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.

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Meanwhile, CJP announced a ban on cheering “Aazadi Aazadi” slogans during the protest.

CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said, “Shaheed Bhagat Singh and Mahatma Gandhi already gave us freedom. Instead, we should raise ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’.” 

A day after Cockroach Janata Party supporters stormed Delhi over the NEET (UG)-2026 paper leak, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the perpetrators of the crime would not be spared and the strongest possible punishment would be meted out to them.

Speaking on the issue for the first time since the agitation erupted, the Prime Minister said paper leaks were not a partisan issue and should not be politicised.

“Paper leak is not a Centre’s issue alone. Whoever is involved in paper leaks across states should be punished. This is not a  political issue or a partisan matter. We need foolproof systems to prevent this crime. It is a national responsibility to ensure no one plays with the future of our children,” Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju quoted PM Modi as having said at an NDA MPs’ meeting today.

Speaking for the first time since Cockroach Janta Party began its protest demanding his resignation, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday said students deserved reforms, not outrage, and the government is committed to giving them that.

Slamming Rahul Gandhi for his sit-in outside PM Narendra Modi’s residence, Pradhan took to X, saying Rahul and Congress “continue to shamelessly exploit students as political tools to manufacture disruption during the Monsoon Session of Parliament”.

Protests in New York, San Jose in support of Sonam Wangchuk

July 22, 2026 8:31 am

Washington: 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. Read more:

Nadda, Jitendra Singh meet Wangchuk at Gurugram hospital

July 22, 2026 8:11 am

New Delhi: Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh on Tuesday met activist Sonam Wangchuk at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, sources said. Wangchuk was discharged from the Safdarjung Hospital earlier in the evening and was shifted to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram for further treatment in compliance with a Delhi High Court order, officials said. “Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh have met Sonam Wangchuk at the hospital,” a source told PTI. Wangchuk was brought to the Medanta Hospital in an ambulance at around 7.30 pm under tight security. He has been admitted to ICU 8 under the supervision of Dr Sushila Kataria, an internal medicine specialist, a Medanta Hospital official said. PTI

BENGAL SAPPERS (BSOA)MEET OF 24 JULY(Friday) AT DSOI SECTOR 36,CHANDIGARH

ALLOW  PEACE TO PREVAIL IN PUNJAB :: DONOT PUSH TOWARDS  PRE-ELECTORAL BATTLEFIELD

IAF Rafales arrive in Australia for PitchBlack 2026 air combat exercise

IAF Rafales arrive in Australia for PitchBlack 2026 air combat exercise

Andaman & Nicobar Islands poised to give India a strategic, economic edge

Flames of war

Indian Navy to add 3 more submarine hunting copters ‘Seahawk’ to its fleet

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One Ride. One Nation. One Salute

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Chief of Defence Staff & Secretary, Department of Military Affairs General N. S. Raja Subramani paid a courtesy call on Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth

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Two weeks after raising IBGs, Army Chief reviews preparedness in N-E

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Charanjit SIngh Khera

The manner in which the film Satluj has resurfaced raises important questions. If it remained effectively banned or unreleased for nearly six years, only to receive a brief release on a Zee platform and then become the center of an intense social media campaign just before elections, it is reasonable to question  whether history is once again being used to shape electoral narratives rather than promote reconciliation. The film was aired for 48 hours and on centers order was removed by the time many downloaded in India and abroad , which now days shown in villages and Gurdwaras for AC comforts.

Punjab appears to be witnessing a familiar pattern. Political messaging increasingly portrays sections of one  community as “anti-Satluj”, the other  as “pro-Satluj”, while the Punjab ruling party  highlights the alleged “paap” of the Congress. Some turn coat type leaders are provocating Hindus without any wisdom,logic or reality instead of burying the past  . All this must stop in the interest of Punjab Bhai Chara .Such narratives risk dividing society both horizontally between communities and vertically along political and ideological lines. Some virus has been generated in other two states going for Electoral process .Sikhs are beaten while going to Hemkunt sahib or Manali, ,Shimla  only reflects winning election by concern party as sole criteria  at cost of Hindu-Sikh division with hatred

There was no  ideological differences between two communities during  Partition of 1947,and 1984 Sikhs massacre ,both lived in harmony in Punjab . These petty  political leaders for vote gains should be especially be cautious about reopening historical wounds. Every internal law-and-order issue should first be viewed through the lens of public peace rather than electoral gain. There is no more demand  projecting “Khalistan” in Punjab but still narrative may be build to  justify greater deployment of central security forces like West Bengal ,while deepening mistrust within Punjab..

  The former bank employ Jaswant Singh Kalra worked hard to highlight the dark side of so called Khalistan moment. State and police which played role of suppressing  Khalistan movement by violating human rights  law and constitution .Kalra was picked up by Police sep6,1995 and disappeared .He came to limelight that he attended Bhog ceremony of those killed and was fearless in his speeches to the attenders.

