India on Thursday said it is in touch with the Chinese side, seeking predictability in the supply of rare earth metals — which had been put under the export controls regime by the Xi administration.
“We are in touch with the Chinese side, both here in Delhi as also in Beijing to bring predictability in supply chain for trade, consistent with international practices,” Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters in the weekly briefing.
The MEA spokesperson was asked about India’s engagement with China on rare earth, given that it is to an extent impacting the auto industry, among others in India.
“We have been in touch with the Chinese side. The Chinese ministry of commerce and general administration of customs in early April…had announced a decision to implement export controls on certain rare earth related items,” the MEA spokesperson said.
Amidst this key supply chain issue, US President Donald Trump on Wednesday confirmed that the US reached a “deal” with China following intense trade negotiations. As part of the deal, the US, according to Trump, will get rare earth supplies from China.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal described China’s rare earth export restrictions as a global “wake-up call” on Monday, emphasising that India is actively building alternative supply chains while positioning itself as a trusted partner for international businesses seeking to reduce their dependence on Chinese suppliers.
Speaking to reporters during his official visit to Switzerland, where he met with Swiss government officials and business leaders, Goyal acknowledged that China’s export curbs will create short-term challenges for India’s automotive and white goods sectors.
However, he expressed confidence that collaborative efforts between government, industry, and innovators will transform these challenges into long-term opportunities.
China’s overwhelming control of global rare earth processing – commanding over 90 per cent of the world’s magnet production capacity – has created significant vulnerabilities for industries worldwide. These materials are critical across multiple sectors, including automobiles, home appliances, and clean energy systems.
Beyond China, there are only a few alternative suppliers.
The new Chinese restrictions, effective from April 4, require special export licenses for certain specific rare earth elements and their related magnetic products.
Separately, India and Central Asian countries have recently expressed interest in joint exploration of rare earth and critical minerals at the recently held India-Central Asia Dialogue.
The renewed expression of interest in collaboration in rare earths and critical minerals comes as China has restricted its exports of some key industrial inputs.
According to a joint statement by India and Central Asian countries — Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and, Uzbekistan -they appreciated the outcomes of the first India-Central Asia Rare Earth Forum held in September 2024 in New Delhi, as they called upon the relevant authorities to hold the second India-Central Asia Rare Earth Forum meeting at the earliest convenience.
(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)
The London-bound Air India flight crashed into a doctors’ hostel near the Ahmedabad Airport shortly after took off on Thursday. As flight AI 171 lost altitude soon after take off, it crashed into a doctors’ hostel of the BJ Medical College in Meghaninagar, when several doctors were having lunch at the hostel mess.
As per reports, there are no survivors from the 242 people on board, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members. An unconfirmed number of people on the ground also reportedly died and many more were injured.
As per ATC, the aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) from runway 23. It gave a mayday Call to ATC, but thereafter, no response was given by the aircraft to the calls made by ATC.
The Boeing 787-8 plane then crashed into the doctors’ hostel of the BJ Medical College in Meghaninagar near the airport. The outer walls and windows of the resident doctors’ hostel were damaged in the accident, with debris scattered all around.
Visuals from the hostel show the tail of the plane stuck onto top floor of the building, while other photos show other parts of the aircraft including the engines lodged into the hostel building.
Several walls of the hostel have been completely destroyed. But it seems there is no structural damage to columns and beams, as the building appears to be still standing in place.
In another photo, a massive landing gear of the Boeing 787-8 can be seen hitting the ground floor.
Photos from the dining hall of the hostel have also emerged, showing plates of unfinished food on rows of tables. On the back of the long room, the crashed plane can be seen lying on the floor. As per photos, the kitchen of the hostel was also damaged due to the plane crash.
Some parts of the plane also hit an open space near the hostel building, and several trees were damaged in the fire. The exterior walls of the buildings have turned black due to the fire caused by the crash.
The plane was carrying significant amount of fuel as it was flying to London. While the pilots called Mayday before the crash, they didn’t have time to dump fuel. The plane’s debris are lying on the ground around the hostel, with most of the places catching fire.
Providing an update on the flight that crashed carrying 242 people including 12 crew members onboard, a senior Ahmedabad police officer stated that about 70 per cent to 80 per cent of the crash site had been cleared. He also appealed to the public to cooperate for the green corridor for the ambulance.
