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BSF Deputy Commandant Sh. Madan Awarded Commendation Disc

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In a formal ceremony at the 29 Brigade headquarters in Khemkaran, Sh. Madan, Deputy Commandant of the Border Security Force (BSF), was awarded the prestigious Commendation Disc for his outstanding leadership and operational excellence during Operation Sindoor. The award was presented by Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, PVSM, AVSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Army’s Western Command.

Operation Sindoor was a coordinated and high-precision strike against terrorist infrastructure, executed jointly by the Indian Armed Forces, with the BSF playing a crucial frontline role. Sh. Madan’s decisive actions and command capabilities were instrumental in the mission’s success, marking a significant contribution to India’s ongoing counter-terrorism initiatives.

The event, held at an outdoor venue within the brigade headquarters, brought together BSF personnel in camouflage uniforms and military leadership in an operationally symbolic setting. With military vehicles stationed in the backdrop, the occasion reinforced the commitment of India’s security forces to defend its frontiers under high-pressure environments.

Lt. Gen. Katiyar, who has previously served as Director General of Military Operations and is a recipient of the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, commended the BSF’s professionalism and readiness. He emphasized the value of seamless coordination between paramilitary forces and the Army, especially in sensitive sectors such as Punjab, which shares a heavily patrolled international border with Pakistan.

Operation Sindoor adds to the BSF’s longstanding history of successful counter-insurgency operations. Since the 1990s, the BSF has played a vital role in operations across Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir, demonstrating its effectiveness in neutralizing cross-border threats. The force’s expertise in both static and mobile defense, surveillance, and rapid response makes it an indispensable element of India’s border management framework.

The award conferred on Sh. Madan continues a legacy of recognizing BSF personnel for valor and dedication. Earlier in 2025, Commandant Rakesh Sinha of the 81 Battalion was similarly honored for his operational excellence in Tripura, underscoring the BSF’s nationwide presence and versatility.

With 193 battalions and over 270,000 personnel, the BSF is the world’s largest border guarding force. This recognition of individual and team excellence serves to inspire continued vigilance and inter-agency cooperation in defending the nation. The ceremony in Khemkaran also served as a reminder of the evolving nature of threats at India’s borders and the resolute response required to address them.

The commendation awarded to Deputy Commandant Madan not only highlights personal bravery but also reaffirms the BSF’s critical role in India’s comprehensive defense architecture.

Lt. Gen. Manoj Kumar Katiyar Reviews Readiness in Amritsar Sector, Commends Army-BSF Integration

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Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, PVSM, AVSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Western Command, conducted a comprehensive review of operational preparedness in the Amritsar sector today. His visit emphasized the importance of joint readiness, strategic coordination, and inter-agency synergy along the sensitive Indo-Pak border.

Senior commanders from the 54 Infantry Brigade, 96 Infantry Brigade, and 23 Armoured Brigade delivered detailed briefings to Lt. Gen. Katiyar, outlining their operational strategies, troop deployments, and counter-response mechanisms tailored for evolving threat scenarios in the region. The session reflected a clear focus on proactive defense and agile response systems designed to secure this strategically vital border zone.

A central theme of the visit was the close collaboration between the Indian Army and the Border Security Force (BSF), especially during the recently concluded Operation Sindoor. This multi-domain operation, which responded to asymmetric threats targeting both civilian areas and military installations, demonstrated the increasing self-reliance of India’s defense ecosystem. Advanced systems such as the Akash air defense platform were effectively deployed during the operation, showcasing indigenous capability and technological integration across armed services.

Lt. Gen. Katiyar personally interacted with Army and BSF troops, applauding their professionalism and high level of preparedness. He lauded the operational synergy achieved between the two forces, which played a vital role in the swift execution and success of Operation Sindoor. The General noted that continuous, coordinated training between the BSF and Army units is essential to maintain high readiness levels and to fortify the defenses of forward Border Outposts (BOPs).

The visit also highlighted the increasing involvement of women in India’s defense structure. Lt. Gen. Katiyar specifically praised the contributions of Mahila Praharis — women BSF personnel — who were actively deployed in frontline roles during Operation Sindoor. Their steadfastness and commitment, he remarked, represent a powerful shift in the traditional roles within security forces and underscore the growing empowerment of women in national defense.

