The Indian Army along with the Jammu and Kashmir police and paramilitary forces successfully thwarted a terror ambush in the dense jungles of Jammu’s Battal, on Monday (Oct 28), resulting in the elimination of three terrorists.&nbsp;

In the pre-dawn hours, terrorists ambushed an army convoy, prompting a swift and precise response from the Indian troops. There were no casualties among the convoy persons, as troops quickly forced the attackers to retreat.

<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:149,&quot;w&quot;:663,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2026}" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fresh-gunfight-erupts-in-j-ks-akhnoor-indian-security-forces-kill-second-terrorist-771548">Also read:&nbsp;Fresh gunfight erupts in J-K's Akhnoor: Indian security forces kill second terrorist</a>

In the operation, the Indian Army recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition including incriminating material. The army said they recovered: M4 (1), AK-47 (2), M4 Magzine (3), AK Magzine (8), pistol (1), 9mm pistol rounds (20), 7.62mn rounds (77), 5.56mm rounds (129), solar panel (1), knife (3), power bank with USB cable (1), bino (1), hand grenade (1), pistol case (2), digital casio watch (1), small note pad (red colour) - 01, sentry, silencer (fandha) (1), three pairs of shoes, ammunition pouches (3), poncho (4), blanket (3), side pouch (1), shirt (2), trouser (4), wire cutter (1), screw driver (1), pencil cell (22), three bundles cotton, cotton patty (3) bundles, napkin (2), bottle with honey (3), eight water bottle plastic (1 ltr), chindi (2), back packs/rucksacks (3), medicines liquid in bottles (4), loose medicines (15), cashew (2 pkts) (approx 200 gms), dates (3 pkts) (approx 200 gms), chana (2 pkts) (approx 200 gms), raisin (3 pkts) (approx 200 gms), almonds (2 pkts) (approx 200 gms), candy (2 pkts), scissor (1), weapon oil (100ml) (1), toothbrush (1), lighter (3), ointment (1), belt (1), four pairs of socks, green thread (1), dry coconut (3), edible paste (yellow) (4), one pair of gloves, polythene set (2), zip ties (4), betadine (small bottles with drip) (3).

Special Forces were mobilised promptly to reinforce the cordon around the fleeing terrorists. Advanced technology, including night surveillance devices, unmanned ground vehicles and surveillance drones ensured real-time tracking and prevented potential escapes.

Watch |&nbsp;India: 3 Terrorists Killed After Attacking Army Vehicle in J&amp;K's Akhnoor

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Tragically, an Indian Army dog named&nbsp;Phantom sustained fatal injuries during the operation, underscoring the risk involved for all persons engaged in counter-terrorist operations.

"We also want to dispel some rumours going around on Social Media about the use of BMPs in this operation. The hardened vehicles were used to close in with the trapped terrorists. We want to also emphasise that the Indian Army is a professional force and no disrespect to the mortal remains of the slain terrorist has been carried out," said the Indian Army.

Meanwhile, based on leads from intelligence agencies and Military Intelligence (MI), an 18-year-old&nbsp;was apprehended by security forces with grenades. &nbsp;

A joint naka was established at one of the entry points to Pulwama town by the police, CRPF and 55RR from the Indian Army’s Rashtriya Rifles. There, the security forces could apprehend suspicious-looking Danish Bashir urf Maulvi, 18, moving with ten hand grenades.

Reportedly, he was found highly radicalised and was about to join terrorists' ranks. It is believed that this apprehension has definitely averted some terror attacks in South Kashmir.

The Indian Army along with the Jammu and Kashmir police and paramilitary forces successfully thwarted a terror ambush in the dense jungles of Jammu’s Battal, on Monday (Oct 28), resulting in the elimination of three terrorists.

