Defence Minister Rajnath Singh interacted with Officer Trainees of the 2025 Batch of the Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES) at New Delhi on August 17, during their ongoing training at the National Institute of Defence Estates Management (NIDEM). During the interaction, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the important role played by the Defence Estates Department in the management of defence land and the municipal administration of Cantonment Boards across the country. Emphasising the responsibilities of public servants, the Defence Minister urged the young officers to remain responsive to the evolving aspirations and expectations of citizens. He stressed the importance of…
Author: Digital Desk
The Territorial Army (TA) is set to organise a two-day public outreach seminar, ‘Know Your Territorial Army’, at Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium in New Alipore, Kolkata, on August 27–28, with a focus on strengthening engagement between the citizen-soldier force and India’s youth, academia, industry and technology ecosystem. The initiative is aimed at highlighting the evolving role of the Territorial Army in nation-building while providing a platform for interaction between serving personnel and representatives from industry, educational institutions, startups, civil society and environmental organisations. The Territorial Army, which follows the distinctive citizen-soldier model, enables individuals to contribute to national service while continuing…
An Indian Army contingent departed today for Thailand to participate in the 15th edition of the India-Thailand Joint Military Exercise MAITREE-XV, scheduled to be held from August 18 to 31, 2026, at Vibhavadi Rangsit Camp in Surat Thani, Thailand. The exercise will bring together 85 personnel each from the Indian Army and the Royal Thai Army. The Indian contingent will be represented primarily by troops from the 9 Gorkha Rifles, while the Royal Thai Army contingent will comprise personnel from the 3rd Battalion, 25th Infantry Brigade, 5th Division. MAITREE-XV will feature company-level joint training focused on operations in jungle and…
Sainik School Nagrota celebrated the 80th Independence Day with patriotic fervour, with cadets and staff reaffirming their commitment to the nation, its unity and constitutional values. The celebrations commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag by Capt (IN) Shibu Devasia, Principal, Sainik School Nagrota, followed by the National Anthem. Appreciation Certificates were also presented to selected staff members in recognition of their meritorious service and dedicated contribution to the school. Addressing the gathering, the Principal paid tribute to the sacrifices of the nation’s freedom fighters and urged cadets and staff to uphold the values of sincerity, discipline, dedication and…
General Dhiraj Seth, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), departed for Nepal for an official visit from 17 to 19 August 2026. The visit is aimed at further strengthening the close defence cooperation and enduring military-to-military ties between India and Nepal. On 17 August 2026, General Dhiraj Seth will lay a wreath at the Army Pavilion, Tundikhel, and receive a Guard of Honour at the Nepali Army Headquarters. He will hold discussions with the Chief of the Army Staff, Nepali Army, and will be briefed by the Director General of Military Operations, Nepali Army, on matters of mutual interest. The…
A cloudburst occurred in the Pashu Pani area of Anini at approximately 1645 hours on 14 August 2026, triggering a massive landslide that submerged the affected area. Immediate rescue operations were launched, resulting in the successful rescue of two soldiers ,four soldiers are still missing. Multiple rescue teams from neighbouring posts were mobilised and, despite inclement weather and severe inundation, reached the site to reinforce the ongoing efforts. Coordinated search and rescue operations are currently underway to locate and evacuate all affected personnel. Army aviation assets have also been deployed to augment the rescue effort and facilitate immediate medical evacuation,…
Cadets of the 1 Assam Battalion NCC, Guwahati Group, participated in Independence Day ceremonial parades at various venues in Guwahati and Nalbari on Friday, showcasing discipline and coordinated drill performances as part of the 80th Independence Day celebrations. At the Central Parade Ground in Khanapara, Guwahati, NCC cadets took part in the main state-level parade. The 1 Assam Bn NCC Junior Wing Girls Band Contingent secured the first runners-up position. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma presented the trophy to the contingent. The St. Francis De Sales School Brass Band, associated with the NCC, also performed at the venue. Its…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day address from the Red Fort on August 15, 2026, identified Raksha Shakti as one of the seven key streams of power essential to building a Viksit Bharat by 2047. He stressed the need for greater self-reliance in defence and called on India to emerge as a global supplier of next-generation defence technologies. “There is no alternative to being self-reliant in defence,” the Prime Minister said, underlining the importance of developing indigenous capabilities in areas such as drones, counter-drone systems and hypersonic defence technologies. Modi said India could no longer remain dependent on…
As India celebrates its 80th Independence Day, the nation comes together to remember and honour the countless heroes of our freedom struggle whose courage, sacrifice and unwavering spirit paved the way for a free India. We also pay tribute to generations of Bravehearts who have since stood steadfast in safeguarding the Nation’s sovereignty, freedom and honour. The occasion is a reminder that independence is not merely a historic achievement, but a legacy entrusted to every generation. The valour of our freedom fighters and the dedication of those who continue to defend the Nation inspire us to uphold the values of…
On the solemn occasion of the 80th Independence Day, Lieutenant General V. M. B. Krishnan, Army Commander, Eastern Command, along with all ranks of the Tri-Services, unfurled the National Flag at Vijay Smarak, Vijay Durg, Kolkata, commemorating the Nation’s hard-won freedom and paying homage to those whose courage and sacrifice shaped India’s destiny. The ceremony was marked by a solemn wreath-laying ceremony in honour of the valour, indomitable courage and supreme sacrifices of India’s freedom fighters and Bravehearts. The gathering paid heartfelt tribute to the men and women who dedicated their lives to the cause of the Nation and made…