In a landmark decision aimed at accelerating India’s defence self-reliance, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved Miniratna Category-I status for three Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs): Munitions India Limited (MIL), Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), and India Optel Limited (IOL). The status confers greater financial and operational autonomy, empowering these companies to make independent investment decisions up to ₹500 crore or their net worth, whichever is lower.

The decision recognizes the remarkable strides made by these DPSUs in improving their financial performance, increasing indigenous production, and aligning with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. These companies were formed following the 2021 restructuring of the Ordnance Factory Board and have since shown transformative growth.

Munitions India Limited has seen sales jump over 200%—from ₹3,314 crore in FY 2021-22 to ₹8,214 crore in FY 2024-25—through its focus on producing critical ammunition and reducing dependence on imports.

Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited reported a 190% increase in revenue, growing from ₹2,569.26 crore to ₹4,946 crore during the same period. Notably, AVNL has achieved 100% indigenisation of engines for key combat platforms such as the T-72 and T-90 tanks and the BMP-II infantry vehicle.

India Optel Limited has achieved the most dramatic growth of over 250%, with its sales rising from ₹562.12 crore in FY 2021-22 to ₹1,541.38 crore in FY 2024-25. IOL specializes in advanced opto-electronic systems that are crucial for modern warfare capabilities.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the leadership of the three DPSUs for their commitment to innovation, efficiency, and national security. He highlighted their contributions to India’s defence ecosystem and underscored the importance of fostering a robust and export-capable domestic industry.

The move comes amid a broader push by the Indian government to promote indigenisation in the defence sector. Policies like the Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy, the Defence Acquisition Procedure, and the Make in India initiative have been central to reducing reliance on foreign imports.

The Indian Navy, for instance, has also charted a path toward full self-reliance by 2047, focusing on advanced technologies such as ship propulsion, aero-engines, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and hypersonic weapons.

By granting Miniratna status, the government is equipping MIL, AVNL, and IOL with the flexibility and autonomy needed to innovate, expand exports, and strengthen India’s defence manufacturing capabilities. Their success stories are expected to inspire other public sector units to follow suit in contributing to India’s strategic independence.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that the second round of civil defence mock drills, codenamed “Operation Shield,” will now be conducted on May 31. Originally scheduled for May 29, the drills were postponed due to unspecified administrative reasons.

The large-scale exercises will be held across all western states and union territories sharing a border with Pakistan, including Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, Chandigarh and Gujarat. These drills are designed to simulate coordinated civilian and security force responses to potential hostile scenarios, such as drone attacks and aerial strikes, as tensions with Pakistan remain high.

States like Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan, along with the Union Territory of Chandigarh, had confirmed the delay in the scheduled drills late Wednesday evening. While the Ministry did not elaborate on the reasons for postponement, officials have emphasized the importance of the exercises in light of recent threats and operational challenges.

The upcoming drills follow the first national civil defence exercise conducted on May 7, which exposed significant weaknesses in the preparedness of several border regions. That same day, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor—a retaliatory strike against terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir—following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians.

Operation Sindoor marked the beginning of a four-day escalation along the LoC and International Border from May 7 to 10. During this period, India conducted targeted strikes on nine terror sites while Pakistani forces retaliated with heavy shelling and attempted cross-border drone and missile incursions.

In response to the vulnerabilities identified during the May 7 exercise, the government invoked emergency protocols and released additional funding through the State Disaster Response Force to improve civil defence readiness.

The upcoming mock drill on May 31 will test silent and general recalls of civil defence personnel, coordination between local authorities and central agencies, and public communication strategies during high-threat scenarios. Officials believe this second round of drills will serve as a crucial step in enhancing the nation’s emergency preparedness in border areas facing persistent cross-border threats.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), under the leadership of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, has announced a landmark policy aimed at honoring the service of retiring personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifles. Effective immediately, the policy grants an honorary one-rank promotion to all retiring personnel below officer rank on their last day of duty.

