Defense

The Indian Army received the first consignment of 6,000 Israeli Negev Light Machine Guns out of the 16,000 ordered last year under the Fast Track Procedure.

The Army is now fine-tuning a proposal for its officers to study Tibetan history, culture and language on “both sides” of the Line of Actual Control and the international boundary as part of the measures being discussed to “counter the propaganda and spread of influence by China”, say sources.

President of India Ram Nath Kovind on February 6 will inaugurate General K S Thimayya’s museum in Kodagu district, disclosed Housing and Kodagu district-in-charge Minister V Somanna on Tuesday (January 26).

“The third batch of three Rafale aircraft landed at an IAF base a short while ago. They flew over 7000 Km with in-flight refuelling. The aircraft got airborne earlier in the day from #IstresAirBase in France. IAF deeply appreciates the tanker support provided by UAE Air Force,” the IAF posted on its Twitter handle.

The new production hangar set up last year can reach a peak production of 30 helicopters per year. The LCH has successfully carried out a range of missions, including firing of an air-to-air missile – the first by a chopper developed in India. It is also equipped with a 20mm Turret gun and 70 mm rockets, the firing trials of which have already been completed.

In a rare acknowledgement of Special Frontier Force (SFF), a secret unit comprising Tibetans living in India, a solider’s valour has been recognised for operations against Chinese aggression in Ladakh.

Investment in upskilling has potential to boost the global GDP by $6.5 trillion by 2030, including by $570 billion (over ₹40 trillion) in India alone—the third highest after China and the US, a WEF report showed on Monday.

Ahead of the Republic Day celebrations, the Government has an all-new website to honour the bravehearts who laid down their lives/ fought bravely for the country against all odds. The colourful website – https://www.gallantryawards.gov.in/ – was launched by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at an event in the national capital.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu today praised the DRDO scientists and engineers for taking India very close to self-reliance in missile technology with their hard work, dedication and perseverance. “Attaining self-reliance in the defence sector is not only of critical or strategic importance for the country, but is also essential in terms of national pride”, he said.