The incident occurred at about 2.30 p.m. on Wednesday at a portacabin post under the CISF’s Bacheli camp area on the Bailadila hills. The deceased has been identified as Head Constable Dattatraya, 50, a resident of Ahilyanagar in Maharashtra and the son of Shivaji B. Wangne. He was posted at Camp 10-11 A, Porta Cabin No. 3.

CISF personnel are deployed to secure National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) iron ore mining operations in Kirandul and Bacheli. According to preliminary information, Dattatraya was cleaning his government-issued AK-47 rifle when it suddenly discharged two rounds. The bullets struck him and caused serious injuries.

Fellow personnel who heard the gunshots rushed to the spot and took him to Apollo Hospital (NMDC Apollo Hospital) in Bacheli. Doctors examined him and declared him dead. The body was first kept in the hospital mortuary and was later sent to the District Hospital in Dantewada for post-mortem examination and other legal formalities.

Family members travelled from Maharashtra to Bacheli after being informed of the death. Police Station Bacheli has taken cognisance of the matter, completed inquest proceedings, and begun an investigation. Officials stated that the precise circumstances will be established only after a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) examination of the scene and the weapon, together with the post-mortem report.

The Bailadila range, where the CISF unit is stationed, is a major iron ore mining complex operated by NMDC.

Investigators have indicated that all aspects of the case, including compliance with firearm-handling and weapon-maintenance protocols, are under examination. Police and CISF authorities have said that support is being extended to the family of the deceased. Further official details are expected after forensic and medical reports are received.

The case remains under investigation.

The deployment forms part of the Indian Navy’s ongoing operational deployment and is aimed at further strengthening maritime cooperation and professional interaction between the two navies.

INS Mysore Receives Warm Welcome at Lumut

Upon arrival at Lumut, INS Mysore and its crew were warmly received by personnel of the Royal Malaysian Navy as well as officials from the High Commission of India in Malaysia.

Exercise Samudra Laksamana brings together personnel of the Indian Navy and Royal Malaysian Navy for a series of professional engagements both in harbour and at sea.

The exercise includes cross-deck visits, operational interactions and sporting engagements. These activities are designed to allow personnel from both navies to exchange professional experiences, improve interoperability and develop greater mutual understanding.

Strengthening India-Malaysia Maritime Cooperation

The fourth edition of Exercise Samudra Laksamana builds on growing defence and maritime engagement between India and Malaysia.

The deployment follows recent bilateral interactions, including the 12th India-Malaysia Sub Committee Meeting held on July 1, 2026.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the visit reflects the strong and enduring maritime partnership between India and Malaysia and highlights the expanding scope of cooperation between the Indian Navy and Royal Malaysian Navy.

The exercise is expected to provide another opportunity for the two navies to strengthen professional exchanges while improving their ability to operate together at sea.

Aligned With MAHASAGAR Vision

INS Mysore’s participation in Exercise Samudra Laksamana is also aligned with the Government of India’s MAHASAGAR vision and the ASEAN–India Year of Maritime Cooperation 2026.

India has been expanding its maritime engagement with countries across the Indo-Pacific through bilateral and multilateral exercises, port visits, training engagements and operational interactions.

The latest edition of Samudra Laksamana represents another step towards deepening India-Malaysia naval ties and enhancing cooperation between the two maritime forces.

Aditya has been commissioned into the Rajput Regiment, adding another generation of military service to his family. His father, Uttam Kumar Yadav, is himself an Indian Army soldier.

The achievement has sparked celebrations in Matiyar village, where relatives and residents gathered to congratulate the family.

Parents Pin the Stars on Their Son

One of the most memorable moments of Aditya’s journey came during the Passing Out Parade held in Chennai.

His parents, Uttam Kumar Yadav and Suganti Devi, were present to witness their son formally step into the ranks of the Indian Army’s officer cadre.

During the ceremony, the proud parents pinned the officer insignia on Aditya’s uniform and saluted their newly commissioned son.

For his father, who has spent years serving the country as a soldier, seeing his own son commissioned as an Army officer marked an especially significant moment for the family.

From Army School Student to Army Officer

Aditya’s association with the military environment began well before he earned his commission.

