India
Defense News , India :- Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar has declared that the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile will become the primary weapon of the Indian Navy, supplanting older missile systems acquired from other countries. In an interview with ANI, Admiral Kumar stated, "BrahMos will be our primary weapon now as the surface-to-surface missile weapon." He also indicated that the Indian Air Force and its fighter aircraft might adopt BrahMos as their primary air-to-surface weapon. He praised BrahMos for its evolution in range, capabilities, and lethality, emphasizing that the missile is "a very potent missile."Admiral Kumar highlighted the advantage of BrahMos being manufactured in India. He noted, "It is made in India, so we are not dependent on anybody else. It can be repaired, and spares are available." This self-reliance, he added, is a significant advantage for the Indian Navy."It is a very potent missile, and it has been evolving also, in range capability and so on. So the fact is that it is made in India, so we are not dependent on anybody else. It can be repaired, and spares are available. So it's a great advantage," he said.The Navy chief's comments follow the Cabinet Committee on Security's clearance of a deal for over 200 BrahMos missiles under a Rs 19,000 crore contract, expected to be signed on March 5. Admiral Kumar made these remarks on the sidelines of the closing ceremony of the Defence Expo in Pune, where he emphasized the significance of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India's quest to achieve self-reliance in defence manufacturing.During his visit to the Defence Expo, Admiral Kumar visited various stalls of MSMEs involved in defence manufacturing. He praised the exhibition for bringing together several MSMEs, highlighting the importance of developing an ecosystem and environment for indigenization in defence manufacturing.The Navy Chief said, "This is a unique exhibition. They have been able to bring together several MSMEs... It is very important that we develop the ecosystem and environment for indigenization. Defence Expos facilitate this and encourage indigenous production... MSME expos like this have huge significance. Over 118 contracts have been signed and around 10-12 products have also been approved. There are a lot of things we are getting from MSMEs and startups."The Defence Expo in Pune saw the participation of a large number of MSMEs, private companies, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) laboratories, and Defence Public Sector Unit (DPSU) setups in Maharashtra. This reflects India's progress towards achieving self-reliance in defence and the integration of Armed Forces' requirements, research and development, and defence production by public and private players.
Read More → Posted on 2024-02-26 16:10:56
World
Defense News ,UK :- Avon Protection, a leading company in creating advanced protective gear, is proud to introduce the EXOSKIN-S1 CBRN protective suit. This suit is an important addition to their collection of protective wear designed for dealing with chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats. This launch is a big step forward in Avon Protection's mission to provide top-notch protection for individuals facing CBRN threats worldwide.The EXOSKIN-S1 suit, meeting the strict NATO AEP-38 standard, provides unparalleled defense against chemical warfare agents, toxic industrial chemicals, and biological threats for up to 24 hours. This ensures continuous protection for those operating in CBRN environments for extended periods. The suit seamlessly integrates with Avon Protection’s EXOSKIN CBRN protective wear and respiratory systems, prioritizing the safety, comfort, and agility of field operators.To achieve the AEP-38 standard, the EXOSKIN-S1 suit underwent MIST testing as part of Avon Protection’s comprehensive outer protection ensemble, which includes EXOSKIN boots and gloves. This achievement allows users to purchase a complete CBRN protective system from a single supplier, along with Avon Protection’s market-leading CBRN respirators and accessories.Justin Hine, Director of Strategy & Capability at Avon Protection, highlighted their unique approach, saying, “Our goal is to take full responsibility for the entire protection system. We control the design, integration, and performance of all components needed to keep personnel safe in complex CBRN environments. Users can acquire their life-protecting ensemble equipment from a single supplier, benefiting from the superior safety and assurance of the Avon Protection brand.”The EXOSKIN-S1 is crafted with a cotton-poly outer layer and an activated carbon inner lining. It features an integrated hood with a secure seal around the wearer’s respirator. The suit includes adjustable tabs, inner leg gaiters, and a smart layer design with a thumb loop to prevent ingress at vulnerable points. With two jacket zip designs and hook-and-loop fastening, it ensures improved integration with body armor.Avon Protection, with NATO Support and Procurement Agency contracts for various protective gear, remains a leader in CBRN protective technology. Their extensive range of respiratory technologies protects over 4 million users worldwide, including Air Purifying Respirators (APRs), escape devices, Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR), and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).
