As an  Army junior commissioned officer gave a fresh lease of life to six critically ill persons across the country through organ donation after death, it also marked a new milestone for the Command  Hospital, Chandimandir, which carried out its first lung retrieval procedure. 

Army

In an act of humanity and compassion, the family of Naib Risaldar Virender Singh, donated his organs after he was declared brain dead on July 21. Belonging to the Armoured Corps, he had suffered a brain stroke while deployed in high-altitude areas of Ladakh at 16,000 feet. Despite immediate medical aid and swift aero-medical evacuation to the Command Hospital on July 16, he could not recover.

Displaying courage and resilience even under immense grief, his wife, Kusum, volunteered to donate his organs. Five vital organs — two kidneys, liver, lungs and two corneas were successfully retrieved and transplanted to patients seeking organs for saving their life.

Credit: Western Command

This is the first lung retrieval in the history of Command Hospital and is a medical milestone which epitomises the technical prowess of Army’s medical stream, a defence spokesperson said on Thursday.

The organs were allocated to eligible recipients across the country through the organ sharing network. One kidney and both corneas were transplanted at Command Hospital, Chandimandir, the second kidney was sent to SOTTO, Haryana, the liver to Army Hospital (Research and Referral), New Delhi and the lungs to KIMS Hyderabad. 

Army

A green corridor was established with coordination between  Military Police, civil administration and local authorities for timely transfer of the donated organs.

The Western Command Hospital in Chandimandir is a pioneering Armed Forces medical centre in the region for organ retrieval and transplantation. Recognising its strides, the facility was conferred the Best Emerging National Organ Transplant Retrieval Centre award by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

In May 2026, the hospital’s transplant team carried out the first heart retrieval procedure, successfully harvesting the heart of a brain-dead donor, which was swiftly airlifted to Delhi in 30 minutes to save the life of a critically ill 14-year-old Sudanese boy admitted for treatment at a hospital in the Capital.

In June 2024, the hospital also marked a first for any Armed Forces medical institution, by successfully harvesting the pancreas from a brain-dead serving soldier from the Punjab Regiment, whose father had consented for the cause.

In the past, Western Command Hospital has performed several organ harvesting and transplant operations, providing a new lease of life to critically ill persons by harvesting kidneys, liver and heart from brain-dead patients.

Organ donation was started in the Armed Forces in the late 2000s and introduced at Western Command Hospital in 2014. The process is coordinated by the Armed Forces Organ Retrieval and Transplantation Authority in New Delhi.

Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Friday presented before the media a student who had allegedly lost vision in one eye after being hit by a pellet during the July 20 protest march to Parliament over the NEET paper leak issue

The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to take up on Monday two petitions alleging excessive use of police force across India against students protesting against exam paper leaks. 

“There is urgency because this is happening on a daily basis. Police are using excessive force against children. It is just going on unabated. Some controls are necessary. The court stands between us and the police,” senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan told a Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant while mentioning the petitions.

The CJI agreed to list the matter on July 27 for urgent hearing.

Earlier, clarifying that no petition had been filed in the Supreme Court on CJP protests, the CJI took strong exception to media reports that said he had refused to list a petition against alleged police brutality on CJP protesters for urgent hearing.

It was widely reported in the media that the CJI on July 22 refused to list a petition against alleged police excesses on student protestors.

Dismissing such reports as “completely false” and “reckless”, the CJI said, there was no petition filed and it was only a representation.

After New Delhi summoned Russian Charge d’affaires on Tuesday following the killing of Indians in the strike on MV Golden Leo vessel, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov had said Russia would continue to attack ships carrying arms for Ukraine

Days after a Russian attack on a merchant vessel off the coast of Ukraine killed 10 people, including four Indians, India on Friday said the ship contained grain, virtually rejecting Moscow’s claim that it carried military hardware.

