The much-anticipated SSB interview dates for the IMA-160 course have finally been released. Candidates who have successfully cleared the written phase of the CDS exam can now select their interview dates. The date selection link will remain accessible until July 3, 2025, closing precisely at 1600 hrs.
This is a critical phase in the selection process for candidates aspiring to join the prestigious Indian Military Academy. The Services Selection Board (SSB) interviews are an integral part of the assessment, determining the suitability of candidates for a career in the Indian Armed Forces.
How to Select Your SSB Interview Date:
Candidates are urged to act swiftly and select their preferred dates for the SSB interviews during the specified window. The process is simple:
It’s important to note that the availability of dates is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Candidates are encouraged to make their selections early to secure their preferred dates.
Preparation Tips for SSB Interviews:
As you prepare for your SSB interviews, keep the following tips in mind:
Physical Fitness: Ensure you are in good physical shape as the tests involve physical tasks.
Current Affairs: Stay updated with national and international news as this often forms a part of the interview discussions.
Personal Growth: Focus on personal development skills such as leadership, teamwork, and communication, which are highly valued during the assessments.
This is an exciting opportunity for all aspiring candidates to move one step closer to their dream of serving the nation. Make sure to select your interview date within the stipulated period and prepare thoroughly.
This is an exciting opportunity for all aspiring candidates to move one step closer to their dream of serving the nation. Make sure to select your interview date within the stipulated period and prepare thoroughly for the upcoming challenges. Good luck to all candidates as they advance through this pivotal stage of their careers.
A major security breach occurred at the Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering (MCEME) in Secunderabad after unidentified individuals entered the premises using forged Indian Army identity cards.
According to sources, the suspects not only gained unauthorized access to the military campus but also recorded videos and took photographs inside the highly secured facility. Their suspicious activity was soon noticed by army personnel, who promptly detained and questioned them.
Upon inspection, it was discovered that the identity cards used by the individuals were fake. The army authorities immediately handed over the suspects to the Tirumalagiri police for further investigation.
The incident has raised serious concerns about security protocols at one of India’s key military institutions. An inquiry is underway to determine how the individuals managed to breach the perimeter and whether any sensitive information was compromised during the infiltration.
Police officials have confirmed that a case has been registered and investigations are ongoing to trace the origin of the forged documents and ascertain the motive behind the intrusion. Additional security measures are expected to be implemented at the MCEME campus following the breach.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is expected to meet a senior army commander today in a bid to defuse a political crisis triggered by a leaked phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen. The call, which appeared online earlier this week, referred to Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang as her “opponent” — a remark that has placed her fragile coalition government at risk.
The 38-year-old premier, daughter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, issued a public apology on Thursday after her remarks angered coalition partners and the military establishment. Surrounded by top military and police officials during the address, Paetongtarn expressed regret over the call, which critics say undermined national unity and offended the Thai armed forces.
The crisis escalated when the Bhumjaithai party, one of her main conservative coalition partners, withdrew its support on June 18, saying the call insulted the country and the army. With their exit, the ruling coalition led by Paetongtarn’s Pheu Thai party now holds only a narrow majority in Parliament.
However, the situation showed signs of stabilizing after the Democrat Party — another key conservative ally — declared its intention to remain in government. In a statement released Friday morning, the party said it would stay to “help resolve the challenges the country is currently facing.” The Chartthaipattana party also confirmed it would not withdraw, following late-night crisis talks with other partners.
Despite these reassurances, Paetongtarn’s government remains on shaky ground. Her upcoming meeting with Lt Gen Boonsin in northeastern Thailand — the site of ongoing border tensions with Cambodia — is seen as a critical gesture of reconciliation. The leaked call reportedly involved discussion of this border dispute, prompting a formal protest from Thailand to Cambodia for breaching diplomatic protocols.
Paetongtarn’s critics have accused her of appearing submissive in the call with Hun Sen, and her dismissive tone towards a military commander has further strained civil-military relations. In a country where the armed forces play a significant role in politics, such remarks can have serious consequences.
Although Thursday saw minor protests and calls for her resignation or fresh elections, support from some coalition partners and her public contrition may help her weather the immediate storm. Still, with a razor-thin majority and a fragile alliance with traditionally pro-military parties — many of whom have clashed with her father in the past — her hold on power remains uncertain.
Thaksin Shinawatra, ousted in a 2006 military coup, continues to influence Thai politics from behind the scenes. While still popular among rural voters for his pro-poor policies, he is viewed with deep suspicion by Thailand’s conservative elite, who regard his rule as corrupt and destabilizing.
