Dras, Ladakh :The Indian Army’s Forever in Operations Division Joint Mountain Terrain Bicycle Expedition 2026 culminated at the Kargil War Memorial, Dras, after successfully completing a gruelling 550-kilometre high-altitude ride across the challenging terrain of Ladakh. Organised as part of the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas Commemorations, the expedition paid tribute to the valour and sacrifice of India’s Bravehearts while promoting the ideals of endurance, patriotism and national integration. Flagged off from the Rezang La War Memorial on 10 June 2026, the expedition symbolically connected two of the nation’s most revered military memorials—Rezang La, honouring the legendary heroes of the 1962…
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.
Dr. Indranil Khan, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of West Bengal, visited the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) in Darjeeling on Sunday, becoming the first state Sports Minister to visit the country’s premier mountaineering institution since its establishment in 1954. The visit is being viewed as a significant milestone for the institute, which is regarded as India’s apex training centre for mountaineering, rock climbing, and adventure sports. Jointly administered by the Ministry of Defence and the Government of West Bengal, HMI has trained generations of mountaineers, instructors, and adventure enthusiasts from across…
Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, along with Minister of State for Defence Shri Sanjay Seth, visited Phobrang village in Ladakh’s Changthang district to interact with participants of the Viksit Vibrant Village Programme (VVVP), an initiative aimed at strengthening national integration and youth engagement in India’s border regions. The event, organised by MY Bharat, brought together youth participants, local residents, officials of the civil administration, the Indian Army, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and other stakeholders. The programme began with a traditional Ladakhi welcome, followed by the rendition of Vande Mataram and…
India is set to establish a new global milestone in cricket infrastructure with the proposed construction of the world’s highest cricket stadium in Ladakh. Planned at an altitude of approximately 3,600 metres (11,800 feet) above sea level in Thiksey, near Leh, the venue is expected to become the highest cricket ground in the world upon completion. The proposed facility, likely to be named the Ranbirpur Cricket Stadium, is currently in the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and tendering stage. The project is estimated to cost between ₹100 crore and ₹116 crore, with the Ladakh administration already inviting tenders for the preparation…
The proposal by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to rename itself as the “Football Federation of Bharat” has triggered widespread discussion within Indian football circles, with supporters viewing it as an assertion of national identity and critics arguing that structural reforms should take precedence over symbolic changes. The proposed rebranding, which would require approvals from the Sports Ministry and FIFA, has been championed by AIFF President , who recently stated that “you have to start from somewhere.” However, the move comes at a time when Indian football faces significant sporting challenges, including a FIFA ranking and the national team’s…
Maj Gen Amar Pal Singh Chahal, Sena Medal, Additional Director General, NCC Directorate West Bengal & Sikkim, called on Dr. Indranil Khan, Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of West Bengal today. During the interaction, the ADG highlighted the National Cadet Corps’ significant contribution towards nation-building, character development, leadership training, and youth empowerment. He also apprised the Minister of the notable achievements of NCC cadets in sports and other fields, reflecting their commitment, discipline, and excellence while bringing distinction to the State of West Bengal. The meeting underscored the shared commitment of the NCC and the Government of West…
In a mission that underscores the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment beyond the battlefield, troops of Eastern Command continue to wage a relentless fight against time, concrete, and uncertainty at the Taratala godown collapse site in Kolkata. What began as a catastrophic structural failure has evolved into a complex urban rescue operation demanding military precision, engineering expertise, and extraordinary endurance. As hopes of finding survivors diminish with every passing hour, the soldiers on the ground remain undeterred, demonstrating the same resolve that defines them in combat. Seven specialised Indian Army rescue teams, operating in close coordination with the National Disaster Response…
The unveiling of a proposed national currency known as the “Balochi Falus” by supporters of a future independent Balochistan has renewed discussion about the historic connection between currency and sovereignty. Advocates of Baloch self-determination have presented the proposed currency as part of a broader vision of nationhood that includes a national flag, passport, anthem and governing institutions. While Balochistan is not recognized internationally as an independent state, supporters argue that such symbols serve as expressions of political identity and aspirations for self-rule. The proposal has also drawn attention to a long-standing principle in political history: the relationship between monetary authority…
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…
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…