President Draupadi Murmu Commissions 515 Officers at IMA Dehradun; 9 Women Make History
A total of 412 Agni Veer Air Force trainees from the Automobile Technician Branch of the Indian Air Service completed their training at the Mechanic Transport Training Institute (MTC) at the Passing Out Parade held at the IMA in Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand, on Saturday, June 13th. A formal Passing Out Parade was also held at the Airport Station Abadi in Chennai on Friday, June 12th, 2026, to formally commemorate the completion of the cadets’ training and the achievements of the graduating batch. Air Vice Marshal Atul Laxman Das Gilani inspected the parade and congratulated the trainees on completing the complex training. Addressing the Passing Out Parade, Air Vice Marshal Gilani encouraged all the trainees to serve the nation with a strong sense of professionalism, discipline, teamwork, and dedication. He urged them to make meaningful contributions to nation-building in their future assignments in the Indian Air Force. 141st Technical Graduate Course at the IMA President of India, Draupadi Murmu, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, inspected the Spring Term 2026 Passing Out Parade of the 158th Regular Course and 141st Technical Graduate Course at the IMA. The parade was held at the historic Building Drill Square, and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami was also present. Following the parade, a total of 515 Gentlemen and Lady Cadets, including nine female candidates, were commissioned into the Indian Army. The passing out group also included 34 Officer Cadets from 16 friendly foreign countries who will join their respective countries’ armies. IMA made history when, for the first time in its 94-year history, a batch of female Officer Cadets graduated from the IMA and were commissioned as officers in the Indian Army. India’s Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also inspected the Combined Graduate Parade (CGP) of the 217th Course at the Air Force Academy (AFA) in Dundigal, Telangana. This parade marks the successful completion of the pre-commissioning training of the Indian Air Force flight cadets.
Senior Leaders & Ex-Army Officers Inducted: Dhami Government Strengthens Organization with New Appointments..
The Dhami government has announced new responsibilities for several party workers, senior leaders, and former servicemen, including them in the government. Under orders issued by the Council of Ministers, Anurag, on Wednesday, six individuals were appointed to key positions in various councils and commissions. The government has also conveyed that those loyal to the organization will be given due respect and responsibility. By assigning responsibilities to former cabinet ministers Dinesh Agarwal and Jyoti Singh Bisht, who left the Congress and joined the BJP, the state government has made it clear that senior leaders joining the party will be given due importance, respect, and recognition. Former cabinet minister Dinesh Agarwal joined the Bharatiya Janata Party a long time ago. The Dhami government has honored his experience and seniority by appointing him as an advisor to the Bridge Commission. Jot Singh Bisht appointed as the vice-chairman of the Rural Engineering Services Council Jyot Singh Bisht, who represents the Dhanaulti assembly constituency of Tehri district, has also been given a significant responsibility by the government. He has been named vice-chairman of the Rural Engineering Services Council. His appointment is considered significant given his deep understanding of issues such as hilly region development, rural infrastructure, and road construction, and his active role among activists. In addition, two important appointments have been made to the Uttarakhand State Ex-Servicemen Welfare Advisory Council. Shamsher Singh Bisht of Dehradun district has been named Vice President of the Council. Shamsher Singh Bisht has long been active in issues related to ex-servicemen welfare. Captain Gambhir Singh Dhami, a resident of Khatima in Udham Singh Nagar district, has been appointed to the important position of Senior Vice President of the Council. Gambhir Singh Dhami, a former Captain in the Army, has always been vocal about the rights and welfare of ex-servicemen. Jyoti Kotia has been appointed President of the Council Two key appointments have also been made to the Gorkha Kalyan Parishad, which works for the welfare and upliftment of the Gorkha community. Jyoti Kotia, a resident of Hathibarkala, Dehradun, has been appointed President of the Council. She has been given this important responsibility in recognition of her contributions to social service and women’s empowerment. Additionally, Abhishek Shahi of Dehradun has been appointed Vice President of the Gorakh Kalyan Parishad. Abhishek Shahi is known as a young and energetic activist. Anuradha Walia of Dehradun has been appointed Vice President of the Mati Kala Board. According to orders issued by Anurag, the Council of Ministers, all nominated officials will be provided with appropriate facilities. There is tremendous enthusiasm among workers and supporters upon receiving the new responsibility, and they have expressed their gratitude to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
Banshidhar Tiwari Sets an Example by Cycling to Office Amid Uttarakhand’s Fuel Saving Drive
Following the fuel conservation appeal made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Uttarakhand government under Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has launched several major initiatives to reduce fuel consumption and promote sustainable transportation. However, beyond government orders and policy announcements, one official’s action has now become the center of attention across the state. Banshidhar Tiwari Leads by Example Banshidhar Tiwari, Additional Secretary to the Chief Minister, Director General of Information, and MDDA Vice Chairman, chose to cycle to his office instead of using an official vehicle. He travelled from his residence on Sahastradhara Road to the Information Directorate on Ring Road, sending out a strong message about energy conservation and responsible leadership. His decision quickly became a talking point among officials and the public, as it reflected the idea that true leadership is not only about issuing instructions but also about personally following them. Government’s Major Fuel Saving Measures The Uttarakhand government has recently approved several reforms aimed at reducing fuel dependency. The Chief Minister and cabinet ministers have reduced the use of official vehicles by 50 percent. The state has also introduced a weekly “No Vehicle Day” to encourage ministers, public representatives, and government officers to use public transport. In addition, the government has approved work-from-home options for employees to reduce daily commuting and fuel consumption. The state is also expanding its Electric Vehicle (EV) policy, under which more than 50 percent of newly purchased government vehicles will be electric. A Message Beyond Administration Banshidhar Tiwari’s initiative is being viewed as more than just a symbolic act. At a time when fuel conservation and environmental protection have become national priorities, his effort highlighted how individual responsibility can strengthen government campaigns. His bicycle ride to office has now emerged as a practical example of sustainable governance, inspiring many officials and citizens to adopt eco-friendly habits in their daily lives.
