In a tragic incident, Naib Subedar PS Yadav of the Indian Army’s Corps of Military Police lost his life due to a landslide while serving in an operational area. The natural disaster struck without warning, claiming the life of the brave soldier who hailed from Uttar Pradesh. His next of kin have been informed, and tributes are pouring in from across the nation for the fallen hero.

Naib Subedar Yadav was a part of the Corps of Military Police (CMP), a vital arm of the Indian Army known for its discipline and distinctive red berets, white lanyards, and belts. The CMP plays a crucial role in maintaining order within the Army’s ranks, regulating traffic, managing logistics, and ensuring discipline across units. The Corps has a proud history dating back to 1939 when the first Provost unit was raised. It served with distinction in key World War II campaigns in North Africa and Burma.

Landslides are a recurring threat in India, particularly in mountainous and hilly terrains, often triggered by intense monsoon rains. This tragedy adds to a grim list of natural disasters in the country. In 2013, the catastrophic Uttarakhand floods resulted in thousands of deaths, prompting the Army’s large-scale rescue operation—Operation Surya Hope. More recently, in 2024, a major landslide in Kerala claimed over 165 lives, reinforcing the deadly potential of such calamities.

The Indian Army expressed its deepest condolences and saluted the supreme sacrifice of Naib Subedar Yadav. His passing stands as a solemn reminder of the challenges and dangers faced by soldiers even outside combat zones. From extreme weather conditions to natural disasters, Indian soldiers continue to risk their lives while serving and safeguarding the nation in every circumstance.

The second meeting of the High-Level Core Group (HLCG) between India and the Maldives was held in New Delhi, advancing bilateral discussions across a broad spectrum of strategic and developmental issues. The Maldivian delegation was led by His Excellency Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, who engaged with senior Indian officials to reinforce the evolving partnership between the two nations.

This meeting built upon the foundation laid during the inaugural HLCG session in Malé on January 29, 2025. That first meeting initiated structured dialogue under the joint vision document titled “India and Maldives: A Vision for Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership”, which was formulated following the October 2024 meeting between President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Delegates from both sides held comprehensive and constructive discussions covering multiple pillars of cooperation. These included transport and connectivity, agriculture, fisheries, trade and economic initiatives, healthcare, capacity building, training programs, and enhanced people-to-people linkages. Key emphasis was placed on bolstering defense and security collaboration, especially in light of the Maldives’ critical location in the Indian Ocean and ongoing regional maritime challenges.

The Maldivian delegation included senior officials from several ministries and agencies, such as the President’s Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure, Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, Ministry of Finance and Planning, and the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology. Their wide-ranging participation reflected a comprehensive and whole-of-government approach to deepening ties with India.

India reaffirmed its view of the Maldives as a vital maritime neighbor and strategic partner in the Indian Ocean Region. The talks also carried a message of reconciliation and forward momentum, coming after a year of diplomatic tensions spurred by President Muizzu’s early anti-India rhetoric and pro-China overtures.

Following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, which claimed several lives, the Maldives expressed strong solidarity with India. Foreign Minister Khaleel reiterated his country’s unequivocal support for India’s fight against terrorism and emphasized regional cooperation on security matters.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs noted that the ongoing HLCG meetings serve as a key platform to enhance collaboration, accelerate joint projects, and maintain regional stability. The Core Group agreed to hold its next meeting in Malé at a mutually convenient time, with both nations committed to operationalizing their shared vision for peace, prosperity, and partnership in the Indo-Pacific region.

In a heartfelt ceremony marking the ninth anniversary of Havildar Hangpan Dada’s heroic sacrifice, Lieutenant General Abhijit S Pendharkar, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Spear Corps, paid tribute at the soldier’s memorial in Borduria village, Tirap district. The ceremony, held on May 26, 2025, commemorated the day in 2016 when Havildar Dada laid down his life after eliminating four terrorists during a fierce encounter in Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir.

Lt Gen Pendharkar laid a wreath at the memorial, honoring the courage of Havildar Dada, who was posthumously awarded the Ashok Chakra in 2017—India’s highest peacetime gallantry award. The solemn ceremony included a guard of honor by Indian Army soldiers and a garlanded bust of Havildar Dada, symbolizing his enduring legacy. The site was adorned with flowers and candles, drawing community members and local dignitaries to pay their respects.

