The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Indian Army’s Rising Star Corps, Lieutenant General Rajan Sharawat visited the Bani-Machhedi Sector in Kathua district, Jammu & Kashmir, to assess the operational readiness of troops deployed along this strategically sensitive segment of the international border. The visit takes place amid increased infiltration attempts and elevated security concerns across the Jammu region.

During the visit, the GOC interacted with troops on the ground, lauding their vigilance, professionalism, and preparedness to counter emerging threats. The Bani-Machhedi Sector, particularly near the Ujh River, remains a critical surveillance point due to its historical use as an infiltration route. The area gained attention following a deadly encounter in Rajbagh, as reported by the Sunday Guardian on April 5, 2025, in which three militants were neutralized but at the cost of four police personnel.

The Rising Star Corps, headquartered at Yol and formed in 2005, continues to play a central role in advancing the Indian Army’s modernization drive. Notably, the IX Corps under its command is spearheading the implementation of Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs), designed for rapid deployment and swift response, especially along the borders with Pakistan and China. These formations are part of the Army’s restructuring efforts aimed at reducing operational response times to under 24 hours.

This visit comes amid a broader military build-up reported on May 9 by the Indian Express, as India reinforced its positions along the border in response to growing hostilities. It also follows earlier reviews by the Rising Star Corps commander, including in January 2025, where troops stationed in Jammu garrisons were praised for their high standards of professionalism and readiness.

Security analysts have called for strategic rethinking in the region, especially around the Indus Water Treaty and border infrastructure. Proposals such as establishing a dedicated ‘Border Geography and National Security Institution’ in Kathua have been suggested to improve strategic oversight and address the unique challenges of the area.

The Indian Army remains focused on strengthening its defensive and offensive capabilities in the region, ensuring that its forces are equipped and ready to protect national sovereignty in the face of evolving security dynamics.

The Assam Rifles, in partnership with the National Integrity and Educational Development Organisation (NIEDO), has successfully concluded the selection process for the fourth batch of its residential coaching initiative at the Chieswema Garrison in Nagaland. A total of 152 candidates from across the state competed for 35 seats in the 2025–26 session, selected through a transparent, merit-based evaluation process.

Launched in 2022, the initiative is a fully residential, year-long coaching and mentorship program aimed at preparing underprivileged students for competitive examinations like NEET and JEE. The program is conducted at the Late Capt N Kengurüse, Mahavir Chakra Centre of Excellence and Wellness in Chieswema, named after the heroic Kargil War martyr from Nagaland, Captain Neikezhakuo Kengurüse.

This unique educational collaboration is made possible through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in May 2022 between Assam Rifles, Axis Bank, and NIEDO. While Axis Bank provides financial support, NIEDO supplies expert faculty and a structured curriculum. The Assam Rifles ensures the program’s smooth operation through logistical and infrastructural backing.

The initiative has become a beacon of hope for youth in remote parts of Nagaland, addressing educational inequalities and providing a transformative platform for students with limited access to quality education. Since its inception, the program has enabled dozens of students to take significant steps toward academic and professional success.

By combining public service, corporate sponsorship, and educational expertise, the Assam Rifles’ NIEDO initiative continues to strengthen national integration and build empowered futures for young minds in the Northeast.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Indian Army’s Rising Star Corps conducted a high-level review of operational preparedness in the Tiger Division, stationed in the sensitive border areas of Jammu. The visit comes amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, especially following recent cross-border drone incidents that have raised security concerns.

During the visit, the GOC met with frontline troops, acknowledging their dedication and commendable operational performance. He also interacted with veterans from the region, honouring their enduring legacy in the service of the nation. The commander’s assessment focused on the unit’s capability to counter emerging security threats, with a special focus on the integration of modern technology in tactical operations.

A major highlight of the inspection was a live demonstration of advanced unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems, signaling the Indian Army’s emphasis on drone-based reconnaissance and rapid response capabilities. The growing use of drones in the region has prompted a technological shift in how both India and Pakistan approach border surveillance and engagement, with India reportedly developing swarm drone tactics to maintain a strategic edge.

The GOC’s visit also aligned with ongoing civil-military cooperation efforts under Operation Sadbhavana, an initiative aimed at winning hearts and minds in Jammu and Kashmir. Through this program, the Army has established 53 English-medium Goodwill Schools benefiting over 14,000 students and partnered with the Pritam Spiritual Foundation to provide artificial limbs to over 3,100 civilians affected by conflict.

The Rising Star Corps commander’s presence reaffirmed the Indian Army’s commitment to maintaining combat readiness while actively engaging in humanitarian initiatives. As the security dynamics along the Line of Control evolve, the dual focus on defence and development is viewed as essential to sustaining peace and stability in the region.

