Indian Defence News

Sunday, April 28, 2024

New Delhi: In a major boost for firepower of its fighter aircraft fleet, the Indian Air Force has inducted the Rampage long-range supersonic air-to-ground missiles which can hit targets at around 250 Km.

The missile known as the High-Speed Low Drag-Mark 2 missile in the Indian Air Force was reportedly used in a big way by the Israeli Air Force during its recent attacks on Iranian targets.

The Indian Air Force has inducted the Rampage in its Russian-origin aircraft fleet including the Su-30 MKI and MiG-29 fighters along with the Jaguar fighter jets, defence sources told ANI.

The Indian Navy has also inducted the missile in its fleet for the MiG-29K naval fighter jets, they said.

The stand-off weapon will give Indian fighter pilots the option of engaging and taking out targets like communication centres or radar stations, the sources said.

The procurement was part of the emergency powers given by the Defence Ministry to the armed forces to equip themselves with critical weapons and equipment after the standoff with China started in 2020.

The missiles have a longer range than the Spice-2000s used in the Balakot air strikes in 2019.

The Indian Air Force has gone in for multiple weapon systems including the long-range systems from both aboard and Indian vendors.

Indian Air Force recently tested the ROCKS or the Crystal Maze-2 missile in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands territory.

The air-launched ballistic missile had hit its target successfully in the trials done around a fortnight ago.

Induction of the Rampage and integration with the Russian Su-30 has given a big boost to the Russian aircraft fleet which can now fire multiple long-range air-to-ground missiles including the over 400 Km strike range BrahMos supersonic missiles.

The Indian Air Force is now also mulling if the Rampage can be produced under the Make in India program and be inducted in large numbers.

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New Delhi: The Indian Defence Ministry's Goa Shipyard Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Damen Shipyards for collaborating in the field of e-Tugs, in the presence of the Netherlands' Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Liesje Schreinemacher.

The MoU further paves the way for new vistas in providing cutting-edge, reliable, and green solutions to Indian ports, according to Goa Shipyard Limited.

The Damen Group is a Dutch defence, shipbuilding, and engineering conglomerate company based in Gorinchem, Netherlands. With 54 companies, it has shipyards and service hubs all over the world.

Netherlands Minister Schreinemacher on Thursday, called India a "big geopolitical player" for the Netherlands.

She praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his work to make India a "really important geopolitical player."

In an interview with ANI, Schreinemacher stated that India and the Netherlands have a "very good economic partnership." She noted that the economic ties between the two countries are about 20 billion euros and she believes that they can only grow the number.

Asked about PM Modi's work for India, the Netherlands Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation said, "Well, you see that India is becoming a really important geopolitical player, and I think that that's also because of the way that your prime minister has acted and has put India on the map. So in that sense, you can say that he has a big role in that sense."

Highlighting India's role in the Indo-Pacific, Schreinemacher said India is a big geopolitical player and economic player for the Netherlands.

She said, "For us, it's very important that we see India really as a big geopolitical player and economic player here in the region. So when we talk about Indo-Pacific stability and security, we cannot do that without India. So we need India, and this is also why I'm here, to enhance this cooperation when it comes to maritime security, but also, of course, as a minister for trade, to see where we can improve our economic relations. We already have good economic relations, but we can always improve it."

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Bangalore: When Indian Space Research Organisation chairman S Somanath threw the floor open for questions over Instagram on Saturday, not only did people want to know about next Chandrayaan, asteroid missions and space stations, but also if ISRO can find water and if ISRO can teach 10-year-olds to build nano satellite. But with only an hour earmarked for #asksomanathisro, S Somanath could only answer a fraction of the questions posted by aspiring scientists and space enthusiasts. Questions on water on the moon and nano-satellite classes for 10-year-olds have to wait till next session.

The session on April 27, between 6pm and 7pm, was attended by nearly 1,500 people.

S Somanath chose questions aimed to encourage students and enthusiasts to pursue careers in science and technology, even geology, emphasising that ISRO offers diverse opportunities beyond just astronaut roles.

