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[🇮🇳] Mazagon Dock Empowers Indian Navy with Stealth Frigate INS Nilgiri and Destroyer INS Surat

Mazagon Dock Empowers Indian Navy with Stealth Frigate INS Nilgiri and Destroyer INS Surat​



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Mumbai, India - Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) announced the successful delivery of two state-of-the-art warships to the Indian Navy—INS Nilgiri, the first stealth frigate of Project 17A, and INS Surat, the fourth stealth destroyer of Project 15B. The milestone event highlights India’s growing self-reliance in naval shipbuilding under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.



The ceremonial handover took place at MDL, with the Acceptance Document signed by MDL Chairman and Managing Director, Sanjeev Singhal, and Rear Admiral R. Adhisrinivasan, CSO (Tech), in the presence of MDL directors, Navy officers, and project teams. Captains Sandeep Shorey and Nitin Kapoor, commanding officers of INS Surat and INS Nilgiri, respectively, were also present.

INS Nilgiri: A Technological Marvel of Project 17A​

INS Nilgiri, the First of Class (FoC) ship under Project 17A, epitomizes advanced naval engineering and indigenous capability. Designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau in New Delhi, the stealth frigate features:

  • Enhanced Stealth Technology: A radar-transparent hull and stealth-shaped fittings for reduced detectability.
  • All-Round Combat Capability: Equipped to counter submarines, surface warships, missiles, and fighter aircraft.
  • Independent Operations: Capable of operating autonomously or serving as the flagship of a naval task force.
The ship also incorporates cutting-edge technology for survivability, manoeuvrability, and seakeeping. With a high indigenous content, INS Nilgiri is a testament to India's progress in self-reliant warship design and manufacturing.


INS Surat: A Powerhouse of Maritime Warfare​

INS Surat, the fourth destroyer under Project 15B, is a versatile warship designed for multi-dimensional maritime warfare. Notable features include:

  • Advanced Weapon Systems: Armed with supersonic BrahMos surface-to-surface missiles and Barak-8 medium-range surface-to-air missiles.
  • Undersea Warfare Capabilities: Equipped with Humsa NG sonar, heavyweight torpedo tube launchers, and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) rocket launchers.
  • Operational Superiority: Capable of functioning independently or as a flagship in naval task forces.
INS Surat boasts 72% Indigenous content, significantly higher than its predecessors under the P15A (59%) and P15 (42%) classes, reaffirming India's push for defense self-reliance.


Mazagon Dock Empowers Indian Navy with Stealth Frigate INS Nilgiri and Destroyer INS Surat

Mazagon Dock Empowers Indian Navy with Stealth Frigate INS Nilgiri and Destroyer INS Surat
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited has been at the forefront of India's warship and submarine-building efforts, delivering iconic vessels such as the Delhi and Kolkata-class destroyers, Shivalik-class frigates, and Scorpene-class submarines. Its unmatched expertise and contributions have earned MDL the title of "Warship and Submarine Builders to the Nation." These state-of-the-art warships will significantly bolster the Indian Navy's operational readiness and contribute to India's maritime security and strategic capabilities.

[🇮🇳] Boost to Indian Army's firepower: MoD signs Rs 7,628.70 crore deal with L&T for 100 K9 Vajra-T artillery guns

The K-9 Vajra-T is a near identical variant of K9 Thunder, which is a Samsung Techwin/Hanwha Defense product.

The only Indian components for the K9s assembled in India are the fire control system as well as troop communications suite.

The K-9 Thunder is an impressive artillery asset as well, itself being a Korean made variant of the US Self propelled Howitzers of similar bore and range.

Korean won that contract from Russian and manufactured in L&T facilities at Hazira. It has lot more indigenization than what you say. My friends are there in manufacturing of K9. I had photos of K9 being transported from Hazira facilities.

[🇸🇾] Uyghur fighters in Syria vow to come for China next

I went to Lahore few years ago and was blown away by the numbers of Sikhs hanging around their main Gurdwara next to Badshahi masjid.

Oh bhai these ain't yatt-rees no?

These are our own Sikh k jhaggay bhai. Pata ne kidher say nikal ker aagaey hain?

Laakhon hain!.......and Lahori's all about em due to language/ culture/ civilization.

Dozens of gurdwaaray are now being reopened in our country cuz these Sikh are everywhere around northern Punjab on our side.

[🇧🇩] BRAC---The Largest NGO In The World


BRAC Bank organises Annual Business Continuity Plan Drill 2024
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Dec 20, 2024 19:46
Updated :
Dec 20, 2024 19:46

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BRAC Bank has organised Annual Business Continuity Plan Drill 2024 to test and streamline its preparedness in the event of a disaster.

