Women Lead 1 in 4 MSMEs, Yet Credit Remains Elusive: Report
The landscape of Indian entrepreneurship is witnessing a significant transformation, with women now at the helm of nearly one in every four micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This encouraging trend is one of the key findings of the latest SIDBI report, ‘Understanding the Indian MSME Sector: Progress, and Challenges’, which also reveals that despite this progress, access to credit remains a persistent hurdle for women entrepreneurs.
According to the report, 26.2% of proprietary MSMEs in India are now owned by women, as per the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE 2023-24). This marks a notable shift towards inclusivity and reflects the growing participation of women in the country’s economic development. However, the journey for women entrepreneurs is far from smooth, particularly when it comes to securing timely and adequate financial support.
The SIDBI survey, which covered over 2,000 MSMEs across 19 industries, found that while 76% of women-led MSMEs have some form of access to credit, a significant 41% of women entrepreneurs still identify credit access and intense competition as the biggest obstacles to their growth. The report estimates the credit gap for women-owned MSMEs at a staggering 35%, much higher than the overall sector average of 24%. This means that for many women business owners, the doors to formal finance remain only partially open, limiting their ability to expand and compete effectively.
What Will Help Women-Led MSMEs Thrive?
The challenges are not limited to credit alone. Many women entrepreneurs continue to face social and cultural barriers, limited awareness about digital tools, and gaps in business skills. These hurdles often make it even harder for them to take full advantage of government schemes and new-age financial solutions.
Despite these challenges, the report highlights several positive trends. The formalisation of the MSME sector is accelerating, with registrations under the Udyam portal rising sharply to over 6.2 crore by March 2025. Digital adoption is also on the rise, with 90% of MSMEs now accepting digital payments and 18% using digital lending platforms. These technological shifts hold promise for bridging the credit gap in the future, especially for women-led enterprises.
SIDBI’s report also points out that women entrepreneurs are gradually making their mark in exports and sustainability initiatives. However, to truly unlock the potential of women-led MSMEs, the report calls for more targeted policy interventions, greater financial literacy, and robust support systems to help women navigate the challenges unique to their entrepreneurial journeys.
As India looks to strengthen its MSME sector as a pillar of economic growth, the success and empowerment of women entrepreneurs will play a crucial role. The latest findings from SIDBI serve as both a recognition of their achievements and a reminder of the work still needed to ensure that credit and opportunity are accessible to all, regardless of gender.
Uttar Pradesh CM Orders Maximum Vigilance in Zoos to Avert Bird Flu Threat
Taking the potential threat of H5 Avian Influenza (bird flu) seriously significant measures has been taken by the UP government. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Monday, chaired a high-level meeting. During the meeting, CM directed officials to enforce maximum vigilance across all zoos in the state.
Safety of Animals
CM Yogi mentioned that the safety of protected animals and birds in zoos, bird sanctuaries, national parks, wetland areas, and cow shelters must be treated as the topmost priority. He instructed officials to take all necessary preventive measures promptly and strictly in accordance with the guidelines issued by both the central and state governments to curb the possible spread of the infection.
As part of the preventive strategy, the Chief Minister ordered regular sanitization of zoo premises and the use of blow torching where needed. He also emphasized mandatory health screenings for all wild animals and birds, along with strict inspection of their food to prevent any contamination.
Education on avian influenza
Furthermore, the Chief Minister also directed that all zoo staff be fully informed about avian influenza and equipped with PPE kits and other essential safety gear. He further instructed that staff duties within enclosures be assigned according to the level of associated risk.
According to reports, strict monitoring of all poultry farms in line with safety protocols and tight control over the movement of poultry products should be conducted. He also directed the Health Department to assess the potential impact of H5 Avian Influenza on humans to prevent any risk of transmission to the public.
Coordination with all institues
CM Yogi Adityanath mentioned that authorities should stay in regular contact with institutions like the Central Zoo Authority (New Delhi), National Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Department of Fisheries and Dairy, and the Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar (Bareilly) to seek advice and implement necessary actions accordingly.
