During a media interaction, Himanta Biswa Sarma spoke about the challenges of deporting alleged illegal Bangladeshi migrants through formal diplomatic channels; and said individuals were often “pushed back” across the border under the cover of darkness at locations where Bangladeshi border forces are not present

Bangladesh has summoned India’s acting High Commissioner in Dhaka, Pawan Badhe, to lodge a protest over remarks made by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on the alleged “pushback” of Bangladeshi nationals across the border.

According to a report in Dhaka Tribune, the Bangladeshi Ministry of Foreign Affairs called in the Indian envoy on April 30 and conveyed Dhaka’s “deep displeasure” over the comments, describing them as “disparaging” and potentially harmful to the spirit of friendly relations between the two countries.

The protest follows Sarma’s recent remarks during a media interaction, where he spoke about the challenges of deporting alleged illegal Bangladeshi migrants through formal diplomatic channels. He suggested that instead of formal processes involving the Ministry of External Affairs, individuals were often “pushed back” across the border under the cover of darkness at locations where Bangladeshi border forces are not present.

Dhaka conveyed that such statements undermine mutual trust and emphasised the need for restraint while addressing sensitive bilateral issues, particularly those relating to border management and migration.

Officials familiar with the meeting said Bangladesh also stressed the importance of maintaining constructive engagement and avoiding rhetoric that could inflame public sentiment or complicate diplomatic relations.

The controversy comes at a time when India and Bangladesh have been attempting to stabilise ties following a period of political churn in Dhaka, making the episode diplomatically significant despite being triggered by remarks at the state level.

India and Italy on Thursday took a step forward in strengthening their defence partnership and exchanged a bilateral military cooperation plan (MCP) for 2026-27.

This happened at a meeting that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had with his Italian counterpart Guido Crosetto in New Delhi.

According to the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the newly exchanged MCP outlines a roadmap for structured military interactions between the armed forces of both nations over the next year.

The meeting focused on enhancing military engagements and expanding defence industrial cooperation between the two countries. Both ministers reaffirmed that the India-Italy Strategic Partnership is rooted in shared values of peace, stability, freedom and mutual respect.

In a post on X, Singh said, “Happy to have welcomed my Italian counterpart Guido Crosetto and held extensive talks with him in Delhi today. We discussed a wide range of regional and global issues, including the current situation in West Asia.

“We also discussed the avenues to further develop mutually beneficial defence industrial cooperation under India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat programme and Italy’s defence cooperation initiative. A bilateral military cooperation plan (MCP) 2026-27 was also exchanged regarding military engagements between the armed forces of both countries,” he added.

Earlier in the day, Crosetto paid tributes to fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial. He was also accorded a ceremonial tri-service guard of honour at the Manekshaw Centre in Delhi Cantt.

Meanwhile, the Indian Coast Guard –- a force under the MoD — hosted an Italian delegation, including senior representatives from Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, at Coast Guard Headquarters.

Discussions focused on collaboration with Indian shipyards for future projects, highlighting advanced design features such as resilient hulls and hybrid/electric propulsion. The dialogue also explored modular ship design to enable versatile, multi-role platforms with rapid operational adaptability.

Both sides deliberated on indigenous development and co-development of niche technologies, including dynamic positioning systems, AI-enabled decision support, counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS)/anti-drone defence and next-generation green propulsion, in alignment with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh on Thursday said the procurement process for India’s advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA) was progressing and a request for proposal (RFP) likely to be issued soon to shortlisted private sector players.

Speaking at a security summit here, Singh said “the procurement process is on (for the fifth-generation AMCA programme), the RFP hopefully would be released soon to the shortlisted bidders who happen to be from the private sector and hopefully that will then pick up pace”.

In June last year, the Aeronautical Development Agency, under the Defence Research and Development Organisation, invited expressions of interest from Indian companies to develop and then produce the AMCA. The shortlisted entity needs to possess the capability of setting up manufacturing facility for series production. Singh said India was also exploring partnerships for developing sixth-generation aircraft.

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday notified the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2026, bringing changes to the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) framework and broader citizenship procedures. Amendments take force immediately.

A major overhaul involves complete digitisation of the OCI registration and cancellation system.

