A Court of Inquiry has been ordered by the BSF and the exact reasons behind the incident are being ascertained
A BSF jawan allegedly shot dead his senior following an argument at a camp in West Bengal’s Murshidabad, officials said Sunday.
The incident took place around 10:30 pm on Saturday at the Border Security Force (BSF) camp in Dhuliyan in the said district. Constable Shivam Kumar Mishra shot dead his senior Head Constable Ratan Singh Shekhawat after a heated argument. The accused constable has been apprehended, officials said.
The two troops were stationed in a BSF unit that was deployed in the area following the recent communal clashes in Murshidabad, they said. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered by the BSF and the exact reasons behind the incident are being ascertained, officials said.
Shekhawat, 56, joined the BSF in 1989 and was posted in the 119 battalion of the force. He hailed from Jaipur in Rajasthan. The accused also belonged to the same battalion.
Ex-Army man kills brother’s pet dog over family dispute
Suspect, kin assault sibling, take away Rs 70K, gold from house
A former Army man bludgeoned his brother’s pet dog to death. He hit on its head with a stick due to a family dispute. The suspect also assaulted his brother and took away Rs 70,000 in cash and gold jewellery from his house.
Harjeet Singh, a resident of Jhande village, lodged a complaint with the Sadar police, stating that his brother, Tarsem Singh, a former soldier, along with his wife and son, entered their house on Friday and began to severely beat him. The suspect repeatedly struck their German Shepherd dog on the head with a stick. He beat the dog so badly that it died.
The complainant further stated that the suspect, along with his family, took away ?70,000 in cash, a gold ring, and a gold bangle from a box in their house. After severely beating him, they fled the scene after threatening them.
The Sadar police have registered a case against Tarsem and his family members based on Harjeet’s complaint.
ASI Jatinder Singh stated that the police would soon arrest the suspects as raids were being conducted to nab them.
Chhabeels serving cool, sweetened water to passersby is a welcome sight in summer. A few weeks back was the martyrdom day of Guru Arjan. The fifth Guru was tortured to death in Lahore on May 30, 1606. Like on other events of importance to the community, this time, too, chhabeels sprang up all over, serving a delicious blend of milk, rose syrup and water, with a dash of kewra or some other variation.
What is impressive is the commitment to service among those who prepare and serve the drink, standing under the sun, beseeching strangers to partake of the drink. Sewa extends beyond the action itself. It is a spiritual practice that transcends boundaries and fosters a sense of unity with fellow beings — those who perform sewa seek nothing for their service other than the grace of God.
Sewa is central to the Sikh ethos, and we often see it in the form of langar. The profoundly spiritual experience is rooted in the teachings of the Gurus. As Guru Arjan, who compiled the Adi Granth, says in Sukhmani Sahib: “Sewa karat hoye nehkami tis ko prapat hot swami. (One who serves selflessly, without thought of reward, obtains the Lord)”: (Guru Granth Sahib, p 286).
The Gurus were conscious of the inherent capacity for connection that human beings have and the compassion that’s there in all of us. They wove it into the Sikh ethos, showing us the path of sewa, which is much more than the notion of charity. Sewa is a spiritual discipline inculcated on the path to the Divine.
Sewa can be of three types: Tan, Mann, and Dhan. We have often seen people using the expression together — thereby stating that they will serve physically, mentally, and by utilising the resources and wealth they have. It is not that a Sikh can choose to focus on one or the other; all have to be performed for those in need. Of course, some are better equipped for particular tasks, and thus, it is only prudent that they perform sewa that suits their talents and helps those who need it. Indeed, the expanding services in gurdwaras, which now include counselling, medical and educational facilities, among others, show the evolving forms of sewa.
Spiritual masters have long recognised the importance of performing charity. All religions lay stress on it. Hinduism emphasises serving the poor and acts of charity towards the needy. In Christianity, we see the imperative “Love thy neighbour as thyself”, and the practice of giving tithe to charity. In Islam, the welfare of the community and the needy is undertaken according to the directives of zakat and sadaqah, both acts of charity: the former is obligatory, and the latter voluntary. Buddhist monks lead their followers in community service, guided by karuna and metta, which translate into compassion and kindness, respectively.
