IAF Expected To Get First TEJAS MK-1A Fighter By July

New Delhi: In a significant development, the first TEJAS MK-1A fighter aircraft is expected to be delivered to the Indian Air Force by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited by July this year.

The aircraft was earlier expected to be delivered to the IAF in the February-March timeframe but a short delay happened due to technical reasons.

"The Indian Air Force and the public sector HAL have recently reviewed the TEJAS fighter project and it is now expected to be delivered to the force by July this year," defence officials told ANI.

The HAL carried out the first flight of the fighter last month and a number of other integration trials would be completed in the next few weeks before it is delivered to the IAF, they said.

The indigenous fighter aircraft induction into the force will be a major step in realising self reliance in the military sector and the Prime Minister may also be invited on the occasion, the officials said.

The TEJAS MK-1A project was conceptualised after Prime Minister Narendra Modi took charge. One order worth ₹48,000 crore for 83 planes has already been placed and another one expected to be worth ₹65,000 crore is going to be placed for 97 planes by the end of this financial year.

The Defence Ministry has already issued a tender to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), for the purchase of 97 made-in-India TEJAS MK-1A fighter jets.

This tender is the largest order for indigenous military hardware ever to be placed by the Indian government. Recently issued by the Defence Ministry to HAL, the company has been given a three-month timeframe to respond.

Government officials had informed ANI that this program aims to replace the Indian Air Force's fleet of MiG-21s, MiG-23s, and MiG-27s, which have either been phased out or are scheduled for phase out soon.

Backed by both the Defence Ministry and Air Headquarters, the indigenous fighter aircraft program is expected to significantly boost indigenization efforts and provide substantial business opportunities for small and medium enterprises engaged in the defence sector across the country.

The indigenous fighter aircraft program, fully backed by Defence Ministry and Air Headquarters is set to be a big boost for promoting indigenisation as well as give major business to the small and medium enterprises engaged in defence business across the country, they said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been pushing for the revival of the HAL which has bagged orders for building all types of indigenous fighter aircraft, and helicopters along with the engines for them under his government.

The Prime Minister also undertook a sortie in the trainer variant of the indigenous fighter which was the first ever sortie by the Prime Minister of India in any combat aircraft.

The plan to acquire 97 more TEJAS MK-1A fighter jets was also announced first by the Indian Air Force chief VR Chaudhari on foreign soil in Spain when he told ANI about the mega plans to boost the indigenous fighter aircraft orders.

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Two Terrorists Gunned Down As Army Foils Infiltration Bid Along LoC In Kupwara

Two terrorists were gunned down as the Indian Army foiled an infiltration bid along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, sources said.

The search operation was underway in the area at the time of filing this report.

"On specific intelligence input, a joint search operation was launched by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police in the general area of Amrohi, Tangdhar, and Kupwara on May 15, 2024," read a post on the official X handle of the army's Chinar Corps.

During the subsequent search operation, two pistols, ammunition and other war-like stores were recovered, the post added.

This is a developing story and further updates are awaited.

Earlier, on May 9, the army concluded 'Operation Redwani Payeen', eliminating three terrorists after a vigil of 40 hours. The operation was launched in the wake of the ambush of an IAF vehicle, resulting in the death of a senior Air Force officer.

"A joint operation that commenced on the intervening night of May 6-7 in the general area of Redwani Payeen, Kulgam, has been concluded after a relentless vigil of approximately 40 hours. 4 terrorists have been eliminated along with the recovery of war-like stores, inflicting yet another hit on the terror ecosystem," the army's Chinar Corps posted on X, sharing details of the operation.

"The Chinar Corps remains committed to maintaining peace and tranquilly in Kashmir," it added.

(With Agency Inputs)

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'PoK Temporarily Slipped Away Due To Someone's Weakness Or Mistake': EAM Takes Veiled Swipe At Nehru, Cong

Nashik: In a veiled swipe at the country's first prime minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and the Congress, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said India lost its hold on Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK) due to "someone's weakness or mistake".

Jaishankar made the remarks while addressing a programme event titled 'Vishwabandhu Bharat'

To a question on what would China's response be if India crossed the 'Lakshman Rekha' and integrated PoK to the Union of India, given that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor passes through Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan, the External Affairs Minister said, "I don't believe there's any such thing as a 'Lakshman Rekha'. I think PoK is a part of India, and due to someone's weakness or mistake, it's temporarily slipped away from us."

