It's a big day for Indian Navy today as INS Vikrant is being commissioned today by the Indian PM Narendra Modi. INS Vikrant is a completely indigenously-built aircraft carrier, the biggest that India has built in its history.

Indian PM commissions India's first indigenous carrier; unveils new naval ensign

The Breakaway Liv Golf Series has pulled off another major coup by prising away six players from the PGA Tour. World No. 2 Cameron Smith is the highest ranked player to join the rebel circuit, while India's Anirban Lahiri is also among the new recruits. In an exclusive Interview with WION Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo, Lahiri explained his decision to defect to the Saudi-Arabia Backed Series.

Exclusive: India's Anirban Lahiri opens up on Liv Golf move | WION Sports

India's economy grew at its fastest pace of 13.5 percent year-on-year in the April to June quarter. A rebound in private consumption that's one of the key drivers of growth.

India's Q1 GDP grows at 13.5%, fastest pace in a year

For the next 7 days, Russia will undertake massive military drills along with troops of at least 12 countries including China and India. The drills mark increasingly close defense ties between Moscow and Beijing. The week-long exercises which began today set to end on the 7th of September and it comes amid simmering tensions with the West over Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Russia holds major military exercises, over 50,000 troops, 140 aircraft and 60 warships take part

WION Dispatch | Vostok 2022: Russia kicks off ceremony, military drills to be on for a week

Have you heard of moonlighting? It means having a second job outside your regular 9 to 5 job. During the pandemic, employees across sectors picked up side hustles. But does the Indian law even allow you to moonlight? and is it ethical? Listen in to Palki Sharma.

Gravitas | The moonlighting debate: Is it legal to work two jobs in India?

India posted a GDP growth of 13.5% in the first quarter of the ongoing financial year. How does India's performance compare with other major economies? What are the challenges ahead? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: India outperforms major economies

In India's Rajasthan, villages are facing water crisis. Millions in India do not have access to clean drinking water and women in villages have to walk miles to fetch water .

WION Climate Tracker: Women in Indian villages have to walk miles to fetch water

In order to revive and make the younger generation aware of the art, craft and heritage of Kashmir, a century-old property in Srinagar's Aali Kadal area has been converted into an art centre and a museum.

Bait-Ul-Meeras: Century old-house, now an art museum

"Mahinda Rajapaksa's model of large infrastructure development based on domestic and foreign borrowing didn’t help their country, as the large infrastructure projects were not economically viable and saw high levels of corruption," said Ashok Kantha, India's former High Commissioner to Sri Lanka. 
 
Referring to hugely expensive projects such as the Hambantota port, Port City Project and Matara Airport, he said they were "white elephants" and that such a growth model made the economy vulnerable.

He was speaking at a session on 'Sri Lanka-The Present Crisis, Geopolitical Challenges &amp; Way Ahead', organised by the Chennai Centre for China Studies. He said that by pressing Sri Lanka to explore an alternate growth model, it could capitalise on its vantage strategic location, encourage greater economic linkages with the Indian economy, encourage private investment, establish power-generation projects, tap into its human resources, etc.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imf-announces-agreement-for-29bn-sri-lanka-bailout-511949">Also read |&nbsp;Sri Lanka and IMF reach staff-level agreement for $2.9 billion bailout loan</a>

Pointing out the impact of China's debt-trap diplomacy on Sri Lanka, Kantha quoted Sri Lankan analysts and stated that Sri Lanka's debt to China is much more than the widely quoted 10 per cent&nbsp;of total foreign debt. 
 
"China's commercial lending to government and state-owned enterprises in Sri Lanka is 19.9 per cent by the end of 2021 and the actual number might be higher, given the opacity of loans."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankan-president-ranil-wickremesinghe-to-present-maiden-budget-in-hopes-of-imf-loan-511326">Also read |&nbsp;Sri Lanka: President Ranil Wickremesinghe to present maiden budget in hopes of IMF loan</a>

Foreseeing a long and painful transition for Sri Lanka, the former Indian ambassador to the island nation said that they had the requisite resilience to overcome the same. He suggests that Sri Lanka look at economic development rather than debt-fueled growth. With regards to India’s stance, he said that India must remain closely engaged without getting involved in Lankan domestic politics, avoid picking favourites, and must let democratic processes play out.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

"Mahinda Rajapaksa's model of large infrastructure development based on domestic and foreign borrowing didn’t help their country, as the large infrastructure projects were not economically viable and saw high levels of corruption," said Ashok Kantha, India's former High Commissioner to Sri Lanka.

