219 Indians, mostly from Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, killed

The Supreme Court on Friday directed the Centre to appoint a nodal officer in the Ministry of External Affairs to coordinate with the families of Indians who died, went missing or suffered injuries while fighting in the Russia-Ukraine war.

“The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) shall notify an official as the nodal officer whose details and contact number should be shared with the family members of Indian nationals who had gone to Russia… and died or injured,” a Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said.

The Bench, which also included Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana, asked the MEA to arrange for the DNA tests of family members of the dead and upon matching, ensure handing over of the mortal remains.

It asked the MEA to ensure that bereaved families were provided details of the documents needed for claiming compensation from the Russian government and were given all relevant information and updates in vernacular language. The Bench also asked the MEA to deal expeditiously with the cases pertaining to handing over the mortal remains to the families for conducting last rites.

More than 200 people, mostly hailing from Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, went to Russia during 2024-25 for working in different sectors, including hospitality. They were duped by travel agents and their passport and other documents were seized on reaching Russia. They were then enrolled in the Russian army, only to be sent to war zones, the Bench noted.

According to the latest information, 219 Indians fought in the war and 51 of them were reported as dead or missing, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati said, adding the mortal remains of 29 of them had been brought back.

The Centre had earlier said sustained diplomatic engagement with the Russian Federation had led to the release of 139 Indians from their military contracts.

Friday’s order came on a petition seeking return of mortal remains of those killed, compensation for the affected families and a coordinated mechanism to handle the related issues after the Bench heard the petitioner’s counsel and Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati for the Centre.

The Bench directed the National Legal Services Authority and state legal services to extend assistance to the families in securing the mortal remains of their relatives and pursuing compensation claims. It also asked the Centre to ensure that families got the receipt and other information related to compensation and delivery of mortal remains.

Bringing pride to the nation, Seema Kaliramana, a PhD scholar from the Department of Physical Education at Chaudhary Bansi Lal University (CBLU), Bhiwani (Haryana), secured a bronze medal in the women’s discus throw at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow with a best throw of 58.65 metres. In recognition of her achievement, the university has announced a cash reward of Rs 1 lakh under its sports promotion policy.

In a statement, the university stated that Seema’s accomplishment reflects years of perseverance and unwavering commitment. She began her sporting journey as a boxer before switching to discus throw—a decision that transformed her career. Her dedication remained unshaken even after her marriage in 2019, as she resumed training the very next day despite family celebrations. During the COVID-19 lockdown, when sporting activities came to a standstill, she continued her fitness and technical training using whatever resources were available, without missing a single day of practice. 

Seema’s husband is also her coach

Balancing motherhood, doctoral research and elite-level sports, Seema continued to pursue excellence with the steadfast support of her husband, Ravinder, who is also her coach. Their shared commitment has culminated in an international podium finish, making her journey an inspiration for aspiring athletes.

Congratulating the athlete, CBLU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Deepti Dharmani described the medal as a matter of immense pride for the university, Haryana and the country. She said: “Seema’s success exemplifies how determination, disciplined training and academic pursuit can go hand in hand.”

The Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed the university’s commitment to nurturing sporting talent alongside academic excellence and expressed confidence that Seema would continue to bring greater honours to India in future international competitions.

Seema’s bronze medal is not merely a sporting achievement but a testament to resilience, discipline and the ability to overcome personal and professional challenges in pursuit of excellence.

Commonwealth Games: Neeraj Chopra wins

Neeraj Chopra in action during the men’s javelin throw final. Image credit/Reuters

Indian javelin throw superstar Neeraj Chopra was not at his best under testing conditions but still delivered a silver medal while Yashvir Singh fetched a surprise bronze with his last throw in the Commonwealth Games here on Friday. 

The 28-year-old Tokyo Olympics champion produced a season’s best throw of 85.83m in his second attempt, which was good enough for a second place finish. His effort on Friday was just a shade better than the 85.69m he had come up while finishing fourth at the Doha Diamond League on June 19, his only other event this season.

