Issued by India

Issued on Feb 24, 2023

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue Commemorative Postage Stamp on 2^nd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment (Special Force) on the occasion of its 50^th Poongli Day, 225^th Raising Day and 75^th Jhangar Day.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure/Cancellation Cachet : Smt. Nenu Gupta

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 301850 each

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• The Battalion was raised on 6 September 1797 for the Bombay Presidency as part of treaty with the Raja of Travancore as the 2^nd Battalion, 5^th Regiment Native Infantry of the Travancore Regiment. The Battalion’s gallant role in the storming of Madgala in the Abyssinian Campaign (1867-68) earned it the honour of being designated as a Light Infantry Regiment.
• In the First World War, the Battalion fought against the Turks in Mesopotamia and won laurels in action at Shaiba, Kul-El-Amara and Ctesiphon. In the Second World War, the Battalion won undying fame in the bloody assault on the formidable Italian fortress of Keren. Under 10 Indian Division in Italy, NK Yeshwant Ghadge was conferred with the Victoria Cross posthumously at Citta-de-Castello for his supreme act of valour.
• The Battalion was selected for parachute duties under 2^nd Indian Airborne Division in 1946 as 3^rd Parachute Battalion, the Maharatta Light Infantry. In 1947, the battalion rushed to Jammu and Kashmir to stem the onslaught of Pakistani forces and fought legendary battles at Naushera and Jhangar.
• On 15 April 1952, the Battalion became part of the Parachute Regiment Unit and was redesignated as Second Battalion, the Parachute Regiment. The Battalion took part in liberation of Goa in 1961. In 1965 Indo-Pak war, the Battalion saw action in Rann of Kutch and Lahore Theatres. In 1971, the Battalion won the distinction of carrying out the first airborne assault of the Indian Army by paradropping in the Eastern Sector and was the first Indian Army unit to enter Dacca.
• From 1990-1991, the Battalion served in OP HIFAZAT (Counter Insurgency operations) in the North East. On 1^st April 1999, the Battalion was selected for conversion to Special Forces. Immediately post conversion one team was inducted to Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) to rescue Indian Army Hostages held by the rebel groups. It was one of its kind mission conducted by any country under the UN Flag and was executed perfectly and all hostages were rescued without any casualties.
• In 2006, the Battalion was inducted in J&K and during this period, Captain R Harshan made supreme sacrifice during a pivotal operation and was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra.
• The Battalion witnessed history, as it oversaw the peaceful formation of the newest country in the world when Sudan was split into Sudan and South Sudan.
• The Battalion has distinguished itself in Live Situation Training role in North East and Jammu & Kashmir and in counter terrorism role at Bengaluru after 26/11 attack. The unit has won Three Chief of Army Staff’s Unit Citation, Governor of J&K Unit Appreciation, Two Army Cdr’s Citation and a UN Force Commander Unit Citation. The 427 awards won by the Battalion include one Victoria Cross, four Mahavir Chakras, one Ashoka Chakra, two Kirti Chakra, 17 Vir Chakras, 07 Shaurya Chakras, 48 Sena Medals and one Yudh Seva Medal. Most impressively the Battalion has won 25 Battle Honours and 5 Theatre honours, making it one of the most decorated Battalion in the Indian Army today.
• Text : Referenced from content provided by proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Jan 9, 2023

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp on ‘Surakshit Jayen Prashikshit Jayen – Go Safe and Go Trained’ to further intensify the campaign of the Ministry of External Affairs on Safe and Legal Migration.

Credits :
Stamps/FDC/Brochure/Cancellation Cachet : Mrs. Nenu Gupta

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 266600

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• With the rise of fraudulent and illegal migration, Ministry of External Affairs has been making constant efforts to educate migrants about the perils of illegal channels. Illegal migrants may be forced to live a wretched existence in the target country through illegal channels because they will be unable to legitimately enroll in any assistance or protection systems introduced by GOI. Instead, they will be subjected to harsh, insecure, and unpleasant living situations, as well as a significant danger of being exploited by unlawful employers who may force them to accept flexible work schedules at low rates and in hazardous working conditions. As a result, international migration has become centered on the necessity for both safe and trained migration.
• Given our robust demographic dividend and rapidly changing global economic world order, Ministry of External Affairs has also been working on various activities such as aligning e-Migrate portals with other Ministries in India as well as Governments of host countries for skilling and mapping overseas opportunities and promoting legal migration to boost the Indian workforce’s sustainable employment ecosystem and entrepreneurship opportunities. The Ministry has also been coordinating with a number of State governments and stakeholders to disseminate information on the Indian Diaspora and overseas employment opportunities.
• With an aim of promoting safe and legal migration as well as overseas career prospects, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has launched the ‘Surakshit Jayen Prashikshit Jayen – Go Safe, Go Trained’ campaign to raise awareness and facilitate safe and legal migration. The goal of this campaign is to raise public awareness about the importance of using safe and legal channels while travelling for job so that well-informed migrants will be able to seamlessly integrate and have a safe and productive stay abroad. This motto has earlier been widely publicized through awareness generation workshops and Pre-Departure Orientation & Training (PDOT) imparted to the prospective migrants.
• To give a further impetus on visibility of Ministry’s unique campaign, a Postal Stamp with a tagline on Surakshit Jayen Prashikshit Jayen is being released on the occasion of the 17^th PBD Convention at Indore, Madhya Pradesh on 8-10 January 2023 to maximize the visibility among the prospective migrants. It is anticipated that the Stamp release will generate much needed awareness for promoting safe and legal migration and overseas employment opportunities.
• Text : Referenced from content provided by Ministry of External Affairs.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 16, 2021

