SOURCE: AFI

India holds the title of the world’s largest arms importer even with its “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliance) initiative to develop domestic military equipment. This information comes from data released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

While India’s aim is to reduce reliance on foreign weapons, imports actually rose 4.7% between 2014-2018 and 2019-2023. This growth is likely due to ongoing border tensions with China and Pakistan.

SOURCE: AFI

A new report from the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists raises serious concerns about a potential resurgence of nuclear testing by major powers. The report suggests that existing nuclear-armed nations are not only modernizing their arsenals but also contemplating the possibility of conducting test detonations.

The report highlights a domino effect that could be triggered by a single test. If a major power like Russia, China, or the United States were to resume nuclear testing, it could prompt similar actions from its rivals, leading to a dangerous escalation.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s quest to unlock the mysteries of the deep ocean takes a significant stride forward with the Samudrayaan mission. Announced by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, this ambitious endeavor aims to send a crewed submersible to explore the ocean floor by the end of 2025.

The Samudrayaan mission signifies a significant leap forward for India’s oceanographic capabilities. The mission’s core objective is to deploy a specially designed submersible, capable of withstanding immense pressure, to depths of 6,000 meters. This will allow scientists to directly observe and study the previously unexplored ocean floor, a realm teeming with unique ecosystems, potential resources, and scientific wonders.

SOURCE: PTI

China on Monday said it lodged a diplomatic protest with India over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh last week, reiterating its claim over the area by saying India’s moves will “only complicate” the boundary question.

Prime Minister Modi on Saturday dedicated to the nation the Sela Tunnel built at an altitude of 13,000 feet in Arunachal Pradesh that will provide all-weather connectivity to strategically located Tawang and is expected to ensure better movement of troops along the frontier region.

SOURCE: UNI

Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL)and Pentagon Rugged Systems have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaboratively advance the development of Portable Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV) one of the variants by name Dolphin.

This strategic partnership aims to leverage the expertise of both entities in underwater technology for the enhancement of maritime security, the Shipyard said in a release here on Sunday. The MoU signifies a collaborative effort between Pentagon Rugged Systems and Hindustan Shipyard Limited in advancing the development of Dolphin AUVs, showcasing a commitment to technological innovation in the maritime domain.

SOURCE: AFI

The Jammu and Kashmir Police are gearing up for a technological leap with plans to acquire a fleet of high-tech unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones. This move, directed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), equips the police force with advanced aerial capabilities for a wide range of operations.

Officials revealed that these state-of-the-art drones will be instrumental in bolstering security measures across the region. Their primary function will be to monitor areas prone to terrorist activities, providing real-time intelligence and facilitating swift action. Additionally, the drones will be used for comprehensive aerial photography, enabling detailed mapping and improved situational awareness.

SOURCE: ANI

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is expected to announce the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) 2019 regulations on Monday evening, sources said. The CAA rules, introduced by the Narendra Modi government, aim to confer Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants – including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians – who migrated from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and arrived in India before December 31, 2014.

Following the passage of the CAA by Parliament in December 2019 and its subsequent Presidential assent, significant protests erupted in various parts of the country. Sources privy to the development told the ANI that “the regulations for the CAA could be announced by today”. As per an official, the CAA law can be put into action with the issuance of MHA notification, allowing eligible individuals to obtain Indian citizenship.

SOURCE: REUTERS

India said it had uncovered a “major human trafficking network” which lured young men to Russia with the promise of jobs only to force them to fight in the war in Ukraine. About 35 men have been sent to Russia in the scheme so far, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said late on Thursday, an increase from the 20 men that the Indian foreign ministry had earlier mentioned.

At least two men who went to Russia expecting to work as “helpers” in the army have died while fighting at the front, their families have said. The Indian Embassy in Russia confirmed one of those deaths.

SOURCE: ANI

The national capital is all set to host the ‘Rising Sun Conclave’ – one of the biggest India-Japan conclaves, on March 13, 2024. Being organised by Connect India Japan, the conclave will not only commemorate 70 Years of Indo-Japanese tie but will focus on further propelling economic growth, fortifying diplomatic ties and fostering cultural integration between the two countries.

The conclave will see history in the making with Indian and Japanese business leaders, entrepreneurs, strategic affairs experts, diplomats, cultural icons and senior media-persons ideating on nurturing trade, bilateral and cultural collaborations between India and Japan.

SOURCE: PTI

INS Tir, the lead ship of First Training Squadron (1TS) of the Indian Navy, participated in Exercise Cutlass Express in Seychelles, officials on Sunday said. The exercise was inaugurated by Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan with dignitaries from India, the US and African countries present on the occasion, they said.

”INS Tir, the lead ship of First Training Squadron (1TS), participated in Exercise Cutlass Express – 24 (CE-24) held at Port Victoria, Seychelles, from February 26 to March 8,” a senior official said. As part of Exercise Cutlass Express, the Indian Navy actively engaged with participants from 16 friendly foreign countries.

SOURCE: ANI

In response to the government’s discriminatory policies, the Secretariat Employees Association held a rally in Muzaffarabad, a city in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The association closed the offices, demanding an increase in the salary of the contract employees. While addressing the employees, the opposition leader of the PoK assembly, Khawaja Farooq Ahmed, said that the members of the assembly and ministers of the government are helpless in front of the current Prime Minister, Chaudhary Anwar-ul-Haq.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

Vehicle Factory Jabalpur (VFJ), a unit of the Ministry of Defence’s Armoured Vehicles Nigam Ltd (AVNL), has successfully completed the delivery of the latest batch of Mine Protected Vehicles (MPVs) to the Indian Army. The vehicles were flagged off from the VFJ Jabalpur Unit by the CGM (General Manager) ahead of schedule.

The MPV provides vital protection for soldiers on the battlefield. Its robust design features a monocoque hull and cabin constructed from high-grade steel alloy. This, combined with the distinct “V” shaped hull, effectively shields occupants from ballistic threats and mine blasts. The “V” shape also offers a practical advantage by allowing for easier replacement of axles and other crucial components in field conditions.