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India Deploys Jamming Systems Along LoC

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In a significant escalation of measures against Pakistan, India has deployed advanced jamming systems along its western border aimed at disrupting the navigation capabilities of Pakistani military aircraft, according to government sources. These jammers are reportedly capable of interfering with all major satellite-based navigation platforms, including the American GPS, Russian GLONASS, and Chinese Beidou systems — all of which are integral to Pakistan’s military aviation.

The deployment coincides with India’s decision to formally close its airspace to all Pakistani-registered, operated, or leased aircraft — both military and civilian — from April 30 to May 23. The closure affects all four major Indian Flight Information Regions: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.

Sources indicate the jammers are intended to compromise Pakistan’s situational awareness and targeting precision, particularly in the event of military conflict. By degrading the effectiveness of precision-guided munitions and disrupting satellite-based navigation, the move is seen as a strategic deterrent.

The airspace ban follows the deadly April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives and escalated tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. In response, India has taken a series of retaliatory steps, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and revoking visas for Pakistani nationals.

With Indian airspace now off-limits, Pakistani airlines — including the national carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) — are being forced to reroute via Chinese or Sri Lankan airspace to reach Southeast Asian destinations such as Kuala Lumpur. These longer routes are expected to increase operational costs significantly due to higher fuel consumption, longer flight times, and logistical complications.

While Pakistani carriers face operational strain, Indian airlines like IndiGo and Air India — with their substantially larger fleets — remain unaffected, further tipping the regional aviation balance in India’s favor.

India’s latest measures underscore the deepening strain in bilateral relations and signal a more aggressive posture in dealing with cross-border security threats.

Interesting Facts About Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari, Who Is All Set To Take Over As The New Vice Chief Of Air Staff

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In the skies of India’s defense forces, few names command as much respect as Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari. With a decorated career spanning more than 37 years, he represents the epitome of courage, leadership, and technical brilliance in the Indian Air Force (IAF). As of May 2, 2025, he will assume the role of Vice Chief of the Air Staff, the second-highest position in the IAF—a testament to a career marked by relentless dedication and operational excellence. He will be taking over the position of Retired Air Marshal SP Dharkar.

Also Read: Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Takes Over As New CISC, Here Are Some Interesting Facts About Him

Here are some interesting facts about him:

1. Distinguished Career and Technical Prowess

Air Marshal Tiwari has clocked over 3,600 hours of flying on an array of fighter jets, notably the Mirage-2000. As a qualified flying instructor and experimental test pilot, he has demonstrated a rare blend of instructional skill and pioneering aeronautical expertise—attributes critical to the IAF’s modern combat capabilities.

2. Command and Leadership Roles

Throughout his service, he has taken on several high-impact roles:

  • Commanding Officer of No. 1 Squadron (Mirage-2000)
  • Station Commander
  • Chief Test Pilot at the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment
  • Air Attache at the Indian Embassy in Paris
  • Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the South Western Air Command

Each role reflects his ability to lead with precision, mentor with purpose, and deliver results even in high-pressure environments.

3. Academic Distinction

An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Air Marshal Tiwari graduated as the President Gold Medallist, awarded to the best all-round cadet of the course. His academic excellence laid a strong foundation for his career in both strategic leadership and advanced operational roles.

4. Contributions in Combat and Innovation

Notably, he played a key role in the Kargil conflict, participating in several vital missions. His deep experience with the Mirage-2000 and his involvement in testing indigenous platforms like the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft underline his contributions to both wartime operations and long-term capability development for the IAF.

5. Awards and Honors

Air Marshal Tiwari’s service has been recognized with prestigious awards:

  • Vayu Sena Medal – for devotion to duty and operational success without a single accident.
  • Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) – awarded in 2022 for distinguished service of the highest order.

6. International Diplomacy and Representation

In his role as Air Attache in France, he acted as a key liaison in defense cooperation, furthering India’s strategic interests abroad. His tenure reflected the trust the IAF placed in his diplomatic skills and professionalism.

What His Role Entails?

With his appointment as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Tiwari is set to steer the IAF through a new chapter—one that emphasizes modernization, indigenous capability development, and strategic deterrence.

Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari exemplifies what it means to lead with honor, fly with skill, and serve with unwavering dedication. As the Indian Air Force prepares for the challenges of the future, his leadership ensures that the skies remain secure and the force continues to evolve with strength and integrity.

Central Command Marks 62nd Raising Day with Tributes to Legacy and Service

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The Indian Army’s Central Command commemorated its 62nd Raising Day today with a ceremonial celebration in Lucknow, marking over six decades of distinguished service, strategic growth, and unwavering commitment to national defense.


Re-established on May 1, 1963, following the 1962 Sino-Indian War, the Central Command has evolved from being a strategic reserve to a dynamic operational force responsible for securing key frontiers along the Indo-Tibet and Indo-Nepal borders. Headquartered in Lucknow, the Command oversees military operations across eight states—Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha—making it a central pillar in the Army’s security architecture.


In a message of solidarity and pride, Lieutenant General RC Tiwari, Army Commander of the Eastern Command, extended warm felicitations to the personnel, veterans, and families of the Central Command. “Your dedication to operational readiness and national service reflects the finest traditions of the Indian Army,” he said, emphasizing the Command’s role in border defense and capability enhancement.
The occasion featured a visually symbolic tribute, with the Central Command’s iconic red-and-black insignia with a radiant sun displayed prominently against the Command Headquarters. Messages throughout the event echoed the Army’s ethos of “Nation First,” honoring the courage and professionalism of its personnel.


The Central Command currently commands two static formations—the Uttar Bharat Area and the Madhya Bharat Area—and is home to 18 regimental centers, as well as numerous training and logistic institutions. This extensive framework not only underlines its operational breadth but also its importance in shaping future military leadership and preparedness.


This year’s Raising Day is especially significant in light of the Indian Army’s recent strategic restructuring, including the reassignment of select units to optimize operational coverage along critical borders. Even amid these transitions, the Central Command remains a beacon of stability and strength, rooted in tradition yet forward-looking in its mission.


The 62nd Raising Day thus serves as both a celebration of history and a reaffirmation of the Central Command’s ongoing role in securing the nation’s frontiers with valor, discipline, and dedication.

Pakistan’s Air Force Hypocrisy: Claims Shooting Down Indian Drones and Forcing Indian Jets To Retreat In Panic

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As tensions soar along the India-Pakistan border following the brutal terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has launched an aggressive media campaign to assert its military prowess. In its latest claims, PAF alleges that its fighter aircraft intercepted Indian Air Force (IAF) jets near the Line of Control (LoC), forcing them to “retreat hastily.” No official confirmation has come from the Indian side regarding these assertions, which are being widely interpreted as psychological warfare.

In addition to the Rafale interception claim, Pakistani media reports state that the PAF shot down two Indian surveillance drones over the Bhimber and Kotli sectors of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. These allegations remain unverified, and India has so far chosen not to respond publicly.

Sources in New Delhi indicate that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has granted the Indian Armed Forces full operational autonomy, and all units along the LoC and International Border are on maximum alert.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s defence establishment has taken to issuing late-night communiqués, accusing India of planning a “false flag” operation to justify potential military retaliation. These accusations coincide with rising global scrutiny over Islamabad’s alleged harboring of terror outfits responsible for cross-border violence.

The media narrative from Pakistan is seen by analysts as an attempt to divert attention from the international backlash following the April 22 Pahalgam massacre, in which 26 civilians, including foreign tourists, were gunned down by militants linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba’s proxy wing, The Resistance Front (TRF).

With tensions at a boiling point and diplomatic relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors deteriorating rapidly, regional observers warn that the situation could spiral out of control without de-escalatory measures.

Indian Army Celebrates 87th Armour Day with Display of Strength

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The Indian Army marked Armour Day 2025 with a stirring tribute to the Armoured Corps, celebrating its evolution from cavalry regiments to a cutting-edge mechanized force. The annual commemoration, held on May 1, honors the Corps’ transformation that began in 1938, when the Scinde Horse regiment became the first to adopt tanks, including the Vickers Light Tank and Chevrolet Armoured Cars.

