Page 186 - External Affairs & Defence Security
DRDO to unveil laser weapon, Pralay missile at Republic Day Parade 2025
DRDO's Republic Day tableau will feature a laser-based directed energy weapon, while physical systems like Pralay, Pinaka, Akash, and BrahMos will highlight India's advanced defence capabilities
 "DRDO to unveil laser weapon, Pralay missile at Republic Day Parade 2025")
Amid US sanctions, oil buyers pull all levers to replace Russian shipments
As Indian companies begin talks with Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi this week, traders say discussions between refiners and the OPEC producers will be tense
 "Amid US sanctions, oil buyers pull all levers to replace Russian shipments")
22 injured in clashes between BNP factions in Bangladesh despite Sec 144
According to the Dhaka Tribune, the conflict occurred in the Ismailpur area of Shyamnagar after tensions escalated between the two groups
 "22 injured in clashes between BNP factions in Bangladesh despite Sec 144")
Committed to Quad, open to return of illegal immigrants: Jaishankar in US
Initiatives spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump have matured, paving the way for an ambitious future US-India partnership, said EAM S Jaishankar
 "Committed to Quad, open to return of illegal immigrants: Jaishankar in US")
Chhattisgarh encounter ends, neutralised Naxals being identified: Police
The operation, carried out jointly by the Chhattisgarh Police, CRPF, and Odisha's Special Operations Group (SOG) started on Sunday, and led to the recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition
 "Chhattisgarh encounter ends, neutralised Naxals being identified: Police")
Attack on Indian consulate in San Francisco a 'serious matter': Jaishankar
The arson attack on our consulate in San Francisco is a very, very serious matter, and it is something for which we expect accountability, he said
 "Attack on Indian consulate in San Francisco a 'serious matter': Jaishankar")
We didn't stop trading, concerned about MFN status: EAM on Pakistan ties
He also reiterated India's longstanding concern regarding the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status, which India had extended to Pakistan but which Pakistan didn't reciprocate
India's 6% equalisation levy on ads may face US scrutiny under Trump memo
The equalisation levy was introduced at 6 per cent in FY17 for digital advertising services
 "India's 6% equalisation levy on ads may face US scrutiny under Trump memo")
India, US trying to arrange early meeting between Modi, Trump: Report
Trump's return to the White House has raised worries about the imposition of tariffs on India
 "India, US trying to arrange early meeting between Modi, Trump: Report")
Defence ministry finds L&T bid non-compliant in Rs 70k cr submarine deal
The Indian Navy is looking to buy six advanced submarines with the ability to stay underwater for three weeks under Project 75 India
 "Defence ministry finds L&T bid non-compliant in Rs 70k cr submarine deal")
Ashwini Vaishnaw meets Swiss delegation for railways tech, safety
Sources revealed that the Swiss Federal Railways made a presentation showcasing the latest advancements in infrastructure diagnostics
 "Ashwini Vaishnaw meets Swiss delegation for railways tech, safety")
Quad opposes any unilateral actions seeking to change status quo by force
After the hour-long meeting, the four ministers reconfirmed the Quad Leadership Summit in India later this year
 "Quad opposes any unilateral actions seeking to change status quo by force")
Several MoUs to be inked during Indonesian Prez Subianto's visit to India
Indonesia is keen to procure BrahMos BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles from India and there could be an announcement to this effect during Subianto's visit
 "Several MoUs to be inked during Indonesian Prez Subianto's visit to India")
H-1B visas not related to immigration, they fill skills gap: Nasscom
Nasscom vice president Shivendra Singh slammed "myth" that H-1B workers are cheap labour, replace American workers, or depress US salaries
 "H-1B visas not related to immigration, they fill skills gap: Nasscom")
Govt examines Trump's trade memo to assess impact on bilateral trade
During the first term of President Donald Trump, India and the US had discussed a mini trade deal to boost economic ties. It was shelved by the Biden-administration
 "Govt examines Trump's trade memo to assess impact on bilateral trade")
Bangladesh court acquits Khaleda Zia in 10 year-old sabotage case
Additional District and Session Judge Court-2 of Cumilla Afroza Jesmin passed the order as there was no evidence against 79-year-old Zia
 "Bangladesh court acquits Khaleda Zia in 10 year-old sabotage case")
Will establish 100 new Sainik Schools to improve education quality: Rajnath
After inaugurating 47th annual day celebrations of Vidyadhiraja Sainik School in Alappuzha, Singh stated that the Central government has also paved the way for the admission of girls to sainik schools
 "Will establish 100 new Sainik Schools to improve education quality: Rajnath")
India, Singapore to celebrate 60 yrs of diplomatic ties with film festival
High Commissioner Dr Shilpak Ambule said efforts would be made to make the festival, which begins on January 24 this year and runs until March 2, an annual affair
 "India, Singapore to celebrate 60 yrs of diplomatic ties with film festival")
Future of over 20,000 'undocumented' Indians hazy: Foreign affairs expert
Sachdev emphasised that even though Indians are major beneficiaries of H-1B visa program, with over 300,000 Indian students in the US, the plight of these 20,000 undocumented Indians remains a concern
 "Future of over 20,000 'undocumented' Indians hazy: Foreign affairs expert")
Encounter between security forces, naxals continues in Chhattisgarh
According to Gariaband SP Nikhil Rakhecha, the encounter was underway in the middle forest of Kulhadighat Bhabadighi hill, under Mainpur police station area
 "Encounter between security forces, naxals continues in Chhattisgarh")