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BSF Adopts New Digital Uniforms in Major Modernisation Drive

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In a major move towards modernisation and enhanced security, the Border Security Force (BSF) is set to roll out a new ‘digital print’ uniform for all ranks in a phased manner. This overhaul includes both combat and daily wear and will be implemented across all deployment theatres in the coming weeks.

The decision comes against the backdrop of rising tensions with Pakistan, marked by a series of hostile incidents. Sources revealed that digital camouflage patterns have already been finalised and approved. The updated uniform aligns the BSF with global military standards and follows the Indian Army’s adoption of digital patterns last year, designed in collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT).

These new pixelated, multi-coloured digital prints are not only more difficult to replicate or counterfeit, but also cater to the operational challenges faced by troops on the ground. The uniforms, made of a cotton-polyester blend, promise greater durability and comfort across varying terrains and climates.

The BSF’s vital role in recent military escalations has been publicly acknowledged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who praised the force’s bravery and contribution to national security. “I salute every individual of the air force, navy, army, and BSF. Their courage is the armour of our sovereignty,” he said.

Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), also lauded the BSF’s frontline efforts, emphasising its seamless coordination with the armed forces during joint operations. “From their DG to their Prahari at the BOP – they stood shoulder to shoulder with us,” he noted.

Significantly, the BSF executed recent operations along the western front without any reinforcement. On May 9, following unprovoked Pakistani firing on BSF posts in Jammu, BSF retaliated by destroying a terrorist launchpad in Looni, Sialkot district of Pakistan, dealing a heavy blow to enemy logistics.

Tasked with guarding India’s borders with Pakistan across four states—Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir—the BSF continues to evolve in structure and strategy. The uniform change not only reflects this adaptability but also reinforces India’s broader vision of modernising its security forces in the face of growing regional challenges.

After 23,400 Nautical Miles, Two Women Navy Officers Aboard INSV Tarini Near Historic Finish in Goa

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After eight months at sea and over 23,400 nautical miles of sailing across some of the planet’s most challenging waters, INSV Tarini is now nearing the coast of Goa. Onboard are Lieutenant Commander Roopa A and Lieutenant Commander Dilna K, who are set to become the first Indian women to circumnavigate the globe in double-handed mode — with a crew of just two — aboard a sailing vessel.

The historic expedition began on October 2, 2024, from Goa, with the aim of completing a circumnavigation without external assistance and relying solely on wind power. As INSV Tarini approaches the Indian coastline, preparations are underway for a ceremonial welcome at the Mormugao Port Trust, expected to be attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday.

The journey was completed in stages, with stopovers at key international ports for replenishment and vessel maintenance. These included Fremantle in Australia, Lyttelton in New Zealand, Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands, and Cape Town in South Africa. The final leg is now bringing the crew back to Goa, closing the loop of a global maritime challenge that only a few have accomplished.

The voyage tested the physical and mental endurance of the two officers. They faced three cyclones, navigated the notorious Point Nemo — the most remote location in the ocean — and crossed Cape Horn, the southernmost point of South America, in mid-February. Battling waves over five metres high and persistent storms, the pair earned the traditional title of ‘Cape Horners’ given to sailors who brave the Horn under sail.

The expedition demanded self-reliance and resilience. The officers had to function not only as navigators but also as engineers, electricians, and mechanics. Lt Cdr Dilna K, during a public interaction in Cape Town, recalled moments of despair during calm patches with no wind and said they learnt to take things moment by moment. “We have started believing in ourselves. We know what we are capable of,” she said.

The feat is being celebrated not just as a maritime achievement, but also as a milestone for gender representation in India’s armed forces and a boost for India’s blue-water naval ambitions. With INSV Tarini expected to dock soon, the Indian Navy and the nation await the return of two women who have quietly made history, one wave at a time.

Fund Kaveri Engine Trends on X as Citizens Call for Renewed Push in Indigenous Jet Engine Development

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A surge of nationalistic fervour swept through Indian social media platforms on Monday, with the hashtag #FundKaveriEngine trending at the top on X (formerly Twitter). Citizens, defence experts, veterans, and enthusiasts united in a rare moment of digital solidarity, urging the central government to fully fund and fast-track India’s long-stalled indigenous jet engine project — the Kaveri Engine.