"Mahinda Rajapaksa's model of large infrastructure development based on domestic and foreign borrowing didn’t help their country, as the large infrastructure projects were not economically viable and saw high levels of corruption," said Ashok Kantha, India's former High Commissioner to Sri Lanka. Referring to hugely expensive projects such as the Hambantota port, Port City Project and Matara Airport, he said they were "white elephants" and that such a growth model made the economy vulnerable. He was speaking at a session on 'Sri Lanka-The Present Crisis, Geopolitical Challenges & Way Ahead', organised by the Chennai Centre for China Studies. He said that by pressing Sri Lanka to explore an alternate growth model, it could capitalise on its vantage strategic location, encourage greater economic linkages with the Indian economy, encourage private investment, establish power-generation projects, tap into its human resources, etc. Also read | Sri Lanka and IMF reach staff-level agreement for $2.9 billion bailout loan Pointing out the impact of China's debt-trap diplomacy on Sri Lanka, Kantha quoted Sri Lankan analysts and stated that Sri Lanka's debt to China is much more than the widely quoted 10 per cent of total foreign debt. "China's commercial lending to government and state-owned enterprises in Sri Lanka is 19.9 per cent by the end of 2021 and the actual number might be higher, given the opacity of loans." Also read | Sri Lanka: President Ranil Wickremesinghe to present maiden budget in hopes of IMF loan Foreseeing a long and painful transition for Sri Lanka, the former Indian ambassador to the island nation said that they had the requisite resilience to overcome the same. He suggests that Sri Lanka look at economic development rather than debt-fueled growth. With regards to India’s stance, he said that India must remain closely engaged without getting involved in Lankan domestic politics, avoid picking favourites, and must let democratic processes play out.

Mahinda Rajapaksa's debt-fuelled infra development didn't help Sri Lanka, says former Indian HC to Lanka

In an exclusive conversation with WION's principal diplomatic correspondent Siddhant Sibal, Nepal's Ambassador to India Shankar Prasad Sharma has confirmed that the recruitment of Nepalese soldiers to Indian army has temporarily stopped. Nepal wants understanding of Agnipath scheme from highest level.

'Nepal seeks clarity on Agnipath scheme,' says Nepal's Ambassador to India Shankar Prasad Sharma

Russia holds opening ceremony for Vostok 2022, week-long military drills start

Russian President Vladimir Putin is resisting attempts made by the US and its allies to isolate his country over its invasion of Ukraine by organising significant military drills along with China, India and others.

The week-long Vostok-2022 war games, which began on Thursday in Russia, include naval drills in the sea and are anticipated to involve over 50,000 soldiers and 5,000 pieces of military equipment and weapons. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and Russia’s Collective Security Treaty are taking part in the routine drills, Bloomberg reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iaea-wants-permanent-presence-at-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant-to-avoid-nuclear-accident-511905">Also read |&nbsp;IAEA wants 'permanent presence' at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant to avoid 'radiation accident'</a>

However, when it comes to India, it previously refrained from participating in the drills and taking Russia’s side in the conflict, but due to its dependency on Moscow for armaments and concerns with border issues with China and Pakistan, it is expected that India will send 75-member team for drills. The US, on the other side, is wooing India as its defence partner and pleading with it not to go against UN sanctions against Russia.

But, during the UNSC’s procedural vote last week, India voted against Russia for the first time and also suspended plans to jointly develop helicopters and other deals with Russia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-military-may-begin-recruiting-convicted-criminals-us-intelligence-511902">Also read |&nbsp;Russian military may begin recruiting 'convicted criminals': US intelligence</a>

On the other hand, China refused to criticise Russia for its invasion and also opposed UN sanctions against it. China’s army, navy, and air force participated in drills, the defence ministry said. The country also provided Russia with technology and military supplies despite the risk of US secondary sanctions.