The #AirIndia flight, which departed from #Ahmedabad at 13:38 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals. ? Vijay Soneji pic.twitter.com/ccboJpr23g
“After the takeoff, the plane crashed here and after a preliminary enquiry, we got to know that the … plane crashed into a building, which is a doctors’ hostel. After a few minutes of the incident, the concerned authorities reached the spot… We have cleared about 70 per cent to 80 per cent of the area… We urge all the people to cooperate with us so that we can make a green corridor for the ambulance to go to the hospital,” the senior officer stated.
Efforts are ongoing to ensure a safe and efficient rescue operation with the Gujarat government mobilising three National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, comprising 90 personnel, from Gandhinagar to the plane crash site.
The Ahmedabad City Police has issued an emergency number for the police emergency services and to get necessary information related to the plane crash.
“Ahmedabad City Police Emergency Number for Police Emergency Services and necessary information related to the Ahmedabad Plane Crash 07925620359,” Ahmedabad Police stated in a post on X.
The flight operations at the Ahmedabad airport were suspended temporarily following the Air India plane crash, according to an official spokesperson. The flight operations resumed at around 5 PM.
Chief Justice of India, BR Gavai, has cautioned the judiciary against the excessive use of its power of judicial review on Tuesday (10th June). Speaking at Trinity College, Oxford Union, the Chief Justice remarked, “Judicial activism is bound to stay. At the same time, judicial activism should not be turned into judicial terrorism. So, at times, you try to exceed the limits and try to enter into an area where, normally, the judiciary should not enter.”
CJI Gavai said that the judiciary is bound to intervene when the legislature or the executive fail in their duties to safeguard the rights of the citizens. However, he added that the power of judicial review is to be used by the judiciary in certain exceptional cases. “…that power [judicial review] has to be exercised in a very limited area in very exception cases, like, say, a statute, is violative of the basic structure of the Constitution, or it is in direct conflict with any of the fundamental rights of the Constitution, or if the statute is so patently arbitrary, discriminatory… the courts can exercise it, and the courts have done so,” the CJI emphasised.
The Chief Justice repeated the words of Justice Surya Kant where he said that courts must not supplant the role of the legislature or override the will of the people. “Instead, they must act as facilitators of democratic dialogue – strengthening participatory governance, protecting the vulnerable, and ensuring rule of law prevails even in moments of political uncertainty. Judicial overreach risks unsettling the delicate balance of power,” said Justice Kant during a keynote address at the ‘Envision India Conclave’ in San Fransciso earlier this week.
CJI Gavai’ statement comes at a time when a tussle has been going on between the government and the judiciary with the former accusing the latter of judicial overreach.
CJI praises the Indian Constitution
Praising the Indian Constitution during his address titled ‘From Representation to Realization: Embodying the Constitution’s Promise‘, the CJI pointed out that the Constitution has ensured that someone (referring to himself) from a group, which was considered as untouchable decades ago, is addressing the Oxford Union as the holder of India’s highest judicial office.
“The Constitution of India carries within it the heartbeat of those who were never meant to be heard, and the vision of a country where equality is not just promised, but pursued. It compels the State not only to protect rights, but also to actively uplift, to affirm, to repair,” the CJI said.
Explaining why the Indian Constitution envisiges representation of all along with a separation of power between the three organs of government, viz. legislature, executive and judiciary, the Chief Justice said that Dr BR Ambedkar belived that in an equal society, democracy cannot survive unless power is divided among communitie, not just among institutions. “Representation, therefore, was a mechanism of redistributing power, not only between the legislature, executive and judiciary, but among social groups that had been denied a share for centuries,” he said.
The Chief Justice urged the Indian students studying in the UK to return to India and contribute to nation-building.
Maheshtala in South 24 Parganas in West Bengal has been tense following the violence after the vandalism of a Shiva temple on 10th June. Afterward, police was deployed in the area and prohibitory order of section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) was enforced there.
40 people have reportedly been arrested so far in relation to the incident. “Raids are presently underway and additional personnel remain deployed. Several arrests were made,” stated a police officer. The mob even assaulted police officers and caused injuries to many.
Suvendu Adhikari, the leader of the opposition in West Bengal, who demanded the deployment of central forces earlier asked the state police’s DGP (Director General of Police) and the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Diamond Harbour Police District to permit him and an MLA to visit Maheshtala, which is under Rabindranagar Police Station.
