Indian Defence News

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

With a focus on innovation and excellence, the business is developing a brazing process, reducing reliance on foreign technologies

Mumbai: Godrej & Boyce, announced that its business Godrej Aerospace, is developing a high-temperature brazing process crucial for Aero Engine performance, marking a first for India. This significant stride aligns seamlessly with Godrej Aerospace’s steadfast dedication to innovation and excellence, reaffirming the business’s commitment to fostering indigenous capabilities within India’s aerospace landscape.

The successful development of this brazing process not only adds a crucial capability to India’s aerospace manufacturing ecosystem but also reduces dependency on foreign technologies.

The high-temperature brazing process being developed by Godrej Aerospace serves a crucial need in the aerospace industry, particularly in the realm of Aero Engine technology. Aero Engines operate in extreme conditions of heat and pressure, relying on turbine rotor blades to withstand intense temperatures while maintaining optimal performance.

The business is developing a high temperature brazing process for plugging the tip and root openings of the cast Turbine Rotor Blade of Aero Engine that support the ceramic core used for producing the serpentine cooling passage in the blade. These cooling passages are needed for flow of cooling air in the Turbine Rotor Blade. Godrej Aerospace’s successful development of this high-temperature brazing process will be another milestone in its ongoing journey of technological innovation.

Maneck Behramkamdin, Senior Vice President & Business Head, Godrej Aerospace, said, “This milestone represents a significant leap forward in India’s aerospace capabilities. By developing this process indigenously, we are not only meeting the stringent requirements of modern aerospace technology but also showcasing India’s potential in advanced manufacturing techniques.”

Since 1897, Godrej & Boyce has contributed significantly to India’s economic growth and self-reliance by investing in complex engineering, design led innovation and more recently, carbon-lite manufacturing. It also paved the way for the growth of key sectors like aerospace, energy, and security with its core industrial capabilities with businesses spanning across the globe.

Today, with a market-leading presence across 14 established consumer, industrial and emerging businesses, Godrej & Boyce continues to make critical contributions to India’s space missions, clean energy goals, green construction and intralogistics landscape, as well as delivering on consumers’ growing aspirations with design-led and integrated smart solutions. Godrej is one of India’s most trusted brands serving customers worldwide.

(With Agency Inputs)

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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing for a significant milestone in the Gaganyaan mission. They are set to conduct the first Integrated Air-Drop Test (IADT) of the Gaganyaan Crew Module. This test is crucial as it will validate the parachute system and the capsule, which are essential for the safe return of astronauts from space.

Pre-mission trials for the first such test have begun at the spaceport in Sriharikota with both the crew module and IAF’s Chinook aircraft having reached the site. The mission is expected to happen in about a week, although no formal date has been announced by the space agency.

A chase helicopter that will monitor the mission and the Chinook that is going to be used to carry the crew module to about 3 km before dropping it as part of the planned mission have reached Sriharikota. We are carrying out some trials now and the text is being targeted for the end of this week or early next week. ISRO is also monitoring the temperature at Sriharikota, which is also expected to play a part in deciding on the mission date.

The crew module, once dropped by the helicopter, will attain velocity and then a sequence of events will follow. First, the apex chute will be deployed, then the drogue chute and then the main chute before the splashdown, from where it will be recovered.

The crew capsule, made from robust materials like aluminium and steel, will be attached to a Chinook helicopter and dropped from an altitude of approximately 3.5 to 4 kilometers. The test will assess the functionality, deployment, tensions, stabilization, and nominal descent of the parachutes designed to ensure the crew module’s safe splashdown in the Bay of Bengal.

As per IISRO's initial plans, for validation of the parachute system, seven IADTs have been planned with a simulated crew module, maintaining the external configuration similar to flight. The final number of IADTs to be conducted will be decided based on how the initial test results are and whether we need more confirmations on some of the systems, a TOI report stated.

has lined up multiple missions as part of Gaganyaan this year, including at least one uncrewed mission, and the second test vehicle mission to test various abort conditions.

