Indian Navy Chief Admiral DK Tripathi today laid out the direction of his force while focusing on adapting emerging technologies to build a ‘future-ready’ force. Admiral Tripathi was addressing the ‘Naval commanders’ conference’. This is the second phase of the…

ndian Navy Chief Admiral DK Tripathi today laid out the direction of his force while focusing on adapting emerging technologies to build a ‘future-ready’ force.

Admiral Tripathi was addressing the ‘Naval commanders’ conference’. This is the second phase of the conference; the first was held in Karwar on April 5 where Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the conference.

The Indian Navy Chief also laid down seven focus areas, which included, among other aspects, ensuring combat efficiency, capacity development, maintenance, integration of new technologies and operational synergy with other national agencies and stakeholders.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri interacted with the Naval Commanders. He spoke on the changing dynamics in the global order and its impact on wide-ranging issues pertaining to international relations including the international security architecture.

The Navy Chief released publications pertaining to Indian Navy’s operational data framework, space vision and naval aviation safety. The Navy ‘space vision 2025 – 40’ outlines the framework and roadmap over the next 15 years for utilisation of the full spectrum of the space-based capabilities in support of Naval Operations.

Another document outlines the vision of harnessing data as a strategic asset and leveraging it to generate operational insights.

Russia has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the grand parade to be held in Moscow on May 9, but he is not expected to attend it, people familiar with the matter sa

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is likely to represent India at Russia’s Victory Day parade next month that will mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Germany in the Second World War, people familiar with the matter said on Wednesday.

Russia has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the grand parade to be held in Moscow on May 9, but he is not expected to attend it, they said.

Earlier, Russia’s Tass news agency quoted Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko as saying that Modi had been invited to attend the celebrations.

“It’s being worked out…He (Modi) has an invitation,” Rudenko said.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the prime minister received an invitation.

“Our prime minister has received an invitation for participation in the Victory Day celebrations. We’ll be announcing our participation in the Victory Day celebrations at the appropriate time,” he said.

Russia has invited leaders of several friendly nations to attend this year’s Victory Day parade.

Modi travelled to Russia twice last year for an annual summit with President Vladimir Putin and to attend the BRICS Summit in Kazan.

The Russian president is expected to visit India for the annual summit this year, the people cited above

MC writes to Local Bodies Dept for approval of award compensation

Decks cleared for direct path to martyr Sukhdev’s ancestral house

MC writes to Local Bodies Dept for approval of award compensation

Nikhil Bhardwaj Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, Updated At : 08:57 AM Apr 10, 2025 IST

Martyr Sukhdev Thapar’s house at Naughara Mohalla in Ludhiana on Wednesday. Ashwani Dhiman

The Municipal Corporation, Ludhiana, has finally taken steps to provide direct access to the ancestral house of martyr Sukhdev Thapar in Naughara Mohalla. After a demand made by the martyr’s kin for the past one decade, the corporation has approached the Additional Chief Secretary of the Local Bodies Department to approve the award compensation for the acquisition of 44.50 sq yards of land.

As per information, the SDM, Ludhiana East-cum-Land Acquisition Collector, has prepared an award of Rs 33.01 lakh for the acquisition of the property. Officials have asked for immediate release of the amount so that the acquisition can be expedited.

Notably, the direct access path will enable people to reach the martyr’s ancestral house without trouble. At present, those who wanted to visit his house have to go through narrow lanes. Only two-wheelers can reach the place but with the direct access, the people can directly reach the house in four-wheelers from Chaura Bazaar by covering a distance of 100 m only.

The kin of Sukhdev Thapar had been fighting for the direct access for over a decade. The process started during the previous Congress regime but the progress was slow.

Ashok Thapar, president of the Shaheed Sukhdev Thapar Memorial Trust, expressed relief that the process was moving forward. He hopes the authorities would clear all hurdles, emphasising that it was not only for one person but also for future generations to learn about the martyr’s contribution to country’s freedom struggle.

The development has brought joy to the kin of the martyr, who have been working tirelessly to preserve the legacy of the freedom fighter. The direct access path will not only provide a convenient route to the ancestral house but also help promote tourism and cultural awareness about the martyr’s life and contributions.

Ashok Thapar further asserted that the Municipal Corporation’s decision to provide direct access to the ancestral house of Sukhdev Thapar was a significant step towards preserving the history and cultural heritage of the region. It was expected that the development would have a positive impact on the local community and will help promote a sense of pride and ownership among residents.

Advertisement

19.2 km road passing through areas of Punjab, Haryana to cost Rs 1,878 crore

The Union Cabinet today approved the proposal to build 19-km Zirakpur bypass in Punjab and Haryana. To be built at a cost of Rs 1,878.31 crore, the project will help ease traffic congestion at Zirakpur, which is the entry point to Chandigarh from Ambala side.

