SOURCE: HSL

 HSL achieved yet another milestone as the Belgian dredger,”TSHD Bonny River” of DEME Group, was undocked two days ahead of schedule on 21 Mar 24. This vessel, with an overall length of 158 meters and a width of 30 meters, and a hopper volume of 15,000 cubic meters, with a dead weight of 21,092 tons, is a full DP2 trailing suction hopper dredger.

Notably, it is the first of its kind, equipped with advanced maneuverability features for precise navigation. The flawless execution of the repairs, conducted with utmost professionalism and strict adherence to safety protocols, has earned commendation from the ship owners, further showcasing HSL’s commitment to establishing a strong presence in the international market

SOURCE: ANI

 Following Exercise Tiger Triumph, the Surface Warfare Officer on the USS Somerset, Brnjic, expressed his happiness to spend time in Visakhapatnam with Indian Navy personnel, adding that they learned a lot from them.

Somerset is one of three San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ships named in honour of the lives lost during the terror attacks of September 11, 2001.

SOURCE: ANI

Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged for the first time that “radical Islamists” were responsible for last week’s attack on a concert hall outside Moscow. However, he suggested that Ukraine was also somehow involved, Al Jazeera reported.

Russian authorities have detained 11 people in connection with the March 22 attack on Crocus City Hall. In a televised meeting on Monday, Putin said, “We know that the crime was committed by the hands of radical Islamists, whose ideology the Islamic world itself has been fighting for centuries.”

SOURCE: ANI

Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dmytro Kuleba on Monday extended his Holi wishes and announced that he will be visiting India this week, adding that the visit will further strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries.

In a post on X, Dmystro said, “Today, India celebrates Holi, the most beautiful and colorful spring holiday. I wish everyone a happy Holi! Standing here in Kyiv, in front of Mahatma Gandhi’s monument, I am also pleased to announce that this week I will pay my first ever visit to India.”

SOURCE: PIB

Indian Coast Guard ship Samudra Paheredar, a specialized Pollution Control Vessel, arrived at Manila Bay, Philippines on 25 March 2024 on a three-day visit. The visit of specialized Pollution Control Vessels is part of a broader initiative aimed at demonstration of ICG Marine Pollution Response capabilities and shared concern & resolve towards Marine Pollution in the ASEAN region, besides bolstering bilateral cooperation with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

The ICG ship is on an overseas deployment to ASEAN countries namely the Philippines, Vietnam, and Brunei from 25 March to 12 April 2024. The deployment is the third in a row by the Indian Coast Guard to ASEAN countries. Earlier in the year 2023, ICG Pollution Control Vessels visited Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia as part of the initiative.

SOURCE: U.S. Navy

Indian and U.S. combined armed forces began Exercise Tiger TRIUMPH 2024 with the arrival of amphibious transport dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25), March 18 and an opening ceremony March 19. This is the third time U.S. and Indian forces have come together for Tiger TRIUMPH, which stands for Tri-Services India U.S. Amphibious Exercise. The combined exercise will take place March 18-31 near Visakhapatnam and Kakinada, India.

The opening ceremony was held aboard Austin-class amphibious transport dock INS Jalashwa (L41), the former USS Trenton, where key leaders held a press conference with media to discuss the importance of Exercise Tiger TRIUMPH.

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: PTI

ISRO on Monday said its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) has accomplished zero orbital debris mission, and described it “another milestone”. This was achieved on March 21, when the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3) met its “fiery end” through a re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere.

“The PSLV-C58/XPoSat mission has practically left zero debris in orbit,” the space agency said. The PSLV-C58 mission was accomplished on January 1. According to ISRO, after completing the primary mission of injecting all satellites into their desired orbits, the terminal stage of PSLV was transformed into a 3-axis stabilised platform, the POEM-3.

SOURCE: IANS

The Rs 1,000 crore Voltech Group, which is majorly into testing, commissioning, and maintenance of electrical systems in power and other plants, is looking to expand into the nuclear field in a major way, a top group official said on Monday. “We have been doing the testing and commissioning of the balance of plant (BoP) in power generation companies including nuclear power plants in India.

We were and are involved in the nuclear power plants that have come up and are coming up in Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu,” Managing Director M.Umapathi told IANS here.

SOURCE: ANI

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called on Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Monday and conveyed the greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Jaishankar valued Lee Hsien Loong’s perspectives on the current state of the world.

In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, “Honoured to call on Prime Minister @leehsienloong at The Istana. Conveyed the personal greetings of PM @narendramodi. Valued his perspectives on the current state of the world. His positive sentiments on India-Singapore relationship have always been a source of strength for our ties.”

SOURCE: ANI

US President Joe Biden extended Holi wishes on Monday, emphasising that millions of people globally will join together to celebrate the festival, the arrival of Spring, with Gulal and vibrant colours.
Taking to his social media X, US President Biden posted, “Today, millions around the world will join together to celebrate Holi, the arrival of Spring, with Gulal and vibrant colors.”

He, along with first lady Jill Biden, wished everyone to celebrate the festival of colours. “Jill and I wish all those observing today’s Festival of Colors joy and happiness,” he added.

SOURCE: UNI

Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Special Investigation Unit(SIU) on Monday produced a charge sheet in a terror funding case against three militants and an associate in a court in Pulwama. A police spokesman said the chargesheet was produced in the case of Pulwama Police Station under sections, 20, 38, 39 & 40 UAPA Act.

The chargesheet was produced against three terrorists Ehsan Ul Haq Sheikh of Murran Pulwama, Owais Feroz Mir of Frestabal Pampore, at present Pakistan Occupied Kashmir and Abrar-ul-Islam resident of Pakistan, and a terrorist associate Ishtiyaq Nazir Dar of Ashmander Pulwama (presently under custody) before the designated NIA Court Pulwama.