The Chief of the Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, recently honored four distinguished veterans with the Veteran Achievers Award during a Retiring Officers Seminar in New Delhi, acknowledging their significant contributions to society post-service. The awarded veterans include Lieutenant Colonel B S Rautela, who advocated for veterans’ welfare; Lieutenant Colonel Iqbal Singh, who facilitated veterans’ transitions to corporate careers; Havildar Congress Pradhan, noted for his community engagement in Odisha; and Signalman Anil Kumar Jakhar, who …

The Cantonment Board Lansdowne has been awarded the Raksha Mantri Award for Excellence in Public Service 2025 for its exceptional healthcare services, marking a significant achievement for the first time in the Hospital Category. This accolade, presented during the Defence Estates Day 2025 celebrations, recognizes substantial improvements at the Cantonment General Hospital, which is the only indoor hospital in the region. The facility has successfully implemented telemedicine services, enhancing access to specialist consultations and reducing …

A former Indian Navy officer has called for urgent reforms to the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), citing serious issues including unpaid hospital bills and disrupted care for veterans. Vikram W Karve emphasized the need for timely payments to empaneled hospitals, echoing concerns raised by Admiral Arun Prakash regarding thousands of veterans in Goa lacking medical support due to funding blockages by the Ministry of Defence. Other retired officers highlighted systemic failures, questioning the government’s …

On December 16, 2025, the Southern Command of the Indian Army commemorated Vijay Diwas with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Southern Command War Memorial in Pune, honoring the 54th anniversary of India’s decisive victory in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War. Led by Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, the event recognized the sacrifices of veterans and Veer Naris, showcasing the Armed Forces’ commitment to honor those who served. The solemn observance included moments of remembrance for martyrs and …

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, accompanied by the Tri-Service Chiefs and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, commemorated the 54th Vijay Diwas at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, honoring the sacrifices of Indian Armed Forces during the 1971 War, which led to the liberation of Bangladesh. The ceremony included the laying of a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti, symbolizing respect for the valor displayed by Indian soldiers. The event serves as a …

The Indian government reported a troubling trend among Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), revealing 438 suicides and seven fratricides over the past three years, with the highest suicide incidents occurring in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Additionally, since 2014, over 23,000 personnel have resigned, with the Border Security Force (BSF) and CRPF recording the most significant numbers. In response, the government is enhancing mental health support and ensuring personnel can avail themselves of their …

The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated the Param Vir Dirgha at Rashtrapati Bhavan on December 16, 2025, coinciding with Vijay Diwas. This gallery features portraits of all 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees, serving as both an educational initiative and a tribute to the sacrifices made by these national heroes who exhibited extraordinary valor in defense of the nation. The establishment of the Param Vir Dirgha in corridors that previously showcased British ADCs represents …

In a historic first, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh piloted a Kiran formation during the Combined Graduation Parade at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, marking the first time an Indian Air Force Chief has flown at this event. The parade celebrated the commissioning of 244 Flight Cadets, including 29 female cadets, who pledged to protect the nation’s sovereignty. General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, presided over the ceremony, where several awards were …

Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi reviewed the 157th Passing Out Parade at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, where 525 officer cadets, including 34 from 14 friendly foreign nations, were commissioned into the Indian Army. During the ceremony, which included the traditional Pipping Ceremony, General Dwivedi emphasized the importance of courage, integrity, and the evolving nature of modern warfare, citing Operation Sindoor as a prime example of the Indian Army’s …

A grand Passing Out Parade at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun marked the commissioning of 491 young officers into the Indian Army, alongside 34 foreign cadets from 14 nations. The ceremony, reviewed by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, celebrated the culmination of rigorous training for the 157th Regular Course and several other entry schemes. Notable achievements included the Sword of Honour awarded to ACA Nishkal Dwivedi and medals recognizing excellence among technical and …

On the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack, leaders across party lines and families of martyrs paid tribute to the security personnel who sacrificed their lives defending India’s democratic institution. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasized the nation’s enduring gratitude, recalling the bravery of those who responded to the attack, which claimed 14 lives, including that of Constable Kamlesh Kumari, who was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra for her valor. President Droupadi Murmu reaffirmed the …

On December 13, 2025, the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Hyderabad, hosted a Combined Graduation Parade marking the commissioning of 244 Indian Air Force flight cadets—215 men and 29 women—from the 216 Course into flying and ground duty branches. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan reviewed the ceremony, conferring President’s Commissions and awarding President’s Plaques to top performers like Flying Officer Tanishq Aggarwal, Saksham Dobriyal, and Nitesh Kumar, while emphasizing operational readiness amid ongoing …

General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), visited the Combat Army Aviation Training School (CAATS) to assess its advanced training infrastructure and standards. He was briefed on the integration of cutting-edge technologies into the aviation training program, aligning with the Indian Army’s Decade of Transformation initiative. General Dwivedi praised the professionalism and innovative approaches of the personnel, emphasizing the need for continual modernization to address emerging security challenges. His visit underscores the …