A powerful memory I carry in my mind is from decades ago, of kar sewa at Harmandir Sahib, where people had gathered to desilt the Amrit Sarovar. Rich and poor alike were lined up, often in fine clothes, picking up taslas or shallow troughs of mud and passing them on to the next person, all chanting Gurbani shabds. You could feel the ego shedding as they performed the sewa. By offering one’s physical, mental and material resources for the welfare of others, we learn to get beyond our self-centred nature. By performing sewa, we serve Him.
— The writer is a senior journalist
I want no salary or…’: Army shares heartfelt letters from civilians on Operation Sindoor
They have expressed unwavering support, deep admiration and gratitude for the Indian Army
The Indian Army shared a compilation of letters from civilians, expressing support and gratitude for Operation Sindoor. Civilians saluted the Indian Army’s efforts and congratulated them for the success of Operation Sindoor.
On Sunday, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information, Indian Army, shared a video on X, compiling messages from civilians.
A letter sent by a civilian to the Army. Photo: X@adgpi
Sharing the post, the Indian Army wrote, “A heartfelt compilation of letters from civilians, expressing their unwavering support, deep admiration and gratitude for the Indian Army during Operation Sindoor. Their words echo pride, resilience and the enduring spirit of heroism that continues to inspire us all. Indian Army- Always in service of the nation, with honour and dedication!” Suryanarayana, chairman of the State Civil Services Retired Officers’ Association, congratulated the heads of the Indian Armed Forces for successfully countering attacks by Pakistan.
He wrote, “We salute and congratulate all the heads of Indian Armed Forces for countering the missile attacks launched by Pakistan to strike civilian and military locations in northern and western India. India had hit multiple terror infrastructure facilities in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under Operation Sindoor.” Rupesh Harishchandra Mainkar wrote to Indian Army saying, “I want no salary or compensation or recognition or any certificate. I just need your authorisation, uniform, and permission to fight for the country in the Infantry.” Meanwhile, Vaishnu Shankar S remembered the time when he served in the armed forces during the Kargil War. He wrote, “During the Kargil War, I had the honor to serve as a volunteer, lending my shoulder to the brave hearts at Base Hospital Srinagar. That experience left an indelible mark on my soul, and I want you to know, Sir, that the josh to serve my nation still burns strong within me.”
Parul Singh, Chairman and CEO of Parul Charitable Trust, offered help in form of ration, medicines, clothing and vehicles for the Army.
“We are standing with you and the Armed Forces to show our solidarity at this stage. We are ready to provide all possible help including Ration, clothing, medicines and vehicles to our fighting troops,” Parul wrote.
Meanwhile, on Friday, Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, Chief of Naval Staff, said Operation Sindoor was on a pause but is an ‘operation in progress’.
“The Operation Sindoor is under pause, it is still underway. As a Naval Chief, I will reserve my comments on this. It’s an operation in progress,” Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi told ANI.
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Israel targets Iran’s Defence Ministry headquarters as Tehran unleashes deadly missile strike
Dubai: Israel launched an expanded assault on Iran on Sunday, targeting its energy industry and Defence Ministry headquarters, while Tehran unleashed a fresh barrage of deadly strikes.
The simultaneous attacks represented the latest burst of violence since a surprise offensive by Israel two days earlier aimed at decimating Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear programme.
New explosions boomed across Tehran as Iranian missiles entered Israel’s skies in attacks that Israeli emergency officials said caused deaths around the country, including four in an apartment building in the Galilee region. A strike in central Israel killed an 80-year-old woman, a 69-year-old woman and a 10-year-old boy, officials said.
Casualty figures weren’t immediately available in Iran, where Israel targeted its Defence Ministry headquarters in Tehran as well as sites that it alleged were associated with the country’s nuclear programme. Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard claimed that Iranian missiles targeted fuel production facilities for Israeli fighter jets, something not acknowledged by Israel.
Amid the continued conflict, planned negotiations between Iran and the United States over Tehran’s nuclear programme were cancelled, throwing into question when and how an end to the fighting could come.
