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Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta Commends Military Hospital Namkum for Exceptional Healthcare Services

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Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Central Command, visited Military Hospital Namkum in Ranchi on July 21, 2025, to acknowledge the hospital’s outstanding contributions to patient care and military healthcare services.

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During the visit, Lt Gen Sengupta lauded the staff for their professionalism and unwavering commitment to the values of the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS). He emphasized the importance of quality healthcare within the defence community and highlighted the critical role played by military hospitals in supporting the well-being of soldiers and their families.

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As part of the visit, the GOC-in-C awarded the prestigious GOC-in-C Commendation Card to two personnel for their exceptional dedication and service. The award, governed by Army Order 54/77, recognizes acts of gallantry, distinguished service, or devotion to duty that fall below the threshold of higher gallantry awards.

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The AFMS, a tri-service organization, provides healthcare to over 1.4 million active military personnel, dependents, and veterans. It also integrates civilian medical talent, with postgraduate-trained doctors from institutions such as the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) Pune serving mandatory five-year tenures to strengthen the system.

Lt Gen Sengupta assumed command of the Central Command on July 1, 2024. His previous appointments include Commander of the Fire and Fury Corps in Leh and Chief of Staff of the Northern Command. His visit to Military Hospital Namkum reflects the Indian Army’s continued focus on improving healthcare infrastructure and recognizing excellence within its ranks.

BSF to Raise Dedicated Drone Squadrons Along Pakistan Border After Operation Sindoor

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In a major step towards enhancing India’s border security, the government has approved the formation of dedicated drone squadrons within the Border Security Force (BSF) to counter cross-border threats, including enemy drones, and to launch precision strikes when required.

The move comes in the wake of Operation Sindoor, a four-day military engagement between May 7 and May 10, during which Pakistan deployed nearly 1,000 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to target Indian military and civilian infrastructure.

According to officials, the upcoming squadrons will operate from sensitive BSF border outposts (BOPs) located along the 3,323-km India-Pakistan border, stretching from Gujarat to Jammu and Kashmir. The drone units will be equipped with a range of UAVs for surveillance, reconnaissance, precision attacks, and kamikaze missions.

“Select BSF personnel with technical backgrounds are already being trained in drone operations,” an official said. Training includes surveillance, precision and swarm drone attacks, enemy drone engagement, radar blinding, and signal jamming. Each selected BOP is expected to have 2–3 trained personnel, supervised from a central command centre in Chandigarh.

Senior government officials are coordinating with foreign and domestic drone manufacturers to procure suitable platforms for the squadrons.

“Post Operation Sindoor, this became a top priority and the government has made it clear there will be no funding constraints,” another official said.

The BSF played a key role in neutralising enemy drones and destroying 118 Pakistani posts during Operation Sindoor, which was launched in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 25 tourists and a pony walla.

The BSF currently manages 687 border outposts, while the Indian Army secures the Line of Control (LoC). In addition to drone capabilities, the BSF will also strengthen bunkers and structures near BOPs to protect personnel from cross-border offensives.

The new drone initiative is part of India’s broader effort to modernize its border defence architecture and maintain tactical superiority in the face of evolving threats.

Historic Medical Breakthrough at Army Hospital (R&R): Youngest Patient Successfully Treated for Guillain-Barré Syndrome

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In a groundbreaking achievement, a multidisciplinary team at the Army Hospital (Research and Referral) has successfully performed therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) on an 18-month-old child diagnosed with hyper-acute Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). This marks the youngest recorded case of its kind in the history of the Armed Forces Medical Services.

Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare and potentially life-threatening autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks peripheral nerves, often leading to rapid-onset paralysis. According to the National Health Service (NHS), the mortality rate can reach 5%, making early intervention critical.

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The TPE procedure, conducted in the hospital’s advanced intensive care unit, involved removing harmful antibodies from the child’s bloodstream to halt the progression of the disease. Studies published in the Journal of Clinical Apheresis (2020) have shown that timely TPE can improve recovery outcomes in up to 70% of GBS cases.

The procedure required a coordinated effort by a specialized team from the Department of Pediatrics, using highly sophisticated equipment and protocols adapted for pediatric care. The child’s recovery challenges the conventional prognosis for such a young GBS patient and highlights the hospital’s advanced capability in pediatric neurology.

This milestone not only brings hope to families dealing with similar diagnoses but also cements Army Hospital (R&R)’s reputation as a national leader in complex, high-stakes medical interventions.

Army Doctor Averts Mid-Air Medical Emergency

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A potentially life-threatening medical emergency was averted aboard an IndiGo flight from Chennai to Guwahati, thanks to the swift and decisive action of an Indian Army doctor.

During the flight, a 75-year-old passenger suddenly lost consciousness and showed symptoms consistent with hypoglycaemia, a condition caused by extremely low blood sugar levels. The situation quickly raised alarm among the crew and fellow passengers.

