SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Navy is set to revolutionize its uniform design by introducing ergonomic overalls specifically tailored for women serving onboard warships. This initiative follows the recent induction of women in the personnel below officer rank (PBOR) cadre, marking a historic moment for the navy. As the numbers of women in the PBOR cadre are expected to rise steadily, the move aims to enhance comfort and address practical aspects related to their service, according to officials familiar with the development.

The upcoming fire-retardant overalls, which serve as standard workwear for personnel on warships, are designed with a focus on providing enhanced comfort for women. Recognizing the unique challenges of working in a quick tempo environment, the new design takes into account the physiological aspects, ensuring convenience, especially during critical tasks. This progressive step highlights the navy’s commitment to accommodating the diverse needs of its personnel.

SOURCE: AFI

Over 200 members of the Indian-origin Jewish community, Bnei Menashe, who recently migrated to Israel, have reportedly joined the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) for active or reserve duty following the October 7 attacks by the Palestinian group Hamas. The integration of these individuals into the IDF has been attributed to either voluntary enlistment or being called up for military service, reflecting a collective response to the security challenges faced by Israel.

As per a report by the Jerusalem Post, citing information from the Shavei Israel nonprofit, approximately 75 recent immigrants from India willingly volunteered for military duty in the aftermath of the Hamas attacks. Additionally, around 140 individuals from the Bnei Menashe community residing across various settlements in Israel were summoned for military service.

SOURCE: AFI

Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), a prominent aircraft manufacturer overseeing brands like Tupolev, Ilyushin, and Sukhoi, has announced the successful test flight of its new widebody passenger airplane, the IL-96-400M. The prototype took to the skies for the first time, marking a significant milestone in Russia’s aviation ambitions. UAC claims that this aircraft could serve as a replacement for Western counterparts in the country’s aviation landscape.

According to a recent news release by UAC, the IL-96-400M prototype completed a successful test flight that lasted 26 minutes. During this flight, it reached altitudes of up to 2,000 meters (6,562 feet) and speeds of up to 390 kilometers per hour (242 mph). This achievement underscores the aircraft’s potential as a long-haul passenger airplane.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant development in the realm of lunar exploration, months after India’s successful lunar landing near the south pole, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) collaboration is making rapid progress on their next moon mission. Recent updates indicate that JAXA has concluded a series of tests for the rover that will navigate the lunar surface, marking a crucial step in this international cooperative venture.

Yuji Katsumata, representing the Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX) at JAXA, announced that tests assessing the mobility of the rover are proceeding as planned. JAXA has established dedicated facilities replicating lunar terrain, featuring a dark room, sandy surfaces with rocks, and lunar lighting. These environments facilitate comprehensive testing of the rover’s mobility and navigation capabilities.

SOURCE: PTI

India is fast emerging as a “big global player” in the defence sector and the capabilities of its security forces are constantly rising, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday. Addressing soldiers here after celebrating Diwali with security personnel stationed near the border, Modi said the circumstances of the world are such that the expectations from India are constantly rising.

“At such an important time, it is necessary that India’s borders are protected and there is an environment of peace in the country and you have a big role in this,” Modi, dressed in Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) fatigues, said.

SOURCE: ANI

Reaffirming his allegation of Indian involvement in the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar on his home soil, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Sunday accused New Delhi of violating the Vienna Convention by “kicking out” 40 diplomats at a time when his country had reached out to the former and other global partners to get to the bottom of the murder. Issuing a warning, the Canadian PM said if bigger countries can “violate international law without consequences”, it will make the world “more dangerous”.

Speaking to the reporters in Ottawa on Saturday, Trudeau said, “From the very beginning when we learned of credible allegations that agents of the Indian government were involved in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil, we reached out to India to ask them to work with us in getting to the bottom of this matter.

SOURCE: ANI

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a chargesheet in the Pune Islamic State (ISIS) module case naming seven people as accused and revealed that the accused, who were educated, worked in prominent companies and used code words for making improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

The central investigation agency NIA, which is investigating the Pune ISIS module, has filed a charge sheet of more than 4000 pages in the court.

SOURCE: ANI

Indian Army chief General Manoj Pande visited forward areas in the Harsil Sector in the Garhwal Himalayas and celebrated Diwali with the troops posted in the region. On the occasion, the Army chief was also briefed about the infrastructure development by the army officials. “General Manoj Pande, COAS visited forward areas in the Harsil Sector, Garhwal Himalayas and was briefed on capability and infrastructure development by the Commanders on the ground.

