Defence Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/do-not-believe-in-people-who-spread-rumours-nirmala-sitharaman-to-ex-servicemen-201119">Nirmala Sitharaman</a> said Tuesday the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-options-available-if-there-is-another-terrorist-strike-official-sources-201309">Indian Air Force strike</a> that destroyed a Jaish-e-Mohammad terror camp in Pakistan's Balakot area was "not a military action" as there was no civilian casualty.

She also said Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale had not given any casualty figure in his media briefing after the air strike and only gave a statement which is the government's "position".

Gokhale has said the non-military and preemptive strike on the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-dossiers-on-pulwama-contain-no-actionable-evidence-claim-pakistani-media-quoting-sources-201161">Jaish-e-Mohammed </a>training camp killed a "very large number" of terrorists, trainers and senior commanders.

Sitharaman's remarks come amid some Opposition leader demanding evidence about the number of terrorists killed in the air strike.

The IAF, which carried out the strike on February 26, said on Monday that government would provide details on the casualty figures as the Air Force only sees if a target has been hit or not.

On Tuesday, the defence minister said, "There was no need to analyse more on Balakot strike" as she declined to link the air strike on terror camp with the coming Lok Sabha election.

"After Pulwama attack, we were waiting patiently for days... When we got information the terrorist attacks were originating from that region (Pakistan), without military action, we carried out the strike pointedly," she told reporters in Chennai on the sidelines of the launch of Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PMSYM), a pension scheme.

"Civilians in the vicinity or surrounding areas were not affected in any way, so we have been saying the strike we carried out after Pulwama suicide bombing was not a military action," she added.

On February 14, a suicide bomber of the Pakistan-based JeM group rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a bus in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district, killing 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel.

Sitharaman said Pakistan has failed to take action against terror groups despite India providing details of terrorist training camps.

"Pakistan has been informed about terrorist camps, with proof, by the present (NDA) and previous UPA government. But they neither took action, nor did they remove the terrorist training camps."

"Pakistan has been denying this globally, saying it was also a victim of terrorism," she said.

On peace talks proposed by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Sitharaman said, "We have always been telling that India will be ready to hold talks only if they act against terrorism."

Earlier, she distributed the first 10 identity cards to the beneficiaries of PMSYM, marking the launch of the scheme.

Around 20,000 beneficiaries from Tamil Nadu would be joining the pension scheme Monday, out of 72 lakh unorganised sector workers.

Appealing to the state government to increase the number of Common Service Centres and 'Amma' e-seva centres in the state, Sitharaman said PMSYM along with similar schemes of the state government would fetch Rs 4,000 pension to the beneficiaries.

Unorganised sector workers up to 40 years of age can subscribe to PMSYM, which entails a minimum monthly pension of Rs 3,000 to them from 60 years of age.

The scheme, announced in the Budget for 2019-20, is targeted at unorganised sector workers with a monthly income of up to Rs 15,000.

It mandates a monthly contribution of Rs 55 for an 18-year-old worker with equal contribution from the Centre.

The worker joining the scheme at the age of 40 years would contribute Rs 200, while workers at the age of 29 years would pay Rs 100.&nbsp;

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said Tuesday the Indian Air Force strike that destroyed a Jaish-e-Mohammad terror camp in Pakistan's Balakot area was "not a military action" as there was no civilian casualty.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said Tuesday the Indian Air Force strike that destroyed a Jaish-e-Mohammad terror camp in Pakistan's Balakot area was "not a military action" as there was no civilian casualty. She also said Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale had not given any casualty figure in his media briefing after the air strike and only gave a statement which is the government's "position". Gokhale has said the non-military and preemptive strike on the Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp killed a "very large number" of terrorists, trainers and senior commanders. Sitharaman's remarks come amid some Opposition leader demanding evidence about the number of terrorists killed in the air strike. The IAF, which carried out the strike on February 26, said on Monday that government would provide details on the casualty figures as the Air Force only sees if a target has been hit or not. On Tuesday, the defence minister said, "There was no need to analyse more on Balakot strike" as she declined to link the air strike on terror camp with the coming Lok Sabha election. "After Pulwama attack, we were waiting patiently for days... When we got information the terrorist attacks were originating from that region (Pakistan), without military action, we carried out the strike pointedly," she told reporters in Chennai on the sidelines of the launch of Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PMSYM), a pension scheme. "Civilians in the vicinity or surrounding areas were not affected in any way, so we have been saying the strike we carried out after Pulwama suicide bombing was not a military action," she added. On February 14, a suicide bomber of the Pakistan-based JeM group rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a bus in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district, killing 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel. Sitharaman said Pakistan has failed to take action against terror groups despite India providing details of terrorist training camps. "Pakistan has been informed about terrorist camps, with proof, by the present (NDA) and previous UPA government. But they neither took action, nor did they remove the terrorist training camps." "Pakistan has been denying this globally, saying it was also a victim of terrorism," she said. On peace talks proposed by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Sitharaman said, "We have always been telling that India will be ready to hold talks only if they act against terrorism." Earlier, she distributed the first 10 identity cards to the beneficiaries of PMSYM, marking the launch of the scheme. Around 20,000 beneficiaries from Tamil Nadu would be joining the pension scheme Monday, out of 72 lakh unorganised sector workers. Appealing to the state government to increase the number of Common Service Centres and 'Amma' e-seva centres in the state, Sitharaman said PMSYM along with similar schemes of the state government would fetch Rs 4,000 pension to the beneficiaries. Unorganised sector workers up to 40 years of age can subscribe to PMSYM, which entails a minimum monthly pension of Rs 3,000 to them from 60 years of age. The scheme, announced in the Budget for 2019-20, is targeted at unorganised sector workers with a monthly income of up to Rs 15,000. It mandates a monthly contribution of Rs 55 for an 18-year-old worker with equal contribution from the Centre. The worker joining the scheme at the age of 40 years would contribute Rs 200, while workers at the age of 29 years would pay Rs 100.

Balakot air strike 'non-military action' as no civilian casualty caused: Nirmala Sitharaman

Pakistani intelligence agencies are using fake Facebook profiles with names of Indian women in an attempt to honey trap Indian defence forces'&nbsp;personnel, prompting authorities here to send out an alert.

The alert was sent out after one such Facebook profile was detected, from which friend requests are being sent.

"After inputs were received from our personnel about a Facebook profile (Facebook ID name deliberately withheld) using the name of an Indian woman and sending friend requests to military personnel, a thorough check was carried out and found that it was confirmed Pakistani Intelligence Operative and the profile was also created there only," defence intelligence sources told ANI.

"After this, a warning has been issued to defence forces'&nbsp;personnel to be alert about this profile to avoid falling in their trap," they said.

In the recent past, there have several cases where intelligence operatives using fake social media profiles honey-trapped Army personnel and passed on sensitive secret information to them.

Recently, an Army jawan was arrested after he was found to be in touch with a suspected ISI spy using the profile name of 'Anika Chopra'&nbsp;on Facebook and were chatting regularly on the social media and exchanging details and information about the jawam's armoured unit and its movement.

The Army is now tracking multiple accounts of officers and jawans to probe if the Pakistani spy account was in touch with other personnel also to get information from them, the sources said.

A Group Captain of the Indian Air Force was apprehended by the counter-intelligence units of the Army, Air Force and the Intelligence Bureau for sharing information about transport aircraft operations as he was posted in the Air Headquarters here.

A BrahMos employee was also caught where the Pakistani spy had used the same modus-operandi to trap the official.

Sources in the defence intelligence agencies say that there are several Facebook profiles which have been identified and have been deactivated by the operators but a large number of new profiles are created by the enemy intelligence operatives to extract information from Indian personnel.

The three services also keep issuing advisories to their personnel against posting any military-related pictures on their social media profiles to avoid attracting attention of such spies and those found violating the norms also get punished.

Recently, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat had also warned his personnel against falling in the social media trap of the enemy.

"Soldiers have been told not to accept social media friend requests with names of film stars. These could be honey traps. We are taking this very seriously and cannot allow security to be compromised through social media. For those (soldiers) who are not reporting the matter, the punishment is heavy," he had stated.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Pakistani intelligence agencies are using fake Facebook profiles with names of Indian women in an attempt to honey trap Indian defence forces' personnel, prompting authorities here to send out an alert.

Pakistani intelligence agencies are using fake Facebook profiles with names of Indian women in an attempt to honey trap Indian defence forces' personnel, prompting authorities here to send out an alert. The alert was sent out after one such Facebook profile was detected, from which friend requests are being sent. "After inputs were received from our personnel about a Facebook profile (Facebook ID name deliberately withheld) using the name of an Indian woman and sending friend requests to military personnel, a thorough check was carried out and found that it was confirmed Pakistani Intelligence Operative and the profile was also created there only," defence intelligence sources told ANI. "After this, a warning has been issued to defence forces' personnel to be alert about this profile to avoid falling in their trap," they said. In the recent past, there have several cases where intelligence operatives using fake social media profiles honey-trapped Army personnel and passed on sensitive secret information to them. Recently, an Army jawan was arrested after he was found to be in touch with a suspected ISI spy using the profile name of 'Anika Chopra' on Facebook and were chatting regularly on the social media and exchanging details and information about the jawam's armoured unit and its movement. The Army is now tracking multiple accounts of officers and jawans to probe if the Pakistani spy account was in touch with other personnel also to get information from them, the sources said. A Group Captain of the Indian Air Force was apprehended by the counter-intelligence units of the Army, Air Force and the Intelligence Bureau for sharing information about transport aircraft operations as he was posted in the Air Headquarters here. A BrahMos employee was also caught where the Pakistani spy had used the same modus-operandi to trap the official. Sources in the defence intelligence agencies say that there are several Facebook profiles which have been identified and have been deactivated by the operators but a large number of new profiles are created by the enemy intelligence operatives to extract information from Indian personnel. The three services also keep issuing advisories to their personnel against posting any military-related pictures on their social media profiles to avoid attracting attention of such spies and those found violating the norms also get punished. Recently, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat had also warned his personnel against falling in the social media trap of the enemy. "Soldiers have been told not to accept social media friend requests with names of film stars. These could be honey traps. We are taking this very seriously and cannot allow security to be compromised through social media. For those (soldiers) who are not reporting the matter, the punishment is heavy," he had stated.

Defence personnel alerted against Pak spy on Facebook

The time is indeed now to lean into game-changing defence partnerships with India, global aerospace giant Lockheed Martin's top American executive has said.

Vivek Lall, Lockheed Martin's vice president of strategy and business development, said that the US and India are natural partners with shared interests across numerous political, economic and security issues.

A world-renowned aerospace and defence leader, he has been instrumental in several crucial India-US defence deals in the past one decade.

He would be leading the executive delegation of the US-India Business Council (USIBC) to Aero-India show 2019 from February 20-24.

"The time is indeed now to lean into game-changing defence partnerships. India-US ties are growing ever closer and we are very encouraged by the positive trend we're seeing in US-India relations, particularly on the defence and security front," Lall told PTI.

"Dr Vivek Lall, Vice President of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics service is our leader this year and we are also pleased to have USIBC's new Chairman of our Defence and Aerospace Committee Mr Rich Weir of Northrop Grumman in attendance," USIBC said in a statement.

Aero India is a wonderful opportunity for USIBC members and Lockheed Martin to meet with senior US and Indian government officials, participate in business-to-business networking activities and attend seminars that provide insights into the opportunities and challenges associated with doing business in India's aerospace and defence sector, Lall said.

"Aero India is also an ideal venue to highlight Lockheed Martin's suite of security solutions and partnerships that support India's defence needs, Make in India and India-US ties," Lall said in response to a question.

Officials from the US Department of Defence are also scheduled to attend the annual aero show in Bengaluru.&nbsp;

The time is indeed now to lean into game-changing defence partnerships with India, global aerospace giant Lockheed Martin's top American executive has said. Vivek Lall, Lockheed Martin's vice president of strategy and business development, said that the US and India are natural partners with shared interests across numerous political, economic and security issues.

The time is indeed now to lean into game-changing defence partnerships with India, global aerospace giant Lockheed Martin's top American executive has said. Vivek Lall, Lockheed Martin's vice president of strategy and business development, said that the US and India are natural partners with shared interests across numerous political, economic and security issues. A world-renowned aerospace and defence leader, he has been instrumental in several crucial India-US defence deals in the past one decade. He would be leading the executive delegation of the US-India Business Council (USIBC) to Aero-India show 2019 from February 20-24. "The time is indeed now to lean into game-changing defence partnerships. India-US ties are growing ever closer and we are very encouraged by the positive trend we're seeing in US-India relations, particularly on the defence and security front," Lall told PTI. "Dr Vivek Lall, Vice President of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics service is our leader this year and we are also pleased to have USIBC's new Chairman of our Defence and Aerospace Committee Mr Rich Weir of Northrop Grumman in attendance," USIBC said in a statement. Aero India is a wonderful opportunity for USIBC members and Lockheed Martin to meet with senior US and Indian government officials, participate in business-to-business networking activities and attend seminars that provide insights into the opportunities and challenges associated with doing business in India's aerospace and defence sector, Lall said. "Aero India is also an ideal venue to highlight Lockheed Martin's suite of security solutions and partnerships that support India's defence needs, Make in India and India-US ties," Lall said in response to a question. Officials from the US Department of Defence are also scheduled to attend the annual aero show in Bengaluru.