The Indian Army along with the Jammu and Kashmir police and paramilitary forces successfully thwarted a terror ambush in the dense jungles of Jammu’s Battal, on Monday (Oct 28), resulting in the elimination of three terrorists. In the pre-dawn hours, terrorists ambushed an army convoy, prompting a swift and precise response from the Indian troops. There were no casualties among the convoy persons, as troops quickly forced the attackers to retreat. Also read: Fresh gunfight erupts in J-K's Akhnoor: Indian security forces kill second terrorist In the operation, the Indian Army recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition including incriminating material. The army said they recovered: M4 (1), AK-47 (2), M4 Magzine (3), AK Magzine (8), pistol (1), 9mm pistol rounds (20), 7.62mn rounds (77), 5.56mm rounds (129), solar panel (1), knife (3), power bank with USB cable (1), bino (1), hand grenade (1), pistol case (2), digital casio watch (1), small note pad (red colour) - 01, sentry, silencer (fandha) (1), three pairs of shoes, ammunition pouches (3), poncho (4), blanket (3), side pouch (1), shirt (2), trouser (4), wire cutter (1), screw driver (1), pencil cell (22), three bundles cotton, cotton patty (3) bundles, napkin (2), bottle with honey (3), eight water bottle plastic (1 ltr), chindi (2), back packs/rucksacks (3), medicines liquid in bottles (4), loose medicines (15), cashew (2 pkts) (approx 200 gms), dates (3 pkts) (approx 200 gms), chana (2 pkts) (approx 200 gms), raisin (3 pkts) (approx 200 gms), almonds (2 pkts) (approx 200 gms), candy (2 pkts), scissor (1), weapon oil (100ml) (1), toothbrush (1), lighter (3), ointment (1), belt (1), four pairs of socks, green thread (1), dry coconut (3), edible paste (yellow) (4), one pair of gloves, polythene set (2), zip ties (4), betadine (small bottles with drip) (3). Special Forces were mobilised promptly to reinforce the cordon around the fleeing terrorists. Advanced technology, including night surveillance devices, unmanned ground vehicles and surveillance drones ensured real-time tracking and prevented potential escapes. Watch | India: 3 Terrorists Killed After Attacking Army Vehicle in J&K's Akhnoor × Tragically, an Indian Army dog named Phantom sustained fatal injuries during the operation, underscoring the risk involved for all persons engaged in counter-terrorist operations. "We also want to dispel some rumours going around on Social Media about the use of BMPs in this operation. The hardened vehicles were used to close in with the trapped terrorists. We want to also emphasise that the Indian Army is a professional force and no disrespect to the mortal remains of the slain terrorist has been carried out," said the Indian Army. Meanwhile, based on leads from intelligence agencies and Military Intelligence (MI), an 18-year-old was apprehended by security forces with grenades. A joint naka was established at one of the entry points to Pulwama town by the police, CRPF and 55RR from the Indian Army’s Rashtriya Rifles. There, the security forces could apprehend suspicious-looking Danish Bashir urf Maulvi, 18, moving with ten hand grenades. Reportedly, he was found highly radicalised and was about to join terrorists' ranks. It is believed that this apprehension has definitely averted some terror attacks in South Kashmir.

Jammu and Kashmir: Huge cache of arms, ammunition recovered from Akhnoor operation site; one arrested

In two years, the Indian Army could get their hands on indigenously-designed and developed 155mm Smart Artillery shells that offer 50 times more accuracy than existing ones. IIT-Madras and the Government-run Munitions India Limited (MIL) have partnered on developing this ammunition, which will be guided by the Indian constellation of NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) satellites, formerly known as Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS).&nbsp;

According to IIT Madras, Prof G. Rajesh, Faculty, Department of Aerospace Engineering, and his team of researchers will be developing the smart ammunition, which will later be manufactured by Munitions India Limited, a Government-run firm engaged in the Production, Testing Research and Development and Marketing of a comprehensive range of ammunition and explosives for the Army, Navy, Air force and Paramilitary Forces.&nbsp;

The team's objective is to increase the accuracy of 155 mm shell within a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of 10 metres. At present, ammunitions developed in India have a CEP of 500 m. Another key goal is to increase the lethality at the terminal impact point.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-public-examinations-prevention-of-unfair-means-bill-2024-introduced-in-lower-house-of-parliament-687088">Also read |&nbsp;India: Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024 introduced in lower house of Parliament</a>

"We are confident that the might of MIL in conventional ammunition manufacturing and the brain of IIT Madras in developing a guidance system will pave the way for MIL’s foray into modern ammunition manufacturing with Niche Technologies," said Ravi Kant, IOFS, Chairman and Managing Director, Munitions India Limited.&nbsp;

Based on the specifications of this proposed artillery shell, it can be fired from 155mm artillery guns, without any changes in the gun system. Unlike conventional shells, it will have its control surfaces that will help in manoeuvrability-fin-stabilised, canard-controlled, guided shell. It is expected to have a minimum range of 8kms and a maximum range of 38km. This Smart shell also offers three modes of detonation, such as - point detonation, height of burst, delayed detonation.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Indian PM invited to speak at World Government Summit for second time

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Speaking about this project, Prof&nbsp;G. Rajesh, Department of Aerospace Engineering, IIT Madras, said, “The Special Purpose Shell will house the guidance, navigation and control system along with roll isolation strategies, canard actuation system, fuze, shell body and warhead. The smart projectile will have complex technologies such as miniaturised electronics/sensors and mechanical structures."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In two years, the Indian Army could get their hands on indigenously-designed and developed 155mm Smart Artillery shells that offer 50 times more accuracy than existing ones.