ISRO is working on both, the 1st uncrewed mission and the second abort test on TV-D2 (Test Vehicle-2). As part of preparations for IADTs, ISRO had validated parachutes with drop tests in AN32/IL76 aircraft more than two years ago. But those tests did not involve a simulated crew module.

This IADT marks one of the final major preparatory steps before the Gaganyaan mission’s first uncrewed orbital flight. The success of this test will be a significant achievement, bringing India closer to its goal of conducting its first human spaceflight, scheduled between 2024 and 2025. It’s a demonstration of ISRO’s commitment to ensuring the highest safety standards for its astronauts and a pivotal moment in India’s growing capabilities in space technology.

(With Agency Inputs)

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Washington: India should take the matter "very seriously and investigate" said the US State Department speaking on recent allegations associated with the case of the Indian government's alleged involvement in the killing of the Sikh separatist leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

The remarks come at a time when there are already numerous twists and turns to the Nijjar killing case.

Responding to a media query during the State Department briefing on Monday (local time) on the arrest of three individuals linked with the killing of India-designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, spokesperson Matthew Miller said, "I would refer you to the Canadian authorities to speak to the details of the investigation there."

"With respect to the indictment that was returned in the United States, I'll let the Department of Justice speak on behalf of that in detail. And then the only thing further I'd say: When it comes to the State Department, we made clear when these allegations were first made public that it's something we think India should take very seriously and investigate," he said.

Asserting that the US would "wait to see the results," Miller added saying, "They opened a committee of inquiry to look into the matter, and that work is ongoing, and we'll wait to see the results. But we made very clear that it's something that we take seriously and we think it's something they should take seriously as well."

India and Canada are dealing with an unprecedented diplomatic crisis, after the Canadian Prime Minister accused agents of the Indian government of killing Canadian Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023. However, India has dismissed the accusations as "absurd" and "motivated."

Nijjar was shot and killed after he had stepped out of a gurdwara in Surrey in June last year. A video clip of his killing reportedly surfaced in March this year, purportedly showing Nijjar being fatally shot by assailants, in what was claimed to be 'contract killing'.

In a recent development, on May 4, Canada's New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh levelled a fresh allegation of India's hand in the killing of Nijjar.

However, the Canadian police administration did not share any evidence linked to India's involvement in the killing of the Khaliatani leader.

Jagmeet's party backs the Liberal minority government led by Trudeau in exchange for support on some key bills. After the Canadian Police announced the arrest of three alleged accused in the killing of Hardep Nijjar, Jagmeet renewed his claim of an Indian hand in the incident.

"The Indian government hired assassins to murder a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil - at a place of worship. Today 3 arrests were made. Let me be clear - any Indian agent or state actor that ordered, planned or carried out this murder must be exposed and met with the full force of Canadian law. For Canada, democracy and free speech - there must be Justice for Hardeep Singh Nijjar," Jagmeet posted from his X handle.

In 2023, the Canadian PM alleged an Indian hand in the killing, a claim that was vehemently denied by India which called it 'absurd and motivated'. The Canadian Police have also not given any evidence linking India to the killing.Earlier, on Friday, Canadian police released photographs of all three persons arrested in the killing of India-designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year amid an ongoing probe into alleged connections of the Indian government.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in a statement named the three men, all Indian nationals, as Karanpreet Singh, 28, Kamalpreet Singh, 22 and Karan Brar, 22 and released their photographs. The trio were arrested in Edmonton City in Alberta.

This report is auto-generated from a syndicated feed

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NEW DELHI: India on Tuesday criticised the Justin Trudeau-led Canada government for allowing the "celebration and glorification of violence", adding that "democratic countries which respect the rule of law should not allow intimidation by radical elements in the name of freedom of expression".

Replying to media queries regarding a float in a Nagar Kirtan parade that was recently taken out in Malton, Canada, ministry of external affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said: "We have repeatedly raised our strong concerns regarding the violent imagery being used by extremist elements in Canada against our political leadership."

"Last year, a float depicting the assassination of our former Prime Minister was used in a procession.