The daylong drill included a simulation in which critical units vital to banking operations, such as Account Services, Asset Operations, Cards Operations, Payments and Transactions, Trade Services, Treasury Operations, Finance, Agent Banking, Call Centre, among others, performed their BAU activities smoothly with minimum disruptions at that site.

According to a press release, the bank has a comprehensive Business Continuity Plan in place to ensure smooth services to customers in case of a natural calamity or elements beyond the bank's control.

A Business Continuity Plan (BCP) in banking is a framework that outlines procedures and recovery systems to help a bank continue to operate and serve customers during a disaster. A BCP aims to manage the impact of significant disruptions and resume operations within a reasonable time.

More than 100 officials from 26 departments performed several critical tasks identified as vital to bank’s business operations. As per the BCP Drill, these critical tasks would continue uninterrupted, irrespective of any catastrophic situation beyond the bank’s control.

Commenting on the BCP Drill, Ahmed Rashid Joy, Deputy Managing Director & Chief Risk Officer, BRAC Bank, said: “At BRAC Bank, we are committed to providing uninterrupted services to our valued customers in case of natural disaster. That’s why we conduct Business Continuity Plan Drill regularly to offset the risk of future service disruption. This exercise shows our commitment to serving our customers what it takes to continue service during disaster.”​

[🇧🇩] Legal/illegal Foreign workers in Bangladesh


Threat from illegal foreigners
Tanim Asjad
Published :
Dec 20, 2024 21:23
Updated :
Dec 20, 2024 21:23

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A significant number of foreign residents have been living in the country for an extended period, many of them illegally. The interim government has already urged these individuals to legalise their stay, and an official order has been issued to this effect. However, a lack of comprehensive data on illegally residing foreign citizens calls for urgently addressing.

Quoting the official sources, some newspapers reported that around two hundred thousand (two lakhs) foreign citizens are staying in the country with valid visas or prior permission. Of them, around one-fourth or 45,000 are Indian citizens, followed by 13,000 United States (US) citizens, and 10,500 Chinese citizens. So, around two-thirds of the foreign citizens staying legally in Bangladesh are from these three countries. Of course, many US citizens are also citizens of Bangladesh as they hold dual citizenship.

Most foreign citizens come to Bangladesh for business, jobs, tourism, and education. Some stay for a short period, while others stay for longer periods, according to their needs. Alarmingly, some of them also stay after the validity of their visas expires. For instance, at least 7,500 Indian citizens are staying in the country even after the expiration of their travel permission.

What is more alarming is that the number of foreign citizens staying without any valid permission and the number is estimated at 0.40-0.50 million or more than double the legally staying foreigners. A large number of them are from India. The question is how such a big number of citizens of other countries are living in the country and why the law enforcing agencies have so long turned a blind eye to their illegal stay.

As foreign citizens enter the country through border control points, it is crucial to maintain accurate entry and exit records. The advancement of information and communication technology (ICT) has made it easier to create and maintain a comprehensive databank. However, the lack of proper planning and necessary measures is hindering the development of a comprehensive and interactive data repository of foreign citizens. Moreover, the past decade has seen many foreign citizens entering and staying in the country without proper documentation, a situation exacerbated by corruption and irregularities in relevant departments. The political support of the Hasina regime, especially for some Indian citizens to stay without proper approval, has also contributed to the increase in the number of illegal foreigners in the country.

Overall, the presence of a large number of illegal foreigners in the country highlights the poor state of governance. Many of these illegal foreigners pose a serious threat to the internal security of the country as they are mostly involved in various crimes in partnership with local criminals. Crimes such as human and drug trafficking to counterfeiting currency notes, gambling, illegal arms dealing and smuggling of gold, different foreign citizens are all committed by the foreign residents staying illegally, the police inform.

Therefore, a well-organised crackdown is imperative to identify, penalise, and deport these illegal foreign citizens. The government also needs to set up a substantial data repository to monitor the entry, presence, and exit of foreign citizens.​

[🇧🇩] Monitoring the political activities of BNP


Leave reforms to elected people, announce clear polls roadmap
Says BNP leader Farroque

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Photo: UNB

BNP Chairperson's Advisory Council member Advocate Zainul Abedin Farroque today urged the chief adviser to announce a clear date and roadmap for the national election without delaying the process under the pretext of reforms.

"We will listen to what the chief adviser says. Please, specify the roadmap and election date," he said while addressing a discussion at the Jatiya Press Club.

Bangladesh Chalak Dal arranged the programme, titled "Election Roadmap and Public Expectation".

Farroque said the people of the country do not want the interim government to delay the transfer of power to the elected representatives in the name of reforms. "No matter who says what, the people's representatives will decide on the reforms," the BNP leader said.

He said the country's people are uncertain when the current interim government will hold elections. "Of course, the chief adviser must listen to the political parties."

The BNP leader said that the government's announcement of a clear roadmap and election date will restore people's confidence in the interim government, democracy and rule of law.

