Russia Rejects US Allegations of Space Nuclear Weapons Deployment

The United States has shared new intelligence with Congress and European allies, highlighting concerns about Russia’s nuclear capabilities that could pose an international threat, as per a source briefed on the matter, reported Reuters on Wednesday.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu dismissed the US claims, suggesting they were aimed at intimidating US lawmakers into allocating more funds to counter Russia.

Putin emphasized that Russia’s space activities are no different from those of other countries, including the United States.

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Putin behind death of Alexei Navalny said by Biden: US President

“Make no mistake, Putin is behind Navalny’s death,” Biden said, adding he was “not surprised” but “outraged” after the reported death of the Russian opposition leader.

Navalny passed away in the Arctic prison where he was serving a 19-year sentence. The 47-year-old, who led the Anti-Corruption Foundation, openly criticized Putin.

According to Russia’s federal penitentiary service, Navalny, who had been poisoned before going to jail, became unwell after taking a walk.

Also Read: Putin behind death of Alexei Navalny said by Biden

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DAC Nods to Projects Worth Rs 84560 Cr More C295 Aircraft

This includes 16 C295 aircraft made in India for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard, produced by Airbus Defence and Space in collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL). The approval also covers equipment capable of countering low-flying drones and over-the-horizon UAVs for mechanized forces.

These decisions highlight the significance of obtaining equipment from Indian suppliers to encourage self-reliance.

Also Read: DAC Nods to Projects Worth Rs 84560 Cr More C295 Aircraft

Under the Buy Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured (IDDM) category, the DAC has approved the purchase of a new generation of Anti-tank mines with seismic sensors and remote deactivation features for added safety.

Furthermore, the DAC has granted approval for the procurement of the Canister Launched Anti-Armour Loiter Munition System to improve operational efficiency and dominance in the Tactical Battle Area, especially for engaging targets Beyond Visual Line of Sight by the Mechanised Forces.

Acknowledging the need to reinforce Air Defence Systems, the DAC has approved the acquisition of Air Defence Tactical Control Radar under the Buy Indian-IDDM category. This decision underscores the importance of detecting slow, small, and low-flying targets, as well as enhancing surveillance, detection, and tracking capabilities.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Defence on Friday, approval has been given for the purchase of Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance and Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft through the Buy and Make category. This move aims to strengthen surveillance and interdiction capabilities of the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard (ICG) over the vast maritime area.

Also Read: DAC Nods to Projects Worth Rs 84560 Cr More C295 Aircraft

To address potential threats, the Indian Navy will receive Active Towed Array Sonar and Heavyweight Torpedoes under the Buy Indian category, including support for 24 MH60R aircraft through the Foreign Military Sale (FMS) route with the US Government.

In addition to equipment procurement, approval has been granted for the purchase of Flight Refueler Aircraft to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force.

Financial Express Online previously reported that the US aerospace Boeing Company has offered the KC-46 tanker, a derivative of the Boeing 767 passenger aircraft, to the Indian Air Force (IAF), which is seeking quotes for mid-air refuelers.

The Ministry of Defence is also considering the European aerospace major Airbus’ A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT).

Meanwhile, the Brazilian Aerospace major Embraer has offered its C390 Millennium Military Transport Aircraft, which also has the capability to be used as a mid-air refueler.

Also Read: DAC Nods to Projects Worth Rs 84560 Cr More C295 Aircraft

Additionally, state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Israel Aerospace Industries have signed a MoU to work under the Make in India initiative to convert a civil aircraft into a Multi-Mission Tanker Transport (MMTT) aircraft.

Interestingly, one of the QUAD member countries, Japan, is acquiring the KC-46 Tanker for its Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF).

Unlike the Airbus’ MRTT, which is a derivative of the twin-engine A330 passenger aircraft of Airbus, the KC-46 tanker has the ability to carry cargo and passengers and can be used in humanitarian relief efforts. The KC-46 refueling certification covers US Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and JASDF aircraft.

Also Read: DAC Nods to Projects Worth Rs 84560 Cr More C295 Aircraft

Why is the IAF looking for new mid-air refuelers?

India currently has six Russian Illyushin-78 tankers, first inducted into service in 2003. These have now aged and require a lot of maintenance and servicing.

The need for tankers is also felt as they add range-enhancing capability to fighters, allowing pilots to carry out strikes at longer ranges and stay in-flight without requiring landing and refueling.

