'Even JCBs Draw More Crowd in India': Punjab CM Mocks PM Modi's Foreign Trips To Small Nations
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Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
Punjab launches anti-drone systems to tackle cross-border smuggling
AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal with Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann (ANI image) CHANDIGARH: Chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday announced the launch of anti-drone systems, aimed at curbing the smuggling of drugs and weapons through drones from Pakistan. He declared that Punjab is the first state in India to deploy such a system in its border areas. Mann, along with AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal , unveiled three anti-drone systems during an event in the border district of Tarn Taran. The anti-drone system will be called 'Baaz Akh' (Hawk Eye), the chief minister said, adding that it will be deployed from Pathankot to Fazilka as the second line of defence in the border districts in coordination with the Border Security Force. Mann explained that the second line of defence refers to the deployment of the Punjab Police in border districts, working alongside the BSF stationed at the international border. He emphasised that this initiative marks a significant step for the Punjab government in the fight against the smuggling of drugs and arms across the border. "In the coming days, we will expand the anti-drone system throughout the state," he added. Reaffirming his government's commitment to maintaining peace and harmony in the state, Mann said this initiative will play a crucial role in the government's anti-drug drive, Yudh Nasheyan Virudh (war against drugs). To enhance border security and address challenges posed by drone activities from Pakistan, nine anti-drone units are being established along the international border for Rs 51.4 crore, Mann informed, asserting that the anti-drone system will significantly counter the activities of drug smugglers. "The enemies of the country have turned drones into weapons to harm Punjab's youth, using them to smuggle drugs across the border," Mann said, praising the security forces for their relentless efforts to combat cross-border drug trafficking. He said that in 2024, a total of 283 drones loaded with heroin , weapons, and ammunition were seized, and as of 2025, 137 drones have already been recovered. Expressing confidence that the anti-drone system will assist the security forces in combating the smuggling of drugs and weapons, Mann said it will be deployed at specific border points where high drone activity has been observed. Mann claimed that the Punjab Police did not have any such system to neutralise drones previously. Further informing that the anti-drone system is equipped to accurately detect the drone's position and its ground control stations, the chief minister stated that this system comes with an automated alert technology, which immediately notifies authorities upon detecting drone movement, thus eliminating the need for manual monitoring. To ensure effective implementation, coordination will be maintained with the BSF, the Air Force, the Army, and other relevant agencies, Mann stated. During the launch, Kejriwal stated that another chapter has been added to their fight against drugs. He highlighted the AAP government's efforts to tackle the drug menace while criticising previous governments for their alleged collusion with drug smugglers, which he claimed contributed to the state's drug problems. Announcing that a crackdown against drug trafficking has begun, and the 'big fish' involved in this trade have been rounded up, Kejriwal further claimed that a notorious and feared drug lord has been put behind bars by the Bhagwant Mann government. He mentioned that the Punjab Police is actively taking action against drug smugglers, including demolishing properties acquired through drug trafficking as part of their anti-drug campaign. "We know that most drugs enter from Pakistan through drones. Today, the Punjab government is implementing the anti-drone system, which will neutralise any drone that crosses into Punjab from Pakistan," the former Delhi chief minister said. Three anti-drone systems were launched on Saturday, with plans to deploy six more. If necessary, additional systems will be purchased, Kejriwal stated, emphasising the government's commitment to eradicating the drug menace in Punjab.
NDTV
5 hours ago
- NDTV
Pakistan Lost Rs 127 Crore In Two Months After Shutting Airspace For India: Report
Pakistan had closed its airspace for Indian airplanes a day after India suspended the Indus Water Treaty on 23rd April. Owing to that, Pakistan has suffered losses amounting to PKR 4.10 billion in two months, according to figures shared in the Pakistan National Assembly on Friday. The losses happened between April 24 and June 30, 2025 after airspace for Indian planes, those owned or leased by Indian carriers, had been shut down, per Pakistan's Ministry of Defence. About 100-150 Indian aircrafts were affected by this move. However, despite the losses, the overall revenue of Pakistan Airports Authority has increased from $508,000 in 2019 to $760,000 in 2025. The Defence Ministry noted that airspace restrictions fall under the jurisdiction of the federal government. "While financial losses occur, sovereignty and national defence take precedence over economic considerations," said the statement, as quoted by the Dawn. In 2019, Pakistan faced $54 million in losses after the closure of airspace because of cross-border tensions. The Pakistani airspace still stands closed for Indian aircrafts and will remain closed till the last week of August. In a similar move, the Indian airspace will also continue the shutdown, with the Indian Ministry specifying, "When safeguarding sovereignty and security, no price is too high". The Resistance Front (TRF), a Pakistan based terror outfit, claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam terror attack that took place on April 22nd and claimed the life of 26 civilians. In response to that, and before launching Operation Sindoor, India had downgraded diplomatic relations, suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and imposed a ban on trade. Pakistan also closed off its airspace for Indian flights in a tit-for-tat move that has now costed the country billions in losses.
Hans India
7 hours ago
- Hans India
Punjab deploys anti-drone system along Pakistan border
Tarn Taran (Punjab): In a first initiative in India to check supply of drugs from across the international border, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP national Convener Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday jointly flagged off 'Baaj Akh', an anti-drone system. Interacting with the media, Kejriwal said another chapter has been added in the crusade against the drugs. He said previous regimes hobnobbed with drug smugglers due to which this curse flexed its muscles in the state. However, Kejriwal said now a massive crackdown has been launched against drugs and big fishes involved in this trade have been put behind the bars. He said drugs have been supplied to Punjab from across the border and to check them this anti-drone system has been launched. He said three anti-drone system have been launched and six others will be launched soon to make Punjab free from this scourge. Kejriwal said the government has strictly implemented a zero-tolerance policy against drug traffickers. He said properties acquired by drug smugglers through the illegal drug trade are being demolished. The most notorious and feared drug lord has been put behind the bars by an honest government led by Bhagwant Mann. The Chief Minister said under the 'War Against Drugs' (Yudh Nasheyan Virud) campaign, Punjab today launched a battle to stop drug smuggling from across the border. 'Punjab shares a 553-km border with Pakistan, which is considered one of the most sensitive zones for the smuggling of narcotics and weapons.' Mann said that to strengthen border security and tackle the challenges posed by drone-based smuggling, nine anti-drone units are being set up along the international border. The Chief Minister said Rs 51.4 crore is being spent on these units. He said although 'our country's armed forces and the BSF have already been using such systems, Punjab is the first state in the country to deploy anti-drone systems at the international border'. He said the anti-drone system will give a strong response to drug smugglers from across the border, adding anti-national elements always use technology for anti-social activities.
