The training was conducted at the recently established Golden Arrow RPTO (Remote Pilot Training Organisation) Drone Training cum Certification facility. The facility conducts a certified programme approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), providing structured training and certification for drone operators.

The certification of the first batch marks a significant step towards developing drone-proficient and technology-driven capabilities within Vajra Corps. The training is aimed at building skilled operators capable of effectively employing drones for operational requirements.

During the interaction, Lieutenant General Amit Kabthiyal engaged with the newly trained operators and recognised their successful completion of the drone flying training programme. The award of Remote Pilot Certificates marked their successful qualification under the certified training programme.

The newly trained operators are expected to contribute to enhanced capabilities in areas including precision surveillance and battlefield awareness. The development of trained operators provides an additional technology-enabled capability for observing and understanding the operational environment.

The establishment of the Golden Arrow RPTO Drone Training cum Certification facility and the successful certification of its first batch represent an effort towards developing specialised skills in drone operations. The initiative reflects the growing emphasis on technology-driven capabilities and operator proficiency.

The training and certification programme is intended to build a cadre of trained personnel capable of operating drones with the required skills and certification. The newly certified operators add to the growing drone-related capability of Vajra Corps, with a focus on enhancing surveillance and battlefield awareness.

The initiative highlights the emphasis on skilling personnel alongside the employment of emerging technologies. The development of trained and certified drone operators is aimed at enabling the force to make effective use of drone capabilities for operational requirements.

During the visit, Surg VAdm KM Adhikari reviewed the institute’s functioning and its ongoing efforts in the areas of innovation and new initiatives. The review focused particularly on measures being undertaken to strengthen patient care and improve healthcare delivery at the institute.

The visit provided an opportunity to assess the various efforts being made by AICTS towards enhancing the quality of healthcare services. The focus on innovations and new initiatives reflected the institute’s efforts to develop and strengthen its approach towards patient care and healthcare delivery.

Surg VAdm KM Adhikari also reviewed the work being undertaken at AICTS in the context of its healthcare delivery efforts. The visit provided an opportunity for the visiting team to gain an understanding of the institute’s functioning and the initiatives being pursued to strengthen patient-focused healthcare services.

The team highly appreciated the quality of work being undertaken by AICTS. The appreciation recognised the institute’s efforts in healthcare delivery as well as its focus on innovations and new initiatives aimed at strengthening patient care.

The visit also highlighted the importance of continued efforts towards improving healthcare delivery and maintaining the quality of work being undertaken at the institute. The focus on innovation and new initiatives remains an important aspect of the institute’s efforts to strengthen patient care.

The review by the DCIDS (Med), HQ IDS, provided an opportunity to assess the functioning of AICTS and its ongoing initiatives. The interaction and assessment further highlighted the institute’s work towards strengthening healthcare delivery and patient care.

The visit underscored the importance of innovation, new initiatives and quality healthcare delivery in strengthening patient care at AICTS. The appreciation by the visiting team reflected the quality of work being carried out by the institute in these areas.

The main observance was held under the theme “Indian Air Force – Infallible, Impervious and Precise.” The day commemorates the raising of the force on 8 October 1932. A full-dress rehearsal was conducted at Hindan on 6 October.

Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, reviewed the parade. He arrived at the venue in a 1960s-era vintage car, with three helicopters flying past in ‘Dhwaj’ formation. The Chief of the Army Staff, General Dhiraj Seth, and the Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, attended along with other senior officers, former IAF chiefs, veterans and families. The parade included the presentation of awards to personnel for distinguished service.

On the tarmac, the IAF placed Rafale, Su-30 MKI, Jaguar and Tejas fighters on static display, together with the Light Combat Helicopter Prachand and the Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv. Weapon and air-defence systems, including the Akash system and the BrahMos missile — reported to be on display at the Air Force Day event for the first time — were also exhibited. Helicopters formed part of the flypast; during the rehearsal, Mi-17s carried the National Flag over the station.