Israel’s ongoing strikes across Iran have left the country’s surviving leadership with the difficult decision of whether to plunge deeper into conflict with Israel’s more powerful forces or seek a diplomatic route.
Trump warns Iran not to target US
June 15, 2025 2:34 pm
Washington: President Donald Trump said the US had “nothing to do with the attack on Iran” and warned Tehran against targeting US interests in retaliation. “If we are attacked in any way, shape or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the US Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before. However, we can easily get a deal done between Iran and Israel, and end this bloody conflict!!!” Trump wrote on Truth Social late Saturday.
Death toll mounts in Israel
June 15, 2025 1:10 pm
In Israel, at least 10 people were killed in Iranian strikes overnight and into Sunday, according to Israel’s Magen David Adom rescue service, bringing the country’s total death toll to 13.
If Israeli attacks stop, ‘our responses will also stop’, says Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi
June 15, 2025 12:54 pm
Dubai: Iran’s top diplomat said on Sunday that if Israeli attacks on his country stop, “our responses will also stop.” Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made the comment before diplomats in Tehran, his first public appearance since the Israeli strikes began on Friday. “If the aggression stops, our responses will also stop,” Araghchi said. There was no immediate reaction from Israel, which had been continuing strikes Sunday across Iran.
World leaders make urgent calls to de-escalate
June 15, 2025 8:38 am
World leaders have made urgent calls to deescalate and avoid an all-out war. The attack on nuclear sites set a “dangerous precedent,” China’s foreign minister said. The region is already on edge as Israel makes a new push to eliminate the Iranian-backed militant group Hamas in Gaza after 20 months of fighting.
Indian Embassy in Tehran issues emergency contact numbers
June 15, 2025 8:34 am
The Indian Embassy in Iran has issued emergency contact details and advised Indians here to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary movements and observe safety protocols following the launch of Israel’s strikes on the country. “The emergency contact details of the Embassy: +98 9128109115; +98 9128109109,” the Indian Embassy in Iran on Friday posted on X.
Pilot killed in Uttarakhand chopper crash served in Army for over 15 years
Was working as a pilot with Aryan Aviation Private Ltd since October 2024
Rajveer Singh Chauhan, the pilot of the helicopter that crashed in Uttarakhand early Sunday killing all seven on board, had served in the Indian Army for over 15 years and had vast experience of flying missions over different terrains.
A resident of Shastri Nagar in Jaipur, Chauhan was working as a pilot with Aryan Aviation Private Ltd since October 2024.
Chauhan was the captain of Bell 407 helicopter that crashed on Sunday morning near Gaurikund in Uttarakhand. Besides him, six people were killed in the accident.
Having worked in the Indian Army, Chauhan had a vast experience of flying missions over different terrains, overseeing aerial operations and had been trained in different types of helicopters and their maintenance, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot expressed sorrow over the demise of seven people.
“The death of seven people, including Jaipur resident pilot Rajveer Singh Chauhan, in the helicopter crash near Kedarnath is extremely sad. My deepest condolences are with the bereaved families in this difficult time,” he said in a social media post.
Chauhan’s father has been informed about his demise. Further details of the pilot’s family are awaited.
Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier has rubbished Pakistan’s claim of having downed three of the Indian Air Force Rafale jets, calling it “inaccurate”.
The remarks by the top official of the jet manufacturer came in an interview to a European publication, ahead of the Paris Air Show (June 16-22). Trappier was referring to the recent skirmishes between India and Pakistan (May 7-10). Asked whether India’s loss of at least one Rafale jet had raised questions in the defence circles, Trappier said: “The Indians have not communicated, so we do not know exactly what happened.” “What we already know is that
what the Pakistanis are
saying (downing of three Rafale jets) is inaccurate,” he added.
“When the truth comes out, some people might be surprised,” he said, adding “the success of the combat mission is not having zero losses, it’s about having achieved the objectives”.
Helicopter crashes near Kedarnath shrine in Uttarakhand, all 7 on board killed
The chopper belonging to Aryan Aviation Pvt Ltd crashes between Gaurikund and Trijuginarayan in Kedarghati
A helicopter crashed near the Kedarnath shrine in Uttarakhand amid poor visibility early Sunday, killing all seven on board.
