Current Events :
According to his family, Singh had expressed a wish for his final rites to be conducted in his native Beas village in Jalandhar
ast rites of veteran marathon runner Fauja Singh are being performed with state honours at the cremation ground of his native Beas village in Jalandhar district.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Governor Gulab Chand Kataria are among those who have gathered to pay respects to the departed soul.
According to his family, Singh had expressed a wish for his final rites to be conducted in his native village.
Marathon runner Fauja Singh died in a road accident in Jalandhar district. He was 114. He was hit by an unidentified vehicle around 3.30 pm while he was crossing the road at his native Beas village near Adampur.
His family said he was out for a walk on the national highway near his house when he was hit by the vehicle. The vehicle owner sped off after hitting him. He was rushed to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
Considered the oldest marathon runner, Fauja Singh started running at the age of 89 when his wife and son died in an accident. He took to running to fight loneliness and depression. He eventually ran in 18 marathons starting in London in 2000. After his last three marathons — Toronto in 2011, London in 2012 and Hong Kong in 2013 — he retired.
Opposition demands answers from PM Modi, gears up to corner govt in Parl
US President Donald Trump on Friday claimed that “five jets were shot down” during the recent conflict between India and Pakistan, reigniting debate over the extent of India’s losses in Operation Sindoor. His remarks have drawn sharp reactions, with the Congress-led Opposition demanding Prime Minister Narendra Modi clarify the matter in Parliament.
Speaking at a private dinner with Republican lawmakers at the White House, Trump said, “We stopped a lot of wars. And these were serious, India and Pakistan, that was going on. Planes were being shot out of there. I think five jets were shot down.” While he did not specify which country’s aircraft were destroyed, his comments have bolstered Pakistan’s claims, though Islamabad has provided no evidence, while contradicting India’s official stance.
Pakistan has repeatedly claimed its air force downed six Indian jets, including three French-built Rafale fighters, but has not provided evidence. In contrast, India struck 11 Pakistani airbases and released imagery to support its claims. Even Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif admitted that Indian BrahMos missiles hit Pakistani airbases.
India has acknowledged “losses in combat” but has not disclosed details. Last month, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan confirmed that the Indian Air Force lost aircraft but rejected Pakistan’s claim of six downed Indian jets. Director General Air Operations Air Marshal AK Bharti has maintained that all pilots returned safely.
Trump also reiterated his claim of mediating to de-escalate tensions, stating, “India and Pakistan were going at it and they were back and forth, and it was getting bigger and bigger. We got it solved through trade. We said you guys want to make a trade deal. We’re not making a trade deal if you’re going to be throwing around weapons, and maybe nuclear weapons, both very powerful nuclear states.” However, India has denied any third-party mediation, insisting the crisis was resolved bilaterally.
The controversy has resurfaced just ahead of Parliament’s monsoon session, with the Opposition seizing on Trump’s remarks to pressure the government. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi posted on X, “Modi ji, what is the truth about the 5 jets? The country has the right to know!” Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary, demanded a “clear and categorical statement” from PM Modi, citing his past rapport with Trump.
“The Prime Minister, who has had years of friendship and huglomacy with President Trump going back to ‘Howdy Modi’ in September 2019 and ‘Namaste Trump’ in February 2020, has to now himself make a clear and categorical statement in Parliament on what Trump has been claiming over the past 70 days,” Jairam said.
Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra went further, claiming at least one Rafale was lost. In a post on X, she said, “Each Rafale jet was bought with $250 mn of taxpayer money… Doesn’t India deserve a post-Sindoor briefing?” The issue is expected to dominate the monsoon session, with the INDIA bloc pushing for accountability.
Government says open to discuss all issues as per rules
Government on Sunday indicated its willingness to discuss in Parliament Operation Sindoor, a key opposition demand at an all-party meeting on eve of the Monsoon session, even as the INDIA bloc insisted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should respond on the matter as well as on the US President’s ‘ceasefire’ claims and SIR in Bihar.
Sources said the Prime Minister is unlikely to respond in Parliament on these issues. However, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju asserted that the government will reply appropriately whenever a discussion takes place on US President Donald Trump’s ceasefire claims on the India-Pakistan conflict.
After the customary all-party meeting ahead of the session beginning Monday, Rijiju said that the government has sought the opposition’s cooperation in the smooth running of Parliament during the month-long session.
