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Meet Lance Naik Meenatchi Sundaram A. A soldier who took a bullet on his face and still refused to stop. On 19 December 2024, he was part of a counter-terrorist operation in Kulgam, South Kashmir. He belongs to the Regiment of Artillery and was serving with 34 Rashtriya Rifles. During the intense firefight, he sustained severe gunshot wounds to his face and right shoulder. The injuries were serious enough to stop any normal person. But Lance Naik Meenatchi Sundaram A did not step back. Despite pain, bleeding and danger, he continued the fight. In close combat, he engaged the terrorist with exceptional courage. He neutralised one hardcore terrorist at close range. His bravery helped his team and contributed to the success of the operation. For this extraordinary act of courage, he was awarded the Kirti Chakra. The Kirti Chakra is India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award. On 8 June 2026, President Droupadi Murmu presented him the award at Rashtrapati Bhavan. His citation praised his indomitable spirit and exceptional bravery. Lance Naik Meenatchi Sundaram A proved that courage is not the absence of fear. It is the will to complete the mission despite injury, pain and danger. He took a bullet on his face. But he stood like a man of steel. And he showed the nation what the Indian Army is made of.

Seven Years of Love, Just One Month of Marriage: Major Hamza Arif Comes Home Draped in Tricolour Major Hamza Arif, a 30-year-old Indian Army officer, tragically lost his life in a road accident near Jaisalmer Military Station, barely a month after marrying his longtime partner. Their love had endured seven years of waiting and challenges, but their married life lasted only a few weeks. The couple had been preparing for a grand wedding reception in Indore when tragedy struck. Instead of returning home with his newlywed wife for the celebrations, Major Hamza returned draped in the Tricolour. His untimely death has left his wife, family, friends and fellow soldiers devastated. A promising officer, a beloved son and a devoted husband Major Hamza Arif’s story is one of love, service and an unimaginable loss.

Meet Lance Naik Manju Nain. The Indian Army’s first woman soldier skydiver. She created history on 15 November 2022. She jumped from an ALH Dhruv helicopter at 10,000 feet over Assam. Manju Nain belongs to Dhamtan Sahib village in Jind district, Haryana. She was born into a modest farming family. Her parents had limited formal education but taught her discipline, courage and perseverance. Before joining the Army, she was a state-level kabaddi player. Her sporting background helped her develop strength, stamina and mental toughness. In 2019, she became part of the Indian Army’s first batch of women soldiers. She was one of only seven women selected from Haryana. She joined the Corps of Military Police on 14 December 2019. She completed 61 weeks of rigorous training at the CMP Centre and School in Bengaluru. After training, she was posted under the Eastern Command in Assam. Her determination and willingness to accept difficult challenges earned the respect of her colleagues. She was later selected for specialised skydiving training under the Indian Army’s Adventure Wing. The training included emergency procedures, equipment handling and intense physical preparation. On 15 November 2022, she stood at the door of the helicopter. Despite the fear, she trusted her training. She stepped into the open sky. After completing the jump and landing safely, she said: “Whenever a bird trusts its wings, the entire sky becomes its own.” She later said that the experience taught her that nothing is impossible when a person fully commits to a goal. Her achievement was an important milestone for women soldiers in the Indian Army. She later served with the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force mission. She also received an Indian Army Commendation Card for her contribution. From the fields of rural Haryana to the skies over Assam, her journey is a story of courage and self-belief. Lance Naik Manju Nain proved that ordinary beginnings can lead to extraordinary achievements. Her message to young women is simple: Do not overthink an opportunity to serve the nation. Prepare yourself. Trust your abilities. And take the leap.

Tragic News: Indian Army Major Hamza Arif (30) lost his life after his SUV collided with a stray camel and overturned near Jaisalmer Military Base late Thursday night. Two other Lieutenants were severely injured.

Government Approves Permanent Commission for Women Officers in Indian Coast Guard

Havaldar Deepanshu of the Army Sports Control Board (ASCB) delivered an outstanding performance by winning the gold medal in the 68 kg category at the CJ Vietnam 2026 Taekwondo Championships, held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from July 27 to 29. Representing India, Havaldar Deepanshu showcased exceptional skill, determination, and resilience throughout the competition to finish at the top of the podium in his weight category. His victory adds another international achievement to the Army Sports Control Board's growing list of sporting successes. The accomplishment reflects the Indian Army's continued commitment to nurturing sporting talent and promoting excellence at the international level. Havaldar Deepanshu's gold medal triumph is a proud moment for the nation and serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes across the country.

