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‘Armed forces prepared to tackle any situation’

Amreli, June 14 (ANI): A team of 108 along with Pipavav Marine Police conduct a rescue operation of a pregnant woman who was bought to Pipavav port jetty via boat from Shiyalbet, in Amreli on Wednesday. All boat services have been stopped to go to Shiyalbet, only emergency boat service has been started. (ANI Photo)

The Border Security Force (BSF) has prepared itself to overcome the challenges posed by the effects of the cyclonic storm ‘Biparjoy’ along the Rann upto Rajasthan….reports Asian Lite News

As cyclone ‘Biparjoy’ approaches Gujarat’s coastal areas, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the preparedness of the Armed Forces to tackle the storm.

“Spoke to all three Service Chiefs and reviewed the preparedness of the Armed Forces for the landfall of cyclone ‘Biparjoy’. The Armed Forces are ready to provide every possible assistance to civil authorities in tackling any situation or contingency due to the cyclone,” tweeted Singh. Biparjoy is expected to make landfall near the Jakhau coast on the evening of June 15 and traverse all along the Rann upto Rajasthan.

Around 4,500 people have been shifted from their homes to shelter homes as a precautionary safety measure ahead of cyclone Biparjoy reaching the coast of Gujarat, informed the Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Parth Talsania.

The Border Security Force (BSF) has also prepared itself to overcome the challenges posed by the effects of the cyclonic storm ‘Biparjoy’ along the Rann upto Rajasthan.

Gujarat, Inspector General, Border Security Force Ravi Gandhi visited the coastal areas of Bhuj to oversee the measures being adopted to mitigate the devastating effects posed by the cyclone and took stock of readiness to deal with any contingency.

The cyclone is predicted to pass through all along the Indo-Pak international border. Besides guarding the international border, BSF has swiftly mobilised requisite resources for rescue operations.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) sounded a Red alert as cyclone ‘Biparjoy’ warning for the Saurashtra and Kutch coasts in Gujarat. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Cyclone Biparjoy poses threat to Sindh’s coastline

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-Top News Defence Europe

NATO begins biggest-ever air drills

Major airports in Germany are planning for unscheduled late-night takeoffs during the exercise as a precautionary measure….reports Asian Lite news

The NATO has started Air Defender 2023, its largest ever air force deployment exercise.

The German-led drill brings together 25 NATO nations with Germany’s leadership. The maneouver had been in the planning since 2018.

Some 10,000 soldiers and 250 aircraft, including 70 from Germany and more than 100 from the US, take part in the maneouver until June 23, Xinhua news agency reported.

About 300 people protested against the exercise in northern Germany on Saturday, saying that it “underscores the rejection of negotiations with Russia and further escalates an already threatening situation”.

Germany’s civil aviation industry, which has seen major strikes in recent months, is fearing cancellations as a result of the military exercise. Despite claims from the military that no flight cancellations are to be expected, Matthias Maas, head of the German air traffic control union (GdF), said such claims are “unrealistic and have no basis in fact”.

Major airports in Germany are planning for unscheduled late-night takeoffs during the exercise as a precautionary measure.

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-Top News Defence UK News

Manchester University flags cyber security breach

Cyber security. (source: ianstwitter/)

The varsity advised enhanced vigilance in light of the incident and the need to pay heed to suspicious emails….reports Asian Lite News

An incident of a cyber security breach was reported by Manchester University on Friday, with officials confirming that some of their systems have been accessed by unauthorised parties.

“Regrettably, I have to share with you the news that the University is the victim of a cyber incident. It has been confirmed that an unauthorised party has accessed some of our systems and data have likely been copied,” the University of Manchester informed through a release today. The university said internal specialists were working around the clock with established professional external support. “We are investigating what information has been accessed, and we’ll keep you informed as new details emerge,” the university said in the release.

The investigation into the cyber security breach was underway, with relevant authorities, including the Information Commissioner’s Office, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), the National Crime Agency and other regulatory bodies looking into the matter.

“We know this will cause concern to members of our community and we are very sorry for this. Our priority is to resolve this issue and provide information to those affected as soon as we are able to. We are focusing all available resources,” Patrick Hackett, registrar, secretary and chief operating officer was quoted as saying in the release.

