Rashtriya Military School (RMS), Chail, continues to uphold its legacy with exceptional results from its cadets in the recent SSB interviews for the 154th NDA Course. Demonstrating remarkable strength, perseverance and dedication, the cadets have once again proven their mettle…

Rashtriya Military School (RMS), Chail, continues to uphold its legacy with exceptional results from its cadets in the recent SSB interviews for the 154th NDA Course. Demonstrating remarkable strength, perseverance and dedication, the cadets have once again proven their mettle by successfully clearing the rigorous selection process.

A total of eight cadets — Kishan Verma, Harshit Pandey, Abhinav, Prashant Thenua, Veer Pratap Singh, Rahul, Shivam Rajand and Ayush Kumar — from the school have been recommended for NDA’s regular course, marking yet another achievement for RMS Chail. Out of the eight cadets, five were recommended from Service Selection Board (SSB) Bhopal, two from from SSB Jalandhar and one cadet from AFSB Air Force Selection Board,Varanasi.

The NDA SSB interviews, known for testing both physical endurance and mental resilience, posed a significant challenge, but the selected cadets showcased their high standards of discipline and training instilled at the institution.

The school administration, faculty and fellow cadets have extended their heartfelt congratulations to the successful students and wished them the best for their future endeavours in the Indian Armed Forces. This success further strengthens RMS Chail’s legacy of producing outstanding officers for the Indian Armed Forces.

Zelenskyy’s remarks come hours after the White House announces a pause on military aid to Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Tuesday the Oval Office blowup with US President Donald Trump was “regrettable,” and that “it is time to make things right”.

Zelenskyy’s remarks came hours after the White House announced a pause on military aid to Ukraine.

“Our meeting in Washington, at the White House on Friday, did not go the way it was supposed to be,” Zelenskyy said in a post on X. “It is regrettable that it happened this way. It is time to make things right. We would like future cooperation and communication to be constructive.”He said Ukraine is ready to sign a deal on its rare-earth minerals that was sought by the Trump administration.“Regarding the agreement on minerals and security, Ukraine is ready to sign it in any time and in any convenient format,” Zelenskyy said. “We see this agreement as a step towards greater security and solid security guarantees, and I truly hope it will work effectively.”

Ongoing military interference has prevented civilian leaders from adequately addressing critical internal challenges

Saad Hafiz

Pakistan stands at a decisive juncture in its history. Once recognised as a regional power with immense potential, the nation now grapples with a troubling decline in strategic flexibility.

This is largely attributed to short-sighted policies that have prioritised military strength over other national priorities. The consequences of these decisions are increasingly apparent, jeopardising Pakistan’s political cohesion and economic development.

A unified, resilient political landscape is essential for enhancing Pakistan’s strategic flexibility. However, the military’s outsized influence over civilian governance has fragmented the political system, hindering the establishment of robust democratic institutions.

Political parties struggle to formulate stable, long-term strategies amidst this environment.

In recent years, Pakistan has faced numerous political crises, many escalating into violent confrontations, widespread protests and growing distrust between the state and its citizens.

While some political tension is inevitable in any democracy, Pakistan’s habitual reliance on coercive measures to resolve disputes has perpetuated a damaging cycle.

Historically, the state has employed force — through military interventions, police actions and other coercive means — to manage political crises.

Such actions frequently exacerbate the very issues they aim to resolve, leading to heightened polarisation, public unrest and enduring instability.

Although force may provide temporary suppression of dissent or a veneer of order, it fails to address the root causes of political conflict and often widens the divide between the government and the people.

Pakistan finds itself trapped in a damaging cycle, political repression stifles progress and fuels instability, undermining economic recovery.

The military’s overwhelming influence over civilian leadership has created an environment that frequently suppresses dissent, restricting the free exchange of ideas and stifling democratic growth.

This political repression, ostensibly aimed at preserving control, has ultimately resulted in greater harm by cultivating instability that obstructs Pakistan’s development across multiple fronts.

This predicament generates a paradox — while Pakistan projects military strength globally, its internal cohesion remains fragile. Ongoing military interference has prevented civilian leaders from adequately addressing critical internal challenges like poverty, corruption and unemployment, all of which are essential for national stability.