After New Delhi summoned Russian Charge d’affaires on Tuesday following the killing of the Indians in the strike on the MV Golden Leo vessel, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov had said Russia would continue to attack ships carrying arms for Ukraine.

“As per information made available to us from the Directorate General of Maritime Administration, India, MV Golden Leo, the Guinea-Bissau-flagged commercial vessel involved in the tragic incident in the Odesa port, had loaded grain as cargo prior to its departure on July 19,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at a regular media briefing.

He was responding to a question on the Russian claim.

“We once again reiterate that commercial shipping and seafarers must not be targeted under any circumstances,” he added.

Jaiswal said External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reiterated this position by New Delhi to his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in their meeting in Manila on Wednesday.

India had summoned Russian Charge d’affaires Vladimir Ladanov on Tuesday and conveyed to him its “grave concerns” and “unequivocal condemnation” of the Russian attack on the merchant vessel.

It was the first instance of death of Indian seafarers in the Russia-Ukraine conflict

Is suitable for air-to-air and air-to-ground precision targeting as well as for recce and surveillance operations

The Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIO), Chandigarh, has developed an indigenous Optical Module for the Indian Air Force’s Su-30 MKI fighter that will assist pilots to detect and track targets, execute precision strikes and conduct carry reconnaissance missions. 

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The module comprises advanced electro-optical and infrared imaging capabilities and laser designators for target detection, recognition, tracking and precision engagement, thereby enhancing mission effectiveness while reducing dependence on imported technologies.

With long range detection, recognition and tracking ability, the module enhances the aircrew’s situational awareness and is suitable for air-to-air and air-to-ground precision targeting as well as for recce and surveillance operations.

The system has been flight tested and certified for seamless integration with the Su-30. It is ready for technology transfer to the industry for commercial production, according to information shared by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, of which CSIO is a constituent laboratory.

The Su-30 Optical Module provides all weather, day and night combat capability. A gyro-stabilised platform ensures accurate targeting even during high-g manoeuvres and an integrated laser range finder and designator is employed for precision engagements.

A heavy, all-weather, two-seater multirole fighter, the Sukhoi Su-30MKI is the backbone of the IAF fighter element, employed in the air defence as well as strike roles. The current fleet numbers about 260 aircraft, which has been undergoing mid-life upgrades and modernisation to enhance their combat potential. Some of the IAF’s SU-30 have also been modified to launch the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile for long range precision strikes.

Earlier, CSIO had developed an indigenous smart Head-Up Displays (HUD) and optical beam combiners specifically tailored for the Su-30MKI aircraft, along with associated maintenance and support equipment.

In the past, CSIO engineered several military aviation systems for use in combat aircraft, trainers and helicopters. These include HUDs for different aircraft, landing and navigation lights, bore-sighting systems, aircraft landing aids onboard naval platforms and optical gun sights.

IAF’s requirement is for a non-invasive urination device designed for females which is wearable inside the aircrew equipment assembly and is compatible with the cockpit systems

With women fighter pilots becoming an integral part of the Indian Armed Forces since 2016, the IAF is enabling them to undertake long distance flying, an activity currently restricted to male pilots as the cramped confines of the cockpits do not cater to the requirements of the female anatomy. 

With the induction of in-flight refuelling capability, fighter aircraft can stay airborne for several hours, during which pilots may need to relieve oneself. While a system for relieving exists for male pilots, there is no provision so far for female pilots.

“Multirole fighter aircraft worldwide are capable of long duration flying. In-flight urination is a critical combat requirement during such missions. Due to anatomical differences in gender, it is crucial to develop an in-flight urination device for female fighter pilots,” a problem statement listed for the Innovations in Defence Excellence (iDEX) scheme states. Bids were invited from the industry till July 15.

IAF fighters have been flying non-stop for several hours at a stretch for carrying out combat air patrols and also for ferry missions overseas for joint training exercises. In fact, many of the new Rafale aircraft flew non-stop from France to India after delivery, involving a distance of approximately 7,000 kms and a flight time of 8-9 hours.

