President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday, August 14,  approved 107 gallantry awards for soldiers, said a government statement. Among the recipients are a soldier who went above and beyond the call of duty and killed two wanted terrorists in Kashmir, an Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot who evacuated Indians from Kabul in hostile conditions, a woman pilot who steered a humanitarian assistance mission during flash floods in Madhya Pradesh, and an army dog who saved lives during a counter-terror mission are among those honoured for their bravery and service on the eve of Independence Day. Among the medals announced on Sunday, there three are Kirti Chakras and 13 Shaurya Chakras – the second and third highest peacetime gallantry honours, the defence ministry said in a statement.

The President has also approved 40 Mention-in-Despatches, including one posthumously for army dog Axel for his role in a recent counter-terror operation in Kashmir. Group Captain Rahul Singh, the overall mission commander of the three C-17 aircraft tasked with the evacuation of Indian embassy staff and diaspora from Kabul in the face of Taliban’s then imminent takeover, was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry), while IAF helicopter pilot Wing Commander Deepika Misra, who was involved in the relief mission in MP, was also awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry.) While Axel was Mentioned in Despatches — the highest honour a dog can get for military service in India — another four-legged warrior, Bajaj of 26 Army Dog Unit was among the 408 soldiers honoured with the Army chief’s commendation card for their service.

BJP trying to break non-NDA govts in states, says Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday lashed out at the BJP-led Centre, questioning the reason behind the CBI arrest of TMC leader Anubrata Mondal, who is known to enjoy her trust.

Banerjee contended that the BJP was trying to break non-NDA governments in states. “Without evidence, how can you accuse a person,” she said, speaking at a function in Behala on the eve of the Independence Day.

Claiming that an agenda has been made to “destroy” her image, the TMC supremo said she was being targeted as the BJP was afraid of her. Asserting that law would take its own course if there was any illegal activity, Banerjee asked, “Why was Keshto (Anubrata Mondal) arrested? What did he do?” Mondal was held by the CBI for allegedly not cooperating with its probe into a cattle smuggling case.