Time has come for game-changing defence pacts with India: Lockheed official 

US National Security Adviser John Bolton told his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval on Friday that America supports India's right to self-defence.

Bolton telephoned Doval Friday morning to express his condolences for the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pulwama-attack-india-slams-pakistan-yet-again-says-islamabad-cannot-claim-its-unaware-of-jem-presence-197702">terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir </a>and offered the US' full support to India in confronting terrorism.&nbsp;

"I told Ajit Doval today that we support India's right to self-defence. I have spoken to him twice, including this morning... And expressed the US' condolences over the terrorist attack,"&nbsp;he told.

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NSA Bolton offers all assistance to India to bring the perpetrators &amp; backer of the attack promptly to justice: MEA <a href="https://t.co/vnxqQkNaaZ">pic.twitter.com/vnxqQkNaaZ</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1096618893261656064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Bolton said the US has been very clear to Pakistan on ending support to terrorist safe havens.&nbsp;

"We have been very clear on that score... And, we are continuing to be in discussions we are going to have with the Pakistanis,"&nbsp;he said.&nbsp;

Earlier, the White House and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo asked Pakistan to end its support to terrorist safe havens inside the country.

"We stand with #India as it confronts terrorism. Pakistan must not provide safe haven for terrorists to threaten international security,"&nbsp;Pompeo said on Twitter.

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The U.S. condemns yesterday’s horrific terror attack on Indian security forces. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. We stand with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> as it confronts terrorism. Pakistan must not provide safe haven for terrorists to threaten international security.
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo/status/1096474341649403905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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In a stern message to Pakistan, the White House asked Islamabad to "immediately end" its "support" to all terror groups and not to provide "safe haven" to them, as the US condemned the brutal Pulwama terror attack claimed the lives of at least 40 CRPF soldiers.

Pakistan-based <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-terror-attack-nia-begins-investigation-7-detained-after-raids-197621">Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM)</a> has claimed responsibility for the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Thursday that left at least 40 CRPF soldiers dead and five others critically wounded.

"The United States calls on Pakistan to end immediately the support and safe haven provided to all terrorist groups operating on its soil, whose only goal is to sow chaos, violence, and terror in the region," White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said in a late night statement on Thursday.

US National Security Adviser John Bolton told his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval on Friday that America supports India's right to self-defence. Bolton telephoned Doval Friday morning to express his condolences for the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir and offered the US' full support to India in confronting terrorism.

US National Security Adviser John Bolton told his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval on Friday that America supports India's right to self-defence. Bolton telephoned Doval Friday morning to express his condolences for the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir and offered the US' full support to India in confronting terrorism. "I told Ajit Doval today that we support India's right to self-defence. I have spoken to him twice, including this morning... And expressed the US' condolences over the terrorist attack," he told. NSA Bolton offers all assistance to India to bring the perpetrators & backer of the attack promptly to justice: MEA pic.twitter.com/vnxqQkNaaZ — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) February 16, 2019 × Bolton said the US has been very clear to Pakistan on ending support to terrorist safe havens. "We have been very clear on that score... And, we are continuing to be in discussions we are going to have with the Pakistanis," he said. Earlier, the White House and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo asked Pakistan to end its support to terrorist safe havens inside the country. "We stand with #India as it confronts terrorism. Pakistan must not provide safe haven for terrorists to threaten international security," Pompeo said on Twitter. The U.S. condemns yesterday’s horrific terror attack on Indian security forces. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. We stand with #India as it confronts terrorism. Pakistan must not provide safe haven for terrorists to threaten international security. — Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) February 15, 2019 × In a stern message to Pakistan, the White House asked Islamabad to "immediately end" its "support" to all terror groups and not to provide "safe haven" to them, as the US condemned the brutal Pulwama terror attack claimed the lives of at least 40 CRPF soldiers. Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) has claimed responsibility for the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Thursday that left at least 40 CRPF soldiers dead and five others critically wounded. "The United States calls on Pakistan to end immediately the support and safe haven provided to all terrorist groups operating on its soil, whose only goal is to sow chaos, violence, and terror in the region," White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said in a late night statement on Thursday.

'We support India's right to self-defence': US NSA Bolton tells his Indian counterpart Doval

In a major decision, the Defence Acquisition Council &nbsp;(DAC) on Thursday approved indigenous construction of six submarines for the Indian navy, accounting for a total cost of Rs 40,000 crore.&nbsp;

The project comes under Defence Ministry's "strategic partnership" (SP) model that aims at providing significant filip to the government "Make in India" program. This is the second such project under the SP model.

SP model calls for indigenous manufacturing of major defence platforms by an Indian strategic partner who will collaborate with foriegn OEM to set up production faculty in the country.&nbsp;

Accrding to Defence ministry's release "model has a long term vision of promoting India as a manufacturing hub for defence equipment through tranfer if niche techologies and higher indigenous content thereby enhancing self sufficiency for meeting the future requirements of the armed forces."

The first project under the SP model was indigenous production of 111 naval utility helicopters in August 2018.&nbsp;

Construction of six submarines the defence ministry has said "is expected to provide a major boost to the existing submarine design and manufacturing eco system in India through tranfer of design and equipment technology as well as necessary skill set."

In a major decision, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on Thursday approved indigenous construction of six submarines for the Indian navy, accounting for a total cost of Rs 40,000 crore.

In a major decision, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on Thursday approved indigenous construction of six submarines for the Indian navy, accounting for a total cost of Rs 40,000 crore. The project comes under Defence Ministry's "strategic partnership" (SP) model that aims at providing significant filip to the government "Make in India" program. This is the second such project under the SP model. SP model calls for indigenous manufacturing of major defence platforms by an Indian strategic partner who will collaborate with foriegn OEM to set up production faculty in the country. Accrding to Defence ministry's release "model has a long term vision of promoting India as a manufacturing hub for defence equipment through tranfer if niche techologies and higher indigenous content thereby enhancing self sufficiency for meeting the future requirements of the armed forces." The first project under the SP model was indigenous production of 111 naval utility helicopters in August 2018. Construction of six submarines the defence ministry has said "is expected to provide a major boost to the existing submarine design and manufacturing eco system in India through tranfer of design and equipment technology as well as necessary skill set."

India approves indigenous construction of six submarines for Rs 40,000 crore

Ahead of the Interim Budget to be presented on February 1, defence experts are of the view that the government must increase its expenditure on the defence sector.

Defence analyst Swaran Singh said the defence budget is usually seen in comparison to India's neighbours.

“Last year, when Pakistan's defence budget went up by about 18 per cent, India`s defence budget went up only by about 5.5 per cent. This was seen as a matter of concern. Likewise, the Chinese defence budget is three times compared to our budget,” Singh told ANI.

“I want to underline that these are the only two countries of concern but defence budget has to keep other issues in mind and in that sense, it is important to see that what part of our total revenues are being allocated to National Defence,” he added.

Singh also said that currently, about 27 per cent of India's revenue is allocated for defence. "This is fairly impressive,” he said.

Meanwhile, defence expert SK Chatterjee opined that the defence budget must be made keeping in mind the “severe threat scenario.”

“The budget has to be made according to the threat scenario which is quite severe. However, as it is an election year, we cannot expect a huge jump in the allotment for defence in the next one year or so,” said Chatterjee.

“As I see we will not be getting enough funds for modernization of our defence while the Chinese are undergoing a huge modernisation exercise. They are cutting down on their manpower and investing in technology for the armed forces,” he added.&nbsp;

This will be the last Budget of the current BJP-led NDA government before the General Elections.

Ahead of the Interim Budget to be presented on February 1, defence experts are of the view that the government must increase its expenditure on the defence sector.

Ahead of the Interim Budget to be presented on February 1, defence experts are of the view that the government must increase its expenditure on the defence sector. Defence analyst Swaran Singh said the defence budget is usually seen in comparison to India's neighbours. “Last year, when Pakistan's defence budget went up by about 18 per cent, India`s defence budget went up only by about 5.5 per cent. This was seen as a matter of concern. Likewise, the Chinese defence budget is three times compared to our budget,” Singh told ANI. “I want to underline that these are the only two countries of concern but defence budget has to keep other issues in mind and in that sense, it is important to see that what part of our total revenues are being allocated to National Defence,” he added. Singh also said that currently, about 27 per cent of India's revenue is allocated for defence. "This is fairly impressive,” he said. Meanwhile, defence expert SK Chatterjee opined that the defence budget must be made keeping in mind the “severe threat scenario.” “The budget has to be made according to the threat scenario which is quite severe. However, as it is an election year, we cannot expect a huge jump in the allotment for defence in the next one year or so,” said Chatterjee. “As I see we will not be getting enough funds for modernization of our defence while the Chinese are undergoing a huge modernisation exercise. They are cutting down on their manpower and investing in technology for the armed forces,” he added. This will be the last Budget of the current BJP-led NDA government before the General Elections.

Union budget 2019: Defence experts pitch for an increase in funds

Ten years after the Mumbai terror attack, the Navy on Tuesday launched a first of its kind multi-agency drill, covering the entire 7,516 km-long Indian coastline and exclusive economic zone and involving 13 coastal states and Union Territories to check the efficacy of maritime security and surveillance.

Nearly 150 ships, 40 aircraft and a number of other strategic assets of the Navy and Coast Guard have been deployed as part of the 'Sea Vigil' exercise which is "unprecedented" in its scale and size, Navy officials said.

"The exercise aims to comprehensively and holistically validate the efficacy of the measures taken since the Mumbai terror attack," Navy Spokesperson Capt. D K Sharma said.&nbsp;

He said the scale of the two-day exercise is unprecedented in terms of the geographical extent, the number of stakeholders involved, the number of units participating and in terms of the objectives to be met.&nbsp;

The Indian Navy and the Coast Guard have taken a series of measures to bolster coastal security after the Mumbai terror attack in which over 166 people including 28 foreigners from 10 nations were killed by a group of Pakistani terrorists.&nbsp;

The terrorists had sneaked into Mumbai through the sea, arriving by boat from Karachi.

Post 26/11, the Indian Navy was designated as the agency responsible for overall maritime security, including offshore and coastal security.&nbsp;

Capt Sharma said the exercise aims to simultaneously activate the coastal security mechanism across all states and Union Territories.&nbsp;

"The exercise will cover a wide frontage covering for the first time in the entire coast of India, including island territories," he said.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

All stakeholders including marine police of various coastal states and fishermen were also involved in the exercise.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Evaluation of critical areas and processes, including inter-agency coordination, information sharing and technical surveillance will be undertaken during the drill.&nbsp;

"Exercise Sea Vigil will provide a realistic assessment of our strengths and weakness and this will certainly help further strengthening of maritime security and in turn national security," said Capt. Sharma.

The exercise is a build-up towards the major theatre level tri-service exercise TROPEX [Theatre-level Readiness Operational Exercise] which Indian Navy conducts every two years.

There have been biannual coastal security exercises at the level of states, but for the first time, an exercise involving all coastal states, island territories and all central and state agencies is being carried out.

The 'Sea Vigil' exercise is also being facilitated by the ministries of Defence, Home Affairs, Shipping, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Fisheries, Customs and state governments.

On the 10th anniversary of the Mumbai attack, Navy Chief Adm. Sunil Lanba had said that critical gaps and vulnerabilities in the country's coastal infrastructure have been addressed and that a robust surveillance network comprising 42 radar stations linked to a control centre headquartered Gurgaon has been put in place.

Ten years after the Mumbai terror attack, the Navy on Tuesday launched a first of its kind multi-agency drill, covering the entire 7,516 km-long Indian coastline and exclusive economic zone and involving 13 coastal states and Union Territories to check the efficacy of maritime security and surveillance.