As Thailand grapples with internal instability and economic headwinds, including the threat of trade tariffs from the United States, all eyes will be on Paetongtarn’s next moves. Her efforts to repair ties with the military and retain coalition unity may determine whether her government survives the weeks ahead.
The Military College of Electronics & Mechanical Engineering (MCEME) celebrated its 107th convocation in Secunderabad on June 19, marking a landmark moment in military technical education. The ceremony was distinguished by the presence of Professor Himanshu Rai, Director of IIM Indore, who conferred degrees to the graduating officers of the TES-43 course.
This rare blend of civilian academic leadership in a military setting highlights growing cooperation between defense institutions and academia. The collaboration reflects a broader national push toward innovation, as seen in studies such as the 2023 Journal of Defense Studies report on defense-academia integration.
— Army Training Command, Indian Army (@artrac_ia) June 20, 2025
The convocation featured an exhibition of innovative projects developed by the graduates, focusing on emerging technologies relevant to national defense. These efforts align closely with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which aims to reduce dependency on foreign military imports and bolster indigenous capabilities. According to the 2022 Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy, indigenous defense manufacturing has seen a 20% growth since 2019.
In his keynote address, Professor Rai praised the officers and their families, encouraging the graduates to embrace technological leadership and ethical responsibility in what he called the “BANI world”—bravery, adaptability, networking, and introspection. He also emphasized the strategic importance of artificial intelligence and innovation in modern warfare.
The exhibition underscored MCEME’s continued role as a hub of military technological advancement. A 2021 DRDO report highlighted a 30% drop in defense imports over the last five years, indicating a positive shift towards domestic capability building.
Founded in 1946 and approved by AICTE, MCEME remains a cornerstone of India’s technical military education, offering a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and specialized programs. The convocation affirmed the college’s commitment to preparing India’s armed forces for future challenges with homegrown solutions and forward-looking leadership.
A British Royal Air Force F-35 Lightning II fighter jet remains stranded at Trivandrum International Airport for the fifth consecutive day following an emergency landing earlier this week. Despite continuous repair efforts, technical issues have prevented the aircraft from being cleared for takeoff.
The fifth-generation stealth aircraft made an emergency landing on June 15 due to a mid-air systems failure while en route from Diego Garcia to the Middle East. Since then, teams of technicians and engineers have been working round-the-clock to diagnose and resolve the problem. However, sources indicate that the fault lies within the jet’s complex flight control system, making the repair process both time-consuming and delicate.
In a display of military discipline, the British pilot has refused to leave the aircraft until it is deemed airworthy. Local authorities have provided additional security around the parked jet, which remains under close surveillance due to its sensitive onboard technology.
Airport operations have remained largely unaffected, although authorities have cordoned off the area where the aircraft is stationed.
The presence of the advanced fighter jet has drawn attention from both the public and defence enthusiasts in the region. Indian defence officials are reportedly in close coordination with the British High Commission and the Royal Air Force to facilitate safe repairs and eventual departure.
The British F-35’s extended stay in India highlights both the complexity of modern combat aircraft and the international cooperation required to handle such incidents efficiently.
The Indian Army and Border Security Force (BSF) held the Annual Synergy Conference 2025 at the Western Command headquarters in Chandimandir, reaffirming their commitment to strengthened cooperation and integrated border security. Themed “Ever Westwards,” the conference brought together senior officers from both forces, including Sh Satish S Khandare, ADG HQ Special DG BSF (Western Command), and representatives from the Punjab and Jammu Frontiers.
The high-level meeting centered on enhancing jointmanship and operational coordination, with a special focus on the recent Operation Sindoor. The operation highlighted the need for synchronized responses in high-threat environments, prompting discussions on integrated communication systems, joint logistics frameworks, and the development of robust counter-drone capabilities.
Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, PVSM, AVSM, Western Command GOC, underscored the strategic value of building a Joint Security Force Culture. He stressed that consistent collaboration between the Army and BSF is essential to effectively respond to dynamic border threats and maintain national security.
Key activities during the conference included strategic briefings, field training demonstrations, and a ceremonial exchange of mementos, symbolizing the shared commitment to operational excellence and national defence.
The conference concluded with a renewed pledge to institutionalize joint operational mechanisms and drive continuous improvement in border management and response capabilities across India’s western front.
Pakistan has once again extended the closure of its strategically significant Rahim Yar Khan airbase, which was severely damaged by Indian missile strikes during Operation Sindoor in May. The airbase, which also shares infrastructure with a civilian airport in Punjab province, will now remain closed until at least July 4.