There should be government-opposition coordination in running Parliament smoothly, Rijiju told reporters after the meeting chaired by Union Minister J P Nadda.
He said they heard the opposition and ruling NDA alliance members patiently and hoped the upcoming session would be very productive.
As many as 54 leaders of different parties and Independent MPs participated in today’s all-party meeting.
“We are very open to a discussion on important issues like Operation Sindoor. These are issues of great national importance. The government is not shying away and will never shy away, but is open to discussions within rules, conventions,” Rijiju asserted.
Noting that the government accords importance to ‘niyam’ (rules) and ‘parampara’ (conventions), he said the matters raised at the meeting would be taken up at the Business Advisory Committee of both houses, where a final decision would be taken.
“We have noted all the points. We have requested all parties (to ensure) the Parliament functions properly. Have to ensure coordination. It is the responsibility of all to help Parliament function,” he said.
Rijiju also said that the government has noted the demand for allocation of more time to parties with fewer MPs to speak in Parliament.
“We will try and provide adequate time to all, including smaller parties,” he said.
On the opposition’s demand for PM Modi to make a statement on the Pahalgam attack and other issues, Rijiju said, “I want to make it clear that the Prime Minister remains in Parliament except during foreign travel. The Prime Minister always remains in Parliament, but the Prime Minister does not remain in the House all the time.
“Whenever Parliament functions, cabinet ministers are present to respond to issues concerning their departments.”
Rijiju said the government is bringing 17 key Bills, details of which would be provided soon.
Sources said even the BJP’s allies want that there should be a discussion on Operation Sindoor to highlight the achievements of the government after delegations visited different nations.
After the meeting, Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi told reporters that his party sought Prime Minister Modi’s statement on Trump’s claims, “lapses” which led to the Pahalgam attack and Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of poll rolls in Bihar.
He said it was incumbent and moral responsibility of PM Modi to give a statement in Parliament on key issues raised by his party.
“We hope that the PM will fulfil his moral duty,” he said.
Gogoi said questions have been raised on SIR and EC, and not giving answers will put a shadow of doubt on the fairness of the poll process and future elections.
It is the prime minister’s duty to clarify the government’s stand in Parliament, he said.
He also referred to several armed forces officers raising the issue of a two-pronged attack by China and Pakistan and sought a discussion. It is important to discuss defence and foreign policy and defence budget allocation, and the PM should answer on this, he said.
Gogoi also sought a discussion on the Manipur situation, “where violence has not ended even after 2.5 years. The PM has visited several small countries but is avoiding going to the small state of Manipur”, he said.
Sanjay Singh of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) said he raised the alleged “poll scam” of SIR in Bihar. He also raised Trump’s claim that he brokered a ‘ceasefire’ between India and Pakistan.
Responding to a question, he said the INDIA bloc was only for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, and the AAP is contesting Assembly polls on its own ever since. AAP had stayed away from the online meeting of the opposition bloc on Saturday.
JD(U) leader Sanjay Kumar Jha said his party believes that every citizen must have voting rights and has launched a campaign to raise awareness.
“We have reports that people do not have any issue with this (Bihar SIR). If there is any issue, we will meet the Election Commission…,” he said.
Samajwadi Party’s Ram Gopal Yadav said that Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor’s admission of intelligence failure in Pahalgam is a “serious issue”. He said India has never allowed third-party mediation on Pakistan and claims by Trump need to be clarified by the government.
“Our foreign policy is a complete failure… no country has supported India on Operation Sindoor. No muslim country was against us after the 1965, 1971 and Kargil wars, but now no country is with us. We never had such an unsuccessful foreign policy,” he claimed.
Yadav said that democracy “is in danger” in Bihar by the manner in which SIR is being carried out, as the EC or government don’t have the right to deny voting rights to anyone. “But in Bihar, crores are being denied voting rights,” he alleged.
Supriya Sule of NCP-Sharad Pawar demanded that the prime minister respond in Parliament on the issues of Pahalgam attack, Operation Sindoor and Bihar’s SIR.
“Everyone will feel good if the prime minister speaks in Parliament on these issues,” she said.
BJD’s Sasmit Patra said the Centre can’t escape responsibility for the “failing” law and order in states and demanded a discussion in Parliament during the upcoming session.
He was referring to an incident of self-immolation by a college student and another case of a 15-year-old being set on fire by a group of men in Odisha.
Patra alleged there was a “complete collapse” of law and order in Odisha, and the BJP government there was “helpless” and had “failed”.
