01
The Classroom
Online discussions during the COVID-19 period brought students together around current affairs, geopolitics and defence.
Our Story
From a classroom idea
to a national knowledge platform.
The story of CMDA – The Newsmag, and the belief that informed thinking can help students, aspirants and readers understand the world beyond headlines.
How It Began
A simple question became the spark.
CMDA – The Newsmag is a current affairs and knowledge initiative focused on Defence, Geopolitics, National Security, International Relations and the issues shaping India and the world.
The idea for CMDA was born during the COVID-19 pandemic, within the online classrooms of ESELEI, where a small group of students regularly discussed current affairs, geopolitics and national security with Col (Dr) Bhasker Gupta (Retd.).
“Sir, we learn and discuss so much of Current Affairs and Geopolitics with you.
Why don't we put it down into a publication, so that other students and keen aspirants
can also benefit from your vast knowledge?”
— A 17-year-old student
That simple question became the spark for something much bigger.
CMDA was born with just three team members, a shoestring budget and a belief in the power of informed thinking. The first issue was published in a modest run of just 25 copies, reaching a readership of around 500 people.
What began as a small classroom initiative gradually evolved into a growing platform for students, defence aspirants, educators, professionals and readers interested in understanding the world beyond headlines.
Today, CMDA has grown to more than 150 subscribers, with both print and digital editions, and a readership of more than 3 lakh across India — and growing.
The Journey
Small Beginning. Bigger Purpose.
25
First Copies
The first CMDA issue was produced with only three team members and a shoestring budget.
500
First Readers
What started as a small publication reached its first community of readers.
3Lakh+
Today
CMDA now reaches a nationwide readership through print and digital editions.
Our Foundation
Two Initiatives. One Foundation.
CMDA and ESELEI share the same foundation of knowledge, experience and purposeful learning — but serve different purposes.
01 / EDUCATION
ESELEI
Teaching • Training • Mentoring
ESELEI began during the COVID-19 period as an educational initiative focused on teaching, mentoring and preparing students. Its work includes structured learning, SSB preparation, communication development, mentoring and student development.
02 / KNOWLEDGE
CMDA
News • Analysis • Awareness
CMDA grew from the current affairs and geopolitical discussions that took place within the ESELEI classroom. Today, CMDA focuses on current affairs, defence, geopolitics, national security and strategic affairs — bringing context and perspective to important developments.
Our Approach
Experience That Adds Perspective.
In a world overflowing with information, understanding what matters is becoming increasingly important.
01
Context
Understanding the events behind the headlines and the larger forces shaping them.
02
Clarity
Breaking down complex defence, geopolitical and strategic issues into information readers can understand.
03
Perspective
Looking beyond the immediate event to examine its significance for India and the wider world.
What We Cover
The Issues That Shape Our World.
◈
Defence & Military Affairs
India's military, capabilities, operations and strategic developments and their implications for India and the world.
◇
Geopolitics & National Security
Relationships, rivalries and events shaping the global order & issues influencing India's security and strategic interests.
◎
Achievers & Their Journeys
Monthly conversations with achievers, exploring their journeys, experiences and lessons that inspire.
+
Readers' Corner
A platform where readers get an opportunity to showcase their work, ideas and creative expressions.
≡
Current Affairs
Important developments explained with context and perspective.
◈
India & The World
India's role, relationships and interests in an evolving international environment.
⌁
A Quiz That Racks Your Brain
A thought-provoking quiz that racks your brain, tests your awareness and challenges your knowlege.
◎
Heritage & Legacy
It dwells upon historic military events and stories of the Indian Armed Forces, a reminiscence of their glorious past.
◇
Science & Tech and Health & Environment
Exploring scientific advancements, technological innovations, health developments and environmental issues shaping our world.
The Team that is ESELEI
Experience. Perspective. Expertise.
Team Leader
Col (Dr) Bhasker Gupta (Retd.)
Military leadership • Strategic thinking • Current Affairs • Mentoring
Interviewing Officer
Maj Gen Sunil Chandra, VSM (Retd.)
Motivational Speaker
Maj Gen Sharad Srivastava, VSM (Retd.)
Interviewing Officer
Brigadier Milan Mathur, SM (Retd.)
Motivational Speaker
Brig Karan Singh (Retd.)
Group Testing Officer
Capt S. K. Yadav (Retd.)
Founder & CEO
Mrs Ruchika B. Gupta
BA, B.Ed., MBA, MA (English)
Language Expert
Mrs Jyoti Khanna
BA, MA (English)
English Educator
Mrs Neha Mittal
BA, B.Ed., MA (English)
Our Purpose
To Help Readers Think Beyond the Headline.
CMDA exists to encourage readers to question, understand, analyse and think — rather than simply consume information.
CMDA — The Newsmag
Current Affairs • Defence • Geopolitics • National Security