Read More → Posted on 2024-02-26 16:07:07
World
Defense News ,Israel :- The Hezbollah group, supported by Iran, announced on Monday that it had successfully shot down an Israeli drone in southern Lebanon. This event comes after almost five months of frequent clashes between Hezbollah and Israel, which were initially triggered by the Gaza war.Hezbollah's statement revealed that its air defense unit used a surface-to-air missile to bring down a large Israeli Hermes 450 drone in the southern part of Lebanon. The group emphasized its commitment to remaining vigilant, with its fighters ready to continue shooting down enemy aircraft and thwarting aggressive goals.The ongoing conflict, starting from October 8, has primarily involved exchanges of fire along the border between Hezbollah and Israel. While most of the strikes have been confined to the border region, Israel has also targeted other areas in Lebanon, including Beirut.As per an AFP tally, since October, at least 278 people have lost their lives on the Lebanese side, predominantly comprising Hezbollah fighters, along with 44 civilians. On the Israeli side, the Israeli army reports 10 soldiers and six civilians killed.The clashes have resulted in the displacement of tens of thousands of civilians on both sides of the border.
Read More → Posted on 2024-02-26 15:57:41
India
Defense News ,India :- Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday inaugurated the Ammunition & Missiles Complex, the first leg of the state’s defence corridor in the presence of Chief of Army Staff, Gen Manoj Pande.According to Ashish Rajvanshi, CEO, Adani Defence, nearly 4000 jobs will be generated in this complex with five times the multiplier effect on MSMEs and the local ecosystem benefiting from it indirectly and an investment plan of Rs 3000+ crore.The Adani ammunition centre is South Asia’s largest ammunition manufacturing complex and has been dedicated to the brave warriors of the Balakot strike who carried out 'Operation Bandar' in response to the Pulwama attack that claimed the lives of 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) soldiers.The two units are being projected as a symbol of India's journey towards self-reliance and technological prowess in the defence sector.Spread over 500 acres, the facility in Kanpur is set to become one of the largest integrated ammunition manufacturing complexes. It will produce small, medium and large calibre ammunition for the armed forces, paramilitary forces and police. The facility has started rolling out small calibre ammunition, starting with 150 million rounds estimated at 25 per cent of India’s annual requirement.Moreover, Adani Group will be signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the aerospace department of IIT Kanpur, as per Karan Adani.In 2022, Uttar Pradesh Industrial Development Authority (UPIDA) had inked memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Adani Aerospace and Defence and several other firms to develop Kanpur as South Asia's largest manufacturing facility for arms and ammunition.Consequently, the Adani Defence System and Technologies Limited (ADSTL) acquired 202 hectares of land and laid the plan to develop four manufacturing units with state-of-the art technology to build small and medium calibre ammunition, along with short-range air defence missiles.Thereafter, the company formed Carroballista Systems Limited (CSL) and Agneya Systems Limited (ASL) through which it would manufacture around 12 types of guns (with the Israeli firm Elbit System) in addition to making 40 types of ammunition and rocket systems (with Bulgarian firm Armaco JSCO).The Adani unit will also manufacture light machine gun NEGEV, assault rifles ACE and TAVOR, 9mm pistol Masada, sub-machine gun Uzi, sniper rifles Galil and DAN, in collaboration with Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) at Saadh."It will be a key facilitator in India's goal of achieving $5.0 billion exports in defence manufacturing," said Rajvanshi.According to the deputy commissioner, industries, Kanpur, the CSL will manufacture 300 units of gun system per year for 155 mm calibre to 200 mm calibre, on the five acres of land provided on lease by ADSTL."The CSL has claimed to generate 1,000 jobs indirectly from their unit," said Srivastava.Further, the arms manufacturing licence of ASL and ADSTL revealed that every year the group will also manufacture 50,000 units each of bi-modular charge system (BMCS) for artillery guns, anti-aircraft movable rockets, 155mm smoke projectiles, 155 mm artillery shells, mortars (81, 84 and 120 mm), 5 lakh hand grenades, 4 lakh piece of 40mm rocket-propelled grenade and other varied calibre of armour-piercing, high-explosive anti-tank ammunition, and different types of demolition charges.According to the latest SIPRI report, with an 11 per cent share of total global arms imports, India was the world’s biggest importer of major arms from 2018 to 2022, a position it has held for the period 1993–2022.It retained this position even though its arms imports dropped by 11 per cent between 2013–17 and 2018–22.The decrease was attributed to several factors including attempts to replace imports with major arms that are designed and produced domestically, India’s slow and complex arms procurement process and efforts to diversify its arms suppliers.