Countries like Syria, Algeria, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, and Tajikistan, along with others, are also participating in the war games.

(With inputs from agencies)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Russian President Vladimir Putin is resisting attempts made by the US and its allies to isolate his country over its invasion of Ukraine by organising significant military drills along with China, India and others.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is resisting attempts made by the US and its allies to isolate his country over its invasion of Ukraine by organising significant military drills along with China, India and others. The week-long Vostok-2022 war games, which began on Thursday in Russia, include naval drills in the sea and are anticipated to involve over 50,000 soldiers and 5,000 pieces of military equipment and weapons. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and Russia’s Collective Security Treaty are taking part in the routine drills, Bloomberg reported. Also read | IAEA wants 'permanent presence' at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant to avoid 'radiation accident' However, when it comes to India, it previously refrained from participating in the drills and taking Russia’s side in the conflict, but due to its dependency on Moscow for armaments and concerns with border issues with China and Pakistan, it is expected that India will send 75-member team for drills. The US, on the other side, is wooing India as its defence partner and pleading with it not to go against UN sanctions against Russia. But, during the UNSC’s procedural vote last week, India voted against Russia for the first time and also suspended plans to jointly develop helicopters and other deals with Russia. Also read | Russian military may begin recruiting 'convicted criminals': US intelligence On the other hand, China refused to criticise Russia for its invasion and also opposed UN sanctions against it. China’s army, navy, and air force participated in drills, the defence ministry said. The country also provided Russia with technology and military supplies despite the risk of US secondary sanctions. Countries like Syria, Algeria, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, and Tajikistan, along with others, are also participating in the war games. (With inputs from agencies)

Despite US opposition, Russia holds Vostok-2022 war games with China, India, other nations

The United States has expressed its concern after India decided to participate in joint military exercises with Russia. The Indian government said that they will be taking part in the “Vostok” exercises which will be held between September 1-7 in a number of locations across Russia.

According to the Russian defence ministry, the exercises will feature around 50,000 troops and over 5000 weapons units which will also include 60 warships and more than 150 aircraft.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gazprom-to-reduce-gas-deliveries-to-engie-frances-biggest-gas-supplier-511507" hreflang="en">Gazprom to reduce gas deliveries to Engie, France's biggest gas supplier</a>

“The United States has concerns about any country exercising with Russia while Russia wages an unprovoked, brutal war against Ukraine. But, of course, every participating country will make its own decisions. And I’ll leave it at that,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told Reuters.

According to the Russian news agency TASS, the “Vostok” exercises will include a number of ex-Soviet nations, China, India, Laos, Mongolia, Nicaragua and Syria. Chief of Russia’s General Staff — Valery Gerasimov — will be conducting the exercises at training grounds in Eastern Military District.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/last-soviet-president-mikhail-gorbachev-who-ended-cold-war-dies-aged-92-511620">Last Soviet president Mikhail Gorbachev, who ended cold war, dies aged 91</a>

While India has agreed to join most of the exercises, the government has made it clear that they will not take part in the maritime training. The reason behind the decision was to not hurt Japan’s sentiments as both the Russian and Chinese warships will conduct the drills in the Sea of Japan.

India has not directly criticised Russia for the ongoing invasion of Ukraine and also abstained from voting on various global forums against its strategic ally. In the recent past, the two countries have signed a number of arms deals, including for the S-400 Triumf air defence missile system.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

The United States has expressed its concern after India decided to participate in joint military exercises with Russia. The Indian government said that they will be taking part in the “Vostok” exercises which will be held between September 1-7 in a number of locations across Russia.

