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India Today
01-08-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Mulayam Singh's bungalow allotment nixed, Samajwadi Party gets eviction notice
The Moradabad district authorities have cancelled the allotment of a bungalow granted to Samajwadi Party (SP) founder and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav, nearly three years after his local unit of the Samajwadi Party, which was using the property as its district office, has been directed to vacate the premises within 30 bungalow, a sprawling property of approximately 1,000 square metres situated in a prime area of Civil Lines, was originally allotted to Mulayam Singh Yadav in 1994. It was given at a nominal rent of just Rs 250 per month. Following Yadav's passing in October 2022, the allotment was deemed invalid, as no official name transfer had been initiated or According to officials, the decision to reclaim the property is part of a wider administrative initiative to review and reassess the allocation of state-owned properties. The district administration's objective is to repurpose these assets for more critical governmental requirements, such as housing for officials or other public eviction notice has been formally served to the local Samajwadi Party district president by the Additional District Magistrate (Finance), who confirmed the cancellation and the 30-day deadline. The administration has made it clear that the party must comply with the order and hand over possession of the property within the stipulated bungalow was allotted to Yadav during his second term as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. The socialist icon, who served three terms as Chief Minister and also held the position of Union Defence Minister, died on October 10, 2022.- Ends IN THIS STORY#Mulayam Singh Yadav
The Hindu
25-07-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Rajnath Singh, Naidu hail successful trial of UAV-launched missile in Kurnool
In a remarkable push to India's drone warfare capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Friday successfully test‑fired an indigenously developed UAV‑Launched Precision‑Guided Missile (ULPGM‑V3) at the National Open Area Range (NOAR) near Palakolanu in Orvakal mandal, Kurnool district. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced the achievement on X, sharing a photograph from the test site. He lauded DRDO scientists, MSMEs, and start‑ups involved in the project, stating, 'This proves India's ability to master complex technologies and produce world‑class systems indigenously.' The missile, designed to neutralise fixed‑wing unmanned aerial targets with high accuracy, works on a fire‑and‑forget principle and is seen as a decisive step in next‑generation combat readiness. Developed on the earlier ULPGM‑V2 platform, the V3 variant underscores India's push for cost‑effective, precision weapons. The NOAR test range, spread over 2,200 acres, is one of DRDO's most advanced facilities. It has been the site of trials of cutting‑edge systems, including directed-energy weapons. Responding to the development, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu tweeted: 'It is a proud moment that our State contributes to India's defence strength. The ULPGM‑V3 success reflects the true spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.' Officials said the weapon will significantly sharpen India's drone combat strategy.
India Gazette
27-05-2025
- India Gazette
India to welcome Navika Sagar Parikrama II crew after historic 50,000km global circumnavigation
New Delhi [India], May 27 (ANI): The Indian Navy is set to welcome the crew of Navika Sagar Parikrama II, led by Lt Cdr Roopa A and Lt Cdr Dilna K, after their remarkable 50,000km circumnavigation of the globe onboard the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel Tarini. The crew will arrive in Goa on May 29, marking the culmination of their eight-month journey across four continents, three oceans, and three Great Capes. This extraordinary sailing expedition was flagged off from Naval Ocean Sailing Node, Goa, on Oct 2, 2024. The crew accomplished this rare feat in double-handed mode, relying solely on sails and wind power, and braving extreme weather conditions, including winds up to 50 knots (93 kmph) and stormy weather. The Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will preside over the Flag-in ceremony of this landmark event at Mormugao Port, Goa, formally marking the culmination of the circumnavigation. The expedition symbolises India's maritime endeavours, showcasing the nation's prominence in global maritime activities, the Indian Navy's commitment to excellence, and Nari Shakti, signifying the motto 'Courageous Hearts Boundless Seas.' Over eight months, the Naval duo (famously called #DilRoo) covered a distance of 25,400 nm (approx 50,000km) across four continents, three oceans and three Great Capes, braving extreme weather conditions and challenging seas relying solely on sails and wind power, Though each leg had its challenges, the third leg of the journey from Lyttleton to Port Stanley was one of the most arduous. The crew encountered three cyclones, navigated through the treacherous Drake Passage, and successfully rounded Cape Horn. The circumnavigation highlights the unwavering spirit, exceptional valour, courage, and perseverance of the officers amidst challenging sea and nature conditions. During their journey, the crew engaged in numerous diplomatic and outreach activities, interacting with parliamentarians, the Indian diaspora, and school children, showcasing India's maritime endeavors and promoting national pride. As the proud flag bearers of resurgent India, the duo commenced their circumnavigation with port calls at Fremantle (Australia), Lyttleton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Falkland Islands) and Cape Town (South Africa). The officers engaged in numerous diplomatic and outreach engagements, interacting with parliamentarians, the Indian diaspora, school children, Naval cadets and university faculty across the globe. In a rare gesture, they were honoured as special invitees at the Western Australian Parliament in recognition of their achievements. Their accomplishments received accolades from local communities, international sailing bodies and foreign parliaments, serving as a beacon of women's empowerment, maritime excellence and national pride. During the voyage, the crew had the opportunity to interact with the Union Defence Minister on the eve of International Women's Day. He congratulated the crew for their remarkable milestone and acknowledged the invaluable role of women in bolstering national security, and reaffirmed India's commitment to expanding opportunities for women in the defence sector. Besides this, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, also interacted with the crew on various occasions and commended their exemplary skills, professionalism, camaraderie and teamwork. As the nation eagerly awaits the arrival of the resilient crew of Navika Sagar Parikrama II, this expedition has been a defining chapter in India's maritime history. The crew exemplified the spirit of exploration, showcasing seafaring skills on a global stage. The expedition symbolises Nari Shakti, highlighting the role of women in India's maritime sector and serving as a beacon of women's empowerment. It has been a journey of empowerment, innovation and commitment to India's maritime heritage, charting new paths for a brighter and empowered future. It reaffirms the Indian Navy's pledge to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and responsibility across the vast expanse of the world's oceans. (ANI)
