Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP), in collaboration with the Defence Mettallurgical Research Laboratory, Hyderabad, has developed a special grade steel for the country's naval warships. India has been importing this steel till now to meet its requirements.

This breakthrough will not only reduce India's dependence on other countries for specialised steel requirements but also provide the scope for exports of such special grades to other countries. The special steel for naval warships and its rolling into plates was made at BSP in the presence of defence experts.

Bhilai Plate Mill is armed with ISO:9002 certification for its quality management system and with ISO:14001 for its environment management system. BSP plates are exported to Middle East, Philippines, Japan, China and other countries.

-PIB (DW)

Amilitary delegation from Kazakhstan led by Maj Gen DA Sathojin, Head of Military Intelligence visited the Infantry School, Mhow.

On their arrival at the school, the delegation was accorded a warm welcome by the senior officers of the school. A detailed briefing was carried out by the Director of Faculty of Studies on conduct of various courses and training facilities available at the school.

The delegation was highly impressed with the innovative methodology adopted in imparting training to the young infantry soldiers. Later, Maj Gen DA Sathojin and other Kazakhstan Army officers met Lt Gen GS Negi, Commandant Infantry School.

The Sikh Light Infantry Regimental Centre, Fatehgarh (UP) became the first Infantry Regimental Training Centre to have developed a semi-indoor shooting range. The range was inaugurated by Brig IN Rai, Commandant, at a function held in Fatehgarh.

The shooting range has been developed to improve the marksmanship standards of the recruits and also to increase the representation level in the Army Marksmen Unit. It has been developed through regimental resources and has provisions for further expansion to meet the international standards.

The recruits will be imparted scientifically designed training which would not only instill confidence in young trainees but also make them combat shooters proficient in counter-insurgency environment.

The Army has been actively involved in nurturing the spirit of unity among cross-sections of the society. It has undertaken numerous outdoor camps to various parts of the country to serve the cause. These camps have been found to be useful in motivating the cream of the society to join Army.

Panther Division conducted a trekking expedition in the Kumaon hills of Uttaranchal for the children of Army personnel. It was an endeavour to expose the young minds to diverse culture of the country. The camp under the banner Siramani Trekking Expedition was held for seven days to familiarise the participants with jungle cooking, rock climbing, jungle survival and cultural exchanges.

Commander, Siramani Brigade flagged off the expedition in the presence of all Army officers, jawans and their families.

A state-of-the-art lithotripter has been installed in the urology department of Army Hospital (R&R) making it the first hospital in North India to have such a sophisticated patient care system. The equipment was installed by Lt Gen BN Shahi, Director General, Armed Forces Medical Services.

The lithotripter is the most modern and efficient machine for treatment of stones. The stone is pulverised into fine sand which is passed in the urine. It does not require additional surgical procedures.

The procedure employed by this machine is quite painless and does not need any anaesthesia except for small children. The complication rate is very low, without any significant injury to adjoining organs. The patient does not require hospitalisation.