India's NDRF Responds to Myanmar Earthquake, Recovering Bodies
Following the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck
Myanmar on Friday, rescue teams from India's National Disaster Response Force
(NDRF) have recovered nine bodies from the affected regions.1 Tragically, at least five
of these victims were found at the U Ha Thein monastery, where approximately
170 monks were feared to be trapped. NDRF teams are currently deployed in
Mandalay city, concentrating their efforts on areas that have experienced significant
building collapses. To aid in the search and recovery operations, the NDRF has
also deployed four trained canine units. As India continues to mobilize
resources, a further contingent of 180 trained rescuers remains on standby,
ready to provide additional assistance as requested by the Myanmar government.2 Myanmar has reported
approximately 3,400 injuries and extensive material damage as a result of the
earthquake.
Intense Gun Battle Erupts Between Security Forces and Terrorists
in Jammu
Security forces engaged in a fierce gun battle with terrorists on
March 31 in the Panjirthi area of Kathua district, Jammu.3 The encounter, which
lasted for around 40 minutes, was part of an operation to track down three
terrorists who had absconded from a group of five; the other two had been
neutralized previously. Despite intensified search efforts throughout the day,
no contact was re-established with the terrorists. Security
forces also conducted aerial surveillance and initiated a separate search operation
in the Samba sector.4 In addition, several
individuals are being questioned regarding potential terrorist activity in the
region, and the police are investigating possible links to families who may be
providing support to the terrorists. The situation in the cordoned-off area
remains critical.
India and US to Conduct Joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster
Relief Exercise
India and the United States are scheduled to commence a 13-day
tri-services military exercise, codenamed Tiger Triumph, focused on
humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR).5 The exercise will begin
on Tuesday on the eastern seaboard. This fourth iteration of the
exercise aims to enhance interoperability between the two nations in HADR
operations and to develop standard operating procedures for establishing a
combined coordination centre.6 The Indian Navy will participate with ships Jalashwa, Gharial,
Mumbai, and Shakti, alongside personnel from the Indian Army and Air Force,
including C-130 aircraft and helicopters.7 The
US Navy will be represented by ships Comstock and Ralph Johnson.8 Activities are planned to take place in Visakhapatnam, starting
with training exercises and various sports events.9
HAL Reports Stable Revenue Despite Delivery Shortfalls
Defence
public sector undertaking Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) announced on Monday
that it recorded a provisional and unaudited revenue of Rs. 30,400 crores for
the financial year ending March 31, 2025. This represents a slight increase
compared to the Rs. 30,381 crores reported in the previous year. This
achievement comes despite challenges faced due to shortfalls in the deliveries
of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) and Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH). According
to HAL’s chairman and managing director, D. K. Sunil, the delays in LCA
deliveries were primarily due to the non-availability of engines.10
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