Chinese officials recently visited the Lalmonirhat Airbase in Bangladesh near Indo-Bangla border, which the Bangladesh government is developing as a civilian airport. As per a report by The Assam Tribune, by Indian intelligence agencies have received inputs about the visit of the Chinese officials to the Bangladeshi Air Force base.
Lalmonirhat Airbase located in Rangpur Division is just 20 km away from the Siliguri corridor or the ‘Chickens neck’ corridor in India. It was built as a military base in 1931 by the British government and was used by allied forces during the World War II as a forward airbase for its operations on the eastern front.
After Independence and partition, the base was used by the Bangladesh Air Force. In 2019, a plot in the base was given to Bangladesh Aerospace and Aviation University to build its permanent campus.
However, recently the interim government of Bangladesh has sought to develop it as civilian airport. As per reports, Chief Advisor Md Yunus has asked China to develop the airport. He brought the matter during his China visit last month, when he made the controversial remarks saying that Bangladesh is the only guardian of the ocean for the entire region including the 7 north-eastern states of India.
Reportedly, work on the airport is likely to start in October this year, and China will engage a Pakistani company as the sub-contractor for the work.
Indian agencies are watching whether the air base would be used for civilian purposes, training or to deploy military aircraft. “We need to see if Bangladesh will allow other countries like China and Pakistan to use it. Bangladesh has the right to develop air fields for their security reasons, but that should not be used against India,” defence officials said, as per the Assam Tribune report.
Notably, India has strong military presence in its eastern and northeastern regions, including the Siliguri corridor. Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps, the XXXIII Corps, is headquartered near Siliguri. The Hasimara air base in Alipurduar district, West Bengal, houses the second squadron of Dassault Rafale fighter jets.
While Lalmonirhat Airbase is within the range of India’s artillery guns, Bangladesh and its allies China and Pakistan can potentially use it to keep an eye on movement of Indian forces, given its close proximity to the border.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the Smritivan Earthquake Memorial and Museum in Bhuj on Friday and said that the infrastructure pays a homage to the victims of the devastating 2001 Gujarat earthquake and stands as a testament to the resilience and the indomitable spirit of the people of the state.
The Defence Minister also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and inspiration for the memorial and museum and expressed gratitude to him.
Speaking to ANI, Rajnath Singh said, “I had the opportunity to visit the Smritivan Earthquake Memorial and Museum for the first time, and whatever I saw here was awe-inspiring and a very memorable experience for me. This museum is not only the pride of the country but also the world. This memorial, built in memory of the people who lost their lives in the 2001 quake in Gujarat, stands as a symbol of the resilience and the spirit of the state.”
“The museum, which has also found a place on the UNESCO list, reflects the vision and leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We all know that PM Modi’s vision and inspiration are clearly visible in this museum. I thank him for his inspiration for building it,” said Singh. Calling Smritivan a source of national pride, the Defence Minister appealed to all visitors coming to Gujarat to make time to visit the memorial and pay homage to those who were killed in the earthquake.
“I request all my countrymen that whenever they come to Gujarat, they must visit this memorial and pay tribute to the approximately 13,000 people,” said Singh.
In 2001, a massive earthquake jolted Bhuj in Gujarat’s Kutch district, in which more than 20,000 people were killed and over 1.5 lakh people were injured. The earthquake left thousands homeless.
The intraplate earthquake measured 7.6 on the moment magnitude scale and occurred at a depth of 17.4 km.
Earlier in the day, Rajnath Singh arrived in Gujarat’s Bhuj and interacted with Air Warriors at Bhuj Air Force Station. He was accompanied by Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh.
This comes a day after he concluded his visit to the Badami Bagh Cantt in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar, where he met and interacted with Indian Army soldiers.
Highlighting the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) bravery during Operation Sindoor, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh asserted on Friday that the operation was not over yet and that whatever happened was just a “trailer.”
Addressing Air Warriors at Bhuj Air Force Station, Singh said, “We have kept Pakistan on probation. If its behaviour improves, then okay, otherwise, it will be given the strictest punishment. Operation Sindoor is not over yet. Whatever happened was just a trailer. When the right time comes, we will show the full picture to the world.”
The Defence Minister paid homage to those who lost their lives during Operation Sindoor and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured ones.
“Bhuj was witness to our victory against Pakistan in 1965 and 1971. Today, again, it has been a witness to our victory against Pakistan. I feel proud to be present here,” Singh said.
Praising the IAF for their execution during Operation Sindoor, he said, “Whatever you did during Operation Sindoor has made all Indians proud, whether they are in India or abroad. Just 23 minutes were enough for the Indian Air Force to crush terrorism being nurtured in Pakistan.”
Rajnath Singh on Friday appealed to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to reconsider funding to Pakistan and said Islamabad will use a large portion of these funds on terror infrastructure in its country.
He said the fight against terrorism is not just a matter of security, but it is now also a part of the National Defence Doctrine.
Rajnath Singh said, “India’s fight against terrorism is not just a matter of security, it has now become a part of the national defence doctrine, and we will root out this hybrid and proxy warfare.”
