PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI TO INAUGURATE AND LAY FOUNDATION STONES FOR KEY RAILWAY PROJECTS OF EAST COAST RAILWAY FROM KURNOOL In a landmark event, the Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for several major railway infrastructure projects under the Waltair Division of East Coast Railway on 16 October 2025, from Kurnool. With an aim to boost operational capacity and drive regional economic development, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for the fourth railway line between Kottavalasa and Vizianagaram, as well as a significant rail flyover between Pendurti and North Simhachalam. These initiatives are expected to ease congestion, improve operational efficiency, and benefit both passenger and freight movement. Additionally, the Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation two critical double-line railway sections—Kottavalasa–Boddavara and Shimiliguda–Gorapur. The completion of these projects marks a major step forward in enhancing speed, safety, and reliability across the railway network in the region. These inaugurated and upcoming projects reflect Indian Railways’ commitment to expanding its network, improving passenger amenities, and strengthening nationwide connectivity to support inclusive and sustainable growth.

REAR ADMIRAL MANOJ JHA, VSM ASSUMES CHARGE AS CHIEF STAFF OFFICER (OPERATIONS), EASTERN NAVAL COMMAND Rear Admiral Manoj Jha, VSM, took over as the Chief Staff Officer (Operations) at the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) on 15 October 2025. Commissioned into the Indian Navy on 1 January 1995, the Flag Officer is an alumnus of the Naval Academy, Goa; Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), Wellington; Naval War College, Goa; Indian Naval War College (IN NWC); and the Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS), United Kingdom. A Gunnery specialist, Rear Admiral Jha has held several significant afloat appointments, including Commanding Officer of the destroyer INS Chennai, the Commissioning Commanding Officer of the first Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette INS Kamorta, and Executive Officer of the aircraft carrier INS Viraat. Before assuming his current role, he served at Naval Headquarters as Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Communications, Space & Network Centric Operations) [ACNS (CS NCO)] and as Commodore (Personnel).

INDIAN NAVY HOSTS 5TH EDITION OF ''SAMUDRA SHAKTI'' MARITIME EXERCISE WITH INDONESIAN NAVY AT VISAKHAPATNAM The Indian Navy is conducting the fifth edition of the bilateral maritime exercise ‘Samudra Shakti – 2025’ with the Indonesian Navy from 14 to 17 October 2025 at Visakhapatnam. Participating in the exercise are INS Kavaratti, an anti-submarine warfare corvette from the Eastern Fleet under Eastern Naval Command (ENC), and KRI John Lie, a corvette from the Indonesian Navy equipped with an onboard helicopter. The Indonesian vessel was warmly received upon its arrival at Visakhapatnam. The harbour phase includes activities designed to foster camaraderie and professional interaction, such as cross-deck visits, joint yoga sessions, friendly sports matches, and Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE). The sea phase will feature advanced maritime operations, including helicopter drills, air defence exercises, live weapon firings, and Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) operations. Exercise ‘Samudra Shakti’ serves as a vital bilateral engagement to enhance interoperability, strengthen mutual understanding, and facilitate the exchange of best practices between the two navies. It reflects the shared commitment of India and Indonesia to uphold peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.