Farroque, also a former opposition chief whip in parliament, also requested the chief adviser to advise members of his advisory council to speak with caution.

"They should refrain from making any comments that could harm your reputation. They should exercise restraint and avoid remarks that could hurt public sentiment."

The BNP leader asked advisers to speak out against the syndicates responsible for hiking the prices of essential items. He lamented the government's failure to arrest the members of the syndicate who made enormous profits and siphoned off money abroad over the past 16 years by manipulating the market.

Farroque also called upon the government to take necessary steps to prevent the manipulation of the market by the Awami League's 'ghosts' during the upcoming holy month of Ramadan.

He warned the people of the country that another plot was underway to eliminate the nationalist forces and erase the ideals of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman from the hearts of the people.

The BNP leader alleged that the Awami League is plotting to destabilise the country by carrying out attacks on members of the Hindu community.

He said deposed autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina must face trial in Bangladesh and be held accountable for her misdeeds, including killings and repression.​

[🇧🇩] ICT Industry in Bangladesh


ICT trailblazers honoured

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From left, Rumana Ahmed, director of Logic Software Limited; Kowser Ahmed, managing director and CEO of The KOW Company; Rafel Kabir, managing director of Instasure Limited; Mahfuz Anam, editor and publisher of The Daily Star; Afeef Zaman, founder and CEO of ShopUp; Selim RF Hussain, managing director and CEO of BRAC Bank; Sadia Haque, co-founder and CEO of ShareTrip; Ahmed Kamal Khan Chowdhury, group adviser of SSL Wireless; Shahir Chowdhury, founder and CEO of Shikho; and Nazim Farhan Choudhury, chairman of The KOW Company, pose for a photo at the 9th BRAC Bank-The Daily Star ICT Awards ceremony at Le Meridien Dhaka today. Photo: Star

Five companies and two individuals were honoured this evening at the 9th BRAC Bank-The Daily Star ICT Awards in recognition of their exceptional contributions to the advancement of Bangladesh's information and communication technology sector.

Selim RF Hussain, managing director and chief executive officer of Brac Bank, along with Mahfuz Anam, editor and publisher of The Daily Star, handed over the awards to the winners at a ceremony held at Le Meridien Dhaka, the hospitality partner for the event.

The event, which was organised in association with Brac Bank and Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services, began with a minute's silence paying tribute to the martyrs and injured of the mass uprising that led to the fall of the Awami League regime.

Afeef Zaman, founder and CEO of ShopUp, was recognised as the ICT Business Person of the year, while Sadia Haque, co-founder and CEO of ShareTrip, was awarded as the ICT Woman of the year.

Logic Software won the ICT Solution Provider of the year award in the local market focus category and The Kow Company in the international market focus category.

Software Shop (SSL Wireless) was awarded the Digital Commerce of the year, while Shikho and Instasure were the ICT start-ups of the year.

Although ICT has been regarded as the future, it has not been given due importance in Bangladesh, Anam said.

"We haven't given the ICT sector enough support, enough importance, enough legal supportive environment, enough financial incentives for it to flourish."

Only through ICT can Bangladesh catch up with the developed world.

"The application of ICT can advance our health to a much higher standard, provide access to global experts in Bangladesh and connect experts in Dhaka with patients in rural areas. Similarly, in the education sector. Whatever we try, whatever money we spend, we cannot keep our education aligned with the evolution of education in the world except through technology."

Besides, the digitisation of the government system could decrease corruption overnight, Anam added.

There are many who feel that the banking sector should be investing much more in ICT and perhaps there is something to be said about that, said BRAC Bank MD Selim RF Hussain.

"The future does belong to ICT usage and we are confident that banks in Bangladesh will continue to invest in and expand their digital banking capabilities in areas such as artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve customer service, become cost-efficient and fraud detection and prevention."

Going forward, banks will increasingly partner with fintech companies to gain access to new technologies and services to stay competitive in the rapidly changing digital landscape.

"Obviously, this is also an exciting time for banks and financial institutions -- many of them have already significantly upgraded themselves with their digital-first strategies to serve the customers."

The adoption of digital banking channels, implementation of digital onboarding processes (eKYC), use of advanced analytics, development of digital products and services and automation of back-office processes are taking place with great momentum, Hussain added.

Founded in 2010, Logic Software is a leader in providing customised ERP solutions for industries like textiles, garments and leather.

By addressing inventory, production and financial challenges, the company helps businesses streamline operations. The company has processed more than $15 billion in transactions, boosting Bangladesh's economy.

The KOW Company excels in content post-production and 3D innovation.

With over 500 professionals and AI-driven technology, the company processes 32,000 to 35,000 assets daily.

Partnering with global brands like Adidas, it delivers exceptional visual content across industries, setting new standards in media production and creative solutions.

