How the Kargil war’s legacy shaped the Agnipath scheme for a modern army

The CAG report for the year ending March 2021 highlighted "persistent delays" in finalizing Court of Inquiry proceedings in the Army, with only 46 and 25 cases meeting stipulated timelines out of 95 cases involving financial loss in three commands. The report presented in Parliament also audited various departments within the Ministry of Defence, including the Remount and Veterinary Corps, noting deficiencies in capability development and modernization aspects during the 13th Army Plan period. Full...

Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu is taking steps to fill vacant posts in the Animal Husbandry Department and ensure electricity subsidies for aquaculture farmers. He has instructed officials to distribute fish seeds, hold elections for fisheries cooperative societies, release funds for fuel subsidies, develop marine fuel, set up artificial reefs, and promote Embryo Transfer Technology for livestock breeding. Efforts are being made to provide vaccinations and deworming medicines for all cattle, sheep, and goats...

Israeli airstrikes killed multiple extended families in homes in northern Gaza, with at least 10 confirmed dead in Daraj and 15 believed to be dead or missing in Beit Lahiya. Tanks in the south pushed towards a humanitarian zone, prompting displaced families to flee once again. Israel claims to target militants, while Palestinians accuse them of aiming to depopulate a buffer zone, with no immediate comment from the Israeli military on the strikes. Full Article

The dispute over the legitimacy of a mosque in Uttarkashi continues, with authorities confirming no hate speeches during the recent Mahapanchayat, emphasizing peaceful conduct and communal harmony. Petitioners argue the mosque's 55-year history and plan to provide evidence of Waqf jurisdiction to the High Court, while expressing concerns about external pressures post-Mahapanchayat. Ishtiyak Ahmed, president of the Jama Masjid Committee, highlights the ongoing tensions and potential influences in the case. Full Article

Indonesia and India are exploring collaboration in defence technology as Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi met with Indonesian military officials to discuss enhancing strategic ties and bilateral cooperation. The Indonesian Defence Minister expressed interest in working together to improve Indonesia's defence technology, acknowledging India's progress in developing indigenous technologies to support its Navy. Discussions also focused on strengthening maritime cooperation and expanding defence relations between the two countries. Full Article

China's foreign ministry expressed readiness to collaborate with India to strengthen mutual trust and address differences through open dialogue and sincerity. This comes ahead of talks between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on border issues, aiming to restore stable bilateral relations. President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent meeting in Russia marked progress in resolving a four-year military standoff along the disputed frontier. Full Article