The 24-year-old Yashvir on his debut at Games stunned one and all with a personal best 85.41m throw in his sixth and final attempt as Indians finish 2-3 on the podium. His earlier personal best was 83.72m. He was at seventh spot after the penultimate round with his third attempt measuring 81.33m before producing a memorable 85.41m throw to join Chopra on the podium. 

Sri Lankan star Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage won the gold as expected with a best throw of 89.75m which he recorded in his second attempt.

The near-90m throw was noteworthy as the athletes were competing under cold and windy conditions. He is the lone javelin thrower this season to have breached the 90m mark. He has a personal and season best throw of 92.62m which he had recorded while winning the Rome Diamond League title in June.

Chopra had returned from a lower back injury that has troubled him since September last year. The injury delayed his return until the Diamond League in Doha. It was his second Commonwealth Games, having won a gold in the 2018 edition in Gold Coast.

He indicated that he was still not at his full fitness but slowly getting there.

“I can’t say fitness is like before. But I’m getting there slowly. There is still time for the Asian Games. I will compete in Diamond League before that. There will be more improvement. Will improve slowly,” Chopra said after his event.

Chopra said his comeback from injury has been satisfactory.

“Although we always want the national anthem to play but I did my season best and comeback is going okay, there are other competitions as well. I am happy,” he said.

“The weather was better than yesterday. It was good in the staring but later it became cold and there was wind.

“I also had a one go throw only, I thought it will go further but it didn’t fly. I thought I could have pushed myself further. I’m trying to get into my rhythm. I am not able to do that well in these conditions, I like hot weather … (I’m) Indian blood.” For Yashvir, sharing the podium with Chopra was a happy moment for him. 

GeographicReference

“I am happy that I could do my personal best and also get a medal in such conditions,” he said.

The third Indian in the fray, Rohit Yadav finished seventh with a best throw of 81.56m.

Interestingly, athletes from the Indian subcontinent swept all the men’s javelin throw medals in the Games.

However, Pakistan’s defending champion and reigning Olympic gold medallist was eliminated after three rounds with a best distance of 77.41m.

Reigning world champion Keshorn Walcott of Trinidad and Tobago finished sixth with 82.55m.

Chopra opened with a 80.97m before his second round throw of 85.83m which was his best of the day. His third and fourth attempts measured 81.29m and 80.73m respectively while his last two throws were fouls.

He led the 12-athlete field briefly but Pathirage sent his spear to 89.75m, just one-fourth of a metre short of the coveted 90m mark, in his second attempt to snatch the lead, which he held till the end. Ironically, all of his five other attempts were fouls. 

The 23-year-old has been in tremendous form, as he has won title seven times out of eight competitions he participated so far in the season. He has won the Diamond League titles in Doha and Rome and finished second in Rabat, Morocco.

Col Mickie Ubero: RECIPIENT OF VETERAN ACHIEVER AWARD FRM COAS:EX 268 ENGR REGT

जंगल वॉरफेयर कॉलेज के संस्थापक को दी गई श्रद्धांजलि, ब्रिगेडियर बसंत कुमार पोनवार का नक्सल उन्मूलन में अहम योगदान

1971 war veteran, jungle warfare pioneer Brig BK Ponwar passes away

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Col Mickie Ubero have created a Child Care Institution (Orphanage) for orphan, abandoned and vulnerable girls and a senior citizens home that runs on a self sustainable basis. It’s a unique institution and a new benchmark.

GHAR is about creating meaningful, purposeful and fulfilling lives and them learning how to use that to make an impact and a difference in the lives of others
– Colonel Mickie Uberoi (Retd)

Sant Ishwar Foundation has set up homes housed in a specially designed seven storied building to house orphan, abandoned and vulnerable girls in need of care and protection, women with disabilities and the elderly under one roof and to empower them through quality education and skilling, mainstream them and make them productive members of society while enhancing the quality of life of the elderly. The name of our institution is GHAR.

