In a remarkable act of selfless service, Major Rohit Bachwala of the Indian Army Medical Corps was commended by Chief of the Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, for going beyond the call of duty during a critical emergency at Jhansi Railway Station.
On July 5, 2025, while proceeding on leave from Military Hospital Jhansi to his hometown Hyderabad, Major Rohit noticed a woman in visible distress near the lift area of the railway station. She had fallen from her wheelchair and was in advanced labour. Without hesitation, and with no clinical setup available, he stepped in to assist.
Using limited and improvised resources — a towel, a knife, and hair clips — Major Rohit conducted an emergency delivery on the platform itself. The situation became more critical when the newborn was found to be unresponsive at birth. Acting swiftly, he resuscitated the infant and proceeded to manage post-delivery complications faced by the mother, including issues related to placental delivery.
Despite the non-clinical environment and lack of equipment, Major Rohit was able to stabilize both the mother and the child before they were transferred to a government medical facility for further treatment.
His timely intervention, medical skill, and calmness under pressure drew praise from the highest levels of the Indian Army. The Army Chief personally commended Major Rohit, calling his actions a shining example of the values and dedication upheld by the Armed Forces.
In a compelling demonstration of leadership and empowerment, two senior Indian Army officers, Colonel Neha Bhatnagar and Colonel Rashmi Naarayan, participated in the Model United Nations (MUN) conference held at La Martiniere Girls’ College in Lucknow. The officers served as chief guests during the opening and closing ceremonies of the event, where they shared valuable insights on leadership, discipline, and the importance of holistic personal development.
Addressing the gathering of enthusiastic students, both officers emphasized the need for young minds to grow beyond academic excellence and develop resilience, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. They highlighted how these traits are not only essential for military careers but also for success in any leadership role in today’s rapidly changing world.
Their participation comes at a time when the Indian Army is witnessing a growing presence of women in key roles, following the landmark 2020 Supreme Court verdict that granted permanent commissions to women officers. Since 2023, the Indian Army has reported a 10 percent rise in the recruitment of female officers, reflecting a shift toward greater gender inclusivity in the armed forces.
Education experts and defence analysts believe such engagements between military leaders and students play a vital role in shaping progressive attitudes. A study by the Journal of Military Psychology noted that exposure to diverse leadership models, particularly in formative years, enhances long-term resilience and leadership potential in young individuals.
The presence of Colonels Bhatnagar and Naarayan served not only as a motivational experience for students but also as a strong statement on the evolving role of women in the defence services. Their interaction is expected to leave a lasting impression on participants, many of whom expressed renewed interest in national service and public leadership.
n a deeply unfortunate incident, an Indian Army jawan lost his life due to accidental firing in the Dharamsal area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district. The deceased soldier has been identified as Naik Uppala Ravi Kumar, a native of Andhra Pradesh, who was serving with the 54 Rashtriya Rifles at the time of the incident.
According to official sources, the tragedy unfolded when the soldier’s service rifle discharged unintentionally while he was on duty. The bullet inflicted critical injuries, leaving little time for medical intervention. Fellow soldiers who were nearby rushed to his aid and immediately transported him to the nearest medical facility. However, despite prompt efforts by medical personnel, the injuries proved fatal and he was declared dead shortly after.
Police officials confirmed that the firing was accidental in nature and said that a case has been registered. An investigation has been initiated to determine the precise sequence of events and whether there were any lapses in weapon handling or safety protocols.
The incident has cast a pall of gloom over the unit and among the soldier’s colleagues. Senior officers have expressed their condolences and are extending support to the bereaved family. The Indian Army is expected to conduct a detailed inquiry in accordance with protocol to avoid such tragedies in the future.
In a rare public outburst, Talha Saeed — son of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed — has lashed out at former Pakistan foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for stating that Islamabad may not oppose the extradition of terror leaders Hafiz Saeed and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar to India.
Bilawal made the remark during an interview with Al Jazeera, where he suggested that as a part of a broader peace dialogue with India, Pakistan could consider handing over the two UN-designated terrorists as a confidence-building measure. “I am sure Pakistan would not be opposed to any of these things,” he said.
