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SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is setting ambitious goals for the future, with Chairman S. Somanath announcing a targeted launch of the nation’s first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, by the end of 2025. This ambitious project, aiming to send Indian astronauts into space, marks a significant milestone in the country’s space exploration journey.

But ISRO’s aspirations don’t stop there. Chairman Somanath also revealed plans for a space station by 2035, further solidifying India’s commitment to becoming a major player in the global space arena. This ambitious timeline reflects the rapid progress ISRO has made in recent years, successfully launching numerous satellites and missions like Chandrayaan-1 and Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan).

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SOURCE: AFI

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak finds himself entangled in a diplomatic challenge as Pro-Khalistani groups exert pressure on the British government to intervene in the case of Jagtar Singh Johal, a UK citizen currently imprisoned in India. Johal’s case has become a focal point for tensions between India and certain factions within the UK Sikh community, raising questions about extradition, human rights, and international diplomacy.

Jagtar Singh Johal, known as a member of the banned Khalistan Liberation Front (KLF), was arrested by Indian authorities in November 2017 in Punjab. Facing multiple charges, including those filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and other Indian law enforcement agencies, Johal’s case has been mired in controversy and conflicting narratives.

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SOURCE: Yonhap

South Korea is set to begin production of the KF-21 fighter jet this year as planned, the state arms procurement agency said Wednesday, in what would be a major milestone in the country’s pursuit of an advanced homegrown fighter.

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) seeks to sign a contract with Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI), the jet’s manufacturer, within the first half of the year to pave the way for the KF-21’s large-scale production, according to a DAPA official.

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SOURCE: PTI

Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti said India is in the “driving seat” of the Quad, while America is in the seat next to it with the “corrective steering wheel”, and added that it is up to India to “forcefully define” the nature of the diplomatic partnership.

Garcetti, speaking here at the 17th edition of Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF), used a rather unique analogy of ‘eating, drinking and sharing a ride together’ to explain the different roles of member countries in the Quad.

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SOURCE: PTI

The Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) of Uttar Pradesh Police has arrested a person working in the Indian Embassy, Moscow, for his alleged involvement in anti-national activities with Pakistani intelligence agency ISI and providing them important confidential information regarding the strategic activities of the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian military establishments, an official statement issued here on Sunday said.

Satendra Siwal, the son of Jaiveer Singh, a resident of Shahmahiuddinpur village in police station area of Hapur district has been arrested by the ATS, the statement said.

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SOURCE: AFI

The All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM), has made a fervent plea to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging the reversal of the decision to abolish the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and reinstate it in Naga territories along the Indo-Myanmar border.

Submitting a memorandum through the Manipur Governor, the Naga student body voiced the concerns of Naga students and youth in Manipur, emphasizing the necessity of restoring the Free Movement Regime. The memorandum respectfully implored the Union Home Minister to reconsider the government’s decision, highlighting the adverse impact it would have on the socio-economic fabric of the region.

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SOURCE: PTI

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a charge-sheet against three nationals of Myanmar in a case involving the illegal infiltration and trafficking of foreign nationals, primarily of Rohingya origin, into India through the India-Bangladesh border, an official said on Sunday.

The accused are Rabi Islam alias “Rabiul Islam”, Shafi Alam alias “Sofi Alom” alias “Sayedul Islam”, and Mohammad Usman — all permanent residents of Maungdaw district in Myanmar — a spokesperson of the federal agency said.

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SOURCE: PTI

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a charge sheet against two cadres of the proscribed CPI (Maoist) in Patna in a case related to the revival of Maoism in the Magadh region, an official said on Saturday.

The charge sheet was filed against Rohit Rai alias “Prakash” alias “Manoj” alias “Patrakaar” alias “Netaji” of Kaimur and Pramod Yadav alias “Pramod Kumar” of Aurangabad in a special NIA court in Patna on Friday, a spokesperson of the federal agency said.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant development for India’s indigenous fighter jet program, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A has been outfitted with a state-of-the-art Mission Computer, marking a milestone in the country’s defense aviation sector. Prominent defense reporter Anantha Krishnan M has reported that the LCA Tejas SP, equipped with the LCA MK1A Mission Computer, is scheduled for its maiden flight next week, signaling a leap forward in India’s technological prowess in the field of avionics.