Answering a question on whether it would be possible for humans to build a fully sustainable space colony, ISRO chief said it is not likely in the near future.

"There are huge technical challenges to create a planet like earth elsewhere. It also requires huge investment, so in the immediate future I don't see it happening," said S Somanath.

S Somanath also talked about how ISRO is actively working on sample return missions, where spacecraft collect samples from celestial bodies (such as the Moon or asteroids) and bring them to Earth for analysis.

Answering a question which wondered whether ISRO's collaboration with NASA to jointly build a satellite equipped with advanced features such as large reflectors and high antennas for clear data transmission for US$ 1 billion is expensive, S Somanath said considering what the ISRO is getting in return, the cost is justified.

He also explained about nano satellites and how it is now possible to make satellites weighing less than 1 kilogram that are as efficient as 100-kilogram satellites. He also answered questions about exoplanets, space junk and Chandrayaan-4.

Earlier on March 2, S Somanath had interacted via Instagram answering select questions from the audience focusing on providing insights and guidance. His engagement through Instagram allows direct interaction with space enthusiasts as well as creating awareness about ISRO's work.

The next Instagram session will be in May for which the date and time will be announced soon, he said.

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Male: Chinese marine research vessel Xiang Yang Hong-3 has returned in Maldivian waters, marking its second visit to the archipelago nation within two months after Pro-China Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu's ruling People's National Congress (PNC) has won the Parliamentary elections, as reported by Adhadhu news on Friday.

It is pertinent to note that Defence Minister Ghassan Maumoon last month told the Maldivian Parliament that the Chinese vessel would not conduct any research despite sailing inside and near Maldivian waters.

"There was no permission given to conduct any research in the Maldives territory. After docking in Male' and buying food, they did a crew change. People who came on an airplane went onboard the boat and those on the boat left via the airplane. That was the permission that was given," , Adhadhu quoted Ghassan as saying on March 25.

The vessel was observed docked at the Thilafushi industrial island's harbour on Thursday morning, although the specific reason for its return remains undisclosed by the government. However, it's worth noting that the government had previously confirmed permission for the ship to dock during its initial visit.

Xiang Yang Hong-3 initially arrived on February 22 after spending approximately a month near the boundary of the Maldives' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Following a brief stay of about six days, the ship returned to the EEZ boundary.

Its current reappearance suggests continued activity within or near Maldivian territory since January, with the vessel having skirted the EEZ during its recent movements.

In February, the Foreign Ministry stated that the Chinese vessel's visit was for crew rotation purposes, emphasizing that no research activities would be conducted while in Maldivian waters. Defence Minister Ghassan Maumoon reiterated this stance in March, confirming that permission had only been granted for crew changes and replenishment, without authorization for research activities.

According to China's State Oceanic Administration (SOA), Xiang Yang Hong-3 is hailed as the most advanced research vessel manufactured in the country, boasting capabilities for various marine research tasks. Its endurance of 15,000 nautical miles enables extended nonstop operations, while features such as DP-1 dynamic positioning ensure stability in adverse conditions.

The vessel is equipped with cutting-edge research apparatus, facilitating efficient data collection and analysis. While some equipment is sourced internationally, much of it is proudly manufactured in China.

As the Xiang Yang Hong-3 returns to Maldivian waters, questions persist regarding the nature of its activities and the extent of its involvement in marine research within the region, Adhadhu reported.

Muizzu's ruling People's National Congress (PNC) won 60 seats in the parliamentary elections held on Sunday, Maldives-based Sun Online reported.

Over 200,000 people voted in the parliamentary elections, in which 326 candidates were in the fray for 93 seats in the next parliamentary assembly, including six new seats. Maldives ruling party's candidates contested 90 seats.

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Gaganyaan mission's crew capsule during previous test

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will likely conduct the crucial integrated air-drop test for the Gaganyaan mission's crew module next week.

Initially set for this week, the test is now slated for execution next week at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, sources in the Indian space agency told IndiaToday.in.

This pivotal test forms part of the preparatory steps leading up to India's ambitious manned spaceflight.

