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Hans India
3 days ago
- Hans India
Sapta Shakti Tech seminar begins in Jaipur
Jaipur: The much-awaited technical seminar titled 'Next Generation Combat – Shaping Tomorrow's Military Today' commenced on Wednesday at Jaipur Military Station. Organised by the South Western Command in collaboration with the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS) and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), the event has been conceptualised by Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, South Western Command. Delivering the keynote address, Lt Gen Singh emphasised the transformative role of science and technology in building a Viksit Bharat. He stressed the urgent need for the Indian Army to continuously innovate in response to evolving threats and emerging warfare paradigms. Addressing modern challenges, he spoke about the complexities of Grey zone warfare and the rise of 'hybrid threats' that blur the lines between war and peace. He highlighted the pivotal role of advanced systems, precision munitions, enhanced ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance) capabilities, and drone warfare, particularly in the success of Operation Sindoor. The Army Commander underscored the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in decision-making, operational efficiency, and resource optimisation. He also emphasised the importance of ethical frameworks, human oversight, and compliance with international humanitarian law in the deployment of Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS). A landmark moment was the signing of an MoU between South Western Command and Malaviya National Institute of Technology (MNIT), Jaipur, to promote joint indigenisation and R&D in defence technology. Day one of the seminar focused on the implications of an AI-powered battlefield. Discussions explored next-generation solutions like 'hypersonic and directed energy weapons, advanced cyber and electronic warfare systems,' and 'soldier-centric innovations' such as exoskeletons and AI-based battlefield management tools. A dedicated defence industry exhibition, the 'Sapta Shakti Symposium,' was also inaugurated, showcasing cutting-edge equipment developed to address real-time field challenges. Coordinated by SIDM, it saw enthusiastic participation from leading and emerging defence manufacturers. The insightful deliberations and rich technical exchanges set a promising tone for the second day of the seminar.
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Business Standard
08-07-2025
- Climate
- Business Standard
Himachal CM chairs disaster management meet; focus on training, SDRF
The review focused on intensifying disaster preparedness given the increasingly destructive monsoon patterns and repeated cloudburst incidents in the state ANI General News The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday chaired a high-level meeting of the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), his second such meeting since assuming office. The review focused on intensifying disaster preparedness given the increasingly destructive monsoon patterns and repeated cloudburst incidents in the state. "This is only our second SDMA meeting since our government came to power. The first was held in 2023. Given how disasters, especially monsoon-related ones, are becoming a major issue not just in Himachal but across the country, it is imperative we take urgent and long-term measures," said Naresh Chauhan, Media Advisor to the Chief Minister. The CM underlined the immense damage caused in 2023 and the early weeks of the current monsoon. "This year, again, we've witnessed severe destruction due to rains and cloudbursts. Everyone saw the kind of devastation caused in Mandi's Seraj region," he said. He added that agricultural land has been swept away in several areas. As per data shared in the meeting, 23 flash flood events and 19 cloudburst incidents have been recorded in the state since June 20 this year. Thirteen relief camps have been established, currently sheltering 730 people. The state has so far suffered an estimated loss of Rs 700 crore, as per a preliminary assessment, according to a release. Briefing reporters after the meeting, Principal Media Advisor to the Chief Minister, Naresh Chauhan, told ANI that Himachal Pradesh has suffered a lot due to the monsoon rains in the recent past. "This was the ninth meeting of the State Disaster Management Authority and the second one chaired by the current Chief Minister. Whether we look at 2023, 2024, or this year, Himachal has suffered major losses due to cloudbursts and monsoon rains, especially in Mandi, Thunag, Karsog, Dharampur and other regions," said Chauhan. "So far, 23 flash floods and 19 cloudbursts have been recorded in 2025. Relief camps have been set up at 13 different locations. Field officers are currently busy with relief operations, and the preliminary damage estimate stands at Rs 700 crore," he added. He said that the Chief Minister had made key