The allocation in 2025 marked a 9.53 per cent increase over the previous year’s estimate. Over the past few years, India has steadily increased defence spending to modernise its forces and strengthen self-reliance.

'Rs 6,81,210 crore': Which ministry took biggest slice of Union Budget 2025 and why it matters?| Budget 2026

India has reiterated its longstanding policy of not deploying military personnel to foreign conflict zones, including in Ukraine or Gaza conflict, unless explicitly mandated by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and conducted under the UN flag. The statement comes in response to queries from Western media during a curtain-raiser event for UN peacekeeping chiefs, where Indian officials pointed the Delhi's commitment to UN-led peacekeeping operations.&nbsp;Vishwesh Negi, an official from the Ministry of External Affairs deputed to the Ministry of Defence, emphasised that Indian peacekeepers would only be deployed under a UN mandate mission with UNSC clearance, as per relevant chapters of the UN Charter. “Given the composition of the UNSC, such a deployment is highly unlikely,” Negi noted, alluding to the challenges of securing consensus among the council’s permanent members.&nbsp;Lt Gen Rakesh Kapoor, a senior Indian military official, further clarified India’s stance, stating, “we only do it under the UN flag; we understand the legitimacy.” India has a storied history as one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping. In the past 75 years, India has contributed over 2,90,000 peacekeeping spread across 50 missions. Later this month, it will host conclave of Army Chiefs of United Nations troop contributing countries.&nbsp;&nbsp;This conclave is planned in Delhi, from 14 to 16th October. The conclave brings together Army Chiefs and senior leadership's of nearly 30 countries, that contribute to troops to UN peacekeeping. India will showcase it's indigenous defence equipment's, used in UN peacekeeping, on the sidelines of the conclave. Lt Gen Rakesh Kapoor said, 'it is indeed a unique forum where the collective experience, wisdom and commitment of militaries and nations will converge to deliberate of shared responsibility of the international community towards maintenance of peace under the UN charter'.&nbsp;&nbsp;Countries invited to India hosted Chiefs conclave for UN troop contributing countries are Algeria, Armenia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brazil, Burundi, Cambodia, Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Fiji, France, Ghana, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mongolia, Morocco, Nepal, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uganda, Uruguay, Vietnam, Italy. Pakistan and China have not been invited.

India firm on 'no military deployment' to Ukraine, Gaza without UN mandate

India has reiterated its longstanding policy of not deploying military personnel to foreign conflict zones, including in Ukraine or Gaza conflict, unless explicitly mandated by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and conducted under the UN flag. The statement comes in response to queries from Western media during a curtain-raiser event for UN peacekeeping chiefs, where Indian officials pointed the Delhi's commitment to UN-led peacekeeping operations. Vishwesh Negi, an official from the Ministry of External Affairs deputed to the Ministry of Defence, emphasised that Indian peacekeepers would only be deployed under a UN mandate mission with UNSC clearance, as per relevant chapters of the UN Charter. “Given the composition of the UNSC, such a deployment is highly unlikely,” Negi noted, alluding to the challenges of securing consensus among the council’s permanent members. Lt Gen Rakesh Kapoor, a senior Indian military official, further clarified India’s stance, stating, “we only do it under the UN flag; we understand the legitimacy.” India has a storied history as one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping. In the past 75 years, India has contributed over 2,90,000 peacekeeping spread across 50 missions. Later this month, it will host conclave of Army Chiefs of United Nations troop contributing countries. This conclave is planned in Delhi, from 14 to 16th October. The conclave brings together Army Chiefs and senior leadership's of nearly 30 countries, that contribute to troops to UN peacekeeping. India will showcase it's indigenous defence equipment's, used in UN peacekeeping, on the sidelines of the conclave. Lt Gen Rakesh Kapoor said, 'it is indeed a unique forum where the collective experience, wisdom and commitment of militaries and nations will converge to deliberate of shared responsibility of the international community towards maintenance of peace under the UN charter'. Countries invited to India hosted Chiefs conclave for UN troop contributing countries are Algeria, Armenia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brazil, Burundi, Cambodia, Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Fiji, France, Ghana, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mongolia, Morocco, Nepal, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uganda, Uruguay, Vietnam, Italy. Pakistan and China have not been invited.

The statement comes in response to queries from Western media during a curtain-raiser event for UN peacekeeping chiefs, where Indian officials pointed the Delhi's commitment to UN-led peacekeeping operations