Ten years after the Mumbai terror attack, the Navy on Tuesday launched a first of its kind multi-agency drill, covering the entire 7,516 km-long Indian coastline and exclusive economic zone and involving 13 coastal states and Union Territories to check the efficacy of maritime security and surveillance. Nearly 150 ships, 40 aircraft and a number of other strategic assets of the Navy and Coast Guard have been deployed as part of the 'Sea Vigil' exercise which is "unprecedented" in its scale and size, Navy officials said. "The exercise aims to comprehensively and holistically validate the efficacy of the measures taken since the Mumbai terror attack," Navy Spokesperson Capt. D K Sharma said. He said the scale of the two-day exercise is unprecedented in terms of the geographical extent, the number of stakeholders involved, the number of units participating and in terms of the objectives to be met. The Indian Navy and the Coast Guard have taken a series of measures to bolster coastal security after the Mumbai terror attack in which over 166 people including 28 foreigners from 10 nations were killed by a group of Pakistani terrorists. The terrorists had sneaked into Mumbai through the sea, arriving by boat from Karachi. Post 26/11, the Indian Navy was designated as the agency responsible for overall maritime security, including offshore and coastal security. Capt Sharma said the exercise aims to simultaneously activate the coastal security mechanism across all states and Union Territories. "The exercise will cover a wide frontage covering for the first time in the entire coast of India, including island territories," he said. All stakeholders including marine police of various coastal states and fishermen were also involved in the exercise. Evaluation of critical areas and processes, including inter-agency coordination, information sharing and technical surveillance will be undertaken during the drill. "Exercise Sea Vigil will provide a realistic assessment of our strengths and weakness and this will certainly help further strengthening of maritime security and in turn national security," said Capt. Sharma. The exercise is a build-up towards the major theatre level tri-service exercise TROPEX [Theatre-level Readiness Operational Exercise] which Indian Navy conducts every two years. There have been biannual coastal security exercises at the level of states, but for the first time, an exercise involving all coastal states, island territories and all central and state agencies is being carried out. The 'Sea Vigil' exercise is also being facilitated by the ministries of Defence, Home Affairs, Shipping, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Fisheries, Customs and state governments. On the 10th anniversary of the Mumbai attack, Navy Chief Adm. Sunil Lanba had said that critical gaps and vulnerabilities in the country's coastal infrastructure have been addressed and that a robust surveillance network comprising 42 radar stations linked to a control centre headquartered Gurgaon has been put in place.

Indian Navy carries out first mega coastal defence exercise

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-warns-malaysia-as-maritime-tensions-flare-190206&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiWg4eJiPffAhUbTo8KHebdDXEQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0YA-DS-tX4yrSekUAjrfay">Singapore</a> has chosen the F-35 warplane to replace its ageing fighter jets, opting for the US aircraft over <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-markets-china-trade-shock-rattles-european-stocks-commodities-190200&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjAqsSdiPffAhUDN48KHbFICrUQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0gMx50hyfiikCev7vv83tq">European and Chinese</a> models, the defence ministry said Friday.

The affluent city-state, which has one of Asia's best-equipped militaries, had earlier said it was evaluating Lockheed Martin's F-35 along with Europe's Eurofighter Typhoon and Chinese-made stealth warplanes.

"The F-16s will have to retire soon after 2030 and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter has been identified as the most suitable replacement to maintain the RSAF's (Republic of Singapore Air Force) capabilities," the ministry of defence said in a statement.

The ministry said the air force should first buy "a small number" of F-35s "for a full evaluation of their capabilities and suitability before deciding on a full fleet".

Australia, Japan, and South Korea are among countries in Asia-Pacific that have already acquired F-35s.

It took Singapore more than five years to make a decision on which planes to buy as they had to look carefully at specifications and what was needed, said Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen in a <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-removes-more-pages-accounts-with-russia-links-191006&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjK8uu0iPffAhXMYo8KHaOzDDYQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw21RFNHUbLDQahfAapSU6ib">Facebook </a>post.

"Our agencies will now have to speak to their US counterparts to move the process forward," Ng said, adding it could be up to a year before any planes are purchased.

The F-16s are due to be taken out of service in around 10 years' time, meaning it was time to acquire their replacement and begin training pilots, he said.

The F-35 is a supersonic plane whose advanced stealth characteristic allow pilots to avoid detection by radars, according to Lockheed Martin.&nbsp;

Its advanced electronic warfare capabilities enable F-35 pilots to locate and track enemy forces, jam radars and disrupt attacks.

The Singapore military also has F-15 fighter jets, Apache helicopters, and submarines in its arsenal.

Singapore has chosen the F-35 warplane to replace its ageing fighter jets, opting for the US aircraft over European and Chinese models, the defence ministry said Friday.

Singapore has chosen the F-35 warplane to replace its ageing fighter jets, opting for the US aircraft over European and Chinese models, the defence ministry said Friday. The affluent city-state, which has one of Asia's best-equipped militaries, had earlier said it was evaluating Lockheed Martin's F-35 along with Europe's Eurofighter Typhoon and Chinese-made stealth warplanes. "The F-16s will have to retire soon after 2030 and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter has been identified as the most suitable replacement to maintain the RSAF's (Republic of Singapore Air Force) capabilities," the ministry of defence said in a statement. The ministry said the air force should first buy "a small number" of F-35s "for a full evaluation of their capabilities and suitability before deciding on a full fleet". Australia, Japan, and South Korea are among countries in Asia-Pacific that have already acquired F-35s. It took Singapore more than five years to make a decision on which planes to buy as they had to look carefully at specifications and what was needed, said Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen in a Facebook post. "Our agencies will now have to speak to their US counterparts to move the process forward," Ng said, adding it could be up to a year before any planes are purchased. The F-16s are due to be taken out of service in around 10 years' time, meaning it was time to acquire their replacement and begin training pilots, he said. The F-35 is a supersonic plane whose advanced stealth characteristic allow pilots to avoid detection by radars, according to Lockheed Martin. Its advanced electronic warfare capabilities enable F-35 pilots to locate and track enemy forces, jam radars and disrupt attacks. The Singapore military also has F-15 fighter jets, Apache helicopters, and submarines in its arsenal.

Singapore picks US F-35 fighter jet over Europe, China rivals Singapore

Maldivian defence minister Mariya Didi will be in India from January 23 to 30. This is her first visit after taking charge as country's defence minister under&nbsp;Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's government in November of 2018.

Speaking exclusively to WION from Male she said, "It is my first trip to India as the Maldivian Minister for Defence and I look forward to fruitful discussions with my Indian counterpart Hon Nirmala Sitharaman. As someone who believes in gender equality, I am excited. I understand this is the first time in the history of the region that there is going to be a meeting between two female defence ministers.”

On security cooperation, she said, “From time immemorial we have traditionally enjoyed close ties with India. I believe it is in our respective self-interest to continue to do so. Our security co-operation helps to keep us safe and combats a variety of problems from fish poaching to piracy and smuggling."

Her visit comes a month after Maldivian foreign minister Abdulla Shahid and President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih visited India, making her trip the third&nbsp;high-level visit from the new Maldivian government.

During President Solih's India visit in December, India had announced financial assistance up to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-president-solihs-visit-maldives-resets-india-first-policy-india-reciprocates-with-14-bn-aid-package-184877">$1.4 billion to the island nation</a>.

Relations under former president Abdulla Yameen's administration and New Delhi had suffered, especially since Yameen junked 'Ïndia First'&nbsp;policy for a pro-Beijing policy. Yameen even wanted New Delhi to take back 2 helicopters it had gifted. Speaking to WION, immediately after taking charge, Mariya had said the helicopters will not be given back and "It’s not in our culture to ask neighbours to take back what they give."

PM Modi had visited the&nbsp;Maldives in November 2018 to take part in the swearing-in ceremony of President Solih. During the bilateral meeting, both the leaders agreed on the "importance of maintaining peace and security in the Indian Ocean" and "being mindful of each other’s concerns and aspirations for the stability of the region."

Maldivian defence minister Mariya Didi will be in India from January 23 to 30. This is her first visit after taking charge as country's defence minister under Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's government in November of 2018.

Maldivian defence minister Mariya Didi will be in India from January 23 to 30. This is her first visit after taking charge as country's defence minister under Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's government in November of 2018. Speaking exclusively to WION from Male she said, "It is my first trip to India as the Maldivian Minister for Defence and I look forward to fruitful discussions with my Indian counterpart Hon Nirmala Sitharaman. As someone who believes in gender equality, I am excited. I understand this is the first time in the history of the region that there is going to be a meeting between two female defence ministers.” On security cooperation, she said, “From time immemorial we have traditionally enjoyed close ties with India. I believe it is in our respective self-interest to continue to do so. Our security co-operation helps to keep us safe and combats a variety of problems from fish poaching to piracy and smuggling." Her visit comes a month after Maldivian foreign minister Abdulla Shahid and President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih visited India, making her trip the third high-level visit from the new Maldivian government. During President Solih's India visit in December, India had announced financial assistance up to $1.4 billion to the island nation. Relations under former president Abdulla Yameen's administration and New Delhi had suffered, especially since Yameen junked 'Ïndia First' policy for a pro-Beijing policy. Yameen even wanted New Delhi to take back 2 helicopters it had gifted. Speaking to WION, immediately after taking charge, Mariya had said the helicopters will not be given back and "It’s not in our culture to ask neighbours to take back what they give." PM Modi had visited the Maldives in November 2018 to take part in the swearing-in ceremony of President Solih. During the bilateral meeting, both the leaders agreed on the "importance of maintaining peace and security in the Indian Ocean" and "being mindful of each other’s concerns and aspirations for the stability of the region."

India-Maldives security cooperation keeps us safe: Maldivian defence minister to WION

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-record-long-government-shutdown-could-be-resolved-in-15-minutes-189918&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjKgMqX-PPfAhWLq48KHXyuCvYQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1yApEN-FzcRkC040UDwpmM">US President Donald Trump</a> is due to unveil a revamped US missile defence strategy on Thursday that looks at ways to boost America's security, including by possibly deploying a new layer of space-based sensors to detect and track enemy missiles.

The Missile Defense Review will also recommend studying experimental technologies, including prospects for space-based weaponry that might be able to shoot down enemy missiles - a throwback to Ronald Reagan's so-called "Star Wars" initiative in the 1980s.

"Space, I think, is the key to the next step of missile defence," a senior Trump administration official told reporters ahead of the document's release on Thursday, speaking on condition of anonymity.

"A space-based layer of sensors is something we are looking at to help get early warning and tracking and discrimination of missiles when they are launched."

The official stressed that the viability of space-based missile defence weaponry was only being studied and no decisions had been made.&nbsp;

The investments come on top of previously announced the US plans to increase the number of ground-based interceptors over the next several years, hiking the number positioned at Fort Greely, Alaska to 64 from 44.&nbsp;

US military officials have long stressed that America's missile defences are primarily designed to counter attacks from countries with more limited arsenals, like North Korea, which US&nbsp;intelligence officials believe is still advancing its nuclear program despite a halt to missile launches last year.

For Trump, who is trying to revive efforts to persuade <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/east-asia/north-korean-official-heads-for-talks-in-sweden-report-190463&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjbn_ir-PPfAhWPT30KHWQMDSEQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3m8cjV8utF4hWoBessNdOc">North Korea</a> to abandon its nuclear arsenal, the report's release comes at an awkward moment.

Three North Korean officials, including the top envoy involved in talks with the United States, are booked on a flight to Washington, suggesting possible movement toward a second summit between Trump and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-seeks-to-up-ante-with-xi-summit-analysts-189006&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjslurg-PPfAhWHLY8KHT30AEYQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0aG8cXAzGcB-SLTdFoIDPl">North Korean leader Kim Jong Un</a>, according to South Korean media.

It was unclear to what extent the report would single out North Korea. But the senior Trump administration official suggested it would at least be mentioned.

Trump, who is due to speak at the Pentagon, declared in June that the North no longer posed a nuclear threat, buoyed by optimism following his landmark summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore.

Pentagon officials contend that US missiles defences are too few to be able to counter a first-strike on the US homeland by a major nuclear power, like Russia or China. Washington hopes those countries will instead be deterred from attacks by America's nuclear arsenal.

Still, Russia views US missile defence advances as a threat and Trump's report is likely to stoke tensions with Moscow.

China, in turn, has also alarmed the Pentagon with advances in super-fast "hypersonic" technology, which could allow Beijing to field missiles that are far harder to detect.

In a report earlier this week that singled out the hypersonic threat, the Pentagon warned China's military was "on the verge of fielding some of the most modern weapon systems in the world."

"In some areas, it already leads the world," the report said.

US officials, including Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Michael Griffin, believe a space-based sensor layer could help detect missiles moving at hypersonic speeds. 
&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump is due to unveil a revamped US missile defence strategy on Thursday that looks at ways to boost America's security, including by possibly deploying a new layer of space-based sensors to detect and track enemy missiles.