In his address, Air Chief Marshal Singh traced the force’s growth from four Westland Wapiti aircraft in 1932 to what he described as an exceptional, network-centric and multi-domain air power. He said operational capabilities were growing in the right direction and that the force remained alert and ready for any contingency.

Referring to Operation Sindoor, he said the world had seen the speed with which the IAF moved into combat, and that the year’s theme was a manifestation of the force’s strength and resolve, not merely a slogan. He is due to superannuate on 31 October 2026 and described his tenure as Chief of the Air Staff as his greatest fortune.

The Government has appointed Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit as the next Chief of the Air Staff. He will assume charge as the 29th Chief from the afternoon of 31 October. A fighter pilot commissioned on 6 December 1986, he has more than 3,500 flying hours and previously served as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff and as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command.

President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah extended greetings to air warriors, veterans and their families. The President said the IAF had rendered exemplary service and cited Operation Sindoor as a demonstration of the courage, precision and preparedness of air warriors. The Prime Minister said India was proud of its air warriors and saluted their commitment to protecting the skies.

Beyond the Hindan ceremony, Central Air Command is scheduled to hold a public aerial display in Varanasi on 22, 24 and 25 October, with the VIP stand at Namo Ghat.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, at about 1.45 pm. According to Begumpet Police, Pal was claiming to be an Indian Air Force officer when he was stopped near Parade Ground, Secunderabad. Police have taken him into custody and registered a case. Further investigation is underway. The specific sections invoked, and whether he was in uniform or carrying service identity documents, have not been disclosed.

The apprehension came a day before Indian Air Force Day, observed on 8 October. This year’s observance marks 94 years since the force was raised on 8 October 1932. The 2026 theme is “Indian Air Force – Infallible, Impervious and Precise.” The principal ceremonial parade and static display are being held at Air Force Station Hindan in Ghaziabad, with the service chiefs in attendance.

Secunderabad Parade Ground, which falls under Begumpet police limits, is a regular ceremonial venue in the city; Air Force Station Begumpet is also located in the same area. Police have not stated whether Pal’s presence near the ground was linked to Air Force Day arrangements.

Police have so far confirmed only that he claimed to be an IAF officer, that he is a Bihar native employed as a delivery agent in Hyderabad, and that a case has been registered. No age, address, rank claimed, or allegation of cheating has been placed on record in the official account. The matter remains under investigation.

The report is based on the Begumpet Police statement carried by ANI on 8 October 2026.

Justice Madhu Jain passed the order on October 6, 2026, in Ashok Kumar Aggarwal v. Sushil Dewan & Ors., setting aside an October 25, 2025 order of the Special Judge (PC Act), Rouse Avenue Courts, which had declined to proceed under Section 340 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The High Court has not held the officers guilty. It has held that the threshold for a court complaint is met, and that knowledge, intention and participation must be determined by the competent Magistrate.

What the court directed

The Special Judge, CBI-02, Rouse Avenue Courts, has been directed to make a written complaint against Sushil Dewan, Vineet Vinayak, Amit Kumar, Raman Tyagi, Prem Kumar Gautam and Md. Azad for offences punishable under Section 191 read with Section 193 of the Indian Penal Code, and under Section 209 of the IPC, and to transmit it to the jurisdictional Magistrate within four weeks of receipt of the judgment.

Section 191 deals with giving false evidence. Section 193 provides the punishment for giving or fabricating false evidence. Section 209 concerns fraudulently or dishonestly making a false claim in a court. The complaint is to be placed before the Chief Judicial Magistrate (Central), Tis Hazari Courts, where an earlier court complaint against Sushil Dewan had been adjourned sine die. The Magistrate has been asked to revive those proceedings and ensure that parallel proceedings on the same allegations are not instituted.

Background

The dispute arises from the CBI’s prosecution of former Indian Revenue Service officer Ashok Kumar Aggarwal in a disproportionate-assets case. On January 13, 2016, the Delhi High Court held the sanction for his prosecution invalid. The Special Judge discharged him on March 10, 2016.