He asserted that the current ceasefire means that India has kept Pakistan on probation based on its behaviour. If the behaviour improves, it is fine; but if there is any disturbance, the harshest punishment will be given, he said.
Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh and other senior IAF officials were present on the occasion.
(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)
“Apart from sending four fighter jets to bomb nine terrorist camps in Pakistan, what else has the government done? Is that all the value we place on the Arashina Kumkuma (turmeric and vermillion) of 26 women,” he said while talking to the media in Kolar.
“The government claims to have killed a few terrorists under the name of Operation Sindoor, but nothing has been confirmed. If terrorists can enter our country, kill our people, and escape unscathed, isn’t that a glaring security failure? What was our army doing at the border? Did they have any plan at all,” he questioned.
The lawmaker added, “Nothing was done. Just to show off, they sent three-four flights and returned. Will that compensate for the 26–28 people killed in Pahalgam? Is this how we compensate those women? Is this how we console them? Is this how we show respect?”
?"Operation Sindoor was a show-off; nothing was done."
Karnataka Congress MLA Kothur Manjunath questioned the effectiveness of Operation Sindoor and the government's claims.
The politician inquired whether those killed in Indian strikes included the assaliants of the Baisaran Valley attack on 22nd April. “Have they confirmed that at least 100 terrorists have been killed? Who were those terrorists who crossed our border? What are their identities? Why was there no security at the border? How did they escape? We should identify the root, branches, and stems of terrorism and eliminate them,” he said.
Additionally, he asserted that there are contradictory reports regarding the number of terrorists killed and the destruction of Pakistani terror bases. “We hit them here, we hit them there? All the TV channels are telling different stories. One says they hit them like this, another says something else. Whom do we trust? Who was hit? Who died? Where is the official statement,” he challenged.
The Congress leader then said, “How they killed the husbands of those women right in front of their eyes? This cannot compensate them. This is not the solution.”
Notably, India has consistently outlined that no civilians were harmed in the military operation, maintaining that only terrorists were eliminated and that Pakistani military installations were targeted in the subsequent retaliation to the drone assaults.
The remarks have fueled the ongoing political feud between the opposition parties and the government over the operation’s conclusion. According to a government statement, at least 100 terrorists were killed and nine key terror launch sites were destroyed following the 7th May precision strikes by the Indian Armed Forces.
Notably, other members of his party have also made equally offensive comments about “Operation Sindoor.” Veteran Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan attacked the government over naming of the operation and charged that the codename was selected to gain “sentimental benefits.”
He claimed, “A war is fought with bombs, guns, and aircraft, and not on symbolism or tokenism. A war cannot be won through the name of the operation. The name of the operation is fine. Indian government might have thought that giving this name (Sindoor) to the operation, they might derive some sentimental benefits.”
Udit Raj, another Congressman, similarly expressed issues with the name and stated, “During discussions with intellectuals, it was pointed out that Sindoor is associated with a specific religion, and it would have been better if a different name was chosen.”
“Much better reply needs to be given, this is bare minimum. Our forces did what govt of India told them to do, but the question again arises. Was every single terrorist killed? Will there won’t be another Pahalgam,” Congress leader Rashid Alvi asked. Controversial Congress leader Imran Masood also expressed doubts about the operation.
“How many (terrorists) were killed and what all damages could they inflict, this also should be announced, then we will feel at peace,” he insisted. He previosuly made fun of 2019 Balakote airstrike in an interview and announced, “The whole world mocked the air strike. Pakistanis were saying that they killed our three crows.”
India responded with military action against the Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist network in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) including Muridke and Bahawalpur after terrorists from The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba, killed 25 Indians and one Nepali in the Pahalgam attack after establishing their Hindu identity.
Former Jammu and Kashmir CM and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, whose party suffered a massive loss in the assembly elections in the Union Territory, has again spoken like a politician of Pakistan, not India. Keeping up with her habit of appeasing Islamists across the border who want to further Pakistan’s agenda and keep Jammu and Kashmir deprived of economic development, she got triggered over CM Omar Abdullah’s post on X, which talked about the possibility of reviving the Tulbul Navigation Project.
The Wular lake in North Kashmir. The civil works you see in the video is the Tulbul Navigation Barrage. It was started in the early 1980s but had to be abandoned under pressure from Pakistan citing the Indus Water Treaty. Now that the IWT has been “temporarily suspended” I… pic.twitter.com/MQbGSXJKvq
CM Abdullah had posted a video of the Wular lake in North Kashmir. Highlighting the incomplete civil works on one side of the lake, he wrote, “The Wular lake in North Kashmir. The civil works you see in the video is the Tulbul Navigation Barrage. It was started in the early 1980s but had to be abandoned under pressure from Pakistan citing the Indus Water Treaty. Now that the IWT has been “temporarily suspended” I wonder if we will be able to resume the project. It will give us the advantage of allowing us to use the Jhelum for navigation. It will also improve the power generation of downstream power projects, especially in winter.”