Display of posters of Indian diplomats have also been put out across Canada threatening violence against them," said Jaiswal.

"Celebration and glorification of violence should not be a part of any civilised society. Democratic countries which respect the rule of law should not allow intimidation by radical elements in the name of freedom of expression," the MEA spokesperson said.

"We continue to remain concerned about the security of our diplomatic representatives in Canada and expect the Government of Canada to ensure that they are able to carry out their responsibilities without fear. We again call upon the Government of Canada to stop providing criminal and secessionist elements a safe haven and political space in Canada," said the MEA.

This report is auto-generated from a syndicated feed

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Mr Jaishankar also spoke about the Balakot Airstrike

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said India today is not only seen across the globe as "friendly and fair" but also as a "firm and fiery" nation that cares for its people and fends for them in crisis situations.

Mr Jaishankar made the remarks while speaking on the topic "Viksit Bharat @2047 - The Voice of the Youth" at an event at Delhi University's Hansraj College.

He was referring to the rescue operations run by India to bring back its citizens from war-torn countries such as Ukraine.

"Viksit Bharat" is not a mere slogan to motivate the people but is the foundation built in the last 10 years upon which the future of India's next 25 years will be built, Mr Jaishankar said while addressing students.

"The next 25 years of the 'Amrit Kaal' are your future. It is the journey towards 'Viksit Bharat', and it is you who will make this journey possible," he said.

The external affairs minister said that he sees these 25 years as "a period of opportunity and new challenge".

"This change is of the kind that we have never seen before," Mr Jaishankar said while highlighting the developments that have taken place in the economy and the technology sector, and in India's position in the global forum.

India has emerged as a technology leader globally and the first impression that it has made on the world is with the success of Chandrayaan-3 "which was made at less than the cost of making a movie", Mr Jaishankar said, referring to the country's mission to the South Pole of the Moon.

He also said that India is growing as a digital economy with cashless transactions of 12 billion per month, higher than America where four billion such transactions take place in a year.

Mr Jaishankar also spoke about India's non-tolerance towards cross-border terrorism and gave the example of the Balakot airstrike.

(With Agency Inputs)

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MALE: India has withdrawn 51 of its soldiers from the Maldives so far, the government here has said ahead of the May 10 deadline set by President Mohamed Muizzu for the complete withdrawal of Indian military personnel from his country. The Maldivian government earlier announced that two batches of Indian soldiers had left the country. However, the exact figure was not disclosed previously.

The Chief Spokesperson of the President's Office Heena Waleed, in response to questions regarding the issue, said on Monday, that a total of 51 Indian soldiers have been repatriated so far.

"All Indian military personnel in the country will be withdrawn from the Maldives by May 10. As of now, 51 soldiers stationed at two platforms have been repatriated," Heena was quoted as saying by the Edition.mv news portal.

She however refused to disclose the exact figure of the Indian soldiers stationed in the Maldives, stating the details would be shared at a later date, Sun.mv. news portal reported.

According to previous announcements by the Maldives government, 88 Indian soldiers were stationed in the country to operate two helicopters, a Dornier aircraft and at the Senahiya military hospital. The two helicopters and the Dronier aircraft were gifted by India.

President Muizzu, widely seen as a pro-China leader, had set May 10 as the deadline for the withdrawal of the Indian military personnel from his country.

Repatriation of Indian soldiers stationed in the Maldives was a key pledge of Muizzu during his presidential campaign.

India has already withdrawn some of its military personnel operating three aviation platforms in the Maldives. The military personnel were replaced by Indian civilian technical experts.

India and the Maldives have also agreed to withdraw the remaining Indian troops before May 10. The two sides held the fourth meeting of the bilateral high-level core group in New Delhi on May 3.

"Both sides noted with satisfaction that the Government of India will replace military personnel at the last of the three aviation platforms by May 10 and all the logistical arrangements are going ahead as per schedule," the Maldivian foreign ministry said on Friday after the core group meeting.