He completed his intermediate education at an Army School in Bengaluru. Growing up in the family of a serving soldier, he reportedly nurtured the ambition of joining the Indian Army from an early age.

Years of preparation and determination eventually transformed that ambition into reality when he successfully completed his training and was commissioned as a Lieutenant.

His journey represents a transition from being the son of a soldier to becoming an officer entrusted with leading soldiers himself.

Commissioned Into the Rajput Regiment

Following his commissioning, Lieutenant Aditya Kumar Yadav has joined the Rajput Regiment of the Indian Army.

His achievement has brought considerable pride to Matiyar village as well as the wider Manjhi area of Saran district.

News of his commissioning prompted celebrations back home, with family members distributing sweets and villagers visiting his residence to congratulate his parents.

Local residents described his achievement as an inspiration for youngsters in the region who aspire to join the Armed Forces.

Carrying Forward His Father’s Military Legacy

Aditya’s story also highlights a proud tradition of service within the family.

His father serves in the Indian Army, while Aditya has now entered the same institution as a commissioned officer.

From watching his father serve in uniform to wearing the Lieutenant’s stars himself, Aditya Kumar Yadav’s journey is a powerful example of how the tradition of military service can pass from one generation to the next.

For Matiyar village, the commissioning is more than an individual achievement. It is a moment of collective pride and an inspiration for young aspirants who dream of earning the stars and serving the country as officers of the Indian Armed Forces.

Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth flagged in the mountaineering team following the successful completion of the expedition. During the interaction, the Army Chief congratulated the members on their achievement and their display of courage and resilience in some of the most demanding mountainous terrain.

Three Peaks in 16 Days

The expedition, titled “Dream of Valour – Three Peaks, One Mission, Infinite Resolve,” saw the Corps of Signals team scale three peaks exceeding 6,000 metres.

The team successfully summited Mt Kiagar Ri, standing at 6,100 metres, on 13 August 2026. It then climbed Mt Mentok Kangri at an altitude of 6,250 metres on 24 August.

The expedition culminated on 29 August 2026 with the successful ascent of Mt Chamser Kangri, the highest of the three peaks at 6,622 metres.

With the first summit achieved on 13 August and the third on 29 August, the team completed the three-peak challenge within a span of just 16 days.

Spirit of Adventure in the Indian Army

High-altitude mountaineering expeditions demand considerable physical endurance, technical skills, careful acclimatisation and the ability to operate in difficult weather and terrain.

The successful expedition by the Corps of Signals reflects the Indian Army’s emphasis on adventure activities as a means of developing leadership, teamwork, mental resilience and confidence among its personnel.

The achievement also underlines the Corps of Signals’ pursuit of excellence beyond its core operational responsibilities.

The Army described the expedition as a reflection of the unwavering pursuit of excellence and the enduring spirit of adventure within the Indian Army.

With three challenging Himalayan summits completed in just over two weeks, the Corps of Signals team concluded its “Dream of Valour” expedition with a notable demonstration of determination, endurance and collective resolve.

His journey becomes even more remarkable because, according to a Navbharat Times report, Singh had earlier faced 12 unsuccessful Services Selection Board (SSB) attempts while pursuing his dream of becoming a commissioned officer.

Today, the former Garud commando serves as an Assistant Commissioner in the State Goods and Services Tax Department after clearing RAS 2023. He subsequently appeared for RAS 2024 and secured fifth rank in the ex-serviceman category, with reports stating that he was allotted the post of Deputy Superintendent of Police in Rajasthan Police.

Joined Indian Air Force After Class 12

Mahaveer Singh passed Class 12 in 2002 and joined the Indian Air Force the same year, beginning a military career that would span approximately two decades.

During his service, he became part of the Garud Commando Force, the Indian Air Force’s specialised force trained for demanding security and combat missions.

Reports about Singh’s career also mention that he served for approximately 14 months on a United Nations peacekeeping deployment in Congo.

Another account credits him with participating in helicopter-based rescue operations during the devastating Kerala floods of 2018.

After around 20 years in uniform, Singh retired from the Indian Air Force on December 31, 2022. One report describes his exit from the service as voluntary retirement.

