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It was a fabulous fireworks display at the Group Parade Ground today. The backdrop of the illuminated War Memorial adding to the ethereal charm. One of the Best fireworks display in more than ten years at least, since we settled down in Roorkee.
In a curative petition filed before the apex court in May, Major R Varadaraja Bharath had sought a review of the Supreme Court’s order of April 2026, dismissing a review petition filed against a judgement of the Armed Forces Tribunal
The Supreme Court has dismissed a plea by former Short Service Commission Officers (SSCOs) who had knocked on the doors of the top court seeking reconsideration of earlier judicial pronouncements that had rejected their demand for pro-rata pension.
In a curative petition filed before the apex court in May, Major R Varadaraja Bharath had sought a review of the Supreme Court’s order of April 2026, dismissing a review petition filed against a judgement of the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT).
In August 2025, the AFT had rejected the original application seeking pension for SSCOs on the grounds that it is not invested with jurisdiction to adjudicate the issues involved, observing that a Tribunal subject to the High Courts’ jurisdiction under Article 226, cannot be permitted by law, to direct the framing of policy by the government.
A curative petition is the final legal recourse in the Supreme Court, filed after a review petition against earlier orders is dismissed. It is a rarely used provision and requires a senior advocate’s certification and the petition is heard in the chambers.
“In our opinion, no case to entertain this Curative Petition is made out within the parameters indicated by this Court in the case of Rupa Ashok Hurra vs. Ashok Hurra and Another. Hence, the Curative Petition is dismissed,” a five-member Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant ruled in their order of October 28.
According to legal experts, the Hurra case, a matrimonial dispute decided by the Supreme Court in April 2002, officially introduced the curative petition into the Indian legal system. The legal issues raised in the matter were whether an aggrieved person is entitled to any relief against a final judgment or order of the Supreme Court after the dismissal of a review petition, and whether the top court can use its inherent powers to reconsider or correct its own order after a review petition is dismissed, to prevent an abuse of process or a gross miscarriage of justice.
SSCOs in the Armed Forces serve for a fixed term of 10 years, extendable to 14 years, and those not selected for a permanent commission are released without grant of pension. The petitioner in this case, an officer from the Army Dental Corps, had served for 10 years and one month.
“Our contentions concerning the case were that Para 17 of Army Instruction 11/S of 1964 applicable to SSCOs of combat and support arms, under the heading ‘Pensionary Terms’, it is stated that ‘These are under consideration and orders will be issued separately’,” Lt Col GPS Virk (retd), a Chandigarh-based lawyer who had pleaded the case before the Tribunal, said.
“This is ultra vires when Rule 30 of the Pension Regulations of 1961 existed to compute pension for officers who served less than the standard years of service and 11/S cannot override the statutory Pension Regulations,” he averred.
The curative petition averred that 11/S cannot override the statutory Pension Regulations, and pointed out that Rule 30 of the Pension Regulations 1961 covers special pension and gratuity applicable for specific conditions such as premature retirement, reduction in establishment or other circumstances, and any administrative instructions cannot curtail or defer rights flowing from statutory regulations.
Further, until Para 17 is judicially tested and set aside, the AFT cannot lawfully base its opinion on it nor convert a statutory pension claim into a policy matter, the petition added.
The Army Service Corps (ASC) Motorcycle Display Team, popularly known as the ASC Tornadoes, has added another world record to its tally, with Major Amrit Panda covering 154 km while standing on the seat of a motorcycle.
The feat, achieved ahead of the 266th Corps Day and 12th Reunion of the Army Service Corps, surpassed the previous record of 107.92 km in the category of ‘Longest Continuous Ride Standing on the Seat of a Motorcycle’.
With this achievement, the ASC Tornadoes have taken their cumulative tally to 36 world records, an official release said on Friday.
The record-breaking feat showcased exceptional physical endurance, technical skill and discipline, while also paying tribute to India’s war heroes and reflecting the values of patriotism, courage and perseverance, it added.
The ASC Tornadoes were established in 1982 under the leadership of then Major C N Rao, later Colonel, with assistance from Captain J P Verma and Subedar Dhan Singh. The team made its debut at the opening ceremony of the Asian Games in December 1982.