Two batches of Indian soldiers in the Maldives have left the country, including soldiers who operated helicopters in Addu and the Dornier aircraft in Haa Dhaal Hanimaadhoo. Indian civilian personnel arrived in both areas last month to replace the soldiers, the media here reported.

The Maldives is India's key maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean Region and occupies a special place in its initiatives like 'SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the 'Neighbourhood First Policy' of the Modi government.

(With Agency Inputs)

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The Border Roads Organisation marked its 65th Raising Day on Tuesday as Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane urged the BRO to infuse latest technology and techniques for faster completion of projects, saying automation and mechanisation will be key for it in the future.

The defence ministry in a statement said the BRO will soon commence the construction on 4.10-km long Shinkun La Tunnel. Once completed, this tunnel will become the world's highest tunnel at 15,800 ft bypassing Mila Tunnel in China at 15,590 ft.

An event was organised in New Delhi on the occasion, which was presided over by the defence secretary.

In his address, he lauded the BRO for fulfilling its responsibilities successfully in inhospitable terrain and tough weather conditions.

Aramane also recalled the valuable contribution of the BRO personnel in the relief and rescue efforts during the Silkyara tunnel collapse incident and the Sikkim floods.

He said the organisation will play an important role in the Vibrant Villages Programme, which envisages comprehensive development of select border villages.

Aramane termed the BRO an "extremely crucial" organisation which, through its infrastructure projects in the border areas, is playing a major role in the security of the country besides ensuring the socio-economic progress of the far-flung areas.

He commended the BRO for completing the projects in a time-bound manner, exuding confidence that the 'Karmayogis' will continue to ensure border infrastructure development in a record time.

Aramane urged the BRO to infuse latest technology and techniques for faster completion of projects through which human efforts will be reduced and utilised more efficiently. Automation and mechanisation will be key for the BRO in the future, he said.

Director General, BRO, Lieutenant General Raghu Srinivasan, extended greetings to all ranks of the organisation.

He stated the BRO's pan-India presence reflects its commitment to national security, connectivity and development.

Lt Gen Srinivasan added the tagline 'In the Silence of Our Great Mountains - Work Speaks' speaks volumes of the organisation's dedication, perseverance and impact on the lives of the people residing in the remotest corners of the country.

He exhorted all ranks to renew the pledge to continue 'Connecting Places Connecting People' and leaving a lasting legacy of progress, prosperity and unity.

The event also witnessed the unveiling of a compendium on Sela Tunnel as well as some books, including, 'Oonchin Sadaken', 'Path Pradarshak' and 'Path Vikas' by the defence secretary, the ministry said in a statement.

He gave away 'Excellence Awards' to the BRO personnel for the year 2023-24 and felicitated the women achievers of the organisation. The casual paid labourers, who worked in various projects such as Sela Tunnel as well as during Sikkim floods were also felicitated, it added.

Raised with just two projects in 1960 -- Project Tusker (now Vartak) in the east and Project Beacon in the north, the BRO has today become a vibrant organisation with 18 projects operating in 11 states and three Union Territories. It has now established its credentials as the leading infra construction agency in the high-altitude and difficult snow-bound areas, the statement said.

The BRO executes road construction and maintenance works at altitude ranging from 9,000 ft up to 19,000 ft along the northern and western frontiers, primarily to meet the strategic requirements of the armed forces.

"In over six decades, it has constructed over 62,214 kms of roads, 1,005 bridges, seven tunnels and 21 airfields in adverse climatic and geographical conditions along India's borders as well as in friendly countries, including Bhutan, Myanmar, Afghanistan and Tajikistan, thus contributing towards the nation's strategic objectives," the statement said.

In 2023-24, the BRO completed a total of 125 infrastructure projects worth Rs 3,611 crore. This includes the construction of Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh on Balipara-Chardwar-Tawang Road. The tunnel was dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently from Itanagar virtually.

The BRO accomplished the completion of two significant airfield projects namely Bagdogra and Barrackpore, marking yet another milestone in its journey of excellence. The foundation stone for Mudh Airfield Project was laid by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently. The BRO aims to complete the project within just two working seasons.

