I don’t write about myself. Not in public, and rarely, if ever, in private. The proposed amendment to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, presented by Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Virendra Kumar in Lok Sabha on March 13 forces my hand, and yet
For decades, “cool" in popular culture followed a predictable formula. It was exclusive, carefully controlled, and often built around mystique. Stars appeared rarely, spoke sparingly, and maintained distance from the audiences who admired them
SW Railway tests postponed amid language protestsSouth Western Railway postponed promotion exams in Karnataka due to protests over lack of Kannada language option, causing employee uncertainty. Published on: Mar 18, 2026 7:34 AM IST By Arun Dev
Apple CEO Tim Cook has dismissed speculation about stepping down, calling such reports “a rumour" and reaffirming his long-term commitment to the company. In a television interview with Michael Strahan on ABC News, Cook made it clear he has no plans to slow down. “No, I didn’t say that
Noel Tata seeks truncated term for Tata Sons Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran as part of succession revampTata Trusts Chairman Noel Tata wants to dilute powers of the Tata Sons chairman by including a CEO & MD and a Deputy CEO, and a non-executive chairman. Updated on: Mar 18
Home ministry raises ex-Agniveer quota in BSF constable recruitment to 50%
Home ministry raises ex-Agniveer quota in BSF constable recruitment to 50%
New Delhi: The Union home ministry on Friday issued a notification amending the Border Security Force (BSF) Rules, increasing the reservation for ex-Agniveers in constable recruitment to 50% from the earlier proposed 10%.
“In the first phase, the recruitment shall be conducted by the Nodal Force for 50% vacancies earmarked for ex-Agniveers. In the second phase, recruitment shall be conducted by the Staff Selection Commission for candidates other than ex-Agniveers for the remaining forty-seven per cent (including ten per cent ex-servicemen) of the vacancies, along with the unfilled vacancies of ex-Agniveers in a specific category in the first stage. The vacancies for female candidates shall be calculated on a year-to-year basis by the Director General, Border Security Force, on functional requirement basis,” the notification said.
Earlier, 10% of vacancies for constable (general duty) were reserved for ex-Agniveers in all central armed police forces.
To be sure, the latest notification pertains only to amendments in the BSF rules and not to other central armed police forces.
Ex-Agniveers, according to the existing rules, will be exempted from the physical efficiency test but will have to clear the written examination.
The BSF and the Indian Army work closely along the international border and the Line of Control. BSF teams in Jammu and Kashmir during Operation Sindoor worked with Indian Army personnel in kinetic gunfights along the border.
On June 14, 2022, India announced the Agnipath scheme for the short-term induction of soldiers into the three services — the Army, Navy and Indian Air Force — replacing the legacy system to lower the age profile of the armed forces, ensure a fitter military, and create a technically skilled warfighting force capable of meeting future challenges.
At least 3,000 Agniveers — barely 20 years old and recruited during the last two years — manned critical weapons and systems integral to the Army's hardy air defence (AD) shield activated during Operation Sindoor, which Pakistan could not punch through despite launching wave after wave of missile and drone attacks on multiple Indian military installations, airbases and cities during the May 7–10 clash between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
Under the Agniveer programme, soldiers, including women, are recruited for only four years, with a provision to retain 25% of them in the regular cadre for 15 more years after another round of screening, to enhance the operational preparedness of the armed forces and create a skilled and dynamic workforce for employment in other sectors. Recruits are in the age group of 17-and-a-half to 21 years.
For their induction into the paramilitary forces, the government has relaxed the upper age limit and the requirement of a physical efficiency test. The upper age limit has been relaxed by up to five years for candidates of the first batch of ex-Agniveers, while for subsequent batches it will be relaxable by up to three years. Soldiers recruited under the legacy system serve for about 20 years before retiring in their late 30s with pension and other benefits.
Source: Msn
Related Posts: Relocation of 5 more union ministry offices announced under Central Vista redevelopment plan Delhi traffic advisory issued for New Year's Eve Delhi traffic advisory issued for AI Summit 2026 from Feb 16-20 Home Ministry to display tableau on three new criminal laws at Republic Day parade Flights cancelled and new travel warnings issued after Iran strikes BJP-controlled Home Ministry in Bihar plans crackdown on crime Census boost for Home Ministry in Budget 2026 Ministry of Home Affairs allots 50 companies of CAPF to poll-bound Tamil Nadu Flash flood warning issued in Boston as storms wreak havoc in Massachusetts Full list of US advisories issued after Iran strikes
Morocco have been declared the winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after the Confederation of African Football (Caf) overturned the result of the final following Senegal's controversial walk-off. Senegal beat Morocco 1-0 in the final on 18 January in a match which was overshadowed when the
3 hours ago
Lawrence Bishnoi interviews: Punjab wants closure of PIL proceedingsThe Punjab government on Tuesday sought closure of suo motu proceedings initiated by the high court in 2023, following the interviews of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi that were aired by a private channel Published on: Mar 18
3 hours ago
The Lok Sabha has ended the suspension of eight Opposition MPs. This follows an apology from Opposition parties for their protests. The House unanimously adopted a motion to revoke the suspensions. Both ruling and Opposition members pledged to uphold Parliament's dignity
3 hours ago
Rajasthan faces a significant employment challenge. Over 22 lakh unemployed youth are registered with state employment offices. Shockingly, no government jobs were filled through these offices in the last five years. This data highlights a critical gap in the job placement system for the state's
3 hours ago