The Police by adopting fake encounter was the surest way to get  elevated   promotions from SSP to higher ranking post in Punjab Police with whims and fancies of then the Politician to  allowed them to rule Punjab for decades ,even the police families were not spared .

Whether or not one accepts this interpretation, the episode illustrates how communal polarisation of communities’ pre-election days can influence both electoral outcomes and public institutions.

Today, the lifting of restrictions on Satluj, renewed slogans such as “Naare Baaje“, and the portrayal of late DGP K.P.S. Gill  and Beant Singh as Butchers by one community and other as the “saviour of Punjab from terror period  thus risk reopening memories of Punjab’s Police Raj rather than promoting reconciliation..

  Lack of in-depth information, Knowledge and maturity to know the pulse of Public should get priority not  frustration of  Ravneet  Bittu as his grand father has surfaced in Film. Now he is showing  old video with  clean shaven dead bodies and questioning authenticity  kalra claim of 25000 bodies and his unthoughtful provocation speech to Hindu brethren claiming more than 35000 Hindus were killed . Hindu brethren are condemning his unthoughtful  provocation to one community.

  The film only says 25000 as per records of Kalra and his book. The office of Kalra and residence was also raided and all records were confiscated, not to be seen thereafter.

 Daljit is a world fame singer, and an actor why blame him. He  acted as directed by the director without any charges. The Director Honey Tehran  has kept the film simple, limited  and close to reality.

There is nothing in Satluj that is anti-national or something that may compromise India’s security.

The film projected Punjab’s dark, and ugly side period. Thus  projecting  and concentrated on Jaswant Singh Kalra human rights activist, not depicted the complete incidents of that period as commonly commented upon one side of the story

No doubt Punjab terrorists gunned down both Hindu and Sikh and even Punjab  police force was also cut down by terrorists and how their families suffered. Not how only Hindus suffered.

The Punjab police adopted method of fake  encounters since 1960 in fight against smugglers and during Naxalite movement. It Furter modified the fake encounter drill during militancy period by killing even innocents and throwing them into rivers/canal and terming  them unidentified

The Sikh community has served as India’s natural western shield, just as the Himalayas protect the north. Sikhs have outstanding  tremendous role in world wars where a million of Sikhs men fought  on behalf of the British army in the First World War —9,909 of them, are now  forgotten in India but other countries remember them annually . It’s been about 30 years since the end of terrorism in Punjab — let’s take the first steps today not to forget, or deny our dark past, but to remember and heal. The guiding principle must remain Sarbat Da Bhalla—the welfare of all. Punjab needs peace, dialogue and reconciliation, not politics that revive historical wounds for electoral advantage.

THe views expressed in article are personnel of the writer in interest of Punjab social atmosphere

🇮🇳 Jai Hind

Charanjit Singh Khera(Retd)

Colcharanjit1403@gmail.com

India’s Rafale fighter jets and C-17 transport aircraft have arrived in Australia to participate in the Roy­al Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) premier multina­tional air combat exercise, Pitch Black 2026, marking another step in expand­ing defence cooperation between the two countries.

Announcing the arrival of the Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent, the High Commission of India in Canberra said in a post on X, “The High Commission of India is proud to wel­come the Indian Air Force contingent of four Rafale and two C17 aircraft along with over 120 Air Warriors to Darwin to participate in Royal Australian Air Force’s premier air combat exercise Pitch Black 2026.”

The diplomatic mission added that the deployment reflects India’s commit­ment to strengthening military partnerships and enhancing operational co­ordination with friendly nations.

“Over the next three weeks, our Air Warriors will fly alongside counter­parts from participating nations towards enhanc­ing

India’s Rafale fighter jets and C-17 transport aircraft have arrived in Australia to participate in the Roy­al Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) premier multina­tional air combat exercise, Pitch Black 2026, marking another step in expand­ing defence cooperation between the two countries.

Announcing the arrival of the Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent, the High Commission of India in Canberra said in a post on X, “The High Commission of India is proud to wel­come the Indian Air Force contingent of four Rafale and two C17 aircraft along with over 120 Air Warriors to Darwin to participate in Royal Australian Air Force’s premier air combat exercise Pitch Black 2026.”

The diplomatic mission added that the deployment reflects India’s commit­ment to strengthening military partnerships and enhancing operational co­ordination with friendly nations.

“Over the next three weeks, our Air Warriors will fly alongside counter­parts from participating nations towards enhanc­ing

The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are poised to become a strategic gateway for India, a world-class transhipment and logistics hub for the Bay of Bengal, and a model of ecological steward­ship, with the government approving the ambitious Rs 81,000 crore Great Nicobar Island Development Project (GNIDP), according to a report.