This sparked immediate backlash in Pakistan, especially from radical circles. Talha Saeed, defending his father, issued a statement condemning Bhutto’s words, calling them “against the state policy, national interest and sovereignty.” He added, “Bilawal Bhutto is either unaware of the ground realities or promoting the enemy’s narrative.”
Hafiz Saeed has been serving a sentence in Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat Jail since 2019 in terror financing cases, while Masood Azhar — one of India’s most wanted terrorists — is believed by Pakistani officials to be in Afghanistan. India holds both responsible for some of the deadliest terror attacks on Indian soil, including 26/11, the Parliament attack (2001), the Pathankot airbase attack (2016), and Pulwama (2019).
Bilawal acknowledged in the interview that while Saeed is in jail, Pakistan has been unable to trace Azhar. “If India provides proof that he is on Pakistani soil, we will be more than happy to arrest him,” he added.
Indian officials have long accused Pakistan of sheltering these terrorists and using legal loopholes to shield them. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently reiterated that Pakistan must hand over Hafiz Saeed, Azhar, and others if it is serious about fighting terrorism.
Bilawal’s comments also reflect Pakistan’s discomfort with India’s new counter-terror approach following Operation Sindoor, during which India launched deep precision strikes against terror launch pads across the LoC. He termed this shift as a “new abnormal.”
For Indian viewers, the episode highlights the internal contradictions in Pakistan’s terror policy — where moderate political voices are often silenced by hardliners, and efforts to cooperate with India are painted as betrayal. Despite being proscribed by the UN and Pakistan’s own National Counter Terrorism Authority, figures like Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar still enjoy protection or ambiguity in Pakistan’s legal system.
The ball, once again, is in Pakistan’s court — but with reactions like Talha Saeed’s, the road to justice for victims of terrorism remains obstructed.
In a strong diplomatic endorsement of India’s stand against terrorism, leaders of BRICS nations on Sunday unequivocally condemned the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, vowing to combat all forms of terrorism, including cross-border movement, terror financing, and safe havens. The condemnation came through the Rio de Janeiro Declaration issued at the 17th BRICS Summit underway in Brazil.
The declaration called the massacre of 26 tourists in Jammu and Kashmir an unjustifiable act of terrorism and reaffirmed the group’s unified stance on eliminating terror threats in accordance with international law. The victims included Indian and Nepalese nationals, selectively targeted by Pakistan-based terrorists affiliated with The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the UN-banned Lashkar-e-Taiba.
“We condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025,” the declaration stated. “We reaffirm our commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including the cross-border movement of terrorists, terrorism financing and safe havens.”
The BRICS leaders emphasized that terrorism must not be linked to any religion, ethnicity, or nationality, and stressed the need to hold perpetrators accountable. They warned against selective or inconsistent approaches to terrorism, asserting that zero tolerance and unified global cooperation are essential.
Highlighting the work of the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group and its five subgroups, the declaration noted progress under the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Strategy and Action Plan. It also called for the speedy adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism under the UN framework.
The declaration aligns with India’s recent calls at international forums, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), for decisive action against Pakistan-backed terror outfits like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. During a meeting of SCO Security Council Secretaries in Beijing, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval reiterated India’s demand to dismantle state-supported terror networks and to bring their leaders, financiers, and sponsors to justice.
The BRICS statement is seen as a significant milestone for India, reinforcing its global counter-terrorism efforts in the wake of Operation Sindoor, a cross-border response that targeted terrorist infrastructure following the Pahalgam attack.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate the ‘Controllers’ Conference 2025’ on Monday, a pivotal three-day conclave hosted by the Defence Accounts Department (DAD) at DRDO Bhawan in Delhi. The conference, scheduled from July 7 to 9, aims to address key challenges, drive institutional reforms, and enhance the role of financial governance in India’s defence preparedness.
The inaugural session will witness the presence of Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, the three service chiefs, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Financial Adviser (Defence Services) S G Dastidar, and Controller General of Defence Accounts Mayank Sharma. Together, they will help chart the future trajectory of India’s defence financial ecosystem.