The CBI considered challenging the High Court judgment before the Supreme Court by way of a special leave petition. On June 8, 2016, the Ministry of Law and Justice opined that there appeared to be no reasonable ground to agitate the matter before a higher forum. The Department of Personnel and Training communicated that opinion to the CBI on July 1, 2016.

Aggarwal thereafter sought the release of documents seized during the investigation. In a reply dated August 2, 2016, the CBI opposed the release of certain documents and stated that correspondence with the administrative Ministry on further legal action was underway, and that the documents might be required for further proceedings.

The alteration

The High Court examined successive drafts and file notings. An earlier draft expressly recorded that the DoPT had turned down the proposal to file an SLP. A recommendation dated July 19, 2016 had noted that position and suggested seeking reconsideration or a further legal opinion. That statement was later deleted and replaced by a handwritten insertion asserting that correspondence with the administrative Ministry was underway.

Justice Jain held that the record established that no such correspondence with the Ministry was underway as on August 2, 2016. What existed was an internal CBI process concerning a proposal for reconsideration or a further legal opinion. The Court observed that the agency was entitled to seek reconsideration and pursue remedies available in law, but that an internal proposal awaiting approval could not be represented as correspondence already underway with the Ministry. The alteration, the Court held, was not an imprecise choice of words. It changed the factual position placed before the trial court.

The assertion was treated as material because it was used to oppose the return of seized documents and was capable of influencing the court’s decision.

Roles examined

The Court found a reasonable basis to examine all six officers involved in preparing, altering, vetting, processing, approving and filing the reply, subject to proof of knowledge, intention and participation:

• Sushil Dewan prepared successive drafts, incorporated the handwritten alteration into a later draft, prepared the final reply and filed it under his signature.
• Vineet Vinayak was prima facie connected with the handwritten deletion of the earlier statement and the insertion that correspondence was underway, and subsequently approved the final reply.
• Prem Kumar Gautam recorded that the DoPT had turned down the SLP proposal, dealt with the drafts, obtained vetting from Md. Azad and forwarded the matter to Amit Kumar.
• Amit Kumar’s noting referred to the DoPT communication and proposed seeking reconsideration.
• Md. Azad vetted both the draft that disclosed the DoPT decision and the final reply containing the altered statement.
• Raman Tyagi dealt with the final reply, obtained its vetting and forwarded it to Amit Kumar.

The Court said the contemporaneous record disclosed different degrees of involvement.

Reasoning

Justice Jain held that the acts of preparing, altering, vetting, processing, approving and filing the reply, read with the knowledge disclosed by the preceding drafts and file notings, furnished a reasonable basis for the prima facie inference that the officers participated in advancing a claim known to be inconsistent with the existing position. These circumstances, the Court said, disclosed substantially more than the mere failure of a party to establish a contention.

The Court rejected the contentions that Aggarwal had suffered no prejudice, that the CBI had corrected the position in a reply dated August 9, 2016, and that delay barred the application. It held that the issue concerned the integrity of the judicial process, that the drafts, notings and filings remained available, and that a further preliminary inquiry was unnecessary. An inquiry, the Court said, was expedient in the interests of justice.

The complaint proceedings will now be considered by the Magistrate. A finding of guilt, if any, will depend on proof of each officer’s knowledge, intention and participation.

He first reported to the hospital on 3 October and tested positive for dengue. Pandya said his condition and other medical parameters were satisfactory at that stage, so he was treated as an outpatient and advised rest and medication. He returned three days later, on 6 October, after his condition deteriorated. Tests showed a decline in his platelet count, and he was admitted. Early on Wednesday morning he developed chest pain and uneasiness, and later died, the RMO said.