Over the few years, the BRO has witnessed an "exponential surge" in budget expenditure, marking a remarkable leap forward in capabilities and impact. This increased budgetary support has empowered the organisation to undertake crucial projects, accelerate critical infrastructure development and enhance its operational readiness, the ministry said.

"The BRO has been at the forefront of promoting gender equality and inclusivity, offering key roles and opportunities to women. Officers like Col Ponung Doming is leading critical projects in eastern Ladakh. Assistant Executive Engineer (Civ) Nikita Chaudhary has played a pivotal role in successful completion of Sela Tunnel Project," it added.

(With Agency Inputs)

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Properties of seven Pakistan-based terror handlers were attached in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district, police said on Tuesday. After obtaining an attachment order passed by the additional sessions court in Baramulla, 13 kanals of land worth lakhs of rupees belonging to terror handlers based in Pakistan were attached, a police spokesperson said.

He identified the handlers as Shabir Ahmad Sofi of Sheikhpora, Ghulam Nabi Alaie of Waripora Payeen, Ghulam Nabi Sheikh of Warpora Bala, Sharief ud din Chopan and Gulla Sheikh of Reshipora Authoora, Mohammad Rafiq Khan of Saloosa and Abdul Hameed Parray of Frasthar Tilgam.

The property was identified during an investigation conducted by police, he added.

(With Agency Inputs)

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Indian Naval Ships Delhi, Shakti, and Kiltan led by Rear Admiral Rajesh Dhankhar, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet arrived at Singapore on 06 May 24 to a warm welcome by personnel of Republic of Singapore Navy and the High Commissioner of India in Singapore. The visit is part of the Operational Deployment of the Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet to the South China sea. This visit is poised to further strengthen the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two maritime nations through a series of engagements and activities.

During the ships' stay in harbour, various activities planned to be undertaken include interactions with the High Commission of India, professional interactions with the Republic of Singapore Navy as also academia and community outreach amongst other activities, reflecting the shared values of both navies.

The Indian Navy and Republic of Singapore Navy have had robust relations spanning three decades of cooperation, coordination and collaboration with regular visits, exchange of best practices, and reciprocal training arrangements. The current deployment underscores the strong linkages between both the navies.

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A three member Jordan Armed Forces (JAF) training delegation led by Cdr Hazem I Maitah visited Southern Naval Command, Kochi and Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala from 29 Apr to 04 May 24. The maiden visit was aimed at military training exchanges as decided during the second consultative meeting on defence cooperation between the two countries in Mar 23.

The delegation visited various training facilities in the professional training schools of SNC, Kochi. Salient aspects included familiarisation with simulators, professional interactions and demonstration of VBSS & Diving Ops. A guided tour of the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and ship repair facilities at Cochin Shipyard Ltd was also conducted. The delegation interacted with Commodore Sritanu Guru, Commodore Training, Southern Naval Command on avenues of engagement in Naval training and professional courses between the Indian Navy & Jordan Armed Forces.

At INA, the delegation called on Vice Admiral Vineet McCarty, Commandant of INA, and shared insights on training methodologies, leadership strategies and operational experiences. They were provided an insight into the state of the art training facilities of the Academy, and held discussions on best practices. The visit of Jordan Armed Forces Training Delegation marks a significant step towards deepening cooperation between India Navy and Jordan Armed Forces under the larger ambit of defence cooperation between the two countries.

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Patna: Reacting sharply to former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi's alleged remarks on the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch, Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Ravi Shankar Prasad asked on Monday and said, "These people make agreements with terrorists."

"What can we say if they are making such statements on national security? Are they speaking in favour of the terrorists? After Uri and Balakote, Rahul Gandhi asked for proof. They said that we do politics on martyrdom. The same is happening now. These people make agreements with terrorists. They take no action against PFI because they want a vote bank. Those who have done this will be finished but martyrdom should not be mocked," he said.

An Indian Air Force soldier was killed and four others injured in the terror attack in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday evening.

