SOURCE: PTI

Within days of the Maldives inking a defence deal to obtain non-lethal weapons from China, the archipelago nation in the Indian Ocean has acquired drones from Turkey for patrolling its vast exclusive economic zone, according to a media report on Saturday.

The Maldives government is likely to start operations of the drones within the next week. However, the exact number of drones was not clear nor was there any official confirmation from the Maldives’ Ministry of Defence or Foreign Ministry, the report said.

SOURCE: ANI

In a decisive call for urgent action, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ruchira Kamboj, emphasised the imperative need for immediate reforms to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Speaking during the 78th session’s informal meeting of the plenary on the reforms of the Security Council, Kamboj expressed frustration over the prolonged discussions, highlighting that nearly a quarter century has passed since world leaders committed to comprehensive reforms at the Millennium Summit in 2000.

SOURCE: AFI

Chennai-based Big Bang Boom Solutions Private Ltd (BBBS) stole the show at the recent India-Nigeria DefExpo, showcasing India’s cutting-edge military technology to the world. Dr. Shiva, a prominent figure at BBBS, unveiled the Vajra Sentinel Systems, an impressive anti-drone system that recently secured a game-changing ?200 crore contract with the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Beyond the Vajra: BBBS didn’t stop there. They also presented a range of other innovative solutions, highlighting India’s advancements in modern warfare tech. The Yudhikshana system impressed with its day and night situational awareness capabilities for armored vehicles, while the Mayil Drone showcased its agility and versatility in confined spaces. Additionally, the AgniQuell system, though not explicitly detailed, likely represents another technological leap forward from BBBS.

SOURCE: REUTERS

India and a trade group of four European nations signed an economic agreement on Sunday aimed at increasing trade and investment, capping nearly 16 years of negotiations, said Union Trade Minister Piyush Goyal.

The deal is a binding agreement for the European Free Trade Association – Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein – to invest $100 billion over 15 years in the fast-growing market of 1.4 billion people, Mr Goyal said.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Navy has inaugurated INS Jatayu, a significantly upgraded naval base on Minicoy Island in the Lakshadweep archipelago. This expansion is part of a long-term plan to strengthen India’s presence in the strategically important islands.

INS Jatayu boasts advanced facilities including radars, jetties, an airfield, and will be equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. This enhanced capability will significantly improve India’s ability to safeguard its territorial integrity and secure critical shipping lanes in the region.

SOURCE: AFI

In a recent report published by Dainik Jagran, it has been revealed that the British government, under the leadership of Rishi Sunak, has taken significant action against anti-India Khalistan supporters. The formation of a special task force aimed at dismantling the Khalistani funding network has led to the seizure of over 300 bank accounts belonging to Khalistan supporters, resulting in the confiscation of approximately Rs 100 crore.

The decisive action taken by the UK government highlights its commitment to combating extremism and promoting peace and stability, both domestically and internationally. The crackdown on Khalistan supporters sends a strong message that acts of terrorism and separatism will not be tolerated, regardless of their geographical origin.

SOURCE: AFI

Panchkula’s Lieutenant Inayat Vats scripted a heartwarming chapter in her family’s legacy today as she was commissioned into the Indian Army. The ceremony marked a poignant culmination of her journey, one that began with immense loss but blossomed into a resolute dedication to serve the nation.

Lieutenant Vats’ father, Major Navneet Vats, made the ultimate sacrifice for the country during a counter-insurgency operation. He fell to terrorists’ bullets while clearing a building in Srinagar, leaving behind a gaping void in Inayat’s life, who was then just 2.5 years old. Major Vats’ bravery was posthumously recognized with the Sena Medal.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Coast Guard and US Coast Guard conducted a joint exercise off Port Blair, called the Sea Defender 2024.

The Indian Coast Guard posted pictures and a video of the exercise on X with the message, “@IndiaCoastGuard & #USCG conducted Joint Ex “Sea Defender 2024″ day 1 completed off Port Blair. #ICG OPV & #USCG Bertholf will jointly sail & engage in joint exercises on day 2 and later bid farewell for ship’s onward voyage.”

SOURCE: PTI

 Security forces on Sunday recovered seven improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from J&K’s Poonch district. Police said that a team of the Rashtriya Rifles and the local police recovered the IEDs and a wireless set from the Dara Sangla area of Surankote tehsil in the district during a search operation.

“All the IEDs have been removed safely out of the area by the security forces,” police said.

SOURCE: PTI

The Pakistan government may seek the help of India to retrieve the bodies of 14 fishermen who are missing after their boat capsized near Keti Bandar in the country’s Sindh province. Forty-five fishermen belonging to Ibrahim Hyder– a fishing village in the Malir district of Sindh, had gone fishing but their boat capsized at Hijamkro Creek near Keti Bandar in Thatta on March 5.

Thirty-one of the fishermen were saved while 14 others were still missing. A search operation by divers of the Pakistan Navy, Maritime Security Agencies and Edhi Foundation to find the missing men continued on Saturday but the 14 missing fishermen could not be traced, officials said.

SOURCE: PTI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) airlifted over 700 stranded passengers between the twin union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh on Saturday, an official said. While 514 passengers were airlifted from Jammu to Leh in two sorties of IL-76, 223 persons were flown from Srinagar to Leh in another sortie, the official said.

With this, a total of 1,251 persons were airlifted between Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh this week. Earlier on Monday, 331 passengers were airlifted in separate sorties of AN-32, also known as Kargil courier, by the IAF between Jammu and Kashmir to Kargil.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has secured a vital deal for its fleet of MiG-29 fighter jets. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India’s state-owned aerospace giant, has been awarded a contract to supply RD-33 aero engines for these aircraft.

HAL’s RD-33 engines are specifically designed to meet the IAF’s requirements for extending the operational lifespan of its MiG-29 fleet. These engines will ensure continued peak performance for the remaining service life of these fighter jets.