The deployment of women in such positions builds on notable milestones like the 2022 deployment of an all-women BSF team in the Sundarbans — a first in the force’s history. Lt. Gen. Katiyar emphasized that the inclusion of women in operationally demanding environments enhances force capability and reflects progressive institutional values.

Today’s visit is part of the Western Command’s continued efforts to assess field preparedness and boost inter-agency collaboration in regions bordering Pakistan. The Amritsar sector remains a critical stretch in the defense matrix due to its geographical and strategic significance. The Western Command, headquartered in Chandimandir, is responsible for coordinating defense operations across key northern states and maintaining a firm posture in one of the country’s most volatile border regions.

Lt. Gen. Katiyar’s acknowledgment of troop dedication, joint operational effectiveness, and women’s contributions underscores the Indian military’s evolving doctrine of inclusive, technologically advanced, and coordinated defense strategy. The visit reaffirms the commitment of Indian armed forces to preserving national sovereignty and ensuring peace through strength along the nation’s borders.

Haryana YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra Among Six Arrested in Espionage Case Linked to Pakistan

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A major espionage network involving six Indian nationals has been uncovered, with the arrest of Jyoti Malhotra, a Haryana-based travel blogger known for her YouTube channel “Travel with Jo,” among others. The accused have been charged with sharing sensitive information with Pakistani intelligence operatives and coordinating through encrypted digital platforms.

Authorities report that Jyoti Malhotra had traveled to Pakistan in 2023 using a visa acquired through commission agents. During her visit, she developed close ties with Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, an official at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. Danish, who has since been expelled from India and declared persona non grata on May 13, 2025, allegedly introduced her to several Pakistani intelligence operatives (PIOs).

Jyoti reportedly stayed in touch with these operatives through encrypted messaging applications like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat. One of the operatives, identified as Shakir alias Rana Shahbaz, was saved in her contacts under the alias “Jatt Randhawa.” She is alleged to have passed on location-sensitive information related to Indian territories and promoted pro-Pakistan content on her social media platforms. Investigations also reveal that she entered into an intimate relationship with one of the operatives and accompanied him on an overseas trip to Bali, Indonesia.

Additional arrests in the case include Yameen Mohd from Malerkotla, who played a crucial role in facilitating financial transactions and handling visa-related tasks on behalf of the Pakistani handlers. Devinder Singh Dhillon, a Sikh student from Kaithal, Haryana, was allegedly recruited during a religious pilgrimage to Pakistan; he is accused of recording and sending video footage of the Patiala cantonment to his Pakistani contacts. Another individual, Arman from Nuh, Haryana, is believed to have procured Indian SIM cards, transferred funds, and visited the Defence Expo 2025 as directed by Pakistani intelligence operatives, further aiding the espionage network’s operations within India.

Officials stated that the espionage ring targeted vulnerable individuals across religious and social lines, manipulating them through emotional connections, monetary gifts, and false promises of marriage. The network spanned both Haryana and Punjab, operating through a web of digital communication, financial incentives, and covert interactions with Pakistani intelligence personnel.

All accused have reportedly confessed to their involvement, and investigations are ongoing to identify additional links and prevent further breaches of national security.

Indian and U.S. Air Forces Collaborate to Fix Technical Snag on C-17 Aircraft in Jaipur

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In a notable demonstration of international defense collaboration, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the United States Air Force (USAF) successfully resolved a technical issue on a USAF C-17 Globemaster III at the Jaipur air base. The joint effort, carried out on Saturday, not only restored the aircraft to operational status but also reinforced the growing strategic partnership and trust between the two militaries.

The C-17 Globemaster III, a high-capacity military transport aircraft developed by Boeing, encountered a technical snag shortly after landing in Jaipur during a scheduled operation. Responding promptly, the Indian Air Force mobilized a team of technical specialists to assist the visiting U.S. crew in troubleshooting the issue. The operation included diagnostics, repair coordination, and the rapid deployment of essential maintenance equipment, all of which were executed under existing bilateral defense protocols.

This collaborative repair effort exemplifies the seamless coordination between the two air forces, made possible by years of growing military cooperation and technical understanding. The ability to address such challenges together highlights the operational readiness and interoperability both nations have developed through joint training programs, liaison officer exchanges, and defense logistics agreements.

