SOURCE: AFI

The much-anticipated launch of the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite is experiencing a delay. Initially planned for an early 2024 launch, the mission will now likely lift off no earlier than late May.

This shift comes despite the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) confirming that the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) intended for the NISAR mission is on schedule for completion by March-April. However, final testing and integration of the sophisticated radar instrument on the satellite itself are taking longer than anticipated.

SOURCE: Bloomberg

India’s investigation into US claims of an attempted murder of a Sikh leader in New York found that rogue operatives not authorised by the government had been involved in the plot, according to senior officials familiar with the matter.

At least one person directly involved in the alleged attempted assassination is no longer working for India’s main spy agency, the Research and Analysis Wing, the officials said, asking not to be identified because the details of the investigation haven’t been made public.

SOURCE: ANI

In a veiled attack on Pakistan over support to cross-border terrorism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday asserted that the new India does not tolerate the pain of terrorism but teaches a lesson to those resorting to such violence and that the condition of those who gave India terror attacks is being seen by people all over the world.

Addressing the News 18 Rising Bharat Summit 2024, PM Modi referred to the Balakot airstrikes carried out by the Indian Air Force on a terror camp in Pakistan on February 26, 2019, in response to the Pulwama terror attack, and said he had addressed Network-18 Rising India Summit on the evening before the air strikes. “Whether it is those who protect terrorism or countries who want progress and peace, all of them have experienced Rising Bharat.

SOURCE: ANI

Top US diplomat, Donald Lu, has termed the case of the alleged assassination attempt against Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun a “serious issue” between the two countries and said that Washington is working with New Delhi to hold accountable those responsible behind it.

The US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Donald Lu, was asked about the issue during a US Congressional hearing on the Pakistan election on Wednesday (local time).

SOURCE: ANI

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday expressed gratitude for India’s support for Kyiv’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amid its war against Russia, adding that India’s participation at the peace formula meetings is very important for Ukraine.

President Zelenskyy’s statement came after he held a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday. “I spoke with Prime Minister @NarendraModi to express gratitude for India’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, humanitarian aid, and active participation in Peace Formula meetings. It will be important for us to see India attend the inaugural Peace summit, which is currently being prepared in Switzerland,” Ukrainian President Zelenskyy posted on X.

SOURCE: PTI

India has criticised a model for the UN Security Council presented by the Uniting for Consensus group that includes Pakistan, saying it stands against the idea supported by a majority of member states to expand permanent and non-permanent seats and underscored that the world of the 21st century “desperately needs a UN 2.0”.

The Uniting for Consensus or UfC comprises Argentina, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Italy, Malta, Mexico, Pakistan, the Republic of Korea, San Marino, Spain, and Turkiye. China, a permanent member, and Indonesia are participating in the group as Observers.

SOURCE: REUTERS

India will bring in and prosecute 35 Somali pirates its navy captured on a hijacked ship off Somalia, a navy official said, in a departure from its recent practice of rescuing vessels and crew but leaving the disarmed pirates at sea.

The captured pirates are due to arrive in India on Saturday and will be handed over to the law enforcement agencies, the official said. He declined to be identified as he was not authorised to speak to the media.

SOURCE: PM MODI

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had a telephone conversation today with the President of Ukraine, H.E. Mr. Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The two leaders discussed ways to further strengthen India-Ukraine partnership in various spheres. While discussing the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, PM reiterated India’s people-centric approach and called for dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward.

SOURCE: AFI

Assam police have arrested two terrorists who had conspired to cause massive destruction in India. Two ISIS militants were detained while illegally entering India from Bangladesh. It was found that these two conspired to implement the plans in the neighboring country and implement them in India.

Security personnel arrested ISIS India head and key aide in Assam’s Dhubri. ISIS chief Haris Farooqui alias Harish Ajmal Farooqui and his accomplice Rehan were arrested. He was arrested while illegally entering Dhubri in Assam from neighboring Bangladesh. Farooqui and Rehan are on the most wanted list of the National Investigation Agency. The two were arrested by the Special Task Force of the Assam Police on Wednesday. It was found that they had conspired to commit destructive activities in India.

SOURCE: PTI

Shops and business establishments were closed as thousands of people marched on Wednesday in support of their demand for statehood and Ladakh’s inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Separately, the hunger strike by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk in Leh to “remind” the BJP-led Centre of its promise to safeguard the Union Territory’s fragile ecology and unique indigenous tribal culture entered its 15th day.

Responding to a call from the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), which announced a half-day strike and a protest rally in the town to express solidarity with Wangchuk, a large number of people took out a rally from Fatima Chowk to Hussaini Park via the main market and raised slogans demanding statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule. All shops and business establishments remained closed while those taking part in the procession held up banners, some of which read “Ladakh demands statehood and Sixth Schedule” and “Save Ladakh, Save Democracy”.

SOURCE: PTI

Border Security Force personnel on Wednesday uncovered a large cache of arms and ammunition in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara district. The seizure was made during a joint search operation by the BSF, the Indian Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the border guarding force said.

“On specific intelligence of #BSF, a joint search operation was launched by @BSF_Kashmir, #IndianArmy & #JKP at Rangwar, #Kupwara today & recovered, 9 mm Pistol with 01 mag 29 Rds,01 mag of AK 47/400 Rds,02 Comn Sets, 01 IED, 01 Hand Grenade & other war-like stores from a hideout,” the BSF posted on ‘X’.

SOURCE: PIB

Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane presided over the maiden test-firing of India’s first indigenously-made 1500 Horsepower (HP) engine for Main Battle Tanks at BEML’s Engine division in Mysuru complex on March 20, 2024. The achievement heralds a new era in the country’s defence capabilities, showcasing the technological prowess and commitment to self-reliance in defence technologies.

The 1500 HP engine represents a paradigm shift in military propulsion systems, possessing cutting-edge features such as high power-to-weight ratio, operability in extreme conditions including high altitudes, sub-zero temperatures, and desert environments. Equipped with advanced technologies, the engine stands on par with the most advanced engines globally.

SOURCE: AFI

A growing rift between Azerbaijan and Armenia has drawn India into the geopolitical spotlight. Recent developments highlight a potential escalation as Azerbaijan directs criticism towards India’s arms sale to Armenia.

India’s recent major sale of weapons systems to Armenia has triggered discontent in Azerbaijan. This discontent has reportedly spilled over into the information sphere, with the Azerbaijani Defence Ministry suspected to be behind efforts to spread negative information about Indian military technology.