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Brigadier G S Bhatia Takes Command of Military Hospital Roorkee

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Brigadier G S Bhatia officially assumed command of Military Hospital Roorkee on June 23, 2025, in a formal ceremony marked by the traditional exchange of insignia, signifying a seamless transition of authority. The event underscored continuity in military leadership, in line with practices highlighted in a 2023 Journal of Defense Studies report on command structures.

Brig Bhatia

In his address, Brigadier Bhatia laid out a forward-looking vision to enhance the hospital’s capabilities. His priorities include raising standards in patient care, expanding services for veterans and their families, and integrating cutting-edge medical technologies. Planned infrastructure upgrades and process innovations aim to align with the Indian Ministry of Defence’s 2024 directive that boosted military hospital funding by 15%.

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The ceremony was attended by military personnel and families, reflecting the Indian Army’s commitment to the wellbeing of its extended community. The focus on family welfare ties into broader initiatives such as the 2021 scholarship program by the Directorate of Indian Army Veterans for descendants of 1971 war heroes.

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Brigadier Bhatia’s leadership is expected to usher in a new era of modernization and service excellence at Military Hospital Roorkee, reinforcing its status as a key pillar of the Army’s healthcare ecosystem.

Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth Reviews Indigenous Ammunition Innovations at Dehu Road

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Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Command, visited the Dehu Road Military Station today to witness a cutting-edge demonstration of modified in-service ammunition at the 29 Field Ammunition Depot. The event featured indigenous innovations aimed at enhancing India’s defense self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

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The demonstration showcased advancements in ammunition technology developed through Indian industrial capabilities. These efforts contribute to the Ministry of Defence’s reported 16.5% increase in indigenous procurement in 2024. A 2023 RAND Corporation study had earlier noted that India’s dependence on foreign defence imports has decreased by 25% over the last decade, a shift strengthened by such localized innovations.

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Lt Gen Seth also visited the Central Ordnance Depot and praised its strategic role in ensuring the timely delivery of critical stores during operational deployments. He interacted with both troops and civilian staff, stressing the importance of innovation and logistics modernization to improve responsiveness to frontline needs, a challenge that had been notably exposed during the 1999 Kargil War.

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The visit is in line with the Army’s “Decade of Transformation” plan and the national vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047,” which aims to advance India’s military capabilities through technology-driven self-sufficiency and operational efficiency.

India Launches Historic Joint Command System for Armed Forces

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In a transformative move for India’s military structure, the government has authorized the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the Secretary of the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) to issue joint instructions to the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. This long-anticipated reform ends the decades-old system where each service operated independently with separate directives, and signals a new era of integration and coordination in national defense.

Approved by the Honourable Raksha Mantri, the reform aligns with the broader objectives of the 2025 “Year of Defence Reforms” and aims to enhance unity, responsiveness, and strategic clarity across all armed forces. The first joint order issued under this unified command stresses procedural simplification, elimination of duplication, and improved synergy in operations.

The reform fulfills recommendations first made in the aftermath of the 1999 Kargil War, which exposed significant gaps in inter-service coordination. It builds on key institutional developments like the creation of the Integrated Defence Staff in 2001 and the appointment of General Bipin Rawat as India’s first CDS in 2019.

India’s 2025 defence budget—pegged at a record $500 billion, or 2.5% of the national GDP—underscores the scale and ambition of the current modernization drive. Analysts believe the new joint command structure could improve the effectiveness of joint operations by up to 30%, a projection supported by a 2020 Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) report.

The reform also reflects lessons learned from major operations such as Operation Ganga in 2022, during which over 18,000 Indian nationals were evacuated from Ukraine with swift military-diplomatic coordination. Officials hope that the new system will better prepare India for both conventional conflicts and multi-domain challenges, strengthening its strategic posture at home and abroad.

Maharashtra Warns Sainik Schools to Improve NDA Results or Lose Government Aid

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The Maharashtra government has issued a strict warning to government-aided Sainik Schools across the state, instructing them to improve their students’ success rates in the National Defence Academy (NDA) entrance exams or face losing state support. Concerned by the declining number of NDA admissions from these military-preparatory institutions, the government has formed a seven-member expert committee to review existing policies and recommend corrective measures.

The committee is headed by Anil Sable, Deputy Director of the State Secondary and Higher Secondary Board, and includes members from reputed institutions such as Sainik School Satara and Bhonsla Military School, Nagpur.