The varsity advised enhanced vigilance in light of the incident and the need to pay heed to suspicious emails.

“You should be vigilant to any suspicious phishing emails. The NCSC has guidance for individuals advising on how to protect against the impacts of data breaches: Data breaches: guidance for individuals and families – NCSC.GOV.UK. There is also guidance on phishing. University IT Services have also published advice,” the release said.

The university added that it will keep providing updates as soon as it has new information to offer. (ANI)

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-Top News Defence India News

Indian Navy flexes muscle with twin-carrier mega exercise

The Indian Navy carried one of the biggest demonstrations of its formidable capability in recent years by carrying out exercise in the Arabian Sea involving both its aircraft carriers – the INS Vikramaditya and the indigenously built INS Vikrant, along with participation of over 35 aircrafts, reports Asian Lite News

The Indian Navy showcased its formidable maritime capabilities on Saturday with a spectacular display of multi-carrier operations and the coordinated deployment of more than thirty-five aircraft in the Arabian Sea.

This demonstration of naval prowess underscores India’s commitment to safeguarding its national interests, maintaining regional stability, and fostering cooperative partnerships in the maritime domain, said an official statement. It also marks a significant milestone in the Indian Navy’s pursuit of enhancing maritime security and power projection in the Indian Ocean, and beyond, it said.

The statement said that the exercise involved the seamless integration of two Aircraft Carriers INS Vikramaditya and the indigenously built INS Vikrant- along with a diverse fleet of ships, submarines and aircraft, showcasing India’s technological expertise in the maritime domain.

The statement said, “INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, centre-pieces of the exercise, serve as ‘floating sovereign airfields’, providing a launch platform for a wide array of aircraft, including MiG-29K fighter jets, MH60R, Kamov, Sea King, Chetak and ALH helicopters.”

These mobile bases can be positioned anywhere, allowing for increased mission flexibility, timely response to emerging threats and sustained air operations to safeguard our national interests across the globe, it added.

In addition, they provide our friends with an assurance that the Indian Navy is capable and ready to support our ‘collective’ security needs in the Region, the statement stated.

It also added that the successful demonstration of two-carrier battle group operations serves as a powerful testament to the pivotal role of sea-based air power in maintaining maritime superiority.

As India continues to strengthen its security apparatus, the significance of Aircraft Carriers will remain paramount in shaping the nation’s defence strategy and promoting regional stability, the statement said. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Indian Navy embraces green initiatives, technologies

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-Top News Asia News Defence

Cash-strapped Pakistan hikes defence spending by 16%

The crisis-hit Pakistan has proposed a roughly 16 per cent increase in the defence budget as the country continues to face internal and external security challenges.

Interestingly, all three services — Army, Navy, Air Force — were given an equal increase in the budget, although the military takes the major share given its size and the role, The Express Tribune reported.

Pakistan’s defence spending is now 1.7 per cent of its GDP, showing a decline compared to last year.

The defence spending in 2022-23 was around 2 per cent of the country’s GDP, the size of which has grown due to the rebasing of the economy, The Express Tribune reported.

Defence spending has always been the subject of discussions with some seeking greater transparency and open debate about the military’s budget.

In recent years, the government provides more details about the defence budget.

However, there has never been open debate within the parliament on the subject.

Observers believe that the increase in the defence budget is justified given the impending external and internal security challenges, The Express Tribune reported.

Despite the US troops withdrawal from neighbouring Afghanistan, Pakistan still deploys thousands of troops along the western border as well as in the erstwhile tribal areas to deal with the threat of terrorism.

The budget document shows that defence outlay for 2023-24 would be 1,804 billion PKR compared to the revised defence spending of 1,591 billion PKR earmarked for the outgoing fiscal year.

ALSO READ: China Tightens Grip On Crisis-Hit Pakistan

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Defence USA

Sonic boom rattles Washington

President Joe Biden, who was at the White House and also played golf Sunday, was briefed on the incident…reports Asian Lite News

A sonic boom that echoed over Washington on Sunday was caused by two fighter jets scrambling to intercept an unresponsive aircraft that later crashed in rural Virginia.

Residents of the city and its suburbs reported hearing the thundering noise, which rattled windows and shook walls for miles and caused social media to light up with people asking what had happened.