The crew module, designed to ensure the safe return of astronauts from space, will be dropped from an altitude of approximately 3.5 to 4 kilometres using an Indian Air Force helicopter.

This procedure aims to assess the parachute system's functionality and the capsule's overall stability and safety during descent.

The crew capsule will undergo a series of parachute deployments upon release, culminating in a controlled splashdown in the Bay of Bengal. These tests are critical in validating the safety measures and operational capabilities of the module.

The decision to postpone was influenced by the need for additional technical preparations and favourable weather conditions, ensuring the highest standards of safety and success are met.

ISRO has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), indicating the airspace restrictions applicable during the test period.

This air-drop test is not merely a procedural requirement but a demonstration of ISRO's commitment to upholding stringent safety protocols for its astronauts. It marks one of the final major preparatory activities before the Gaganyaan mission's first uncrewed orbital flight.

Sources close to the project suggest that while the exact date remains under wraps, all systems are geared towards a launch window within the next week, pending final checks and optimal weather conditions.

(With Agency Inputs)

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Islamabad/Beijing: China has launched the first of the eight Hangor-class submarines to be built for its all-weather ally Pakistan to provide it with state-of-the-art warships, adding a new dimension to their growing bilateral military cooperation.

The launch ceremony, held at Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group's (WSIG) Shuangliu Base on Friday, was attended by Pakistan Navy chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Geo News reported.

The development comes as part of the agreement between Islamabad and Beijing under which the latter had agreed to provide the former with eight state-of-the-art advanced submarines.

Out of the total eight vessels, four are to be built by WSIG, while the remaining four are being built at KS&EW (Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works) under the Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement.

The submarines, having advanced stealth features, are to be fitted with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors to operate under a multi-threat environment and can engage targets at stand-off ranges.

Speaking at the occasion, Admiral Ashraf emphasised the importance of maritime security under the prevailing geo-strategic environment and the Navy's resolve to ensure regional peace and stability.

The Navy chief also underscored that the Hangor-class S/M Project will "add a new dimension to the all-weather Pak-China friendship and shows strong military cooperation between two countries".

Friday's launch ceremony comes after Pakistan commenced the manufacturing of the 6th Hangor-class submarine by KS&EW in February earlier this year.

Pakistan enjoys close military ties with China with their bilateral relations provisioning various arms imports by Islamabad from Beijing.

Last year, the Pakistan Navy inducted two newly built Chinese Type 054 A/P frigates.

Both countries had inked the contract for four multi-role frigates back in 2018. The first and second ships PNS TUGHRIL and PNS TAIMUR joined the PN fleet in 2022.

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Two terrorists killed in Sopore were from POK and Rawalpindi. Terrorists identified as Sanam Zafar and Abdul Wahab Arrived in North Kashmir a month ago, lived in forest

Two Lashkar terrorists who were killed in an anti-terror operation in Sopore in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday were from Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) and Pakistan, sources said.

The accused have been identified as Sanam Zafar from Mirpur in POK and Abdul Wahab from Rawalpindi in Pakistan.

According to sources, they reached Sopore in North Kashmir one month ago. However, it is not clear how they reached the region from across the border.

After analysing the pictures from their phones, the officials say, it is believed both had lived in the North Kashmir forest for some time before coming to Sopore town.

One of the terrorists was killed on Thursday when the encounter began, and the second terrorist was neutralised on Friday by the security forces following a gunfight.

Two army personnel and a civilian were also injured in the incident.

(With Agency Inputs)

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Srinagar: The ideology of separatism is “Dead” in Jammu and Kashmir as people realised it is futile, separatist-turned-mainstream politician Sajad Lone said.

In a freewheeling interview with PTI, the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference (JKPC) chief called for an end to violence, saying, “India is our land and there is no ambiguity about that.”

Asked if the separatist ideology is dead and buried in Jammu and Kashmir, Lone said, “I think yes, it is. I think it is dead. People see that it was futile and I would also add that the ball is in Delhi’s court (now),” said Lone.

