Month: March 2025

Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has approved the acquisition of 307 advanced towed artillery gun systems (ATAGS) for the Indian Army.

“In a significant milestone for India’s defence sector, the CCS approved acquisition of Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) worth nearly Rs 7000 crore, marking a major step towards self-reliance in artillery gun manufacturing,” as per an official release.

ATAGS, the first indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured 155 mm artillery gun, is set to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces with its cutting-edge technology and superior firepower.

The ATAGS is an advanced towed artillery gun system featuring a long 52-calibre barrel, allowing for extended firing ranges of up to 40 km. With its larger calibre, the system ensures higher lethality, delivering increased explosive payloads while enabling automated deployment, target engagement, and reduced crew fatigue. This approval underscores India’s growing prowess in indigenous defence manufacturing and technological advancements.

“A testament to the ‘Make in India’ initiative, ATAGS has been developed through collaboration between the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian private industry partners. Over 65% of its components are sourced domestically, including key subsystems such as the barrel, muzzle brake, breech mechanism, firing and recoil system, and ammunition handling mechanism. This development not only strengthens India’s defence industry but also reduces dependency on foreign imports,” the release read.

The induction of ATAGS will play a crucial role in modernizing the Indian Army’s artillery by replacing outdated 105 mm and 130 mm guns. Its deployment along the country’s Western and Northern Borders will provide the armed forces with a significant strategic edge, ensuring enhanced operational readiness and firepower.

“Being an entirely indigenous system, ATAGS will benefit from a robust supply chain of spares and seamless life cycle maintenance. The domestically developed system ensures long-term product support, strengthening India’s self-sufficiency in defence technology,” the release read.

One of the key advantages of ATAGS is its minimal reliance on foreign components. Critical subsystems such as the Navigation System, Muzzle Velocity Radar, and sensors are designed and sourced indigenously, significantly reducing India’s dependence on foreign technology and imports.

“The approval and manufacturing of ATAGS will generate substantial employment, with an estimated 20 lakh man-days created across various industries. Additionally, this development is expected to bolster India’s position in the global defence export market, paving the way for future indigenous defence exports,” the release read. (ANI)

Security forces recovered the bodies of 30 Naxalites along with a large cache of firearms during search operations in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur and Kanker districts on Thursday, Bastar Inspector General of Police P Sundarraj said.

Speaking to ANI after two separate encounters with Naxalites in the two districts, IG Sundarraj said, “Operations were conducted today in various areas of the Bastar district. In the Bijapur-Dantewada border region, we have recovered the bodies of 26 Naxalites.”

“A large number of AK-47 rifles, as well as automatic and semi-automatic weapons, have also been seized. One personnel of the Bijapur District Reserve Guard (DRG) lost his life during the encounter,” he said.

Speaking about the encounter near the Kanker-Narayanpur border, the IG said that four Naxalites were killed in the gunfight, and their bodies were recovered during a search operation. “The search operation is still underway in the area,” he added.

Earlier in the day, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma condoled the death of the District Reserve Guard and said that at least 18 bodies out of the total 22 Naxalities killed in an encounter were recovered.

“Search operations have been ongoing in the Gangaloor area between Bijapur and Dantewada. One of our DRG jawans, Raju Oyyami, was killed in action during the operation. The entire government stands with his family. May God give them strength,” the Deputy CM said.

He further praised the security forces, saying, “I congratulate the jawans of Bastar and the entire team in Bijapur. This success is due to the bravery and strength of our soldiers. In addition to the Bijapur operation, search efforts are also ongoing in Kanker.”

The encounter in Bijapur district broke out on Thursday morning during a search operation carried out by security forces in Bijapur district. In a separate operation in Kanker district, four Naxalites were killed during a gunfight near a village. (ANI)

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday accused the “leftist Deep State” of “weaponising” the justice system against him, The Times of Israel reported.

“In America and in Israel, when a strong right-wing leader wins an election, the leftist Deep State weaponizes the justice system to thwart the people’s will. They won’t win in either place! We stand strong together,” Netanyahu posted in English from his official account.” Netanyahu wrote on his official prime minister account on X.

However, the Israeli PM deleted the tweet in less than an hour and posted the same message from his personnel account.

Netanyahu’s statement came after he detained and questioned two suspects in relation to an ongoing investigation into whether thousands of dollars were funnelled from Qatar to one or more of Netanyahu’s aides.

The Times of Israel quoting Hebrew Media reported that one of the suspects was released home under unspecified conditions on Thursday morning, while the second is under interrogation.