Under Sadia Haque's leadership, ShareTrip has revolutionised travel services in Bangladesh, generating more than $100 million in gross merchandise value.

Her vision has made ShareTrip a leader in the travel industry and digital commerce.

Under Afeef Zaman's leadership, ShopUp raised $174 million in South Asia's largest Series B funding round, driving ShopUp's success.

By focusing on digital credit, logistics and business management, he has transformed the country's e-commerce landscape.

Founded in 2019, Shikho is transforming Bangladesh's edtech landscape by offering localised, interactive educational content in Bengali.

With its mobile app, Shikho provides engaging learning tools for students, addressing education gaps and enabling better retention. The company has secured $6.5 million in funding, expanding its reach and impact.

Founded in 2022, Instasure has pioneered Bangladesh's first embedded insurance platform.

With strategic partnerships and an innovative approach, it offers insurance products at the point of purchase.

By making insurance accessible, particularly for underserved communities, Instasure is reshaping the industry and addressing low penetration rates.

SSL Wireless, founded in 1999, has become a leader in Bangladesh's ICT sector, specialising in digital commerce solutions.

The company's flagship product, Hercules One, integrates over 250,000 merchants, improving business efficiency.

SSL Wireless is also driving Bangladesh's digital transformation and advancing a cashless economy through its innovative offerings.

Ahmed Kamal Khan Chowdhury, group adviser of SSL Wireless; Shahir Chowdhury, founder and CEO of Shikho; Rafel Kabir, managing director of Instasure; Kowser Ahmed, MD and CEO of The KOW Company; Rumana Ahmed, director at Logic Software; Afeef Zaman and Sadia Haque received the award.​

[🇹🇷] Turkish Army Receives GZPT-T1 Armored Personnel Carriers as Part of M113 Service Life Extension Program.

I cannot support any positive developments in Turkey any longer after its takeover of Syria.
it's not so much that Turkey took over Syria, it's that assad regime crumbled and fell due to its own lack of vision

He made so many mistakes, For the last two years Erdogan was trying to talk to him but he was saying no. Int the end, we can't save you from your own stupidity.

And he ran away in the end. What an embarrassment.

[🇹🇷] Greece Decides to sell F-16 Block 30 and Mirage 2000 Fighters

India will be interested in buying Mirage 2000. India has a plna to keep Mirage 2000 operational for one more decade to come.
for spares, mostly.

iinw, Mirage is our designated (or was) for nuke delivery ?

though we have seen Flankers launch nuke capable al brahmos lately.. hmm

they also landed the mirage at the delhi - UP expressway, ekdum tanatan Zermoney autobahn and Norway type.

[🇮🇳] ISRO starts assembly of HLVM3 for Gaganyaan mission at SDSC for first uncrewed flight

ISRO starts assembly of HLVM3 for Gaganyaan mission at SDSC for first uncrewed flight​

Story by TOI Science Desk
• 11h • 4 min read

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ISRO starts assembly of HLVM3 for Gaganyaan mission at SDSC for first uncrewed flight

ISRO starts assembly of HLVM3 for Gaganyaan mission at SDSC for first uncrewed flight
Indian Space Research Organisation continues to make significant milestones in space exploration with its continuous efforts to launch India's first crewed spaceflight under the Gaganyaan mission. The Indian astronaut called Gagannauts into space aboard Human - Rated Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (HLVM3). On Wednesday, ISRO initiated the assembly of Human - Rated Vehicle Mark-3 (HLVM3) as a critical component of India's Gaganyaan mission which aims to achieve the country's first crewed spaceflight. This coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3-X/CARE) mission as a foundational role in the Gaganyaan program mission.

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ISRO HLVM3 successfully launched on December 18​

On December 18 2024 at 8:45am, ISRO began the launch campaign for the HLVM3-G1/0M-1 featuring the full-flex seal nozzle of the S200 motor at the Satish Dhawan Space Center (SDSC) in Sriharikota. This step acts as a major step towards the launch vehicle for the future space missions. Some of the additional components following the launch vehicle include S200 motors, control systems, and avionics to be integrated.

LVM3’s human-rating enhances safety for future missions​

HLVM3 assembly as the crucial development is the successful human rating of the LVM3 launch vehicle. The human-rating involves the rigorous testing to ensure the vehicle's systems meet the safety standards being required for the human spaceflight. All the systems have undergone extensive ground and flight tests even in off-nominal conditions to verify their performance and reliability under the human safety requirement, confirmed ISRO.



LVM3, a human rating process, ensures to handle the human-space travel complexities. The inclusion of the Crew Escape System (CES), a safety feature designed to protect astronauts during every phase of ascent, adds a layer of redundancy to the vehicle’s safety mechanisms. The CES system, which is operational from the launch pad until its separation after the atmospheric flight regime, significantly boosts the confidence in the upcoming manned missions.