The Indian ministry of defence has inked a Rs62,370 crore ($7.03bn) deal with government firm Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to procure 97 Tejas Mk1A fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF). According to the government, the delivery of these indigenously designed and developed jets would commence during 2027-28 and be completed over a period of six years. The 97-jet order comprises 68 fighter aircraft and 29 twin seaters that can serve as trainer aircraft.&nbsp;&nbsp;The latest deal is over and above a 2021 deal for 83 Tejas jets, which itself is being fulfilled gradually. While HAL has a massive orderbook for Tejas fighter jets, the Indiann establishment has repeatedly raised concerns over delays in deliveries and their impact on the Air Force's fighting capability. &nbsp;While the Tejas jets are designed and developed by India, they are powered by American General Electric F404 engines. The Indian government says that the Tejas Mk1A, the latest and most advanced variant of the homegrown fighter would have over 64% indigenous content.&nbsp;&nbsp;It was added that the higher level of indigenous content is owing to addition of UTTAM Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar, Swayam Raksha Kavach (self-protection suite), control surface actuators, and more than 60 other components. The Tejas Mk1A programme is being supported by over 100 Indian firms that supply various components, systems and sub-systems. The government estimates suggest that this contract could generate 11,750 direct and indirect jobs annually for the duration of six years, boosting the domestic aerospace ecosystem.&nbsp;&nbsp;The deal for procuring more Tejas aircraft comes just a day prior to the retirement of India's Soviet-era Mig-21 fighter jets. First inducted into the Indian Air Force in 1963, the variants of Mig-21 served the IAF for more than six decades, playing a role in almost every conflict involving India in that period.&nbsp; With the retirement of the Mig-21 fleet, the IAF will be down to a fleet of 29 squadrons, with each squadron comprising 16-18 jets. However, even these 29 squadrons include ageing jets like the Jaguar, Mirage-2000 and Mig-29UPG. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the Indian establishment to ramp up fleet strength to meet the growing challenges in the volatile neighbourhood.&nbsp;&nbsp;While the IAF has a sanctioned squadron strength of 42, it is down to 29. Meanwhile, Pakistan has about 25 squadrons of fighter jets and China has about 66 squadrons, with advanced variants being rapidly added and even sixth&nbsp;generation versions being tested. The backbone of the Indian fighter fleet is the Russian-origin Sukhoi-30MKI, of which there are well over 250 jets, and India's latest and most advanced jet variant is the Rafale from France's Dassault Aviation.

Indian government inks $7 Billion deal for 97 Tejas Mk1A jets 

The Indian ministry of defence has inked a Rs62,370 crore ($7.03bn) deal with government firm Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to procure 97 Tejas Mk1A fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF). According to the government, the delivery of these indigenously designed and developed jets would commence during 2027-28 and be completed over a period of six years. The 97-jet order comprises 68 fighter aircraft and 29 twin seaters that can serve as trainer aircraft. The latest deal is over and above a 2021 deal for 83 Tejas jets, which itself is being fulfilled gradually. While HAL has a massive orderbook for Tejas fighter jets, the Indiann establishment has repeatedly raised concerns over delays in deliveries and their impact on the Air Force's fighting capability. While the Tejas jets are designed and developed by India, they are powered by American General Electric F404 engines. The Indian government says that the Tejas Mk1A, the latest and most advanced variant of the homegrown fighter would have over 64% indigenous content. It was added that the higher level of indigenous content is owing to addition of UTTAM Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar, Swayam Raksha Kavach (self-protection suite), control surface actuators, and more than 60 other components. The Tejas Mk1A programme is being supported by over 100 Indian firms that supply various components, systems and sub-systems. The government estimates suggest that this contract could generate 11,750 direct and indirect jobs annually for the duration of six years, boosting the domestic aerospace ecosystem. The deal for procuring more Tejas aircraft comes just a day prior to the retirement of India's Soviet-era Mig-21 fighter jets. First inducted into the Indian Air Force in 1963, the variants of Mig-21 served the IAF for more than six decades, playing a role in almost every conflict involving India in that period. With the retirement of the Mig-21 fleet, the IAF will be down to a fleet of 29 squadrons, with each squadron comprising 16-18 jets. However, even these 29 squadrons include ageing jets like the Jaguar, Mirage-2000 and Mig-29UPG. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the Indian establishment to ramp up fleet strength to meet the growing challenges in the volatile neighbourhood. While the IAF has a sanctioned squadron strength of 42, it is down to 29. Meanwhile, Pakistan has about 25 squadrons of fighter jets and China has about 66 squadrons, with advanced variants being rapidly added and even sixth generation versions being tested. The backbone of the Indian fighter fleet is the Russian-origin Sukhoi-30MKI, of which there are well over 250 jets, and India's latest and most advanced jet variant is the Rafale from France's Dassault Aviation.

The delivery of these indigenously designed and developed jets would commence during 2027-28 and be completed over a period of six years. The 97-jet order comprises of 68 fighter aircraft and 29 twin seaters that can serve as trainer aircraft

