A pall of grief has descended over Jol village in Himachal Pradesh’s Jawali constituency after 35-year-old ITBP jawan Ankaj Kumar, son of Thakur Singh, passed away due to a brain stroke while on duty in Almora, Uttarakhand.
Serving as a driver with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Ankaj Kumar suffered a sudden brain stroke on Wednesday. His family was informed by ITBP officials at around 5 PM on June 25. The tragic news has deeply affected his family and the entire local community.
Ankaj Kumar had recently returned to duty after a month-long leave. His father runs a tailoring shop in Bhali, while his mother Kanta Devi is a homemaker. He is survived by his wife Sapna Devi and two sons—10-year-old Aditya and 8-year-old Suryansh.
The family, devastated by the sudden loss, is being consoled by villagers and local officials. The mortal remains of the martyr are expected to reach his native village Jol by Friday morning, where his final rites will be conducted with full state honours.
The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the quiet sacrifices made by Indian Armed Forces, even outside of combat zones.
The Indian Army’s Northern Command, Commander-in-Chief Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, showcased heightened operational readiness during a comprehensive review of the Strategic Strikers formation at its Udhampur headquarters.
During the review, he commended the troops for their synchronized training protocols and emphasized the importance of dynamic, situation-specific operational planning to meet evolving challenges along India’s borders with China and Pakistan.
The inspection highlighted the Northern Command’s critical role in national defense, overseeing operations through the XIV, XV, and XVI Corps. Originally re-established in 1972, the Command remains at the forefront of India’s military strategy, particularly in safeguarding volatile sectors across the northern frontier.
Lt Gen Sharma’s review comes against the backdrop of rising global security tensions, notably the recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Defense experts note that such international developments could have ripple effects on regional stability, necessitating heightened vigilance along India’s sensitive borders.
Under Lt Gen Sharma’s leadership, the Command is aligning its strategy with modern combat doctrines and integrated warfare principles. Sources within the military indicated that the reviewed formations are now incorporating advanced tactical maneuvers, including doctrines similar to “blitzkrieg” and “bull horn formation,” which focus on swift deployment and coordinated attacks.
The emphasis on technological advancement and combat readiness underlines India’s commitment to strengthening its northern defenses in a rapidly shifting geopolitical environment. With Lt Gen Sharma at the helm, the Northern Command is positioned to act as a strategic shield, ensuring operational superiority across the region.
In a significant step toward easing long-standing border tensions, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting. The talks focused on strategies to maintain peace along the disputed India-China border, still tense after the deadly 2020 Galwan Valley clash.
During the meeting, Singh emphasized the need for a structured and time-bound roadmap for resolving border disputes. He urged the revival of established military and diplomatic mechanisms to ensure de-escalation, transparency, and long-term stability. Highlighting the necessity of a final border demarcation, Singh reiterated India’s commitment to resolving issues through peaceful dialogue.
Admiral Dong Jun, appointed as China’s Defence Minister in December 2023 and known for his naval expertise, engaged in detailed discussions. His presence signals China’s evolving military diplomacy, with analysts suggesting his approach could influence future negotiations on land-based conflicts. Strategic experts have linked Beijing’s assertive posture to broader geopolitical ambitions, making these engagements crucial for regional security.
The ministers agreed to maintain communication at all levels—military, diplomatic, and political—to address outstanding friction points and pursue disengagement and de-escalation. In a symbolic gesture, Singh presented Dong with a Madhubani painting titled “Tree of Life,” reflecting India’s intention to promote cultural diplomacy amid complex negotiations.
The meeting also came amid India’s firm stance at the SCO forum, where Singh declined to endorse a joint statement over ambiguous language on terrorism—interpreted as a veiled protest against Pakistan’s role.
Observers view the renewed talks with cautious optimism. While diplomatic overtures have resumed, defense analysts stress that lasting peace will depend on concrete, verifiable agreements that ensure mutual compliance and prevent future flashpoints along the Line of Actual Control.
China’s sweeping anti-corruption campaign within its military and defense sectors escalated sharply on Friday, as the National People’s Congress (NPC) expelled several high-ranking officials, including General Miao Hua, Vice Admiral Li Hanjun, and nuclear scientist Liu Shipeng.
The decision, confirmed by state media and reported by the South China Morning Post, marks another wave in President Xi Jinping’s long-running effort to tighten ideological control and root out corruption within the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and defense industry.
