The US Supreme Court has rejected Tahawwur Rana's emergency appeal to block his extradition to India, bringing the accused one step closer to facing justice for his alleged involvement in the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Rana's plea argued that he would face torture and possible death in Indian custody due to his religious identity and past association with the Pakistani Army. However, Justice Elena Kagan dismissed his application, prompting Rana's legal team to escalate the appeal to Chief Justice John Roberts for a final attempt to block the extradition.
President Droupadi Murmu commended the Indian Army for its crucial contributions to national security and peace at the 77th Army Day celebrations. The occasion also marks the historic moment in 1949 when the first Indian Chief Commander of the Legion of Merit was appointed. The theme for this year's celebration is "Samarth Bharat, Saksham Sena," and the President expressed her admiration and conveyed warm wishes to the Army and its soldiers and veterans. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also joined in honoring the Army's bravery and selfless service.
General Upendra Dwivedi, speaking at the Army's annual press conference, disclosed that only four local men in J&K joined militant ranks in 2020 and that 60% of those killed during counter-terrorism operations were from Pakistan. He emphasized that the local people were in favor of peace and that the violence in the region was being orchestrated by Pakistan. Despite the challenges faced by the Army in the past two years, recent successes in reworking the counter-terrorism grid have led to a positive change and the theme of "terrorism to tourism" is gradually becoming a reality in Jammu and Kashmir.
As the number of women in India's armed forces steadily increases, Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi announces plans for gender neutrality and enhanced roles for women in the military. With approximately 1,700 women officers set to join the Indian Army and other forces after training, the push for a strong and equal female presence in the tri-services is gaining momentum. The Army Chief notes that women officers have been performing exceptionally well, and efforts are being made to ensure a gender-neutral approach to their roles and opportunities in the armed forces.
Cyclone Fengal approaches the Tamil Nadu coast, with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams being deployed in Thanjavur district to handle any possible effects. In Maharashtra, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi presents "President's Colours" to four battalions of mechanised infantry. Meanwhile, heavy rains cause an old house to collapse in Tamil Nadu's Mayiladuthurai and severe waves bring a buoy ashore at Chennai's Marina Beach.
Tamil cinema's latest release Amaran has captured the hearts of audience members and critics alike with its powerful portrayal of Major Mukund Varadarajan, a decorated soldier and leader in the Indian Army. Directed by Rajkumar Periasamy and featuring stars Sivakarthikeyan and Sai Pallavi, the film pays homage to Major Mukund's bravery and sacrifices through its gripping storyline and stellar performances. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has also praised the film for its ability to bring true stories like Major Mukund's to today's youth.
As India commemorates the 78th Infantry Day on October 27, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took to social media to extend their greetings and salutations to the ranks and veterans of the Indian Infantry. Paying tribute to their courage, valor, and duty, PM Modi also shared pictures of jawans deployed on international borders, while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the vital role they play in protecting the country. While observing the historic day that marks the landing of the first Indian troops in Jammu and Kashmir in 1947, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi also conveyed best wishes to the brave infantry personnel and their families.
After days of negotiations, India announced Monday that an agreement had been reached with China on patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control. However, China did not mention this in a media briefing in Beijing the following day, raising questions about the implementation of the pact. In New Delhi, Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi emphasized the need for trust-building measures between the two countries in order for the agreement to be successful.
After months of tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has confirmed a patrolling agreement has been reached between the two countries. The goal is to return military ties between the two nations to pre-April 2020 levels. However, the Army Chief also pointed out the need for rebuilding trust between the two forces in order to successfully restore the status quo. This confirmation comes days after Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced a patrolling agreement and ongoing efforts to resolve the tension that began in May 2020.
In a surprising admission, Pakistan's Army Chief has finally acknowledged that Pakistani soldiers were killed during the Kargil conflict, years after former Army Chief Musharraf confessed to the reality of the conflict. Amidst controversy surrounding Pakistan's observance of September 6 as Defense Day, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry has also claimed Junagadh as part of Pakistan, comparing it to the Kashmir issue. Additionally, a major update in Pakistan's political scene: prominent Baloch leader Maherang Baloch is receiving support from Imran Khan's party, a significant endorsement for the Baloch movement.