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue the Commemorative Postage Stamp on Swarnim Vijay: 1971-2021, a historic event for India and a day of pride for us all.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure/Cancellation Cachet : Ms. Nenu Gupta

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 302400

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• The Year 2021 marks the 50^th Anniversary of the victory of the Indian Armed Forces during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. As a mark of tribute and celebration of the victory, the period December 2020-2021 is being observed as Swarnim Vijay Varsh by the Indian Armed Forces.
• 16 December, the day of the surrender of Pakistani forces, is celebrated as Vijay Diwas each year. This day witnessed the conclusion of the War with the Indian Armed Forces gaining a decisive victory over Pakistan. Pakistani forces in East Pakistan under the leadership of Lieutenant General AAK Niazi, surrendering to the Indian Armed forces, led by Lt Gen JS Aurora, GOC-in-C, Eastern Command. Also present during the Surrender Ceremony were Vice Admiral N Krishnan, FOC-in-C, Eastern Naval Command and Air Marshal HC Dewan, AOC-in-C, Eastern Air Command.
• The 1971 Indo-Pak war commenced with Pakistan launching pre-emptive strikes on a large number of IAF bases. A swift response to these unprovoked attacks was launched by the Indian Armed Forces on the Western and Eastern Fronts, on Land, Sea and Air. Offensive action by the Indian Armed Forces led to the capture of Dhaka in East Pakistan, surrender of 93000 Pakistani soldiers and the emergence of Bangladesh as an independent nation. This was the largest surrender of Armed Forces post World War II. The historic victory of 1971 was achieved through the valour, gallantry and professionalism of the Commanders and Troops. It was a result of meticulous planning, dynamic leadership and innovation at multiple echelons. The stamp is symbolic of the resilience and tenacity of Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen, who were motivated by their leaders and convinced by the righteousness of their cause. As for the enemy, it had no way but surrender.
• The defining characteristic of the war was the jointness and integration achieved among the three arms of India’s Defence Forces. This, more than anything else, resulted in the success of the lightning campaign leading to the liberation of Bangladesh.
• The stamp commemorates the iconic event in the history of Indian Subcontinent. As its centerpiece, it carries the Swarnim Vijay Varsh logo, designed by Lt Cdr Kushal Chandrashekhar of the Indian Navy, which was selected during an All India Competition held in Oct-Nov 2020. The stamp also commemorates the espirit-de-corps and spirit of jointmanship displayed by the Indian Armed Forces as well as the Indo-Bangla Forces.
• With the launch of the Swarnim Vijay Varsh Stamp, India celebrates the professionalism and valour of its Armed Forces and reaffirms its commitment to its old friend and close neighbor, Bangladesh.
• Text : Referenced from content provided by Army Postal Service.

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Issued by India

Issued on Oct 9, 2019

Issued for : Arjan Singh was and remains a source of inspiration to generations of Indians. For his immense contribution to the country and IAF in particular, DoP is pleased to release a Commemorative Postage Stamp in honour of Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh DFC during the 87^th Anniversary celebrations of the Indian Air Force in October 2019.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure : Ms. Gulistaan
Cancellation Cachet : Smt. Nenu Gupta

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 600039

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : India Security Press, Nashik

Name : Arjan Singh

Born on Apr 15, 1919 at Lyallpur, Punjab, British India [now Faisalabad, Pakistan]

Died on Sep 16, 2017 at New Delhi, India

About : 

• Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh DFC was commissioned in the Royal Air Force (RAF) on 23 December, 1939. He served as Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) from 1964 to 1969. He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan for his distinguished service in commanding the Indian Air Force (IAF) during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1965. He was the first IAF officer to be promoted to the rank of Air Chief Marshal in 1966. He was assigned various important diplomatic and constitutional appointments after he retired as the Air Chief in the year 1969. In 2002, he became the first and only officer of the Indian Air Force to be promoted to five-star rank as Marshal of the Air Force, equivalent to the army rank of Field Marshal.
• Arjan Singh was born on 15 April, 1919 in Lyallpur, Punjab (now known as Faisalabad, Pakistan) in what was then undivided India, into a Sikh family. Arjan Singh was educated at Montgomery, British India (now in Pakistan). In 1938, at the age of 19, he was selected for the Empire Pilot Training Course at the RAF College, Cranwell. He was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in December, 1939.
• His first posting on being commissioned involved flying Westland Wapiti biplanes in the North Western Frontier Province as a member of the No. 1 IAF Squadron. Arjan Singh flew against the tribal forces before he was transferred for a brief stint with the newly formed No. 2 IAF Squadron. Later he moved back to No. 1 Sqn. as a Flying Officer, when the Squadron was re-equipped with the Hawker Hurricane. In 1944, he was promoted to the rank of Squadron Leader and became the Commanding Officer of No. 1 Squadron. He flew close support missions during the crucial Imphal Campaign and later assisted the advance of the Allied Forces to Rangoon, Burma. For his role in successfully leading the squadron during combat, Arjan Singh received the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1944. He was given command of the IAF Display flight, which flew Hawker Hurricanes after the war, which toured India giving demonstrations. On 15 August 1947, he was given the unique honour of leading the fly-past of more than a hundred IAF aircraft over the Red Fort in Delhi.
• Immediately after independence, Arjan Singh took over the command of Air Force Station, Ambala, in the rank of Group Captain. In 1948, the late Marshal married Teji Singh. They were married for 63 years before Mrs. Singh passed away in April 2011. In 1949, after promotion to the rank of Air Commodore, Arjan Singh took over as the Air Officer Commanding of an Operational Command, which later came to be known as the Western Air Command. Arjan Singh had the distinction of having the longest tenure as AOC of Operational Command, from 1949-1952 and again from 1957-1961. Promoted to Air Vice Marshal, he was the AOC-in-C of Operational Command. Towards the end of 1962 war, he was appointed as the Deputy Chief of Air Staff and became the Vice Chief of Air Staff by 1963. On 01 Aug 1964, Arjan Singh took over as the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) in the rank of Air Marshal. Arjan Singh was the first Air Chief who kept his flying category till the CAS rank. Having flown over 60 different types of aircraft from pre-second World War era biplanes to the more contemporary Gnats & Vampires, he had also flown transports like the super constellation.
• A testing time came in September 1965 when Pakistan launched Operation Grand Slam, in which an armored thrust targeted the vital town of Akhnur. He was summoned into Defence Minister’s office with a request for air support. When asked how quickly the IAF will be ready for operations, he replied with his characteristic nonchalance, “in an hour”. And true to his word, the Air Force struck the Pakistani offensive in an hour. He led the IAF through the war showing unparalleled leadership.
• Arjan Singh was awarded the Padma Vibhushan for his leadership during the 1965 War and subsequently the rank of CAS was upgraded to that of Air Chief Marshal and he became the first Air Chief Marshal of the Indian Air Force.
• In 1969, after his retirement, Air Chief Marshal Arjan Singh was appointed as the Indian Ambassador to Switzerland and Vatican serving concurrently. He was also appointed as the High Commissioner to Kenya from 1974 to 1977. Subsequently, he served as a member of the National Commission for Minorities in the Government of India from 1975 to 1981. He served as the Lt Governor of Delhi from December 1989 to December 1990. In recognition of his services, the Government of India conferred the rank of the Marshal of the Indian Air Force onto Arjan Singh in January, 2002 making him the first and the only ‘Five Star’ rank officer of the Indian Air Force. In 2016, Air Force Station, Panagarh was renamed as Air Force Station Arjan Singh in his honour.
• Arjan Singh breathed his last on 16 September, 2017.
• Text : Based on information received from the proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Aug 20, 2019

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue a set of four Miniature Sheets on the theme “Indians in First World War” to commemorate the contribution of “Indians in the First World War”.

Credits :
Stamps/Miniature Sheets/FDC/Brochure/Cancellation Cachet : Shri Brahm Prakash (Based on the designs provided by Imperial War Museum, UK and USI, CAFHR, New Delhi)

Type : Miniature Sheets, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise (8), 1000 Paise (3), 1500 Paise (3) and 2500 Paise (1)

