Defence Minister Rajnath Singh celebrated the historic passing out of the first batch of 17 women cadets from the National Defence Academy (NDA), marking a significant step in gender integration within the Indian Armed Forces. He emphasized India’s advancements in military technology, exemplified by Operation Sindoor, highlighting self-reliance in defense capabilities. The integration of women cadets into NDA training reflects a commitment to gender neutrality, with a focus on their command roles. Singh praised female …

On Independence Day 2025, the Indian Army awarded the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS) Commendation Cards to numerous personnel for their exemplary service and dedication. This recognition included officers, Junior Commissioned Officers, Other Ranks, and civilians who demonstrated outstanding commitment across operations, training, and administrative duties. The awards celebrate consistent excellence, innovation, and dedication beyond the call of duty, boosting morale and motivating others in the force. The …

The Pakistan government has awarded civil and military honors to senior officials for their roles in the recent four-day conflict with India, dominated by India’s Operation Sindoor targeting terrorist infrastructure inside Pakistan. Army Chief Gen Asim Munir received the Hilal-e-Jurat, while Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza was conferred the Nishan-e-Imtiaz. Air Chief Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and 488 other personnel were also honored. Pakistan’s spate …

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh interacted with 30 meritorious students from tribal communities of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands in New Delhi as part of the Aarohan: Dweep to Delhi initiative, aimed at fostering national integration and empowering future leaders. He emphasized the importance of human values in character building and encouraged the students to strive towards making India a powerful nation. The students are also set to witness the Independence Day celebrations at Red …

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed his condolences for the martyrdom of Army Havildar Arun Kumar ‘Lucky’, who bravely served in Arunachal Pradesh and hailed from Chatara village, Una district. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri highlighted Havildar Arun’s courage and dedication, emphasizing that his sacrifice would inspire future generations. Both leaders recognized the profound loss to the family and the nation, praying for peace for the departed soul. This incident underlines the valor and commitment …

Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh visited Pune’s Artificial Limb Centre on August 13, 2025, to meet Corporal Varun Kumar, who was injured during Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7 as a response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. During the visit, the IAF Chief interacted with other patients and commended the centre’s staff for their dedication. Operation Sindoor, a significant military response targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, resulted in over …

Amid Operation Sindoor, the Indian armed forces are considering increasing the retention of Agniveers, with discussions indicating a potential rise to 70-75% for infantry and up to 100% for Special Forces after their four-year term, which ends in 2026. The need for a well-trained and younger soldier demographic is driving these considerations, especially given the complexities of training new recruits for advanced military equipment. The successful contribution of approximately 3,000 Agniveers during the operation has …

The Indian government has approved a significant restructuring of the Border Security Force (BSF), enhancing manpower by approximately 3,994 posts, which will benefit 23,710 personnel in lower and middle ranks. This move, aimed at alleviating career stagnation, is expected to boost operational capacity and morale among BSF personnel, who play a crucial role in guarding India’s borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. Immediate promotions for 8,116 personnel have already been issued, reflecting the government’s commitment to …

The Indian Army honored retired Lieutenant Colonel Sharak Dev Singh Jamwal on his 100th birthday, celebrating his distinguished service, particularly his pivotal role in the recapture of Zojila Pass during the 1947-48 Indo-Pak War. The event, attended by senior veterans and officials, highlighted his contributions across various operations, including the Burma Campaign and the Sino-Indian War. Army officials praised his embodiment of values like honor and selflessness, which continue to inspire future generations. This recognition …

The recent porter recruitment drive by the Indian Army in Jammu and Kashmir’s Mendhar sector has garnered significant enthusiasm among local youth following the successful Operation Sindoor. Many locals from nearby villages are eager to participate, viewing this initiative as a vital employment opportunity that also helps mitigate issues like drug addiction among the youth. Participants have expressed gratitude towards the Army and emphasized the importance of regular recruitment drives to address unemployment in border …

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that the Army’s policy reserving vacancies in the Judge Advocate General (JAG) branch based on gender is unconstitutional and violates the principle of gender neutrality. The court criticized the practice of creating separate merit lists for male and female candidates, highlighting instances where female candidates outperformed their male counterparts yet were excluded from selection due to arbitrary quotas. The justices emphasized that if women can partake in roles …

The recent Army Recruitment Rally in Hisar saw impressive participation, with 4,257 candidates from Haryana and Himachal Pradesh vying for various positions, including Agniveer and permanent roles. This rally was the first held after Operation Sindoor, emphasizing the Indian Army’s commitment to maintaining a robust recruitment process. The Army ensured a fair and transparent selection process, focusing on merit, with final results expected by early October 2025. This initiative not only enhances the operational readiness …

Sepoy Banoth Anil Kumar, a 30-year-old soldier from Khammam and a member of the 23rd Maratha Light Infantry, tragically lost his life while on patrol duty in the Kashmir valley, reportedly due to an accident where he slipped into a valley. His body is expected to arrive at Vijayawada International Airport and will subsequently be taken to his native village of Surya Thanda for a military funeral. The family has been informed, and he is …