Female fighter pilots are now an integral part of the IAF’s as well as the Indian Navy’s fighter fleet, flying different types of combat aircraft including the SU-30 MiG-29 and Rafale.

“Due to the physiological restriction of relieving oneself during long duration sorties or long stretches of duty in harsh climatic conditions, the role of fighter pilots in these fleets are restricted,” the iDEX document states.

An initiative of the Ministry of Defence, iDEX aims to foster innovation and technology development in defence and aerospace by engaging innovators and entrepreneurs through financial assistance and grants.

During long duration flying, male fighter pilots wear condom catheters for in-flight urination, but a device for females is not available. 

AirForce

Off the shelf products are not compatible with the cockpit systems and ejection seats of aircraft in IAF inventory. In the absence of an effective in-flight urination device, the IAF says that female fighter pilots are unable to exploit the full potential of these multirole aircraft.

The IAF’s requirement is for a non-invasive urination device designed for females which is wearable inside the aircrew equipment assembly and is compatible with the cockpit systems, harness and ejection seat of all fighters in IAF inventory.

The technology involved includes advanced materials to channelise urine flow, suction pumps, battery packs and urobags to collect and solidify the excreted urine.

As an offshoot, the technology may help bedridden female patients, minimising long-term catheterisation and associated infections, and future developments can explore its use for human space missions.

Delhi has long served as the country’s political stage, with Parliament, Raisina Hill and Jantar Mantar becoming symbolic destinations for protesters seeking to press their demands before the government.

As Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) supporters clashed with the police while attempting to march towards Parliament on Monday, the scenes revived memories of some of the biggest public agitations that have unfolded in the national capital over the past decade and a half.Delhi has long served as the country’s political stage, with Parliament, Raisina Hill and Jantar Mantar becoming symbolic destinations for protesters seeking to press their demands before the government. Monday’s confrontation over the alleged examination paper leaks joined a long list of movements that transformed the city’s streets into sites of political resistance.One of the most defining was the 2011 Anna Hazare-led anti-corruption movement, when Hazare’s arrest sparked nationwide outrage. Thousands gathered outside Tihar Jail before the veteran activist shifted to Ramlila Maidan, where his 13-day fast galvanised the demand for a stronger Lokpal law and reshaped India’s political discourse.Related news:Gurdwara Bangla Sahib shelters injured protesters, stranded commuters in Delhi

Barely a year later, the 2012 Nirbhaya movement brought unprecedented crowds to India Gate and Raisina Hill after the fatal gang-rape of a 23-year-old woman. Students, professionals and citizens repeatedly attempted to march towards Parliament and Rashtrapati Bhavan, prompting the police to use water cannons, tear gas and baton charges. The protests eventually led to sweeping changes in India’s criminal laws relating to sexual offences.

The anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) protests of 2019 and 2020 again turned Delhi into the epicentre of a nationwide movement. Demonstrations at Jamia Millia Islamia, the women-led sit-in at Shaheen Bagh and protests across the city drew thousands, resulting in prolonged road closures, heavy police deployment and repeated restrictions around central Delhi.

CJP protest: FIR registered over assault of RAF jawan, say police’

The farmers’ agitation against the three farm laws became one of independent India’s longest protests. After being stopped at Delhi’s borders, thousands of farmers established camps at Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur, remaining there for over a year until the Centre repealed the laws. The movement reached its most dramatic moment on Republic Day in 2021, when a section of protesters deviated from agreed routes, entered central Delhi and reached the Red Fort, where the Nishan Sahib and farmers’ union flags were hoisted. More than 300 police personnel were injured during the clashes.

In 2023, India’s top wrestlers protesting against the then Wrestling Federation of India chief gathered at Jantar Mantar and later attempted to march towards the newly inaugurated Parliament building. Police detained several wrestlers and supporters, with images of Olympic and Commonwealth medallists being dragged away sparking national outrage.

