On Indian Navy Day 2025, a wreath-laying ceremony was held at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, attended by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, who paid tribute to the courage and sacrifice of Indian naval personnel. This observance recognizes the Navy’s critical role in safeguarding the nation’s maritime borders and commemorates its significant contributions during the 1971 war against Pakistan. The presence of senior military officers underscored inter-service unity and the commitment to honoring the legacy of those who served. Such cer…
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An Indian Air Force Sergeant, Naveen Chand, tragically lost his life in a car accident at the renowned Bir Billing paragliding site in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district. The incident occurred when the vehicle skidded off the road and fell into a khud during the night, resulting in two fatalities and injuries to two others, identified as Akshya Kumar and Mohit Kumar. Local authorities swiftly responded, retrieving the injured and transporting them to a nearby hospital. This unfortunate event underscores the risks faced by individuals in remote areas and highlights the importance of road safety…
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On December 3, 2025, India welcomed the release of Anilkumar Raveendran, a 52-year-old Indian Army veteran from Kerala, after five months in captivity by Houthi rebels in Yemen. Raveendran had been detained since July 7, 2025, following an attack by Houthis on the Liberian-flagged cargo vessel MV Eternity C in the Red Sea. The ship, bound for the Israeli port of Eilat, was sunk amid heightened Houthi assaults on international shipping during the Israel-Gaza conflict. Raveendran, working as a security officer on the vessel, was among 11 crew members held hostage after the attack. The Indian gov…
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The Indian Navy, led by Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, announced on December 3, 2025, its active work towards integrating women into submarine crews, describing this move as conquering the “last bastion” of gender inclusion in the service. Following successful gender integration in other roles such as pilots and frontline warships, this initiative marks a significant step in aligning the Navy’s professionalism with global standards, where women have long served on submarines in navies like those of Norway, the US, and Japan. Indian Navy acknowledges unique challenges like space constraints, cr…
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Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Army’s Southern Command, recently assessed operational readiness and welfare at Jassai and Jalipa Military Stations. His visit focused on evaluating administrative standards and capability-development efforts, emphasizing the importance of ongoing infrastructure enhancements to improve living conditions and operational effectiveness. Lt Gen Seth also engaged with staff and veterans at the ECHS Polyclinic in Jalipa, highlighting the Army’s commitment to personnel health and welfare. This proactive approach not onl…
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Air Marshal Samir Jayasinha Pendse has officially taken over as the Senior Air Staff Officer of the Indian Air Force’s Training Command as of December 1, 2025. With over 36 years of service as a helicopter pilot and more than 5,100 hours of accident-free flying, he brings extensive experience to this pivotal role. His prior positions include command of IAF bases and involvement in a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Sudan, reflecting his commitment to operational excellence and international cooperation. Air Marshal Pendse’s leadership is expected to enhance the IAF’s training programs an…
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Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh visited the Defence Materials and Stores Research & Development Establishment (DMSRDE) in Kanpur on November 30, 2025, highlighting the facility’s pivotal role in India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem. During his visit, he was briefed on the laboratory’s ongoing projects and advancements in defence materials, including innovations in bulletproof gear, stealth technologies, and chemical protection suits. Singh commended DMSRDE for successfully transferring numerous technologies in alignment with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, emphasizing the…
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Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu has assumed the role of Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition (CWP&A), bringing over 38 years of experience in the Indian Navy. His career includes significant roles on notable vessels such as the INS Viraat and involvement in major projects like the aircraft carrier Vikramaditya. He has been recognized for his contributions with prestigious awards, including the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal. Sadhu’s ascendance to this key position is crucial for enhancing India’s naval capabilities, particularly under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, as the country seeks t…