GHAR is the creation of a joint family of three generations – daughters, mothers and grandparents and their bonding as we have in our own families. GHAR is about belongingness, security, good education, a sound future and above all, about love and affection.

Making a Difference to the Lives of People through Quality Education and Development with Values

Providing Hope and a Bright Future for Orphan, Abandoned and Vulnerable Girls

At GHAR we provide our girls a loving and caring environment, good education, healthy nutrition, good healthcare and security and all that it takes to ensure their overall growth and development into successful, compassionate and conscientious human beings. GHAR takes care of the emotional needs of girls in need of care and protection and provides them with good education and all other facilities that are essential to make them realise their full potential in academics, sports, arts and culture and to become capable to participate and compete in all activities.

Girls of the age of 6-18 years who are in need of care and protection are taken care of by us. These include orphans who have no one to look after them, abandoned children, children of sex workers who are vulnerable, children of single parents who are unfit and incapacitated to care for and protect their children, abused children and the like. Such children are produced before the Child Welfare Committee, a statutory body, and after due investigations they are admitted to our Child Care Institution.

GHAR is about giving our girls meaningful, purposeful and fulfilling lives and them learning how to use that to make an impact and a difference in the lives of others. We envisage that they will carry the message of humanity, empathy and goodness to their respective worlds and impact people’s lives in times to come.

Providing the Gift of Education to Underprivileged Children

All girls are educated in English medium schools except some older girls for whom the transition to English is difficult at their age. In view of their underprivileged backgrounds, many girls have had no earlier schooling. In GHAR our teachers provide extensive in-house tuitions to our girls in our classroom named Pathshala.

Classes in English are also conducted to make them versant with the language. Activities, including yoga, sports, vocal and instrumental music lessons, art and craftwork are regularly conducted. Girls are encouraged to participate in school programs. Educational excursions are periodically undertaken. Educational scholarships to needy children are also provided.

Sant Ishwar Foundation also supports the education of marginalised non-resident children and conducts awareness campaigns and workshops on child protection and on aspects of humanity.

The Child Care Institution comprises of four spacious dormitories, a kitchen and pantry, a dining room, well-furnished bathrooms and toilets and a play area for children with playground equipment. Two large halls house a classroom and an activity cum computer room and library.

Girls are provided a well balanced healthy and nutritious diet. All festivals and National events are celebrated with fervour. Workshops on safe and unsafe touch, cartoons, calligraphy, making lamps and motivational classes are also conducted periodically.

All girls are educated in English medium schools except some older girls for whom the transition to English is difficult at their age. In view of their underprivileged backgrounds, many girls have had no earlier schooling. In GHAR our teachers provide extensive in-house tuitions to our girls in our classroom named Pathshala.

Classes in English are also conducted to make them versant with the language. Activities, including yoga, sports, vocal and instrumental music lessons, art and craftwork are regularly conducted. Girls are encouraged to participate in school programs. Educational excursions are periodically undertaken. Educational scholarships to needy children are also provided.

Sant Ishwar Foundation also supports the education of marginalised non-resident children and conducts awareness campaigns and workshops on child protection and on aspects of humanity.

Enhancing Lives and Enriching Souls in their Golden Years

GHAR supports the elderly at our residential facility by offering caring support at a reasonable cost. As a passionate senior living home in Pune, we provide comfortable and well furnished single and double bed rooms for senior living with basic healthcare facilities and recreational activities like indoor games, yoga, meditation and excursions. Our staff provides responsible and caring assistance to promote independent living while creating a nurturing environment that fosters relationships between the elderly and children.

Homely Atmosphere

A cosy and homely environment where residents feel at ease, surrounded by all necessary amenities for their comfort.

Medical Care

Doctors visit weekly and are available on call. Regular medical checkups ensure the residents’ basic healthcare needs are met & addressed promptly.

Courteous and Caring Staff

Our courteous and caring staff includes housekeeping and dedicated attendants who ensure optimum care and utmost attention.