An article in India Narrative highlighted that this holistic project aims to transform the GNI into a multimodal hub compris­ing a transhipment port, an international airport, a township, and a power plant, with the vision of developing Great Nicobar as a sustainable, green, global destination for business, trade, and leisure.

Its proximity to the Six Degree Channel and the Strait of Malacca and its position along major shipping routes make it a cru­cial maritime transhipment hub for India.

The dual-use Greenfield International Airport is planned to handle 4,000 pas­sengers per hour at peak capacity and will support both civilian and military flights, the article observes.

The power plant will have a capac­ity of 450 MVA. It will supply power to the ICTT and the integrated township, which includes two new greenfield cities at Campbell Bay and Galathea Bay, a cruise terminal, luxury resorts, and industrial facilities.

This project marks the first comprehen­sive attempt to integrate national security objectives with regional economic develop­ment in the Bay of Bengal by positioning the islands as a strategic economic hub.

Geography dictated the choice of Great Nicobar Island for the project, as it lies just 40 nautical miles from the East- West shipping line, which runs along the 6-degree channel and passes through the Strait of Malacca.

Galathea Bay, at the southern tip of the island, is thus an ideal location for a transhipment port as it has a deep 20-metre draft, enabling the entry of large super tankers, the article states.

It further points out that with a coastline of about 1,962 kilometres, the A&N islands also generate, under the provisions of the United Na­tions Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the eastern Indian Ocean of about 600,000 square kilometres, roughly a third of India’s total EEZ.

The article also highlights that the project has great strategic significance.

Once the GNIDP is established, combat aircraft can be stationed at the dual-use airport and battleships at the ICTT, keeping the entire area under surveillance from the islands themselves, covering the Andaman Sea and extending to the South China Sea. The 6-degree chan­nel is also used by military ships crossing between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. This fact, too, makes Galathea Bay an attractive option for monitoring military movements. This considerably enhances its strategic significance.

Another point of great strategic sig­nificance is the possibility of oil being discovered in the area. Offshore oil explo­ration in the Islands began only in 2020. Before this, the Andaman & Nicobar group of islands was designated a “no-go zone” for oil.

Besides, the article underscores the great importance that is being given to make the project environment-friendly. As part of the environmental effort, 65 sq km of the 130 sq km of affected forest area is green and will not be touched. The remaining area has 18 lakh trees, of which 7.1 lakh will be cut over the next 30 years.

Before a single tree has been cut, 2.4 lakh trees have already been planted under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” scheme. An ad­ditional 6 lakh trees will be planted under this scheme by the time phase one starts, making the total number of trees planted more than the number that will be cut. The issue of the preservation and safety of local tribes is also a high priority. The project is mandated not to disturb them or their habitations, the article added. IANS

The flames of war in the Middle East have reignited despite best efforts to mediate a cease fire between Iran and the US. It seems that both the sides have put forth maximalist demands and the ceasefire agreement hammered out between the two sides after painstaking negotia­tions was so vague that both sides interpreted it in the manner best suited to them. Little wonder, war has resumed with uncertain consequences for the rest of the world, especially countries like India in this part of the world which depend on the Strait of Hormuz for their oil supplies.

Now more than the nuclear ambitions of Iran, it is the control over this vital waterway which has become the bone of contention. Iran says it will exclusively control the waterway and will charge a fee from ships passing through it. The US says that it will control the waterway and ensure that it is free to use by ships from around the world. The US President, briefly toyed with the idea of charging a fee for ensuring safety of ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz but has since backed down on this.

In the meantime, the US intensified its strikes on Iran, hitting targets farther north and firing into a ship the US accused of trying to break its naval blockade on the Islamic Republic. Iran retaliated by launching missiles and drones at US allies in the region, and warned its attacks may escalate.

The interim ceasefire agreed to last month has collapsed, and the region risks tipping back into all-out war after days of back-and-forth strikes by the U.S. and Iran as they wage for control over the Strait of Hormuz. For the first time in this latest round of violence, strikes also reached into areas around Tehran, showing a widening set of targets for the Americans.

The Iranian military has threatened that Iran could launch widespread attacks on “all the infrastructure in the region” if the US acts on President Donald Trump’s repeated warn­ings that America could hit Iranian bridges and power plants. Under no circumstances and in no way will Iran allow America… to interfere in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has also asked Houthis to stand ready to close the Red Sea oil route if the US strikes Iranian power infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Houthis warned they will tar­get Saudi Arabia’s oil facilities and other infrastructure if conflict escalates between the two sides, days after the airport in the rebel-held capital Sanaa was struck. The US strikes have hit around Tehran. American at­tacks also targeted Semnan province, home to Iran’s ballistic missile production and space programme.