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The Delhi High Court has directed the Centre to address the Assam Rifles Ex-Servicemen Welfare Association’s demand for pay and pension parity with the Indian Army. Justices Dinesh Mehta and Vimal Kumar Yadav noted that while the Assam Rifles were recognized on equal footing with the Army under the Third Pay Commission, this status was altered following the Fourth Pay Commission. The court instructed the government to consider the representations from the Association regarding this disparity within three months. This development underscores ongoing concerns about equitable treatment of paramil…
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The National Defence Academy (NDA) held its convocation ceremony for the 149th course at Habibullah Hall, where 328 cadets were awarded degrees and course completion certificates, with 216 receiving bachelor’s degrees from Jawaharlal Nehru University. Ajay Kumar, chairman of the Union Public Service Commission, emphasized the need for these new graduates to embody the ideals of “scholar-warriors” amidst a rapidly changing security landscape, urging them to integrate intellect with valour and uphold the nation’s moral compass. Reflecting on past conflicts, including the Galwan clashes with Chin…
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The Navigation Training School and Weapon Systems School at Air Force Station Begumpet recently held a valedictory ceremony for the 109th Advanced Navigation Course and 141st ab-initio Navigation Course, along with the Stage-II & III Weapon System courses. Graduates included officers from the Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and international forces such as the Royal Malaysian Air Force and Sri Lankan Air Force. Notable trainees received awards for their exceptional performance, and these officers are set to be commissioned during the Combined Graduation Parade on December 13…
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Following the recent crash of a TEJAS fighter jet during a low-altitude aerobatic manoeuvre at the Dubai Air Show, both the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) have reaffirmed their commitment to the indigenous aircraft program. HAL Chief DK Sunil emphasized that despite the crash being the second in the 24-year history of the TEJAS project, the aircraft boasts one of the best safety records globally, with no mechanical faults confirmed at this stage. The IAF has initiated a court of inquiry to thoroughly investigate the incident while maintaining confidence in the T…
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The Supreme Court of India upheld the dismissal of Lieutenant Samuel Kamalesan from the Indian Army for refusing to enter the sanctum of a gurdwara during mandatory parades, citing military discipline, necessity, and the constitutional power under Article 33. While the court emphasized the importance of a unified military ethos that accommodates diverse beliefs, it simultaneously faced criticism for not allowing a reasonable accommodation for Kamalesan’s sincere religious objections. The judgment raised concerns about the implications for minority soldiers within the armed forces, suggesting t…
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Aarti Yadav, the wife of a Navy officer, tragically lost her life after allegedly being pushed from a moving train by a travelling ticket examiner (TTE) named Santosh Kumar during a dispute over her ticket status. The incident occurred on November 25 when Aarti, who had a confirmed reservation on another train that was delayed, boarded the Anand Vihar Terminal Special train in a rush to reach Delhi for medical treatment. According to her family’s complaint, a quarrel broke out between Aarti and the TTE over her ticket, leading to a physical confrontation in which the TTE reportedly threw her b…
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Lieutenant General Zubin A. Minwalla assumed charge as Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (DCIDS) at Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff on November 27, 2025, succeeding Lt Gen Vipul Shinghal who moves to the position of Deputy Chief of Army Staff. This transition marks a pivotal step in India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its unified military command, ensuring continuity in developing joint doctrines and enhancing operational integration among the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Previously, Lt Gen Minwalla commanded the Trishakti Corps at Sukna, West Bengal, where he led vital operatio…
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French President Emmanuel Macron announced a new voluntary military service for citizens aged 18 and 19, commencing next year, aimed at strengthening France’s defenses in light of perceived threats from Russia. This initiative includes a 10-month service period focused on domestic territories, not overseas operations. Macron’s plan follows a significant increase in military spending, projecting 64 billion euros annually by 2027, doubling current expenditures. Concurrently, other European nations like Germany and Poland are also enhancing their military capabilities through similar voluntary se…
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The Supreme Court of India recently upheld the dismissal of Lieutenant Samuel Kamalesan from the Indian Army for refusing to participate in regimental religious rituals, stating that his actions breached the essential military ethos. The Court characterized his refusal as a violation of discipline, describing him as “cantankerous” and a misfit within the armed forces. This case has sparked a broader discussion on the balance between personal faith and institutional discipline in a secular military environment, where participation in rituals is viewed as critical to building camaraderie and tru…