Mehbooba Mufti, however, got triggered by the statement and started behaving as a spokesperson of Pakistan all over again. Accusing Omar Abdullah of trying to trigger a war with Pakistan again, and hinting subtly that reviving the project would be enough justification for Pakistan to start attacking India again, Mufti reacted, “J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s call to revive the Tulbul Navigation Project amid ongoing tensions between India & Pakistan is deeply unfortunate. At a time when both countries have just stepped back from the brink of a full-fledged war—with Jammu and Kashmir bearing the brunt through the loss of innocent lives, widespread destruction and immense suffering such statements are not only irresponsible but also dangerously provocative.”
Nobody knows why a sitting CM’s post about reviving an abandoned infrastructure project in his own state, one that would mean better water management, and open up river navigation routes in a region that desperately needs economic development would be “provocative”. Maybe mehbooba Mufti thinks Jammu and Kashmir should remain undeveloped and lagging just to appease Pakistan, so that the poor people of the UT remain poor and become easy recruits for Pakistan’s terror factories.
Mufti further accused Omar Abdullah of war-mongering and provoking Pakistan, adding, “Our people deserve peace as much as anyone else in the country. Weaponising something as essential and life-giving as water is not only inhumane but also risks internationalising what should remain a bilateral matter.”
It is notable here that Omar Abdullah neither spoke about attacking Pakistan nor did any sort of act of aggression towards the Pakistani people. He was merely suggesting the revival of a navigation project that would better utilise the waters of Jhelum and open up navigation routes, besides bringing development for the people of north Kashmir. The Wular lake belongs to India, and the section of the Jhelum river he was referring to also belongs to India.
Omar Abdullah soon shot back, asking why Mufti is advocating for Pakistan and trying to peddle a narrative that reviving the Tulbul navigation project is the same as provoking Pakistan for war.
Actually what is unfortunate is that with your blind lust to try to score cheap publicity points & please some people sitting across the border, you refuse to acknowledge that the IWT has been one of the biggest historic betrayals of the interests of the people of J&K. I have… https://t.co/j55YwE2r39
“Actually what is unfortunate is that with your blind lust to try to score cheap publicity points & please some people sitting across the border, you refuse to acknowledge that the IWT has been one of the biggest historic betrayals of the interests of the people of J&K. I have always opposed this treaty & I will continue to do so. Opposing a blatantly unfair treaty is in no way, shape, size or form warmongering, it’s about correcting a historic injustice that denied the people of J&K the right to use our water for ourselves,” he posted.
Clearly, Mehbooba Mufti wants to propagate an idea that India, and Jammu and Kashmir, should remain under perpetual fear of Pakistan, and behave exactly as Pakistan wants, for Pakistan’s benefit, even if it means depriving the people of Jammu and Kashmir of the right to utilised their own resources.
What is the Tulbul Navigation Barrage, and how Pakistan got it halted
The Wular lake is in the Sopore area of Baramulla district, on the Jhelum river. The navigation project, initiated in the 1980s, was conceptualised with the aim of keeping the Wular, and Jhelum navigable even during the lean winter months, with the minimum of at least 4.5 feet of water. The proposed barrage, not a dam or reservoir, was planned to hold a maximum of 300,000 acre feet of water, so that the roughly 22 km stretch of Anantnag, Baramulla to Srinagar remains navigable by boats by controlled release of water.
Wular Lake, image via EJ Atlas
Usually in winter months, this stretch becomes non-navigable, as glacial freezing in the upstream Himalayan areas reduces water depth to under 2.5 feet.
If completed, the Tulbul Navigation Project with its barrage 439 feet long and 40 feet wide barrage holding and releasing water as required, would have maintained the minimum navigable water depth required throughout the year between Khanabal (Anantnag) and Khadanyar (Baramulla). Thus facilitating the transport of fruits, timber, and essential goods easily by boats, also bringing tourism and other facilities to this area.
The barrage was proposed to be designed as a holding and regulating structure, not as a storage facility, so that the downstream water volume is not reduced. However, Pakistan still opposed it, claiming that India was trying to hold more water in Jhelum than specified in the Indus Water Treaty.
Not just year-round navigation, helping the locals, the project would have also ensured enough water throughout the year for downstream run of the river hydropower projects in Uri.
India had stated to Pakistan that the barrage would ensure water flow to Mangla Dam, thus helping Pakistan’s irrigation canals downstream, but Pakistan threatened arbitrations in the International Court. India’s assurance that the barrage is for merely a control structure to ensure navigation, not a storage for consumptive use, failed to convince Pakistan, which wanted to halt the project at any cost. Multiple rounds of talks yielded no results.
Finally, in 1987, the Rajiv Gandhi government abandoned the project. Around 30% of the construction was done since 1984.
Pakistan was so against the Tulbul Navigation Project that it had sent terrorists to attack the structure. In the last few years, Marine Commandos have been deployed around the lake area and its islands, trying to flush out terrorists hiding in the region.
Tulbul Navigation Project: Another example of former governments giving in to Pakistan’s threat of violence?
Pakistan has been desperate to keep Jammu and Kashmir undeveloped, so its nefarious agenda of spreading Islamic terrorism and bleeding India by thousand cuts becomes successful. For decades, by sheltering, facilitating and sponsoring Islamic terroists on its soil to spread violence and chaos in Jammu and Kashmir, it has been successful in doing so. The subsequent governments in the Centre and Jammu and Kashmir both, also have submitted before the blackmail, allowing Pakistan to dictate terms and make Indian leaders behave as it want therm to.