From now on, all applications for OCI card-holdership under Section 7A of the Citizenship Act, 1955 must now be filed exclusively through the designated online portal ociservices.gov.in. The earlier requirement of submitting applications in duplicate has been done away with.

In a significant modernisation of the system under amended Rule 33, registered OCI cardholders will now be issued either a physical OCI card or an electronic OCI (e-OCI) registration.

The issuing authority will henceforth maintain all records electronically.

A major new provision inserted into Rule 3 of the Citizenship Rules makes it clear that a minor child holding an Indian passport cannot simultaneously hold the passport of any other country “at any time”. The proviso “at any time” has been added afresh.

Applicants are required to formally acknowledge this condition and a corresponding declaration has been added to the related form.

In another change, the amendments add a new consent clause to the application and allows OCI applicants to share their biometric data for automatic or application-based registration under the Fast-Track Immigration Programme. The aim, officials said, is streamlining future immigration processing.

Amendments also make OCI renunciation process online and says declaration of renunciation of OCI card-holdership under Section 7C must now be filed electronically via the online portal. Where a physical card was issued, the original must still be physically surrendered to the Indian Mission, Post or Foreigners Regional Registration Officer concerned.

The new norms strengthen OCI card cancellation provisions. The revised Rule 35 empowers the Centre to treat an e-OCI registration as cancelled by direction, even without physical card surrender. “If a physical card is not delivered upon notice, the government may similarly direct it to be treated as cancelled,” the rules state.

The amended Rule 42 restructures the appellate process. Citizenship applicants aggrieved by an order may now approach an authority one rank higher than the original deciding authority. For OCI-related grievances, the Centre will designate the revision authority. A new Rule 42A separately provides for review of orders under the newly inserted Section 15A of the Act.

The notification signed by Nitesh Kumar Vyas, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, has been made under the principal Citizenship Rules originally notified in February 2009 and last amended in March 2024.

Domestic LPG prices remain unchanged despite steep commercial hike

The price of commercial LPG was hiked by the steepest ever Rs 993 per 19-kg cylinder on Friday, marking the third straight monthly increase due to rising global energy prices linked to the West Asia conflict.

A 19-kg commercial LPG – used by establishments such as hotels and restaurtants – now costs a record Rs 3,071.5 in Delhi as against Rs 2,078.50 previously.

Rates were last increased by 195.50 per cylinder on April 1. Prior to that, prices had gone up by Rs 114.5 per 19-kg cylinder on March 1.

In three increases, commercial LPG rates have gone up by Rs 1,303.

Prices of domestic cooking gas LPG – the one used in household kitchens – remained unchanged. Domestic LPG rates were last hiked by Rs 60 per 14.2-kg cylinder on March 7. It costs Rs 913 per 14.2-kg cylinder in Delhi.State-owned Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum revise ATF and LPG prices on the first day of every month based on international benchmarks and the exchange rate.

Global oil prices have shot up almost 50 per cent after the war in West Asia disrupted energy supply chains.

Petrol and diesel prices continue to remain frozen after a Rs 2 per-litre reduction in March last year; petrol currently costs Rs 94.72 per litre in Delhi and diesel Rs 87.62.

West Asia tensions keep currency under pressure

The rupee on Thursday gained four paise to settle at 94.84 against the US dollar after touching a record intraday low of 95.34, tracking a correction in global crude prices which hit $122.11 per barrel amid volatility in West Asia that kept the currency under pressure.

However, the local currency was negatively impacted by the uncertainty surrounding the US-Iran negotiations, which restricted gains.

The rupee opened the day at 95.01 in comparison to the US dollar on the interbank foreign exchange market, but it lost further ground to hit an all-time intraday low of 95.34 before ending at 94.84, up four paise from the previous day. The local currency fell 20 paise against the US dollar on Wednesday, closing at its previous all-time low of 94.88.

Meanwhile, the US Fed maintained interest rates despite significant inflation pressure driven by rising oil prices. Anil Kumar Bhansali, head of treasury and executive director, Finrex Treasury Advisors LLP, said the main effect on the rupee was of the rising oil prices, which touched $122 per barrel and looked headed for further upside as the US continued with its blockade of Iranian ports, while Iran did not allow any ship/tanker to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, the exchange data stated that foreign institutional investors sold stocks valued at about Rs 2,460 crore on Wednesday.

