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The Army had also launched a tri-services ‘Future Warfare Cours

As asymmetric warfare and sub-conventional operations throw up increasing challenges in a multi-domain environment, the Indian Army has instituted a new ‘Unconventional Warfare Course’ to empower its rank and file in the tactics of combating covet operators, saboteurs and terrorists.

The inaugural course concluded at the Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School in Mizoram on November 2, Shimla-based Army Training Command (ARTRAC), which is responsible for all training across all hierarchical levels in the Army, said on Monday.

“In continuation with the #IndianArmy’s resolve to be prepared to respond to any act of terror, the course trains small teams for rapid and effective response to complex situations stemming during Unconventional Warfare within the Conventional Domain,” ARTRAC said.

“The course nurtures tactical agility, adaptive strategies and leadership development for modern conflict environments,” the Command added.

In line with meeting the requirements in the years ahead, the Army had also launched a tri-services ‘Future Warfare Course’, last year which focuses on the evolving operational, administrative and logistics dynamics in emerging domains like artificial intelligence, electromagnetic spectrum, cyber and space.

The CIJWS, Indian Army’s primary training institution for tactical aspects of unconventional warfare, was in 1970, and specialises in the tactical aspects of counter-insurgency, jungle warfare and guerrilla warfare.

With its motto, “Fight the Guerrilla Like a Guerrilla,” it trains officers and troops in advanced techniques of survival, surveillance, covert operations, ambush, counter-ambush, handling improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and psychological aspects.

The courses run by CIJWS generally are of 2–4 weeks duration involving intensive, scenario-based drills, sand model simulations, live firing exercises, and ethical indoctrination to minimise collateral damage.

Enriched with the Indian Army’s vast experience of dealing with counter insurgency and terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, north-east as well as overseas, the school is internationally acclaimed and also trains soldiers from several friendly foreign countries.

Pact was signed during the 17th meeting of the Joint Working Group on Defence Cooperation in Tel Aviv

India and Israel on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on defence cooperation aimed at enhancing technology sharing and promoting co-development and co-production in advanced systems.

The MoU was signed during the 17th meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Defence Cooperation in Tel Aviv, co-chaired by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Maj Gen Amir Baram, Director General of Israel’s Ministry of Defence.

According to India’s Defence Ministry, “The MoU will provide a unified vision and policy direction to deepen the already strong defence cooperation between the two countries.”

The agreement identifies a wide range of areas for collaboration, including strategic dialogues, training, defence and industrial cooperation, science and technology, research and development, innovation, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

The JWG reviewed ongoing defence initiatives and noted that both nations have benefited from each other’s strengths. Discussions also covered future technology partnerships, enhancing operational capabilities, and tackling shared security challenges such as terrorism. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to combat the threat collectively.

India and Israel share a long-standing defence partnership rooted in mutual trust and shared security interests. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), during 2020-2024, India was the world’s second-largest arms importer, while Israel ranked as its third-largest supplier, accounting for 13 per cent of India’s total imports. Russia and France were the top two suppliers.

India imports a range of advanced weapon systems from Israel and has collaborated on joint development and “Make in India” projects, involving UAVs, missiles, precision weapons and surveillance systems. The two countries also share intelligence on terrorism and regional threats, particularly related to Pakistan and militant groups in Kashmir, and conduct regular joint exercises such as “Blue Flag” to enhance interoperability and tactical expertise.

Forces battling against at least 2 to 3 terrorists, and there is a report of one jawan sustaining injury

A gun battle broke out between terrorists and security forces on Wednesday in Kishtwar district, officials said.

“In an intelligence-based operation, launched in coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir Police early this morning, alert troops of the White Knight Corps established contact with terrorists in the general area of Chhatru,” the White Knight Corps said in a post on X.

“The operation is in progress,” it said.

The forces are battling against at least two to three terrorists, and there was a report of one jawan sustaining a minor injury.

Security forces are continuously monitoring the movement of terrorists in the mountainous district, resulting in multiple encounters in the belt which borders Doda and Udhampur districts.

Kishtwar has seen six encounters in the past seven months as forces continue their hunt for Pakistan-based terrorists hiding in these hills.