The six-lane bypass will start from the junction with NH-7 (Zirakpur-Patiala) and end at the junction with NH-5 (Zirakpur-Parwanoo). It will be of a total length 19.2 km passing through areas of Punjab and Haryana.

The project is aimed at easing traffic congestion in Zirakpur, Panchkula and surrounding areas by diverting vehicles coming from Patiala, Delhi and Mohali Aerocity to the bypass, and providing a direct connectivity to Himachal Pradesh.

A Border Security Force (BSF) jawan was seriously injured after an IED planted ahead of the security fence along the border with Pakistan detonated in Gurdaspur while a patrol was trying to defuse it. BSF officials said while the recovery…

A Border Security Force (BSF) jawan was seriously injured after an IED planted ahead of the security fence along the border with Pakistan detonated in Gurdaspur while a patrol was trying to defuse it.

BSF officials said while the recovery of drones, narcotics and weapons in the vicinity of the fence was frequent, the detection of IEDs was rare.

The incident occurred on the intervening night of April 8 and 9 while an area domination patrol was being conducted. The BSF has issued an alert along the 553-km border in Punjab and is reviewing its patrolling procedurestaking into account the possibility of more IEDs being planted in border areas. A technical and forensic examination of the seized IED components was being undertaken and appropriate action would be initiated after the report was submitted, sources said.

The BSF patrol detected suspicious items well inside the Indian territory. During the operation, the troops identified a suspected IED planted ahead of the fence, indicating an attempt to target the security forces and farmers, a BSF officer said.

The patrolling was aimed at dominating the area and ensuring the safety of troops, defence personnel and farmers who frequently traversed and plied on that route during the day.

Inspection revealed a network of concealed wires in the fields, confirming the presence of multiple IEDs. While cordoning off and sanitising the area, a concealed detonating device of the IEDs accidentally got triggered, resulting in serious injuries to a BSF jawan on the legs.

Despite the inherent risks, the troops continued their operation, successfully securing the area and preventing a potentially massive tragedy to the force personnel and farmers, he added.

The border in Punjab has also been witnessing a large number of drone incursions from Pakistan that smuggle in narcotics, arms and ammunition as well as fake currency.

Advertisement

A day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah concluded his three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, two encounters between security forces and terrorists began in the mountainous areas of Udhampur and Kishtwar districts. Both encounters commenced on Wednesday following human…

A day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah concluded his three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, two encounters between security forces and terrorists began in the mountainous areas of Udhampur and Kishtwar districts.

Both encounters commenced on Wednesday following human intelligence inputs provided by locals to the J&K Police and the Army.

An Udhampur police official reported that during a search operation in Jopher village, at least two to three terrorists were trapped when a gunfight broke out. The area falls under the jurisdiction of the Ramnagar police station.

In Kishtwar, the encounter began in the forest area of Naidgam in Chatroo when security forces launched a search operation based on intelligence inputs about the presence of three terrorists.

According to information, both groups of terrorists belong to the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit and are believed to have recently infiltrated from Pakistan. It is learned that the groups are highly trained and equipped with sophisticated weapons, including AK-series rifles.

It is believed the terrorists were hiding in forested areas in both districts. Security forces have intensified search operations in recent weeks, during which three encounters have already taken place in the Kathua district.

Security forces defuse IED in Kupwara

The security forces on Wednesday averted a tragedy by detecting and defusing an improvised explosive device (IED) weighing 8 kg in Kupwara district. During a routine patrol in the Hafroda forest area of Handwara in the north Kashmir district, the security forces found a suspicious object on the roadside, the officials said. A closer inspection revealed that the suspicious object was an IED. The area was cordoned off and a bomb disposal squad called to the spot, they said. The squad later destroyed the IED without causing any damage, the officials added.

CCS clears proposal to buy aircraft from France

Ajay Banerjee Tribune News Service

The Indian Navy will get French-origin Rafale-Marine fighter jets for its aircraft carriers, the deal expanding the force’s arc of offensive operations at sea and adding new capabilities such as long-range precision-strike missiles to hit ships and air targets.

In the event of a crisis, the Rafale-M jets can also be deployed to Indian Air Force (IAF) bases along the northern borders to bolster the IAF fleet of 36 Rafales.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved the purchase of 26 Rafale-M jets. These aircraft will be procured from French aviation major Dassault at a cost of Rs 63,000 crore, according to sources.

