SOURCE: AFI

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Mahindra Defence Systems Ltd (MDSL) has announced the successful completion of trials for their new Wheeled CBRN (8×8) vehicle. This indigenously developed platform promises to be a significant advancement in the field of Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) reconnaissance, surpassing its competitors in several key aspects.

Before delving into the prowess of the Mahindra CBRN, it’s essential to contextualize its position among similar-class vehicles globally. The landscape comprises renowned contenders such as the Fuchs 2 from Germany, the Stryker M1135 from the USA, and the Piranha 3 from Switzerland. Each vehicle boasts distinct specifications and capabilities, presenting a competitive environment for the Mahindra CBRN.

Here’s a comparative analysis of the DRDO-Mahindra CBRN with its counterparts:

SOURCE: AFI

In a display of military prowess and technological advancement, the Indian Army recently conducted its Annual Eastern Command Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) field firing exercise at the Teesta field firing range in West Bengal. The exercise, conducted under the aegis of Trishakti Corps, marked a significant milestone in the army’s operational readiness and combat effectiveness.

During the exercise, more than 260 missiles were fired, reflecting the army’s commitment to precision and effectiveness in anti-tank warfare. The overarching objective of achieving “one missile one tank” underscores the army’s dedication to mastering the latest technologies and tactics in modern warfare scenarios.

SOURCE: PIB

DRDO conducted two successful flight tests of Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missile on 28^th & 29^th Feb 2024 from a ground based portable launcher off the coast of Odisha from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur. These tests were carried out against high speed unmanned aerial targets under different interception scenarios. During all the test flights, the targets were intercepted and destroyed by the missiles, meeting the mission objectives.

VSHORADS is a Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPAD) designed and developed indigenously by Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and Indian Industry Partners. VSHORADAS missile incorporates many novel technologies including miniaturized Reaction Control System (RCS) and integrated avionics which have been successfully proven during the tests.

SOURCE: AFI

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the leader of ‘Sikhs for Justice’, has sparked controversy by releasing a video message allegedly advocating for the kidnapping of ministers and the forceful release of radical Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh from jail. Amritpal Singh has been in custody since April last year, facing charges including attempted murder, and is currently held in a special cell at Dibrugarh jail in Assam.

In the video, Pannun, who is also labeled as a designated terrorist, purportedly provides instructions on how to orchestrate Amritpal’s release. According to reliable intelligence sources, Pannun is advising individuals on methods to assault jails and has even referenced a union minister and his son as potential targets for abduction in his discourse.

SOURCE: ANI

In a move towards strengthening its position in the Indian Ocean Region, the Indian Navy is going to commission a new base, INS Jatayu, in the Minicoy Islands of Lakshadweep. The Indian Navy is also going to hold its commanders’ conference on board the twin aircraft carriers, including INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, where they will be undertaking high-tempo operations like taking off from one carrier and landing at the other, along with participation from other warships and submarines in the carrier battle groups, defence officials told ANI.

The Indian Navy is also going to formally commission the multirole helicopter MH-60 Romeo at Kochi in the next week, they said. The force would also see the buildings of its naval war college in Goa and facilities in Karwar inaugurated around March 4, the officials said.

SOURCE: ANI

The External Affairs Ministry has said that India shares a very expansive, broad-based, multifaceted relationship with South Korea and during the upcoming visit of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to the nation, all aspects of this relationship would be discussed. “EAM is to visit Japan and S Korea from March 5-8. We have issued a press release in that regard. In South Korea, he will be attending the 10th joint commission meeting, where we have a very expansive, broad-based, multifaceted relationship with S Korea,” the official spokesperson of the MEA, Randhir Jaiswal said in the press briefing on Thursday.

“All aspects of the relationship would be discussed,” he said. Jaiswal also emphasised on India’s strong ties with Japan and stated that the foreign minister-level strategic dialogue will be conducted during the visit. He said, “EAM would be visiting Japan. We have very strong ties with Japan. The foreign minister-level strategic dialogue will be conducted during the visit.

SOURCE: ANI

The Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday that the entry of foreign nationals into the country is a sovereign decision regarding the denial of entry to Nitasha Kaul, a UK national. During a weekly media briefing by the MEA, the official spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, said, “This particular UK national (Nitasha Kaul) came to India on February 22. As you know, the entry of foreign nationals into our country is a sovereign decision…”

Notably, UK-based Indian-origin academic and professor, Nitasha Kaul, claimed that she was deported from India immediately after her arrival at the Bengaluru airport.