Also Read: DAC Nods to Projects Worth Rs 84560 Cr More C295 Aircraft

The IAF has the new Rafale fighters from France, and the Indian Navy will soon receive the Marine version of these fighter jets, which have long-range capability because they can be refueled midair. The same is the case with the Light Combat Aircraft ‘Tejas’ Mk 1A, which has the capability of mid-air refueling.

Furthermore, approval has been granted for the procurement of Software Defined Radios for the ICG under the Buy Indian-IDDM category, fulfilling the requirement for high-speed communication with secure networking capability for seamless information exchange between the ICG and Indian Navy units.

In an effort to encourage a friendly defense start-up ecosystem and promote the procurement of advanced technologies from start-ups and MSMEs, the DAC has approved amendments to the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020.

Also Read: DAC Nods to Projects Worth Rs 84560 Cr More C295 Aircraft

These adjustments include changes in benchmarking, cost computation, payment schedule, and procurement quantity to provide incentives and a supportive business environment for start-ups and MSMEs under iDEX and TDF schemes, aligning with the government’s initiative of ‘Ease of Doing Business.’

In conclusion, the recent approvals by the Defence Acquisition Council mark a significant step towards enhancing India’s defense capabilities and promoting self-reliance in defense manufacturing.

These decisions underscore the government’s commitment to modernizing the armed forces and fostering innovation in the defense sector. With a renewed focus on indigenous development and technology, India is well-positioned to meet the challenges of the future and emerge as a global leader in defense innovation.

Also Read: DAC Nods to Projects Worth Rs 84560 Cr More C295 Aircraft

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Impact and Concerns Related Bharat Bandh on Feb 16

Harinder Singh Lakhowal, the General Secretary of BKU Lakhowal, revealed the strategy during a meeting in Ludhiana regarding Gramin Bharat Bandh.

Also Read: Impact and Concerns related Bharat Bandh on Feb 16

Bharat Bandh Timing and Details

On February 16, the day-long strike will occur from 6 AM to 4 PM, including a massive chakka jam on major roads from 12 PM to 4 PM.

Protesting farmers from Punjab, joined by counterparts from Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, initiated the ‘Chalo Delhi’ march on February 13 after an inconclusive meeting with the Union government. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have called for the protest to address their demands, including a law ensuring a minimum support price (MSP) for crops.

Dr Darshan Pal, SKM National Coordination Committee (NCC) member, stated that the Gramin Bharat Bandh was planned in December. On this day, villages will remain closed, and agricultural activities, MNREGA, and rural works will be suspended.

Also Read: Impact and Concerns related Bharat Bandh on Feb 16

Impact on Emergency Services

Emergency services like ambulances, death-related activities, marriages, medical shops, newspaper supply, students going for board exams, and airport passengers will have passage. However, trading and crop procurement will be halted.

Impact on Various Sectors

1. Transportation services are expected to face disruptions during Bharat Bandh.
2. Farming operations in rural India may be affected as farmers participate in the strike.
3. Activities under MNREGA are likely to halt.
4. Private and government offices, village shops, and rural industrial and service sector establishments are likely to be closed on February 16.

Exempted Services during Bharat Bandh

Services exempted from the strike include ambulance operations, newspaper distribution, essential services for weddings, medical shops, and board exam-related activities for students.

Also Read: Impact and Concerns related Bharat Bandh on Feb 16

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Sachin and Saharan Shine as India Secure Final Spot: India vs South Africa U-19 World Cup

India, eyeing their sixth trophy in the tournament, will face either Australia or Pakistan in the final at the same venue on Sunday.

The start of India’s chase was shaky, losing four wickets for just 32 runs in the 12th over. South African bowlers, led by Kwena Maphaka, caused early trouble, but Dhas and Saharan rescued India with their mature and contrasting innings.

Also Read: Sachin and Saharan Shine as India Secure Final Spot

Dhas played aggressively, showcasing cross-batted shots, while Saharan took a more traditional approach, contributing with exquisite drives and cuts. Dhas reached his fifty in 47 balls, and Saharan became the highest run-scorer in the World Cup with 389 runs.

Despite the late breakthrough by Maphaka, India held on to secure the victory, even with Saharan’s run-out when the scores were level.

Earlier, India’s bowlers played a significant role in restricting South Africa to 244 for 7. Lhuan-dre Pretorious and Richard Seletswane tried to steady South Africa’s innings, but India’s bowlers, especially Raj Limbani and Naman Tiwari, found pace and bounce on the Willowmoore track.

