1. US designates BLA unit Majeed Brigade as foreign terrorist organisation 

The US State Department designated BLA (Baloch Liberation Army) and its unit the Majeed brigade a foreign terrorist organization.BLA was designated as an SDGT ( Specially Designated Global Terrorist) in 2019 following several terrorist attacks.  Since 2019, BLA has claimed responsibility for additional attacks, including by its unit Majeed Brigade.  

In 2024, BLA claimed it had conducted attacks near the airport in Karachi and the Gwadar Port Authority Complex.  In 2025, BLA rebels  hijacked the Jaffara express in which 31 people including security personnel were killed and 300 people were wounded and many of them were held hostage by the rebels 

The state department said its action demonstrated the Trump administration’s commitment to countering terrorism.

2. SC strikes down gender-based cap in Army's JAG recruitment, orders common merit list

The Supreme Court on Monday said it had struck down a policy limiting the number of women in the Judge Advocate General (JAG) branch of the Indian Army, underlining the constitutional mandate of non-discrimination against women.

A bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Manmohan held that once the Army allowed women to join a branch under Section 12 of the Army Act, 1950, it couldn't impose additional restrictions on their numbers through an executive policy.

"If women candidates are more meritorious than men in the JAG entrance exam, then merit must be given a chance. Restricting them to 50% seats, despite higher performance, violates the right to equality," the bench ruled.

3. Asim Munir is Osama bin Laden in a suit, says former Pentagon official

Michael Rubin, a former Pentagon analyst  has delivered a scathing assessment of remarks given by Pakistan Army Field Marshal Asim Munir.

Asim speaking at a private dinner event hosted by Pakistanis in Tampa, Florida, Munir threatened to ‘take half the world down if Pakistan was going down’. He also threatened to strike any dam India builds on the Indus with missiles 

Rubin said that the remarks by Asim Munir show that Pakistan is not a responsible state and Asim Munir is “Osama Bin Laden in a suit”.

4. Navy's focus on combat readiness ensured ship deployment after Pahalgam attack: Govt to Parliament panel

The Indian Navy's focus on ensuring combat readiness enabled ships to be deployed at sea in the wake of the April 22, 2025 terrorist attack, the government has told the parliamentary panel.

India launched Operation Sindoor early on May 7 to strike terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack.

In light of the "evolving threats and geopolitical dynamics" in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), the Committee of External Affairs has said that it was keen to learn about India's long-term strategy to ensure maritime security and maintain regional stability.

5. India-Kazakhstan boost defence co-operation 

Kazakhstan's First Deputy Minister of Defence— Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Lt Gen Sultan Kamaletdinov, held separate meetings with Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan and Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi on Monday about advancing bilateral cooperation and expanding military-to-military ties.

He also called on Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth here.In a cordial and friendly atmosphere, both ministers discussed matters related to defence cooperation and defence industrial collaboration.

They agreed that the defence partnership between both sides was robust and dynamic with great potential for enhancement through collaboration and innovation," the Defence Ministry posted on X.

6. Indian Army inducts Mechanical Minefield Marking Equipment Mk-II

The Indian Army on Monday said it has inducted a DRDO-designed mechanical minefield marking equipment aiming to enhance its operational effectiveness.

"Strengthening combat readiness through indigenous innovation in a step towards enhancing operational effectiveness, the Indian Army has inducted the Mechanical Minefield Marking Equipment Mk-II," the Army said in a post on X.

"Designed by DRDO and manufactured by BEM Ltd, the system  embodies the spirit of Atmanirbharta and significantly strengthens the combat capabilities of the Corps of Engineers," the Army wrote in its post.

7. India must counter combined naval threat from China, Pak: Parliamentary panel

The parliamentary panel on external affairs has expressed "concern" regarding the "escalating Chinese presence and its increasing influence" in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), saying the development poses "substantial risks" to India's national security and broader strategic interests.

Of "equal concern" is the "strengthening of the China-Pakistan naval nexus", which not only facilitates joint military exercises, but also "advances Pakistan's naval modernisation", the committee said in its report on "Evaluation of India's Indian Ocean Strategy" that was presented in Parliament on Monday August 11, 2025.

The committee said it believed that "these developments must be addressed with urgency, as they have the potential to shift the balance of power in the region, challenging India's strategic autonomy and undermining its influence over key maritime chokepoints".

8. Army, Civil agencies to boost infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh’s East Kameng District 

The Indian Army’s Gajraj Corps  held a conclave along with the civil administration of East Kameng district in Arunachal Pradesh and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) for boosting the border infrastructure in the district on Monday August 12, 2025.

The conclave was also organised to strengthen security, and enhance disaster preparedness in the strategically vital border district of the state.

The meeting was held at Seppa, the district headquarters which had the presence of senior district officials, Army and ITBP commanders, departmental heads, elected representatives, and tribal leaders.

9. Pakistani intruder shot dead along International Border by BSF

A Pakistani intruder was shot dead by BSF while the intruder was attempting to enter Indian territory along the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district on August 11, 2025.A protest had  been lodged with the Pakistani side over the incident.

Officials said BSF troops spotted multiple intruders trying to sneak in between the Chandwan and Kothey border outposts in the Hiranagar sector around 4 pm. The group was challenged repeatedly and asked to stop, but ignored the warnings, prompting personnel at the forward posts to open fire.

Arjun Dev Singh

Arjun Dev Singh has a deep interest in defence, security, and strategic affairs. With a strong analytical lens and a passion for military and geopolitical developments, Arjun strives to bring clarity and context to complex national and international issues.