Read More → Posted on 2024-02-26 15:50:17
India
Defense News ,India :- The Maharashtra MSME Defence Expo successfully concluded, emphasizing the importance of working with small businesses and promoting local manufacturing.During the closing ceremony, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar highlighted the need to create an environment for local production. He praised the expo for bringing together many small businesses, stating that such events play a crucial role in developing the country's defense capabilities.Admiral Kumar shared the expo's success, revealing that more than 118 contracts were signed, and around 10–12 products were approved. This demonstrates how startups and small businesses gained valuable opportunities for collaboration and growth in the defense sector.The focus on local production and involving small businesses aligns with India's goal of achieving self-sufficiency in defense. These efforts have the potential to significantly enhance India's defense capabilities and position the country as a global leader in defense production by fostering collaboration between established companies and small businesses.
Read More → Posted on 2024-02-26 15:44:36
World
Defense News ,Burkina Faso :- In a tragic incident in Burkina Faso, two separate attacks on a mosque and a Catholic church claimed the lives of many, shocking the local community. The assault on the mosque occurred in Natiaboani around 5:00 am on Sunday, resulting in the loss of several dozen lives. The victims, predominantly men who had gathered for morning prayers, were mercilessly attacked by armed individuals.According to witnesses, the assailants surrounded the mosque during the early morning hours and opened fire on the faithful attendees, including an important religious leader. The attack was described as large-scale, with a significant number of assailants causing extensive damage. Soldiers and members of the Volunteers for the Defence of the Fatherland (VDP), a civilian force supporting the military, were also targeted during the assault.Natiaboani, a rural community located approximately 60 kilometers south of Fada N’Gourma, has been a hotspot for armed group attacks since 2018. The region has witnessed a series of security challenges, and this recent assault adds to the ongoing concerns about the safety of its residents.Shockingly, on the same day as the mosque attack, another incident unfolded in the northern part of Burkina Faso. A Catholic church in the village of Essakane was targeted during Sunday mass, leading to the death of at least 15 civilians and injuring two others. Jean-Pierre Sawadogo, vicar of the Dori diocese, labeled the incident as a "terrorist attack" that took place while people were gathered for prayer.Essakane village is situated in the volatile "three borders" zone in the northeast, close to the shared borders of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. These coordinated attacks on places of worship, targeting both Muslims and Catholics, highlight the severity of the security situation in Burkina Faso and the urgent need for measures to ensure the safety of its citizens.The twin assaults have left communities mourning the loss of their loved ones and raised concerns about the escalating violence in the region. The international community is closely monitoring the situation as efforts are made to address the root causes of such attacks and enhance security measures to protect the vulnerable population.
Read More → Posted on 2024-02-26 15:41:50
India
Defense News ,India :- In a recent report from Lenta.ru, it's mentioned that Germany is discussing the possibility of buying ammunition from India and then transferring it to the Ukrainian armed forces through intermediaries. According to Der Spiegel, India is hesitant to openly sell ammunition to Ukraine due to its friendly relations with Russia.The German government has not provided any comments on this report.India, while maintaining a neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine war and advocating for a diplomatic solution, has offered humanitarian aid to Ukraine, including food and medical supplies.It remains uncertain if Germany can successfully secure ammunition from India through intermediaries, as India might be hesitant to sell weapons to countries involved in armed conflicts. Additionally, it's unclear if India has the capacity to export large quantities of ammunition.The global shortage of weapons and ammunition caused by the war in Ukraine has impacted many countries, including Germany. Facing a depleted stockpile, the German government is exploring various options to replenish it, including purchasing weapons from other countries. However, challenges are expected in obtaining the necessary weapons amid the current shortage.
