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 …

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 …

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 …

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, …

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 …

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, …

Wing Commander Namansh Syal, a 34-year-old pilot of the indigenous Tejas fighter jet, tragically lost his life during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show 2025 when the aircraft crashed shortly after take-off, resulting in a fireball. The incident marks a significant and somber moment for the Indian Air Force (IAF), being the first fatal accident of the Tejas during an international showcase. Hailing from Patiyalkar village in Himachal Pradesh, Wing Commander Syal is …

The National Cadet Corps (NCC) commemorated its 78th Raising Day on November 23, 2025, marked by a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, attended by Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh and DG NCC Lt Gen Virendra Vats. The NCC, which has grown from 20,000 cadets at its inception in 1948 to 20 lakh cadets today, emphasizes its significant role in nation-building and youth development, with operations in 713 of …

The Indian Military Academy (IMA) has successfully revised its syllabus to rediscover and celebrate India’s rich military heritage, moving away from a predominantly colonial narrative. The new curriculum emphasizes over 5,000 years of indigenous military history, focusing on notable figures like Maharana Pratap and Shivaji Maharaj, alongside strategic concepts rooted in ancient texts such as the Arthashastra. This transformative approach aims to instill cultural confidence and pride among future officers, promoting a deeper understanding of …

The Combat Army Aviation Training School (CAATS) held its Passing Out Parade in Nashik, presided over by Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, marking a significant milestone in military aviation training with the graduation of officers from multiple aviation courses. The event highlighted the evolution of integrated crew training, showcasing a Combat Aviation Demonstration that emphasized the seamless coordination of helicopters, RPAS platforms, and infantry elements. The Army Commander underscored the critical role of these combat aviators …

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh commended the Indian Army for organizing its first-ever Mega Health Camp, a three-day free cataract surgery initiative at the Superspeciality Command Hospital in Udhampur. During his visit, he praised the Army’s dual role in safeguarding the nation and providing vital healthcare, emphasizing its commitment to humanitarian service. Highlighting modern technology’s importance, he reviewed advanced medical equipment that enhances treatment accuracy and efficiency. This outreach program not only fosters public trust …

An Indian Air Force personnel, Golaka Bihari Dixit, has been arrested in Bhubaneswar following allegations of sexual exploitation and deceit by a woman in Odisha. The technician, currently stationed in Ladakh, was apprehended after evading police summons related to the complaint, which accused him of exploiting the woman under false promises of marriage and engaging in infidelity. Reports indicate that he was found with another woman to whom he had made similar assurances. Dixit faces …

The Delhi High Court has directed producers of the film “120 Bahadur” to credit the valor of soldiers from the Battle of Rezang La in the movie’s end credits, following a public interest litigation seeking recognition for the Ahir (Yadav) soldiers. Counsel for Excel Entertainment confirmed that all soldiers will be acknowledged, although the court noted it is too late to change the film’s title to “120 Vir Ahir” ahead of its November 21 release. …

Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan emphasized the importance of achieving jointness and integration among the Indian Armed Forces, while ensuring that each service maintains its unique identity and core role. He highlighted the recent Operation Sindoor as an exemplar of successful collaboration among the Army, Navy, and Air Force, noting the seamless transfer of assets and operational coordination during precision strikes across the border. Gen Chauhan also underscored the significance of fostering a …

The Indian Army is considering a pilot project to induct women into Territorial Army battalions, a move aimed at enhancing opportunities for women in the armed forces. This initiative aligns with the government’s emphasis on ‘Nari Shakti’ and the evolving role of women in military operations. Currently, women are commissioned in various arms of the Indian Army, including the Corps of Engineers and the Army Air Defence, among others. The Territorial Army, established as a …

The Indian Army is set to induct women soldiers into its Territorial Army (TA) battalions as a pilot project, marking a significant step towards enhancing opportunities for women in the military. Initially, recruitment will be limited to a section strength in select Home & Hearth battalions, which were established for counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in regions like Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast. This initiative aligns with the government’s emphasis on ‘Nari Shakti’ or women’s …