He also instructed officials to strengthen coordination between District Administration, the Chief Medical Officer, and the Chief Veterinary Officer to ensure 100% compliance with all instructions.
CSR News: CSR Initiative equips 700+ youths with AI skills
Capgemini in collaboration with the Nasscom Foundation has successfully skilled and certified more than 700 disadvantaged youths through their AI for Skilling program. As India moves swiftly towards an AI-driven future, the demand for a workforce proficient in AI competencies continues to grow. Capgemini and the Nasscom Foundation partnership plays a key role in helping to meet this demand by equipping the youth with advanced skills in generative AI, robotics, fintech, and more.
Implemented in Delhi NCR and Bengaluru, the program is designed to provide a comprehensive 200-hour training, comprising over 140 hours of technical training and more than 60 hours of soft skills development. The initiative builds on Capgemini Digital Academy program, which trains thousands of youths across India in high-demand digital skills, creating opportunities for careers in technology. The Academies focus on skilling, upskilling, and future-ready employability, aims to prepare learners with both the knowledge and competencies needed for securing work. As a result of this extensive training, learners have gained valuable skills and employment opportunities at various organizations.
Ashwin Yardi, CEO – India, Capgemini said, “AI is shaping a bold new era of work—one where innovation, inclusion, and human potential thrive together. Through Capgemini’s Digital Academy, in partnership with Nasscom Foundation, we are bridging the digital divide – equipping the youth with industry-relevant AI and technology skills for meaningful careers. This initiative is also fuelled by the passion of our employee volunteers, who mentor and guide learners, reinforcing our commitment to inclusive growth. Congratulations to our first cohort of graduates – the future is yours to lead and transform!”
Commenting on the success of the initiative, Jyoti Sharma, CEO, Nasscom Foundation said, “AI is not just reshaping industries, it’s redefining the future of work. Our collaboration with Capgemini, under the AI for Skilling initiative, reflects our shared vision of an inclusive digital economy, where marginalized youth have the opportunity to participate and break barriers to AI access. By enabling future-ready skills and focusing on foundational, core-work skills, we are investing in the potential of India’s youth to fully embrace evolving digital opportunities.”
To ensure holistic development, the initiative extended beyond technical training and included expert sessions conducted by industry professionals, as well as aptitude-building modules, and awareness programs. Real-world exposure was also facilitated through corporate volunteer engagement and industry visits, helping learners gain insights into workplace expectations and the professional culture of the technology sector.
Building on the success of its first phase, the next wave of the initiative, will focus on advanced and DeepTech domains. The clear long-term vision of the program is to create tech-driven career pathways for underserved youth, paving the way for a more inclusive, empowered, and future-ready workforce.
Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.
A Historic Vow, a Forgotten Address: Kolkata’s 48 Kailash Bose Street Awaits Heritage Tag
Tucked away in the heart of north Kolkata, once flanked by trams, time and whispers of reform, stands a house with no nameplate but a powerful past—48 Kailash Bose Street. The gate is locked, the paint peeling and the residents nearly absent. Yet, beneath its fading walls lies a story that redefined womanhood in 19th-century India. It’s here, locals say, that the first widow marriage in the country took place—an act so revolutionary that it rippled through colonial corridors.
The Widow Remarriage Act
The year was 1856. Thanks to the fiery intellect and reformist zeal of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, the British government had just passed the Widow Remarriage Act on July 26. And not even six months later, on December 7, a young widow was married again—legally, openly and symbolically—from what was then 12 Sukesh Street. Later renamed 48 Kailash Bose Street, this address quietly bore witness to a ceremony that shattered centuries of oppressive norms.
While history moved on, the house remained. Unassuming. Stubborn. Unchanged.
Fast forward to today, and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) is finally stepping in to acknowledge this forgotten monument of social reform. Talks are underway to list it as a heritage building—a move that many locals believe is long overdue.
“We’ve heard stories from our fathers and grandfathers,” says Mohan Chakraborty, a long-time resident, adding, “They say Vidyasagar himself was present. This place is not just brick and mortar—it’s memory.”
