Category: Defense

India’s defense forces are working on a new system to communicate using satellites. This system will have spacecraft in different positions in space to help improve how they send and receive messages. Air Vice Marshal Pawan Kumar, who leads the Defence Space Agency, shared this exciting news at the DefSat Conference, which took place in India.

Kumar explained that they want to create an integrated satellite communication grid. This means that they don’t want to rely too much on one satellite, as it could be risky. Instead, they will use several satellites working together in different paths—some in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), some in Geostationary Orbit (GEO), and some in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). They have done many studies on this setup.

The defense forces are also exploring special technologies like quantum communications because it helps keep information secret. They want to use ground-based sensors, such as telescopes and radar, so that commanders can make quick and smart decisions, whether for big plans or small actions.

The opening of the three-day conference also featured talks from other important figures in the industry, including retired Lt Gen PJS Pannu and Viasat India’s head, Gautam Sharma, among others.

On Tuesday, the Border Security Force (BSF) said that they are building a fence along the border between India and Bangladesh in the Malda district without any problems. Nilotpal Kumar Pandey, a senior officer of the BSF, mentioned that the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) had objections to this fence but the BSF has responded to them. “Everything is going on peacefully,” Pandey told reporters in Petrapole, North 24 Parganas.

When asked about reports in Bangladesh claiming that the BGB has taken control of a 5-kilometer area along the Kodala River in the Mohespur region, Pandey firmly stated that these reports are completely untrue. He clarified that this area is across the Ranaghat in West Bengal’s Nadia district and emphasized, “There is no change in the situation. Everything is just as it was before, and there is total peace.”

Iran’s military has started exercises near the Natanz nuclear enrichment plant, according to state media. These drills, named Eqtedar, which means strength in Farsi, involve the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the army. The first phase of these exercises is focused on protecting the Natanz facility from air threats using advanced defense tactics.

IRGC spokesman Ali Mohammad Naini mentioned that these drills, which will take place all across Iran until mid-March, are a response to new security threats but did not provide more details. Different parts of the IRGC, including the navy and paramilitary forces, will join in on these exercises.

Recently, a report from a US news website said that Jake Sullivan, a national security adviser, presented options to President Joe Biden for possible actions against Iran’s nuclear sites if the country tries to develop nuclear weapons before January 20, the end of Trump’s presidency. Iran’s foreign ministry strongly criticized this, saying such threats violate international law. Iran claims that its nuclear program is peaceful and has no plans to make atomic bombs.

In recent years, Iran has been making more enriched uranium and has the highest level of uranium enrichment among countries without nuclear weapons, as stated by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). That level of 60 percent is very close to the 90 percent required for a nuclear bomb. Tensions between the US and Iran increased when the US pulled out of a major nuclear agreement during Trump’s first term, which had lifted some sanctions on Iran in exchange for limits on its nuclear activities.

Mohammed Ghassan Maumoon, the Defence Minister of the Maldives, is coming to India for a three-day visit to improve the friendship between the two countries. This visit starts on Wednesday. Maumoon will meet with India’s Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, and talk about important issues in New Delhi.

This visit comes after India recently pulled out its military personnel from the Maldives following a request from the new president, Mohamed Muizzu, who favors closer ties with China. The two ministers will discuss training, military exercises, and defence projects to help strengthen the Maldives’ defense forces and provide necessary equipment.

The Maldives is important in India’s “Neighbourhood First” plan, which aims to create peace and prosperity in the Indian Ocean. Both countries work together to ensure safety in this area, contributing to India’s vision of “Security and Growth for All in the Region.”

During his visit, Maumoon will also travel to Goa and Mumbai. The Maldives is a key neighbor in the Indian Ocean, and relations were strong under the previous Maldivian government. However, ties became tense when Muizzu, who prefers China, took over in November 2023. His first action was to ask for the Indian military’s departure, which was later replaced by civilians. Recently, Muizzu has shown willingness to improve ties with India, especially after his visit to Delhi in October.

On Sunday, Russia reported that Ukraine has started a counterattack in the Kursk region, which is on Ukraine’s western border. This is happening as both sides are trying to get an advantage ahead of US President-elect Donald Trump’s return to office on January 20.

Around 9:00 am Moscow time, Russia claimed that Ukrainian forces attacked to stop their troops from advancing in Kursk. Ukraine’s military did not provide many details but confirmed that fighting is taking place in the area.

Ukraine reportedly used two tanks, many armored vehicles, and a demolition team in its attack on a village called Berdin, which is located about 15 kilometers northeast of a town named Sudzha. Russia’s defense ministry said they are trying to stop the Ukrainian forces.

Some military fans online said that while the Russian army is under pressure, there’s still fighting back happening. An influential pro-Russian online source mentioned that the main part of the fighting may still be coming.

