SOURCE: ANI

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday arrested an absconding master trainer of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) from his house in Kerala’s Kannur district. The accused, identified as Jafar Bheemantavida, was on the run in the PFI Kerala case relating to a conspiracy by the proscribed organisation to establish an Islamic Rule in India by 2047., said the NIA, adding the accused was eventually tracked down to his Kannur house by the NIA Fugitive Tracking Team and Kerala Anti-terrorism Squad.

Jafar is the 59th accused to be arrested in the case, in which NIA has so far chargesheeted 60 persons. NIA investigations have revealed that Jafar Bheemantavida was part of the PFI machinery that had been operating clandestinely to establish Islamic Rule in India by 2047. As per the agency, Jafar was suspected to be a PFI master trainer, engaged in imparting weapons training to PFI cadres to prepare them to operate as members of the Service Team or Hit Squads of the organisation.

SOURCE: PTI

Collaboration between All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is needed to strengthen military physiology, said AIIMS Bhubaneswar executive director Ashutosh Biswas.

He said this while speaking at a workshop ‘AIIMS-Physiomeet’ organised by AIIMS Bhubaneswar here recently.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

General Manoj Pande, Chief of the Indian Army, embarks on a three-day visit to the United States tomorrow, with defense projects high on the agenda. Among the programs both countries are exploring is a significant upgrade for the M777 ultra-lightweight howitzer.

Currently, India operates the 155mm 39 caliber towed gun variant of the M777. However, discussions are underway to extend its capabilities with a 155mm 52 caliber upgrade. BAE Systems, the manufacturer of the M777, confirms ongoing conversations and acknowledges the potential benefits of a longer-range variant.

SOURCE: AIRBUS

Marking a milestone in the ‘Make in India’ C295 programme, the Airbus Defence and Space Quality Management System (QMS) for the C295 aircraft has received approval from the Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA), the Indian regulatory authority, to produce detailed parts and sub-assemblies in India.

As per the approval, the certificate for which was formally handed over on February 12, 2024, Airbus Defence and Space is working with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) to produce detailed parts and sub-assemblies at various locations in India. The certificate of approval was presented by Sanjay Chawla, Director General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance, to Michael Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, and Masood Hussainy, Head, Aerostructures and Aeroengines, Tata Advanced Systems Limited, at the C295 Main Components Assembly facility in Hyderabad. This is a significant step of a comprehensive quality assurance roadmap agreed between Airbus Defence and Space and DGAQA for the C295 ‘Make in India’ programme, in close collaboration with TASL.

SOURCE: PIB

Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt visited the Headquarters Western Command in Chandimandir on 12 February 2024. He was briefed on Operational & Security situation and the administrative aspects by Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, GOC-in-C Western Command. Shri Ajay Bhatt also visited 474 Engineer Brigade, where he was briefed on operational capabilities & readiness of the Kharga Sappers. He witnessed the training activities and later interacted with troops of both Zirakpur and Chandimandir military stations.

 Shri Ajay Bhatt commended the yeoman service being done by Western Command in running a Rehabilitation Centre at Mohali and a Senior Veterans’ Home at Panchkula. He appreciated the operational preparedness and high state of morale of troops and exhorted them to continue to serve and defend the nation with the same zeal and enthusiasm.

SOURCE: ANI

After completing his UAE visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Doha on February 14 to hold bilateral meetings with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, there, the Ministry of External Affairs announced on Monday. This visit assumes significance as it comes after a diplomatic victory of India following the release of eight Indian Navy personnel who were detained in Qatar for nearly 18 months since August 2022.

“From UAE after completing his visit on February 14, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Doha, Qatar on February 14 afternoon. During the visit, PM Modi will hold bilateral meetings with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and other high dignitaries in Qatar,” Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said while addressing a special briefing on PM Modi’s visit to UAE.

SOURCE: PTI

More than 1.59 lakh people have been declared as ‘foreigners’ in Assam so far, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Monday. He said that another 96,000 have been marked as ‘Doubtful’ (D) voters. Sarma, who also holds the Home portfolio, said 100 Foreigners’ Tribunals (FTs), which deal with the citizenship issue of D-voters in the state, are currently functional in the state.

He was responding to a question by opposition AIUDF legislator Aminul Islam in the assembly. The chief minister said that 1,59,353 people have been declared as foreigners by these tribunals till December 31, 2023.