Specifications of HLVM3​

  • HLVM3 is a massive, three stage vehicle standing 53m tall and 640 tonnes in weight.
  • Capable of carrying payloads up to 10 tonnes into Low Earth Orbit
  • This crew module will be a part of the Gaganyaan mission designed with multiple redundancies and enhanced safety features to protect the astronauts.
  • It can operate under the most extreme conditions of human spaceflight.
The Gaganyaan program is not only an important aspect of India's space exploration goals, but it is also a necessary precursor to the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS). The Gaganyaan mission's experience will be valuable in the construction and operation of India's prospective space station. ISRO's long-term strategy includes applying Gaganyaan's lessons to the development of more advanced space technology and a sustainable space infrastructure.


Development in India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight program​

The LVM3-X mission, which launched on December 18, 2014, was critical in the development of India's human spaceflight program. The mission successfully transported a 3,775 kg crew module to a suborbital altitude of 126 km, where it was manoeuvred with thrusters to guarantee a successful reentry.

The module was designed as part of Gaganyaan's pre-project operations and data from this flight will have a direct impact on the design and the testing of the crew module for the subsequent mission.

Crew module to ensure safe human spaceflight for Gaganyaan​

The crew module from the Bay of Bengal on December 18 2024 was a watershed moment that confirmed the ability of the vehicle to safely return from space highlighting the importance of the mission. Information collected during the mission has been an integral part in refining the crew module and its associated systems to ensure that they are capable of supporting human spaceflight in future.

Leveraging LVM3 data to enhance the Gaganyaan mission and future of manned missions​

After the successful completion of the LVM3-X mission, ISRO has built upon the foundational data gathered during that mission. The improvement in the design of the crew module has been made and the other subsequent tests such as pad abort tests, air-drop tests, and test vehicle flights. This has provided with the valuable insights that informed the ongoing development of the crew module and other systems of the Gaganyaan mission. The data will be essential to ensure the success of the manned future missions which will ultimately allow ISRO to make necessary adjustments and improvements to the module the launch vehicle before launching astronauts into space.

Paving the path for India’s first human spaceflight​

As ISRO prepares for the uncrewed Gaganyaan mission, the insights gained will be pivotal for the future of human spaceflight in India. With the human-rating of the LVM3 vehicle and the successful integration of key systems, the nation is now closer than ever to achieving its goal of sending astronauts to space. The upcoming uncrewed flight will serve as a critical testing ground for the various systems and technologies involved, paving the way for a successful manned mission.


ISRO's successful assembly of the HLVM3 vehicle and the completion of key tests mark significant progress in India’s space exploration journey. The Gaganyaan mission not only aims to send humans to space but also plays a key role in laying the foundation for more ambitious future projects, including the Bharatiya Antariksh Station. The lessons learned from this program will help shape India’s space exploration goals for the coming decades.

[🇮🇳] Indonesia shows interest in collaborating with India in defense tech sector

Will India be ready to transfer Brahmos technology to Indonesia (A Muslim country)? It would be interesting to know the Chinese response to this new development in defense relation between India and Indonesia.

Brahmos is not purely Indian. It is Indo Russia collaboration. Brahmos NG and Brahmos 2 shall be purely Indian.

However, India has too good Indigenous defense stuff.
It includes plethora of missiles in form of Agni I to Agni V, All versions of Prithvi, Prahar, Pralay, Shaurya, Pinaka I, II, III. Rudra I,II,III, Nag, NAGASTRA, NASM I,II,III, Akash and Akash NG even if I do not count MRSAM, LRSAM, XRSAM, QRSAM, AAD, PAD, PDV, AD1, AD2 etc. K series, Sagarika etc. and many more. India has state of art Destroyers and other with best in class defensive and offensive capabilities. light tank, heavy tank, Howitzers, different ammunitions, EW devices, fighter planes and many more. India has its own AEW&C system. We can talk of suitable technologies which India can transfer. Indonesia has shown interest in many Indian defense stuff.

East Asia Forecasting China’s strategy in the Middle East over the next four years

In the past two decades, China has rapidly emerged as an increasingly consequential economic, political, and security actor in the Middle East. China is the largest consumer of Middle Eastern oil, Chinese trade with the region has more than tripled over the past 20 years, and China is playing an expanding role in regional peace, security, and diplomacy. Beijing’s strategy in the Middle East has emphasized a comprehensive plan to expand its influence in almost all key domains. The next four years will be essential to China’s acceleration of its political, economic, and diplomatic engagement in the Middle East, with a strong focus on diversifying economic ties, involvement in peace and mediation, and managing a regional power equilibrium that has shifted as the result of the war in Gaza.

Q&A In which decade home-use portable video camera became available in South-Asian subcontine?

Can you answer few questions?