Fortunately, Major Mukundan of the Indian Army was present on the flight. Recognizing the severity of the situation, he immediately stepped in to assess and assist the patient. With calm professionalism and medical expertise, Major Mukundan provided urgent care that helped stabilize the elderly passenger.

His timely response not only averted a critical situation but also ensured the passenger remained stable until the flight safely reached Guwahati.

The incident is a strong reminder of the selfless service of the armed forces beyond the battlefield and highlights the importance of trained medical professionals in emergency situations, no matter where they occur.

Air India Plane’s Tail Catches Fire After Landing at Delhi Airport

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An Air India flight arriving from Hong Kong experienced a fire in its auxiliary power unit (APU) shortly after landing at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) on Tuesday. The incident occurred as passengers had begun disembarking from Flight AI 315.

According to a statement from Air India, the APU fire was automatically shut down by the system as designed. “Flight AI 315, operating from Hong Kong to Delhi on 22 July 2025, experienced an auxiliary power unit (APU) fire shortly after it had landed and parked at the gate. The incident occurred while passengers had begun disembarking, and the APU was automatically shut down as per system design,” the airline said.

Though the aircraft sustained some damage, all passengers and crew members were safely evacuated. The airline confirmed that the aircraft has been grounded and the regulator has been notified.

Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has initiated an investigation into the incident.

This comes a day after Air India reported two other technical incidents. A Kolkata-bound flight had to abort takeoff from Delhi due to a technical snag. Separately, flight AI2744 from Kochi to Mumbai veered off the runway during landing in heavy rain, though it later taxied safely to the gate and was grounded for checks.

In another unrelated incident, an IndiGo flight from Goa to Indore carrying 140 passengers made an emergency landing at Indore airport due to a landing gear-related technical snag. The aircraft landed safely and is currently undergoing mandatory checks.

Ex-Pak Army Officer Alleges Asim Munir Plotting Power Grab in Pakistan

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Major (Retd) Adil Raja, a former officer of the Pakistan Army now living in exile in the United Kingdom, has made explosive allegations against Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir. In an interview with India Today, Raja claimed that Munir is orchestrating political chaos in Pakistan to pave the way for himself to become president and for his brother-in-law to be installed as prime minister.

Raja, who was court-martialed in absentia and sentenced to 14 years under Pakistan’s Official Secrets Act, accused Munir of seeking totalitarian control, likening the alleged plan to former military ruler Pervez Musharraf’s era. “The idea is to stage a clean-up drive, a Musharraf-style accountability push, and seize full control under the guise of reform,” he said.

The allegations come amid a defamation lawsuit filed in the UK by Brigadier Rashid Nasir, the ISI’s Punjab sector commander. Raja described it as a SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation), claiming it is the military’s “backup plan” after the UK’s counterterrorism police cleared him of terrorism charges following a nine-month probe.

Calling it “lawfare,” Raja accused Munir and DG ISI Lt Gen Asim Malik of exploiting the UK’s lenient libel laws to suppress criticism and cover up military crimes, including judicial interference, corruption, and repression of civil liberties. “The ISI is using all its power to silence this. They just don’t want any coverage because it exposes their soft belly,” he said.

He further claimed that his family in Pakistan has been targeted in retaliation. His mother is reportedly under effective house arrest, with her passport revoked and other family members also stripped of travel rights. “My entire family’s nationalities have been blocked,” he said.

In a chilling revelation, Raja also stated that one of his case witnesses, Shahzad Akbar, was attacked with acid in the UK, an act he attributes to ISI-linked operatives. “This is more than legal pressure — it’s a campaign of intimidation,” he warned.

Raja insisted his only ‘crime’ was exposing the military’s political grip over Pakistan, including its alleged involvement in regime changes and judicial manipulation. “I committed the cardinal sin — I exposed the crimes of my own institution,” he said.

The claims have further intensified scrutiny of Pakistan’s civil-military dynamics, with observers viewing them as part of a larger pattern of increasing authoritarianism under General Munir’s leadership.

Major Rahul Jha’s ‘Mystic Arunachal’ Presented to Army Chief in Cultural Outreach Event

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In a notable cultural gesture, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi was presented with the book Mystic Arunachal: Tales from India’s Hidden Frontier by Major Rahul Jha in New Delhi. The ceremony highlighted the Indian Army’s commitment to preserving and promoting the cultural legacy of Arunachal Pradesh, a frontier state of critical strategic importance along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.

The book, authored by Major Jha—currently serving as Aide-de-Camp to the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh—is a compelling mix of fictional storytelling and factual narratives derived from two years of extensive travel through the state’s remote and culturally rich regions. It offers readers a window into the traditions, lifestyles, and resilience of the people inhabiting India’s easternmost territories.

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General Dwivedi lauded Major Jha’s work as an important cultural milestone, stating that such literary efforts help convey the strength and spirit of frontier communities. He emphasised the value of showcasing Arunachal’s deep-rooted heritage, especially at a time when geopolitical tensions with China continue to affect perceptions and policies in the region.

