Dweep Tulika

By Dweep Tulika Defence Desk The recent crash of an Indian Air Force (IAF) AN-32 transport aircraft near Jorhat in Assam has once again brought the spotlight onto one of the Air Force's oldest and most trusted workhorses. The accident claimed the lives of five Air Warriors while one crew member survived, prompting the IAF to order a Court of Inquiry into the incident. While the cause of the crash remains under investigation, the tragedy has reignited a broader national debate: How long should military aircraft remain in service, and is India investing enough in replacing ageing platforms? The Backbone of Tactical Airlift The Antonov AN-32 was inducted into the Indian Air Force in 1984. Designed for operations in hot and high-altitude environments , the Soviet-origin aircraft became the backbone of India's tactical airlift capability. For more than four decades, the aircraft has transported troops, ammunition, relief supplies, and equipment across some of the most chall...

13 June 2026: Questions continue to surround the U.S. strike on the oil tanker MT Settebello after reports indicated that three Indian seafarers lost their lives in the incident. The vessel, a commercial oil tanker carrying 24 Indian crew members, was reportedly operating in the Gulf region when it came under attack by U.S. forces. According to statements attributed to the United States military, the tanker was allegedly involved in transporting Iranian oil in violation of sanctions . U.S. officials have stated that multiple warnings were issued to the vessel before a precision strike was conducted. However, the vessel's operator, UAE-based IOS Marine FZE , has challenged that version of events. The company has reportedly questioned whether any effective warning was received by the vessel and has called for evidence supporting the claim that multiple warnings were issued before the strike. The incident has attracted attention within India's maritime sector because it report...

New Delhi, 01 June 2026: In the 134th episode of Mann Ki Baat on 31 May 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised India's mango growers and highlighted the global recognition enjoyed by Indian mangoes . Calling mangoes an important part of India's culture and agricultural identity, the Prime Minister credited farmers for helping Indian varieties gain popularity both within the country and abroad. However, even as the praise was being delivered, the 2026 mango season was facing significant challenges. Japan Suspends Indian Mango Imports Earlier in March 2026, a Japanese quarantine inspection team visited Indian Vapour Heat Treatment (VHT) facilities and reportedly identified deficiencies in pest-control and disinfection procedures. Japanese authorities later announced that mango consignments certified on or after 25 March 2026 would not be accepted until corrective measures were implemented. On 29 May 2026, Japan suspended imports of fresh Indian mangoes for the remainder of ...

Development, Strategy and Ecological Concerns Sri Vijaya Puram | May 30, 2026  A remote island. A mega infrastructure project worth over ₹70,000 crore. A location close to one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes. And a debate that continues to intensify across strategic, environmental and public circles. Great Nicobar , once known primarily for its dense rainforests, biodiversity and indigenous communities, is now emerging at the centre of one of India’s most ambitious development visions. The proposed Great Nicobar Project includes a transshipment port, international airport, power infrastructure, township development and connectivity expansion aimed at transforming the island into a major maritime and logistics hub in the Indian Ocean region . Supporters of the project describe it as a strategic opportunity for India. They argue that the project could strengthen India’s maritime presence near the Malacca Strait , reduce dependence on foreign transshipment hubs such as S...