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 celebrates Noor’s legacy but also highlights the enduring bond between the Indian Ar…
Read More

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. The Court ruled that this practice violated equality rights and instructed the government to implement a 50% reservation for women in these vacanci…
Read More

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, deserve not just enhanced financial support but also disability pensions and ex-serviceman status…
Read More

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 which he received the Vayu Sena Medal. His most notable achievement came during the 1971 war when, as a prisoner of war in P…
Read More

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 to the nation. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by security forces in counter-terrorism o…
Read More

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 the Army’s role in community development but also showcases…
Read More

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 terrorism, emphasizing the need for action against Pakistan, viewed as a source of unrest. This trag…
Read More

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 Air Force in 2011. His passing has deeply grieved the entire village. The solemn ceremony underscored the respect and gratitude for his service to the nation. Read More

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, highlighting the significance of organ donation as…
Read More

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 families of armed forces personnel who sacrifice their lives during non-combat missions, aligning w…
Read More

The Madhya Pradesh High Court ruled that a candidate cannot be denied employment in the Indian Army for not disclosing a minor offense committed during childhood. The case involved Pushpraj Singh, who was disqualified for failing to reveal a petty crime from his youth. The court emphasized that past juvenile offenses should not hinder recruitment, directing the Army to appoint Singh within a month. This decision reinforces the principle of fair opportunity in recruitment processes, highlighting the judiciary’s role in ensuring that past minor infractions do not unfairly impact a candidate’s fu…
Read More

An IAF Lance Naik, Saroj Kumar Das, tragically committed suicide at the Amla station in Betul, Madhya Pradesh. He was reportedly living alone at the station while his family resided in Odisha. The incident has prompted police investigations to uncover the reasons behind this distressing event. Such occurrences highlight the mental health challenges faced by personnel in the armed forces, emphasizing the need for improved support systems and mental wellness initiatives within the Indian defense forces to ensure the well-being of service members. Read More

The Supreme Court of India has urged the Centre and the Indian Air Force (IAF) to reconsider the definition of “mother” in family pension regulations to include step-mothers. This plea arises from a case where a woman, who raised her stepson after his biological mother passed away, was denied benefits. The Court emphasized that “mother” is a broad term and should encompass those who fulfill maternal roles, advocating for a more inclusive interpretation. The IAF’s rigid definition was challenged, highlighting the need for social welfare schemes to adapt to modern family structures and provide e…
Read More

Chapters on the lives of Indian military heroes Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Brigadier Mohammad Usman, and Major Somnath Sharma have been incorporated into the NCERT syllabus for Class VII and VIII, aiming to inspire students through narratives of courage and duty. This initiative, a collaboration between the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Education, emphasizes the importance of understanding India’s military history while fostering patriotism and moral values among young citizens. The National War Memorial, dedicated by Prime Minister Modi in 2019, plays a crucial role in these effor…
Read More

AIIMS Jammu recently honored the bravery of the Indian Army during Operation Sindoor by hosting Brigadier Aniket Deo, who shared insights about the operation’s challenges and sacrifices made by troops. The institution demonstrated its commitment to national service by expanding its bed capacity to accommodate operational casualties and organizing emergency care training for medical personnel. Additionally, nursing officers contributed financially to the Army Welfare Organisation, further showcasing their solidarity with the Armed Forces. This event reflects AIIMS Jammu’s dedication to supporti…
Read More

The Delhi High Court has issued a notice regarding a petition challenging the UPSC’s decision to exclude women from applying to military academies through the CDS exam, allowing only entry to the Officers Training Academy. The petitioner, Kush Kalra, argues that this exclusion is arbitrary and violates women’s rights to equality and professional opportunity, contrasting it with the government’s stated aim of achieving gender balance. He cites the Supreme Court’s prior rulings supporting women’s roles in the military, questioning the justification for continued restrictions. This ongoing deba…
Read More