General Dhiraj Seth Meets Trailblazing Women Officers After Historic Tri-Service Global Sailing Expedition

TOTAL DOMINATION! India's Jadumani Singh defeats Pakistan's boxer 5-0

Meet Chief Petty Officer Taniksha Khatri and Petty Officer Prachi Lohan. Two Indian Navy sailors who scripted history for Indian fencing. They became the first-ever Indian women épée fencers to qualify for the Main Table of 64 at the Senior World Fencing Championships. The historic achievement came at the 2026 World Championships in Hong Kong. Competing against more than 180 elite fencers from over 100 nations, both delivered outstanding performances. Chief Petty Officer Taniksha Khatri topped her pool after winning five of her six bouts. She advanced directly to the Round of 64. Taniksha finished 43rd overall — the highest-ever finish by an Indian woman in épée at the Senior World Championships. Petty Officer Prachi Lohan battled through the preliminary knockout rounds. She stunned World No. 25 Yang Jingwen of China with a thrilling 15-14 victory. Prachi narrowly lost 14-15 to Olympic champion Giulia Rizzi of Italy in the Round of 64. She finished an impressive 58th overall. Both athletes hail from Haryana and proudly serve in the Indian Navy. Their success highlights the Navy's commitment to nurturing excellence in Olympic sports. Their achievement is a landmark moment for Indian fencing. A proud milestone for the Indian Navy. A proud moment for India. 🇮🇳

A sister reaching out to touch her fallen brother's name on the Kargil War Memorial in Drass. Some names are carved in stone, but they remain etched forever in the hearts of those left behind. Their sacrifice gave India its tomorrow. We remember. We honour. We will never forget. #KargilVijayDiwas

Meet Lieutenant (Dr.) Abhida Eshana Barretto. Goa's NEET UG 2021 topper has become an Indian Army Medical Officer. She secured Goa Rank 1 in NEET UG 2021 with 680 out of 720 marks and an All India Rank of 905. Despite earning admission opportunities at AIIMS and JIPMER, she chose the Armed Forces Medical College, Pune. She chose a life of service in the Indian Army over the conventional path of a civilian medical career. At AFMC, she secured distinctions in 13 of 14 MBBS subjects and won multiple academic gold medals. She was also an accomplished athlete, football player, marathon runner, and represented her university in athletics. In 2025, she received the prestigious Maj. Gen. N.D.P. Karani Trophy as the Second-Best Outgoing Student of the AFMC Graduate Wing. After completing her MBBS, she was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Indian Army Medical Corps. She voluntarily chose to begin her internship at 166 Military Hospital, Jammu. From a small village in Goa to wearing the olive green uniform, her journey is a remarkable story of dedication, excellence, and service to the nation. We congratulate Lieutenant Abhida Eshana Barretto and wish her a long, successful, and distinguished career in the Indian Army.

Meet Major Raghunath Ahlawat, 3 Para (Special Forces). A fourth-generation Army officer from New Delhi. The son of Brigadier D.S. Ahlawat (Retd.), he chose the olive green over a career in law. Commissioned into the Parachute Regiment in 2012. Earned the coveted Maroon Beret and Balidan Badge after one of the toughest military selections. Served with the elite 3 Para (Special Forces). A combat sea diver, instructor at the Special Forces Training School, and a respected leader. Known to his comrades as "Raghu." On 5 May 2022, he led a reconnaissance team during a counter-infiltration mission in the Uri sector. True to the Special Forces ethos, he led from the front. While navigating treacherous mountain terrain in adverse weather, he slipped into a deep ravine. Despite every effort to save him, he succumbed to his injuries. He was just 34 years old. His final act reflected the spirit of a Special Forces officer—placing the mission and his men before himself. Major Raghunath Ahlawat was laid to rest with full military honours. He is survived by his parents and his wife, Squadron Leader Vinny Malik of the Indian Air Force. His courage, leadership, and sacrifice continue to inspire generations of soldiers. Some heroes are remembered not only for how they fought, but for how they led. Salute to Major Raghunath Ahlawat. 🇮🇳 Jai Hind. 🙏

Naib Risaldar Virender Singh served the nation till his very last breath—and even beyond. After being declared brain dead following a stroke while on duty in the high-altitude region of Ladakh, his organs were donated through the courageous decision of his wife, Smt Kusum, giving six people a second chance at life. In a historic first, Command Hospital (Western Command) also successfully retrieved lungs from a deceased donor, marking a major milestone in military medical care. A salute to the selfless sacrifice of Naib Risaldar Virender Singh and the extraordinary courage of Smt Kusum. Their legacy will continue to inspire generations with the values of service, humanity and compassion.

