SOURCE: AFI

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has drawn criticism for its stance on India’s Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). USCIRF has expressed concerns regarding the CAA’s limitations, arguing that it should extend its benefits to persecuted minorities from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh – a position seen by some as hypocritical.

USCIRF’s primary concern centers around the exclusion of Muslims from the CAA’s ambit. The act provides a pathway to Indian citizenship for persecuted minorities from neighboring countries, excluding Muslims. This selectivity, according to USCIRF, raises questions about religious discrimination.

SOURCE: AFI

In a recent opinion piece published on “The Print,” Lt Gen (Dr) Prakash Menon (retd), Director of the Strategic Studies Programme at the Takshashila Institution and former military adviser to the National Security Council Secretariat, advocates for the establishment of an airborne command post. This proposition comes at a crucial juncture when advancements in satellite-based geospatial monitoring technologies have made concealing underground facilities increasingly difficult. Lt Gen Menon argues that an airborne command post presents a compelling solution to this challenge, offering enhanced survivability and redundancy to the nuclear command authority.

The primary rationale behind the proposal for an airborne command post lies in the evolving landscape of strategic defense. With the advent of sophisticated satellite surveillance capabilities, the concealment of underground facilities, traditionally used for housing command centers, has become a daunting task. Once detected, these fixed installations are susceptible to targeted attacks, including communication jamming, thereby compromising the command and control capabilities vital for nuclear deterrence.

SOURCE: AFI

Russia’s atomic energy giant, Rosatom, is in discussions with Indian nuclear authorities to supply technology for small modular reactors (SMRs). This collaboration could address India’s growing energy demands while providing a clean and sustainable solution.

Evgeny Pakermanov, President of Rosatom Overseas, highlighted the company’s experience in SMR technology. Rosatom is currently constructing its first land-based SMR in Yukatia, a remote province in Russia. This 190 MWt (55 MWe) power plant utilizes enriched uranium and requires minimal land (only 15 acres). Scheduled for operation in 2028, this project showcases the potential of SMRs to provide clean energy in geographically challenging regions.

SOURCE: AFI

The plight of the MV Abdullah, a Bangladeshi cargo ship hijacked by Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean, continues with no immediate resolution in sight.

Both the Bangladesh government and the ship’s owner have rejected an offer from the European Union (EU) and the Indian Navy to assist in operations onboard the vessel. This leaves negotiations with the pirates as the primary course of action for securing the safe return of the 23 crew members.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) indigenous fighter jet program, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, has taken a significant step forward with the unveiling of the first LCA-Tejas Mk1A variant, LA-5033. Sporting a bright yellow primer, LA-5033 marks the beginning of the delivery of 73 upgraded Mk1A jets ordered by the IAF from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in 2021.

Fresh off completing successful low-speed taxi trials, LA-5033 is expected to progress to high-speed taxi trials soon before being cleared for its maiden flight. A slight delay in the first flight stemmed from software validation for the new high-powered Digital Fly-By-Wire Flight Control Computer (DFCC) onboard LA-5033. However, this critical technology has already been successfully flight-tested on the Tejas Mk1A prototype LSP7 on February 19, 2024, paving the way for LA-5033’s imminent first flight.

SOURCE: AFI

Images of a new Chinese attack helicopter, dubbed the Z-21, have surfaced on social media, sparking speculation about its capabilities and potential role in future military operations. Analysts believe this heavy-duty helicopter could be a game-changer for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

Military experts see the Z-21 as a crucial asset for the PLA, particularly in potential conflicts involving Taiwan or India. Malcolm Davis, a senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, highlights the Z-21’s versatility. “While it could play a significant role in operations against Taiwan,” he says, “its design suggests high-altitude capabilities, making it relevant for the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Himalayas.”

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: 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: AFI

India has positioned its research vessel, RV Samudra Ratnakar, between two Chinese survey ships, XIANG YANG HONG 01 and XIANG YANG HONG 03, located off India’s eastern coast. This deployment comes amid concerns over the presence of Yuan Wang 3, a Chinese military survey ship, in the same region.

The RV Samudra Ratnakar is a state-of-the-the-art oceanographic research vessel operated by the Geological Survey of India (GSI). Built by Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea, the 103-meter long vessel is equipped for extended missions, capable of continuous sailing for 45 days and accommodating up to 73 personnel, including 25 geoscientists.

SOURCE: AFI

Prominent defense journalist Anantha Krishnan M has confirmed that India’s indigenously developed Tejas Mk1A fighter jet achieved a significant milestone on Friday, March 22nd, 2024, with the successful completion of its Low-Speed Taxi Trials (LSTT).

This achievement marks a major step forward for the Tejas Mk1A program, paving the way for its much-anticipated maiden flight. According to sources, HAL Chairman is reviewing all system clearances meticulously. With HAL and ADA teams working tirelessly, the first flight is now expected to take place within the coming week, potentially before March 31st.

SOURCE: AFI

A Kalvari-class submarine of the Indian Navy has etched its name in history with its inaugural visit to Campbell Bay, the southernmost port of India located in the Nicobar Islands. This marks a significant milestone for the Indian Navy, signifying its growing reach and operational prowess.

Campbell Bay’s strategic location far from mainland India makes it a crucial port for bolstering naval presence in the region. The successful visit of the Kalvari-class submarine demonstrates the Indian Navy’s ability to rapidly deploy stealthy submarines in areas of interest, enhancing its flexibility and deterrence capabilities.

SOURCE: AFI

Nearly seven months after the historic landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the lunar surface, the landing site has been officially christened “Shiva Shakti” by the International Astronomical Union (IAU). This follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement on August 26, 2023.

The confirmation comes from the Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature, a comprehensive record maintained by the IAU that details all officially recognized names on planets, moons, and other astronomical bodies. The Gazetteer describes “Shiva Shakti” as a compound word from Indian mythology, symbolizing the masculine (Shiva) and feminine (Shakti) duality of nature.

SOURCE: AFI

The United Kingdom is spearheading a collaborative project to develop a new, sixth-generation fighter aircraft. This multinational initiative, known as the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), brings together the UK, Italy, and Japan.

The UK government has demonstrated its commitment to GCAP through significant investment. The March 2021 Defence Command Paper pledged over £2 billion ($2.5 billion) dedicated to the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), the UK’s contribution to GCAP, by 2 thousand and twenty-five. This represents an initial portion of a larger £12 billion ($15 billion) budget allocated over the next decade. Future investment decisions will determine the final amount committed.