The COAS interacted with the troops of the Indian Army, BRO and ITBP in forward areas, also joining them for the Diwali celebrations. The COAS commended the forces for their high morale, dedication and steadfastness despite the terrain and weather-related operational challenges,” Indian Army posted on X.

SOURCE: ANI

The opposition parties, who had declared plans for a massive protest campaign against the steep price hike, rejected the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) government’s decision to boost the subsidised wheat price from (PKR) 20 to (PKR) 32 per kg, reported Dawn.

This contentious choice was made during the GB cabinet meeting on Friday in Skardu, which was chaired by Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan. In a press briefing with cabinet members, GB Finance Minister Mohammad Ismail said that the price adjustment was required to solve the region’s lack of wheat that was subsidised.

SOURCE: ANI

Remembrance Day was observed on November 12 at the Commonwealth War Cemetery in Tehran, Iran, to commemorate death of soldiers during the two world wars. Indian Ambassador to Iran, Rudra Gaurav Shresth, paid homage to the Indian soldiers who lost their lives during the wars. Notably, Memorial Day is observed in Commonwealth member states since World War I to honour armed forces members who have died in the line of duty

“Remembrance Day was observed on Nov 12 at Commonwealth War Cemetery, Tehran, to commemorate those who died in the two World Wars. Ambassador Rudra Gaurav Shresth paid homage to the fallen Indian soldiers,” the Indian Embassy in Iran posted on X (formerly Twitter).

SOURCE: ANI

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has reiterated his allegation that India violated the Vienna Convention after over 40 Canadian diplomats moved out amidst a diplomatic row between the two countries. Responding to a media query on Saturday, Trudeau said that Canada wants to “work constructively” with India on the “serious matter” of the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil and said his country “will always stand up to the rule of law.” He said, “We have been very, very clear that we want to work constructively with India on this very serious matter.

From the very beginning, we shared the real allegations that we are deeply, deeply concerned about. But we have reached out to the Indian government and to partners around the world to get to the bottom of this, and to take it seriously. ” “That’s why we were so disappointed when India violated the Vienna Convention and arbitrarily revoked the diplomatic immunity of over 40 Canadian diplomats in India,” Trudeau said.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant development, the United States has extended an invitation to India to station a naval officer in the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) based in Bahrain. This decision follows discussions between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin during the recent 2+2 dialogue.

The commitment to join the 38-nation CMF in Bahrain was initially made at a previous 2+2 meeting held last year. However, the decision to assign an Indian naval liaison officer was formalized in the latest discussions. The appointed officer is likely to hold the rank of commander or captain, equivalent to lieutenant-colonel or colonel.

SOURCE: AFI

India has formally lodged an appeal against the death sentences handed to eight former Indian Navy personnel by a court in Qatar. The government is actively working on constructing a robust legal counterargument to secure the release of the ex-Navy personnel. Simultaneously, New Delhi is employing diplomatic channels, leveraging its strong ties with Qatar and other influential nations like Italy, the US, the UK, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iran, and the UAE, to seek a diplomatic solution.

Following the filing of the appeal, Indian authorities, including diplomats, have engaged in three rounds of meetings with their Qatari counterparts in Doha, as revealed by diplomatic sources. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is prioritizing discussions on this matter in bilateral meetings with counterparts from various countries and global leaders, aiming to exert comprehensive and sustained diplomatic pressure on Qatar. Jaishankar has conveyed to the families of the sentenced individuals that the Indian government places the highest importance on the case, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the matter.

SOURCE: ANI

Celebrating the festive fervour of Diwali with security forces in Himachal Pradesh’s Lepcha village, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the experience of observing the festival with the forces has been one filled with deep emotion and pride.

“Spending Diwali with our brave security forces in Lepcha, Himachal Pradesh, has been an experience filled with deep emotion and pride. Away from their families, these guardians of our nation illuminate our lives with their dedication,” the prime minister posted on X.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant diplomatic move, India voted in favor of a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution condemning Israeli settlements in Palestine. The resolution, adopted amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, garnered support from 145 countries, while only seven countries voted against it.

The UNGA resolution specifically condemned the activities of Israeli settlers in the “Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan.” By its terms, the Assembly denounced settlement activities and any actions involving the confiscation of land, disruption of livelihoods of protected persons, and forced transfers.