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MANA AVALANCHE 46 rescued, drone system to detect buried objects on way

A rescued worker being shifted via a helicopter from the Mana avalanche site to Joshimath for medical care in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. PTI

Four labourers have been found dead by rescue teams while the search is on for five others still buried under the snow following an avalanche that hit a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) camp near Mana in Uttarakhand on Friday.

The Army said 55 labourers were trapped in the incident. In the search operation launched by the Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), 50 labourers were rescued, but four of them died on Saturday. These labourers were part of a BRO team engaged in an infrastructure project.

Mana is the last village on the India side and is close to the Line of Actual Control with China. A drone-based system to detect “buried objects” was being sent by the Indian Air Force (IAF) for deployment in the search and rescue operations. The Army is continuing its search to save the five missing persons despite bad weather conditions.

As a 20 km stretch of the road between Joshimath and Mana was still under the snow, six helicopters — three from the Army Aviation, two of the IAF and a civilian helicopter hired by the Army — were deployed to evacuate the rescued persons.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today visited the site and took stock of the rescue operations. Central Army Commander Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta also visited the avalanche site. In a video put out by the command, Lt Gen Sengupta said: “All resources, including unmanned aerial vehicles and radars, will be pressed into service once the weather and road conditions are conducive. The casualties are being shifted by the aerial route.” Army doctors on site performed life-saving surgeries on those in dire need, while helicopters carried out sorties from the Joshimath helipad.

“Twenty four of the 50 rescued persons have been brought to Joshimath and are being treated there. One person with a spinal injury has been sent to the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, via air ambulance and the rest will be brought tomorrow to Joshimath and given medical assistance,” Chamoli District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari was quoted as saying to the media.

Indian Army and IAF chiefs flew in a Tejas jet at Aero India 2025, marking historic moment

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has expressed a vision for the Indian Air Force (IAF) to become a major aerospace power by 2047. This ambitious goal aligns with India’s broader strategy to enhance its military capabilities and achieve self-reliance in defence production.

The IAF aims to have its entire inventory produced domestically by 2047, emphasising the importance of indigenous weapons systems for future security challenges. This includes producing 35-40 fighter aircraft annually to replace ageing fleets.

By 2047, the IAF expects to operate advanced aircraft such as Rafale and upgraded Sukhoi Su-30 jets, ensuring a fleet of aircraft above the 4.5 generation.

The IAF plans to enhance interoperability with ground, land, and maritime forces, enabling seamless communication and data exchange during operations.

The IAF is involved in India’s space ambitions, including the Gaganyaan project, and aims to expand its space-based assets.

The IAF is focusing on automation and advanced technologies to enhance decision-making and stay competitive with global aerospace powers.

Key Strategies

The IAF is focusing on the TEJAS Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), with over 200 TEJAS MK-1A jets ordered. This program is crucial for developing indigenous fighter capabilities.

The AMCA is a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet being developed in collaboration with the DRDO and private sector partners.

The IAF is encouraging private sector involvement to enhance production capabilities, as seen with the C-295 transport plane manufactured by a Tata-Airbus joint venture.

The IAF is developing advanced variants of the Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM). Upgrades to the Akash surface-to-air missile system, including the Akash Next-Generation, are underway. A significant capital expenditure of ₹56,000 Crores has been allocated to enhance the IAF’s capabilities and support indigenous production

The IAF is working to indigenise critical components and materials to reduce reliance on foreign supply chains. The IAF needs to produce 35-40 fighter jets annually, which requires expanding production capacity beyond Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

Implementation Roadmap

Focus on accelerating TEJAS MK-1A production, initiating TEJAS MK-2 development, and enhancing indigenous missile systems like Astra and Akash by (2025-2030). Intensify private sector participation, develop additional production infrastructure, and advance AMCA development by (2030-2035. Achieve full-scale indigenous production of all aircraft and systems, ensuring self-reliance in both production and lifecycle support by (2035-2047).

Challenges And Opportunities

The IAF encourages private sector involvement to address production challenges, as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has its limitations.

