The Indian Navy has commenced Operation Southern Readiness 26-2, a four-day multinational maritime security training programme, at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi. The exercise began on July 20 and is being conducted under the aegis of the Indian Navy-led Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154) in collaboration with the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). The maiden edition of Operation Southern Readiness being hosted in India has brought together 254 participants from 26 countries, along with 74 facilitators, representatives from four international organisations and subject matter experts. The engagement marks a significant milestone in the expanding cooperation between the Indian Navy…
Author: Digital Desk
President Droupadi Murmu on Monday held bilateral talks with President Maia Sandu of Moldova during the first-ever State Visit by an Indian President to the East European nation, marking a significant milestone in India-Moldova relations. President Murmu, who arrived in Chisinau on the first leg of her State Visit to Moldova, North Macedonia and Romania, was received at Chisinau International Airport by Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mihai Popșoi. At the Presidential Palace, President Murmu was accorded a ceremonial welcome and guard of honour before holding one-to-one discussions with President Sandu, followed by delegation-level talks. The…
Chief of Defence of France, General (Air) Fabien Mandon, called on Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi on Monday to review the progress of bilateral defence cooperation and discuss ways to further strengthen the strategic partnership between India and France. During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding the India–France defence relationship, with a renewed emphasis on defence industrial cooperation. The discussions focused on enhancing collaboration through co-design, co-development and co-production of defence platforms and technologies, in line with India’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The two leaders also reviewed ongoing defence engagements and explored avenues…
As part of their orientation and familiarisation programme, newly commissioned Young Officers of the Assam Regiment visited the Headquarters Assam Rifles in Churachandpur district to gain firsthand exposure to the operational environment, traditions and ethos of the country’s oldest paramilitary force. The visit commenced with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial, where the officers paid homage to the brave martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. During the visit, the Young Officers interacted with senior Assam Rifles personnel and Ex-Servicemen, gaining valuable insights into the force’s operational legacy, leadership philosophy and core values. The…
Assam Rifles organised an Educational Exposure Tour to Cherrapunjee and Shillong, Meghalaya, for 25 students of the second batch of the Subedar K.B. Chhetri, Kirti Chakra (NIEDO) Centre of Excellence, Ghaspani, from 14 to 17 July 2026. The initiative was aimed at broadening the students’ perspectives through experiential learning while exposing them to the educational, cultural and natural heritage of Meghalaya. A major highlight of the tour was an interaction with Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM, Director General Assam Rifles, who encouraged the students to pursue academic excellence with discipline, dream ambitiously and contribute meaningfully towards nation-building. His address…
The Indian Army, under the White Knight Corps, rescued 11 civilians, including five children, stranded at different locations in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district after heavy rainfall triggered flash floods. The rescue operations were carried out in close coordination with the Jammu & Kashmir Police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the civil administration. The first rescue mission was launched after nine civilians, including five children, were reported stranded across a flooded Nala near Churung village, south of Thanamandi. Army troops responded immediately, navigating strong currents and adverse weather conditions to safely evacuate all those trapped. In a separate operation,…
The Indian Air Force (IAF) will commence its participation in Exercise Pitch Black 2026 at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Darwin from July 20. The biennial multinational air combat exercise, hosted by the RAAF, will continue until August 7 and brings together air forces from across the Indo-Pacific and beyond for complex air combat and large-force employment missions. The IAF contingent comprises pilots, engineers, technicians, air traffic controllers and other specialists. India has deployed its Rafale multirole fighter aircraft for the exercise, supported by the C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlifter and the IL-78 air-to-air refuelling aircraft in combat…
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah inaugurated the first phase of the Museum of Word in Kolkata on Saturday, describing it as a landmark initiative to preserve India’s linguistic heritage and promote the country’s cultural renaissance. The event was attended by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta, the Union Home Secretary, the Union Culture Secretary, the Director of the Intelligence Bureau, and several other dignitaries. Addressing the gathering, Shah said the museum gives tangible expression to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of cultural renaissance by showcasing the evolution of language and its role…
The Indian Army successfully conducted its 39th Annual Recruiting Conference (ARC) on July 16 and 17 in Bengaluru, during which senior officials deliberated on key recruitment policies aimed at strengthening the Army’s future recruitment framework. Addressing the conference, Director General of Recruiting Lt Gen R.S. Sundaram, SM, VSM, commended all participants for their valuable contributions to the success of the event. He underscored that recruitment forms the foundation of the Indian Army’s future strength and operational readiness. Lt Gen Sundaram also highlighted the Army’s continued focus on a transparent, technology-driven, inclusive, efficient and future-ready recruitment process. Expressing confidence in the…
Indian Railways is set to usher in a new era of sustainable transportation with the launch of India’s first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell-powered train on July 17. The train will commence operations on the Jind–Sonipat section of Northern Railway, placing India among a select group of nations—including Germany, Japan, China and the United States—exploring hydrogen-powered rail technology. Developed entirely in India under the technical guidance of the Research, Design & Standards Organisation (RDSO), the project is a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to promote clean energy, strengthen self-reliance under Atmanirbhar Bharat, and support the National Green Hydrogen Mission. The…