INDIAN NAVAL SHIPS IN SRI LANKA FOR SLINEX-25 Indian Naval Ships INS Rana (a Guided Missile Destroyer) and INS Jyoti (Fleet Tanker) arrived at Colombo to participate in the 12th edition of Sri Lanka India Naval Exercise (SLINEX-25) scheduled from 14 to 18 Aug 25. Conceptualised in 2005, SLINEX is a bilateral naval exercise that has strengthened maritime cooperation between the two nations over two decades. SLINEX aims at enhancing interoperability, maritime cooperation and exchanging best practices while jointly undertaking multi-faceted maritime operations. The previous edition of SLINEX was conducted at Visakhapatnam, India from 17 to 20 Dec 24. The exercise will be conducted in two phases – the Harbour phase in Colombo from 14 to 16 Aug 25, followed by Sea phase from 17 to 18 Aug 25. SLNS Gajabahu and Vijayabahu (both Advance Offshore Patrol Vessels) will be representing the Sri Lankan Navy and Special Forces of both the navies will also feature in the exercise. During the harbour phase, professional interactions, Subject Matter Expert Exchange(SMEE), sharing of best practices, cultural & social exchanges along with yoga sessions and sporting events are planned, which would further bolster the bonds of friendship and camaraderie between both the navies. The naval drills planned during the sea phase include gunnery firing serials, communication protocols, navigation, seamanship evolutions, Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) and fueling at sea. The SLINEX maritime exercise exemplifies the deep engagement between India and Sri Lanka, which has strengthened cooperation in the maritime domain in consonance with India’s policy of Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions MAHASAGAR.

WALTAIR DIVISION CELEBRATES 79TH INDEPENDENCE DAY WITH GREAT FERVOR Waltair Division of East Coast Railway celebrated the 79th Independence Day with great enthusiasm at the Waltair Railway Football Ground, Thatichetlapalem. Shri Lalit Bohra Divisional Railway Manager, hoisted the National Flag and took the Rashtriya Salami, presented by contingents from the Railway Protection Force, Bharat Scouts & Guides, and Civil Defense. In his address, Shri Lalit Bohra extended heartfelt greetings to all railway personnel and their families, praising their relentless efforts in achieving the Division’s remarkable performance. He emphasized the importance of this Independence Day as a milestone in our journey of progress during the Amrit Kaal, the period leading up to the centenary of our Independence. Shri Lalit Bohra highlighted the Division''s impressive achievements, including Waltair Division performance continues to shine as a blue-chip division. He said “Till July this year, our gross revenue crossed ₹3,600 crore—14% higher than last year and 6% above target. Passenger earnings rose by 2%, freight earnings by over 16%. With 26 million tonnes loaded in the first four months—coal, iron ore, pig iron, finished steel, fertilisers, mineral oils—we are on course to break all past records. We rank among the top five loading divisions of Indian Railways and have recorded the highest growth among the top ten loading divisions of Indian Railways. The celebration was attended by ADRM (Infra) Shri E Santharam, Smt. Jyotsna Bohra, President, ECoRWWO, Senior Divisional Security Commissioner Shri AP Dubey, Senior Divisional Personnel Officer Shri Jusuf Kabir Ansari, and other branch officers and staff. The event also showcased cultural performances by the Divisional Cultural Association, staff, and RPF, with a highlight being a thrilling daredevil motorcycle performance. In recognition of their contributions, DRM Shri Lalit Bohra announced cash awards to the performers and organizers who made the celebration a grand success.

RINL CELEBRATES 79TH INDEPENDENCE DAY Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), the corporate entity of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, celebrated the 79th Independence Day with great enthusiasm and patriotic spirit at Trishna ground in Ukkunagaram. Dr. Suresh Chandra Pandey, Director (Personnel), RINL, hoisted the National Flag and addressed the gathering. In his address, Dr. Suresh Chandra Pandey paid rich tributes to the freedom fighters whose courage, sacrifices, and determination paved the way for a sovereign India. “Independence is not a gift to be taken for granted - it is a responsibility to be carried forward. Each generation must play its role in strengthening our nation,” he said. Highlighting the recent developments at the plant, the Director (Personnel) stated that the restart of Blast Furnace-3 marks a significant milestone — not merely an operational success, but a testament to our resilience and unwavering determination to progress. He expressed confidence that with the sustained support of the Ministry of Steel, Government of India, the consistent cooperation of the Andhra Pradesh State Government, and the hard work, discipline, dedication of its employees, RINL will reach new heights of success. Director (Personnel) called upon all employees to work together with unity and responsibility, aligning with national priorities such as Atmanirbhar Bharat and sustainable development. The programme was attended by D(Commercial) & Addl charge D(Finance) Sri GVN Prasad, D(Operations) Dr. Salim G Purushothaman, Senior officers, employees, CISF personnel, members of trade unions, representatives of various associations, School children, Teachers, and residents of Ukkunagaram.

