-by Pratyusha Mukherjee The knockout stage of the 135th Durand Cup gets under way on Sunday with two quarter-finals offering contrasting contests in Ranchi and Kolkata. SC Delhi will take on debutants FC Raengdai in the opening quarter-final at the Birsa Munda Football Stadium, before the Indian Army Football Team faces East Bengal FC in the second quarter-final at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. The opening quarter-final will kick off at 16:00 IST, followed by the second at 19:00 IST. SC Delhi enter the last eight with a flawless record, having won all three of their Group C fixtures to…
Author: Digital Desk
The Directorate of Sainik Welfare, Assam, along with 19 Zila Sainik Welfare Offices across the state, organised a series of activities ahead of Independence Day to promote patriotism, national pride and community participation. The initiatives included Har Ghar Tiranga bicycle and motorcycle rallies, tree plantation drives, cleanliness campaigns, awareness programmes, cultural events, patriotic song and essay competitions, and tricolour-themed decorations. The programmes brought together veterans, students, staff and members of communities across the state, with an emphasis on highlighting the significance of Independence Day and promoting the values of unity, peace and responsible citizenship. Speaking on the occasion, Brigadier Polash…
The Ministry of Defence has signed contracts worth approximately ₹1,577 crore with Tata Advanced Systems Limited and NIBE Private Limited for the procurement of Loiter Munition Systems, along with munitions and associated accessories, for the Indian Army. The contracts were signed in New Delhi on Friday in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The Loiter Munition System is a critical capability aimed at enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Army’s Artillery Regiments. The acquisition is being undertaken under the Buy (Indian) category through the Fast Track Procedure. The procurement is expected to strengthen the Army’s precision-strike capabilities while…
Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth has become the first woman officer of the Indian Air Force (IAF) to qualify as a Fighter Combat Leader (FCL) at the Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE), Gwalior. The achievement marks a significant milestone in the IAF’s efforts to expand opportunities for women officers in operational and leadership roles. Her qualification reflects a high level of professional competence, combat acumen and expertise in advanced air combat tactics. The milestone also underscores the IAF’s continued focus on developing highly trained and operationally capable leaders for future air warfare. Squadron Leader Kanth’s achievement is being seen…
India and Germany held their inaugural Air Staff Talks between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the German Air and Space Force in New Delhi from August 11 to 13, marking a significant step towards strengthening bilateral defence cooperation. The three-day talks provided a platform for both sides to review existing defence engagement and explore new avenues of cooperation in key areas, including training, operational exchanges and capability development. The discussions are expected to further enhance professional ties and facilitate greater interaction between the two air forces, contributing to deeper defence cooperation between India and Germany.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said modernisation of the armed forces, backed by a self-reliant and future-ready defence sector, remains a top priority of the government. Addressing soldiers on the eve of the 80th Independence Day, Singh highlighted the transformation of India’s defence sector over the past 12 years under initiatives such as Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India. He said India has emerged as a major defence manufacturing hub and a net defence exporter while strengthening its ability to meet its own security requirements. Domestic defence production has increased nearly four-fold, from ₹46,000 crore in 2014 to a…
President Droupadi Murmu has approved 78 gallantry awards, including 13 posthumous honours, for personnel of the Defence Forces and Central Armed Police Forces on the eve of the 80th Independence Day. The awards recognise acts of exceptional courage, valour and devotion to duty by personnel serving the nation. The approved honours include nine Kirti Chakras, of which seven are posthumous, one Bar to Shaurya Chakra, and 19 Shaurya Chakras, including one posthumous award. The list also comprises five Bar to Sena Medals (Gallantry), 36 Sena Medals (Gallantry), including five posthumous awards, three Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry) and five Vayu Sena…
Indian Navy’s sail training ship INS Sudarshini entered the port of Ponta Delgada in the Azores, Portugal, on August 13 as part of the ongoing Lokayan 2026 voyage. The port call marked the successful completion of a challenging 19-day transoceanic passage across the Atlantic Ocean from Boston, USA. This is INS Sudarshini’s second Atlantic crossing, underscoring the endurance, grit and seamanship skills of its crew. The ship received a warm welcome from the Portuguese Navy upon arrival. During the port call, the Commanding Officer of INS Sudarshini called on Commodore Luís Nicholson Lavrador, Commander of the Azores Maritime Zone (COM…
Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Dhiraj Seth on Friday interacted with and felicitated Indian Army athletes for their commendable performance at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow. The athletes delivered an impressive performance at the Games, winning a total of 16 medals, comprising eight gold, seven silver and one bronze. Commending the athletes for their dedication, discipline and sporting excellence, General Seth said their achievements were a source of inspiration for the entire nation. He encouraged the athletes to continue striving for greater success and bring further glory to the country on the international sporting stage. The interaction…
The stage is set for an exciting quarterfinal round of the 135th Durand Cup, with eight teams set to battle for a place in the last four on August 16 and 17. The quarterfinal action will begin in Ranchi on August 16, where SC Delhi will take on FC Raengdai at the Birsa Munda Football Stadium. The first quarterfinal is scheduled to kick off at 4:00 PM. Attention will then turn to Kolkata in the evening as Indian Army FT face East Bengal FC in the second quarterfinal at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. The match is scheduled to begin…