Healthy Living

GHAR offers facilities for a healthy lifestyle including a gym, a meditation hall and yoga sessions to promote physical and mental wellness and a lovely sit out amidst lush greenery.

जंगल वॉरफेयर कॉलेज में ब्रिगेडियर बसंत कुमार पोनवार को भावपूर्ण श्रद्धांजलि अर्पित की गई.

कांकेर : छत्तीसगढ़ में नक्सलियों के खिलाफ अचूक प्लान और जवानों को मुश्किल परिस्थियों में डटे रहने का तरीका जंगल वॉरफेयर कॉलेज में सिखाया जाता है. इस कॉलेज के संस्थापक और पूर्व निदेशक स्वर्गीय ब्रिगेडियर बसंत कुमार पोनवार को परिसर में श्रद्धांजलि अर्पित की गई.इस दौरान श्रद्धांजलि देने पहुंचे उनके जूनियर और वक्ताओं ने जंगल वॉरफेयर कॉलेज और ब्रिगेडियर बसंत कुमार पोनवार के महत्व को बताया. शोक सभा में ब्रिगेडियर पोनवार के छत्तीसगढ़ में नक्सल उन्मूलन और सुरक्षा बलों के प्रशिक्षण में दिए गए ऐतिहासिक योगदान को याद किया गया.

कौन थे ब्रिगेडियर बसंत कुमार पोनवार

ब्रिगेडियर पोनवार ने 1971 के भारत-पाक युद्ध में भी महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाई थी. बांग्लादेश की मुक्ति में भी बसंत कुमार पोनवार का बहुमूल्य योगदान था. ब्रिगेडियर बसंत कुमार पोनवार केवल एक प्रशिक्षक नहीं, बल्कि एक प्रेरणादायी मार्गदर्शक थे. राष्ट्र की सुरक्षा, छत्तीसगढ़ में शांति स्थापना और नक्सलवाद के उन्मूलन के लिए उनके किए गए कार्य सदैव प्रेरणास्रोत बने रहेंगे. उनके योगदान को सुरक्षा बल और पूरा प्रदेश हमेशा सम्मान और कृतज्ञता के साथ याद करेगा.

जंगल वॉरफेयरकॉलेज ने निभाई अहम भूमिका (ETV BHARAT CHHATTISGARH)

संस्थापक को दी गई श्रद्धांजलि (ETV BHARAT CHHATTISGARH)

क्या है जंगल वॉरफेयर कॉलेज ?

इस अवसर पर कॉलेज के निदेशक एस.के. लामा, सेनानी शंकर लाल बघेल सहित सभी अधिकारियों और कर्मचारियों ने शोक सभा आयोजित कर दिवंगत आत्मा की शांति के लिए प्रार्थना की. इस मौके पर वक्ताओं ने कहा कि एक समय बस्तर क्षेत्र नक्सल हिंसा से गंभीर रूप से प्रभावित था. ऐसे कठिन दौर में राज्य सरकार ने अनुभवी सैन्य अधिकारी ब्रिगेडियर बसंत कुमार पोनवार को गोरिल्ला युद्ध प्रशिक्षण की जिम्मेदारी सौंपी.

ब्रिगेडियर बसंत कुमार पोनवार को दी गई श्रद्धांजलि (ETV BHARAT CHHATTISGARH)

पोनवार के योगदान को किया गया याद (ETV BHARAT CHHATTISGARH)

ब्रिगेडियर बसंत कुमार पोनवार ने रखी थी नींव (ETV BHARAT CHHATTISGARH)

सेना से रिटायर होने के बाद ली बड़ी जिम्मेदारी

1 अप्रैल 2005 को भारतीय सेना से सेवानिवृत्त होने के बाद उन्होंने जंगल वॉरफेयर कॉलेज, कांकेर का कार्यभार संभाला. उस समय प्रशिक्षण के लिए आवश्यक संसाधनों और आधारभूत सुविधाओं का अभाव था, लेकिन उन्होंने अपनी दूरदर्शिता, अनुशासन और अथक मेहनत से मात्र तीन महीने में प्रशिक्षण के लिए आवश्यक व्यवस्थाएं तैयार कर दीं. इसके बाद अगस्त 2005 में पहले प्रशिक्षण बैच की शुरुआत हुई.