Indian government inks $7 Billion deal for 97 Tejas Mk1A jets

Even as Pakistan is reeling under <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/operation-sindoor">Operation Sindoor</a>, at least some of its citizens have started questioning their country&rsquo;s military&rsquo;s capabilities, given that it could not defend itself. If one goes by some posts and videos on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/social-media">social media</a>, people are shocked that India could attack and Pakistan could not defend.<o:p></o:p>
Taking to social media, One user said, &ldquo;So India can attack us two nights in a row, targeting multiple cities, our hydropower project and take 30+ lives; and we still haven&rsquo;t retaliated?&rdquo;<o:p></o:p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">See the tweet here:</h2>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
So India can attack us two nights in a row, targeting multiple cities, our hydropower project and take 30+ lives; and we still haven&rsquo;t retaliated?
&mdash; Oshaz (@ThisisOshaz_) <a href="https://twitter.com/ThisisOshaz_/status/1920316367187665193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Another user said, "So drone attack near Rawalpindi cricket stadium PSL venue seems true.&nbsp;What evidence Pakistan has that it&rsquo;s done by India? #OpretionSindoor."
<h2>Watch the video:</h2>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
So drone attack near Rawalpindi cricket stadium PSL venue seems true What evidence Pakistan has that it&rsquo;s done by India? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OpretionSindoor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OpretionSindoor</a> <a href="https://t.co/ucnebE4Gn2">pic.twitter.com/ucnebE4Gn2</a>
&mdash; Lala (@FabulasGuy) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabulasGuy/status/1920398869944316406?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Another user said, "Pakistan is facing a huge problem. We forget the ground realities in emotions. Why is it that we are not talking about the credibility of Pakistan's air defence system? India keeps throwing missiles and Pakistan's air defence system is not able to trap it.&nbsp;This is a modern era. In this you have to invest in the air defence system. India invests in S-400, Israel invests, every country invests in the air defence system.&nbsp;They can come and give a briefing on politics. They give a 1.5-1.5 hour briefing on politics. So, now this question should be asked.&nbsp;This is a legitimate question. What is the credibility of Pakistan's air defence system? Now this question should be asked."
<h2>Watch the video here:</h2>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
Listen in to this young Pakistani man questioning his own military on their abject failures. <a href="https://t.co/ndmZheK11C">pic.twitter.com/ndmZheK11C</a>
&mdash; Raja Muneeb (@RajaMuneeb) <a href="https://twitter.com/RajaMuneeb/status/1920363686092300785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Another social media which has been going viral on several social media platforms is of a Pakistan influencer, who questioned Pkistan's air defence system&nbsp;saying that why it can't intercept a single missile?
The user said, "
<h2>Watch the video here:</h2>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
India fired 26 missiles; all hit their targets, and Pakistan couldn't intercept even one - A Pakistani influencer <a href="https://t.co/3Q54P6KqVL">pic.twitter.com/3Q54P6KqVL</a>
&mdash; Mr Sinha (@MrSinha_) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrSinha_/status/1920335031328706766?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

He said, "Last night, India launched 24 missile attacks on Pakistan. Surprisingly, almost all the missiles hit their targets. India has achieved the target set by India.&nbsp;What's even more surprising is that Pakistan's defence system can't intercept a single missile. We can't stop a single missile. We have failed to stop all the attacks.&nbsp;We have achieved the exact target that India had to achieve. It's true that India had to hit the target. And we couldn't stop their missiles.&nbsp;Don't say that we are praising India. The truth is the truth. Iran fires 200 missiles, 400 missiles, 1000 missiles, and only one missile hits Israel. All the other missiles are intercepted by Israel. This is Israel's strong defence system. But look at us.&nbsp;India has launched 24 missiles. And we couldn't stop a single missile. What's even more surprising is that India hasn't targeted an army base yet.&nbsp;India hasn't attacked a military base yet. If these 24 missiles had been targeted at a military base, the program would have been extended by now. We couldn't stop a single missile. We couldn't stop a single missile.&nbsp;Last night, Pakistani media and social media were broadcasting fake news. Pakistan has launched a missile at India. I saw all those pictures.&nbsp;Some of them are 8 months old. Some are 3 years old. We have launched a missile at India's General Headquarters. I don't know what it is. I searched for it. It's fake news. 
Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, Pakistani drones were intercepted in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer, air sirens were heard in and a complete blackout was enforced in parts of Rajasthan and Punjab. India has said that&nbsp;military stations of Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur was targeted by Pakistan using missiles and drones. India confirmed that there are no losses and the threat was neutralised by&nbsp;Indian Armed Forces.
The India&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ministry-of-defence">Ministry of Defence</a> in a statement said, "Military stations at Jammu, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/pathankot">Pathankot</a> &amp; Udhampur were targeted by Pakistani-origin #drones and missiles along the International Border in J&amp;K today. The threats were swiftly neutralised using kinetic and non-kinetic capabilities in line with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). No casualties or material losses were reported. India remains fully prepared to defend its sovereignty and ensure the safety of its people."
Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on India-Pakistan war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Pakistan, World, India News: If one goes by some posts and videos on social media, people are shocked that India could attack and Pakistan could not defend

