Action Construction Equipment Ltd (ACE) has secured a significant contract worth ₹420 Crores from the Ministry of Defence to supply 1,121 Rough Terrain Fork Lift Trucks (RTFLTs). This order accounts for 60% of the total procurement of 1,868 RTFLTs intended for use by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The contract highlights ACE’s expertise in specialized cranes and material handling equipment, reinforcing its leadership in these sectors.

Contract Value: ₹420 Crores for supplying 1,121 RTFLTs.

Share of Total Procurement: ACE secured a dominant 60% share of the total order.

Defence Application: The RTFLTs will enhance combat readiness and logistical efficiency across all three branches of India’s armed forces.

Strategic Importance: Supports India’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives by promoting indigenous manufacturing.

Impact On Indigenous Manufacturing

This milestone underscores ACE’s technological capabilities and robust R&D efforts. By contributing significantly to India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing, ACE reinforces its position as a key player in enhancing national defence infrastructure. The project aligns with government policies aimed at boosting domestic production through initiatives like ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.

The procurement is expected to generate employment opportunities both directly and indirectly by supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) involved in component manufacturing`. This aligns with broader economic goals focused on empowering indigenous industries.

This contract marks a significant step forward for ACE Ltd., solidifying its role as a leader in specialised equipment while bolstering India’s push towards self-sufficiency in military logistics.

Agencies

Security forces on Saturday launched anti-terror operations at nearly three dozen places across Jammu region, security officials said. The operations were launched over suspicious movements in some parts and as part of an area domination exercise in other places. No…

Security forces on Saturday launched anti-terror operations at nearly three dozen places across Jammu region, security officials said.

The operations were launched over suspicious movements in some parts and as part of an area domination exercise in other places. No contact has been established with the terrorists so far, officials said.

Operations were going on in the twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri, higher reaches of Udhampur-Kathua belt, mountainous Doda and Kishtwar and the forests near the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu district when the last reports of suspicious activities were received.

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According to officials, a search operation was started at Maidaan Mohalla in Sangiote area of Gursai in Poonch district after two suspected foreign terrorists were found roaming under the cover of darkness late Friday night.

Security forces also launched a cordon and search operation in Mohalla Qasba, Allapir and Jaalian in Mandi and Mankote in Poonch and Dera Ki Gali and adjoining areas besides parts of Sunderbani and Nowshera sectors in nearby Rajouri district.

A search is underway at 13 places in Poonch-Rajouri and 18 places in the higher reaches of Udhampur, Kathua, Doda, Kishtwar and Doda districts with a focus on Khaderan forest. — PTI

Says its women peacekeepers are indispensable

ndia remains a cornerstone of UN peacekeeping and its women peacekeepers have demonstrated that missions with greater female representation improve operational outcomes and contribute to lasting peace, the United Nations peacekeeping chief has said.

UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix will visit New Delhi this week to attend the conference ‘Enhancing the Role of Women in Peacekeeping: A Global South Experience’ being organised by India on February 24-25.

“India remains a cornerstone of UN peacekeeping” and “Indian women peacekeepers are redefining peacekeeping itself,” Lacroix told PTI in an exclusive interview here.

Noting that it’s a “privilege” to attend the conference in India, Lacroix said the gathering would bring together women officials from about 50 countries in the Global South to discuss the evolving challenges in peacekeeping and the critical role women play in advancing peace and security.

“More women in peacekeeping means a more effective peacekeeping. India has long been a leader in advancing women, peace and security in peacekeeping missions—not only as a top troop and police contributor but also as a pioneer in advancing gender parity, its leadership in training and capacity building and its commitment to increasing women’s participation in missions,” he said in the written interview ahead of the conference.

He said the presence of Indian women peacekeepers “proves that missions with greater women representation build stronger relationships with communities, improve operational outcomes, and contribute to lasting peace”.

