You dont have javascript enabled! Please enable it!

Archives

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.

Continue reading

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.

Continue reading

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.

Continue reading

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.”

Continue reading

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.

Continue reading

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.

Continue reading

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.

Continue reading

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.”

Continue reading

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.

Continue reading

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.

The Kaveri Marine Gas Turbine (KMGT) program, aimed at powering Indian warships, is getting a new lease on life. With the successful resolution of technical issues in the core of the Dry Kaveri jet engine, the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is set to issue fresh tenders for a revamped KMGT based on this improved core.

The original KMGT, developed as a derivative of the Kaveri engine, achieved a 12MW rating – equivalent to a 16MW international offering under simulated conditions. However, prolonged testing revealed issues with the core, leading to program suspension.

Continue reading

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is gearing up for a significant revamp, aimed at boosting India’s military technology development and leveraging private sector expertise. This strategic shift presents both opportunities and challenges, and is key to India’s ambition of achieving self-reliance in advanced defence technologies.

One key aspect of the revamp is streamlining DRDO’s focus. Low-hanging defence programs, characterized as relatively simpler technologies, will be transferred to private sector companies. This frees up DRDO resources and expertise to delve deeper into cutting-edge technologies, like hypersonic weapons, directed energy weapons, and advanced cyber defense systems.

Continue reading

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:

Continue reading

SOURCE: AFI

Engine Factory Avadi (EFA) is set to host a crucial visit by the Defence Secretary, Sh. Giridhar Aramane, IAS, on February 13th, 2024. The visit will center on the progress and achievements of the Arjun Engine Repair project, a significant undertaking aimed at bolstering India’s self-reliance in defense technology.

The Arjun Main Battle Tank (MBT), a cornerstone of India’s armored arsenal, is powered by the MTU 838 Ka-501 ten-cylinder diesel engine, delivering 1,400 horsepower and a maximum speed of 70 km/h. Previously, repairs for this engine relied on foreign support. However, the Arjun Engine Repair project marks a pivotal step towards achieving domestic repair capabilities.

Continue reading

SOURCE: AFI

In the wake of recent political developments in Bangladesh, a new campaign has emerged on the country’s socio-political landscape – the “India Out” campaign. This movement, echoing the sentiments of its counterpart in the Maldives, seeks to challenge the influence of India within Bangladesh’s domestic affairs. With the backing of opposition parties, the campaign advocates for the boycott of Indian products and alleges undue interference in Bangladesh’s political processes.

The genesis of this movement lies in the contentious backdrop of Bangladesh’s recent general election, where Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina secured her fourth consecutive term amidst allegations of electoral irregularities and authoritarian governance. Opposition parties, particularly the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), have decried what they perceive as a lack of democratic integrity in the electoral process and a clampdown on dissenting voices under Hasina’s tenure.

Continue reading

SOURCE: AFI

Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, has opened the door to a potentially seismic shift by indicating his willingness to consider the closure of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) office in Srinagar. This comes in response to a direct question at a press conference, sparking debate on the role of the observer group and its implications for the region.

The suggestion to close the UNMOGIP office stems from the evolving situation in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. Arguments for closure often cite the “full integration” of the region into India, rendering the observer group’s presence unnecessary. Some see the office as a lingering symbol of dispute, potentially hindering progress towards normalcy.

Continue reading