The United States has expressed its concern after India decided to participate in joint military exercises with Russia. The Indian government said that they will be taking part in the “Vostok” exercises which will be held between September 1-7 in a number of locations across Russia. According to the Russian defence ministry, the exercises will feature around 50,000 troops and over 5000 weapons units which will also include 60 warships and more than 150 aircraft. Also read | Gazprom to reduce gas deliveries to Engie, France's biggest gas supplier “The United States has concerns about any country exercising with Russia while Russia wages an unprovoked, brutal war against Ukraine. But, of course, every participating country will make its own decisions. And I’ll leave it at that,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told Reuters. According to the Russian news agency TASS, the “Vostok” exercises will include a number of ex-Soviet nations, China, India, Laos, Mongolia, Nicaragua and Syria. Chief of Russia’s General Staff — Valery Gerasimov — will be conducting the exercises at training grounds in Eastern Military District. Also read | Last Soviet president Mikhail Gorbachev, who ended cold war, dies aged 91 While India has agreed to join most of the exercises, the government has made it clear that they will not take part in the maritime training. The reason behind the decision was to not hurt Japan’s sentiments as both the Russian and Chinese warships will conduct the drills in the Sea of Japan. India has not directly criticised Russia for the ongoing invasion of Ukraine and also abstained from voting on various global forums against its strategic ally. In the recent past, the two countries have signed a number of arms deals, including for the S-400 Triumf air defence missile system.

United States expresses concern over India's participation in Russian military exercises

In the first-ever comments since Nepal announced its decision to not send its soldiers to Indian Army,&nbsp;Nepal's Ambassador to India Shankar Prasad Sharma, in a&nbsp;conversation with WION's principal diplomatic correspondent Siddhant Sibal confirmed the decision.&nbsp;The Nepalese envoy stated&nbsp;his country would like more "understanding from the highest level".&nbsp;He further added that the government "would like to know more about Agnipath and Agniveer".&nbsp;

India earlier this year had announced the Agnipath scheme to recruit new soldiers in&nbsp;the Army. Under the scheme, the tenure of a soldier will be four years and only one-fourth will be retained after this period. Additionally, the Nepalese envoy also spoke on border issues and the cultural connect between the two countries.

WION: What was the aim of Teej celebrations?

Shankar Prasad Sharma​​​​​​: We would definitely like to strengthen the people-to-people relationship between the two countries. That is more sustainable which will help in strengthening other areas of partnership between the two countries. If we have a strong people-to-people bond, then nobody can separate them and then that will have a sustainable strong partnership between the two countries.

WION: Both India&nbsp;and Nepal have civilisation ties, roti beti ka rishta (family ties)..

SP Sharma: That is also going on, if we see today's crowd, many of these people, let's say the royal family of Nepal, they get married here in India. Some of these people get married in Nepal. At that level, the southern part of Nepal...it's much more, in terms of marriage and networking family relationships. That has continued. When you are in the same religion and the same culture, it's easier to have such relationships.

WION: How is the recruitment of Gorkhas under the Agnipath scheme going?

SP Sharma: No, they [Nepalese government] would like to know more about the Agnipath scheme. When we had a tripartite agreement long ago between India, Nepal and UK, we didn't have the provisions. Nepal would like to know more about it. They would like to have more clarity on this one because we have so many political parties in Nepal and they would like to consult with each other and know more.

WION: So, no recruitment happening under Agnipath&nbsp;scheme up until now?

SP Sharma: Yes, they had one schedule but that has been postponed.

WION: Did the Indian government take you in confidence?

SP Sharma: Yes and no. But Nepal would like to have more understanding from the highest level.

WION: How hopeful you are that the issue will be resolved?

SP Sharma: I am sure it will be. There are two issues, one is the understanding and implications to Nepal. Secondly, it is linked to political parties in Nepal and they have to have a consensus. I am sure something will come out.

WION: Indian Army chief is visiting Nepal, will it be discussed?

SP&nbsp;Sharma: I am sure they will.

WION: Any update on Border talks?

SP Sharma: No I think when both PMs visited each other's countries, there was a press release or press conference by the foreign secretary but many of these issues must be solved amicably and we hope they will start a dialogue soon and we will have some kind of solution.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

In the first-ever comments since Nepal announced its decision to not send its soldiers to Indian Army, Nepal's Ambassador to India Shankar Prasad Sharma, in a conversation with WION's principal diplomatic correspondent Siddhant Sibal confirmed the decision.