Fuel Crisis Impact: CM Dhami Announces Work From Home and “No Vehicle Day” Policy
The impact of the ongoing global war is now being seen in India as well. Amid rising fuel concerns, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently appealed to citizens and companies to reduce unnecessary travel and minimize fuel consumption. He also urged companies to adopt Work From Home policies and advised schools and colleges to conduct virtual classes wherever possible. Uttarakhand Government Takes Major Decision Following the Prime Minister’s appeal, the Uttarakhand government has taken major decisions to save fuel and conserve energy. In a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the government decided to implement new energy-saving policies across the state. The administration will promote video conferencing-based meetings in government departments and encourage Work From Home in the private sector as well. “No Vehicle Day” to be Implemented The government has decided to implement a “No Vehicle Day” once every week. The number of vehicles in the Chief Minister’s and ministers’ convoys will be reduced by half, while the general public will also be encouraged to avoid using vehicles one day a week. Officials handling multiple departments will be allowed to use only one vehicle in a day. New EV Policy to be Introduced To promote electric mobility, the state will soon introduce a new EV Policy. Around 50 percent of newly purchased government vehicles will be electric, and EV charging infrastructure across the state will be expanded on priority. Focus on Public Transport and Energy Saving The government has also stressed increasing public bus services, encouraging government employees to use public transport, and limiting the use of air conditioners in government and private buildings. Foreign tours by government officials will also be restricted, while the “Visit My State” campaign will promote domestic tourism. Tourism and Local Products to Get Boost The state plans to boost destination weddings, religious tourism, rural tourism, wellness tourism, and eco-tourism. Campaigns like “Mera Bharat, Mera Yogdan” and “Made in State” will be launched to promote local products and spread awareness about energy conservation. Natural Farming and Clean Energy Promotion The government will also promote low-oil food habits, natural farming, and bio-input training for farmers. Under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, rooftop solar systems, PNG connections, and biogas projects will be promoted in mission mode across the state.
Pushkar Singh Dhami: From Student Leader to Youngest Chief Minister of Uttarakhand
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami was born on September 16, 1975, in Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand. His mother’s name is Vishna Dhami, and his father’s name is Sher Singh Dhami. His father is a retired army subedar. Pushkar Singh Dhami is the only child of three sisters and is married to Geet Dhami. Education From Lucknow Regarding Pushkar Singh Dhami’s education, he completed his Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources Management and Industrial Relations from Lucknow University and his LLB from Lucknow University.Talking about Pushkar Singh Dhami political career, he began his political career in 1990 with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, the student wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Among his various responsibilities, he played a key role in organizing and conducting the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad’s national conference in Lucknow. Entry In Politics In 2001, when Bhagat Singh Koshyari served as the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, he served as an advisor and Officer on Special Duty to Koshyari. Pushkar Singh Dhami has twice served as the President of the BJP’s Uttarakhand Yuva Morcha, from 2002 to 2008. Pushkar Singh Dhami has so far successfully contested elections from the Khatima Assembly seat in Udham Singh Nagar. In the 2017 elections, Pushkar Singh won this seat by a margin of 2,709 votes. Pushkar Singh Dhami was subsequently sworn in as the tenth Chief Minister of Uttarakhand in July 2021, becoming the youngest Chief Minister of Uttarakhand at the age of 45. On March 21, 2022, he was re-elected to the post of Chief Minister of Uttarakhand and was elected as the 11th Chief Minister. Although he lost the 2022 assembly elections from the Khatima constituency of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly to Congress candidate Chandra Kapati, despite losing, Pushkar Singh Dhami was sworn in as the 11th Chief Minister of Uttarakhand. The swearing-in ceremony took place on 2022. With this swearing-in, he became the 11th Chief Minister of Uttarakhand.