Mehbooba Mufti arguing for Pakistan and trying to justify and validate its threat of violence for a water management project is a glaring example of how far Pakistan has been successful in making some politicians dance to its tunes.
West Bengal is in a state of complete chaos under the rule of Trinamool Congress government, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. First, a whopping 25,753 teachers lost their jobs in the 2016 West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) recruitment scam carried out by sitting Ministers in the TMC government. Now, the jobless teachers are being mercilessly thrashed by Mamata’s police for protesting against the government due to loss of livelihood.
On Thursday (15th May), the teachers who lost their jobs due to the complicity of the Mamata Banerjee-led-West Bengal government held a protests outside the West Bengal Education Department heaquarters dubbed ‘Bikash Bhavan’ in Kolkata.
During the demonstrations, the angry and mentally distraught teachers broke the main gate of the building. Soon after, Mamata’s police force resorted to unspeakable brutality against the protestors.
The cops used their batons to inflict serious injuries and bodily harm on the teachers, who are now rendered jobless due to the 2016 WBSSC scam.
The police, alongside the Rapid Action Force (RAF,) were equipped with tear gas vehicles in advance to quell democratic protests against the Mamata government.
Visuals of women crying and men lying on the ground in bloodied state were caught on camera.
West Bengal Police ruthlessly thrashes teachers who are protesting against the corrupt State Govt run by Mamata Banerjee.
— Devdutta Maji (Modi Ji Ka Pariwar). (@MajiDevDutta) May 15, 2025
Despite the police brutality, the protesting teachers remained undettered. Some of them had to be rushed to hospitals for immediate medical attention.
While speaking to The Indian Express, a teacher remarked, “This is the real face of the Bengal government. They are beating us up and are not even providing us ambulances to take the injured to hospital. They only blew a siren and warned us to move away quickly.”
Another protester stated, “Why should we suffer when we gave no bribes? Why should we appear in the examination again? We got the job only after taking the exam.”
The new set of protests began on Wednesday (14th May). It was led by more than 1000 teachers who were identified as ‘not specifically tainted’ and allowed to continue their teaching jobs until December 2025.
They were miffed after learning that the West Bengal School Education Department and School Service Commission (SSC) filed a review petition in the Supreme Court without consulting them. The demonstration was dubbed ‘Bikash Bhawan Abhijan.’
One teacher told The Indian Express, “A protester said, “They are protecting the thieves. We must be reinstated with dignity. What is wrong with our demands? The goons of political leaders are coming and beating us up.”
#Breaking: Bidhannagar Police resort to a massive lathicharge on protesting teachers in front of Saltlake’s Bikas Bhawan (West Bengal Education Dept Office).
Teachers had been protesting since morning following SC’s verdict on cancellation of 26,000 appointments of teachers in… pic.twitter.com/T5IT459CXG
In the meantime, the spokesperson of the teachers Mehaboob Mondol informed that TMC leader Sabyasachi Dutta and his supporters had assaulted them with helmets.
Dutta, who serves as the Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation chairman, was greeted with ‘go back’ slogans and labels like ‘chor’ (thief).
Mehaboob Mondol sought immediate intervention of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and said that the sacked teachers are fed up with the West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu.
It must be mentioned that many TMC politicians such as Partha Chatterjee, Manik Bhattacharya, Jiban Krishna Saha, Santanu Kundu and Kuntal Ghosh were involved in the 2016 WBSSC recruitment scam.
Verdict by the Supreme Court of India
In May 2024, the Supreme Court of India stayed the order of the Calcutta High Court, wherein it directed the cancellation of 25,752 appointments. It, however refused to put a stay on the CBI investigation in the case.
“The public job is so scarce….Nothing remains if the faith of the public goes. This is systemic fraud. Public jobs are extremely scarce today and are looked at for social mobility. What remains in the system if their appointments are also maligned? People will lose faith, how do you countenance this?” the apex court noted.
“Either you have the data or you do not have it…You were duty-bound to maintain the documents in digitised form. Now, it is obvious that there is no data. You are unaware of the fact that your service provider has engaged another agency. You had to maintain supervisory control,” it further added.
On 3rd April 2025, the Supreme Court of India upheld [pdf] the verdict of the Calcutta High Court and noted systemic irregularities, malaise/ fraud in the 2016 WBSSC recruitment case. Due to a compromise in the overall integrity of the recruitment process, it was cancelled in its entirety.
“In our opinion, this is a case wherein the entire selection process has been vitiated and tainted beyond resolution. Manipulations and frauds on a large scale, coupled with the attempted cover-up, have dented the selection process beyond repair and partial redemption. The credibility and legitimacy of the selection are denuded,” the apex court observed.
The WBSSC had argued that the entire recruitment process should not be annulled. The Supreme Court, however found no merit in the argument.
“We may have accepted this argument if WBSSC had the original physical OMR sheets or the mirror copy of the OMR sheets. However, WBSSC accepts thatthey do not have the physical OMR sheets as they were destroyed in terms of Rule 21 of the Class IX and X and Class XI and XII Rules, which require retention of the OMR sheets for only one year,” it added.
