SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Navy successfully concluded a recent exercise in the Arabian Sea, flexing its underwater muscle with a powerful display of eight submarines operating together. This unprecedented demonstration highlighted the high operational readiness of the Indian Navy’s submarine fleet.

The exercise saw a unique convergence of submarine classes from various countries. Pictures, although not officially released, captured a glimpse of this “wolf pack,” featuring the Russian-supplied Kilo-class (Sindhughosh class), the French Scorpène class, and the German-supplied Shishumar class (Type 209) submarines. This diverse mix of underwater platforms signifies India’s strategic partnerships and its ability to seamlessly integrate these technologies.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s Combatised Uttar Bharat Area (CUBA) recently conducted war games that showcased the effectiveness of the ZU-23 mm anti-aircraft gun system against low-level aerial threats. The swift and precise engagement of targets during these exercises highlights the ZU-23’s role in bolstering India’s air defense capabilities.

These war games come amidst a period of strategic rebalancing for the Indian Army, implemented following the Galwan Valley clash. This restructuring involved shifting responsibility for the crucial Himachal and Uttarakhand borders with China to the Central Command. This move aimed to address the geographical strain previously faced by the Northern Command, particularly 1 Corps. The rebalancing efforts were spearheaded by the late General Bipin Rawat, then Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), and General Manoj Mukund Naravane, the current Chief of Army Staff.

SOURCE: PTI

ISRO on Monday said its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) has accomplished zero orbital debris mission, and described it “another milestone”. This was achieved on March 21, when the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3) met its “fiery end” through a re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere.

“The PSLV-C58/XPoSat mission has practically left zero debris in orbit,” the space agency said. The PSLV-C58 mission was accomplished on January 1. According to ISRO, after completing the primary mission of injecting all satellites into their desired orbits, the terminal stage of PSLV was transformed into a 3-axis stabilised platform, the POEM-3.

SOURCE: IANS

The Rs 1,000 crore Voltech Group, which is majorly into testing, commissioning, and maintenance of electrical systems in power and other plants, is looking to expand into the nuclear field in a major way, a top group official said on Monday. “We have been doing the testing and commissioning of the balance of plant (BoP) in power generation companies including nuclear power plants in India.

We were and are involved in the nuclear power plants that have come up and are coming up in Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu,” Managing Director M.Umapathi told IANS here.

SOURCE: ANI

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called on Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Monday and conveyed the greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Jaishankar valued Lee Hsien Loong’s perspectives on the current state of the world.

In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, “Honoured to call on Prime Minister @leehsienloong at The Istana. Conveyed the personal greetings of PM @narendramodi. Valued his perspectives on the current state of the world. His positive sentiments on India-Singapore relationship have always been a source of strength for our ties.”

SOURCE: ANI

US President Joe Biden extended Holi wishes on Monday, emphasising that millions of people globally will join together to celebrate the festival, the arrival of Spring, with Gulal and vibrant colours.
Taking to his social media X, US President Biden posted, “Today, millions around the world will join together to celebrate Holi, the arrival of Spring, with Gulal and vibrant colors.”

He, along with first lady Jill Biden, wished everyone to celebrate the festival of colours. “Jill and I wish all those observing today’s Festival of Colors joy and happiness,” he added.

SOURCE: UNI

Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Special Investigation Unit(SIU) on Monday produced a charge sheet in a terror funding case against three militants and an associate in a court in Pulwama. A police spokesman said the chargesheet was produced in the case of Pulwama Police Station under sections, 20, 38, 39 & 40 UAPA Act.

The chargesheet was produced against three terrorists Ehsan Ul Haq Sheikh of Murran Pulwama, Owais Feroz Mir of Frestabal Pampore, at present Pakistan Occupied Kashmir and Abrar-ul-Islam resident of Pakistan, and a terrorist associate Ishtiyaq Nazir Dar of Ashmander Pulwama (presently under custody) before the designated NIA Court Pulwama.

SOURCE: ANI

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) rescued five fishermen from a sinking Indian fishing boat Premsagar, at mid-sea, approximately 50 km from Porbandar on Sunday.

The ICG’s action came in response to an SOS call. ICG Ship C-16 sailed immediately from Porbandar after input from the fisheries community regarding the sinking boat was received at Maritime Rescue Sub Centre Porbandar of Indian Coast Guard’s Dist HQ -1 (South Gujarat Daman & Diu), according to a statement by the Indian Coast Guard.

SOURCE: PTI

A 20-year-old man arrested for allegedly intruding into the restricted area of the Air Force Station at Sheva near Uran in Raigad district of Maharashtra has intellectual disabilities, and he had no ulterior motive, a police official said on Sunday.

According to the official from Nhava Sheva police station, Tariq Ul Nuhu Sheikh, a resident of the Indira Nagar slum colony in Navi Mumbai, was spotted loitering inside the defence establishment around 00.30 hours on March 23.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant move, Indian drone manufacturer IdeaForge is expanding its horizons by venturing into the realm of logistics with the development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) capable of carrying payloads of up to 100 kg over distances of 100 km. This strategic shift, as articulated by Ankit Mehta, the co-founder & CEO of IdeaForge, not only marks a milestone in the company’s trajectory but also opens avenues for pioneering urban air mobility solutions.

With a proven track record in supplying drones to the Indian Army, IdeaForge has established itself as a leading player in the defense sector. Leveraging its expertise in UAV technology, the company is now poised to revolutionize logistics with drones tailored for commercial applications. This transition underscores IdeaForge’s commitment to innovation and its adaptability to emerging market demands.

SOURCE: AFI

Pakistan’s new government stated on the country’s National Day that peaceful coexistence founded on equality and mutual respect serves as the guiding principles of its foreign policy. This principle, according to Islamabad, also underpins its desire for a peaceful relationship with India.

However, Pakistan also emphasized that peace and stability in the region can only be achieved through a peaceful settlement of all outstanding issues, including the “core” issue of Jammu and Kashmir. The Kashmir region is a territory claimed by both India and Pakistan and has been a source of tension between the two countries for decades.

SOURCE: PTI

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu must stop being “stubborn” and seek dialogue with neighbours to overcome the financial challenges, his predecessor Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said. Solih made these remarks days after Muizzu, widely seen as a pro-China leader, urged India to provide debt relief to the archipelago nation.

Muizzu, 45, defeated Solih, 62, in the presidential election held in September last year. Speaking at an event in Male’ to rally support for Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) parliamentary candidates contesting four constituencies in Maafannu, Solih said he had seen media reports that suggest Muizzu wants to talk to India for debt restructuring.