Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Indian army chief to inaugurate memorial for Indian soldiers in Italy

Indian army chief to inaugurate memorial for Indian soldiers in Italy

INDIAN army chief General M M Naravane was set to embark on a tour of the UK and Italy for four days starting Monday (5) and the highlight of the visit will be him inaugurating the Indian Army Memorial in the Italian town of Cassino.

“The COAS (chief of the army staff) will also inaugurate the Indian Army Memorial in the famous town of Cassino and will be briefed at the Italian Army’s Counter IED Centre of Excellence at Cecchingola, Rome,” sources in the Indian army said.


Cassino has an important link to the Indian military as during the Battle of Monte Cassino in the Second World War (1939-45), more than 5,000 Indian troops sacrificed their lives while fighting to save Italy from the fascist forces. Nearly 50,000 Indians were enlisted for Italy’s liberation between September 1943 and April 1945 when the great war neared its end and the memorial has reportedly been built to pay homage to them.

Indian troops helped in liberating Italy

“The fourth, eighth, and tenth Indian Infantry Divisions were employed in the battle for the capture of Monte Cassino and in the bitter campaign that followed for the breaching of the Gothic Line,” former Italian army chief General Fabrizio Castagnetti had said while speaking at a ceremony at Cassino earlier. Tributes were paid to the slain Indian soldiers on the occasion.

Besides Cassino, Italy has several other cemeteries where Indian soldiers have been buried. Perugia, Luca, Florence, San Marino, Cesena, Forli, Ferrara, and Bologna are some of the Italian cities that troops from India had helped to liberate during the Second World War. Six Indian soldiers who were part of the Allied contingents fighting for the liberation of Italy had also received the prestigious Victoria Cross.

Gen Naravane will hold talks with some of the UK’s dignitaries, including the secretary of state for defence, chief of defence staff, chief of general staff and others during the first leg of his visit which falls on July 5 and 6.

Both the UK and Italy are India’s key partners in sectors like defence, healthcare, aerospace, clean technology, education, renewable energy, information and communication technology, among others, officials said.

The army chief’s visit is a part of military diplomacy that marks an ongoing process in India’s outreach to significant partners and signals its growing importance globally as a key player and a net security provider in the Indo-Pacific region, India Today reported.

More For You

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions
Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions

THE Sri Lanka government on Wednesday (2) formed a committee to recommend measures regarding the UK's decision to impose sanctions on three former military commanders who led the campaign that crushed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2009.

Health minister Nalinda Jayatissa told reporters that foreign minister Vijitha Herath, justice minister Harshana Nanayakkara and deputy minister of defence Aruna Jayasekara would comprise the committee that would consult experts for the purpose.

Keep ReadingShow less
Gujarat-blast-ANI

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed. (Photo: ANI)

ANI

Death toll rises to 21 in Gujarat firework factory explosion

AN EXPLOSION at an illegal firecracker factory in Gujarat's Deesa town killed 21 people and injured several others on Tuesday, officials said.

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed.

Keep ReadingShow less
Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

Child benefit, normally paid every four weeks directly into bank accounts, has undergone significant changes in recent months (Photo: Getty Images)

Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

MILLIONS of British families are set to receive a financial boost as child benefit payments increase from April 7, according to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

From next week, parents will receive £26.05 per week for the eldest or only child, amounting to £1,354.60 annually - up from the current rate of £25.60. For each additional child, payments will rise to £17.25 weekly, totalling £897 per year - an increase from the present £16.95 rate. This represents a 1.7 per cent increase across all payment categories.

Keep ReadingShow less
Anant Ambani Walks 140 Km in Spiritual Tribute on 30th Birthday

Anant’s padyatra is a reflection of the larger cultural fabric of India

Getty

Anant Ambani embarks on a 140-kilometer spiritual journey on foot to celebrate 30th birthday

Anant Ambani, a director of Reliance Industries Limited and a prominent figure in Indian industry, has chosen a unique and spiritual way to mark his 30th birthday. As part of his celebrations, he is currently undertaking a padyatra—a traditional pilgrimage on foot—from Jamnagar to Dwarka, covering a distance of approximately 140 kilometres. The journey reflects his devotion to Lord Dwarkadhish, the presiding deity of the Dwarkadhish Temple in the city of Dwarka.

Anant began his journey from his family’s residence in Moti Khavdi, Jamnagar, and has been progressing steadily for the past five days. Walking an estimated 10-12 kilometres each night, he travels under the protection of Z+ security and local police, ensuring his safety during this significant journey. The padyatra is expected to take between seven to nine days in total, with plans to conclude at the Dwarkadhish Temple in time for his birthday on April 10.

Keep ReadingShow less
New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

Government urged experts to come forward to help draw up a new five-year TB action plan. (Photo: Getty Images)

New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

BRITAIN on Wednesday (2) urged health experts and sufferers of tuberculosis (TB) to come forward to help draw up a new five-year action plan as it deals with record rises in the disease.

In 2023, England recorded its largest annual increase (11 per cent) in cases since enhanced surveillance began in 2000.

Keep ReadingShow less