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LeT member Riyaz Ahmed arrested, turns out to be retired army personnel

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On Sunday, February 4, Delhi Police apprehended Riyaz Ahmed, a retired Army soldier suspected to be affiliated with the banned terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), at New Delhi Railway Station.

This arrest follows closely on the heels of a recent operation by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, which dismantled a LeT module operating in Kupwara district and thwarted a planned attack in the region.

According to authorities, Ahmed played an active role in this conspiracy alongside two accomplices, Khursheed Ahmad Rather and Ghulam Sarwar Rather, collaborating with handlers across the Line of Control (LoC) to procure weapons and ammunition.

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“The detained individual, Riyaz Ahmed, previously served in the army and was heavily involved in devising plans with his associates to acquire arms and ammunition from LeT handlers across the LoC, with intentions of carrying out disruptive activities in Jammu and Kashmir,” stated Delhi Police.

This arrest follows the successful interception by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, where a terrorist module operating from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) was dismantled. Earlier, five associates linked to the smuggling of various arms and ammunition were apprehended in Karnah.

One of the detainees, Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, was found in possession of an AK series rifle, magazines, rounds, and pistols. Investigations revealed Bhat’s communication with two LeT handlers based in PoK, who facilitated the transportation of weapon consignments to support their illicit operations.

Pune set to host Maharashtra’s inaugural MSME Defence Expo

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The Pune International Exhibition and Convention Centre will host the Maharashtra MSME Defence Expo from February 17 to 19. With a focus on fostering growth and forging strategic alliances, the Expo will welcome over 1,000 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.

The Expo underlines Maharashtra’s dedication to becoming a leading centre for defence manufacturing, capitalizing on its skilled workforce and favourable business climate.

It marks a significant stride towards realizing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat in the defence sector, empowering MSMEs to contribute to national security and economic advancement.

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The event’s objective is to offer a stage for distinguished industry leaders, inventive start ups, and vibrant MSMEs to display their prowess, nurturing collaboration and unleashing vast potential within the defence sector.

The Expo promises to be a dynamic event, showcasing cutting-edge technologies and innovations in defence production.

It also provides invaluable networking opportunities with industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders, facilitating discussions on critical issues and exploring investment prospects and potential business partnerships that can propel growth and innovation in the defence sector, according to a press release issued on Sunday.

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Additionally, the event will witness the involvement of around 10,000 students from diverse universities and engineering colleges in Maharashtra.

This presents an exceptional opportunity for students to engage with the senior ranks of the Tri-Services and industry experts deeply immersed in the defence sector, as stated by an official.

Pakistan Army Chief visits LoC asserts readiness to retaliate against aggression

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Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, declared on Monday that Pakistan is prepared to retaliate with full national resolve and military strength against any aggression or infringement upon its territorial sovereignty.

Munir asserted that the Pakistan Army is well-equipped to address the entire spectrum of threats and remains constantly prepared to respond effectively. He accused India of targeting individuals within Pakistan.

During his visit to the Sarian Sector of the Line of Control (LoC), General Munir received a briefing on the current situation along the border.

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Last month, Pakistan army claimed to possess “credible evidence” linking “Indian agents” to the assassination of two Pakistani terrorists associated with Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Sialkot and Rawalkot. India dismissed these allegations as “false and malicious” propaganda.

The spokesperson for India’s External Affairs Ministry, Randhir Jaiswal, stated in New Delhi that Pakistan’s accusations were baseless and part of its ongoing attempts to spread anti-India propaganda. Jaiswal warned that Pakistan will face consequences for its actions, emphasizing that blaming others for its own misdeeds is neither justifiable nor a solution.

Earlier in the day, General Munir, along with caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar and the self-styled Prime Minister of Kashmir, Anwarul Haq, visited Muzaffarabad to commemorate Kashmir Day, observed annually on February 5th in Pakistan.

Army’s Educational Corps set to transform into Knowledge and Enablers Corps

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The Army Educational Corps (AEC) is undergoing a significant change and will now be known as the Army Knowledge & Enablers Corps.

This renaming comes with a focused directive to prioritize cyber, information technology, perception management, and linguistics, including expertise in Mandarin, Burmese, and other languages. This move is part of the broader “transformation” initiative within the 12-lakh strong force.

The restructuring of the AEC, which has received approval from the defence ministry, aims to furnish the Army with specialized professionals in these specific areas. These dedicated specialists will be instrumental in leveraging their expertise to address evolving operational requirements, according to senior officers.

Originally established to ensure that soldiers met a minimum educational standard, this segment of the Army, consisting of approximately 3,500 officers and personnel, now requires a new focus as most soldiers have completed at least a decade of schooling.