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In a significant ruling, the Gauhati High Court directed reconsideration of an Indian Army Major’s request for a joint posting with his wife, also an Army officer, due to their four-year-old son’s autism requiring specialized care. The court recognized the child’s legal right to have both parents present for adequate caregiving, emphasizing that while the Army’s posting policy does not guarantee joint postings, the child’s medical needs warrant a reevaluation of administrative decisions. This case underscores the importance of support for military families facing unique challenges and highli…
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In response to a significant shortfall of nearly 180,000 soldiers, the Indian Army is considering a proposal to increase the recruitment of Agniveers from the current 50,000 to 100,000 annually. This adjustment is deemed necessary due to a freeze on traditional recruitment during the Covid-19 pandemic years of 2020-2021, when approximately 60,000 soldiers retired each year. The Agnipath recruitment model, introduced in June 2022, aims to maintain a youthful and agile military force by enlisting soldiers for a four-year term, with the option of retaining 25% for longer service. While this model…
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The Supreme Court of India upheld the dismissal of Army Lieutenant Samuel Kamalesan, a Christian officer, for refusing to participate in regimental religious rituals, particularly entering a gurdwara, which the court deemed an act of indiscipline. The bench, comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, emphasized the necessity of respecting the beliefs and sentiments of the majority within a unit, arguing that personal interpretations of faith should not overshadow institutional duties. The court stated that maintaining discipline and cohesion is crucial in the armed forces…
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In a historic gesture, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi paid homage to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during Operation Pawan at the National War Memorial on November 25, 2025. This marks the first official recognition of the 1,171 Indian soldiers who died and over 3,500 who were injured during the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) mission in Sri Lanka from 1987 to 1990, aimed at disarming militant groups and restoring peace amidst civil strife. The event was attended by Vice Chief of the Army Lieutenant General Pushpendra Singh, who himself participated in the operation…
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In response to a troop shortfall of approximately 1.8 lakh personnel, the Indian Army plans to increase Agniveer recruitment vacancies to over 1 lakh annually, up from the current 45,000-50,000. The shortfall has been exacerbated by the retirement of 60,000-65,000 soldiers each year during the COVID-19 pandemic and the phased retirement of Agniveers beginning in December 2026. The Army aims to recruit a total of 1.75 lakh Agniveers over the initial four years of the Agnipath scheme, with additional vacancies to be released while maintaining training standards across regimental centres. This st…
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Wing Commander Namansh Syal, a 37-year-old pilot of the HAL-developed TEJAS Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) MK-1, tragically lost his life during a low-level aerobatic display at the Dubai Air Show when his aircraft crashed. The Indian Air Force confirmed the incident and has launched a court of inquiry, while preliminary investigations suggest a loss of stability during a maneuver. In a rare gesture amid historically tense Indo-Pak relations, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif extended condolences, emphasizing shared respect for aviators and the courage displayed in their profession. This e…
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The Indian Air Force (IAF) mourned the tragic loss of Wing Commander Namansh Syal, who died in a crash of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show. The crash occurred shortly after take-off, resulting in a devastating fireball and black smoke billowing from the scene, witnessed by a large crowd. Indian Ambassador to the UAE, Deepak Mittal, along with Consul General Satish Sivan, paid their respects to Syal, whose remains were transported back to India on a special IAF flight, accompanied by a ceremonial guard of honour from the Emirati Def…
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Army doctors, under the leadership of Maj Gen Sanjay Sharma, have successfully conducted Operation Drishti in Jammu and Kashmir, transforming community halls into sterile operating theatres to perform over 400 intricate eye surgeries within four days. This outreach initiative, conceptualized following a request from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, achieved the screening of 2,000 individuals, including veterans and local civilians, many of whom had long-neglected cataracts. The operation, led by renowned ophthalmologist Brigadier Sanjay Kumar Mishra, showcased the Army’s commitment to humanitar…
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