Stamps Printed : 500000 each

Miniature sheets printed (4 types) : 1.10 lakh each

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• The First World War (1914-1918) was a watershed event in modern world history. The events of that conflict changed the social and political map of the world. Though a colony at the time, India actively supported the war effort in its bid to gain Dominion status and contributed immensely in terms of men and material. Indian soldiers served with credit and honour in numerous battlefields around the globe. By the end of the war nearly 14,00,000 Indians had served overseas at the cost of approximately 74,000 dead. They earned over 9,200 decorations for gallantry including 11 Victoria Crosses. These figures include the contribution of over 26,000 Imperial Service troops who were a part of the armies of the semi-autonomous Princely States or Indian States Forces as they were commonly known.
• MAJOR BATTLE THEATRES
  • Mesopotamia – In Mesopotamia, after initial setbacks to the designated Indian Expeditionary Force ‘D’, the series of operations which culminated in the capture of Baghdad completely transformed the military situation and produced political effects of far reaching significance. India’s share in the achievement of this important success consisted in providing over three-quarters of the force employed, over three-quarters of the river craft and the entire railway material and personnel, without which the operations would have been impossible. Of the 86 battalions composing the force at the time of the capture of Baghdad, India had contributed 73, and all but two of the 43 squadrons of cavalry. Three Indian soldiers were awarded the Victoria Cross for acts of supreme gallantry in Mesopotamia.
  • France and Belgium – Designated Indian Expeditionary Force ‘A’, the Indian Corps that served in France and Belgium from Sep 1914 consisted of two infantry and two cavalry divisions. 85,000 Indian soldiers under 1,500 officers, supported by 26,000 Indian non-combatants, served in the Indian Corps. Indian soldiers fought at the battles of Ypres, Festubert, Givenchy, Neuve Chapelle, Second Ypres, Cambrai and Loos, suffering some 34,252 casualties in the process.
  • Gallipoli – The object of the Gallipoli Campaign, from start to finish was to force the passage of the Dardanelles and get a fleet of British and French warships to Constantinople; hoping thereby to force the surrender of Turkey and bring about a speedy conclusion of the war in the Middle East. The Indian Expeditionary Force ‘G’ that served in the Dardanelles was not very large in number; yet it had a significant impact upon the course of the operations and no account of the campaign can ignore the contribution of the 14^th Sikhs in the Third Battle of Krithia or the 1/6th Gurkhas in the climactic Battle of Sari Bair.
• AIR WARRIORS
  • Lieutenant Indra Lal Roy was credited with shooting down eight German fighter aircraft in aerial combat; he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. He is the only Indian pilot to get the decoration during World War I. He was killed in action in a dogfight against German Fokker D. VIIs aircraft over France on 22 July 1918. He was 19 years old.
  • Lieutenant Hardit Singh Malik was the first Indian to be commissioned as an officer into a combatant arm. He flew in No. 28 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps (RFC), in France and served with distinction, ending the war with a German bullet in his leg, which he carried till the end. He became India’s Ambassador to France after independence.
  • Lieutenant SG Wellingkar volunteered and joined the Royal Flying Corps and got his wings in April/May 1917 after which he flew a number of combat sorties over France to blunt the German offensives in the summer of 1918. On 27 June, 1918 he was shot down over France and died on 30 June, 1918.
  • Lieutenant Erroll Suvo Chunder Sen was an Indian pilot who served in the Royal Flying Corps during the First World War and was among the first Indian military aviators. His grandfather was the philosopher and social reformer Keshab Chandra Sen. He was assigned to No. 70 Squadron RFC, based at Poperinge in West Flanders, Belgium and equipped with the Sopwith Camel. While taking part in an offensive patrol, Sen crash-landed behind enemy lines and became a PoW. He was eventually repatriated to the U.K. on 14 December, 1918.
• INDIAN WAR MEMORIALS
  • India Gate – New Delhi. The foundation of India Gate was laid on 10 February 1921. Designed by Edwin Lutyens, the memorial was inaugurated on 12 February 1931, by Lord Irwin, the then Viceroy. Both sides of the arch are inscribed with INDIA, flanked by the dates MCMXIV (1914) and MCMXIX (1919). Below the word INDIA, is inscribed, in capital letters: ‘To the dead of the Indian Armies who fell honoured in France and Flanders, Mesopotamia and Persia, East Africa, Gallipoli and elsewhere in the Near and the Far-East …………’. Since the installation of the Amar Jawan Jyoti, in 1972, it has served as a national memorial to India’s fallen soldiers.
  • Teen Murti / Haifa Memorial – New Delhi. It is a memorial to honour the fallen of the Indian State Forces during World War One. The three lancers represent the constituent regiments of the 15^th Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade, viz., the Hyderabad, Mysore and Jodhpur Lancers, who won renown during the Palestine campaign. The charge of the Jodhpur Lancers at Haifa lives on its history as the only known instance of the capture of a fortified town by a cavalry action. This memorial has since been designated as the Indian Cavalry Memorial. In January, 2018 its name was changed from Teen Murti Memorial to Teen Murti Haifa Memorial to commemorate the capture of Haifa (now in Israel) by the Jodhpur and Mysore Lancers on 23 September, 1918.
  • Neuve Chapelle Memorial – France. The Memorial is dedicated to the memory of those Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in France and Belgium in the First World War and who have no known grave. It was inaugurated on 7 October 1927.
  • Chattri Memorial – Brighton, UK. – During the War many Indian soldiers wounded on the Western Front were hospitalised in towns along the south coast of England. One of the sites used was the Brighton Pavilion, which was converted into a temporary military hospital. 74 Indian soldiers died in Brighton’s military hospitals. The Chattri memorial was built by the people of Brighton to honour the Indian dead of the First World War and was unveiled in 1921.
  • Menin Gate Memorial – Ieper (Ypres), Belgium. Units of the Indian Army played a crucial role in the defence of the Ypres salient during the First and Second Battles of Ypres in October 1914 and April 1915. The memorial commemorates more than 400 Indian Servicemen who died here during the war.
  • The Indian Great War Military Memorial at Villers Guislain, France was unveiled by the Hon’ble Vice President of India, Shri Venkaiah Naidu on 10 November 2018. It commemorates the men of the Indian Armed Forces who fell on the Western Front during WW1. It is located near the battlefield where Lance Dafadar Gobind Singh won his Victoria Cross for his death defying valour on 1 December, 1917.
• SIGNING OF THE TREATY OF VERSAILLES, 1919
  • Indian plenipotentiaries signed the peace treaties alongside representatives of other sovereign states on the basis of legal equality of status. Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner can be seen in the centre standing beside the right-hand pillar. For its contribution to the war effort, India gained independent representation at the Paris Peace Conference in 1919, which established India’s presence in the international arena with far reaching consequences. As a signatory of the Treaty of Versailles, India was granted automatic entry to the League of Nations on its formation in 1920 and later became one of the founding member-states of the United Nations in 1945.
• Text : Based on the information provided by USI, CAFHR (United Service Institution of India, Centre for Armed Forces Historical Research, New Delhi).