CPI(M)’s John Brittas said Prime Minister Modi should speak in Parliament on Trump’s claims on Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam terror attack.
National Conference MP Altaaf Hussain said he raised issues of Jammu and Kashmir. “Post Pahalgam terrorist attack, the current situation of Jammu and Kashmir is not as it is being shown to the people of the country. I asked the government to ensure that innocent locals are not bothered.”
Gogoi, Jairam Ramesh, Pramod Tiwari of Congress, Supriya Sule of NCP-Sharad Pawar, DMK’s T R Baalu and Tiruchi Siva, AIADMK’s M Thambidurai, SAD’s Harsimrat Badal, SP’s Ram Gopal Yadav, RPI (A) leader and Union minister Ramdas Athawale were among those who attended the meeting.
Starting August 2025, the Indian Army will implement a mandatory psychological test for all Agniveer recruits, supplementing the existing physical and educational evaluations.
This 15-minute online psychological assessment, developed by the Defence Institute of Psychological Research (DIPR) under the Ministry of Defence, will specifically measure the intellectual capabilities and stress-handling abilities of prospective soldiers.
The test will be introduced initially at recruitment rallies in the Gwalior, Chambal, and Bundelkhand districts of Madhya Pradesh.
Candidates will continue to follow the current multi-stage selection process, which typically consists of an online Common Entrance Examination (CEE), a Physical Fitness Test (including the 1600-meter race, pull-ups, ditch crossing, and balance walk), physical measurements, and medical examinations.
The psychological test will be conducted immediately after candidates complete the 1600-meter race, the first physical stage of the rally.
A digital link to take the test will be sent to each candidate’s mobile device on-site.
Those who do not pass the psychological assessment will be disqualified from proceeding to subsequent selection phases, including further physical evaluations, medical checks, and written tests.
The intention behind this significant shift is to ensure that incoming Agniveers possess the mental resilience and temperament required to cope with the psychological pressures of military life, thereby aiming to reduce stress-related incidents during service. Until now, such psychological screening was reserved for officer-level entries through the NDA, CDS, or JCO routes, making this the first application of formal psychological evaluation at the entry-level Agniveer recruitments. The format and assessment parameters of this test differ from those used for officers but are tailored specifically for the demands and circumstances faced by Agniveers.
This move aligns the Indian Army’s recruitment protocols with international standards, where psychological evaluation is increasingly recognized as essential for maintaining operational effectiveness and safeguarding the well-being of troops exposed to challenging and often high-stress environments.
India’s Akash Prime missile system represents a transformative achievement in indigenous defence technology, demonstrating how a nation can develop world-class military capabilities while maintaining exceptional cost efficiency.
This surface-to-air missile system has emerged as a powerful symbol of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative, particularly following its stellar performance during Operation Sindoor in May 2025 and successful high-altitude trials in Ladakh in July 2025.
Exceptional Development Achievement
The development of the Akash missile system stands as one of the most cost-effective defence programs globally. Dr. Prahlada Ramarao, who led the Akash project under the guidance of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, initiated the program in 1994 with a budget of ₹300 crore, which was later increased to ₹500 crore to refine critical systems including the sophisticated Rajendra radar.
This development cost is remarkably modest compared to international standards – approximately 8-10 times lower than similar systems developed by other countries, with Western equivalents typically costing between $15,000-20,000 crores.
The program took 15 years to complete, involving over 1,000 scientists and extensive collaboration across defence laboratories throughout India. “No other country has built such a powerful missile defence system at such a low cost, just ₹500 crore,” Dr. Ramarao proudly stated, emphasising the exceptional value engineering achieved by Indian scientists.
Technical Excellence And Capabilities
The Akash Prime represents the latest evolution of this indigenous success story, specifically engineered for high-altitude operations above 4,500 meters with enhanced cold-weather performance. The system’s key technological advancement is its indigenous active Radio Frequency (RF) seeker, which provides 360-degree engagement capability and significantly improved target accuracy. This upgrade allows the missile to independently track and engage targets during the final phase of flight without relying on ground-based radar illumination, making it highly effective against low-reflectivity threats like stealth drones and terrain-hugging cruise missiles.
The system maintains an operational range of 25-30 kilometres with a flight ceiling of approximately 18 kilometres. Each Akash battery can simultaneously track up to 64 targets and engage up to 12 of them, with each missile achieving an impressive 88% single-shot kill probability. When two missiles are deployed against a single target, this probability increases to 98.5%.