In two years, the Indian Army could get their hands on indigenously-designed and developed 155mm Smart Artillery shells that offer 50 times more accuracy than existing ones. IIT-Madras and the Government-run Munitions India Limited (MIL) have partnered on developing this ammunition, which will be guided by the Indian constellation of NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) satellites, formerly known as Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS). According to IIT Madras, Prof G. Rajesh, Faculty, Department of Aerospace Engineering, and his team of researchers will be developing the smart ammunition, which will later be manufactured by Munitions India Limited, a Government-run firm engaged in the Production, Testing Research and Development and Marketing of a comprehensive range of ammunition and explosives for the Army, Navy, Air force and Paramilitary Forces. The team's objective is to increase the accuracy of 155 mm shell within a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of 10 metres. At present, ammunitions developed in India have a CEP of 500 m. Another key goal is to increase the lethality at the terminal impact point. Also read | India: Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024 introduced in lower house of Parliament "We are confident that the might of MIL in conventional ammunition manufacturing and the brain of IIT Madras in developing a guidance system will pave the way for MIL’s foray into modern ammunition manufacturing with Niche Technologies," said Ravi Kant, IOFS, Chairman and Managing Director, Munitions India Limited. Based on the specifications of this proposed artillery shell, it can be fired from 155mm artillery guns, without any changes in the gun system. Unlike conventional shells, it will have its control surfaces that will help in manoeuvrability-fin-stabilised, canard-controlled, guided shell. It is expected to have a minimum range of 8kms and a maximum range of 38km. This Smart shell also offers three modes of detonation, such as - point detonation, height of burst, delayed detonation. Also watch | Indian PM invited to speak at World Government Summit for second time Speaking about this project, Prof G. Rajesh, Department of Aerospace Engineering, IIT Madras, said, “The Special Purpose Shell will house the guidance, navigation and control system along with roll isolation strategies, canard actuation system, fuze, shell body and warhead. The smart projectile will have complex technologies such as miniaturised electronics/sensors and mechanical structures."

IIT-M and Munitions India to develop smart ammo for 155mm artillery guns

The United States on Thursday announced a sizable additional delivery of weapons and ammunition to Ukraine as the country's Western backers attempt to strengthen its armoured forces.&nbsp;The package does not include the Western battle tanks that Kyiv had expected, but&nbsp;90 Stryker armoured personnel carriers, 59&nbsp;more Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, Avenger air defence systems, and big and small ammunition, according to a Pentagon statement.

"The 59 Bradley IFVs included in this package, together with the 50 Bradleys previously committed on January 6, and the 90 Stryker APCs will provide Ukraine with two brigades of armored capability," it said.

A $3 billion package announced last week contained the first 50 Bradleys.

Also watch |&nbsp;WION Fineprint | Kyiv intensifies pressure on allies to provide more weapons

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With the exception of Britain, the United States and other nations have given Ukraine many significant contributions of armoured vehicles but have not committed to providing&nbsp;the country with any contemporary Western tanks.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

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The United States on Thursday announced a sizable additional delivery of weapons and ammunition to Ukraine as the country's Western backers attempt to strengthen its armoured forces.

The United States on Thursday announced a sizable additional delivery of weapons and ammunition to Ukraine as the country's Western backers attempt to strengthen its armoured forces. The package does not include the Western battle tanks that Kyiv had expected, but 90 Stryker armoured personnel carriers, 59 more Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, Avenger air defence systems, and big and small ammunition, according to a Pentagon statement. "The 59 Bradley IFVs included in this package, together with the 50 Bradleys previously committed on January 6, and the 90 Stryker APCs will provide Ukraine with two brigades of armored capability," it said. A $3 billion package announced last week contained the first 50 Bradleys. Also watch | WION Fineprint | Kyiv intensifies pressure on allies to provide more weapons With the exception of Britain, the United States and other nations have given Ukraine many significant contributions of armoured vehicles but have not committed to providing the country with any contemporary Western tanks. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US declares $2.5 billion in additional weapons and munitions to Ukraine

The United States will soon be unable to supply Ukraine with particular types of munitions that are crucial to Kyiv's fight against Russia's invasion,&nbsp;given that supplies are depleting more quickly than they can be renewed.&nbsp;

Since Russia began its invasion on February 24 with more than $26.4 billion&nbsp;in military aid, Washington has grown to be by far the largest supplier of armaments to Ukraine.

However, the US inventories of some equipment are "approaching the minimal levels needed for war preparations and training," and refilling to pre-invasion levels might take years, according to Mark Cancian of the Center for Strategic and International Studies in a recent analysis.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/semiconductor-war-us-announces-rules-that-will-set-back-the-chinese-chip-industry-by-years-523510">US enforces export controls to restrict China's chip supply for hi-tech military applications</a>

Under the condition of anonymity, a US military official stated that Washington is "learning lessons" from the fight about the ammunition demands in a great power war, which are "much more" than anticipated.