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Issued by India

Issued on Feb 23, 2019

Issued for : Department of Posts is proud to issue this set of two Commemorative Postage Stamps on Aero India 2019

Credits :
Stamps/FDC/Brochure/Cancellation Cachet : Shri Kamleshwar Singh

Type : Miniature Sheet, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 2500 & 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 502000 of 2500 p and 562000 of 500 p

Miniature Sheet Printed : 1.51 Lakh

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• Since its inception in 1996, Aero India – the premier airshow in Asia – has had eleven successful editions and has established itself as a marquee event in the international aerospace calendar. Aligned with the Make in India initiative envisioned by Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, this show in its recent editions has attracted foreign and private investments in the sector. The show provides a unique opportunity for the aviation industry to showcase their capabilities, products and services with special focus on latest technologies. The show has also enthralled the general audience with captivating aerobatic performances and provided a glimpse into the rapid advancement of technologies in aviation, defence and aerospace.
• While the event is emblematic of New India and its achievements have been the result of national endeavours, the contribution of women to the aviation and defence sectors deserves a special recognition. It is time to celebrate these role models of our time. Careers in military services, air traffic control, hospitality in the aviation industry and other allied activities are gaining popularity among women in the country. As of 2018, there are 1,561 women officers in the Army, 1,594 in the IAF and 644 in the Navy. India is proud to have the highest proportion of women commercial pilots at 12% of the total number of pilots against the corresponding global figure which is less than 5%. Women have made groundbreaking contributions in wide ranging fields from research in defence and aviation to undertaking daring flights. The courageous women are not only securing our skies and providing an invaluable national service, they have also broken glass ceilings and soared high. By setting precedence for young women across regions, countries and generations, these inspiring women have meaningfully contributed to not just the sector but to womankind as a whole. As a mark of recognition of the contribution made by women in the Aviation and Defence Sectors, Day 4 of the 12^th Aero India show (23^rd Feb 2019) is being dedicated to “Women in Aviation”.
• The Department of Defence Production (DDP) – the driving force behind Aero India was set up in November 1962 with the objective of developing a comprehensive production infrastructure to produce the weapons, systems, platforms and equipment required for defence. Over the years, the Department has established wide ranging production facilities for various defence equipment through the Ordnance Factories and Defence Public Sector Undertakings. The products manufactured include arms and ammunition, tanks, armoured vehicles, heavy vehicles, fighter aircraft and helicopters, warships, submarines, missiles, ammunition, electronic equipment, earth moving equipment, special alloys and special purpose steels.
• DDP has also worked to create and ensure a unified brand that positions the event as the premier Aerospace and Aviation exhibition in the region and this brand is firmly established by the conceptualization of the tagline and logo of the event.
• The driving ethos of Aero India 2019 is perfectly encapsulated in its tagline “The Runway to a Billion Opportunities”. India is on the precipice of becoming one of the largest economies in the world and presents infinite investment opportunities under Make in India. With Passenger Traffic in India likely to increase to 350 million in 2020, India is expected to become the 3^rd largest aviation market in the world. In the defence sector, a requirement of $130 billion is projected for Military Modernization in the next 3 to 5 years. The tagline aptly represents the opportunities presented by these forecasts and outlines India’s emergence as the hub for the global aerospace and aviation industries.
• The logo for Aero India 2019 is inspired by the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). The Tejas LCA together with its variants, is the smallest and lightest Multi-Role Supersonic Fighter Aircraft of its class. This single engine, Compound-Delta-Wing, Tail-less Aircraft is designed and developed to meet diverse needs of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Navy (IN). The Tejas LCA programme has achieved the rare distinction of completing over 4000 Successful Test Flights. The tri-colored silhouette of the Tejas LCA with the Ashok Chakra in the centre is the core motif of this logo, reminiscent of the spirit of New India. The defined outlines of the ‘A’ in Aero is symbolic of a fighter jet while conveying that Aero India is a premier global aerospace exhibition.
• Women in the aviation sector have purchased frontiers and paved the way for other women and girls to become future leaders. Dedicated to those working towards increasing the role and leadership of women in the aerospace community, this set of two stamps is a tribute to these brave women making incredible contributions to our skies and security.
• Text : Based on the information received from the proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Apr 11, 2018

