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Indian Army and Assam Rifles, Along With Other Security Forces Crack Down on Insurgency in Manipur

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In a major coordinated crackdown against insurgent activity in Manipur, the Indian Army, along with Assam Rifles, Manipur Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Border Security Force (BSF), arrested 17 insurgents and recovered a large cache of weapons and explosives. The intelligence-led operation, conducted between April 26 and May 4, 2025, spanned the districts of Kakching, Tengnoupal, Bishnupur, and Kangpokpi.

Security forces recovered 31 weapons, including automatic rifles, pistols, improvised mortars, grenades, and assorted ammunition. Additionally, 14 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other war-like materials were seized. All detained individuals and confiscated items have been handed over to Manipur Police for further investigation and legal action.

Images from the field show security personnel presenting the seized arsenal on display, with a trained Labrador—likely a sniffer dog—present at the scene, highlighting the crucial role of canine units in detecting explosives. Other visuals depict bomb disposal squads conducting searches in forested and rugged terrains, showcasing the operational challenges in the hill-valley topography of Manipur.

Soldier in an Operation

The operation comes amid ongoing ethnic unrest in the state, particularly between the Meitei and Kuki communities, which erupted in May 2023. The violence, driven by land and political disputes and worsened by widespread access to illegal arms, has resulted in the displacement of thousands and numerous casualties. This latest effort follows a similar arms recovery mission in January 2025 that led to the seizure of 35 weapons across districts such as Thoubal and Churachandpur.

The Indian Army has increasingly relied on trained canine units—such as Labradors and German Shepherds—in counter-insurgency roles. These dogs are vital for explosive detection and tracking militants in dense and remote areas, proving effective in the state’s volatile conditions.

Authorities have reiterated their commitment to restoring stability and security in Manipur. Joint security operations will continue with the goal of dismantling armed insurgent networks and curbing the illegal arms trade, which has long fueled conflict in the region.

Ukraine Unveils Magura V7 Naval Drones That Shot Down Two Russian Su-30 Jets

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Ukraine has revealed the Magura V7 naval drone for the first time, following its successful use in shooting down two Russian Su-30 fighter jets over the Black Sea. The attack, carried out using three unmanned vessels, was hailed by Ukrainian intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov as a “historic moment” in the evolving conflict. It marks a rare and significant instance of sea-based drones being used to destroy high-speed aircraft.

The Magura V7 is an upgraded and enlarged version of the previously known Magura V5. At approximately 8 meters in length, compared to the V5’s 5.5 meters, the V7 features a broader hull and fixed missile launch rails. Photos published recently give the first public glimpse of this naval drone, which combines stealthy design with combat versatility.

One of the drone’s key features is its weapons system. The Magura V7 is equipped with two AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles — infrared-guided air-to-air missiles commonly used by Western fighter jets. These are mounted on aircraft-style rails that appear to be adjustable for launching. According to experts, the drone’s engagement range is estimated at around 10 kilometers, although real-world effectiveness may vary depending on conditions.

While earlier assumptions suggested the use of the V5 drone, experts now confirm that the larger and more capable V7 variant was involved. Its reshaped nose likely improves stability and seaworthiness, especially during winter operations. The drone also carries multiple antennas and sensors, although it may not always be armed with an explosive charge in the front section, as seen in previous kamikaze-style models.

The first Su-30 was reportedly shot down near Novorossiysk on May 2. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy later confirmed that a second Russian aircraft had also been destroyed. The operation, using three Magura V7 drones, was conducted by Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence and demonstrated not only innovation in weapon use but also a major leap in unmanned naval warfare capabilities.

The success of the Magura V7 is seen as a major strategic development. Military analysts believe it highlights how relatively low-cost, unmanned systems can effectively challenge advanced, manned military platforms. As Ukraine continues to innovate on the battlefield, the use of armed sea drones like the Magura V7 may reshape naval and aerial defense strategies going forward.

NCW Criticizes Online Trolling of Pahalgam Victim Lt Vinay Narwal’s Wife for Her Peace Appeal

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The National Commission for Women (NCW) has strongly criticized the online harassment faced by Himanshi Narwal, the wife of Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, who lost his life in the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The Commission said that targeting a woman for sharing her views is completely unacceptable and urged people to stay respectful while expressing their opinions.

Himanshi had appealed to the public to avoid spreading hate towards Muslims or Kashmiris after the April 22 attack, during which her husband was killed. The couple had been on their honeymoon in Baisaran when terrorists opened fire, killing 26 people.