On September 21, a group of terrorists was engaged in a gunfight in the Chhatru area.

On September 13, two Army men, one of them a junior commissioned officer, were killed and two more injured in an encounter with terrorists in the Naidgram area of Chhatru.

Violent confrontations took place in Dul and Chhatru belts on August 11 and July 2, but the terrorists managed to escape.

On May 22, a soldier and two terrorists were killed in an encounter in the Singapore area of the Chhatru belt.

On April 12, three terrorists were killed in an encounter in the Kishtwar area, while the army foiled an infiltration bid by terrorists along the LoC in the Akhnoor sector

PCA announces Rs 11 lakh each to 2 players

When skipper Harmanpreet Kaur lifted the maiden ICC World Cup trophy on Sunday night, the roar of joy and ecstasy was underlined by a spectacular windfall, led by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which awarded the winning team Rs 51 crore — the highest-ever cash award for women champions.

The BCCI award came with a silver lining, a magnanimous bounty of $4.48 million (approximately Rs 39.64 crore) by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

This too is the biggest-ever cash award offered by the ICC for the tournament. In the previous edition, which was won by Australia, the prize money was $1.32 million (approximately Rs 11.65 crore).

This year’s runners-up (South Africa) received $2.24 million (Rs 19.77 crore) in comparison to last year’s $600,000 (Rs 5.3 crore), while the two losing semifinalists got richer by $1.12 million (approximately Rs 9.89 crore each), up from $3,00,000 (approximately Rs 2.65 crore) in 2022.

Each group stage pocketed $34,314 (Rs 30.29 lakh). The teams finishing fifth and sixth took home $7,00,000 (approximately Rs 62 lakh each) and those in the seventh and eighth spot earned $2,80,000 (approximately Rs 24.72 lakh). Each participating team got $250,000 (approximately Rs 22 lakh).

The respective states, which the players represent, will now announce cash prizes for these players. Many cricketers are also expected to get government jobs in their states. The state cricket associations from where these players play are also likely to announce cash rewards for each player.

Besides the official offerings for these players, leading private companies are also planning to announce cash rewards or expensive gifts or vehicles to the cricketers on the lines of offerings made to Olympic medallists.

Meanwhile, Surat-based industrialist and Rajya Sabha member Govind Dholakia has announced a reward of diamond jewellery and solar panels for the women cricket team. He wrote a letter to the BCCI vice-president, Rajeev Shukla, expressing his desire to present each member of the team with “handcrafted natural diamond jewellery as a token of appreciation for their brilliance and resilience”. He also expressed his wish to give rooftop solar panels for their homes.

Meanwhile, the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) announced a cash reward of Rs 11 lakh each for Harmanpreet Kaur and Amanjot Kaur, and Rs 5 lakh to Indian fielding coach Munish Bali for India’s historic win.

The PCA will soon organise a special felicitation ceremony to honour these three outstanding representatives from Punjab.

“The World Cup victory is a moment of immense pride for the entire nation, and we at the PCA are delighted that key members of this historic achievement hail from Punjab. Their dedication and performance have brought great glory to our state and to Indian cricket,” said Amarjit Singh Mehta, president of the PCA.

Punjab to give Rs 1.5 crore each to state players

The Punjab Government, which was the first to announce prize money for the state hockey players who were part of the 2024 Paris Olympics bronze medallist team, is expected to make an announcement for awarding the state players in the Women’s World Cup winning squad on Tuesday. Sources said the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann would interact with them via video-conferencing on Tuesday and each of these players would get a prize money of Rs 1.50 crore.

The Haryana Government, which is famous for awarding winners with hefty prizes, has also called a meeting on Tuesday to decide on awarding a state player who was part of this historic feat, said sources.

Last year, after Rohit Sharma’s team clinched the T20 World Cup, the BCCI had announced a massive Rs 125 crore bonus for the entire squad. A similar announcement was expected for the women’s team, but the board announced Rs 51 crore.

Says trials deep underground to evade detection

US President Donald Trump has claimed that Pakistan has been secretly “testing nuclear weapons”, alongside Russia, China and North Korea, the comments coming as Washington itself considers resuming nuclear testing after more than three decades.