Leading the celebrations was General Upendra Dwivedi, the 30th Chief of Army Staff, who took office on June 30, 2024. In a formal address, he praised the Armoured Corps as the “Steel Fist of the Nation,” recognizing their bravery, discipline, and pivotal role in defending India’s borders. General Dwivedi also highlighted the Corps’ contributions to modern military strategy, especially under the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative promoting indigenous defence manufacturing.

Armour Day 1

This year’s celebration comes at a sensitive time, amid escalating tensions with Pakistan. On April 30, Pakistan’s Foreign Office warned of “credible intelligence” suggesting imminent Indian military action. The alert follows the April 22 massacre of 26 Hindu tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir—the deadliest civilian attack in the region in over two decades. India has blamed the Pakistan-linked group “Kashmir Resistance” for the assault, triggering a series of diplomatic and economic reprisals, including suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and curbs on bilateral trade and airspace usage.

In this charged environment, the Indian Army’s display of its armored strength served not just as a tribute but as a signal of readiness. The Armoured Corps, with roots dating back to 1776 and formally reorganized post-Independence in 1947, has been central to India’s military operations. Today, it continues to modernize with indigenous platforms like the Arjun Main Battle Tank and upcoming light tanks tailored for high-altitude warfare.

As India salutes the valor and tradition of its Armoured Corps, Armour Day 2025 also reflects the nation’s resolve to defend its sovereignty amidst evolving regional threats. The ceremonies underscore not just a celebration of legacy, but a call to vigilance in a turbulent geopolitical climate.

BSF Soldier Held for 7 Days, Even After 7 Meetings Pakistan Delays Release, Citing “Pending Orders”

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Seven days have passed since Border Security Force (BSF) constable PK Sahu, attached to the 182nd Battalion, was taken into custody by Pakistan Rangers after he inadvertently stepped across the India-Pakistan border near Firozpur, Punjab. Yet, despite routine engagements between the two forces, Pakistani authorities have consistently refused to release him, attributing the delay to “awaiting instructions from top officials.”

High-level sources revealed to News18 that each of the seven brief meetings—averaging around 15 minutes—has ended with the same justification from the Pakistani side: no directive has been issued from Islamabad’s senior command.

“We’re speaking to them daily, but the response remains unchanged—they say they’ve not received a green signal from their higher-ups,” a senior BSF official disclosed. “They claim to be following up, yet there has been zero movement on their part to facilitate his return.”

In the latest session held on Wednesday, Pakistan Rangers once again reiterated their now routine statement: “We regret the delay, but no clearance has come from our superiors.”

Indian officials have emphasized that the jawan barely crossed 1–2 meters into Pakistani territory—a scenario that, under usual circumstances, could have been resolved swiftly with mutual understanding. Historically, such accidental crossings have led to quick, cordial handovers. However, this instance has dragged on for a week with no resolution in sight, raising concerns about deliberate stalling by Pakistan.

The ongoing deadlock comes amid soaring India-Pakistan tensions in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam massacre in Jammu and Kashmir, where gunmen associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba’s proxy group, The Resistance Front (TRF), attacked a group of tourists, killing 26 people, including several foreign nationals.

Following the attack, New Delhi has intensified its diplomatic and military posture, and analysts believe Pakistan’s hesitancy in releasing the detained jawan may be politically motivated.

Interesting Facts About Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Take, The New CISC

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On May 1, 2025, the Indian Armed Forces witnessed a pivotal leadership change with the appointment of Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit as the new Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC) who takes over the position from Retired Lt Gen JP Mathew. This key tri-service position underscores India’s commitment to enhancing jointness and operational synergy among its military services—Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Also Read: Interesting Facts about Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, New Commander-in-Chief of Northern Army Command

Here are some interesting facts about him:

1. A Distinguished Career in the Skies

Air Marshal Dixit brings with him nearly four decades of rich experience in the Indian Air Force. Commissioned on December 6, 1986, from the Air Force Academy, Dundigal, he has evolved from a frontline fighter pilot to one of the most respected strategic leaders in Indian defense.

A Mirage 2000 pilot with over 3,300 hours of flying experience, he has led from the cockpit as well as the command post. His tenure as the Commanding Officer of No. 9 Squadron is marked by operational excellence and leadership under pressure.