This year’s theme, ‘Transforming Financial Advice, Payment, Audit and Accounting through Defence Finance and Economics,’ marks a strategic shift in the DAD’s role—from a traditional finance and accounts body to a modern, future-ready institution aligned with national security goals.
The conclave will feature eight high-level business sessions, called ‘Manan Satras’, covering diverse topics including budget reforms, internal audit restructuring, collaborative research, procurement pricing, and capacity building. The sessions will also explore the evolving role of Integrated Financial Advisors (IFAs) in supporting a competitive and self-reliant defence industry.
A new mission statement and motto for the DAD—‘Alert, Agile, Adaptive’—will be officially launched during the event, reinforcing the department’s renewed vision of accountability and innovation.
Managing a defence budget of ₹26.8 lakh crore, including ₹1.7 lakh crore allocated for pensions, the DAD plays a crucial role in areas such as payroll, pension disbursement, audit, and strategic financial advisory. Since the last edition of the conference, the department has held 206 outreach programmes and set up over 200 service centres to improve stakeholder engagement and last-mile delivery.
The DAD’s audit capabilities are being transformed into advanced Management Information Systems (MIS), enabling early risk detection, benchmarking, and decision support.
As the Ministry of Defence observes 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms,’ the conference is expected to yield actionable outcomes that will bolster India’s defence financial framework. The discussions aim to lay a resilient fiscal foundation for India’s long-term security strategy while promoting Atmanirbhar Bharat and enhancing governance through streamlined systems.
In the scenic hills of Junnar in Maharashtra’s Pune district, a former Indian Army jawan is leading a remarkable transformation. Ramesh Ganpat Kharmale, 49, who served for 25 years in the 1st Battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry, is now on a new mission — to revive deforested hills and restore water sources with his family and the Maharashtra Forest Department.
A Soldier’s Journey from Battlefield to Forest Field
After retiring from the Indian Army, Kharmale initially worked at a bank and later started an academy to train tribal youth for police and defence jobs. But his deep concern for his village’s depleting water sources, deforestation, and wildlife loss pulled him toward environmental conservation.
“Both duties I performed are aimed at saving the motherland,” says Kharmale, who credits his military discipline for driving his conservation efforts.
Tree Plantation as Weekend Mission
Kharmale’s mission is not a solo endeavour. His wife Swati, daughter Vaishnavi (20), and son Mayuresh (13) are active participants. Every weekend, the family climbs the sun-scorched hills of Junnar, carrying tools, saplings, and seedballs.
Together, they plant trees, dig trenches, clear weeds, and work to combat soil erosion, wildfires, and water scarcity.
“Seeing our trees grow gives us immense satisfaction,” says Swati, echoing the family’s shared passion.
Every weekend, the Kharmale family hikes up the hills of Junnar armed with tools like spades and pickaxes, removing overgrowth, carving out water trenches, and sowing native saplings to rejuvenate the landscape.
Dhamankhel Hill: From Barren Slopes to Green Canopy
The turning point came in 2021, when Kharmale began work on Dhamankhel Hill. Over two months, he carved 70 contour trenches, totalling 412 meters, by hand. These now hold up to 8 lakh litres of rainwater, recharging groundwater and preventing erosion.
So far, over 450 trees have been planted on the hill, with plans to plant 500 more. The hill is now slowly turning into a self-sustaining ecosystem teeming with birds, insects, and native flora.
Having dug 70 trenches, Ramesh Kharmale now stands on terrain capable of capturing and storing lakhs of litres of precious rainwater.
Creating an Oxygen Park for Local Biodiversity
In Vadaj village, 3 km from Dhamankhel, the Kharmale family developed an Oxygen Park on 1.5 acres. Built in collaboration with the Malhar Foundation, this park now hosts 175 native trees like banyan, lemon, and Dalbergia sissoo.
The project used a community model: donors contributed directly to nurseries, and trenches were dug to support growth. The family even dug four small ponds to support wildlife.
Ramesh and Swati Kharmale lead the tireless effort to revive water sources and rejuvenate the parched hills of Junnar.
Contour Trenching: A Proven Water Conservation Model
Kharmale employs scientific trenching methods, following the land’s natural contours. This technique, also used in parts of Telangana and Karnataka, helps trap rainwater, reduce surface runoff, and boost groundwater levels.