Ukrainian officials didn’t share much information about their new attack, with one politician suggesting it might be better to wait until the operation is finished before sharing details. On social media, other officials showed excitement about the operation, stating that Russia is facing problems because of the surprise attacks.

Since starting its operations on August 6, 2024, Ukraine seized many villages in Kursk, but their progress has been slowed by reinforcements from Russia, including troops from North Korea. A source from the Ukrainian army stated that they currently control around 800 square kilometers of the area, down from 1,400 square kilometers previously.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky mentioned that the recent operations improve Ukraine’s position in talks about exchanging prisoners of war and have drawn many Russian troops away from the eastern front. He also highlighted the importance of Trump’s role in future discussions with Russia.

Meanwhile, early Sunday, Russian reports stated that they shot down many Ukrainian drones that damaged homes, while Ukraine said Russia fired over 100 drones into their territory. Four Russian airports temporarily closed for safety reasons, and in the Donetsk region, five people were reported injured due to Russian shelling.

On Sunday, Russia announced that Ukraine had started a counter-attack in the Kursk region, which is in western Russia. This area has been a battleground for five months, with Russian troops trying to push out Ukrainian forces.

Ukrainian soldiers surprised everyone by entering the area on August 6 and have since held onto some land. This area is important as it could help Ukraine in future peace talks.

At around 9:00 AM Moscow time, Ukraine launched a counter-attack with a group of two tanks and twelve armored vehicles filled with troops, targeting the village of Berdin. Russia’s defense ministry claimed that their artillery and air support defeated this Ukrainian attack, saying two assaults were turned back.

However, some Russian war bloggers, who support their country’s military efforts but often highlight issues, suggested that Ukraine’s latest offensive had forced Russian troops to go on the defensive. One blogger indicated that the push from Ukraine might be a distraction to prepare for a larger strike elsewhere, and he advised people living nearby to evacuate.

Additionally, there are reports that around 11,000 North Korean troops have been sent to assist Russian forces in Kursk, although Russia has not confirmed this. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy claimed that Russian and North Korean soldiers faced heavy losses, reporting that up to a battalion—a unit usually made up of several hundred troops—was lost in fighting in the village of Makhnovka.

Despite controlling about 20% of Ukraine, Russia’s attempts to drive Ukrainian forces out have been met with unexpected success from Ukraine, which may help them in possible negotiations later this year. Both sides are trying to improve their positions before the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump in January, who has promised to end the war quickly.

While Ukraine focuses its forces on the Kursk front, Russian troops are gaining ground in eastern Ukraine, with recent advances being the fastest they’ve seen since 2022. Recently, Ukraine’s air defenses shot down 61 out of 103 Russian drones launched in an overnight attack, while Russia claimed it had taken down five Ukrainian drones over its territory.

In Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region, four armed rebels, known as Naxalites, were killed in a clash with police forces, according to a senior officer on Sunday. Sadly, a police head constable from the District Reserve Guard (DRG) also lost his life in the fight.

The gun battle happened on Saturday evening in a forest area near the border of Narayanpur and Dantewada districts. The DRG and Special Task Force (STF) were conducting an anti-Naxalite operation when the encounter began. After the gunfire stopped late that night, the police found the bodies of four Naxalites along with their weapons, including an AK-47 and a self-loading rifle.

Head Constable Sannu Karam of the DRG was killed during the gunfight. A search operation to clear the area is still ongoing. The anti-Naxalite effort, which includes teams from Narayanpur, Dantewada, Kondagaon, and Bastar districts, started on Friday.

Chhattisgarh’s Chief Minister, Vishnu Deo Sai, vowed to continue the fight against the Naxals. He expressed sadness over the death of Head Constable Karam, saying his sacrifice would not be forgotten and that police forces are committed to ending Naxal activities.

Earlier this year, on January 3, a Naxalite was also killed in a clash with security forces in Gariaband district. Last year, police reported that they neutralized 219 Naxalites in various encounters throughout Chhattisgarh. The Bastar region consists of seven districts, including Dantewada and Narayanpur.

On Sunday, Taiwan’s Ministry of Defence (MND) spotted five Chinese military planes and six naval ships near its territory. The MND reported that four of these planes crossed an invisible line in the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s northern and southwestern airspace.

In a post on social media, the MND updated that, by 6 a.m., five Chinese planes and six naval ships were detected near Taiwan. The MND said they monitored the situation closely and reacted accordingly. Just the day before, they had also seen five Chinese planes and seven naval ships nearby, with three of those planes crossing the median line.

These actions from China are part of a growing trend that has raised worries about regional safety, as China continues to claim Taiwan as its territory. To prepare for any potential threats, the MND launched war readiness drills in key areas across the island and is working with the Coast Guard to respond appropriately.

The relationship between Taiwan and China has been complicated and tense for many years, especially after the Chinese Civil War (1945-1949). After the war, the Taiwan government, known as the Republic of China (ROC), moved to Taiwan, while the Communists took over mainland China. China views Taiwan as a breakaway province and insists that there is only one China, with Beijing in charge.