He intends to meet with and show support for the Hindu families and shopkeepers who endured assault at the hands of extremists. “This visit is a step towards understanding their grievances and ensuring their voices are heard. I hope that the administration doesn’t obstruct my visit,” he conveyed.
I have approached the SP of Diamond Harbour Police District and DGP @WBPolice so that today, I along with one MLA can visit Maheshtala under Rabindranagar Police Station to meet and express solidarity with the victims of the Hindu families and the affected Hindu shopkeepers who… pic.twitter.com/qX1YORH1GY
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader shared a video depicting the Muslim mob attacking shops and remarked that this is the consequence of nurturing a rabid dog as it will eventually turn on you. He charged that these “jihadists” are aware that they have managed to restrain the Mamata Banerjee government, which is unable to take action against them due to their status as an “influential vote bank.”
He conveyed, “Glimpses of lawlessness, unruliness, complete breakdown of governance and administration, hapless condition of law and order apparatus in Maheshtala, Rabindranagar today,” he added while referring to the situation as “lawlessness of vote bank.”
Glimpses of Lawlessness, Unruliness, Complete Breakdown of Governance and Administration, Hapless condition of Law and Order Apparatus in Maheshtala – Rabindranagar today.
This is what happens when you feed a rabid dog, it bites you back one day. These Jidasists know that they… pic.twitter.com/mOiQKsavRG
The official account of the state BJP unit shared the statement regarding the police’s failure to control the situation. “We are in a life and death situation. The crowd is huge, we are unable to fight back. They are throwing bricks like madmen,” the cop voiced. The party stated that people were struck on the head with bricks by the extremists.
“Such an incident is happening right in the outskirts of Kolkata, yet the state’s Home Minister, Police Minister Mamata Banerjee remains completely silent because even a word of protest might cost her the vote bank,” it further accused.
"We are in a life-and-death situation. The crowd is huge, we are unable to fight back… They are throwing bricks like madmen."
This is the statement from Kolkata Police after the jihadi rampage in Maheshtala. From senior officers to constables and even female police personnel —… pic.twitter.com/AbysaLQFPA
The saffron party posted images of Mukul Miya, the Inspector-in-Charge (IC) of Rabindranagar Police Station and charged him with intentionally withholding accurate information and deliberately delaying the entire process, which permitted the violence to intensify. “Because of his incompetence, Hindu temples, homes, and properties were brutally attacked,” it remarked.
The party then stated that “this very officer shamelessly appears on Trinamool’s stage, wears the Trinamool badge and openly participates in Trinamool’s political rallies,” while demanding his immediate arrest and “the real conspiracy behind this jihadi violence must be exposed.”
This is Mukul Miya, the Inspector-in-Charge (IC) of Rabindranagar Police Station.
Since yesterday morning, when the jihadi attack began, this man deliberately withheld the correct information and intentionally slowed down the entire process, allowing the violence to escalate… https://t.co/7elo76VElepic.twitter.com/ckrpdE8pop
The BJP account also mentioned that the Hindu women had to remain awake throughout the night to safeguard their honor, as they are concerned that if the goons invade under the cover of darkness and assault them, there will be no one available to defend them. They have completely lost trust in the police. “What once used to happen in Pakistan and Bangladesh is now happening in West Bengal,” it wrote.
Tonight in Maheshtala, Hindu women wearing Shankha and Pola will stay awake to guard their honour.
This is the current state of West Bengal.
They fear that if the goons break in under the cover of night and attack them, there will be no one to protect them. They have lost all… pic.twitter.com/oans2Nk8VI
A social media user named “Facts” shared a video demonstrating how the police appeared completely helpless in the face of the jihadis. He mentioned that the police gave up in front of the Muslim mob and pointed out that they showed “white cloth as a sign of surrender.” He also highlighted that the crowd even vandalized a temple in their presence amid “Allahu Akbar” slogans, yet the officers remained as silent spectators.
Muslim Mob Vandalising Mandir in front of Mamata's Police and Police just standing there ans watching.
The person shared another video charging that the fundamentalists targeted police station while the police merely stood by and watched the scene unfold like spectators.
Mob Attacking Police Station and Mamata's police just standing there and watching like an audience. pic.twitter.com/2aj3Ivg4Cm
Meanwhile, on 12th June BJP members of the West Bengal Assembly staged a walkout after the speaker rejected their pleas for an adjournment due to the violence in Maheshtala and Murshidabad.
