SOURCE: AFI

In response to the recovery of Chinese and American weapons from Pakistani-backed terrorists in the Kashmir Valley, Jammu and Kashmir’s Director General of Police (DGP) R R Swain announced on Friday that the police force is upgrading its arsenal with the latest arms from Israel and Germany. This move aims to equip the police with advanced weaponry to better tackle militants armed with modern weapons.

DGP Swain emphasized the necessity of this procurement to boost the police force’s capabilities. “The new procurement of arms from Israel and Germany will give a boost to the police forces’ weaponry and also help tackle the enemy in a much better way. Terrorists can give us a leg cut but can’t defeat us,” he asserted.

SOURCE: AFI

Four months have passed since Qatar granted pardons to eight former Indian naval officers, with seven returning home. However, one officer, Commander Purnendu Tiwary, remains detained in Doha. His sister, Meetu Bhargava, has made an urgent appeal to government authorities for his immediate return.

n a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), Meetu Bhargava wrote:

SOURCE: AFI

25 years after the Kargil War, Dr. NK Kalia, father of Captain Saurabh Kalia, continues his relentless pursuit of justice. Captain Kalia, along with five other soldiers of the 4th Jat regiment, was brutally tortured and murdered by the Pakistani Army during the conflict.

Dr. Kalia’s fight transcends personal loss. He seeks accountability for a war crime and a deterrent against such barbaric acts in the future. He emphasizes the gravity of the situation, stating that “torturing soldiers is a common practice by the Pakistan Army” and that his son’s case is a “national shame.”

SOURCE: PNI

In a significant move to enhance public safety and ensure rigorous monitoring of high-risk offenders, Budgam police have affixed a GPS tracking anklet on Mudasir Fayaz, an accused terrorist associate. Acting on the directions of a competent court, this action underscores the commitment of law enforcement to curb terrorist activities in the region.

Mudasir Fayaz is accused of aiding terrorists in the valley, a charge related to case FIR No: 150 of 2022 under sections 18, 23, 38, and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and 7/25 of the Arms Act, according to an official from the Police Station Chadoora.

SOURCE : AFI

For strategic reasons, robust aerial surveillance capabilities over the Tibetan plateau are crucial for India. High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UAVs offer a solution, but jet-powered variants hold significant advantages compared to conventional propeller-driven options, particularly at high altitudes. Let’s explore why jet-powered HALE UAVs should be India’s priority program for this mission.

Propeller efficiency diminishes significantly in the thin air of high altitudes. This translates to reduced lift, limiting payload capacity and maneuverability. Propeller engines struggle to maintain optimal fuel burn at high altitudes, leading to a shorter operational range.

SOURCE : AFI

The Indian Army’s need for a modern close-quarter battle (CQB) carbine has been a pressing issue since 2008. The outdated 9mm Sterling submachine guns are nearing the end of their service life, and a replacement program for nearly 4.25 lakh (425,000) carbines is long overdue.

Enter BSS Material Ltd., a company whose offer of the AK-19, a 5.56 x 45mm assault rifle, was recently rejected by the Indian Army. This decision has been challenged in court by BSS, highlighting the ongoing search for the ideal carbine.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a significant milestone with the successful completion of all three autonomous landing tests for its spaceplane, “Pushpak.” This accomplishment, achieved within just 15 months, marks a major step forward in India’s reusable launch vehicle (RLV) technology development program.

The final and most challenging landing test took place on June 23rd, 2024, at the Aeronautical Test Range in Chitradurga, Karnataka. This successful test paves the way for the next phase of development for Pushpak.

SOURCE: AFI

In a recent column for “The Print,” General Manoj Mukund Naravane, the retired Indian Army General and former 28th Chief of the Army Staff, expressed strong support for the Agnipath recruitment scheme. He believes that with the right adjustments, Agnipath can serve as a global model not only for military recruitment but also for various government jobs.

General Naravane highlighted the potential of the Agnipath scheme to revolutionize recruitment across the Indian Armed Forces. He suggested that if successfully implemented, this model could be extended to all central government jobs, including allied services and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). “This will go a long way in demonstrating and vindicating the government’s stand that the Agnipath scheme is indeed a transformative and beneficial scheme,” he stated.

