SOURCE: AFI

India’s visa issuance to Chinese nationals has witnessed a dramatic drop since the 2020 Galwan border conflict. This policy shift, driven by national economic security concerns, comes amid ongoing trade imbalances.

Prior to the Galwan clash and the pandemic, India granted roughly 200,000 visas to Chinese nationals in 2019. However, a reevaluation of Chinese investments in India led to a drastic decrease, with only 2,000 visas issued in 2024. Over the past eight months, the number has slightly inched up to 1,500, primarily catering to the electronics industry’s needs.

SOURCE: AFI

On March 27, 2019, India surprised the world with the announcement of Mission Shakti, a successful anti-satellite (ASAT) missile test. Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed that a ballistic missile interceptor, the Prithvi Defence Vehicle Mark-II (PDV MK-II), developed by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), destroyed an Indian Microsat-R satellite in low Earth orbit.

Mission Shakti wasn’t impulsive. The targeted satellite, launched weeks prior at a deliberately low altitude, hinted at a controlled debris creation strategy. The small size of the satellite and the intercept method (hit-to-kill) further supported this intention.

SOURCE: AFI

Bengaluru-based Si2 Microsystems Private Limited is facing sanctions from Japan over accusations of supplying advanced technology to Russia’s defense sector. The Japanese government alleges that Si2 Microsystems provided sensitive semiconductors and systems specifically designed for military electronics applications.

Si2 Microsystems reportedly specializes in miniaturization techniques using a three-dimensional system-in-package (SiP) approach. This technology is believed to have aided the Indian defense industry in achieving self-sufficiency in manufacturing electronic subsystems and systems critical for missiles, radars, and other weapon platforms.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s space agency, ISRO, is all set for the third and final developmental flight of its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), designated SSLV-D3. The launch is scheduled for NET (Not Earlier Than) July 10th, 2024, marking a significant milestone towards making SSLV fully operational.

SSLV is a cost-effective launch vehicle specifically designed for mini, micro, and nano satellites. Built for industry production, it caters to the growing demand for a launch-on-demand platform for these smaller satellites. The vehicle boasts a unique three-stage configuration. The first three stages utilize solid propulsion, while the terminal stage employs a liquid propulsion-based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) for precise orbital insertion.

SOURCE: AFI

Russia and India are poised for closer military cooperation following Moscow’s approval of a draft agreement outlining procedures for the mutual deployment of troops, warships, and aircraft. This development signifies a significant step towards bolstering Eurasian security, according to analysts.

The agreement is expected to expedite logistical processes for joint military exercises between the two nations. This could include smoother troop movements, quicker clearances for military hardware, and simplified administrative procedures, leading to more efficient and effective joint operations.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Navy is gearing up for crucial trials in Spain to evaluate critical equipment for its Project 75 India, aimed at acquiring six advanced submarines. This news comes courtesy of Spanish shipyard Navantia, a key partner in the project.

The focus of these trials lies on Navantia’s innovative Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, a technology that significantly enhances underwater endurance for submarines. Notably, Navantia successfully completed land-based trials of the system in 2023, simulating demanding real-world conditions.

SOURCE: AFI

A recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) indicates that India’s nuclear arsenal has surpassed Pakistan’s for the first time. This development reignites discussions about India’s nuclear posture and future plans.

India’s nuclear stockpile currently stands at over 172 warheads, edging out Pakistan’s estimated 170. Factors contributing to this rise include the successful test of the Agni-5 MkII missile with Multiple Independently Re-entry Vehicles (MIRVs) and the expansion of the Arihant-class ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) fleet.

SOURCE: AFI

Kerala State Electronics Development Corporation Limited (Keltron), a public sector undertaking, has secured a significant order worth ?97 crore from the Indian Navy. This contract involves the manufacturing of various critical defense electronics equipment for the Navy’s underwater operations.

Keltron will leverage its diverse manufacturing capabilities to fulfill this order. The Keltron Equipment Complex at Karakulam, Keltron Controls at Aroor, and the subsidiary company Keltron Electro Ceramics Limited will all be involved in the production process.