When the Army Educational Corps (AEC) transitions into the Army Knowledge & Enablers Corps (AKEC), it will evolve into a corps of experts possessing advanced language skills.

Given the significance of language proficiency, particularly considering regional dynamics, the AKEC is contemplating the inclusion of approximately a dozen languages.

While the specific languages are yet to be finalized, potential candidates include Mandarin, which is widely spoken in China, Tibetan, Pashtu, Dzongkha (spoken in Bhutan), Sindhi, Burmese, and possibly other languages spoken in Myanmar, such as Shan and Arakanese. Consequently, Army personnel will specialize in languages prevalent in neighbouring regions, a task that is undeniably challenging.

For example, the proficiency in Dari, an Afghan language with Persian roots, is relatively scarce in India, including within the Army. However, understanding such languages holds strategic importance, especially in anticipation of future crises.

The necessity for such language skills was evident during the Kargil war when soldiers of the Northern Light Infantry communicated in local dialects. While many Army personnel are currently undergoing language training, this marks the first instance where an entire subgroup of the Army will be dedicated to mastering critical languages.

It is anticipated that language instructors will hail from various regions across the country.

Should the need arise, specialists from overseas may be enlisted. Beyond linguistic capabilities, the AKEC will also undertake other significant responsibilities aligned with the demands of the contemporary era. While the proposal is prepared and securing funding seems feasible, government approval remains pending.

Terrorists in Srinagar fatally shoot man from Punjab

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On Wednesday, terrorists in the Shaheed Gunj area of Srinagar targeted and fatally shot a man hailing from Punjab. The victim, identified as Amritpal Singh from Amritsar, succumbed to the injuries inflicted.

Additionally, another individual sustained severe injuries and has been evacuated for medical treatment. In response to the incident, the police have cordoned off the area.

According to a statement by the Jammu and Kashmir police on X, “Terrorists fired upon a non-local identified as Amritpal Singh resident of Amritsar at Shaheed Gunj Srinagar, who succumbed to the injuries.

One more person is grievously injured and evacuated for medical attention. Area has been cordoned off. Further details shall follow.”

Since the Union Government’s decision to abrogate Article 370 in 2019, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed recurring instances of violence targeting non-locals. In October 2023, a migrant worker from Uttar Pradesh was fatally shot in Pulwama.

“Terrorists fired on a labourer in the Tumchi Nowpora area of Pulwama, who later on succumbed to his injuries. Area cordoned off,” stated the police at the time.

This recent incident marks the second terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir this year. In January, an Army convoy faced heavy firing in the Poonch area, prompting the Indian Army to launch a search operation to eliminate the terrorists from the region.

Inauguration of India’s first high hypersonic test facility at IIT Kanpur

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The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT-K) has successfully established and tested India’s first Hypervelocity Expansion Tunnel Test Facility, a major achievement that puts India in the elite group of nations with this advanced hypersonic testing capability.

According to an official release, the facility, named S2, is capable of generating flight speeds between 3-10 kms, simulating the hypersonic conditions encountered during atmospheric entry of vehicles, asteroid entry, scramjet flights, and ballistic missiles.

This makes it a valuable test facility for ongoing missions of ISRO and DRDO including Gaganyaan, RLV, and hypersonic cruise missiles.

The S2, nicknamed ‘Jigarthanda’, is a 24-meter-long facility located at IIT-Kanpur’s Hypersonic Experimental Aerodynamics Laboratory (HEAL) within the Department of Aerospace Engineering.

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The S2 was indigenously designed and developed over a period of three years with funding and support from the Aeronautical Research and Development Board (ARDB), the Department of Science and Technology (DST), and IIT-Kanpur.

Professor S. Ganesh, Director, IIT-Kanpur, said, “The successful establishment of S2, India’s first hypervelocity expansion tunnel test facility, marks a historic milestone for IIT-Kanpur and for India’s scientific capabilities. S2 will empower India’s space and Defence organisations with domestic hypersonic testing capabilities for critical projects and missions.”

Professor Mohammed Ibrahim Sugarno, Associate Professor, Department of Aerospace Engineering and Centre for Lasers & Photonics at IIT-Kanpur said, “Building S2 has been extremely challenging, requiring in-depth knowledge of physics and precision engineering.

The most crucial and challenging aspect was perfecting the ‘free piston driver’ system, which requires firing a piston at high pressure between 20-35 atmospheres down a 6.5 m. compression tube at speeds of 150-200 m/s, and bringing it to a complete stop or ‘soft landing’ at the end.”

