1. Emphasizing Psychological Resilience in Modern Warfare
During an event at the Brahma Kumaris Headquarters in Mount Abu, Rajasthan, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh underscored the critical role of psychological strength alongside combat skills for the Indian Armed Forces. He stressed that in the evolving landscape of warfare, which includes challenges posed by cyber threats and psychological operations, a robust inner self is essential for soldiers to operate effectively. Minister Singh also launched the campaign "Self-Empowerment—Through Inner Awakening," advocating for personal transformation as a means to bolster the resilience of security personnel in an increasingly uncertain global environment.
2. Enhanced Connectivity for Remote Border Regions in Ladakh
The Indian Army has successfully established 4G and 5G network connectivity in its designated "First Villages" situated in eastern and western Ladakh. This initiative significantly improves mobile communication for remote locations such as DBO, Galwan, Demchok, Chumar, Batalik, Dras, and the Siachen Glacier. This enhanced connectivity, a result of a collaborative "Whole-of-Government" approach involving telecom service providers and local administrations, aims to improve communication for troops stationed in challenging conditions while also fostering border tourism, facilitating medical assistance, and promoting local commerce.
3. Army Seeks Greater Private Sector Participation in Defence Procurement
The Indian Army has proposed revisions to the Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) with the goal of increasing private sector involvement in defence procurement, thereby reducing reliance on public sector undertakings (PSUs). Addressing an event organised by the PHD Chambers of Commerce, Lt Gen Amardeep Singh Aujla highlighted the necessity of creating a level playing field within the industry and the importance of a user-driven market. The Army intends to adjust its procurement procedures to better align with industry requirements and expedite the process for military suppliers.
4. Army Clarifies Tree Removal in Central Ridge, Highlights Afforestation Efforts
The Indian Army has refuted allegations of deforestation in the Central Ridge area. While acknowledging an oversight in not obtaining prior permission from the Delhi Municipal Corporation before removing dead and fallen trees during proceedings before the National Green Tribunal, the Army clarified that there was no malicious intent behind the action. Furthermore, the Army stated that it has been actively involved in afforestation initiatives, having planted 22,000 trees in the region since 2021.
5. Jammu-Srinagar Highway Blocked by Landslides, Relief Efforts Underway
The Jammu-Srinagar highway (NH-44) remained closed for a second consecutive day due to substantial landslides triggered by recent cloudbursts between Ramban and Banihal. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) are actively engaged in restoration efforts, although adverse weather conditions are impeding progress. Army units are on standby to provide assistance with relief operations for those affected, while Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasised the urgent need to restore road connectivity.
6. Security Forces Neutralize Key Maoist Leaders in Jharkhand
In a significant operation in the Bokaro district of Jharkhand, security forces killed eight Maoists, including a high-ranking central committee member carrying a reward of ₹1 crore. The operation, conducted jointly by state police and the CoBRA unit of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), commenced early on Monday in the Lugu Hills area. During the encounter, a substantial cache of weapons was recovered. Officials noted that this operation has significantly weakened the Maoist presence in the region, with their remaining forces primarily concentrated in the Chaibasa area. Union Home Minister Amit Shah lauded the success of the operation.
7. Uttarakhand Border Villages Benefit from Supplying Provisions to ITBP
Uttarakhand's initiative to bolster the economy of its border villages has generated ₹2.6 crore in earnings over four months through the supply of animal flesh and fish to the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). Following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in October 2023, farmers from Pithoragarh, Chamoli, Uttarkashi, and Champawat have supplied 79,530 kilograms of meat, including mutton, chicken, and trout fish, to local ITBP camps. The scheme aims to create increased employment opportunities while improving the livelihoods of farmers in these border areas.
8. China Warns Against Trade Agreements with US at its Expense
China has cautioned countries against establishing trade agreements with the United States that come at its expense, urging fairness in negotiations ahead of upcoming talks between Indian trade negotiators and the US on April 23. Chinese officials criticised attempts to seek exemptions from US tariffs, comparing such negotiations to "dealing with a tiger." They warned that excluding China from global supply chains would not only impede growth but also fail to address fundamental issues in international trade. The statement underscores China's opposition to unilateral trade practices while advocating for cooperation and balanced economic strategies.
9. Nepal Maoist Party Accuses Uttar Pradesh CM of Supporting Monarchist Movement
The Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist-Centre) has alleged that Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is supporting the promonarchist movement in Nepal. Speaking to the media, Matrika Prasad Yadav, the deputy general secretary of the CPN (Maoist-Centre), stated that "King Gyanendra will be arrested if the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist-Centre) comes to power." He further commented that protesters advocating for the return of the monarchy in Nepal are essentially acting against the Nepali Constitution. Mr Yadav asserted that the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister was interfering in Nepal’s internal affairs.
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