“Kashmiris are ready to be a part of India but they are looking at a dignified coexistence, they are not looking at the status of indignity or (being) unequal Indians.

“They are looking at being Indians with pride and at par with an Indian from Gujarat or Maharashtra or Tamil Nadu,” he added.

Lone, who is contesting the Lok Sabha polls from Baramulla constituency, said one of the reasons he wants to go to Parliament is to strive and advocate for the same set of laws for the children of Kashmir and the rest of the country.

He cited the example of police verifications in Jammu and Kashmir. While police verification in other parts of the country entails checking if an individual has any criminal antecedents or if an FIR is registered against them, in Kashmir, the entire family tree is investigated, he said.

“So, if in a family of 500 people, cousins and second cousins, one person is involved in violence, 499 will not get police clearance. This means they will not get a job, they will not get a passport, they can’t participate in government contracts and probably they (government) might even pass a law that they can’t get a bank loan,” he said.

Lone also underlined the importance of reintegration in conflict resolution. “Those who rebelled against the system, how much time will you give them to reintegrate into the system? So, if they are clean for 10 years, it is time to take the stigma off and let them live like normal civilians. This is done in all civilised countries,” he said.

In response to a question, the JKPC president said he would not want Kashmir to be an issue between India and Pakistan, and the people of Jammu and Kashmir should focus on their lives and development.

“If there is an issue, the two countries have their foreign ministries to deal with it. We are a union territory, hopefully (will become) a state, and let’s focus on development. It (their issues) is something that the two countries will take care of,” he said.

He said his opinion might not be politically very correct or palatable but it was the truth which would save lives. “Anybody saying anything to the contrary is talking about sacrifice. Sacrifice means blood, dead bodies and jail. Whosever says so should first qualify whose children will die and whose children will go to jail.

“I don’t want… the army of orphans to supply more (bodies) to the graves,” he said. Lone, whose father and separatist leader Abdul Ghani Lone was assassinated on May 21, 2022, added that he detests violence as he has been at the receiving end.

On his past association with separatist Hurriyat Conference, the JKPC chief said the amalgam never accepted him while the mainstream political parties labelled him as an agent of agencies.

Lone, who is pitted against National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah in Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency, said the mainstream political parties paint him as a separatist as well as a BJP man in the same breath.

“They say his father created militant outfits and in the same breath, they say he is with the BJP. You have to give a prize for fiction and theatre to the National Conference,” he said.

Lone, who has been a vocal critic of the NC, said the tenure of the oldest political party of Jammu and Kashmir witnessed the “worst human rights violations, dozens of killings in a single day, blinding (of) people. The menace of pellets was brought here by (former chief minister) Omar Abdullah.”

Baramulla goes to polls on May 20 in the fifth round of the seven-phase Lok Sabha polls. The counting of votes for all seven phases will be taken up on June 4.

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Indian Army on Friday evening foiled a drone intrusion attempt by Pakistan along the Line of Control in Pallanwala sector of Akhnoor sub-division of Jammu

Jammu: Indian Army on Friday evening foiled a drone intrusion attempt by Pakistan along the Line of Control in Pallanwala sector of Akhnoor sub-division of Jammu. Multiple rounds were fired at the Pakistani drone from over four posts of Indian Army and searches were launched immediately after the incident.

The Pakistani drone was fired upon from at least four posts of the Indian Army as it attempted to enter the Indian territory from multiple locations.

How the Indian Army Fired Upon The Drone

Senior Army Official told Republic that the Pakistani drone was spotted along the Line of Control in Pallanwala sector of Akhnoor last evening at around 8.30 pm.

Following this, alert troops of the Indian Army opened fire at the Pakistani drone and pushed it back towards their territory.

"The Pakistani drone was fired upon from at least four posts of the Indian Army as it attempted to enter the Indian territory from multiple locations last evening. Searches have been launched in three areas by the Indian Army soon after the attack and Jammu and Kashmir Police has also been informed of the incident," he added.