Even as Pakistan is reeling under Operation Sindoor, at least some of its citizens have started questioning their country’s military’s capabilities, given that it could not defend itself. If one goes by some posts and videos on social media, people are shocked that India could attack and Pakistan could not defend. Taking to social media, One user said, “So India can attack us two nights in a row, targeting multiple cities, our hydropower project and take 30+ lives; and we still haven’t retaliated?” See the tweet here: So India can attack us two nights in a row, targeting multiple cities, our hydropower project and take 30+ lives; and we still haven’t retaliated? — Oshaz (@ThisisOshaz_) May 8, 2025 Another user said, "So drone attack near Rawalpindi cricket stadium PSL venue seems true. What evidence Pakistan has that it’s done by India? #OpretionSindoor." Watch the video: So drone attack near Rawalpindi cricket stadium PSL venue seems true What evidence Pakistan has that it’s done by India? #OpretionSindoor pic.twitter.com/ucnebE4Gn2 — Lala (@FabulasGuy) May 8, 2025 Another user said, "Pakistan is facing a huge problem. We forget the ground realities in emotions. Why is it that we are not talking about the credibility of Pakistan's air defence system? India keeps throwing missiles and Pakistan's air defence system is not able to trap it. This is a modern era. In this you have to invest in the air defence system. India invests in S-400, Israel invests, every country invests in the air defence system. They can come and give a briefing on politics. They give a 1.5-1.5 hour briefing on politics. So, now this question should be asked. This is a legitimate question. What is the credibility of Pakistan's air defence system? Now this question should be asked." Watch the video here: Listen in to this young Pakistani man questioning his own military on their abject failures. pic.twitter.com/ndmZheK11C — Raja Muneeb (@RajaMuneeb) May 8, 2025 Another social media which has been going viral on several social media platforms is of a Pakistan influencer, who questioned Pkistan's air defence system saying that why it can't intercept a single missile? The user said, " Watch the video here: India fired 26 missiles; all hit their targets, and Pakistan couldn't intercept even one - A Pakistani influencer pic.twitter.com/3Q54P6KqVL — Mr Sinha (@MrSinha_) May 8, 2025 He said, "Last night, India launched 24 missile attacks on Pakistan. Surprisingly, almost all the missiles hit their targets. India has achieved the target set by India. What's even more surprising is that Pakistan's defence system can't intercept a single missile. We can't stop a single missile. We have failed to stop all the attacks. We have achieved the exact target that India had to achieve. It's true that India had to hit the target. And we couldn't stop their missiles. Don't say that we are praising India. The truth is the truth. Iran fires 200 missiles, 400 missiles, 1000 missiles, and only one missile hits Israel. All the other missiles are intercepted by Israel. This is Israel's strong defence system. But look at us. India has launched 24 missiles. And we couldn't stop a single missile. What's even more surprising is that India hasn't targeted an army base yet. India hasn't attacked a military base yet. If these 24 missiles had been targeted at a military base, the program would have been extended by now. We couldn't stop a single missile. We couldn't stop a single missile. Last night, Pakistani media and social media were broadcasting fake news. Pakistan has launched a missile at India. I saw all those pictures. Some of them are 8 months old. Some are 3 years old. We have launched a missile at India's General Headquarters. I don't know what it is. I searched for it. It's fake news. Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, Pakistani drones were intercepted in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer, air sirens were heard in and a complete blackout was enforced in parts of Rajasthan and Punjab. India has said that military stations of Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur was targeted by Pakistan using missiles and drones. India confirmed that there are no losses and the threat was neutralised by Indian Armed Forces. The India Ministry of Defence in a statement said, "Military stations at Jammu, Pathankot & Udhampur were targeted by Pakistani-origin #drones and missiles along the International Border in J&K today. The threats were swiftly neutralised using kinetic and non-kinetic capabilities in line with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). No casualties or material losses were reported. India remains fully prepared to defend its sovereignty and ensure the safety of its people." Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on India-Pakistan war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

'We couldn't stop a single missile': Pakistanis are questioning the credibility of their defence system after India’s Operation Sindoor

The UK Ministry of Defence is being sued by dozens of aircrew who were allegedly exposed to carcinogenic emissions from military helicopters, some of which are still in service. Watch in for more details!

UK: Former pilots and aircrew sue Ministry of Defence, says reports

The British Ministry of Defence (MoD) has been fined $440,000 for revealing the personal details of interpreters fleeing Taiban-ruled Afghanistan. The details of as many as 265 people who may have been eligible to come to the UK under the&nbsp;Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (ARAP), were mistakenly copied into an email.&nbsp;

UK Information Commissioner, John Edwards said the error had let those down to whom the country owed so much.&nbsp;

"This was a particularly egregious breach of the obligation of security owed to these people, thus warranting the financial penalty my office imposes today," he added.

The error saw the addresses of hundreds of people, including the Afghan interpreters openly included in the "to" field of the email, rather than the blind carbon copy (Bcc) field. As a result, everyone who received the mail, sent by ARAP, was able to view the emails of others.&nbsp;

Further information about those trying to leave Afghanistan, including one person's location, was then exposed when two people responded to the email by selecting "reply all".

An interpreter, whose identity was exposed, told BBC during an interview that the mistake "could cost the&nbsp;life of interpreters", some of those who were still living in Afghanistan.

"Some of the interpreters didn't notice the mistake and they replied to all the emails already and they explained their situation which is very dangerous. The email contains their profile pictures and contact details." 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/microsoft-ai-team-accidentally-leaks-38tb-of-private-company-data-637749">Watch |&nbsp;Microsoft AI team accidentally leaks 38TB of private company data</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/microsoft-ai-team-accidentally-leaks-38tb-of-private-company-data-637749/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

<h2>Blunder comes to light</h2>

The blunder first came to light in September 2021, a month after the Taliban took over Afghanistan as Britain engaged in a chaotic and heavily criticised evacuation of its assets from the country.&nbsp;

The then defence minister Ben Wallace told the parliament he was apologetic for the breach.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"I apologise to those Afghans affected by this data breach and with whom we are now working...to provide security advice," said Wallace.&nbsp;

At the time, the authorities advised the concerned people to change their addresses and relocate while informing their team about the new place of operation via a secure form.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-rishi-sunaks-old-mobile-number-voicemail-recording-leaked-online-650378">Also read |&nbsp;UK: PM Rishi Sunak's old mobile number, voicemail recording leaked online</a>

The investigation found that the MoD failed to comply with the data protection requirements for technical processes to safeguard data.

Edwards' office said it had reduced an initial fine of $1.25 million to $877,000 before slashing it down to&nbsp;$440,000. It said the extensive cooperation by the MoD was the reason for reducing the penalty.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The British Ministry of Defence (MoD) has been fined $440,000 for revealing the personal details of interpreters fleeing Taiban-ruled Afghanistan. The details of as many as 265 people who may have been eligible to come to the UK under the Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (ARAP), were mistakenly copied into an email.