Rudraprayag District Disaster Management Officer Nandan Singh Rajwar said the accident took place above the forests of Gaurikund.
Five pilgrims, the pilot and an employee of the Badrinath-Kedarnath temple committee was among those killed.
The helicopter took off from Kedarnath for Guptkashi around 5:30 am and crashed soon after.
The crash site is located nearly 5 km above Gaurikund known as Gauri Mai Khark.
Sources said the chopper belonging to Aryan Aviation Pvt Ltd crashed between Gaurikund and Trijuginarayan in Kedarghati and caught fire.
Rajwar said zero visibility caused by bad weather apparently led to the crash and added that rescue and relief teams have been dispatched to the spot.
District Tourism Development Officer and Nodal officer for Heli Service Rahul Chaubey said information about the helicopter going missing was received early this morning and a search was launched immediately.
The deceased hailed from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh.
Those on board the helicopter included Shraddha Rajkumar Jaiswal (35) from Maharashtra, Kashi (2) from Maharashtra, Rajkumar Suresh Jaiswal (41) from Gujarat, Vikram Singh Rawat from Uttarakhand, Vinood Devi (66) from Uttar Pradesh, Tushti Singh (19) from Uttar Pradesh and the pilot Capt Rajveer Singh Chauhan.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said in a post on X that the State Disaster Response Force and other agencies are engaged in relief and rescue operations.
The chopper crash comes days after an Air India flight to London crashed in Ahmedbad, killing 241 people on board and several others on the ground.
Earlier, on May 8, a helicopter going to Gangotri Dham crashed in Uttarkashi district in which six people were killed.
On June 7, a helicopter going to Kedarnath had to make an emergency landing on the road due to a technical fault soon after take-off in which the pilot was injured but the five devotees on board were rescued safely.
In the wake of the latest crash, Dhami issued strict instructions for helicopter operations in the state.
The Chief Minister said a strict SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) should be prepared for the operation of heli services in the state, in which a complete check of the technical condition of the helicopter should be made mandatory. Weather status should also be checked before heli operations.
The Chief Secretary has been directed to constitute a committee of technical experts, which will prepare the SOP after thoroughly reviewing all technical and safety aspects of heli operations.
This committee will ensure that the operation of heli services is completely safe, transparent and as per the prescribed standards, an official statement said.
Dhami has also directed that the high-level committee constituted to investigate helicopter accidents that have took place in the past in the state will thoroughly investigate every aspect of the earlier heli accidents as well as today’s heli crash and submit its report.
This committee will investigate the causes of each incident in depth and identify the guilty persons or institutions and recommend strict action against them.
The Chief Minister said the importance of heli services in the state is immense for pilgrimage, disaster management and emergency services, hence safety will be given top priority in these.
Government likely to clear new 3 air defence missile regiments for army
Defence officials told India Today that the proposal will be reviewed during the upcoming meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council, scheduled around the fourth week of June.
The systems are intended for deployment along both the western and northern borders adjoining Pakistan.
The QRSAM, with a range of approximately 30 kilometres, is designed to complement existing short-to-medium-range air defence platforms such as the Akash and Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM) systems currently in service.
The decision comes in the wake of Operation Sindoor, during which Indian Army and Air Force air defence units successfully countered Pakistani aircraft, missiles, and drone incursions.
During the four-day cross-border firing with Pakistan, the Indian Army’s Air Defence units destroyed the majority of the drones using L-70 and Zu-23 air defence guns, along with the Akash, MRSAM, and the Indian Air Force’s Spider and Sudarshan S-400 systems.
The QRSAM system has undergone extensive trials and demonstrated effective performance in both day and night operational conditions.
In addition to the proposed QRSAM acquisition, the Army Air Defence is also enhancing its capabilities with new radars, very short-range air defence systems, jammers, and laser-based technologies to counter aerial threats, including drones of Turkish and Chinese origin.
The Defence Ministry is expected to clear a proposal to buy three new regiments of the Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM) systems for the Indian Army.
Why Gen Asim Munir’s rank as Field Marshal raises eyebrows