Earlier this week, the Axios news site quoted aides to the prime minister saying that Netanyahu decided to move ahead with his planned firing of Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar in early February, after leaving his trip to Washington inspired by the moves Trump took “against the deep state” and his appointment of loyalists to key posts, The Times of Israel reported.

The government’s plans to renew controversial legislation to increase political power over the judiciary along with their plans to fire Bar as well as Attorney General Gali-Baharav-Miara, added with the resumption of airstrikes in Gaza have sparked major anti-government protest in Jerusalem.

Meanwhile, President Isaac Herzog expressed complete faith in the country’s judiciary.

“Israel’s strong and independent judicial system is an asset to our democracy, and the president of Israel is very proud of it,” Herzog wrote on X.

Additionally, Opposition leader Yair Lapid’s Yesh Atid party accused Netanyahu of having “completely lost it,” in response to the post.

“He’s gone off the rails” and is “spreading dangerous conspiracies, undermining the rule of law, and slandering Israel,” the centrist party posted from its official X account. “He is in panic mode. He knows that his inner circle is mired in foreign interests and that the truth will be revealed. This is not leadership, this is a dangerous and embarrassing panic.” (ANI)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday announced a cash prize of Rs 58 crores for the ICC Champions Trophy winning Indian team, with the contributions of all players, coaching staff, support staff and members of men’s selection committee to be recognised.

Team India continued its monstrous white-ball run after the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup final heartbreak, winning their second successive white-ball trophy after ICC T20 World Cup 2024, beating New Zealand by four wickets in the final of CT 2025 at Dubai on March 9.

A press release from BCCI announced, “The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is delighted to announce a cash reward of INR 58 Crore for Team India following their triumph at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This financial recognition honours the players, coaching and support staff and members of the Men’s Selection Committee.”

Under the able and astute leadership of captain Rohit Sharma, India dominated the tournament, registering four commanding victories en route to the final. The team began their campaign with a solid six-wicket win over Bangladesh, then secured a convincing six-wicket triumph against Pakistan. They continued their momentum with a 44-run victory over New Zealand before ultimately overcoming Australia by four wickets in the semi-final.

Roger Binny, President, BCCI: “Winning back-to-back ICC titles is special and this reward recognizes Team India’s dedication and excellence on the global stage. The cash award is a recognition of the hard work that everyone puts in behind the scenes. This was also our second ICC Trophy in 2025, following the ICC U19 Women’s World Cup triumph and it highlights the strong cricketing ecosystem in place in our country.”

Devajit Saikia, Honorary Secretary, BCCI: “The BCCI is proud to honour the players and support staff with this well-deserved reward. Their dominance in world cricket is a result of years of hard work and strategic execution. This victory has justified India’s top ranking in white-ball cricket, and we are sure the team will continue to excel in the years to come. The dedication and commitment shown by the players have set a new benchmark, and we are confident that Indian cricket will keep raising the bar on the global stage.”

Rajeev Shukla, Vice-President, BCCI: “This cash reward is a tribute to the outstanding performances delivered by the team throughout the tournament. The players exhibited remarkable composure under pressure, and their success is an inspiration to aspiring cricketers across the country. The team has once again proved that Indian cricket is built on a strong foundation of skill, mental toughness, and a winning mentality.”

Prabhtej Bhatia, Treasurer, BCCI: “The BCCI takes immense pride in acknowledging the hard work and dedication of our players and support staff, and this cash prize reflects our commitment to encouraging excellence in Indian cricket. We remain committed to providing the best resources and infrastructure to help Indian cricket continue its dominance on the global stage. This triumph further underscores the strength and depth of talent available at all levels.”

Rohan Gauns Dessai, Honorary Joint Secretary, BCCI: “Team India looked solid throughout the tournament and the final against New Zealand was a spectacular game. It brought a lot of joy and cheer to the nation and Team India fans across the globe. This success is a reflection of the robust cricketing system in place, and we will continue to strengthen it to maintain our supremacy in world cricket.” (ANI)

Late Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s father, KK Singh on Thursday supported the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Disha Salian’s father seeking a probe into his daughter’s death, as he expressed hope that a conclusion could be reached on both the incidents.

“I don’t know his reasons and motivation for moving the court, but what he has done is right and if through this we can get a conclusion on whether it was a suicide or murder, and in this Sushant’s case can also be known on what happened,” KK Singh told ANI.

Earlier on March 19, Disha Salian’s father had filed a petition in the Bombay High Court, seeking a probe into his daughter’s death and called for interrogating UBT Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray.