PARTITION HORRORS REMEMBRANCE DAY OBSERVED BY WALTAIR DIVISION Waltair Division solemnly observed Partition Horrors Remembrance Day by organizing a poignant exhibition at Gate No.1, Visakhapatnam Railway Station, aimed at raising public awareness about the immense human suffering endured during the Partition of India in 1947. The exhibition, featuring evocative photographs that depicted the trauma, hardships, and displacement faced by millions of families, was inaugurated by Shri Lalit Bohra, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Waltair Division. In his address, Shri Bohra paid homage to the martyrs and victims of Partition and emphasized the significance of remembering this painful chapter in India’s history. “Partition Horrors Remembrance Day serves as an emotional reminder of the tragedy and sacrifices that accompanied our nation''s independence. It is essential for every citizen to reflect on the suffering of millions so that the lessons of history are never forgotten,” he said. The event witnessed the presence and active participation of senior branch officers of the Division. Shri Jusuf Kabir Ansari, Senior Divisional Personnel Officer, played a key role in coordinating the event and its arrangements. Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, observed across the nation, commemorates the mass displacement, violence, and hardship experienced during one of the largest and most tragic migrations in human history. The initiative serves to honor the memory of those who suffered and to instill a sense of historical awareness and unity among present and future generations.

PARTITION HORRORS REMEMBRANCE DAY OBSERVED BY WALTAIR DIVISION Waltair Division solemnly observed Partition Horrors Remembrance Day by organizing a poignant exhibition at Gate No.1, Visakhapatnam Railway Station, aimed at raising public awareness about the immense human suffering endured during the Partition of India in 1947. The exhibition, featuring evocative photographs that depicted the trauma, hardships, and displacement faced by millions of families, was inaugurated by Shri Lalit Bohra, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Waltair Division. In his address, Shri Bohra paid homage to the martyrs and victims of Partition and emphasized the significance of remembering this painful chapter in India’s history. “Partition Horrors Remembrance Day serves as an emotional reminder of the tragedy and sacrifices that accompanied our nation''s independence. It is essential for every citizen to reflect on the suffering of millions so that the lessons of history are never forgotten,” he said. The event witnessed the presence and active participation of senior branch officers of the Division. Shri Jusuf Kabir Ansari, Senior Divisional Personnel Officer, played a key role in coordinating the event and its arrangements. Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, observed across the nation, commemorates the mass displacement, violence, and hardship experienced during one of the largest and most tragic migrations in human history. The initiative serves to honor the memory of those who suffered and to instill a sense of historical awareness and unity among present and future generations.

NATIONAL FLAG HOISTING AND ''EK PED MAA KE NAAM'' INITIATIVE LAUNCH ORGANIZED BY DG (NS&M), DRDO Dr RV Hara Prasad, Distinguished Scientist & Director General (Naval Systems & Materials), Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) hosted the national flag in Office of DG (NS&M) premises in the midst of Scientists, Officers, Staff, IFA (R&D). In his speech, he reminded the responsibility of the NS&M Cluster personals to support the Armed forces viz., Navy, Force and Army with fullest cooperation in research and development of most sophisticated war fare weapons and drive the nation towards Prime Ministers of "Vikasit Bharat-2047" and also explained DRDO''s role in the "Operation Sindoor". 2. Later, DG(NS&M) launched "Ek Ped Moo Ke Naam" initiative by planting a sapling on his father, Children and appealed DG(NS&M) to make it grand success. 3. Shri SK Phanigrahi, Scientist-G & Director (PM & Admin), Smt. K.Sangeetha Reddy, IFA, Scientist, Officers and Staff participated patriotism in the programme.