The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is gearing up for an extensive tree plantation drive across India, aiming to plant 15 lakh trees in celebration of the 78th Independence Day on August 15. This significant initiative, part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, will be conducted through the combined efforts of the three services and associated organisations like DRDO, Defence PSUs, CGDA, NCC, Sainik schools, and ordnance factories.

Visiting the NCC Directorate West Bengal and Sikkim, Seth appreciated the directorate's efforts in training, social welfare and community development initiatives across the two states.

In a significant address at the 'DefConnect 2024' conference, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh underscored India's imperative need to bolster domestic manufacturing in the defence sector, highlighting the Modi government's commitment to achieving self-reliance and strategic autonomy.

The approved procurement list encompasses a diverse range of critical equipment, including new-gen anti-tank mines, Air defence tactical control radar, etc.

The Shakti systems are capable of accurately intercepting electronic emissions and implementing countermeasures in a dense electromagnetic environment, they said.

The Beating Retreat ceremony holds a special place in India's military tradition, signifying the end of the day's activities.

Raksha Mantri commended the BRO for strengthening the border infrastructure of the country and asserted that by constructing roads, bridges etc. the organisation is connecting the far-flung areas with the rest of the nation geographically, while also linking the hearts of people residing in remote villages with the rest of the citizens.

While acknowledging the connection to climate change, Singh urged for an investigation into whether adversarial forces might also be playing a role, without explicitly naming any specific country.