Proven Combat Performance
The Akash system’s battlefield credibility was decisively established during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, where it successfully intercepted multiple aerial threats from Pakistan, including Turkish drones and Chinese-origin aircraft. The system demonstrated its capability to neutralise over 50 Pakistani drones during large-scale counter-drone operations along the Line of Control and international borders. This real-world performance validation significantly boosted confidence in India’s indigenous defence capabilities and proved the system’s effectiveness under actual combat conditions.
Strategic Advantage Along China Border
The successful high-altitude trials of Akash Prime in Ladakh at over 15,000 feet carry profound strategic significance for India’s defence posture along the China border. The system’s ability to function effectively in the rarefied atmosphere and extreme cold conditions of the Himalayan regions provides India with a critical defensive capability where conventional systems often struggle. The deployment of Akash Prime in the third and fourth Army regiments along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) significantly enhances India’s air defence capabilities in this strategically sensitive region.
Global Competitiveness And Cost Advantage
When compared to international air defence systems, the Akash Prime offers exceptional value proposition. Each Akash missile costs approximately ₹2-5 crore, which is substantially lower than Western equivalents like the US Patriot system (₹20-30 crore per missile) or the Russian S-400 (₹40-50 crore per missile). This cost advantage enables India to deploy a denser air defence network capable of absorbing large-scale attacks without incurring prohibitive expenses, a significant strategic advantage in potential conflict scenarios.
The system’s 82% indigenous content (projected to reach 93% by 2026-27) reduces dependence on foreign suppliers and enhances strategic autonomy, contrasting with systems like the Patriot which rely heavily on US logistical support. This indigenous focus is a cornerstone of India’s strategy for maintaining a self-reliant and resilient national defence capability.
International Recognition And Export Success
The Akash system has garnered significant international attention, with Armenia becoming the first foreign buyer in 2022 through a ₹6,000 crore deal for 15 units. Brazil is currently evaluating the Akash system against Chinese alternatives like the Sky Dragon-50, with Brazilian military leadership expressing strong interest in a government-to-government agreement with India. Other nations including Vietnam, Philippines, and Egypt have also shown interest in acquiring this cost-effective air defence solution.
Technological Evolution And Future Prospects
The Akash family continues to evolve with the Akash-NG (Next Generation) variant currently under development, promising extended range of 70-80 kilometres and enhanced capabilities using dual-pulse solid rocket motor technology instead of the current ramjet engine. This technological progression demonstrates India’s commitment to maintaining technological superiority and competitive edge in the global defence market.
Symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat Success
The Akash Prime missile system exemplifies the success of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in the defence sector. From concept to deployment, the program showcases India’s capability to develop sophisticated military technologies indigenously while maintaining exceptional cost efficiency. The system’s success has contributed to India’s defence production reaching ₹1.27 lakh Crores in FY24, marking a 174% increase over the past decade.
The achievement represents more than just technological capability – it demonstrates India’s strategic autonomy and reduces dependence on foreign suppliers for critical defence systems. As global tensions continue to rise, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, the Akash Prime system provides India with a reliable, cost-effective, and technologically advanced air defence capability that strengthens its position as a major defence power.
For China, India’s development of such capable indigenous defence systems represents a significant shift in regional power dynamics. The successful deployment of Akash Prime along the LAC demonstrates India’s growing technological sophistication and strategic resolve, factors that regional adversaries must now carefully consider in their strategic calculations. The system’s proven combat effectiveness and cost advantage make it a formidable component of India’s multi-layered defence architecture, contributing to regional stability through credible deterrence.
Based On Republic World Report
On Saturday, the party’s Ex-Servicemen Department held a meeting of former Army veterans, where serious questions were raised over the Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent Operation Sindoor.
The event, titled “Pahalgam to Op Sindoor Ceasefire: A National Security, Accountability and Foreign Disaster”, saw veterans question the intelligence and security failures that led to the deadly attack in Pahalgam.
“Why have the terrorists not been caught yet?” the veterans asked, directing their criticism at the Modi government.
They also demanded transparency on Operation Sindoor — which the government claimed targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). “What were the initial losses? How many soldiers were martyred?” they asked.
The meeting also raised questions about US President Donald Trump’s repeated claims of brokering an India-Pakistan ceasefire using trade threats. “Why did the ceasefire happen, how did it happen, and what was the deal? Modi ji, the country deserves an answer in Parliament,” the veterans said.