The C-17 aircraft is central to both nations’ strategic airlift capabilities. It is designed to transport troops, heavy cargo, and vehicles over long distances and is equally suited for airdrop missions, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response operations. The Indian Air Force’s fleet of 11 C-17s is operated by No. 81 Squadron, known as the Skylords, based at Hindon Air Force Station near Delhi. Since their induction beginning in 2010 through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, these aircraft have been crucial in India’s high-altitude deployments to regions like Leh and Ladakh, international evacuations, and support operations in crisis-hit countries including Nepal, Tajikistan, Yemen, and Rwanda.

The United States has long recognized India as a key partner in the Indo-Pacific region, and such operational interactions reflect the maturity of the bilateral defense relationship. The sale of an additional C-17 to India in 2017, along with continued high-level engagements, such as participation in multilateral exercises like Yudh Abhyas and Cope India, further cement the close ties between the armed forces of both countries.

Defense officials from India and the U.S. hailed the Jaipur operation as a prime example of the strength and reliability of Indo-U.S. military cooperation. They emphasized that beyond the technical resolution, such joint efforts build trust, enhance mutual understanding, and ensure that both air forces remain capable of responding swiftly to strategic and humanitarian needs across the region.

This successful resolution of the C-17 issue underscores the practical benefits of defense interoperability and reinforces the broader objective of maintaining peace, stability, and readiness in the Indo-Pacific. As both nations continue to align their strategic goals and expand defense collaboration, such operations serve as building blocks for a resilient and responsive military partnership.

Haryana Student Arrested for Allegedly Providing Information to Pakistani Army and ISI

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In a significant security breach amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions, Haryana police have arrested Devendra Singh, a 25-year-old resident of Mastgarh Cheeka village, for allegedly sharing classified information with the Pakistan Army and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Singh, a postgraduate diploma student, reportedly began his contact with Pakistani intelligence operatives in November last year during a pilgrimage to the Nankana Sahib Gurdwara in Pakistan.

According to police officials, Singh provided sensitive intelligence regarding Operation Sindoor, a covert Indian military operation, and details about the ongoing military and diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan. The information was reportedly passed to Pakistani agencies over a period of months, raising serious concerns about national security and internal vulnerabilities.

DSP Veerbhan of Kaithal police stated that the arrest came after district police received credible intelligence inputs about Singh’s activities. “Our special detective staff acted swiftly to detain Singh, and the cyber police station is conducting an exhaustive investigation of the electronic devices recovered from him,” he said. Authorities are probing whether Singh had accomplices or was part of a larger espionage network.

Further investigations revealed that Singh was pursuing a Master’s degree in political science at a college in Punjab before his arrest. His journey to the Nankana Sahib Gurdwara in Pakistan last November is being scrutinized, as it is believed to be the point of contact with Pakistani intelligence agents. Officials fear that Singh might have been exploited under the guise of religious pilgrimage to pass on sensitive information.

This incident comes shortly after the arrest of another young man, Nauman Illahi, 24, from Panipat, Haryana, who was similarly accused of providing sensitive information to Pakistan. In Punjab, two more individuals, Palak Sher Masih and Suraj Masih, were recently apprehended for allegedly sharing details of Indian military installations in Amritsar with the ISI.

The pattern of arrests has raised alarms about potential intelligence leaks and espionage activities aimed at compromising India’s military operations and strategic security. Law enforcement agencies have reiterated their commitment to thoroughly investigating these cases and ensuring strict legal action against those involved.

With tensions between India and Pakistan escalating, the Indian security establishment remains vigilant against any attempts to undermine national security through espionage or unauthorized dissemination of information. The ongoing investigations into Devendra Singh’s activities are expected to shed more light on the extent of the security breach and help authorities plug any gaps that may exist in internal surveillance and counter-intelligence measures.

BSF Sub-Inspector Ambalika Honored with The Prestigious GOC Commendation Card

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Sub-Inspector Ambalika of the Border Security Force’s 101st Battalion was honored with the prestigious GOC Commendation Card for her exceptional bravery during Operation Sindoor, a recent military operation along the India-Pakistan border. The award was presented by Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Command, at a ceremony held at the BSF Academy in Tekanpur.

Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, 2025, was a targeted precision strike by Indian Armed Forces aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation heightened tensions between the two nations, especially after Pakistan violated the ceasefire agreement of May 10 by employing drones in cross-border firing. Sub-Inspector Ambalika’s swift and decisive actions were instrumental in countering these threats, demonstrating the high standards of training and discipline maintained by the BSF.