Iranian media also reported strikes around the provinces of Hamedan, Hormozgan, Khuzestan, Lorestan, Markazi, and Sistan and Baluchestan, as well as on Iran’s Qeshm island, near the Strait of Hormuz.. An attack on Greater Tunb Island targeted Iranian de­fense and missile sites. Greater Tunb Island is one of three small rocky islands that sit at the confluence of the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz — seized in 1971 by Iran from what would become the United Arab Emirates — and have become a garrison for Iran that help it exert significant control over the strait.

The Seahawks have a crew of 3–4 people, with a capacity of five passengers in the cabin and a load carrying capability of around

The Navy is set to add three more specialised submarine hunting helicopters, the MH-60R Seahawk, to its fleet.

US Helicopter maker Lockheed Martin has delivered one copter last week while two more are expected this week. Once the paperwork is done and the copters are validated, induction into the Navy shall follow over the next few days.

With the addition of these three copters, the Navy’s fleet of such specialised submarine hunting helicopters would be 21 strong. India had sourced 24 of these copters – produced by Lockheed Martin — for $2.6 billion, and the deliveries had commenced in 2021. 

These copters replace the ageing British-origin Sea King helicopters.

At present, 15 Seahawks are deployed across Naval warships. Another three have been delivered to the Navy but are stationed in the US and used for ‘training’ of its pilots. 

The three copters which the Lockheed Martin is delivering now would take the number to 21. Sources said the delivery of last batch of three copters remains.

US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor posted on X: “Excellent  news for growing US-India defence partnership! Great to see this advanced capability strengthening maritime security and our shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.” 

SouthAsians & Diaspora

What does the Seahawk mean to the Navy

The Seahawk provides a fillip to the Navy’s integral air capability on warships and adds a greater punch to frontline platforms. The MH60R Seahawk, has world-class sensors, advanced avionics and potent weapons suite, that enhance Maritime Domain Awareness and enable rapid response across anti-submarine warfare, maritime strike, and search and rescue missions.

It has a glass cockpit with multi-function displays fully integrated with night vision goggles, missile approach warning system, laser rangefinder, decoy dispensers and infrared jammer, electronic support measures, a multi-mode radar with automatic radar periscope detection and discrimination capability.

The Seahawks have a crew of 3–4 people, with a capacity of five passengers in the cabin and a load carrying capability of around 3,000 kg. Having a top speed of 330 kmph and a range of 830 km, it can be armed with various types of torpedoes, air-to-surface missiles, machine guns and an airborne mine clearing system.

The MH-60Rs have been integrated with the indigenously made aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. According to the Navy, it has been rigorously tested in Indian Reference Atmosphere (IRA) conditions and enhances India’s blue-water capabilities, extending the operational reach of the Navy and supporting sustained naval operations across spectrums and vast maritime domains. 

SouthAsians & Diaspora

The Seahawk is a twin turboshaft engine, multi-mission maritime helicopter. It is similar to the Black Hawk variant used by the US Army, the difference being, the folding main rotor blades and a hinged tail for easier stowage onboard warships.

India-specific usage

In August 2024, the US approved an Indian order worth $52.8 million for three types of high-altitude anti-submarine warfare sonobuoys, that are expendable sensors for detecting and tracking submarines, and related equipment. The Indian Navy is acquiring over 500 sonobuoys for the MH-60R fleet.

In October 2024, the US further cleared the sale of 53 aircraft-launched MK-54 Lightweight Torpedo, that has a range of around 10 km, for the MH-60R along with associated equipment, support and training.

Last year, India signed with the US a sustainment support of Indian Navy’s fleet of MH-60R helicopters. This will be worth Rs 7,995 crore.

Having a sustainment programme for the copters is a comprehensive package which includes provisioning of spares, support equipment, product support, training and technical support, repair and replenishment of components and setting up of ‘intermediate’ level component repairs and  periodic maintenance inspection facilities in India.

In-country development of these facilities will ensure capability build-up in the long run and reduced dependence on the US Government, thus aligning with the vision of self-reliant India, the Ministry of Defence said.

History of the copter

The MH-60 first entered US service in 1984. Development of the more advanced ‘R’ began in 1993, with the first flight being made in 1999 and deployment with the US Navy in 2006.

About 940 MH-60s have been built and it has also been widely exported with Australia, Brazil, Denmark, Greece, Israel, Japan, Norway, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and the US operating different variants.

A few years ago, the Lockheed Martin had acquired Sikorsky Aircraft which made the helicopter. Based in Stratford, Connecticut, Sikorsky was established by the Russian aviation pioneer Igor Sikorsky in 1923, and was among the first companies to manufacture helicopters for civilian and military use.