The inaugural edition of Multilateral Exercise PRAGATI 2026 concluded successfully at Umroi Military Station in Meghalaya on Friday, marking a significant step towards enhancing military cooperation and interoperability among regional partner nations. The exercise culminated in a comprehensive 72-hour validation exercise that demonstrated improved operational coordination, mutual trust and collective readiness among participating armed forces. More than 400 military personnel from 13 countries — India, Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, the Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Vietnam — took part in the exercise under the framework of the Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in…
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.
Demonstrating its rapid response capability and commitment to supporting civil authorities, the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully conducted extensive aerial firefighting operations to contain a major forest fire in the Kasauli region of Himachal Pradesh’s Solan district. The IAF received information regarding the forest fire on 26 May and immediately deployed a Cheetah helicopter to assess the situation. Following the initial reconnaissance, Mi-17 V5 medium-lift helicopters were mobilised under the Aid to Civil Authorities framework to combat the rapidly spreading blaze. The fire, which engulfed nearly 10 hectares of forest in the Kasauli Beat area, posed a significant threat to…
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday lauded the Indian Navy’s high state of operational preparedness and its growing strategic role in safeguarding maritime security, asserting that secure sea lanes remain critical to ensuring global peace and economic prosperity. The Defence Minister made the remarks while jointly inaugurating the Nausena Shaurya Vatika with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow. Developed at a cost of ₹19 crore and spread across more than two acres, the open-air naval heritage museum commemorates the courage, professionalism and operational achievements of the Indian Navy. The facility prominently displays weapon systems and artefacts from the…
Tensions have intensified along several stretches of the India-Bangladesh Border in West Bengal as authorities accelerate the construction of border fencing aimed at curbing infiltration, smuggling, human trafficking, and other cross-border crimes. Reports from Border areas ranging from Phansidewa in North Bengal to Changrabandha in Cooch Behar indicate growing friction surrounding the ongoing fencing work. According to security sources, groups allegedly comprising smugglers and anti-social elements have attempted to obstruct construction activities in some sectors. Incidents of stone-pelting targeting personnel engaged in fencing operations have also been reported. Border Security Force (BSF) officials stated that despite repeated provocations, personnel exercised…
Hundreds of individuals suspected of lacking valid Indian citizenship documents have reportedly gathered at the Hakimpur international border checkpost in North 24 Parganas district in recent days, seeking to cross into Bangladesh amid intensified citizenship verification measures launched by the West Bengal government. The “Detect, Delete, Deport” Policy: Earlier West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced the launch of deportation proceedings against illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA). The government has adopted a “Detect, Detain and Deport” policy, directing authorities to activate detention centres in border districts. Reports indicate heightened activity at the Hakimpur border check…
The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is observed on 29 May, honouring the service and sacrifice of UN personnel deployed in conflict zones across the world. The day marks the deployment of the first group of UN peacekeepers in 1948, when they were sent to the Middle East to monitor and separate warring parties during the Arab-Israeli conflict. Since then, UN peacekeeping missions have played a key role in conflict management across several regions, including West Asia, where ongoing instability continues to affect populations globally, including India. The observance also pays tribute to peacekeepers who have lost their lives…
The Indian Army has congratulated Havildar Akshay Tanaji Dhere of the prestigious Ball of Fire Division under Gajraj Corps for winning the gold medal at the U23 Asian Wrestling Championships held in Da Nang, Vietnam.The Indian Army who are always made more than a billion people of the Motherland feel safe by guarding India’s International borders with their selfless sacrifice and dedication has also been very prominent with its contribution towards sports helping the country provide some of the best athletes on the global stage. Indian wrestlers delivered an impressive performance at the continental event, securing two gold medals in…
National Security Adviser Ajit Doval has called for decisive and united global action against terrorism, asserting that there can be no double standards in combating the menace. Addressing the first International Security Forum and the 14th Meeting of High Representatives for Security Matters in Moscow, Mr Doval said responsible nations must clearly decide whether they stand with sponsors of terrorism or support strong and decisive countermeasures against them. The high-level meeting, hosted by Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Sergei Shoigu, focused on the theme, “Challenges and Threats to International Security in the Context of the Emergence…
Washington, May 28, 2026: The United States, Canada and Mexico have jointly announced coordinated public health travel measures for travellers arriving from African regions identified as being at high risk of Ebola virus transmission, ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™. In a joint statement issued on Thursday, the three countries said the aligned measures are intended to protect public health while ensuring the smooth flow of travel and commerce during the global sporting event. The statement emphasized a unified approach to safety and preparedness, noting that it has been designed to safeguard both citizens and the millions of visitors…
London, May 28, 2026: Activists affiliated with the Free Balochistan Movement (FBM) staged a protest outside 10 Downing Street in London on Wednesday, observing the anniversary of Pakistan’s 1998 nuclear tests in Balochistan as a “Black Day.” The demonstrators gathered to mark May 28 — the day Pakistan conducted nuclear tests in the Chagai region of Balochistan — and raised slogans drawing attention to alleged human rights concerns and political issues in the region. Protesters carried banners demanding international awareness of the situation in Balochistan and described the nuclear tests as a tragic chapter in the region’s history. According to…