Others echo the sentiment. “It’s incredible to imagine something so powerful happened in our neighbourhood,” remarks Tilakaranjan Mallick, standing near the weathered gate. “We welcome the Corporation’s initiative,” he says.
An empty home full of history.
The house, however, is eerily quiet today. Its owner lives outside the city. Inside, only a maid, a priest, and a security guard linger. The gate stays mostly shut and the priest—wrapped in silence as much as in tradition—doesn’t speak much of the past. But records speak. So do yellowing newspaper clippings and old books. And so does Swapan Samaddar, the Mayor-in-Council for the Heritage Department.
“We’ve heard of this landmark event taking place here. The Widow Remarriage Act, Vidyasagar’s involvement and the presence of other social reformers—it’s historically undeniable,” he said, adding, “I’ve asked for a thorough investigation. Once verified, the Heritage Committee will recommend a grade—perhaps Grade 1, given its significance.”
If approved, the house will join Kolkata’s growing list of heritage sites—ensuring its preservation against the looming threat of demolition. Promoters have already circled, drawn to the house’s prime location rather than its rich history. But no bulldozers have entered yet.
A legacy waiting to be honoured
Local resident Ranjit Sadhukhan puts it simply: “If it’s true this is where the first widow marriage happened, then yes—this place should be preserved, exactly the way it is. We’d be proud.”
And perhaps, in that quiet pride, the house will find its second legacy. Not just as a crumbling remnant of the past, but as a standing ovation to the courage of one widow, one reformer and one unforgettable vow made at 48 Kailash Bose Street.
‘Ghar Mein Ghus Kar Maarenge’: PM Modi’s Stern Warning to Pakistan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a stern warning to Pakistan during his address to Indian Air Force personnel on Tuesday. This comes during his visit to Adampur air base in Punjab. The address comes in the wake of Operation Sindoor. The retaliatory operation was launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. PM Modi during his visit declared that India has not only given a befitting reply to terrorists but also to the Pakistani army that supports them.
“Jis Pakistani sena ke bharose ye aatanki baithhe the, Bharatiya sena, Bharat ki Air Force aur Bharatiyon ne us Pakistani sena ko bhi dhool chata di hai. (The terrorists rely on the Pakistani Army… the Indian Army, the Indian Air Force, and Indians have made the Pakistani Army bite the dust.)”, said PM Modi, referring to the Pakistani military’s support of terrorist activities.
“Ghar Mein Ghuskar Marenge”: PM Modi
PM Modi further highlighted India’s aggressive stance on cross-border terrorism. Modi said, “Hum ghar mein ghuskar marenge aur bachane ka ek mauka tak nahi denge. (We will enter their homes and strike, and we won’t even give them a chance to escape.)”He asserted that there is no place left in Pakistan where terrorists can hide.
“Aatank ke aakao ko samajh aa gaya hai ki Bharat ki ore nazar uthane ka ek hi anjaam hoga tabaahi aur mahavinaash,” PM Modi declared, indicating that the masterminds of terror now understand the consequences of provoking India.
Operation Sindoor: India’s New Normal
During the address, PM Modi underlined that Operation Sindoor marks a new era in India’s counterterrorism strategy. PM Modi said, “India’s ‘Laxman Rekha’ against terrorism is crystal clear now. If another terror attack occurs now, India will give a reply – a solid reply. We saw this during surgical strike, during air strike. Now, Operation Sindoor is India’s new normal.”
He lauded the coordination between the Army, Navy, and Air Force, stating, “During this, the coordination of our armed forces was genuinely fantastic. Be it Army, Navy or Air Force, their coordination was amazing. The Navy showed its dominance over the sea, the Army strengthened the border and the Indian Air Force attacked as well as defended. BSF and other Forces displayed fantastic capabilities. Integrated air and land combat system did an amazing job. This is jointness. This has become a strong identity of the capability of Indian armed forces.”
India Ready for Any Misadventure
PM Modi further stressed the importance of India’s readiness. He said, “We need to always remain alert and prepared. We need to keep reminding the enemy that it is dealing with new India.”