announcements during the meeting. He said a plan was discussed to strengthen the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), with a proposed investment of Rs 819 crore, Training will be imparted to 70,000 citizens about 1 per cent of the state's population through the Civil Defence and Home Guard framework, with each participant undergoing 15 days of training. A major SDRF infrastructure centre is coming up in Palampur, Kangra district and Training modules are also being developed under SIDM, and a resource bank will be maintained in collaboration with Himachal Pradesh University. On improving disaster resilience, Chief Minister Sukhu stressed the need for "scientific road construction practices, especially on four-lane and national highway projects." He added that proper slope cutting and soil testing must be mandatory to prevent landslides and construction-related disasters. "We have also issued instructions that muck disposal should be done in scientifically identified and developed sites. If needed, the government can even pay private landowners for proper dumping sites," he said, directing the PWD to act on this front. The CM also called for strict implementation of regulations that prohibit construction within 50 meters of rivers and streams. "From 2023 till now, 25,000 houses have been damaged. This is a matter of deep concern. We must now ensure all construction includes soil testing and that the quality of structures is monitored," he said. He emphasized involving the public in disaster preparedness. "We will connect the SDRF with the general public. The police and Home Guards will be trained as well so that in future, we are fully prepared to respond to disasters," Chauhan added. Referring to the devastating July 1 cloudbursts in Seraj, Mandi, Chauhan said that efforts are on to restore. "Eight to ten cloudbursts occurred in a single day. Our entire administration responded with full force Deputy Chief Minister, the PWD Minister, and I personally visited the affected areas. Hundreds of machines are working to clear roads and restore water schemes. Army, NDRF and SDRF teams are on the ground," he said. Naresh Chauhan also reacted to the criticism that local MP Kangana Ranaut reached late to the disaster-hit area. "This is not the first time. I urge her not to indulge in politics. As a Member of Parliament, she receives Rs 5 crore annually. She should use that to help people. She's part of the ruling party at the Centre if she can help bring a special package, we'll welcome it. This is not a time to make celebrity appearances; one must prove their commitment on the ground," he added. He also criticised the opposition and Kangana Ranaut. "Even BJP leaders like Jairam Thakur were looking for her. If she's here, she should sincerely be among the people," he said. Regarding allegations of illegal logging in forests and the role of deforestation in worsening flash floods, Chauhan said, "The CM has already sought a detailed report. We are examining whether there are lapses or syndicates operating within forests. Are cloudbursts in forests causing downstream destruction? We'll get full clarity." He added further that the CM is expected to visit the flood-affected areas in Mandi and Seraj on Monday, weather permitting. "He will personally assess the damage and interact with district officials to decide what kind of relief and rehabilitation package is needed," Chauhan said. Chauhan confirmed that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured the CM of central support. "We are waiting for the Centre's help, but in the meantime, the state will ensure that there is no shortage of relief for the people," he said. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India Gazette
08-07-2025
- Climate
- India Gazette
Himachal CM chairs state disaster management meet; focus on strengthening SDRF, 70,000 citizens to be trained
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], July 8 (ANI): The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday chaired a high-level meeting of the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), his second such meeting since assuming office. The review focused on intensifying disaster preparedness given the increasingly destructive monsoon patterns and repeated cloudburst incidents in the state. 'This is only our second SDMA meeting since our government came to power. The first was held in 2023. Given how disasters, especially monsoon-related ones, are becoming a major issue not just in Himachal but across the country, it is imperative we take urgent and long-term measures,' said Naresh Chauhan, Media Advisor to the Chief Minister. The CM underlined the immense damage caused in 2023 and the early weeks of the current monsoon. 