Background of the incident
A Shiva Mandir was vandalised by a mob in South 24 Parganas in West Bengal on Tuesday after Hindus objected to encroachment of temple land. The clash then escalated as the mob attacked police with stones and bricks, and vandalised several vehicles and shops in the area. Several people including police personnel have been injured in stone pelting.
The incident took place in Maheshtala near Rabindra Nagar Police Station in Budge Budge area. Recently, the Hindus in the area noticed that the pond inside the local Shiva Mandir premises was gradually being filled with soil to encroach it. The locals had filed complaint with authorities regarding this, but no action was taken.
On Tuesday, some Muslims tried to set up some fruit shops on the encroached land of the temple. Seeing this, the Hindus in the area prevented them from doing so. This led to a communal clash between the two sides, which soon turned violent.
The Muslim mob then proceeded to vandalise the temple, and threw stones and bricks at it. When police from the nearby police station arrived, they were also attacked by the mob, escalating the situation. Soon, the entire area looked like as if was hit by a massive disaster, filling the entire area with stones, bricks and ruins of vandalised items.
According to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, the mob attacked the sacred Tulsi Manch, nearby Hindu shops, homes, apart from the temple. Stones and bricks were thrown at the temple, damaging installations.
An Air India flight carrying 242 people crashed in the Meghani residential area in Ahmedabad on June 12th, minutes after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport in Gujarat. An Air India statement confirmed that the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, bound for London, had 230 passengers and 12 crew members onboard, including 2 pilots and 10 members of the cabin crew.
Air India flight AI171 was being operated by a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft with registration VT-ANB. As per records, the aircraft flew for the first time in December 2013, and it was acquired Air India brand new. The aircraft was powered by two GEnx-1B engines.
The aircraft took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) at 1:38 PM and was scheduled to land in London Gatwick (LGW). Soon after take off, the plane lost altitude at a rapid speed. The pilots made a mayday call, and tried to regain control. But the plane crashed in the premises of the BJ Medical college near Meghani Nagar, located less than 2 km away from the southern end of the runway.
The plane directly crashed into an undergraduate hostel of the medical college, and casualties and injuries are being reported from the ground also.
As per reports, former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was also on board. Rescue operations are underway at the site of the crash.
Confirming the accident, Air India Chairman, N. Chandrasekaran, said that an emergency centre has been activated and support team have been set for people seeking information.
With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event. At this moment, our…
The aircraft was also carrying several foreign nationals as confirmed by a statement of Air India. “The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals. The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals. We have also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information,” read the statement by Air India.
Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off.
The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are…
A large number of medical students were reportedly present at the hostel having lunch when the plane hit the building. The buildig has been severely damaged by the crashed, and several students are feared dead and injured as a result. The injured have been taken to nearby hospitals.
As per a statement of the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the flight was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal having 1100 hours of flying experience. Before crashing, the aircraft gave a MAYDAY call to the ATC which was immediately responded to by the ATC. However, the ATC did not receive any response from the aircraft.
Capt Sumeet Sabharwal is an LTC with 8200 hours of experience. The copilot had 1100 hours of flying experience. As per ATC, the aircraft departed from Ahmadabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) from runway 23. It gave a MAYDAY Call to ATC, but thereafter, no response was given by the…
PM Modi took stock of the situation and ordered immediate rescue and relief operations. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu reached Ahmedabad to monitor the situation and rescue operations. Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to the Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel and is en route to Ahmedabad.
An Operational Control Room has been activated at the Ministry of Civil Aviation to coordinate all details.
In light of the AI171 crash, an Operational Control Room has been activated at the Ministry of Civil Aviation to coordinate all details. Contact: 011-24610843 | 9650391859: Ministry of Civil Aviation pic.twitter.com/Si220KVy4y
Air India on Thursday confirmed that flight AI171 with destination to Gatwick in London, was involved in an accident today after take-off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
“Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off. The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hours, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals. The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals. We have also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number, 1800 5691 444, to provide more information. Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident,” the Airline said
Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off.
The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are…
The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, is currently not operational, and all flight operations are temporarily suspended until further notice, the airport said.
Earlier today, an Air India plane from Ahmedabad to London with 242 passengers crashed in the Meghaninagar area near Ahmedabad airport on Thursday. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation said that a team has been rushed to the spot for investigation.
“On 12th Jun, 2025, Air India B787 Aircraft VT-ANB, while operating flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick, has crashed immediately after takeoff from Ahmedabad. There were 242 people on board the aircraft, consisting of 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew,” said a senior DGCA official. The aircraft was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar. Capt Sumeet Sabharwal is an LTC with 8200 hours of experience. The copilot had 1100 hours of flying experience, the official further added.