During his address, Modi said, “Operation Sindoor is not a normal military operation. It is the confluence of India’s policy, intention and decisiveness. India is the land of Buddha as well as Gobind Singh ji… When the sindoor of our sisters and daughters was removed, we entered the houses of the terrorists and crushed them.”
“We have dusted them off. The Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Indian Navy have defeated the Pakistani Army. We gave them a message that there is no place in Pakistan where the terrorists could live peacefully. ‘Hum Ghar Mein Ghus Ke Marenge’,” he reiterated.
National Unity Against Terrorism
In his address, the Prime Minister also spoke of the nation’s unity and the valor of Indian soldiers in light of the recent attacks. He condemned the April 22 Pahalgam incident, where civilians were targeted based on faith, and said the bravery of Indian forces is dedicated to the women of India.
“Now, Operation Sindoor is India’s new normal. Like I said yesterday, India has decided on three points. First, if there is a terrorist attack on India, we will give a reply in our way, on our condition, on our time. Second, India will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail. Third, we will not see terror-supporting governments and terror masterminds as separate entities. The world too is going ahead by understanding India’s new form, its new system.”
“Bharat Mata Ki Jai is not just a slogan, but our soldiers’ pledge to dedicate their lives for the nation. When our drones and missiles hit our enemies, they hear ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’. When our armed forces take the wind out of nuclear blackmail, our enemies understand the importance of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’,” said Modi.
“The tales of your valour will be etched in history forever. I salute our Army, Air Force and Navy personnel,” he concluded.
Bengal BJP leader Dilip Ghosh’s stepson found dead near Kolkata
Bengal BJP leader Dilip Ghosh’s stepson, Pritam Dasgupta aka Srinjoy Dasgupta (28) was found dead in his New Town residence near Kolkata on Tuesday. The body was recovered from his Shapurji residence. Pritam was the son of Dilip Ghosh’s wife Rinku Majumdar from her previous marriage.
Rinku, a BJP women’s wing leader, tied the knot with the 60-year-old former state BJP President Dilip Ghosh on April 18 this year.
The 28-year-old, who lived in the Techno PC area was employed at a private IT company. However, whether he lived alone or shared the apartment with someone is yet not known. He was found in an unconscious condition on Tuesday morning.
Reportedly a friend discovered Pritam’s body first and informed his mother Rinku via phone call. When rushed to a nearby hospital, doctors declared him dead on arrival. The family is yet to issue a statement on the matter.
Suicide or murder?
“The cause of the death is not known. That will be ascertained only after the post-mortem examination. We are investigating the matter,” a police officer told media.
Pritam’s body has been sent to Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital for post-mortem examination. The cause of death will be confirmed once the autopsy report is available. While police is investigating the cause of Pritam’s death, preliminary reports hint at a possibility of suicide.
As per sources, strangulation marks have been found on the neck of the deceased. Police is also probing if the deceased was suffering from mental health issues like depression. His phone is also being checked by the police.
Pritam was “happy” about mother’s wedding
Dilip Ghosh got married to BJP member Rinku Majumdar in a private ceremony on April 18, saying he took the decision to fulfil his mother’s wish. The 60-year-old leader tied the knot in a private ceremony held at his New Town residence near Kolkata. However, Pritam was not seen in attendance on the wedding day.
Pritam’s uncle Paritosh Shil told the media that there was absolutely no sign of discontent in Pritam regarding his mother’s marriage. In fact, he said, the 28-year-old had been very happy about it. After Rinku’s wedding, the family didn’t notice any change in Pritam’s behaviour — he actually seemed more cheerful than before, according to his uncle.
Even though Pritam did not attend his mother’s wedding, he had told the media after the event, “I’m very happy for my mother. She has finally found someone to settle down with, and I’m glad they share the same values and beliefs.”
As of now, no formal complaint has been made to the police, neither from Rinku Majumdar nor from any other member of the deceased’s family.