गोरिल्ला वार में जवानों को किया निपुण (ETV BHARAT CHHATTISGARH)

44 हजार से ज्यादा जवानों को किया ट्रेंड (ETV BHARAT CHHATTISGARH)

44 हजार से ज्यादा जवान हुए ट्रेंड
ब्रिगेडियर पोनवार के नेतृत्व में अब तक छत्तीसगढ़ पुलिस, नक्सल प्रभावित राज्यों की पुलिस, बीएसएफ, सीआरपीएफ, आईटीबीपी, आरपीएफ, एनएसजी और भारतीय सेना के लगभग 44 हजार जवानों को गोरिल्ला वारफेयर और नक्सल विरोधी अभियानों का विशेष प्रशिक्षण दिया जा चुका है.उनके प्रशिक्षण ने सुरक्षा बलों की क्षमता, आत्मविश्वास और अभियान संचालन की दक्षता को नई ऊंचाइयों तक पहुंचा

Decorated officer who shaped India’s counter-insurgency strategy against Maoists dies at 77; trained over 37,000 security personnel

Brigadier Basant Kumar Ponwar (Retd), a decorated veteran of the 1971 Indo-Pak War and the architect of the country’s modern jungle warfare against Maoist insurgency, died here, his family said on Wednesday.

Ponwar, 77, is survived by his mother, Devika Ponwar, and two sons, both currently serving in the Army, they said.

A young officer who was part of cross-border operations during the 1971 war, leading ambushes alongside Mukti Bahini fighters and playing a vital role in the advance toward Dhaka, Ponwar dedicated over five decades to national defence across both the Indian Army and the police forces in Mizoram and Chhattisgarh. 

Born on March 3, 1949, in Indore, he was commissioned into the 1^st Battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry (1 MLI) in December 1969.

During the 1971 conflict, serving under the 95 Mountain Brigade, he led raids against enemy positions in Kamalpur and Bakshiganj, later acting as a key link officer during the historic Tangail paradrop.

Over a distinguished 36-year military career, he commanded 1 MLI and served as Commandant of the Army’s Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School (CIJWS) in Vairengte, Mizoram, where he oversaw the inaugural Indo-US exercise ‘Yudh Abhyas’ in 2004. He was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) for exceptional service.

Following his retirement from the army, Brig Ponwar was appointed Inspector General of Police by the Chhattisgarh government. In August 2005, he founded the Counter Terrorism and Jungle Warfare College (CTJWC) in Kanker, North Bastar.

Guided by his famous war cry “fight the guerrilla like a guerrilla”, he directed the college for 18 years, training over 37,000 personnel across state police forces and central paramilitary units to combat Naxalite violence.

Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh expressed condolences over the news of Brig Ponwar (retd) and recalled his role as an instructor at the ‘Counter Terrorism and Jungle Warfare College’ (Kanker).

“His historic contribution in making our soldiers proficient in jungle warfare and thereby strengthening the security forces will forever remain unforgettable. His departure is an irreparable loss for the state and the country,” he said.

Chhattisgarh Police, on its official handle, recalled Ponwar’s role and said his courage, leadership, and service to the nation in the struggle against Naxalism will forever remain an inspiration.

“His contribution to strengthening the security system of Chhattisgarh is unforgettable,” the post said

They are given first aid locally and later airlifted to 92 Base Hospital of the Army in Srinagar

Two soldiers were injured on Tuesday in a mine blast near the Line of Control in Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said here.

The soldiers were injured in the blast at a forward post at Kamalkote in Baramulla district, they added.

They were given first aid locally and later airlifted to 92 Base Hospital of the Army here.