US President Donald Trump recently warned that “World War III is not far away,” while emphasizing his administration’s commitment to preventing such a conflict. Speaking at the Future Investment Initiative Institute Priority Summit in Miami on February 20, 2025, Trump highlighted ongoing tensions in the Middle East and the war in Ukraine as contributing factors to this potential global conflict.

He asserted that if former President Joe Biden’s administration had continued, the world would likely already be embroiled in World War-III.

Trump stated, “There’s no profit for anyone in having World War III,” and stressed his intention to end wars and restore peace globally. He expressed a desire to avoid further casualties, saying, “I want peace, and I don’t want to see everybody being killed”.

He also thanked Saudi Arabia for facilitating negotiations between the US and Russia regarding the Ukraine conflict, calling these discussions a significant step towards peace.

In his remarks, Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, referring to him as “a dictator without elections” and suggesting that he has failed in his leadership during the ongoing war.

He concluded by asserting that while the US would not engage directly in these conflicts, his administration would work to stop them and ensure that America remains powerful enough to deter any potential threats.

ANI

The Army has successfully tested a laser beam capable of disabling drones from a distance of 1 km, with nine more such systems being added

Faced with new-age airborne threats such as drones, the Indian Army is tweaking its wartime arsenal to enhance its capability to track and neutralise them — an approach that has proven effective in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict.

The Army’s dedicated Air Defence (AAD) units are responsible for tackling immediate airborne threats. To counter drone warfare, the AAD is inducting new guns capable of firing advanced smart ammunition, along with high-power microwave systems and laser-guided equipment to disable drones mid-air. This shift aligns with the Army’s push for indigenous equipment, marking a departure from its four-decade reliance on Russian-origin systems.

Lt Gen Sumer D’Cunha, Director General of Army Air Defence, said on Friday, “The future is drone warfare, and we are prepared with a counter-drone strategy. We are integrating artificial intelligence to differentiate between enemy and friendly drones in close-range battles.”

The first step is detection, for which additional low-level lightweight radars are being deployed, particularly in valley regions. These Bharat Electronics Limited-made radars can identify drones within a 6-7 km range.

Next, the Army is working to prevent enemy kamikaze drones from targeting these radars. The upgraded arsenal includes the capability to detect, jam and spoof drones.

The Army has successfully tested a laser beam capable of disabling drones from a distance of 1 km, with nine more such systems being added. The next step is acquiring high-power microwave weapons from Indian suppliers, as microwaves can disable drone electronics.

Meanwhile, Russian-origin L70 and ZU-23 guns will be equipped with a new type of fragmentation ammunition capable of targeting multiple drones simultaneously. The Army plans to acquire 220 more such guns, with trials expected within three months. Currently, the L70 and ZU-23 guns have an effective range of 3.5 km and 2.5 km, respectively.

The AAD is also working on new air defence weapons to protect infantry and armoured units. A quick-reaction surface-to-air missile (QRSAM), developed by DRDO, has been successfully tested and has a range of 30 km. “We are hoping to finalise a contract in four to five months,” Lt Gen D’Cunha said.

Additionally, the Army is seeking replacements for Russian-origin ‘Shilka’ and ‘Tunguska’ weapon systems. In the long-range category, the Akash missile system currently has three regiments, each with 12 launchers. The Army is seeking two more regiments to strengthen its air defence capabilities.

Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC Leh, Tashi Gyalson, met Air Commodore Sanjay Prabhu and Group Captain Ajay Kumar on Thursday to discuss issues pertaining to air connectivity to far-flung areas in the region. Councillor from Tiger constituency, Rigzen Lundup, and…

Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC Leh, Tashi Gyalson, met Air Commodore Sanjay Prabhu and Group Captain Ajay Kumar on Thursday to discuss issues pertaining to air connectivity to far-flung areas in the region.

Councillor from Tiger constituency, Rigzen Lundup, and Leh Tehsildar Attaullah Khan were also present during the meeting.

Gyalson officially welcomed Prabhu, acknowledging the crucial role of the Air Force Station in improving connectivity and supporting development in Ladakh.