Following the fall of the Soviet Union, the United States severely cut defence spending, forcing American defence corporations to drastically reduce production. As a result, their numbers fell from dozens to single digits.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-new-york-university-fires-chemistry-teacher-after-students-file-petition-saying-his-class-was-too-hard-523268">US</a> government must now persuade the industry to restart manufacture of weapons like Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, which have not been produced since 2020, and reactivate assembly lines.

Several pieces of US-supplied equipment have come to represent the conflict in Ukraine, including the Javelin anti-tank weapons that Kyiv's forces used extensively to halt Russia's advance on the capital and the Himars, a precision rocket system that is now a key component of counteroffensives against Moscow's forces in the east and south.

However, US supplies of ammunition for Himars, which launches GMLRS rockets with a range of more than 80 kilometres, are running low.

While the US has given Kyiv roughly 8,500 Javelin missiles, the weapon that has come to represent Ukrainian resistance is only produced at a rate of about 1,000 per year. 
The US government placed an order for the missiles in May for $350 million, but it will still be a while before the stockpiles are refilled.

According to official Pentagon figures, the United States has also sent to Kyiv more than 800,000 NATO standard 155mm artillery shells, or 75% of the total amount delivered by all Western nations.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-world-must-act-now-to-stop-russia-nuclear-threat-says-zelensky-523472">Ukraine war: 'World must act now to stop Russia nuclear threat,' says Zelensky</a>

The Pentagon has stated that it intends to boost US production of these shells from the current monthly average of 14,000 to 36,000 within the next three years.

The annual production would still only reach 432,000, which is less than half of what has been given to Ukraine over the past seven months.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

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The United States will soon be unable to supply Ukraine with particular types of munitions that are crucial to Kyiv's fight against Russia's invasion, given that supplies are depleting more quickly than they can be renewed.

The United States will soon be unable to supply Ukraine with particular types of munitions that are crucial to Kyiv's fight against Russia's invasion, given that supplies are depleting more quickly than they can be renewed. Since Russia began its invasion on February 24 with more than $26.4 billion in military aid, Washington has grown to be by far the largest supplier of armaments to Ukraine. However, the US inventories of some equipment are "approaching the minimal levels needed for war preparations and training," and refilling to pre-invasion levels might take years, according to Mark Cancian of the Center for Strategic and International Studies in a recent analysis. Also read | US enforces export controls to restrict China's chip supply for hi-tech military applications Under the condition of anonymity, a US military official stated that Washington is "learning lessons" from the fight about the ammunition demands in a great power war, which are "much more" than anticipated. Following the fall of the Soviet Union, the United States severely cut defence spending, forcing American defence corporations to drastically reduce production. As a result, their numbers fell from dozens to single digits. The US government must now persuade the industry to restart manufacture of weapons like Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, which have not been produced since 2020, and reactivate assembly lines. Several pieces of US-supplied equipment have come to represent the conflict in Ukraine, including the Javelin anti-tank weapons that Kyiv's forces used extensively to halt Russia's advance on the capital and the Himars, a precision rocket system that is now a key component of counteroffensives against Moscow's forces in the east and south. However, US supplies of ammunition for Himars, which launches GMLRS rockets with a range of more than 80 kilometres, are running low. While the US has given Kyiv roughly 8,500 Javelin missiles, the weapon that has come to represent Ukrainian resistance is only produced at a rate of about 1,000 per year. The US government placed an order for the missiles in May for $350 million, but it will still be a while before the stockpiles are refilled. According to official Pentagon figures, the United States has also sent to Kyiv more than 800,000 NATO standard 155mm artillery shells, or 75% of the total amount delivered by all Western nations. Also read | Ukraine war: 'World must act now to stop Russia nuclear threat,' says Zelensky The Pentagon has stated that it intends to boost US production of these shells from the current monthly average of 14,000 to 36,000 within the next three years. The annual production would still only reach 432,000, which is less than half of what has been given to Ukraine over the past seven months. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US ammunition supplies dwindle as Ukraine war depletes stockpiles

Smart guns: Guns that feature fingerprint locks, pin codes and more

In the backdrop of a choice between an indigenous and foreign option to fulfil Indian Army's requirement for over 400 howitzers, DRDO has said that it would be in a position to offer over 200 Made in India ATAGS howitzers in 18-24 months of placement of orders.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation has developed the gun in partnership with private sector industry.

Officials said the Made in India Advanced Tower Artillery Gun System howitzers would be in a position to meet the requirements of the Indian Army in the quickest possible timeframe as they have their production facilities ready while the Israeli gun on offer would take a long time just to create a production infrastructure.

The Indian Army is on a lookout for advanced howitzers which are to be deployed at the China border at the earliest. The Israeli gun has been cleared after a long tendering process.

