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Andaman and Nicobar Command Hosts Tri-Services Idea & Innovation Competition

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Adhidev Jasrotia
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The Andaman & Nicobar Command (ANC) reinforced its reputation as a crucible of innovation and joint operational excellence with the successful hosting of its Annual Idea & Innovation Competition at its headquarters in Port Blair. The event brought together personnel from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force under one roof to present pioneering ideas aimed at boosting operational efficiency and logistical resilience in one of India’s most strategically important regions.

Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan, PVSM, AVSM, VM, the 17th Commander-in-Chief of the ANC, presided over the ceremony and lauded the creative spirit of the participants. “Innovation is the foundation of future-readiness,” he stated, as he awarded the best entries across various categories. The showcased ideas spanned a range of solutions—many specifically designed to address the complex geographical and operational challenges unique to the island command.

VR Testing

Situated near the Strait of Malacca, through which over one-third of global trade and 60% of global oil transit passes, the Andaman & Nicobar Command plays a critical role in regional security. Its contributions to anti-piracy operations, humanitarian aid missions, and joint military exercises like ‘Malabar’ with QUAD partners (India, the US, Japan, and Australia) have cemented its place as a linchpin in India’s Indo-Pacific strategy.

The innovation competition also reflects the broader spirit of creativity thriving in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. In 2018, the territory became the first in India to launch a dedicated startup policy, aimed at encouraging local entrepreneurship. Despite infrastructure hurdles such as limited digital connectivity, island-based startups have emerged in sectors like marine agriculture and handicrafts, often collaborating with the defense ecosystem.

AN Innovation Competition

By fostering a culture of cross-service innovation and aligning military ingenuity with local developmental aspirations, the ANC is helping chart a forward-looking path for both regional security and inclusive growth.

Indian Army’s Eastern Command Honours NCC Best Cadets

By
Adhidev Jasrotia
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In a vibrant celebration of youth excellence and leadership, the Eastern Command of the Indian Army hosted the NCC Best Cadets Award Ceremony 2025 at the Albert Ekka Auditorium, Vijay Durg, Kolkata. The event, held under the empowering theme of #ShashaktYuva, recognized outstanding cadets from the National Cadet Corps (NCC) units across West Bengal, Sikkim, and the North Eastern Region.

Presided over by Lieutenant General RC Tiwari, Army Commander of the Eastern Command, the ceremony honored cadets who have demonstrated exemplary dedication, discipline, and leadership. In his keynote address, Lt Gen Tiwari lauded the NCC’s vital role in nation-building and youth development, highlighting its impact on nurturing “selfless leadership, strong values, and a #NationFirst mindset.”

The coveted Best Cadet Awards 2025 were presented to Senior Wing (SW) Air Cadet Jyoti Halder and Senior Division (SD) Army Cadet Rupam Baidya, both from the West Bengal & Sikkim Directorate, in recognition of their exceptional performance across training, academics, and service.

NCC Cadets

Alongside individual recognitions, rolling trophies were awarded to top-performing NCC units, celebrating their collective achievements. The ceremony featured a formal parade inspection, certificate distribution, and an interactive session where cadets engaged directly with senior Army officers, strengthening the bonds of mentorship and camaraderie.

With cadets proudly donning their ceremonial uniforms, the event reflected the diversity, unity, and spirit of service that define the NCC. A special emphasis was placed on women empowerment through the #NaariShakti initiative, as several female cadets were celebrated for their excellence and leadership potential.

Prize Given 1

The NCC Directorate of West Bengal & Sikkim, headquartered in New Alipore, Kolkata, currently supervises 54 units across 267 colleges and 841 schools, boasting an active enrollment of over 1,01,278 cadets. The ceremony highlighted the Directorate’s critical role in shaping confident and disciplined citizens committed to national service.

Set in the historic Albert Ekka Auditorium, named after the Param Vir Chakra awardee, the ceremony concluded with a collective pledge to continue fostering youth leadership, discipline, and patriotic values. The Indian Army reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to building a strong, capable, and united future through platforms like the NCC.