Reaffirming the parliamentary resolution to reclaim PoK, the career diplomat and former ambassador to Beijing highlighted the historical context of China's involvement in the region, stressing that neither Pakistan nor its neighbour can assert its sovereignty over PoK, as India has a 'legitimate claim' over the territory.

"I was China's ambassador, and we all are aware of China's past actions and it working hand in glove with Pakistan... its old history. We repeatedly told them that this land, neither Pakistan nor China claims it as theirs. If there's any sovereign claimant, it's India. You're occupying, you're building there, but the legal title is mine," Jaishankar added.

Invoking the 1963 agreement between Pakistan and China, Jaishankar noted that while Islamabad transferred a significant portion of the Pakistan-occupied territory to China as a gesture of friendship, the agreement stipulates that China will ultimately respect the territorial claims of either Pakistan or India.

"In 1963, Pakistan and China agreed to take their friendship forward, and to keep China close, Pakistan handed over about 5,000km of the Pakistan-occupied territory to China. It's written in that agreement that eventually, China will respect whether this territory belongs to Pakistan or India. Sometimes people just grab territory, and then it's about how to resolve it," Jaishankar said.

Addressing the changing dynamics in the region, Jaishankar emphasised the need for India to assertively maintain its position via a vis PoJK, saying, "I think we need to keep our position very strong, we need to have confidence in ourselves. Ten years ago, none of you would talk like this, it's a change... even the Indian public has confidence in this."

Notably, the BJP leaders have been taking regular pot-shots at previous Congress governments under Pt Nehru and Indira Gandhi over the ceding of the island of Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka while also invoking PoK.

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NIA Attaches Multiple Properties of JeM Terrorist In Kashmir

Jammu: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has attached as many as seven immovable properties of a top terrorist belonging to the banned Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist organisation.

Terrorist Sartaj Ahmed Mantoo's properties, including land measuring 19 Marlas and 84 Sq ft at Kisarigam in Pulwama district of Kashmir, were attached on Wednesday under Section 33 (1) of UA (P) Act, 1967, on the orders of NIA Special Court, Jammu.

Sartaj was arrested on January 31, 2020, and several arms, ammunition and explosives were recovered from his possession. He was chargesheeted on July 27, 2020, and is currently facing trial under relevant sections of Arms Act, IPC, Explosive Substances Act, UA (P) Act and Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933.

Along with his five co-accused members of JeM, he was involved in transporting freshly infiltrated terrorists to the Kashmir valley. Three terrorists were killed and arms, ammunition and explosives were also seized in the case (RC-02/2020/NIA/JMU), related to a conspiracy to unleash terror attacks on security forces/apparatus as part of an anti-India agenda.

Since its formation in 2000 by Maulana Masood Azhar, JeM has carried out several terrorist attacks in India including Jammu and Kashmir.

JeM was enlisted as a "Designated Foreign Terrorist Organisation" by the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSC) 1267 and the group's leader Maulana Masood Azhar was designated as "Global Terrorist" in 2019 by the UNSC.

NIA had, just a week ago, attached six immovable properties of another top militant of JeM in Kashmir as part of its crackdown on terror operatives in Jammu and Kashmir.

(With Agency Inputs)

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India Is Becoming Manufacturing Hub of The World: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

Mumbai: India is becoming the manufacturing hub of the world, said Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw while speaking at the event Viksit Bharat Ambassador at National Stock Exchange, Mumbai.

He highlighted that India has rolled out the world's fastest 5G network with indigenously developed equipment and also cited the example of a girl from a village in Bihar and said, after training she is operating complex mobile equipment with great confidence.

He said "Recently, I went to a mobile manufacturing factory. There is a girl from Patna, who is operating a very complex machine called SMT. She is operating that machine. I asked her how difficult it was for her. She said that in the beginning, after seeing the machine, I used to wonder what it is. But after some training and practice, confidence increased"

He further said, "I asked her, what is the biggest change in your life? She said, that when I go back to the village, I get more respect than the village head, MLA and MP. Village people say, she manufactures mobile."