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp on Defence Research and Development Organization on its diamond jubilee.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure : Sh. Kamleshwar Singh
Cancellation Cachet : Smt. Alka Sharma

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 1000 Paise

Stamps Printed : 6.0 lakh

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is country’s leading defence R&D organization involved in design and development of indigenous defence systems for the Indian Armed Forces. The organization has contributed immensely in making India a self-sufficient and self-reliant country in defence equipment. DRDO’s product profile includes a varied range of defence platforms, system and weapon systems. DRDO has seven technology clusters viz. Aeronautical Systems, Armament and Combat Engineering Systems, Electronics and Communication Systems, Life Sciences, Micro Electronic Devices and Computational Systems, Missiles and Strategic Systems and Naval Systems and Materials. Together, these clusters which consist of 52 research labs, have produced Aeronautical System, Missiles, Fight Aircraft, Combat Vehicles, Tanks, Radars, Armaments, Under Water Sonars, Electronic Warfare, Computational Systems, Life Science & Engineering Systems, Surveillance and Recce Systems, Naval and Airborne Weapon Systems etc. DRDO also has three certification agencies for the certifications of military airworthiness of products, fire and explosives, and grading of information security products, which also serves other organisations of the Government of India. Besides, DRDO has an Institute of Technology Management, Recruitment and Assessment Centres for tapping of talent at grass root level.
• With an eye to encourage the growth of the domestic industry, DRDO has established an eco-system for design, development and manufacturing. Over 1000 small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) are working very closely with DRDO labs. DRDO labs have a close R&D partnership with academia in pursuit of research. Several Centres of Excellence in premier academic institutions of the country have been set up for pursuing R&D in critical defence technology. The prominent ones are IIT Mumbai, IIT Chennai, IIT Delhi and Jadhavpur University Kolkata. DRDO is the recipient of the prestigious National Intellectual Property Award 2015 in the category “Top R&D Organizations for Patents”.
• In the past three years the Government’s exceptional push has enhanced and nurtured the technical path traversed by DRDO to reach the present stage of confidence, technical maturity, and deliverability. Weapon systems, platforms and dual use equipment developed by DRDO which can be valued to the tune of Rs. 1.6 lakh cr. are being inducted in our Armed Forces, Para-Military Forces and are transferred for civilian use.
• DRDO is progressively working towards strengthening the country’s armed forces and consolidating its international stature. With increased acceptability, credibility and visibility, the export potential of DRDO developed system has also increased. A good number of countries have shown interest in acquiring DRDO developed products.
• This year will go down as a milestone in DRDO journey as it celebrates its diamond jubilee. These sixty years of DRDO are marked with laborious and unparalleled research endeavours in the field of high-end defence technologies and production of various tactical and strategic weapons and platforms.
• Text : Based on the information received from proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Oct 15, 2017

Issued for : On completion of 75 years, Department of Posts is pleased to release a set of two Commemorative Postage Stamps on Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport.

Credits :
Stamp/Miniature Sheet/FDC/Brochure/Cancellation Cachet : Sh. Brahm Prakash

Type : Miniature Sheet, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 & 1500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 602000

Miniature Sheet Printed : 0.1 million

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : India Security Press, Nashik

About : 

