SOURCE: PTI

India and Germany have resolved to closely collaborate on high-technology for military use in line with a broader aim to develop defence cooperation as a key pillar of the bilateral strategic partnership.

Ways to further bolster strategic cooperation figured prominently at a meeting of the India-Germany high defence committee that was held in Berlin on Tuesday. Following the talks, officials said India and Germany are set to carry out joint military exercises in the Indo-Pacific, in reflection of their growing defence ties.

SOURCE: PTI

Army troops guarding the Line of Control fired nearly two dozen rounds at a Pakistani drone after it intruded into Indian territory in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Wednesday. However, the drone managed to return to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) after hovering briefly over some forward Indian posts in Mendhar and Krishna Ghati sectors, the officials said.

The incident happened late Tuesday, prompting a search operation to ensure that there was no airdropping of weapons or narcotics by the drone, they said.

SOURCE: PTI

Manipur Police commandos on Wednesday laid down their arms in protest against the abduction of Additional Superintendent Amit Kumar Moirangthem and demanded they be allowed to retaliate when attacked. The police commandos of all the five valley districts put down their arms asking for action against Metei radical group Arambai Tenggol and no hindrance from political executives when the forces act against the outfit, officials said.

They are protesting against the Tuesday’s incident during which a group of Meira Paibis (women volunteer group) and cadres of Arambai Tenngol, a Meitei organisation, kidnapped the police officer and beat up other personnel guarding him. The officer was rescued within hours, and is currently hospitalised. The Army had to be called in as fresh tension mounted in Manipur East on Tuesday and four columns of the Assam Rifles were deployed after the senior police officer was abducted. Senior police officials were talking to their personnel assuring them that strict action would be taken against the perpetrators.

SOURCE: PTI

Six Myanmarese have been arrested in Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh for illegally entering India, police said on Wednesday. Anjaw Superintendent of Police Rike Kamsi said that the six persons were arrested in Yasong village under Walong circle on Tuesday.

During interrogation, the arrested persons claimed that they entered India to collect wild mushrooms, Kamsi said, adding they are civilians hailing from Putao in Myanmar.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.

In a momentous event held at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was showcased Rusable Launch Vehicle Autonomous Landing Mission (RLV LEX), christened as Puspak. This unveiling marks a significant stride in India’s space exploration endeavors, showcasing the nation’s burgeoning capabilities in aerospace technology and innovation.

The RLV, now named Puspak, represents a groundbreaking initiative by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) aimed at revolutionizing space transportation. At its core, the RLV is designed to achieve autonomous landing capabilities, thereby enabling the reusability of launch vehicles—a feat that promises to redefine the dynamics of space missions.

SOURCE: PTI

Homegrown technology company IG Drones on Tuesday said it has bagged an order from the defence ministry to supply high-altitude drones and essential accessories for surveillance purposes in difficult terrains. It said the selected drones have various advanced features and are capable of operating in extreme temperatures and high altitudes, adding that these can be effective along the frontiers. “The order entails supplying drones and essential accessories to the Ministry of Defence,” IG Drones said in a statement.

“The selected drones have industry-first features and are enabled with 5G capability and have advanced features and exceptional performance, functioning effectively in extreme temperatures and high altitudes,” the company said, adding that the drones are capable of vertical take-off and landing.

SOURCE: AFI

Former ISRO chief K Sivan shared positive updates on India’s Gaganyaan project, stating that all tests have been completed and the mission is ready for a successful launch.

He elaborated that the first round of astronaut training was conducted in Russia, and the second phase will take place within India. Sivan emphasized that the initial mission will involve test pilots, with opportunities for mission scientists to participate in subsequent successful missions.

SOURCE: PIB

Today, the Indian Army bolstered its bridging capability with the induction of the 46-meter Modular Bridge. Designed and developed by DRDO and produced by Larsen & Toubro (L&T), the bridging system was formally handed over in a ceremony at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi. The event was graced by General Manoj Pande, Chief of the Army Staff. Senior dignitaries from Indian Army, DRDO, and MoD were also in attendance.

Over the next four years, a total of 41 sets, valued at ?2,585 Crores, will be progressively inducted. It is a mechanically launched single-span, fully decked 46-meter assault bridge, enabling the army to overcome obstacles such as canals and ditches with ease. It will augment the crucial bridging capability of Indian Army Engineers as these bridges are highly mobile, rugged, and designed for quick deployment and retrieval, aligning with the fast-paced nature of mechanized operations.

SOURCE: PTI

Malayalam actor Lena on Tuesday revealed on her Instagram account that she has been married to Indian Air Force Fighter Pilot Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi named him as one of the four astronauts undergoing training for the groundbreaking Gaganyaan mission.

The ‘Sneham’ actor also shared a photograph of her and Nair posing with the ISRO Chairman S Somanath.

SOURCE: ANI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the country will have its own space station by 2035 which will help in the study of unknown expanses there. Addressing a gathering at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram, the PM said that Indian astronaut will land on the surface of the moon on our own rocket. “By 2035, India will have its own space station in space that will help us study the unknown expanses of space. In this period of Amrit Kaal, Indian astronaut will land on the surface of the moon on our own rocket…” the PM said.

He further said that the India in the 21st century is emerging as a dynamic global player, showcasing significant developmental strides across sectors. “India of the 21st century, is today surprising the world with its potential. In the last 10 years, we have launched about 400 satellites, whereas 10 years before that, only 33 satellites were launched…” the PM added.

SOURCE: ANI

The French Army Chief, General Pierre Schill, met Army Chief General Manoj Pande on Tuesday and held discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two armies, the Ministry of Defence informed in a press release General Schill paid homage to the fallen heroes of the Indian Armed Forces at the National War Memorial and was also accorded a ceremonial guard of honour.

General Schill is on a three-day visit to India from February 27 to 29, according to the release. The visit commenced with a poignant wreath laying ceremony at the National War Memorial, where the French General paid homage to the fallen heroes of the Indian Armed Forces who have made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.

SOURCE: ANI

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that India is concerned over the conflict in Gaza and stressed that humanitarian crisis arising from conflicts require a sustainable solution that gives immediate relief to those most-affected. He asserted that world needs to be clear that terrorism and hostage taking “unacceptable.”

In his virtual address at the 55th Session of the Human Rights Council, Mr Jaishankar said, “The conflict in Gaza is of great concern to us all. The humanitarian crisis arising from conflicts require a sustainable solution that gives immediate relief to those most affected. At the same time, we must be clear that terrorism and hostage-taking are unacceptable.”