Prime Minister Modi Visits Adampur Airbase After Operation Sindoor, Debunks Pakistan’s Claims
In a significant development early Tuesday morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a surprise visit to the Adampur Air Force Station near Jalandhar, Punjab. This visit comes just a day after his national address following the successful Operation Sindoor, which marked a decisive shift in India’s approach to counter-terrorism and relations with Pakistan.
The Prime Minister landed at Adampur airport at around 6:15 am and spent nearly an hour at the airbase. During his visit, he interacted with Indian Air Force personnel and senior officers, gathering first-hand feedback about the recent operations and the prevailing security situation. He was accompanied by Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, and the visit was kept highly confidential, with even local administration unaware of the Prime Minister’s movements until after his arrival.
Adampur Airbase, India’s second-largest, played a crucial role in ensuring air defence during the recent conflict with Pakistan. It was one of the key bases targeted by Pakistan on the night of May 9-10, following India’s precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under Operation Sindoor. Despite Pakistan’s claims that its hypersonic missiles had destroyed the S-400 air defence system at Adampur, the Prime Minister’s visit, with images of an intact S-400 and MiG-29 fighter jets in the background, firmly debunked these allegations.
The Prime Minister described his interaction with the air warriors as a “very special experience”, stating, “India is eternally grateful to our armed forces for everything they do for our nation”. His presence at the airbase was seen as a massive morale booster for the personnel, many of whom had played a direct role in repelling Pakistani drone and missile attacks in recent days.
Operation Sindoor was launched in response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, which claimed 26 lives. Under this operation, Indian forces struck nine terror camps deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, reportedly killing around 100 terrorists. The operation marked a new doctrine in India’s counter-terrorism policy, with the Prime Minister making it clear that India would not tolerate nuclear blackmail and would respond decisively to any future threats.
Pakistan’s Claims
Pakistan, in the aftermath of the Indian strikes, attempted to launch a disinformation campaign, releasing fake images and videos claiming severe damage to the Adampur base and its S-400 system. However, open-source intelligence and satellite imagery reviewed by Indian agencies showed no visible damage to the base’s runway, buildings, or aircraft hangars. The Prime Minister’s visit, and the images shared from the site, served as a direct rebuttal to these false claims.
During his address to the nation, Prime Minister Modi praised the Indian armed forces for their courage and determination, highlighting that Operation Sindoor had set a “new normal” in India’s fight against terrorism. He warned Pakistan that India’s operations had only been paused, not ended, and that future actions would depend on Pakistan’s conduct.
The visit to Adampur Airbase not only reinforced the government’s support for the armed forces but also sent a clear message to adversaries and the international community about India’s resolve and preparedness. As chants of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram” echoed through the airbase, the Prime Minister’s presence stood as a symbol of national unity and unwavering commitment to the country’s security.
All Nine Accused Convicted in 2019 Pollachi Sexual Assault Case
In a significant development in the 2019 Pollachi Sexual assault case, all the nine accused are convicted. On Tuesday, the Mahila Special Court in Coimbatore convicted all nine men accused in the abuse case. The case was one of a kind, gruesome and so troubling that it shocked the entire Tamil Nadu and the nation.
The Mahila Special Court Judge R. Nandhini Devi found the accused guilty of gang rape, repeated sexual abuse, blackmail, and criminal conspiracy. Furthermore the court is expected to pronounce the quantum of punishment at noon.
Widespread Abuse and Digital Blackmail
The gruesome case came to light in the year 2019. The case exposed a disturbing pattern of sexual exploitation by a gang of men in Coimbatore’s Pollachi district. According to reports’ between the year 2016 and 2018, the accused lured young women into traps.
This includes young college going students, into secluded locations under the guise of friendship. Once lured, they then sexually assaulted them, and recorded the acts on their phones. The videos of the assault were then used to blackmail the survivors for further sexual exploitation and money.
After three long years of the gang’s dirty work, a complaint from one of the survivors disclosed the case. Following the complaint, investigations revealed at least eight victims had been targeted. The survivors were counselled and later deposed in court under strict confidentiality protections.