Seven Pakistani Soldiers Killed in IED Blast in Balochistan Amid Escalating Militancy

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Adhidev Jasrotia
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In a significant escalation of violence in Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province, seven soldiers of the Pakistan Army were killed on Tuesday when their military vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED), according to an official statement from the Pakistani military.

The attack took place in the Kalat district, a region frequently targeted by separatist militant groups. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), the most prominent insurgent outfit operating in the province, claimed responsibility for the deadly explosion. The incident comes just days after the BLA ambushed a police-escorted prison van, taking five police officers hostage after releasing the prisoners.

According to senior police sources, approximately 30 to 40 heavily armed militants blocked a major highway and intercepted the prison transport late on Friday. The attackers later set fire to multiple government buildings and a local bank. A rescue operation for the abducted officers is currently underway, with security forces reportedly killing two militants during initial engagements.

Balochistan, a mineral-rich province bordering Afghanistan and Iran, has long been a hotbed of separatist unrest. The BLA and other groups frequently target security forces, state infrastructure, and projects involving foreign investment, especially those linked to China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Tuesday’s attack follows a similar bombing in April that killed four troops near Quetta, and a hostage crisis in March involving the hijacking of a passenger train. The recurring violence highlights the deteriorating security situation in Balochistan and the mounting challenge facing Pakistan’s efforts to stabilize the region.

India’s Woman Rafale Pilot, Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, Sets Her Sights on Space

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Adhidev Jasrotia
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Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, India’s only woman Rafale fighter pilot, is once again making history — this time with her eyes set on space. A trailblazer in the Indian Air Force (IAF), Singh is emblematic of the evolving role of women in India’s armed forces, and now aspires to become the country’s next woman astronaut.

The 29-year-old officer, born in Varanasi, first dreamt of flying when she visited the Indian Air Force Museum in New Delhi as a child. “This is where my adventure began,” she recalled in an interview with AFP. “I gawked at the planes and immediately knew I wanted to become a pilot.”

Commissioned as a fighter pilot after women were first inducted into combat roles in 2015, Singh rose to prominence as the first Indian woman to fly the French-origin Rafale fighter jet, a symbol of India’s modern air power. She was among the early officers selected in 2020 for simulator training under French instructors before taking command of the single-seat Rafale, known for its advanced avionics and agility.

Her journey, however, extends far beyond the clouds. With India preparing for its maiden manned space mission, Singh has now set her goal on becoming an astronaut. “I have applied for test pilot training,” she said. “I want to be an astronaut. So let’s hope.”

Singh, who is married to a fellow IAF fighter pilot, credits her success to family support, particularly from her mother who encouraged independence and excellence. Her determination and achievements have opened doors for women in a domain once considered exclusively male.

India currently boasts over 1,600 women officers in the IAF, including a growing number of pilots. Globally, India also holds the highest proportion of women among commercial airline pilots, with around 14% representation.

Shivangi Singh’s story is one of inspiration, courage, and limitless ambition. From flying MiG-21s to commanding Rafales, and now dreaming of space, she exemplifies a new era for Indian women in uniform. “If I succeeded in a field long reserved for men, then women can now work in any sector,” she said.

Her journey continues — this time toward the stars.

Captain Prashanth V Honored by DGAFMS for Top Performance in Australia and Lifesaving Heroism

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Adhidev Jasrotia
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Capt Prashanth V of the Indian Armed Forces Medical Services was felicitated by Surg Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), for his exceptional achievements during the prestigious Health Officers Basic Course held in Victoria, Australia, from April 18 to May 3, 2025. Capt Prashanth emerged as the top performer in the program, securing a perfect 100% score across all modules of the rigorous international training.

The course, designed to enhance the operational readiness and clinical acumen of military health professionals, covers advanced medical care, emergency response, leadership, and cross-agency coordination. Conducted in collaboration with institutions such as the Victoria Police Academy, it represents a key step in India’s broader push to integrate global best practices into its military healthcare systems.

In addition to his academic distinction, Capt Prashanth was commended for his courageous act during a public event in Australia, where he successfully resuscitated an elderly woman who had collapsed. His swift response, under pressure and outside a clinical setting, demonstrated the real-world value of the training and his dedication to the service of humanity beyond the battlefield.

Surg Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, who took charge as DGAFMS in late 2024, praised Capt Prashanth as a role model for military medical professionals. “His stellar performance and life-saving intervention highlight the calibre of our medical officers and the importance of international collaboration in skill development,” she said at the award ceremony, which was attended by senior representatives from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Integrated Defence Staff.

This recognition not only marks a personal milestone for Capt Prashanth but also reinforces the Indian Armed Forces’ commitment to excellence, compassion, and global engagement in medical preparedness and humanitarian response.

Indian Air Force to Launch High-Alert Air Exercise Near Pakistan Border

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Adhidev Jasrotia
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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is poised to carry out a high-stakes air drill near the Pakistan border on May 7 and 8, 2025, according to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by Indian aviation authorities. The exercise, centered around Jodhpur in Rajasthan, takes place amid rising military friction between India and Pakistan, particularly in the wake of the April 23 terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 people dead, including two foreign nationals. The attack, claimed by the proscribed group The Resistance Front (TRF), has raised serious alarm over cross-border militancy and regional security.

The location of the air exercise is strategically critical. Jodhpur has emerged as a prominent military base in western India. Notably, in March 2024, the Indian Army stationed its first Apache attack helicopter squadron in the region to strengthen counter-offensive capabilities along the western frontier. The upcoming IAF maneuvers are expected to involve a range of sophisticated aerial platforms such as Rafale jets equipped with long-range Meteor missiles, Su-30 MKIs armed with R-77 beyond-visual-range missiles, and the deployment of the S-400 Triumf air defense system. These developments follow India’s multinational air exercise ‘Tarang Shakti’ hosted in Jodhpur in 2024, which featured participation from global partners like the US, France, and Australia.

Heightened hostilities have also been reported along the Line of Control (LoC), with Indian media sources noting ten successive nights of ceasefire breaches by Pakistani forces as of May 4, 2025. India has responded with calibrated military action, but the pattern underscores the fragility of the 2021 ceasefire agreement. The convergence of this air drill with reported nationwide civil defense exercises has fueled speculation among defense analysts regarding potential escalation or strategic signaling.

Adding a new dimension to the security dynamics, Pakistan has reportedly deployed the Chinese-made HQ-9 air defense system, a surface-to-air missile platform similar in range and capability to India’s S-400. The parallel modernization of air defense arsenals on both sides reflects an intensifying arms race in South Asia, amplifying the risk of misjudgments along the heavily militarized frontier.

Residents in Rajasthan may notice heightened air activity during the exercise window, as routine flight paths are expected to be temporarily altered. While Indian officials have described the drills as standard readiness operations, the timing and scale of the exercise—so close to the international border—have drawn global attention. Strategic commentators have called on both India and Pakistan to maintain open lines of communication and restraint to prevent accidental escalation between two nuclear-armed adversaries.

Indian Army Deploys Indigenous Driver Night Sight for BMP-II Vehicles

By
Adhidev Jasrotia
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In a significant boost to India’s defense self-reliance and operational readiness, the Indian Army has inducted an advanced indigenous Driver Night Sight system for its BMP-II infantry combat vehicles. Developed by the Instruments Research and Development Establishment (IRDE), a DRDO laboratory based in Dehradun, and manufactured by India Optel Limited (IOL), the technology represents a major step forward in India’s pursuit of advanced, homegrown defense solutions.

The newly deployed Driver Night Sight system uses cutting-edge fusion technology, incorporating both an uncooled thermal camera and a low-light imaging sensor. This enables BMP-II drivers to operate seamlessly in complete darkness without requiring any structural modifications to the vehicle. For the first time, the Indian Army’s armored units can navigate and engage targets during nighttime operations with enhanced precision, marking a significant tactical advantage.