The British Ministry of Defence (MoD) has been fined $440,000 for revealing the personal details of interpreters fleeing Taiban-ruled Afghanistan. The details of as many as 265 people who may have been eligible to come to the UK under the Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (ARAP), were mistakenly copied into an email. UK Information Commissioner, John Edwards said the error had let those down to whom the country owed so much. "This was a particularly egregious breach of the obligation of security owed to these people, thus warranting the financial penalty my office imposes today," he added. The error saw the addresses of hundreds of people, including the Afghan interpreters openly included in the "to" field of the email, rather than the blind carbon copy (Bcc) field. As a result, everyone who received the mail, sent by ARAP, was able to view the emails of others. Further information about those trying to leave Afghanistan, including one person's location, was then exposed when two people responded to the email by selecting "reply all". An interpreter, whose identity was exposed, told BBC during an interview that the mistake "could cost the life of interpreters", some of those who were still living in Afghanistan. "Some of the interpreters didn't notice the mistake and they replied to all the emails already and they explained their situation which is very dangerous. The email contains their profile pictures and contact details." Watch | Microsoft AI team accidentally leaks 38TB of private company data × Blunder comes to light The blunder first came to light in September 2021, a month after the Taliban took over Afghanistan as Britain engaged in a chaotic and heavily criticised evacuation of its assets from the country. The then defence minister Ben Wallace told the parliament he was apologetic for the breach. "I apologise to those Afghans affected by this data breach and with whom we are now working...to provide security advice," said Wallace. At the time, the authorities advised the concerned people to change their addresses and relocate while informing their team about the new place of operation via a secure form. Also read | UK: PM Rishi Sunak's old mobile number, voicemail recording leaked online The investigation found that the MoD failed to comply with the data protection requirements for technical processes to safeguard data. Edwards' office said it had reduced an initial fine of $1.25 million to $877,000 before slashing it down to $440,000. It said the extensive cooperation by the MoD was the reason for reducing the penalty. (With inputs from agencies)

UK's Ministry of Defence fined $440,000 for email blunder revealing details of Afghan interpreters

UK's Royal Air Force (RAF) has admitted that it made "mistakes" following allegations that it had prioritised the hiring of ethnic minorities and female candidates over white men in a bid to achieve "impossible" diversity targets.

The claims came to light last month after Sky News leaked an email from an officer of RAF's recruitment department, expressing concern over the skewed hiring process.&nbsp;

The unnamed officer reportedly told her superior officer that she was not willing to allocate slots on training courses based purely on a specific gender or ethnicity.&nbsp;

The officer later resigned after she refused to follow the recruitment process, saying that the fighting strength of the RAF would be weakened by meeting “impossible” diversity targets, reports Sky News.

Earlier this month, Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston defended the recruitment process, saying&nbsp;“there was absolutely no drop in operational standards, no drop in any standards. There was no discrimination against any group, no standards were dropped, there was no discrimination against any group.”

However, a Ministry of Defence (MoD) spokesperson issued a statement on Tuesday acknowledging the "mistakes"&nbsp;. 
"The RAF is constantly reviewing its recruiting practices, including the introduction earlier this year of a new recruiting IT system, to improve the diversity of its workforce," the spokesperson said.&nbsp;"While overall standards did not drop, in hindsight we accept that despite the best of intentions, some mistakes were made."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bank-of-england-says-it-will-not-hesitate-to-raise-rates-as-pound-struggles-519990">Bank of England says it 'will not hesitate' to raise rates as pound struggles</a>

The MoD statement said that overall recruitment remains a top priority for the RAF, and not just for women and ethnic minorities.&nbsp;

It further said that it remained determined to maintain high standards while recruiting in fair and non-discriminatory ways.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europe-telecom-operators-ask-tech-firms-to-share-data-costs-520117" hreflang="en">Europe: Telecom operators ask tech firms to share data costs</a>

"The RAF is now confident that our approach is correct, however, we are investigating some processes and decisions taken in the past, so it would be inappropriate to comment further while this is ongoing."

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

UK's Royal Air Force (RAF) has admitted that it made "mistakes" following allegations that it had prioritised the hiring of ethnic minorities and female candidates over white men in a bid to achieve "impossible" diversity targets.

UK's Royal Air Force (RAF) has admitted that it made "mistakes" following allegations that it had prioritised the hiring of ethnic minorities and female candidates over white men in a bid to achieve "impossible" diversity targets. The claims came to light last month after Sky News leaked an email from an officer of RAF's recruitment department, expressing concern over the skewed hiring process. The unnamed officer reportedly told her superior officer that she was not willing to allocate slots on training courses based purely on a specific gender or ethnicity. The officer later resigned after she refused to follow the recruitment process, saying that the fighting strength of the RAF would be weakened by meeting “impossible” diversity targets, reports Sky News. Earlier this month, Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston defended the recruitment process, saying “there was absolutely no drop in operational standards, no drop in any standards. There was no discrimination against any group, no standards were dropped, there was no discrimination against any group.” However, a Ministry of Defence (MoD) spokesperson issued a statement on Tuesday acknowledging the "mistakes" . "The RAF is constantly reviewing its recruiting practices, including the introduction earlier this year of a new recruiting IT system, to improve the diversity of its workforce," the spokesperson said. "While overall standards did not drop, in hindsight we accept that despite the best of intentions, some mistakes were made." Also read | Bank of England says it 'will not hesitate' to raise rates as pound struggles The MoD statement said that overall recruitment remains a top priority for the RAF, and not just for women and ethnic minorities. It further said that it remained determined to maintain high standards while recruiting in fair and non-discriminatory ways. Also read | Europe: Telecom operators ask tech firms to share data costs "The RAF is now confident that our approach is correct, however, we are investigating some processes and decisions taken in the past, so it would be inappropriate to comment further while this is ongoing." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Woke diversity drive? UK's Royal Air Force admits skewed hiring in favour of women, ethnic minorities 