Rear Admiral Gautam Marwaha has taken charge as the Chief Staff Officer (Technical) at the Eastern Naval Command Headquarters in Visakhapatnam. An Electrical Engineer commissioned in December 1992, he brings a wealth of experience from various appointments, including service aboard multiple naval ships and significant roles in naval dockyards. His overseas experience includes serving as the Defence Adviser in Nigeria, while his leadership at INS Valsura earned the establishment the President’s Colour for excellence. Awarded …

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has inducted over 11,700 new personnel in a single day, significantly enhancing security at critical national installations including Jewar and Navi Mumbai airports, Bhakra Dam, and other vital infrastructure. This recruitment, which aligns with the Ministry of Home Affairs’ ongoing expansion plan, strengthens the CISF’s total strength to approximately 1.70 lakh personnel, addressing nearly 90% of its manpower needs at sensitive sites. The new recruits, selected for their graduate-level …

In a significant move to enhance medical readiness during hostile situations, the White Knight Corps of the Indian Army signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Acharya Shri Chander Medical College & Hospital in Jammu. This agreement aims to establish a comprehensive medical support system for both military personnel and civilians, focusing on critical resources such as emergency surgical facilities, blood transfusion capabilities, and specialized medical care including cardiology and neurosurgery. By pooling their expertise …

More than 11,000 personnel, including 1,896 women, were inducted into the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) on a single day, significantly enhancing the force’s operational strength by 8%. This recruitment comes at a vital time as the CISF secures key national infrastructure, including the recently established Jewar Airport and Navi Mumbai Airport. With the current strength of approximately 1.70 lakh, the induction addresses manpower needs for critical installations, ensuring robust security for both government and …

Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) Chief Parag Jain has been appointed Secretary (Security) in the Cabinet Secretariat with immediate effect as of November 12, 2025, holding the dual charge until further orders or regular appointment. This strategic decision by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet aims to enhance coordination between India’s external intelligence through R&AW and internal security frameworks amid growing threats like terrorism and cyberattacks. Jain, known for his leadership in Operation Sindoor and …

A commemorative postal stamp honoring the bravery of the 13th Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment was unveiled in New Delhi by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, marking the 63rd anniversary of the Battle of Rezang La. The stamp pays tribute to Major Shaitan Singh and his troops who displayed extraordinary courage in severe conditions during the 1962 conflict. The event coincided with promotional activities for the film “120 Bahadur,” which dramatizes the historic events of Rezang …

The Indian Navy has inaugurated a new recruitment centre at INS Kadamba in Karwar, enhancing its presence on the Western Seaboard and becoming the tenth recruitment establishment across India. This initiative aligns with the ongoing efforts to bolster recruitment for the Agniveer program, with the first Stage-2 recruitment drive for the 01/2026 Agniveer batch scheduled from November 10 to 15, 2025. Local representatives from the Naval Headquarters and the Western Naval Command participated in the …

The Haryana government has announced age relaxation for ex-Agniveers domiciled in the state, easing the upper age limit for direct recruitment to Group B and C posts. A government order issued on November 11, 2025, by Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi grants a three-year age relaxation for all ex-Agniveers, with a special five-year relaxation for the first batch (2022-23) due to their unique upper age limit at recruitment. Haryana, which has seen over 7,000 Agniveers join …

In an effort to inspire the youth and highlight career opportunities within the Indian Armed Forces, Major General Dharm Raj Rai delivered a guest lecture at the Indian Institute of Information Technology, Allahabad (IIIT-A). The session emphasized the values of leadership, discipline, and national service, encouraging BTech students from IT and EC backgrounds to consider military careers. General Rai shared his extensive experience and insights into various roles within the Indian Army, Navy, and Air …