The presentation also echoes the conclusions of a study published in the Journal of Cultural Geography, which noted that storytelling can serve as a vital means of preserving indigenous identity in militarized border regions. The Army’s engagement in such cultural initiatives reflects a broader approach that goes beyond defence, aiming to strengthen the national narrative through heritage and human connection.

This cultural initiative comes amid continued political and diplomatic focus on Arunachal Pradesh, where a defamation case against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is still underway for his controversial remarks in 2022 about Chinese incursions. In this context, the Indian Army’s symbolic endorsement of local heritage is seen as reinforcing the sovereign, cultural, and emotional bonds between the region and the rest of the nation.

MiG-21 Set for Final Flight as IAF Bids Farewell to Iconic Fighter

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After more than six decades of service, the Indian Air Force’s legendary MiG-21 fighter jet will officially retire on September 19 with a ceremonial farewell at the Chandigarh airbase. The aircraft, currently part of the IAF’s 23 Squadron—nicknamed the Panthers—will be grounded, marking the end of an era in Indian military aviation.


Inducted in 1963, the MiG-21 was India’s first supersonic fighter and played a crucial role in transforming the IAF’s combat capabilities during the 1960s and 70s. It was a key asset in multiple conflicts, including the 1965 and 1971 wars, the 1999 Kargil conflict, the 2019 Balakot airstrikes, and the ongoing Operation Sindoor.


While celebrated for its combat history, the MiG-21 also drew criticism in later years due to frequent crashes, earning it the grim nickname “Flying Coffin.” Despite this, it remained a central platform in India’s air defence strategy and shaped generations of fighter pilots.


“No other fighter has been with the Indian Air Force for as long as the MiG-21. It has been a part of nearly every military operation since 1965, including Op Sindoor. For many Indian fighter pilots, this aircraft has been a defining part of their careers. Its retirement will be a deeply emotional moment,” said aviation analyst Angad Singh.


The farewell event will include flypasts, static displays, and tributes from serving and retired officers who have been part of the MiG-21 legacy.

Indian Army Inducts First Batch of Apache Attack Helicopters

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The Indian Army has received the first batch of AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from the United States, marking a significant upgrade to its aviation capabilities. The helicopters, which arrived after a 15-month delay, will be stationed in Jodhpur and are expected to strengthen the Army’s strike potential in the region.

Announcing the milestone on X (formerly Twitter), the Indian Army stated, “Indian Army inducts #Apache. Milestone moment for Indian Army as the first batch of Apache helicopters for Army Aviation arrive today in India. These state-of-the-art platforms will bolster the operational capabilities of the #IndianArmy significantly.”

The induction follows a $600 million deal signed in 2020 for six Apache helicopters, adding to the 22 previously procured for the Indian Air Force in 2015. The delivery was fast-tracked after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged expedited shipments of both Apaches and GE F404 engines for the LCA Tejas during a call with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.

The AH-64E Apache, manufactured by Boeing, is one of the most advanced attack helicopters globally, used by militaries in the US, UK, Israel, and others. It features a 30 mm chain gun, laser- and radar-guided Hellfire missiles, and rocket pods. Its signature Longbow radar enables target detection and engagement while minimizing exposure to enemy forces.

TTP Claims Drone Strike on Bannu Cantonment Brigade HQ

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The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has claimed responsibility for a drone attack on the Brigade Headquarters inside Bannu Cantonment, a strategically significant military base near the Afghan border. The group released footage through its media wing, Umar Media, showing what it claims is a direct hit on the installation—marking a major escalation in its anti-military campaign.

Established in 1847, the Bannu Cantonment has served as a key military outpost due to its proximity to tribal regions long associated with militant activity. The alleged strike comes amid a string of recent TTP attacks targeting high-ranking Pakistani military officials, including a reported assault on a senior colonel earlier this month.

The use of drones by the TTP reflects a tactical shift, one that mirrors earlier U.S. drone strikes in the region between 2004 and 2018 that neutralized several key TTP figures, including Baitullah Mehsud. Leaked diplomatic cables from 2008 had previously revealed that Pakistan covertly allowed U.S. drone operations from domestic airbases like Shamsi Airfield—raising serious concerns now about Pakistan’s ability to prevent similar technology from falling into militant hands.

So far, Pakistani authorities have not confirmed the extent of the damage or any casualties from the strike. However, security analysts note that the visual evidence released by the TTP has placed Pakistan’s counterterrorism claims under renewed scrutiny, especially as the military has struggled to publicly verify the results of its own recent operations.

Experts writing in the Journal of Strategic Security have expressed alarm over non-state actors gaining access to drone technology, warning that such developments could severely impact regional stability. With tensions already high along Pakistan’s western frontier, the latest incident has sparked fears of a new wave of technologically advanced insurgent strikes.

As investigations continue, the attack has intensified pressure on the Pakistani military and intelligence community to reassess their preparedness in the face of evolving militant tactics.