INTEGRATED DEFENCE STAFF HEADQUARTERS HOSTS JOINT ELECTROMAGNETIC BOARD MEETING 2025 The Joint Electromagnetic Board (JEMB), a sub-committee operating under the Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC), held its Annual Meeting on 20 November 2025 in New Delhi. The session was chaired by Air Marshal Rakesh Sinha, Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations). The primary objective of the meeting was to enhance joint operational synergy among the three Armed Services. Discussions focused on strengthening jointness and integration across key domains including Electronic Warfare, EMI/EMC, Counter-UAS operations, emerging technologies, and spectrum management. A highlight of the event was the demonstration of the Electromagnetic Battlespace Management System, designed to support effective spectrum utilization in the Tactical Battlefield Area (TBA). Additionally, the Technical Newsletter (TNL) 2025—a significant publication outlining futuristic technologies with the potential to transform modern warfare—was officially released. During his address, Air Marshal Sinha commended the Services for the successful execution of Operation Sindoor and the subsequent joint training exercises that captured valuable operational lessons. He also acknowledged the advancements being made in niche technology areas through the combined efforts of Defence PSUs, industry partners, and academia, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance).

EMERGENCY MEDICAL ROOM NOW OPERATIONAL FOR PUBLIC AT VIZIANAGARAM RAILWAY STATION In a significant step toward enhancing passenger safety and welfare, the Waltair Division of East Coast Railway has inaugurated a new Emergency Medical Room (EMR) on Platform No. 2 & 3 at Vizianagaram Railway Station. The facility has been established in collaboration with Maharajahs Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS Hospital), Nellimarla, and is designed to provide 24x7 emergency medical support to passengers. Divisional Railway Manager Shri Lalit Bohra praised the efforts of Chief Medical Superintendent Dr. D. Sharath Babu and the medical department for successfully implementing this vital service. He expressed confidence that similar medical units would be set up at other key stations in the future. He also advised passengers to carry valid documents to ensure smooth access to railway medical services. The EMR aims to deliver immediate first aid and emergency care to passengers who may suffer injuries due to accidents, falls, or other unexpected incidents during train travel. Staffed round-the-clock by qualified medical professionals, the unit is fully equipped with essential emergency care equipment. Injured passengers will receive priority treatment, and when necessary, will be quickly shifted to nearby government or private hospitals—preferably government facilities unless unavailable. As per the Indian Railways Act (with applicable amendments), bonafide passengers injured in railway accidents will receive free medical care, including medicines and ambulance services. For non-accident-related medical assistance sought by passengers onboard trains, a nominal charge of ₹100 per patient will apply through the Excess Fare Ticket (EFT), along with the actual cost of medicines. A small pharmacy will operate inside the EMR, and private medical consultations for other passengers will be available as per CGHS-approved rates. Passengers are encouraged to make full use of this new facility, which aims to improve safety and healthcare access throughout their journey.

DRDO AND FRANCE''S DGA SIGN TECHNICAL AGREEMENT TO BOOST DEFENCE R AND D COLLABORATION The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and France’s Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) have signed a Technical Agreement to strengthen cooperation in defence research and development. The agreement was formalized on November 20, 2025, at DRDO Bhawan in New Delhi, with Secretary, Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat and DGA’s National Armaments Director Lt. Gen. Gael Diaz de Tuesta signing the document. This strategic collaboration is aimed at combining the technological strengths and resources of both nations to develop cutting-edge solutions for future defence needs. The agreement establishes a comprehensive framework for joint research, training programs, testing activities, information exchange, and the organization of workshops and seminars to enhance expertise in defence R&D. The pact also allows for the transfer of equipment, know-how, and technologies between India and France. Key areas identified for cooperation include aeronautical platforms, unmanned systems, advanced defence materials, cyber security, artificial intelligence, space technologies, navigation systems, advanced propulsion, sensors, quantum technologies, underwater systems, and other mutually beneficial domains. Both sides expressed optimism that the enhanced partnership will play a crucial role in bolstering national security and advancing global defence technologies.

SWAVLAMBAN 2025 INDIAN NAVY HOSTS CURTAIN RAISER PRESS CONFERENCE The Indian Navy conducted the Curtain Raiser Press Conference for the fourth edition of its Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO) seminar, Swavlamban 2025, on 20 November 2025 in New Delhi. The briefing was chaired by Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan. Highlighting the key features of the upcoming seminar—scheduled from 25 to 26 November 2025 at the Manekshaw Centre, Delhi—the VCNS noted that Swavlamban 2025 will showcase the Navy’s progress in innovation and indigenisation, along with the vital contributions of Indian industry. He emphasized that this year’s edition will place greater focus on emerging and disruptive technologies to address India’s evolving security landscape. Vice Admiral Vatsayan reiterated the Navy’s ongoing journey toward achieving Aatmanirbharta in defence technologies. He stated that the theme for 2025, “Strength and Power through Innovation and Indigenisation,” underscores the Navy’s commitment to developing collaborative and cutting-edge solutions for operational challenges. The seminar will feature exclusive exhibit zones displaying products that have become success stories or have completed the full ‘ideation to induction’ cycle. It will also include detailed discussions on policy measures aimed at accelerating the adoption of indigenous technologies. Expert panel sessions will explore disruptive technological trends, their maritime applications, and future relevance. Additionally, a special interactive session with venture capitalists will examine opportunities for funding and scaling innovative defence solutions. This year’s programme will see the launch of the Innovathon, release of a Compendium of Technology Challenges and Problem Statements, as well as the unveiling of Swavlamban 4.0 and the Armament Indigenisation Compendium. Overall, the event aims to bring together innovators, academia, industry partners, MSMEs, and start-ups to foster collaboration and contribute to the development of future naval capabilities.