The minister also highlighted that while most of Europe still relies on 3G and 4G networks, India has already implemented 5G as early as 2022.

He said, "Most of Europe you won't find 5G. There was mostly 3G, 4G was also not there in many places."

Moreover, he also emphasized the rapid pace of the 5G network deployment in India, with the 5G towers installed in very less time.

"India started 5G on 1st October 2022. 1st October. In the time frame of 18 - 19 months, 4,35,000 towers of 5G were installed," he added.

The minister highlighted that the world is amazed now with the speed of the 5G roll out that happened in the country and now the entire world is looking at India and acknowledges India as a leader in this aspect.

"The world's fastest rollout of 5G has happened in India. And the whole world is surprised by this. Now in the world, everyone says that if it happens in India, it will be of a different scale" the minister added.

During the event the minister also highlighted that the equipment used in the 5G technology were also developed indigenously which highlights the technological advancement of the country.

"The equipment used in the 5G rollout, 80 per cent of that equipment is made in India. That's something which is amazing. That is what is currently happening in our country," he added.

(With Agency Inputs)

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Indian Army Eliminates 2 Terrorists in J&K's Kupwara Trying To Infiltrate Along LoC

Kupwara: Two terrorists were gunned down as the Indian Army foiled an infiltration bid along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, sources said.

The search operation was underway in the area at the time of filing this report.

“On specific intelligence input, a joint search operation was launched by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police in the general area of Amrohi, Tangdhar, and Kupwara on May 15, 2024,” read a post on the official X handle of the army’s Chinar Corps.

During the subsequent search operation, two pistols, ammunition and other war-like stores were recovered, the post added.

This is a developing story and further updates are awaited.

Earlier, on May 9, the army concluded ‘Operation Redwani Payeen’, eliminating three terrorists after a vigil of 40 hours. The operation was launched in the wake of the ambush of an IAF vehicle, resulting in the death of a senior Air Force officer.

“A joint operation that commenced on the intervening night of May 6-7 in the general area of Redwani Payeen, Kulgam, has been concluded after a relentless vigil of approximately 40 hours. 4 terrorists have been eliminated along with the recovery of war-like stores, inflicting yet another hit on the terror ecosystem,” the army’s Chinar Corps posted on X, sharing details of the operation.

“The Chinar Corps remains committed to maintaining peace and tranquilly in Kashmir,” it added.

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Russian Envoy Delivers Address To Officers of National Defence College In Delhi

New Delhi: The Russian Ambassador to India, Denis Alipov, delivered his annual address to the officers of India's National Defence College in New Delhi on Thursday.

In a post on X, the Russian Embassy in India stated, "On May 16, #Russian Ambassador to #India Denis Alipov delivered his annual address to the officers of India's National #Defence College in New Delhi."

Earlier in April, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval held a bilateral meeting with Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev and both sides reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation and discussed important issues of mutual interest.

NSA Ajit Doval held the meeting on the sidelines of the XII International Meeting of High Ranking Officials Responsible for Security Matters in St Petersburg, Russia.

"On the sidelines of the XII International Meeting of High Ranking Officials Responsible for Security Matters in St Petersburg, NSA Shri Ajit Doval had a bilateral meeting with His Excellency Mr. Nikolai Patrushev, Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation. Both sides reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation and discussed important issues of mutual interest," the Indian embassy in Moscow said in a post shared on X.

Moreover, NSA Doval also held a bilateral meeting with the Chief Advisor to the Brazilian president, Celso Amorim and discussed bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest.

NSA Doval also participated in the luncheon meeting of BRICS NSAs hosted by the Russian Security Council's Secretary. During the meeting, he called for closer cooperation in the fight against terrorism and concrete actions to prevent transborder planning, funding and execution of terrorist acts.

In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Russia stated, "NSA Shri Ajit Doval spoke at the luncheon meeting of BRICS NSAs hosted by the Secretary of the Russian Federation's Security Council and called for closer cooperation in the fight against terrorism and concrete actions to prevent trans-border planning, funding and execution of terrorist acts."