1. Rich uncle means how rich? Was he an industrialist?

2. Can you give a rough estimate exactly which year HE purchased it?
How rich in those days? No idea. Currently must be worth about 60-80 Cr. Not an industrialist. Had a computer peripherals business to start with. But mainly into real estate.

I have no idea when he purchased it

[🇮🇳] India's Diplomatic Move In North Korea Marks Significant Shift In Policy

India's Diplomatic Move In North Korea Marks Significant Shift In Policy

Besides boosting its ties with Southeast Asian nations, New Delhi has been working silently and cautiously towards its policy in the Korean peninsula.

Written by:
Abhishek Chakraborty
World News
Dec 17, 2024 20:35 pm IST

India's Diplomatic Move In North Korea Marks Significant Shift In PolicyIndia has reopened its Embassy in North Korea as it aims to build on diplomatic ties.

While the world is focused on central and west Asia and the actions of the West vis-a-vis the wars in the Middle East and Europe, India has been looking and acting eastward with its Act East policy. Besides boosting its ties with Southeast Asian nations, New Delhi has been working silently and cautiously towards its policy in the Korean peninsula.

North Korea functions with a great degree of opacity, which in turn, leads New Delhi to also maintain its diplomatic relations with Pyongyang in the shadows, unnoticed and silent from the rest of the world.

In July 2021, India quietly shut its embassy in Pyongyang and Ambassador Atul Malhari Gotsurve along with the entire staff returned to New Delhi via Moscow. Though the Ministry of External Affairs never officially declared the embassy 'closed', when asked by journalists why the entire staff was called back, it said the step was taken due to COVID-19.

Years went by with no update on the diplomatic mission in Pyongyang, and fourteen months ago, Mr Gotsurve was given a new posting as Ambassador to Mongolia.

Another year went by, and then suddenly, earlier this month, India decided to resume normal operations at its embassy in Pyongyang. Within days a team comprising technical staff and diplomatic personnel were dispatched for North Korea. According to a report in The Tribune, the staff has already reached Pyongyang and are in the process of making the mission fully functional.

Latest and Breaking News on NDTV
The embassy, now shut for more than three-and-a-half years, needs to first undergo a thorough check. North Korea, infamous for its suspicious intelligence-gathering techniques, would mean the staff must first debug the entire embassy building. This, and the delays expected from North Korea's bureaucracy, means that a new Ambassador and the rest of the team might be several months away from joining the initial staff sent.

NORTH KOREA'S GROWING IMPACT

North Korea's strategic importance today is significantly more than it was four years ago - not just for India and Asia, but for the West too. Militarily, North Korea has been steadily growing its nuclear arsenal while also rapidly working on technology such as hypersonic missiles, tactical weapons, short, medium and long-range missiles, among others. For India, it is important to be present in Pyongyang and establish ties such, that such technology does not make its way to Pakistan or its rouge elements.

In the last few years, North Korea has also deepened its ties with Russia, China, and Iran - a growing alliance in Asia which many see as a counter to the Quad - a security and trade grouping comprising US, Japan, India, and Australia. This too is a major priority for India to tackle diplomatically.

While New Delhi already has very strong ties with Moscow, it shares good diplomatic relations with Tehran too. Neighbours India and China - the two most populous nations are also working to iron out differences to see lasting peace in Asia. That leaves Pyongyang - a relationship New Delhi has thus far tread with great caution.

North Korea has also increased trade ties with Russia and has even provided boots on the ground in Ukraine to battle alongside Russian soldiers.

Keeping Pyongyang's growing stature and activity across Asia in mind, New Delhi aims to build on diplomatic ties in accordance with its global outlook and objectives. North Korea thus becomes increasingly important strategically for India and reopening the embassy in Pyongyang is seen as the first step to reestablishing a channel of communication.

Source: India's Diplomatic Move In North Korea Marks Significant Shift In Policy

Big news.

Cheers, Doc

[🇧🇩] Civilian/Military Nuclear Program in Bangladesh


Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant Unit-1
Construction, installation work done

M Azizur Rahman
Published :
Dec 20, 2024 01:18
Updated :
Dec 20, 2024 01:18

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The construction and installation works at Unit-1 of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) have been completed, Russia's state-owned nuclear energy company Rosatom said in a statement on Wednesday.

The personnel of the RNPP has started a large-scale test programme for physical start-up, said the statement. The first stage of operation began to bring the reactor plant to the rated parameters on December 18, it said.

During this stage, the operability of equipment and mechanisms will be tested. The reactor coolant pumps (RPC) will be launched and tested for the first time. The reactor plant will be tested at the rated parameters without nuclear fuel. Once the compliance of the equipment with all the design parameters is confirmed, the unit will be ready for the start-up operations, said the statement.

