Month: May 2025

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate the BrahMos Aerospace Integration and Testing Facility in Lucknow today.

As per the Defence Minister’s Office, Rajnath Singh will inaugurate the facility at around 11 am.

“At around 11.00 AM today, 11th May, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh will virtually inaugurate the BrahMos Aerospace Integration and Testing Facility in Lucknow,” the post said.

Rajnath Singh laid the foundation stone for the Defence Technology & Test Centre and BRAHMOS Manufacturing Centre, established by the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, on December 26, 2021.

According to an official release, a first-of-its-kind Defence Technologies & Test Centre (DTTC), over approximately 22 acres, is set up to accelerate the growth of the defence and aerospace manufacturing clusters in Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UP DIC).

The BRAHMOS Manufacturing Centre, announced by BrahMos Aerospace, is a modern, state-of-the-art facility in the Lucknow node of UP DIC. It covers over 200 acres and produces the new BRAHMOS-NG (Next Generation) variant, which carries forward the lineage of the BRAHMOS weapons system.

The state-of-the-art Defence Technologies & Test Centre is set up to implement the MoU exchanged between Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) and DRDO during DefExpo-2020 at Lucknow in the presence of the Defence Minsiter and the UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

It will facilitate industries through establishing a centralised state-of-the-art technology infrastructure, which will accelerate the product development and reduce the induction time & the turnaround time for the futuristic systems development through its six subcentres. This unique setup will act as a bridge for Industries & Startups to grasp the DRDO’s IPRs, Patents & ToTs. It will extend holistic handholding to Industries, Startups & Academia in UP DIC. It will promote the growth of Industries & Startups in UPDIC and Ease of Doing Business and contribute to building an AtmaNirbhar Bharat.

The release stated that the BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missile system is one of the most successful missile programmes in the world. India has undertaken jointly in partnership with its closest strategic ally Russia.

As the world’s best and fastest precision-guided weapon, BRAHMOS has fortified India’s deterrence power in the 21st century. Designed and developed by the India-Russia JV entity BrahMos Aerospace, the supersonic cruise missile BRAHMOS has continued to evolve as the most versatile weapon in its genre. To carry forward this excellent lineage, BrahMos Aerospace has initiated work on a new, more advanced variant of the missile – BRAHMOS-NG. This new missile, having smaller, lighter and smarter dimensions, would be designed for deployment on a wider number of modern military platforms, including land, sea, underwater and air. It will hugely bolster the Indian military’s modern combat capability and flexibility in the next few years. (ANI)

Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, the Amritsar District Collector has issued a red alert, urging residents to stay indoors and away from windows.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the District Collector said, “We have restored power supply for your convenience, but we are still on red alert. Sirens will sound now, indicating this red alert. Please don’t move out of your house; stay indoors and away from windows. We will be informing you when we get the green signal. Please ensure compliance and please don’t panic.”

Earlier, at 4:39 am, the District Collector had also advised residents to keep lights off and avoid going near windows, roads, balconies, or terraces.

“By way of abundant caution, please remain indoors with lights off and move away from windows. Please do not move out on road, balcony or terrace. Don’t panic. We will let you know when we can resume normal activities,” Amritsar DC said in a statement.

Meanwhile, India said on Saturday that Pakistan has violated the understanding reached between DGMOs of the two countries earlier in the day on stoppage of firing and military action and that the Indian Army is retaliating and dealing with the border intrusions.

At a special briefing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said this is a breach of the understanding arrived at earlier today and India takes “very serious note of these violations”.

India called upon Pakistan to take appropriate steps to address these violations and deal with the situation with seriousness and responsibility.

Misri said India’s Armed Forces have been given instructions to deal strongly with any instances of repetition of the violations of the border along the International Border as well as the Line of Control.

“For the last few hours, there have been repeated violations of the understanding arrived at earlier this evening between the Directors General of Military Operations of India and Pakistan. This is a breach of the understanding arrived at earlier today. The armed forces are giving an adequate and appropriate response to these violations and we take very very serious note of these violations,” Misri said.