Lieutenant General Devendra Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Army Training Command, visited the Junior Leaders Academy in Bareilly on December 12, 2025, to review advancements in military training and capability-building initiatives. His assessment included infrastructure upgrades and the integration of enhanced drone training modules critical for modern warfare. Engaging with instructors and trainees, he commended the academy’s proactive approach in developing technically adept leaders. The visit underscored the Indian Army’s commitment to evolving with …

Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra, the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Air Command, visited Air Force Station Faridabad on December 10, 2025, to assess its operational readiness and welfare initiatives. He praised the Air Force K9 School for its exemplary training standards during the Passing Out Parade of the No. 80 Explosive Detection Dog Course, noting the critical role of newly trained dogs in enhancing security measures. Additionally, Air Marshal Mishra inspected the logistics facilities, …

World Boxing Cup Finals gold medallist Preeti Panwar has made history by becoming the first Indian woman athlete to be directly inducted into the Indian Army as a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO), at the rank of naib subedar. The ceremony took place in Bengaluru, marking a significant milestone not only for Panwar but also for women in sports and the Indian Army. Her achievement is particularly noteworthy as it breaks new ground in military commissioning …

The Indian Army, through the Kalapahar and Pir Panjal Brigades, has successfully conducted a three-day Medical Camp in the Jammu & Kashmir villages of Salamabad, Nambla, and Gingal, benefiting over 1,350 local residents. This initiative, which included specialist consultations in orthopaedics, gynaecology, dermatology, and paediatrics, not only provided essential healthcare services but also fostered trust and cooperation between the Army and the local populace. The Chinar Corps emphasizes its commitment to nation-building and community development, …

The Indian government defended the Indian Air Force (IAF) against allegations of discrimination in granting permanent commissions to women officers, stating that 243 men and 177 women have been inducted since 2019 under the Human Resource Policy of 2019. The Centre clarified that some women officers were denied permanent commission due to not meeting minimum performance criteria, a decision that aligns with the need to maintain a young and competitive force. The Supreme Court reserved …

The Sri Lanka Navy recently celebrated its 75th anniversary, marking the occasion with the promotion of 2,086 naval personnel, a significant recognition of merit and dedication within the force. Among those promoted were 17 officers, enhancing the senior leadership cadre of the Navy. This event not only underscores the Navy’s commitment to fostering talent but also reflects its evolving operational capabilities since its establishment from the Ceylon Naval Volunteer Force in 1937. The promotions signify …

The Indian Army’s Poonch Brigade has initiated a National Integration tour for 25 school students and two teachers from border areas near the India-Pakistan Line of Control. Flagged off by Brigadier Sachindra Joshi, this tour aims to expose students to India’s cultural and geographic diversity, taking them to significant locations such as Dehradun, Mussoorie, and the Indian Military Academy. During the trip, students will also engage in adventure sports, enhancing their experience. This initiative not …

Air Marshal B Manikantan, the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Air Command, met with Madhya Pradesh Chief Secretary Anurag Jain in Bhopal on December 6, 2025, to strengthen coordination between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the state administration. The discussions focused on enhancing security, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and operational readiness during emergencies. Air Marshal Manikantan emphasized the IAF’s commitment to supporting the state in critical interventions, while Chief Secretary Jain praised the …

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh virtually inaugurated the world’s highest Galwan War Memorial on December 7, 2025, near KM-120 post along the Durbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie Road in Ladakh, honoring the 20 Indian soldiers martyred in the brutal June 15, 2020, clash with Chinese PLA troops. Crafted from red-black granite in trishul-damru form, the site features 20 bronze statues, an eternal flame, museum, digital gallery, and visitor amenities like Braveheart Bistro under the Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan initiative. …

Col Prateek Roy of the Indian Army has been honored with the Geddes Gavel Award upon completing the Defence Strategic and Studies Course at the Australian Defence College, as reported by the Indian High Commission in Canberra. This recognition underscores the strong collaborative ties between India and Australia in defense training and strategic studies, highlighting India’s commitment to enhancing its military leadership capabilities. The award reflects not only individual excellence but also India’s broader efforts …

On the occasion of Armed Forces Flag Day, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan donated his entire monthly salary to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund, emphasizing the importance of supporting the families of martyrs and disabled soldiers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed their gratitude towards the armed forces, highlighting their courage and sacrifices for the nation. They urged citizens to contribute to the fund, which has been observed since …

Student officers from various branches of the Indian armed forces have successfully completed the prestigious Intelligence Staff Course at the Military Intelligence Training School and Depot in Pune, highlighting a significant advancement in India’s intelligence capabilities. The course, tailored to enhance skills in intelligence analysis, operational planning, and inter-agency coordination, aims to equip officers to effectively tackle evolving security challenges. During the convocation, Lt Gen Devinder Pal Singh emphasized the importance of utilizing the knowledge …