SOURCE: AFI

India is set to implement a long-pending plan to raise a new army division for possible deployment in eastern Ladakh, according to sources familiar with the matter. This move comes as part of a series of changes planned for the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and Ladakh regions.

The Indian Express reports that the army is considering raising the 72 Division, originally intended for the 17 Mountain Strike Corps (MSC) based in Panagarh, West Bengal. However, the new division will likely be deployed in eastern Ladakh under the Northern Command.

SOURCE: AFI

Recent media reports have detailed a significant escalation in the conflict between Iran and Israel, with Iran reportedly launching a barrage of 185 drones, 36 cruise missiles, and 110 ballistic missiles towards Israeli territory. As tensions in the region continue to mount, attention has turned to the effectiveness of Israel’s defense systems in intercepting these incoming projectiles.

According to initial reports, Israel’s defense forces were swift and effective in neutralizing the threat posed by the Iranian attack. The tally of hits and misses paints a compelling picture of Israel’s formidable defense capabilities:

SOURCE: AFI

Every year on April 14th, India remembers a significant milestone in its fight for independence – the hoisting of the Indian National Army (INA) flag on Indian soil for the first time. This historic event took place in 1944, during a critical chapter of the freedom struggle.

The year 1944 saw the Imphal Campaign unfold in Manipur. Launched by the Japanese forces in collaboration with the INA, this campaign aimed to liberate India from British rule. The INA, led by Subhas Chandra Bose, played a crucial role in the fight.

SOURCE: AFI

Recent satellite imagery has revealed the Indian Navy’s S4 nuclear submarine in its outer dry dock, with its shed open for the first time. This sighting offers valuable insights into the vessel’s capabilities and potential advancements over its predecessors.

The S4, the third Arihant-class SSBN (Sub Surface Ballistic Nuclear) submarine launched in November 2021, appears larger than the previous S2 and S3 vessels. Notably, the exposed launch tubes suggest the S4 might be equipped to carry twice the number of Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs) compared to its predecessors.

SOURCE: AFI

The simmering geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have prompted airlines, including Air India, Vistara, and several foreign carriers, to reroute their flights away from Iranian airspace. This strategic maneuver comes in response to the perceived threat of Iran potentially targeting Israel, a situation that US President Joe Biden anticipates could escalate “sooner than later.”

The decision to avoid overflying Iranian airspace marks a precautionary measure taken by airlines in light of the escalating tensions in the region. With the specter of conflict looming, carriers are prioritizing passenger safety and operational security by steering clear of areas deemed high-risk.

SOURCE: AFI

In a recent address to students at Sat Paul Mittal School, Dr. S. Somanath, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), shared insights into India’s lunar exploration mission, Chandrayaan 3. Dr. Somanath emphasized that India’s endeavor to reach the moon wasn’t merely about showcasing technological prowess to the world but was driven by a profound curiosity to study the celestial rocks of our closest celestial neighbor.

India’s journey to the moon represents the culmination of years of dedication and innovation within the country’s space program. Dr. Somanath highlighted the exceptional capabilities of Indian scientists and engineers in developing satellites and rockets, underscoring the nation’s self-reliance in space technology.

SOURCE: AFI

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India’s premier aeronautical agency, is aiming for greater self-reliance in the Tejas MkII program. Their latest initiative involves collaborating with Indian private sector companies to develop a crucial component – a retractable inflight refueling probe.

The current Tejas Mk1A variant relies on a fixed inflight refueling probe supplied by Cobham Limited, a British aerospace company. HAL aims to reduce its dependence on foreign original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for crucial Tejas MkII components. A domestically developed refueling probe is a significant step in this direction.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s ambitious Fleet Support Ships (FSS) program for the Indian Navy has hit a potential snag with the reported exclusion of Turkish participation. Anadolu Shipyard of TAIS, initially expected to collaborate on design and provide key equipment, has seemingly been sidelined.

idrw.org, reached out to Anadolu Shipyard for clarification on their absence from the FSS project. However, the company reportedly declined to comment. Indian media outlets allege the Indian Ministry of Defense (MoD) harbored concerns about collaborating with a Turkish firm due to Turkey’s political stances. This includes Turkey’s support for Pakistan on the Kashmir issue at the UN and ongoing friction between the two nations.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to launch a unique European mission, Proba-3, designed to create “artificial eclipses” in space. This ambitious project will shed light on the Sun’s mysterious corona, a region typically obscured during natural eclipses.

Proba-3 utilizes two small satellites that will launch together and then gracefully separate to fly in precise formation. Once separated, these satellites will act as a single, virtual telescope with a staggering 144-meter baseline – the distance separating them. This configuration forms a giant solar coronagraph, an instrument specifically designed to study the Sun’s faint outer atmosphere.

SOURCE: AFI

In a fiery speech delivered on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a blistering critique against the INDI bloc, alleging that one of its constituent parties Communist Party of India (Marxist) has pledged to dismantle India’s nuclear weapons arsenal. Speaking at a rally in Rajasthan’s Barmer, PM Modi raised serious concerns over what he described as a “highly concerning declaration against the nation.”

PM Modi’s remarks come amidst escalating tensions and political maneuvering ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha Election, setting the stage for a contentious electoral battle. The specter of national security, particularly India’s nuclear capabilities, has emerged as a focal point in the political discourse, with the Prime Minister taking a strong stance against any perceived threat to the country’s defense posture.