In her heartfelt statement, Himanshi said, “I just want the nation to pray for him, that he may be at peace. That’s all I ask. And one more thing — please don’t spread hate. I’m seeing a lot of anger toward Muslims and Kashmiris, and we don’t want that. We want peace — only peace.”

Despite the emotional nature of her plea, she faced abusive comments and backlash on social media. Reacting to this, the NCW issued a firm statement calling the trolling “deeply disappointing and shameful.”

“Trolling someone, especially a grieving woman, for expressing her beliefs is wrong. Everyone has the right to speak their mind, but it should be done respectfully and within the limits of our Constitution,” the statement said.

The Commission also expressed its sorrow over the terror attack, saying the whole country is in pain and mourning. It noted that Lt Narwal was reportedly asked about his religion before being shot.

“The country is outraged by this tragic act of terrorism,” the NCW said, adding that it will continue to stand by women and defend their right to dignity and respect.

NBDA Bans Pakistani Panelists on Indian News Debates

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In a significant move amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, the News Broadcasters & Digital Association (NBDA) has issued an urgent advisory to all its member channels, prohibiting the participation of Pakistani panelists in Indian news debates and programs.

The directive, labeled “Urgent & Confidential” and signed by NBDA Secretary General Annie Joseph, cites concerns raised by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting over the use of Indian media platforms by Pakistani commentators to spread anti-India narratives. The advisory accuses some foreign participants of engaging in “false propaganda against India” and using televised platforms to undermine the nation’s sovereignty.

The move comes in the aftermath of a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 23, 2025, where tourists were targeted. Indian authorities have linked the attack to Pakistan-based militant groups, identifying two suspects as Pakistani nationals. Islamabad has denied involvement, but the incident has deepened the diplomatic chasm between the two countries.

NABDA
NBDA Instructions

In response to the attack, India has initiated a range of diplomatic and military measures, including naval missile test strikes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking after the attack, vowed a relentless pursuit of the perpetrators, framing the incident as a direct assault on Indian security and unity.

The NBDA’s advisory aligns with a broader government directive issued on April 26, 2025, advising media houses to avoid live coverage of counter-terror operations. The ministry referenced past incidents like the 2008 Mumbai attacks, where unrestricted broadcast was said to have compromised national interests.

While some in the media industry have welcomed the NBDA’s latest move as a measure to preserve national unity and prevent hostile narratives, others have raised concerns about the implications for free speech and open cross-border dialogue. Nonetheless, the advisory urges strict compliance, reinforcing a growing trend of strategic information control in times of heightened geopolitical strain.

As Indo-Pak relations continue to fray, the media’s role in shaping public perception and safeguarding national interests has come under sharp scrutiny, with regulatory bodies stepping up to limit external influence during periods of crisis.

India Set to Deliver Second Battery Set of Akash Missile Systems to Armenia

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In a significant move to enhance bilateral defense cooperation, India has commenced deliveries of its indigenous Akash Missile System to Armenia. The first battery of the advanced surface-to-air system—comprising four launchers and a Rajendra radar—was successfully shipped in November 2024 by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), with a second battery set for delivery by mid-2025. Armenia is expected to receive a total of 15 Akash systems over the next four to five years.

Developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Akash Missile System is engineered to counter a range of aerial threats including fighter aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles. The system has a range of 25 kilometers and boasts a success rate exceeding 90%. Equipped with Electronic Counter-Counter Measures (ECCM), it offers reliable performance even in contested airspace. Significantly, over 96% of the system’s components are produced domestically, reinforcing India’s “Make for the World” policy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This export forms part of a ₹6,000 crore (approximately $750 million) deal inked in 2022 with Bharat Dynamics Limited, which also includes the supply of 15 Ashwin Air Defence Systems. These agreements are tied to a broader $2 billion arms deal signed in 2020, under which Armenia is also receiving the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system with a range of up to 70 kilometers. The Akash system version exported to Armenia is tailored to meet specific operational needs, showcasing India’s capacity for customized defense solutions.

The Akash has served as a cornerstone of India’s air defense since its induction into the Indian Air Force in 2014. It has progressively replaced older foreign systems, including Israel’s Spyder, at critical forward airbases such as Leh. The Indian Army currently operates two regiments of the Akash Mk1 variant and has placed orders for two regiments of the enhanced Akash Prime.