The new initiative applies to personnel from the ranks of Constable up to Sub-Inspector, provided they have maintained a clean and disciplined service record. While the promotion is symbolic and does not carry any financial benefits, it is designed to enhance the dignity and morale of those concluding decades of service to the nation. The MHA emphasized that the measure aims to provide a sense of pride and recognition to retiring individuals, reinforcing their contributions to India’s internal security.

This step is part of a larger government effort to improve the welfare of the 1.3 million-strong paramilitary forces, which include the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and others. These forces are often deployed in challenging terrains and conflict-prone zones, making their service vital to the country’s stability and safety.

The announcement arrives amid broader concerns regarding the modernization and welfare of India’s security forces. Analysts have pointed to persistent challenges such as reliance on outdated equipment, limited indigenous research, and dependence on foreign imports. Against this backdrop, the honorary rank policy stands out as a morale-boosting gesture, complementing other structural reforms and increased budgetary support for the Home Ministry.

Amit Shah’s consistent focus on security forces’ welfare since his political ascent in 2014 has seen a range of initiatives aimed at improving conditions for frontline personnel. His backing of this policy further highlights the government’s intent to honor and support those who safeguard the nation’s borders and maintain internal peace.

The policy has been widely welcomed by serving and retired members of the paramilitary community, with many viewing it as a long-overdue acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by ground-level personnel. As these unsung heroes transition into civilian life, the honorary promotion serves as a symbolic salute to their years of committed service.

In a significant move to ensure the safe conduct of the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has sanctioned the deployment of 581 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The deployment comes just ahead of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s scheduled visit to the region.

The decision follows a formal request from the Jammu and Kashmir government on May 20, seeking additional forces to bolster security during the annual pilgrimage, which draws lakhs of devotees. A communication confirming the approval was sent to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police of J&K on May 23.

At present, 156 companies of paramilitary forces are already stationed in the region. These include 91 companies of the CRPF, 13 from the BSF, and others from different CAPFs. An additional 425 companies will now be deployed, comprising 128 CRPF companies (including five Mahila companies), 130 from the BSF, 45 from the CISF, 55 from the ITBP, and 67 from the SSB.

All 581 companies are expected to remain stationed in Jammu and Kashmir until the conclusion of the Yatra. Once the pilgrimage ends, the MHA has instructed that the companies be withdrawn immediately.

The MHA has also asked the UT administration to coordinate closely with the deployed forces to finalize a detailed security and deployment plan. The administration is responsible for arranging transportation, logistics, accommodation, and other essential facilities for the personnel.

In addition, special directions have been issued to the Railway Board to allocate sufficient train coaches to facilitate the movement of paramilitary forces as per operational requirements.

Security for the Amarnath Yatra remains a top priority, especially as threats continue to loom, with perpetrators of recent attacks in Pahalgam still at large. This year’s Yatra presents a major challenge to the security grid, and authorities are working on a comprehensive plan to ensure the safety and peaceful conduct of the pilgrimage.

In a significant admission, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif revealed that India launched a surprise missile attack on key Pakistani military bases before Pakistan could carry out its planned offensive. Speaking at an event in Azerbaijan, Sharif said that Pakistan had intended to strike India on the morning of May 10, following Fajr prayers. However, India’s long-range supersonic BrahMos cruise missiles hit multiple targets across several Pakistani provinces disrupting Pakistan’s plans.

Sharif stated that the Pakistan Army was “caught unawares” during the night of May 9-10 when India’s BrahMos missiles struck, highlighting the precision and timing of the Indian offensive. He recounted being informed about the early morning attack by Munir, who has since been promoted to Field Marshal.

“Our armed forces were prepared to act at 4:30 a.m. after Fajr prayers to teach a lesson. But before that hour even arrived, India once again launched a missile attack using BrahMos, targeting various provinces of Pakistan, including the airport in Rawalpindi,” Sharif said.

This revelation underscores the strategic advantage gained by India through its pre-emptive strike capability and adds a new dimension to the recent India-Pakistan military confrontation. The BrahMos missile system’s role in delivering precise, swift strikes has been pivotal in shaping the operational dynamics between the two neighbours.