US President Donald Trump is due to unveil a revamped US missile defence strategy on Thursday that looks at ways to boost America's security, including by possibly deploying a new layer of space-based sensors to detect and track enemy missiles. The Missile Defense Review will also recommend studying experimental technologies, including prospects for space-based weaponry that might be able to shoot down enemy missiles - a throwback to Ronald Reagan's so-called "Star Wars" initiative in the 1980s. "Space, I think, is the key to the next step of missile defence," a senior Trump administration official told reporters ahead of the document's release on Thursday, speaking on condition of anonymity. "A space-based layer of sensors is something we are looking at to help get early warning and tracking and discrimination of missiles when they are launched." The official stressed that the viability of space-based missile defence weaponry was only being studied and no decisions had been made. The investments come on top of previously announced the US plans to increase the number of ground-based interceptors over the next several years, hiking the number positioned at Fort Greely, Alaska to 64 from 44. US military officials have long stressed that America's missile defences are primarily designed to counter attacks from countries with more limited arsenals, like North Korea, which US intelligence officials believe is still advancing its nuclear program despite a halt to missile launches last year. For Trump, who is trying to revive efforts to persuade North Korea to abandon its nuclear arsenal, the report's release comes at an awkward moment. Three North Korean officials, including the top envoy involved in talks with the United States, are booked on a flight to Washington, suggesting possible movement toward a second summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, according to South Korean media. It was unclear to what extent the report would single out North Korea. But the senior Trump administration official suggested it would at least be mentioned. Trump, who is due to speak at the Pentagon, declared in June that the North no longer posed a nuclear threat, buoyed by optimism following his landmark summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore. Pentagon officials contend that US missiles defences are too few to be able to counter a first-strike on the US homeland by a major nuclear power, like Russia or China. Washington hopes those countries will instead be deterred from attacks by America's nuclear arsenal. Still, Russia views US missile defence advances as a threat and Trump's report is likely to stoke tensions with Moscow. China, in turn, has also alarmed the Pentagon with advances in super-fast "hypersonic" technology, which could allow Beijing to field missiles that are far harder to detect. In a report earlier this week that singled out the hypersonic threat, the Pentagon warned China's military was "on the verge of fielding some of the most modern weapon systems in the world." "In some areas, it already leads the world," the report said. US officials, including Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Michael Griffin, believe a space-based sensor layer could help detect missiles moving at hypersonic speeds.

Trump's new missile defence strategy eyes space-based sensors

The United States is closely watching Chinese intentions toward Taiwan, concerned that Beijing's growing military prowess may increase the risk it could one day consider bringing the self-ruled island under its control by force, a US official said on Tuesday.

The senior US defence intelligence official, who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity, did not predict that China's military, known as the People's Liberation Army (PLA), would take such a step but said such a possibility was the top worry as <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/china-already-leads-the-world-in-some-military-technology-pentagon-report-190597&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwitkoHo0vHfAhUW3Y8KHdmXDXgQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2plz0va-glQArWFANWel6q">China </a>expands and modernizes its military capabilities.

"The biggest concern is that ... they are getting to a point where the PLA leadership may actually tell Xi Jinping that they are confident in their capabilities," the official said, referring to China's president.

Pressed on whether the official was referring to Chinese confidence in its capabilities to be able to successfully win a battle with Taiwan, the official said, "Well, specifically that would be the most concerning to me."

Taiwan is only one of a growing number of flashpoints in the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/world-economy-to-slow-this-year-due-to-us-china-trade-conflict-world-bank-189112&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwih_paA0_HfAhVJXSsKHbDCDWAQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0Gtz0a361tP0-nlu0XAStT">US-China relationship</a>, including a trade war between the countries, US sanctions on the Chinese military, and China's increasingly muscular military posture in the South China Sea.

However, in meetings with Pentagon leaders, PLA officials have long described Taiwan as China's most sensitive issue.

China has repeatedly sent military aircraft and ships to circle the island on drills in the past few years and worked to isolate the island internationally, whittling down its few remaining diplomatic allies.

It has also strongly objected to US warship passages through the Taiwan Strait this year and issued a terse warning about Taiwan after talks in Beijing on Tuesday with the US Navy`s top officer, Admiral John Richardson.

WHATEVER IT TAKES

In the talks, Chinese General Li Zuocheng, chief of China’s Central Military Commission Joint Staff Department, stressed that Taiwan was "China's internal affairs" and that Beijing would allow "no external interference."

"If someone tries to split Taiwan from China, the Chinese military will do whatever it takes to safeguard national reunification, national sovereignty, and territorial integrity," according to an English-language statement by China's defence ministry on the talks.

Washington has no formal ties with Taiwan but is bound by law to help it defend itself and is the island’s main source of arms. The Pentagon says Washington has sold Taiwan more than $15 billion in weaponry since 2010.

Xi has stepped up pressure on the democratic island since Tsai Ing-wen from the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party became president in 2016.

On January 2, Xi said in a speech that China reserved the right to use force to bring Taiwan under its control but would strive to achieve peaceful "reunification."

Still, the US defence intelligence official cautioned against over-reacting, noting Xi could believe he has plenty of time to achieve reunification with Taiwan.

The official also cautioned that China`s military still faced gaps in its capabilities.

"They could order them to go today, but I don't think they're particularly confident in that capability," the official said.&nbsp;

Also on Tuesday, the Defense Intelligence Agency released a report describing Taiwan as the "primary driver" for China's military modernization, which it said had made major advances in recent years.

US defence officials have become particularly alarmed about China's advances in super-fast "hypersonic" technology, which could allow it to field missiles that are far harder to detect.&nbsp;

"The result ... is a PLA on the verge of fielding some of the most modern weapon systems in the world. In some areas, it already leads the world," the report said.

The United States is closely watching Chinese intentions toward Taiwan, concerned that Beijing's growing military prowess may increase the risk it could one day consider bringing the self-ruled island under its control by force, a US official said on Tuesday.

The United States is closely watching Chinese intentions toward Taiwan, concerned that Beijing's growing military prowess may increase the risk it could one day consider bringing the self-ruled island under its control by force, a US official said on Tuesday. The senior US defence intelligence official, who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity, did not predict that China's military, known as the People's Liberation Army (PLA), would take such a step but said such a possibility was the top worry as China expands and modernizes its military capabilities. "The biggest concern is that ... they are getting to a point where the PLA leadership may actually tell Xi Jinping that they are confident in their capabilities," the official said, referring to China's president. Pressed on whether the official was referring to Chinese confidence in its capabilities to be able to successfully win a battle with Taiwan, the official said, "Well, specifically that would be the most concerning to me." Taiwan is only one of a growing number of flashpoints in the US-China relationship, including a trade war between the countries, US sanctions on the Chinese military, and China's increasingly muscular military posture in the South China Sea. However, in meetings with Pentagon leaders, PLA officials have long described Taiwan as China's most sensitive issue. China has repeatedly sent military aircraft and ships to circle the island on drills in the past few years and worked to isolate the island internationally, whittling down its few remaining diplomatic allies. It has also strongly objected to US warship passages through the Taiwan Strait this year and issued a terse warning about Taiwan after talks in Beijing on Tuesday with the US Navy`s top officer, Admiral John Richardson. WHATEVER IT TAKES In the talks, Chinese General Li Zuocheng, chief of China’s Central Military Commission Joint Staff Department, stressed that Taiwan was "China's internal affairs" and that Beijing would allow "no external interference." "If someone tries to split Taiwan from China, the Chinese military will do whatever it takes to safeguard national reunification, national sovereignty, and territorial integrity," according to an English-language statement by China's defence ministry on the talks. Washington has no formal ties with Taiwan but is bound by law to help it defend itself and is the island’s main source of arms. The Pentagon says Washington has sold Taiwan more than $15 billion in weaponry since 2010. Xi has stepped up pressure on the democratic island since Tsai Ing-wen from the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party became president in 2016. On January 2, Xi said in a speech that China reserved the right to use force to bring Taiwan under its control but would strive to achieve peaceful "reunification." Still, the US defence intelligence official cautioned against over-reacting, noting Xi could believe he has plenty of time to achieve reunification with Taiwan. The official also cautioned that China`s military still faced gaps in its capabilities. "They could order them to go today, but I don't think they're particularly confident in that capability," the official said. Also on Tuesday, the Defense Intelligence Agency released a report describing Taiwan as the "primary driver" for China's military modernization, which it said had made major advances in recent years. US defence officials have become particularly alarmed about China's advances in super-fast "hypersonic" technology, which could allow it to field missiles that are far harder to detect. "The result ... is a PLA on the verge of fielding some of the most modern weapon systems in the world. In some areas, it already leads the world," the report said.

US eyes Taiwan risk as China's military capabilities grow

Pakistan Army on Thursday test-fired the recently inducted long-range air defence weapon system, LY-80.&nbsp;

The firing by the air defence weapon system was displayed during the concluding day of the two-week event of Exercise Al Bayza-2019, an army spokesman said.

Pakistani Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan witnessed the display by the army of its firepower capability at air defence firing ranges near Karachi.

"Hallmark of the event was first-ever fire by recently inducted Long Range Air Defence Weapon System LY-80. Induction of LY-80 has realized the concept of a comprehensive, layered and integrated air defence capability with enhanced lethality," the spokesman said.

Interacting with the officers and troops, Bajwa said LY 80 has greatly enhanced air defence capability of the Army's air defence, while strengthening it at the&nbsp;national level along with Pakistan Air Force, the overall custodian of the defence of country's air space.

Pakistan Army on Thursday test-fired the recently inducted long-range air defence weapon system, LY-80. The firing by the air defence weapon system was displayed during the concluding day of the two-week event of Exercise Al Bayza-2019, an army spokesman said.

Pakistan Army on Thursday test-fired the recently inducted long-range air defence weapon system, LY-80. The firing by the air defence weapon system was displayed during the concluding day of the two-week event of Exercise Al Bayza-2019, an army spokesman said. Pakistani Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan witnessed the display by the army of its firepower capability at air defence firing ranges near Karachi. "Hallmark of the event was first-ever fire by recently inducted Long Range Air Defence Weapon System LY-80. Induction of LY-80 has realized the concept of a comprehensive, layered and integrated air defence capability with enhanced lethality," the spokesman said. Interacting with the officers and troops, Bajwa said LY 80 has greatly enhanced air defence capability of the Army's air defence, while strengthening it at the national level along with Pakistan Air Force, the overall custodian of the defence of country's air space.

Pak Army test-fires long range air defence weapon system

In a major step towards bolstering its defence power, India has approved defence purchase of 3,000 crore rupees with Russia, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

The Defence Acquisition Council has approved the defence procurement deal which includes BrahMos missiles and the construction of two Indian ships, to be built in Russia, as primary weapons.

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Defence Acquisition Council approves defence procurement of about Rs 3000 cr including Brahmos Missiles for two Indian ships to be built in Russia as primary weapon on board. DRDO designed &amp; developed Armoured Recovery Vehicles also approved for procurement for Army's MBT Arjun. <a href="https://t.co/WLgyQ5gfdB">pic.twitter.com/WLgyQ5gfdB</a>
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The approval has also been made for the procurement of DRDO-developed Armoured Recovery Vehicles for Army's MBT Arjun.

India and Russia concluded the $ 5 billion S-400 air defence system deal early in October this year.

More than 80 per cent of India's military equipment was of Soviet origin during the days of the Cold War, but since its breakup, New Delhi has diversified its weaponry.

In a major step towards bolstering its defence power, India has approved defence purchase of 3,000 crore rupees with Russia, news agency ANI reported. The Defence Acquisition Council has approved the defence procurement deal which includes BrahMos missiles and the construction of two Indian ships, to be built in Russia, as primary weapons.

In a major step towards bolstering its defence power, India has approved defence purchase of 3,000 crore rupees with Russia, news agency ANI reported. The Defence Acquisition Council has approved the defence procurement deal which includes BrahMos missiles and the construction of two Indian ships, to be built in Russia, as primary weapons. Defence Acquisition Council approves defence procurement of about Rs 3000 cr including Brahmos Missiles for two Indian ships to be built in Russia as primary weapon on board. DRDO designed & developed Armoured Recovery Vehicles also approved for procurement for Army's MBT Arjun. pic.twitter.com/WLgyQ5gfdB — ANI (@ANI) December 1, 2018 × The approval has also been made for the procurement of DRDO-developed Armoured Recovery Vehicles for Army's MBT Arjun. India and Russia concluded the $ 5 billion S-400 air defence system deal early in October this year. More than 80 per cent of India's military equipment was of Soviet origin during the days of the Cold War, but since its breakup, New Delhi has diversified its weaponry.

India bolsters defence power, approves purchase of Rs 3,000 crore with Russia

Britain's armed forces are making contingency plans for how they could support the country if Britain leaves the European Union without a deal, senior British defence officials said on Sunday.

Asked what role the armed forces could play if there was a 'no deal' Brexit, British defence minister Tobias Ellwood said: "The armed forces stand ready to support Britain on a practical basis"

"There are contingency plans being made, there are discussions being held behind the scenes as to what support our armed forces will do," Ellwood said on the 'Ridge on Sunday' television programme.

"With the transition from Brexit, if there is a requirement to provide assistance we're looking right across the full spectrum of requirements to make sure that we are prepared."

Earlier, the chief of Britain's defence staff General Sir Nicholas Carter said the armed forces were making "sensible" contingency plans on Brexit and other issues.

Asked if the army was making preparations for a no deal Brexit, Carter said: "What we always do is make sensible contingency plans for all sorts of eventualities .... at this stage, I think people are confident there will be a deal, if there's not one then we stand ready to help in any way we can."

Britain's armed forces are making contingency plans for how they could support the country if Britain leaves the European Union without a deal, senior British defence officials said on Sunday.