Howitzers are in the negative import list and whichever option is exercised has to be produced in India under Make in India.

"The Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) is undergoing trials at Ahmednagar in Maharashtra. We can offer 200 plus of these guns to the Army within 18-24 months of the order," DRDO officials told ANI.

The DRDO-developed ATAGS has shown immense capability as it has fired at the longest striking range in its class of guns but suffered a minor accident during trials in the Jaislamer desert a few months ago.

Asked to comment on the issue, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat said: "Failures during trials will happen but these must not dampen the spirit, instead it must lead to timely reviews and encourage the manufacturers to seek ways to overcome the problems."

"Services on their side also need to prepare acceptable and desirable requirements and continue to support the development process for further enhancement of quality," he added.

Rawat said defence manufacturing in India was at the cusp of transformation and the success of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for Atmanirbhar Bharat would necessitate that the services do the handholding of the local industry.

"Service officers with practical experience must be in integrated into the design and development processes. Navy has set standards that have helped in indigenisation but more needs to be done. Army and Air Force have gradually entered into the fray," the CDS said.

The Narendra Modi government has embarked on the ambitious Atmanirbhar Bharat process in the defence sector and the CDS has been tasked to prepare the list of items which have to be produced in India only.

The CDS with the support of the three services and the DRDO has already issued one negative imports list and is soon going to issue another shortly to promote local industry.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has also made it clear to the forces that wherever there is an option of acquiring good local products, foreign equipment would not be allowed.

In the backdrop of a choice between an indigenous and foreign option to fulfil Indian Army's requirement for over 400 howitzers, DRDO has said that it would be in a position to offer over 200 Made in India ATAGS howitzers in 18-24 months of placement of orders.

In the backdrop of a choice between an indigenous and foreign option to fulfil Indian Army's requirement for over 400 howitzers, DRDO has said that it would be in a position to offer over 200 Made in India ATAGS howitzers in 18-24 months of placement of orders. The Defence Research and Development Organisation has developed the gun in partnership with private sector industry. Officials said the Made in India Advanced Tower Artillery Gun System howitzers would be in a position to meet the requirements of the Indian Army in the quickest possible timeframe as they have their production facilities ready while the Israeli gun on offer would take a long time just to create a production infrastructure. The Indian Army is on a lookout for advanced howitzers which are to be deployed at the China border at the earliest. The Israeli gun has been cleared after a long tendering process. Howitzers are in the negative import list and whichever option is exercised has to be produced in India under Make in India. "The Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) is undergoing trials at Ahmednagar in Maharashtra. We can offer 200 plus of these guns to the Army within 18-24 months of the order," DRDO officials told ANI. The DRDO-developed ATAGS has shown immense capability as it has fired at the longest striking range in its class of guns but suffered a minor accident during trials in the Jaislamer desert a few months ago. Asked to comment on the issue, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat said: "Failures during trials will happen but these must not dampen the spirit, instead it must lead to timely reviews and encourage the manufacturers to seek ways to overcome the problems." "Services on their side also need to prepare acceptable and desirable requirements and continue to support the development process for further enhancement of quality," he added. Rawat said defence manufacturing in India was at the cusp of transformation and the success of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for Atmanirbhar Bharat would necessitate that the services do the handholding of the local industry. "Service officers with practical experience must be in integrated into the design and development processes. Navy has set standards that have helped in indigenisation but more needs to be done. Army and Air Force have gradually entered into the fray," the CDS said. The Narendra Modi government has embarked on the ambitious Atmanirbhar Bharat process in the defence sector and the CDS has been tasked to prepare the list of items which have to be produced in India only. The CDS with the support of the three services and the DRDO has already issued one negative imports list and is soon going to issue another shortly to promote local industry. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has also made it clear to the forces that wherever there is an option of acquiring good local products, foreign equipment would not be allowed.

200 Indian howitzers to be ready for induction in 18 months, CDS asks services to handhold local industry

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday said that he would provide arms to Egypt regardless of their human rights track record.

The president added that he does not want to weaken Egypt’s ability to fight terrorism in the region, even if the country continues to flout global human rights dictates.

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"I will not condition matters of defence and economic cooperation on these disagreements (over human rights)," Macron said during a joint press conference. 
 
He was speaking at a conference where he met President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. The two leaders held talks in the Elysee Palace.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/i-hope-france-will-get-rid-of-macron-says-turkey-president-erdogan-347552" hreflang="en">I hope France will get rid of Macron, says Turkey President Erdogan</a> 
 
"It is more effective to have a policy of demanding dialogue than a boycott which would only reduce the effectiveness of one our partners in the fight against terrorism," he added.

