In recent developments within the Indian Navy, Rear Admiral Alok Ananda has taken command of the Eastern Fleet, succeeding Rear Admiral Susheel Menon in a ceremony held in Visakhapatnam. Rear Admiral Ananda, a Navigation and Direction specialist commissioned in July 1993, boasts a wealth of operational experience, having commanded several significant vessels, including the Landing Ship INS Ghorpad and the frigate INS Satpura. His accolades include the Yudh Seva Medal for his contributions during Operation …

Lt Gen CG Muralidharan has officially assumed the role of Director General of Medical Services (Army), succeeding Lt Gen Sadhna S Nair, who retired after over 40 years of esteemed service. An alumnus of the Armed Forces Medical College, Lt Gen Muralidharan brings a wealth of experience as a radiologist, having held various command and staff positions across operational theatres. His leadership will prioritize holistic medical care for service personnel and veterans while enhancing the …

The Controller of Defence Accounts (CGDA) organized the 214th SPARSH Outreach Programme in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on October 16, 2025, inaugurated by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. Over 1,100 defence veterans and family pensioners attended, receiving cheques worth Rs 40 lakh for grievances resolved through SPARSH, which aims to provide pension-related services efficiently. The Governor praised the dedicated SPARSH Service Centres across 12 districts and urged the establishment of two more in Idukki and Malappuram for complete …

The 83rd Corps Day of the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) was celebrated at the Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering (MCEME) in Secunderabad, with Lieutenant General Neeraj Varshney leading the commemorative activities. He praised the commitment of EME personnel in maintaining the Indian Army’s combat readiness and highlighted their exemplary performance during Operation Sindoor. The event also acknowledged outstanding achievements in various departments and inaugurated two advanced training facilities, Dronalaya and …

In a significant move to enhance the welfare of ex-Servicemen and their families, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved a 100% increase in financial assistance under various schemes managed by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare through the Kendriya Sainik Board. The approved enhancements include a doubling of the penury and education grants and a tripling of the marriage grant, effective for applications submitted from November 1, 2025. This decision, which carries an annual financial implication …

In a significant step towards national integration, the Indian Army conducted its first-ever Agniveer Recruitment Rally at Campbell Bay, Great Nicobar, on October 14, 2025, showcasing its commitment to reach even the most remote areas of India. This initiative, executed under challenging weather and connectivity conditions, exemplified the synergistic efforts of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and local administration, fostering close ties with local youth who displayed remarkable enthusiasm. The event not only provided recruitment …

St. Joseph University in Chumoukedima organized a career guidance program in collaboration with the Indian Navy, aimed at informing students about opportunities within the naval forces. Lt. Cdr. Bezai Moses, a submarine specialist, delivered an engaging session detailing the Navy’s operations, its crucial role in maritime security, and career pathways for both men and women. The program emphasized the Navy’s motto, “Maritime security for national prosperity,” and inspired students to consider careers in defense, highlighting …

The Indian Army launched the Shaurya Motorcycle Rally from Likabali Military Station to honor the soldiers of the 1962 India-China War, covering nearly 900 kilometers across Arunachal Pradesh. This four-day event, organized in collaboration with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, features 20 riders, including serving personnel and 12 civilians, retracing historic routes. Along the way, the rally promotes community engagement through motivational interactions and awareness campaigns, emphasizing themes such as education and drug prevention. The initiative …

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha commemorated the Diamond Jubilee of India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1965 war by honoring martyrs and ex-servicemen in Jammu, organized by the Army’s Western Command. He emphasized the valor of soldiers, recalling the contributions of the 26th Infantry Division during Operation Sindoor and their role in humanitarian efforts during natural calamities. Sinha urged ex-servicemen to mentor the youth in values of patriotism and discipline, highlighting the collective responsibility to support …

Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) honored Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Chief of the Eastern Naval Command, during his visit on October 10, 2025, reflecting the strategic partnership between the Indian Navy and the historic shipyard in Visakhapatnam. HSL’s leadership acknowledged the Vice Admiral’s pivotal role in the shipyard’s transformation into a modern defense enterprise, emphasizing its contributions to the Navy’s operational readiness through timely ship and submarine refits. The Vice Admiral praised HSL’s ongoing projects, including …

An Indian Army soldier, Lance Naik Harvinder Saini, tragically passed away due to medical complications while on duty in Ladakh. His mortal remains were returned to his home in Arnia Kalan village, Jammu, where he was cremated with full military honours, attended by senior military officials, including Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma. The local community paid tribute with a tricolour rally, emphasizing their respect and gratitude for his service. This event underscores the …

The Border Security Force (BSF) air wing has achieved a historic milestone by training its first woman flight engineer, Inspector Bhawna Chaudhary, marking a significant advancement in gender representation within the paramilitary forces. Following a two-month in-house training program, Chaudhary and four male officers were awarded their flying badges by BSF director general Daljit Singh Chawdhary. This initiative addresses the critical shortage of flight engineers in the BSF’s Mi-17 helicopter fleet, ensuring the air wing …