Talking to ANI further, Singh said he is not aware of the reasons Salian’s father moved the court, as earlier the latter had also agreed the death was by suicide.

“Before (Disha) Salian’s father had said he doesn’t know anything, it is suicide only, but after that how and what he researched to say it is not a suicide but a murder, that I do not know. If it is true or not how can I say?” Sushant Singh Rajput’s father added.

He also refused to comment on whether he believes there is a connection between the deaths of his son and Salian too, saying “I cannot say anything, how can I talk on the topic which I don’t know about.”

Singh also said that he had hope from current Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and believs that he would take the right decision.

“I have hope in the government, the government has changed, and I have hope in the current CM (Devendra Fadnavis), whatever he will do, he will do right and do it swiftly,” the actor’s father told ANI.

Disha Salian who was a celebrity manager was found dead on June 8, 2020. In 2023, the Mumbai Police formed a three-member special investigation team (SIT) to probe Disha Salian’s death. The Mumbai Police registered an accidental death case in the matter.

Bollywood actor, Sushant Rajput was found dead at his Bandra residence on June 14, 2020, which created a huge controversy, with the investigation later being handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation. His postmortem report, conducted at Mumbai’s Cooper Hospital stated the cause of death was asphyxia. (ANI)

US federal immigration authorities have detained a Georgetown University researcher studying and teaching on a student visa in Virginia in the United States, Politico reported. The detention comes amid the Trump administration’s crackdown on student activists whom the government accuses of opposing US foreign policy, Politico reported, citing court papers.

Masked agents arrested Badar Khan Suri, an Indian national and postdoctoral fellow, outside his home in Arlington’s Rosslyn neighbourhood in Virginia on Monday night, his lawyer said in a lawsuit requesting his immediate release.

According to the lawsuit, the agents identified themselves as being with the US Department of Homeland Security and told him the government had revoked his visa. According to the petition filed for Suri’s release, he was put in deportation proceedings under the provision of immigration law that the US government has invoked to try to deport Mahmoud Khalil, the Columbia University graduate student and green card holder who led pro-Palestinian protests on campus.

The provision enables the US Secretary of State to deport non-citizens if the secretary determines that their presence in the US would threaten the country’s foreign policy. His petition said Suri has no criminal record and has not been charged with a crime, Politico reported.

In his petition, Suri’s lawyer said that Suri is being punished as his wife, who is a US citizen, is of Palestinian heritage and because the government suspects that he and his wife are against the US foreign policy towards Israel.

The petition said the couple has “long been doxxed and smeared” on anonymously run, far-right websites due to their support for Palestinian rights. According to the petition, Suri’s wife, Mapheze Saleh, has been alleged to have “ties with Hamas” and once worked for Al Jazeera.

US Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Saturday issued a determination that the visa of Suri should be cancelled for foreign policy reasons.

In a post on X, McLaughlin stated, “Suri was a foreign exchange student at Georgetown University actively spreading Hamas propaganda and promoting antisemitism on social media. Suri has close connections to a known or suspected terrorist, who is a senior advisor to Hamas. The Secretary of State issued a determination on March 15, 2025 that Suri’s activities and presence in the United States rendered him deportable under INA section 237(a)(4)(C)(i).”

Suri’s detention is the latest in such immigration-related arrests that US President Donald Trump says are just beginning to ramp up. According to Trump, these arrests target “terrorist sympathizers” or people who have “engaged in pro-terrorist, anti-Semitic, anti-American activity.”

Advocates for these detainees have accused Trump of violating the First Amendment by retaliating against non-citizens, including people in the country legally based on their political views and free speech, as reported by Politico.

Suri’s legal case was filed in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia, on Tuesday. As of Wednesday evening, Suri’s case had been assigned to none of the judges, and the court had not taken any action on it. According to Suri’s petition, Badar Khan Suri was taken to a facility in Virginia and is expected to be soon transferred to a detention centre in Texas. (ANI)

Advocate Nilesh C Ojha, lawyer of Satish Salian, on Thursday levelled serious allegations against former Maharashtra Environment Minister Aaditya Thackeray, labelling him as an “accused” in the Disha Salian death case.

He also accused former Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh of “not wanting” to take action against Thackeray. Furthermore, Ojha alleged that “corrupt” police officials tried to cover up the case.

“During the murder, Uddhav Thackeray’s government was there (in Maharashtra), and the accused was his son Aaditya Thackeray. The corrupt police officials tried to cover up the case. After 2.5 years, Shinde’s government came, and Fadnavis was the Home Minister. This matter has not come all of a sudden,” Ojha told ANI.