General Miao Hua, formerly director of the Political Work Department of the Central Military Commission (CMC), and a close political ally of Xi, was also stripped of his CMC membership—the top military command body chaired by Xi himself. Miao had previously served as the political commissar of the Chinese Navy and rose to prominence after Xi came to power in 2012. He has been under investigation since November 2024 for “serious violations of discipline,” a common euphemism for corruption in official Chinese discourse.
Vice Admiral Li Hanjun, chief of staff of the PLA Navy, and Liu Shipeng, deputy chief engineer at China National Nuclear Corporation, were also expelled from the NPC, signaling broader scrutiny across military and strategic scientific domains.
The NPC Standing Committee, which concluded its session on Friday, formalized the removals, with state-run Xinhua confirming that all three officials had lost their legislative positions. Li Hanjun is the latest among several senior officers to face expulsion, as the Communist Party tightens internal discipline and oversight over the armed forces and related industries.
Since Xi began his leadership in late 2012, over a hundred senior officers and officials have been punished or removed as part of an expansive anti-graft effort that has included two former defense ministers. Analysts view this ongoing purge as part of Xi’s strategy to consolidate authority and ensure complete party loyalty among military leaders, especially as China seeks to project itself as a rising military superpower on the global stage.
The latest expulsions further highlight growing internal unease within China’s defense hierarchy amid mounting external challenges and heightened geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.
In a stark warning during a recent Senate subcommittee hearing, senior officials from the United States Air Force and Space Force raised alarm over China’s growing missile stockpile and advanced surveillance systems, which they say pose serious threats to regional stability and global security.
US Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink and Chief of Space Operations General Chance Saltzman briefed lawmakers on China’s expanding military reach. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA), they noted, has developed a broad array of missile capabilities including:
Over 900 short-range ballistic missiles aimed at Taiwan
Around 400 land-based missiles targeting the first island chain
Approximately 1,300 medium-range missiles capable of reaching the second island chain
More than 500 intermediate-range missiles that can strike as far as Alaska and northern Australia
Over 400 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of delivering nuclear warheads across the globe
General Saltzman also drew attention to China’s increasingly sophisticated “kill web” — an integrated surveillance-strike network that combines more than 470 intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) satellites with advanced weapons systems. This web allows near-instant tracking and targeting of US and allied forces, enabling missile strikes within seconds of identification, thanks to high-speed data transmission and automation.
“This capability is not just a sensor network,” Saltzman said. “It’s a system that compresses the decision-action cycle to seconds, creating a dangerous edge in any conflict scenario.”
While China’s military modernization continues at pace, experts from the Stimson Center who were cited during the hearing said a full-scale invasion of Taiwan remains a high-risk strategy for Beijing. They argued that such a move could trigger nuclear escalation, domestic unrest, and international backlash. Instead, China is more likely to employ coercive tactics—such as economic pressure, cyber warfare, and naval blockades—to subdue Taiwan without direct confrontation.
The Pentagon officials concluded that countering China’s strategic advances will require robust investments in deterrence, enhanced regional partnerships, and improved space and cyber warfare capabilities.
With tensions in the Indo-Pacific showing no signs of easing, US military leaders reiterated the need for constant vigilance and agile response strategies to ensure regional balance and maintain peace through strength.
General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army, was recently presented with a remarkable collection of books that reflect the spirit of military courage, leadership, and sacrifice. The presentation, held in a ceremonial setting, featured contributions from retired officers, highlighting personal and professional journeys in service to the nation.
Among the notable titles was The Saga of Sierra Leone by Lt Gen (Retd) Vijay Kumar Jetley, which documents his command during the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) from 1999–2000. The book provides a detailed narrative of Operation Khukri, a high-risk rescue mission in which Indian troops successfully freed 223 peacekeepers from RUF rebel captivity—an operation often hailed as a rare multinational military success under extreme conditions.
Another deeply moving addition was Nation First by Mrs. Shikha Akhilesh Saxena, wife of Capt Akhilesh Saxena, a Kargil War hero. Her book offers an emotional window into the life of military families during times of war, focusing on the psychological toll faced by those left behind. Also available in Hindi as कारगिल युद्ध, the book stands as a tribute to the resilience of war widows and the human cost of military service.
All Eyes on Tiger, authored by Col Saurabh Sharma, presents a reflective examination of the challenges and responsibilities borne by commanding officers in active duty. Through personal insights and case studies, the book explores the emotional and strategic burdens of command, bringing attention to the unseen mental pressures of military leadership.
Rounding out the collection was Shoorveer, the autobiography of Col (Retd) Rajinder Kumar Sharma. The book traces his transformation from a young recruit to one of the Indian Army’s most decorated officers, offering readers an inspiring story of determination, courage, and legacy.