The apex court further pointed out that there was no rationale behind destroying the OMR sheets for Group C and D employees, given that the recruitment was underway even after the validity of the recruitment panel had expired.
It also underlined the illegality in the extension of the recruitment panel. “There is no doubt that the counselling process and appointments made to the post of Assistant Teachers for classes IX-X and XI-XII were made after the expiry of the panel. This is illegal and contrary to the rules,” the Supreme Court observed.
A rape accused named Allauddin was arrested by Shravasti police on Monday (12th May) near Andharpurwa ghat bridge in Uttar Pradesh after he was injured in encounter while trying to run away from the police. The accused who drives an electric-rikshaw had reportedly raped a 7-year-old girl on 9th May in Ikauna nagar area in the Shravasti district of Uttar Pradesh and was absconding. He lured the minor girl and took her in his e-rikshaw. After raping the minor, Allauddin dumped her on the Baharaich-Bhinga highway and ran away.
The police examined CCTV footage to indentify and arrest him. On 12th May, the police received the information that Allauddin was trying to escape to Nepal. His location was traced by the police and he was nabbed after he got shot in both legs. The police seized an e-rikshaw, a local-made weapon and a cartridge from his possession.
Superintendent of Police Ghanshyam Chaurasia said that Allauddin is a repeat offender. In 2011-12, he raped and murdered a 10-year-old girl and was convicted. After coming out of jail, he continued to commit crimes. The accused also has several cases of threatening and sexual harassment registered against him. A case has been registered against him under the provisions of the POCSO Act and the Arms Act.
Such cases of offenders repeating crimes after being released from the jail are rampant. In many cases of rape and sexual harassment, the accused secure bail and continue with their criminal activities which highlights serious loopholes in the judicial system.
Cases of accused repeating crimes after securing bail
In February 2025, a 22-year-old man named Asif alias Chhote Babu kidnapped a 17-year-old girl he was accused of raping in October 2023. The accused was out on bail when he kidnapped the girl again on 5th February from Uttar Pradesh’s Bhadohi. The accused booked under the POCSO Act was earlier arrested and jailed for 8 months before he secured bail. After coming out of jail, he kidnapped the girl, to continue the very crime he was jailed for.
In another such case that happened in December 2024, the Odisha Police in Sundargarh district arrested an individual identified as Kunu Kishan for murdering a girl on 7th December. The accused was already on bail in the minor victim’s rape case. He was reported to have killed the girl to try and avoid getting convicted in the case. Following this, he cut her murdered body into various pieces and threw them around various parts of the district. Reports said that the accused had been jailed in August 2023 for raping the same victim girl (now deceased) when she was a minor. In a distrubing incident that happened in 2024 in Madhya Pradesh, a rape accused killed the father and brother of the victim.
These are only a few of the many cases in which accused misuse the provision of bail and target the victims and their families. This is something the Indian courts should keep in mind while granting bail to accused in such cases.
In a disturbing development in the United Kingdom, children of all age groups who believe that they are transgenders would be eligible for gender treatment on the National Health Service (NHS). This means that the NHS will be treating nursery-age children who identify as transgender.
NHS had canned the previously proposed minimum age limit of seven years old, saying that anything less than this would be “just too young”. The United Kingdom’s National Health Service earlier cited an example of a young child taking a liking to toys or clothes typical of the opposite sex as normal.
“We know that showing an interest in clothes or toys of the opposite sex – or displaying behaviours more commonly associated with the opposite sex – is reasonably common behaviour in childhood and is usually not indicative of gender incongruence,” the NHS earlier said.
This draft guideline was published in 2023 after a Cass review into children’s transgender services found the NHS had been sending children on a one-way path to change gender at the Tavistock clinic. This review led by the paediatrician Baroness Cass found that children were frequently prescribed puberty blockers even though there were adequate evidence proving safety and effectiveness of these measures. The doctors did not even assess these children for other conditions and routinely prescribed puberty blockers.
However, taking a U-turn now, the age limit to undergo gender dysphoria treatment has been removed by the NHS after the proposals were put out to consultation, with new guidance due to be published showing that children of any age are eligible, The Telegraph reported.
It is being said that the NHS has “caved in” to the pressure of trans activists to remove the age limit.
As per the data, over 10 children of nursery in the UK are being treated for gender dysphoria, while over 157 children aged nine or younger have been referred to the clinics.
In its defence, NHS says that it is following the the Cass review’s recommendation not to set an age limit adding that any care for children aged under seven would be focused on family support and advice. The NHS further stated that the Labour government has backed its decision to remove the age limit. This, however, has sparked public anger against the Labour government in the United Kingdom.
Taking to X, bestselling author and women rights activist J.K. Rowling said: The class action lawsuits coming down the line are going to turn all previous medical scandals into mere footnotes. The medical establishment has buckled to the demands of an unfalsifiable ideology and children are being sacrificed on its altar.”
“Operation Sindoor” which took place in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack prominently illustrated India’s expanding indigenous military technologies under the “Make in India” program. Domestic equipments, ranging from drones to missiles and air defense systems, proved effective, whereas Turkey and China’s weaponry fell severely short of the expectations.