Maharashtra currently has two state-run Sainik Schools—Satara (established in 1961) and Chandrapur (launched in 2019)—and 38 government-aided, privately managed Sainik schools, collectively enrolling around 12,400 students. These schools are meant to prepare young students for careers in the Indian Armed Forces, with admission to the NDA in Pune seen as a key metric of their success. However, only a handful of schools consistently send students to the NDA, with even Satara’s flagship school witnessing a recent drop in performance despite having produced around 750 officers historically.

The private-aided model was introduced in 1995 to expand the Sainik school ecosystem, but many institutions under this arrangement have failed to deliver on their core objective. A revised policy implemented in October 2024 now requires that all eligible students appear for the NDA exam and mandates that schools provide infrastructure and coaching support. Land grants—some up to 30 acres—have been given to 12 such schools on the condition of consistently producing NDA qualifiers.

Under the new policy, schools that fail to meet expectations may lose their Sainik school status and funding, be converted into unaided private schools, or face land repossession by the government. While emphasizing accountability, the government has also assured school operators that their difficulties will be heard. The expert panel will engage with stakeholders to determine what additional support is needed to boost results.

The findings of the committee are expected to shape a revamped strategy aimed at increasing Maharashtra’s contribution to the NDA and, by extension, to national defense preparedness.

Israel Strikes Iranian Radar Near Tehran Minutes After Trump’s Statement

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In a calculated and limited military response, the Israeli Air Force has targeted an Iranian radar installation located in northern Tehran, according to regional defense sources. The strike, which occurred late Tuesday, was reportedly aimed at a symbolic site rather than a strategic facility, signaling restraint amid ongoing ceasefire tensions.

Residents in Babolsar, a northern Iranian coastal city, reported hearing at least two loud explosions shortly after the radar was struck. Iranian officials have not yet issued an official response, but local media outlets have confirmed aerial activity and impact in the vicinity.

This comes just minutes after U.S. President Donald Trump made a public statement declaring, “ISRAEL is not going to attack Iran. All planes will turn around and head home, while doing friendly ‘Plane Wave’ to Iran. Nobody will be hurt, the Ceasefire is in effect!” The timing of the Israeli strike has raised questions about coordination between Washington and Tel Aviv, and whether the ceasefire agreement brokered by the U.S. has effectively collapsed.

Trump Declares Israeli Jets Turning Back, Ceasefire with Iran Remains Intact

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In a surprising statement posted online, U.S. President Donald J. Trump announced that Israeli fighter jets will not proceed with any strike on Iran and are returning to base. “ISRAEL is not going to attack Iran. All planes will turn around and head home, while doing friendly ‘Plane Wave’ to Iran. Nobody will be hurt, the Ceasefire is in effect!” Trump declared.

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The message comes amid escalating tensions following recent missile exchanges and an uneasy ceasefire agreement that has been under threat since its announcement. Trump’s latest declaration seeks to reaffirm that hostilities will not resume, at least from Israel’s side, and reinforces hopes for a continued de-escalation.

The gesture of a “Plane Wave” – seemingly a symbolic sign of de-escalation – has sparked reactions online and among diplomats, many of whom are watching closely to see whether Iran will reciprocate with restraint.

Trump concluded his statement by thanking all parties and reiterating that the ceasefire remains in effect. Observers note that despite multiple violations in recent days, efforts are still being made behind the scenes to stabilize the region and avoid a broader conflict.

Trump Criticizes Both Israel and Iran Amid Fragile Ceasefire Talks

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In a blunt and controversial public statement, U.S. President Donald Trump sharply criticized both Israel and Iran for their conduct amid ongoing ceasefire efforts. Speaking on the heels of a ceasefire agreement partially brokered by him, Trump declared that the two countries “don’t know what the f*ck they’re doing,” reflecting his deep frustration with the unfolding crisis.

The remark comes after a turbulent two weeks of military escalation between Israel and Iran, which included Tehran’s missile barrage on the U.S.-run Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and the subsequent American bombing of three key Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. Though a ceasefire was announced earlier this week to prevent further escalation, both sides have been accused of violating the terms, casting doubt on the durability of the truce.