In the meeting, the officials discussed a range of important issues aimed at improving the region’s infrastructure and services, including challenges surrounding air connectivity, organising more medical camps in remote areas and exploring options to increase the frequency of civil flights to boost tourism, including late evening flight operations. They also addressed other matters related to ongoing initiatives and concerns for regional development.

Further, the discussion delved into making civil airlines operational at Thoise Airport, Nubra. The Air Commodore stated that, in accordance with Air Force protocols, all necessary preparations would be extended and there are no objections to it, signalling a significant step forward in improving air connectivity for the region.

Further, CEC expressed the desire to chair a follow-up meeting with the Air Force and the Airport Authority of India to plan for the early operations of civil flights in Nubra.

Gyalson acknowledged the significant role played by the Indian Air Force in the region’s development and their continued cooperation. Additionally, he emphasised that the Council’s support has been steadfast and will remain so for the betterment of Ladakh.

As the work on the upcoming international airport in Ludhiana is still going on, the Deputy Commissioner, Jitendra Jorwal, has asked the Indian Air Force (IAF) to complete the pending work at the earliest. The development assumes significance as the…

As the work on the upcoming international airport in Ludhiana is still going on, the Deputy Commissioner, Jitendra Jorwal, has asked the Indian Air Force (IAF) to complete the pending work at the earliest.

The development assumes significance as the new international airport coming up at Halwara air base had been granted the airport code, which is mandatory before launching the operations. It has been named Halwara airport by the Centre last month till the time any formal decision to give any specific name to the facility is taken.

At a meeting with the senior officials of the IAF and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) here, the DC reviewed the ongoing works at the Air Force Station and the civil terminal.

Taking stock of the progress of the runaway relaying, casting works, signages, besides other pending issues, Jorwal urged the PWD officials and private companies undertaking the ongoing work to expedite the completion of the pending tasks. He emphasised the need for effective coordination between the departments concerned and their officials, instructing them to address important issues promptly.

The Deputy Commissioner asked the officials to devise a detailed solid waste management plan to remove all debris and waste around the airport area within the next few days as garbage and waste could attract birds, which could disturb the flight operations.

Recently, the Centre had asked the Punjab Government to hand over the physical possession of the civil airport terminal complete in all respects to launch the operations.

With this, the bidding process for the operations of the airlines was also set to be launched shortly, which will take a couple of months before the commercial flights begin operations from here.

Air India has already announced plans to launch flights from Ludhiana once the airport becomes operational. Except the overlaying of runway, which is also progressing fast, the airport is ready for operations with the IAF and the state government completing almost all pending works inside their respective areas of operations.

“The ICAO code for IAF station Halwara is “VIHX”. Regarding the IATA code, as the information pertains mainly to IAF station, Halwara, Ludhiana, the request has been forwarded to the IAF. We are awaiting their response and will inform the airlines as soon as the details are received,” AAI Chairman Vipin Kumar had recently said. He further said that the operational date would be finalised once the terminal building was completed and officially handed over to the AAI by the Punjab Government.

While the overlaying of Taxi-A, Taxi-D and New Link Taxi inside the IAF premises is almost complete, March 31 is the deadline for completing the ongoing overlaying of the runway from where the flights will operate. This Rs 50-crore much-awaited and much-delayed big ticket project took over three years and missed at least 14 deadlines to see the light of the day.

Ludhiana, which is Punjab’s industrial and business capital with a population of almost 4 million, is presently serviced by a small airport at Sahnewal. Located at the geographical centre of Punjab, the new international airport will serve the entire state as well as neighbouring areas.

Tensions between India and Bangladesh have escalated over issues related to border fencing, security, and the safety of minorities. Recent developments highlight the complexities of their relationship, particularly concerning the ongoing construction of barbed wire fencing along their shared border.

Border Fencing Disputes

India’s Border Security Force (BSF) has resumed fencing work along the 4,096.7 km India-Bangladesh border, which has been a contentious issue since its inception in 1986. Bangladesh has raised concerns about these activities, claiming they violate the 1975 Joint India-Bangladesh Guidelines that prohibit any permanent structures within 150 yards of the international border. The Bangladeshi government summoned India’s high commissioner to express its “deep concern” over what it views as unauthorized fencing attempts by the BSF.

