SOURCE: PIB

“India remains steadfast in its zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and believes in an approach that combines robust domestic mechanisms, enhanced intelligence-sharing, and strong regional cooperation,” said Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh during the keynote address at the 14^th meeting of ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) – Plus Experts Working Group (EWG) on Counter-Terrorism in New Delhi on March 19, 2025. 

The Defence Secretary stated that terrorism remains a dynamic & evolving challenge, with threats increasingly transcending borders, and the use of advanced technology, cyber tools & unmanned systems by terrorist groups necessitates a cohesive, forward looking and action-oriented approach. He added that the Indo-Pacific region, given its geopolitical and economic significance, is particularly vulnerable to transitional terrorism and violent extremism, which calls for a comprehensive, adaptive, and deeply collaborative response. 

SOURCE: PTI

India on Wednesday said it is concerned over the situation in Gaza and called for supply of humanitarian assistance to people of the conflict-hit Palestinian territory.

India’s comments came as Israel resumed air strikes in Gaza on Tuesday triggering uncertainty over the fragile ceasefire that it sealed with Hamas in January. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, over 400 people were killed in the Israeli bombing.

SOURCE: IANS

To combat cross-border drug smuggling and narco-terrorism, the Punjab government on Wednesday conducted a trial of advanced anti-drone technology in Naushera Dhalla village, located close to the India-Pakistan border in Tarn Taran district. This demonstration in the Sarai Amanat Khan area, a hotspot for drone activity and cross-border smuggling for over two years, marks a crucial step in strengthening Punjab’s defence capabilities, said the government.

The trial, which was attended, among others, by Cabinet Minister Aman Arora and Jails Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, is a continuation of earlier demonstrations held in Mohali on March 4 and 5. Talking to the media on the sidelines of the trial, Arora said the event was aimed at analysing cutting-edge anti-drone systems designed to counter the growing threat of drone-based smuggling of arms, explosives, and narcotics.

SOURCE: PTI

Two men were arrested on Wednesday for allegedly writing pro-Pakistan slogans and abusive remarks against Kannadigas on the walls of a factory washroom in Bidadi near Ramanagara, the police said.  Haimad Hussain (21) and Sadiq (24), both hailing from North Karnataka, were working on a contract basis with a company linked to a Japanese automotive component manufacturer in Bhimenahalli in Bidadi, they said. 

The matter came to light on March 14 following which the company’s HR immediately removed them and issued a circular warning the employees against indulging in such activities. 

SOURCE: PTI

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday conducted searches at multiple locations across Jammu in connection with a terrorist infiltration case, officials said.

The searches are underway at 12 locations, they said. According to the officials, the case was registered last year based on information about the infiltration of active terrorists belonging to proscribed outfits Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) into India through the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC).

SOURCE: PTI

Hours after a fresh shutdown was imposed by a student body in Manipur’s curfew-bound Churachandpur district following clashes between Hmar and Zomi people, a group of MLAs and tribal organisations separately appealed for peace on Wednesday.

Educational institutions remained closed and most shops and markets downed shutters throughout the day. Private vehicles also stayed off the roads, as tensions continued to grip the district.

SOURCE: ANI

Rear Admiral Garin Golding, Chief of the Navy of the Royal New Zealand Navy, met with General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff, to discuss matters of mutual interest and explore ways to enhance bilateral defence cooperation between India and New Zealand.

In a post on X, the Indian Army said, “Rear Admiral Garin Golding, Chief of Navy, Royal New Zealand Navy called on General Upendra Dwivedi COAS & discussed aspects of mutual interest to enhance bilateral Defence Cooperation between the two Nations.”

SOURCE: ANI

Russian lawmaker Vyacheslav Nikonov emphasised that Russia and the United States have resumed diplomatic discussions, marking a significant step in re-establishing dialogue between the two nations.

He noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump were speaking for the second time in two weeks, highlighting that this was only the second conversation between the leaders of Russia and the United States in three years.

SOURCE: ANI

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted the reality of there being increased use of tariffs and sanctions by various countries to protect one’s economic interests, and that developing International relations has “eroded” the lines which divide the different domains across countries.

“Tariffs, sanctions, I think, whether we would like it or not they are a reality, countries use them. In fact, if one looks at the last decade, I would say we have seen a much greater weaponization of pretty much any kind of capability or any kind of economic activity. It could be financial flows, it could be energy supplies, it could be technology,” EAM Jaishankar said, as he was asked on India refusing to use tariffs and sanctions on other countries.

SOURCE: PTI

President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday congratulated the entire team behind the safe return of “India’s daughter” Sunita Williams and her fellow astronauts to Earth, saying they have inspired everyone with their perseverance, dedication and never-say-die spirit.

“Their historic journey is a tale of determination, teamwork and extraordinary courage. I salute their unwavering resolve and wish them excellent health!,” President Murmu said in a post on X.

SOURCE: IANS

The process of transferring seven associates of radical Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh, who were arrested under the National Security Act (NSA) at Dibrugarh Central Jail, to Punjab, is approaching completion, officials said on Wednesday.

The seven aides of Amritpal are set to be handed over to the Punjab Police team by the Dibrugarh jail authorities. In the past two days, four detainees — Gurmeet Singh, Bhagwant Singh (alias Pradhan Mantri Bajeke), Daljit Singh Kalsi, and Basant Singh — were released by the Dibrugarh jail authorities.

SOURCE: PTI

A high-security alert has been sounded across Jammu and Kashmir in view of the recent terror attacks in Pakistan, including the killing of a top commander of terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), officials said on Tuesday.

All the protected persons, including politicians, have been advised to be conscious and strictly follow the security protocols for their safety, the officials in the security establishment said.

SOURCE: IANS

The Kolkata Police have issued lookout notices against 69 Bangladeshi infiltrators who procured Indian passports by furnishing fake documents after illegally entering the country through porous borders at different points in time.

The lookout notices have been issued in apprehension that these 69 Bangladeshi infiltrators are still staying in hideouts in the country, especially in West Bengal, and might escape to other countries. The move comes amid the busting of fake passport rackets in the state and their identities getting revealed during the investigations.

SOURCE: IANS

An improvised explosive device (IED) was found by the security forces on Wednesday in Jammu and Kashmir’s Bandipora district.

Officials said the IED was found by the Army inside a pressure cooker at sunset point on Srinagar-Bandipora road. ‘Police stopped the traffic on the road and a bomb disposal squad reached the spot. The IED was safely defused and the joint teams of the Army and the police are now carrying out searches in the area so that traffic is restored on the road,’ officials said.

SOURCE: ANI

India on Tuesday said that Pakistan’s promotion of cross-border terrorism is the biggest “roadblock” to peace and security. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reacting to Pakistan Foreign Office’s comments on Jammu and Kashmir, which came in response to PM Narendra Modi’s remarks during a podcast, urged Islamabad to “vacate Indian territory under its illegal and forcible occupation.

” In response to media queries on Pakistan’s comments, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “We note that Pakistan has once again made some comments about the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.” “The world knows that the real issue is Pakistan’s active promotion and sponsorship of cross-border terrorism. In fact, this is the biggest roadblock to peace and security in the region. Instead of spreading lies, Pakistan should vacate Indian territory under its illegal and forcible occupation,” the MEA Spokesperson said.