Consequently, these unresolved issues undermine Pakistan’s ability to formulate flexible, pragmatic policies that can adapt to evolving global dynamics.

The consequences of political repression extend far beyond the economic sphere, profoundly impacting the daily lives of average Pakistanis in ways often overlooked by those in power.

Economic hardships like rising unemployment and inflation disproportionately burden the poor and marginalised, who must endure a political system that fails to prioritise their welfare.

The lack of political cohesion and accountability contributes to the neglect or underfunding of vital public services like healthcare, education and infrastructure.

This perpetuates a cycle of inequality where the struggling class becomes increasingly disenfranchised, depriving future generations of opportunities for upward mobility.

The prospects of the Pakistani populace are, in many ways, compromised by a ruling elite that prioritises control over genuine progress.

To break free from Pakistan’s detrimental political cycle, the country must undertake comprehensive reforms that prioritise democratic values, political inclusivity and expanded freedoms.

The political landscape requires decentralisation, allowing for the inclusion of a wider array of voices and ideologies. Such an approach would not only enhance political cohesion but also promote national unity.

This transformative process should begin by empowering civilian institutions and ensuring the military’s role remains strictly within constitutional boundaries, enabling elected leaders to guide the nation’s future.

Political reform would further contribute to increased transparency and accountability — critical components for restoring public trust in the system. Without a strong political framework that holds leaders accountable, Pakistan’s future trajectory will remain uncertain.

For citizens to actively engage in the political system’s development, they must have faith in its integrity.

The time has come for Pakistan to move away from relying on coercive measures as the primary response to challenges. By cultivating a culture of dialogue and negotiation, the country can lay the groundwork for a more inclusive, peaceful and stable future.

This does not imply abandoning the state’s obligation to maintain law and order, but rather a reconsideration of conflict resolution strategies, favouring peaceful solutions over violent or coercive actions.

Both the state and citizens have essential roles to play in supporting this new social contract emphasising dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution.

Pakistan possesses the capability to reclaim its strategic flexibility and influence, but it must first recognise that genuine security and sustainable growth stem from comprehensive solutions, not solely military strength.

By re-evaluating its policies and developing a more integrated national strategy, Pakistan can forge a path toward a future characterised by resilience, cooperation and innovation in addressing both internal and external challenges.

The urgency for action is paramount.

Courtesy: The Friday Times, Pakistan

6 terrorists neutralise

At least nine people were killed and 16 injured as two explosive-laden vehicles rammed into the boundary wall of the main cantonment in Bannu in northwest Pakistan on Tuesday while the army personnel neutralised at least six terrorists.

The suicide bombers hit the wall of Bannu Cantonment, about 200 km south-west of Peshawar, in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in the evening around sunset time, police said.

Hafiz Gul Bahadur-affiliated little-known Jaish Al Fursan, in a statement, claimed the attack in Bannu. The group is one of the several factions of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.

Five casualties were reported from the nearby civil buildings while four bodies were recovered by the rescue authorities from the debris of a mosque adjacent to Bannu cantonment’s boundary wall hit by the suicide bombers, sources said quoting the hospital authorities.

The 16 injured have been shifted to the hospital, sources added.

After the explosions, the cantonment wall was breached and at least five to six attackers attempted to enter the cantonment; however, they were neutralised, police added.Sources said the army authorities have sealed the main routes leading to the cantonment and are not providing access to the blast site, adding that the security forces neutralised at least six terrorists who had entered the cantonment after suicide explosions.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur condemned the Bannu explosion and sought a report on the incident.

Expressing sorrow over the loss of human lives, he extended sympathy and condolences to the families of the martyrs.“Such incidents during the holy month of Ramadan are extremely condemnable and tragic,” Gandapur said.

The Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps, tasked with securing Sikkim and the strategically important Siliguri Corridor, recently completed a month-long live-firing exercise with T-90 tanks.

GUWAHATI: The Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps, tasked with securing Sikkim and the strategically important Siliguri Corridor, recently completed a month-long live-firing exercise with T-90 tanks.

The exercise aimed to boost combat readiness and test armoured warfare tactics in different operational environments. Special focus was given to developing high-altitude warfare capabilities and incorporating cutting-edge technologies to address contemporary battlefield challenges.

