
1,363 Agniveers complete training at Army Service Corps Centre (North)
As many as 1,363 Agniveers of the Indian Army completed their training and passed out successfully at a parade held at Army Service Corps Centre (North) in Bengaluru on Wednesday.
They belonged to the fifth batch of Agniveers to undergo the training that commenced on November 1, 2024.
Lt. Gen. J.K. Gera, Commandant, ASC Centre & College, reviewed the parade. In his address, he urged the young soldiers to imbibe the ethos of imandari, wafadari, and bahaduri (integrity, loyalty, and courage).
The ceremony was attended by parents of the Agniveers and all the parents were honoured with the Gaurav Padak instituted by the Indian Army as a token of recognition of their gesture of encouraging their wards to join the Indian Army in service of the nation.
The Army Service Corps Centre (North) is a premier institute imparting training to mechanical transport drivers to support the Army Service Corps units for the whole of the Indian Army.
The Agnipath scheme was introduced by the Union government on June 14, 2022 for the recruitment of soldiers into the three services of the Armed Forces.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


News18
an hour ago
- News18
Operation Blue Star: Why Bhindranwale's Sons Chose To Stay Away From Their Father's Footsteps
Last Updated: To ensure a stable future for her children, Pritam Kaur likely urged her sons to avoid involvement in violent activities and choose a peaceful path On June 6, the anniversary of Operation Blue Star is observed. This military operation, carried out by the Indian Army at Amritsar's Golden Temple, aimed to remove pro-Khalistan leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and his armed supporters. Bhindranwale was killed during the operation. Since then, his family has distanced itself from the Khalistan movement he once led. Bhindranwale had a profound influence on the Sikh community, particularly among the rural youth of Punjab. His fiery speeches, dedication to Sikhism, and vocal opposition to the central government earned him a mythical status. Many of his supporters found it hard to believe that such a formidable leader could be killed so easily. Bhindranwale's family included his wife, Bibi Pritam Kaur, and two sons, Ishar Singh and Inderjit Singh. After Operation Blue Star, their lives were greatly affected. Neither his wife nor his sons continued the path of the Sikh movement. Instead, they distanced themselves from it, despite Bhindranwale's status as a religious leader. Bhindranwale's Wife Led A Simple Life Pritam Kaur led a simple life in their native village of Rode Faridkot. Although some sections of the Sikh community respected the family for Bhindranwale's martyr-like image, she never publicly supported the Khalistan movement. Most of her time was devoted to raising her children and farming. She passed away on September 15, 2007 after a prolonged illness. His Sons Distanced Themselves From Religious Path Both of Bhindranwale's sons also kept a low profile. The elder son, Ishar Singh, born in 1971, did not engage in religious or political activities like his father. He lived a quiet life focused on farming in his village until he died in a road accident in 2008. The younger son, Inderjit Singh, also avoided the limelight and continued farming in Punjab with his family, never attempting to revive his father's movement. Punjab's Political And Social Landscape After Operation Blue Star Following Operation Blue Star in 1984, Punjab experienced a period of widespread unrest and violence. Many Sikh families suffered due to the conflict between Sikh militants and government forces. During this tumultuous time, Ishar Singh and Inderjit Singh were very young. Their mother endeavoured to shield them from the violent environment, knowing that involvement in the Khalistan movement would invite further danger. How Bhindranwale's Wife Raised Her Sons In the years after the operation, Pritam Kaur aimed to provide her sons with a normal life. She likely kept them away from the Khalistan movement to protect them from the violence and controversy associated with it. Both sons prioritised farming and family responsibilities over political or religious activism, possibly having learned from their father's death and the tragedies of Operation Blue Star. Bhindranwale's family remained under strict surveillance by government and intelligence agencies. Had his sons chosen to follow their father's path, they would have faced immediate targeting. Additionally, not all Sikhs supported the Khalistan movement, with mainstream Sikh organisations like the Shiromani Akali Dal advocating for peace. This lack of broad support, coupled with government surveillance, made it prudent for the sons to remain neutral. Risk Of Bearing Father's Legacy Bhindranwale's image as a martyr and militant leader within the Sikh community was also controversial. Continuing his legacy would have been fraught with risks. Faced with the dual pressures from Khalistan supporters who viewed their father as a hero and the non-Sikh community who associated him with militancy, the sons chose to avoid controversy. In efforts to secure a stable future for her children, Pritam Kaur likely encouraged her sons to stay away from violent activities. During the 1980s and 1990s, the havoc wreaked by militancy and military action in Punjab led many Sikh families to steer their children away from violence. Bhindranwale's family was no exception, seeking to ensure a safe and stable future for the next generation. First Published: June 06, 2025, 17:33 IST


New Indian Express
3 hours ago
- New Indian Express
Gujarat Congress General Secretary Rajesh Soni arrested over controversial social media posts on Operation Sindoor