"We have entered the final preparation of Rooppur NPP Unit- 1 for the physical start-up. This is an important stage where we must carry out a large scope of work and tests to prove the operability of the process systems in all the operating modes," said Andrey Petrov, First Deputy Director General for Nuclear Energy of Rosatom and President of ASE.

"We fulfill all our obligations and guarantee the reliability and safety of our technologies. The first nuclear power plant in Bangladesh will support the country's economy and will work for the benefit of its future generations," he said.

Commissioning of RNPP will ensure supply of environmentally-friendly and safe energy providing for around 10 per cent of the total energy consumption in Bangladesh, the Rosatom statement said.

But the commissioning of the RNPP will face delays as the construction work of the required transmission line to evacuate electricity from the RNPP is not yet completed, said a senior official of Bangladesh's state-run Power Grid Company Bangladesh (PGCB).

Although the construction and installation work have been completed, the commissioning of the RNPP will not be possible without the transmission line, he said.

Building around 16 kilometer (km) of transmission lines over two major rivers - 9.0 km over the Jamuna River and 7.0 km over the Padma River - might be completed within the next several months, he said.

Maintaining frequency in the power transmission system from the RNPP project will be the biggest challenge after completion of the river-crossing power transmission lines, he said.

Fuel loading in the unit will start once construction of the transmission line is complete, the official added.

The PGCB official said that the construction work of the transmission line was halted during mid-July when the mighty river saw huge flow of water. After mid-July, the construction work ceased again due to the mass uprising that toppled the Awami League government on August 5, he said.

The RNPP equipped with two Russian VVER-1200 reactors having the total capacity of 2400 MW is being constructed at Ishwardi upazila in Pabna in accordance with General Contract signed on December 25, 2015.

The VVER-1200 reactors belong to evolutionary Generation III+ design which fully complies with all the international safety requirements. Engineering Division of Rosatom is the General Designer and General Contractor of the Rooppur project.​

[🇧🇩] The fate of big guns/beneficiaries of Awami League after the student revolution

ATN Bangla is Indian owned and controlled as far as I know. Munni Saha will have a hard time getting bail now.

Dismantling R&AW's network in Bangladesh will take a fair bit of time. They had fifteen years to set it up.
If you really want to dismantle RAW's network in Bangladesh, you will have to ban Awami League from Bangladesh's politics. Awami league is nothing but an extended tail of India.

[🇧🇩] BDR Mutiny---An Irreparable Damage to Bangladesh's First Line of Defense


BDR Carnage: Genocide case filed against Hasina, aides
M Moneruzzaman 19 December, 2024, 23:54

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The families of the BDR carnage victims come out of the International Crimes Tribunal premises on Thursday after lodging a complaint with the chief prosecutor, accusing ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, then army chief Moneen U Ahmed and 56 others of committing genocide during the massacre at Pilkhana in 2009. | Md Saurav

The families of 22 victims of the 2009 carnage at then Bangladesh Rifles headquarters filed a complaint with the International Crimes Tribunal chief prosecutor on Thursday accusing deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, her defense adviser Tarique Ahmed Siddique, former army chief Moneen U Ahmed and 55 others of crimes against humanity and genocide.

The carnage killed 74 people, including 57 army officers including then BDR chief Major General Shakil Ahmed in February 25–26, 2009.

This is the first case filed with the tribunal against Hasina and her associates for the rebellion of the soldiers of then BDR, now the Border Guard Bangladesh.

Hasina, who fled to India in the face of a student-people uprising on August 5, faces several ICT cases for atrocities committed during the July–August uprising.

The victim families filed the complaint a day after the home affairs adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on December 17 announced that a committee would be formed within the next five working days to ensure justice for the BDR massacre.

The announcement from the government came amid growing calls for justice for the BDR massacre.

Lawyer Uday Tasmir, representing the 22 families of the slain army officers, including Major General Shakil Ahmed’s son Rakin Ahmed and Colonel Quadrat Elahi Rahman Shafique’s son Saquib Rahman, submitted the complaint to the ICT chief prosecutor in the presence of 15–20 victim family members.

Uday Tasmir told reporters that the killings of the 57 officers constituted genocide and crimes against humanity and Hasina and her associates, including then army chief, home minister, law minister, and intelligence chiefs, were directly involved in the crimes.

‘Our allegations are clear and specific,’ said Tasmir, ‘patriotic, skilled, and brilliant army officers were deliberately targeted to weaken the Bangladesh Army and the BDR, creating a national crisis to jeopardise the country’s independence and sovereignty.’

Then army chief cannot avoid the responsibility, he said.

The complaint accused Hasina of orchestrating a plan to destroy the two key forces to consolidate power and establish a fascist regime.

It alleged that bodies of the slain officers were set on fire and mutilated, family members of the officers were held hostage, their homes were looted, and the killings were premeditated acts of genocide to eliminate opposition within the armed forces.