Read More → Posted on 2024-02-26 15:35:53
India
Defense News, India :- Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Defence is Working on a new rotary-wing vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle and is made for the Indian Army. This is a big deal for L&T as it steps into the growing drone market, making India's defense stronger.Working Together: Even though we don't know exactly who L&T worked with, some experts think it might be a Swedish company called CybAero. They say this because L&T's drone looks a lot like CybAero's "APID One" model, which might mean they used a similar design. Sources say L&T and this partner have been working on this project for about a year.Current Capabilities: The initial version of the L&T UAV boasts an impressive range of functionalities, including:Range: It can go up to 100 km.Endurance: It can stay in the air for 4 hours.Maximum speed: It can fly as fast as 120 km/h.Payload capacity: It can carry up to 40 kg.Operating altitude: It can reach up to 3,000 m.Looking Ahead: L&T is not resting on its laurels. They are currently developing an advanced version specifically tailored to the Indian Army's Requirements. This improved model should be ready in the next two years (by 2024) and will have:Operating altitude: It can go up to 5,500 m.Endurance: It can stay in the air for 6 hours.Maximum speed: It can fly at a maximum speed of 140 km/h.Payload capacity: It can carry more than 40 kg.These upgrades show that L&T is serious about giving the Indian Army a powerful and flexible drone for different jobs like including surveillance, logistics, and reconnaissance.Testing and Adoption: We don't have a lot of details, but talks are happening about the Indian Army trying out the first version of L&T's drone soon. This testing part is really important to see if the drone works well and if the Indian military might start using it.L&T getting into the drone world is a big step for India to be more independent in defense. How well this project goes can decide what future air battles and spying look like for the Indian Army.
Read More → Posted on 2024-02-26 07:50:56
India
Defense Newws ,India ,U.S :- A team from the United States is visiting India on February 28 for the Homeland Security Dialogue with officials from the Union Home Ministry. This meeting is crucial as it marks the first official interaction between the US government delegation and the Central government in two years.The dialogue gains significance due to recent allegations by US federal prosecutors involving an Indian citizen and an unnamed Indian official in a thwarted plot to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on US soil.The Homeland Security Dialogue will be attended by high-ranking officials from both nations. Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla will lead the Indian delegation, while Acting Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Kristie Canegallo will lead the US government delegation.Agenda of India-US Homeland Security Dialogue:India has outlined various issues for discussion in the Homeland Security Dialogue with the US, including:Misuse of asylum status by criminalsActivities of pro-Khalistani elements in IndiaSupport to apprehend the attacker of the Indian Consulate in San FranciscoExtradition status of Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman Tahawwur Rana- Investigations into terror fugitives and terror financingIndia is expected to share a list of over 100 fugitives wanted by law enforcement agencies who have sought refuge in the US. The two nations will also discuss collaboration on counterterrorism, cybersecurity, illegal mobility, aviation security, global supply chains, and maritime security.Digital Space Exploited by Terrorists:India will address the exploitation of digital space by terrorist groups for spreading radical views, recruitment, and funding terrorism during the Homeland Security Dialogue.The Indian side will share information about drug seizures by the Narcotics Control Bureau, seeking cooperation from the US Drug Enforcement Administration. The recent seizure of drugs worth Rs 75 crore was made possible with inputs from the US DEA.Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure:India will highlight cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, including banks, railways, power and energy, and hospitals. Non-state actors from countries like China, Cambodia, the Philippines, and Myanmar have targeted India's critical infrastructure in the past.Cryptocurrency and Emerging Threats:Discussions will also cover the use of cryptocurrency for illegal activities on the dark web, new forms of terrorism, violent extremism, and the use of unmanned aerial systems for terrorist acts.Representatives from Indian agencies, including the Narcotics Bureau, National Investigation Agency, Central Bureau of Investigation, and Internal Security, will participate in the Homeland Security Dialogue.US Priorities in the Dialogue:The US delegation will focus on anti-Khalistani elements, immigration, counter-narcotics, border and supply chain security, law enforcement cooperation, engagement with local and state law enforcement, child sexual exploitation, human trafficking, trade and economic security, cybersecurity, and a proposal for an electronic travel document.The last Homeland Security Dialogue between India and the US took place in January 2022. The dialogue, initiated in 2010, serves as a follow-up to the India-US Counterterrorism Initiative signed in 2011. Last year, the Director General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Dinkar Gupta, discussed various issues with FBI Director Christopher Wray, including investigations into the attack on the Indian consulate in San Francisco by pro-Khalistan elements and the growing nexus between terrorist outfits and organized criminal syndicates.