• The erstwhile Royal Air Force Santacruz, a military airfield, commenced its operations in 1942. The airfield was transferred to the Indian Government for civil use upon independence and came to be known as Santacruz airport. The hangers of Royal Air Force Santacruz were converted into terminals for passenger traffic, one hanger was used as a domestic terminal and the other as an international terminal. As time went and the passenger traffic increased, so did the need for the systematic development of the airport.
• With the drawing of the Jumbo Jet era in 1970s, the Santacruz airport, despite several extensions, began suffering from insufficient operational capacity. The International Airports Authority of India then planned the construction of a new terminal building to demarcate domestic and international passenger traffic and thus, the new international terminal at Sahar in Andheri saw the light of the day. In 1999, the airport was rechristened to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA).
• Mumbai Airport has reached a new height on a journey full of commendable milestones. Its completion of 75 years of public service is a moment of pride and an occasion to reflect the growth it has witnessed over the last seven and a half decades. CSIA during this period witnessed an enormous growth in passenger movements, which necessitated the establishment of a state-of-the-art infrastructure.
• In 2006, as an initiative under Public-Private-Partnership, the operations of the airport were entrusted to the Mumbai International Airport Pvt Ltd. (MIAL), a joint venture between the GVK led consortium and the Airports Authority of India. In addition to refurbishing the existing terminals and improving airside infrastructure, MIAL made significant improvements to the aesthetics and passenger convenience with the creation of the state-of-the-art Terminal 2, setting new benchmark in service quality and efficiency.
• Mumbai Airport is catering to over 45 million passengers annually, connecting Mumbai to over 99 domestic and international destinations. Compared to 22 million annual passengers and average daily 584 flight movements in FY 2007, in FY 2017, annual passengers handled were 45 million and average daily flight movements were 867. CSIA is the only airport in the world having handled 935 flight movements on a single runway on a given day.
• To provide travelers a glimpse of the rich Indian heritage and culture, T2 houses a magnificent art program named “Jaya He” which is India’s largest art program for public display. It was conceived as an initiation to make passengers aware of the environment of the airport, the city of Mumbai and India as a whole. Reflecting the many layered story of India, “Jaya He” evolved into an immense multidisciplinary endeavour, like a new museum. This art museum is home to over 7000 art pieces made by various artisans from the different regions of the country.
• CSIA is one amongst the three airports in the world, to be inducted into the Airport Council International (ACI) Director General’s Roll of Excellence in 2015, for consistently being ranked amongst the top five airport in its category by ACI under the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) program for five years (2009 to 2014).
• CSIA was rated as the ‘World’s Best Airport’ in the 25-40 million passengers per annum category by ACI in the Airport Service Quality Award 2015. It was also recognized at the Skytrax Awards 2017 for ‘Best Airport Staff Service’, showcasing its superlative service and passenger experience. Recently, CSIA has been adjudged as the ‘World’s Second Best Airport’ in over 40 million passengers per annum category by ACI.
• Text : Based on the material received from proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Oct 6, 2016

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to release a Commemorative Postage Stamp on Induction of C-130J.

Credits :
Stamp / FDC / Cancellation Cachet : Smt. Nenu Gupta

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 401590

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• The Indian Air Force’s C-130J Super Hercules is an Advanced Mobility Special Operations Platform with maximum payload capacity of 20 Tonnes. It is a highly sophisticated platform primarily designed to support India’s Special Operations requirements. The IAF inducted this aircraft in January 2011 and it is ideally suited to India’s mission environment which often involves operations from Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs) located at high elevations under adverse weather conditions.
  
• The Super Hercules is a versatile platform and is equipped with state of the art avionics, navigation and advanced defensive suite. This aircraft is utilised to undertake diverse roles across varied terrain in extreme weather conditions. Modern electro-optical infra-red pod, glass cockpit, head-up displays, in-flight refueling probe, enhanced cargo handling system and external fuel tanks are an integral part of this aircraft. It has a unique feature of automated formation flight wherein 36 aircraft can be flown in formation with Station Keeping Equipment. The aircraft can also be used for mass troop deployment, Special Operations, Air to Air refueling and Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HA/DR). Its superior onboard navigation technology enables it to perform precision low level tactical flying, supply & personnel airdrop and assault landing in adverse conditions. The platform is capable of undertaking ultra-low level missions to augment ground forces with airdrop of troops and material. The aircraft offers fully automated independent precision approach under dark night conditions with support of Night Vision Devices.
  
• The aircraft created history on 20 August 2013 when it was landed at Daulat Beg Oldie, a strategically placed Advanced Landing Ground. This landing with high all-up weight at an elevation of 16614 ft above mean sea level made an entry into ‘Limca Book of World Records’ as ‘Heaviest Aircraft to Land at the Highest Airfield’. This boosted the morale of not only the pilots but also the ground forces.
  
• Since induction, C-130J has been employed as one of the main aircraft for the IAF transport operations within and outside the confines of the Indian subcontinent. In 2013, as floods wrecked havoc in Uttarakhand, the aircraft was extensively utilised in disaster relief operations termed Operation Rahat. In addition to evacuating distressed personnel, the aircraft was also used as an innovative Fuel Bridge at a semi-prepared airfield named Dharasu. This proved vital in sustaining prolonged helicopter operations in Uttarakhand valley towards HA/DR.
  
• The other HA/DR missions, in which Super Hercules was used, include relief operations in Philippines post Cyclone ‘Haiyan’, Vishakhapatnam post Cyclone ‘Hud Hud’ and flood relief operations in Myanmar and Chennai. In September 2014, Srinagar valley was hit by torrential rains and flooding of Jhelum River. The C-130J was brought into action at short notice thereby becoming a part of the largest humanitarian aid operation termed Operation Megh Rahat. In 2015, the IAF used the Super Hercules to airlift necessary recovery equipment to Kathmandu. This was in the wake of the crash landing of a Turkish Airlines aircraft which left the busy Kathmandu runway unusable by any other aircraft. Barely a month later, when a devastating earthquake struck Nepal, India was the first country to send its C-130J for rescue operations. More than 600 passengers were evacuated and relief material was flown in.
  