Intercepted Drone Was A Hexacopter

Sources added that the Pakistani drone, which attempted to enter Indian territory was not a surveillance drone but a hexacopter, which is suspected to be carrying consignment of weapons or narcotics from across the border.

Region On The Radar of Pak Terror Groups

The border, where the drone was spotted hours after the polling of the second phase of the Lok Sabha, is close to the Rajouri district of Jammu, which is going to polls in the third phase and has been on the radar of terror groups operating from Pakistan.

(With Agency Inputs)

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Moscow: Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that no conditions exist for talks between Russia and Ukraine at this time, and Moscow's military action continues in Kyiv, Russia-based TASS reported.

Speaking to reporters, Peskov said, "So far, at this moment, there are no premises for talks because everybody knows full well Ukraine's stance on rejecting any kind of negotiations. So the special military operation continues."

He stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin's stance is "well known." Peskov further said, "The last time he mentioned it during a conversation with [Belarusian] President [Alexander] Lukashenko."

Asked whether the draft of the Istanbul agreement may serve as the foundation for talks with Kyiv, Dmitry Peskov said that the "Russian stance is consistent," according to TASS report.

On April 11, Putin and Lukashenko held talks in the Kremlin, where the former stated that Russia had never rejected a peaceful resolution of arguments and has always called for resolving the conflict this way, as per the TASS report. Lukashenko stated that the Istanbul agreements, produced in 2022, may serve as a starting point for negotiations on resolving the conflict in Ukraine.

Amid the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, a spokesman for the pro-Russian underground resistance said that the Burshtyn thermal power plant in the Ivano-Frankovsk Region in western Ukraine, was hit in Russia's overnight strike, TASS reported.

The spokesperson said, "Explosions in the Ivano-Frankovsk Region were registered in the town of Burshtyn. The town accommodates the Burshtyn thermal power plant. According to preliminary information, precisely the power plant was hit."

He said that five missiles struck Dnepropetrovsk, and strong blow with the subsequent detonation was reported in Krivoi Rog. Most of the missiles struck Stryi town in Lvov region, TASS reported.

As per the news report, Tripolskaya thermal power plant was destroyed in the strike conducted by Russia on April 11. On April 11, Russian Defence Minister said that Russian troops had carried out a strike on Ukrainian fuel and energy facilities in retaliation to Ukraine's attempts to damage Russia's oil and gas industry sites.

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Islamabad: The week ending April 25 witnessed a significant surge in short-term inflation, as measured by the Sensitive Price Index (SPI), leading to an unprecedented rise in gas prices and essential food items. The increase amounted to nearly 27 per cent on an annual basis, reported Dawn, citing the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics on Friday, Dawn reported.

"The SPI for the current week ended on April 25, eased 1.1pc," it stated, according to the report.

The PBS reported that the "year-on-year trend depicts a spike of 26.94 per cent", as gas charges surged by 570 per cent, followed by a 122.34 per cent rise in tomato, 121.2 per cent in onion, and 77 per cent in chilli powder prices, as per Dawn.

Out of the 51 items in the SPI basket, prices of 15 items increased while 10 items saw a decrease, and prices of 26 items remained stable.

Notably, tomato prices saw a significant week-on-week decline of 20.83 per cent, followed by onions at 14.43 per cent and chicken at 11.64 per cent.

Additionally, wheat flour prices dropped by 4.92 per cent, eggs by 4.45 per cent, chilli powder by 3.86 per cent, bananas by 3.3 per cent, LPG by 2.22 per cent, and garlic by 0.43 per cent.

According to Dawn, prices rose for potatoes by 1.8 per cent, powdered milk by 1.3 per cent, vegetable ghee by 0.70 per cent, pulse mash by 0.65 per cent, sugar by 0.60 per cent, Gur by 0.59 per cent, cooked Daal by 0.56 per cent, mutton by 0.51 per cent, and shirting by 0.37 per cent.

Providing insights into the year-on-year rise in SPI, the PBS disclosed notable increases in several items. Gents' sandals saw a surge of 67 per cent, while garlic prices rose by 65.11 per cent. Additionally, gents' sponge chappal prices increased by 58.05 per cent, salt powder by 32 per cent, shirting by 30 per cent, and Gur (Jaggery) and pulse mash prices each witnessed a 27 per cent rise. Beef also became costlier by 24.07 per cent.