There is a push for increased investment in domestic defence manufacturing to support the goal of self-reliance.

The vision is set against a backdrop of rapidly evolving geopolitical dynamics, emphasizing the need for robust air power capabilities.

The IAF’s vision for 2047 reflects a commitment to transforming into a fully self-reliant and technologically advanced aerospace power, capable of securing India’s interests in a rapidly changing global environment.

In a nutshell, The Indian Air Force (IAF) aims to achieve its goal of having an entirely indigenous inventory by 2047 through several strategic initiatives. By implementing these strategies, the IAF aims to achieve its ambitious goal of operating with a fully indigenous inventory by 2047.

The Indian Coast Guard Ship ‘Sachet’ embarked on a significant humanitarian mission by departing for Sudan on Friday, carrying a substantial cargo of over two tons of life-saving medicines.

This shipment includes crucial anti-cancer drugs, underscoring the importance of the mission in providing essential medical aid to Sudan.

Nearly two years have passed since the outbreak of conflict in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023.

Over 25 million people across Sudan, South Sudan, and Chad are trapped in a spiral of deteriorating food security. including at least 17 million in Sudan. The war risks creating the world’s largest hunger crisis, as per the World Food Program.

The Indian Coast Guard’s initiative highlights the country’s commitment to supporting global health needs, particularly in regions facing medical challenges.

The delivery of these medicines is expected to have a positive impact on the healthcare system in Sudan, addressing critical medical requirements and enhancing the well-being of its population.

Last month, India dispatched humanitarian assistance of 26 tons to Honduras in the wake of the recent Tropical storm SARA. The consignment comprised medical supplies and disaster relief material including surgical supplies, glucometers, oximeters, gloves, syringes and IV fluids, blankets, sleeping mats and hygiene kits.

This mission demonstrates India’s role in international humanitarian efforts, showcasing its capacity to respond to global health crises effectively.

ANI

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasised the importance of addressing critical technological challenges to ensure India’s strength and security. Speaking at the inauguration of ‘Vigyan Vaibhav-2025’ in Hyderabad, part of the National Science Day celebrations, Singh highlighted the shift in warfare from hardware to software, underscoring the need for India to lead in transformative technologies like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, machine learning, and clean tech.

He urged the youth to inculcate a scientific temper and make the best use of the internationally competitive infrastructure being established in the country.

Singh also reiterated the government’s commitment to harnessing modern technology for national security and praised the potential of India’s youth in achieving the vision of a developed India by 2047.

During his visit, Singh felicitated the team behind the successful flight trials of the Long-Range Hypersonic Anti-Ship Missile, which positioned India among a select group of nations with hypersonic missile capabilities.

He commended the scientists for their contributions to India’s defence capabilities and encouraged them to continue integrating evolving technological advancements into their projects.

The event, themed ‘Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science and Innovation for Viksit Bharat,’ saw over 30,000 students participate and featured more than 200 exhibition stalls showcasing cutting-edge defence and aerospace technologies developed by DRDO and leading Indian industries.

Singh also touched upon the New Education Policy 2020, which aims to transform science education by promoting creativity and critical thinking, despite resistance from some states.

He emphasised the importance of education in preparing the new generation to face global challenges and contribute to India’s technological advancements.

Solar Industries India Limited, part of the Solar Group, has secured a significant export order valued at ₹2,150 Crores for the supply of defence products.

This order, awarded by an international entity, is set to be executed over a period of six years, marking a substantial milestone in the company’s expansion into the global defence sector. The announcement was made in a filing before the stock exchanges on Friday.

In addition to this major defence contract, Solar Industries also issued commercial papers worth ₹75 Crores last week. These papers are scheduled to mature in March 2025, as per the filings with the exchange. The company’s recent financial performance has been robust, with a 55% increase in net profit to ₹314.87 Crores for the December quarter, driven by a 38% rise in revenue to ₹1,973.08 Crores compared to the same period last year.

Despite the positive developments, Solar Industries’ shares experienced a slight decline following the announcement, reflecting broader market dynamics. The company’s market capitalization remains substantial, standing at approximately ₹78,000 Crores.