In a big push to Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the Ministry of Defence has decided to impose a ban on 101 import items to boost indigenisation of defence production.

Rajnath Singh announces embargo on import of 101 defence items

The Ministry of Defence has officially acknowledged that Chinese soldiers intruded into Indian territory in eastern Ladakh in May.

'China's PLA intruded into Indian Territory in May' reveals MoD document

The Ministry of Defence has issued the formal government sanction letter for grant of Permanent Commission (PC) to Women Officers in the Indian Army

Women officers in Indian Army to shoulder larger roles; Govt issues formal grant letter

Ministry of Defence on Thursday authorised every member of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coast-gaurds-and-merchant-vessels-together-recued-264-distressed-fisherman-266325"> Coast Guard</a> to "visit, board, search and seize" suspicious vessels within an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and its continental shelf.

"In exercise of powers conferred by sub-section (3) of section 121 of the Coast Guard Act, 1978 (30 of 1978) the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/central-government-involved-in-big-onion-scam-aap-mp-sanjay-singh-265934">Central Government</a> hereby authorize every member of the Coast Guard, constituted under section 4 of the said Act to "visit, board, search and seize" suspicious vessels within an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and its continental shelf," Ministry of Defence said in a notification.

"or any underwater object, involved or suspected to be used or likely to be used in the commission of any offence punishable under any of the central acts within the area of Maritime Zone of India, extending up to Exclusive Economic Zone," it added.

The step has been taken to empower the Coast Guard and enhancing Coastal security.

Ministry of Defence on Thursday authorised every member of the Coast Guard to "visit, board, search and seize" suspicious vessels within an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and its continental shelf.

Ministry of Defence on Thursday authorised every member of the Coast Guard to "visit, board, search and seize" suspicious vessels within an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and its continental shelf. "In exercise of powers conferred by sub-section (3) of section 121 of the Coast Guard Act, 1978 (30 of 1978) the Central Government hereby authorize every member of the Coast Guard, constituted under section 4 of the said Act to "visit, board, search and seize" suspicious vessels within an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and its continental shelf," Ministry of Defence said in a notification. "or any underwater object, involved or suspected to be used or likely to be used in the commission of any offence punishable under any of the central acts within the area of Maritime Zone of India, extending up to Exclusive Economic Zone," it added. The step has been taken to empower the Coast Guard and enhancing Coastal security.

Government authorises Coast Guard members to search and seize suspicious vessels within EEZ

Russia's state nuclear agency Rosatom said early on Saturday that five of its staff members had been killed in an accident during tests on a military site in northern Russia, the RIA news agency reported.

The accident occurred during tests on a liquid propellant rocket engine, RIA said, citing Rosatom.

Rosatom was quoted as saying that a further three of its staff had received injuries of varying degrees of seriousness during the accident, including burns.

They were receiving the necessary medical treatment in specialised facilities, it said.

Russian authorities had previously said that two people had been killed in the incident and that a nearby city had reported a rise in radiation levels when the rocket engine blew up at a testing site in the Arkhangelsk region on Thursday.

Authorities said they had been forced to shut down part of a bay in the White Sea to shipping as a result

Residents have been stocking up iodine used to reduce the effects of radiation exposure after the accident, regional media have reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-south-korea-trade-conflicting-claims-over-airspace-dispute-238158">Russia's Ministry of Defence</a> has given few details of the accident.

Although the defence ministry initially said that no harmful chemicals were released into the atmosphere and that radiation levels were unchanged, authorities in the nearby city of Severodvinsk reported what they described as a brief spike in radiation.&nbsp;

No official explanation has been given for why such an accident would cause radiation to spike.

The radiation statement put out by the city of Severodvinsk disappeared from the Internet on Friday without explanation.

An unidentified naval officer quoted by the Kommersant newspaper said the accident could have occurred at a testing site at sea and that the explosion of a rocket could have caused a toxic fuel spill.

Russia media have said that the rocket engine explosion may have occurred at a weapons testing area near the village of Nyonoksa.

Those reports say an area near Nyonoksa is used for tests on weapons, including ballistic and cruise missiles that are used by the Russian navy.

Greenpeace has cited data from the Emergencies Ministry that it said showed radiation levels had risen 20 times above the normal level in Severodvinsk around 30 kilometres (18 miles) from Nyonoksa.

Russia's state nuclear agency Rosatom said early on Saturday that five of its staff members had been killed in an accident during tests on a military site in northern Russia, the RIA news agency reported.