'This year, again, we've witnessed severe destruction due to rains and cloudbursts. Everyone saw the kind of devastation caused in Mandi's Seraj region,' he said. He added that agricultural land has been swept away in several areas. As per data shared in the meeting, 23 flash flood events and 19 cloudburst incidents have been recorded in the state since June 20 this year. Thirteen relief camps have been established, currently sheltering 730 people. The state has so far suffered an estimated loss of Rs 700 crore, as per a preliminary assessment, according to a release. Briefing reporters after the meeting, Principal Media Advisor to the Chief Minister, Naresh Chauhan, told ANI that Himachal Pradesh has suffered a lot due to the monsoon rains in the recent past. 'This was the ninth meeting of the State Disaster Management Authority and the second one chaired by the current Chief Minister. Whether we look at 2023, 2024, or this year, Himachal has suffered major losses due to cloudbursts and monsoon rains, especially in Mandi, Thunag, Karsog, Dharampur and other regions,' said Chauhan. 'So far, 23 flash floods and 19 cloudbursts have been recorded in 2025. Relief camps have been set up at 13 different locations. Field officers are currently busy with relief operations, and the preliminary damage estimate stands at Rs 700 crore,' he added. He said that the Chief Minister had made key announcements during the meeting. He said a plan was discussed to strengthen the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), with a proposed investment of Rs 819 crore, Training will be imparted to 70,000 citizens about 1 per cent of the state's population through the Civil Defence and Home Guard framework, with each participant undergoing 15 days of training. A major SDRF infrastructure centre is coming up in Palampur, Kangra district and Training modules are also being developed under SIDM, and a resource bank will be maintained in collaboration with Himachal Pradesh University. On improving disaster resilience, Chief Minister Sukhu stressed the need for 'scientific road construction practices, especially on four-lane and national highway projects.' He added that proper slope cutting and soil testing must be mandatory to prevent landslides and construction-related disasters. 'We have also issued instructions that muck disposal should be done in scientifically identified and developed sites. If needed, the government can even pay private landowners for proper dumping sites,' he said, directing the PWD to act on this front. The CM also called for strict implementation of regulations that prohibit construction within 50 meters of rivers and streams. 'From 2023 till now, 25,000 houses have been damaged. This is a matter of deep concern. We must now ensure all construction includes soil testing and that the quality of structures is monitored,' he said. He emphasized involving the public in disaster preparedness. 'We will connect the SDRF with the general public. The police and Home Guards will be trained as well so that in future, we are fully prepared to respond to disasters,' Chauhan added. Referring to the devastating July 1 cloudbursts in Seraj, Mandi, Chauhan said that efforts are on to restore. 'Eight to ten cloudbursts occurred in a single day. Our entire administration responded with full force Deputy Chief Minister, the PWD Minister, and I personally visited the affected areas. Hundreds of machines are working to clear roads and restore water schemes. Army, NDRF and SDRF teams are on the ground,' he said. Naresh Chauhan also reacted to the criticism that local MP Kangana Ranaut reached late to the disaster-hit area. 'This is not the first time. I urge her not to indulge in politics. As a Member of Parliament, she receives Rs 5 crore annually. She should use that to help people. She's part of the ruling party at the Centre if she can help bring a special package, we'll welcome it. This is not a time to make celebrity appearances; one must prove their commitment on the ground,' he added. He also criticised the opposition and Kangana Ranaut. 'Even BJP leaders like Jairam Thakur were looking for her. If she's here, she should sincerely be among the people,' he said. Regarding allegations of illegal logging in forests and the role of deforestation in worsening flash floods, Chauhan said, 'The CM has already sought a detailed report. We are examining whether there are lapses or syndicates operating within forests. Are cloudbursts in forests causing downstream destruction? We'll get full clarity.' He added further that the CM is expected to visit the flood-affected areas in Mandi and Seraj on Monday, weather permitting. 'He will personally assess the damage and interact with district officials to decide what kind of relief and rehabilitation package is needed,' Chauhan said. Chauhan confirmed that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured the CM of central support. 'We are waiting for the Centre's help, but in the meantime, the state will ensure that there is no shortage of relief for the people,' he said. (ANI)
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
MahaMetro to build Disaster Mgmt Institute worth Rs187.7 crore in Nagpur