Britain's armed forces are making contingency plans for how they could support the country if Britain leaves the European Union without a deal, senior British defence officials said on Sunday. Asked what role the armed forces could play if there was a 'no deal' Brexit, British defence minister Tobias Ellwood said: "The armed forces stand ready to support Britain on a practical basis" "There are contingency plans being made, there are discussions being held behind the scenes as to what support our armed forces will do," Ellwood said on the 'Ridge on Sunday' television programme. "With the transition from Brexit, if there is a requirement to provide assistance we're looking right across the full spectrum of requirements to make sure that we are prepared." Earlier, the chief of Britain's defence staff General Sir Nicholas Carter said the armed forces were making "sensible" contingency plans on Brexit and other issues. Asked if the army was making preparations for a no deal Brexit, Carter said: "What we always do is make sensible contingency plans for all sorts of eventualities .... at this stage, I think people are confident there will be a deal, if there's not one then we stand ready to help in any way we can."

Britain's armed forces making contingency plans for 'no deal' Brexit: Defence officials

Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today said that India will take any peace-seeking comment seriously. Sitharaman's statement came in the wake of Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa 'peace' comment.&nbsp;

Bajwa, earlier this month, had come up with ways that would help Pakistan achieve peace and prosperity. He called for military cooperations with India.&nbsp;

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Any comment on wanting peace will definitely be taken seriously: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on if India will take Pakistan Army chief general Qamar Javed Bajwa 'peace' comment seriously <a href="https://t.co/OMB6EeUEos">pic.twitter.com/OMB6EeUEos</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/998435775548018689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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As per a report by UK-based think-tank Royal Unites Services Institute (RUSI), General Bajwa had recently invited Sanjay Vishwasrao, the Indian military attache, and his team to the Pakistan Day military parade in Islamabad in March.&nbsp;

After two weeks, General Bajwa reportedly said that he wanted peace and dialogue with India, "Only through comprehensive and meaningful dialogue a solution could be found for the disputes between the two countries", Bajwa was quoted by European think-tank European Foundation for South Asian Studies (EFSAS).

The article, published in the think-tank, also stated that New Delhi has been reluctant to meet&nbsp;Bajwa halfway with respect to his peace-seeking efforts.&nbsp;

An article published in a UK-based think-tank also stated that New Delhi has been reluctant to meet Bajwa halfway with respect to his peace-seeking efforts

Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today said that India will take any peace-seeking comment seriously. Sitharaman's statement came in the wake of Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa 'peace' comment. Bajwa, earlier this month, had come up with ways that would help Pakistan achieve peace and prosperity. He called for military cooperations with India. Any comment on wanting peace will definitely be taken seriously: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on if India will take Pakistan Army chief general Qamar Javed Bajwa 'peace' comment seriously pic.twitter.com/OMB6EeUEos — ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2018 × As per a report by UK-based think-tank Royal Unites Services Institute (RUSI), General Bajwa had recently invited Sanjay Vishwasrao, the Indian military attache, and his team to the Pakistan Day military parade in Islamabad in March. After two weeks, General Bajwa reportedly said that he wanted peace and dialogue with India, "Only through comprehensive and meaningful dialogue a solution could be found for the disputes between the two countries", Bajwa was quoted by European think-tank European Foundation for South Asian Studies (EFSAS). The article, published in the think-tank, also stated that New Delhi has been reluctant to meet Bajwa halfway with respect to his peace-seeking efforts.

Any comment on wanting peace will be taken seriously: Nirmala Sithraman on Pak Army chief's 'peace' efforts

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will arrive in New Delhi on Saturday, to expand overall ties between the two countries with a key focus on defence and security, counter-terror cooperation, trade and investment and ways to tackle climate change.&nbsp;

Trudeau will be on a seven-day visit to New Delhi starting today.

Earlier, the National security advisers of both countries met and prepared the groundwork for Trudeau and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to expand the defence and security ties.&nbsp;

India is also expected to raise the concern over rising Sikh radicalism in certain parts of Canada.

On trade, the media reports said that Canadian investments in India were likely to decline in absence of a mechanism to protect them.

Besides meeting PM Modi, Trudeau accompanied by his wife and three children will also visit Agra, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Amritsar.&nbsp;

Trudeau will be on a seven-day visit to New Delhi

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will arrive in New Delhi on Saturday, to expand overall ties between the two countries with a key focus on defence and security, counter-terror cooperation, trade and investment and ways to tackle climate change. Trudeau will be on a seven-day visit to New Delhi starting today. Earlier, the National security advisers of both countries met and prepared the groundwork for Trudeau and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to expand the defence and security ties. India is also expected to raise the concern over rising Sikh radicalism in certain parts of Canada. On trade, the media reports said that Canadian investments in India were likely to decline in absence of a mechanism to protect them. Besides meeting PM Modi, Trudeau accompanied by his wife and three children will also visit Agra, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Amritsar.

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau to begin 7-day India tour today

Finance minister Arun Jaitley presented the much-anticipated Union Budget 2018 on February 1st.&nbsp;&nbsp;

One of the major takeaways from his speech was his high-profile plan to create the &ldquo;world&#39;s largest health insurance programme&rdquo;. The Budget allocated maximum resources towards the agriculture and rural sector in India.&nbsp;

This is also being seen as a test for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to maintain fiscal discipline without stifling economic growth ahead of general elections next year.&nbsp;

But, another key pointer in the finance minister&rsquo;s speech was the allocation towards the defence sector.&nbsp;

An outlay of Rs 2.95 lakh crore was set aside for the defence budget for the next fiscal which is an increase of 7.81% over last year&#39;s Rs 2.74 lakh crore.&nbsp;

With the ever-increasing number of ceasefire violations along the LoC, the capital outlay for the three defence services &ndash; Army, Navy &amp; Air Force -&nbsp; for purchase of new weapons, aircraft, warships and other military hardware has been pegged at Rs 99,947 crore making the total amount allotted towards defence at of Rs 2,95,511 crore from Rs 2,74,114 crore last year.&nbsp;

However, the Indian Air Force capital budget was 46% lower than its requirements, the Indian Army&rsquo;s was 41% and the Indian Navy&rsquo;s was 32%, reports said.&nbsp;

A measly revision in the defence sector, also considering the present situation with Pakistan and China, is a crushing reminder of the need for developing the military. Also, the defence outlay works out to just about 1.58% of the projected GDP for 2018-19 -&nbsp; the lowest figure since the 1962 war with China.&nbsp;

India is the fifth largest military spender in the world and also the largest importer of arms. About 13% of the world&#39;s total imports between 2012-2016 were by India, a report by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute stated.

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India fifth-largest military spender. Source: SIPRI (Twitter)
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&nbsp;

A throwback to 1961 - the year before the India-China war reveals India&rsquo;s defence expenditure was Rs 266.72 crores, however, in 1962 &ndash; the year of war - the defence services budget was only increased by Rs 1.7 crore.&nbsp;

The year after the Sino-India war, the then Finance Minister Morarji R Desai decided to allocate a whopping amount of Rs 708.51 crore in defence out of the total revenue expenditure of Rs 1852.40 crores.&nbsp;

Low spending on defence has often been cited as the main reason for India&#39;s lack of defence preparedness, leading to its defeat against China in 1962.&nbsp;

Cut to 1964, the year before Indo-Pakistan war, of the total revenue expenditure of Rs 2,041 crores, an amount of Rs 718 crores was allocated for the defence services.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In 1965, the year of the war, the increase in revenue was Rs 29 crores from 1964 figure, this was the year when the National Defence Remittance Scheme was also introduced.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&quot;Honourable Members will also appreciate that while it has always been our policy to restrict expenditure on defence to the maximum extent possible so as to conserve all possible sources for securing the well-being of our people, we cannot afford to take any chances with the security of the nation, devoted though we are to the cause of peace&quot; the FM Sachindra Chaudhuri was quoted saying in his speech in 1966.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In 1970, the military budget stood at 2.9% of the total GDP which drastically rose to 3.417% in 1971, the year of India-Pakistan war.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the preceding year, the military budget was 3.4% (a miniscule revision). In 1974 though, the budget drastically dropped to 2.995% of the total GDP.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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Military expenditure (% of GDP). Source: World Bank (Others)
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See a pattern?&nbsp;&nbsp;

The usual thinking in the government is that only when there is a war the defence budget should be increased. Otherwise, no focus is laid in this sector, it is not given much priority.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Moreover, since the last three years, there has actually been a decline in budget allocation for capital investments against requirements, or &ldquo;projections&rdquo; in the official sense, a factor that could delay procurement and modernization of the armed forces, according to a report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee On Defence 2017-18.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&quot;Funds allocated (each year) under the budget estimate have been reduced at the revised estimate stage by the ministry of finance, broadly on the pretext of trend of expenditure at that point of time,&quot; the defence ministry said in its response to questions by the Parliamentary committee.&nbsp;

&quot;Though there has been under-utilisation of capital budget with regards to budget estimate (except in 2016-17), there has been either excess expenditure or more than 99 percent utilisation when compared to final grant,&quot; it said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This even as India and China were close to a faceoff in Doklam. Moreover, deaths due to terrorist violence increased 30 per cent in Jammu &amp; Kashmir &mdash; from 267 in 2016 to 347 in 2017 (December).&nbsp;&nbsp;

With just a 7.81% increase in the defence budget, the modernisation of the services cannot be supported. It also means that the policy and acquisition decisions which have been taken will not be executed.
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Source: SIPRI (Twitter)
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The major worry for the army during a war would be a shortage of ammunition. The army faces 40% shortage of ammunition &mdash; 61 of 152 types of ammunition was in critical level &mdash; to fight a 10-day long war, according to a CAG report.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&ldquo;Transformation in defence production requires higher allocation. If the government is keen on promoting &lsquo;Make in India&rsquo; in defence production then there has to be a proper infrastructure creation for that and that requires huge money. When you are operating under a low budget then all your mega acquisition plans become severely constrained,&rdquo; said Vikram Mahajan, Director (Defence and Aerospace), US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF).
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Source: ChinaPower (Others)
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Experts added that what ultimately needs to be done is to ensure that India&#39;s military can face a high-tech Chinese Army, especially when China&#39;s 2017 defence budget stands at $152 billion (Rs 9.75 lakh crore).&nbsp;&nbsp;

This would naturally call for stricter action towards defence expenditure through the years but historical facts and the timelines have also proven that there has not been enough inclination towards India&rsquo;s defense needs.&nbsp;
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An outlay of Rs 2.95 lakh crore was set aside for the defence budget for the next fiscal which is an increase of 7.81% over last year's Rs 2.74 lakh crore

Finance minister Arun Jaitley presented the much-anticipated Union Budget 2018 on February 1st. One of the major takeaways from his speech was his high-profile plan to create the “world's largest health insurance programme”. The Budget allocated maximum resources towards the agriculture and rural sector in India. This is also being seen as a test for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to maintain fiscal discipline without stifling economic growth ahead of general elections next year. But, another key pointer in the finance minister’s speech was the allocation towards the defence sector. An outlay of Rs 2.95 lakh crore was set aside for the defence budget for the next fiscal which is an increase of 7.81% over last year's Rs 2.74 lakh crore. With the ever-increasing number of ceasefire violations along the LoC, the capital outlay for the three defence services – Army, Navy & Air Force - for purchase of new weapons, aircraft, warships and other military hardware has been pegged at Rs 99,947 crore making the total amount allotted towards defence at of Rs 2,95,511 crore from Rs 2,74,114 crore last year. However, the Indian Air Force capital budget was 46% lower than its requirements, the Indian Army’s was 41% and the Indian Navy’s was 32%, reports said. A measly revision in the defence sector, also considering the present situation with Pakistan and China, is a crushing reminder of the need for developing the military. Also, the defence outlay works out to just about 1.58% of the projected GDP for 2018-19 - the lowest figure since the 1962 war with China. India is the fifth largest military spender in the world and also the largest importer of arms. About 13% of the world's total imports between 2012-2016 were by India, a report by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute stated. India fifth-largest military spender. Source: SIPRI (Twitter) × A throwback to 1961 - the year before the India-China war reveals India’s defence expenditure was Rs 266.72 crores, however, in 1962 – the year of war - the defence services budget was only increased by Rs 1.7 crore. The year after the Sino-India war, the then Finance Minister Morarji R Desai decided to allocate a whopping amount of Rs 708.51 crore in defence out of the total revenue expenditure of Rs 1852.40 crores. Low spending on defence has often been cited as the main reason for India's lack of defence preparedness, leading to its defeat against China in 1962. Cut to 1964, the year before Indo-Pakistan war, of the total revenue expenditure of Rs 2,041 crores, an amount of Rs 718 crores was allocated for the defence services. In 1965, the year of the war, the increase in revenue was Rs 29 crores from 1964 figure, this was the year when the National Defence Remittance Scheme was also introduced. "Honourable Members will also appreciate that while it has always been our policy to restrict expenditure on defence to the maximum extent possible so as to conserve all possible sources for securing the well-being of our people, we cannot afford to take any chances with the security of the nation, devoted though we are to the cause of peace" the FM Sachindra Chaudhuri was quoted saying in his speech in 1966. In 1970, the military budget stood at 2.9% of the total GDP which drastically rose to 3.417% in 1971, the year of India-Pakistan war. In the preceding year, the military budget was 3.4% (a miniscule revision). In 1974 though, the budget drastically dropped to 2.995% of the total GDP. Military expenditure (% of GDP). Source: World Bank (Others) × See a pattern? The usual thinking in the government is that only when there is a war the defence budget should be increased. Otherwise, no focus is laid in this sector, it is not given much priority. Moreover, since the last three years, there has actually been a decline in budget allocation for capital investments against requirements, or “projections” in the official sense, a factor that could delay procurement and modernization of the armed forces, according to a report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee On Defence 2017-18. "Funds allocated (each year) under the budget estimate have been reduced at the revised estimate stage by the ministry of finance, broadly on the pretext of trend of expenditure at that point of time," the defence ministry said in its response to questions by the Parliamentary committee. "Though there has been under-utilisation of capital budget with regards to budget estimate (except in 2016-17), there has been either excess expenditure or more than 99 percent utilisation when compared to final grant," it said. This even as India and China were close to a faceoff in Doklam. Moreover, deaths due to terrorist violence increased 30 per cent in Jammu & Kashmir — from 267 in 2016 to 347 in 2017 (December). With just a 7.81% increase in the defence budget, the modernisation of the services cannot be supported. It also means that the policy and acquisition decisions which have been taken will not be executed. Source: SIPRI (Twitter) × The major worry for the army during a war would be a shortage of ammunition. The army faces 40% shortage of ammunition — 61 of 152 types of ammunition was in critical level — to fight a 10-day long war, according to a CAG report. “Transformation in defence production requires higher allocation. If the government is keen on promoting ‘Make in India’ in defence production then there has to be a proper infrastructure creation for that and that requires huge money. When you are operating under a low budget then all your mega acquisition plans become severely constrained,” said Vikram Mahajan, Director (Defence and Aerospace), US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF). Source: ChinaPower (Others) × Experts added that what ultimately needs to be done is to ensure that India's military can face a high-tech Chinese Army, especially when China's 2017 defence budget stands at $152 billion (Rs 9.75 lakh crore). This would naturally call for stricter action towards defence expenditure through the years but historical facts and the timelines have also proven that there has not been enough inclination towards India’s defense needs.