In an interview to an American news channel, Trump said several countries were covertly conducting nuclear tests while the US had “stopped testing”, calling the situation “unacceptable” and confirming that he had directed the Pentagon to prepare for possible nuclear tests.

“Russia’s testing and China’s testing, but they don’t talk about it. We are an open society. We talk about it because otherwise you people are going to report. They don’t have reporters writing about it,” Trump said, naming Pakistan among the nations allegedly testing weapons way underground where people don’t know exactly what’s happening.

“They test, and we don’t test. We have to test…. Certainly, North Korea has been testing. Pakistan has been testing. But they don’t go and tell you about it,” he said.

Trump’s comments are expected to cause ripples in diplomatic and security circles, particularly as Pakistan’s nuclear activity has long been under international scrutiny. Islamabad has not officially conducted a nuclear test since May 1998, when it carried out six detonations in response to India’s Pokhran-II tests.

As of Monday evening, India had not issued any official response to Trump’s claims.

Reacting sharply to Trump’s broader assertions, China dismissed the allegations, saying it had been adhering to a nuclear testing moratorium and a “no first use” policy. “We stand ready to work with all parties to uphold the authority of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty and safeguard the international nuclear disarmament regime,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said in Beijing.

“It’s hoped that the US will earnestly abide by its obligations and commitment to a moratorium on nuclear testing and take concrete actions to uphold global strategic stability,” she added. Trump, who was further pressed by the interviewer on why the US should resume testing when it already possessed the world’s largest nuclear arsenal, said, “Well, because you have to see how they work… You make nuclear weapons and then you don’t test? How are you going to know if they work?”

The US President insisted that nuclear testing was essential for maintaining deterrence and claimed he had discussed “denuclearisation” with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Strategic analysts say the US President’s claim, particularly about Pakistan, could prompt calls for clarification from the State Department and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), given the absence of verifiable evidence of any recent Pakistani nuclear tests.

If confirmed, Trump’s push to restart US nuclear testing would mark a major shift in American nuclear posture and could set off a new global arms race, undermining decades of disarmament efforts and reigniting tensions among nuclear-armed powers.

Meanwhile, the US President, in the same interview, yet again reiterated his claim of stopping the war between India and Pakistan through trade and tariff pressure. “India was going to have a nuclear war with Pakistan…. If Donald Trump didn’t get involved, many millions of people would have been dead. It was a bad war. Planes were shot down all over the place. I told both of them [India & Pakistan PMs], if you guys don’t stop you will not do any business with the US,” Trump said.

BENGAL SAPPERS 223rd GP Day Celebrations AT Roorkee : 05 Nov to 07 Nov 2025:

Maj Bob Khating who brought Tawang under India’s Control? Without blood shed

PGIMER inducts 287 Army veterans to boost security, order on campus

The story of Birba who was awarded twice on Republic day, including the highest galantry award but is still unknown.

Dishonest behaviour undermines public confidence in integrity of Armed Forces: High Court

How Navy will boost maritime surveillance with new GSAT 7R communication satellite

IAF holds marathon in honour of 1971 War hero

Tri-services exercise to begin along Pak border today

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ISRO launches heaviest comsat to boost Navy grid

BCCI announces huge cash reward for World Cup-winning Indian women’s team:’cash prize of Rs 51 crore

India script her-story: women cricket

Roorkee city in Uttarakhand is known for the Roorkee Cantonment, one of country’s oldest cantonments, and is the headquarters of Bengal Engineer Group (Bengal Sappers) since 1853. The Bengal Engineer Group and Center houses the Group Museum and archives of the city, which most people do not know of. The museum was established in 1978 and contains historical documents, books, pamphlets, paintings, photographs of the Bengal Engineer Group, Roorkee. It also showcases several medals, portraits and weapons.

