National

CDS Gen Anil Chauhan Wraps Up Australia Visit

Published

2 years ago

March 8, 2025

General Anil Chauhan, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), wrapped up a productive visit to Australia, reinforcing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Australia. This trip underscored both nations’ commitment to enhancing regional security and military collaboration.

During his stay, Gen Chauhan engaged in in-depth discussions with Admiral David Johnston, the Chief of Defence Force for Australia, and members of the Chiefs of Staff Committee. Their conversations focused on strengthening military cooperation, particularly in maritime security within the Indo-Pacific region. They also explored joint exercises, capacity building, and defence technology exchange, alongside new bilateral defence initiatives aimed at improving regional stability.

Gen Chauhan received a ceremonial guard of honor at the Russell Offices of the Australian Defence Force, where he was formally welcomed. He visited the Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQJOC), where he gained valuable insights into Australia’s operational command structure and discussed possibilities for enhanced joint operations between the two countries’ armed forces.

The CDS also toured the Forces Command Headquarters of the Australian Army and Fleet Headquarters of the Royal Australian Navy, further advancing maritime security cooperation and strategic coordination.

Highlighting India’s commitment to professional military training and education, Gen Chauhan visited the Australian Defence College (ADC). There, he held fruitful discussions with Rear Admiral James Lybrand, Commandant of the ADC, to promote professional military education and exchange programs. He addressed senior officers participating in the Defence & Strategic Studies Course, offering insights into the strategic challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region. Additionally, Gen Chauhan interacted with Indian student officers at the ADC, praising their role in strengthening bilateral military ties.

To further enhance policy and strategic dialogue, CDS Gen Chauhan chaired a round-table discussion at the Lowy Institute, a leading think tank in Australia. He engaged with Air Chief Marshal (Retd) Sir Angus Houston, strategic analyst Dr. Michael Fullilove, and Sam Roggeveen to discuss India-Australia defence cooperation, multilateral security frameworks, and shared strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific.

A significant moment of the visit was Gen Chauhan’s tribute at the Australian War Memorial, where he laid a wreath in honor of Indian soldiers who bravely fought and lost their lives during the Gallipoli campaign.

The visit also encompassed a briefing on Advanced Navigation Systems, which showcased innovative battlefield technologies aimed at enhancing precision targeting and operational awareness. Moreover, Gen Chauhan toured various prominent facilities within the Australian defence industry, delving into advancements in defence manufacturing, research, and technological innovations.

National

Marriage Turns into Alleged Fraud as Woman Flees with Jewellery

Published

2 days ago

October 7, 2026

Namma Kudla

Chandigarh: A woman who allegedly posed as a PCS officer and married an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader in Punjab reportedly fled with gold and silver jewellery and other valuables just a few months after the wedding.

AAP Joint Secretary Amarinder Singh Mandofal has alleged that he was cheated by the woman, identified as Manwinder Kaur. The two got married in February 2026 after Kaur’s family introduced her to Amarinder as a PCS officer.

According to Amarinder’s complaint, the woman was also presented as unmarried. However, he later allegedly discovered that she had been married earlier and had a son aged around 18. He also claimed that she had provided false information about her age.

The woman allegedly left the house with gold and silver jewellery and other valuable items a few months after the marriage. Amarinder said he became suspicious and later gathered information about her past.

Based on his complaint, police have registered a case against six people, including Kaur, on charges of cheating and forgery.

The FIR names her brother Tarlochan Singh, mother Varinderjit Kaur, cousin Narinder Singh Goldy, sister-in-law Rupinder Kaur, and former village sarpanch Surinder Singh Rana as co-accused.

Police said all the accused are residents of Sur Singh village under the Bhikhiwind police station limits in Tarn Taran district.

The wedding had been attended by several prominent AAP leaders and public representatives, including Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sondh.

Videos and pictures from the wedding celebrations have also gone viral on social media.

Police have begun an investigation into the allegations and the background of the accused.

National

Man Dies by Suicide after Jumping from 43rd Floor

Published

5 days ago

October 4, 2026

Namma Kudla

Noida: A man died by suicide after jumping from the 43rd floor of the Supernova Tower in Noida on Saturday.

The incident took place at the Supernova complex in Sector 94. A video shows the man standing near the railing before jumping. Another person tried to stop him but could not prevent the incident.

Police identified the deceased as Sambhav Jain, a resident of Manesar, Haryana. He had reportedly checked into an Airbnb in the building on Friday and was scheduled to leave on Saturday.

Police said Jain had called his father several times before the incident. His family has been informed.

The police and forensic teams inspected the spot and collected evidence. CCTV footage is also being checked as part of the investigation.

Police said Jain was reportedly under severe financial stress. His body has been sent for a post-mortem examination.

The investigation is underway.

National

Captain Smit Machchhar Shares Ordeal with PM Modi

Published

6 days ago

October 3, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Captain Smit Machchhar over a video call and praised his courage after he helped prevent a major air disaster.

Captain Machchhar was seriously injured after his co-pilot allegedly stabbed him during a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. The Boeing 737 MAX reportedly lost nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds.

Passengers and crew members entered the cockpit and overpowered the co-pilot. A second pair of pilots then took control and safely landed the aircraft in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. More than 170 passengers and crew were on board.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Captain Machchhar told PM Modi that he was badly injured and had collapsed in the cockpit. He realised that the aircraft was rapidly losing altitude and that he had to act.

“I could not let all those people die,” he told the Prime Minister.

Captain Machchhar said his 17 years of flying experience helped him understand what was happening to the aircraft. He managed to open the cockpit door, after which passengers and crew came to his help.

He also said he was chanting the Hanuman Chalisa while fighting the pain and fear.

PM Modi praised the captain’s courage, patience and presence of mind. He said Captain Machchhar’s actions helped save many lives and called his effort a “monumental task.”

Captain Machchhar, who is from Gujarat, has more than 9,750 flying hours and has served as a captain for 11 years.