The ceremony also highlighted the critical role played by the BSF in securing India’s borders. With 193 battalions and over 270,000 personnel, the BSF remains the world’s largest border security force. The event acknowledged the force’s historic contributions, from the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War to ongoing counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab.

Accompanying the commendation was a Sanskrit verse from the Hitopadesha: “Udyamena hi sidhyanti karyani na manorathai,” meaning “tasks are accomplished through effort, not mere wishes.” This maxim underscored the ethos of dedication and action embodied by SI Ambalika and the BSF as a whole.

Lt. Gen. Katiyar, who has vast experience along the Line of Control and Line of Actual Control, praised the professionalism and commitment of the BSF. He noted that honoring SI Ambalika highlights the growing role of women in India’s armed forces and serves as an inspiration to future generations of security personnel.

French Expert Debunks Pakistan’s Claim of Rafale Jet Shootdown

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A French aviation and defense expert has dismissed Pakistan’s claims of shooting down Indian Rafale fighter jets during recent military clashes, calling the assertions baseless and part of an ongoing information war between the two nations.

The controversy erupted following India’s Operation Sindoor, a series of strikes targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan claimed it had downed five Indian jets, including three Rafales, during the night of May 6-7, 2025. However, Xavier Tytelman, a noted French aviation expert cited by France24, refuted these claims, pointing to inconsistencies in the evidence Islamabad presented.

Tytelman analyzed images circulating online that supposedly showed debris from a downed Rafale in Wuyan, Kashmir. He clarified that the wreckage was actually an external fuel tank from a Mirage 2000, another French-made jet used by the Indian Air Force, and not a Rafale. The tank bore the marking “RPL” (réservoir pendular large), a designation unique to Mirage 2000s, with a manufacturing date of December 1984 confirming its origin. “This has no connection to the Rafale, which uses the RFL designation,” Tytelman explained, adding that such tanks are often jettisoned during missions and do not indicate a crash.

These expert findings align with wider skepticism regarding Pakistan’s claims. Neither Dassault Aviation, the Rafale’s manufacturer, nor the Indian government has officially acknowledged any losses. Pakistan’s statements, including those by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, have relied heavily on unverified images and videos, such as footage showing an unexploded Mica missile that could belong to either a Mirage 2000 or a Rafale.

The incident has sparked debate, with some accusing Western media, particularly in the U.S., of amplifying the narrative to undermine the Rafale’s reputation in the global arms market. An article in the Eurasian Times suggested that highlighting the alleged Rafale losses may be a strategic move to promote American fighter jets in India, which is currently negotiating several multi-billion-dollar aerospace deals.

Operation Sindoor marked India’s first strikes on Pakistani territory since the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, targeting nine terror sites linked to attacks like the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the recent Pahalgam massacre. While widely praised in India for sending a strong message to terror groups, the operation has escalated tensions with Pakistan, causing civilian casualties due to retaliatory shelling in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district.

Analysts say the Rafale controversy underscores the role of misinformation in modern conflicts. “This isn’t just about a piece of debris—it’s about who controls the narrative,” Tytelman observed, urging India to issue robust public rebuttals to counter false claims. As the fragile ceasefire between India and Pakistan continues, the incident highlights the challenge of discerning truth amid the fog of war.

NIA Nabs Two ISIS Fugitives at Mumbai Airport

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In a significant counter-terrorism breakthrough, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday arrested two key ISIS-linked fugitives, Abdullah Faiyaz Shaikh alias Diaperwala and Talha Khan, at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. The duo, evading arrest for over two years, was intercepted by immigration authorities at Terminal 2 upon arrival from Jakarta, Indonesia.

Their arrests are connected to the 2023 ISIS sleeper cell case (RC-05/2023/NIA/MUM) in Pune, where a group of radicalized operatives allegedly conspired to destabilize India through terrorist activities. According to the NIA, Shaikh and Khan, along with eight other accused already in judicial custody, had assembled improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and conducted training sessions and controlled blasts in a rented house in Pune’s Kondhwa area during 2022 and 2023.

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The case marks one of the most serious ISIS-related domestic threats uncovered in recent years. Non-bailable warrants had been issued against the fugitives by the NIA Special Court in Mumbai, with a cash reward of ₹3 lakh offered for information leading to their arrest.