(With Agency Inputs)

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Pakistan Conducts Successful Training Launch of 'Fatah-II' Rocket System

Pakistan did a successful test launch of the “Fatah-II” guided multi-launch rocket system. Pakistan’s weaponry is getting better, and this event is a big step in that direction. The Fatah-II rocket system was made to hit targets up to 400 kilometers away with great accuracy. It can get around and get past missile defence systems because it has a sophisticated tracking system and a unique ability to change its path and move around.

Chinese Sales

The overall design of the artillery system and notably the Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL reveals it as a Chinese supplied system. The TEL especially marks a close resemblance to the Chinese made Weishi rocket series.

Observation And Recognition

Senior army officials, scientists, and engineers watched the flight test of the Fatah-II rocket system to make sure it went well and efficiently. After the launch went well, President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and top military officers praised the troops and scientists who worked on it. They did this to show how important this military technology advance was to the whole country.

Adding Fatah-II to Pakistan’s artillery divisions is meant to improve the army’s ability to hit faraway targets with pinpoint accuracy. It is expected that this induction will greatly improve the destructive power and range of the country’s conventional military assets.

About Fatah-II Guided Rocket System

This solid-fuel, surface-to-surface missile has a longer range of up to 400 km and better accuracy thanks to a more modern guidance system.

It can work in a range of weather conditions and is successful against a wide range of targets, which improves Iran’s tactical capabilities.

More About Pakistan’s Artillery Divisions

Pakistan’s artillery divisions, which are an important part of its military policy, use both self-propelled and towed artillery a lot. The main types of weapons are M109 howitzers from the United States and NORINCO SH-15 artillery systems from China. Pathfinder and rocket weapons, like the A-100 rocket launcher, are used by Pakistan’s strategic units. The Army Strategic Forces Command, a well-known division, is in charge of ballistic missile activities. In the past, artillery units were very important in the Indo-Pak wars. They used strategies that combined artillery fire with infantry maneuvers in mountainous areas. This was especially clear in the battles of 1965 and 1971.

Fact Sheet: Pakistan’s Rocket Artillery

All rocket artillery weapons are supplied by foreign sources, and the bulk of the artillery is supplied by China.

KRL Ghazab — (40 km)

A-100E — (120 km) (China)

Fatah-I — (140 km)

Fatah-II — (400 km) – Testing Phase

Fatah-III — (450 km) – Under Development

Fatah-IV — (700 km) -Under Development

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Chinese Leader Xi Expresses 'Readiness To Work With Putin' To Jointly Steer Future Direction of Bilateral Relations

Beijing: Following Russian President Vladimir Putin's arrival in Beijing, China's President Xi Jinping expressed readiness to work with the Russian leader to jointly steer the future direction of bilateral relations between the two countries, reported Xinhua.

During large-group talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China's President said that the two sides should take the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties as a new starting point, further synergize development strategies, and continue to enrich bilateral cooperation, to bring greater benefits to the two countries and peoples.

As Putin's motorcade of nearly 20 vehicles, escorted by a formation of motorcyclists dressed in ceremonial white uniforms, arrived outside the Great Hall of the People, the two countries' anthems were played to the accompaniment of a gun salute, before the two leaders walked along the red carpets, Al Jazeera reported.

Xi expressed his readiness to make new plans for cooperation between the two countries in various fields, as reported by Xinhua.

China's leader, Xi, noted that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of China and said that the country is advancing Chinese modernization on all fronts and moving faster to foster new productive forces through high-quality development, which will add new drivers to global economic growth.

He further stressed that both China and Russia are permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and major emerging markets.

It is the shared strategic choice of both countries to deepen strategic coordination, expand mutually beneficial cooperation and follow the general historical trend of multipolarity in the world and economic globalisation, Xinhua reported.

Xi highlighted that this is the Russian President's first foreign visit after he began his new term as president, stressing that this shows the great importance President Putin and the Russian government attach to developing China-Russia relations.

Later, in discussions, the Chinese President greeted Putin as an "old friend" and said that China and Russia's relationship had stood the test of time and that they had provided each other with "strategic guidance" in their more than 40 meetings over the past decade.

As part of Putin's visit to China, he was scheduled to travel to Harbin, the capital of China's northeastern Heilongjiang province, where he would attend trade and cooperation forums.

The region, historically plagued by border tensions between China and Russia, has seen increased connectivity in recent years, fostering closer economic and cultural ties between the two neighbours.

