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War heroes and their next of kin were honoured at a ceremony held at the Chandigarh Press Club today.

Prominent among the attendees was Sub-Maj Sanjay Kumar, who was decorated with the Param Vir Chakra (PVC), the highest award for gallantry, during the 1999 Kargil conflict. He is posted as an instructor with the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla. The parents of Capt Vikram Batra, who was posthumously decorated with the PVC in the Kargil conflict, were also honoured.

Others present were Savita Rana, wife of Lt Col SS Rana, who was posthumously awarded the Ashok Chakra, the highest peacetime gallantry award for his actions in anti-terrorist operations in Kashmir, Lily Bawa, who received a Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) during Indian Peacekeeping Force operations in Sri Lanka, and Surinder Chandpuri, wife of Brig KS Chandpuri, who was decorated with the MVC in the Battle of Longewala in the 1971 Indo-Pak war.In his keynote address, Lt Gen Bhopinder Singh, former Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Puducherry, delved upon the ethos of the Indian Army and the grit and motivation of the Indian soldier. A panel of Lt Gen RS Sujlana, Maj Gen HJ Singh and Maj Gen Neraj Bali discussed what the corporate world can learn from the armed forces, while another session by Lt Gen KJ Singh, Brig SC Rangi and Col GS Bajwa focused on the history, glory and heritage of the armed forces.

General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Nagrota-based White Knight Corps, Lt General PK Mishra, on Thursday visited the visited forward posts and hinterland bases in Rajouri and Doda districts to review the operational preparedness.

An official informed that Lt Gen Mishra along with other senior officers from Delta force and Ace of Spades division conducted a comprehensive review of the operational preparedness during visits to forward posts in the Nowshera sector of Rajouri and Bhaderwah in Doda.

They also visited the Corps Battle School, where the GOC commended troops for their professionalism, rigorous training and high standards in counterterrorism operations.

The visit comes amid reports of movement of terrorists in higher reaches of Doda district.

Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent of Police, Doda, Sandeep Mehta, visited the far-off Padri area today to assess the security situation and review existing security measures. Notably Padri area of Bhaderwah carries its boundaries with neighbouring state of Himachal Pradesh.

During the visit, the SSP held interaction with the nomads and other shopkeepers and listened to their security concerns. He assessed the deployment of security personnel and reviewed patrol strategies and issued directions to enhance security, maintain law and order, and address emerging challenges. He was accompanied by Additional SP, Bhaderwah, Vinod Kumar, SDPO, Bhaderwah, Shokat Ali and other officials.

Following the visit, the SSP held a comprehensive crime meeting with officers at Bhaderwah police station focusing on reviewing crime trends, statistics, and patterns. He discussed strategies to combat crime, including intelligence-led operations and issued directives to improve policing, enhance community engagement and strengthen investigation mechanisms.

The SSP emphasised the importance of proactive policing, community partnership and effective use of technology to ensure public safety.During the meeting, all under investigation cases of the current year and backlog cases were discussed and necessary instructions were issued to expedite investigation.

The SSP issued directions to the officials to keep surveillance over suspects, drug addicts, OGWs and trouble creators.

In a tribute to the gallant soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the historic battle of Tololing in the Kargil War of 1999, the Indian Army embarked on a commemorative expedition to Tololing Peak.

“The expedition, flagged off from the Kargil War Memorial in Dras on Friday, seeks to pay homage to the unwavering spirit and supreme sacrifice of the soldiers who recaptured strategic heights from enemy forces, marking a crucial turning point in the conflict,” an official spokesperson of Army said.

A team of 37 soldiers from units that actively participated in the battle of Tololing will summit the Tololing peak and hoist the Tricolour, paying tribute to the fallen heroes. “The Indian Air Force has also extended its support to this endeavour and fielded officers and airmen for the said expedition, exemplifying the spirit of synergy and jointmanship that defines the Indian Armed Forces,” the spokesperson said.

“As the nation commemorates the 26th anniversary of Operation Vijay, the Tololing expedition stands as a poignant reminder of the valour, patriotism and selfless service that epitomise the Indian Armed Forces. This expedition is more than just an adventure; it is a journey of remembrance, reflection and reverence, aimed at inspiring future generations with the stories of courage and sacrifice that shaped the nation’s history,” he added.

A youth from a remote village near the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu has been commissioned into the Indian Air Force (IAF), a defence spokesperson said.

In a statement, Jammu-based defence spokesperson Lt Col Suneel Bartwal termed it a “moment of immense pride for the region and the nation.”

“The commissioning of Flying Officer Pranav Uppal, a native of Jammu’s Chamb sector, marks the culmination of a remarkable journey defined by perseverance, discipline, and a deep commitment to serve the nation,” the spokesperson said.

Lt Col Bartwal said coming from a humble background with no family history in the armed forces, flying officer Uppal’s interest in the military was sparked during visits to his elder brother at Sainik School. “Inspired by the military environment and values he witnessed there, he joined Sainik School in Class 6, overcoming significant financial and logistical challenges,” he said.

He cleared the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) examination on his first attempt. At NDA, he stood out for his academic excellence and all-round performance, which continued during his training at the Air Force Academy (AFA).

He was awarded ‘Best in Aerobatics’ during Stage-I flying and had the rare honour of flying with the Commanding Officer of the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT), Lt Col Bartwal said, adding he also held the distinguished appointment of Squadron Cadet Captain, reflecting his leadership potential and respect among peers.

Flying Officer Uppal’s journey from a border village to the skies is a testament to what grit, focus, and patriotism can achieve.

“His success story is expected to inspire countless young aspirants, especially from rural and underrepresented regions of the country,” the spokesperson said.

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.

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.

Sewa is a spiritual discipline inculcated on the path to the Divine. It can be of three types: Tan, Mann, and Dhan

Roopinder Singh

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

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.

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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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.

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.