A new Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority confirms the extended shutdown of the facility. OSINT analyst Damien Saymon posted the update on X, noting that the airbase, struck in the second phase of India’s military campaign, continues to remain offline weeks after the attack.
Pakistan once again issues a NOTAM for Rahim Yar Khan, the runway struck by India in May 2025 now remains offline estimated till 04 July 2025 pic.twitter.com/M6nE1ONTmL
The missile strike on May 7 was part of India’s Phase 2 retaliation under Operation Sindoor, launched in response to Pakistani attacks on Indian civilian and military targets. In Phase 1, India had targeted terror launchpads and training camps across the border.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had publicly referenced the strike days later at a rally in Bikaner, stating, “Pakistan’s Rahim Yar Khan airbase is still in ICU, not sure when it will reopen,” taking a direct jab at Islamabad’s military infrastructure vulnerabilities.
Rahim Yar Khan is considered one of Pakistan’s more important operational airbases, housing both military and dual-use aircraft. Its continued closure is being seen as a major dent in Pakistan’s aerial defense readiness and has raised concerns about the extent of damage sustained.
The initial NOTAM issued on May 10 cited the closure of the sole runway from 4:00 pm Pakistan time on May 10 until 4:59 am on May 18. This timeline has now been revised multiple times, reflecting the severity of the damage and the challenges in restoring operational capability.
Indian defence analysts suggest that the strike disrupted not just runway operations but also radar, command infrastructure, and parked aerial assets, effectively degrading Pakistan’s air combat and surveillance reach in the region.
The airbase’s prolonged closure also comes at a time of heightened military alert along the Indo-Pak border, with both countries monitoring each other’s deployments and strategic postures amid fears of further escalation.
A major hospital in southern Israel was struck by an Iranian ballistic missile as Tehran launched a new wave of missile attacks across the country. The strike on Soroka Medical Centre in Beersheba, reportedly part of a barrage targeting nearby military sites, left extensive damage and led to the evacuation of 200 patients.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed it had aimed at a military target close to the hospital, not the facility itself. However, Israel has condemned the strike as deliberate and criminal. Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Sharren Haskel accused Iran of intentionally targeting the main medical centre for the Negev region.
The Israeli Health Ministry said at least 271 people had been injured across the country in the latest attacks. Meanwhile, Israel retaliated with precision strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, hitting sites including the Arak heavy-water reactor and a facility in Natanz that Israel claims is linked to nuclear weapons development.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the damaged hospital and promised to eliminate Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities. “By the end of this operation, there will be no nuclear threat to Israel,” he declared. Defense Minister Israel Katz added that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei “can no longer be allowed to exist” for ordering strikes on civilian targets.
The Iranian government, while denying it targeted civilians, has warned that its response to Israeli aggression will have “no limits.” Tehran has also filed a complaint with the UN nuclear watchdog, accusing Israel of illegal attacks on peaceful nuclear infrastructure.
The Arak reactor, which produces plutonium-capable heavy water, had reportedly been evacuated ahead of the strike. While no radiation leaks were reported, Iran maintains that its nuclear program is peaceful—a claim Israel and the U.S. have long disputed.
The UN and international agencies condemned the hospital strike. UN Human Rights Commissioner Volker Türk called for maximum restraint and warned against escalating rhetoric. The World Health Organization and International Committee of the Red Cross reminded all parties that hospitals and medical workers are protected under international humanitarian law.
Meanwhile, the conflict threatens to widen as U.S. President Donald Trump weighs direct military involvement. While the Pentagon has drawn up plans for a possible strike on Iran, Trump has not confirmed whether he will act. “I may do it, I may not do it,” he said on Wednesday. Iranian officials have warned that U.S. intervention would trigger retaliation against American interests in the region.
As the situation escalates, calls for de-escalation and renewed diplomacy grow louder, but the path to peace remains uncertain.
President Donald Trump is expected to make a decision within the next two weeks on whether the United States will take direct military action against Iran, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. The announcement comes amid growing tensions in the Middle East, following Iran’s missile attacks on Israel and fears of wider regional escalation.
Delivering a message from the president at Thursday’s briefing, Leavitt said, “Based on the fact that there’s a substantial chance of negotiation that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go in the next two weeks.”
While she declined to disclose details about the nature of communications with Iran, Leavitt confirmed that diplomatic correspondence “has continued,” leaving the door open for a potential negotiated settlement.
Any agreement, however, would require Iran to cease uranium enrichment and abandon any pathway to a nuclear weapon, she added.
Trump, speaking to reporters on Wednesday, remained ambiguous about possible strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, stating, “I may do it, I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I’m going to do.”