Solar Industries continues to strengthen its position in both domestic and international markets, with a focus on defence and other sectors such as mining and construction.

A violent clash at the Indo-Bangladesh border in Tripura’s Sepahijala district resulted in injuries to a Border Security Force (BSF) Jawan and a Bangladeshi intruder.

The incident occurred when a group of 20-25 Bangladeshi nationals, allegedly involved in smuggling activities with Indian accomplices, crossed into Indian territory near Border Pillar 2050/7-S. Despite being cautioned by a BSF patrolling team, the intruders launched a violent attack on the security personnel.

The situation escalated further as the intruders attempted to snatch weapons from the BSF personnel, prompting a Jawan to fire a non-lethal round from a Pump Action Gun (PAG) in self-defence, which injured one of the Bangladeshi nationals.

Both the injured BSF Jawan and the Bangladeshi intruder were immediately evacuated for medical treatment and are currently undergoing care at nearby hospitals. Their condition is reported to be stable. However, there are conflicting reports regarding the outcome for the Bangladeshi nationals involved. Some sources indicate that one Bangladeshi national was injured and hospitalized, while others report that a Bangladeshi smuggler was killed in the incident.

The clash highlights ongoing challenges related to smuggling and border security along the Indo-Bangladesh border. Authorities have initiated investigations to identify and take action against those involved in the border intrusion.

In a separate incident, Mumbai Police apprehended 16 Bangladeshi nationals for illegal entry during a large-scale operation across several areas in Maharashtra.

The Delhi Government on Saturday announced a series of measures to curb air pollution, including denial of petrol or diesel to vehicles older than 15 years at fuel stations across the national capital. BJP leader Manjinder Sirsa, who recently took…

The Delhi Government on Saturday announced a series of measures to curb air pollution, including denial of petrol or diesel to vehicles older than 15 years at fuel stations across the national capital.

BJP leader Manjinder Sirsa, who recently took charge as the Environment Minister, said the directives would come into effect after March 31. Minister Sirsa, after holding a meeting with officials, said the BJP government would take stringent steps to curb vehicular emissions in the city.

“We are installing gadgets at petrol stations to identify vehicles older than 15 years. No fuel will be provided to them after March 31,” Sirsa said. Teams would be formed to identify vehicles older than 15 years and prevent these from entering the city. “We will rope in Delhi University students for a plantation drive. This will give nearly 30,000 students a chance to participate and get certificates,” Sirsa said.

A senior official of the Delhi Government, however, clarified that diesel-run vehicles older than 10 years would be denied fuel after March 31.

The minister said the government would make it mandatory for big hotels, office complexes, construction sites as well as Delhi airport to install anti-smog guns on the premises. “We are going to make it mandatory for all high-rise buildings and hotels in Delhi to install anti-smog guns. Commercial complexes will also have to install these,” Sirsa said.

The government would transform barren land in the city into jungles, he said. “We have decided on several new initiatives. We will take requisite permission for cloud seeding to create artificial rain when the city is in the grips of severe pollution,” Sirsa added.

In a breakthrough in the tunnel collapse rescue operation in Telangana that has been going on for a week, the whereabouts of four of the eight persons trapped have been traced, state Excise Minister Jupally Krishna Rao said on Saturday….

In a breakthrough in the tunnel collapse rescue operation in Telangana that has been going on for a week, the whereabouts of four of the eight persons trapped have been traced, state Excise Minister Jupally Krishna Rao said on Saturday.

Rao, who attended a meeting with officials involved in the rescue operation along with Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy, said there was a lot of progress during the past couple of days.

“In my view, the whereabouts of four persons have been traced through a radar,” he told reporters at the tunnel. He expressed the hope that they would be extricated by Sunday evening.

The other four appear to have been stuck beneath the tunnel boring machine (TBM), he said.

Asked about the condition of the four whose whereabouts had been traced, the minister recalled he had said on the first day itself that the chances of survival were remote.