The indigenous night sight system addresses a longstanding challenge in night combat for mechanized infantry and demonstrates India’s capacity for innovation in critical defense technologies. It also reflects the growing maturity of the country’s defense manufacturing sector, as envisioned in the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative launched in 2020 to reduce dependence on foreign military imports.

India Optel Limited, a key defense public sector undertaking headquartered in Dehradun, has been instrumental in producing sophisticated opto-electronic systems for the armed forces. Its successful collaboration with DRDO’s IRDE showcases the potential of Indian R&D and manufacturing ecosystems in meeting the complex needs of modern warfare.

This milestone not only strengthens the Indian Army’s night warfare capabilities but also reinforces national goals of defense modernization, innovation, and strategic autonomy. As the nation continues to invest in indigenous technology for military applications, the deployment of the Driver Night Sight system sets a strong precedent for future developments in homegrown defense solutions.

DGAFMS Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin Visits IAF Maintenance Command

By
Adhidev Jasrotia
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In a significant step towards advancing healthcare services in the Indian armed forces, Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), visited the Indian Air Force Maintenance Command (HQMC) in Nagpur today. As the first woman to hold the prestigious DGAFMS position, Sarin’s visit underscores a renewed focus on healthcare modernization, technology integration, and domestic capability building within the defence medical framework.

During her visit, Vice Admiral Sarin held detailed discussions with Air Marshal VK Garg, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Maintenance Command, focusing on current and future initiatives aimed at enhancing medical services for armed forces personnel and their families. She briefed senior officers on comprehensive plans to modernize healthcare delivery, including the incorporation of cutting-edge medical technologies and infrastructure upgrades across military facilities.

Reiterating the importance of aligning with national goals of self-reliance, Sarin emphasized the adoption of ‘Make in India’ medical equipment and technologies to reduce dependency on imports. This push aligns with India’s broader vision to expand its MedTech sector, expected to reach $50 billion by 2030.

Arti Sarin Visit

Surgeon Vice Admiral Sarin also visited medical installations at the base, interacting with healthcare professionals and patients. She was briefed by Air Vice Marshal Avinash Das, Principal Medical Officer at HQMC, on various improvements in patient care, training modules, and facility development. Impressed by the dedication of the staff, she acknowledged their contribution to maintaining high standards in military healthcare.

Her visit coincides with the government’s increased emphasis on healthcare funding, as reflected in the Union Budget 2025–26 allocation of Rs. 99,858 crore. As DGAFMS since October 2024, Sarin is steering reforms to ensure holistic, modern, and self-reliant healthcare for the armed forces, echoing her decades of service across all three military branches.

With over 38 years of experience and advanced expertise in radiodiagnosis and radiation oncology, Sarin’s leadership is poised to transform military medical services and contribute significantly to India’s aspirations in healthcare innovation and defence preparedness.

CRPF Assistant Commandant Sagar Borade Severely Injured in Anti-Naxal Operation, Shows Exceptional Bravery

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Adhidev Jasrotia
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In a daring anti-Naxal operation deep in the volatile KGH Hills near the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border, Assistant Commandant Sagar Borade of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was gravely injured on May 4, 2025, while evacuating a wounded jawan under hostile and treacherous conditions. The elite 204 CoBRA Battalion, tasked with the mission, had been targeting a heavily fortified Naxal hideout notorious for its dense forest cover and widespread use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

During the intense operation, one jawan suffered injuries due to an IED blast. Without hesitation, Borade took the lead in rescuing his comrade, navigating the booby-trapped terrain to carry him to safety. In the process, Borade stepped on an IED himself, sustaining catastrophic injuries to his left leg. He was immediately airlifted to Raipur and later transferred to Delhi for advanced medical treatment. Doctors were forced to amputate his leg to save his life, and he is now in stable condition under close observation.

Borade’s selfless act of valor has drawn national praise, highlighting the extraordinary risks and sacrifices undertaken by India’s security forces in combating Left-Wing Extremism. His actions exemplify the discipline, leadership, and courage demanded of personnel serving in conflict zones where every step could prove fatal.