Despite China’s pressure, Taiwan operates independently, with its own government, army, and economy, and many people in Taiwan support its independence.

Israel announced on Saturday that talks to stop fighting in Gaza and release hostages have started again in Qatar. This comes as reports say more than 30 people lost their lives due to new airstrikes in the area. The civil defense group revealed that a morning airstrike destroyed a home belonging to the al-Ghoula family in Gaza City, killing 11 people, including seven children.

Images from Shujaiya neighborhood showed desperate residents searching through debris and finding bodies covered with white sheets. Amidst the chaos, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz reported that indirect talks with Hamas have restarted in Qatar to bring back those taken hostage during Hamas’s attacks on Israel in October 2023. Katz reassured families, including the relatives of soldier Liri Albag, that efforts are ongoing to rescue the hostages. Albag appeared in a video asking the Israeli government to act for her release. So far, 96 Israeli hostages are believed to be in Gaza, with 34 reported dead.

The group representing families of hostages stressed the importance of bringing them home quickly. Meanwhile, Hamas confirmed that the negotiations are focused on making sure fighting stops and that Israeli forces leave Gaza. Qatar, Egypt, and the United States have been trying for several months to end the ongoing conflict.

In December, there was hope that talks might progress following the recent U.S. elections, but both sides accused each other of putting in new demands. As these discussions unfold, the outgoing U.S. administration shared plans to sell $8 billion in military supplies to Israel, which is its biggest military supporter.

As for the events in Gaza, civil defense spokesperson Mahmud Bassal stated that the al-Ghoula home was completely destroyed. Neighbors described how the explosion shook their homes, saying it was a family house with no one dangerous inside. In a separate strike, five security officers guiding aid trucks were killed, but Israel claimed they were involved in terrorism.

Recent airstrikes in other parts of Gaza have resulted in even more casualties. The Gaza health ministry reported a total of 136 deaths over the last two days. Additionally, the Israeli military intercepted a missile from Yemen, as Huthi rebels there have been launching attacks in support of Palestinians. The Hamas attack that began this conflict killed 1,208 people, mostly civilians. In retaliation, Israeli actions in Gaza have resulted in at least 45,717 deaths, primarily innocent people, according to the Gaza health ministry.

DEIR AL-BALAH, GAZA STRIP: Israeli airstrikes sadly killed at least 15 people, including a child, early Saturday in southern Gaza. Hospital workers reported this tragic news while new ceasefire talks were starting in Qatar. A small boy cried for his father, and a woman mourned over a body covered in white plastic. The airstrikes targeted a car, a house, and people on the street in Khan Younis. More destruction was reported with another strike that hit a residential area in Gaza City, killing at least five more people.

Gaza’s Health Ministry shared that in the last 24 hours, at least 59 people have died and over 270 were hurt due to the attacks. There were no comments from the Israeli military about these incidents. Meanwhile, talks for a ceasefire continue in Qatar’s capital, Doha, after many months of war. The Hamas group mentioned that discussions had restarted and they want to reach an agreement, urging people not to believe any false information.

These negotiations involve the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt but have stalled many times. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists the fight must continue until Hamas is defeated. Fighters from Hamas are regrouping where Israeli troops pull back.

This ongoing war is the worst fighting between Israel and Hamas so far. It began when Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people, mostly innocent civilians, and taking about 250 hostages. Now, around 100 of those hostages are still in Gaza, and at least one-third are believed to be dead.

Families of the hostages have been holding weekly protests, pleading with Netanyahu to negotiate a ceasefire to bring their loved ones home. In a video from Hamas, Israeli soldier Liri Albag, who is a hostage, spoke about her sad experience and mentioned being held for 450 days. Speaking under pressure, she said, “Today is the start of a new year; the whole world celebrates. But we are entering a dark year, filled with loneliness.” She also said another captive was hurt in the fighting.

According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, Israel’s strikes have led to at least 45,717 Palestinian deaths, with women and children making up more than half. They have not separated civilians from fighters in this count. Many bodies are still trapped under rubble or in places where help can’t reach. Israel claims it only targets fighters and blames Hamas for civilian deaths because they hide among civilians.

The war has caused massive damage and displaced 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, many of whom have lost their homes multiple times. Winter has come, and thousands are living in tents by the sea, with some children sadly dying from the cold.

In the West Bank, a Palestinian teenager was reported killed during clashes with the Israeli army in the Balata refugee camp. The Palestinian Health Ministry stated nine others were injured. Since the war began on October 7, 2023, Israeli actions in the West Bank have reportedly killed over 800 Palestinians, many of whom are said to be fighters. However, others, including young people not involved in confrontations, have also been killed.

A fragile ceasefire with the Lebanese group Hezbollah has lasted for over a month. However, it seems unlikely that the agreed-upon terms will be met before the expected deadline.