Conceived in the late 1980s, the Kaveri engine was developed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) under DRDO, with the original goal of powering India’s first indigenously developed fighter aircraft, the LCA Tejas. However, due to persistent technological and geopolitical challenges, the project faced repeated delays and was eventually decoupled from Tejas in 2008.

The Kaveri is a two-spool bypass turbofan engine featuring a full annular combustor, transonic compressors, directionally solidified turbine blades, and a twin-lane FADEC system. It was originally designed to generate around 80 kN of thrust, but earlier versions fell short of the 90–100 kN required for frontline combat aircraft, leading to its premature sidelining.

Despite setbacks, over 3,000 hours of testing have been completed under varied conditions, including successful trials in high-altitude testbeds and marine integration. Upgrades such as single-crystal turbine blades, polymer matrix composites, and stealth-optimised redesigned fans are now being integrated, with ambitions to eventually power advanced fighter jets like the AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft), unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) like Ghatak, and naval aviation platforms.

On X, users echoed passionate calls for national security and self-reliance. One user joked, “Take 20% GST on caramel popcorn, but fund the Kaveri engine,” while others demanded a dedicated flying testbed and even suggested crowdfunding to bypass bureaucratic inertia. Posters in a Soviet-style design and posts by respected voices, including defence journalist Shiv Aroor, lent credibility and urgency to the campaign.

The delays in the Kaveri programme have largely stemmed from India’s nascent capabilities in aerothermal dynamics, advanced metallurgy, superalloy development, and engine control systems, all of which had to be built from scratch. Western sanctions post the 1998 nuclear tests further exacerbated the issue, especially through denial of critical materials like single-crystal blades and testing infrastructure. India had to rely on overseas test facilities like Russia’s CIAM, slowing progress and introducing new hurdles.

Another major blow came when a potential collaboration with France’s Snecma collapsed in 2013. Snecma offered to replace the Kaveri’s core with their ECO core, but India rejected the offer, citing its unwillingness to accept a partial or black-box solution that failed to transfer full intellectual property or cutting-edge technologies.

Yet recent developments have injected fresh momentum. Private sector players like Godrej Aerospace have delivered modules, and joint work with BrahMos Aerospace on an indigenous afterburner is in progress. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has also confirmed ongoing negotiations with GE, Safran, and Rolls-Royce to support the Kaveri engine’s resurgence without compromising technological sovereignty.

The campaign has also gained strategic significance in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor, an ongoing military operation following the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack. In such tense times, public sentiment has decisively tilted towards building self-sufficiency in defence technology to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.

As India eyes the future of air combat, including fifth-generation and stealth platforms, the Kaveri engine is no longer just a delayed project — it is a strategic imperative. The viral #FundKaveriEngine campaign has served as a potent reminder that public opinion now expects bold investment and unwavering political will to bring India’s aerospace dream to fruition.

Indian Army Facilitates Completion of World’s Tallest Railway Pier Bridge in Manipur

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In a landmark achievement for Indian infrastructure and military-civil collaboration, the world’s tallest railway pier bridge has been completed in Noney Valley, Manipur. Standing at a height of 141 meters, the bridge is a central part of the ambitious Jiribam–Tupul–Imphal railway line project, aimed at transforming connectivity in the Northeast region.

Constructed by the Northeast Frontier Railway over the Aling River, the bridge now holds the global record for the tallest railway pier, surpassing Montenegro’s Mala-Rijeka viaduct, which stands at 139 meters. The 111-kilometer railway line, once fully operational, is expected to reduce travel time between Jiribam and Imphal from 10–12 hours to just 2.5 hours, significantly boosting transportation efficiency and accessibility in the region.

The Indian Army’s 107 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) Gorkha Rifles, under the Eastern Command, played a crucial role in ensuring the bridge’s successful completion by providing continuous security support in a challenging environment. Their presence ensured uninterrupted construction progress despite rugged terrain, logistical hurdles, and the potential for security threats in the area.

Providing round-the-clock protection for workers and equipment, the Gorkha Rifles exemplified the Army’s commitment to nation-building beyond conventional military operations. Their contribution ensured the safe and timely placement of the final span, bringing this engineering marvel to life.