The 204 CoBRA Battalion, a specialized unit of the CRPF, has long spearheaded anti-insurgency efforts across India’s Red Corridor. Trained in guerrilla warfare, jungle combat, and counterinsurgency tactics, the battalion plays a critical role in dismantling Maoist infrastructure in some of the country’s most hostile terrains. The KGH Hills remain a focal point of ongoing operations, as the region is suspected to shelter several senior Naxal leaders.

Assistant Commandant Sagar Borade 1
Assistant Commandant Sagar Borade

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai commended the bravery of the CRPF forces and confirmed that the state government will provide full support for Borade’s recovery and rehabilitation. “We salute the indomitable courage of our security forces and are committed to ensuring the well-being of our brave warriors,” he stated.

Though Naxal-related violence has significantly declined—dropping 77% in 2022 compared to a decade earlier—pockets of resistance remain, especially in remote areas like those surrounding the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border. The central government, under Union Home Minister Amit Shah, has pledged to eliminate Left-Wing Extremism in the coming years, but incidents like this highlight the persistent threat and the heavy cost borne by those on the front lines.

Assistant Commandant Borade’s heroism stands as a poignant reminder of the daily risks faced by India’s paramilitary personnel and their unwavering resolve to protect the nation—even at the highest personal cost.

OIC Accuses India of Fueling Kashmir Tensions, Demands UN Access and Referendum

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Adhidev Jasrotia
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The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has issued a sharp statement accusing India of escalating tensions in South Asia, particularly over the Kashmir dispute, and has called for United Nations access to the region along with a referendum to determine its future. The remarks were made in a joint press release from New York on May 2, 2025, and are likely to further strain India-OIC relations amid rising military tensions along the Line of Control (LoC).

The 57-member OIC criticized India for what it described as “unfounded allegations” against Pakistan and commended Islamabad for its restraint following a deadly militant attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir. That attack triggered cross-border gunfire and a diplomatic fallout between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, marking the most serious escalation since the 2019 Pulwama-Balakot crisis, according to the Center for Preventive Action’s Global Conflict Tracker.

The Kashmir issue remains a deeply contentious legacy of the 1947 Partition, with both India and Pakistan claiming the region and having fought multiple wars over it. The OIC, long viewed as supportive of Pakistan’s position, reiterated its demand for the “self-determination” of the Kashmiri people, echoing Pakistan’s call for a plebiscite under UN supervision. India, however, maintains that Kashmir is an integral and sovereign part of its territory and has consistently rejected third-party involvement in the matter.

India’s exclusion from the OIC, despite hosting the third-largest Muslim population globally—expected to become the largest by 2060—has often been attributed to Pakistan’s opposition. The OIC charter requires member states to be constitutionally Islamic and free of disputes with existing members, criteria cited by Pakistan to block India’s membership. India’s invitation to the OIC’s inaugural 1969 summit was withdrawn after Pakistani objections, setting the tone for decades of exclusion.

The OIC statement also condemned Indian policies in Kashmir, such as the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), which grants security forces wide authority in disturbed areas. The group equated the secessionist movement with a legitimate independence struggle—language India has routinely condemned as biased and inflammatory.

Statement by OIC
OIC’s Statement

Critics of the OIC argue that the organization’s selective focus on Kashmir undermines its credibility, particularly as it remains silent on human rights abuses in member states like China, Saudi Arabia, and Iran. Beijing’s treatment of Uyghur Muslims and its growing influence within the OIC have raised further concerns about the body’s impartiality.

While the Indian government has not yet formally responded to the OIC’s latest statement, previous patterns suggest a strong rebuttal is imminent. India has regularly dismissed such interventions, citing its commitment to constitutional rights, regional peace, and national sovereignty. It also accuses Pakistan of using international platforms to deflect attention from its alleged sponsorship of terrorism—an allegation Islamabad denies.

With tensions simmering and no sign of immediate de-escalation, the OIC’s renewed call for international involvement is unlikely to change India’s long-standing stance. However, the situation has re-focused global attention on the volatile Kashmir issue, with diplomatic observers warning of potential wider regional instability if hostilities are not curbed.

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