SOURCE: ANI

Clarifying the status of the eighth former Indian Navy officer, who was put on death row by a Qatar court in an espionage case before being released, the Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said he has certain requirements to fulfil.

The eighth Indian national will return as soon as he fulfils all the requirements, the MEA stated in a briefing on Thursday. Addressing the press briefing on Thursday, the official spokesperson of the MEA, Randhir Jaiswal said, “As you know, all 8 Indian nationals who were involved in the Al Dahra Global case, have been released.”

SOURCE: ANI

The India-US Homeland Security Dialogue deepened the strategic partnership between Washington, DC and New Delhi on issues ranging from counternarcotics cooperation and customs-to-customs collaboration to combating terrorism and cybercrime and addressing irregular migration, an official readout from US Homeland Security said. From February 27 to February 29, the senior official performing the duties of US Deputy Secretary Kristie Canegallo and Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla met in New Delhi to co-chair the India-US Homeland Security Dialogue.

During the meeting, the leaders reaffirmed the commitment of the United States and India to strengthen access to lawful immigration pathways while enforcing immigration law to include returns of individuals who do not have a legal basis to remain in the United States. They also agreed to work together to expand law enforcement cooperation to target smugglers who prey on and profit from vulnerable migrants, it added.

SOURCE: PIB

Keel Laying Ceremony of the first Cadet Training Ship (Yard-18003) was held at M/s L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli, on 29 Feb 24. The ceremony was presided by R Adm Ravi Kumar Dhingra, Flag Officer Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Area in presence of R Adm G K Harish, AVSM, VSM (Retd), Head Shipbuilding Business, L&T and other Senior officials from Indian Navy and M/s L&T.

The Contract for indigenous design and construction of the three Cadet Training Ships was concluded between MoD and M/s L&T on 07 Mar 23. These Cadet Training Ships will be utilized for training officer cadets at sea after their basic training ashore. These ships will also extend training facility to cadets from friendly foreign countries.

SOURCE: ANI

Border Security Force (BSF) intercepted a drone that was allegedly carrying three packets of heroin in the border area of Amritsar district.

“In the evening hours of 28th February 2024, BSF troops intercepted a suspected flying object in the border area of district Amritsar and promptly tracked, neutralized and traced its movement as per laid down procedure,” an official statement issued by BSF said.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian aerospace industry is set to receive a significant boost with the announcement of a joint initiative by the Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIO) and Hindustan Aeronautical Limited (HAL). The two organizations are joining forces to establish a cutting-edge Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Avionics in Chandigarh.

Avionics, comprising vital electronic systems utilized on aircraft such as communications and navigation equipment, sensors, cockpit display panels, and flight control instruments, play a pivotal role in modern aviation.

SOURCE: AFI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a historic moment on Wednesday by laying the foundation stone for a groundbreaking ?950-crore project set to redefine India’s space exploration capabilities. Spanning across 2,233 acres in Padukkapathu, Pallakurichi, and Mathavankurichi villages in Kulasekarapattinam and Sathankulam taluks, the project heralds the establishment of a state-of-the-art spaceport in Kulasekarapattinam.

Distinguished from the space center at Sriharikota, which primarily launches heavier satellites into predetermined orbits, the Kulasekarapattinam spaceport is poised to specialize in launching smaller payloads, including nano and micro satellites. This strategic shift in focus underscores India’s commitment to diversifying its space capabilities and catering to the evolving needs of the global aerospace industry.

SOURCE: AFI

A secessionist group, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), has announced plans to hold a protest and “challenge” India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, during his visit to Surrey, British Columbia. Verma is scheduled to visit the province, including stops in Victoria, Vancouver, and Surrey, where he will meet with local officials and business leaders.

SFJ’s general counsel, Gurpatwant Pannun, stated in an email that the group will “Question-Target” Verma on March 1st, holding him accountable for the alleged “orchestration” of the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan figure killed in Surrey last year.

SOURCE: AFI

The Eastern Command of the Indian Army successfully concluded its annual Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) field firing exercise at the Teesta Field Firing Range from February 20 to 28, 2024. Over 1500 personnel from various Infantry and Mechanized Infantry Battalions participated in this crucial training event, showcasing the command’s ability to mobilize and coordinate large-scale operations.

The exercise emphasized practical training, with soldiers engaging in live firing of over 260 missiles. This provided them with a realistic opportunity to hone their skills in operating and deploying ATGM systems effectively.