About half of India’s natural gas demands and 88 per cent of its crude oil needs are fulfilled by imports, with the Strait of Hormuz being the main route. The rupee has dropped by almost 5 per cent so far in 2026, following a similar decline last year.

GREETINGS TO SS-15 COURSE ON 29 APR 1973 DATE OF COMMISSIONING (53 YRS AGO)

The incredible Internet of ThingsManish Tewari

Trinco story travels a long way Maj Gen Ashok K Mehta (retd)

As General Dwivedi visits alma mater, a look at service Chiefs from Sainik Schools

Army set to hold first-ever multilateral military exercise involving 11 friendly countries

US sanctions target India-linked opioid supply chain tied to Sinaloa cartel

No material shows contact with Pakistani nationals: HC grants bail to YouTuber in Official Secrets Act case

Iran-Israel war LIVE Updates: US appears cold to Iranian proposal to end the war without a nuclear deal

IAF eyes Russian Mi-26 lease to boost heavy-lift capability in Himalayas

Op Sindoor showed terror epicentres no more immune: Rajnath at SCOUAE exits OPEC, signals major shift in global energy policy

No road, no vote: Villages in Lahaul & Spiti’s Pin valley shut gates on panchayat elections

On completion of 53 years of glorious date of commission from (29 Apr 1973 – 28 Apr 2026),  all those who passed out from OTS (Officers Training School) Chennai now called OTA (Officers Training Academy on 29 Apr 1973 , celebrated their completion of 53 years of date of commission  with families ,all over India and abroad where ever officers now Veterans have settled down.

This day when Gentlemen Cadets were transformed into Officers after  proudly supporting the first star on our young shoulders (Tech 6 – wearing two stars).  They were Commissioned into various Arms and Services, we moved forward taking on our responsibilities. Some  left after completing mandatory five years of service into newer pastures, other taking premature retirement and shouldering new responsibilities. Whereas the diehard continued serving till the day came for them to hang up their boots. During this time, many Course mates (CMs) were due to health issues, accidents and other causes and 2 minutes silence was observed  to pay respect and remember our departed souls of lost  who had departed from this world to the next one, who  left us before they were 55/ 60 yrs of age.

. It was a pleasure meeting our CMs and interacting with them. The whole affair was well attended, reviving our memories of the time spent at OTS (Now OTA) during the training period. The whole scenario of OTA has changed, with newer buildings and newer get up, but this no way lessened our enthusiasm. White House speaks was interesting giving the observe.

Happy 53 commissioning day to all our dear CM s

Greetings on the anniversary of our commissioning into the Army. May this milestone fill all of us with pride for all that we have variously achieved …
Wishing you and your loved ones good health and lasting happiness

The marriage of IoT and AI is a transition that dwarfs the original Internet’s impact

Manish Tewari

A person awakens not to an alarm clock but to a wearable band that has monitored the entire sleep architecture — tracking REM (rapid eye movement) cycles, heart rate variability and nocturnal peripheral oxygen saturation levels. Through a cloud-hosted machine learning model, it has chosen the lightest sleep phase within a predetermined window to trigger a gentle haptic pulse.

The bedroom lights slowly shift from a dim amber to a cool white, mimicking the arc of dawn, as soon as a tiny passive infrared sensor in the corner registers the first stirring of motion under the blanket.

The refrigerator has already detected that the milk carton’s weight, measured by a strain gauge embedded in the shelf, has fallen below a threshold, and it generates a grocery reminder that appears on the mobile phone screen, routed through a cloud service maintained in a data centre in some other part of the world. The smart kettle, triggered by a proximity tag in the owner’s slippers, heats water for tea; an ultrasonic sensor ensures that the water does not boil dry. All this unfolds before a single conscious choice has been made.

Welcome to the Internet of Things (IoT) — a network of physical objects embedded with sensors, software and communication technologies, enabling them to connect to the Internet and exchange data automatically without direct human involvement.