Pandya told IANS that 43 dengue-positive personnel are now admitted in the indoor wards, up from 24 cases reported earlier. She clarified that the figure covers only inpatients and does not include suspected cases or those treated as outpatients. NDTV, citing the hospital, described the death as the first among visiting security forces in the present outbreak.

The personnel, drawn from the Border Security Force, CRPF and Indo-Tibetan Border Police and from different states, began arriving in Gandhinagar from 21 September and have been housed in government quarters in Sectors 28 and 29. According to an official statement reported by The Times of India, water had accumulated at the newly constructed housing complex, after which personnel contracted dengue and were taken to Gandhinagar Civil Hospital.

Following the initial cluster, Gujarat Health Minister Praful Pansheriya chaired a review on 6 October and directed intensified vector control. The Health Department has ordered intensive fogging, anti-larval measures, fever surveillance and patient tracking at the accommodation and the parade ground. The minister has also directed that four health workers be deployed in every block of the government accommodation and that no water be allowed to stagnate on the premises.

Statewide figures released by the Health Department place the outbreak in a wider seasonal context. Up to the 40th week of 2026, more than 1.39 crore blood samples were tested for malaria, with 1,401 cases detected, while more than 1.50 lakh serum samples examined at 42 hospitals yielded 2,345 dengue-positive cases. The minister has stated that malaria and dengue cases in Gujarat in 2026 were lower by 39.6 per cent and 20.6 per cent, respectively, compared with the previous year, and that stocks of anti-malarial medicines, insecticides and larvicides were adequate.

National Unity Day is observed on 31 October, the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The Ekta Nagar programme is expected to include police and paramilitary contingents. Hospital authorities have said the admitted personnel are under treatment; no further fatalities among the parade contingent have been reported.

General Singh, who also appeared in the film years before becoming Chief of Army Staff, shared photographs from Prahaar on social media platform X and remembered observing Patekar closely during its production.

“The news of Nana Patekar’s untimely passing away is deeply saddening. I have observed him closely during the filming of PRAHAR. He was not merely a remarkable actor, but a powerful presence,” General Singh wrote.

He further praised the actor’s commitment to his character, saying Patekar worked hard to bring authenticity to his performance.

“His dedication, hardwork and no nonsense approach ensure realism in the role acted. His contribution to Indian cinema and the memories he leaves behind will endure,” he added.

General Singh concluded his tribute by extending condolences to Patekar’s family, friends and admirers.

When Nana Patekar and General VK Singh Appeared in the Same Movie

One of the lesser-known connections between Bollywood and the Indian Army is the association between Nana Patekar and General V.K. Singh during the making of Prahaar: The Final Attack.

Released in 1991, the film was directed by Nana Patekar, who also played the central character, Major V.S. Chauhan, a tough and disciplined Indian Army officer responsible for training commandos.

The military drama explored the demanding nature of Army training, the importance of discipline and the sacrifices expected of soldiers.

Interestingly, General V.K. Singh, who later became India’s 24th Chief of Army Staff, also made a brief appearance in the film while serving as an Army officer.

At the time, Singh was a Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Army. His involvement in the production gave Patekar an opportunity to observe professional soldiers and understand the realities of military training.

The film became particularly memorable for its depiction of Army commandos and the physical and mental challenges they face.

Nearly two decades later, General Singh rose to become Chief of Army Staff, serving from March 2010 to May 2012.

His latest tribute has brought renewed attention to the unusual cinematic connection between a future Indian Army Chief and one of Bollywood’s most celebrated actors.

Nana Patekar’s Special Connection With the Indian Army

Nana Patekar’s relationship with the Indian Armed Forces extended well beyond his role in Prahaar.

The actor joined the Territorial Army in 1988 and underwent military training, developing a strong personal connection with the defence services.

His military experience helped shape his performance in Prahaar, where he portrayed an officer known for his strict discipline, leadership and uncompromising approach to training.

Unlike conventional Bollywood military films, Prahaar focused heavily on the realities of military life and the demanding standards expected of soldiers.