Can also bolster air force fighter fleet

• Rafale-M jets can augment the fleet of IAF’s Rafales
• Is capable of carrying Scalp-EG, a 650-km-range missile
• Will be deployed on indigenous carrier INS Vikrant
• To include 22 single-seater and four twin-seater jets

Deliveries are expected to commence three years after the contract is signed. The entire fleet is anticipated to be with the Navy by 2031. The deal includes weapons, simulator, spares, associated ancillary equipment, crew training and logistics support for the Navy. This will include India-specific add-ons such as establishing a maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) hub, integration of India’s own Astra missile and sourcing from local suppliers.

The Rafale-M is capable of carrying ‘Scalp-EG’, a 650-km-range cruise missile. The jets, 22 single-seater and four twin-seater variants, will be deployed primarily on board indigenously built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.

The Rafale-M purchase is one of the biggest military orders placed by the country after a tender was floated to get 97 Tejas Mark1A jets for Rs 65,000 crore. There were immediate comparisons on the social media of the price difference between the deals for Rafale-M and the IAF’s purchase of 36 Rafales for Rs 59,000 crore in 2016.

Operationally, the Rafale-M, like naval jets, have reinforced landing gears as a jet landing on an aircraft carrier mid-sea does not have the luxury of a long runway to stall. Like the Navy’s existing Russian-origin MiG-29K fighter jets, Rafale-M features foldable wings. This allows more planes to be parked in the hanger below the carrier’s deck as 25 per cent of the wings get folded.

The Rafale-M is a major jet upgrade for the naval forces after the MiG-29K planes joined its fleet in 2011. Of the 45 MiG-29K jets imported at a cost of $2 billion, five have crashed while the remaining operate from the INS Vikramaditya and the INS Vikrant. A few of the MiG-29K jets were forward located from their home base at INS Hansa to Adampur during the stand-off with China.

Maj Gen(Retd) Navneet Kumar,SM shares the army’s perspective on Col Pushpinder Bath

Another Case of Army personnel in Uniform : no assistance from Punjab Govt : listen to vedio

Constable Amandip Kaur was caught with illegal substance

Sukhpal Khaira, MLA and former Leader of the Opposition in Punjab, has called for an independent and impartial investigation— preferably by the CBI — into the alleged nexus between certain police officials and drug trafficking networks in the state.

His demand follows the arrest of constable Amandip Kaur, who was reportedly found in possession of illegal substances at a police check-point.

In a statement to the press on Thursday, Khaira expressed grave concern over what he described as “deep-rooted complicity” between elements within the police force and drug syndicates. He said the case involving the constable has raised serious questions about the integrity and accountability of law enforcement in Punjab.

According to Khaira, during her arrest, Kaur allegedly highlighted her ties with a senior IPS officer. “Such claims, if verified, suggest the possibility of a broader network shielding illegal activities under the guise of the authority,” Khaira stated.

The issue has gained further traction due to the circulation of a leaked audio clip, purportedly implicating the same senior IPS officer. While the authenticity of the audio is yet to be officially confirmed, Khaira maintained that it points to a troubling pattern. “This is not an isolated incident,” he said. “The officer in question has reportedly been named in multiple legal complaints and currently occupies a key position in the police hierarchy.”

Khaira has urged the state government to act decisively and transparently. “Given the potential involvement of high-ranking officials, only an independent agency like the CBI can ensure a fair and thorough probe,” he said. “The people of Punjab want to know the truth and justice must not only be done but be seen to be done.”

The government has not yet issued a formal response to Khaira’s demands. The police department has also not commented on the allegations.

Khaira emphasised that the focus should remain on systemic reform rather than individual blame. “This is about restoring public trust in the rule of law and ensuring that those tasked with protecting society are not themselves complicit in its harm,” he said.

The IAF operates 151 Mi-17 V5 helicopters, acquired from Russia in phases between 2008 and 2013

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a Rs 2,385-crore contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bengaluru, to upgrade the electronic warfare (EW) suites on Russian-origin Mi-17 V5 helicopters of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The IAF operates 151 Mi-17 V5 helicopters, acquired from Russia in phases between 2008 and 2013. These helicopters are heavily used in Himalayan operations.

The MoD stated on Monday that the contract includes the acquisition of EW suites, aircraft modification kits and associated equipment, along with their installation on the Mi-17 V5 fleet.

The state-of-the-art EW suites are expected to significantly enhance the helicopters’ survivability in hostile environments during conflict. Most sub-assemblies and components will be sourced from Indian manufacturers.

Calling the project a “significant leap” in building indigenous EW capabilities, the MoD said it aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make-in-India initiatives. It will also boost participation from Indian electronics and allied industries, including MSMEs.

The contract falls under the ‘Buy’ (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category of the defence acquisition procedure. It was signed in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.

The Mi-17 V5 has a maximum speed of 250 km/h, a cruise speed of 230 km/h, a service ceiling of 6,000 m and a range of 675 km with its main fuel tanks.