In a remarkable example of educational empowerment, thirty-eight students from remote villages in Arunachal Pradesh have successfully cleared the All India Sainik School Entrance Examination, thanks to a dedicated free coaching initiative led by the Indian Army. The students hail from the remote border areas of Jang and Dirang in West Kameng district, and their achievement is being celebrated as a milestone for inclusive development in the region.

The coaching program was organized by the Army’s Gajraj Corps and ran from July 2024 to April 2025. The initiative aimed to bridge the educational divide faced by children in far-flung border villages, many of whom lack access to quality academic support. Out of 44 students who took part in the program, 38 successfully qualified, demonstrating the power of focused intervention and guidance.

According to the Army’s official statement, the coaching involved not only rigorous academic training but also motivational and personality development sessions. Army instructors mentored the students with discipline, structure, and encouragement, helping them build the confidence and skills needed to succeed at a national level competitive examination.

“These brilliant young minds are the future of India,” said the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Indian Army. “Their success is proof that talent knows no boundaries, and with the right support, even the most remote corners of our nation can shine.”

The success story from Arunachal Pradesh is now being hailed as a beacon of possibility for similar initiatives across the country. It reflects the Indian Army’s broader commitment to nation-building through education, empowerment, and social inclusion. The Gajraj Corps congratulated all the young achievers and their families, reaffirming its mission to continue nurturing the potential of India’s youth—wherever they may be.

In a touching display of patriotism and familial pride, a wedding invitation from a small village in Rajasthan’s Sikar district has captured the nation’s heart. The invitation, issued for the wedding of Amit Singh, a soldier in the Indian Army, prominently honors Operation Sindoor, the recent military offensive in which Amit and his two brothers served on the frontlines.

Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, was India’s strategic response to the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians. The Indian armed forces carried out a swift and precise counter-operation, targeting nine militant camps across the Line of Control, including areas in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation reportedly neutralized over 100 terrorists, marking a significant blow to terror infrastructure. Amit Singh and his brothers were among the soldiers deployed in this critical mission, embodying the courage and dedication of the Indian military.

At the heart of this story is Jagdish Singh Shekhawat, a humble farmer from the village of Dhod in Sikar. He has raised three sons with strong values of service and patriotism, and his pride in their commitment to the nation shines through the wedding invitation. The card includes a poignant line that reads: “Our power, our honor — the heroes of Operation Sindoor invite you to their brother’s wedding.” This powerful tribute transforms the wedding invitation into a symbol of respect for the sacrifices made by the family and the armed forces.

The wedding invitation quickly gained widespread attention on social media, with users praising the family’s deep sense of patriotism. One post on X (formerly Twitter) remarked, “This family from the fields of Rajasthan has shown that patriotism runs as deep in soil as it does in blood.” Others described the invitation as “a respectful homage to our soldiers” and “a love letter to the motherland wrapped in a wedding invite.”

Scheduled for May 28, Amit Singh’s wedding has become more than just a personal celebration; it stands as a national symbol of honor, sacrifice, and love for the country. The Shekhawat family’s story is a poignant reminder that true patriotism is often quietly rooted in everyday life and that courage and service start at home, sometimes conveyed through the simplest of gestures — like a wedding card.

The Indian Army took part as an observer in Exercise African Lion 2025, the largest U.S.-led military exercise in Africa, marking a significant step in India’s defence diplomacy and strategic engagement with the continent. Hosted primarily in Morocco and extending to Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia, the 21st edition of the exercise brought together more than 10,000 troops from 27 countries, including key NATO allies.

Representatives from the Indian Army’s Headquarters Army Training Command (HQ ARTRAC) and the College of Military Engineering (CME) observed a variety of advanced operational drills. Among the key highlights were the deployment and firing of the U.S. High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), capable of striking targets at distances up to 300 kilometers, and coordinated responses to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats. Indian observers also monitored complex counter-IED scenarios, showcasing the high level of interoperability and joint operational readiness among participating forces.

African Lion 2025, which commenced on April 14 in Tunisia, included command post exercises, field training sessions, live-fire operations, and humanitarian civic assistance missions such as medical, dental, and veterinary outreach programs. These diverse activities underscored the exercise’s primary goal of enhancing readiness and building crisis response capabilities among multinational forces.

India’s observer status in African Lion 2025 reflects its increasing commitment to building defence ties with African nations. The exercise provided an opportunity for Indian military planners to study large-scale joint operations involving hybrid warfare tactics and multinational coordination, which are increasingly relevant in contemporary security environments.

This engagement complements India’s broader strategic initiatives across Africa. Notable efforts include the India-Mozambique-Tanzania Trilateral Exercise (IMT TRILAT), capacity-building programs for African militaries, and the establishment of maritime surveillance infrastructure in the western Indian Ocean, including facilities in Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar.

India’s presence at African Lion 2025 reinforces its aspiration to be seen as a credible and capable partner in regional and global security architectures. It also sends a clear signal of India’s interest in countering growing strategic competition in Africa, particularly from China, while strengthening cooperation with Western and African partners alike.

India is advancing efforts to develop a long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system akin to the Russian S-400 under an ambitious indigenous initiative known as Project Kusha. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), is spearheading the project, with the prototype expected to be ready within the next 12 to 18 months.

Project Kusha is envisioned as a comprehensive air defence system capable of neutralizing a wide spectrum of aerial threats including enemy aircraft, drones, and missiles. BEL is playing a key role as DRDO’s development partner for various crucial subsystems, including radar technologies and control systems essential for target tracking and engagement.