Nagpur: Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. ( MahaMetro ), Nagpur, has been officially appointed as the project implementation agency for the upcoming State Institute of Disaster Management (SIDM), to be built in Nagpur at a cost of Rs187.73 crore. The state govt recently cleared the proposal, giving MahaMetro the task of planning, executing, and overseeing the construction of the new facility, which is designed to be Maharashtra's central hub for disaster preparedness and response, as stated in a GR released in the last week of institute will be established on a 10-acre plot within the Maharashtra Airport Development Company's jurisdiction in Mihan. Operation Sindoor Operation Sindoor: Several airports in India closed - check full list Did Pak shoot down Indian jets? What MEA said India foils Pakistan's attack on Jammu airport: What we know so far MahaMetro will prepare a detailed project report (DPR), including the layout, estimated costs, and timelines. The agency is entitled to receive up to 5% of the project cost as implementation reported on April 9 about the project inception in Nagpur. The SIDM will mirror the structure of the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) in Delhi and will serve as the state's primary institution for research, training, and coordination in disaster risk reduction, mitigation, and management. It will provide technical and logistical support to authorities dealing with natural and human-induced disasters across the the SIDM was first approved in principle in December 2023 by the previous Eknath Shinde-led cabinet, it remained a non-starter until revived by the current administration. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, who originally floated the idea while serving as deputy CM, fast-tracked the proposal after taking charge of the funding for the project will be drawn from the state's disaster prevention budget, earmarked for the establishment and furnishing of the SIDM. The institute will be regulated by the state's disaster management authority and overseen by a governing council led by the chief move comes on the heels of the recent operationalisation of a high-tech State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) in Mumbai, highlighting the state govt's push to modernise its disaster response framework. Officials said the SIDM will complement the SEOC by providing long-term training, planning, and knowledge MahaMetro now officially on board, the project is expected to move forward rapidly, with DPR submission due in the coming months.
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Army to use drone tech for border surveillance: Lt Gen A Sengupta
Dehradun: The Indian Army plans to conduct border surveillance along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) using modern technology such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and high-tech cameras while reserving troops primarily for ground operations in the near future. The announcement was made by Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta , General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GoC-in-C), Central Command, on Tuesday during the inauguration of Surya Drona Tech 2025, a two-day defence technology event in Dehradun, jointly organised by the Army and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM). The event concludes on Wednesday. "The use of drones in warfare is increasing, as is being witnessed in the Ukraine-Russia war," said Lt Gen Sengupta, adding, "The rise of this technology is unconventional but highly disruptive and effective for the defence forces. We, in the Army, are looking for high-altitude and rugged UAVs to protect our soldiers while proving their utility." "All 26 passes along the LAC are currently under round-the-clock surveillance using modern technology. Efforts are on to ensure that in future, the boots on the ground would be utilised for operation while border surveillance is done only through technology," he added. Calling the event an important milestone, Lt Gen Sengupta said, "We look forward to Uttarakhand becoming a hub for drone manufacturing in the country, and meet the requirements of the armed forces." The event features 42 stalls by drone and defence tech manufacturers showcasing a wide array of products ranging from technology to secure meeting rooms that can detect and disable mobile phones without alerting users, systems capable of tracking foreign mobile activity in border areas to exoskeleton suits to assist troops in climbing hilly terrain. Key highlights from the first day included live demonstrations of newly inducted robotic dogs referred to as multi-utility legged equipment (MULE) and UAVs designed for airlifting injured personnel during military operations. Among those who attended the inaugural event were Uttarakhand governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd), SIDM president Rajinder Singh Bhatia, Lt Gen Sandeep Jain, Commandant of Indian Military Academy (IMA), General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Uttar Bharat Area Lt Gen D G Misra, GOC Uttarakhand sub-area Maj Gen R Prem Raj, and other senior defence officers.
