SOURCE: PTI

On Tuesday, the newly appointed Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, expressed his intent to prioritize the indigenous fighter aircraft programs. In his first media interaction after assuming his new role, he emphasized the importance of advancing the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, LCA Mark-2, and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programs to strengthen India’s defense capabilities.

Air Chief Marshal Singh highlighted that the IAF has already committed to over 200 LCA Tejas jets, noting that while the LCA is a smaller aircraft, it has a defined role within the Air Force’s operational framework. However, he stressed the need to move forward and shift the focus towards the more advanced LCA Mark-2 and the fifth-generation AMCA programs, which are critical for meeting the future combat needs of the IAF.

SOURCE: Zen Technologies

Zen Technologies Limited (Zen) is pleased to announce the Grant of its latest Indian Patent forthe “Infantry Virtual Training Simulation System (IVTSS)” on 30th September 2024. Thispatent, filed on 29th December 2022 and valid until 29th December 2042, is the company’s19th patent in the calendar year 2024 and the 9th in the financial year 2024-25.

The IVTSS is an advanced, state-of-the-art simulation system developed to provide militarypersonnel with a highly realistic and immersive virtual training environment. It combinesmultiple simulation stations, enabling comprehensive infantry training while addressing theevolving needs of modern warfare. The system supports a wide range of training scenarios, including small arms handling, tactical decision-making, mortar detachment training, and more.

SOURCE: Zen Technologies

Zen Technologies Limited (Zen) has signed an Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) worth ? 46 crores (inclusive of 18% GST) for simulators with the Ministry of Defence. The contract, effective for a period of five years, ensures the continued maintenance of simulators designed and developed by Zen.

This AMC solidifies Zen’s ongoing partnership with the Ministry of Defence and underscores the Ministry’s confidence in the company’s cutting-edge defence solutions. The agreement highlights Zen’s ability to meet the demanding operational needs of India’s defence forces through advanced simulator technology.

SOURCE: IANS

The Make in India initiative in sectors like space and geospatial will drive growth in the country by 2047, said G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant on Tuesday. He was speaking at a high-level seminar on ‘Make in India for Space and Geospatial Sector’, organised by the Geospatial World Chamber of Commerce (GWCC) in the national capital.

He emphasised India’s growing leadership in the space and geospatial sectors, underscoring the opportunities for both local and international stakeholders to contribute to this vital growth.

SOURCE: ANI

Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) President Sheikh Abdul Rashid alias Engineer Rashid on Tuesday dismissed speculation about aligning with the BJP and asserted that the main aim of his party is to restrore peace in Kashmir. “Why will I join hands with the BJP? Power is a very small thing for me. I was an independent MLA and I would have joined any party.

If power had been my priority I would have joined hands with PM Modi. Many people have died in Kashmir. My biggest concern is to make sure that these killings should stop,” Sheikh Abdul Rashid said. “Priority is how the leadership will work after getting the mandate of the public. Will they, like the traditional parties PDP, JKNC, INC, and BJP after winning elections roam like VVIPs…Kashmir has to go beyond that…Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) will aim to bring permanent peace to Kashmir,” he added.

SOURCE: UNI

India’s Permanent Mission at the UN on Monday thanked the countries that spoke in favour of giving India permanent membership of the UN Security Council at the 79th UN General Assembly. These included four of the Permanent Five countries – US, UK, France and Russia, as well as Angola, Chile, Micronesia, Portugal, while Belarus and Bhutan thanked India for helping with development initiatives.

Those who spoke at the 79th UN General Assembly backing India’s permanent membership at the UNSC, along with for one country in Africa, as well as for Germany and Japan, include: Angola President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço; Chile President Gabriel Boric Font; France President Emmanuel Macron; Micronesia President Wesley Simina; Portugal PM Luis Montenegro; Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov; US Secretary of State Antony Blinken; UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

SOURCE: PTI

The government of Pakistan’s Punjab province on Monday advised Indian Sikhs intending to visit the country to carry US dollars instead of Indian currency. “We have received a number of complaints that Indian Sikhs visiting Pakistan for their holy places are exploited in terms of giving them way less (amount) than the current exchange rate,” Punjab’s first Sikh minister Ramesh Singh Arora said here.

Arora, who is also the Pradhan (president) of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, issued the advisory after receiving several complaints about the exploitation of Sikhs from India.

SOURCE: PIB

Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, on October 01, 2024, became the first woman officer to take over as the Director General, Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS). The DGAFMS is directly responsible to the Ministry of Defence for overall medical policy matters which relate to the Armed Forces.

Prior to assuming the appointment of 46th DGAFMS, the Flag Officer held the coveted appointments of DG Medical Services (Navy), DG Medical Services (Air) and Director & Commandant of Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune. She is an alumna of AFMC, Pune and was commissioned into the Armed Forces Medical Services in December 1985. She is an MD in Radiodiagnosis from AFMC, Pune and Diplomate National Board in Radiation Oncology from Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, complemented with training in Gamma Knife Surgery from University of Pittsburgh.