A 29-year-old man has been arrested by Pune Police for impersonating an Indian Army officer in a bid to impress women and elevate his social image. The accused, identified as Rohan Sharma (name changed for privacy), was caught wearing a fake military uniform and carrying a counterfeit ID while frequenting cafes and public hangouts in Koregaon Park.

Sharma’s suspicious conduct raised red flags when alert citizens noticed inconsistencies in his attire and demeanor. He was often seen narrating dramatic stories of his supposed Army missions, which some patrons found questionable. Concerned individuals tipped off the police, leading to a short surveillance operation that culminated in Sharma’s arrest on Wednesday evening.

Upon detaining the suspect, officers discovered multiple inaccuracies in the insignia on his uniform, and his ID card was confirmed to be a crude forgery. During questioning, Sharma admitted to having no association with the armed forces. He revealed that he had acquired the uniform and ID online with the intent to gain admiration, especially from women.

Police officials highlighted the growing trend of such impersonations in urban areas, where individuals exploit symbols of authority for personal benefits. Sharma has been charged under sections of the Indian Penal Code dealing with impersonation, forgery, and the unauthorized use of military dress.

Authorities have also launched a separate probe into the online vendors selling fake defense paraphernalia. “Impersonating defense personnel is not only illegal but deeply disrespectful,” a senior officer said. “We are committed to identifying and prosecuting those who sell or use such materials.”

The incident has stirred strong reactions on social media, with many users calling for stricter punishment for those who fake military identities. Several veterans’ organizations have also condemned the act, urging for safeguards to uphold the sanctity and honor of India’s armed forces.

In a landmark decision aimed at accelerating India’s defence self-reliance, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved Miniratna Category-I status for three Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs): Munitions India Limited (MIL), Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), and India Optel Limited (IOL). The status confers greater financial and operational autonomy, empowering these companies to make independent investment decisions up to ₹500 crore or their net worth, whichever is lower.

The decision recognizes the remarkable strides made by these DPSUs in improving their financial performance, increasing indigenous production, and aligning with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. These companies were formed following the 2021 restructuring of the Ordnance Factory Board and have since shown transformative growth.

Munitions India Limited has seen sales jump over 200%—from ₹3,314 crore in FY 2021-22 to ₹8,214 crore in FY 2024-25—through its focus on producing critical ammunition and reducing dependence on imports.

Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited reported a 190% increase in revenue, growing from ₹2,569.26 crore to ₹4,946 crore during the same period. Notably, AVNL has achieved 100% indigenisation of engines for key combat platforms such as the T-72 and T-90 tanks and the BMP-II infantry vehicle.

India Optel Limited has achieved the most dramatic growth of over 250%, with its sales rising from ₹562.12 crore in FY 2021-22 to ₹1,541.38 crore in FY 2024-25. IOL specializes in advanced opto-electronic systems that are crucial for modern warfare capabilities.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the leadership of the three DPSUs for their commitment to innovation, efficiency, and national security. He highlighted their contributions to India’s defence ecosystem and underscored the importance of fostering a robust and export-capable domestic industry.

The move comes amid a broader push by the Indian government to promote indigenisation in the defence sector. Policies like the Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy, the Defence Acquisition Procedure, and the Make in India initiative have been central to reducing reliance on foreign imports.

The Indian Navy, for instance, has also charted a path toward full self-reliance by 2047, focusing on advanced technologies such as ship propulsion, aero-engines, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and hypersonic weapons.

By granting Miniratna status, the government is equipping MIL, AVNL, and IOL with the flexibility and autonomy needed to innovate, expand exports, and strengthen India’s defence manufacturing capabilities. Their success stories are expected to inspire other public sector units to follow suit in contributing to India’s strategic independence.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that the second round of civil defence mock drills, codenamed “Operation Shield,” will now be conducted on May 31. Originally scheduled for May 29, the drills were postponed due to unspecified administrative reasons.

The large-scale exercises will be held across all western states and union territories sharing a border with Pakistan, including Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, Chandigarh and Gujarat. These drills are designed to simulate coordinated civilian and security force responses to potential hostile scenarios, such as drone attacks and aerial strikes, as tensions with Pakistan remain high.

States like Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan, along with the Union Territory of Chandigarh, had confirmed the delay in the scheduled drills late Wednesday evening. While the Ministry did not elaborate on the reasons for postponement, officials have emphasized the importance of the exercises in light of recent threats and operational challenges.

The upcoming drills follow the first national civil defence exercise conducted on May 7, which exposed significant weaknesses in the preparedness of several border regions. That same day, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor—a retaliatory strike against terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir—following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians.

Operation Sindoor marked the beginning of a four-day escalation along the LoC and International Border from May 7 to 10. During this period, India conducted targeted strikes on nine terror sites while Pakistani forces retaliated with heavy shelling and attempted cross-border drone and missile incursions.

In response to the vulnerabilities identified during the May 7 exercise, the government invoked emergency protocols and released additional funding through the State Disaster Response Force to improve civil defence readiness.

The upcoming mock drill on May 31 will test silent and general recalls of civil defence personnel, coordination between local authorities and central agencies, and public communication strategies during high-threat scenarios. Officials believe this second round of drills will serve as a crucial step in enhancing the nation’s emergency preparedness in border areas facing persistent cross-border threats.