SOURCE: AFI

On June 28th, 2024, a significant agreement was signed between Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the supply of crucial equipment for the Indian Army’s BMP-2 infantry combat vehicle upgrade program. This collaboration aims to enhance the firepower and operational capabilities of the BMP-2 fleet.

The contract stipulates that BEL will provide 693 fire control systems and sighting systems to AVNL. These systems will be integrated into the existing BMP-2 vehicles, transforming them into the upgraded BMP-2M variant. The upgraded BMP-2M will boast improved night-fighting capabilities, enhanced gunner’s main sight and commander’s panoramic sight, and a modernized fire control system equipped with an automatic target tracker.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant milestone for civil aviation in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, an Indian Air Force (IAF) owned Narrow-body Airbus A321 successfully completed a nighttime landing at INS Utkrosh airfield today. This achievement reflects the collaborative efforts of the Indian Navy, the Andaman & Nicobar Command (ANC), and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) in upgrading the airfield infrastructure.

The nighttime landing capability at INS Utkrosh opens new doors for increased air traffic and improved connectivity to the island chain. Civilian airlines will now be able to operate flights during evening and night hours, providing greater flexibility for passengers and businesses. This development is expected to boost tourism, trade, and overall economic activity in the region.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is making significant strides in data dissemination with its Geoportal, Bhuvan. According to ISRO Chief S. Somanath, Bhuvan offers users ten times more detailed information compared to global giants like Google. This advancement positions Bhuvan as a powerful tool with the potential to revolutionize data-driven decision-making across various sectors.

Somanath highlighted the launch of two crucial tools, Bhuvan-Panchayat and NDEM, that significantly expand Bhuvan’s capabilities. Bhuvan’s existing reputation lies in its comprehensive geospatial data offerings, providing valuable insights and resources for diverse fields like agriculture, urban planning, and disaster management.

SOURCE: AFI

Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited (UCSL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), has secured a significant international order for the construction of eight 6300 Deadweight Tonnage (DWT) dry cargo vessels. The prestigious contract, valued at approximately Rs 1,100 crore, was awarded by Wilson ASA, a leading short-sea fleet operator in Norway.

The agreement signing ceremony, held on June 28th, 2024, formalized the construction of four 6300 TDW dry cargo vessels. An additional agreement for another four vessels of the same type is in place, with the formal contract expected to be signed by September 19, 2024.

SOURCE: AFI

Maharashtra is set to etch its name in history as the first Indian state to purchase land in Jammu and Kashmir for a dedicated tourist facility. This move marks a significant development in inter-state collaboration and signifies growing openness in the region.

The state government plans to construct a ‘Maharashtra Bhavan’ in Budgam, central Kashmir. This first-of-its-kind facility will serve as a haven for tourists visiting the valley from Maharashtra. Located strategically near Srinagar Airport, the Bhavan will likely offer accommodation, cultural experiences, and potentially act as an information center for visiting tourists.

SOURCE: AFI

Former Israeli Ambassador to India, Daniel Carmon, has sparked fresh discussions about the nature of the India-Israel arms relationship. In an interview with Ynetnews, Carmon suggested that recent Indian arms supplies to Israel, including drones and artillery shells, might be a gesture of gratitude for Israeli assistance during the 1999 Kargil War.

Carmon highlights India’s long memory regarding past support. He suggests that Israel’s willingness to supply weapons during the Kargil War may be motivating India’s current actions. This perspective portrays the recent arms transfer as a form of returning a favor.

SOURCE: AFI

NATO member Estonia, a nation renowned for its prowess in information technology and cybersecurity, is extending a hand of cooperation to India. This collaboration aims to leverage the strengths of both nations in developing cutting-edge defense technologies.

Estonia, a leader in the cybersecurity domain, recognizes India’s growing defense sector ambitions. This partnership offers a unique opportunity to combine Estonian technological expertise with Indian manufacturing muscle.