Pointing out that the attack came amid the Lok Sabha elections, former CM Charanjit Singh Channi alleged on Sunday that it was "pre-planned" and such "stuntbaazi" is done to facilitate BJP's win in the polls.

"This is stuntbaazi. When elections come, such stunts are done to make the BJP win. These are pre-planned attacks; there is no truth in them," Channi said while speaking to reporters in Punjab.

The remarks from the Congress Working Committee member attracted sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Union Minister Anurag Thakur came down heavily on Channi's remarks and questioned Congress about the terror attacks that took place during its tenure in the past. He also demanded an apology from top Congress brass, including former party chief Sonia Gandhi for Channi's remarks.

BJP leader Sushil Kumar Rinku condemned the former CM's remarks and demanded an apology to the entire country in this regard.

Meanwhile, the mortal remains of an Indian Air Force soldier, Corporal Vikky Pahade who succumbed to injuries sustained in a terror attack on Saturday evening, arrived in his hometown in Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara for last rites on Monday.

The Indian Army has launched a major search operation in the Shahsitar area of Surankote in Poonch district following a terrorist attack on an Indian Air Force (IAF) convoy.

According to the officials, as part of the ongoing operation, armed bulletproof vehicles are patrolling the area, while a dog squad has been deployed to check vehicles. The search operation aims to track down the terrorists responsible for the attack and ensure the safety of civilians in the region.

(With Inputs From Agencies)

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New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday underscored that "Viksit Bharat" is not just a slogan but a serious commitment towards India's future.

He was giving a lecture at Hansraj College, New Delhi. Jaishankar commenced his address by urging the audience to understand the gravity of "Viksit Bharat," stating, "Please don't think it's a slogan. It is something very serious that we are talking about."

Focusing on the future, Jaishankar articulated, "The issue right now we are all looking right for is the future. I want today to talk to you about the next 25 years which is your future, our Amrit Kaal. Our yatra to Vikshit Bharat in the next 25 years."

Expressing his optimism, Jaishankar remarked, "I can feel today that we are at the point of something very big. The world is also watching us. I see these 25 years as a period of new opportunities, new technologies, and new challenges."

Discussing the transformative potential of technology, Jaishankar highlighted, "Artificial intelligence will change our lives. We are today actually talking about self-driven cars. We are looking at drones, which has now become a reality."

Asserting India's ambition, Jaishankar proclaimed, "Indians don't like to be number 2. But we would be the second largest economy in the world."

Reflecting on India's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Jaishankar recalled, "In January 2020 During Covid, a meeting of G20 took place where they said that a country that couldn't survive this would be India. But it was India who supplied vaccines to 100s of countries."

Highlighting India's digital prowess, Jaishankar noted, "Today if you look at how digitized India has become, looks normal to you but not to the world. We do 12 billion transactions in a month, America does 5 billion in a year, China around 20 billion."

Jaishankar also emphasised India's progress in various sectors, including poverty reduction, infrastructure development, and the success of initiatives like Make in India.

Touching upon diplomatic achievements, Jaishankar highlighted India's proactive role during the Ukraine crisis and the inclusion of the African Union in the G20.

Jaishankar concluded his address by stressing the importance of cultural pride and India's unique position in the changing global landscape.

(With Agency Inputs)

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Tel Aviv: Israel seized control of the Palestinian side of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, the Israel Defence Forces confirmed on Tuesday morning after launching an overnight ground operation in parts of the southern Gaza city.

"Following intelligence that indicated that the Rafah Crossing in eastern Rafah was being used for terrorist purposes, IDF troops obtained operational control of the Gazan side of the crossing," the army said.

Ground troops and fighter jets struck and eliminated Hamas terror targets in the Rafah area including military facilities and underground sites. According to the IDF, 20 Hamas terrorists have been killed and three operational tunnel shafts have been found since the operation began.

On Sunday, Hamas fired a barrage of rockets from the area of the Rafah border crossing and near an area where displaced Palestinians were sheltering in tents. The barrage targeted the Kerem Shalom border crossing, killing four soldiers. Of all the Gaza border crossings, Kerem Shalom is equipped to handle the most humanitarian aid trucks daily. The crossing has been closed since the attack.

