As part of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme, the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully launched the indigenous ASTRA missile, showcasing its precision and beyond-visual-range capabilities. The missile, which can engage targets over 100 km away, has already been inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF). The successful test-firing marks a significant step towards the induction of the LCA AF MK1A variant and has been lauded by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
In light of the ongoing trade war between the US and China, the Chinese government has issued an order for its airline carriers to halt any new orders of aircraft from American manufacturer Boeing. This comes as a response to President Trump's recent decision to impose high tariffs on Chinese goods. China has also instructed its carriers to avoid buying any equipment related to aircraft from American companies. This latest move escalates the tension between the two countries, following China's decision to disrupt the US production of key materials.
Amidst the ongoing border tensions between India and China, the Ministry of External Affairs announced that the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is set to resume in 2025, with its modalities yet to be finalized. This was stated by MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in his weekly media briefing, where he also highlighted the constructive engagement between the two countries at various levels since the meeting between PM Modi and President Xi Jinping in October 2024. The External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, and the Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, had also met in February to discuss the resumption of the yatra and other bilateral issues.
After a long wait, the Ministry of External Affairs has finally announced the opening of a new route to the sacred Kailash Mansarovar this year. This comes as great news for enthusiasts and aspirants who were eagerly waiting for the application process. With this development, individuals can now plan and embark on their pilgrimage to this holy site in a more convenient and efficient manner.
As India marks the 106th anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath paid homage to the lives lost. The massacre, which occurred on April 13, 1919, is considered a significant turning point in India's freedom struggle, igniting widespread anger and transforming it into a mass movement. Using social media platforms like X and X, the leaders honored the martyrs and their indomitable spirit, commemorating the event as a sacred pilgrimage for all patriotic Indians.
It has been 102 years since the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, a tragic event that shook India's struggle for freedom under British rule. The gruesome act of violence that took place on April 13, 1919, in Amritsar united Indians across regions and ideologies in their fight against British oppression. The words of revolutionary leaders like Bhagat Singh, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Mahatma Gandhi, and others continue to inspire and remind us of the sacrifices made for India's independence. As we remember this dark chapter in history, let us also honor the brave souls who fought for their country's freedom.
A group of 27 students from Government Degree College Sogam in Jammu and Kashmir were headed for a picnic when their bus met with an accident near Handwara. Unfortunately, two students lost their lives and 21 others were injured in the tragic incident. The injured were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where one more student succumbed to their injuries. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his condolences and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured.
The "Two Countries, Twin Parks" initiative between Malaysia and Shenzhen, China aims to attract US$20 billion in strategic investments, creating a win-win future for both countries. This project will introduce the latest industrial park concepts and drive investments in Malaysia by leveraging China's supply chain strength and Malaysia's strategic gateway position. The initiative rests on five pillars of cooperation, including job creation, technology transfer, investment promotion, industrial collaboration, and economic growth. A recent visit to Shenzhen by a Malaysian delegation has solidified the partnership between both countries.
The New Development Bank, founded by BRICS countries, has announced its plans to increase lending to development projects in Bangladesh to $1 billion this year. The bank's vice president, Vladimir Kazbekov, stated that they have already approved $320 million for the Dhaka City Water Supply Resilient project, but intend to more than triple that amount in light of Bangladesh's growing development needs. The chief adviser of Bangladesh, Professor Muhammad Yunus, welcomed the lender's efforts and noted the potential for significant contributions towards infrastructure development and support for the private sector.
Indian Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, paid tribute to Bhagwan Mahavir on Mahavir Jayanti, emphasizing the importance of non-violence, truth, and compassion. He also noted the significant contribution of the Jain community in preserving and popularizing Mahavir's teachings. The Government's decision to confer the status of Classical Language on Prakrit last year, in line with Mahavir's vision, received widespread appreciation.