In a significant reform aimed at enhancing operational readiness, the Indian Army has announced the implementation of a new Combined Physical Test (CPT) that will be mandatory for all personnel, including senior officers, from April 2026. This initiative consolidates the existing Battle Physical Efficiency Test (BPET) and Physical Proficiency Test (PPT), extending the fitness age limit to 60 years and ensuring that even the highest ranks, such as Lieutenant Generals, must demonstrate physical fitness biannually. The CPT will include various assessments such as a 3.2-km run, push-ups, and verti…
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In a significant development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that Indian Air Force (IAF) flying instructors will serve as trainers in the UK’s Royal Air Force, following a military training cooperation agreement between India and the UK. This initiative underscores the partnership’s foundation on “trustworthiness, talent, and technology,” as Modi emphasized the unique synergy created by India’s dynamism and the UK’s expertise. The announcement came after high-level talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Mumbai, highlighting recent progress in bilateral relations, including the Co…
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President Droupadi Murmu led the nation in commemorating the Indian Air Force (IAF) on its 93rd Air Force Day, honoring the courage and dedication of air warriors past and present. In her message, she acknowledged the IAF’s pivotal role in national security and its commitment during humanitarian missions. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other leaders extended their tributes, recognizing the IAF’s unwavering patriotism and sacrifices. The day serves as a testament to the IAF’s crucial contributions in conflicts and disaster responses, underscoring its technological advancements and strategi…
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The Indian Army has announced the introduction of new fitness parameters, mandating physical tests for all personnel, from Agniveers to Generals, effective April 1, 2026. This Combined Physical Test (CPT) will merge existing assessments into a standardized regime, reflecting modern warfare’s evolving operational requirements. The CPT will be conducted biannually, with age-specific benchmarks to promote inclusivity, alongside a grading system impacting promotions and evaluations. The initiative underscores the Army’s commitment to maintaining combat readiness through physical endurance and resi…
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Major General Mukesh Bhanwala, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Tiger Division, recently paid tribute to Honorary Captain Bana Singh (Retd), the Param Vir Chakra awardee, at his residence in RS Pura, Jammu. Singh is renowned for his exceptional bravery during Operation Rajiv in 1987, when he led the capture of the strategically significant Quaid Post on the Siachen Glacier. The GOC praised Singh’s remarkable contributions, emphasizing the importance of honoring veterans who continue to inspire current and future generations of soldiers. This visit underscores the Indian Army’s commitm…
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Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi honored Lt Col (Honorary) Mohanlal, a celebrated Indian actor and honorary officer of the Indian Army, for his significant societal contributions and ongoing commitment to the Armed Forces. Since receiving his honorary rank in 2009, Mohanlal has engaged in various philanthropic efforts, notably aiding relief during the Wayanad Natural Disaster in 2024. He is recognized not only for his illustrious four-decade acting career but also for championing social causes through the ViswaSanthi Foundation. The Chief of Army Staff presented him with the Commendation Car…
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The Veer Nari Shaurya Samman Samaaroh 2025 commenced in New Delhi to honor 24 Veer Naris and Veer Matas, representing the sacrifices made by martyrs in various operations, including those in Jammu and Kashmir and Siachen. Organised by the Indian Army and Army Wives Welfare Association, the event featured a wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial and offered welfare interactions to discuss financial, health, and educational opportunities available to the families of the martyrs. The initiative underscores the Army’s commitment to supporting the families of those who have made the ul…
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Malayalam actor and honorary Lt. Col. Mohanlal received commendation from Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi on October 7, 2025, for his significant contributions to society and ongoing support for the Armed Forces. Mohanlal, who holds the honorary rank since 2009, expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing his commitment to the Army and civilian welfare. During their meeting, he and the Army Chief discussed enhancing the efficiency of Territorial Army battalions and future collaborative initiatives. This commendation underscores the vital role of cultural figures in fosteri…