Since its inception, the team has continued to perform on Royal Enfield motorcycles, executing complex formations and daring stunts through rigorous training and meticulous preparation.
Over the years, the team has participated in Republic Day parades, high-altitude expeditions and motorcycle displays across the country, including the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Its recent engagements include the 2026 Army Day Parade, the Kargil Vijay Diwas Ride and the Raid de Himalaya.
Lieutenant General Ajay Ramdev, Commandant of ASC Centre and College, Bengaluru, witnessed the record-breaking performance and congratulated Major Panda and the entire team for the achievement.
The accomplishment has brought further recognition to the Army Service Corps and reinforced the ASC Tornadoes’ standing as one of India’s leading motorcycle display teams, the statement said.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday reviewed the operational preparedness of the Army’s 33 Corps, which is responsible for the Sikkim sector.
The Defence Minister visited Sukna in West Bengal, the headquarters of 33 Corps, where he was briefed on infrastructure development along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), as well as the deployment of advanced military equipment and emerging technologies, the Ministry of Defence said.
Rajnath expressed satisfaction with the Corps’ operational readiness and lauded its contribution to nation-building through infrastructure development and community welfare initiatives in border areas, aimed at strengthening ties with local residents.
Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth, Eastern Army Commander Lt Gen VMB Krishnan and GOC 33 Corps Lt Gen Man Raj Singh Mann were among the senior officers present.
Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth, Eastern Army Commander Lt Gen VMB Krishnan and GOC 33 Corps Lt Gen Man Raj Singh Mann were among the senior officers present.
Addressing troops at a ‘Barakhana’ (a meal with the troops) on the eve of Diwali, Rajnath praised their courage and professionalism in guarding the frontiers under challenging conditions. Underscoring the importance of logistics, he described the region as a critical hub for moving supplies, weapons, food, medical provisions and personnel to forward locations.
Describing the area as a vital link in eastern India’s security architecture, he said its geographical sensitivity demanded round-the-clock preparedness. The government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was continuously working to strengthen supply chains to ensure that soldiers deployed at forward posts had access to all essential supplies, he added.
The Defence Minister said budgetary allocations for roads, tunnels, border infrastructure and modern equipment had been increased, with the country steadily moving towards ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
“Our start-ups and industries are now manufacturing drones, anti-drone systems and other state-of-the-art equipment for the soldiers,” he said, adding that it was a matter of pride that the Armed Forces were embracing emerging technologies, learning drone operations and undergoing training in cyber security and new methodologies.
Flagging the changing nature of warfare, Rajnath said security challenges were no longer confined to gunfire or artillery exchanges along the borders. They now extended to hybrid warfare, proxy wars, cyberattacks, drone incursions and information warfare.
He said adversaries were increasingly using social media to spread rumours, deploying drones to monitor sensitive locations and attempting to compromise military systems through cyberattacks. He urged personnel to remain vigilant and prepared to meet challenges across all domains.
Extending Diwali greetings to the troops and their families, Rajnath assured them of the government’s commitment to their safety, dignity and well-being. He said the ‘Barakhana’ reflected the spirit of togetherness and equality, bringing together personnel from diverse regions, cultures and linguistic backgrounds as one family.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh pays homage to soldiers at the Sherathang War Memorial and interacts with Army personnel deployed in the forward area on the occasion of Diwali, in Sikkim. (@rajnathsingh/X via PTI)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh pays homage to soldiers at the Sherathang War Memorial and interacts with Army personnel deployed in the forward area on the occasion of Diwali, in Sikkim. (@rajnathsingh/X via PTI)
From the far flung frontiers, away from their homes, the festive spirit resonates as soldiers share their sentiments and send warm greetings back to their families as well as the citizens.
One such video posted on the social media shows several soldiers in combat gear, complete with bullet proof jackets and helmets, conveying Diwali greetings and asking viewers to celebrate the festival happily just like the way they are also doing.