“We call upon Pakistan to take appropriate steps to address these violations and deal with the situation with seriousness and responsibility. The armed forces are maintaining a strong vigil on the situation. They have been given instructions to deal strongly with any instances of repetition of the violations of the border along the International Border as well as the Line of Control,” he added. (ANI)

After US President Donald Trump offered to mediate on the Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan, Congress MP Manish Tewari on Sunday said that the issue is not a “biblical 100-year-old conflict”, but only started 78 years ago.

In a post on X, Tewari said, “Someone in the US establishment needs to seriously educate their President @POTUS @realDonaldTrump that Kashmir is not a biblical 1000-year-old conflict. It started on October 22, 1947 – 78 years ago when Pakistan invaded the Independent State of Jammu & Kashmir that subsequently was ceded to India in’ FULL’ by Maharaja Hari Singh on October 26, 1947 that includes areas illegally occupied by Pakistan till now. How difficult is it to grasp this simple fact?”

Congress Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh also reacted and demand an all-party meeting under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister over several issues.

“The Indian National Congress once again demands that an all-party meeting be called under the Chairmanship of the Prime Minister and a special session of Parliament be held on the issue of Pahalgam, Operation Sindoor and the cessation of hostilities, announced first in Washington DC and subsequently by the Governments of India and Pakistan, so that all these issues can be discussed comprehensively,” Jairam said.

“The Indian National Congress believes that the mention of a “neutral forum” for dialogue between India and Pakistan by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio raises several questions – have we abandoned the Shimla Agreement? Have we opened the door for third party mediation? The Indian National Congress would like to ask whether diplomatic channels are being reopened between India and Pakistan? What commitments have we sought from Pakistan and what have we received?” he questioned further.

This came after President Trump on Sunday welcomed the cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan saying that millions of people could have died if the peace had not been worked out. The US President was making a reference to a potential nuclear fallout between the two nations.

In a post on Truth Social, the US President said, “I am very proud of the strong and unwaveringly powerful leadership of India and Pakistan for having the strength, wisdom, and fortitude to fully know and understand that it was time to stop the current aggression that could have led to the death and destruction of so many, and so much. Millions of good and innocent people could have died! Your legacy is greatly enhanced by your brave actions.”

Trump continued to hold on to the claim that the US had helped broker peace and offered to mediate for a solution on Kashmir.

“I am proud that the USA was able to help you arrive at this historic and heroic decision. While not even discussed, I am going to increase trade, substantially, with both of these great Nations. Additionally, I will work with you both to see if, after a “thousand years,” a solution can be arrived at concerning Kashmir. God Bless the leadership of India and Pakistan on a job well done!!!”

India has time and again rejected any third-party intervention on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir and has unequivocally expressed that the region is an integral part of India.

On Saturday, India also played down the role of the US in achieving an agreement on cessation of hostilities saying that the understanding had been reached between DGMOs of the two countries. (ANI)

Border Security Force (BSF) on Saturday confirmed that Sub Inspector Md Imteyaz lost his life during cross-border firing by Pakistan along the International Boundary in the R S Pura area of Jammu.

In a post on X, BSF stated, “DG BSF and All Ranks salute the supreme sacrifice made by BSF Sub Inspector Md Imteyaz in service to the Nation on 10 May 2025 during cross border firing by Pakistan along the International Boundary in R S Pura area, Jammu. Prahari Pariwar stands firm with the bereaved family in this trying time.”

The BSF also informed that a wreath-laying ceremony with full honours will be held on May 11 at Frontier Headquarters Jammu, Paloura.

Meanwhile, Hours after it agreed to stop all firing and military action on land, in the air and sea, following a call its DGMO made to his Indian counterpart, reports came of Pakistan violating the cessation of hostilities with India’s air defence intercepting Pakistani drones amid a blackout in Srinagar.

Red streaks were seen and explosions heard as India’s air defence intercepted Pakistani drones. Loud explosions were heard in Srinagar.

A complete blackout has been enforced in Pathankot and Ferozepur in Punjab and Jaisalmer and Barmer in Rajasthan.