The bridge and the broader Jiribam–Imphal railway project are part of a larger national vision to integrate remote areas into the mainstream. The railway line is set to become a crucial segment of the Trans-Asian Railway network, with future plans to extend the route to Moreh on the India–Myanmar border and connect to Tamu in Myanmar. This connectivity will facilitate international trade and regional integration, further elevating the strategic and economic importance of the Northeast.

The successful execution of the project showcases the importance of coordinated efforts between the Indian Army, Northeast Frontier Railway, and various civil agencies. It also reflects the growing emphasis on infrastructure-led development to bring prosperity to India’s frontier regions. As the bridge towers over the Noney Valley, it stands not only as a record-breaking structure but also as a symbol of India’s resolve to reach and uplift every corner of the nation.

Defence Minister Approves AMCA Programme Execution Model Through Industry Partnership

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The Indian government has approved the execution model for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme, marking a pivotal move towards strengthening the nation’s indigenous defence capabilities. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced the green light for the project, which is being led by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Ministry of Defence and will involve close collaboration with private industry stakeholders.

The AMCA is a fifth-generation stealth multirole combat aircraft designed to serve both the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy. Featuring a single-seat, twin-engine, all-weather design, the aircraft aims to elevate India’s aerial combat capabilities with cutting-edge technology. The programme, previously called the Medium Combat Aircraft (MCA) initiative, has now advanced to the prototype development phase after completing feasibility, preliminary, and detailed design stages.

An official statement from the Defence Ministry highlighted the significance of the approval, stating that the AMCA programme will harness domestic expertise and manufacturing capacity to build a prototype that forms the foundation of India’s self-reliant aerospace ambitions. “This is a major milestone towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat in the aerospace sector,” the statement said, aligning the project with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s broader vision of self-sufficiency launched in 2020.

The decision follows a ₹15,000 crore sanction by the Cabinet Committee on Security in 2024 for the aircraft’s development. Additionally, the Defence Ministry established a panel in early 2025 to increase private sector participation, signaling a shift towards a more inclusive production framework. A high-level committee is also shaping a clear strategy and business model to expedite the programme’s progress.

The AMCA project has attracted international interest, with India entering into collaborative talks with France and Rolls-Royce Holdings. In July 2023, India and France agreed to jointly develop a combat aircraft engine for the AMCA Mark-2 variant under the Horizon 2047 strategic partnership. Recent discussions in 2025 have advanced this cooperation further, building on earlier work from the indigenous Kaveri engine programme.

The development of the AMCA is seen as critical to reducing India’s reliance on foreign defence imports, a core objective of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Since the programme’s inception during the COVID-19 pandemic, the initiative has prioritized defence manufacturing, including import bans on 101 military items announced by Rajnath Singh in August 2020 to boost domestic production.

The recent unveiling of the AMCA model at a major aerospace exhibition has generated significant interest, highlighting India’s progress in advanced fighter jet technology. With the programme now firmly underway under a structured execution plan, experts expect the AMCA to significantly enhance India’s defence preparedness and help establish the country as a key player in the global aerospace industry. The coming years will be crucial as ADA and its industry partners work towards realizing this ambitious vision of a self-reliant India in defence and aerospace.

Inspector General of Assam Rifles (North) Reviews Operational Preparedness in Arunachal Pradesh

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Major General Manish Kumar, Inspector General of Assam Rifles (North), visited a key battalion of the force in Changlang district to assess operational preparedness and encourage further technological integration. The visit, conducted on Tuesday, reaffirmed the Assam Rifles’ commitment to peace and security in the sensitive northeastern region.

During his inspection, Major General Kumar observed a demonstration of drone capabilities, marking a significant step towards modernizing operational tactics. He praised the troops for their readiness and innovative approach to contemporary security challenges, calling them a “combat-ready force of the future.” Emphasizing the strategic importance of the region, he urged all personnel to maintain vigilance and continue working towards a secure and stable Arunachal Pradesh.