The T-90 tank is arguably the most advanced main battle tank in the inventory of the Indian Army. Equipped with highly advanced fire control systems, enhanced mobility, and improved protection, the T-90 is ahead of its class. One major strength of the T-90 is that it can fire the anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) accurately, allowing the tank to take out enemy armored units at significant ranges. The tank’s advanced thermal sight and sensor capabilities guarantee effective nighttime operations, giving the Army continuous combat capability during all weather conditions.

The live firing exercise focused on a few important areas to enhance operational effectiveness:

•Firing of sophisticated ammunition and guided missiles to test precision strike capabilities.

•Drone integration for real-time surveillance and target detection.

•Man-machine teaming exercises to promote crew coordination and combat readiness.

•High-altitude operational readiness to support the Army’s combat power.

•Encouragement of Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) through the use of indigenously designed defense technologies, such as locally produced ammunition and surveillance systems.

A top Army official, hailing the exercise’s successful completion, pointed out the importance of these exercises in contemporary warfare.

“This exercise was aimed at proving and developing our armored warfare capability in difficult terrain. The integration of T-90 tanks with air power and sophisticated surveillance equipment has boosted our combat readiness. Our soldiers have shown outstanding competence so that the Indian Army is always prepared to counter any operational situation. Also, this exercise has consolidated our resolve towards ‘Aatmanirbharta’ by further integrating indigenous defense systems, bolstering our self-sufficiency in military readiness.

The exercise follows on the heels of Exercise Devil Strike, which involves airborne and special forces operations aimed at improving rapid deployment and precision strikes in challenging environments. The consecutive conduct of these intensive exercises reflects the Indian Army’s holistic approach to contemporary warfare, to ensure the smooth coordination between armored, airborne, and special forces across varied combat environments.

The construction of critical infrastructure project along National Highway 144A achieved a significant milestone on Monday with the inaugural blast for the Bhimber Gali tunnel. The tunnel will allow swift movement of Army troops in the border districts of Rajouri…

he construction of critical infrastructure project along National Highway 144A achieved a significant milestone on Monday with the inaugural blast for the Bhimber Gali tunnel. The tunnel will allow swift movement of Army troops in the border districts of Rajouri and Poonch.

The tunnel, spanning an impressive 1.1 km, is a key component of the 16.10-km long project stretching from Kalali in Rajouri to Bhataduria in Poonch. This initiative will serve as an alternate axis for the movement of Army troops and general public in the challenging terrain from Rajouri to Poonch.

The inaugural blast was done by Brig Neeraj Madan, Chief Engineer, Project Sampark alongwith AM Prasad, Regional Officer, Jammu, MoRTH. An official spokesperson of Army said that various officials from the civil administration were present highlighting the collaborative effort between the BRO and the various departments of the district administration.

Prior to the blast, a ‘puja’ ceremony was conducted at the site of the tunnel. “This project is poised to enhance connectivity in the region by significantly reducing the length of the highway by 10.8 km, facilitating smoother and more efficient transportation between strategic locations,” the spokesperson said.

“The Bhimber Gali tunnel is a continuation of BRO’s relentless efforts to enhance regional infrastructure development. Building on the momentum of the Nowshera Tunnel breakthrough (700 meters) on January 29, 2024, the BRO continues its rapid progress in enhancing infrastructure across the challenging terrain of the Rajouri and Poonch districts,” the spokesperson said.

During his address, Brig Neeraj Madan reaffirmed BRO’s commitment to spearheading crucial road projects aimed at enhancing connectivity in remote areas and strengthening defence infrastructure in forward areas. The ongoing developments underscore the organisation’s dedication to national security and regional development.

The spokesperson said, “The Bhimber Gali tunnel once completed will not only facilitate civilian and military movement but also contribute significantly to economic growth and regional accessibility. The Border Roads Organisation remains steadfast in its mission to build and upgrade strategic road networks across challenging terrains, ensuring seamless connectivity for both defence and civilian purposes.”

The Indian Army first used tanks at high altitude in 1947-48, when Stuart tanks were moved to Zoji La at an altitude of around 12,000 feet in Kashmir, to check Pakistani invaders who had entered the Valley in a bid to capture it

The Indian Army is looking at newer technology to enhance the operational capability of its armoured formations at high altitude, with more focus being laid on induction of lighter mechanised platforms.