Additionally, Putin's itinerary included a visit to the Harbin Institute of Technology, a university-sanctioned by the US government for its alleged involvement in supplying items to China's military. This engagement underscored the importance of educational and scientific cooperation in enhancing bilateral relations between China and Russia, CNN reported.

(With Agency Inputs)

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Tripura Govt Gears Up For CAA Implementation, All District Magistrates Asked To Designate Officials

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha

Agartala: The Tripura government has initiated the process of appointing officials for the constitution of the State Level Empowered Committee and District Level Committee for the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA).

All District Magistrates have been asked to form committees and designate officials so that the processing of applications received under the new law can be carried out in a hassle-free manner.

A notification issued by the Director, Directorate of Census Operations Tripura said that the Ministry of Home Affairs, Foreigners Division in March asked all the states and Union Territories to form District Level Committees (DLCs) to process the Citizenship applications received under the Act.

The District Magistrates have also been urged to nominate one civil servant who will be incorporated into the committee as a member.

"With reference to the subject cited above, I am to inform that Shri R.D. Meena, Director (Citizenship), Govt. of India, MHA, Foreigners Division (Citizenship Wing), New Delhi-110002 vide letter No. 26011/01/2015-IC-1 (Part VI) dated 12th March 2024 (copy enclosed) has intimated the Director of Census Operations of all States/UTs regarding constitution of District Level Committee in connection with implementation of CAA, 2019 for processing of citizenship applications under Section 6B of the Citizenship Act, 1955.

In this regard, You are requested to nominate 1 (one) TCS officer who shall be an invitee of the District Level Committee to process Citizenship applications under Section 63 of the Citizenship Act, 1955. The name of the said officer may kindly be sent to this Directorate at the earliest," the notification undersigned by R Reang, Director, Directorate of Census Operations reads.

Top sources in the administration informed ANI that already districts have started nominating officials to carry out the task.

The central government handed over the first set of citizenship certificates on Wednesday, over two months after notifying the rules for the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla handed over citizenship certificates to some applicants.

The Home Secretary congratulated the applicants and highlighted salient features of the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024, as per a statement by the Union Home Ministry.

The certificates were physically handed over to 14 applicants seeking citizenship, and digitally signed certificates have been issued to many other applicants through email.

On March 11, the Union Home Ministry notified the rules of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), days ahead of the announcement of the Lok Sabha election schedule.

The CAA, introduced by the Narendra Modi government and passed by Parliament in 2019, aims to confer Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants--including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians--who migrated from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and arrived in India before December 31, 2014.

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Indian Coast Guard Seizes 25 Tons Of Unaccounted Diesel, 5 Held

Mumbai: In a resolute demonstration of maritime security commitment, the Indian Coast Guard intercepted and apprehended a fishing vessel "Jay Malhar" along with five crew engaged in illegal diesel smuggling on the Maharashtra coast.

Acting swiftly on input Indian Coast Guard Ship intercepted the vessel discovering approximately 25 tons of unaccounted diesel (valued at approx. ₹27 lakhs) concealed in the fish hold along with a small quantity of banned narcotic substance.

ICG said that the apprehended vessel, along with its crew, was escorted to Mumbai harbour for further investigation by the police, customs and fisheries department.

The crew revealed that they had already sold 5,000 litres of fuel to fishermen at sea.

This successful operation marks another significant crackdown on diesel smuggling at sea by the Indian Coast Guard, with a total of 55,000 litres of unaccounted diesel seized in the last three days alone.

The ICG reiterates its unwavering commitment to combating illegal activities in the maritime domain, emphasizing the importance of prompt and coordinated actions in safeguarding India's maritime interests.

Earlier, on May 12, acting on intelligence provided by Customs authorities, the Indian Coast Guard executed an operation resulting in the interception of the fishing vessel "Aai Tuljai" and its crew, 27 nautical miles southwest of Mumbai.

ICG said that the vessel was apprehended for its involvement in a nefarious scheme of illegal diesel smuggling.

Indian Coast Guard recovered 30,000 litres of illicit diesel, with an estimated value of ₹30 lakhs which was concealed within its fish holds. A sum of  ₹1.75 lakh in unaccounted cash was also seized.

