SOURCE: AFI
In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, the intersection of technology, politics, and influence has taken center stage. The recent warning by tech giant Microsoft regarding China’s potential deployment of artificial intelligence-generated content to sway public opinion during elections in countries like India, South Korea, and the US underscores the growing complexity of modern geopolitical dynamics.
Clint Watts, General Manager of Microsoft Threat Analysis Centre (MTAC), has highlighted the alarming trend of utilizing AI-generated content as a tool for shaping narratives and influencing public sentiment. As major elections loom in key global arenas, including India, South Korea, and the US, the prospect of such tactics being employed raises significant concerns about the integrity of democratic processes and the susceptibility of digital platforms to manipulation.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Security forces in Chhattisgarh have killed four Maoists in separate encounters that took place on Friday and Saturday in the Bastar region. This brings the total number of Maoists killed in the state so far this year to 50, marking a significant increase compared to previous years.
This figure represents more than double the number of Maoist fatalities recorded in 2023, which stood at 24. It also surpasses the total number of Maoist deaths reported since 2020. Looking back, security forces killed 30 Maoists in 2022, 47 in 2021, 36 in 2020, and 65 in 2019.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
Marking remarkable advancements in infrastructure development and bolstering India’s maritime power, the Navy’s Project Seabird is set to be inaugurated on April 9, it announced on Sunday.
The Navy shared a video on their official X handle to showcase the progress made under Project Seabird in Karwar, Karnataka. The video was captioned: “Save the date! 09 April 2024! Witness glimpses of the transformative efforts at #ProjectSeabird #Karwar as #IndianNavy gears up for a momentous inauguration; showcasing remarkable advancements in #infrastructure development; bolstering the nation’s might and maritime power!”
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Parivartan Chintan, a pioneering Tri-Service Conference aimed at generating new and fresh ideas, initiatives and reforms to propel jointness and integration efforts, is being held in New Delhi on April 8. A day long discussions will be chaired by Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan. With the Indian Armed Forces having embarked on a major transformative change in their quest to be ready for the envisaged future wars, initiatives are being undertaken to promote Jointness and Integration as structures are modified to enable tri-service multi-domain operations.
The ‘Chintan’ will be the first ever conference of the Heads of all tri-service Services Institutions, the Department of Military Affairs, Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff and the three Services, with officers from varied service brackets, through their diverse understanding and experience, recommending measures to achieve the desired “Joint and Integrated” end state with celerity.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has claimed that Home Minister Amit Shah got “agitated” as Mallikarjun Kharge inadvertently “exposed the Modi-Shah gameplan” to change Article 371 related to Nagaland. “Amit Shah got all excited and agitated because Khargeji inadvertently exposed the Modi-Shah gameplan on Article 371; now that they have gotten Article 370 out of the way,” Ramesh said in a post on X. Earlier, addressing a gathering in Rajasthan’s Jaipur on Saturday, the Congress chief mistakenly said that ‘Modi claims credit for abolishing Article 371’.
Later, Shah slammed him for his “horrendous mistake.” Ramesh further clarified the statement made by the party president, Kharge. “Today, by a slip of the tongue in his speech in Jaipur, @INCIndia President Mallikarjun Kharge ji mistakenly said that Modi claims credit for abolishing Article 371. Kharge Ji clearly meant Article 370,” Ramesh said in a post on X.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
As part of the ongoing exercise Gagan Shakti-24, Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft recently operated from the Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) in the northern sector in Kashmir valley, the Defence Ministry said on Thursday.
The ministry said that a large number of troops were airlifted and subsequently air landed utilising Chinook, Mi-17 V5 and ALH Mk-III helicopters by night.
Continue readingSOURCE: SPUTNIKNEWS
The Agnibaan rocket is produced by Indian space startup Agnikul Cosmos. The company says the rocket is a customisable, two-stage launch vehicle that can carry a payload of up to 300 kg into orbit of about 700 km. The maiden test launch of Agnibaan rocket scheduled for Sunday has been cancelled once again for technical reasons.
