Four dead, 96 Hospitalized due to suffocation during IAF air show in Chennai
Chennai: At least four people died due to suffocation and over 200 others fainted during an Indian Air Force (IAF) air show at Marina Beach in Chennai on Sunday. The event was organized to mark the 92nd anniversary of the IAF, which was established in 1932.
The incident occurred as thousands gathered at the beach to witness the air show. Due to large crowds and inadequate management, many attendees began to experience suffocation under the intense heat. As a result, 230 individuals fainted, out of which 96 were admitted to a nearby hospital.
A senior police official stated that the situation on the ground was nearly stampede-like, compounded by the high temperatures. Medical teams attended to those affected at a government facility.
The event led to severe traffic congestion around the Marina Beach area, which was only cleared three hours after the air show ended at 1 PM.
The air show featured displays by the Special Garud Force commandos in a simulated rescue operation, along with performances by the Sarang helicopter display team and the Surya Kiran team.
This was the third time the IAF hosted its air show outside the national capital, and the first time in South India. Last year, the event was held in Prayagraj, and in 2022, it took place in Chandigarh.
This year's theme for the Air Force Day, which will be observed on October 8, was ‘Bhartiya Vayu Sena - Saksham, Sashakt, Atmanirbhar’ (Potent, Powerful, and Self-reliant).
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Passing out parade held at IMA Dehradun, 491 young officers join Indian Army
Dehradun(PTI): After undergoing rigorous training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, 491 cadets participated in a grand Passing Out Parade on Saturday and will now be commissioned as officers in the Indian Army.
The spectacular parade, held at the historic Drill Square in front of the academy's Chatwood Building, was reviewed by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, who served as the reviewing officer.
Along with 491 Indian cadets, 34 foreign cadets from 14 friendly countries also participated in the Autumn Term 2025 Passing Out Parade.
A total of 525 officer cadets from the 157th Regular Course, 46th Technical Entry Scheme, 140th Technical Graduate Course, 55th Special Commissioned Officers Course, and Territorial Army Online Entrance Exam 2023 Course participated in the Passing Out Parade.
The 'Sword of Honour' and gold medal for securing first place during training was awarded to ACA Nishkal Dwivedi, the silver medal to BUO Badal Yadav for second place, and the bronze medal to SUO Kamaljeet Singh for third place.
The silver medal for securing first place in the 'Technical Graduate Course' was awarded to Officer Cadet Jadhav Sujit Sampat, and the silver medal for first place in the 'Technical Entry Scheme-46' was awarded to WCC Abhinav Mehrotra.
The silver medal for the 'Special Commission Officer Course' was given to Officer Cadet Sunil Kumar Chhetri.
Among the foreign cadets, the first place in merit was secured by JUO Mohammad Safin Ashraf from Bangladesh. The Army Chief's Banner for overall best performance in the Autumn Term was awarded to Imphal Company.
As the parade concluded, helicopters showered flowers on the newly commissioned officers from the sky.
On this occasion, General Dwivedi congratulated the new officers in his address for successfully completing their training. He praised the young officers for their high level of discipline, leadership qualities, and endurance, and urged them to uphold the glorious traditions of the Indian Army and serve the nation with loyalty, commitment, and honour.
General Dwivedi said that joining the army marks the beginning of a lifelong duty and selfless service.
The parents and guardians of the newly commissioned officers were also present during the passing out parade.