In a post on X, the Indian Coast Guard said, "Indian Coast Guard Ship intercepted and apprehended a fishing boat Aai Tuljai (IND-MH-7-MM-296) with 4 crew engaged in illegal diesel smuggling 30 Nm off Mumbai, Maharashtra Coast, on May 12 24. Approximately 30,000 litres of unauthorised Diesel alongwith Rs 1.75 lakh cash and other accessories were seized onboard. ICG's action demonstrated its resolve towards curbing illegal activities at sea. The boat and crew were brought to #Mumbai for further investigation."

The vessel, manned by a crew of four individuals, hails from Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Rewas, Maharashtra.

The apprehended vessel was escorted under the vigilant watch of an ICG Interceptor Boat to the Mumbai harbour, where it was handed over to the authorities of the Department of Customs for further interrogation and legal proceedings.

(With Agency Inputs)

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Xi-Putin Sign, Issue Joint Statement On Deepening China-Russia Ties

Beijing: China's President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Thursday signed and issued a joint statement on deepening China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries state media Xinhua reported.

Xi rolled out the red carpet for Putin, who arrived in Beijing for a two-day state visit, signalling the deepening alignment between the two nations amidst Russia's ongoing advances in Ukraine, CNN reported.

The grand reception, complete with a military band serenade and multiple gun salute outside the Great Hall of the People, underscored the significance of the leaders' close relationship amid escalating tensions with the West.

In their discussions, Thursday morning, Xi said China-Russia relations have "stood the test of a changing international landscape" and should be "cherished and nourished" by both sides, according to a readout from China's Foreign Ministry.

"China is ready to work with Russia to stay each other's good neighbour, a good friend and good partner that trust each other, continue to consolidate the lasting friendship between the two peoples, and jointly pursue respective national development and revitalisation and uphold fairness and justice in the world," Xi said.

Putin's visit to Beijing, his first overseas trip since beginning his new presidential term coincided with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's decision to suspend all upcoming international engagements as his country faced a sudden Russian offensive in the northeastern Kharkiv region, as reported by CNN.

Against this backdrop, the fourth face-to-face meeting between Putin and Xi took on added significance, highlighting the international concern surrounding the conflict in Ukraine and the need for diplomatic efforts to address the crisis.

The visit also occurred amidst mounting pressure on China to ensure that its extensive trade relationship with Russia does not inadvertently support Moscow's military activities.

Concerns have been raised about the substantial exports from China to Russia, which include crucial goods for Russia's defence industry. While the US has accused China of providing significant support to Russia's defence complex, Beijing has dismissed these claims as baseless and emphasised the importance of normal trade relations between the two countries.

Discussions between Xi and Putin in Beijing were expected to cover a range of topics, including the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as bilateral trade, security, and energy cooperation. Putin praised the unprecedented level of strategic partnership between China and Russia, highlighting their shared goals of enhancing foreign policy coordination and expanding cooperation in various sectors, including industry, technology, and energy.

Both leaders have maintained a strong personal rapport and have worked closely to strengthen diplomatic, trade, and security ties between their countries. Xi's visit to Moscow in 2023 marked a significant milestone in their relationship, demonstrating the importance of high-level engagement in advancing mutual interests. The leaders view each other as essential partners in their efforts to counter what they perceive as Western dominance in global affairs, according to CNN.

As part of Putin's visit to China, he was scheduled to travel to Harbin, the capital of China's northeastern Heilongjiang province, where he would attend trade and cooperation forums.

The region, historically plagued by border tensions between China and Russia, has seen increased connectivity in recent years, fostering closer economic and cultural ties between the two neighbours.

Additionally, Putin's itinerary included a visit to the Harbin Institute of Technology, a university sanctioned by the US government for its alleged involvement in supplying items to China's military. This engagement underscored the importance of educational and scientific cooperation in enhancing bilateral relations between China and Russia, CNN reported.

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HAL Posts Q4 Profit Climb On Defence Aircraft Demand

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) HAL reported a rise in fourth-quarter profit on Thursday, helped by demand for its aircraft from the country's defence ministry.

Consolidated net profit rose 52% year-on-year to 43.09 billion rupees ($516.2 million) for the three months ended March 31.