2. Noteworthy Roles and Achievements

Over the years, Air Marshal Dixit has held several prestigious appointments:

  • Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command (from September 1, 2024)
  • Deputy Chief of Air Staff
  • Senior Air Staff Officer, South Western Air Command
  • Assistant Chief of Air Staff, Air Headquarters
  • Commanding Officer of various fighter bases and training schools
  • Directing Staff at the Air Force Test Pilots School

His role as a qualified flying instructor and experimental test pilot showcases his technical expertise and deep understanding of air operations and pilot training.

3. Veteran of Key Operations

Air Marshal Dixit has also actively participated in critical military operations, including:

  • Operation Rakshak – Counter-insurgency operations
  • Operation Safed Sagar – Aerial campaign during the Kargil War

His on-ground and in-air experience during these operations provided him with firsthand insights into the complexities of modern warfare.

4. Driving Modernization and Self-Reliance

A staunch advocate of the Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) initiative, Air Marshal Dixit has been instrumental in pushing forward key indigenous programs like:

  • LCA Tejas Mk-1A and Mk-2
  • Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA)

These initiatives are crucial for reducing India’s dependency on foreign defense equipment and strengthening its homegrown capabilities.

5. Decorated with Honors

His exceptional service has been recognized with multiple prestigious awards:

  • Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) – 2023
  • Vayu Sena Medal (VM) – 2006
  • Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) – 2011

These accolades reflect not only his professional brilliance but also his unwavering commitment to national service.

What His Role as CISC Entails?

As the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, Air Marshal Dixit now plays a vital role in coordinating strategies, operations, and doctrines across India’s three armed forces. This position, just below the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), is central to the country’s efforts toward joint warfighting capabilities, inter-service interoperability, and integrated defense plannin

Air Marshal Dixit’s appointment comes at a time when the Indian military is undergoing a significant transformation. From restructuring command hierarchies to enhancing theater-level joint operations, the defense forces are gearing up for future warfare, where speed, synergy, and innovation will be paramount.

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit’s career reflects an extraordinary blend of combat experience, visionary leadership, and dedication to modernization. As the new CISC, he stands at the helm of India’s tri-service integration, playing a decisive role in shaping the country’s defense posture in the 21st century.

Pakistan’s ISI Chief Lt Gen Mohammad Asim Malik Assumes NSA Role

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In a significant reshuffle within Pakistan’s security hierarchy, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Director General Lieutenant General Mohammad Asim Malik has been appointed as the country’s National Security Adviser (NSA) on an interim basis. This development unfolds amid surging hostility with neighboring India in the aftermath of a devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that left 26 dead and numerous injured.

According to Pakistani media reports, official notification confirming Malik’s new role has been issued. He will now oversee national security strategy alongside his leadership of the ISI, reflecting Islamabad’s heightened urgency to consolidate its counterterrorism apparatus.

Lt General Malik has served as the ISI chief since September 2024. His elevation to NSA comes as Pakistan reportedly fears a swift Indian military response to the April 22 massacre in Pahalgam, which was carried out by Pakistan-based militants linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba through its proxy group, The Resistance Front (TRF). Among the victims were multiple foreign nationals and civilians, including women and elderly tourists, targeted in broad daylight.

Pakistan’s Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, claimed on Wednesday that New Delhi could initiate military action within the next 24 to 36 hours, citing what he described as “credible intelligence.” Tarar posted on social media platform X, warning that any Indian aggression would be met with a “resolute and proportionate” counteraction, holding India responsible for any potential regional fallout.

The attack has severely strained bilateral relations, prompting India to implement a series of punitive actions. These include suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, reducing Pakistan’s diplomatic staff in New Delhi, shutting Indian airspace to Pakistani flights, and expelling Pakistani military attachés. In a retaliatory move, Islamabad has halted adherence to the Shimla Agreement and initiated corresponding diplomatic downgrades.

Malik’s expanded role is seen as part of Pakistan’s effort to realign its internal security policies, particularly in insurgency-prone areas like Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while also preparing for potential conflict escalation. Given the current trajectory of India-Pakistan relations, Malik’s dual role places him at the epicenter of a rapidly evolving and high-stakes security scenario.