• The capabilities of the C-130J Super Hercules allow it to be used towards projection of IAF’s potential in any part of the globe to protect our National interests. This versatile and potent platform is operated by thorough professionals and is located at Air Force Station Hindan. Upholding the true spirit of the professionalism of the IAF, the aircraft indeed does proudly ‘Touch the Sky with Glory’.
  
• Text : Based on the material received from proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Sep 15, 2015

Issued for : The Department of Posts is pleased to release a set of three Stamps on the Army, Navy and Air Force, along with a First Day Cover and Brochure, to honour the valour and courage of the soldiers of Armed Forces of 1965 war.

Design : The Stamps depict the spirit and resoluteness of purpose displayed by the three wings of Indian Armed Forces during the 1965 war.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Cancellation : Nenu Gupta

Type : Stamps, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi colour

Denomination : 500 Paise each

Stamps Printed : 0.6 Million x 3 Stamps

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• Honour, selfless service and the spirit of sacrifice are ingrained tenets of the Indian Armed Forces, preserved as part of their glorious tradition, enabling them to acquit themselves commendably both in war and peace. In the face of grave personal danger, the Indian Soldier, Sailor and Air Warrior has never hesitated in making the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, a fact that has been evident throughout the history of our Nation, in the face of many challenges faced. One such example of valour of soldiers of Armed Forces was witnessed in 1965, wherein our Armed Forces exhibited tremendous grit, determination and fortitude, living up to the faith reposed in them by the Indian Nation and its leaders.
  
• Right from October 1947, when it engineered a tribal invasion to capture Kashmir, Pakistan had chosen to follow a path of conflict with India and sought to achieve by war what it could not achieve through diplomacy. In August and September of 1965, the Indian Armed Forces were put to test by Pakistan for a second time, when Pakistan forces attacked Kutch in Western India. Subsequent skirmishes in the Kashmir valley by infiltrators, were designed to surprise the Indian Armed Forces. The incursions at the end of August and an all-out attack by Pakistani armour in the Chhamb area of Jammu Province later, was with the obvious objective of cutting the Jammu–Srinagar highway.
  
• Having launched Op Gibraltar and Op Grand Slam, the Pakistan Armed Forces were confident of quick success. The Indian Armed Forces, despite being lightly equipped in all sectors, fought valiantly in the true spirit of the Indian Soldier, with resilience to adversity. The Pakistan Armed Forces were in for a rude shock when operations by Indian Armed Forces brought their offensive in both the Western and Eastern Sectors to a screeching halt. This was achieved through leadership and adroit application of operational art. The timely entry of the Air Force into the conflict provided additional impetus that eventually stalled Pakistan’s nefarious designs, especially in the Chhamb–Jaurian Sector.
  
• Significant endeavours of the Indian Armed Forces during the 1965 War were the capture of Hajipir, blunting of the Pakistani offensive in Chhamb–Jaurian, Battle of Asal Uttar, the Ichhogil Canal operations and the advance onto Lahore. The tank battles of 1965 take their place in annals of military history as the most intense ones used since World War II. On 10^th September 1965, the Indian Armed Forces stuck a massive blow to the armada of Pakistani tanks when the offensive of Pakistan’s 1^st Armoured Division was blunted at the Battle of Asal Uttar, in the Khemkaran Sector.
  
• Poised against the Pakistani Air Force which was equipped with a much more ‘modern’ inventory of fighter aircraft, the Indian Air Force (IAF) responded with alacrity to the call for air support, and succeeded in thwarting the Pakistani offensive. The IAF proved its mettle in each of the operations carried out, both in the Western as well as the Eastern Sector. The grit and valour displayed by our Air Warriors was yet another glorious chapter in the history of the IAF.
  
• The Indian fleet was deployed to ensure defence of the Western and eastern Coasts and the island territories. Given the Government’s determination to limit the scope of the conflict as much as possible, the Indian Fleet flying the flag of Rear Admiral BA Samson on-board INS Mysore, remained vigilant and carried out intensive patrols and sweeps within India’s continental shelf. The Alize and Seahawk aircraft of the Indian Navy carried out sorties from 10 Sep – 23 Sep 1965 for maritime surveillance. By these actions Pakistan navy was ensconced in Karachi.
  
• The sacrifices of the 1965 War are preserved in the collective bravery displayed by the Indian Armed Forces, possible largely because of the ardent support of the entire Nation. The valour of the soldiers has been recognised through the award of 16 Battle Honours and three Theatre Honours, two PVCs besides numerous MVCs, VrCs and Mentions-in-Despatches. The heroism of CQMH Abdul Hamid and Lt Col AB Tarapore, who were posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra will live on in the glorious history of our nation.
  
• The sacrifices of the Indian Armed Forces in 1965 is testimony to the credo that the Safety, Honour and Welfare of the country comes first, always, and every time, for the Indian Armed Forces.
  
• Text : Based on the material provided by the proponent.

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