India and Pakistan on Saturday worked out an understanding on stoppage of firing and military action.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar noted in a post on X that India will continue its firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism.

“India and Pakistan have today worked out an understanding on stoppage of firing and military action. India has consistently maintained a firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It will continue to do so,” he said.

Earlier, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri told the media that Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations contacted his Indian counterpart on Saturday afternoon.

“Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) called Indian DGMO at 15:35 hours earlier this afternoon. It was agreed between them that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land and in the air and sea with effect from 1700 hours Indian Standard Time,” he said.

“Today, instructions have been given on both sides to give effect to this understanding. The Directors General of Military Operations will talk again on May 12 at 1200 hours,” he added.

At a joint press conference earlier in the morning, Misri emphasised that the actions being undertaken by Pakistan against India are “escalatory” and “provocative” in nature and are being responded to effectively.

India had launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in reply to the ghastly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22. The terror attack had killed 26 people. India had struck nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan sought to up the ante with a series of unprovoked escalations using artillery guns and drones. (ANI)

There is no pre or post-condition to the understanding concerning military action between India and Pakistan reached on Saturday and the Indus Waters Treaty will remain in abeyance, MEA sources said.

The DGMOs of India and Pakistan on Saturday agreed that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land and in the air and sea with effect from 1700 hours Indian Standard Time. The call was initiated by Pakistan.

India had taken a series of steps against Pakistan after Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people, mostly tourists were killed.

The steps taken over Pakistan’s support to cross-border terrorism included putting the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance.

The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960 after nine years of negotiations between India and Pakistan with the help of the World Bank, which is also a signatory.

The Treaty allocates the Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan and the Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India. At the same time, the Treaty allows each country to allocate certain waters of the rivers to the other. The treaty gives India 20 per cent of the water from the Indus River System and the remaining 80 per cent to Pakistan.

At 3.30 pm today, the Director General of Military Operations of Pakistan called the Director General of Military Operations of India, and they agreed that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land, in the air, and at sea with effect from 5 pm today.

“Instructions have been given on both sides to give effect to the understanding,” Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri told reporters.

The Director Generals of Military Operations will talk again on Monday afternoon.

India had launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in reply to the ghastly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22. India launched strikes at terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan upped the ante with a series of unprovoked escalations which were effectively repelled by India. (ANI)

Actor Sanjay Dutt has lauded the bravery of the Indian Armed Forces amid rising India-Pakistan tensions and has called for unity and strength in the face of terrorism.

On Saturday, the actor took to his Instagram Stories to show his full support for the Indian Army following the recent rise in cross-border tensions between the two countries.

In his statement, Dutt made it clear that India will not tolerate continued attacks and will respond with firm determination. He also urged the nation to remain united and not be shaken by acts of terror.

“The relentless attacks on our people will no longer be tolerated. We will respond, not with hesitation, but with full force and unshakable resolve. The world must understand that our battle is not against a people or a nation, but against the terrorists who thrive on fear, chaos, and destruction. Let there be no doubt, we are not backing down this time,” read a part of his post.

Dutt also went on to describe the terrorists as “cowards” and hailed the strength and resilience of the Indian people and military.

“These terrorists are nothing but cowards hiding behind the veil of violence. They strike from the shadows, but they will learn that we are a nation that does not bow. We rise stronger every time they try to break us. Our unity, our spirit, and our will to fight back are far greater than their hate.”

Calling the Indian Armed Forces the “true heroes,” Dutt added, “I am proud of our armed forces. They stand tall at the frontlines, fearless and focused, answering every act of terror with courage and fire. They are not just defending borders; they are defending every child’s dream, every family’s peace, and the soul of this nation. They are the true heroes, and I salute each one of them.”

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India and Pakistan have been at loggerheads with each other after terrorist camps were destroyed at nine locations in the neighbouring country under Operation Sindoor, which was launched in response to the ghastly Pahalgam terrorist attack. The operation was a retaliatory response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, including one Nepali national.