The Supreme Court is hearing pleas from women Army officers of the Short Service Commission (SSC) who have been denied permanent commissions (PC), citing discrimination from male counterparts. The court suggests establishing uniform guidelines for granting PC while acknowledging the need for specialized training assessments. The ongoing hearings involve over 75 petitions, with the court previously ruling in 2020 that the exclusion of women from command roles is indefensible. This case highlights the systemic issues within the armed forces regarding gender equality and the recognition of women’…
Read More

Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Shrikant Purohit, recently acquitted by a Special NIA Court in Mumbai on July 31, 2025, after a 17-year legal battle over the 2008 Malegaon blast case, will continue to serve in the Indian Army until his retirement in March 2026 at the mandated age of 54 for his rank. Purohit, who was reinstated in the Army after being granted bail by the Supreme Court in September 2017, expressed gratitude to the Army for its unwavering support and reaffirmed his commitment to service. Following his acquittal, Purohit received a hero’s welcome and stated that, having been vindicated…
Read More

Ahead of Raksha Bandhan, students in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, are creating handmade Rakhis and greeting cards for Indian Army soldiers to express their gratitude for Operation Sindoor, executed in response to a terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives. This festival holds special significance as it is the first after the operation, highlighting the community’s pride and connection to the armed forces. Additionally, an outreach session on Operation Sindoor was held at IIT Jammu to promote awareness of national security, emphasizing the professionalism of the Indian Armed Forces and thei…
Read More

In a commendable humanitarian effort, the Indian Army’s 17th Infantry Brigade assisted a pregnant Bakarwal woman in a remote area near the Line of Control, facilitating her safe delivery after promptly evacuating her to a medical facility. This incident underscores the Army’s ongoing support for local communities in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in regions with limited access to essential services. The local population expressed gratitude for the Army’s role in emergency situations, highlighting its commitment to the welfare of residents and its proactive engagement in medical and rescue ope…
Read More

The Indian Army has affirmed full cooperation in the ongoing investigation of a high-profile incident at Srinagar Airport on July 26, 2025, involving Lt Col Ritesh Kumar Singh and SpiceJet ground staff. The dispute reportedly began when Singh, travelling urgently on emergency family leave and carrying a single cabin bag cleared at the check-in counter, was stopped at the boarding gate by SpiceJet staff and denied boarding on grounds of excess baggage. Despite the airline’s stipulated allowance of 7kg cabin and 15kg checked baggage, eyewitnesses stated that the officer’s total baggage did n…
Read More

On August 3, 2025, the Akhil Bharatiya Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangh (ABRSM) hosted the “Saluting Our Heroes – Operation Sindoor” event at the Engineering Staff College of India in Hyderabad, honoring India’s armed forces for their decisive May 2025 counter-terror operation in response to the Pahalgam attack. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu and former DRDO Chairman Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy, who highlighted the significance of national unity and lauded the military’s precision in targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-o…
Read More

Lieutenant General Pushpendra Singh, before assuming his role as Vice-Chief of the Army, paid tribute to five soldiers who sacrificed their lives during an operation he led as part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka in 1989. At the National War Memorial, he honored their memory alongside their families, reflecting on the significant sacrifices made by the Indian Army. The poignant ceremony highlighted the enduring legacy of bravery associated with the 4th Battalion of the Parachute Regiment, which played a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability in the region. Lt Gen Singh’…
Read More

A Border Security Force (BSF) jawan, Sugam Choudhary, went missing from his battalion headquarters in Srinagar and was traced in Delhi while en route to his home in Uttar Pradesh. Authorities initiated extensive searches in Srinagar but initially could not locate him. BSF and local police lodged a missing report, ruling out any subversive motives behind his disappearance, indicating that personal reasons might have prompted his departure. Following a recent surge in violence, notably the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians by Pakistan-backed terrorist…
Read More

Vice Admirals Sanjay Vatsayan, Krishna Swaminathan, and CR Praveen Nair have recently taken on significant leadership roles within the Indian Navy, reflecting a structured hierarchy of appointments. Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan was appointed as the 47th Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, the second-highest position in the Navy, bringing extensive experience as a Gunnery and Missile Systems expert and former commander of the Eastern Fleet during a critical period after the Galwan Valley incident. Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan assumed command as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western…
Read More