SOURCE: AFI

Paris-based technology giant Dassault Systèmes announced on Monday its ambitious plan to generate $1 billion in revenue from the Indian market by 2027. The company’s CEO, Pascal Daloz, emphasized India’s rapid growth and significant potential in the realm of virtual twins and simulation technologies.

Pascal Daloz highlighted the strategic importance of India in Dassault Systèmes’ global business operations. “India is a fast-growing market for virtual twins, and in the virtual world, we can simulate and evaluate the impact of our actions before making them real,” Daloz stated. This focus aligns with the increasing demand for advanced simulation and modeling technologies across various sectors in India.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Navy has joined forces with global exhibitor Messe Stuttgart India to enhance its nationwide logistics infrastructure. This collaboration aims to provide the Navy with cutting-edge solutions to optimize its operational and strategic capabilities.

According to a statement released by Messe Stuttgart India, the Indian Navy will initiate a tendering process. This process will allow them to connect with leading organizations showcasing logistics infrastructure solutions at upcoming events. Through careful evaluation, the Navy will be able to adopt the most suitable solutions to address its specific needs.

SOURCE: AFI

In March 2000, Rajiv Kothiyal embarked on what seemed like a routine procedure: starting the aircraft engine. However, within moments, an unusual and alarming event unfolded. Kothiyal detected a burning smell in the cockpit, and thick black smoke began pouring out from behind the cockpit area. Standing nearby, I (Air Marshal Rajkumar) immediately recognized the gravity of the situation. I sprinted toward the aircraft, urgently signaling Kothiyal to shut down the engine by drawing my hand across my throat. Promptly, the crash crew, always prepared for such emergencies, intervened and swiftly brought the situation under control.

Dr. Kota, overseeing the operations, tasked me (Air Marshal Rajkumar) with leading the investigation team. As we delved into the aircraft, our initial apprehensions eased when we discovered that the damage was minimal. The culprit was a misapplied polyurethane insulation wrapped around a hot duct, which had charred and caused the smoke. Despite this, the entire area housing the Environmental Control and Cooling System (ECCS) and the avionics bay was covered in black soot, necessitating a thorough cleaning.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant development for India’s defense exports, Brazil has officially confirmed the purchase of Ground Panoramic Night Vision Googles (GPNVGs) manufactured by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). This follows a leak of the purchase documents a few years ago.

The initial details of this deal emerged when documents hinting at a Brazilian interest in the GPNVG were leaked. Today, Brazil has officially confirmed the purchase, validating the earlier information.

SOURCE: AFI

ePlane, a deeptech startup incubated at IIT-Madras, is revving up its engines for the future of urban mobility. The company announced its ambitious plans to complete the prototype of its electric air taxi, the e200X, by the end of 2024. This is just the first step in their aggressive timeline.

Satyanarayanan Chakravarthy, the founder of ePlane, revealed their goals during the Mint Digital Innovation Summit in Mumbai. They aim to not only complete the e200X prototype but also develop several additional prototypes in the coming year. The ultimate objective is to achieve certification and commercialization for these electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles by 2026. This ambitious target would pave the way for full-scale urban deployment of ePlane’s air taxis by 2027.

SOURCE: AFI

NewSpace Research and Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (NewSpace), in collaboration with the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) of DRDO, Bangalore, has achieved a significant breakthrough. They have successfully developed an autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme.

The project, titled “Autonomous Drone as First Responder for Search and Report Operations in Enclosed/Indoor Environments,” focused on creating a UAV capable of navigating and exploring indoor environments with complete autonomy. This innovative drone can even operate under challenging conditions, including complete darkness.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) fleet of C-130J Super Hercules medium-sized airlifters has played a critical role in supporting the ongoing border standoff in Ladakh. These reliable aircraft have become workhorses for the IAF, consistently delivering crucial supplies and personnel to the strategic region.

India currently operates 12 C-130Js, which have seen extensive use in a variety of missions. Notably, they have been instrumental in providing logistical support to the troops stationed in Ladakh, where the tense border standoff with China has entered its fifth year.