Russia's state nuclear agency Rosatom said early on Saturday that five of its staff members had been killed in an accident during tests on a military site in northern Russia, the RIA news agency reported. The accident occurred during tests on a liquid propellant rocket engine, RIA said, citing Rosatom. Rosatom was quoted as saying that a further three of its staff had received injuries of varying degrees of seriousness during the accident, including burns. They were receiving the necessary medical treatment in specialised facilities, it said. Russian authorities had previously said that two people had been killed in the incident and that a nearby city had reported a rise in radiation levels when the rocket engine blew up at a testing site in the Arkhangelsk region on Thursday. Authorities said they had been forced to shut down part of a bay in the White Sea to shipping as a result Residents have been stocking up iodine used to reduce the effects of radiation exposure after the accident, regional media have reported. Russia's Ministry of Defence has given few details of the accident. Although the defence ministry initially said that no harmful chemicals were released into the atmosphere and that radiation levels were unchanged, authorities in the nearby city of Severodvinsk reported what they described as a brief spike in radiation. No official explanation has been given for why such an accident would cause radiation to spike. The radiation statement put out by the city of Severodvinsk disappeared from the Internet on Friday without explanation. An unidentified naval officer quoted by the Kommersant newspaper said the accident could have occurred at a testing site at sea and that the explosion of a rocket could have caused a toxic fuel spill. Russia media have said that the rocket engine explosion may have occurred at a weapons testing area near the village of Nyonoksa. Those reports say an area near Nyonoksa is used for tests on weapons, including ballistic and cruise missiles that are used by the Russian navy. Greenpeace has cited data from the Emergencies Ministry that it said showed radiation levels had risen 20 times above the normal level in Severodvinsk around 30 kilometres (18 miles) from Nyonoksa.

Russia says five killed in mysterious rocket test accident: Report

After Russia, China and US, India has decided to include Artificial Intelligence in its defence forces with an aim to enhance the operational preparedness of the armed forces, ANi reported.

News agency ANI quoting Ajay Kumar, Defence Secretary (Production), Ministry of Defence stated that a task force has been set up under the chairmanship of Tata Sons chairman N. Chandrasekaran to finalise the specifics and framework of the project.

"Artificial Intelligence is going to influence everything in the future, our common lives also including it also going to affect the future warfare. Most of the major countries in the world are taking steps to ensure that their defence systems are fully empowered by the use of Artificial Intelligence. In India, we have also taken steps in this direction," Kumar was quoted as saying.

The project to equip defence forces with Artificial Intelligence, includes the representation from all defence forces or Defence Research and Development (DRDO) labs, government, BEL, experts, professionals and startups.

"This multi-stakeholder group is looking at what are the kinds of requirements," Kumar said.

He further said that India has a fairly strong IT industry base which will become the biggest strength in terms of developing Artificial Intelligence capabilities.

"We need to work on a partnership model between industries and defence forces which should be different from a buyer-seller proposition," he added.

Artificial Intelligence, which along with robotics, internet and machine learning has been billed as the dawn of the fourth industrial revolution, is a system of computers or machines that have the ability to mirror human intelligence. This means they can learn, reason and do the self-correction on its own.

The project to equip defence forces with Artificial Intelligence, includes the representation from all defence forces or Defence Research and Development (DRDO) labs, government, BEL, experts, professionals and startups.

After Russia, China and US, India has decided to include Artificial Intelligence in its defence forces with an aim to enhance the operational preparedness of the armed forces, ANi reported. News agency ANI quoting Ajay Kumar, Defence Secretary (Production), Ministry of Defence stated that a task force has been set up under the chairmanship of Tata Sons chairman N. Chandrasekaran to finalise the specifics and framework of the project. "Artificial Intelligence is going to influence everything in the future, our common lives also including it also going to affect the future warfare. Most of the major countries in the world are taking steps to ensure that their defence systems are fully empowered by the use of Artificial Intelligence. In India, we have also taken steps in this direction," Kumar was quoted as saying. The project to equip defence forces with Artificial Intelligence, includes the representation from all defence forces or Defence Research and Development (DRDO) labs, government, BEL, experts, professionals and startups. "This multi-stakeholder group is looking at what are the kinds of requirements," Kumar said. He further said that India has a fairly strong IT industry base which will become the biggest strength in terms of developing Artificial Intelligence capabilities. "We need to work on a partnership model between industries and defence forces which should be different from a buyer-seller proposition," he added. Artificial Intelligence, which along with robotics, internet and machine learning has been billed as the dawn of the fourth industrial revolution, is a system of computers or machines that have the ability to mirror human intelligence. This means they can learn, reason and do the self-correction on its own.

India aiming at equipping defence forces with Artificial Intelligence

The government is considering compulsory military service for anyone wanting a job with the government, news reports said Thursday. &nbsp;

The compulsory military service will last five years and is expected to help make up the shortfall in the forces.&nbsp;

The Indian Army is at the moment short of 7,000 officers and more than 20,000 soldiers. Likewise, the Indian Air Force and Navy are both short of some 150 officers and 15,000 men.&nbsp;

The proposal is being pondered by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), which reports to the Prime Minister. The DoPT is tasked with making policy and administering government servants.&nbsp;

The proposal was first made by a Parliamentary Standing Committee, after it was moved by the Ministry of Defence as an emergency measure to make up the shortfall in the defence forces.&nbsp;

The five years of military service will have to be undergone by anybody wanting a job with either the Central government or a state government.&nbsp;

The compulsory military service will last five years and is expected to help make up the shortfall in the forces

The government is considering compulsory military service for anyone wanting a job with the government, news reports said Thursday. The compulsory military service will last five years and is expected to help make up the shortfall in the forces. The Indian Army is at the moment short of 7,000 officers and more than 20,000 soldiers. Likewise, the Indian Air Force and Navy are both short of some 150 officers and 15,000 men. The proposal is being pondered by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), which reports to the Prime Minister. The DoPT is tasked with making policy and administering government servants. The proposal was first made by a Parliamentary Standing Committee, after it was moved by the Ministry of Defence as an emergency measure to make up the shortfall in the defence forces. The five years of military service will have to be undergone by anybody wanting a job with either the Central government or a state government.