Patekar’s portrayal of Major Chauhan remains one of his most recognisable performances among defence enthusiasts.

Nana Patekar’s Association With the 1999 Kargil War

Patekar’s commitment to the Indian Army was also evident during the 1999 Kargil War, when Indian soldiers fought to reclaim strategically important positions occupied by Pakistani forces in the Kargil sector.

During the conflict, Patekar reportedly spent several weeks, with some accounts suggesting approximately two months, alongside Indian Army personnel.

He was reportedly associated with the Maratha Light Infantry during this period and spent time with troops deployed in the conflict.

His presence during the Kargil War reflected an interest in military service that went beyond his professional responsibilities as an actor.

Patekar later spoke publicly about his experiences with soldiers and the importance of recognising the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces.

Nana Patekar’s Reported Death in Goa

According to reports circulated on Thursday morning, Nana Patekar suffered a cardiac arrest at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa.

The reports stated that he was found unconscious and that medical personnel attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation for approximately 45 minutes before he was declared dead at around 5:20 a.m.

The circumstances and medical details require independent confirmation.

Born on January 1, 1951, Patekar established himself as one of Indian cinema’s most distinctive performers, earning acclaim for films including Parinda, Krantiveer, Ab Tak Chhappan and Prahaar.

For India’s defence community, his association with the Territorial Army, his reported presence during the Kargil War and his realistic portrayal of an Army officer in Prahaar remain important parts of his public legacy.

General V.K. Singh’s tribute has once again highlighted the special connection between the actor and the Indian Armed Forces, recalling the time when a future Army Chief and a celebrated Bollywood star came together for a film dedicated to military discipline, courage and sacrifice.

According to the information provided, Patekar was found unconscious at his residence and was attended to by a medical team. Despite approximately 45 minutes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), doctors were unable to revive him. He was reportedly declared dead at 5.20 a.m.

Born Vishwanath Patekar on January 1, 1951, in Maharashtra’s Raigad district, the actor built a remarkable career spanning nearly five decades. Beyond his achievements in cinema, he earned admiration for his association with the Indian Army, particularly during the 1999 Kargil War.

Nana Patekar’s Association with the Indian Army During Kargil War

One of the lesser-known chapters of Nana Patekar’s life was his close association with the Indian Army and his willingness to spend time alongside soldiers serving in difficult operational conditions.

Patekar served in the Territorial Army and was associated with the Maratha Light Infantry, one of the Indian Army’s oldest and most distinguished infantry regiments. He was also reported to have received the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

During the 1999 Kargil War between India and Pakistan, Patekar reportedly spent an extended period with Indian Army personnel in the conflict region. Accounts of his involvement suggest that he remained with soldiers for several weeks, with some reports placing the duration at approximately 60 days.

His presence during the conflict reflected his longstanding respect for military personnel and his desire to understand the hardships faced by soldiers defending the country’s borders.

Unlike his fictional portrayal of military life in films, his association with troops during the Kargil conflict brought him closer to the realities of military service.

Patekar’s connection with the Armed Forces was also evident in his 1991 film Prahaar: The Final Attack, which he directed and starred in. The film explored military training, discipline, courage and the challenges faced by soldiers.

A Distinguished Career in Indian Cinema

Nana Patekar made his film debut with Gaman in 1978 and subsequently established himself as one of Indian cinema’s most respected performers.

His breakthrough performances in Salaam Bombay! (1988) and Parinda (1989) brought him widespread recognition. His portrayal in Parinda earned him the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor.

He later received the National Film Award for Best Actor for Krantiveer (1994) and another National Award for Agni Sakshi (1996).

His notable films included Tirangaa, Khamoshi: The Musical, Ab Tak Chhappan, Apaharan, Raajneeti, Welcome and the Marathi masterpiece Natsamrat.

In recognition of his contribution to Indian cinema, he was awarded the Padma Shri in 2013.

Contributions Beyond Cinema

Apart from acting and his association with the military, Patekar was known for his humanitarian initiatives.