Day 1: 05 Nov 2025 (Wednesday)

1. Arrival of Guests
2. 1500-1600 Hr: DPC at Gp HQ Bldg (Dress No 3(a) General Duty Winter Lounge Suit/Combination)
3. 1830-2200 Hr: Entertainment Pgme & Gp Day Badakhana at No 2 Trg Bn (OR Mess)

Day 2: 06 Nov 2025 (Thursday)

1. 0800-0845 Hr: Insp of Gd of Honour & Wreath Laying by Col Comdt at Gp Parade Gmd and War Memorial
2. 0900-1000 Hr: Col Comdt’s SpI Sainik Sammelan at Hajipir Auditorium
3. 1000-1300 Hr: COs/OsC Conf at Sapper Hall
4. A/N: Arrival of Chief Guest
5. 1330-1450 Hr: Working Lunch at JCOs Mess No 1
6. 1500-1700 Hr: COs/OsC Cont at Sapper Hall
7. 1515 Hr: Arr of Chief Guest for CO/OsC conference
8. 1930 Hr Onwards: Band Symphony followed by Dinner Ni at BEG Offrs’ Mess

Day 3: 07 Nov 2025 (Friday)

1. 0630-0830 Hr: Golf at AEPTA
2. 0830-0900 Hr: Breakfast
3. 1000-1045 Hr: Insp of Gd of Honour & Wreath Laying by Chief Guest at Gp Parade Gmd and War Memorial
4. 1045-1100 Hr: Tree Plantation by Chief Guest at Gp Museum Lawn
5. 1100-1130 Hr: Gp Photograph and Tea with all ranks & families at No 2 Football Grnd
6. 1200 Hr: Dep of Chief Guest
7. 1205-1245 Hr: Meeting of All India Exec Committee of BSOA at “Sirmoor” Conf Hall
8. 1245 Hr: Lunch at Safar Maina House
9. A/N: Dispersal

he image shows the General Programme of Events for Ladies during the BIENNIAL 223rd GP DAY CELEBRATION from 05 Nov to 07 Nov 2025. Here’s a quick rundown of the events:

Events Breakdown by Date:
05 Nov 2025 (Wednesday)

1. Arr of Guests & Special AWWA Welfare Meet: 1530-1630 Hr at Hajipir Auditorium
2. Entertainment Pgme & Gp Day Badakhana: 1830-2200 Hr at No 2 Trg Bn (OR Mess), dress code – Saree

06 Nov 2025 (Thursday)

1. Insp of Gd of Honour & Wreath Laying by Col Comdt: 0800-0845 Hr at Gp Parade Grnd and War Memorial, dress code – Saree for all Offrs with ladies and JCOs/OR
2. Spl Ladies Meet (including Lunch): 1100-1230 Hr at Sainik Institute
3. Vis to Three Feather Hub, Dastakar & VTC items display: 1515-1615 Hr at TFH & Dastakar, dress code – Suit/Saree
4. Vis to Gp Museum: 1615-1645 Hr at Gp Museum, dress as per invitation
5. Band Symphony followed by Dinner Ni: 1930 Hr onwards at BEG Offrs’ Mess

07 Nov 2025 (Friday)

1. Ladies Putting: 0700-0815 Hr at AEPTA, dress code – Golf Rig
2. Breakfast: 0830-0900 Hr
3. Insp of Gd of Honour & Wreath Laying by the Chief Guest: 1000-1045 Hr at Gp Parade Grnd and War Memorial, dress code – Saree for All Offrs/JCOs/OR & families
4. Tree Plantation by Chief Guest: 1045-1100 Hr at Gp Museum Lawn
5. Gp Photograph and Tea with all families: 1100-1130 Hr at No 2 Football Grnd
6. Dep of Chief Guest: 1200 Hr, seen off by President BROWWA & Dir FWO
7. Lunch: 1245 Hr at Safar Maina House, dress code – Saree
8. Dispersal: AN

(Maj Gen Harvijay Singh, SM)