Read More → Posted on 2024-02-26 07:24:32
World
Defense News ,Ukraine Russia War :- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Sunday that 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed in action in the two years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion. "31,000 Ukrainian military personnel have been killed in this war. Not 300,000, not 150,000, not whatever Putin and his deceitful circle have been lying about. But nevertheless, each of these losses is a great sacrifice for us," Zelenskyy said at the "Ukraine. Year 2024" forum in Kyiv.The Ukrainian leader said that he wouldn't disclose the number of troops that were wounded or missing.It is the first time that Kyiv has confirmed the number of its losses since Moscow started the full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022.
Read More → Posted on 2024-02-26 07:11:36
India
Defense News ,India , Maldives :- Former Maldivian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid, recently spoke out against President Mohamed Muizzu's claims regarding the presence of "thousands of Indian military personnel" in the Maldives. Shahid, now the president of the Maldivian Democratic Party, dismissed Muizzu's statements as lies, emphasizing that there are no armed foreign soldiers stationed in their country.In a social media post, Shahid stressed the importance of transparency and the need for the truth to prevail. He asserted, "Transparency matters, and the truth must prevail." It's noteworthy that Muizzu's party campaigned for the removal of Indian troops in the Maldives. Currently, there are approximately 70 Indian troops, along with Dornier 228 maritime patrol aircraft and two HAL Dhruv helicopters stationed in the Maldives.Muizzu, on his second day in office, officially requested the Indian government to withdraw its military personnel from the Maldives. In December of the previous year, he claimed that an agreement had been reached with the Indian government to withdraw military personnel after diplomatic talks.Muizzu outlined the withdrawal plan, stating that military personnel on one of the three aviation platforms would be withdrawn before March 10, 2024, and those on the remaining two platforms would be withdrawn before May 10, 2024. However, the Ministry of External Affairs in India recently announced that they would replace military personnel at aviation platforms in the Maldives with competent Indian technical personnel.
Read More → Posted on 2024-02-26 07:09:25
World
Defense News ,World :- Hyundai Heavy Industries is making big moves in the defense sector by teaming up with British company Babcock to create export-type submarines. This collaboration was confirmed during a meeting at the HD Hyundai Global R&D Center, where important people from both companies came together.The focus of the discussion was on a new export-type submarine project that will be lightweight, weighing less than 3,000 tons. Babcock's Weapon Handling and Launch System (WHLS) will be integrated, making this submarine a top-notch choice in technology for the global market.Hyundai Heavy Industries has a track record of success in submarine development, including the construction of a Type 214 submarine with an Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, as stated in their press release.Now, Hyundai Heavy Industries is looking to use its expertise to design and build various types of submarines, aiming to be a strong player in the global naval ship export market. They have already secured multiple orders from the Philippines for frigates, patrol vessels, and Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV), solidifying their leading position in the sector.
Read More → Posted on 2024-02-26 07:03:57
India
Defense News ,India :- Srinagar, A Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror module was busted on Sunday in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district with the arrest of four militant associates, police said. Security forces arrested four terrorist associates and recovered arms and ammunition from their possession in the south Kashmir district, a police spokesman said.The arrests were made in connection with case FIR no. 14/2024 registered under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.The spokesman identified the arrested as Zahoor Ahmad Pandit, Basir Hussain Pandit, Imtiyaz Gull, and Gulzar Ahmad Khar, all residents of Wanpora.A pistol, two magazines, 20 pistol rounds, four UBGs, and 24 INSAS rounds were recovered from their possession, the spokesman said.Further investigation is going on as more arrests and recoveries are expected in the case, he added.
Read More → Posted on 2024-02-26 06:58:57
India
Defense News ,India , Ukraine Russia War :- Several Indians who were working as support staff for the Russian military have been released from their duties following India's request, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated on February 26.The MEA emphasized that it considers the discharge of Indian nationals from the Russian army as a top priority and is actively working with Russian authorities to address relevant cases promptly.Media reports suggested that some Indians, employed as security helpers, were compelled to engage in combat alongside Russian soldiers in specific areas near Russia's border with Ukraine.Addressing these reports, the MEA clarified in a statement that any such cases brought to the attention of the Indian embassy in Moscow were strongly communicated to the Russian authorities. Additionally, cases brought to the MEA's attention were raised with the Russian embassy in New Delhi. Consequently, several Indians have already been discharged from their roles.Last week, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had communicated that New Delhi was coordinating with Moscow to facilitate the early discharge of Indians working in support roles for the Russian army. Jaiswal urged Indian nationals to exercise caution and avoid involvement in the conflict in Ukraine.In a related development, Asaduddin Owaisi, the leader of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), had earlier appealed to the MEA to take steps to rescue the Indians involved.