SOURCE: PIB

A team of 71 personnel of Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Sarang Helicopter Display Team landed at the Paya Lebar Air Base of Singapore to participate in the Singapore Air Show 2024. The world renowned Sarang Helicopter Display Team will be showcasing its spectacular aerobatics manoeuvres at this event with five Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) also known as ‘Dhruv’. The induction was carried out with the IAF’s C-17 Globemaster III heavy lift transport aircraft.

The biennial Singapore Air Show is scheduled to commence on 20 Feb 24 and shall conclude on 24 Feb 24. The show features various aerial displays from participants from all over the globe.

SOURCE: ANI

UAE Ambassador to India, Abdulnasser Jamal Alshaali praised the role of the Indian community in UAE’s journey in terms of economic growth and said that it has developed at a faster pace due to the special bond between PM Modi and UAE President Al Nahyan.

He also called PM Modi’s visit to UAE in 2015 — which was the first by Indian PM in 34 years — as the “turning point” in the relationship. Speaking to ANI, the UAE envoy said, “The first visit was the turning point in the relationship. The relationship has been there for quite some time, the diaspora has been here for quite some time and things were happening, but they were not happening at the pace that you see today. Thanks to the special bond and the special friendship between the two leaders. I was there in Ahmedabad, Gujarat and they were discussing all kinds of things.”

SOURCE: PTI

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday unveiled a life-size statue of India’s first chief of defence staff late General Bipin Rawat in Dehradun. The defence minister described Gen Rawat as a courageous soldier who will remain an inspiration for future generations.

“The demise of Gen Rawat is an irreparable loss to the nation. Even in his last moments, he was on duty, serving the nation. His commitment, dedication, and patriotism could be felt until the very end,” he added.

SOURCE: ANI

International affairs experts have hailed Indian diplomacy after its major triumph helped secure the release of eight Indian Navy veterans who were detained by Qatar on espionage charges.

Former diplomat Anil Trigunayat said the release of Indian Navy veterans was made possible by continued diplomacy, tremendous goodwill between the two nations as well as due to the friendship between Emir of Qatar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

SOURCE: AFI

SkyDrive Inc., a leading Japanese manufacturer of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, today announced it received additional funding from Suzuki Motor Corporation through a new share allotment. This investment will accelerate the development and production of SkyDrive’s innovative flying vehicles.

The collaboration brings together SkyDrive’s expertise in developing eVTOL technology with Suzuki’s extensive manufacturing prowess. This strategic partnership is expected to significantly advance SkyDrive’s commercialization goals and pave the way for broader adoption of eVTOL solutions.

SOURCE: AFI

Actor Varun Tej is setting the record straight about his upcoming film “Operation Valentine,” assuring audiences it won’t be jingoistic like Hrithik Roshan’s “Fighter.” Both movies tackle sensitive themes related to the Indian Air Force, but Tej emphasizes distinct approaches.

“Operation Valentine,” releasing on March 1st, 2024, draws inspiration from the real-life Pulwama attack of 2019. However, Tej clarifies, “Our idea was to take a very realistic approach. It’s not just about the war situation; it’s about the pilots, their families, what they go through, and their mental state.”

SOURCE: ANI

The Indian Coast Guard Ship Vikram rescued 11 crew members of the IFB King boat stranded at high seas due to engine failure since February 5, an official said. The boat was safely towed from 280 nautical miles west of Minicoy Island and handed over to ICGS Minicoy, the official said.

Collaborative efforts with the Fisheries Department ensured the boat’s shelter at Minicoy Harbour, they added. “Indian Coast Guard Ship Vikram rescued 11 crew members of IFB King (IND-TN-12-MM-6466) stranded at high seas due to engine failure since February 5. The boat was safely towed from 280 nautical miles west of Minicoy Island and handed over to ICGS Minicoy,” ICG officials said.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has taken a significant step towards self-reliance by seeking Indian industrial partners to establish indigenous repair and overhaul facilities for its fleet of Western-origin transport aircraft. This move aims to reduce dependence on foreign entities and boost India’s domestic aerospace industry.

The project encompasses heavy maintenance and depot overhaul capabilities for airframes, mechanical, electro-mechanical, and avionics components, along with ground support equipment for four key aircraft types: