Day: March 21, 2025

The New-Age Poaching Mafia: How Technology and Digital Networks Are Driving Tiger Killings in India

Manish Kumar

A Changing Face of Poaching For decades, poaching in India was largely driven by local hunters operating with rudimentary tools and small-scale smuggling networks. However, in the last three years, a new-age poaching mafia has emerged—one that leverages technology, digital payment systems, and hawala networks to orchestrate large-scale tiger killings. An extensive investigation involving five state authorities, four central agencies, and Interpol has exposed a sophisticated poaching syndicate responsible for the deaths of over 100 tigers since 2022. This network operates across India’s tiger reserves, with deep links to illegal…

IREDA Launches Landmark Perpetual Bond to Raise ₹1,247 Crore

Manish Kumar

A Strategic Financial Move In a significant development for India’s renewable energy sector, the state-owned Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd (IREDA) has launched its first perpetual bond to raise ₹1,247 crore. The bonds, issued at an annual coupon rate of 8.4%, mark a crucial step in optimizing the company’s capital structure while capitalizing on favourable market conditions. IREDA’s move underscores its commitment to strengthening its financial base to accelerate renewable energy funding. This decision comes amid increasing demand for sustainable energy investments and aligns with the government’s goal of…

India Strengthens Defence: Modi Cabinet Approves ₹7,000 Crore Deal for Indigenous Artillery Guns

Manish Kumar

A Major Boost for India’s Defence Industry In a landmark decision to enhance India’s defence capabilities, the Modi Cabinet has approved a ₹7,000 crore ($840 million) acquisition of Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) for the Indian Army. This move is a significant step toward self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The contract, cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on March 19, will equip 15 artillery regiments with 307 howitzers and 327 gun-towing vehicles. The agreement is expected to be finalized within a week. The…

Global Military Summit on Ukraine’s Security Held in Britain

Manish Kumar

A High-Stakes Meeting on Ukraine’s Future Amid growing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, military chiefs from 30 countries gathered in Britain to discuss Ukraine’s security. The meeting, held at the Northwood military base near London, focused on strengthening Ukraine’s defense and ensuring long-term stability in the region. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that sustainable peace in Ukraine would only be possible with a strong security framework. This meeting follows a series of diplomatic and military discussions aimed at countering Russian aggression. Notably, similar security summits were held in Ramstein…

Cash Scandal at Delhi High Court Judge’s Residence: Supreme Court Collegium Responds

Manish Kumar

A Shocking Discovery in the Judiciary The Indian judiciary has been rocked by controversy after a large amount of unaccounted cash was found at the official residence of Justice Yashwant Verma of the Delhi High Court. The discovery, which occurred during the Holi vacations, has prompted immediate action from the Supreme Court Collegium, leading to his transfer back to the Allahabad High Court. This incident adds to a history of judicial corruption scandals in India, including the Provident Fund Scam in 2008, which implicated judges in embezzling funds, and the…

Cybercrime in Noida: ₹3.14 Crore Fraud Leaves Elderly Couple Under ‘Digital Arrest’

Manish Kumar

According to the police, the scam began when the couple received a call on February 25 from a man who claimed to be an official from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). Amid the rising cybercrime across various parts of the country, an elderly couple fell prey to a scam and lost a staggering Rs 3.14 crore in Noida. As per the information, the scammers kept them under a so-called “digital arrest” for nearly 15 days. Sharing details of the case, the Noida Police said the incident occurred in…

Heathrow Airport Shutdown: Major Power Outage Following Substation Fire

Manish Kumar

A Crisis at One of the World’s Busiest Airports London’s Heathrow Airport, the busiest airport in Europe, faced a complete shutdown following a massive power outage caused by a fire at a nearby electricity substation. The disruption left thousands of passengers stranded, grounded flights, and created widespread chaos across the travel sector. Authorities have confirmed that operations will remain suspended until just before midnight (2359 GMT) on Friday. This is not the first time a major airport has been affected by a power failure. Similar incidents have occurred in the…