Notably, The country’s defense manufacturing has increased at a remarkable rate since the “Make in India” campaign kicked off on 25th September 2014 after Prime Minister Narendra Modi stormed to power at the centre. It achieved a historic figure of ₹1.27 lakh crore in the fiscal year 2023-24.
India, which was formerly reliant on foreign suppliers is now a major player in domestic industry and has developed its military capabilities indigenously. This transition demonstrates a firm dedication to self-sufficiency, guaranteeing that India fulfills its security requirements while simultaneously developing a strong defense sector that aids in economic advancement.
This has been propelled by strategic initiatives that promote technological innovation, corporate involvement and the creation of cutting-edge military platforms. The country’s resolve to fortify its military infrastructure is evidenced by the boost in the defense budget which went from ₹2.53 lakh crore in 2013-14 to ₹6.81 lakh crore in 2025-26.
During Financial Year (FY) 2023-24, India’s homegrown defense production soared at the highest rate ever in value terms. This was made possible by Pm Modi’s successful implementation of government policies and programs aimed at achieving Atmanirbharta. Data from all Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), other public sector entities that produce defence items and private enterprises showcased that the value of defence output has risen to a new high of ₹1,27,434 crore, representing a staggering 174% increase from ₹46,429 crore in 2014-15.
India’s firm commitment to self-reliance and smart policy initiatives has led to its burgeoning global presence in defense industry. Defense exports have increased 30 times in the last ten years, from ₹686 crore in FY 2013–14 to an all-time high of ₹21,083 crore in FY 2023-24.
Image via Narendra Modi (NaMo) App
The Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) system, the 4G/LTE TAC-LAN, the Advanced Autonomous Systems for the Armed Forces and the Smart Compressed Breathing Apparatus are notable innovations that demonstrate India’s evolving defense environment. The country has already become one of the top exporters of various armaments, with the US as a customer.
Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)
Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), which was established in April 2018, has produced an ideal setting for technological advancement and innovation in the aerospace and defense industries. iDEX has awarded funding of up to ₹1.5 crore for the development of innovative technologies by involving MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises), startups, individual innovators, R&D (Research and Development) organizations and academics.
₹449.62 crore has been allocated for iDEX under the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO), including its sub-scheme Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI), for 2025-2026 to further promote self-reliance in defense technology. 430 iDEX contracts have been signed as of February 2025 and 549 problem statements involving 619 startups and MSMEs have been opened.
The government encourages start-ups to contribute to the defense industry and the development of the nation’s aerospace sector by offering large grants, facilitating procurement, facilitating co-creation and co-innovation through the use of efficient operating procedures and little paperwork as well as granting them easier and faster access to test facilities and infrastructure that are available with various government agencies.
PLI Scheme for Drones and Drone Components
The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for drones and drone components was authorized by the central government in 2021, marking another step towards achieving the goal of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The PLI scheme serves as an extension of the liberalized Drone Rules, 2021, published by the Central Government on 25th August 2021.
Drones provide enormous advantages for practically every industry. Agriculture, mining, infrastructure, emergency response, surveillance, transportation, geospatial mapping, defense, and law enforcement are just a few of them. Their reach, adaptability, and user-friendliness make them potential job and economic growth generators, particularly in India’s inaccessible and rural regions.
The domestically produced drones of India were vital to “Operation Sindoor,” integrating surveillance capabilities with deadly accuracy. The Nagastra-1 and SkyStriker models are two examples of the same. The latter, which was created by Alpha Design, a Bengaluru-based company and Elbit Security Systems, an Israeli firm, especially stood out during the operation.
Moreover, India has the industrial infrastructure to manufacture them on a large scale. India will develop next-generation loitering ammunition and swarm drones when, not if, it has combat success.
According to the ministry of commerce and industry, the PLI initiative aimed to increase domestic manufacturing in 14 key sectors, attracted investments totaling ₹1.61 lakh crore ($18.72 billion) as of November 2024. It generated sales of approximately ₹14 lakh crore ($162.84 billion) against a target of ₹15.52 lakh crore by the end of the fiscal year on 31st March 2025.
India has the potential to become a worldwide drone center by 2030 with its historical advantages in innovation, information technology and cost-effective engineering, coupled with significant domestic demand.
MAKE Projects: Driving Indigenous Defence Innovation
The Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP-2006) featured the MAKE procedure for the first time to encourage domestic design and development in the defense industry. It has been streamlined and simplified throughout time by amendments in 2016, 2018 and 2020. Both the public and commercial sectors are guaranteed to create defense systems, components and equipment far more rapidly. Three categories have been established for these projects:
Image via Press Information Bureau (PIB)
MAKE-I (Government Funded): Prototype development can receive up to 70% government financing (up to ₹250 crore per Development Agency). Indigenous Content (IC) must be at least 50%.
MAKE-II (Industry Funded): It encourages domestic firms to create vital defense systems by emphasizing import substitution. No government financing, but there must be at least 50% Indigenous Content (IC).