The nine men convicted
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Thirunavukarasu
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Sabarirajan alias Rishwanth
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Vasanthakumar
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Satheesh
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Manivannan
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Haron Paul
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P. Babu
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Arulanandam
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Arun Kumar
According to reports, all the accused are natives of Pollachi and were arrested in 2019. Three of the convicts namely Paul, Babu, and Arulanandam were former AIADMK functionaries. All the convicts are charged under 13 sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). They have been held without bail at Salem Central Prison for six years.
The charges include
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Gang rape
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Repeated rape
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Sexual harassment
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Criminal conspiracy
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Blackmail
Digital Evidence Played Key Role
Tamil Nadu’s CB-CID investigated the case initially. However, the case was later handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) amid widespread public outrage. The CBI filed a 1,500-page charge sheet in May 2019.
It further presented over 200 documents and 400 digital files in the court. In addition to this, forensic analysis, including retrieval of deleted files and timestamp verification, played a crucial role in proving the charges against the accused.
Surendra Mohan the public prosecutor highlighted the strength of the prosecution’s case. He stated that 48 witnesses were examined and none of them turned hostile. Eight among the survivors bravely testified in court, their identities were kept confidential.
Prosecution Seeks Life Imprisonment
The prosecution sought life imprisonment until death for all nine convicts. He cited the repeated nature of the assaults and the trauma inflicted on the victims. Mohan stated, “This is a rare and heinous case. The survivors were subjected to repeated gang rapes, and we have argued for consecutive life sentences. The Supreme Court has previously ruled that no leniency should be shown in such cases.”
Indian Air Force which made us proud with Operation Sindoor Ranks 4th in the World
The Indian Air Force (IAF) emerged a hero after Operation Sindoor with the nation singing praises for the way they combated the attacks from Pakistan and protected India. Did you know that the Indian Air Force is currently ranked at number 4 among the top 10 most powerful countries by military aircraft fleet in 2025! India ranks above powerful countries like South Korea, Japan, France and Turkey and its arch-rival Pakistan.
To evaluate air force capabilities of countries across the world, Global Firepower 2025 published a ranking based on the total number of aircraft fleets owned by these nations. According to this, India ranks 4 with 2,229 aircrafts after the United States of America (13,043 aircrafts), Russia (4,292 aircrafts) and China (3,309 aircrafts).
Full list of countries owning the maximum military aircraft fleets in 2025:
United States of America – 13,043 aircrafts
Russia – 4,292 aircrafts
China – 3,309 aircrafts
India – 2,229 aircrafts
South Korea – 1,592 aircrafts
Japan – 1,443 aircrafts
Pakistan -1,399 aircrafts
Egypt -1,093 aircrafts
Turkey -1,083 aircrafts
France -976 aircrafts
History of Indian Air Force (IAF)
Established on October 8, 1932, as a supplementary force of the Royal Air Force of Britain, the Indian Air Force over time has evolved into one of the world’s most formidable air forces, playing crucial roles in various military operations and humanitarian missions. The first official flight took place on April 1, 1933, marking the beginning of IAF’s operational journey.
Indian Air Force (IAF) Major Achievements
The IAF has fought conflicts with Pakistan, in 1947-1948, 1965, 1971 (Bangladesh War), and 1999 (Kargil War) in the past and the latest being Operation Sindoor (May 2025) where it successfully neutralised repeated missile and drone attacks from its neighbour.
In 1961, IAF supported the accession of Goa to the Indian Union.
During the Indian Armed Forces battle against the Chinese Army (Sino-Indian War) in 1962, the Indian Air Force played a critical role.
In 1984, the IAF helped capture the Siachen Glacier.
Role of Indian Air Force in Operation Sindoor
The Indian Air Force (IAF), in a precision-led campaign between May 8 and 10, conducted strikes on 11 military air bases across Pakistan. Satellite images of the strikes showed extensive damage caused to the neighbouring nation.
The bases hit included Nur Khan (Chaklala), Rafiqui, Murid, Sukkur, Sialkot, Pasrur, Chunian, Sargodha, Skardu, Bholari, and Jacobabad. These sites were chosen for their operational importance, including drone warfare command centres, air defence nodes, and aircraft deployment hubs.