Read More → Posted on 2024-02-26 06:56:07
India
Defense News ,India :- A 23-year-old man from Gujarat, India, named Hemil Ashvinbhai Mangukiya, lost his life in a drone strike in Ukraine. He was working as a "security helper" for the Russian army since December 2023. His family reached out to the Indian consulate in Moscow in December, asking for his return.This sad event is part of a larger situation where the Russian army has reportedly recruited more than 100 Indian nationals to join the conflict in Ukraine. India's Ministry of External Affairs recently confirmed this development.
Read More → Posted on 2024-02-26 06:50:51
World
Defense News , Ukraine Russia War :- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Sunday that the plans for Kyiv's counteroffensive in 2023 were leaked to Russia before it even began.Despite receiving significant military support from the West, Ukraine's counteroffensive last year was not successful. It failed to break through Russian defenses and fortifications.Zelensky revealed during a press conference in Kyiv that the Kremlin had access to their counteroffensive plans before they took action. His office later confirmed to AFP that sensitive military planning information had been obtained by Moscow, although Zelensky did not provide further details.Zelensky emphasized the need for caution and mentioned that Kyiv is preparing multiple versions of its battlefield strategy for 2024 to prevent a similar leak from happening again.When asked about plans for another counteroffensive this year, Zelensky confirmed that they have a clear plan. However, he mentioned the preparation of several plans due to concerns about information leaks.Currently, Russian forces are advancing in eastern Ukraine, having captured the symbolic frontline town of Avdiivka and seeking to capitalize on their advantage in ammunition and manpower.
Read More → Posted on 2024-02-26 06:46:46
India
Defense News ,India ,Armenia :- Armenia is working to become closer friends with India, wanting to make their relationship even stronger, says Armenia’s Labor Minister Narek Mkrtchyan in an interview with Mint. He believes their friendship has grown enough to be called a "strategic partnership" and hopes that the foreign ministers of both countries will talk about it.Armenia also wants to improve its defense cooperation with India. Mkrtchyan said they already work together on defense, but he wants to make that cooperation even better. This could mean they might make more defense deals in the future.This shows that Armenia is becoming more interested in the region and might join India's growing influence. If they become strategic partners and have stronger defense ties, it could be a big deal for both countries.
Read More → Posted on 2024-02-26 06:42:58
Science
Guinea worm disease, also known as dracunculiasis, is a sickness caused by a large parasite called the Dracunculus medinensis worm. This worm, which can grow up to a meter long, causes a lot of suffering but isn't directly deadly. Let's break down what this disease is all about in simple terms:Guinea WormWhat Causes It:You get infected by drinking water that has tiny creatures called water fleas with baby Guinea worms.Symptoms:After a year inside your body, the female worm comes out through the skin, usually on your legs or feet, creating a painful blister.Other signs include swelling, redness, and trouble walking.Effects:While not deadly on its own, the disease can lead to disability, other infections, and money problems.Getting Rid of It: A global program launched in 1986 focused on: Clean Drinking Water: Teaching people to keep their water clean and giving them access to safe water. Containment: Keeping infected people away from water to stop baby worms from going back into it. Surveillance: Keeping an eye on cases and acting fast when more show up.Success:The number of cases has dropped a lot, from 3.5 million in the 1980s to only 15 in 2021.The goal is to totally get rid of it by 2030, which would be a big win for public health.Other Important Points:We still have challenges, like making sure everyone continues to have clean water and stays alert for any signs of the disease coming back.Lessons learned from fighting Guinea worm disease can help with other similar illnesses. Everyone doing their part and supporting groups fighting these diseases makes the world healthier.History:People have known about Guinea worm disease for a really long time, going back to ancient times in places like Egypt, Greece, and Rome. The first recorded case was in 500 BC in Egypt. For a long time, it caused big problems in different parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. In the 1900s, it was in 20 countries, with millions of cases every year.How the Cycle Works:The Guinea worm's life cycle involves humans and tiny creatures called copepods. People get sick by drinking water with copepods that have baby Guinea worms. These baby worms travel through the body for about a year. When the adult female worm is ready, it comes out through the skin, causing a painful blister. People often put the blister in water, releasing more baby worms and starting the cycle again.Life cycle of Guinea Worm DiseaseThe Battle for Eradication:Because Guinea worm disease was so bad, the World Health Organization (WHO) started a plan to get rid of it in 1986. They focused on stopping the worms from spreading by making sure people have clean water, teaching communities, and stopping outbreaks. The plan worked really well, and the number of cases dropped a lot, from millions to just 15 in 2021.Hoping for a Future Without Guinea Worms:With everyone staying watchful and working hard, the WHO aims to wipe out Guinea worm disease by 2030. If they do it, it'll be a big deal, erasing the second human disease after smallpox. The success in fighting Guinea worm disease gives us hope, showing that when the world works together, even tough diseases can be beaten.