In a recent high-level meeting, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) formally objected to the BSF’s construction of a single-row fence within this restricted area and requested a joint inspection of disputed points along the border. However, the BSF has maintained that it is adhering to previously established agreements and has declined to renegotiate terms.

Security Concerns And Minority Safety

Both nations have also discussed broader security issues, including human trafficking and cross-border crime. India has expressed worries about attacks on its personnel and smuggling activities, while Bangladesh has called for stronger measures against illegal crossings.

Additionally, there are rising concerns regarding the safety of minorities in Bangladesh. Reports indicate a significant increase in attacks on Hindu communities since a regime change in August 2024. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs reported multiple incidents of violence against Hindus, which has led to heightened scrutiny from India regarding minority safety in Bangladesh. In contrast, Bangladeshi officials have downplayed these incidents, arguing that media reports exaggerate the situation.

Future Negotiations

The two countries have agreed to enhance coordination through intelligence sharing and joint inspections to address these border-related issues more effectively. The next round of discussions is scheduled for July in Dhaka, where unresolved concerns will be revisited. This ongoing dialogue reflects both nations’ efforts to manage their complex relationship amid rising tensions over border security and minority rights.

lobal defence spending has reached unprecedented levels in 2025, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions and security concerns. The total military expenditure worldwide is estimated to be around $2.46 trillion, marking a significant increase from previous years. This surge reflects a collective prioritization of military strength among nations.

India has recently solidified its position as the fourth-largest defence spender globally, with a military budget of $75 billion for 2025. This significant investment underscores the country’s commitment to military modernisation, strategic preparedness, and self-reliance in defence production.

The current landscape of global defence spending reflects a marked increase in military budgets across various nations due to rising security concerns and geopolitical tensions. The top ten countries with the largest military budgets in 2025 are as follows:

Top 10 Military Powers In 2025

1. United States: Leading the pack, the U.S. has allocated a staggering $895 billion for defence, which constitutes approximately 62.3% of the combined military budgets of the top five spenders.

2. China: Following the U.S., China has committed $266.85 billion to its military, focusing on modernisation and regional security initiatives, particularly in the South China Sea.

3. Russia: With a defence budget of $126 billion, Russia continues to invest heavily in military capabilities amid ongoing conflicts and strategic ambitions in Eastern Europe.

4. India: India ranks fourth globally with a defence budget of $75 billion, emphasizing military modernisation and self-reliance in defence production as it addresses regional threats.

5. Saudi Arabia: Allocating $74.76 billion, Saudi Arabia remains a key player in Middle Eastern defence spending, reflecting its ongoing security partnerships.

6. United Kingdom: The UK has set aside $71.5 billion, focusing on maintaining its military capabilities in a changing global landscape.

7. Japan: Japan’s defence budget stands at $57 billion, aimed at enhancing its self-defence forces amid regional tensions.

8. Australia: With a commitment of $55.7 billion, Australia is investing in advanced military technologies and capabilities.

9. France: France’s defence budget is approximately $55 billion, supporting its strategic military operations and commitments.

10. Ukraine: Ukraine rounds out the top ten with a budget of $53.7 billion, reflecting its ongoing conflict and need for enhanced military support.

Comparative Summary

Key Factors Contributing To India’s Ranking

Manpower: India leads in the number of individuals reaching military age annually and ranks second in available manpower.

Resources: The nation possesses significant natural resources that enhance its military capabilities.

Geography: India’s strategic location plays a crucial role in its defence strategy.

Despite these strengths, India faces challenges such as low rankings in specific military capabilities like helicopter carrier strength and mine warfare at sea.

India’s position as a top military power underscores its ongoing efforts to modernize its forces and enhance strategic preparedness amidst global geopolitical uncertainties.

Agencies