Earlier today, France welcomed Sisi with a Cavalry parade in Paris. France perceived Egypt as a force against Islamist militants in the peninsula of Sinai and in Libya.

Macron also alluded to the right to asylum.

"I will defend the right to asylum, until the end. The right to asylum means protecting those fighting for freedom, wherever they come from”, he said to Brut.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/amid-erdogan-macron-row-eu-ponders-over-turkey-dilemma-347319" hreflang="en">Amid Erdogan, Macron row, EU ponders over Turkey dilemma</a>

"We will always protect the right to asylum. But at present, the right to asylum is being twisted by trafficking networks, and you have a lot of people coming who will never have the right to asylum because they don't come from a place where they are under threat or where there is political conflict. But in some way, it is circumventing the right to asylum to help illegal migration channels. We need to stop this. If not, we will always be overwhelmed”, he said.

France added that an end to the abuse of the right to asylum by human traffickers is required.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday said that he would provide arms to Egypt regardless of their human rights track record. The president added that he does not want to weaken Egypt’s ability to fight terrorism in the region, even if the country continues to flout global human rights dictates.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday said that he would provide arms to Egypt regardless of their human rights track record. The president added that he does not want to weaken Egypt’s ability to fight terrorism in the region, even if the country continues to flout global human rights dictates. "I will not condition matters of defence and economic cooperation on these disagreements (over human rights)," Macron said during a joint press conference. He was speaking at a conference where he met President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. The two leaders held talks in the Elysee Palace. Also read: I hope France will get rid of Macron, says Turkey President Erdogan "It is more effective to have a policy of demanding dialogue than a boycott which would only reduce the effectiveness of one our partners in the fight against terrorism," he added. Earlier today, France welcomed Sisi with a Cavalry parade in Paris. France perceived Egypt as a force against Islamist militants in the peninsula of Sinai and in Libya. Macron also alluded to the right to asylum. "I will defend the right to asylum, until the end. The right to asylum means protecting those fighting for freedom, wherever they come from”, he said to Brut. Also read: Amid Erdogan, Macron row, EU ponders over Turkey dilemma "We will always protect the right to asylum. But at present, the right to asylum is being twisted by trafficking networks, and you have a lot of people coming who will never have the right to asylum because they don't come from a place where they are under threat or where there is political conflict. But in some way, it is circumventing the right to asylum to help illegal migration channels. We need to stop this. If not, we will always be overwhelmed”, he said. France added that an end to the abuse of the right to asylum by human traffickers is required.

France will sell arms to Egypt despite human rights track record: Macron

The Parliament today passed the Arms (Amendment) Bill 2019, which seeks to increase the punishment for illegally procuring, making, and selling prohibited arms and ammunition in the country.

The Rajya Sabha passed the bill one day after it was cleared in the Lok Sabha.

According to the bill, a prison sentence of seven years extending to life imprisonment will now be possible. The sentence will be given for possession of illegal weapons while perpetrators may face life imprisonment for snatching the weapons of police personnel.

The bill serves as an amendment to the Arms Act of 1959 ''to effectively curb crimes committed using illegal firearms''.

Proceedings in the Lok Sabha have been adjourned till 11 am Wednesday.

(With inputs from ANI)

The Parliament today passed the Arms (Amendment) Bill 2019, which seeks to increase the punishment for illegally procuring, making, and selling prohibited arms and ammunition in the country.

The Parliament today passed the Arms (Amendment) Bill 2019, which seeks to increase the punishment for illegally procuring, making, and selling prohibited arms and ammunition in the country. The Rajya Sabha passed the bill one day after it was cleared in the Lok Sabha. According to the bill, a prison sentence of seven years extending to life imprisonment will now be possible. The sentence will be given for possession of illegal weapons while perpetrators may face life imprisonment for snatching the weapons of police personnel. The bill serves as an amendment to the Arms Act of 1959 ''to effectively curb crimes committed using illegal firearms''. Proceedings in the Lok Sabha have been adjourned till 11 am Wednesday. (With inputs from ANI)

Parliament passes Arms (Amendment) Bill, 2019

Do arms sales cause conflicts? Or do conflicts trigger arms sales? This is a Chicken-Egg problem that deserves attention because increasingly, arms sales form the fulcrum of foreign policies of countries.&nbsp;

On WION Edit, we will explore this. Look at some of the major conflicts in the world - Syria, Yemen and Iraq.

In all these conflicts, either one or both the parties use American weapons. Yes, weapons do not start a fire. But access to weapons stokes fires.

And weapons make conflicts that are much more intense and probable. In fact, arms sales have been a defining thread in the foreign policy of most countries.&nbsp;

The US clearly has the policy to sell weapons to any country that wants them and can afford them. Money is the only criterion. case in point Saudi Arabia - the home of 15 of the 19 attackers of 9/11.