Analysts view India’s defense export to Armenia as a strategic win for both nations. The deployment of the Akash system will significantly bolster Armenia’s ability to defend against aerial threats, particularly in the volatile South Caucasus region. “The Akash missile stands out as one of the most effective systems produced by India, with a remarkable success rate that few air defense systems can match,” noted defense expert Augustine Vinod.

India’s growing profile as a defense exporter is further evidenced by the Akash system being offered to other nations, including the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates. Talks with the UAE hold strategic weight, particularly given the country’s security challenges from Houthi missile threats. The Philippines, meanwhile, is evaluating the Akash system for its Shore-Based Air Defense Missile System Acquisition Project, aligning with India’s push for greater Indo-Pacific defense engagement.

Deliveries to Armenia are supported by a full logistical suite, including Missile Transportation Vehicles, Transportation and Loading Vehicles, and Power Supply Vehicles, ensuring operational readiness and mobility.

India’s successful delivery of the Akash missile system to Armenia not only strengthens a critical strategic partnership but also signals the rising stature of India’s indigenous defense industry in the global arena.

Two Brothers from Himachal Pradesh Retire from Army on the Same Day After 30 and 26 Years of Service

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In a remarkable coincidence reflecting deep-rooted patriotism, two brothers from Bharnot village in Himachal Pradesh’s Hamirpur district retired from the Indian Army on the same day. On May 2nd, Subedar Sansar Chand and Havildar Kamaldev returned home after serving the nation for 30 and 26 years respectively.

A farewell gathering was held in their village to honor the brothers’ long and dedicated service. The occasion was filled with emotion and pride, as friends, family members, and fellow villagers came together to celebrate their contributions.

Brothers Retire Together

This proud family has a long-standing tradition of serving the nation. The brothers’ grandfather and father were also in the Indian Army, and now the next generation continues this legacy, with their nephew actively serving.

The entire village congratulated the family for their exceptional commitment. With four generations of service to the country, the family stands as a shining example of dedication, discipline, and sacrifice. Their story is a powerful reminder of the many silent heroes who guard the nation’s borders with unwavering resolve.

3 Soldiers Killed as Army Vehicle Falls Into Gorge in J&K’s Ramban

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In a tragic incident, three Indian Army soldiers lost their lives after their vehicle plunged into a deep gorge in the Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday.


The accident occurred during a routine patrol along the steep and treacherous roads of the mountainous region. According to officials, the Army vehicle reportedly skidded off the road and fell into a gorge, resulting in the immediate death of two soldiers at the scene, while a third succumbed to injuries later.


Emergency response teams and local authorities rushed to the site to recover the bodies and assess the situation. The cause of the accident is yet to be determined, but poor visibility and difficult terrain are suspected to be contributing factors.


Senior Army officials expressed grief over the loss and stated that an inquiry has been initiated to ascertain the exact cause of the mishap.
This incident underscores the persistent risks faced by soldiers stationed in remote and hilly regions while carrying out their duties. The names of the deceased have been withheld pending notification of their families.


Further details are awaited as the investigation continues.

India Halts Chenab River Flow Through Baglihar Dam

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In a major strategic shift, India has stopped the flow of water through the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River, effectively operationalising its suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The attack, which killed 26 people — most of them tourists — has prompted strong diplomatic and policy responses from New Delhi.

A senior official familiar with the developments confirmed that the move is part of a broader framework being prepared by the government to assert India’s water rights and apply pressure on Pakistan through controlled regulation of river flows. “We are now regulating water release timing through key hydroelectric dams such as Baglihar and are working on implementing similar measures at the Kishanganga Dam on the Jhelum,” the source stated.

The Baglihar Dam, located in Jammu’s Ramban district, has long been a point of contention between India and Pakistan. Built on the Chenab — one of the western rivers allocated to Pakistan under the 1960 treaty — the dam has faced scrutiny and arbitration demands from Islamabad in the past. Similarly, the Kishanganga Dam in north Kashmir, which diverts water from the Neelum (a tributary of the Jhelum), has sparked legal challenges over its downstream impact on Pakistan-administered territory.

The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, has so far survived several Indo-Pakistani conflicts. However, India’s latest move marks a decisive step away from the treaty’s provisions in response to what officials call Pakistan’s continued support for cross-border terrorism.

Sources indicated that India is not withdrawing from the treaty unilaterally but rather suspending key provisions until Pakistan takes concrete actions to curb terrorism. The Centre is reportedly developing a long-term framework to institutionalize this strategic shift, balancing national security imperatives with international obligations.