AHMEDABAD: Gujarat Congress Committee General Secretary Rajesh Soni was arrested by the Gandhinagar Cyber Crime Branch following a complaint over his controversial social media posts on Operation Sindoor, triggering a political storm across the State. According to the Cyber Crime Sub-Inspector's complaint, Soni shared videos and images on his Facebook page related to Operation Sindoor, the Rafale deal, and other sensitive matters. The posts were allegedly aimed to undermine the morale of the Indian Army, cast doubt on duties, and erode public trust in the armed forces, raising alarm over national security on social media platforms. An FIR has been registered against Soni for posting objectionable content, including a statement that read, 'Take special note that the soldiers will not get credit. The cost of flying Rafale in Operation Sindoor will now be doubled and spent on their photos and publicity in the future.' Alongside, a video and image were shared with captions stating, '22-year-old Agniveer Naujwan should retire or go home, but a 73-year-old is demanding another opportunity.' The FIR also states, 'These posts dampen the Indian Army's enthusiasm, sow doubt about their duty, and diminish public trust. Despite clear knowledge that the government has not surrendered and that these claims were false, the accused knowingly spread rumours that incite hatred, tarnish India's image internationally, and lower the army's morale.' The arrest sparked immediate political backlash, with Gujarat Congress president Shaktisinh Gohil condemning the move as a blatant attempt to silence dissent. 'Last night, just like a terrorist, social leader and political activist Rajeshbhai T. Soni was arrested by the cybercrime cell at four o'clock,' Gohil said. 'The post simply emphasised that the bravery of our soldiers should be credited only to them, and public funds should not be misused for publicity or political gains under the guise of Operation Sindoor,' he said.
&w=3840&q=100)

First Post
5 hours ago
- First Post
Reviving the Russia-India-China grouping: Why it may not serve India's interests
The state of India's relationship with China is not yet such that it should let itself be drawn into a closer embrace of its northern neighbour read more Speaking at a conference on security and cooperation in Eurasia in the city of Perm in the Ural mountains on May 29, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reaffirmed Russia's interest in reviving the Russia-India-China Troika (RIC). Lavrov said: 'I would like to confirm our genuine interest in the earliest resumption of the work within the format of the troika – Russia, India, China – which was established many years ago on the initiative of (ex-Russian prime minister) Yevgeny Primakov and which has organised meetings more than 20 times at the ministerial level since then, not only at the level of foreign policy chiefs but also the heads of other economic, trade and financial agencies of the three countries.' He also said, 'Now that, as I understand, an understanding has been reached between India and China on how to calm the situation on the border, it seems to me that the time has come to revive this RIC troika.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While Lavrov has called for the revival of RIC, this may be easier said than done. Given the ongoing disputes and geopolitical dynamics, India may be unwilling to fully embrace such a close trilateral alliance with China. Contrary to what Lavrov said, border tensions between India and China continue to persist. While diplomatic efforts and troop disengagements have occurred, a full resolution remains elusive, and the potential for further clashes persists. The situation at the India-China border continues to be tense despite recent disengagement agreements. Increased infrastructure development and troop deployments along the border by China in recent years have exacerbated tensions. As General Upendra Dwivedi, the Indian Army Chief, said earlier this year, India will not reduce the number of its troops deployed along the Line of Actual Control with China anytime soon, asserting there is still 'a degree of standoff' persisting between the rival armies and the two countries need to rebuild trust to de-escalate overall tensions. Gen Dwivedi's statement makes it quite clear that there is a lack of trust for China. The 2020 Galwan Valley clashes and ongoing border disputes have continued to strain the relationship between India and China. This lack of trust will hinder the prospects of reviving the RIC. The India-China territorial dispute stems from differing interpretations of the border, with China disputing India's claims over regions like Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh. China has issued maps showing Aksai Chin — an area of India's state of Kashmir mostly controlled by China since the 1962 war— and the northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh within Chinese territory. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As recently as May 14 this year — less than three weeks ago — China has reasserted its territorial claims in Arunachal Pradesh. Despite professed claims about efforts to improve diplomatic ties with India, the Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs published its latest names for places in Arunachal Pradesh, which China calls Zangnan and says is part of the Tibetan autonomous region. The renaming of 27 places covered an array of geographical features: 15 mountains, five residential areas, four mountain passes, two rivers and one lake. India rejected the new Chinese names for places in Arunachal Pradesh as a 'preposterous' attempt to alter the 'undeniable' reality that the state 'was, is, and will' always be an integral part of India. It is, in fact, an old Chinese habit to periodically issue lists of new names for locations in Arunachal Pradesh. India describes the names as 'inventions' by China and has consistently and unequivocally dismissed them. China's renaming of places in Arunachal Pradesh is a strategic move to assert unilateral claims, which India firmly rejects, emphasising Arunachal's integral status. Strengthening infrastructure, military deterrence, and global alliances is crucial for India to counter China's tactics and safeguard sovereignty. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD There are important geopolitical considerations which also need to be taken into account. India feels that the China-Pakistan axis, characterised by strong military and economic ties, poses a strategic challenge for India. This axis is working against Indian interests, particularly due to China's support for Pakistan in regional disputes. China is a major supplier of military equipment and technology to Pakistan, further strengthening their relationship but escalating mistrust with India. China has emerged as Pakistan's largest arms supplier, accounting for almost 81 per cent of Islamabad's weapon systems inventory. Among the weapons supplied by China to Pakistan are fighter jets, missiles, drones, radar systems, warships and submarines. Following the Pahalgam terror attack, China moved swiftly to arm Pakistan. Reports suggest Beijing delivered advanced PL-15 air-to-air missiles to Pakistan's air force within days. Debris from one such missile, found undetonated in India's Punjab, points to Chinese involvement in Pakistan's latest assault. Pakistani jets used in combat were also Chinese-made. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD China's support for Pakistan, particularly in the context of terrorist groups, further fuels India's concerns. China reportedly blocked India's proposal at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to ban five Pakistan-based terrorists who carried out terrorist acts against India. These five terrorists are Abdul Rauf Asghar, Sajid Mir, Abdur Rehman Makki, Talha Saeed, and Shahid Mehmood Rehmatullah, who have been involved in several terror attacks in India, including the 26/11 attacks, the 2019 Pulwama attacks, the 2016 Pathankot attack, the 2001 Parliament attack, and the IC 814 hijack. India wanted to get them designated by the UNSC as global terrorists, but China blocked this effort. India's request to put sanctions on the proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba – The Resistance Front (TRF) – the terrorist outfit which was involved in the Pahalgam terror attack last month – was also blocked by China at the UN Security Council. Lavrov also said that India is being forced by the US and Quad into military operations, even though it was formed for trade purposes. He said that India must have realised the militarisation agenda of the trade alliance and that Quad is organising naval and military exercises which target China in the garb of economic and trade cooperation. Showing his distrust of the West, Lavrov said: 'Take note of the current developments in the Asia-Pacific region, which the West has started calling the Indo-Pacific region to give its policy a clear anti-China orientation — expecting thereby to additionally make our great friends and neighbours India and China clash.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Clearly, Russia has misgivings regarding Quad, although it is a diplomatic partnership, not a military alliance. The fact is that India is not aligning with the West. Rather, it follows a policy of multi-alignment. India has carefully crafted its Indo-Pacific policy and participation in Quad so as to strengthen maritime security and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region. On the other hand, it has also joined efforts to strengthen the multilateral forum BRICS. India is importing essential defence equipment as well as maintaining its close ties to Russia even while it has entered into a strategic partnership with the US to balance China. No doubt, India's relationship with the United States has deepened in recent years, driven by shared concerns over China's growing assertiveness in the region. However, India has been careful to avoid becoming a US ally; New Delhi has maintained an independent foreign policy and has refused to participate in any military alliance directed against China. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India's membership of Quad does not pose any threat to Russia. India has developed an independent foreign policy, carefully balancing relations with Western nations and Russia while simultaneously expanding its regional influence in the Indo-Pacific. India's foreign policy is based on strategic autonomy. India's stance on the Russia-Ukraine war substantiates this. India has not sided with the West and has chosen a course of neutrality in the war in Ukraine. It has neither condemned nor blamed Russia for the war. India abstained on all UN resolutions pertaining to Ukraine which demanded a Russian withdrawal or condemned Russia for the war with Ukraine. The fact that Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the US in September last year to meet the former US President Joe Biden, and next month he went to Russia to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasises India's strategic autonomy. In conclusion, it needs to be said that Lavrov's call to revive the RIC is to reassert Russia's importance as a power centre on the global platform. India is already walking the diplomatic tightrope by being a member of Quad on one hand and of BRICS on the other. The state of the India-China relationship is not yet such that we should let ourselves be drawn into a closer embrace of our northern neighbour, whose policies are harmful to us beyond doubt. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Perhaps we could privately share our views with the Russian leadership, explaining our concerns and telling them that for the moment, we see BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) as providing enough scope for trilateral cooperation between Russia, India and China. The writer is a retired Indian diplomat and had previously served as Consul General in New York. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.