As per ATC, the aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) from runway 23. It gave a mayday Call to ATC, but thereafter, no response was given by the aircraft to the calls made by ATC.
Aircraft immediately after departure from Runway 23, fell on the ground outside the airport perimeter. Heavy black smoke was seen coming from the accident site, said the official.
Thick plumes of smoke could be seen at the accident spot, and fire tenders have reached the spot.
Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said, “Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. We are on the highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action. Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site. My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families.”
The minister, who was in Vijayawada attending the first anniversary events of the NDA Government, rushed to Ahmedabad immediately upon receiving news of the flight crash.
In light of the AI171 crash, an Operational Control Room has been activated at the Ministry of Civil Aviation to coordinate all details.
(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)
On June 10, Russia deployed 315 drones and 7 missiles against Ukraine overnight in retaliation for the audacious drone operation dubbed “Spiderweb” that took out aircraft stationed at its military installations. Shortly after midnight, air raid sirens sounded throughout Kyiv, warning of an impending Russian assault.
There was extensive damage in seven of the 10 districts of the capital, resulting in 3 deaths and 13 injuries. Homes, vehicles, warehouses, high-rise structures, and medical institutions were left in flames.
“Today was one of the largest attacks on Kyiv. Russian missile and Shahed strikes drown out the efforts of the United States and others around the world to force Russia into peace,” stated President Volodymyr Zelensky.
A firefighter works at the site of a Russian drone strike in Kyiv. (Source: Thomas Peter/Reuters)
Another barrage of drones struck Odesa in the south where locals claimed they couldn’t recall a night with that many strikes. According to regional chief Oleh Kiper, the assault destroyed residential structures and a maternity hospital in the southern port of Odesa. The regional prosecutor’s office reported that nine individuals were hurt and two people were killed. Tymur Tkachenko, the regional head informed that another person lost his life in the Obolonskyi area of Kyiv.
The city was overrun with the sound of drones and explosions for hours. Moscow launched around 500 drones at Ukraine in the largest overnight drone assault of the war, the day before the new attack. The Russian assault continued unabated as drone attacks in the northeastern city of Kharkiv killed 3 individuals and injured 60.
According to Mayor Ihor Terekhov, the second largest city of the country, which is only 30 kilometers from the Russian border was hit hard by the 9-minute-long aerial raid early on 11th June, when 17 drones hit two residential districts. Oleh Syniehubov, the regional director of Kharkiv mentioned that 9 children between the ages of 2 and 15 were among the 60 people injured in the attacks.
Firefighters tackle a blaze after a Russian attack that hit a residential building in Kharkiv. (Source: Associated Press)
Emergency personnel, city employees and volunteers had to labor through the night to save lives from burning buildings and restore vital services in the city, which has been attacked repeatedly in recent months, after the assault. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that its air defense systems had intercepted 40 of the 85 drones that Russia had launched overnight, including the strikes on Kharkiv.
Russian forces also targeted an energy complex in Mykolaiv and Kherson, two southern Ukrainian provinces, leaving them without electricity. A new wave of drone attacks on four city districts was reported early on 12th June by Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov, including a drone that landed in a school courtyard and smashed windows.
This wave after wave of Russian drones started targeting Ukrainian cities in response to Ukraine’s drone attack of its own, ‘Spiderweb’. Ukraine targeted Russian fighter jets deep inside Russia using drones smuggled into Russia.
Drones have become a major factor in this war and both the countries are busy manufacturing or importing as many drones as they can as they may well turn out to be the decisive factor in this war. Among the drones, Fiber Optics drones have become particularly popular among the two armies.
Fiber optic drones changing the course of Ukraine-Russia war
Drones have played a key role in Russia-Ukraine conflict. Surveillance drones are sent to locate targets on the ground while the commanders monitor multiple banks of displays. Artillery or mortars are then used to destroy them once they are identified. Kamikaze or bomb-dropping type drones can rapidly close in on their targets to deliver a lethal blow.
The problem with these drones is that the enemy can electronically jam these drones. However, a recent addition to arsenals of both countries has proven to be extremely effective. These drones are Fiber-Optic. It is difficult to bring them down since there is no radio signal to jam or detect.
