Haaland Downs Brazil as England Edge Mexico in Penalty Shootout

Indian Navy to commission stealth frigate Mahendragiri in Visakhapatnam on July 11

The Indian Navy is set to commission Mahendragiri (F38), the sixth warship under Project 17A, at Visakhapatnam on July 11. The stealth frigate was designed and built entirely in India, reflecting the country's push for defence self-reliance. It is equipped with advanced indigenous weapons and sensor systems, including BrahMos cruise missiles and Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles. More than 75% of the vessel's components have been sourced domestically. The induction of Mahendragiri is expected to significantly strengthen India's maritime security and regional naval presence.

New Army Chief unveils 'VIJAY' mantra to guide India's military transformation

General Dhiraj Seth, the newly appointed Army Chief, has introduced a strategic framework called 'VIJAY', an acronym standing for Vigilance, Innovation, Jointness, Atmanirbharta, and Yodha First. The initiative is designed to modernize the Indian Army and reshape its doctrines to address emerging security challenges. It aligns with the Army's broader Decade of Transformation agenda and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'JAI' directive, which focuses on integrating India's defence forces. The framework aims to strengthen military capabilities through technological advancement and structural reforms.

Congress slams Modi govt as India's passport ranking falls to 125th

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has launched a sharp attack on the Modi government over India's declining passport ranking, which has slipped to 125th globally. Kharge questioned the government's narrative of growing international prestige, contrasting it with the drop in passport strength. He also highlighted a rise in passport fees, alleging that citizens are paying more while receiving poorer services. The Congress chief further pointed to stagnant foreign tourist arrivals as additional evidence of weakening global standing. The criticism underscores the opposition's broader challenge to the government's foreign policy and global image claims.

'Don't politicise matter': Ram Mandir trust chief amid donation 'theft' row