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SOURCE: ANI

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch its meteorological satellite INSAT-3DS aboard spacecraft GSLV F14 at 5:35 pm this evening from the Sriharikota spaceport. It will study weather forecasts and natural disaster warnings. In its 16th mission, the GSLV aims to deploy the INSAT-3DS meteorological satellite into the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). Subsequent orbit-raising maneuvers will ensure that the satellite is positioned in a Geo-stationary Orbit.

INSAT-3DS Satellite is a follow-on mission of Third Generation Meteorological Satellite from Geostationary Orbit.

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SOURCE: IANS

General Manoj Pande, Chief Of Army Staff (COAS) visited the Defence Innovation Unit (DIU), the forefront military innovation unit of the US Army, in San Francisco. He interacted with Doug Beck, Director of DIU and Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Defence, the Army said on Saturday.

According to the Indian Army the COAS also visited the California National Guard. The visit by the COAS highlights the shared values and interests that underpin the partnership between India and the US, aimed at further enhancing bilateral cooperation and development in Defence and security domains.

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SOURCE: ANI

Indian Naval Warship INS Chennai which rescued the hijacked Bulk Carrier MV Lila Norfolk on January 5, successfully reached Chennai, Tamil Nadu on Friday. Indian naval warship INS Chennai on January 5 reached the hijacked vessel MV Lila Norfolk off Somalia coast and issued a warning to the pirates on board to abandon the vessel, military officials told ANI.

The Indian warship has also launched its helicopter and the Marine Commandos (MARCOS) are ready for operations. All the Indian crew on board are safe, the officials added.

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SOURCE: PTI

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during his meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Germany discussed the need to ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, highlighting how the US and India play important roles in safeguarding economic stability in the volatile region.

The two leaders met on Friday on the sidelines of the prestigious Munich Security Conference in the German city. “Mr Blinken and Mr Jaishankar discussed the need to ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea,” State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a readout of the meeting.

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SOURCE: ANI

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a meeting with Canadian counterpart Melanie Joly on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference on Friday (local time). The talks between the two leaders focused on the present state of bilateral ties.

Mr Jaishankar and Melanie Joly also exchanged views on the global situation. The talks between the two leaders come amid strained ties between India and Canada after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made allegations that the Indian government was involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey in June 2023. India has denied the allegations, calling them “absurd” and “motivated.”

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SOURCE: PTI

Senior American diplomat Richard Verma will embark on a six-day official visit to India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives next week to strengthen the US’ bilateral ties with the key Indo-Pacific partners and reaffirm its enduring commitment to a free, open, secure, and prosperous region.

Mr Verma, the US’ Indian-American Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, the second senior post in the State Department, will travel to the three countries from February 18-23. “Shortly following the two-year anniversary of the US Indo-Pacific Strategy, his trip will reaffirm the United States’ enduring commitment to a free, open, secure, and prosperous region,” a media release said on Friday.

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SOURCE: PTI

 French journalist Vanessa Dougnac on Saturday left India saying she cannot afford to wait for the outcome of the legal process set in motion in the wake of a notice issued to her by the government regarding cancellation of her Overseas Citizen of India card.

“Today, I am leaving India, the country where I came 25 years ago as a student, and where I have worked for 23 years as a journalist. The place where I married, raised my son, and which I call my home,” Dougnac, the South Asia Correspondent for French publications La Croix and Le Point, Swiss newspaper Le Temps and Belgian daily Le Soir, said in a statement.

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SOURCE: ANI

The Border Security Force (BSF) caught a Pakistani national near the India-Pakistan border in Punjab’s Gurdaspur, the BSF said on Saturday. According to officials, the Pakistani national crossed the international border and ventured into Indian territory near Thakurpur village.

This was observed by the forward-deployed BSF troops stationed along the border. ‘On 16th February 2024, forward-deployed BSF troops apprehended one Pakistani national near the border fence as he crossed the International Boundary and entered into Indian territory near Village Thakurpur in Gurdaspur district,’ BSF said in a post on X.

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SOURCE: PTI

The NIA has filed a charge sheet in a special court in Tamil Nadu against one more accused — a production executive in the local film industry — in a case related to the revival of the LTTE in Sri Lanka and India.

Lingam A alias Adilingam is the 14th accused to be charge-sheeted in the case registered in 2022 in which 16 people have been arraigned as accused so far, the anti-terror federal agency said. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) said Adilingam has been charged with conspiring and acting to revive the proscribed terror organisation through illegal trade in narcotic drugs and arms.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s quest for robust underwater deterrence takes a significant leap forward with the advancement of DRDO’s SLCM program. Promising diverse capabilities and extended ranges, this initiative aims to equip both conventional and nuclear submarines with powerful offensive punch.

Last year’s successful test of a torpedo-launched SLCM marked a crucial milestone. With a current range of 402 km, the missile is slated for further trials pushing its reach to 500 km and eventually achieving an impressive 800+ km. This initial iteration focuses on equipping older diesel submarines, demonstrating DRDO’s commitment to enhancing legacy platforms.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has announced a critical milestone in its air defence capabilities with the successful completion of developmental trials for the New Generation Akash (Akash-NG) missile system. This successor to the existing Akash system promises improved performance and versatility, further bolstering India’s air defence against aerial threats.

First tested in 1990, the Akash missile system has served as a mainstay in India’s air defence arsenal for over two decades. However, technological advancements necessitated an upgrade. The Akash-NG sheds weight, replacing the older Ramjet propulsion with a more efficient Dual Pulse Rocket motor. This not only reduces its weight from 720kg to 350kg but also enhances its manoeuvrability and agility.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

C.B. Ananthakrishnan, Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), has announced significant progress in the development of the SARAS Mk II, a 19-seater indigenous aircraft program. This exciting project, a collaboration between HAL and the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), is poised to take to the skies with its maiden flight anticipated by the end of 2026.

The focus is currently on constructing two prototypes, with the possibility of a third being considered to expedite the certification process. This reflects the commitment of both HAL and NAL to bring this innovative aircraft to life.

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SOURCE: AFI WITH IDRW.ORG

Ambassador Dinesh Bhatia, representing India in Argentina, recently met with Brigadier Mayor Fernando Luis Mengo, Chief of the Argentine Air Force. The meeting aimed to explore avenues for strengthening cooperation between the Indian Air Force and its Argentine counterpart.

The discussions focused on forging a deeper strategic partnership between the two air forces. This could encompass areas like joint exercises, training programs, and knowledge sharing. Ambassador Bhatia expressed India’s commitment to supporting Argentina’s defense modernization efforts.

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SOURCE: AFI WITH IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to bolster its aerial refueling capabilities with the recent approval by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) for the procurement of new Flight Refueller Aircraft (FRA). This marks the third major acquisition of FRAs since 2006-2007, highlighting the critical role these airborne fuel stations play in extending the reach and operational flexibility of fighter jets.

The IAF’s reliance on air refueling began in 2003 with the induction of the IL-78, a modified Russian cargo aircraft. While these six IL-78s served extensively, concerns about their serviceability prompted the search for replacements.

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SOURCE: AFI

Aiming to strengthen ties and boost defense cooperation, India showcased its military technology and equipment to the Philippines at a recent seminar in Manila. The event saw 18 Indian companies present diverse offerings ranging from aircraft and drones to artificial intelligence solutions, targeting the Philippines’ ongoing modernization program.

Indian Ambassador Shambhu Kumaran highlighted the similarities between the two nations, both facing resource constraints for defense while prioritizing development. He positioned India as a “good option” due to its cutting-edge technology and competitive prices, citing the successful BrahMos cruise missile deal as an example.

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