The term “Internet of Things” was coined in 1999 by Kevin Ashton, a British technologist then working on supply-chain optimisation at Procter & Gamble, during a presentation linking Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tags to the Internet. The insight was deceptively simple: if everyday objects could sense their environment and communicate without human intermediation, inventory management would cease to be reactive and become self-aware.

Yet, the primordial object was even older: a hacked vending machine, wired to purchase food supplies through a computer terminal, report its inventory on its own, and chill. The machine, Prancing Pony, named after an inn in JRR Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, also sold beer but only on credit and only to people over 21, since it knew everyone’s age. If a youngster attempted to buy beer, it responded “Sorry, kid.”

From that quirky beginning, the field mutated through embedded systems, wireless sensor networks and machine-to-machine protocols. Every IoT device now embodies sensing, networking, processing and actuation. This convergence of operational technology with information technology dissolved the air gap that once insulated, say, a factory’s robotic arm from the Internet.

That dissolution represents the single most consequential architectural change in the history of digital infrastructure because it transforms every sensor into a potential entry point for malicious code, every actuator into a weapon that can manipulate the physical world.

Ashton’s original substrate contained the entire genetic code of IoT: physically embedded constraints, low-power silicon and a wireless link to a networked database. The real ignition for IoT came from the collision of three exponential curves: the plummeting cost of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors, the planetary spread of IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) and the emergence of low-power WAN (Wide Area Network) protocols that whisper tiny packets of data across kilometres on a single coin-cell battery.

The current state of affairs is simultaneously a staggering engineering triumph and a policy quagmire. On the one hand, IoT has moved beyond wearables and smart speakers into the hard infrastructure of civilisation. In healthcare, for instance, continuous glucose monitors and implantable cardiac loop recorders that transmit medication adherence data have already transitioned to standard care protocols. These devices fuse the patient’s physiology with clinical decision-support algorithms, effectively turning every individual into their own digital twin.

On the other hand, the very ubiquity that makes IoT revolutionary also makes it terrifying. Unlike the Internet of human-to-human communication, where the worst-case breach often means stolen credit-card numbers or embarrassing email leaks, an IoT compromise is a kinetic threat. For example, insulin pumps can be remotely reprogrammed to deliver a lethal dose, or the CAN (Controller Area Network) bus of connected vehicles can be injected with malicious frames from the infotainment unit.

The marriage of IoT and AI is a transition that dwarfs the original Internet’s impact. The first Internet revolution was one of information: it indexed the world’s explicit knowledge and compressed the cost of sharing it to near zero. The IoT-plus-AI revolution is one of action — it indexes the world’s physical behaviour and compresses the time between signal and response to near zero.

IoT is a system of five layers: perception, network, middleware, application and business; but that model is static until AI becomes the brain across all layers. Edge-deployed TinyML models running on Arm Cortex-M microcontrollers fundamentally re-architect the Internet from a human-centric request-response system to a world where objects negotiate, learn and act long before a human ever joins the loop.

No case study exemplifies the breathtaking promise and the apocalyptic risk clearer than the saga of Claude Mythos, an AI tool capable of probing any system — desktop software, cloud infrastructure, embedded firmware — and rapidly surfacing zero-day vulnerabilities that a human reverse engineering expert might overlook for years.

Simply put, it could crash any machine it touched. The statement is not about mere software instability; it is about the fundamental brittleness of a world where AI, even with benign intent, can issue a physical command — such as opening a valve in a chemical plant or cutting power to a neonatal incubator — that cascades into a catastrophe because the AI’s mental model of the environment is imperfect.

This is the ultimate caution: in an IoT-saturated world, an AI agent is not just a disembodied text generator; it is a poltergeist with a wrench, a screwdriver and access to a billion actuators.

The future is one where entire cities will become soft-real-time control loops. Streetlights with LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensors will not only adjust brightness but also detect the micro-Doppler signatures of a pedestrian who has stumbled, instantly altering the signal timing of surrounding intersections while pinging the nearest autonomous ambulance. This is about turning the planet into a closed-loop metabolism — a form of geocybernetics — where every sensor-to-actuator chain is a potential attack vector.

The Internet gave humanity a new nervous system for information. The Internet of Things, once wedded to machine agency, gives humanity a new musculoskeletal system for the planet itself. The future beckons.