Col Rohit Chaudhry, national chairman of the Congress Ex-Servicemen Department, said the meeting aimed to set the tone ahead of the Parliament session. “The Congress has shown solidarity with the armed forces through Jai Hind Sabhas across the country. But the Modi government has failed in delivering the political objective. Despite our demand, it refused to call a special session of Parliament,” he said.
Chaudhry said the party will demand accountability from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the J&K Lieutenant Governor, central intelligence agencies and paramilitary forces over the lapses that led to the Pahalgam attack.
He also hit out at what he called the Modi government’s diplomatic failures, claiming that despite over 100 foreign visits by the Prime Minister, India had little to show for it.
“Pakistan is being rewarded with key roles at the UN and is receiving grants from institutions like the IMF, World Bank and ADB. Meanwhile, India is being left out. This is a complete foreign policy failure,” Chaudhry said.
Posted On: 19 JUL 2025 5:52PM by PIB Delhi
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan visited the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington in Tamil Nadu on July 19, 2025. He addressed the student officers of 81st Staff Course, Permanent staff of the College and station officers of Wellington.
The CDS delivered a talk on Operation Sindoor and emphasised on important aspects of Tri-Services synergy demonstrated during the successful operations by the Indian Armed Forces.
Later, while interacting with the faculty of the college, General Anil Chauhan laid stress on Integration & Jointness imperatives, Capability Development, Aatmanirbharta and an in-depth understanding of the transformative changes being pursued in the military.
The CDS was also briefed by the DSSC Commandant Lt Gen Virendra Vats on the ongoing training activities at the College, where emphasis is being laid on fostering jointness & inter-services awareness, specifically with the institutionalisation of the Deep Purple Division.
The 45-week 81st Staff Course is presently underway at the College. The present course comprises 500 student officers, including 45 from 35 friendly countries.
Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan on Saturday delivered a talk on Operation Sindoor at a prestigious military institution and laid emphasis on the tri-services synergy demonstrated during the action by the Indian armed forces.
He visited the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, Tamil Nadu, and also addressed the student officers of 81st Staff Course, its permanent staff and station officers of Wellington.
“The CDS delivered a talk on Operation Sindoor and emphasised on important aspects of tri-services synergy demonstrated during the successful operations by the Indian armed forces,” the Defence Ministry
Later, while interacting with the faculty of the college, Gen Chauhan laid stress on integration and jointness imperatives, capability development, ‘Aatmanirbharta’ and an in-depth understanding of the transformative changes being pursued in the military.
The CDS was also briefed by the DSSC Commandant, Lt Gen Virendra Vats, on the ongoing training activities at the college, where emphasis is being laid on fostering jointness and inter-services awareness, “specifically with the institutionalisation of the Deep Purple Division”, it said.
In a move to strengthen emergency preparedness and inter-agency coordination, an Emergency Response Drill was successfully conducted at the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) Depot in Kargil today. The exercise was aimed at testing the efficiency, readiness, and response capabilities of various stakeholders in the event of a crisis or industrial accident.
An official statement said the drill witnessed the active participation of key departments and agencies including the Army, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Fire and Emergency Services, Kargil, District Police and the District Hospital. Their combined presence and swift engagement reflected the region’s commitment to disaster management and community safety.
The mock drill scenario simulated a “high-risk emergency involving a potential fuel leakage and fire outbreak at the depot.” Upon receiving the alert, “all emergency units responded in a time-bound and systematic manner.”
“Fire and Emergency Services demonstrated prompt firefighting action, while the District Hospital team carried out mock rescue and medical response operations. The Army and BRO assisted in crowd control, area security and evacuation operations, while the district police managed traffic diversion and ensured law and order throughout the operation,” the statement said.
The event was overseen by senior officials from IOCL and district administration, who appreciated the seamless coordination among all agencies. The drill not only helped in evaluating the existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) but also identified areas for improvement to ensure rapid and effective crisis mitigation in real-life scenarios.
Speaking on the occasion, an IOCL spokesperson stated, “Safety is our topmost priority. This drill is part of our regular safety protocol to ensure preparedness against any potential threats. We thank all participating agencies for their cooperation and swift response.”
Such joint drills play a critical role in building a robust emergency response framework for high-altitude and strategically significant locations like Kargil, the statement noted.