A Sikh soldier amongst them breaks out into a melodious song, cheered by his comrades, presenting a satirical narration on not being home for the festival or his sister’s wedding but instead staying put on the border as if their spouse is alongside. The sounds of gunfire echoing in their ears all day long makes it feel as if it its Diwali all year long.
In a different video, an armed soldier of north-eastern ethnicity, while conveying greetings to fellow countrymen, states that though away from home, he is happy celebrating the festival with his battalion, which is just like his family. While asserting that they remain fully motivated and committed to their task, he says that his comrades celebrate all festivals together. Another social media video from a forward location shows a prayer meeting and troops bursting firecrackers.
Each year, thousands of personnel from the Armed Forces as well as the Central Armed Police Forces posted in different parts of the country miss out on celebrating festivals or participating in important family events because of the nature of their jobs.
They are deployed in remote border areas or operational areas where families are not permitted to stay, or are engaged in internal security duties. In addition, there are many other professionals like doctors, police, firemen and utility service providers who remain on duty in their respective stations through the festivities.
Despite being away from homes, troops maintain a festive sprit celebrating collectively in their outposts and bunkers as best as their circumstances allow, holding prayers, lighting lamps and candles and whipping up some delicacies. In units, the celebrations are an institutional event organised at a larger scale.
Top leaders and commanders also make it a point to visit personnel deployed in such areas and spend some time with them to boost their morale and convey the nation’s gratitude for their services and resilience.
This year, the Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh visited troops in Sikkim. “On the auspicious occasion of Diwali today, paid homage to our immortal bravehearts at the Sherathang War Memorial in Sikkim,” he posted on his X handle on Sunday.
“As the saying goes, “Monuments are for the living, not the dead” — they stand to continuously inspire us and awaken our national pride. Their supreme sacrifice in the line of duty will forever remain etched in the memory of a grateful nation, and we will always remain indebted to their valour,” he said.
Stating that he interacted with troops deployed in this forward and challenging sector, he said that our jawans are like ‘diyas’ themselves, silently fighting the darkness and spreading the light of security to every home in the country. Even in extreme weather and difficult terrain, their unflinching vigil, boundless patriotism, and high morale burn brighter than a thousand lamps.
Chief of the Army Staff Gen Dhiraj Seth has also been touring forward areas over the past two days. On November 7, he visited some formations under the Western Command and then proceeded to the 20 Mountain Division in the Eastern Sector.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, visited an Air Force Station in the forward areas and celebrated Diwali with the air warriors and their families. He shared sweets with everyone and expressed warmth towards the personnel who remain ever ready on the forward fronts to safeguard the nation’s skies.
General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, flew to the icy heights of Siachen Glacier, where he interacted with the brave hearts in the snow-bound terrain of the world’s highest battlefield and conveyed festive greetings and lauded their indomitable spirit. “Amidst unforgiving terrain, the resolve of the Indian Army shines brighter than a thousand lights,” the Northern Command said.
Sanjay Singhal, the newly appointed Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, celebrated Diwali with the Himveers deployed on internal security duty. He inquired about their well-being, distributed sweets and commended their unwavering dedication and devotion to duty.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said all Agniveers would be eligible for enrolment as regular soldiers after completing their extended two-year tenure, subject to their willingness and fulfilment of the selection criteria.
The minister, who addressed troops during a ‘Diwali Milan’ event at the Indian Air Force Station in Bagdogra, West Bengal, called upon the defence forces to maintain the highest level of operational readiness, with a sharp focus on enhancing domain awareness, cyber resilience and information integrity to counter non-conventional security threats.
Rajnath’s remarks on Agniveers came three days after the government announced that the personnel due to leave the military at the end of their four-year tenure would be granted a two-year extension and subsequent permanent enrolment, subject to meeting specific eligibility criteria.
Chief of Defence Staff Gen NS Raja Subramani had on November 4 said the eligibility criteria would include a soldier’s willingness to continue in service, meeting the prescribed physical fitness and having no pending disciplinary cases.