TGC 142 Notification, Online Application, Age Limit, Vacancies, Cut Off

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The Indian Army has officially released the TGC 142 Notification for the 142nd Technical Graduate Course, which will commence in January 2026 at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun. This entry provides a Permanent Commission for eligible unmarried male engineering graduates.

The Technical Graduate Course (TGC) Entry is a specialized recruitment scheme conducted by the Indian Army for engineering graduates who aspire to join as commissioned officers in the technical branches of the Army. This entry is open exclusively to unmarried male engineering graduates, offering them a pathway to serve the nation in a technical and leadership capacity.

The TGC is designed to induct engineering graduates into the Indian Army’s technical corps, where they are trained for roles that leverage their technical expertise. Upon successful completion of training, candidates are granted a Permanent Commission in the rank of Lieutenant.

TGC 142 Important Details

ParameterDetails
Course NameTechnical Graduate Course (TGC-142)
Training AcademyIndian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
Commission TypePermanent Commission
Application Start Date30 April 2025 (1500 hrs)
Application End Date29 May 2025 (1500 hrs)
Who Can ApplyUnmarried Male Engineering Graduates
Age Limit20 to 27 years as on 01 Jan 2026 (Born between 02 Jan 1999 and 01 Jan 2006)
Educational QualificationFinal year or completed B.E./B.Tech in notified engineering streams
Total Vacancies30
Major Streams & VacanciesCivil (8), CSE/IT (6), Electronics (6), Mechanical (6), Electrical (2), Others (2)
Training Duration12 Months
Stipend During Training₹56,100 per month
Rank After TrainingLieutenant
Initial Pay ScaleLevel 10: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 + MSP ₹15,500/month
Selection ProcessShortlisting → SSB Interview → Medical Exam → Merit List
SSB CentresPrayagraj, Bhopal, Bengaluru, Jalandhar
Official Website to ApplyNotification PDF
TGC SSB Interview BooksOrder Here
TGC SSB Interview CoachingJoin Here

TGC 142 Overview

  • Entry Name: Technical Graduate Course (TGC-142)
  • Commission Type: Permanent Commission
  • Training Academy: Indian Military Academy, Dehradun
  • Training Duration: 12 Months

TGC 142 Eligibility Criteria

Nationality

Candidate must be:

  • A citizen of India, or
  • A subject of Nepal, or
  • A person of Indian origin migrated from select countries with intent of permanent settlement in India (with certificate of eligibility, if applicable).

TGC 142 Age Limit

  • 20 to 27 years as on 01 January 2026
  • Candidates born between 02 Jan 1999 and 01 Jan 2006 (both inclusive).

TGC 142 Educational Qualification

  • Candidates must have passed OR be in the final year of an Engineering Degree (BE/B.Tech) in the relevant discipline.
  • Final year students must submit proof of passing the degree by 01 January 2026.

Note: Candidates with exams after 01 Jan 2026 are not eligible.

TGC 142 Engineering Streams & Vacancies

A total of 30 vacancies are available across the following branches:

Core StreamVacancies
Civil Engineering & equivalents08
Computer Science / IT & equivalents06
Electrical / Electronics & Instrumentation02
Electronics / Telecommunication & equivalents06
Mechanical / Industrial / Aeronautical & equivalents06
Other Streams (Architecture, Biomedical, etc.)02

👉 Only the streams mentioned in the official list will be accepted. Any mismatch in stream name on degree will lead to cancellation.

TGC 142 Selection Procedure

  1. Shortlisting of Applications
    • Based on cutoff percentage set per engineering stream.
    • Final year students must meet cutoff up to 6th semester.
  2. SSB Interview
    • Centres: Prayagraj, Bhopal, Bangalore, Jalandhar
    • Two-stage process:
      • Stage 1: Screening
      • Stage 2: Psychology, GTO, and Interview
  3. Medical Examination
  4. Final Merit List
    • Based on SSB marks.
    • Tie-breaker: Age > Degree % > Final selection.

TGC 142 How to Apply

  • Visit: www.joinindianarmy.nic.in
  • Click on ‘Officer Entry Apply/Login’
  • Complete registration and submit the application under TGC-142
  • Print two copies of the submitted application after closure

Note: Aadhaar number and Matriculation Certificate are mandatory for registration.