Meanwhile, India has decided that any future act of terror will be considered an “act of war” against India and will be responded to accordingly, the top government sources said. (ANI)

Security is to be upgraded at technical and scientific installations located in border areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Chandigarh, and the Northwest locations of Rajasthan and Gujarat.

According to an official release from the Ministry of Science and Technology on Saturday, the vital IMD installations in Srinagar and Leh are to receive bolstered security.

The statement came from Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh who convened a high-level joint meeting on Saturday with senior officials and heads of scientific and technical departments to review security preparedness of technical and scientific installations across the country, in the light of the prevailing security situation.

The focus of the meeting was on reviewing the security preparedness of research and scientific facilities, especially in the border and sensitive zones of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Ladakh, and the Northwestern region of India.

Dr Singh specifically reviewed preparedness and security mechanisms at CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu; CSIR-Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIO), Chandigarh; CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Jalandhar; CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH), Chandigarh; DBT-Biotech Research Innovation Council (BRIC) – National Agri-Food and Biomanufacturing Institute (NABI), Mohali; Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) Installations in Srinagar and other key areas; Earth Sciences Research Stations in Ladakh and surrounding zones.

Recognising the strategic importance of these institutions, Dr Singh emphasised that scientific facilities, especially those under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), and Ministry of Earth Sciences, are key pillars of national infrastructure, particularly in the fields of weather forecasting, disaster preparedness, and critical research.

All scientific institutions have been directed to review and enhance their current security protocols in light of the prevailing situation. The institutions are instructed to inform the respective district administrations to ensure seamless coordination and protection.

Additionally, each institution is required to develop and circulate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for emergency response, ensuring that both staff and local authorities are well-prepared.

To avoid disadvantaging students and researchers who might have returned to their home states, all upcoming examinations and research proposal calls were postponed.

Dr Jitendra Singh also directed the Director General of IMD to immediately bolster security arrangements at its vital installations and data centers in Srinagar, Leh, and other key locations.

Dr Singh also reemphasized to focus on Internal Readiness and Civil Coordination, apart from external security.

The Minister also reviewed the internal security protocols and dos and don’ts for the institutes.

Suggestions and situational reports were presented by directors of autonomous scientific institutes (many joined via video conferencing).

Morale-building measures and the importance of coordination with district administrations.

Dr Jitendra Singh emphasized the need for constant liaison between scientific bodies and local authorities, stating,”Our scientific institutions are the backbone of national resilience. At a time like this, we must ensure they are secure, well-coordinated, and prepared for every possible eventuality.

In line with the need for preparedness, Dr Jitendra Singh also instructed to organise Blood donation camps involving staff, faculty, and student volunteers.

Conduct sensitization programs on self-defense, emergency evacuation strategies, and regular mock drills across campuses and research centers.

Dr Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DST); Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology (DBT); Dr N Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR & Secretary, DSIR; Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General, IMD; Senthil Pandian, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences and Along with directors of autonomous scientific institutes and other senior officials through hybrid mode.

Dr Jitendra Singh concluded the meeting by instructing all scientific departments to prepare a comprehensive inventory of their facilities, especially in sensitive regions, and to share it with national security agencies for appropriate safeguarding. (ANI)

Hours after it agreed to stop all firing and military action on land, in the air and sea, following a call its DGMO made to his Indian counterpart, reports came of Pakistan violating the cessation of hostilities with India’s air defence intercepting Pakistani drones amid blackout in Srinagar.

Red streaks were seen and explosions heard as India’s air defence intercepted Pakistani drones. Loud explosions were heard in Srinagar.

A complete blackout has been enforced in Pathankot and Ferozepur in Punjab and Jaisalmer and Barmer in Rajasthan.

India and Pakistan on Saturday worked out an understanding on stoppage of firing and military action.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar noted in a post on X that India will continue its firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism.

“India and Pakistan have today worked out an understanding on stoppage of firing and military action. India has consistently maintained a firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It will continue to do so,” he said.

Earlier, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri told the media that Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations contacted his Indian counterpart on Saturday afternoon.

“Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) called Indian DGMO at 15:35 hours earlier this afternoon. It was agreed between them that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land and in the air and sea with effect from 1700 hours Indian Standard Time,” he said.”

Today, instructions have been given on both sides to give effect to this understanding. The Directors General of Military Operations will talk again on May 12 at 1200 hours,” he added.

At a joint press conference earlier in the morning, Misri emphasised that the actions being undertaken by Pakistan against India are “escalatory” and “provocative” in nature and are being responded to effectively.

India had launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in reply to the ghastly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22. The terror attack had killed 26 people. India had struck nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan sought to up the ante with a series of unprovoked escalations using artillery guns and drones. (ANI)

Amid the ongoing tension at the India-Pakistan border, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued an advisory to all media channels to refrain from using Civil Defence Air Raid Sirens sounds in their programs other than community awareness drives.

As per an advisory from Directorate General Fire Service, Civil Defence and Home Guards under MHA, “In exercise of the powers conferred under Section 3 (1) (w) (i) of the Civil Defence Act, 1968, all media channels are hereby requested to refrain from using Civil Defence Air Raid Sirens sounds in their programs other than for educating the community.”

The advisory notes, “The routine use of sirens may likely reduce the sensitivity of civilians towards the Air Raid Sirens and civilians may have misunderstood it as a routine matter, used by the media channels, during the actual air raids. Looking forward to your kind support in augmenting the Civil Defence preparedness in terms of the Civil Defence Act, 1968.”

Earlier on Saturday, India categorically rejected Pakistan’s malicious misinformation campaign, which falsely claimed the destruction of critical Indian military assets and infrastructure.

Addressing a joint press conference by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Defence on Operation Sindoor, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh highlighted Pakistan’s attempts to spread disinformation about damage caused to the S-400 system at Adhampur, airfields at Suratgarh and Sirsa, Brahmos space at Nagrota, and artillery-gun positions in Dehrangyari and Chandigarh, among other allegations.

She emphasised that India unequivocally rejects these false narratives, which are part of a broader strategy to undermine India’s military capabilities and instil fear among the public.”

Pakistan has also attempted to execute a continued malicious misinformation campaign, with claims of destruction of the Indian S-400 system at Adhampur, destruction of airfields at Suratgarh and Sirsa, Brahmos space at Nagrota, and Arti-gun positions in Dehrangyari and Chandigarh forward ammunition depot, with heavy damages to other military stations being propagated across social media,” she said.

“India unequivocally rejects these false narratives being spread by Pakistan,” the Wing Commander added.

Alongside the disinformation campaign, Singh added that Pakistan has escalated its military actions along the Line of Control (LoC), attempting multiple air intrusions using drones and conducting shelling with heavy-calibre artillery guns, which have threatened civilian infrastructure and resulted in civilian casualties.

She noted the Indian Army’s effective and proportionate response, causing extensive damage to the Pakistan Army in retaliation.

“Along the Line of Control, Pakistan has also attempted multiple air intrusions using drones and conducted shelling using heavy-calibre artillery guns, threatening civilians’ infrastructure and killing civilians… Heavy exchange of artillery, mortar, and small arms fire in the Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri and Akhnoor sectors has continued… The Indian Army has responded effectively and proportionately, causing extensive damage to the Pakistan Army,” she said.

Debunking claims of Pakistani propaganda, Wing Commander Singh also showed time-stamped images of the Indian air bases undamaged.

Meanwhile, the Union Home Ministry asked several states to conduct mock drills on May 7 to enhance the effectiveness of civil defence. The measures to be undertaken include operationalisation of Air Raid Warning Sirens and training of civilians, students, and others on Civil Defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack.

In a letter to Chief Secretaries, the Union Home Ministry said the exercise aims to assess and enhance the readiness of Civil Defence mechanisms across states and Union Territories.

The exercise is planned up to the village level. “Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to organise Civil Defence Exercise and rehearsal across 244 categorised Civil Defence Districts of the country on May 7, 2025,” the letter said. (ANI)