military aviation: AI-controlled F-16 fighter jet completes successful test flight with Air Force Secretary onboard

India's Tejas light combat aircraft successfully test-fired the indigenous air-to-air missile Astra off the coast of Chandipur in Odisha, as confirmed by the defence ministry. The missile hit the flying target directly, showcasing its precision and effectiveness, while meeting all mission parameters. Developed by DRDO, the Astra missile has a range of over 100 km and demonstrated accurate performance in engaging targets. Full Article

The CBI and Kerala Police arrested Lithuanian national Aleksej Besciokov, wanted by the US for operating cryptocurrency exchange Garantex to launder criminal proceeds, including ransomware, with a potential $96 billion in transactions. Besciokov faces charges of money laundering, violating sanctions, and operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business in the US, following a provisional arrest warrant issued by the MEA. The US authorities seized assets and froze funds related to Garantex, aiming to prevent further criminal activities...

The defence ministry has signed a Rs 2,906 crore contract with BEL to procure the indigenously designed and developed Ashwini transportable radar for the Indian Air Force, enhancing operational readiness. The radar, capable of tracking various aerial targets, was created by DRDO's Electronics and Radar Development Establishment. This acquisition aligns with the government's focus on strengthening indigenous defence capabilities, as highlighted by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh during the contract signing. Full Article

Elon Musk's SpaceX is set to offer Starlink's satellite internet service in India through deals with Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio, providing high-speed connectivity to remote areas and potential services on domestic flights. Both telecom operators will stock Starlink equipment in their retail stores, awaiting government approval to begin operations. While pricing details are unclear, free trials may be offered initially, with the potential for Airtel and Jio to launch their own satellite services in...

The head of the CIA and the director of Russia's foreign intelligence agency have agreed to keep up regular contacts, aiming to contribute to international stability and security while reducing confrontation between Moscow and Washington. CIA chief John Ratcliffe and SVR chief Sergei Naryshkin spoke by phone for the first time in several years on Tuesday, establishing a commitment to ongoing communication between their organizations. The agencies' dialogue is intended to promote cooperation and ease...

Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena announced plans to expand water tourism on the Yamuna river in Delhi, aiming to decongest city roads and provide better travel options. The government signed an MoU to develop the Sonia Vihar-Jagatpur stretch, focusing on sustainable transport solutions and solar energy adoption. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasized the initiative's modern identity, cleanliness, and eco-friendly electric-solar hybrid boats, with a vision for Yamuna ghats to become a cultural hub like Varanasi....