The books were handed over to General Dwivedi in the presence of military personnel and family members. The event took place in a venue decorated with military portraits and memorabilia, including the symbolic painting Field of Deeds, honoring the enduring legacy of Indian soldiers.
This literary gesture not only pays tribute to the lives of those in uniform but also strengthens the Indian Army’s efforts to preserve and share its rich heritage through personal narratives and documented history.
The Indian Army has released the cut-off marks for the Technical Entry Scheme (TES) 54. Candidates who have achieved a minimum of 60% in their PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) cumulative score have been shortlisted for the SSB (Services Selection Board) Interview. Additionally, candidates must have a CRL (Common Rank List) rank above 1,75,000 to qualify for the shortlist. The SSB Interviews will take place at four locations: Prayagraj (Allahabad), Bangalore, Bhopal, and Jalandhar.
The Technical Entry Scheme (TES) is a prestigious entry route for candidates who have completed their 10+2 education. Successful candidates of the TES entry are granted Permanent Commission in the Indian Army. The training duration for TES candidates is four years, and the TES 54 course is expected to commence in January 2026.
Training of TES Candidates
The TES training program spans four years and is divided into two phases:
Phase I: Integrated Basic Military Training and Engineering Training at one of the following institutions: College of Military Engineering (CME) in Pune, Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE) in Mhow, or Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering (MCEME) in Secunderabad. This phase lasts for three years.
Phase II: Integrated Basic Military Training and Engineering Training for one year at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun or another designated Pre Commission Training Academy (PCTA).
Upon successful completion of the four-year training program, candidates are awarded an Engineering degree. However, no ante date seniority is granted based on this degree.
Selection Procedure
The selection process for TES candidates involves a two-stage selection procedure at the SSB:
Stage I: Candidates who pass Stage I will proceed to Stage II, while those who do not will be sent back on the same day.
Stage II: Candidates who clear this stage will undergo a five-day interview process, followed by a medical examination.
Candidates who are recommended by the SSB and declared medically fit will receive a Joining Letter for training based on their merit and the availability of vacancies, provided they meet all eligibility criteria.
Tips for SSB Interview Preparation
Due to the high number of candidates appearing for SSB in technical entries, the competition is intense. To enhance your chances of success, especially in Stage I, aim to score 90% in the Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) test and present an exceptional story with an outstanding narration. For Stage II, which includes Psychology, Group Testing Officer (GTO) tasks, and the Personal Interview, consistent practice using specially curated SSB workbooks can be beneficial. Daily practice will increase your chances of donning the olive greens.
Conclusion
The TES 54 cut-off marks have set a high standard for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Army through this prestigious entry route. With rigorous training and a stringent selection process, TES candidates can look forward to a rewarding career in the Indian Army, starting with their training in January 2026.
The Indian Army has announced the TES 54 SSB Interview Dates for the TES-54 Course. The SSB date selection link for TES 54 course will be accessible from 27th June 2025 to 11th July 2025 (3:00 PM).
TES 54 SSB Interview Dates
Shortlisted candidates for the SSB Interview will be intimated via email and SMS, along with their TES 54 call letter. Eligible applicants can visit the official Indian Army website to check the available slots and select their preferred SSB date.
As per the TES 54 cutoff marks released by the Indian Army, candidates with a PCM (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics) cumulative score of 60% and a CRL (Common Rank List) rank 1,75,000 are eligible for the SSB interview.
The interviews will be conducted in Prayagraj (Allahabad), Bangalore, Bhopal, and Jalandhar.
The TES 54 shortlisted applicants can now choose their SSB Interview date using the available link. Selection Center East Prayagraj, Selection Centre North Jalandhar, Selection Centre Central Bhopal, and Selection Centre South Bangalore will all host the TES 54 SSB interviews.
Unmarried male candidates who have successfully passed the 10+2 examination with PCM subjects and fulfill the prescribed eligibility conditions are invited to apply for the grant of the Permanent Commission in the Army.
Upon selection, these candidates will undergo four years of Basic Military Training and Technical Training, subject to the specified terms and conditions.
How To Prepare For The Upcoming TES 54 Entry SSB Interview?
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TES 54 Selection Procedure
Shortlisting of Applications. Integrated HQ of MoD (Army) reserves the right to shortlist applications based on cut off percentage applied as decided. After shortlisting of candidates, the Centre allotment will be intimated to the candidate online.
After allotment of Selection Centre, candidates will have to log in to the website and select their SSB dates on a first come first serve basis.