As recently as last week, a Saudi national was involved in an attack at a US naval base. Saudi Arabia's record on terrorism has been patchy, to say the least.

But none of this has affected US weapons sales to Saudi Arabia in May this year, the Trump administration pushed an 8 billion dollar arms deal without congressional approval.

And this, even when America's own department of defence is investigating how American weapons sold to Riyadh end up in the hands of al Qaeda-linked terrorists and hardline militias.

Look at other allies of America - most of them buy weapons from the US. And then pursue policies which are aggressive and sometimes hostile. 
. 
Examples, UAE, Egypt, Israel, Taiwan, Australia, South Korea and Japan.

The US has provided weapons worth 124 billion dollars to all these countries between 2002 and 2016.

In the last five years, West Asian countries accounted for 52 per cent of American arms exports. Is it any surprise that this region is roiled in conflict.

And it's not just the US which uses foreign policy to sell weapons. countries like the UK and France do the same.

Look at the situation in Yemen. The UK is an active participant in the Yemen crisis. It provides weapons to Saudi Arabia.

Earlier this year, a UK court said that British arms sales to Saudi Arabia are unlawful. The court accused ministers of ignoring whether airstrikes killed civilians and broke the humanitarian law.

This is the template. The murder of Jamal Khashoggi brought this issue to the fore. Soon after Khashoggi's murder, Saudi Arabia conducted the 'Davos in the Desert' conference in October 2018.

All the major defence- firms and fund managers gave it a skip. It was as if the global arms industry had sprouted a conscience. But a year later, they were all back at the event, pitching weapons for sale to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

For firms like Lockheed Martin and Boeing, it's cut-throat business - plain and simple. Conflicts help these firms thrive.

Here, we have to discuss India. Over the last few years, New Delhi's ties with most nations have improved. India-Israel ties, India-France ties, India-US ties and India-Russia ties.

What's the common thread?

India has purchased or in the process of purchasing crucial strategic arms from each of these countries.

The conflicts in India's neighbourhood are good news for the defence firms in these countries. The same applies to Erdogan's interference in the Kashmir issue, Pakistan is alienated and Turkey has arms to sell.

Add 2 plus 2 and you can understand Turkey's support to Pakistan.

Across the world, defence majors - both countries and firms - have a lot at stake.

If you view geopolitical events across the world, you will understand that conflicts are fuelled to sustain the weapons industry. And then the loop continues.

The only victim -in this kind of 'arms diplomacy' is peace. Diplomacy is bait for protecting weapons markets. This is not healthy, but unfortunately, this is the norm.

(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

Do arms sales cause conflicts? Or do conflicts trigger arms sales? This is a Chicken-Egg problem that deserves attention because increasingly, arms sales form the fulcrum of foreign policies of countries.

Do arms sales cause conflicts? Or do conflicts trigger arms sales? This is a Chicken-Egg problem that deserves attention because increasingly, arms sales form the fulcrum of foreign policies of countries. On WION Edit, we will explore this. Look at some of the major conflicts in the world - Syria, Yemen and Iraq. In all these conflicts, either one or both the parties use American weapons. Yes, weapons do not start a fire. But access to weapons stokes fires. And weapons make conflicts that are much more intense and probable. In fact, arms sales have been a defining thread in the foreign policy of most countries. The US clearly has the policy to sell weapons to any country that wants them and can afford them. Money is the only criterion. case in point Saudi Arabia - the home of 15 of the 19 attackers of 9/11. As recently as last week, a Saudi national was involved in an attack at a US naval base. Saudi Arabia's record on terrorism has been patchy, to say the least. But none of this has affected US weapons sales to Saudi Arabia in May this year, the Trump administration pushed an 8 billion dollar arms deal without congressional approval. And this, even when America's own department of defence is investigating how American weapons sold to Riyadh end up in the hands of al Qaeda-linked terrorists and hardline militias. Look at other allies of America - most of them buy weapons from the US. And then pursue policies which are aggressive and sometimes hostile. . Examples, UAE, Egypt, Israel, Taiwan, Australia, South Korea and Japan. The US has provided weapons worth 124 billion dollars to all these countries between 2002 and 2016. In the last five years, West Asian countries accounted for 52 per cent of American arms exports. Is it any surprise that this region is roiled in conflict. And it's not just the US which uses foreign policy to sell weapons. countries like the UK and France do the same. Look at the situation in Yemen. The UK is an active participant in the Yemen crisis. It provides weapons to Saudi Arabia. Earlier this year, a UK court said that British arms sales to Saudi Arabia are unlawful. The court accused ministers of ignoring whether airstrikes killed civilians and broke the humanitarian law. This is the template. The murder of Jamal Khashoggi brought this issue to the fore. Soon after Khashoggi's murder, Saudi Arabia conducted the 'Davos in the Desert' conference in October 2018. All the major defence- firms and fund managers gave it a skip. It was as if the global arms industry had sprouted a conscience. But a year later, they were all back at the event, pitching weapons for sale to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. For firms like Lockheed Martin and Boeing, it's cut-throat business - plain and simple. Conflicts help these firms thrive. Here, we have to discuss India. Over the last few years, New Delhi's ties with most nations have improved. India-Israel ties, India-France ties, India-US ties and India-Russia ties. What's the common thread? India has purchased or in the process of purchasing crucial strategic arms from each of these countries. The conflicts in India's neighbourhood are good news for the defence firms in these countries. The same applies to Erdogan's interference in the Kashmir issue, Pakistan is alienated and Turkey has arms to sell. Add 2 plus 2 and you can understand Turkey's support to Pakistan. Across the world, defence majors - both countries and firms - have a lot at stake. If you view geopolitical events across the world, you will understand that conflicts are fuelled to sustain the weapons industry. And then the loop continues. The only victim -in this kind of 'arms diplomacy' is peace. Diplomacy is bait for protecting weapons markets. This is not healthy, but unfortunately, this is the norm. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: Weapons sales conundrum