TGC 142 Training & Commission

  • Training Location: Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
  • Commission: Granted Permanent Commission as Lieutenant
  • Ante-date Seniority: One year (for promotion and pay benefits)

TGC 142 Pay & Allowances

RankPay LevelPay Scale (₹)
LieutenantLevel 10₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500
CaptainLevel 10B₹61,300 – ₹1,93,900
MajorLevel 11₹69,400 – ₹2,07,200
Lt ColonelLevel 12A₹1,21,200 – ₹2,12,400
  • MSP (Military Service Pay): ₹15,500/- per month
  • Training Stipend: ₹56,100/- per month at IMA
  • Additional allowances include Field Area, High Altitude, Uniform, Transport, and Education Allowance

TGC 142 Medical & Physical Standards

Minimum Physical Standards

ActivityStandard
2.4 km Run10 min 30 sec
Push Ups40
Pull Ups06
Sit Ups30
Squats2 sets of 30
Lunges2 sets of 10
SwimmingMust know basics

Medical fitness is assessed per standards available on the Indian Army website.

TGC 142 Important Points

  • Final year candidates must ensure result declaration by 01 Jan 2026
  • Mismatch in stream name or variation in personal details will lead to rejection
  • Only one application allowed per candidate
  • Those withdrawn on disciplinary grounds from any military academy are ineligible

TGC Previous Cut Off Trends (Indicative)

While TGC 142 cutoff percentages are not yet released, based on previous courses like TGC-140 and TGC-141, the typical cutoffs range from:

StreamExpected Cut Off Range (%)
Civil65 – 70%
Computer Science70 – 80%
Electrical70 – 75%
Electronics70 – 80%
Mechanical70 – 75%

The final cutoff for TGC 142 will be released post shortlisting.

Contact & Queries

  • Use the “Feedback/Query” option on www.joinindianarmy.nic.in for official communication.
  • Queries sent after 3 days before closing will not be entertained.

TGC 142 Study Material

Conclusion

The TGC 142 Entry is an excellent opportunity for engineering graduates who aspire to serve the nation as commissioned officers in the Indian Army. With competitive pay, structured career progression, and a sense of honour, this path offers unmatched challenges and rewards.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio Condemns Pahalgam Attack Over Call With EAM S. Jaishankar

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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expressed deep condolences to India over the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 people dead, most of them tourists. In a phone conversation with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, Rubio condemned the “horrific” act and pledged continued U.S. support in strengthening bilateral counterterrorism cooperation.

According to U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, Rubio also urged both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and pursue de-escalation to maintain regional stability in South Asia. The deadly Pahalgam assault has reignited long-standing tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, with Indian officials attributing the attack to “cross-border terrorism” and alleging Pakistani involvement — claims that Islamabad has firmly denied.

The attack, among the deadliest in the region in recent years, targeted a group of vacationers in Pahalgam, a scenic destination in Kashmir. Indian intelligence agencies have pointed to suspected linkages with militant groups operating across the border, further exacerbating the already strained relations between New Delhi and Islamabad.

The U.S.-India counterterrorism partnership, described as a central pillar of their strategic alliance, was reaffirmed during the call. Rubio highlighted the importance of ongoing joint efforts, including intelligence sharing, capacity building, and joint counterterrorism initiatives, to address the growing threat posed by regional militancy.

The international response has reflected deep concern. The United Nations Security Council condemned the attack, although diplomatic sources revealed that Pakistan and China lobbied for a watered-down resolution, underlining enduring geopolitical divides. In response, India has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism and is actively engaging with UNSC members to push for stronger measures against terror financing and cross-border militancy.

The Kashmir dispute — a legacy of the 1947 partition of British India — remains a core issue in Indo-Pakistani relations, having triggered several conflicts over the decades. With the latest violence raising the specter of escalation, the U.S. has renewed calls for dialogue. Rubio’s outreach echoes Washington’s long-held stance of encouraging diplomatic engagement to avert wider conflict in the volatile region.

As global attention remains focused on South Asia, diplomatic efforts continue to prevent further deterioration and promote a peaceful resolution to the enduring Kashmir conflict.