Mint
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Mint
Viral video: Ex-Pakistan Air Marshal admits losing AWACS at Bholari airbase during Operation Sindoor
Although the Pakistani government has not officially acknowledged the damage from the Operation Sindoor airstrikes, a former Pakistani Air Marshal has let out that an Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft was destroyed by the Indian airstrikes at Bholari airbase in Sindh province on the early morning of May 10. In an interview, ex-Air Marshal Masood Akhtar said the Pakistani military tried to save the AWACS aircraft but the missiles kept coming. 'They (Indian forces) fired four back-to-back Brahmos surface-to-surface missiles or air-to-surface missiles, I am not sure. The Pakistani pilots rushed to secure their aircraft, but the missiles kept on coming, and unfortunately, the fourth one hit the hangar at Bholari airbase, where one of our AWACS was standing. It was damaged,' Masood Akhtar said. The AWACS is designed to detect aircraft, ships, vehicles, missiles, and other incoming threats from long distances. Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, was India's swift retaliatory strike targeting nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir (PoK). The mission followed the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, where 25 tourists and a local were killed. After India targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on May 7 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, the Pakistani military attempted to breach Indian air defences. However, the attempt failed, and India struck back by hitting Pakistani airbases and destroying key military areas and equipment. The military strikes continued for four days before the Pakistani DGMO dialed his Indian counterpart to reach an agreement. Meanwhile, in a strong warning to Pakistan, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that Operation Sindoor is not over yet and whatever happened was 'just a trailer'. 'We have kept Pakistan on probation. If its behavior improves, then okay, otherwise, it will be given strictest punishment,' he said.
Mint
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Mint
'Are nuclear weapons safe with Pakistan?' asks Rajnath Singh; seeks IAEA monitoring
India-Pakistan Conflict: Union Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday sought an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) monitoring of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal, questioning if the same was 'safe' in the hands of an 'rogue and irresponsible nation'. Pakistan's nuclear arsenal should be brought under the surveillance of the UN's nuclear agency, Rajnath Singh said on Thursday, following last week's conflict between Islamabad and New Delhi. "I wanted to raise this question for the world: are nuclear weapons safe in the hands of a rogue and irresponsible nation?" Rajnath Singh told troops at a base in Srinagar in Kashmir. "I believe that Pakistan's atomic weapons should be brought under he surveillance of IAEA. I want to say this very clearly," he said, referring to the International Atomic Energy Agency. "The entire world has seen how Pakistan has irresponsibly threatened India with nuclear attacks multiple times." Pakistan has consistently maintained throughout the conflict with India that the use of nuclear weapons was not under consideration. In contrast, India has firmly asserted that it will not be intimidated by what it terms 'nuclear blackmail' from its neighbour. New Delhi has categorically denied targeting Pakistan's nuclear installations during the recent conflict. Air Marshal AK Bharti, Director General of Air Operations, told reporters, 'We have not hit Kirana Hills,' referring to the rocky mountain range in Pakistan believed by some reports to house the country's nuclear arsenal. He added with a hint of sarcasm, 'Thank you for telling us that Kirana Hills houses some nuclear installation-we did not know about it,' emphasising that the site was not among the targets struck by Indian forces. India and Pakistan possess nearly comparable nuclear arsenals, with India estimated to have around 180 warheads and Pakistan approximately 170 as of 2025. India maintains a declared 'No First Use' (NFU) policy, committing to use nuclear weapons only in retaliation, emphasising credible minimum deterrence and restraint. Its nuclear triad includes land-based ballistic missiles (like the Agni series), air-delivered weapons, and sea-based platforms such as nuclear-powered submarines. Conversely, Pakistan has not adopted an NFU stance and follows a 'Full Spectrum Deterrence' doctrine, which allows for the potential first use of nuclear weapons, including tactical nuclear arms, to counter India's conventional military superiority. Pakistan's arsenal primarily consists of land-based ballistic and cruise missiles, with sea-based nuclear capabilities still under development. While India's nuclear command is under civilian control through the Nuclear Command Authority, Pakistan's strategic control is exercised by its National Command Authority. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is an autonomous intergovernmental organisation established in 1957 to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and prevent its military application, including nuclear weapons. Headquartered in Vienna, Austria, it operates within the United Nations system, reporting to both the General Assembly and the Security Council. The IAEA facilitates scientific and technical cooperation among its 180 member states, implements safeguards to monitor nuclear programmes, and promotes nuclear safety and security worldwide. IAEA was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005 for its efforts to ensure nuclear energy is used safely and peacefully.