He criticized Tehran for not engaging diplomatically before “all this death and destruction,” while also signaling that Iranian leaders are now more inclined to negotiate.
Trump has held daily meetings with his national security team in the Situation Room since Tuesday to assess options.
While some of his political allies, such as Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, have advised against war—citing his longstanding stance on avoiding foreign entanglements—others like Senator Lindsey Graham are urging decisive military action, calling Iran a major threat to global security.
Leavitt emphasized that the president continues to prioritize diplomacy, adding, “The president hears all voices across the country, and he makes decisions based on his instincts. And he has always said diplomacy is his first option.”
As speculation mounts over Washington’s next move, Trump’s familiar “two-week” timeline—previously used regarding decisions on Ukraine and other foreign policy matters—has once again set the clock ticking on one of the most volatile crises of his presidency.
In a major escalation of the Israel-Iran conflict, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has confirmed it launched a Sejjil-2 medium range ballistic missile at Israeli targets. The strike, part of “Operation True Promise 3,” marks the missile’s first known use in warfare, signaling a shift from proxy confrontations to direct state-level hostilities.
The launch followed Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and energy infrastructure. With the Sejjil’s deployment, Iran has significantly raised the stakes in a conflict that now risks drawing in multiple regional and global actors.
The Sejjil is an Iranian-developed, two-stage, solid-fuel ballistic missile with a reported range of 2,000–2,500 km, and unconfirmed variants possibly capable of reaching up to 4,000 km. Designed and built domestically, the missile uses solid propellant, allowing for quicker launch times and increased mobility compared to Iran’s earlier liquid-fueled missiles.
Capable of carrying a warhead of up to 700 kg, the Sejjil is theoretically designed for both conventional and strategic payloads. First tested in 2008, the Sejjil-2 variant incorporates improved accuracy, survivability, and launch readiness.
Military Significance
Iran’s use of the Sejjil represents a critical advance in its missile arsenal. The missile’s solid-fuel capability reduces launch preparation time, limiting Israel’s early-warning window. Its range covers not only all of Israel but also U.S. military bases across the Middle East.
Military analysts suggest that the Sejjil is specifically designed to penetrate sophisticated air defense systems like Israel’s Arrow and David’s Sling. Its mobility and potential for saturation attacks also make it harder to detect and intercept.
The Target and Aftermath
Iran claims it targeted Israeli intelligence and air force sites. Israel’s military, however, reported intercepting the missile mid-air, with debris causing minor damage to a civilian vehicle. Conflicting narratives emerged over whether a hospital was hit by the blast wave or targeted intentionally. The IDF’s Arrow-3 system reportedly played a key role in neutralizing the threat.
Strategic Implications
The use of the Sejjil missile signifies a turning point in Iran’s military posture, underscoring Tehran’s willingness to directly confront Israel using its most advanced weapons. It also adds pressure on Israeli defense systems already stretched by a series of missile and drone attacks from Iranian proxies in Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen.
The U.S., already on alert, has deployed advanced air defense assets in the region. Washington has not ruled out a direct response if American assets are threatened. Meanwhile, Gulf countries are watching with concern, wary of regional spillover.
Israel’s Air Defense and Countermeasures
Israel’s layered missile defense—comprising Iron Dome, Arrow-2/3, and David’s Sling—remains operational, but intelligence sources suggest that continued large-scale missile attacks could overwhelm these systems. U.S. support has become crucial, with surveillance and radar systems providing real-time data to bolster interceptions.
A Missile Years in the Making
The Sejjil missile program began with a 2008 test of the Sejjil-1, followed by the upgraded Sejjil-2 in 2009. Over the past two years, Iranian media and defense analysts have reported enhancements to range and precision. Until now, the missile had never been used in actual conflict.
Global Reactions
The United Nations is preparing for an emergency Security Council session. The U.S. condemned the attack and reiterated its commitment to Israeli security. Russia and China have called for restraint, while the European Union urged all parties to de-escalate. Oil markets responded sharply, with prices rising amid fears of regional disruption.
What Comes Next?
Israel has signaled that a larger retaliation may follow. Its ambassador to the U.S. warned of a response of “greater magnitude” if attacks persist. The risk of a multi-front war looms, with Hezbollah, Iraqi militias, and Yemeni Houthis all capable of opening new fronts against Israel.
Conclusion
The operational use of the Sejjil marks a dangerous evolution in the Israel-Iran conflict. With both nations possessing advanced missile technology and global powers entangled in the region, the risk of widespread war has never been higher. As calls for restraint grow, so does the urgency for diplomatic engagement—before escalation crosses a point of no return.