The&nbsp;United Nations&nbsp;Security Council (UNSC) on Monday unanimously extended the ban on the flow of weapons to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-90000-displaced-in-libya-due-to-fighting-in-tripoli-un-223422">Libya</a>&nbsp;for another one year, even as infighting between rebel&nbsp;commander&nbsp;Khalifa Haftar's forces and UN-backed government shows no signs of abating in the strife-torn North African nation.

The arms embargo, which is implemented by a&nbsp;European Union&nbsp;(EU) force, will remain in effect until June 2020. In 2016, UNSC had authorised EU's Operation Sophia, which was initially aimed at tackling human trafficking, to inspect ships in the&nbsp;Mediterranean Sea&nbsp;suspected of carrying weapons that could violate the arms embargo,&nbsp;Anadolu News Agency&nbsp;reported.

UN&nbsp;Secretary-General&nbsp;Antonio Guterres&nbsp;is to report to the UNSC within 11 months on the embargo's implement, according to a resolution adopted.

Haftar's&nbsp;Libyan National Army&nbsp;(LNA) has remained unsuccessful so far in capturing Libya's capital&nbsp;Tripoli&nbsp;from the UN-backed&nbsp;Government of National Accord&nbsp;(GNA) ever since fighting began in April.

However, the LNA has a sizeable presence in several areas around&nbsp;Tripoli.

Libya&nbsp;has been largely divided into two factions ever since the death of dictator&nbsp;Muammar Gaddafi&nbsp;in 2011. The LNA controls the eastern part of Libya, while the UN-backed GNA governs Libya's western region from&nbsp;Tripoli.

While the LNA is backed by&nbsp;Egypt&nbsp;and the&nbsp;United Arab Emirates&nbsp;(UAE), it has accused&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;of supporting the GNA and its forces in Tripoli.

More than 90,000 people have been displaced ever since the fighting broke out, while over 500 people have lost their lives.

The international community has urged for a peaceful resolution to the intense fighting which has ensued in the African country.

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Monday unanimously extended the ban on the flow of weapons to Libya for another one year, even as infighting between rebel commander Khalifa Haftar's forces and UN-backed government shows no signs of abating in the strife-torn North African nation.

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Monday unanimously extended the ban on the flow of weapons to Libya for another one year, even as infighting between rebel commander Khalifa Haftar's forces and UN-backed government shows no signs of abating in the strife-torn North African nation. The arms embargo, which is implemented by a European Union (EU) force, will remain in effect until June 2020. In 2016, UNSC had authorised EU's Operation Sophia, which was initially aimed at tackling human trafficking, to inspect ships in the Mediterranean Sea suspected of carrying weapons that could violate the arms embargo, Anadolu News Agency reported. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is to report to the UNSC within 11 months on the embargo's implement, according to a resolution adopted. Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA) has remained unsuccessful so far in capturing Libya's capital Tripoli from the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) ever since fighting began in April. However, the LNA has a sizeable presence in several areas around Tripoli. Libya has been largely divided into two factions ever since the death of dictator Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The LNA controls the eastern part of Libya, while the UN-backed GNA governs Libya's western region from Tripoli. While the LNA is backed by Egypt and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it has accused Turkey of supporting the GNA and its forces in Tripoli. More than 90,000 people have been displaced ever since the fighting broke out, while over 500 people have lost their lives. The international community has urged for a peaceful resolution to the intense fighting which has ensued in the African country.

UN unanimously extends Libya's arms embargo for 1 year

WION Gravitas: Do arms manufacturers love wars?