The complaint said that the victims were buried in mass graves in a bid to hide the bodies of the victims.

Mehrim Ferdowsi, the wife of Colonel Mujibul Haque, also addressed journalists, asserting that the massacre was a calculated attack.

‘Even today, neither we nor our children know why our loved ones were murdered. The truth must come to light through a proper investigation,’ she said.

The families demanded an independent commission to uncover the truth behind the carnage.

In a press release, they alleged that Sheikh Hasina’s government had systematically targeted patriotic army officers, identifying them as obstacles to her autocratic rule.

The release called for the release of innocent BDR members still detained in connection with the carnage, alleging that they were victims of a prolonged conspiracy.

‘The crimes were planned and executed under the direct orders of Sheikh Hasina and her defence adviser Tarique Siddique,’ it said.

The families said that none dared in the past 15 years to stand against the anti-state actions and criminal conspiracies carried out by Hasina and her government.

Victim families have long been demanding justice for the BDR carnage by forming an independent commission.

They also raised key allegations against then Awami League lawmakers Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, Sheikh Selim, and Jahangir Kabir Nanak.

Two cases, one for murders and another for explosive substances, were filed for the BDR carnage. The explosive case is still pending with the trial court.

On November 27, 2017, the High Court upheld the death sentences of 139 of the 152 condemned convicts of murders of 57 commanders on deputation from the army during the February 2009 BDR mutiny.

Death sentences of seven other BDR soldiers and Md Zakir Hossain, then a local Awami League leader, were commuted to life term imprisonment.

It also upheld the life imprisonment of 146 of the 160 life term recipients. Two of them, including Bangladesh Nationalist party leader Nasiruddin Ahmed Pintu, died in custody while 12 others were acquitted of the charges.

The convicts’ appeals and the AL government’s appeals against acquittals of BDR members are pending with the Appellate Division.

On November 5, 2013, the trial court convicted 568 accused, mostly BDR members, and sentenced 152 accused to death, 162 to imprisonment for life term and 256 to imprisonment for varying terms.

The court acquitted 278 other accused while four accused had died during the trial.

One of the death row convicts died later.

The High Court called for holding probes to find out why the BDR intelligence agency failed to gather information that a mutiny was brewing to coincide with BDR Week celebrations.

The High Court in the verdict also called the carnage a pre-planned massacre of 57 brilliant army officers, then serving BDR on deputation, by some ambitious BDR soldiers during their 30-hour mutiny.

The High Court said that only 55 army officers died in action during the War of Independence.

Of the 850 accused tried in the murder case, 827 were BDR members and 22 civilians while a lone accused was from the Ansar and VDP force.

Breaking his silence for the past 15 years following the February 25–26, 2009 rebellion, former army chief Moeen U Ahmed in an interview with a newspaper in September 2024 demanded re-investigation into the carnage to uncover the plot and the plotters of the incident in both home and aboard.

‘A fresh probe by forming a new inquiry committee can find out the plot and plotters in both home and aboard in the BDR carnage,’ said Moeen in a video statement on YouTube from Florida in the United States.

The mutineers demanded an end to army control over the BDR, withdrawal of army members, and direct talks with then prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

Then state minister for local government rural development and cooperative minister Jahangir Kabir Nanak, whip Mirza Azam, then home minister Sahara Khatun and then local lawmaker Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh attempted negotiations, entering the BDR headquarters with a white flag.

A rebel delegation met with Sheikh Hasina, who announced an amnesty for the mutineers.

Despite an initial ceasefire, firing resumed in the evening.

Talks between the rebels and government representatives continued late into the night, with assurances of laying down arms.

At about 2:30 am on February 26, some rebels surrendered their weapons, but sporadic gunfire persisted.

BDR soldiers in other districts took positions on highways, leaving borders unprotected.

Hasina addressed the nation at 2:00pm on February 26, urging rebels to surrender, warning of military action if they did not comply. By 6:00pm, army tanks and commandos surrounded Pilkhana, prompting rebels to hoist a white flag and flee.

Control was restored by police and the Armed Police Battalion, ending the ordeal for over 100 hostages.

A mass grave discovered the next day revealed the full extent of the savagery, leaving the nation in shock and mourning.​

[🇮🇳] Jammu & Kashmir


Five killed as Indian soldiers battle rebels in J&K

Indian security forces in Kashmir yesterday killed at least five suspected gunmen in ongoing clashes, the army said, the latest outbreak of violence in the disputed Muslim-majority Himalayan region.

"Five terrorists have been neutralised by the security forces in the ongoing operation", the Indian army's Chinar Corps said, adding that two soldiers had been wounded in the firefight.

Half a million Indian troops are deployed in the far northern region, battling a 35-year insurgency in which tens of thousands of civilians, soldiers and rebels have been killed, including at least 120 this year.​

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