In the first-ever comments since Nepal announced its decision to not send its soldiers to Indian Army, Nepal's Ambassador to India Shankar Prasad Sharma, in a conversation with WION's principal diplomatic correspondent Siddhant Sibal confirmed the decision. The Nepalese envoy stated his country would like more "understanding from the highest level". He further added that the government "would like to know more about Agnipath and Agniveer". India earlier this year had announced the Agnipath scheme to recruit new soldiers in the Army. Under the scheme, the tenure of a soldier will be four years and only one-fourth will be retained after this period. Additionally, the Nepalese envoy also spoke on border issues and the cultural connect between the two countries. WION: What was the aim of Teej celebrations? Shankar Prasad Sharma: We would definitely like to strengthen the people-to-people relationship between the two countries. That is more sustainable which will help in strengthening other areas of partnership between the two countries. If we have a strong people-to-people bond, then nobody can separate them and then that will have a sustainable strong partnership between the two countries. WION: Both India and Nepal have civilisation ties, roti beti ka rishta (family ties).. SP Sharma: That is also going on, if we see today's crowd, many of these people, let's say the royal family of Nepal, they get married here in India. Some of these people get married in Nepal. At that level, the southern part of Nepal...it's much more, in terms of marriage and networking family relationships. That has continued. When you are in the same religion and the same culture, it's easier to have such relationships. WION: How is the recruitment of Gorkhas under the Agnipath scheme going? SP Sharma: No, they [Nepalese government] would like to know more about the Agnipath scheme. When we had a tripartite agreement long ago between India, Nepal and UK, we didn't have the provisions. Nepal would like to know more about it. They would like to have more clarity on this one because we have so many political parties in Nepal and they would like to consult with each other and know more. WION: So, no recruitment happening under Agnipath scheme up until now? SP Sharma: Yes, they had one schedule but that has been postponed. WION: Did the Indian government take you in confidence? SP Sharma: Yes and no. But Nepal would like to have more understanding from the highest level. WION: How hopeful you are that the issue will be resolved? SP Sharma: I am sure it will be. There are two issues, one is the understanding and implications to Nepal. Secondly, it is linked to political parties in Nepal and they have to have a consensus. I am sure something will come out. WION: Indian Army chief is visiting Nepal, will it be discussed? SP Sharma: I am sure they will. WION: Any update on Border talks? SP Sharma: No I think when both PMs visited each other's countries, there was a press release or press conference by the foreign secretary but many of these issues must be solved amicably and we hope they will start a dialogue soon and we will have some kind of solution. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

EXCLUSIVE: 'Would like understanding from highest level', Nepal envoy on Gorkha recruitment under Agnipath

In India, heavy rainfall has inundated parts of the southern state of Karnataka and in the city of Bengaluru heavy downpour resulted in waterlogging in the low-lying areas.

WION Climate Tracker: Heavy rainfall floods parts of India | Water logging in India's Bengaluru

From Flash floods near river Swat in Pakistan to devotees celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi festival in India, here are some impactful images from around the world on 31 August 2022.

World in Pictures: Flash floods near river Swat in Pakistan; Ganesh Chaturthi festival in India

Nepal has 'stalled' the recruitment of Gorkhas in the Indian Army under the Agnipath scheme. Kathmandu has apprehensions over the 4-year-term of recruits as part of the scheme. How has India responded? Palki Sharma Upadhyay brings you a report.

Gravitas: Nepal suspends Gorkha recruitment under Agnipath scheme

Senior officials from the G20 economies met for climate talks in Bali on Wednesday. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav from India said that the countries with least emissions facing the worst of crisis.

WION Climate Tracker| G20 summit on environment & climate: Leaders gather in Bali to discuss action

Let us take a look at stories generating interest across WION's social media channels.

Trending on WION | Indian PM to commission country's first indigenous aircraft carrier on Sept 2

After India’s miserable performance in the 1962 war with China, the need for a separate external intelligence agency was felt. RN Kao, a civil servant, was assigned the task of establishing a national spy agency called R&AW.

How was RAW started? Story of India’s external intelligence agency

Here's celebrating a plethora of sporting icons and their achievements as they continue to inspire countrymen from all walks of life.