The Indian Army hosted the Veterans Swabhiman Rally 2025 at Narangi Military Station in Guwahati on 12 October, gathering over 2,500 veterans from Assam and neighboring states, one of the largest such congregations in recent history. Chief Guest Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya praised the sacrifices of veterans and Veer Naris, reinforcing the nation’s gratitude toward them. The event provided welfare support, including financial assistance and medical aids for differently-abled veterans, alongside stalls offering medical and …

The Assam Rifles, under the banner of #SpearCorps, recently organized an interactive session in Ukhrul, Manipur, aimed at engaging veterans and their families. The event brought together over 140 attendees, focusing on welfare, health, and community engagement. Participants received updates on welfare initiatives, on-the-spot grievance redressal, and access to free medical aid, enhancing the support system for veterans. Additionally, the introduction of the Sampark Setu initiative enables veterans to connect with various government welfare schemes, …

In a poignant tribute to two brave soldiers, Lance Havildar Palash Ghosh and Lance Naik Sujoy Ghosh, the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, laid a wreath to honor their supreme sacrifice during a counter-terror operation in the Kishtwar Range of Anantnag. The para commandos were part of a crucial operation launched ahead of heavy snowfall to combat terrorist threats in remote hilly areas. Tragically, they were caught in an avalanche on October …

On the occasion of the International Day of the Girl Child 2025, the Indian Army’s Red Shield Division distributed sanitary kits to 300 schoolgirls in Imphal East, promoting menstrual hygiene and adolescent health. This initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya, aims to empower young girls through education and personal development. Principal Rani Rose praised the Army’s ongoing commitment to community growth, while a lecture by retired Major Memthoi KH highlighted career …

Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, addressed over 5,000 veterans at the “Devbhoomi Mega Veterans Rally” in Dehradun, emphasizing the importance of veterans in shaping the narrative around the Indian Armed Forces on social media. He announced initiatives aimed at enhancing veterans’ welfare, including an Integrated Veterans Wellness and Seva Kendra and new ECHS polyclinics to improve healthcare access. General Chauhan called on the youth to draw inspiration from the legacy of veterans while …

The Delhi High Court has ruled against Uma Maheshwara Sastry Durbaka, who sought admission to the NDA and Naval Academy Examination, citing his vision deformity as a potential threat to national security. Despite passing the written exam and interview, he was deemed medically unfit for both the Navy and Army due to central nebular corneal opacity in his right eye, as confirmed by multiple medical boards. The court emphasized the importance of strict medical standards …

Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, India’s pioneering woman Rafale pilot, has made history by becoming the Indian Air Force’s first woman Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI). She earned this prestigious badge after completing the rigorous 159th Qualified Flying Instructor Course at the Flying Instructors School, Air Force Station Tambaram, Tamil Nadu, with the valedictory ceremony held on October 9, 2025. This milestone came just a day after the IAF celebrated its 93rd anniversary. Singh’s achievement comes amid …

In a significant advancement of defense cooperation, India has agreed to send Indian Air Force (IAF) flying instructors to the United Kingdom to train Royal Air Force (RAF) pilot cadets. This initiative, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a joint press conference with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, highlights the deepening military ties between the two nations, emphasizing shared expertise and operational interoperability. IAF instructors from elite categories A1 and A2 will contribute their …

A troubling incident in Maharajganj, Uttar Pradesh, highlights the vulnerability of young aspirants to recruitment scams, as an NCC cadet named Nagma was duped into paying 2.7 lakh for a fake Army position. After meeting a conman during training, she was lured with promises of a military career, culminating in a staged recruitment process that included a counterfeit joining letter. Celebrated as a village hero upon her return, the truth soon shattered the community’s joy. …

The Indian Air Force’s Flying Instructor’s School (FIS) at Air Force Station Tambaram, Chennai, successfully trained 59 aviators, including personnel from the Indian Armed Forces and allied nations, who earned the Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) insignia. This rigorous 22-week course involved over 200 hours of ground training and ten phases of flying, highlighting the FIS’s commitment to producing skilled instructors capable of meeting evolving operational needs. Established in 1948, the FIS has become a respected …

A man impersonating an Indian Army personnel was apprehended at Roorkee Cantonment in Uttarakhand, following intelligence reports that raised suspicions about his presence in the military zone. Identified as Surendra Kumar from Rajasthan, he was found in Army uniform and possessed 18 debit cards, a forged Army ID, and a fake joining letter. This incident follows the earlier arrest of Ruchika Jain, who falsely claimed to be a retired Army officer in Sambhajinagar. Both cases …

In a significant reform aimed at enhancing operational readiness, the Indian Army has announced the implementation of a new Combined Physical Test (CPT) that will be mandatory for all personnel, including senior officers, from April 2026. This initiative consolidates the existing Battle Physical Efficiency Test (BPET) and Physical Proficiency Test (PPT), extending the fitness age limit to 60 years and ensuring that even the highest ranks, such as Lieutenant Generals, must demonstrate physical fitness biannually. …

In a significant development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that Indian Air Force (IAF) flying instructors will serve as trainers in the UK’s Royal Air Force, following a military training cooperation agreement between India and the UK. This initiative underscores the partnership’s foundation on “trustworthiness, talent, and technology,” as Modi emphasized the unique synergy created by India’s dynamism and the UK’s expertise. The announcement came after high-level talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in …