Also Read: Sachin and Saharan Shine as India Secure Final Spot

Pretorious and Seletswane’s partnership of 72 runs for the third wicket took almost 22 overs. India’s spinners, Saumey Pandey and Musheer Khan, along with off-spinner Priyanshu Moliya, maintained control, and despite late runs from James and Luus, South Africa fell short.

In the end, India’s balanced performance with both bat and ball secured their place in the final of the U-19 World Cup.

Also Read: Sachin and Saharan Shine as India Secure Final Spot

Scoreboard

South Africa

Lhuan-dre Pretorius c Abhishek b Musheer Khan 76 Steve Stolk c Aravelly Avanish b Limbani 14 David Teeger b Limbani 0 Richard Seletswane c Moliya b Tiwari 64 Oliver Whitehead c Dhas b Musheer Khan 22 Dewan Marais c Abhishek b Pandey 3 Juan James c Aravelly Avanish b Limbani 24 Riley Norton not out 7 Tristan Luus not out 23 Extras (B-1, LB-1, W-9) 11 Total (For Seven Wickets in 50 overs) 244 Fall of wickets: 1-23, 2-46, 3-118, 4-163, 5-174, 6-214, 7-220.

Bowling: Raj Limbani 9-0-60-3, Naman Tiwari 8-0-52-1, Murugan Abhishek 4-0-14-0, Arshin Kulkarni 2-0-10-0, Saumy Pandey 10-0-38-1, Musheer Khan 10-1-43-2, Priyanshu Moliya 7-1-25-0.

Also Read: Sachin and Saharan Shine as India Secure Final Spot

India

Adarsh Singh c Pretorius b Maphaka 0 Arshin Kulkarni c James b Luus 12 Musheer Khan c James b Luus 4 Uday Saharan run out 81 Priyanshu Moliya c Pretorius b Luus 5 Sachin Dhas c Teeger b Maphaka 96 Aravelly Avanish c Norton b Maphaka 10 Murugan Abhishek run out 0 Raj Limbani not out 13 Naman Tiwari not out 0 Extras (LB-2, NB-2, W-23) 27 Total (For Eights Wickets in 48.5 overs) 248 Fall of Wickets: 1-0, 2-8, 3-25, 4-32, 5-203, 6-226, 7-227, 8-244.

Bowling: Kwena Maphaka 10-0-32-3, Tristan Luus 10-1-37-3, Riley Norton 9-0-53-0, Nqobani Mokoena 7.5-0-45-0, Steve Stolk 2-0-18-0, Juan James 8-0-44-0, Oliver Whitehead 2-0-17-0.

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The Controversy Behind the LBW Decision Explained: ICC

It appeared that Team India’s off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin had secured his 500th Test wicket when Tom Hartley attempted a reverse sweep and was caught by a fielder nearby. However, the England player quickly asked for a review, and upon reviewing the footage, it was discovered that the ball had hit his arm instead of his glove.

Also Read: The Controversy Behind the LBW Decision Explained

However, since the ball made contact with Tom Hartley’s arm and was heading towards the stumps, the third umpire decided to review the LBW (leg before wicket) appeal. The Decision Review System (DRS) showed that the umpire’s decision regarding the impact on the stumps was very close.

The third umpire declared the batter safe even though they were first called out on the field. This decision confused the Indian team. Rohit Sharma, the captain, promptly went up to on-field umpire Chris Gaffaney to ask for an explanation.

The ‘out’ call was specifically for catching the ball, not for LBW (Leg Before Wicket). The initial appeal was made for a catch behind, not for LBW.

Also Read: The Controversy Behind the LBW Decision Explained

In this particular case, the batter was given the benefit of the doubt by the umpire because there was no clear decision made on the field. As a result, Tom Hartley was allowed to continue batting.

Tom Hartley’s defiance gives England hope in record chase

Tom Hartley has not only been doing well as a bowler in the series, but he has also proven himself to be a capable batsman. He is currently playing a crucial role for England by scoring important runs lower down the batting order. As of now, he remains unbeaten with 30 runs from 42 deliveries.

Team India is very close to a victory as they have just taken the eighth wicket of the innings. Jasprit Bumrah cleverly deceived Ben Foakes with a slower delivery, leading to a caught and bowled decision. Currently, England stands at 280-8 after 67 overs, which means they are 119 runs behind their target.

Also Read: The Controversy Behind the LBW Decision Explained

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