Clarifying that the matter was not being raised “suddenly”, Ojha said that the Eknath Shinde government had formed a State Investigation Team (SIT) in December 2023. A written complaint submitted in January 2024 also asked for an FIR to be registered.

“In September 2023, we filed a PIL, which also raised the issue of registering an FIR and taking action. The state government formed an SIT in December 2023. A written complaint was also submitted on January 12, 2024, which asked for an FIR to be registered for gang rape and murder against Aaditya Thackeray, Sooraj Pancholi and others,” he said.

As this happened, Ojha said that Disha’s father approached him to file the petition.

“Nothing happened, but the conversations around it made Disha Salian’s father realise that he had been lied to, and he came to us. After that, his petition was drafted and filed,” he said.

Demanding that the police officials who failed to register an FIR be penalised, Ojha said that action must also be taken against the SIT official as per the Supreme Court’s guidelines on rape and murder cases.

“Supreme Court has said multiple times in its guidelines that FIR must be registered after a complaint is filed in rape and murder cases. Otherwise, the concerned police officials must be penalised as per the relevant sections of IPC. In this case, they have failed to register a case in over a year. This is a serious matter, and action must be taken against the SIT official,” he said.

“The affidavit filed by Aaditya Thackeray stated lies that he was given a clean chit by the CBI in the Disha Salian case…Anil Deshmukh also didn’t want any action (on Aaditya Thackeray),” Ojha added.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve on Wednesday accused the BJP of ‘conspiring to defame’ party leader Aaditya Thackeray by raising questions on him in connection with the Disha Salian death case.

“I think this matter has gone to the court. We have no idea what he (Disha’s father) has said, but Aaditya Thackeray is a mature leader, a young leader. The Bharatiya Janata Party is conspiring to defame him by putting pressure on him. We don’t need to answer to this conspiracy. The court will answer,” Ambadas Danve told media.

This comes after Disha Salian’s father approached the Bombay High Court seeking a CBI probe and an FIR against Aaditya Thackeray in her death case.

Maharashtra’s former Home Minister and NCP (SP) leader Anil Deshmukh on Thursday also said that the developments in the Salian case seem like a conspiracy.

Disha Salian, who was a celebrity manager, was found dead on June 8, 2020. In 2023, the Mumbai Police formed a three-member special investigation team (SIT) to probe Disha Salian’s death. The Mumbai Police registered an accidental death case in the matter. (ANI)

Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya has expressed his gratitude for having seasoned leaders by his side as he takes charge of the five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions in the upcoming season after a terrible season last year.

Pandya, who returned to Mumbai Indians last year after leading Gujarat Titans for two seasons, acknowledged the wealth of experience within the squad and the guidance available to him.

“I am lucky that I have three captains who are playing with me. It adds more and more experience for me. I know that there are three different minds who have led India in different formats and with so many years of experience. They can put an arm around my shoulder and always be there for help,” Pandya said in a press conference.

Pandya was likely referring to Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Suryakumar Yadav–all of whom have captained India at various levels. Rohit Sharma has been a key leader for India in all formats and captained Mumbai Indians to five IPL titles, while Jasprit Bumrah have led the national team in T20Is and Test matches. Suryakumar Yadav is the current T20I captain for India.

With such an experienced core, Pandya will have strong support as he looks to guide Mumbai Indians in the new IPL season.

India’s T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav will lead the Mumbai Indians side in the franchise’s opening clash of the IPL 2025 campaign against the five-time champions Chennai Super Kings on Sunday in the absence of regular skipper Hardik Pandya.

Hardik received a one-match ban after the team’s last encounter in IPL 2024 against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for maintaining a slow over-rate. This was the third time in the league that the 31-year-old player had been penalised with a one-match ban and a fine of Rs. 30 lakh.

Speaking at the press conference in Mumbai, the T20 World Cup winner said that he knew that the last over bowled was delayed by almost two minutes. He went on to say that bowling overs at times is not his hands.

“That is out of my control. Last year what occurred is part of the sport. We bowled the last over one-and-a-half or two minutes late. At that point, I didn’t know the consequences,” the Gujarat-born cricketer said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Further, the Champions Trophy winner said that in his absence, right-hand batter Suryakumar Yadav is the “ideal choice” to lead the team.