Quashing the ACRs of a lieutenant colonel who was deputed with the Air Force for the relevant period, the Tribunal’s Chandigarh Bench observes that the grading system in the Air Force is stricter than that in the Army, a fact that needs to be considered

The Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) has held that discrepancies in the numerical grading given to an officer vis-à-vis the pen picture and assessment in his annual confidential report (ACR) by senior officers in the chain of command is a good ground for setting aside the ACR.

Quashing the ACRs of a lieutenant colonel who was deputed with the  Air Force for the relevant period, the Tribunal’s Chandigarh Bench comprising Justice Umesh Chandra Sharma and Air Marshal Manvendra Singh observed that the grading system in the Air Force is stricter than that in the Army, a fact that needs to be considered.

Lt Col Santosh G Takras had 18 years of service and was one of the few engineer officers with a Masters of Technology in Geotechnical Engineering and was an expert in underground excavations. He was superseded and after his complaints were rejected by the Army, he moved the AFT.

Arguing for the officer, Senior Advocate Gurpreet Singh contended that he had been underrated in the ‘box grading’ as the officer was on deputation with the Air Force and many of the reports were initiated by the Reviewing Officer (RO) and Senior Reviewing Officer (SRO) of the Air Force. 

AirForce

He averred that since the rating system in ACRs by the Air Force is very stringent as compared to the Army, the officer suffered as his inter se merit for promotion has to be considered with his batch mates who are army officers. Therefore, the officer was at a clear disadvantage.

On examination of the ACR for the period August 30, 2011 to February 22, 2012 found that the numerical assessment and box grading by the Initiating Officer (IO) and RO were not consistent with the pen picture.

“Accordingly, though the ACR contained no weak assessment or adverse remarks, it needed to be set aside due to inconsistencies in the box grading, numerical assessment, and pen picture,” the Bench said in its order of July 24.

The Bench further held that another ACR for the period February 1, 2015 to July 11, 2015 also suffered from a mismatch between the numerical assessment, pen picture and the box grading given by the RO and SRO.

“While the performance has been lauded by the RO and SRO, they seem to have held back the box grading due to being conditioned by the ACR rating benchmarks of the IAF,” the Bench remarked.

Stating that the officer had held an extremely challenging appointment, achieved significant documented success and completed important tasks and projects related to the induction of new equipment which deserved to be rated accordingly, the Bench directed that the complete ACRs for the said periods be expunged from the officer’s record, and he be considered for promotion within three months as a ‘Special Review Case’.

The Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) organised the inaugural Abdul Kalam Lecture series on the occasion of Research Scholar Day at its Sector 81 campus on Wednesday.

The inaugural lecture was delivered by Dr G Satheesh Reddy, former Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Member of the National Security Advisory Board. In his address, Dr Reddy shared fascinating anecdotes from his close association with Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, highlighting the legendary scientist’s leadership, vision and commitment to scientific excellence.

He spoke about India’s transformation from a nation largely dependent on imported defence systems to one that is increasingly developing and exporting world-class indigenous technologies. Citing the BrahMos missile programme as a prime example of the “Make in India” vision, he underlined the country’s growing technological self-reliance.

Dr Reddy, who worked closely with Dr Kalam for nearly three decades on strategic missile programmes, including Prithvi, Agni and Akash, recalled how Dr Kalam’s innovation-driven and visionary leadership played a key role in enabling DRDO to develop indigenous missile systems, ammunition and artillery technologies. “These capabilities proved to be game changers during Operation Sindoor, demonstrating the strength of India’s indigenous defence ecosystem,” he said. 

Emphasising the future of strategic technologies, Dr Reddy said nanoscience and nanotechnology, particularly advanced quantum materials, would play a transformative role in developing next-generation indigenous defence equipment, surveillance systems and other critical technologies for national security.

He urged young researchers to pursue cutting-edge research that could strengthen India’s technological leadership and strategic self-reliance. The lecture saw enthusiastic participation from the institute’s research community and was followed by an engaging interactive session with research scholars and faculty members.