Read More → Posted on 2024-02-25 15:54:16
World
Defense News ,China , Taiwan :- China's coastguard recently carried out patrols and inspections around the Taiwan-controlled Kinmen Islands, as reported by Taiwan News. The Fujian Coast Guard stated that these patrols aim to strengthen law enforcement inspections in crucial areas, maintain operational order in relevant sea areas, and ensure the safety of fishermen's lives and property.Simultaneously, closed-door meetings are ongoing between the families of Chinese fishermen who lost their lives on February 14. Their boat capsized after a chase by Taiwan's Coast Guard near the islands. China blames Taiwanese authorities for the deaths, and although Taiwan's Coast Guard apologized, they assert that their actions were in accordance with the law.These meetings between the families and Taiwanese authorities are expected to continue in the coming days. The United States and European Union have emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, advocating for a peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues. Both countries also addressed challenges posed by China's non-market policies.A recent survey revealed that over 80% of Taiwanese people want to maintain the status quo with China, with a notable increase in those preferring to keep Taiwan's current status indefinitely. Those advocating for independence have been decreasing since 2020, according to Central News Agency Taiwan.Earlier, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence detected 11 Chinese military aircraft and six naval vessels around Taiwan. One of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait median line, and another entered the southwest sector of the air defence identification zone (ADIZ), as reported by Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence.
Read More → Posted on 2024-02-25 15:33:57
World
Defense News ,Ukraine Russia War :- Ukraine's Defence Minister, Rustem Umerov, is urging Western countries to deliver the military aid they promised quickly. He pointed out that Kyiv is losing both people and territories in its war against Russia because half of the pledged aid from Western countries is arriving late. This delay is significantly impacting Ukraine's efforts on the battlefield.Speaking at a conference in Kyiv, Umerov emphasized that timely supply is crucial in this war, where allied forces must provide support promptly. He expressed concern that commitment alone doesn't help; the aid needs to be delivered on time.Umerov blamed the delays on the "dynamic and changing" situation. This comes at a time when Ukraine's support from its allies is showing signs of weakening. The United States' aid package is stuck in Congress, and the European Union has fallen short of its commitments to provide Ukraine with more ammunition.To address the shortfall, Ukraine is boosting its own defense industries. Ukraine's Strategic Industries Minister, Oleksandr Kamyshin, mentioned that the country tripled its production capacity last year. However, he also highlighted that Ukraine still needs more ammunition than it can produce on its own.Despite the challenges, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal expects to receive USD 11.8 billion from the United States this year. Shmyhal is confident that the financial and military support from the United States will not waver.In the midst of these concerns, a recent wave of Russian missile and drone attacks hit Ukraine, causing damage to residential buildings, a train station, and educational facilities. Fortunately, the number of casualties appears to be small. The head of the Donetsk regional military administration reported that Russian forces shelled several districts, leading to the evacuation of 81 people.The urgency for timely military aid remains critical as Ukraine continues to face challenges on multiple fronts in its conflict with Russia.
Read More → Posted on 2024-02-25 15:25:35Search
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MoD Signs ₹7,628.70 Crore Deal with L&T for K9 Vajra-T Artillery Guns
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Russia to Propose 70 Su-57E Fighter Jet with AL-51F Engines G2G Deal to India During Putin's 2025 Visit
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Japan and India Collaborate on Laser-Equipped Satellites to Combat Space Debris
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Pentagon Report: China Stations 120,000 Troops, Tanks, and Missiles Near Indian Border
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ISRO to Launch Historic SpaDEX Mission on December 30, 2024: India’s First Space Docking Experiment