Hamesha Vijayee Military Exercise Begins in Rajasthan

Southern Command are conducting a major exercise called ‘Hamesha Vijayee’ in the deserts of Rajasthan from 16 to 22 December 2017.

Aim of the exercise

The exercise aims at assessing the strengths and capabilities of the armed forces to strike into enemy territories. Such exercises are conducted at regular intervals by Southern Command to ensure the battle-preparation of the army troops.

Highlights

Units of the formations went through a training for the past two months to hone their skills and tactics. After the preparatory training, a large number of troops with tanks and other armoured vehicles duly supported by overwhelming land and air based firepower have commenced conducting fully integrated operational manoeuvres to validate their operational plans. The exercise being conducted in battle like conditions aims at fine tuning surveillance and destruction mechanisms to support precision strikes and manoeuvres by network enabled forces.

What is the emphasis?

The exercise would test sensor to shooter grids by employing surveillance and air assets networked with land based strategic and tactical vectors. Troops will also be rehearsed to operate in the backdrop of chemical and nuclear contingencies.

What is Southern Command?

It is a formation of the Indian Army which is active since 1895.

History of Southern Command's Formation

In 1895, the Presidency armies were abolished and three Presidency armies became the Indian Army. Further, the Indian Army was divided into four Commands 

Bengal Command

Bombay Command

Madras Command 

Punjab Command

Each command was under a lieutenant general

In 1908, these four commands were merged into two Armies Northern Army and Southern Army.This system continued till 1920 and after that the arrangement was reverted to four commands again Eastern Command, Northern Command, Southern Command and Western Command. 

During World War II, Southern Command was reformed as Southern Army in April 1942. The formation reverted to the title Southern Command in November 1945.

Expected Questions

‘Hamesha Vijayee’ military exercise was conducted by
a. Northern Command
b. Southern Command
c. Eastern Command
d. Western Command

Where was Hamesh Vijayee military exercise conducted?
a. Uttar Pradesh
b. Madhya Pradesh
c. Odisha
d. Rajasthan

In which year did Southern Army command was reverted to the title Southern Command?
a. 1965
b. 1945
c. 1982
d. 1947