Jaitley's defence outlay in Union Budget is lowest since India-China 1962 war

Japan is to acquire medium-range, air-launched cruise missiles, capable of striking North Korea, a controversial purchase of what will become the longest-range munitions of a country that has renounced the right to wage war.

Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera did not refer to North Korea when announcing the planned acquisition and said the new missiles would be for defence, with Japan still relying on the United States to strike any enemy bases.

&quot;We are planning to introduce the JSM (Joint Strike Missile) that will be mounted on the F-35A (stealth fighter) as &#39;stand-off&#39;&nbsp;missiles that can be fired beyond the range of enemy threats,&quot; Onodera told a news conference.&nbsp;

Japan is also looking to mount Lockheed Martin Corp&#39;s extended-range Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM-ER) on its F-15 fighters, he said.

The JSM, designed by Norway&#39;s Kongsberg Defence &amp; Aerospace, has a range of 500 km (310 miles). The JASSM-ER can hit targets 1,000 km away.

The purchase plan is likely to face criticism from opposition parties in parliament, especially from politicians wary of the watering down of Japan&#39;s renunciation of the right to wage war enshrined in its post-World War Two constitution.

But the growing threat posed by North Korean ballistic missiles has spurred calls from politicians, including Onodera, for a more robust military that could deter North Korea from launching an attack. 
Japan&#39;s missile force has been limited to anti-aircraft and anti-ship munitions with ranges of less than 300 km (186 miles).&nbsp;

The change suggests the growing threat posed by North Korea has given proponents of a strike capability the upper hand in military planning.

North Korea has recently test-fired ballistic missiles over Japan and last week tested a new type of intercontinental ballistic missile that climbed to an altitude of more than 4,000 km before splashing into the sea within Japan`s exclusive economic zone.&nbsp;

Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera did not refer to North Korea when announcing the planned acquisition and said the new missiles would be for defence, with Japan still relying on the United States to strike any enemy bases

Japan is to acquire medium-range, air-launched cruise missiles, capable of striking North Korea, a controversial purchase of what will become the longest-range munitions of a country that has renounced the right to wage war. Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera did not refer to North Korea when announcing the planned acquisition and said the new missiles would be for defence, with Japan still relying on the United States to strike any enemy bases. "We are planning to introduce the JSM (Joint Strike Missile) that will be mounted on the F-35A (stealth fighter) as 'stand-off' missiles that can be fired beyond the range of enemy threats," Onodera told a news conference. Japan is also looking to mount Lockheed Martin Corp's extended-range Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM-ER) on its F-15 fighters, he said. The JSM, designed by Norway's Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, has a range of 500 km (310 miles). The JASSM-ER can hit targets 1,000 km away. The purchase plan is likely to face criticism from opposition parties in parliament, especially from politicians wary of the watering down of Japan's renunciation of the right to wage war enshrined in its post-World War Two constitution. But the growing threat posed by North Korean ballistic missiles has spurred calls from politicians, including Onodera, for a more robust military that could deter North Korea from launching an attack. Japan's missile force has been limited to anti-aircraft and anti-ship munitions with ranges of less than 300 km (186 miles). The change suggests the growing threat posed by North Korea has given proponents of a strike capability the upper hand in military planning. North Korea has recently test-fired ballistic missiles over Japan and last week tested a new type of intercontinental ballistic missile that climbed to an altitude of more than 4,000 km before splashing into the sea within Japan`s exclusive economic zone.

Japan to acquire air-launched missiles able to strike North Korea

A Syrian rescue service operating in rebel-held territory said on Tuesday that a helicopter dropped containers of toxic&nbsp;gas&nbsp;overnight on a town close to where a Russian military helicopter was shot down hours earlier. 
 
The opposition Syrian National Coalition (SNC) accused President Bashar al Assad of being behind the attack. Assad has denied previous accusations of using chemical weapons. 
 
A spokesman for the Syria Civil Defence said 33 people, mostly women and children, were affected by the&nbsp;gas, which they suspect was chlorine, in Saraqeb, in rebel-held Idlib province. 
 
The group, which describes itself as a neutral band of search and rescue volunteers, posted a video on YouTube apparently showing a number of men struggling to breathe and being given oxygen masks by people in civil defence uniforms. 
 
&quot;Medium-sized barrels fell containing toxic&nbsp;gasses. The Syrian Civil Defence was not able to determine the type of the&nbsp;gas,&quot; said the spokesman. 
 
The Syrian government and its Russian allies were not immediately available for comment.&nbsp;The SNC said in a statement: &quot;After shelling, besieging and killing civilians and perpetrating war crimes on them, the Assad regime has resorted once again, and in breach of UN resolutions 2118 and 2235, to using chemical substances and toxic&nbsp;gasses.&nbsp;The daily reality confirms that all the international agreements and previous security council decisions, be they about chemical weapons or otherwise, are meaningless for the Assad regime.&quot; 
 
The Civil Defence spokesman said it was the second time Saraqeb had been hit by toxic&nbsp;gas. The group was aware of around nine suspected chlorine&nbsp;gas&nbsp;incidents across Idlib province since the conflict began, he said.&nbsp;Monitors at the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which tracks violence on all sides in the civil war, said barrel bombs fell on Saraqeb late on Monday, wounding a large number of citizens. 
 
Russia&#39;s defence ministry said a Russian helicopter was shot down near Saraqeb during the day on Monday, killing all five people on board, in the biggest officially acknowledged loss of life for Russian forces since they started operations in Syria. 
 
 
Denials 
 
The helicopter came down roughly mid-way between Aleppo and Russia&#39;s main air base at Khmeimim in the western province of Latakia, near the Mediterranean coast. 
 
Russian air power began supporting Syrian President Bashar al Assad late last year, an intervention which tipped the balance of the war in Assad&#39;s favour, eroding gains the rebels had made that year.&nbsp;The Russian defence ministry said the Mi-8 military transport helicopter was shot down after delivering humanitarian aid to Aleppo as it made its way back to Khmeimim.&nbsp;No group has claimed responsibility for downing the helicopter. 
 
Government and opposition forces have both denied using chemical weapons during the five-year-old civil war. Western powers say the government has been responsible for chlorine and other chemical attacks. The government and Russia have accused rebels of using poison&nbsp;gas. 
 
UN&nbsp;investigators established that sarin&nbsp;gas&nbsp;was used in Eastern Ghouta in 2013. The United States accused Damascus of that attack, which it estimates killed 1,429 people, including at least 426 children. Damascus denied responsibility, and blamed rebels. 
 
Later that year the United Nations and the Syrian government agreed to destroy the state&#39;s declared stockpile of chemical weapons, a process completed in January 2016. 
 
The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons confirmed in late 2015 that sulphur mustard, commonly known as mustard&nbsp;gas, had been used for the first time in the conflict, without saying which party in the many-sided conflict it thought had used it. 
 
(Reuters)

The Civil Defence spokesman said it was the second time Saraqeb had been hit by toxic gas

A Syrian rescue service operating in rebel-held territory said on Tuesday that a helicopter dropped containers of toxic gas overnight on a town close to where a Russian military helicopter was shot down hours earlier. The opposition Syrian National Coalition (SNC) accused President Bashar al Assad of being behind the attack. Assad has denied previous accusations of using chemical weapons. A spokesman for the Syria Civil Defence said 33 people, mostly women and children, were affected by the gas, which they suspect was chlorine, in Saraqeb, in rebel-held Idlib province. The group, which describes itself as a neutral band of search and rescue volunteers, posted a video on YouTube apparently showing a number of men struggling to breathe and being given oxygen masks by people in civil defence uniforms. "Medium-sized barrels fell containing toxic gasses. The Syrian Civil Defence was not able to determine the type of the gas," said the spokesman. The Syrian government and its Russian allies were not immediately available for comment. The SNC said in a statement: "After shelling, besieging and killing civilians and perpetrating war crimes on them, the Assad regime has resorted once again, and in breach of UN resolutions 2118 and 2235, to using chemical substances and toxic gasses. The daily reality confirms that all the international agreements and previous security council decisions, be they about chemical weapons or otherwise, are meaningless for the Assad regime." The Civil Defence spokesman said it was the second time Saraqeb had been hit by toxic gas. The group was aware of around nine suspected chlorine gas incidents across Idlib province since the conflict began, he said. Monitors at the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which tracks violence on all sides in the civil war, said barrel bombs fell on Saraqeb late on Monday, wounding a large number of citizens. Russia's defence ministry said a Russian helicopter was shot down near Saraqeb during the day on Monday, killing all five people on board, in the biggest officially acknowledged loss of life for Russian forces since they started operations in Syria. Denials The helicopter came down roughly mid-way between Aleppo and Russia's main air base at Khmeimim in the western province of Latakia, near the Mediterranean coast. Russian air power began supporting Syrian President Bashar al Assad late last year, an intervention which tipped the balance of the war in Assad's favour, eroding gains the rebels had made that year. The Russian defence ministry said the Mi-8 military transport helicopter was shot down after delivering humanitarian aid to Aleppo as it made its way back to Khmeimim. No group has claimed responsibility for downing the helicopter. Government and opposition forces have both denied using chemical weapons during the five-year-old civil war. Western powers say the government has been responsible for chlorine and other chemical attacks. The government and Russia have accused rebels of using poison gas. UN investigators established that sarin gas was used in Eastern Ghouta in 2013. The United States accused Damascus of that attack, which it estimates killed 1,429 people, including at least 426 children. Damascus denied responsibility, and blamed rebels. Later that year the United Nations and the Syrian government agreed to destroy the state's declared stockpile of chemical weapons, a process completed in January 2016. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons confirmed in late 2015 that sulphur mustard, commonly known as mustard gas, had been used for the first time in the conflict, without saying which party in the many-sided conflict it thought had used it. (Reuters)

Rescuers say toxic gas dropped on Syrian town where Russian helicopter was shot down

Indian defence minister Manohar Parrikar is visiting Tambaram air base near the city of Chennai, in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, today to monitor the search operations for the missing Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft AN-32. 
 
The plane went missing yesterday while flying from Chennai to Port Blair,&nbsp;the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar chain of islands,&nbsp;with 29 people on board. 
 
The&nbsp;spokesperson of the Indian Navy, Captain DK Sharma said, the air force, navy and coast guard are engaged in intensive search operations to locate the aircraft. 
 
As per reports, INS Jalashwa is expected to reach the area today to assist in the search operations. 
 
The AN-32 are being used by the IAF to carry the personnel of the army, navy and the air force and coast guard and defence civilians posted in India&#39;s only integrated command in Andaman and Nicobar. 
 
They also carry tonnes of materials like food items and medicines. 
 