Hamas's control of the border crossing allowed it to hijack humanitarian aid deliveries from Egypt.

In recent days, residents of certain Rafah neighbourhoods received phone calls, SMS messages, air-dropped flyers, and media broadcasts instructing them to evacuate to expanded humanitarian zones in Khan Yunis and the coastal area of Al-Mawasi. The flyers included maps showing the affected zones, and aid organisations were updated on the evacuation plans.

Also receiving messages to evacuate were displaced Palestinians camping in a strip of land along the Gaza-Egypt border known as the Philadelphi corridor. This buffer zone was created to prevent weapons smuggling after Israel disengaged from Gaza in 2006. But in 2007, Hamas violently seized control of Gaza from the PA.

The Egypt-Gaza border is politically sensitive, technically a demilitarised zone under the terms of the Camp David Accords signed in 1978.

At least 1,200 people were killed and 240 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamas's attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Around 30 of the remaining 133 hostages are believed dead.

This report is auto-generated from a syndicated feed

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Farooq Abdullah warns Union Government about Pakistan’s atom bombs in response to Rajnath Singh’s PoK merger statement

Responding to Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's remark, "PoK will be merged with India," Jammu and Kashmir National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah said on May 5 that Pakistan is not wearing bangles and also has atom bombs that will fall on India.

"If the defence minister is saying it, then go ahead. Who are we to stop? But remember, they [Pakistan] are also not wearing bangles. It has atom bombs, and unfortunately, that atom bomb will fall on us [India]," he said.

(With Agency Inputs)

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NASA and Boeing have scrubbed the launch of the Starliner to the International Space Station. The ground teams are assessing an issue that cropped up during pre-launch checks. Boeing and NASA have indicated that they will fly when it is safe to do so. The mission was called off due to a "faulty oxygen relief valve observation," said NASA

New Delhi: The launch team decided to stand down from the launch attempt of the Boeing Starliner to the International Space Station (ISS), about two hours before the launch. The mission was supposed to be the first crewed flight to the ISS on a Boeing spacecraft. An issue cropped up during the pre-launch procedures, which is why the launch has been scrubbed. A valve for maintaining the pressure of the fuel in the Centaur upper stage malfunctioned, causing the launch to be scrubbed. The teams are gathering more data before deciding on next steps.

The next available launch window is on 8th May, around the same time. After that, there are launch opportunities towards the end of the week, on Friday and Saturday. Engineering teams will be examining the valve, and if the valve is cleared for use, the flight can take place tomorrow. If the valve is faulty and needs to be replaced, more time may be necessary. Such delays are common when it comes to the launch of brand new hardware.

The Starliner Crew

For the first mission, Indian Origin astronaut Sunita Williams is the pilot, while Butch Wilmore is the commander. Both are veteran astronauts who provided inputs during the development of the crew module. While there are only two crew on board for the debut flight, the Starliner is meant for a crew of four, which is a standard rotation for the ISS. In fact, there is enough room on board the Starliner to accommodate a crew of seven.

The two astronauts on board will be the first to fly to the ISS on board a Boeing spacecraft. They will also be the first to return to the Earth on Land, for an American mission to the ISS. All American missions to the International Space Station so far, after the retirement of the Space Shuttles, have always ended in an ocean splashdown. Boeing has opted for a design that simplifies the recovery options.

Development of The Starliner

The Boeing Starliner is a class of partially reusable spacecraft designed to transport crew to the International Space Station and other low-Earth-orbit destinations.

Boeing awarded contracts to SpaceX and Boeing in 2014 to develop a vehicle for transporting crew to the American side of the ISS. SpaceX bagged a contract of #2.6 billion, while Boeing won a higher contract, worth $4.2 billion. The first Crew Dragon mission to the ISS took place in 2020, after which SpaceX has been operating regular crew rotations. The Starliner was supposed to be developed by 2017, but faced multiple delays. The first crewed test flight occurred in May 2022. The Starliner is expected to enter into regular service in 2025.

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