The Indian Navy hosted the 3rd edition of its prestigious Meteorological and Oceanological Symposium – Meghayan-25 at Nausena Bhawan, New Delhi. The event marked the celebration of World Meteorological Day 2025 and aimed at promoting awareness and collaboration in Marine Meteorology and Oceanology. It was virtually inaugurated by Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, and featured participation from key scientific and defence institutions.
Apr 18, 2025
Gujarat Police's GP-DRASTI Drone Program: Enhancing Public Safety
The GP-DRASTI (Drone Response and Aerial Surveillance Tactical Interventions) program, introduced by the Gujarat police, marks a significant leap in modernising law enforcement in the state. This initiative involves using quadcopters for enhanced crime monitoring, quicker response times, and better crime scene documentation. The program is designed to be a quick reaction force multiplier and evidence gatherer, particularly in the urban areas of Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Surat, and Vadodara, which have witnessed a surge in gang-related violence. Drones, which have been used for various policing tasks, are now being integrated at the police station level, allowing for real-time surveillance and faster deployment to crime scenes.
Multilateral Naval Exercise AIKEYME 2025
In a significant move to enhance maritime cooperation and regional security, India and Tanzania co-hosted the inaugural edition of the multilateral naval exercise Africa India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME) from April 13 to 18, 2025. The word AIKEYME, meaning Unity in Sanskrit, aptly reflects the spirit of the event, which brought together navies from Comoros, Djibouti, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, and the co-host nations.
The harbour phase, from April 13–15, included a formal inauguration ceremony and a deck reception, with India's Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, and Tanzania's Defence Minister as chief guests.
From April 16 to 18, the sea phase focused on practical drills to improve interoperability, maritime surveillance, and coordinated operations between participating countries. The joint exercises aimed to develop collaborative responses to shared regional maritime threats.
Apr 17, 2025
India Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise 'Dustlik' Starts in Pune
The sixth edition of the India-Uzbekistan joint military exercise Dustlik is being held at the Foreign Training Node in Pune. The Indian contingent comprises 60 personnel and is being represented by a battalion of the Jat Regiment and the Indian Air Force. The Uzbekistan contingent is being represented by personnel from the Uzbekistan Army.
Dustlik, an annual training event conducted alternatively in India and Uzbekistan, is scheduled to go on till April 28. The previous edition was held in Termez district in Uzbekistan in April last year (2024).
Apr 16, 2025
AVNL Shines at Mini Defence Expo in Tanzania
Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), a cornerstone of India's defence manufacturing, made a powerful impression at the "Mini Defence Expo' held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in April 2025. The event, a platform to highlight India's indigenous defence capabilities, saw AVNL showcase its diversified product portfolio, featuring the T-72 Ajeya Tank, the upgraded BMP-II infantry combat vehicle, and the Light Bullet Proof Vehicle (LBPV) Jonga.
The AVNL stall drew high-profile attention, with visits from Tanzania's Defence Minister, India's Raksha Rajya Mantri, the Indian High Commissioner, and other dignitaries, underscoring the growing defence ties between India and Tanzania.
AVNL, headquartered in Avadi, Chennai, and formed in 2021 as a restructured entity from the Ordnance Factory Board, brought its expertise in armoured vehicle manufacturing to the fore. The expo highlighted three key platforms, each tailored to modern battlefield needs and reflecting India's push for indigenisation.
Apr 15, 2025
J&K Police Launch All-Women Safety Squad in Srinagar to Protect Women
For the first time ever, the Jammu and Kashmir Police launched an all-female safety squad in Srinagar city to assist women in distress. The main objective of the squad is to ensure the safety of girls, especially around schools, colleges, universities, and coaching centres. The initiative aims to protect not only local women but also female tourists visiting the city.