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan visited Chandimandir Military Station and interacted with Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Command, along with senior staff officers. The visit was part of his ongoing review of strategic operations carried out under Operation Sindoor.

General Chauhan received a comprehensive briefing on both kinetic and non-kinetic punitive actions executed by the Western Command during the operation. The Army Commander provided an in-depth overview of the prevailing operational environment, defensive measures, and key mission outcomes achieved along the sensitive Jammu and Punjab border sectors.

Acknowledging the complexity of the operational terrain and the nature of emerging threats, the CDS praised the field formations for their exceptional performance, high level of preparedness, and the synergy displayed in executing mission-critical tasks under pressure. He commended the timely and coordinated efforts of the Western Command, which contributed significantly to the overall success of Operation Sindoor.

General Chauhan emphasized the necessity for sustained vigilance, enhanced jointness among the armed services, and deeper operational synergy to effectively counter evolving threats along the Western Front. The visit reinforced the importance of cross-service coordination in safeguarding national security amid a dynamic security landscape.

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan visited Udhampur to assess the operational readiness and strategic outcomes achieved by the Indian Army’s Northern Command. During his visit, he held discussions with Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, and senior staff officers at the Northern Command headquarters.

The visit focused on reviewing the Northern Army’s recent operational success in neutralizing terror infrastructure and hostile assets involved in supporting cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. General Chauhan was given a comprehensive briefing on the precision-led operations and the multilayered countermeasures employed to protect both military installations and civilian populations during Operation Sindoor.

The CDS acknowledged the meticulous planning and execution carried out by the troops and expressed his appreciation for their commitment. He congratulated all personnel of the Northern Command for the resounding success of Operation Sindoor, emphasizing that their courage, resilience, and dedication reflect the highest traditions of the Indian Army.

Operation Sindoor, launched in response to heightened threats along the northern border, has been pivotal in safeguarding the region from hostile infiltration and terror networks. The visit reaffirmed the CDS’s confidence in the preparedness and professionalism of the Indian Army’s frontline forces.

In the aftermath of the temporary pause in Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army is reportedly planning a strategic troop “rebalance” along the Pakistan border, as both nations explore options for de-escalation. According to a report by The Indian Express, Pakistan is also preparing to return its forces to pre-April positions, following earlier mobilizations near the international border.

Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, had seen a surge in military preparedness and restricted movement along the borders. While the operation remains on hold, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that the pause does not imply disengagement, stating that military alerts will continue at elevated levels.

Unlike Pakistan, which had massed large troop formations and military hardware close to the international border, India had limited its mobilization to repositioning certain units and equipment for strategic preparedness. These assets are now expected to return to their original locations, signaling a potential step toward de-escalation.

The report adds that both Indian and Pakistani armed forces are currently exploring confidence-building measures, with discussions underway to scale down troop presence and equipment within the next two weeks.

During the initial stages of Operation Sindoor, Indian troop numbers had increased primarily due to leave cancellations and restrictions on non-essential movement. With the situation now stabilizing, these curbs have been relaxed, and short-term training programs that were previously suspended are set to resume.

This phased normalization of military activity suggests that both countries are keen to avoid further tensions, while remaining alert to any developments that could alter the current security landscape.

Actor Preity Zinta has donated ₹1 crore to the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA) of the Indian Army’s South Western Command, in a gesture of solidarity following India’s Operation Sindoor. The donation was announced at a special event held in Jaipur on May 24, where Zinta expressed her deep respect for the sacrifices made by the armed forces.

The funds were contributed from the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) allocation of Punjab Kings, the IPL team co-owned by Zinta. The donation aims to support Veer Naris—wives of fallen soldiers—and to promote the education and well-being of their children.

Operation Sindoor was launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. In the wake of the operation, Zinta’s timely contribution highlights a growing civilian initiative to honour and uplift the families affected by military operations.

Speaking at the event, which was attended by the Army Commander of the South Western Command and the Regional President of Shapta Shakti AWWA, Zinta said, “It’s both an honour and a responsibility to support the courageous families of our soldiers. While we can never fully repay the sacrifices made by our armed forces, we can stand beside their families and help them move forward.”

She further emphasized her continued support for the armed forces, saying, “We are incredibly proud of our soldiers and remain steadfast in our support for the nation and its brave protectors.”

On the professional front, Preity Zinta is preparing for her return to the silver screen with the film ‘Lahore 1947’, co-starring Sunny Deol and produced by Aamir Khan. Set against the backdrop of India’s partition, the film marks her first major cinematic appearance in several years.

Zinta’s philanthropic gesture has been widely appreciated, reinforcing the importance of public support for military families and underlining the powerful connection between cinema, social responsibility, and national pride.