Defense

The launch of Sanghmitra is part of the Indian Navy’s larger plan to strengthen its offshore patrol and maritime security capabilities. A total of 11 Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels are being constructed simultaneously at two Indian shipyards — Goa Shipyard Limited in Goa and GRSE in Kolkata. These vessels are being indigenously designed and built, adding another layer to India’s growing self-reliance in warship construction.

PRAGATI stands for Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region. The exercise has been designed as a platform where participating armies can train together, exchange professional experience and build stronger military-to-military understanding. Its guiding spirit is equality, friendship and mutual respect, making it more than just a military drill; it is also a regional confidence-building effort.

The Ministry of Defence has earlier clarified that foreign investment in defence is allowed up to 74 per cent through the automatic route for companies seeking a new defence industrial licence, and up to 100 per cent through the government route where such investment is likely to bring access to modern technology. T

Param belongs to a growing class of Multi-Utility Legged Equipment, or MULE-type systems. Unlike wheeled vehicles, a four-legged robotic platform can move across uneven ground, climb obstacles, negotiate slopes, enter narrow spaces and operate in areas where normal vehicles cannot go. Such a system can be used for last-mile supply, surveillance, reconnaissance, perimeter security, mine or IED detection, sensor carriage and even emergency support in dangerous zones. The key advantage is simple: the robot can go first, carry the load, scan the route and reduce risk to soldiers.

The incident took place while the aircraft was flying over Africa at around 30,000 feet. A passenger reportedly developed seizure-like symptoms, suspected to have been caused by hypoglycaemia, a sharp fall in blood sugar levels. In an aircraft cabin, such a situation can quickly become dangerous because there is no immediate hospital access, medical resources are limited, and any delay can force an emergency diversion.

The approvals come through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales system, a government-to-government framework used for transferring defence articles, services and training to partner countries. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency explains that FMS is administered by the U.S. government and includes defence services, training, support and long-term programme management, not merely the transfer of hardware.