Only shortlisted eligible candidates depending on the cutoff percentage will undergo SSB at one of the Selection Centres i.e, Allahabad (UP), Bhopal (MP), Bengaluru (Karnataka) or Jalandhar(Punjab) by Psychologist, Group Testing Officer and Interviewing Officer.
Call Up letter for SSB interview will be issued by respective Selection Centres on candidate’s registered e-mail ID and SMS only. Allotment of Selection Centre is at the discretion of Directorate General of Recruiting, Integrated Headquarters of MoD (Army) and NO request for changes are entertained in this regard.
Two stage selection procedure. Those who clear Stage I will go to Stage II. Those who fail in Stage I will be returned on the same day. Duration of SSB interview is five days and details of the same are available at the official website of Directorate General of Recruiting www.joinindianarmy.nic.in. This will be followed by a medical examination for the candidates who get recommended after Stage II.
In the eventuality of being recommended by SSB, candidate should have no objection for undergoing medical examination by board of Male/Female doctors.
Candidates recommended by the SSB and declared medically fit, will be issued joining letter for training in the order of merit, depending on the number of vacancies available.
The finally selected candidates will execute all the Bonds/Certificates as prescribed for the Cadets of NDA entry under AI 53/78.
The candidate will not have any objection in the event of final selection, on allotment of any Arm/Service in the interest of organisation
Candidates are reminded to keep their documents ready and regularly check official updates regarding call letters and reporting instructions.
A tragic accident involving an Indian Army vehicle occurred on Junglee Baba Mandir Road in Bagdogra, resulting in the death of 20-year-old Agniveer Prayas Gurung and injuries to several other personnel. The incident took place in a dense forested stretch, which made immediate rescue and communication efforts challenging.
According to officials, the army vehicle was en route between units when the driver reportedly lost control and collided with a tree along the roadside. Agniveer Prayas Gurung, seated at the rear of the vehicle, sustained critical injuries. A nearby army convoy responded swiftly and transported the injured soldiers to the 158 Base Hospital in Bengdubi. Despite receiving urgent medical attention, Gurung succumbed to his injuries during treatment.
I join the people of Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars in mourning the demise of Agniveer Prayash Gurung from Lower Lama Gaon, under Reilling Panchayat, Bijanbari. He met with an accident, while on duty near the Junglibaba Mandir Road under Bagdogra Police Station. He was rushed… pic.twitter.com/GKOVREN62J
Prayas Gurung hailed from Lower Lama Gaon in Bijanbari’s Relling Gram Panchayat. His body is being taken to his ancestral home today, and the Indian Army has confirmed that his final rites will be conducted with full military honours on Saturday.
The accident also left the vehicle’s driver, co-driver, and other soldiers injured, all of whom are currently receiving treatment. Officials from the Bagdogra Forest Department, Traffic Police, local police, and Army units promptly arrived at the crash site to secure the area and begin a detailed investigation into the cause of the incident.
The Army is coordinating with civil authorities to determine the exact reason for the vehicle’s loss of control, and necessary safety evaluations of the route are being undertaken. The incident has cast a shadow over the region, with tributes pouring in for the young Agniveer whose life was cut short in the line of duty.
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), a premier public sector undertaking under India’s Ministry of Defence, has signed definitive agreements to acquire a controlling stake in Sri Lanka’s Colombo Dockyard, marking a key step in India’s strategic maritime expansion.
As per official filings with stock exchanges, MDL will acquire at least 51% equity in the Colombo-based shipbuilding and repair company at a deal value of ₹452 crore. The acquisition will involve both secondary purchase of shares from current majority shareholder Onomichi Dockyard Co. Ltd. of Japan and a primary investment into Colombo Dockyard through a fresh equity subscription.
Founded in 1974, Colombo Dockyard is listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange and has long served as Sri Lanka’s largest and most advanced shipyard. It posted a consolidated turnover of LKR 2,544 crore (approx. ₹726 crore) in FY24. The acquisition will provide MDL with enhanced access to commercial shipbuilding and repair markets in South Asia, strengthening its operational base beyond India.
MDL, headquartered in Mumbai, is globally known for its expertise in building submarines, stealth warships, and special-purpose vessels for the Indian Navy. The company said this acquisition aligns with its long-term growth vision and will help it explore new markets, increase capacity, and boost India’s presence in the Indian Ocean region.
The proposed deal is expected to be completed within 4 to 6 months, pending regulatory approvals in both India and Sri Lanka.
Industry experts say the move could significantly enhance India’s strategic maritime leverage, especially as China continues to invest heavily in port and naval infrastructure across the Indian Ocean. The acquisition also dovetails with the Indian government’s broader vision of maritime self-reliance under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative.