BEL Chairman and Managing Director Manoj Jain confirmed the company’s deep involvement in the project, stating that several critical components are being jointly developed. He also noted that BEL is being considered as a potential integrator of the full system if multiple system integrators are approved.

Beyond Project Kusha, BEL is actively involved in the production of the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) system, a project jointly envisioned by the Indian Army and Air Force. BEL anticipates an order worth approximately Rs 30,000 crore for QRSAM, with finalization expected either by the end of the current financial year or in the early part of the next.

BEL’s air defence credentials have recently been enhanced by the successful deployment of its Akashteer system. Designed to enhance situational awareness and streamline response to aerial threats, Akashteer integrates various sensors and weapon systems into a unified control framework. The system has already been inducted into active service and is viewed as a significant improvement over legacy systems.

India’s ongoing use of the Russian-made S-400 Triumf air defence system remains an integral part of its strategic deterrent posture. Deployed at key strategic locations, the S-400 system provides comprehensive coverage against high-speed aerial threats and has performed reliably during training and operations. Its effectiveness has informed the development goals of Project Kusha, which aims to replicate and eventually surpass the S-400’s capabilities using entirely Indian technologies.

As India continues to invest in a layered and self-reliant air defence architecture, Project Kusha marks a significant step toward reducing dependence on foreign platforms and building a robust indigenous defence ecosystem.

The Indian Army has entered into a landmark agreement with the Drishti Group, comprising Drishti IAS and VDK Eduventures Pvt. Ltd., to extend exclusive educational benefits to its personnel and their families. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on Saturday in the national capital, reflects the Army’s commitment to supporting the academic and professional growth of its community beyond the battlefield.

As per the agreement, serving and retired Army personnel, as well as their spouses and wards, will receive a 40 percent discount on all online coaching courses and a 25 percent discount on offline courses offered by Drishti IAS. These programs cater to a wide range of competitive examinations including the UPSC Civil Services Exam, State Public Service Commission exams, Judiciary exams, CUET, and various teaching eligibility tests.

The formal signing ceremony was marked by a spirit of collaboration and mutual respect. Senior officials from both the Indian Army and Drishti Group were present as the MoU was exchanged. A ceremonial backdrop showcasing military insignia and national emblems served as a reminder of the Army’s enduring legacy and its evolving commitment to the welfare of its personnel.

This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Indian Army to bolster educational access and socio-economic mobility within its ranks. The Army Welfare Education Society (AWES) has long played a central role in managing a wide network of schools and higher education institutions for the children of Army personnel. Furthermore, the Army has previously partnered with institutions like the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) to facilitate distance education, recognizing the unique lifestyle and mobility challenges faced by soldiers and their families.

Drishti IAS, founded in 1999, is a leading institute known for its structured, research-based approach to competitive exam preparation. Over the years, it has expanded its reach to include programs for the judiciary, teaching, and state-level exams. The organization’s focus on accessibility and inclusive education resonates strongly with the objectives of this new partnership.

The collaboration has been welcomed as a significant step in nation-building, where the defense sector and the education sector join hands to create lasting impact. It not only provides affordable learning options for soldiers and their families but also enhances their prospects in civil life, further reinforcing the Indian Army’s role as a progressive and people-centric institution.

By facilitating access to high-quality educational resources, the Indian Army continues to invest in the future of its people, fostering intellectual empowerment alongside national security.

In a high-level visit aimed at assessing the prevailing security situation, Lieutenant General Abhijit S Pendharkar, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Indian Army’s Spear Corps, conducted an operational review of Army formations deployed in Manipur. The visit comes as the state continues to witness recurring ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities, which has claimed more than 200 lives since May 2023 and displaced thousands.

During the review, Lt Gen Pendharkar interacted with field commanders and troops, examining their preparedness to tackle emerging security challenges. He commended the soldiers for their professionalism and composure in maintaining peace amid complex and sensitive ground realities. Stressing the importance of mission readiness, he directed the formations to stay vigilant and responsive to rapidly evolving situations, particularly in conflict-sensitive areas.

The Spear Corps, also known as III Corps, is headquartered under the Eastern Command and holds a crucial role in safeguarding the northeastern frontiers of India. The Corps has been at the forefront of counter-insurgency and border security operations for decades, with a proven track record during the 1962 Battle of Walong and more recently in anti-insurgency efforts in Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and now Manipur. The current ethnic strife has placed immense pressure on security forces, requiring coordinated efforts between the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, and local police to restore law and order.

In recent months, joint operations have resulted in the recovery of over 35 illegal weapons, large quantities of ammunition, and other warlike materials from violence-hit regions. These operations underscore the Indian Army’s proactive approach in neutralizing armed threats and stabilizing volatile zones. Lt Gen Pendharkar’s visit reinforces the Army’s strategic commitment to protect civilians, assist civil administration, and foster conditions conducive to peace and reconciliation.

Since assuming command of the Spear Corps in August 2024, Lt Gen Pendharkar has brought with him a wealth of experience in high-altitude warfare, counter-terrorism, and border management, particularly from his previous tenures in Jammu and Kashmir and along the Line of Control. His leadership is seen as pivotal at a time when Manipur remains embroiled in social unrest and ethnic polarization.

The Indian Army, through its boots-on-ground engagement and humanitarian assistance, continues to be a stabilizing force in the Northeast. The Corps Commander’s presence in the conflict zone is being viewed as both a morale booster for the troops and a reassuring gesture to the civilian population, reinforcing the Army’s impartial and enduring role in preserving peace and unity in the region.