Senior Correspondent with @indiablooms. Covers Defence/Geopolitics. Formerly with @republic, @ECKolkata. Tweets/views are personal, RT/Follow≠Endorsement.
One year after Delhi Red Fort blast: Families still battle grief, financial distress and uncertainty over justice | Indiablooms - First Portal on Digital News Management
#DelhiBlast#Delhi#RedFortBlast
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At least 6 killed, 15 wounded in Poland shooting; gunman shot at by police | Indiablooms - First Portal on Digital News Management
#Poland#PolandAttack#Krakow
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Who is Neville Roy Singham? Inside India’s 'regime change' allegations and BJP’s claims | Indiablooms - First Portal on Digital News Management
#NevilleRoySingham#BJP#Congress
https://t.co/kPufxqSeXe
'At least 18 dead', many injured in stampede in Kolkata’s Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal | Indiablooms - First Portal on Digital News Management
#Kolkata#Stampede#DurgaPuja#Chorbagan
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One nation, two states — But a hijab ban is driving a wedge between Azerbaijan and Turkey | Indiablooms - First Portal on Digital News Management
#Hijab#Azerbaijan#Turkey
https://t.co/BTvRRfI4aH
The Defence Correspondents Course concluded at Tezpur with a valedictory ceremony, following the successful completion of its Navy, Air Force and Army legs, with 24 journalists participating in the tri-Service programme.
Chaired by GOC, @GajrajCorps_IA Lt Gen Neeraj Shukla, the ceremony was attended by ADG (M&C), Ministry of Defence Shri Vijay Kumar and officials of the Directorate of Public Relations.
Through briefings, field visits and interactions with Service personnel, the course familiarised participants with the roles, capabilities and operational environments of the three Services, strengthening civil-military understanding and emphasising the importance of accurate, responsible defence reporting in keeping with operational sensitivities and national security imperatives.
DEFENCE CORRESPONDENTS COURSE: FORWARD AREA TOUR TO BUMLA, HOLY WATERFALL AND LGG
Participants of the Defence Correspondents Course 2026 visited Bumla, Holy Waterfall and LGG as part of their forward area tour during the Army leg of the course.The visit provided an opportunity to appreciate the challenging terrain, high-altitude conditions and operational environment in which Indian Army personnel discharge their duties. Exposure to forward areas offered the correspondents a deeper understanding of the demands of border management and the importance of sustained operational preparedness.
The tour also acquainted participants with the region’s cultural and historical significance, while highlighting the dedication and resilience of troops deployed in remote locations. The visit reinforced the course’s objective of promoting informed and responsible defence reporting through direct exposure to the Army’s functioning in forward areas.Participants also visited the Bob Khating Museum, gaining insights into his contributions and the region’s history. A sound and light show at the War Memorial brought alive accounts of courage, sacrifice and devotion to duty, offering a poignant tribute to the fallen soldiers.Combining operational exposure with historical and cultural awareness, the visit reinforced the course’s objective of fostering informed and responsible defence reporting.
The Army Leg of #DCC2026 commenced at Tezpur with an address by the Corps Commander, setting the context for participants’ engagement with the #IndianArmy and understanding of military affairs.
The programme included an orientation briefing, a session on the 1962 operations and a briefing on media dos & don’ts during military operations, highlighting operational security, information verification and responsible reporting.
The opening programme laid the foundation for informed interaction between the Army and defence correspondents, promoting accurate, balanced and responsible coverage of military affairs.
The Army leg of the Defence Correspondents Course - 2026, commenced in the Forward area of Tenga,with a Welcome address by the Deputy General Officer Commanding, 5 Mountain Division. This was followed by an orientation briefing by Colonel General Staff, acquainting participants with the operational environment and course programme. A session on the 1962 operations provided historical perspectives and key military lessons. Participants were also briefed on the Dos and Don’ts for media personnel,during various operations,emphasising responsible reporting, operational security and adherence to prescribed guidelines. The programme laid the foundation for a deeper understanding of the Army’s operational responsibilities.
Participants of the Defence Correspondents Course-2026 visited a forward Air Base in the Eastern Air Command AOR from 28 Sep to 01 Oct 26, for an orientation on Indian Air Force operations and capabilities.
The IAF Officers delivered lectures on the Service’s history, administration and logistics, highlighting the systems that sustain operational readiness. The correspondents visited helicopter and Fighter Squadrons, the advanced simulator complex, surveillance units, and the Air Traffic Control centre, where they received briefings on their respective roles. Garud commandos outlined their training and operational responsibilities. The visit concluded with a demonstration of night flying by helicopters and fighter aircraft.
The programme gave participants an understanding of the professionalism, coordination and capabilities underpinning air operations.
As part of Defence Correspondent Course - 2026( Forward Area Tour), Lt Gen Neeraj Shukla AVSM, SM**, Corps Commander Gajraj Corps, delivered an address to the Defence Correspondents Course, on the Indian Army’s contribution to nation building. He outlined its primary mandate of defending territorial integrity and highlighted its wider role in disaster response, infrastructure development, assistance to civil administration and outreach in remote areas. The address emphasised that operational readiness, disciplined leadership and sustained engagement with citizens strengthen national resilience and integration. He also underscored the responsibility of defence correspondents to report military matters with accuracy, context and sensitivity. The Corps Commander also addressed the DCC on the instruments of national power—diplomatic, informational, military and economic—and the Indian Army’s contribution to each. He explained that credible military capability safeguards sovereignty, supports diplomacy and reinforces national confidence. The Army’s disaster response, border infrastructure, assistance to civil authorities and outreach in remote areas contribute to economic activity and social cohesion.The presentation underscored that the Army’s operational readiness, disciplined service and partnership with civil institutions are integral to national resilience, integration and nation building. The interaction provided participants with a clear appreciation of the Army’s enduring service to the nation at large.
My salute to the Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary bravery.
Despite being stabbed and seriously injured, he fought back, resisted, opened the cockpit door, and enabled passengers and crew to overpower the attacker — preventing a catastrophic mid-air disaster.
He saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals.
I wish Captain Machchhar a speedy and full recovery.
He is a true hero.
The six-day Navy Module of the Defence Correspondents’ Course (DCC) 2026 concluded at Visakhapatnam with 24 journalists gaining insights into the operational profile and maritime security responsibilities of the @indiannavy.
CSO Ops @IN_HQENC, Rear Admiral Manoj Jha addressed the participants and highlighted the importance of greater understanding of naval operations and maritime security.
The module included professional interactions, lectures and visits to naval establishments, ships and submarines, including a sea sortie onboard a frontline warship, providing participants first-hand exposure to naval operations at sea.
Defence Correspondents’ Course (DCC) 2026 commenced at Visakhapatnam with the six-day Navy Module, with 24 journalists participating. Rear Admiral Manoj Jha, CSO (Ops), Eastern Naval Command, delivered the inaugural address, highlighting the importance of the media–military interface. The module will familiarise media professionals with the #IndianNavy’s organisation, operational activities and maritime security responsibilities through lectures, interactions, visits to naval establishments, ships & submarines, and a sea sortie.
25 years of 9/11: From the twin towers to the war on terror, how one day changed the world | Indiablooms - First Portal on Digital News Management
#NineEleven#TwinTowers#US#WorldTradeCentre
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Uttam Kumar at 100: The making of Bengal’s 'Mahanayak' | Indiablooms - First Portal on Digital News Management
#UttamKumar#BengaliCinema#UttamKumar100
https://t.co/3H7PcxZQyp