The 450 foot-tall TBM was being cut, he said. Personnel of 11 agencies were involved in the operation.

Referring to criticism by opposition parties that the operation was getting delayed, Rao said those involved in the endeavour were experts but the rescue work was complex in view of the conditions, including slush, inside the tunnel.

Eight persons — engineers and labourers — have been trapped under the collapsed roof of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal tunnel since February 22. The rescue operations are on in full swing to pull them out to safety.

BRO camp buried | 32 workers pulled out | Snowfall hits rescue op

As many as 32 labourers were rescued late Friday night after 57 got trapped as a massive avalanche struck a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) camp near Mana, nearly 6 km north of Badrinath shrine in Uttarakhand, along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.

The snowslide, which buried the BRO camp between Mana and Badrinath, rolled down early on Friday morning. The avalanche was preceded by two mild snowslides. Multiple teams battled through tough terrain, heavy snow and icy temperatures through the day to reach the men.

Visuals from Mana showed rescuers trudging through high piles of snow in a grim landscape bathed in white. They initially pulled out 10 workers and then the others, sources said. Four of those rescued are reported to be in a critical condition, the Army said.

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, in a post on X on Friday evening, confirmed that 32 labourers had been rescued and that efforts were underway on a “war footing” to save the remaining 25.

Brig Mandeep Singh, Commander of the Joshimath-based Ibex Brigade of the Army, reported that the road between Joshimath and Mana had been blocked due to the avalanche. “A 200-member Army team has been deployed for rescue operation. Despite harsh weather conditions and continuous snowfall, the rescue is underway. Efforts are also on to clear the road to extricate the injured and deploy additional rescue teams,” he said.

Brigadier Singh added that Army doctors at the site had performed critical life-saving surgeries on the severely injured. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Dhami and assured that local Army units were providing all possible assistance to those affected. Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to CM Dhami and assured that the government’s priority was to safely evacuate those trapped.

“Two teams of the NDRF are also reaching the spot soon,” he said. Villagers in Mana said the site of the accident was considered vulnerable to avalanches in winter and the BRO camp was usually closed. “This time the camp was not closed due to lack of snowfall due to which they became victims of the avalanche,” Mana village headman Pitambar Singh said. Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman said the situation was critical with the containers buried under six to seven feet of snow. The bad weather continued. (With PTI inputs)

General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), recently addressed the French Joint Staff College, providing a comprehensive overview of India’s strategic landscape.

This engagement was part of his four-day official visit to France, aimed at bolstering military collaboration and exploring new avenues of cooperation between the two nations. During his address, General Dwivedi highlighted India’s evolving security environment and the imperative for enhanced global cooperation to ensure collective security.

His visit underscored India’s commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships with France, focusing on areas such as joint military exercises, modernization of armed forces, and technological advancements in defence.

General Dwivedi’s itinerary in France included meetings with senior French military officials, visits to prestigious military institutions, and participation in live firing demonstrations by the French Scorpion Division.

He also laid a wreath at the Neuve-Chapelle Indian War Memorial to honour Indian soldiers who fought in World War I. The visit reinforced India’s expanding military partnerships and strategic collaboration with France, aligning with India’s broader goal of enhancing its defence capabilities and global security role.

“General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS visited the Airbus Facility at Marseille where he was briefed on cutting edge aviation technology, defence systems and aerospace engineering that Airbus has pioneered. This visit underscores the Indian Army’s commitment to leveraging global aerospace innovations to enhance operational capabilities and strengthen defence preparedness, especially in the rotary wing aviation,” Additional Directorate General of Public Information posted on X.

Taking to X, Additional Directorate General of Public Information wrote, “General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS during his ongoing official visit to France, today was shown a live firing demonstration by the Scorpion Division at Carpiagne near Marseille. The firing showcased an integrated firing by the newly inducted Jaguar, Griffon and Serval vehicles followed by equipment display.”

The discussions during his visit emphasised the importance of interoperability and coordination in tactical operations, as exemplified by the annual joint military drill, Exercise SHAKTI, conducted by the armies of both nations.

ANI