Certain items experienced a decrease in prices over the same period. Bananas saw a significant decrease of 34 per cent while cooking oil (5-litre) prices decreased by 21 per cent, and vegetable ghee (2.5 kg) prices dropped by 17.56 per cent.

Similarly, wheat flour prices decreased by 16.72 per cent, mustard oil by 13.36 per cent, eggs by 9.32 per cent, LPG by 7.21 per cent, and diesel by 0.85 per cent.

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Manila: The Philippines Department of National Defence (DND) has completely rejected China's claims of having any internal agreement on the Ayungin Shoal, Philippine News Agency quoted Philippines Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr as saying.

In a statement released on Saturday, Gilberto Teodoro Jr rejected the claims of Chinese officials about two new deals with the Philippines in 2023 to reduce tensions on the disputed territory and called it a part of a "Chinese propaganda effort to steer the Filipino people's attention away from the real issue."

Teodoro said, "The DND is not aware of, nor is it a party to, any internal agreement with China on Ayungin Shoal since President Ferdinand R Marcos, Jr took office." The Ayungin Shoal is a submerged reef in Spratly Islands in the South China Sea (SCS).

Gilberto Teodoro Jr said that Philippines Department of National Defence did not have any contact with any Chinese government officials since last year.

He further said, "This is all a part of the Chinese propaganda effort to steer the Filipino people's attention away from the real issue and cause of the tensions in the West Philippine Sea, which is China's obstinate refusal to adhere to UNCLOS, which they are a signatory to."

Notably, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) recognises the Philippine jurisdiction in the SCS. Teodoro said, "We will never enter into any agreement that will compromise our sovereignty and sovereign rights under the UNCLOS, as affirmed by the 2016 Arbitral Ruling," according to Philippine News Agency report.

Previously, Philippines National Adviser Eduardo Ano said Beijing must show evidence regarding Philippines' alleged deal with China to keep the status quo in the WPS.

According to House of Representatives Deputy Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II, a gentlemen's agreement between former president Rodrigo R Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping, if any, is "constitutionally void," as it must be enshrined in a treaty and submitted to the Senate for ratification before it can take effect.

On Saturday, the Western Command (Wescom) said that a People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessel was spotted shadowing the flotilla, which was taking part in the maritime exercise (MME) of the 39th Exercise Balikatan.

In a message to reporters, Wescom spokesperson Captain Ariel Joseph Coloma said, "(There is a) a presence of a CN (Chinese) vessel in the vicinity of our BK conducting the MME. We have reported one PLAN vessel with bow number 793 in the vicinity," Philippine News Agency reported.

On Friday, the MME in Palawan waters was led by BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16), with participation from French Navy's FS Vendemiaire (FFH-734), BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602), and USS Harpers Ferry (LSD-49), Combined Joint Information Bureau chief Lt Colonel John Paul Salgado said in a statement.

Salgado said, "During the exercise, BRP Ramon Alcaraz directed the participating units with tactical messages, instructing them to approach from her portside at a distance of no less than 80 yards. BRP Davao Del Sur was the first to approach, followed by FS Vendemiaire and USS Harpers Ferry."

He further said that a continuation of cross deck-landing exercise was held and involved BRP Ramon Alcaraz BRP Davao Del Sur, USS Harpers Ferry, and a Philippine Navy AW-109 helicopter (NH-434). The exercise "Balikatan" is aimed at enhancing the participating naval forces interoperability and is scheduled to end on April 29.

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Baluchistan: Prominent Baloch activist Mahrang Baloch attended the Asma Jahangir Conference on Saturday and discussed increasing rights abuses in Baluchistan and enforced disappearances with the European Union envoy to Pakistan, Riina Kionka.

The European envoy also assured the Baloch leader to raise the issues with her Pakistani counterparts.