India@75: Sporting icons who inspired countrymen in post-Independence era

With the Asia Cup 2022 edition being held in the UAE at present, here's everything you need to know about the history of the marquee tournament.

Asia Cup: Everything you need to know about the marquee tournament

This year, drone intrusions at the Indo-Pak border have virtually doubled as terrorist organisations and drug traffickers operating from Pakistan have stepped up their use to transport weapons and drugs.

Data compiled by the Border Security Force (BSF) revealed that 107 drone sightings were reported in the first seven months of this year, a slight increase from 2021. 93 out of the drones’ intrusions were detected in Punjab. Additionally, Jammu reported 14 drone intrusions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-two-terrorists-killed-in-encounter-with-security-forces-in-shopian-511514">Also read |&nbsp;J&amp;K: Two terrorists killed in encounter with security forces in Shopian</a>

A BSF officer said, "There are still five months left in this year and activity to smuggle arms and explosives through various routes usually increase towards winters. Also, these are just those drones which our jawans could hear, notice, or locals informed us about. It is very difficult to intercept, stall and deactivate all the drones at such a vast border," said a Hindustan Times report.

A senior official stated that terrorist groups like LeT and its allies in Jammu and Kashmir sent payloads through Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Gurdaspur in Punjab continuously by using&nbsp;Chinese drones to deliver weapons and IEDs in the past two years. Furthermore, Lashkar-e-Taiba outfit the Resistance Front (TRF) attacked Jammu Air Force Station with two drones, using unnamed aerial vehicles (UAV) that dropped two IEDs weighing between 3kg and 5 kg each.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kashmiri-artisans-in-a-remote-village-busy-making-silk-carpets-for-indias-new-parliament-511444">Also read |&nbsp;Kashmiri artisans in a remote village busy making silk carpets for India’s new parliament</a>

With the assistance of local police, BSF has attempted to shoot down several drones and has also implemented a number of technologies, such as "Anti-Drone Guns", to obstruct the drones’ radio and GPS signals and compel them to land.

According to experts, Pakistan-based groups use drones to avoid capture of men and reduce costs.

Experts believe that drones are replacing human mules and helping in terrorist infiltration; they are easy to use from a covered location or building on the other side of the border.

(With inputs from agencies)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

This year, drone intrusions at the Indo-Pak border have virtually doubled as terrorist organisations and drug traffickers operating from Pakistan have stepped up their use to transport weapons and drugs.

This year, drone intrusions at the Indo-Pak border have virtually doubled as terrorist organisations and drug traffickers operating from Pakistan have stepped up their use to transport weapons and drugs. Data compiled by the Border Security Force (BSF) revealed that 107 drone sightings were reported in the first seven months of this year, a slight increase from 2021. 93 out of the drones’ intrusions were detected in Punjab. Additionally, Jammu reported 14 drone intrusions. Also read | J&K: Two terrorists killed in encounter with security forces in Shopian A BSF officer said, "There are still five months left in this year and activity to smuggle arms and explosives through various routes usually increase towards winters. Also, these are just those drones which our jawans could hear, notice, or locals informed us about. It is very difficult to intercept, stall and deactivate all the drones at such a vast border," said a Hindustan Times report. A senior official stated that terrorist groups like LeT and its allies in Jammu and Kashmir sent payloads through Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Gurdaspur in Punjab continuously by using Chinese drones to deliver weapons and IEDs in the past two years. Furthermore, Lashkar-e-Taiba outfit the Resistance Front (TRF) attacked Jammu Air Force Station with two drones, using unnamed aerial vehicles (UAV) that dropped two IEDs weighing between 3kg and 5 kg each. Also read | Kashmiri artisans in a remote village busy making silk carpets for India’s new parliament With the assistance of local police, BSF has attempted to shoot down several drones and has also implemented a number of technologies, such as "Anti-Drone Guns", to obstruct the drones’ radio and GPS signals and compel them to land. According to experts, Pakistan-based groups use drones to avoid capture of men and reduce costs. Experts believe that drones are replacing human mules and helping in terrorist infiltration; they are easy to use from a covered location or building on the other side of the border. (With inputs from agencies)

Drone intrusions across border from Pakistan increased compared to 2021

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