“We are looking at induction of light tanks like the Zorawar and mechanised vehicles to meet our requirements in high-altitude areas,” General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command, Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar said in Chandimandir Military Station on Monday.

Speaking on the sidelines of Mech Tech, a seminar on making mechanised platforms future-ready organised by the Western Command, he said that while armoured units have been deployed in eastern Ladakh as well as North Sikkim to meet the threat perception, lighter armoured vehicles would be more effective.

The Indian Army first used tanks at high altitude in 1947-48, when Stuart tanks were moved to Zoji La at an altitude of around 12,000 feet in Kashmir, to check Pakistani invaders who had entered the Valley in a bid to capture it.

Tanks were next used in high altitude during the 1962 Sino-Indian conflict, when AMX-13 tanks were airlifted by the IAF to the Chushul sector along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in south-eastern Ladakh.

In the early 1990s, a small number of T-72 tanks and BMP infantry combat vehicles were airlifted to Ladakh and permanently deployed in that sector. Later, this increased to three regiments, forming up an armoured brigade.

During the 2020 stand-off with China along the LAC, additional armoured vehicles, including the latest T-90 were airlifted to the frontline to deal with the Chinese incursions. The Army has since restructured its deployment in Ladakh and has been maintaining enhanced force levels.

Over the years, the Army has been developing operational and logistical capability to operate armoured vehicles in snow bound areas. It has driven tanks from lower altitude to heights of over 17,000 feet, besides setting up major tank repair facilities in Ladakh. Sub-zero temperature, rugged terrain and rarefied air are among challenges associated with operating tanks in areas like Ladakh.

As a fallout of the LAC situation, a light tank, christened Zorawar, has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation specifically for employment in high altitude areas. Larsen and Toubro is the manufacturer of this tank, which weighs around 25 tonnes compared to 45 tonnes for the T-90.

The Army intends to equip seven armoured regiments with the Zorawar. Other options like the US Stryker wheeled armoured vehicle and the indigenously developed wheeled-armoured platform are also being considered, while the BMP, which was inducted in the 1980s is also becoming due for replacement.

Discussing the role of mechanised forces in contemporary warfare, Lt Gen Katiyar said that a number of questions were raised on the efficacy of mechanised forces due to initial reverses in the Russia-Ukraine War.

He said that among the lessons drawn for the war was that we have been able to see how mechanised platforms were targeted in the war and we have been able to devise counter measures to deal with emerging threats.

The army is aiming to make the mechanised forces more effective by looking at threats from various platforms like drones and other anti-tank weapon systems and come up with requisite solutions.

On the issue of the emergence of drones as a prominent element of the battlefield, the Western Army Commander said that drones are a major gamechanger in the next generation warfare as can been seen from the Russia-Ukraine war and the conflicts in the Middle East.

Terming it to be the future of warfare, he said that drones was something that we have to induct into the armed forces in huge numbers to cover the operational spectrum at all levels and the armed forces are not only looking at unmanned aerial vehicles but also unmanned ground systems and underwater systems.

A two-day seminar aimed at providing a comprehensive platform for sharing thoughts and latest technological advancements on the ‘Future Landscape of Mechanised Warfare and Infusion of Niche Technology’ began at Chandimandir Military Station today. The seminar, “Mech Tech”, was inaugurated…

Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani, Vice-Chief of Army Staff, at the exhibition “Make in India Continuum: Making Mechanised Platforms Future Ready” in Chandimandir, Panchkula, on Monday. TRIBUNE PHOTO: RAVI KUMAR

A two-day seminar aimed at providing a comprehensive platform for sharing thoughts and latest technological advancements on the ‘Future Landscape of Mechanised Warfare and Infusion of Niche Technology’ began at Chandimandir Military Station today.

The seminar, “Mech Tech”, was inaugurated by the Vice-Chief of the Army Staff, Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani. It underscores the imperative need for technological evolution in mechanised warfare, keeping in view emerging threats and evolving battlefield milieu.

Senior serving and retired military officers as well as representatives from the defence industry and academia discussed artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, advanced armour protection, next generation communication networks and enhanced firepower solutions to ensure that the Indian Army’s mechanised platforms remain future-ready.