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In a heartfelt ceremony at South Block, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi honored three long-serving civil staff members for their exceptional contributions to the Indian Army’s administrative excellence. Nand Kishore, with nearly 40 years of service, and Ganesh Parihar and Pinku Choudhary, each with over 15 years, were recognized for their vital behind-the-scenes roles in maintaining operational efficiency. General Dwivedi emphasized the importance of acknowledging all contributors to the Army’s ethos, reinforcing the values of discipline, precision, and pride. This event underscore…
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The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has introduced a Minor Degree in Defence Technology aimed at undergraduate engineering and technology students, focusing on equipping them with essential skills for roles in the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), armed forces, and defence manufacturing. Developed in consultation with industry and military experts, the curriculum encompasses key areas such as missiles, drones, and cybersecurity, along with practical experiences like field visits and projects. This initiative is crucial for addressing the existing skill gap…
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Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Army to provide educational support and welfare benefits for army personnel and their families, including veterans and the families of the deceased. The MoU includes nationwide scholarships, offering a 100% tuition fee waiver for personnel with disabilities over 20% and gallantry awardees, along with a 20% waiver for serving and retired personnel. AESL aims to empower the families of soldiers through quality education, mentoring, and career guidance. This initiative underscores the importa…
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On September 6, the Officers Training Academy in Chennai commissioned 155 new officer cadets into the Indian Army, including 25 women, marking a significant step forward in gender equality within the armed forces. This milestone follows the ongoing advocacy for women’s rights to permanent commissions, as opposed to previously limited short-service tenures. The graduation parade not only celebrated the achievements of these cadets but also acknowledged the trailblazers before them who fought for this progression. The integration of women in higher roles within the military strengthens India’s c…
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The Military Nursing Service (MNS) celebrated its 100th Raising Day on October 3, 2025, at the Military Hospital in Dehradun, commemorating a century of dedicated service to the healthcare of soldiers, veterans, and their families. The event featured Major General M.S. Gill, who lauded the MNS for its pivotal role in advancing military medicine and providing vital care in various challenging environments. With a history marked by exceptional contributions during wars and humanitarian crises, the MNS exemplifies resilience and commitment to national security. As the MNS enters its second centur…
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Major General G Srinivas has officially taken over as the Commandant of the College of Defence Management (CDM) in Secunderabad, succeeding Lieutenant General Harsh Chhibber, who has been promoted to Director General of Information Systems. A distinguished Gunner Officer and alumnus of both the CDM and the National Defence College, Maj Gen Srinivas brings extensive experience in operational logistics and strategic planning, particularly from his recent role in the Western Command theatre during Operation Sindoor. His leadership is expected to enhance CDM’s mission of delivering advanced mana…
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The Military Nursing Service (MNS) commemorated its centenary on October 1, 2025, in New Delhi, marked by a ceremony attended by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth. The event featured the release of a commemorative postal stamp and a documentary chronicling the MNS’s significant contributions to the nation, including roles in wars, humanitarian efforts, and pandemic response initiatives like Operation Samudra Setu. Shri Seth praised the MNS for its unwavering commitment and highlighted the remarkable achievements of women in the service, underscoring their impact in national development. Thi…
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Indian Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Kwatra, recently met with officers from the Armed Forces Medical Services of India during their visit to Washington, aimed at enhancing cooperation in military medicine, a crucial component of the India-US defense relationship. This meeting follows the successful conclusion of the 21st edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2025 in Alaska, reflecting the strong military ties between the two nations despite existing trade tensions. Ambassador Kwatra’s discussions with US officials, including Undersecretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby, highlight a comm…
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Smt Shobha Gupta, a distinguished officer of the Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES) from the 1990 batch, has taken over as the Director General of Defence Estates (DGDE) as of September 30, 2025. She brings extensive experience to the role, having served in critical positions such as Chief Executive Officer of various Cantonment Boards and Principal Director for Defence Estates in multiple commands. The DGDE is crucial for managing approximately 1.8 million acres of defense land across India, coordinating operations across six commands, 38 Defence Estates Circles, and 61 Cantonment Boards…