Local farmers confirm that well levels have risen since Kharmale’s interventions began. The model is now being considered for replication in other villages.
Ramesh Kharmale appreciated for digging a trench on a hilltop, with his wife. They dug the trench on a hilltop within 60 days for water conservation.
Joining the Forest Department
Kharmale formalized his environmental role by joining the Maharashtra Forest Department as a forest guard. However, his weekend efforts are entirely self-funded and voluntary.
“He is one of our most dedicated staff members,” says Pradip Chavan, Junnar Range Forest Officer.
He invests ₹15,000–₹20,000 per month from his salary to buy saplings, seeds, and equipment.
Kharmale cemented his commitment to conservation by enrolling as a forest guard with the Maharashtra Forest Department.
National Recognition
Kharmale’s efforts received national attention on June 30, 2025, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted his work in the 123rd episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’.
“Ramesh Kharmale goes to the hills of Junnar with his family… digs trenches, plants trees, and brings back birds and wildlife,” said PM Modi, praising the model of grassroots conservation.
Earlier, Kharmale also received the Shivneri Bhushan Award for community service and sustainable tourism promotion.
PM Modi Endorses FPJ Article On Forest Guard Ramesh Kharmale’s Efforts To Reviving Hills Of Junnar.
From Seedballs to Plastic-Free Hills
Since 2013, the family has been climbing Sahyadri hills every June to disperse seedballs before monsoon onset — helping regenerate forests.
They’ve also launched a plastic-free campaign in Junnar’s tourist spots, supported by thousands of volunteers and schoolchildren.
Kharmale bought a grass-cutter machine in 2017 to prevent wildfires — a major cause of forest loss in the region.
Since 2013, the family has trekked up the Sahyadri hills each June to scatter seedballs ahead of the monsoon, aiding in forest regeneration.
Self-Sustaining, Volunteer-Driven Green Movement
Remarkably, the Kharmales do not accept external donations. Their conservation work is powered by discipline, community engagement, and personal sacrifice.
Their daily schedule starts at 5:30 a.m. with plantation and water management, followed by official forest duties, and resumes again after 5 p.m.
Their Facebook page, ‘Nisargaramya Junnar Taluka’, now has 50,000+ followers, spreading awareness and attracting more volunteers.
Conclusion
Kharmale proves that patriotism doesn’t end at retirement. His military discipline, strategic planning, and leadership have redefined what it means to serve the nation.
“Plant four trees for your children’s future,” he says — a message now echoed across Maharashtra and beyond.
From the battlefield to the barren hilltop, Ramesh Kharmale’s transformation is a story of hope, service, and environmental courage. With the support of his family and a growing community of volunteers, he is proving that one soldier, one family, and one mission can heal the land — one tree at a time.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari issued a stark warning on Sunday, stating that the current global geopolitical climate could lead to the outbreak of a World War “anytime.” Speaking at the launch of the book Beyond Borders, Gadkari cited the ongoing Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Iran conflicts as flashpoints pushing the world toward increasing instability.
“The situation is such that there is a possibility of a World War taking place anytime in the backdrop of these two ongoing wars,” Gadkari said at the event. He emphasized that growing authoritarianism and dictatorial approaches by global superpowers are eroding values such as coordination, harmony, and love — cornerstones of peaceful coexistence.
Referring to the heavy human and economic toll of the wars in Europe and the Middle East, Gadkari highlighted the diminishing ability of global governance systems to protect humanity. He added that technological advancements in warfare, particularly the increasing use of missiles and drones, are further exacerbating the dangers, rendering traditional military platforms like tanks and fighter aircraft less relevant.
“Amid all this, it has become difficult to protect humanity. Often, missiles are fired on civilian settlements. This has created a serious problem and there is need to discuss all these issues at a global level,” he said.
The Union Minister called on the international community to urgently deliberate and formulate future policy in light of these escalating tensions. He also invoked India’s spiritual legacy, reminding the audience that the country of the Buddha has historically championed truth, non-violence, and peace on the world stage.