In 2015, he co-founded the Naam Foundation with Marathi actor Makarand Anaspure to support drought-affected farmers and families facing financial hardship in Maharashtra.

The foundation also undertook initiatives related to water conservation and rural welfare.

Tributes Pour In

Following reports of his death, tributes were reported from political leaders, members of the film industry and admirers across the country.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were among those reported to have expressed condolences.

For millions of Indians, Nana Patekar will be remembered not only for his unforgettable performances but also for his patriotism, humanitarian work and close association with the Indian Armed Forces.

His reported presence alongside Indian soldiers during the 1999 Kargil War remains a significant chapter in his public life, reflecting a connection with the military that extended beyond the silver screen.

The revised SOP provides a detailed and simplified procedure for the allotment and utilisation of MoD proof ranges and laboratory testing facilities, along with the requisite formats. It is aimed at providing simpler, transparent and industry-friendly access to testing infrastructure available with the Ministry of Defence.

A key feature of the revised SOP is the waiver of proof and testing charges for iDEX, Technology Development Fund (TDF), Make and other developmental projects of the Ministry of Defence. The measure is intended to promote Atmanirbharta in Defence and facilitate developmental activities undertaken by the indigenous defence industry.

The SOP also lists the Proof Ranges, Field Firing Ranges and Laboratory Test Facilities available with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Government Quality Assurance agencies and the three Services for utilisation by the Indian defence industry.

For cases where proof and testing charges are applicable, the revised SOP incorporates the procedure for their calculation and payment. The provision is intended to simplify the documentation and process associated with utilisation of the facilities by industry.

The revised SOP has also replaced the provision for Arbitration contained in the existing SOP with a Conciliation Agreement Clause. The simpler and industry-friendly provision is aimed at facilitating Ease of Doing Business through faster resolution of issues faced by the indigenous defence industry.

Another provision under the revised SOP reserves a three-day slot per quarter at Proof Ranges for proof firing of developmental projects sponsored by the Government. These include iDEX, TDF, Make and other developmental projects of the Ministry of Defence, as well as developmental projects undertaken under the own initiative of the indigenous defence industry.

The revised framework is aimed at providing the Indian defence industry with easier access to proof ranges, field firing ranges and laboratory test facilities required for developmental activities. By simplifying procedures and incorporating provisions for applicable charges and issue resolution, the SOP seeks to make the utilisation of these facilities more transparent and industry-friendly.

The revised SOP incorporates various Government initiatives aimed at facilitating indigenisation, innovation and defence exports, while providing proof and test support to developmental projects undertaken by the Indian defence industry.

The move is intended to support the broader objective of strengthening indigenous defence development by improving industry access to testing and proof facilities available with the Ministry of Defence, DRDO, Government Quality Assurance agencies and the three Services.

The event provided a platform for deliberations on emerging security challenges and facilitated an exchange of perspectives on developments affecting global peace and security. The engagement also provided the participating Defence Attachés with an insight into India’s growing indigenous defence capabilities and the country’s emphasis on Atmanirbharta in defence.

Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Dhiraj Seth interacted with the Foreign Service Attachés during the briefing and exchanged perspectives on emerging regional and global security challenges. The discussions also covered India’s security perspective and the strategic priorities of the Indian Army.

The interaction provided an opportunity for the Indian Army and representatives of foreign countries to exchange views on the evolving security environment and areas of mutual interest. The participation of Defence Attachés from 50 countries also facilitated wider engagement on contemporary issues affecting regional and global security.

The briefing highlighted India’s growing indigenous defence capabilities and the impetus towards self-reliance in defence. The engagement also provided an avenue to share India’s perspective on the evolving security environment with representatives of the participating countries.

The Annual Foreign Service Attachés Briefing reinforced mutual understanding between the Indian Army and the participating foreign representatives while strengthening defence diplomacy. The engagement underscored the shared commitment towards promoting global peace and stability.