12 SSB Attempts to Become an Officer

Even while serving in the Indian Air Force, Singh reportedly continued pursuing his ambition of becoming a commissioned officer.

According to Navbharat Times, he appeared for the Services Selection Board 12 times but was unsuccessful in securing a recommendation.

The report mentions attempts during 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 through routes including AFCAT and service-entry commissioning.

The reported figure of 12 attempts comes from the Navbharat Times account and is not presented as an official SSB record. Other reports covering his RAS success do not detail this part of his journey.

Despite repeated setbacks, Singh continued serving in the Air Force and eventually redirected his ambitions towards the civil services.

Started Preparing While Still in Uniform

Singh did not wait until retirement to begin preparing for his next career.

He reportedly started taking online classes in 2020 while still serving in the Indian Air Force. Following his retirement at the end of 2022, he began preparing full-time from January 2023.

Returning to academics after nearly two decades was a major challenge.

One account states that Singh went back to the basics and even studied his daughter’s Class 6 books to rebuild concepts after years away from formal education.

His preparation schedule was demanding. Reports describe him spending long hours in a library, beginning at around 7 am and continuing until 9 or 10 pm.

He chose English as his examination medium and relied on a combination of school textbooks, standard reference material, government publications and current-affairs sources.

For Sociology, his preparation reportedly included NCERT, NIOS and IGNOU material. For Rajasthan-related subjects, he used school-level Rajasthan studies books along with reference material on the state’s history and culture.

Cleared RAS 2023, Became Assistant Commissioner GST

His intensive preparation soon produced results.

Mahaveer Singh cleared RAS 2023 and was allotted the post of Assistant Commissioner in the State Goods and Services Tax Department of Rajasthan.

For someone who had spent approximately 20 years in military service and returned to full-time studies after retirement, clearing one of Rajasthan’s most competitive examinations represented a significant career transition.

But Singh decided to appear for the examination again.

Secured 5th Rank Among Ex-Servicemen in RAS 2024

Singh subsequently cleared RAS 2024 as well, securing fifth rank in the ex-serviceman category.

Reports following the result stated that his performance placed him for appointment as a Deputy Superintendent of Police in Rajasthan Police.

Importantly, his fifth position was in the ex-serviceman category rather than fifth rank in the overall RAS 2024 merit list.

The Rajasthan Public Service Commission declared the RAS 2024 final result on April 18, 2026.

His two consecutive successes meant that within a relatively short period after leaving the Air Force, Singh had qualified first for Assistant Commissioner, State GST, and then for a reported DySP allotment.

Faced Remarks That He Might Become a Security Guard

Singh’s transition to civilian life was not without discouragement.

According to the Navbharat Times account, after his retirement some people remarked that he might ultimately have to work as a security guard.

Instead, he returned to books and competitive examinations.

The former Garud commando reportedly approached his earlier failures with the belief that an unsuccessful attempt should lead a person to change the path, not abandon the goal.

During difficult periods of preparation, the report says he also drew motivation from Ramdhari Singh Dinkar’s celebrated work Rashmirathi.

From Garud Commando to Rajasthan Civil Services

Mahaveer Singh’s career has now travelled through distinctly different chapters.

He joined the Indian Air Force immediately after Class 12 in 2002, served for around two decades, became a Garud commando, undertook UN peacekeeping duty in Congo and reportedly participated in rescue operations during the Kerala floods.

Along the way, his reported 12 attempts to secure a commission through the SSB did not produce the result he had hoped for.

Yet those setbacks did not end his pursuit of a larger goal.

After retiring from the Air Force on December 31, 2022, Singh returned to intensive studies, cleared RAS 2023 to become an Assistant Commissioner in State GST, and then cleared RAS 2024 with fifth rank among ex-servicemen and a reported allotment as Deputy Superintendent of Police.

His journey is a reminder for defence aspirants and competitive-exam candidates that failure in one selection process does not necessarily determine where a career ultimately ends.

For Mahaveer Singh, 12 reported SSB setbacks were not the final chapter. They became part of a much longer journey from an Air Force Garud commando to two successive Rajasthan civil services selections.