MAKE-III (Manufactured in India through Transfer of Technology – ToT): It entails production in India through Technology Transfer (ToT) from foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). Design and development are not necessary, however at least 60% of the content must be indigenous (IC).
Advancing Self-Reliance
India is now far less reliant on foreign supplies owing to its efforts to become self-sufficient in the defense industry. The nation is creating state-of-the-art military platforms through strategic policies and domestic innovation, enhancing economic growth and national security.
Self-Reliant Initiatives through Joint Action (SRIJAN): It was started in August 2020 by the Department of Defence Production (DDP) as part of Atmanirbhar Bharat to encourage indigenisation. It provides a uniform platform for the Armed Forces (SHQs) and Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) to list imported goods for in-country production. More than 14,000 of the more than 38,000 items that are available as of February 2025 have been successfully indigenised.
Positive Indigenisation Lists (PILs): LRUs, assemblies, sub-assemblies, sub-systems, spare parts, components and premium materials are included in the five Positive Indigenization Lists (PILs) released by the Department of Defense Production (DDP) and the Department of Military Affairs (DMA). These lists specify deadlines beyond which domestic manufacturers will no longer be able to purchase.
More than 3,000 of the more than 5,500 products on the list have been indigenized as of February 2025. Armor guns, assault rifles, corvettes, sonar systems, transport planes, light combat helicopters (LCHs), radars, wheeled armored platforms, rockets, explosives, armoured command post vehicles and armoured dozers are some of the vital indigenous technologies.
Defence Industrial Corridors: Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh have established two Defence Industrial Corridors (DICs) to increase defence production. Companies that invest in this sector are given incentives by these corridors.
Over ₹8,658 crore has already been invested in the five Tamil Nadu nodes of Chennai, Coimbatore, Hosur, Salem and Tiruchirappalli, as well as the six Uttar Pradesh nodes of Agra, Aligarh, Chitrakoot, Jhansi, Kanpur and Lucknow. There have been 253 Memorandums of Understanding signed as of February 2025 with an anticipated investment of ₹53,439 crore.
Ease of Doing Business (EoDB): The government has taken a number of steps to make it easier for companies to conduct business in the defense manufacturing industry. The two-year export authorization period for parts and components has been extended until the order or component’s completion, whichever is later.
The Defense Product List was simplified in 2019 to lower the quantity of goods that required a production license. In September 2019, parts and components of defense equipment were delicensed to attract investment. The Industries (Development and Regulation) Act of 1951 raised the duration of defense licenses from three to fifteen years, with the possibility of a further extension of up to eighteen years.
436 businesses in the defense industry have received more than 700 industrial licenses. With over 1,500 approvals granted in the most recent fiscal year, the implementation of an end-to-end digital export authorisation system has increased efficiency.
More important schemes
The Indian government has undertaken several revolutionary projects in recent years with the goal to boost the nation’s capacity for defense manufacturing and attaining self-reliance. These policies aim to improve domestic production, draw in investment and expedite the procurement process. These measures, which range from easing restrictions on foreign direct investment (FDI) to offering preference to domestic manufacturing, demonstrate a strong commitment to bolstering the nation’s defense industrial infrastructure.
The main government programs that have been essential in promoting development and innovation in the defense industry are:
Liberalized FDI Policy: September 2020 witnessed the liberalization of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the defense sector, permitting up to 74% of FDI to flow through the automatic route and more than 74% to go through the government route. The entire amount of foreign direct investment in the defense sector from April 2000 stands at ₹5,516.16 crore.
TATA Aircraft Complex: In October 2024, the Tata Aircraft Complex was opened in Vadodara to produce C-295 aircraft, increasing Atmanirbharta’s defense capabilities with 40 of the 56 aircraft produced under the program being built in India.
Manthan: Leading innovators, startups, MSMEs, academia, investors and industry leaders from the defense and aerospace sectors came together at the annual defence innovation event, Manthan, which was held during Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru. This event served to reinforce trust in the government’s dedication to technological advancements and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS): With seven test facilities already approved in fields like unmanned aerial systems, electronic warfare, electro-optics and communications, DTIS intends to increase indigenization by offering financial support for the establishment of eight Greenfield testing and certification facilities in the aerospace and defense industry.
Priority for Domestic Procurement: The Defense Acquisition Procedure (DAP)-2020 places a strong emphasis on acquiring capital goods from domestic suppliers.
Domestic Procurement Allocation: During the current fiscal year, the Ministry of Defense has allocated ₹1,11,544 crore, or 75% of the modernization budget, for procurement through local firms.
India showcases its might
The Aero India 2025 event “SAMARTHYA,” which highlighted India’s advancements in defense industry already conveyed the success story of indigenization and innovation in the defense sector. The event presented 33 significant indigenous products, including nine successful iDEX innovation projects and 24 created by the Indian Navy, the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs).
The event also showcased innovations in quantum-secure communication technology, next-generation surveillance systems, artificial intelligence-driven analytical platforms and counter-drone tactics.
More importantly, India’s decision to penalize Pakistan for harboring terrorism has further demonstrated the effectiveness of domestically produced weapons in real conflicts. The weapons manufactured in India, in conjunction with joint ventures with companies from Israel and Russia, have proven to be a formidable arsenal in India’s defense.
