SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Navy’s aviation arm received a significant boost on March 18, 2024, with the induction of the first-ever Naval Aviation Radar Simulator (RADSIM) at Air Combat Training School (AIRCATS), Goa. This momentous occasion, graced by Rear Admiral Ajay D Theophilus, Flag Officer Naval Aviation, marks a major step towards self-reliance and enhanced training for Indian Navy Air Traffic Controllers (ATCOs).

The RADSIM, indigenously developed by the Software Development Institute (SDI) of the Indian Air Force (IAF), is set to revolutionize ATCO training within the Navy. This sophisticated simulator will provide a realistic and controlled environment for trainees to hone their skills in air traffic management.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) recently conducted a successful activation of an Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) located on National Highway-16 in Andhra Pradesh. This activation marks a significant step towards enhancing the IAF’s operational flexibility and disaster response capabilities.

The exercise involved various IAF aircraft, showcasing the ELF’s suitability for a range of missions. Fighter jets like the Su-30 MKI and Hawk Mk 132 demonstrated the ability for swift deployment in times of need. Transport aircraft such as the An-32 and Dornier Do-228 successfully performed takeoffs and landings, highlighting the ELF’s capacity to support logistical operations and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions in remote locations.

SOURCE: AFI

The Islamic Republic of Iran Navy ships Bushehr and Tonb, commanded by Commander Mahdi Balvardi and Commander Mohammad Hajizadeh respectively, visited Mumbai, India from March 15th to 18th, 2024. Captain Hasan Beygi served as the Mission Commander for the visit.

The Iranian vessels, part of a training flotilla with 240 officer cadets on board, were received with a traditional Indian welcome upon arrival. This visit highlights the importance of training for the Iranian Navy, with the cadets gaining valuable experience at sea.

SOURCE: ANI

India has again rejected the “absurd claims” and “baseless arguments” made by China on Arunachal Pradesh, asserting that the northeast State is an “integral and inalienable part of India.” The Ministry of External Affairs in an official statement today noted that the people of Arunachal Pradesh will “continue to benefit” from India’s development programmes and infrastructure projects.

“We have noted the comments made by the Spokesperson of the Chinese Defence Ministry advancing absurd claims over the territory of the Indian State of Arunachal Pradesh. Repeating baseless arguments in this regard does not lend such claims any validity,” said the official spokesperson of MEA, Randhir Jaiswal.

SOURCE: PTI

An American senator has expressed concern over the Indian government notifying rules for the implementation of the CAA, saying that as the US-India relationship deepens, it is important that the cooperation is based on shared values of protecting human rights of all, regardless of religion.

India implemented the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 last week, paving the way for the grant of citizenship to undocumented non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan who came to India before December 31, 2014.

SOURCE: IANS

Former Pakistani cricketing legend Javed Miandad has openly accepted his association with underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, citing it as an honour. The unexpected disclosure came to light during an interview in Pakistan where Miandad confessed to having known Dawood for a significant period and talked about his first meeting in Dubai.

“It’s an honour for me that his daughter is married to my son,” Miandad expressed, shedding light on the familial connection between the two.

SOURCE: ANI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday reaffirmed India’s commitment to safeguarding freedom of navigation and combating piracy and terrorism in the Indian Ocean region. His remarks came in response to a message from Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, expressing gratitude for the safe return of seven Bulgarian nationals.

On Monday, the Bulgarian President expressed his gratitude to the Indian Navy for successfully carrying out a rescue operation on the hijacked Bulgarian ship, MV Ruen.

SOURCE: PTI

SC asks Centre to respond within 3 weeks to pleas seeking stay of Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Centre to respond within three weeks to applications seeking a stay on the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024. 

A bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud posted the matter for resumed hearing on April 9. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, told the bench that he needed four weeks to file a reply to the 20 applications.

SOURCE: PTI

State-owned engineering firm Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) on Tuesday said it has bagged an order for setting up 1,600 MW Singrauli Supercritical Thermal Power Plant (STPP) Stage-III from NTPC. The plant will be set up adjacent to the existing 2,000 MW thermal power station (TPS) at Singrauli in Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh, BHEL said in a statement.

Set up by BHEL in 1982, Singrauli TPS was NTPC’s first power plant in the state.

SOURCE: PTI

Four Naxalites, carrying a collective bounty of ? 36 lakh, were killed in an encounter with police in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district on Tuesday, a senior official said.

The police received information on Monday afternoon that some Naxalites had entered Gadchiroli from neighbouring Telangana by crossing the Pranhita river with an aim to carry out subversive activities amid the model code of conduct in place for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Superintendent of Police Neelotpal said.

SOURCE: PTI

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Monday conveyed to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh his appreciation for the Indian Navy’s important role in conducting anti-piracy operations in the Indian Ocean Region.

Singh and Austin held a telephonic talk and a readout on the conversation issued by the defence ministry mentioned the US defence secretary’s compliment for the Indian Navy. It is understood that the two ministers also deliberated on India’s planned acquisition of 31 MQ-9B drones from the US under the foreign military sale (FMS) route.

SOURCE: AFI

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is gearing up for a significant milestone in Indian aviation. The state-owned aerospace and defense company is on track to deliver the first indigenously developed LCA Tejas Mk-1A fighter jet to the Indian Air Force (IAF) by the end of March. The inaugural test flight for this upgraded aircraft could even take place within the next two days.

The Tejas Mk-1A represents a crucial step forward for the Indian Air Force’s modernization program. This variant boasts enhanced capabilities compared to the earlier Tejas Mk-1 version. Ordered in 2021 as part of a 73-fighter jet deal, the Mk-1A promises to bolster the IAF’s air combat prowess.