal and COAS Commendation for gallantry in Kashmir. He also holds a PhD in China's defence modernisation. UNI RBE SS