The selection follows a three-year evaluation of technical and commercial bids submitted by five corporate entities. Mahindra Defence Systems finished as the second-lowest bidder (L2) and will also be invited to develop a prototype. TASL has been tasked with developing and demonstrating two operational prototypes within 130 weeks.

Project Zorawar and the AFV-ILT Requirement

Project Zorawar is linked to the Armoured Fighting Vehicle–Indian Light Tank (AFV-ILT) programme. The Indian Army requires a light tank optimised for high-altitude sectors such as Ladakh, where heavier main battle tanks, including the T-72 and T-90, face constraints of mobility, logistics, and oxygen-thin environments.

The overall requirement is commonly cited at 354 light tanks. An initial batch of 59 units has already been assigned to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in partnership with Larsen & Toubro. The remaining approximately 295 tanks fall under the competitive Make-I process in which TASL and Mahindra have now been selected to build prototypes. Once the prototypes are evaluated, production orders are expected to be divided between the two firms.

The tank is named after General Zorawar Singh Kahlon (also known as Zorawar Singh Kahluria), a 19th-century Dogra commander who led campaigns in Ladakh, Baltistan, and western Tibet. The choice of name underscores the platform’s intended role in Himalayan operations.

Procurement under the Make-I Category

The programme is being implemented under the Ministry of Defence’s Make-I category. This framework provides government funding of up to 70 per cent of the design and development cost of prototypes, with the objective of encouraging indigenous design, private-sector participation, and reduced import dependence.

The issuance of the production order was delayed after objections were raised by a competing bidder. Following review by the Indian Army and the Ministry of Defence, the objections were not sustained, and the process has now advanced. The arrangement is notable because it will, for the first time, see a private-sector company fully design and build a battle tank for the Indian armed forces.

Platform Characteristics

The 25-tonne class light tank is designed for rapid deployment, including air transport. Two vehicles can be carried in an Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster III. Reported features of the existing DRDO–L&T Zorawar design, which informs the broader programme, include a 105 mm high-pressure rifled gun with autoloader, a remote weapon station, provision for Nag Mk-II anti-tank guided missiles or loitering munitions, modular armour meeting STANAG 4569 Level 4 frontal protection, an active protection system, amphibious capability, and a high power-to-weight ratio for mountain mobility.

The platform is intended to operate not only in high-altitude areas but also in deserts, marshlands, and riverine terrain, thereby offering the Army a lighter alternative to conventional main battle tanks across multiple operational theatres.

Significance for Indigenous Defence Manufacturing

The outcome of the bid strengthens the role of Indian private industry in complex armoured vehicle programmes. TASL’s L1 position and Mahindra’s parallel prototype mandate are intended to preserve competition, create redundancy in the supply chain, and give the Army more than one design to evaluate before large-scale production. The 130-week prototype timeline will be a critical test of both companies’ ability to meet technical and schedule requirements under the Make-I framework.

The project forms part of a wider effort to expand domestic design and production of major land systems and to field a purpose-built light tank for the high-altitude environment along India’s northern borders.

During his deployment, Brigadier Bhardwaj led UNMISS uniformed peacekeepers tasked with protecting civilians and deterring violence across three regions of South Sudan. His tenure involved coordinating multinational peacekeeping forces operating in a challenging security environment.

His contribution was acknowledged by Anita Kiki Gbeho, the Head of UNMISS, who appreciated his leadership and highlighted India’s important contribution to United Nations peacekeeping efforts in South Sudan.

Brigadier Bhardwaj assumed command of UNMISS Sector South in September 2025, succeeding Brigadier Dinesh Singh. He also served as the Senior National Representative for India during his deployment.

As Sector South Commander, he worked closely with peacekeeping contingents from different countries and conducted operational visits to troops deployed across his area of responsibility. His engagements included visits to Rwandan peacekeeping contingents, including RWANBATT-3 at Durupi Camp and RWANBATT-1 at Tomping.

His responsibilities also involved high-level coordination with UNMISS military leadership and diplomatic representatives as the mission dealt with operational and budgetary challenges.

Brigadier Bhardwaj’s tenure came to an end after approximately a year of service with the mission, with UNMISS leadership formally recognising his contribution in September 2026.