Meet Captain Reeta Biyani First Lady Paratrooper from the Indian Army Dental Corps. First woman from the Maheshwari (Marwari) community to join the Indian Army. Commissioned into the Army Dental Corps in 1981. Served in remote border and high-altitude areas. Often the only lady officer providing dental care to soldiers. Earned her Paratrooper Wings in 1983. Created history by becoming the first woman paratrooper from the Army Dental Corps. Trained in mountaineering, skiing and skydiving. Served the Indian Army for nearly a decade. Retired with the rank of Captain in 1992. Diagnosed with high-risk breast cancer in 2000. Fought cancer with the spirit of a soldier. Launched Project High>>>Ways in 2006. Solo drove over 30,000 km across India for cancer awareness. Conducted more than 140 cancer awareness workshops. Reached thousands of people with the message of early detection. Founded Highways Infinite to support cancer patients and caregivers. First cancer survivor to trek to Kumar Post on the Siachen Glacier. First breast cancer survivor to complete the Raid-de-Himalaya. Three-time Limca Book of Records holder. WHO expert, TEDx speaker and motivational leader. Recipient of more than 50 awards and honours. A soldier who continues to serve the nation beyond the uniform. An inspiration for every defence aspirant. 🇮🇳 Jai Hind.

🇮🇳 "Respect students' voices, don't use force." India's two living Param Vir Chakra heroes, Honorary Captain Bana Singh and Honorary Captain Yogendra Singh Yadav, have urged the government to engage in dialogue with students protesting over the alleged NEET paper leak instead of resorting to force. Calling students the nation's future, the war veterans said democracy is strongest when conversation replaces confrontation. Bana Singh described the alleged paper leak as a devastating blow to the morale of lakhs of aspirants, while Yogendra Singh Yadav stressed that true leadership lies in listening and trusting India's youth. They also appealed to students to keep their protests peaceful, emphasizing that the country's young citizens are not the problem—they are India's greatest hope.

Government Reserves 50% CAPF and Assam Rifles Constable Posts for Retired Agniveers

Meet Lieutenant Colonel Josyula Farida Rehana The first woman officer in the Indian Army to earn the coveted Paratrooper Wings. Born in Mysore in 1940, she graduated with an MBBS, honours, and a Gold Medal in Surgery from Mysore Medical College. Inspired to serve after the 1962 Sino-Indian War, she joined the Army Medical Corps in 1964 as a medical officer. Her dream wasn't just to wear the uniform—it was to serve with the elite Parachute Regiment. Her application was rejected because women were not allowed to join the airborne force. Instead of accepting defeat, she continued to fight for the opportunity she had earned. She was eventually posted to the prestigious 60 Parachute Field Hospital, the Indian Army's airborne medical unit. On 19 September 1966, she successfully completed the demanding parachute course and earned her Paratrooper Wings. With that achievement, she became the first woman Army officer to qualify as a paratrooper and join an operational airborne unit. She served in the Para unit for 12 years as part of her 21-year Army career. Throughout her airborne service, she completed hundreds of parachute jumps, becoming one of the Army's pioneering women in airborne operations. During the 1971 Indo-Pak War, she served with 60 Para on both the Eastern and Western fronts. Operating close to the battlefield, she performed life-saving surgeries under wartime conditions for wounded soldiers. For her distinguished wartime service, she was awarded the Poorvi Star and Paschimi Star. She also became the first woman recipient of the Gen Choudhary's Trophy during the Medical Officers Senior Course. In 2018, she was honoured among 112 Women Achievers of India, with the award presented by President Ram Nath Kovind. Her courage opened the doors for generations of women officers in the Indian Armed Forces. Lt Col Josyula Farida Rehana proved that determination, excellence, and courage know no gender. Her legacy continues to inspire every young Indian who dreams of serving the nation in uniform. 🇮🇳🫡