The GOC-in-C, Army Training Command (ARTRAC) and other senior officers discussed emerging challenges for mechanised warfare from contemporary conflicts and plausible trajectory for future mechanised warfare.

Deliberations were also carried out on various issues which are envisaged to make the existing mechanised platforms more battle worthy in terms of mobility, firepower and survivability.

Opening an associated exhibition, Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, GOC-in-C Western Command, interacted with industry representatives and emphasised the role of indigenous defence capabilities, aligning with the government’s vision of self reliance in the defence sector.

He said in the present decade of transformation, technology is the key component for the Army to become a future-ready force. A large number of new generation weapons and equipment are being inducted in the Army and at the same time, there is a huge scope to infuse technology in the existing weapon systems to enhance their capability, he added.

He also stressed the need to invest in research and development by industry and academia to give further impetus to startups and premier education institutes, especially in the states of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana.

Prominent defence industry players, research organisations and startups showcased innovative solutions for combat vehicles, sensor based warfare, and digitalised command and control systems.

Border Security Force (BSF) troops shot dead a Pakistan intruder on the Amritsar border on Monday. During the morning hours, the BSF troops on duty observed suspicious movement of a Pakistani intruder, who surreptitiously crossed the IB (International Border). He…

Border Security Force (BSF) troops shot dead a Pakistan intruder on the Amritsar border on Monday.

During the morning hours, the BSF troops on duty observed suspicious movement of a Pakistani intruder, who surreptitiously crossed the IB (International Border). He started approaching towards border security fence taking advantage of undulating ground and wheat crops in the border area near Kotrazda village in the district.

The BSF troops challenged the intruder, but he did not stop his advance and started running towards the border security fence.Noticing his aggressive gesture, the troops on duty fired at the advancing intruder in self-defence and neutralized him on the spot.

On searching the area carefully, a mobile phone was recovered from his possession. The legal formalities of handing over the body of the Pakistan intruder to the Ramdas police station are being carried out.

As many as 718 tourists, including seven foreigners, have been evacuated from the Spiti valley to Kinnaur in the past two days, according to Deputy Commissioner, Lahaul and Spiti, Rahul Kumar. These tourists were stranded in Spiti since February 26…

As many as 718 tourists, including seven foreigners, have been evacuated from the Spiti valley to Kinnaur in the past two days, according to Deputy Commissioner, Lahaul and Spiti, Rahul Kumar. These tourists were stranded in Spiti since February 26 due to heavy snowfall. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) managed to restore road connectivity from Kaza to Kinnaur, enabling the evacuation process.

Fresh snowfall in Lahaul today further complicated snow-clearing operations. Traffic movement had been completely halted across the valley since February 26 with major routes remaining blocked. The blocked roads included the Manali-Leh highway between Manali and Keylong, Sansari-Killar-Thirot-Tandi road connecting the Lahaul valley to the Pangi region of Chamba district and the Keylong-Darcha road. The disruption in road connectivity has affected transportation services badly in the district.

Besides, the district has been facing significant power outage since February 26. While power was restored in Keylong two days ago, other areas remained without electricity, impacting daily life. The disruption in power supply also affected telecommunication services across the region, making it difficult for people to stay connected.

As of now, 237 electricity transformers in the district are disrupted — 41 in Lahaul, 57 in Udaipur and 139 in Spiti divisions. Out of the 165 roads in the district, including national highways, 163 remain blocked, cutting off the region from the state.

Kunga Bodh, a member of the District Council of Lahaul and Spiti, has appealed to the state government and the local administration to initiate emergency helicopter services for the district and other tribal districts for a few days. “Basic services like electricity, telephone and roads have been severely affected. Some youths, who are stuck in Lahaul, were to reach Ladakh for the Agniveer written exam on March 9, which is crucial for their future,” Bodh stated.

The Deputy Commissioner said that inclement weather had hampered the work to restore roads and power supply. However, he assured people that as soon as the weather conditions improve, the restoration work would be intensified to bring back to normalcy in the region.

Residents of Lahaul and Spiti have been grappling with disruptions due to heavy snowfall for the past six days. Heavy snowfall has cut them off from the rest of the state. The continuous snowfall, including at the Atal Tunnel at Rohtang on the Manali-Leh highway that connects the Lahaul valley to Manali, has disrupted transportation and communication networks in the region.