In a landmark appointment for military healthcare in India, Major General Lisamma PV has assumed the post of Additional Director General of the Military Nursing Service (MNS). The ceremonial takeover took place in New Delhi, marking a new chapter for the organization under her leadership.

Originally from Kollam, Kerala, Maj Gen Lisamma brings nearly four decades of experience to her new role. Commissioned into the MNS in 1986 after completing her nursing training at the Military Hospital in Jalandhar, she has since served with distinction in a series of pivotal roles. These include her tenure as Principal of the College of Nursing at CHAF Bangalore and as Principal Matron of the prestigious Army Hospital (Research & Referral) in Delhi.

Her professional journey is underpinned by a strong academic foundation. Maj Gen Lisamma holds degrees in Arts, Law, and Hospital Administration, embodying the Military Nursing Service’s ethos of academic rigor and multidimensional leadership. Her combined experience in clinical practice, nursing education, and administrative excellence positions her well to lead the MNS at a time of growing complexity in military healthcare.

The MNS, a critical wing under the Ministry of Defence, ensures quality healthcare delivery to Indian Armed Forces personnel and their families. In her new role, Maj Gen Lisamma will be responsible for shaping strategic policies, enhancing operational readiness, and upholding the service’s core values.

Congratulating her on the appointment, the Ministry of Defence praised her distinguished service record and leadership qualities, expressing confidence in her ability to further elevate the standards of military nursing. Her tenure is expected to reinforce the MNS’s enduring commitment to its motto: “Service with Smile.”

The Supreme Court on Thursday sharply rebuked a petitioner seeking a judicial probe into the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly civilians.

As the plea was mentioned before the bench, Justice Surya Kant questioned the petitioner’s intent, asking, “Is this the way you want to demoralise our forces?” The court underscored that the judiciary is not equipped to oversee sensitive counter-terrorism investigations. “Since when did Supreme Court judges become experts in these matters?” Justice Kant asked sternly.

The petitioner, representing concerns of Kashmiri students in other states, argued that the plea aimed to prevent backlash against innocent civilians in the wake of the attack, which has been claimed by a Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot. However, the bench observed that the PIL made no specific reference to students or their safety.

Justice NK Singh suggested the petitioner approach relevant High Courts instead. “For prayer regarding students, you can go to the high courts,” he said, emphasizing that this was not the appropriate forum for the plea.

The court ultimately allowed the petitioner to withdraw the PIL, granting liberty to approach the High Court on student safety issues. However, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta opposed even this, warning against judicial intervention during a sensitive security situation.

The ruling comes as the nation reels from the deadliest attack in the Valley in recent years. In response, the Jammu and Kashmir government has already deployed ministers to coordinate with other states for the protection of Kashmiri residents.

The Supreme Court’s reaction underscores the judiciary’s reluctance to intervene in ongoing security matters, especially in times of heightened national sensitivity.

India is set to participate for the first time in Talisman Sabre 2025, Australia’s largest and most significant military exercise, scheduled for July this year. The move marks a milestone in growing India-Australia defence cooperation, following strengthened ties cemented during the inaugural India-Australia 2+2 ministerial dialogue in September 2021.

Now in its eleventh edition, Talisman Sabre is often referred to as the “Olympics of military exercises” for its scale and complexity. Jointly developed by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the United States, the biennial exercise brings together thousands of personnel from across allied and partner nations to conduct integrated military operations across land, air, sea, cyber, and space domains.

In 2023, the event saw the participation of over 30,000 troops from 13 countries, showcasing advanced interoperability and multinational readiness. The upcoming 2025 drills will notably expand to include operations in Papua New Guinea, a first in the history of the exercise.

India’s inclusion underscores its growing role in the Indo-Pacific security framework and aligns with its ongoing military collaborations with Quad partners—Australia, the U.S., and Japan. The decision to invite India was part of broader efforts to deepen strategic engagement in the region.

Talisman Sabre 2025 is expected to feature large-scale war games and joint operations aimed at enhancing regional security, fostering military-to-military cooperation, and demonstrating the collective capabilities of like-minded democracies in the Indo-Pacific.

In a significant escalation of measures against Pakistan, India has deployed advanced jamming systems along its western border aimed at disrupting the navigation capabilities of Pakistani military aircraft, according to government sources. These jammers are reportedly capable of interfering with all major satellite-based navigation platforms, including the American GPS, Russian GLONASS, and Chinese Beidou systems — all of which are integral to Pakistan’s military aviation.

The deployment coincides with India’s decision to formally close its airspace to all Pakistani-registered, operated, or leased aircraft — both military and civilian — from April 30 to May 23. The closure affects all four major Indian Flight Information Regions: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.

