SOURCE: AFI

The Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), a branch of the Islamic State militant group operating in Afghanistan and Pakistan, has released a new propaganda video critical of the Taliban’s engagement with India.

The 18-minute video, delivered in Pashto, utilizes a storytelling format from the perspective of a possible Indian fighter within ISKP ranks. This approach aims to resonate with viewers in Afghanistan and potentially inspire militants there.

SOURCE: PTI

After India summoned a senior US diplomat to lodge a protest over remarks on the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Washington on Wednesday stressed that it encourages fair, transparent, timely legal processes and “we don’t think anyone should object to that”.

“We continue to follow these actions closely, including the arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal,” US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said.

SOURCE: ANI

In a strong statement on the Israel-Palestine issue, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that whatever the rights and wrongs in the whole conflict between Israel and Palestine, the underlying fact is that the Palestinians have been denied their rights and homeland.

He stated that what transpired on October 7 was a ‘terrorist attack’ but also acknowledged, in reference to the Israeli counteroffensive in Gaza, that every response must take into account something called international humanitarian law.

SOURCE: PTI

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday called on Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the two leaders exchanged views and discussed cooperation in the areas of trade, science and technology, education, agriculture, tourism, defence and also on regional issues including Myanmar.

Jaishankar, who is here on a two-day official visit, met Anwar at the Prime Minister’s Office and the meeting lasted about an hour, the official Bernama news agency reported.

SOURCE: PTI

A battalion group of the Indian Army, comprising more than 700 personnel, is taking part in the ongoing bilateral tri-service exercise — ‘Tiger Triumph-24’ — between India and the US, being held on the Eastern Seaboard, sources said on Wednesday.

The exercise from March 18-31 aims at developing interoperability for conducting Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations and refining SOPs to enable rapid and smooth coordination between the forces of the two countries.

SOURCE: ANI

Ahead of his visit to India, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Wednesday that Kyiv views New Delhi as an “important global partner” with a “powerful international voice”.

The Ukrainian FM expressed hope that his visit will further develop India-Ukraine ties. Addressing an online briefing ahead of the visit on Wednesday, Kuleba said, “I have already announced I would be visiting New Delhi on the invitation of my New Delhi counterpart, S Jaishankar. This would be my first visit to India and the first visit by a Ukrainian Foreign Minister to the country in seven years. The aim is to strengthen India-Ukraine relationship.”

SOURCE: ANI

Bastar Inspector General of Police (IG), P Sundarraj, said on Wednesday that reinforcements have been sent and further search operations are underway after six naxals were killed in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar district. The fierce exchange of gunfire occurred between the security forces and People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA)– an armed wing of the Platoon No 10 of Naxals– near Chipurbhatti jungle along Talperu River under Basaguda Police Station in Bijapur.

“Under Basaguda PS limits, bodies of 6 naxals, including four males and two females, were recovered. Communication systems used by naxals were also recovered. Further search operations are underway. The security personnel are safe; reinforcements have been sent,” IG Sundarraj told ANI. On the reports of high-ranking cadre being killed, he said, “The bodies are being identified. The final confirmation will be done after the identification.

SOURCE: PTI

The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) can be revoked when militancy is completely over in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister Anurag Thakur said on Wednesday, as he highlighted a positive change in the overall security situation in the Union Territory.

He was reacting to the statement of Home Minister Amit Shah that the central government will consider revoking the AFSPA in Jammu and Kashmir.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

On this day five years ago, India successfully conducted Mission Shakti, an anti-satellite (ASAT) missile test, propelling the nation into an elite group of countries with this advanced technology.

The mission involved a specially designed missile launched from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, precisely targeting and destroying a small Indian satellite orbiting Earth at an altitude of 350 kilometers and traveling at a phenomenal speed of 24,000 kilometers per hour. This remarkable feat showcased India’s growing prowess in the field of aerospace and defense technology.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The Indian government has implemented amendments to the Defense Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020, following recommendations by the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC). These changes aim to further promote “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbharta” (self-reliance) within the country’s defense industry, while also streamlining the Ease of Doing Business for domestic companies.

These amendments are expected to significantly boost domestic defense production capabilities. By mandating a higher indigenous content threshold and facilitating access to testing facilities, the government aims to create a more conducive environment for Indian companies. Additionally, the requirement for complete know-how of imported components pushes them towards developing indigenous alternatives, furthering the “Aatmanirbharta” goal.

SOURCE: AFI

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has drawn criticism for its stance on India’s Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). USCIRF has expressed concerns regarding the CAA’s limitations, arguing that it should extend its benefits to persecuted minorities from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh – a position seen by some as hypocritical.

USCIRF’s primary concern centers around the exclusion of Muslims from the CAA’s ambit. The act provides a pathway to Indian citizenship for persecuted minorities from neighboring countries, excluding Muslims. This selectivity, according to USCIRF, raises questions about religious discrimination.