The F-16 fighter jets “responded to an unresponsive Cessna 560 Citation V aircraft over Washington, DC, and northern Virginia,” the North American Aerospace Defense Command said in a statement.

The two jets were scrambled from Joint Base Andrews, a Pentagon official told AFP, and they followed the aircraft that subsequently crashed in a mountainous area of southwest Virginia, one of the states bordering Washington.

President Joe Biden, who was at the White House and also played golf Sunday, was briefed on the incident, an official told journalists without specifying whether any emergency precautions were implemented due to the incident.

Public records showed the plane was registered to Florida-based company Encore Motors of Melbourne, whose owner John Rumpel told The Washington Post his “entire family” was onboard, including his daughter, a grandchild and her nanny.

“We know nothing about the crash,” he said. “We are talking to the FAA now… I’ve got to keep the line clear.”

The civilian plane had taken off from Elizabethton, Tennessee and was bound for Long Island, New York, the FAA said.

However, flight tracking website Flightradar24 indicated that it had turned around after flying over Long Island and headed back south over Washington and into Virginia.

Multiple US media reported the crash wreckage still had not been located, with the Post stating that investigators hoped to reach the site Monday.

“The NORAD aircraft were authorized to travel at supersonic speeds and a sonic boom may have been heard by residents of the region,” the command said, adding that it also used flares to try to draw the pilot’s attention.

The unresponsive aircraft crashed somewhere near Montebello, Virginia, some 170 miles southwest of the nation’s capital at around 3:30 pm (1930 GMT), the FAA said.

NORAD said it had attempted to make contact with the pilot until the plane crashed, intercepting it at approximately 3:20 pm.

Multiple US media reported the military did not shoot down the plane.

The US Capitol Complex in Washington meanwhile “was briefly placed on an elevated alert until the airplane left the area,” Capitol Police said on Twitter.

As far away as Annapolis, Maryland some 30 miles (50 kilometers) northeast of Washington, the city’s Office of Emergency Management quelled residents’ fears, writing on Twitter that the noise “was caused by an authorized DOD flight. This flight caused a sonic boom.”

The White House official meanwhile said the “sound resulting from the authorized DOD aircraft was faint” as far away as Joint Base Andrews, a 35-minute drive from the city.

Sonic booms occur when an aircraft exceeds the speed of sound. They can be a major nuisance, capable of not just startling people on the ground but also causing damage, like shattered windows.

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Defence India News

Indian Navy embraces green initiatives, technologies

Towards combating oil spills at Naval harbours, eco-friendly marine bio-remedial agents have been indigenously developed through NMRL…reports Asian Lite News

The Navy, as a self-driven and environmentally responsible force, has always been committed towards environment protection and green initiatives. As guardian of the seas, the Navy employs a number of ships, submarines and aircraft that have high energy intensity, thus increased energy efficiency is paramount in every operation and process the Navy undertakes, an official statement said on Sunday.

Some of the noteworthy initiatives towards ‘Clean and Green Navy’, are elaborated in succeeding paragraphs. IN has commissioned solar power with a cumulative capacity of 15.87MW which is in line with the Navy’s objective of fulfilling Govt of India’s ‘Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM)’ mission. These plants are grid-connected utilising single-axis sun tracking technology with computerised monitoring & control. Additionally, the 16 MW capacity of SPVs is at various stages of execution.

As a maiden initiative, an indigenous make and patented retrofit device developed by M/s Chakr Innovations for reducing diesel engine emissions were installed on a shore-based Diesel Generator for long-term trials. Trials have indicated a 70 per cent reduction in Hydrocarbon, Carbon Monoxide, and Particulate Matter in the engine’s exhaust emissions. The retrofit device for diesel engine exhaust emission reduction is being inducted in a phased manner on all land-based Diesel Gensets, and once inducted, it would go a long way in enabling the Navy towards reducing the emissions levels further.

Towards combating oil spills at Naval harbours, eco-friendly marine bio-remedial agents have been indigenously developed through NMRL. The state-of-the-art technology is unique in the maritime domain. The product consists of a combination of micro-organisms and their growth stimulant, which consume various types of oils such as diesel, lubricating, dirty oils etc, thus cleaning the seawater from any oil contamination and its consequent damage to the marine ecosystem.