The Indian Government is actively supporting ex-servicemen through adequate pensions, including the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme, and facilitating job opportunities via various resettlement and skill development programs. As of June 2024, there are over 2.8 million ex-servicemen in India, and initiatives such as job fairs organized in collaboration with industry bodies aim to connect them with potential employers. The government also mandates reservations for ex-servicemen in public sector jobs, enhancing their integration into …

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde participated in a blood donation drive in Srinagar, expressing gratitude towards the Indian Army for their successful Operation Sindoor. The initiative, led by Shiv Sena leader Chandrahara Patil and involving over 1,000 wrestlers from Sangli, aimed to honor the bravery of the armed forces. Shinde praised the Army’s vigilance, which allows citizens to live in peace, and received a certificate of honour for his contribution. This event underscores the …

The Indian Army honored Noor Muhammad Thaker, a former porter who served from 1965 and played a pivotal role during the 1965 Indo-Pak conflict, at a symposium in Baramulla. Recognized for his dedication and bravery, Noor faced hardships, including capture and torture by Pakistani forces, while transporting supplies under challenging conditions. His contributions emphasized the vital support roles that civilians play in military operations, showcasing the spirit of valor and sacrifice. This recognition not only …

The Supreme Court of India has struck down the Army’s policy that restricted the appointment of women officers in the Judge Advocate General (JAG) branch, noting that merit should be the sole criterion for selection, regardless of gender. This decision arose from a petition by two female candidates who scored well in the selection process but were hindered by a skewed ratio that allocated more posts to men—six for men compared to three for women. …

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s proposal to increase the ex gratia payments for officer cadets medically discharged during training remains stalled for over 17 months due to bureaucratic delays between the Ministry of Defence and Finance. The proposed hike would raise the ex gratia from Rs 9,000 to approximately Rs 28,000, addressing a significant disparity in financial support for these cadets, who often face lifelong disabilities. Advocates argue that many cadets, injured in their youth, …

Retired Group Captain DK Parulkar, a celebrated hero of the 1971 India-Pakistan war, has passed away, leaving behind a legacy of unmatched courage and ingenuity. Commissioned into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 1963, Parulkar served in various key roles, including as a Flying Instructor and Battalion Commander at the National Defence Academy. During the 1965 war, he displayed exceptional bravery by flying a damaged aircraft back to base despite being advised to eject, for …

Lance Naik Pritpal Singh and Sepoy Harminder Singh, two Indian Army soldiers from Punjab, were killed in a gunfight with terrorists in Kulgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Their cremation was held with full military honors, attended by grieving family members, political leaders, and Army officials. Both soldiers were recently married and were expected to return home on leave soon. Their sacrifices were recognized by local and state leaders, who emphasized their bravery and dedication in service …

The Indian Army’s 4 Rashtriya Rifles has established a computer lab at Little Angel School in Bhaderwah, Jammu & Kashmir, under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) as part of its ‘Sadbhavana’ initiative to enhance digital literacy among rural students. Local educators praised the initiative, highlighting the necessity of computer education in today’s AI-driven world. Colonel Yogesh Chauhan emphasized the project’s importance for the children’s future skills development. This initiative not only underscores …

Lance Naik Pritpal Singh, a 27-year-old soldier from Punjab, was killed in an intense operation against terrorists in Kashmir’s Kulgam, shortly after his marriage. His family mourns deeply, highlighting the sacrifices of soldiers who strive for a better life for their families amidst ongoing conflict. The operation, one of the longest in recent years, underscores the Indian Army’s commitment to counter-terrorism in the region. The bereaved family calls for a more decisive government response to …

The Indian Army’s Western Command recently conducted an organ donation awareness drive in Chandigarh, led by Lt Gen Manoj Katiyar. The initiative saw participation from over 400 individuals, including military personnel, families, and local school children, underlining the Army’s commitment to public health. The event featured various outreach activities aimed at educating the community about organ donation, dispelling myths, and encouraging pledges. Lt Gen Katiyar stressed that serving the nation involves contributions beyond military duties, …

A recent ruling by the Armed Forces Tribunal has granted liberalised family pension benefits to Rakhi Pandey, widow of IAF pilot Flight Lieutenant SK Pandey, who died in a rescue mission in 1999. Despite initial refusals and bureaucratic hurdles, including the lack of a battle casualty certificate, the Tribunal upheld her entitlement, emphasizing that the government’s 2001 circular retroactively applied to her case. This decision reflects the importance of recognizing and addressing the needs of …

Indian Air Force jawan Swarajya Sahu, who sustained critical injuries in a cylinder explosion, was laid to rest with full military honors on August 9, 2025, in his native village Sundar under Astaranga police limits in Puri district. The last rites were held at the local cremation ground in Konark, and he was honored with a gun salute by fellow Air Force personnel. Swarajya Sahu had been serving in Agra and had joined the Indian …