Monday’s ‘Chalo Sansad’ march followed a familiar trajectory. Thousands of CJP supporters assembled at Jantar Mantar before attempting to move towards Parliament, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged paper leaks and examination irregularities. Police, citing prohibitory orders and the opening day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session, stopped the march with barricades, baton charges and tear gas, leading to hours of clashes in central Delhi. 

LegislativeBranch

While the causes have varied, from corruption and women’s safety to citizenship laws, farm reforms, sporting governance and now examination integrity, the geography has remained largely unchanged. Time and again, Delhi’s avenues leading to Parliament have become the country’s most visible arena for public dissent, reflecting both the democratic impulse to protest and the recurring confrontations that arise when crowds attempt to reach the nation’s seat of power.

US Central Command says targets included aircraft hangars and drone storage sites

The US military said it completed the 11th night of strikes on Iran early on Wednesday as attacks across the Middle East overshadowed diplomatic efforts in Pakistan to salvage an interim ceasefire deal that has collapsed.

US Central Command said targets included aircraft hangars and drone storage sites. The newest barrage came after President Donald Trump telegraphed that strikes would be intensifying.

Before the latest strikes, Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni visited Pakistan, a key mediator in the conflict seeking to revamp diplomacy. But it was unclear what new arrangement might be reached to end the war, which lately has become a battle for control over the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway vital to world energy supplies.

Speaking from the Oval Office on Tuesday, Trump gave a dim view on possible talks, saying the US had “no interest in meeting”. He signalled that US forces could soon target an area of Iran close to one of its main sites for enriching uranium.

With negotiations and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz largely stalled, both sides have sought to gain leverage by targeting civilian infrastructure in the region relied on by millions of people.

A barrage of US strikes hasn’t loosened Iran’s grip on the strait, through which about one-fifth of the world’s crude oil and natural gas was shipped before the war.

The US continued its airstrikes on the Islamic Republic into Wednesday, with Iranian air defences activating near the capital, Tehran. That came after Iran attacked a tanker in the strait, forcing the crew to abandon the ship. Iran also kept up attacks against US allies in the region. Sirens in Bahrain and Kuwait warned residents of incoming projectiles.

The escalation pushed energy prices higher. The international benchmark for crude oil traded on Wednesday above USD 92 a barrel and regular gasoline in the US climbed to an average of USD 4 a gallon.

Activists from the ‘Hindus for Human Rights’ gather at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in New York City’s Union Square and San Jose on Monday evening carrying placards bearing slogans in support of Wangchuk

Activists from a US-based advocacy group held demonstrations in New York and San Jose to express solidarity with activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike in New Delhi over alleged irregularities in the conduct of the NEET exams.

Activists from the ‘Hindus for Human Rights’ gathered at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in New York City’s Union Square and San Jose on Monday evening carrying placards bearing slogans in support of Wangchuk.

The activists also raised slogans against the Indian government and demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. 

Similar solidarity demonstrations were also held outside the Indian High Commission in London and the Indian Embassy in Dublin, the Hindus for Human Rights said in a statement here on Tuesday.

“Our protests sent a clear message, whether in New York or London, San Jose or Dublin: India’s students deserve to be treated with fairness and dignity,” the group said in a statement.

“The youth of India deserve honest answers and a future they can trust. The Indian citizenry deserves open dialogue and reform, and it is time for the Indian government to take accountability,” it said.

Earlier this week, Hindus for Human Rights urged the Indian government to reach out to Wangchuk and other protesters.

On Saturday, Wangchuk was whisked away by the Delhi Police from the protest site at Jantar Mantar to the Safdarjung Hospital after his health deteriorated due to over three weeks of fasting. He has since been moved to a private hospital following a Delhi High Court order.

Opposition parties have come out in support of the Cockroach Janta Party and carried out massive protests against the government in Delhi.