Indian Navy in collaboration with IISc (Bengaluru) has operationalized a ‘first of its kind’ 100KW capacity AC plant in the country based on the natural refrigerant Carbon dioxide. This is a significant step towards reducing the use of conventional HCFCs with high Global Warming Potential (GWP) by employing a natural refrigerant with a GWP of 1 and is in line with the Kigali Agreement of 2016 ratified by India. The plant has been installed at the Centre of Excellence (Marine Engineering), INS Shivaji for trials and exploitation. Till now, the plant has clocked 850 hrs of operation successfully.

The utilisation of Hydrogen as a potential alternate source of fuel is also being pursued by the IN, successful shore trials of Hydrogen Aspirated Diesel Engine have been completed which has enhanced clean combustion, thus reducing CO emissions significantly. The device has now been fitted onboard a ship for pilot trials. Further, in line with the GoI initiative of Make in India, a developmental project on hydrogen fuel cell-powered ferry craft is also being pursued with shipyards. The use of alternate fuels, such as Used Cooking Oil-based biodiesel has also progressed in the last year to reduce vehicular emissions. A total of 192KL of B-7 blend biodiesel has been used in motor transport vehicles of the Navy.

To reduce the overall carbon footprint and enhance environmental sustainability, Indian Navy is ‘Geared Up and Committed’ to pursue Green Initiatives, realizing the national aim, to ensure a ‘Greener and Cleaner future for our next generations’. (ANI)

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2 Pak soldiers killed in gun battle with terrorists on Iran border

(140702) -- MIRANSHAH, July 2, 2014 (Xinhua) -- Photo released by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) on July 1, 2014 shows Pakistani soldiers entering a house through a hole during a military operation against Taliban militants at the main town of Miranshah in northwest Pakistan's North Waziristan. The United Nations and non-governmental organizations are helping nearly 470,000 uprooted people in North Waziristan in northwestern Pakistan near the border with Afghanistan, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters here on July 1. (Xinhua/ISPR) ****Authorized by ytfs****

The military’s media wing announced in a statement that a group of terrorists targeted the security forces station…reports Asian Lite News

In a gun battle with terrorists on Thursday, two soldiers were killed in Pakistan’s Singwan, the country’s bordering region with Iran, reported Geo News citing the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The security forces post of Singwan is situated in the district Kech of Balochistan. The military’s media wing announced in a statement that a group of terrorists targeted the security forces station. A fierce exchange of fire erupted between the security forces and the terrorists.

Providing details about the soldiers who were killed during the incident, the ISPR said that Sepoy Ishtiaq was a resident of the district Dera Ghazi Khan, while Sepoy Inayat was a resident of the district Jhal Magsi, Geo News reported.

Two terrorists were killed by security authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s South Waziristan area the day before.

According to the ISPR, security forces launched an intelligence-based operation in the general region of Dossali today after getting a tip regarding the presence of terrorists.

“During the conduct of the operation, intense fire exchange occurred between security forces and terrorists, resulting in the killing of two terrorists,” Geo News reported citing the ISPR. It added that weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the terrorists.

Blast kills 6

At least six persons were killed and two more injured in an explosion inside a house in Pakistan’s Punjab’s Kot Addu district on Thursday, Dawn reported citing the police.

The explosion took place in Kot Addu’s Daira Din Panah neighbourhood, the police said. While verifying the tragedy, Muzaffargarh District Police Officer (DPO) Syed Hasnain Haider informed Dawn.com that all of the deceased persons belonged to the same family. He went on to say that the family was going through the trash in the region when an explosion happened.

According to a representative for Rescue 1122, the fatalities comprised two women, two males, and two children, one of whom was two years old. The injured and deceased have been sent to the District Headquarters Hospital in Kot Addu, Dawn reported.

DPO Haider further stated that an inquiry into the incident was being conducted to ascertain its cause.

Separately, Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed condolences for the loss of life and asked Punjab Inspector General Dr Usman Anwar for a report on the event. Later that day, DPO Haider and Muzaffargarh District Commissioner (DC) Salman Khan Lodhi inspected the explosion scene, reported Dawn.