Both Russia and Ukraine are connecting several of their first-person view (FPV) drones to their commanders via fiber optic cables rather than using radio waves around the battlefield. This renders them immune to jamming and other electronic warfare techniques and minimizes the impact of terrain which can also impede radio control.
A fiber optic drone during a test flight near Kyiv last December. (Source: NZZ)
The majority of FPV attack drones depend on a radio connection to the operator, which could be a drawback as connection could be lost if it flies too low or behind a hill. Up to 75% of FPVs are also lost due to jamming. “Friendly fire” is more likely to cause losses than adversary electronic warfare. Many rely on jammers which provide only partial protection against FPVs.
The Russia-Ukraine war has seen the rise of fiber optic drones, which can penetrate enemy lines up to 20 kilometers and use high-resolution images to strike targets. These drones operate at low altitudes to avoid detection and interception and their cable range can reach as far as 20 kilometers.
The range of fiber optics drones continues to expand from the initial few kilometers. Drones with wire lengths of 10-15 kilometers are now common. There is potential for far larger ranges. According to recent reports, Ukrainian military used a fiber optics drone to strike targets 42 kilometers away.
Threads from FPV (first-person view) drones controlled by fiber optics are seen in Pokrovsk, Ukraine, on 8th April. (Source: Kostiantyn Liberov/Libkos/Getty Images)
A purported 50 kilometer fiber spool that weighs less than 4 kilograms was seen in a Russian video. It is excessive for many FPVs but appropriate for larger models with a lower bombload. Better fiber is expected to result in weight reduction and range expansion. Ambush attacks, in which the drone lands and waits for a target, are becoming progressively more common with fiber FPVs.
Why is fiber optic drone a game changer
Fiber optic drones often fly farther than the majority of conventional FPVs since they are fitted with ever-larger spools. Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, declared that 46 per cent of Ukraine’s December 2024 strikes against Russian targets were executed by kamikaze drones, on 5th January.
Fiber optic drones can even hover by a road or track for a long time because they need less power to stay in communication over vast distances. These drones fly straight through windows and doors that are open as well as through roof gaps or holes. “These drones can fly up to 60 kilometers per hour, perform maneuvers, and within a range of 10 kilometers, the fiber does not break,” highlihgted Serhiy Beskrestnov of the Ukrainian military.
Areas that were previously secure from drone attacks can now be targeted because fiber-optic drones can fly low between buildings or across forests while carrying small payloads and maintaining signal strength. FPV drones are usually inexpensive quadcopters or comparable variants that are controlled in real time by the user wearing goggles.
A birds next including fiber optic cabling gathgered from the battlefield in Ukraine. (Source: Forbes)
According to studies, electronic warfare weapons have destroyed between 75 and 90 per cent of drones during the conflict between Russia and Ukraine by interfering with the radio link of the drone’s pilot. However, fiber optic drones transmit high-resolution video without the need of radio transmissions, making them imperceptible and immune to electronic warfare.
Unlike radio-controlled drones, these drones fly at low altitudes, avoiding obstructions and minimizing exposure to air defense fire. It leads to a secure connection by using a robust fiber optic spool that unravels while in flight. High-speed light signals are sent across the fiber optic line carrying the pilot’s commands and video data.
High-resolution camera-equipped reconnaissance drones provide a significant edge in locating hostile targets. Nevertheless, using fiber optic connections makes the drone heavier and shortens its range.
How fiber optic drone functions
Fiber drones is a concept DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) created for its Close Combat Lethal Recon drone in the early 2000s but never deployed. Fiber drones were first dispatched by the Russians just over a year ago, initially in limited quantities before they were used on a large scale.
The fiber optic drone employed in Ukraine is essentially just a variant of the conventional FPV drone, which has already revolutionized warfare. This often entails a quadcopter design on a frame made of carbon fiber, aluminum, or polymer, with electronics welded on the middle, a battery strapped to the top, and the munition strapped to the bottom just before taking off on a combat mission.
The communication between the drone and its pilot is where the difference lies. The majority of FPV drones use conventional analog or digital antennas to receive their control inputs and beam back video and keep a strong signal connection even while operating at long distances which is essential to engage and reach targets.
Ukrainian soldiers walk along a field covered in fiber-optic cable from FPV drones somewhere near the frontline. pic.twitter.com/TZpGWaj5eY
Signal booster drones are sometimes used together with the drone’s vertical antennae to do this, enabling the FPV to fly farther. However, the FPV is still constrained by the terrain’s radio horizon. EW (Electromagnetic or electronic warfare) devices of many sizes and forms, ranging from modest systems installed on cars to defend them against FPVs to larger and more potent units that can block an entire region from a distance.