Born on October 2, 1979, in Borduria, Havildar Dada served in the Assam Regiment and later with the Rashtriya Rifles. On May 26, 2016, while deployed in the volatile Kupwara sector, he exhibited unparalleled bravery by killing three terrorists at close quarters and wounding a fourth, effectively foiling an infiltration attempt. His decisive actions came at the cost of his own life, a sacrifice that has become a beacon of valor for the Indian Armed Forces.

During the event, Lt Gen Pendharkar met with Havildar Dada’s family, offering assurances of the Army’s unwavering support and expressing the nation’s gratitude. His interaction with the family underscored the Army’s enduring commitment to the welfare of its fallen heroes’ loved ones.

The GOC also took time to engage with ex-servicemen from Tirap and Longding districts, recognizing their contributions to national security and development. Addressing the veterans at a local community hall, he highlighted the strategic importance of the region, which has seen both counter-insurgency operations and developmental challenges near the Line of Actual Control. The interaction reflected the Indian Army’s role not only in defense but also in fostering stability and growth in the Northeast.

Havildar Dada’s legacy continues to be honored across India. A bridge in Daporijo, Arunachal Pradesh, and a stand at Eden Gardens in Kolkata bear his name. The Assam Regimental Centre has named its main office block after him, and the Chief Minister’s Trophy in Arunachal Pradesh for football and volleyball has been renamed the Hangpan Dada Memorial Trophy. These tributes ensure his memory lives on in both military and civilian spheres.

As the ceremony concluded, Lt Gen Pendharkar called for continued operational preparedness, reinforcing the Army’s readiness and dedication to safeguarding the nation. The tribute in Borduria was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers like Havildar Hangpan Dada and the responsibility of the nation to remember and honor them.

In a significant step toward modernizing military training, the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai has signed an addendum to its existing Memorandum of Understanding with SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST). The new agreement, signed on May 26, 2025, introduces a diploma program in Information Technology and Cyber Security for officer cadets, aimed at enhancing their preparedness for modern, tech-driven warfare.

The signing ceremony was held at OTA Chennai, with Lieutenant General Fernandes, Commandant of OTA, and C. Muthamizhchelvan, Vice Chancellor of SRMIST, officially formalizing the partnership. The event was attended by senior officials from both the military and academia. The collaboration is part of the Indian Army’s broader #YearofTechAbsorption initiative, spearheaded by the Army Training Command (ARTRAC), which seeks to infuse cutting-edge technological education into the core of military training.

The newly launched diploma course is expected to train approximately 500 cadets each year, equipping them with vital skills in information technology and cybersecurity. The program responds to a growing need to protect military infrastructure from digital threats. A 2024 NATO report highlighted a 300% increase in cyberattacks on military systems globally between 2019 and 2023, emphasizing the urgency of developing cyber resilience among future military leaders.

Established in 1963 following the Sino-Indian War, OTA Chennai has a history of evolving in step with the Indian Army’s strategic requirements. Originally designed to produce officers through short-service commissions, OTA has grown into a premier institution for leadership development with campuses in both Chennai and Gaya. The partnership with SRMIST adds another dimension to its training capabilities, preparing cadets not only for battlefield leadership but also for digital defense roles.

SRMIST, a reputed institution known for its focus on innovation and industry collaboration, brings academic rigor and technical depth to the initiative. With advisory boards that include international experts and more than 150 industry partners, SRMIST ensures that its academic programs remain aligned with real-world applications and evolving technologies.

This collaboration aligns with broader national priorities focused on defense modernization, technological integration, and self-reliance. The Ministry of Defence has promoted domestic innovation through initiatives like the Positive Indigenisation Lists, iDEX (Innovation for Defence Excellence), and DISC (Defence India Start-up Challenge). In this context, the OTA-SRMIST partnership is a forward-looking move to strengthen India’s military capabilities in the digital age.

As threats grow increasingly complex and technology-driven, the integration of cybersecurity education into cadet training represents a vital investment in national security. The program is expected to contribute significantly to building a tech-savvy, adaptive, and resilient officer cadre for the Indian Army.