Fact-Check: Verified / True

The Event: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh visited personnel at Air Force Station Bagdogra, West Bengal, on the eve of Diwali.
Operational Focus: He urged the Armed Forces to maintain peak operational readiness, underscoring cyber resilience, multi-domain awareness, and countering modern cognitive/hybrid threats.
Second Tour of Duty Announcement: He highlighted the Cabinet’s decision to introduce an optional two-year “Second Tour of Duty” extension for the 75% of Agniveers who complete their initial four-year tenure, terming it a major Diwali gift for youth in uniform.
Instagram News Post Package
📸 Slide / Graphic Concept (Carousel Style)
Slide 1 (Cover): Bold bold headline on photo of Rajnath Singh interacting with Air Force/Army personnel at Bagdogra.
Text Overlay: DIWALI GIFT FOR AGNIVEERS 🪖✨ | 2-Year Extension Approved
Slide 2 (The Key Update):
Headline: Second Tour of Duty
Bullet 1: Union Cabinet approves an optional 2-year extension for the remaining 75% Agniveers completing their 4-year term.
Bullet 2: Provides further pathways for eligible personnel to be inducted as regular cadre.
Slide 3 (Strategic Directive):
Headline: Cyber Resilience & Preparedness
Details: Rajnath Singh urged forces to bolster domain awareness, cyber defense, and counter emerging hybrid warfare threats in the Eastern Sector.
📝 Instagram Caption
Big Diwali update for Agniveers! 🇮🇳🪖
While celebrating Diwali with troops at Air Force Station Bagdogra, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh hailed the Union Cabinet’s new approval of a 2-year ‘Second Tour of Duty’ for Agniveers, calling it a major festive gift for the forces.
Key takeaways from his address: 🔹 Extended Opportunity: Under the new provision, the 75% Agniveers exiting after four years will have the option to serve an additional two-year tour based on eligibility criteria. 🔹 Regular Induction: Meeting prescribed benchmarks during this phase will offer further scope for permanent cadre a
Source
