National
‘Operation Brahma’: India Deploys Two C-17 Aircraft and Additional Relief Aid to Earthquake-Affected Myanmar, according to MEA
In total, five relief flights from India have successfully arrived in Myanmar, as reported by MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
Taking to social media platform X, Jaiswal stated: “#OperationBrahma is ongoing. Two C-17 aircraft containing an 118-member Indian Army Field Hospital Unit, including Women & Child Care services, and 60 tonnes of relief supplies, have landed in Myanmar. Today marks the fifth relief flight arrival from India.”
In another update on X, the spokesperson noted: “A C-130 aircraft has landed in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, delivering 38 personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and an additional 10 tonnes of relief supplies. This marks the third Indian aircraft from the Indian Air Force delivering assistance today under #OperationBrahma.”
Earlier on Saturday, two Indian naval ships, INS Satpura and INS Savitri, set sail towards Yangon carrying 40 tonnes of humanitarian aid. Moreover, a field hospital staffed with 118 medical personnel, including doctors and medics, is scheduled for airlift from Agra later in the day.
The MEA announced that the initial batch of relief materials—comprising tents, blankets, food packets, and essential medicines—was successfully delivered to Yangon by air. The Indian ambassador is presently in Nay Pyi Taw to coordinate the relief operations, with no reported casualties among the Indian community in Myanmar.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his condolences to the Myanmar populace, affirming that India will continue to provide necessary support. The Indian Navy is collaborating closely with Myanmar’s authorities to ensure the efficient execution of the relief operations.
Additionally, an 80-member National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team, including specialists and rescue dogs, is on its way to Nay Pyi Taw to commence rescue operations. This initiative underlines India’s unwavering support for Myanmar, particularly given the nations share a 1,643-kilometre border.
On Saturday, PM Modi communicated with Min Aung Hlaing, the military leader of Myanmar, to express his sympathies and offer assistance following the tragic earthquake and its aftershocks. The quake has resulted in over 1,600 fatalities in the region.
In a post on X, Modi remarked: “Spoke with Senior General H E Min Aung Hlaing of Myanmar. I expressed our deep condolences for the lives lost in the devastating earthquake. As a close friend and neighbour, India stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar in this challenging time.”
Responding to the needs of its neighbour, India launched Operation Brahma, a comprehensive humanitarian mission to support Myanmar in its recovery following the massive 7.7-magnitude earthquake, which has caused extensive destruction and a rising death toll exceeding 1,644 as more victims are found beneath the rubble.
The MEA stressed India’s commitment to aiding its neighbours, declaring, “It is our policy to be the first responder.” An 80-member NDRF team is equipped with specialized rescue tools such as concrete cutters and drill machines to facilitate the operations.
The first relief shipment was formally handed over to Yangon Chief Minister U Soe Thein by Indian Ambassador Abhay Thakur.
Previously, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar highlighted India’s swift response, stating on X: “Operation Brahma: Indian Navy ships INS Satpura and INS Savitri are on their way to Yangon with 40 tonnes of humanitarian aid.”
India has also deployed a C-130J military transport aircraft for the delivery of relief supplies, which includes tents, sleeping bags, blankets, ready-to-eat meals, water purifiers, solar lamps, generator sets, and essential medications, according to MEA officials.
In a further update, EAM Jaishankar posted: “#OperationBrahma is underway. The first tranche of humanitarian aid from India has reached Yangon Airport in Myanmar.”
Earlier, the Indian embassy in Myanmar assured that it is facilitating the rapid delivery of assistance and supplies in coordination with Myanmar authorities in light of the earthquake. They emphasized their readiness to assist, reiterating their emergency contact number for Indian nationals in need: +95-95419602.
Thangaraj was sworn in at a ceremony at the Raj Bhavan, where Governor R N Ravi administered the oath of office and secrecy. The event was attended by Chief Minister Stalin, his son and Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin, along with other ministers and officials. Udhayanidhi continues to hold the third position in the order of protocol, following Chief Minister Stalin and veteran minister K Duraimurugan, who oversees irrigation.