In a post on X, Mahrang Baloch shared details of her meeting saying, "It was a pleasure meeting European Union ambassador to Pakistan; Her Excellency Ambassador @RKionka during #AJCONF. I informed her about the increasing rights abuses in Baluchistan and enforced disappearances. She listened carefully and assured me she would raise the issue with her Pakistani counterparts. Thank you for your time, dear Ambassador."

Asma Jahangir Conference or AJCONF is an annual recurring two-day conference. The fifth conference was held on April, 25-26, 2024 in Lahore in memory of Asma Jahangir.

Meanwhile, the US State Department's latest "2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices," issued on April 22, indicates no significant improvement in Pakistan's human rights situation over the past year, The Baluchistan Post reported.

The report accuses the Pakistani government of engaging in intimidation and reprisals against individuals abroad, including civil society activists, human rights defenders, and journalists.

According to the report, Pakistan is responsible for substantial human rights abuses, such as arbitrary and extrajudicial killings, torture, inhumane treatment, and life-threatening prison conditions.

According to The Baluchistan Post, US report further states that arbitrary arrests and political detentions continue to occur, with "a lack of accountability contributing to widespread impunity."

The report also highlighted allegations from the previous year where activists accused the Pakistani government of conducting politically motivated killings and kidnappings in other countries.

Additionally, it noted that successive Pakistani administrations have tacitly approved enforced disappearances. Citing figures from the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, the report detailed that out of 9,967 missing-person cases reported since 2011, 7,714 have been resolved, leaving 2,253 still pending.

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Washington: In a demonstration of solidarity and advocacy, the World Sindhi Congress (WSC) took centre stage at a conference convened by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) on April 23.

With representatives from over 50 countries in attendance, the conference served as a platform to shed light on the persecution faced by Sindhi Hindus in Pakistan.

Liaquat Panhwar, a key member of the WSC US Organising Committee, gave a comprehensive overview of the situation confronting Sindhi Hindus, particularly emphasising the harrowing ordeal of individuals like Priya Kumari, a 7-year-old Sindhi Hindu girl kidnapped by a powerful feudal lord.

With meticulous detail, Panhwar elucidated the systemic oppression and threats posed by religious extremist forces in the Sindh province.

Over the past two decades, hundreds of Sindhi Hindu girls have fallen victim to forced conversions and marriages, underscoring the urgent need for international attention and intervention.

Moreover, Sindhi Hindus find themselves increasingly marginalised and pressured to abandon their ancestral homeland, compounding their plight.

During the conference, the Secretary of the USCIRF voiced a resolute commitment to take proactive measures to address the specific case of Priya Kumari. Recognising the gravity of her situation, the Secretary urged Panhwar to provide all pertinent details regarding Priya Kumari's circumstances to facilitate swift and decisive action aimed at securing her release from captivity.

The World Sindhi Congress welcomes this promising development and pledges unwavering support to initiatives aimed at safeguarding the rights and dignity of Sindhi Hindus.

As advocates for justice and religious freedom, the WSC remains steadfast in its mission to amplify the voices of the oppressed and marginalised communities, ensuring that their grievances are heard on the global stage.

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Pakistan experienced extensive internet outages on Friday (Apr 27) due to damaged sea cables. According to local media reports, the disruptions were attributed to breaks in the fibre optic cable linking Singapore to Pakistan and Europe, which were found at multiple locations.

The fibre optic cable, crucial for connecting Singapore to Pakistan and Europe, suffered damage near Indonesia, impacting internet services across Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

Further, reports have revealed that five breaks in the underwater cable significantly affected internet connectivity, especially from eastern routes. The restoration efforts are estimated to take around a month to fully repair the damaged sections of the fibre optic cable. However, both Pakistan Telecommunication Company Ltd and Transworld are grappling with issues concerning eastbound traffic.

Consumers in Pakistan have had difficulty accessing the internet since less than 10% of internet traffic is routed from the east. In order to reduce the damage, PTCL has rerouted internet traffic from the east to alternate channels. Customers may continue to have issues until the fibre optic network is fully restored.

(With Agency Inputs)

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