Sources indicate the jammers are intended to compromise Pakistan’s situational awareness and targeting precision, particularly in the event of military conflict. By degrading the effectiveness of precision-guided munitions and disrupting satellite-based navigation, the move is seen as a strategic deterrent.

The airspace ban follows the deadly April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives and escalated tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. In response, India has taken a series of retaliatory steps, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and revoking visas for Pakistani nationals.

With Indian airspace now off-limits, Pakistani airlines — including the national carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) — are being forced to reroute via Chinese or Sri Lankan airspace to reach Southeast Asian destinations such as Kuala Lumpur. These longer routes are expected to increase operational costs significantly due to higher fuel consumption, longer flight times, and logistical complications.

While Pakistani carriers face operational strain, Indian airlines like IndiGo and Air India — with their substantially larger fleets — remain unaffected, further tipping the regional aviation balance in India’s favor.

India’s latest measures underscore the deepening strain in bilateral relations and signal a more aggressive posture in dealing with cross-border security threats.

The Indian Army’s Central Command commemorated its 62nd Raising Day today with a ceremonial celebration in Lucknow, marking over six decades of distinguished service, strategic growth, and unwavering commitment to national defense.

Re-established on May 1, 1963, following the 1962 Sino-Indian War, the Central Command has evolved from being a strategic reserve to a dynamic operational force responsible for securing key frontiers along the Indo-Tibet and Indo-Nepal borders. Headquartered in Lucknow, the Command oversees military operations across eight states—Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha—making it a central pillar in the Army’s security architecture.

In a message of solidarity and pride, Lieutenant General RC Tiwari, Army Commander of the Eastern Command, extended warm felicitations to the personnel, veterans, and families of the Central Command. “Your dedication to operational readiness and national service reflects the finest traditions of the Indian Army,” he said, emphasizing the Command’s role in border defense and capability enhancement.
The occasion featured a visually symbolic tribute, with the Central Command’s iconic red-and-black insignia with a radiant sun displayed prominently against the Command Headquarters. Messages throughout the event echoed the Army’s ethos of “Nation First,” honoring the courage and professionalism of its personnel.

The Central Command currently commands two static formations—the Uttar Bharat Area and the Madhya Bharat Area—and is home to 18 regimental centers, as well as numerous training and logistic institutions. This extensive framework not only underlines its operational breadth but also its importance in shaping future military leadership and preparedness.

This year’s Raising Day is especially significant in light of the Indian Army’s recent strategic restructuring, including the reassignment of select units to optimize operational coverage along critical borders. Even amid these transitions, the Central Command remains a beacon of stability and strength, rooted in tradition yet forward-looking in its mission.

The 62nd Raising Day thus serves as both a celebration of history and a reaffirmation of the Central Command’s ongoing role in securing the nation’s frontiers with valor, discipline, and dedication.

The Indian Army marked Armour Day 2025 with a stirring tribute to the Armoured Corps, celebrating its evolution from cavalry regiments to a cutting-edge mechanized force. The annual commemoration, held on May 1, honors the Corps’ transformation that began in 1938, when the Scinde Horse regiment became the first to adopt tanks, including the Vickers Light Tank and Chevrolet Armoured Cars.

Leading the celebrations was General Upendra Dwivedi, the 30th Chief of Army Staff, who took office on June 30, 2024. In a formal address, he praised the Armoured Corps as the “Steel Fist of the Nation,” recognizing their bravery, discipline, and pivotal role in defending India’s borders. General Dwivedi also highlighted the Corps’ contributions to modern military strategy, especially under the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative promoting indigenous defence manufacturing.

This year’s celebration comes at a sensitive time, amid escalating tensions with Pakistan. On April 30, Pakistan’s Foreign Office warned of “credible intelligence” suggesting imminent Indian military action. The alert follows the April 22 massacre of 26 Hindu tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir—the deadliest civilian attack in the region in over two decades. India has blamed the Pakistan-linked group “Kashmir Resistance” for the assault, triggering a series of diplomatic and economic reprisals, including suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and curbs on bilateral trade and airspace usage.

In this charged environment, the Indian Army’s display of its armored strength served not just as a tribute but as a signal of readiness. The Armoured Corps, with roots dating back to 1776 and formally reorganized post-Independence in 1947, has been central to India’s military operations. Today, it continues to modernize with indigenous platforms like the Arjun Main Battle Tank and upcoming light tanks tailored for high-altitude warfare.

As India salutes the valor and tradition of its Armoured Corps, Armour Day 2025 also reflects the nation’s resolve to defend its sovereignty amidst evolving regional threats. The ceremonies underscore not just a celebration of legacy, but a call to vigilance in a turbulent geopolitical climate.