“It is unfortunate, but the rules say it. I will have to go with the process. Next season, if they continue or not continue [with this rule], I think that is on the higher authorities. They can definitely see what best can be done. Surya, obviously, leads India [in T20Is] as well. When I’m not there, he is the ideal choice in this format,” the all-rounder added. (ANI)

Former Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal on Thursday lashed out at the Bhagwant Mann government in Punjab over the arrest of protesting farmers at the Shambhu border, who remain firm on various demands including legal guarantee on Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all crops.

Demanding their release, Badal accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab of ignoring demands made by the farmers despite promising MSP on crops.

“The Bhagwant Mann government, which promised to give MSP to the farmers of Punjab in five minutes, is not even ready to listen to the legitimate demands of the farmers today. I strongly condemn the forcible abduction of farmer leaders and farmers,” Badal, who is the former Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab, posted on his Facebook page.

“The Punjab government should immediately release the arrested farmers and accept their demands,” he added.

Indian Olympic medallist wrestler and Working President of Kisan Congress, Bajrang Punia slammed the government after several farmers were arrested during the protest at the Shambhu Border in Punjab.

He said, “The government was just pretending to talk to farmers. Arresting them after discussions shows they are not serious about solving the farmers’ problems. This is a betrayal.”

Punia also urged people to support the farmers against what he called the oppressive actions of the Central and Punjab governments.

Several farmer leaders were detained by the police, including Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who remains on an indefinite fast, and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha leader Sarvan Singh Pandher.

Farmer leader and national spokesperson of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), Rakesh Tikait, condemned the Punjab government’s action and said, “On one hand, the government is negotiating with the farmer organizations and on the other hand, it is arresting them.”

A tense situation unfolded at the Shambhu Border when farmers were protesting, pressing on their various demands. Several farmer leaders were detained by the police on Tuesday at the Punjab-Haryana border.

Meanwhile, the Haryana Police used bulldozers to remove concrete barricades erected at the Shambhu Border to restrict the farmers’ movement further. Punjab Police also removed protesters from the site.

Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police Nanak Singh asserted that the entire road will be cleared and opened for traffic. Speaking to ANI, SSP Singh highlighted that they did not use force as protesting farmers cooperated with them.”

Farmers had been protesting at the Shambhu Border for a long time. Today, in the presence of Duty Magistrates, Police cleared the area after they were given proper warning. A few people showed a willingness to go home. So, they were sent home on a bus. In addition, the structures and vehicles here are being moved. The entire road will be cleared and opened for traffic,” he said. (ANI)

26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana has filed a request with US Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts to stop his extradition to India. This comes after the US Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan rejected his review petition earlier this month.

The application has been distributed to the Supreme Court judges for a conference scheduled for April 4, 2025, according to the details published on the US Supreme Court website. Rana has renewed his application, seeking a stay on his extradition to India.

“Petitioner Tahawwar Rana has renewed his Emergency Application for Stay Pending Litigation of Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus previously addressed to Justice Kagan and requests that the renewed application be directed to Chief Justice Roberts, according to the order published on the US Supreme Court’s website,” his appeal stated.

Earlier this month, Justice Elena Kagan denied Rana’s application, requesting a stay on his extradition to India. In his application, Rana argued that he would not survive long enough to be tried in India due to various reasons.

Rana, through an appeal, stated, “If a stay is not entered, there will be no review at all, and the US courts will lose jurisdiction, and the petitioner will soon be dead.” The accused in the 26/11 terror attacks claimed that if extradited to India, the likelihood is very high that he will be subjected to torture as he is a Muslim of Pakistani origin.

He stated that because of his Muslim religion, his Pakistani origin, his status as a former member of the Pakistani Army, the relation of the putative charges to the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and his chronic health conditions, he is even more likely to be tortured than otherwise would be the case, and that torture is very likely to kill him in short order.

In addition to these concerns, Rana highlighted his deteriorating health. He suffers from a 3.5 cm abdominal aortic aneurysm at immediate risk of rupture, Parkinson’s disease with cognitive decline, and a mass suggestive of bladder cancer. He asserts that he cannot be sent into a “hornet’s nest”, where he will be targeted due to national, religious, and cultural animosity.

Earlier in February, US President Donald Trump announced the extradition of Tahawwur Rana to India and said he would face justice. He made the announcement during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi following their bilateral meeting.

Tahawwur Rana is a known associate of Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, one of the main conspirators of the November 26 attacks in Mumbai in 2008.

A Pakistani-origin businessman, physician, and immigration entrepreneur, Rana has alleged connections with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Rana’s alleged role in facilitating the attacks has remained a point of contention between India and the United States for years. (ANI)