India has maintained a significant presence in United Nations peacekeeping operations for decades, with Indian Army personnel serving in missions across several conflict-affected regions. Indian troops deployed with UNMISS continue to undertake duties ranging from protection of civilians and security patrols to humanitarian assistance and support for peace-building efforts.

Brigadier Bhardwaj’s completion of his Sector South command adds another chapter to the Indian Army’s longstanding contribution to UN peacekeeping and its role in supporting stability and civilian protection in South Sudan.

The initiative witnessed enthusiastic participation from naval personnel, with more than 50 individuals voluntarily donating blood during the camp.

The blood donation drive aimed to support patients requiring blood transfusions while contributing towards strengthening available blood reserves. Such voluntary donations can play an important role in ensuring timely availability of blood for medical emergencies and critical treatments.

The initiative also reflected the collective responsibility of naval personnel towards saving lives and serving society beyond their professional duties.

The camp formed part of activities being conducted in the run-up to the 75th Anniversary of INS Angre, the Indian Navy’s shore establishment in Mumbai.

Junior leaders from the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, Assam Rifles and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) participated in the course. The programme also witnessed international participation, with 34 junior leaders from Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nepal and Ivory Coast attending the training.

The course was designed to develop operationally relevant leadership and management competencies among junior leaders who are expected to shoulder greater responsibilities in increasingly complex operational environments.

Training focused on equipping participants with the knowledge, resilience, leadership skills and technological acumen required to operate confidently on contemporary and future battlefields. The programme also provided an opportunity for personnel from different services and countries to interact, exchange experiences and develop a broader understanding of leadership in modern military environments.

The participation of personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Assam Rifles and ITBP highlighted the importance of developing leadership capabilities across services and organisations. The presence of junior leaders from four friendly foreign countries further strengthened professional military interaction and cooperation.

Havildar Rohit Choudhary of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry was adjudged the Best Student of the course for his overall performance.

The Junior Leaders Academy at Bareilly plays an important role in developing leadership qualities among junior ranks, preparing them to effectively lead personnel and adapt to the evolving technological and operational demands of modern warfare.

She is the second woman overall to hold the presidential ADC assignment. Lieutenant Commander Yashasvi Solanki of the Indian Navy became the first woman to serve in the role in May 2025. Major Shekhawat’s selection therefore extends that milestone into the Army, which traditionally supplies three of the President’s five ADCs (one each also coming from the Navy and Air Force).

Background and Career

Major Shekhawat hails from Kerpura village in Sikar district, Rajasthan. She entered the Army through the Combined Defence Services examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. Her name appeared on the official CDS (I) 2020 Officers Training Academy women’s merit list for the Short Service Commission Women Non-Technical Course. After training at the Officers Training Academy, Chennai, she was commissioned into the Army Service Corps in 2021.

The Army Service Corps is responsible for logistics, supplies, transportation and the support systems that keep formations operational. She rose to the rank of Major within approximately five years of commissioning and was appointed ADC in 2026, with reports indicating she has been serving in the role at Rashtrapati Bhavan since July.

Duties of a President’s ADC

The ADC appointment is more than ceremonial. Officers in the role accompany the President at official functions, investiture ceremonies and high-level engagements. They assist with protocol, coordination and communication between Rashtrapati Bhavan and other arms of government. The position demands discipline, discretion and a precise understanding of military and state ceremonial requirements.

Photographs and videos of Major Shekhawat standing in attendance beside the President have circulated widely, making her a visible figure for defence aspirants.

Broader Context

Women first entered the Indian Army as commissioned officers through the Short Service Commission route in 1992. Opportunities have expanded since then, including through the Supreme Court’s 2020 ruling in the Babita Puniya case that eligible women Short Service Commission officers should be considered for Permanent Commission on terms comparable to their male counterparts. Permanent Commission has since been extended to several streams, including the Army Service Corps. Major Shekhawat’s appointment adds a further institutional milestone in that progression.

The development follows other high-visibility assignments for women officers, including operational briefings and command roles, and reflects the continuing opening of protocol and staff appointments that were long held exclusively by male officers.