Ministry of Defence moves ahead with submarine plan, MDL qualifies for next round

France's ambassador to the Philippines emphasized the importance of freedom of navigation exercises in the South China Sea amid rising tensions, as the nuclear-powered Charles De Gaulle made its first port visit to the country. The aircraft carrier strike group conducted drills with the Philippine Navy to enhance interoperability and defense capabilities in the disputed waterway, signaling support for countries upholding international law and freedom of navigation. The visit comes as the Philippines seeks to...

The latest finance ministry annual report revealed that USAID funded seven projects worth $750 million in India during the fiscal year 2024, with no mention of alleged funds for voter turnout. The report detailed projects in agriculture, water, sanitation, renewable energy, disaster management, health, forests, and climate adaptation. A political controversy arose when the Elon Musk-led DOGE claimed to have revoked a $21 million grant for voter turnout, with US President Donald Trump also making...

Airliners crossing the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand were warned by the Chinese navy about a secret live-fire exercise happening in international waters. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles stated that Australian authorities were not notified by China about the exercise, but airlines flying in the region picked up the broadcast. This caused concern for commercial pilots, with Airservices Australia issuing a warning about potential hazards in the airspace due to Chinese warships conducting...

The U.S. health regulator has issued a warning letter to Jagsonpal Pharmaceuticals for significant manufacturing lapses at its Rajasthan-based active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) plant. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) identified deviations from Current Good Manufacturing Practice for APIs during inspections on multiple dates in 2024. The company must address the deficiencies within 15 working days to prevent further regulatory action and ensure compliance with CGMP requirements. Full Article

France's nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and accompanying warships visited the Philippines after conducting combat drills in the South China Sea, showcasing their firepower in a move likely to provoke China. The Charles de Gaulle engaged in exercises with Filipino forces, including anti-submarine warfare drills and aerial combat training, emphasizing regional security cooperation. The deployment highlights France's commitment to maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and comes amid tensions in the disputed waters, where China has raised concerns...

In a move to enhance regional security, Mahindra Group partners with US-based Anduril Industries to develop autonomous and counter-unmanned aerial systems. The collaboration focuses on creating Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and advanced Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS) technologies. The announcement follows Modi-Trump bilateral meetings, highlighting the strategic importance of defense cooperation. Full Article