This is the first time an AN-32 has disappeared over the Bay of Bengal. 
 
Apart from the navy, coast guard and air force, the Tamil Nadu coastal police have also participated in the search operations. 
 
Defence authorities have already informed the families of the six crew members and the other 23 personnel. A submarine has also rushed to the probable area. 
 
The signals of the locator beacon of the aircraft hold the key to the search operation. 
 
(ANI)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Manohar Parrikar has reached Tambaram air base near the city of Chennai. The air force, navy and coast guard are engaged in intensive search

Indian defence minister Manohar Parrikar is visiting Tambaram air base near the city of Chennai, in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, today to monitor the search operations for the missing Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft AN-32. The plane went missing yesterday while flying from Chennai to Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar chain of islands, with 29 people on board. The spokesperson of the Indian Navy, Captain DK Sharma said, the air force, navy and coast guard are engaged in intensive search operations to locate the aircraft. As per reports, INS Jalashwa is expected to reach the area today to assist in the search operations. The AN-32 are being used by the IAF to carry the personnel of the army, navy and the air force and coast guard and defence civilians posted in India's only integrated command in Andaman and Nicobar. They also carry tonnes of materials like food items and medicines. This is the first time an AN-32 has disappeared over the Bay of Bengal. Apart from the navy, coast guard and air force, the Tamil Nadu coastal police have also participated in the search operations. Defence authorities have already informed the families of the six crew members and the other 23 personnel. A submarine has also rushed to the probable area. The signals of the locator beacon of the aircraft hold the key to the search operation. (ANI)

Missing Air Force plane: India's defence minister to monitor search ops

India&#39;s defence procurement agency has cleared a proposal to buy 145 M777 Ultra Lightweight Howitzer artillery guns from BAE Systems, a British multinational defence, security and aerospace company, in a deal worth an estimated $750 million, a defence ministry source said today. 
 
Under the deal, 120 of the 145 guns will be assembled in India, said the source, who asked not to be identified in line with defence ministry rules. 
 
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to upgrade the country&#39;s military hardware by replenishing its range of artillery weapons after years of delays in ordering new equipment. 
 
But Modi wants deals with foreign companies to include the setting up of factories and plants in India to boost the local industry. 
 
BAE said in February it had chosen Indian conglomerate Mahindra Group to build a plant for the assembly of Howitzer artillery guns it hopes to sell to India. 
 
The source said the proposal would soon be communicated to the United States, where BAE manufactures the weapons. 
 
(Reuters)

Worth an estimated $750 million, India's defence procurement agency will buy M777 Ultra Lightweight Howitzer artillery guns from BAE Systems

India's defence procurement agency has cleared a proposal to buy 145 M777 Ultra Lightweight Howitzer artillery guns from BAE Systems, a British multinational defence, security and aerospace company, in a deal worth an estimated $750 million, a defence ministry source said today. Under the deal, 120 of the 145 guns will be assembled in India, said the source, who asked not to be identified in line with defence ministry rules. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to upgrade the country's military hardware by replenishing its range of artillery weapons after years of delays in ordering new equipment. But Modi wants deals with foreign companies to include the setting up of factories and plants in India to boost the local industry. BAE said in February it had chosen Indian conglomerate Mahindra Group to build a plant for the assembly of Howitzer artillery guns it hopes to sell to India. The source said the proposal would soon be communicated to the United States, where BAE manufactures the weapons. (Reuters)

India clears deal to buy 145 artillery guns from British security firm

Teenage recruits into the Australian military were forced to rape each other, often as part of brutal initiation practices, a public inquiry into child sex abuse heard on Tuesday. 
? 
The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sex Abuse has already examined churches, sports bodies and the entertainment industry with its focus now on the Australian Defence Force (ADF) 
 
The spotlight is on two former training establishments used from the 1960s to 1980s -- HMAS Leeuwin in Western Australia where junior naval recruits were trained, and an army apprentice school at Balcombe in Victoria state. 
 
Counsel assisting the inquiry Angus Stewart said the commission had been contacted by 111 people about incidents of child sexual abuse within the ADF -- and 50 of these involved either Leeuwin or Balcombe. 
 
Survivors giving evidence to the inquiry would reveal that they were sexually abused during their first six months at Leeuwin, when they were 15 or 16 years old, he said.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;The Royal Commission will hear that most of the abuse was perpetrated by older recruits as part of an informal hierarchy in which older recruits physically and sexually abused more junior recruits as part of ritualised practices of &#39;bastardisation&#39; &nbsp;that were designed to &#39; break in&#39; &nbsp;and humiliate new entrants to the navy,&quot; he said.&nbsp; 
 
This bullying included &quot;blackballing&quot; or &quot;nuggeting&quot; in which a junior recruit was held down as boot polish or toothpaste was smeared on his private parts, sometimes with a harsh brush, and &quot;gotcha&quot; in which a recruit&#39;s private parts were grabbed, usually while they showered. 
 
Another practice was the &quot;royal flush&quot; in which junior recruits held the head of one of their number in a used toilet bowl and flushed. 
 
&quot;The survivors will give evidence that they were subjected to serious forms of sexual abuse, including fondling of the genitals, masturbation, oral sex, and anal penetration by a penis or other object,&quot; Stewart said. 
 
Survivors rarely reported the crimes, overcome by shame and fear, while those who did have claimed they were not believed or were told such experiences were &quot;a rite of passage&quot;, he said. 
 
One survivor, known as CJA, &quot;will give evidence that he was regularly forced to perform and receive oral and anal sex on other junior recruits during his first six months at Leeuwin&quot;. 
 
CJA, who was 16 at the time in 1967, would tell the inquiry that his complaints went nowhere and he was described as a troublemaker, Stewart said. 
 
Survivors from Balcombe, where apprentices were often as young as 15, were subject to similar practices as those at Leeuwin, the inquiry heard. 
 
The Australian military has been subject to two major inquiries into abuse over the last five years, with complaints dating from the 1940s. The ADF has since embarked on cultural reforms. 
(AFP)

Survivors have given evidence of sexual abuse to the inquiry in two former training establishments that operated from the 1960s to 1980s

Teenage recruits into the Australian military were forced to rape each other, often as part of brutal initiation practices, a public inquiry into child sex abuse heard on Tuesday. ? The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sex Abuse has already examined churches, sports bodies and the entertainment industry with its focus now on the Australian Defence Force (ADF) The spotlight is on two former training establishments used from the 1960s to 1980s -- HMAS Leeuwin in Western Australia where junior naval recruits were trained, and an army apprentice school at Balcombe in Victoria state. Counsel assisting the inquiry Angus Stewart said the commission had been contacted by 111 people about incidents of child sexual abuse within the ADF -- and 50 of these involved either Leeuwin or Balcombe. Survivors giving evidence to the inquiry would reveal that they were sexually abused during their first six months at Leeuwin, when they were 15 or 16 years old, he said. "The Royal Commission will hear that most of the abuse was perpetrated by older recruits as part of an informal hierarchy in which older recruits physically and sexually abused more junior recruits as part of ritualised practices of 'bastardisation' that were designed to ' break in' and humiliate new entrants to the navy," he said. This bullying included "blackballing" or "nuggeting" in which a junior recruit was held down as boot polish or toothpaste was smeared on his private parts, sometimes with a harsh brush, and "gotcha" in which a recruit's private parts were grabbed, usually while they showered. Another practice was the "royal flush" in which junior recruits held the head of one of their number in a used toilet bowl and flushed. "The survivors will give evidence that they were subjected to serious forms of sexual abuse, including fondling of the genitals, masturbation, oral sex, and anal penetration by a penis or other object," Stewart said. Survivors rarely reported the crimes, overcome by shame and fear, while those who did have claimed they were not believed or were told such experiences were "a rite of passage", he said. One survivor, known as CJA, "will give evidence that he was regularly forced to perform and receive oral and anal sex on other junior recruits during his first six months at Leeuwin". CJA, who was 16 at the time in 1967, would tell the inquiry that his complaints went nowhere and he was described as a troublemaker, Stewart said. Survivors from Balcombe, where apprentices were often as young as 15, were subject to similar practices as those at Leeuwin, the inquiry heard. The Australian military has been subject to two major inquiries into abuse over the last five years, with complaints dating from the 1940s. The ADF has since embarked on cultural reforms. (AFP)

Australian defence recruits forced to rape each other: Inquiry

The Indian government on Monday radically liberalised the foreign direct investment (FDI) regime with the objective of providing major impetus to employment and job creation in India, as 100 per cent FDI was approved in the sectors of aviation, food, defence and pharmaceuticals. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Modi hailed a sweeping liberalisation of rules on foreign direct investment on Monday, saying they will make Asia&#39;s third-largest economy the most open in the world. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
&quot;Key reform decisions were taken at a high level meeting chaired by the PM, which makes India the most open economy in the world for FDI,&quot; Modi said in a tweet. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
In a second tweet, he said the changes would provide a &quot;major impetus to employment and job creation in India.&quot; &nbsp; 
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
It has now been decided to permit 100% FDI under government approval route for trading, including through e-commerce (1/2)
&mdash; PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/744826441750163456">June 20, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script> 
This is the second major reform after the last radical changes announced in November 2015. Now most of the sectors will be under the automatic approval route except a small negative list. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Launching the second set of liberalisation of foreign investments, the government relaxed the norms in host of sectors including single brand retail trade (SBTR), broadcasting carriage services, private security agencies and animal husbandry.&nbsp; 
Welcoming the landmark decision to open up the FDI regime, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) said the relaxation of local sourcing norms under single brand retail trading for advanced technology products would encourage global brands to build up their participation in the country.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Taken together, the FDI rules announced today will attract big new investments across key sectors such as food processing, defence production, pharmaceuticals and civil aviation, among others, thereby adding to growth and employment,&quot; Director General of CII Chandrajit Banerjee said in a statement.&nbsp; 
 
Changes introduced in the policy include increase in sectoral caps, bringing more activities under the automatic route and easing of conditionality for foreign investment. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
These amendments seek to further simplify the regulations governing FDI in the country and make India an attractive destination for foreign investors. &nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
It was decided to permit 100 per cent FDI under government approval route for trading, including through e-commerce, in respect of food products manufactured or produced in India. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
In the defence sector, foreign investment beyond 49 per cent has now been permitted through government approval route, in cases resulting in access to modern technology in the country or for other reasons to be recorded. The condition of access to &#39;state-of-the-art&#39; technology in the country has been done away with. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
FDI limit for defence sector has also been made applicable to Manufacturing of Small Arms and Ammunitions covered under the Arms Act, 1959, of India. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
For private security agencies, FDI up to 49 per cent permitted under automatic route and FDI beyond 49 per cent and up to 74 per cent will be permitted through the government approval route. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The extant FDI policy on pharmaceutical sector provides for 100 per cent FDI under automatic route in greenfield pharma and FDI up to 100 per cent under government approval in brownfield pharma. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The extant policy on airports permits 100 per cent FDI under the automatic route in Greenfield Projects and 74 per cent FDI in Brownfield Projects under automatic route. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
With a view to aid in modernisation of the existing airports to establish a high standard and help ease the pressure on the existing airports, it has been decided to permit 100 per cent FDI under automatic route in Brownfield Airport projects. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
As per the existing FDI policy, foreign investment up to 49 per cent is allowed under automatic route in scheduled air transport service/domestic scheduled passenger airline and regional air transport service. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
It has now been decided to raise this limit to 100 per cent, with FDI up to 49 per cent permitted under automatic route and FDI beyond 49 per cent through government approval. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Monday&#39;s amendments to the FDI policy are meant to liberalise and simplify the FDI policy so as to provide ease of doing business in the country leading to larger FDI inflows contributing to growth of investment, incomes and employment. &nbsp;&nbsp; 
India&#39;s economic affairs secretary Shaktikanta Das said the manufacturing sector and job generation will get a boost with dual clearances no longer needed. &nbsp; 
 
&quot;With this liberalisation, we expect manufacturing activity to come in, more activity in defence products. The driving force behind the whole thing is that all this investment should facilitate creation of jobs,&quot; he told reporters here.&nbsp; 
The decision on FDI liberalisation was a follow-up to the decisions which were taken last November when a whole lot of reforms were announced. &nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Wherever approval is given by the regulator, the companies will not need to the approach the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) for clearance,&quot; he said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
(Agencies) &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Foreign direct investment will be possible in sectors like food, defence, pharmaceuticals and aviation through the automatic approval route