The munitions production capacity of India revealed itself to be a powerful asset during the operation. The ability to produce a wide range of weapons, including sophisticated missiles and artillery rounds, such the Pinaka rocket launcher, which could fire 72 rockets in 44 seconds, guaranteed continuous supply lines. India’s industrial depth made it a dependable participant in the global arms market, where constant availability is just as important as firepower.
Likewise, the native Akash SAM (Surface-to-Air Missile) was the best parrying weapon, while the Russian S400 served as the blocking defense. India targeted many UAVs and loitering ammo, shot down fighter jets, destroyed a ballistic missile and halted unguided rockets in the same theater. Its capacity to engage multiple targets demonstrated its value in a multi-layered defense grid.
Conclusion
The incredible developments in defense production and exports under the Modi government have enabled this transformation, positioning the country as a self-reliant and globally competitive military manufacturing powerhouse. The nation’s defense capabilities have been greatly enhanced by a combination of strategic policy initiatives, greater domestic engagement and an emphasis on indigenous innovation.
India’s dedication to attaining Atmanirbharta in defense is demonstrated by the explosive growth in exports, the manufacturing boom and the accomplishments of programs like Make in India. With aggressive goals established for 2029, the country is well-positioned to increase its global presence and solidify its standing as a reliable partner in the global defense market, all the while boosting economic growth and national security.
Additionally, the capabilities demonstrated in the recent conflict with Pakistan will not only exemplify India’s strength to the world but also serve as a warning to its adversaries.
A Hindu vegetable vendor was attacked by an Islamist mob in Udaipur, Rajasthan. He suffered several injuries on his body after being attacked with swords by the mob. The fundamentalist mob also pelted stones at his shop. The mob also set fire to shops nearby. The police have registered an FIR in the case.
According to media reports, this incident took place on Friday (May 16, 2025). Some Muslim youths had come to buy vegetables at the shop of a Hindu vegetable vendor named Satbir in Dhanmandi area of Udaipur. While buying vegetables, the customers started a quarrel over the price of lemons.
When Satbir asked them to leave, they became aggressive. They threw stones at Satbir and abused him. They also attacked the nearby shops and destroyed them. By the time Satbir recovered from this attack, the Muslim youth came back with an entire mob.
The Islamist mob attacked Satbir with swords and injured him. The reports also said that the mob then set fire to the vegetable shops nearby. Injured Satbir was immediately taken to the hospital, his condition remains critical.
Hindu organizations have demonstrated in Udaipur and demanded action. The youth who attacked Satbir are on the run. The police have assured the people that they will take action against the culprits soon. In view of the situation, additional security forces have been deployed in the area to keep the situation under control.
This incident has again increased religious tension in Udaipur. This attack is being seen similarly as the attack on tailor Kanhaiya Lal in 2022 when he was killed. Kanhaiya Lal was murdered by 2 Islamists. They slit Kanhaiya Lal’s throat while recording it live on camera. Kanhaiya Lal’s family is still waiting for justice in that case.
Highlighting Indian Air Force’s (IAF) bravery during the Operation Sindoor, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday asserted that the operation is not over yet and whatever happened was just a “trailer”.
Addressing Air Warriors at Bhuj Air Force Station, Singh said, “We have kept Pakistan on probation. If its behavior improves, then okay, otherwise, it will be given strictest punishment. Operation Sindoor is not over yet. Whatever happened was just a trailer. When the right time comes, we will show the full picture to the world.”
The Defence Minister paid homage to those who lost lives during Operation sindoor and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured ones.
“Bhuj was witness to our victory against Pakistan in 1965 and 1971. and today again it has been witness to our victory against Pakistan. I feel proud to be present here,” Singh said.
#WATCH | Bhuj, Gujarat | Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, "#OperationSindoor is not over yet. Whatever happened was just a trailer. When the right time comes, we will show the full picture to the world." pic.twitter.com/13BHeIZgkS
Praising IAF for their execution during Operation Sindoor he said, “Whatever you did during Operation Sindoor, has made all Indians proud – whether they are in India or abroad. Just 23 minutes were enough for the Indian Air Force to crush terrorism being nurtured in Pakistan.”
“Only yesterday, I met our brave Army personnel in Srinagar. Today, I am meeting the air warriors here. Yesterday, I met our jawans in the northern region, and today I am here in the western part of the country meeting the air warriors and other security personnel. I feel the enthusiasm on seeing the high josh and energy on both fronts. I am assured that you secure India’s borders,” he added.
“Even Pakistan has accepted the power of BrahMos missile. There is an old saying in our country, “Din mein taare dekhna.” Made in India BrahMos missile showed ‘raat ke andhere mein din ka ujala’ to Pakistan,” Singh further said.
“It would not be incorrect for me to say that the duration people take to have breakfast, you used that duration to deal with enemies. You dropped missiles by going to the land of enemies. Its echo did not remain restricted just to the borders of India, the entire world heard it. That echo wasn’t just of missiles but also of your valour and the bravery of jawans of the Indian Armed Forces,” the Defence Minister added.
Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, in response to the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives.
(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)