The release of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate list for the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections has once again confirmed a long-standing political thesis: Mamata Banerjee views stardom as the ultimate equaliser. In a high-stakes battle against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
3 hours ago
In a bold diplomatic stand, European leaders push back against President Trump's request for military support in the escalating Iran situation. They emphasize their commitment to NATO’s defensive principles and express concerns over the lack of prior discussions.In a bold diplomatic stand
3 hours ago
Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar: The Revenge has generated significant buzz ahead of its release, building on the success of the first film. While waiting for the sequel to drop, fans have speculated what will happen in Dhurandhar 2. Amid the chatter, the film’s censor certificate has gone viral
3 hours ago
Bollywood bets on Dhurandhar 2 to script a box office redemptionGiven the buzz around the sequel, Jio Studios have also re-released the original film in 1,200 screens across India. Mar 18, 2026, 06:35:03 IST By Meena Iyer Share via Copy link Mumbai : The poster for the second instalment of
3 hours ago
A senior United States intelligence official resigned from his post on Tuesday, citing misgivings about the war with Iran launched by the US and Israel. Joseph Kent, the director of national intelligence in the US’ National Counterterrorism Center
3 hours ago
Mamata Banerjee has made a significant announcement regarding Trinamool Congress’s candidates for the upcoming 2026 assembly polls in West Bengal, nominating representatives for all 291 seats. With a significant shake-up, 75 sitting members have been replaced
3 hours ago
Oh well, it seems FIFA’s much-talked-about “neutral stance" on geopolitics is being put to the test. Despite rising tensions in the Middle East, FIFA has made it clear: there will be no changes to the 2026 World Cup schedule. The update comes after Iran’s football federation explored the
3 hours ago
The Trump administration has defended the Pentagon's decision to blacklist AI company Anthropic. This move followed Anthropic's refusal to remove safety guardrails. The administration argues the action is lawful and related to contract negotiations and national security
3 hours ago
Pep Guardiola says 'everybody wants to fire me' after Manchester City's Champions League loss to Real Madrid Published on: Mar 18, 2026 6:28 AM IST AP Share via Copy link Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola (Action Images via Reuters) Pep Guardiola's position is the subject of much debate after
3 hours ago
Ranveer Singh says Dhurandhar 2 will change the future of Indian cinemaFor the first time, Ranveer Singh opened up about the overwhelming response to Dhurandhar, expressing gratitude to the audience for embracing the film. Mar 18, 2026, 07:46:51 IST By Sugandha Rawal Share via Copy link Bringing
3 hours ago
Bengaluru founder says health declined after moving to Koramangala. What helped himBharatAgri CEO Siddharth Dialani has revealed that he experienced a “visible decline” in his ability to focus after moving to Koramangala in Bangalore Updated on: Mar 18
3 hours ago
As excitement builds around Dhurandhar: The Revenge, the film is already making headlines… but not just for its action-packed trailer. Actor Vivek Sinha, who plays a terrorist in the film, has spoken out after facing backlash and threats from viewers who reacted strongly to his on-screen dialogue
3 hours ago
Formula 1 is thrilling on track but often confusing off it — a maze of regulations, strategy and engineering that can leave fans playing catch-up. Rookie Road aims to bridge that gap, connecting with newer followers and exploring this fast, furious and occasionally frustrating sport
3 hours ago
Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk on Tuesday called for a “win-win” dialogue with the Centre after his detention under the National Security Act was revoked. He said that the Centre has extended its hand to build trust for meaningful dialogue with the residents of the Union Territory
3 hours ago
US actress Zendaya has given an amused and bemused reaction to the widely shared photos that appear to show her wedding to fellow actor Tom Holland. Dozens of the AI-generated photos have been posted online and "many people have been fooled by them
3 hours ago
The US Navy’s USS Tripoli, a massive amphibious assault vessel, was tracked off Singapore, possibly carrying thousands of Marines and sailors to West Asia amid the raging conflict in the region. This comes after a mobilisation order from the Pentagon for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU)
3 hours ago
India could soon get a lot thinner - at least in theory. On Friday the patent on semaglutide - the molecule behind Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk's blockbuster weight-loss drugs Wegovy and Ozempic - expires in the country. This will allow domestic pharmaceutical companies to release cheaper copies
3 hours ago
New Moon meets Navratri: Why March 18–19 is the most powerful manifestation portal of 2026New Moon in Pisces 2026: Step into a powerful 48-hour window of new beginnings and learn how to cut cords from the painful past and manifest what you want. Updated on: Mar 17
3 hours ago
More than a decade after it aired, the Red Wedding from Game of Thrones still stands as one of television’s most shocking and heartbreaking moments. But now, a viral AI edit circulating on Instagram is rewriting that trauma and fans have a lot to say about it.More than a decade after it aired
3 hours ago
World Anti-Doping Agency may ban US officials from major sports events. This action follows the US refusal to pay annual dues. The US owes 7.3 million dollars. This dispute involves WADA's handling of doping cases. The proposed ban could affect future events like the LA Olympics
3 hours ago
Love Horoscope Today for March 18, 2026: Open-minded discussions may bring refreshing perspectivesDaily Love Horoscope March 18, 2026: Find daily astrological predictions for all sun signs. Updated on: Mar 18, 2026 6:03 AM IST By Neeraj Dhankher Share via Copy link Aries: The planet Mars is pushing
3 hours ago
In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court affirmed that shareholder approval does not grant companies immunity from violations of securities law. Terrascope Ventures faced repercussions for diverting funds, notwithstanding investor agreement
3 hours ago
‘Gurgaon ke entitled parents’: Mom slams irresponsible parenting in viral videoA mother claimed in a viral video that there was a lack of supervision in the playground in a Gurgaon society after a dispute with another parent. Published on: Mar 18
3 hours ago