Among the others chargesheeted in the case are Mohammed Imran Khan, Mohammed Yunus Saki, Abdul Kadir Pathan, Simab Nasiruddin Kazi, Zulfikar Ali Barodawala, Shamil Nachan, Akif Nachan, and Shahnawaz Alam. The charges include violations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Explosive Substances Act, the Arms Act, and the Indian Penal Code.

The operation demonstrates the effectiveness of the NIA’s expanded mandate under the National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Act, 2019, which allows the agency to investigate terror-related offenses committed outside Indian territory, subject to international laws and cooperation.

This latest development underscores the enduring threat posed by ISIS sleeper cells and the need for constant vigilance. The NIA reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and preventing India from becoming a target of transnational extremist conspiracies.

Indian Army Chief Honors BSF Jawan Rantana Ram for Bravery in Operation Sindoor

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Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi visited forward positions in Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, to commend Indian forces for their exemplary courage during Operation Sindoor. The operation, launched on May 7 in retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, targeted terrorist infrastructure across nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), reportedly neutralizing over 100 militants.

During his visit, General Dwivedi presented the COAS Commendation Disc to Head Constable (GD) Rantana Ram of the Border Security Force’s 185th Battalion for his gallant contribution in the operation. The coordinated effort between the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force focused on eliminating terror hubs associated with groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.

Among the major targets were the Markaz Subhan Allah complex in Bahawalpur and the Syedna Bilal Camp in Muzaffarabad. The strikes were described by defence officials as “focused, measured, and non-escalatory,” deliberately avoiding Pakistani military assets to prevent broader confrontation.

General Dwivedi praised both Army and BSF personnel for maintaining dominance along the Line of Control (LoC) and urged continued vigilance against cross-border threats. His visit followed a strategic review of Operation Sindoor on May 14, attended by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, and Air Chief Marshal AP Singh.

The operation was triggered by the deadly terror strike in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people, including Navy officer Vinay Narwal. The swift and precise Indian response has been described as a turning point in the country’s counterterrorism approach. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha emphasized that India’s armed forces would pursue and punish terrorists wherever they may hide.

Operation Sindoor has intensified regional tensions, with Pakistani shelling in Poonch recently claiming the lives of 12 civilians and one Indian soldier. The Indian government has responded by convening an all-party meeting and ordering a nationwide security drill to prepare for potential retaliatory threats. Meanwhile, a parliamentary panel is examining the role of misinformation and social media activity following the Pahalgam incident.

Baramulla, long a flashpoint in the Kashmir conflict, holds strategic significance dating back to the 1947 tribal invasions. Operation Sindoor reaffirms India’s evolving doctrine on cross-border counterterrorism, reinforcing its commitment to neutralize threats beyond its borders and protect its citizens.

Army Officer Loses Rs 55 Lakh in Telangana IPO Scam

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A technical officer from Khammam, currently posted in the Indian Army in Jammu and Kashmir, has fallen victim to an elaborate cyber fraud, losing Rs 55 lakh to scammers posing as stock market investment advisors. The officer lodged a complaint on Thursday, revealing a months-long deception that began with a WhatsApp message in January.

According to police reports, the officer was contacted by unknown individuals who promised high returns on investments in initial public offerings (IPOs). Although he initially ignored the messages, he eventually responded in February seeking more information. He was then added to a WhatsApp group named “BVIP29 BN Rathi Internal Group”.

Searching online, he found a legitimate company, BN Rathi Securities Ltd., listed as being based in Hyderabad. After calling the contact numbers available online and receiving confirmation of the firm’s existence, he was convinced of its authenticity and proceeded to engage with the group.

The group administrator, identified as Hersh Tolani, provided investment advice and asked the officer to download a trading application. The officer began using the app on March 10 and made several investments based on Tolani’s instructions.

On May 5, Tolani requested a final transfer of Rs 3.8 lakh. When the officer suggested debiting it directly from his supposed BN Rathi account and was met with repeated requests for manual transfer, he grew suspicious. Contacting the actual company again, he was informed that BN Rathi Securities had no connection to any WhatsApp investment groups and that scammers were misusing their name.

Realising he had been defrauded, the officer reported the incident. A case has been registered by the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) and the Cyber Crime Police Station (CCPS) of Khammam under Sections 61(2) and 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) and Section 66D of the Information Technology Act.

Authorities have urged the public to remain cautious and verify the authenticity of any investment offers, especially those received via social media or messaging platforms.