The LCA Tejas Mk1A, renowned for its agility, maneuverability, and combat capabilities, will now incorporate the advanced Mission Computer, a pivotal component designed to orchestrate the aircraft’s upgraded avionics suite. Developed indigenously by MCSRDC-HAL, the Mission Computer serves as the nerve center of the LCA Mk1A, interfacing with a myriad of onboard sensors and systems to execute critical functions ranging from navigation and guidance to communication and weapon aiming computations.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is taking decisive steps to modernize its transport fleet, with Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari confirming plans for replacing ageing aircraft like the AN-32 and IL-76.

Chaudhari highlighted the crucial role of modern transport aircraft in contemporary warfare, stating, “We are looking at replacing our AN-32 and IL-76 fleets promptly.” The AN-32, a mainstay for decades, has served its purpose, but its limitations in payload capacity and range restrict the IAF’s operational flexibility. Similarly, the IL-76, approaching 40 years of service, requires a capable successor.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

AI GENERATED

The Indian Army is soaring into the future of logistics with the induction of powerful cargo drones, revolutionizing the way supplies reach troops in even the most challenging terrain. These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are not just toys, but capable workhorses, lifting payloads ranging from 20kg to 100kg, significantly easing the burden on traditional transport methods.

But the Army’s ambition doesn’t stop there. Plans are already in motion to further expand cargo capabilities, with talks underway with private sector companies for the development of Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) Cargo UAVs. These behemoths will be game-changers, capable of hauling a whopping 300-500kg of cargo over distances of 400-500km.

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SOURCE: AFI

On February 19, 2001, a routine flight from Delhi to Kargil nearly turned into a tragedy. Air Marshal VK Bhatia, the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C), despite lacking qualification for the AN-32 aircraft, insisted on flying the aircraft himself for the inauguration of the Kargil Airfield. This decision, fueled by ambition and a desire for personal glory, almost cost the lives of all onboard.

The Kargil Airfield, located close to the Line of Control (LOC) with Pakistan and surrounded by high hills, presented inherent challenges. Despite concerns raised by the qualified co-pilot Air Vice Marshal A C Chafekar about the risks, Air Marshal Bhatia remained determined to land at Kargil.

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SOURCE: AFI

India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is set for a series of missile launches, marking a significant development for the country’s defense capabilities. While previous launches have primarily taken place from Odisha’s Chandipur or Andhra Pradesh’s Sriharikota, this upcoming event will witness a historic first for West Bengal. DRDO has established a launch pad at Junput beach near Haripur, poised to host its maiden missile launch from the state.

The launches are scheduled for the end of February or the beginning of March, with two missiles taking to the skies. One launch will occur from Baleshwar, Odisha, adhering to the established practice. However, all eyes will be on Junput beach as it witnesses its first ever missile launch, marking a new chapter for West Bengal’s involvement in India’s strategic missile program.

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SOURCE: AFI

In a bid to bolster India’s self-reliance and indigenization efforts, the Indian Navy and the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) conducted their annual Apex Level Meeting-2024 on today’s date. Co-chaired by DRDO Chairman Dr. Sameer V. Kamat and Indian Navy Vice Chief Vice Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, the meeting served as a platform for in-depth discussions on collaborative development projects aimed at equipping the Indian Navy with cutting-edge indigenous technologies.

The meeting emphasized the shared goal of minimizing dependence on foreign imports and strengthening domestic defense capabilities. Strategic discussions focused on existing and upcoming projects across various domains, including:

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SOURCE: PTI

INS Karanj, an Indian Navy submarine, arrived in the port of Colombo on Thursday, ahead of Sri Lanka’s 76th Independence Day celebrations on Sunday. On a two-day visit, the submarine was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy. INS Karanj is 67.5 metres long with a crew of 53 under the commandeering of Commander Arunabh, the Sri Lanka Navy said.

INS ‘Karanj’ will depart the island nation on February 5, symbolising the strengthened maritime relations between India and Sri Lanka, LankaNewsWeb.net, a news portal said, adding, “The diplomatic and cultural exchange during this visit contributes to the broader cooperation between the two nations in the maritime domain.”

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