Introduced in June 2022, the Agnipath scheme provides for the recruitment of soldiers for a four-year term, with only 25 per cent of them retained in regular service upon completion of their tenure. General Subramani announced the changes to the scheme following a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
At present, over 3 lakh Agniveers are serving in the military. Several Opposition parties, including the Congress, had targeted the government over the scheme, wondering what would happen to 75 per cent of the soldiers once their four-year tenure ended.
Interacting with IAF personnel on the eve of Diwali, Rajnath said the security landscape had become increasingly complex, with modern warfare extending beyond conventional border conflicts to include asymmetric warfare, proxy wars, cyberattacks, drone swarms and information manipulation.
“The adversary often avoids direct confrontation and instead seeks to exploit our vulnerabilities. Through social media, it may try to sow doubts in the minds of the local population and our soldiers by spreading misleading information. In such a scenario, your role goes beyond that of an ordinary soldier,” he said.
Describing Bagdogra, located in the strategically sensitive Siliguri Corridor connecting the Northeast with central India, as a crucial link in the security matrix, the minister commended the courage and dedication of the forces.
The event was attended by IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Air Officer Commanding of Bagdogra Air Force Station Air Commodore Manish Sharma and other senior officers.
Rajnath also reviewed the operational preparedness of the Army’s 33 Corps, headquartered at Sukna in West Bengal. He was briefed on infrastructure development along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China as well as the induction of advanced military equipment and emerging technologies. The 33 Corps is responsible for guarding the India-China border in Sikkim.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid homage at the Sherethang War Memorial in East Sikkim, honouring the brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation and paid tribute to their courage and valour in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, officials said. Video grab via X@rajnathsingh
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday visited Sherethang near Nathu La in Sikkim, where he paid homage to brave soldiers at a war memorial.
He was received at Sherethang by Gangtok District Collector Rohan Agawane, Senior Superintendent of Police Dr Tsering Namgyal Gyatso and Home Department’s Joint Secretary John Gurung along with senior Army officials.
Singh paid homage at the Sherethang War Memorial in East Sikkim, honouring the brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation and paid tribute to their courage and valour in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, officials said.
The minister interacted with defence personnel deployed in the region and hailed their dedication and service in protecting the country’s borders under challenging conditions, they said.
Singh also visited Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir and paid his respects at the revered shrine, which holds immense significance among Army personnel.
Nineteen Indian seafarers stranded in the Yemeni cities of Hodeidah and Sana’a for the past two weeks have been successfully evacuated by the Embassy of India to Yemen.
In a statement posted on X, the Embassy confirmed: “The Embassy of India to Yemen has successfully evacuated 19 Indian seafarers who were stranded in Hodeidah and Sana’a (Yemen) for the past two weeks.”
The mission stated that all 19 seafarers are safe, in good health and travelling back to India following the operation.
The Embassy also expressed gratitude to all parties involved in facilitating the evacuation, saying: “The Embassy sincerely thanks all concerned for their valuable cooperation and continued support in facilitating the safe evacuation of our Indian nationals.”
The evacuation comes against the backdrop of continuing instability and security risks across Yemen and the wider West Asia region, where maritime routes have faced increasing threats linked to the ongoing conflict.
Earlier this month, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal revealed that India has lost 23 nationals in the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The figure includes 15 Indian seafarers, while five Indian nationals were killed in attacks on commercial shipping in the Black Sea region. Two other Indian nationals remain missing.
The latest evacuation also coincides with heightened regional tensions. On Sunday, the Saudi-led coalition announced that its air defence systems had intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched by Yemen’s Houthi militia towards the Saudi capital, Riyadh.
In a statement on X, the coalition said: “Air defences intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched by the Houthi terrorist militia toward Riyadh.”
The missile interception followed warnings issued by Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defence authorities regarding a “potential danger” in the eastern city of Dammam, as well as the governorates of Abqaiq and Al-Ahsa in the Eastern Province.
Residents in the affected areas were advised to seek shelter in the nearest safe location and comply with official safety instructions issued by authorities.
The security alerts came after Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed that the group had carried out six missile and drone operations targeting strategic installations across Saudi Arabia, underscoring the continued escalation of hostilities in the region and the persistent risks facing both civilians and international maritime activity.
ANI