Capital goods and manufacturing companies have benefited throughout fiscal 2024 from the Indian government's push for higher capital expenditure. This extended into the fourth quarter.

The state-owned aerospace and defence company bagged orders worth 176 billion rupees during the quarter, up 135% from a year earlier, per Elara Capital.

The company's order inflow includes the supply of 25 Dornier aircraft to the Indian Navy and orders for engines for MiG-29 aircraft, the brokerage said.

HAL, whose customers include the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force, along with aerospace corporations Airbus AIR and Boeing BA, said revenue rose over 18% to 147.69 billion rupees.

Its two main businesses are manufacturing defence technology and aircraft maintenance, but it does not give a segment-wise break-up.

Its rivals Bharat Electronics BEL and Bharat Dynamics BDL have yet to report March-quarter results.

HAL's shares jumped as much as 5.4% after the results.

(With Reports by International Agencies)

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BSF Recovers Pakistani Drone From Border Area of Amritsar

Amritsar: The Border Security Force (BSF) detected and recovered a Pakistani drone from the border area of Amritsar district on Thursday, BSF Punjab Frontier said.

Taking to 'X' BSF shared, "On 16th May 2024, during the morning hours, vigilant BSF troops on duty intercepted movement of a drone ahead of border fence in the border area of district Amritsar. As per protocol, BSF troops promptly tracked the movement of drone and endeavoured to neutralize it."

The BSF recovered a quadcopter in a farming field ahead of the border fence near Ballharwal village of Amritsar district.

"The likely dropping zone was cordoned and an extensive search was conducted, which culminated at about 09:45 am with the successful recovery 01 quadcopter in a farming field ahead of border fence nearby village- Ballharwal of district Amritsar," the BSF further posted.

The recovered quadcopter is identified as China made DJI Mavic 3 classic.

Keen observation and timely reaction of diligent BSF troops on duty once again thwarted the illicit entry of drone from across the border.

(With Agency Inputs)

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PoK Kashmiri Journalist Ahmed Farhad Allegedly Abducted By Security Agencies

Islamabad: There is no information regarding the whereabouts of Kashmiri journalist Ahmed Farhad, who was reportedly abducted from his residence in Islamabad by security forces on Wednesday.

Farhad hails from the Bagh area of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) and is known for his reporting on the recent unrest in the region.

During a protest rally held in Islamabad, Farhad's wife made a heartfelt appeal, urging all Kashmiris and the Joint Awami Action Committee to raise their voices for his immediate release.

She stated, "Violent protests were happening in PoJK, and Ahmed Farhad reported on the incident. He was very vocal about the situation in PoJK. I urge all Kashmiris and the Joint Awami Action Committee to raise their voices for his immediate release."

The journalist's abduction has further heightened tensions in the already unstable region, plagued by political instability and human rights concerns.

Adding to the distressing situation, PoJK human rights activist Amjad Ayub Mirza revealed to ANI that Internet services remain suspended in Muzaffarabad. There have also been reports of numerous individuals being apprehended under charges of inciting unrest, damaging public property, and participating in riots.

Mirza further disclosed that the PoJK government is allegedly formulating a comprehensive crackdown plan against those believed to have orchestrated the recent civil disobedience movement.

This movement was ignited by grievances over taxes imposed on electricity bills and reductions in subsidies, prompting widespread dissent among the local population.

Expressing deep concern over the potential escalation of tensions, Mirza cautioned that repression by authorities could provoke violent clashes between the government and the civilian populace. The volatile situation in PoJK continues to raise alarms within the international community, with calls for immediate de-escalation and respect for human rights gaining momentum.

The United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) also expressed concern over the abduction of Ahmed Farhad Shah and issued an urgent appeal for his release.

Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, the chairman of the UKPNP, and other senior leaders of the party said in a statement, "The abduction and enforced disappearance of Ahmed Farhad Shah is a deplorable attempt to silence the voice of oppressed Kashmiris. Ahmed Farhad has been an advocate against enforced disappearances, yet today he has been forcibly disappeared."

As Ahmed Farhad's fate hangs in the balance, his abduction serves as a stark reminder of the perils faced by journalists operating in conflict zones and the urgent need to safeguard press freedom in regions marred by political turmoil.

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