“It won’t be right to say so but the fact is that all this is slowly leading to destruction. Authoritarianism and dictatorship of the superpowers is making coordination, harmony and love vanish,” Gadkari concluded.
In a remarkable display of medical expertise under extreme conditions, the Indian Army’s Fire and Fury General Hospital in Leh has successfully conducted a rare upper limb salvage surgery, restoring full function of a soldier’s arm following a rupture of the radial artery. The high-altitude operation, carried out at roughly 3,500 meters above sea level, is being hailed as a milestone in field-based vascular surgery.
The case involved a ruptured radial artery pseudoaneurysm, a condition that usually requires intervention by highly trained vascular surgeons at metropolitan super-specialty hospitals. However, the emergency nature of the condition, coupled with limited ulnar artery support detected through an Allen’s Test, necessitated an immediate and complex surgical intervention at the Leh-based facility.
A LANDMARK UPPER LIMB SALVAGE SURGERY IN HIGH ALTITUDE
Fire and Fury General Hospital Surgical Team, Leh successfully performed an extraordinary surgery to repair a ruptured radial artery pseudoaneurysm—typically managed at higher centres by specialised vascular surgeons.… pic.twitter.com/LymOIiTlU7
Despite the unique challenges posed by the high-altitude environment — including reduced oxygen levels and increased risk of complications — the surgical team managed to repair the artery and preserve 100% functionality of the limb. This achievement places Fire and Fury General Hospital on the global map of high-altitude advanced care capabilities.
The success is drawing comparisons to a landmark 2015 BMJ Case Reports article documenting a similar surgery in an elderly patient, highlighting just how rare such procedures are, especially outside urban centers.
Officials from the XIV Corps have lauded the effort, emphasizing the growing capabilities of the Army Medical Corps to deliver cutting-edge healthcare even in the most remote and hostile environments. Plans are underway to publish detailed medical insights from the operation in peer-reviewed journals to aid further advancements in high-altitude trauma care.
This achievement underscores the Indian Army’s expanding role not only in defense but also in medical innovation, and reaffirms its commitment to saving lives—no matter the altitude.
The Indian Navy’s flagship maritime security initiative, Operation Sankalp, has been brought into the public spotlight through a new podcast titled “Operation Sankalp: Meet Guardians of the Seas.” The series highlights gripping accounts of naval operations, including high-stakes anti-piracy missions, rescue operations, and the Navy’s critical role in securing India’s maritime interests in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Launched on June 19, 2019, Operation Sankalp was initiated to ensure the safe passage of Indian-flagged merchant vessels through strategic choke points like the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for over 8% of India’s imports and 11% of exports. Since its inception, the mission has protected more than 200 vessels and 21 million tonnes of cargo. Between June 2019 and May 2021 alone, 20 warships were deployed, with intensified operations in 2024 involving over 30 ships and 5,000 personnel countering drone and missile threats from Houthi militants in the Red Sea.
The “Guardians of the Seas” podcast, available on Spotify and YouTube, features firsthand narratives from sailors and officers involved in these operations. From intercepting pirates at night to escorting missile-hit oil tankers to safety, the episodes bring to life the challenges faced by naval forces.
These missions have been empowered by the Maritime Anti-Piracy Act 2022, which grants the Navy legal authority to apprehend pirates and conduct operations in international waters. The legislation has been described by former Navy Chief Admiral R. Hari Kumar as a “great enabler” for maritime security.
Further strengthening Operation Sankalp, the Indian Navy permanently inducted 15 MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones in 2024, enhancing long-range surveillance. Originally leased in 2020, the drones have now flown nearly 3,000 hours, covering 14 million square miles. Operated from key bases like INS Rajali in Tamil Nadu, the drones bolster the Navy’s ability to counter both kinetic threats and non-traditional challenges like cyber warfare and grey zone tactics, as underlined by current Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi.
Operation Sankalp represents the Indian Navy’s enduring role as a net security provider in the IOR. With a legacy dating back to the 1971 war, where it crippled Pakistan’s naval forces, the Navy continues to adapt to evolving maritime threats while also playing a humanitarian role in disaster relief and evacuation missions. The podcast series serves as both a tribute to naval personnel and an informative resource on India’s modern maritime strategy.