A long spool of lightweight optical fiber is held in a big but relatively light cylinder that hangs beneath the drone, often between the frame and the munition. The spool slowly unwinds as the drone advances. This effectively turns the drone into a wire-guided precision weapon, similar to the US TOW (Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wire-guided) anti-tank missiles developed during the Cold War.
Drone pilots can rely on a flawless visual feed all the way up to the target when using fiber optics, as long as it isn’t damaged or severed in mid-flight, without concerns about radio horizon and electronic warfare. Both Ukraine and Russia made significant investments in pricey EW systems, particularly in 2024, to defend vehicles and other valuable targets, but these new drones left them ineffective.
The same is true with radio-based drone detection equipment that units frequently utilize to alert them to FPVs flying nearby. Fiber optic also enables FPV drones to fly to places they have never been able to, as both sides have shown on the battlefield.
A Russian fiber optic drone of the Knyaz Vandal Novgorodsky model, downed by Ukrainian forces in Kursk Oblast, Russia, in September 2024. (Source: Serhii Flash/Telegram)
Notably, Ukraine swiftly adopted the usage of fiber optic wires on the FPV drone after the Russians started using it in the spring of 2024. Aleksey Chadaev, a former Russian political professor who is now a volunteer, developed the Ushkuinik military technology accelerator project which produced the Knyaz Vandal Novgorodsky, the first fiber optic drone model to be scaled up to the front line.
The drone was initially used in Kursk Oblast in August 2024 and expanded as efforts to drive out the Ukrainians from Russian territory intensified. It proved to be extremely productive and in a short amount of time, especially when it came to narrowing down the already overburdened Ukrainian supply lines across the state border.
Ukrainian forces have given fiber optic drones to their most professional and well-equipped drone units. Meanwhile, Russia’s current superiority in the field is posing a significant threat to Ukrainian defense. Fiber-optic cable is being sought after by both nations.
A standard FPV drone can cost $400 without considering the cost of its explosive payload. However, the cable is an additional $400. The weight of ten kilometers of fiber optic cable, which is between 1.2 and 1.4 kilogram is bound to alter according to the drone’s movement. However, tens of thousands of pilots are available and eager to learn on both sides, as drones are already the main weapon on the evolving battlefield.
More FPVs would allow uncrewed vehicles to launch their own mini-Operation “Spiderweb” attacks.
A gau rakshak has died in an attack by cow smugglers in Bhadrak, Odisha. A group of cow smugglers had attacked the gau rakshak a few days ago. He was seriously injured during the attack, and later died during treatment in the hospital. Following the development, Hindus in the area are very angry and demand strict action against the perpetrators.
According to media reports, on Wednesday (June 11), gau rakshak Santosh Parida died during treatment in a hospital. He was a resident of Tihadi in Bhadrak, Odisha. Gau rakshak Parida was admitted to the hospital since May 30 and was undergoing treatment after suffering injuries during the attack.
Parida was attacked by a gang of cow smugglers on May 30, 2025. Parida was seriously injured during the attack. It is suggested that this attack took place when the gau rakshak clashed with the cow smugglers.
The situation has become tense in Bhadrak after this death. Bhadrak police has registered an FIR in the case and arrested 12 people in this case. In view of the deteriorating situation, internet has been shut down in Bhadrak from June 12, 2025.
Additional police force has also been deployed in Bhadrak. The Mohan Charan Manjhi government of the state has also taken cognizance of the matter. The Manjhi government has announced a compensation of ₹10 lakh to the victim’s family. The government has assured strict action in the matter.
A report suggests that 2000+ cow smuggling cases have been registered in Odisha between 2019-24. A senior Odisha Police officer told OpIndia on the condition of anonymity that Bhadrak’s border is not very far from West Bengal, so cows are smuggled from here to Bangladesh via Bengal.
CNN News18 on Thursday issued an apology for one its anchor’s shocking remarks claiming human sacrifice at Kamakhya Mandir and linking the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case with the same. The channel called it a complete error of judgment, saying that had no intention whatsoever.