It is the third time that the test launch has been postponed.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Pakistan on Saturday said it stands resolute in its intent and ability to safeguard its sovereignty, a day after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made it clear that India will enter Pakistan if terrorists run away to the neighbouring nation after carrying out terror strikes in the country.
A statement by the Foreign Office here said that Pakistan has always demonstrated its commitment to peace in the region but its desire for peace should not be misconstrued.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
India on Friday abstained in the UN Human Rights Council on a resolution that called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and also demanded that Israel immediately lift its illegal blockade on the strip.
The draft resolution on the ‘Human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the obligation to ensure accountability and justice’ was adopted by the Geneva-based Council with a vote of 28 in favour, 6 against and 13 abstentions.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
In a massive crackdown on the banned naxal outfit in an anti-India conspiracy case, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday swooped down on the premises of accused and suspected persons at 12 places in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Of the total, 11 locations were searched in Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh and one location in Kaimur district of Bihar in connection with the case registered originally by Uttar Pradesh’s Anti Terror Squad (ATS).
Several digital devices, including mobile phones, SIM cards and memory cards, along with incriminating documents like pamphlets of the proscribed naxal outfit, were seized during the search operation, said the NIA.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s indigenously developed light combat aircraft, the LCA-Tejas Mk1A, is gearing up for a crucial phase of testing. After completing its maiden flight last month, the aircraft will now head to the Pokhran range for a series of weapons tests.
These tests are essential due to the significant upgrades incorporated into the Tejas Mk1A. A key change is the adoption of the advanced EL/M-2052 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar by Elta Systems. This new radar necessitates the revalidation of weapons that rely on radar guidance for the Mk1A to achieve operational clearance.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a move to bolster its mobile firepower, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, the Indian Army issued a tender last year (November 27, 2023) for the acquisition of 200 new self-propelled howitzers equipped with 105mm guns. This initiative emphasizes the Indian government’s push for indigenous defence solutions.
The primary objective of this procurement is to equip the Indian Army with modern and mobile artillery systems for high-altitude border regions. These self-propelled howitzers will offer greater operational flexibility and firepower compared to traditional towed artillery, especially in challenging mountainous terrain.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Recent events in the Ukraine conflict have sent ripples through the Indian Navy, prompting a strategic rethink to address the growing threat posed by sea drones. The successful deployment of explosive-laden drones by Ukraine against Russian warships has highlighted the vulnerability of even large vessels to these low-cost, unconventional weapons.
Traditionally, destroyer-type ships have served as protectors against smaller, faster torpedo boats, safeguarding larger vessels like battleships. However, the rise of sea drones challenges this established dynamic. The Indian Navy, along with other major naval forces, is now forced to adapt its strategies to this new and evolving threat.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The mighty Himalayas, along the Ladakh sector of the India-China border, have witnessed a new guardian emerge – the upgraded MiG-29UPG fighter jet of the Indian Air Force (IAF). This potent aircraft has carved a niche for itself thanks to its exceptional performance at high altitudes, proving to be a crucial asset in this strategically sensitive region.
High-altitude environments pose a significant challenge for fighter jets. Thin air reduces engine thrust, impacting payload capacity and maneuverability. However, the MiG-29UPG excels in these conditions due to its impressive Thrust-to-Weight Ratio (TWR of 1.09).
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
A recent report from China claims their J-20 fifth-generation fighter jet dominated an Indian Rafale jet in a simulated combat exercise. While this news has been met with fanfare in Chinese media, military analysts urge caution in interpreting such results.
A pilot from China’s Eastern Theater Command’s Wang Hai Air Group reportedly boasted of defeating 17 Rafale jets flown by the Indian Air Force (IAF) during a simulated air combat exercise. This news has been widely reported in Chinese media, highlighting the J-20’s supposed technological edge.
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