He went on to say that the family was sorting out the junk material when the blast took place.

The Punjab Forensic Science Agency and the Crime Scene Unit will also check the scene and write a final report on the occurrence, according to the source. (ANI)

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-Top News Asia News Defence

N. Korea to launch first military spy satellite

A military reconnaissance satellite is among the high-tech weapons systems that the North’s leader vowed to develop at a key party congress in 2021…reports Asian Lite News

North Korea on Tuesday said it will launch its first military spy satellite in June in a bid to monitor “dangerous military activity” by the US and South Korea in real time.

The North disclosed the timing of its planned launch through state media, a day after it notified Japan of its plan to launch a satellite between May 31 and June 11, reports Yonhap News Agency.

In a statement carried by Pyongyang’s Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Ri Pyong-chol, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission of the ruling Worker’s Party of Korea, said the North’s satellite reconnaissance is an “indispensable” act to bolster its self-defence capabilities against the enemies’ “reckless military exercises”.

The North’s spy satellite to be launched in June and various reconnaissance means to be newly tested are “indispensable to tracking, monitoring, discriminating, controlling and coping with in advance in real time the dangerous military acts” of the US and South Korea, Ri said in the statement.

He also vowed to “expand reconnaissance and information means and improve various defensive and offensive weapons and have the timetables for carrying out their development plans”, without elaborating on details.

Earlier this month, North Korea announced the completion of preparations to mount its first military spy satellite on a rocket, with leader Kim Jong-un approving the “future action plan”.

A military reconnaissance satellite is among the high-tech weapons systems that the North’s leader vowed to develop at a key party congress in 2021, along with a solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and a nuclear-powered submarine.

South Korea “strongly” warned against North Korea’s planned satellite launch on Monday, vowing to make Pyongyang pay “due prices” if it goes ahead with the launch.

The North’s proposed satellite launch would violate a series of UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions banning its nuclear and missile programs, as it uses the same technology used in ballistic missiles.

In December last year, the North conducted an “important, final-stage” test for the development of a spy satellite and released black-and-white photos of South Korean cities that were shot by its “test satellite” from space.

The North last launched the “Kwangmyongsong-4”, an Earth-observation satellite, in February 2016, claiming it has the right to develop “peaceful” space programs.

In April, North Korea fired a solid-fuel ICBM for the first time, after launching more than 70 ballistic missiles last year alone, the most in a single year.

ALSO READ: North Korea announces ‘satellite’ launch

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Defence India News Politics

Army Chief visits Manipur ahead of Amit Shah’s visit

General Manoj Pande will visit various districts where he will interact with the local commanders and obtain a first-hand account of the ground situation, reports Asian Lite News

Two days before the scheduled visit of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to the ethnic violence-hit Manipur, Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande reached Manipur on Saturday to hold meetings with various civil society organisations in Churachandpur district.

Defence sources said that the COAS arrived in Imphal on Saturday on a two-day visit. He will visit various districts where he will interact with the local commanders and obtain a first-hand account of the ground situation.

General Pande will also interact with the troops.

On Sunday, he will meet Governor Anusuiya Uikey, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, Chief Security Advisor to Manipur Kuldiep Singh and would discuss and deliberate over the current situation and future trajectory, in order to restore normalcy in the trouble-torn state at the earliest.

A Manipur government official said that in view of the widespread ethnic violence in at least 11 of the 16 districts of the state, the state administration had requisitioned Army and Assam Rifles on May 3.

As an immediate response, the Army and Assam Rifles deployed 135 columns of troops to diffuse the situation by carrying out active domination of the sensitive and fringe areas.

Approximately 35,000 people from different communities have been evacuated to safe zones and immediate relief and humanitarian aid has been provided to the displaced civilians by the Army and Assam Rifles.

Meanwhile, Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, who is now on a visit to the strife-torn state, said that Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to reach Manipur for a three-day visit on May 29.

Meanwhile, Eastern Command Army chief Lt Gen R.P. Kalita visited Manipur’s several sensitive and mixed-populated districts from May 22-24 to assess and review the ground security situation. He visited Kangpokpi, Matripukhri, Churachandpur, Bishnupur, Yaingangpokpi and Moreh, where he was updated on the security situation by the local commanders.

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