Under consideration: Compulsory military service for anyone wanting a government job

Nearly 42 militants part of the Islamic State (IS) group and Taliban were killed in separate airstrikes by the Afghan forces in the last 24 hours,&nbsp;

The news was confirmed by Afghanistan&#39;s Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Monday.

Seven Taliban members were killed and six were injured in airstrikes launched by the Afghan National Army (ANA) in Garmsir, Grishk and Nad Ali districts of Helmand province, the MoD said in a statement.

Also, two terrorist bases and two vehicles were destroyed during the airstrikes.

An airstrike in Khas Uruzgan district of Uruzgan province killed 15 insurgents and injured 16 others, the ministry added. &nbsp;

In the third airstrike, 20 IS militants were killed in Darzab district of Jowzjan province in Afghanistan respectively.&nbsp;

The news was confirmed by Afghanistan's Ministry of Defence on Monday

Nearly 42 militants part of the Islamic State (IS) group and Taliban were killed in separate airstrikes by the Afghan forces in the last 24 hours, The news was confirmed by Afghanistan's Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Monday. Seven Taliban members were killed and six were injured in airstrikes launched by the Afghan National Army (ANA) in Garmsir, Grishk and Nad Ali districts of Helmand province, the MoD said in a statement. Also, two terrorist bases and two vehicles were destroyed during the airstrikes. An airstrike in Khas Uruzgan district of Uruzgan province killed 15 insurgents and injured 16 others, the ministry added. In the third airstrike, 20 IS militants were killed in Darzab district of Jowzjan province in Afghanistan respectively.

Nearly 42 militants killed in Afghan airstrikes

There is no term as &quot;martyr&quot; or &quot;shaheed&quot; in the Army or the police and instead, a soldier or a policeman killed in action is called a &quot;battle casualty&quot; or &quot;operations casualty&quot; respectively, the ministries of defence and home have submitted before the Central Information Commission.

The issue surfaced after an RTI applicant approached the Union home ministry seeking to know the meaning and detailed definition of word &quot;shaheed&quot; (martyr) according to the law and the Constitution.

He also asked about the legal provisions to ensure restriction on its misuse and punishment for violation.

The application was transferred to different officials of the home and defence ministries but when the applicant could not get a satisfactory response, he approached the CIC, the highest appellate body in matters relating to the Right to Information Act.

The respondents from the ministries of defence and the home affairs were present and heard, Information Commissioner Yashovardhan Azad said.

&quot;The respondent from the Ministry of Defence stated that word &#39;shaheed&#39; or &#39;martyr&#39; is not used by the MoD. Instead the one used is &#39;battle casualty&#39;. The respondent from the Ministry of Home Affairs stated that in the MHA the word used is &#39;operations casualty&#39;,&quot; Azad said.

Quoting the submissions, he noted that the decision to declare cases of &#39;battle casualty&#39; and &#39;ops&#39; were taken after a report of a court of inquiry in both the matters.

&quot;After hearing the respondents and the perusal of the record, the commission finds that the averments made by both the respondents have duly explained the correct usage of the terms and directs the respondents to send a revised reply to the appellant accordingly,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

A soldier or a policeman killed in action is called a 'battle casualty' or 'operations casualty' respectively, the ministries of defence and home have submitted before the Central Information Commission

There is no term as "martyr" or "shaheed" in the Army or the police and instead, a soldier or a policeman killed in action is called a "battle casualty" or "operations casualty" respectively, the ministries of defence and home have submitted before the Central Information Commission. The issue surfaced after an RTI applicant approached the Union home ministry seeking to know the meaning and detailed definition of word "shaheed" (martyr) according to the law and the Constitution. He also asked about the legal provisions to ensure restriction on its misuse and punishment for violation. The application was transferred to different officials of the home and defence ministries but when the applicant could not get a satisfactory response, he approached the CIC, the highest appellate body in matters relating to the Right to Information Act. The respondents from the ministries of defence and the home affairs were present and heard, Information Commissioner Yashovardhan Azad said. "The respondent from the Ministry of Defence stated that word 'shaheed' or 'martyr' is not used by the MoD. Instead the one used is 'battle casualty'. The respondent from the Ministry of Home Affairs stated that in the MHA the word used is 'operations casualty'," Azad said. Quoting the submissions, he noted that the decision to declare cases of 'battle casualty' and 'ops' were taken after a report of a court of inquiry in both the matters. "After hearing the respondents and the perusal of the record, the commission finds that the averments made by both the respondents have duly explained the correct usage of the terms and directs the respondents to send a revised reply to the appellant accordingly," he said.

No term like 'martyr' or 'shaheed' in our lexicon: Government