“However, with our expertise, we were able to overcome this. Our team is proud to have designed, built, and tested this one-of-a-kind facility, cementing India’s position in the elite global hypersonic research community,” he added.

Professor GM Kamath, Head, Department of Aerospace Engineering, IIT-Kanpur, said, “With S2, we advance our research horizons, inspiring a new generation of aerospace enthusiasts and fostering innovation and exploration in this exciting field. Being the first in India to develop such a facility enables us to set a new benchmark for hypervelocity research in India and beyond.”

Meet 3 Indian Female Officers Participating in Saudi Defence Show

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The ongoing World Defence Show (WDS) 2024 in Riyadh has been graced by the remarkable presence of three Indian women officers, showcasing India’s commitment to leveraging the strength and capabilities of women across all domains of defence.

Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth, Colonel Ponung Doming, and Lieutenant Commander Annu Prakash, representing the Indian Armed Forces, have left an indelible mark at various seminars and events, especially those themed around International Women in Defence.

Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth, a distinguished fighter pilot from the Indian Air Force, took the spotlight as a panelist at the seminar titled ‘International Women in Defence – Investing in an Inclusive Future’, hosted by Saudi Ambassador to the United States, Princess Reema bint Bandar Al-Saud, on February 07, 2024.

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Sharing her inspiring journey of breaking barriers and ascending to the skies as part of India’s revered fighter pilot club, Squadron Leader Kanth captivated the audience with her insights on leadership, resilience, and the evolving role of women in modern warfare. Her participation marked yet another milestone in her illustrious career, which includes being the first woman fighter pilot to participate in the Republic Day Parade (2021) and the Republic Day 2024 Flypast.

Colonel Ponung Doming, hailing from the Indian Army, stands as the first woman officer to command the world’s highest Border Task Force stationed above 15,000 feet in the Northern sector. With over 20 years of service and multiple firsts to her credit, Colonel Doming has been at the forefront of numerous challenging assignments, showcasing her prowess as an Engineering officer.

Lieutenant Commander Annu Prakash, representing the Indian Navy, brought her expertise in maritime security and operations to the forefront at the WDS 2024. Her presence underscored the pivotal role that women play in safeguarding India’s extensive coastline and ensuring regional stability, fostering stronger ties and collaboration between India and other nations in the maritime domain.

The participation of these three exceptional female officers at the WDS 2024 serves as a testament to the growing role of Indian women in the defence landscape.

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To further inspire and engage future generations, the trio will deliver an inspirational talk about their remarkable journey at the International Indian School, Riyadh, on February 08, 2024, reaching out to approximately 600 school children from various schools.

This event aims to showcase the diverse talents and leadership skills of Indian women in uniform, motivating young minds to pursue their dreams and conquer new frontiers.

The WDS 2024, which commenced on February 04, 2024, will culminate on February 08, 2024. Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt led the Indian delegation to the show, reaffirming India’s commitment to fostering international cooperation and showcasing its defence capabilities on the global stage.

Sri Lanka embraces INS Karanj after expulsion of Chinese vessel

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Following its decision to deny entry to a Chinese submarine and research vessel, Sri Lanka welcomed the arrival of the Indian Navy submarine INS Karanj on February 3rd, just ahead of its Independence Day celebrations.

The acceptance of INS Karanj signifies a diplomatic victory for India. However, the potential threat of Chinese submarine activities in the Indian Ocean remains a concern, particularly with Beijing’s ongoing construction of a significant naval base in Bangladesh.

The Sri Lankan Navy announced the arrival of INS Karanj, stating that while the submarine is stationed in the island nation, it will engage in a submarine awareness program, with the crew also exploring tourist attractions in the country.

INS Karanj belongs to the Kalvari-class of diesel-electric submarines, based on the French Scorpene class submarines. Designed by the French naval group DCNS and manufactured by Mazagon Dock Limited in Mumbai, the submarine measures 67.5 meters in length, accommodates a crew of 53, and is commanded by Commander Arunabh. It is scheduled to depart from the Sri Lankan port on February 5th.

INS Karanj

This port call by the Indian submarine comes amidst Sri Lanka’s imposition of a year-long moratorium on foreign research vessels operating in its waters, which began on January 1st.

This move is viewed as a significant diplomatic and strategic success for India, considering concerns over Chinese research vessels conducting surveys in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), potentially aiding Chinese submarine navigation through crucial maritime routes.

However, geopolitical dynamics in the IOR are becoming increasingly complex, with the new Maldivian President, Mohamed Muizzu, allowing a Chinese research vessel to dock in Male, despite India’s objections.