Representing the Padmanabapuram constituency in Kanyakumari district, Thangaraj will be responsible for Dairy Development, a role currently held by Raja Kannappan. He is known to have close ties with Kanimozhi, the party’s prominent female leader and MP. With Thangaraj’s induction, the coastal district once again has representation in the council of ministers.
On Sunday, the portfolios of Senthil Balaji and Ponmudy were reallocated. Raja Kannappan has taken over the Forest Department. Transport Minister SS Sivasankar has also assumed additional responsibilities for Electricity, while Housing Minister S Muthusamy now oversees Prohibition and Excise.
Muthusamy, originally from Erode in Western Tamil Nadu, recently transitioned from the AIADMK to the DMK. He previously managed the Prohibition and Excise portfolio during the time when Senthil Balaji was appointed Minister without Portfolio following his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate.
Hashtags #MunirOut and #MunirMIA trended on X on Monday. Just days prior to the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Munir referred to Kashmir as Pakistan’s “Jugular Vein” and asserted that Hindus and Muslims are “two separate nations.”
During his address at a Convention for Overseas Pakistanis in Islamabad, Munir stated, “Our stance is unequivocal: it is our jugular vein, it will remain our jugular vein, and we will not abandon our Kashmiri brothers in their courageous struggle.”
Following the attack, he continued to emphasize the two-nation theory while addressing the passing out parade at the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) in Kakul, Abbottabad. He remarked that the theory rests on the fundamental belief that Muslims and Hindus constitute two distinct nations. “Muslims differ from Hindus in all aspects—religion, customs, traditions, beliefs, and aspirations,” he stated.
Munir further declared that Pakistan’s existence resulted from “unparalleled struggle and sacrifices,” and underscored that its defense is a duty of the armed forces, saying, “Our forefathers sacrificed greatly for Pakistan’s creation. We know how to protect it.”
To dispel the rumors regarding the Army Chief’s disappearance, the Pakistan Prime Minister’s Office released a photo featuring Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and General Munir at an event, with a caption noting the date and location. “Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, and officers of PMA Kakul in a group photo with graduating officers of the 151st Long Course at PMA Kakul, Abbottabad. April 2025. (sic),” read the caption.
Unverified claims circulating on social media suggested not only that Munir was missing but also that there had been no updates regarding his family. Rumors indicated that his family had reportedly fled the country following the Pahalgam attack.
National
Patanjali University and Uttarakhand Technical University Establish MoU to Enhance Academic and Research Collaboration
Both leaders highlighted that this MoU will facilitate collaboration in various fields, including science, Ayurveda, naturopathy, yoga science, agriculture, and other applied sciences and professional courses.
Under the terms of the agreement, both universities aim to enhance mutual cooperation in areas such as agriculture, technological innovation, entrepreneurship development, and student academic and skill growth.
Furthermore, students will have the chance to participate in training, internships, and research through student exchange programs. The MoU will also support joint research initiatives, development activities, skill enhancement programs, COVID-related research, public health advancements, startup activities, and other collaborative projects.
The overarching goal is to create new employment opportunities for the youth by implementing skill development programs across agriculture, science, technology, and health sectors.
Both institutions will organize seminars, workshops, and specialized training programs on topics of shared interest. Additionally, they will focus on improving student participation and leadership through exchange opportunities while providing avenues for training, internships, and research.
Present at the signing were Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. Mank Kumar Aggarwal and Examination Controller Dr. Arvind Kumar Singh from the University of Patanjali, as well as Vice Chancellor Prof. Onkar Singh, Examination Controller Dr. B.K. Patel, and Finance Officer Vikram Singh Jantal from Uttarakhand Technical University, along with other senior officials.
The dignitaries hailed this MoU as a significant milestone in education and research, expressing optimism about its potential to yield substantial benefits in the future.
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