Trump, who has remained actively involved in foreign policy commentary even after leaving office, had taken a leading role in pushing for the ceasefire alongside sitting U.S. officials. His unfiltered statement, however, has sparked debate about the impact of such rhetoric during a sensitive diplomatic effort. Critics argue that inflammatory language could undermine peace negotiations, while supporters claim it reflects the urgency and exasperation felt by many watching the conflict unfold.

The comment has gained traction on social media and in diplomatic circles, raising questions about the role of former leaders in ongoing international negotiations. With the situation in the Middle East still volatile, global stakeholders continue to push for a return to stability, even as uncertainty clouds the ceasefire’s future.

Trump Issues Urgent Plea to Israel After Brokered Ceasefire with Iran

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In a dramatic turn of events, U.S. President Donald J. Trump has publicly urged Israel to halt any planned airstrikes, calling such actions a “major violation” amid ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions with Iran. The appeal, made earlier today, included a call to “bring the pilots home,” reflecting the White House’s growing alarm over the fragile ceasefire in the Middle East.

The ceasefire, negotiated by President Trump earlier today with Israeli officials, was seen as a breakthrough after 12 days of high-intensity conflict. However, the truce appears to be in jeopardy following reports that Iran fired missiles despite the agreement. In response, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz reportedly ordered targeted retaliatory strikes inside Tehran.

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Trump’s urgent appeal signals Washington’s desire to contain the situation, amid fears of a broader regional war. Analysts note that past U.S. military engagements in the region have led to a 30% spike in regional instability, and the current scenario appears to be following a similar trajectory.

While emphasizing that the U.S. does not seek a larger conflict, Trump has not ruled out further action, even hinting at regime change in Iran should Tehran fail to uphold peace. The next 24 hours are seen as critical in determining whether diplomacy will hold or give way to a new cycle of violence in the Middle East.

Varun Dhawan Joins NDA Cadets for 50 Push-Ups Challenge on Border 2 Set

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Actor Varun Dhawan shared an energetic moment with National Defence Academy (NDA) cadets during the shooting of the upcoming war drama Border 2, taking on a 50 push-ups challenge at the iconic military training institution in Pune.

The behind-the-scenes video, posted on Dhawan’s Instagram, shows the actor in a white T-shirt and trousers, doing knuckle push-ups alongside enthusiastic cadets during a break in the shoot. The cadets, matching Dhawan rep for rep, showcased their grit and spirit as senior officers and crew members cheered them on.

Dhawan captioned the post, “BORDER 2, Hamare saare young cadets ke saath knuckle challenge,” celebrating the camaraderie on set and the motivation shared by the real-life future Army officers.

The Pune schedule marks a significant phase in the production of Border 2, the sequel to the 1997 cult classic Border. Directed by Anurag Singh, the film stars Sunny Deol, Diljit Dosanjh, Ahan Shetty, and Varun Dhawan, and is backed by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, JP Dutta, and Nidhi Dutta.

Presented by T-Series and JP Films, Border 2 is expected to deliver a powerful blend of action, patriotism, and emotion, capturing the essence of the armed forces and their sacrifices. The film is currently being shot at various defence locations, with the NDA providing an authentic backdrop for key scenes.

Israel Vows Forceful Response After Iran Violates Ceasefire with Missile Attack

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Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has instructed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to launch a forceful retaliation after Iran fired two ballistic missiles at Israel, violating the recently brokered ceasefire. The missiles, launched shortly after the truce was meant to take effect, were successfully intercepted by Israel’s air defense systems.

In a statement issued this morning, Katz said the IDF had been directed to carry out “intense strikes against regime targets in the heart of Tehran,” characterizing Iran’s actions as a “blatant breach” of the ceasefire agreement. The directive follows a high-level security assessment attended by Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir.

The ceasefire, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump just a day earlier, was intended to end nearly two weeks of hostilities between Israel and Iran. However, tensions flared again almost immediately, with missile sirens sounding across northern Israel on Tuesday and the subsequent confirmed attack from Iran.

This latest development escalates fears that the fragile ceasefire could collapse entirely, drawing both countries back into open conflict. Military officials in Israel have indicated that operations targeting high-value regime assets in Tehran may commence within hours, pending further strategic assessments.

As the situation deteriorates, global powers are urging restraint, while regional actors prepare for potential spillover effects. The international community remains on edge, closely monitoring what could become a renewed and intensified phase of the conflict.