CNN News18 posted on X, “In one of the shows aired yesterday, in the context of Raja Raghuvanshi murder case, CNN News18 anchor referred erroneously to ‘human sacrifice’ at the holy Kamakhya Temple in Assam. This was a complete error of judgment. We had no intention whatsoever. We apologize profusely to anyone whose religious sentiments are hurt after these comments. Further, we have deleted any reference to such a clip from all our platforms. We deeply regret these comments and apologise profusely for the same.”
In one of the shows aired yesterday, in the context of Raja Raghuvanshi murder case, CNN News18 anchor referred erroneously to 'human sacrifice' at the holy Kamakhya Temple in Assam. This was a complete error of judgment. We had no intention whatsoever. We apologize profusely to… pic.twitter.com/qNzabvZ1Af
The controversial remarks were made by anchor Akanksha Swarup while talking to Raja Raghuvanshi’s sister Shrasti Raghuwanshi on air on Wednesday. While talking to her, Shrasti Raghuwanshi claimed that it can be a case of human sacrifice also, as the honeymoon couple had visited Kamakhya Mandir in Guwahati before going to Meghalaya, where Raja was killed by his wife Sonam with the help of three aides from Madhya Pradesh.
Akanksha Swarup said, “It has been said that it can be a case of human sacrifice. We have talked to Raja Raghuvanshi’s brother, who said that this can be called a human sacrifice because he was stabbed from behind and he was also had a garland on him. And Because they had visited Kamakhya, where human sacrifice takes places or sacrifices are made.”
? Absolutely shocking & deeply offensive!
Anchor @akankshaswarups, while sitting in the studio of @CNNnews18, has casually and falsely claimed that human sacrifices are part of rituals at the revered Maa Kamakhya Temple in Assam.
The anchor then asked, “So do these things raise a suspicion that this can be a tantric murder?” Responding to this leading question, Raja’s sister said that she can’t say anything on this, but added that she knows that human sacrifice takes place at Kamakhya.
This is a completely false claim planted by CNN News18 anchor Akanksha Swarup, because no human sacrifice takes place at Kamakhya. Yes, animal sacrifice does takes place at the Shakti Peeth, where various animals and birds are sacrificed during Durga Puja.
Obviously, human sacrifice is a crime and is not allowed anywhere in India. Therefore, the anchor’s claim that this regularly takes place at Kamakhya has triggered an outrage in Assam.
Telangana’s Anti-Corruption Bureau, on Tuesday (10th June) conducted raids on 13 locations linked to an executive engineer employed at the state irrigation and Command Area Department in connection with a corruption probe. Executive engineer Nune Sridhar was arrested on the allegations of amassing wealth exceeding his means.
As per reports, Sridhar led an envious lifestyle, which was not legally possible for a salaried government employee. He spent crores on his son’s destination wedding in Thailand. He has accumulated massive wealth and properties including a villa in Tellapur near Hyderabad, 3 independent buildings in Warangal, Karimnagar and Hyderabad, 19 prime residential plots in the three cities, 4 flats, 16 acres of agricultural land, and stakes in several hotels in Karimnagar. He also reportedly owns a 4,500 square foot flat in a luxury residential complex called ‘Sky High’ in Hyderabad’s Shaikpet, along with three other flats in Karimnagar. Apart from these, the ACB found two four wheelers, gold ornaments and bank deposits during the raid.
“A case of disproportionate assets to the known sources of income was registered against Nune Sridhar, executive engineer, irrigation & CAD department, division No.-8, SRSP Camp, Choppadandi, Karim Nagar for having acquired these assets by indulging in unlawful practices and dubious means during his service,” said a statement by the anti-corruption branch.
It is reported that the executive engineer was involved in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, a multi-stage lift irrigation project constructed during the previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government with an estimated cost of over ₹1 lakh crore. The project came under scrutiny for alleged financial and technical irregularities. The project hit headlines after some structural failures emerged, including the sinking of piers at the Medigadda barrage in 2023. Former Telangana chief minister and Bharat Rashtra Samithi chief K Chandrashekar Rao was also summoned by the PC Ghose Commission yesterday (11th June), which is investigating the alleged irregularities in the project.
As per NDTV, a report, submitted by the Director General, Vigilance and Enforcement (DG, V&E), Hyderabad, reccommended criminal proceedings in the Medigadda Barrage Case. The report found serious lapses in execution resulting in the sinking of Block No 7 of the barrage and a substantial financial loss to the state. The Vigilance Commission instructed that the cost incurred for the replacement of the damaged block be recovered from the contractor.
