Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted two successful flight tests of the Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missile on Feb 28 7 29, 2024.

These were launched from a ground based portable launcher off the coast of Odisha from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur. These tests were carried out against high speed unmanned aerial targets under different interception scenarios.

According to an official statement issued by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) during all the test flights, the targets were intercepted and destroyed by the missiles, meeting the mission objectives.

Union cabinet on Thursday gave its nod for establishment of International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) — coalition of 96 big cat range countries and others — with headquarters in India and approved one-time budgetary support of Rs 150 crore for this purpose for a period of five years from 2023-24 to 2027-28.

It’ll serve as a common platform and a centralized repository of successful practices for conservation of seven big cats namely tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar and puma.

Five of these - tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard and cheetah - are found in India.

rime Minister Narendra Modi and Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth today jointly inaugurated several significant projects on Agalega Island via video conferencing. Among these projects were a new airstrip, St. James Jetty, and six community development initiatives.

Speaking at the event, Pravind Jugnauth praised the historic moment, hailing it as a testament to the exemplary partnership between the two nations. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for elevating the Mauritius-India relationship and highlighted India's pivotal role in financing the projects. He commended India's consistent support to Mauritius, particularly under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, and lauded India's global influence and leadership.

Amazon Pay, the fintech arm of e-commerce major Amazon India, has received a payment aggregator licence from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the company said on Monday.

The fintech firm joins a list of companies that the central bank has granted authorisation to operate as payment aggregators (PA) recently.

“We are excited and thankful to receive the final authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to function as a payment aggregator. We remain committed to simplify lives and fulfill the aspirations of merchants and customers,” an Amazon Pay spokesperson said in response to queries sent by Business Standard.

Union Minister of Women & Child Development Smriti Irani unveiled the logo and website for the Alliance for Global Good – Gender Equity and Equality in a ceremony held on Wednesday. The event witnessed the presence of notable dignitaries including Bill Gates, Co-Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

In her address, Smriti Irani highlighted India's pioneering role in advocating for women's emancipation, emphasizing the country's commitment to global welfare. She underscored India's recent success in garnering international support for the alliance during the Davos summit, reflecting the nation's dedication to the principles of collective progress.

A poetry anthology titled “SOLDIER AND WAR POEM: BEST OF NATIONAL POETRY COMPETITION” was released by Commandant, National Defence Academy Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar in Pune today. The poems and paintings featured in this book are a selected collection from the numerous entries received during the National Level Poetry Competition organised as part of the 75 GYC - Glorious Years Celebrations - by the Academy. The competition was aimed at paying tribute to the historical achievements of the National Defence Academy (NDA) and its alumni, reviving nostalgic memories, raising awareness and inspiring the future generations that would pass out from the Academy. The anthology comprising 170 poems and 15 paintings, has been compiled and edited by Dr Pragya Bajpai as a souvenir of the event, to be preserved for posterity. The soft copy version of the book in PDF format shall be shortly available on the official web site of NDA.

Every year on March 1, the world comes together to celebrate World Civil Defence Day. This international event serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of being prepared for emergencies and disasters.

World Civil Defence Day was first established in 1990 by the International Civil Defence Organisation (ICDO) to commemorate the anniversary of the adoption of the ICDO's Constitution. Since then, it has grown into a significant global platform for raising awareness about the vital role civil defence plays in protecting communities.

Zero Discrimination Day is observed on March 1 annually. The specific day is dedicated to promoting equality, inclusion, and diversity worldwide. It is an opportunity to celebrate everyone’s right to live a full and productive life with dignity – regardless of their age, gender, sexuality, nationality, ethnicity, skin colour, height, weight, profession, educational qualifications, belief systems, or any other element that has the potential to violate human rights and perpetuate poverty and inequality. Each year, Zero Discrimination Day has a specific theme to focus attention on particular areas where discrimination is prevalent.

Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, on February 28, suspended the solar policy of the Delhi government announced by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal last month.

Speaking on it, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sandeep Pathak expressed deep disappointment, accusing the BJP of directing their anger not just at Arvind Kejriwal but at Delhi and its residents.

"This is a matter of great sorrow. The solar policy that I encourage everyone in the country to read is a highly progressive and advanced policy, not just for Delhi but the Prime Minister and the BJP should consider implementing it nationwide. Leave aside the country. If it's happening in Delhi, at least let it be implemented there. However, they are creating obstacles as if it's their approach towards everything. Their anger is not just directed at Kejriwal but also against Delhi and the people of Delhi because they want to change how Kejriwal wins, questioning why he wins. They can't stand to see any success or happiness for the people of Delhi. It hurts them to witness such good policies being halted. They want to stop all work and their goal is not to progress the country. They are just involved in dirty politics," Sandeep Pathak said.

It also proposes imprisonment of two to seven years for anyone who undertakes the profession of travel agent without obtaining a registration certificate under the provisions of the proposed Act or contravenes the provisions of the proposed Act

The Haryana assembly on Wednesday passed nine bills, including the Haryana Registration and Regulation of Travel Agents Bill. The bill proposes imprisonment of three to 10 years for anyone who attempts or is found involved in human trafficking or is found involved in preparation of forged documents.