General Dhiraj Seth Felicitates Naib Subedar Neeru Dhanda for Historic ISSF World Cup Gold

A 17-year-old first-term cadet at the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, tragically passed away on Friday morning following a medical emergency during routine physical training. The incident occurred during what was the cadet’s first official PT parade after joining the academy. The deceased has been identified as Cadet Abhinav Bajpai from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. He had joined the prestigious tri-service officer training academy on June 24, 2026, approximately two weeks prior to the incident.

Meet Flying Officer Ananya Phadke A Khelo India badminton gold medallist. An outstanding medical graduate from AFMC, Pune. And now, a commissioned officer of the Indian Air Force. Flying Officer Ananya Phadke received the prestigious President’s Gold Medal. She was named the Best All-Round Outgoing Medical Graduate of AFMC. She also won the Kalinga Trophy for exemplary overall performance. In 2019, she clinched gold in the Under-17 doubles category at the Khelo India Youth Games. She successfully balanced competitive badminton with demanding medical studies. At AFMC, she excelled in academics, clinical training, sports, leadership and military discipline. Her parents, Dr Sachin Phadke and Dr Gautami Phadke, are both dentists. They proudly witnessed her commissioning and award ceremony on 10 July 2026. She was among 141 medical graduates commissioned from AFMC’s 60th Batch. Seventeen officers from the batch joined the Indian Air Force. Her journey reflects discipline, perseverance and all-round excellence. From the badminton court to the blue uniform— Flying Officer Ananya Phadke is an inspiration for every young defence aspirant. Jai Hind

Meet Squadron Leader Rajkumar Herojit Singh India’s first wheelchair-bound officer commissioned into the Armed Forces. An Indian Air Force officer. A national para-swimmer. And a living example of courage, resilience and service. Born in Imphal West, Manipur, he grew up with a dream to wear the uniform. After Class 12, he secured a government seat for BTech in Computer Technology. But his heart was set on the skies. He gave up engineering and joined the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla. At NDA, he excelled in academics, leadership and sports. He became Battalion Cadet Adjutant. He earned the Academy Blazer for swimming. He received the Sports Insignia for excellence in sports. And he was awarded a silver medal as the best cadet in physical training. After NDA, he joined the Air Force Academy in Hyderabad. There too, he stood out. He was appointed Senior Under Officer. He stood third in flying during basic training. He was awarded the “Most Accomplished Trainee” title. And he was selected for the prestigious Fighter stream. His dream of becoming a fighter pilot was almost within reach. But on 22 August 2011, during a solo sortie, everything changed. A critical in-flight emergency forced him to eject from a Kiran Mk.II trainer aircraft. The ejection saved his life. But it caused a severe spinal injury. He was paralysed from the waist down. Medical boards recommended that he be invalided out of service. He was just months away from commissioning. For many, this would have been the end of the dream. But for Rajkumar Herojit Singh, it became the beginning of a new battle. He refused to give up. He appealed to continue serving the Indian Air Force in a non-flying role. His determination reached the highest levels of the IAF. Then Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal N.A.K. Browne, personally took up his case. In December 2012, the Defence Minister approved his retention in service. And on 22 June 2013, Rajkumar Herojit Singh was commissioned as a Flying Officer in the Accounts Branch of the Indian Air Force. He became the first wheelchair-bound individual to be commissioned as an officer in the Indian Armed Forces. He was promoted to Flight Lieutenant in 2015. And later to Squadron Leader in 2019. Even after losing the ability to fly, he never lost the spirit of a warrior. He continued to serve the nation with pride. He also found a new arena of excellence — para-swimming. He represented India at the 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China. He participated in the World Para Swimming Championships in Madeira, Portugal. At the 24th National Para Swimming Championship in Goa, he won two gold medals and one silver medal. He has also earned multiple national medals and records in para-swimming. From the cockpit to the swimming pool. From a life-changing injury to historic commissioning. From adversity to achievement. Squadron Leader Rajkumar Herojit Singh’s journey proves one thing clearly: True heroism is not the absence of struggle. It is the refusal to be defeated by it. Jai Hind