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In a significant update to its training framework, the Indian Army has transitioned the Chief of Army Staff’s (COAS) Training Directive from a biennial to a quadrennial cycle, enhancing long-term coherence in training and operational focus. This new directive, covering the period from 2025 to 2029, aims to provide ample time for units to implement guidelines effectively and integrate advanced technologies into their training regimens. During the 35th Raising Day of the Army Training Command (ARTRAC), Lt Gen Devendra Sharma emphasized the Command’s role in adopting 34 niche technologies by 2030…
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The Defence Estates Organisation (DEO) has initiated significant reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency and transparency as part of the Defence Ministry’s Year of Reforms initiative. Recent advancements include digitisation, land management reforms, and the launch of welfare initiatives in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, promoting social welfare in cantonments. A notable achievement is the Special Land Audit Report covering 50,000 acres in the North Eastern Region, improving accountability in land management. The DEO’s vision, highlighted in the Manthan 2025 C…
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Lt Gen Virendra Vats has taken over as the Director General of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) on October 1, 2025, succeeding Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh. His appointment comes at a crucial time when the NCC is expanding its cadet strength to 20 lakhs across 28 States and 8 Union Territories, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. With 37 years of distinguished service in the Indian Army, including roles in counter-terrorism and UN missions, Lt Gen Vats is expected to enhance the NCC’s focus on instilling discipline, patriotism, and modern skills in the youth. His leadership is poised to si…
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President Droupadi Murmu commemorated the Diamond Jubilee of the President’s Bodyguard (PBG) at Rashtrapati Bhawan, celebrating 75 years since the regiment was officially designated in 1950. The event showcased the equestrian prowess of the PBG, with impressive displays of show jumping performed by its elite horsemen, who have clinched over a hundred medals in various competitions. During the ceremony, the President presented the PBG with a Silver Trumpet and Trumpet Banner, emphasizing the regiment’s storied history and professional excellence. This occasion highlights the significance of the…
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The Indian Army has successfully disbursed over Rs 18 crore in pending pension arrears to families of medical services personnel as part of a special initiative by the Medical Personnel Record Section Officers (MPRS(O)). This effort, endorsed by the Director General Medical Services (Army), aims to rectify pension anomalies concerning the Liberalised Family Pension, Special Family Pension, and One Rank One Pension schemes. The initiative has also seen the establishment of Personalised Assistance Desks and the introduction of digital transparency measures for real-time updates. This significant…
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The Indian Army has launched a commendable initiative in North Kashmir, establishing free coaching classes for underprivileged students in Vilgam Ramhal, Kupwara. Operated by the 2 Rajput Unit, the coaching center currently serves around 80 economically disadvantaged children, offering vital academic support through dedicated teachers. Local families have expressed gratitude for this effort, which not only addresses educational disparities but also fosters socio-economic development in the region. Students have praised the program, advocating for its expansion to higher educational levels, ref…
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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed a Tri-Services seminar in New Delhi, emphasizing the critical role of ex-servicemen in guiding youth and contributing to community development. His remarks followed his participation in the National Conclave on ex-servicemen welfare, where policies aimed at supporting veterans and their families were discussed. Singh hailed ex-servicemen as a national asset, underscoring their importance in shaping a responsible and engaged citizenry. This initiative reflects the Indian government’s commitment to harnessing the experience of veterans, promoting their ac…
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A Chandigarh Police inspector, Kuldeep Kaur, has been suspended following allegations of misbehavior with Indian Air Force (IAF) officers and guests at the decommissioning ceremony of the MiG-21 supersonic jet. Complaints regarding her conduct prompted a preliminary inquiry, resulting in her suspension and the initiation of a departmental inquiry. This incident highlights the critical importance of maintaining decorum and professionalism during significant military events, as such behaviors can undermine the respect and honor associated with the armed forces. Ensuring a respectful environment…
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