Known as the “Sentinels of the Northeast,” the Assam Rifles have a longstanding role in safeguarding India’s eastern frontiers, particularly along the Indo-Myanmar border. Operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs with operational control by the Indian Army, the force has been crucial in counterinsurgency, disaster response, and community engagement since its inception in 1835. With 46 battalions and over 65,000 personnel as of 2019–2020, it remains one of the most prominent paramilitary forces in the region.

Changlang district, located in eastern Arunachal Pradesh, holds strategic significance due to its proximity to both the Myanmar and China borders. The district has seen a mixture of military operations and outreach efforts by the Assam Rifles, including sports-based recruitment drives like the 2023 Meritorious Sportsperson event. However, incidents such as the 2023 clash in Kharsang between villagers and security personnel have underscored the delicate balance required in civil-military relations.

Major General Kumar, who took charge as IGAR (North) on March 15, 2024, brings with him extensive operational experience from key theatres like Jammu & Kashmir and the Northeast. His leadership has been characterized by a focus on modern warfare capabilities and robust community partnerships. The latest visit further reinforces Assam Rifles’ twin mandate of operational excellence and civil outreach, in line with its enduring motto, “Service Before Self.”

Field Marshal Asim Munir Trolled for Gifting Fake Photo of Operation Bunyan to PM Shehbaz Sharif

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Pakistan’s newly appointed Field Marshal Asim Munir has become the subject of online mockery after gifting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif a framed image claimed to depict Pakistan’s Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos against India. The image, however, has been identified as a 2019 photograph of a Chinese military drill, raising questions about the authenticity of the narrative being projected.

The framed photo was presented during a dinner hosted by Munir in honour of the Pakistani armed forces’ performance during the recent military standoff with India. The high-profile event was attended by top political and military leaders, including President Asif Ali Zardari, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani. The gathering was meant to celebrate what Pakistani officials called their military’s “steadfast commitment” and “indomitable spirit” in the face of Indian retaliation during Operation Sindoor.

However, social media users were quick to fact-check the image, with several pointing out that it had originally been released by China’s Ministry of Defence in 2019 and showed PHL-03 long-range multiple launch rocket systems used in a Chinese military exercise. A simple reverse image search revealed the discrepancy, leading to widespread trolling of both Munir and the Pakistani establishment for allegedly faking military accomplishments.

Critics online accused the Pakistani military of engaging in “denial, deception, and delusion” by presenting a doctored narrative of success against India. “Pak PM just gifted Asim Munir a photo from a 2019 Chinese military drill—faking war glory against India. Instead, India provided corroborated evidences of strikes with precision and power during #OperationSindoor,” one user posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos was Pakistan’s military response to India’s Operation Sindoor, launched after a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam in April 2025. Pakistan claimed a series of drone and missile strikes on Indian positions across northern and western sectors, but Indian forces successfully intercepted most of these attacks and released footage and satellite data corroborating the effectiveness of their counter-operations.

This latest embarrassment further undermines the credibility of Pakistan’s wartime propaganda, as the country continues to grapple with the aftermath of the military escalation and rising international scrutiny over its handling of cross-border terrorism.

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif Seeks Talks with India, Says: “We Want to Resolve All Disputes”

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In a significant development amidst rising Indo-Pak tensions, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed his government’s willingness to resume dialogue with India to resolve bilateral disputes, including the contentious Indus Waters Treaty. Speaking to reporters in Islamabad, Sharif stated, “We want to resolve all disputes,” indicating a shift in tone following months of diplomatic strain.

The statement comes weeks after India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty in April 2025 in the wake of a gruesome terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 25 Indian tourists and one Nepalese citizen. India blamed the cross-border infiltration of terrorists backed by Pakistani groups for the massacre, prompting External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar to announce the treaty’s suspension until Pakistan takes “verifiable and irreversible” steps to dismantle terror infrastructure operating from its soil.

The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, has long been regarded as a rare example of sustained cooperation between the two neighbours. However, New Delhi has increasingly questioned its relevance in the face of Pakistan’s continued use of terrorism as state policy. Jaishankar reiterated on May 15 that the treaty would remain “in abeyance” unless Pakistan acts against terrorism and vacates Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), which India asserts as its integral part.