17 Jan 1951 – Maj Bob Khating on orders of the Assam Governor Jairam Daulatram marched with 200 troops of Assam Rifles (AR) and 600 porters to Tawang to bring it under Indian Control. Just in time before the Chinese annexation of Tibet. Entire Tawang Tract was Indian territory by virtue of Simla Convention of 1914. It was however not published. To retrieve the mistake, a new Vol. XIV to Aitchison’s Treaties (A collection of treaties and engagements relating to India and neighbouring countries Compiled by C.U. Aitchison, B.C.S., Under-Secretary to GOI in the Foreign dept) was published in 1937. New maps showing the revised frontier were printed, partly in response to Chinese maps showing the foothills as border of Sikang Province. Tibet accepted McMohan line but continued to control and collect taxes from the Tawang tract. Tibetan tax collectors at Dirang were firmly told to leave, Tawang Tract lying South of Se La came under nominal British control. The British did not take over Northern portion of Tawang Tract to avoid hurting Tibetan feelings. Once India became independent, Tibet refused to acknowledge India as successor state till June 1948, even after doing so they did not withdraw territorial claims on Tawang. On 5 Oct 1950 Tibet was forced to capitulate to the Chinese and signing of 17-pt Agreement on 23 May 1951.

Once Tibet fell Tawang would be under risk of occupation by the Chinese. In late 1950, as Chinese advanced in Tibet, Governor Jairamdas summoned an Assistant Political Officer Maj Bob Khathing and explained possession of Tawang was vital for safety of the Northeast. He asked him to read a secret file and go take Tawang for India. Ralengnao Khathing was a Tangkhul Naga, commissioned in May 1941 in 19th Hyderabad Regt (later the Kumaon Regt). Jairamdas gave him 45 days, and Rs. 25000/- as expenses. Bob put together a column of about 200 men from 2 AR and 5 AR, Capt Hem Bahadur Limbu of 5 AR and Capt Modiero of AMC. Troops would operate at high altitude in deep winter he needed winter clothing and camping gear; he found it in the boxes of stores of US Air Force at the air bases of Chabua and Dinjan (they had operated here in World War II). At Tezpur he hired 200 mules, 600 porters, and took his men to Lokra, 26 kms North of Tezpur for intensive training for three weeks. Scouts were sent out to recce trails and gather intelligence, and porter teams despatched to make forward dumps. The column left Lokra on 17 Jan 1951. His activity attracted attention of Maj T.C. Allen, the last British political and intelligence officer in Assam. When Allen caught up with the column on 19 Jan and confronted Bob, the latter told Allen he had two choices: either join the expedition or be kept under arrest till the objective was attained. Allen gladly joined the column as Khathing’s 2IC.

The column reached Dirang Dzong on 25 Jan. The AR post set up at Dirang Dzong in 1944 had been withdrawn, and the area allowed to fall back under Tibetan control. On 26 Jan Khating raised the Indian flag and invited locals to a barakhana, his men fired volleys into the air and the Governor’s Dakota, sent to monitor the column’s progress, circled above. Katuk Lama, the ruler of Dirang gave in and sent runners out towards Tawang with warning messages. The column moved out on 1 Feb, crossed Se La on 3rd and reached Jang on the 4th. Khating sent invitations for a feast and welcomed the headmen and elders of surrounding villages. Bob explained that they were now free citizens of India and should stop paying taxes to Lhasa. The column reached Tawang on 7 Feb. The Dzongpen, a man called Nyertsang, did not respond to Khathing’s invitation for a meeting. On the night of 10 Feb Bob fired off 20 rounds of 2 inch mortar and 1000 rounds of .303 – the thunderous reverberations from surrounding hills struck terror. Next morning the Indian tricolour was hoisted in front of the monastery and troops marched through the town for four hours with fixed bayonets. The nervous Dzongpen sent emissaries and Bob set Major Allen the job of drafting a formal instrument of accession to India. The talks made little headway, so on 13 Feb the Dzong officials were rounded up and wined and dined for a week. Bob then ordered them not to obey the Dzongpen. By now it was 20 Feb and Governor’s time limit was nearly up. Bob and Allen marched into the Dzong with a hundred soldiers to make the Dzongpen understand that Tibet had ceded Tawang to India by 1914 treaty. Nyertsang wanted Dalai Lama’s approval: “What approval?” asked Bob. “The Chinese have taken over Tibet”. Nyertsang signed the instrument of accession drafted by Allen transferring Tawang to India. Bob Khathing signed for GOI, appointed Allen the Lt. Governor of Tawang, answerable only to Governor of Assam. Tawang was finally under complete control of India. Maj Bob Khathing, the saviour of Tawang was awarded the Padma Shri in 1957 for his service to the nation.