Sri Lanka’s alignment with China has been evident since Beijing secured a 99-year lease of Hambantota Port. Concerns persist in India over the use of Sri Lankan and Maldivian ports by Chinese vessels for military purposes under the guise of marine exploration.

Meanwhile, China’s expanding presence in the Bay of Bengal through its submarine diplomacy, highlighted by the construction of the BNS Sheikh Hasina Naval Base in Bangladesh, poses challenges for India’s maritime security.

The base, capable of accommodating six submarines and eight warships, signifies China’s strategic ambitions in the region and raises concerns about its military presence close to India’s Eastern Naval Command.

India’s strategic interests in maintaining dominance in the Bay of Bengal face challenges from China’s growing maritime influence facilitated by countries like Bangladesh.

CDS urges Industry contribution for enhancing Defence capabilities in Aerospace

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Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan emphasized the importance of enhancing India’s counter-space capabilities, urging all stakeholders in the defense space sector to collaborate towards this goal. His remarks come against the backdrop of China’s rapid advancement in developing and deploying powerful anti-satellite (A-Sat) weapons.

The Indian armed forces are projected to invest over 25,000 crore rupees in the coming years to fulfill their defense space needs, including the establishment of a constellation of surveillance satellites and secure communication networks.

General Chauhan expressed that this presents a significant opportunity for the private sector to contribute and advocated for the creation of a robust and self-reliant defence space ecosystem.

He encouraged industry collaboration with the armed forces to enhance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities through the development of multi-sensor satellites, on-demand launch services, and a reliable network of ground stations.

Additionally, General Chauhan highlighted the importance of strengthening indigenous positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services by enhancing the NAVIC constellation.

Acknowledging the growing threat to space assets, General Chauhan stressed the need for developing counter-space capabilities as a deterrent.

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He underscored the pivotal role of space in augmenting combat capabilities across traditional domains such as land, air, and sea, as well as emerging ones like cyber warfare.

China’s active development of various A-Sat weapons, including kinetic and non-kinetic systems, has raised concerns. Both General Chauhan and Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari have emphasized the urgency for India to enhance defensive and offensive capabilities in the space domain.

Despite having a small tri-service Defence Space Agency established in 2019 instead of the Aerospace Command initially demanded by the armed forces, efforts are underway to strengthen India’s space capabilities.

General Chauhan highlighted government initiatives aimed at leveraging space to bolster armed forces’ capabilities, including Mission DefSpace 2022 under the IDEX initiative.

He noted progress in addressing space-related challenges and promoting indigenous space start ups, with significant investments and growth projected in the Indian space economy. Government support, including schemes like the seed fund scheme and technology transfer initiatives, has facilitated the growth of the private space industry in India.

General Chauhan expressed confidence in the continued expansion of the Indian space economy, driven by collaboration between government and industry stakeholders.

INS Sandhayak gets commissioned at the Eastern Naval Base in Visakhapatnam

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Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh oversaw the commissioning of INS Sandhayak, the Indian Navy’s inaugural large survey vessel, in a ceremony at the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) base in Visakhapatnam on February 3.

During his address to the attendees, Singh emphasized the significance of the vessel in enhancing India’s stature as a powerhouse in the Indo-Pacific region.

INS Sandhayak’s primary function is to conduct comprehensive hydrographic surveys of ports, harbors, navigational routes, coastal zones, and deep seas to facilitate safe marine navigation. Singh highlighted the importance of oceanic exploration in bolstering national security and achieving strategic objectives, emphasizing the need to understand the ocean’s ecology and maritime dynamics.

Singh also discussed the security challenges posed by piracy and smuggling in the Indian Ocean, stressing India’s commitment to combating such threats and ensuring the safety of maritime trade routes. He commended the Indian Navy for its swift response to piracy incidents and its efforts in safeguarding international shipping lanes.

In his remarks, Singh reiterated India’s determination to curb illegal fishing, narcotics trafficking, and human smuggling in the region. He praised the Indian Navy’s role in promoting peace and prosperity in the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific regions, underscoring INS Sandhayak’s pivotal role in advancing these objectives.

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Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar described the commissioning ceremony as a milestone in the Indian Navy’s Survey Vessel Large (SVL) Project, highlighting the ship’s advanced hydrographic capabilities and indigenous design. He elaborated on the vessel’s technical specifications and emphasized its contribution to maritime security and oceanic research.

INS Sandhayak, which translates to “one who carries out a special search,” symbolizes the Navy’s commitment to exploring and charting the oceans. Equipped with state-of-the-art hydrographic equipment and propelled by powerful diesel engines, the ship represents a collaborative effort between the Indian Navy and the domestic industry, including MSMEs, showcasing India’s self-reliance in naval technology.