Sharif’s remarks come shortly after Pakistan observed “Yaum-e-Tashakur” on May 16 to celebrate its claimed success in Operation Bunyan Marsoos—an event Indian analysts view as psychological warfare amid military setbacks during India’s successful Operation Sindoor. While Sharif’s call for talks appears conciliatory, Indian officials remain cautious, citing a long history of unkept promises and proxy attacks by Pakistan-based groups.

India’s strategic posture remains clear: talks and terror cannot go together. Until Islamabad demonstrates credible action against terrorist networks such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, and addresses India’s concerns on PoK, New Delhi is unlikely to reciprocate Sharif’s outreach.

With the region already on edge following recent military escalations, the coming weeks will test whether Pakistan’s latest overture marks a genuine policy shift or a tactical move under international pressure. For now, India continues to uphold national security as the foremost priority while keeping diplomatic channels under strict conditionality.

India and Mongolia Strengthen Defence Ties with High-Level Military Exchange

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A high-level delegation from Mongolia’s Command and Staff College, led by Brigadier General Ontsgoibayar Lkhamjii, met with Major General Ajeet Gahlot, Assistant Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Training & Doctrine), at India’s Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) to explore avenues for deeper military cooperation. The meeting held in New Delhi focused on strengthening defence ties and enhancing interoperability between the two countries’ armed forces.

The 18-member Mongolian delegation is on a six-day official visit to India from May 25 to May 31. The delegation will tour key Indian military and defence establishments including Bharat Electronics Limited and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to explore collaboration in training, technology, and defence production. These engagements build on outcomes of the 2024 India-Mongolia Joint Working Group meeting which focused on defence capability building and joint training.

During the New Delhi meeting, Brigadier General Ontsgoibayar and Major General Gahlot exchanged ceremonial mementos, symbolizing the mutual respect and goodwill between the two nations. The formal session, attended by senior officers from both countries, reflected a shared vision for long-term defence cooperation and regional security.

India and Mongolia share a historic relationship dating back to 1955, with India being the first non-Eastern Bloc country to establish diplomatic ties with Mongolia. This relationship was elevated to a strategic partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Ulaanbaatar in 2015. Historical ties go even deeper, with cultural and dynastic links such as the Mughal lineage in India tracing back to Mongol ancestry.

India continues to support Mongolia in sectors such as education, information technology, and agriculture. On the global stage, Mongolia has backed India’s bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. This military exchange signals the strengthening of bilateral ties amid shifting global and regional dynamics, especially as Mongolia seeks to balance its relations with neighboring giants China and Russia by deepening engagements with trusted partners like India.

The visit is expected to further reinforce mutual trust, defence cooperation, and strategic alignment between India and Mongolia, particularly within the evolving security landscape of the Indo-Pacific region.

Naib Subedar PS Yadav from Uttar Pradesh Killed in Landslide

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In a tragic incident, Naib Subedar PS Yadav of the Indian Army’s Corps of Military Police lost his life due to a landslide while serving in an operational area. The natural disaster struck without warning, claiming the life of the brave soldier who hailed from Uttar Pradesh. His next of kin have been informed, and tributes are pouring in from across the nation for the fallen hero.

Naib Subedar Yadav was a part of the Corps of Military Police (CMP), a vital arm of the Indian Army known for its discipline and distinctive red berets, white lanyards, and belts. The CMP plays a crucial role in maintaining order within the Army’s ranks, regulating traffic, managing logistics, and ensuring discipline across units. The Corps has a proud history dating back to 1939 when the first Provost unit was raised. It served with distinction in key World War II campaigns in North Africa and Burma.

Landslides are a recurring threat in India, particularly in mountainous and hilly terrains, often triggered by intense monsoon rains. This tragedy adds to a grim list of natural disasters in the country. In 2013, the catastrophic Uttarakhand floods resulted in thousands of deaths, prompting the Army’s large-scale rescue operation—Operation Surya Hope. More recently, in 2024, a major landslide in Kerala claimed over 165 lives, reinforcing the deadly potential of such calamities.

The Indian Army expressed its deepest condolences and saluted the supreme sacrifice of Naib Subedar Yadav. His passing stands as a solemn reminder of the challenges and dangers faced by soldiers even outside combat zones. From extreme weather conditions to natural disasters, Indian soldiers continue to risk their lives while serving and safeguarding the nation in every circumstance.