In a move to bolster safety and streamline operations, the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, has inducted 287 Army ex-servicemen into its security force. The new recruits were formally welcomed at a ceremony held at the NINE Auditorium on Saturday.

PGIMER Director Prof Vivek Lal said the addition of trained veterans would enhance institutional vigilance and help create a more patient-centric environment. “With the induction of Army ex-servicemen as the new batch of security personnel, PGIMER is moving closer to realising its vision of a safer, more responsive and patient-friendly environment. The commitment and discipline that these ex-servicemen bring will immensely strengthen our institutional fabric,” he said.

He added that the total strength of the institute’s security staff now stands at 1,000, ensuring full deployment across the expanding campus. The induction, through Peninsula Ex-Servicemen Corporation (PESCo), reflects PGIMER’s recognition of veterans’ expertise in vigilance and crisis management.

Deputy Director (Administration) Pankaj Rai remarked, “Security plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity and smooth functioning of a complex environment like PGIMER. The induction of these trained personnel marks an important milestone in ensuring that our patients, caregivers and staff continue to experience a safe and orderly environment.”

PGIMER officials said the initiative aligns with expansion plans for the upcoming Neurosciences Centre and Mother & Child Centre, expected to be operational by January 2026.

Lt Gen A K Singh

The story of Birba. The man who was awarded twice on Republic day, including the highest galantry award but is still unknown.

Bir Bahadur Gurung was a young well built lad not yet into his teens. He lived with his family on the banks of the Brahmaputra in Upper Assam, in a thatched roof hut.

Bir Bahadur Gurung was fondly called Birba by his family and friends. Needless to say, Birba was a strong swimmer. He also climbed nearby hills with the agility and sure footedness of a mountain goat.

One day, Birba and his friends were lounging on the banks of the river. Birba saw a passenger ferry sail down stream, & which in Birba’s own words seemed to be “walking like a drunken man”.

Birba barked a few instructions to his friends to get ropes and jumped into the water. For the next hour or so Birba was in water, saving as many lives as he could from the ferry , that had by now capsized. He came out of the water only after Army rescue teams arrived.

For his act of exceptional bravery, Birba recieved the “President’s Bravery Award”, given to children on Republic Day. On R- Day, Birba rode the back of an elephant down Rajpath, waving excitedly to the cheering crowds.

Fourteen years later, Lance Naik Bir Bahadur Gurung and his team of crack Commandos scaled a vertical cliff all through the night to catch the enemy by surprise at dawn. During the firefight, Birba was mortally injured, but he continued to fight on and breathed his last only after all the enemy had been eliminated and the Tricolour fluttered atop the peak. The detailed planning and flawless execution of the capture of “Peak Tololing” during the Kargil war is the stuff that legends are made of. Cadets in military academies around the world study this military operation in great detail. Many cadets have submitted dissertations on Birba as a part of their study program. “The Life And Times Of Birba” is a lesson that eighth grade children learn in schools across Canada – as a part of their English Language curriculum.

Once again Birba’s name was called out on a Republic Day. His widowed wife walked up to the President to recieve the Param Vir Chakra.

Back home in Upper Assam, an approximately forty year old woman today blows through a pipe to revive the dying embers of the fire in the “chullah”. She lives in a thatched roof hut along with her aged in laws and an old aunt. The arresting feature of the hut is a framed colour photograph of Birba with two medals garlanding it. The woman keeps her body and soul together by working as a domestic help in a few houses in the nearby Oil town. All this whilst pot bellied men with oily smiles zoom around town in their latest SUVs.

Fortunately, Birba’s only son — now a teenager has been picked up by Birba’s old Regiment, the Assam Regiment–where he is now a recruit.

My friends , this is the story of a genuinely great Indian. Unfortunately, he will never be even a footnote in our history books though many other “genuinely great Indians” like numerous scam tainted will be talked of for years to come. There will never be a Birba Road anywhere or a Birba Statue in the middle of a “Chow rasta”. Such privileges are only for people who sell their souls –and our motherland to the highest bidder.

Sharing this story is the least you can do for Birba. Thanks.🙏