National

Indian Navy Enhances Maritime Security in the Indian Ocean Region with IOS Sagar and AIKEYME Initiatives

Published

1 year ago

March 25, 2025

The Indian Navy is set to introduce two significant initiatives—IOS Sagar and AIKEYME—that aim to reinforce its role as the ‘Preferred Security Partner’ and ‘First Responder’ in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). These endeavors align with the Indian Navy’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with maritime agencies throughout the IOR, in line with the Indian government’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).

According to a statement from the Naval spokesperson, the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar initiative seeks to enhance maritime collaboration with nations in the IOR. As part of this initiative, the Indian Navy will deploy INS Sunayna to the Southwest IOR, staffed by a joint crew that includes personnel from India and nine Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs): Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and South Africa.

During its month-long mission in April 2025, INS Sunayna will visit ports in Dar-es-Salaam (Tanzania), Nacala (Mozambique), Port Louis (Mauritius), Port Victoria (Seychelles), and Male (Maldives). The vessel will also undertake joint surveillance activities in the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of Tanzania, Mozambique, Mauritius, and Seychelles.

In recognition of the mutual commitment between India and African nations to maritime security, the Indian Navy, in collaboration with the Tanzania Peoples’ Defence Force (TPDF), is launching the inaugural ‘Africa India Key Maritime Engagement’ (AIKEYME), which translates to ‘Unity’ in Sanskrit. This large-scale multilateral maritime exercise aims to bolster interoperability among participating navies and maritime agencies to effectively address challenges such as piracy, illicit trafficking, and unregulated fishing, enabled through improved information sharing and joint surveillance.

Scheduled for mid-April 2025 in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, AIKEYME will be inaugurated by the Hon’ble Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh. This six-day exercise will involve participation from Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, and South Africa, alongside co-hosts India and Tanzania.

The Harbour Phase of AIKEYME will include tabletop and command post exercises focused on piracy and information sharing. Additionally, participating nations will engage in seamanship training and Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) operations. The Sea Phase will comprise a series of maritime exercises, including search and rescue operations, VBSS drills, small arms firing, seamanship evolutions, and helicopter maneuvers.

National

Jammu University Introduces Fuel-Saving Measures

Published

4 days ago

May 14, 2026

Namma Kudla

National : The University of Jammu has announced several fuel-saving measures following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for fuel conservation. Vice-Chancellor Prof Umesh Rai said the university has decided to conduct all PhD viva voce examinations online to reduce travel and save fuel.

The university will also prefer virtual speakers for national and international conferences. In another step, the Academic Council meeting planned in Poonch has been shifted to the Jammu University campus to avoid unnecessary travel.

Prof Rai said the measures will help save fuel, time and resources. He also encouraged university staff to use bicycles and carpool while travelling to the campus.

National

One Year On: Pahalgam Attack Still Haunts the Nation

Published

4 weeks ago

April 21, 2026

Namma Kudla

National: One year after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, the nation remembers the 26 people who lost their lives. The attack took place on April 22 at Baisaran, a popular tourist spot.

At first, reports said only five people were injured. Later, it became clear that it was one of the worst terror attacks in the region in decades. Terrorists came out of the forest and opened fire on tourists.

Survivors said the attackers separated men from women and children. They then shot the men at close range. Many victims were reportedly targeted after being asked about their religion.

A heartbreaking image of Himanshi Narwal sitting beside her husband’s body became a symbol of the tragedy. Her husband, a naval officer, was among those killed.

The group The Resistance front, linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility. The case was investigated by the National Investigation Agency.

After months of tracking, security forces launched Operation Mahadev. On July 28, 2025, all three terrorists were killed after a long search operation.

The attack remains a painful memory and a reminder of the need for strong security.

National

Social Media Influencer-Turned Gangster Held Abroad

Published

1 month ago

April 9, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Rao Inderjeet Yadav has been arrested in Dubai. He is wanted in a murder case from Haryana.

He fled India in 2024 after a businessman was killed in Rohtak. Police had been searching for him since then. Officials said Dubai authorities have asked for documents. He is likely to be brought back to India soon.

Yadav faces more than 15 criminal cases. These include extortion, fraud, and illegal land deals. The Enforcement Directorate also investigated him for money laundering. Raids led to the seizure of cash, cars, and documents.

He also ran a music company called Gems Tunes. It produced regional songs.

Yadav had a large social media following. He often showed his rich lifestyle online. He has denied all charges. He claims he is being framed.

Police are now preparing for further action.