As water diplomacy takes center stage in Indo-Pak relations, the coming weeks are expected to see heightened regional and global attention on how this evolving situation unfolds.

Eastern Command Hosts Strategic Administrative Seminar at Vijay Durg to Empower Soldiers and Modernize Systems

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In a landmark move aimed at reinforcing administrative efficiency and human resource development, the Eastern Command of the Indian Army organized a pivotal Administrative Seminar and Training (SAT) session at its headquarters, Vijay Durg, on May 2–3. The high-level gathering forms a core part of the Army’s “Decade of Transformation” initiative, which envisions a future-ready, self-reliant force rooted in modernization and sustainability.

Held at the recently renamed Vijay Durg — formerly Fort William — the seminar was attended by top military brass and senior civilian officials. Notable participants included the Adjutant General of the Indian Army, the Secretary of the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, and the Secretary General of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), highlighting the multi-dimensional approach to reforms in military administration.

Addressing the seminar, Lieutenant General RC Tiwari, Eastern Army Commander since December 2023, stressed the centrality of the soldier in the modern battlefield. “While machines are vital, it is ultimately the ‘man behind the machine’ who wins wars. Enhancing our administrative systems is not just about management — it is about strengthening our core fighting potential,” he stated.

The event marked a significant step in furthering the Army’s commitment to personnel welfare, discipline, and integrated financial systems. A focal point was the implementation of initiatives like the Indian Army Financial Information System (IAFIS), aimed at bringing transparency and efficiency into financial management.

SAT Eastern Command

The rechristening of the Eastern Command’s headquarters to Vijay Durg served as a powerful backdrop to the proceedings. Inspired by the famed Maratha sea fort of Vijaydurg, the name change reflects India’s ongoing efforts to reclaim indigenous history and move away from colonial nomenclature. This symbolic act also aligns with the cultural and strategic reorientation of the Indian military.

The SAT session reinforced the Eastern Command’s leadership role in shaping transformative policies. With India facing complex challenges along its eastern borders, the seminar’s focus on administrative excellence and human capability is seen as critical to maintaining operational superiority.

As the seminar concluded, attendees reaffirmed their commitment to empowering soldiers, optimizing resources, and driving forward the Army’s vision of a modern, resilient, and self-reliant force.

Indian Army Boosts Border Defenses with New Igla-S Missile Systems from Russia

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The Indian Army has significantly strengthened its short-range air defense capabilities with the recent induction of Russian-made Igla-S shoulder-fired missiles. The new weaponry has been deployed to forward areas, particularly along the western border with Pakistan, amid rising security concerns following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack.

Procured under emergency powers granted by the central government, the Igla-S missiles—part of a ₹260 crore contract—represent a vital upgrade to India’s Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS). Defence sources revealed that the advanced systems arrived several weeks ago and are now operational in high-risk sectors to counter aerial threats posed by enemy drones, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft.

The Igla-S system, an improved version of the legacy Igla platform used by the Indian Army since the 1990s, features cutting-edge infrared sensor technology and a multispectral optical seeker. These enhancements allow for greater accuracy, target discrimination, and resistance to countermeasures—critical for neutralizing agile aerial platforms.

In addition to these deliveries, the Army has floated a fresh tender for 48 new launchers and approximately 90 more VSHORADS (IR) missiles under fast-track procedures. Concurrently, it is evaluating laser beam-riding missile systems to further diversify its short-range air defense arsenal. In the interim, older Igla units have been refurbished by an Indian firm to extend their usability.

The urgency behind these moves is driven by an increase in cross-border drone incursions and low-altitude surveillance activities by Pakistan. To address this, the Army has also deployed the indigenous Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (Mark 1), capable of identifying and disabling drones from over 8 kilometers away using jamming and laser-based interception. The system recently demonstrated its effectiveness by neutralizing a Pakistan Army drone in the Jammu region.

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has also been contributing with its development of a high-powered direct energy weapon, designed to target larger drones and cruise missiles. Plans are also underway to acquire low-level transportable radars to further enhance threat detection and engagement capabilities.

These developments reflect a broader strategy across India’s armed forces to modernize air defense systems through rapid and strategic procurements. The Indian Air Force, in parallel, has signed a similar contract for VSHORADS systems, underscoring a unified defense posture amid an evolving regional threat landscape.

As geopolitical tensions continue, the induction of the Igla-S and supporting systems is expected to play a key role in securing India’s airspace and ensuring operational readiness in critical border zones.