The Indian government on Monday radically liberalised the foreign direct investment (FDI) regime with the objective of providing major impetus to employment and job creation in India, as 100 per cent FDI was approved in the sectors of aviation, food, defence and pharmaceuticals. The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. Modi hailed a sweeping liberalisation of rules on foreign direct investment on Monday, saying they will make Asia's third-largest economy the most open in the world. "Key reform decisions were taken at a high level meeting chaired by the PM, which makes India the most open economy in the world for FDI," Modi said in a tweet. In a second tweet, he said the changes would provide a "major impetus to employment and job creation in India." It has now been decided to permit 100% FDI under government approval route for trading, including through e-commerce (1/2) — PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 20, 2016 This is the second major reform after the last radical changes announced in November 2015. Now most of the sectors will be under the automatic approval route except a small negative list. Launching the second set of liberalisation of foreign investments, the government relaxed the norms in host of sectors including single brand retail trade (SBTR), broadcasting carriage services, private security agencies and animal husbandry. Welcoming the landmark decision to open up the FDI regime, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) said the relaxation of local sourcing norms under single brand retail trading for advanced technology products would encourage global brands to build up their participation in the country. "Taken together, the FDI rules announced today will attract big new investments across key sectors such as food processing, defence production, pharmaceuticals and civil aviation, among others, thereby adding to growth and employment," Director General of CII Chandrajit Banerjee said in a statement. Changes introduced in the policy include increase in sectoral caps, bringing more activities under the automatic route and easing of conditionality for foreign investment. These amendments seek to further simplify the regulations governing FDI in the country and make India an attractive destination for foreign investors. It was decided to permit 100 per cent FDI under government approval route for trading, including through e-commerce, in respect of food products manufactured or produced in India. In the defence sector, foreign investment beyond 49 per cent has now been permitted through government approval route, in cases resulting in access to modern technology in the country or for other reasons to be recorded. The condition of access to 'state-of-the-art' technology in the country has been done away with. FDI limit for defence sector has also been made applicable to Manufacturing of Small Arms and Ammunitions covered under the Arms Act, 1959, of India. For private security agencies, FDI up to 49 per cent permitted under automatic route and FDI beyond 49 per cent and up to 74 per cent will be permitted through the government approval route. The extant FDI policy on pharmaceutical sector provides for 100 per cent FDI under automatic route in greenfield pharma and FDI up to 100 per cent under government approval in brownfield pharma. The extant policy on airports permits 100 per cent FDI under the automatic route in Greenfield Projects and 74 per cent FDI in Brownfield Projects under automatic route. With a view to aid in modernisation of the existing airports to establish a high standard and help ease the pressure on the existing airports, it has been decided to permit 100 per cent FDI under automatic route in Brownfield Airport projects. As per the existing FDI policy, foreign investment up to 49 per cent is allowed under automatic route in scheduled air transport service/domestic scheduled passenger airline and regional air transport service. It has now been decided to raise this limit to 100 per cent, with FDI up to 49 per cent permitted under automatic route and FDI beyond 49 per cent through government approval. Monday's amendments to the FDI policy are meant to liberalise and simplify the FDI policy so as to provide ease of doing business in the country leading to larger FDI inflows contributing to growth of investment, incomes and employment. India's economic affairs secretary Shaktikanta Das said the manufacturing sector and job generation will get a boost with dual clearances no longer needed. "With this liberalisation, we expect manufacturing activity to come in, more activity in defence products. The driving force behind the whole thing is that all this investment should facilitate creation of jobs," he told reporters here. The decision on FDI liberalisation was a follow-up to the decisions which were taken last November when a whole lot of reforms were announced. "Wherever approval is given by the regulator, the companies will not need to the approach the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) for clearance," he said. (Agencies)

Radical reform: India allows 100% FDI in key sectors

North Korea hacked into more than 140,000 computers at 160 South Korean firms and government agencies, planting malicious code under a long-term plan laying groundwork for a massive cyber attack against its rival.

The hacking originated from an IP address traced to the North Korean capital and targeted network management software that is widely used by private companies and government agencies, police said, declining to identify the software.

The IP address was identical to one used in a 2013 cyber attack against South Korean banks and broadcasters that froze computer systems for more than a week.

South Korea has been on high-alert against cyber attacks by the North after Pyongyang conducted a nuclear test in January and a long-range rocket launch in February that led to new UN&nbsp;sanctions.

The North has always denied wrongdoing.

In the most recent case, documents stolen from the two conglomerates included blueprints for the wings of F-15 fighter jets.

Of the more than 42,000 materials stolen, more than 40,000 were defence-related.

South Korean media said the two conglomerates were the SK and Hanjin groups, but police declined to confirm that.

A spokesman at SK Holdings said four group affiliates were affected by the hacking but they worked with the police to quickly close the breach and the leaked documents were not classified.

A spokesman at Korean Air Lines, part of Hanjin Group, said the documents leaked from its network were not classified and no other group affiliates were affected.

A Defence Ministry official said none of the defence-related materials stolen was secret and there was no security breach.

The hacking began in 2014 and was detected in February&nbsp;after North Korea managed to steal information from two conglomerates including defence-related material, South Korea&#39;s police cyber investigation unit said.

&quot;There is a high possibility that the North aimed to cause confusion on a national scale by launching a simultaneous attack after securing many targets of cyber terror, or intended to continuously steal industrial and military secrets,&quot; the unit&nbsp;said.

The hackers took no action after gaining control of servers and computers at some corporate groups and waited&nbsp;as they continued to hack into more targets in what police said was likely an effort to build the scale of a planned attack.

Reclusive North Korea and the rich, democratic South are technically still at war because their 1950-53 conflict ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty. The North regularly threatens to destroy the South and its main ally, the United States.

In March, the South&#39;s spy agency said it had intercepted an attempt to hack into South Korean computer networks to attack the transport system&#39;s control network, blaming the North for the attempt.

The United States accused North Korea of a cyber attack against Sony Pictures in 2014 that led to the studio cancelling the release of a comedy based on the fictional assassination of leader Kim Jong Un. North Korea denied the accusation. South Korea blamed the North for that attack, and the North denied responsibility.

Police said they worked with the affected companies and agencies to neutralise the malicious codes and prevent them from being used in a large-scale cyber attack.

The cyber-attack involved a theft of 42,000+ South Korean official documents with 95% of them being defence-related

North Korea hacked into more than 140,000 computers at 160 South Korean firms and government agencies, planting malicious code under a long-term plan laying groundwork for a massive cyber attack against its rival. The hacking originated from an IP address traced to the North Korean capital and targeted network management software that is widely used by private companies and government agencies, police said, declining to identify the software. The IP address was identical to one used in a 2013 cyber attack against South Korean banks and broadcasters that froze computer systems for more than a week. South Korea has been on high-alert against cyber attacks by the North after Pyongyang conducted a nuclear test in January and a long-range rocket launch in February that led to new UN sanctions. The North has always denied wrongdoing. In the most recent case, documents stolen from the two conglomerates included blueprints for the wings of F-15 fighter jets. Of the more than 42,000 materials stolen, more than 40,000 were defence-related. South Korean media said the two conglomerates were the SK and Hanjin groups, but police declined to confirm that. A spokesman at SK Holdings said four group affiliates were affected by the hacking but they worked with the police to quickly close the breach and the leaked documents were not classified. A spokesman at Korean Air Lines, part of Hanjin Group, said the documents leaked from its network were not classified and no other group affiliates were affected. A Defence Ministry official said none of the defence-related materials stolen was secret and there was no security breach. The hacking began in 2014 and was detected in February after North Korea managed to steal information from two conglomerates including defence-related material, South Korea's police cyber investigation unit said. "There is a high possibility that the North aimed to cause confusion on a national scale by launching a simultaneous attack after securing many targets of cyber terror, or intended to continuously steal industrial and military secrets," the unit said. The hackers took no action after gaining control of servers and computers at some corporate groups and waited as they continued to hack into more targets in what police said was likely an effort to build the scale of a planned attack. Reclusive North Korea and the rich, democratic South are technically still at war because their 1950-53 conflict ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty. The North regularly threatens to destroy the South and its main ally, the United States. In March, the South's spy agency said it had intercepted an attempt to hack into South Korean computer networks to attack the transport system's control network, blaming the North for the attempt. The United States accused North Korea of a cyber attack against Sony Pictures in 2014 that led to the studio cancelling the release of a comedy based on the fictional assassination of leader Kim Jong Un. North Korea denied the accusation. South Korea blamed the North for that attack, and the North denied responsibility. Police said they worked with the affected companies and agencies to neutralise the malicious codes and prevent them from being used in a large-scale cyber attack.

North Korea hacks South Korea

India and the US welcomed preparations that could lead to the building of six nuclear reactors in India by US-based Westinghouse, in what would be the culmination of some 10 years of work to resolve civil-nuclear issues. 
 
The joint statement said India and the US&nbsp;Export-Import Bank were working to complete a financing package for the project and that the Nuclear Power Corporation of India and Westinghouse had confirmed engineering and site design work would begin immediately. 
 
It said Westinghouse and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India would work toward finalizing the contract by June 2017 - a year later than Westinghouse&#39;s chief executive&nbsp;Daniel Roderick&nbsp;said he had hoped for.&nbsp; 
 
The text of a logistics agreement, which will allow the countries&#39; militaries to&nbsp;use each other&#39;s land, air and naval bases, would be signed soon, a US&nbsp;official said. 
 
Modi&nbsp;told an event organized by the US&nbsp;India Business Council that relations between India and the United States were &quot;closer than ever&quot;. He said the planned reactor purchases would mark new era in nuclear and scientific cooperation. 
 
Modi&#39;s address to a joint session of Congress will be a significant personal step. Although this has become a&nbsp;tradition for Indian prime ministers, he was once banned from the United States for his alleged involvement in 2002 Gujarat riots. 
 
More than 1,000 people, mostly Muslims, were killed in sectarian riots in Gujarat in 2002 when Modi&nbsp;had just become the state&#39;s chief minister.&nbsp;Modi&nbsp;has denied any wrongdoing, and India&#39;s Supreme Court in 2010 ruled there was no case. 
 
In the joint statement, the United States said it now recognized India as a &quot;Major Defence Partner&quot; and would work on technology sharing &quot;to a level commensurate with that of its closest allies and partners&quot;. 
 
Tensions between the United States and Pakistan, as well as regional concerns about China,&nbsp;have served as a backdrop to increased security cooperation. 
 
Senator John McCain, chairman of the US&nbsp;Senate Armed Services Committee, said the address to Congress was &quot;entirely appropriate&quot; given the new partnership. 
 
&quot;There&rsquo;s no doubt there are significant tensions and challenges in the region, which argues for closer coordination between our militaries,&quot; he said. 
 
While&nbsp;Modi&nbsp;is generally popular with the US&nbsp;lawmakers, they criticize what they see as lingering unfriendliness to US&nbsp;firms and a stifling bureaucracy, in spite of&nbsp;Modi&#39;s pro-business image. They also question New Delhi&#39;s record on human rights. 
 
Modi&nbsp;got a boost on Tuesday when Amazon Inc&nbsp;Chief Executive Jeff Bezos said his company will&nbsp;invest an additional $3 billion in India, increasing&nbsp;its committed investment in the country to over $5 billion.

The US said it now recognized India as a "Major Defence Partner" and would work on technology sharing "to a level commensurate with that of its closest allies and partners"

India and the US welcomed preparations that could lead to the building of six nuclear reactors in India by US-based Westinghouse, in what would be the culmination of some 10 years of work to resolve civil-nuclear issues. The joint statement said India and the US Export-Import Bank were working to complete a financing package for the project and that the Nuclear Power Corporation of India and Westinghouse had confirmed engineering and site design work would begin immediately. It said Westinghouse and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India would work toward finalizing the contract by June 2017 - a year later than Westinghouse's chief executive Daniel Roderick said he had hoped for. The text of a logistics agreement, which will allow the countries' militaries to use each other's land, air and naval bases, would be signed soon, a US official said. Modi told an event organized by the US India Business Council that relations between India and the United States were "closer than ever". He said the planned reactor purchases would mark new era in nuclear and scientific cooperation. Modi's address to a joint session of Congress will be a significant personal step. Although this has become a tradition for Indian prime ministers, he was once banned from the United States for his alleged involvement in 2002 Gujarat riots. More than 1,000 people, mostly Muslims, were killed in sectarian riots in Gujarat in 2002 when Modi had just become the state's chief minister. Modi has denied any wrongdoing, and India's Supreme Court in 2010 ruled there was no case. In the joint statement, the United States said it now recognized India as a "Major Defence Partner" and would work on technology sharing "to a level commensurate with that of its closest allies and partners". Tensions between the United States and Pakistan, as well as regional concerns about China, have served as a backdrop to increased security cooperation. Senator John McCain, chairman of the US Senate Armed Services Committee, said the address to Congress was "entirely appropriate" given the new partnership. "There’s no doubt there are significant tensions and challenges in the region, which argues for closer coordination between our militaries," he said. While Modi is generally popular with the US lawmakers, they criticize what they see as lingering unfriendliness to US firms and a stifling bureaucracy, in spite of Modi's pro-business image. They also question New Delhi's record on human rights. Modi got a boost on Tuesday when Amazon Inc Chief Executive Jeff Bezos said his company will invest an additional $3 billion in India, increasing its committed investment in the country to over $5 billion.

Obama and Modi talks touch on nuclear power, military cooperation and Big Business

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