Category: National

India’s largest airline, IndiGo, will terminate its damp lease agreement with Turkish Airlines by August 31, as confirmed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Friday. The decision follows mounting geopolitical concerns over Turkey’s political alignment with Pakistan, especially after Ankara criticized India’s recent counter-terror airstrikes. Key Details: Geopolitical Backdrop: IndiGo’s Position: While IndiGo previously defended the collaboration with Turkish Airlines—highlighting improved international connectivity and job creation—CEO Pieter Elbers said Friday: “We are compliant today and we will continue to comply with any government regulations.” Government Review: Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu recently stated that the ministry had been reviewing security inputs from IndiGo and relevant agencies before arriving at this final decision. What This Means for Passengers: This move marks a significant step in how foreign policy shifts are impacting commercial aviation and international travel partnerships.

In a major move to strengthen public safety and disaster preparedness, the Directorates of SDRF and Civil Defence Kashmir and Jammu will conduct a comprehensive civil defence mock drill across Jammu and Kashmir today, Saturday, at 5:00 PM. The drill is part of a broader national effort to enhance readiness for potential emergencies, particularly in light of recent security concerns. This state-level exercise follows the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Operation Abhyas, a nationwide mock drill conducted on May 7, ahead of India’s Operation Sindoor. While Operation Abhyas was carried out nationwide, it was cancelled in J&K at the time, prompting this standalone drill now. What to Expect According to Civil Defence Directorate officials, emergency sirens will be activated across various regions in J&K to simulate wartime alerts. The public has been urged not to panic, as this is a routine preparedness exercise. The mock drill will simulate scenarios involving: The exercises will involve a broad range of participants including: Areas Already Covered in Pre-Drill Activities Ahead of today’s main drill, mock exercises were conducted this week in: Importance of the Exercise Officials stress that these drills are crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of the region’s disaster response systems and for identifying any operational gaps. They also aim to build resilience among the public and foster a culture of safety and preparedness. “We kindly request all members of the public to remain calm and not be alarmed upon hearing the sirens,” officials stated. “Your cooperation is vital to the success of this safety initiative.” The Civil Defence Directorate expressed gratitude to citizens for their continued support and reiterated its commitment to strengthening safety infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir.

In a major national security breach, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested Moti Ram Jat, an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), for allegedly leaking sensitive information to Pakistan Intelligence Officers (PIOs) since 2023. Jat, who was posted with the 116th battalion in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, until recently, was arrested from Delhi just days after being transferred—ironically, five days before the April 22 terror attack in which 26 civilians lost their lives. Honeytrap Operation and Espionage Trail According to officials, Jat was ensnared through a honeytrap, initiated by a woman pretending to be a Chandigarh-based news reporter from a reputed TV news channel. Initially, she asked him to share minor details under the pretense of journalism. But the operation escalated when a Pakistani male intelligence officer, posing as a colleague journalist from the same outlet, took over communication. Jat reportedly began sharing classified documents and updates, including: While some of the data he shared was already in the public domain, officials note that other information was highly sensitive and classified, potentially endangering lives and operations. Financial Transactions and Arrest According to Report, Jat was paid ₹3,500 monthly and a one-time ₹12,000 incentive for vital inputs. The money was funneled into both his and his wife’s accounts. Suspicious online activity triggered an internal probe by the CRPF, which eventually led to Jat’s dismissal and handover to the NIA. He was arrested in Delhi and has been remanded to NIA custody until June 6. Official Statement and Wider Implications “He was actively involved in espionage activity and had been sharing classified information related to national security with PIOs since 2023. Funds were routed through multiple conduits,” said an NIA spokesperson. The agency is now probing the broader espionage network, examining whether other security personnel may have been compromised or similarly approached. This incident has raised serious concerns within Indian intelligence and defence circles, coming amid heightened tensions and attacks in sensitive border regions. The NIA is expected to intensify counter-intelligence measures and is reportedly tracking the digital footprint of the fake journalists used by PIOs.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier INS Vikrant on Friday, lauding its pivotal role in Operation Sindoor and reinforcing India’s growing maritime strength. The carrier, armed with MiG-29K fighter jets, served as a strategic deterrent during the recent conflict, playing a key role in compelling Pakistan to avoid escalation. Speaking aboard the warship, Singh praised the Navy’s silent strength and unwavering commitment to national security. “Today I have come here not only as the Defence Minister, but as a grateful Indian,” he said. “I have come to salute your dedication, appreciate your valour and salute your hard work.” Calling INS Vikrant a “symbol of indomitable courage and unconquerable power,” Singh emphasized the ship’s central role in India’s evolving defence posture. “The Indian Navy is not just the sentinel of the Indian Ocean but a strategic force that reinforces India’s presence in the Indo-Ocean region,” he said. “India is no longer just a regional power — we are steadily moving towards becoming a global power.” Referring directly to the post-Pahalgam conflict with Pakistan, Singh warned of a stronger Indian naval response in case of future provocations. “During Operation Sindoor, the Indian Navy impressed every Indian with its silent service. Pakistan did not face our Navy’s firepower this time — but if it repeats any unholy act, next time the opening may well be made by our Navy.” Using a powerful oceanic metaphor, the minister added, “Pakistan should remember — our Navy may appear calm like the ocean, but it also has the strength to unleash a tsunami.” On terrorism, Singh delivered a direct message to Islamabad. “Pakistan would do well to uproot the nurseries of terrorism on its soil and hand over wanted terrorists like Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar to India. Both are designated global terrorists by the UN. If Pakistan is truly serious about dialogue, it must prove so by delivering justice,” he asserted. He also highlighted the recent extradition of Tahawwur Rana, an accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, as a sign of international cooperation and a step forward in ensuring accountability for terror. Singh’s visit comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, where India’s assertive maritime presence is gaining increasing strategic significance. The message from the deck of INS Vikrant was clear: India’s Navy stands ready, vigilant, and formidable in its resolve.