Beyond safeguarding the nation, the Indian Army has been a formidable force in shaping sporting excellence. Its commitment to developing athletes, promoting competition and fostering a culture of resilience has produced champions who have carried India’s colours with pride on the global stage. The 135th edition of the Durand Cup organised by the Indian Army will be held from July 25 to August 23, 2026, extending the remarkable legacy of Asia’s oldest football tournament and the world’s third-oldest surviving football competition. The prestigious tournament will once again feature 24 teams, including two foreign sides, and will be staged across five…
Author: Pratyusha Mukherjee
Pratyusha Mukherjee
Ms Pratyusha Mukherjee, an Independent Sr. Broadcast Journalist working for British media with 25 years of experience in covering the east and northeast, with specialisation in Defence, Sports & Current Affairs. In her illustrated career she has covered many major events and achieved International and National media awards for Journalism.
The latest round of UN climate negotiations in Bonn, Germany, concluded amid growing divisions between developed and developing countries, with several key discussions ending without substantive outcomes and major decisions deferred to COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, according to the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). The talks took place against a backdrop of geopolitical conflicts, declining development assistance and escalating trade tensions. Negotiations on adaptation stalled, discussions on the future of the Mitigation Work Programme failed to reach consensus, and debates on trade, finance and science were marked by disagreements over responsibility, equity and support for developing countries. CSE said…
Demonstrating its rapid response capability in aid to civil authorities, the Indian Army has deployed four columns comprising specialist engineering teams, medical personnel, and rescue equipment to support ongoing search-and-rescue operations following the collapse of an under-construction warehouse in Kolkata’s Taratala area today. The deployment was undertaken immediately after a request for assistance was received from the civil administration. Army rescue teams from Eastern Command were mobilised to the site, where more than 30 workers are feared trapped beneath massive concrete debris after the roof of the three-storey structure gave way during construction activities. Working in close coordination with the…
As part of the commemorations of the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas, the Forever in Operations Division Mountain Terrain Bicycle Expedition 2026 continues to inspire communities across Ladakh while paying tribute to the valour and sacrifice of the heroes of the Kargil War. Flagged off from the Rezang La War Memorial on 10 June 2026, the expedition commenced its challenging journey through the rugged and demanding terrain of Ladakh. On 18 June, the team continued its onward movement from the Hall of Fame, Leh towards Kargil and Drass, retracing routes that stand as enduring symbols of courage, determination and national pride.…
On the occasion of International Yoga Day 2026, Eastern Command celebrated the timeless practice of yoga across its vast Area of Responsibility, reaffirming its commitment to physical fitness, mental well-being and holistic health. Guided by the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, special yoga sessions were conducted at Vijay Durg, Kolkata, and military stations across the Eastern theatre, stretching from the Himalayas to the banks of the Brahmaputra. The celebrations witnessed enthusiastic participation by soldiers, veterans, families and civilian staff, highlighting yoga as a way of life that nurtures resilience, harmony and inner balance. Through a series of synchronised sessions, participants…
India secured the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup title for the second time after defeating hosts New Zealand 2-0 in a commanding final performance in Auckland today. Early goals from Navneet Kaur and Sunelita Toppo proved decisive as India capped off an unbeaten tournament campaign and earned promotion to the FIH Hockey Women’s Pro League for the upcoming season. Navneet opened the scoring in the fourth minute, converting a penalty corner with a powerful strike after India’s first meaningful attack of the match. The visitors doubled their advantage just before the end of the opening quarter when Sunelita Toppo expertly…
France claimed the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup title with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over hosts South Africa in a thrilling final at a sold-out Hartleyvale Stadium today, securing promotion to next season’s FIH Hockey Pro League. The French side made a blistering start, scoring twice inside the opening eight minutes before withstanding sustained South African pressure in the second half to lift the trophy. Victor Charlet opened the scoring in the fourth minute with a powerful drag flick that beat goalkeeper Cullin de Jager, giving France an early advantage. Four minutes later, Etienne Tynevez doubled the lead after finding…
Hattigor located in Assam’s Udalguri district, is historically significant and best known for the renowned Hattigor Tea Estate—one of the state’s oldest and largest tea gardens, celebrated for its premium CTC tea production. Hattigor Military Station marked the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) today with great enthusiasm, reaffirming the Indian Army’s commitment to physical fitness, mental resilience, and holistic well-being. More than 500 Army personnel participated in the event, reflecting the growing recognition of Yoga as an integral component of military preparedness and healthy living. Set against the picturesque backdrop of lush tea gardens and verdant landscapes, the yoga…
A small village in Goa has found an unexpected place in FIFA World Cup history after Uruguay winger Maximiliano Araújo became the first footballer of Indian origin to score a goal at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Araújo’s crucial equaliser against Saudi Arabia not only rescued a valuable point for the two-time world champions but also marked a historic milestone for the global Indian diaspora. According to reports, the 26-year-old’s family traces its roots to Loutolim (Lautolim) in South Goa, from where his grandfather, Redualdo Araújo, migrated before the family eventually settled in Uruguay. The achievement places Araújo alongside Dutch…
In a significant boost to India’s maritime capabilities and indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem, the Indian Navy is set to commission three indigenously built naval platforms in Kolkata. The vessels—INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak, and INS Agray—underscore India’s growing self-reliance in warship construction and naval technology under the Government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, the three platforms represent a diverse spectrum of operational capabilities spanning frontline combat operations, hydrographic surveying, and anti-submarine warfare. Their induction is expected to strengthen the Navy’s blue-water reach, enhance maritime domain…