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Tuesday,23-September-2025
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Army chief witnesses demos of indigenous drone warfare systems

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Babina, May 28: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi witnessed high-tech demonstrations of indigenous Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Counter-UAS technology, and Loitering Munitions at the Babina Field Firing Ranges in Uttar Pradesh, the Indian Army said on Wednesday.

In a post on X, the Army stated, “General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS, witnessed cutting-edge demonstrations of indigenous UAS, Counter-UAS and Loitering Munitions on 27 May 2025 at Babina Field Firing Ranges.”

“These capabilities will significantly enhance operational efficiency, force protection and precision engagement across varied terrains,” the statement further read.

The demonstrations are part of a broader effort to boost India’s defence preparedness through advanced homegrown technology.

The Army shared several images and a video clip from the exercise, highlighting the use of sophisticated drone systems in battlefield simulations.

The Indigenous UAS showcased during the event is designed to offer real-time surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance data in challenging operational scenarios.

These systems mark a vital step in the Indian Army’s transformation towards a more agile and responsive force, in alignment with its broader agenda of network-centric warfare and enhanced battlefield transparency.

Of particular significance were the loitering munitions — a new class of precision-guided weapons that hover above target zones, assess threat scenarios, and then strike with pinpoint accuracy.

These munitions can function either autonomously or under human control and are programmed to self-destruct upon impact.

The loitering munitions demonstrated at Babina had already seen operational deployment during Operation Sindoor, where they were used to destroy nine high-value terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

The strategic strikes were carried out entirely from Indian soil in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack and were based on precise intelligence inputs that pinpointed the targets.

The Army’s emphasis on adopting advanced drone warfare systems follows the government’s recent approval of a new ‘programme execution model’ for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) — the country’s indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter project.

The model, cleared by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, opens the door for private players to compete alongside state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), marking a departure from the long-standing policy of reserving fighter jet production exclusively for HAL.

This shift is expected to accelerate prototype development and streamline the induction of next-generation combat systems into the armed forces.

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Mumbai Woman Sub-Inspector Misbehaves With Complainants At VP Road Police Station, Enquiry Ordered

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Mumbai, Sep 22: A woman sub-inspector allegedly misbehaved with a group of people at a police station in south Mumbai, prompting the authorities to initiate an enquiry into the incident, an official said on Monday.

A video of the incident that took place at the VP Road police station in Girgaon on September 18 has surfaced on social media.

The official said that a group of people, including a woman, had arrived at the police station to lodge a complaint, when the on-duty woman sub-inspector got involved in a heated argument with them.

During the verbal spat, the woman officer removed the name tag from her uniform and threw it at them, even as one of them was recording the incident on his mobile phone, he said.

Taking cognisance of the incident, the authorities have ordered an enquiry by the Assistant Commissioner of Police of Girgaon division, the official said.

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National News

Mumbai News: 7- 8 Cars Collide At Mulund Toll Plaza, Causing Heavy Congestion, No Injuries Reporte

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Mumbai: A horrible accident took place close to the Mulund toll plaza in Mumbai as 7 to 8 vehicles crashed into one another. In this collision, the front sections of every vehicle sustained significant damage. This incident led to a significant traffic congestion close to the Mulund toll plaza. Subsequently, the cars were cleared away and the congestion was alleviated. A video of this incident has emerged.

Based on the information gathered, a bizarre incident involving 7 to 8 vehicles took place on the road connecting Mumbai to Thane this morning. Between 7 and 8 vehicles crashed into one another on the bridge close to the Mulund toll plaza. Luckily, there were no injuries in this incident. Every vehicle has suffered significant damage in this accident.

The vehicle ahead abruptly stopped, leading to a crash among the cars approaching from behind. The front and back sections of the vehicle involved in the collision were extensively harmed. Following the incident, the traffic officers hurried to the location. An investigation into the accident has been initiated by them. The incident resulted in significant traffic congestion on this road, according to report by Saam.

Following the accident, the traffic authorities directed all vehicles to the side. Following the accident, a few drivers hurried to the Navghar police station to complain. The drivers have submitted a complaint regarding this issue, and the police are now looking into it. The Navghar police are carrying out additional inquiries to determine who is responsible for this accident.

Mumbai traffic police also took a note of it and notified commuters throught their X page stating that the traffic movement is slow at Navghar Bridge (kanjurmarg ), northbound due to a car accident at around 12:50pm later informing that the the traffic has been cleared at around 1:30 pm.

Worli police have filed an FIR against the driver of a saffron Lamborghini (MH 01 EW 8010) for reckless driving, having endangered lives on the southbound Coastal Road by Naman Building on Thursday morning at approximately 9:35 am. Police stated that the driver was maneuvering the high-end sports car recklessly and carelessly, endangering not only his own life but also that of other road users. The careless action also endangered the vehicle’s integrity. The Worli police have registered a case against the driver under applicable legal provisions, and the investigation is ongoing

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From Shampoo To Stimulant: The Legal Loopholes Fueling Mephedrone

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Mumbai: The clandestine manufacture of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MD), popularly known as mephedrone, has seen a disturbing surge in India. Mumbai police have discovered several factories producing MD and dismantled these illegal operations, revealing a complex network of small-time criminals and organised networks setting up makeshift laboratories in various locations.

Criminals exploit loopholes in the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act) regulation of controlled substances order, 2013, to procure necessary chemicals. Authorities cannot impose a complete ban on some substances as they are used in everyday items like soaps, shampoos, and medicines. Clandestine labs rely on industrial and pharmaceutical chemicals that are legally available but diverted for illicit use.

The production process is relatively simple, requiring minimal equipment. It involves mixing chemicals, heating to a certain temperature, producing crystals, and then converting them into powder. This simplicity allows MD to be produced even on farms or at home. Chemicals like bromine, methylene dichloride, ethyl acetate, and acetone are essential for production, and these are readily accessible to criminals.

A police officer explained, “In these rackets, at least one or two individuals are typically educated, often with engineering, science, or medical backgrounds, or possess some knowledge of chemistry. Many chemicals used in MD production are found in legitimate products such as shampoo, detergent, and medicines; thus, these individuals sometimes gain experience working in medical or chemical production companies. Sometimes they even use waste materials from such companies to obtain chemicals. Making mephedrone (MD) is relatively easier compared to other drugs.”

Madan Ballal, Assistant Commissioner of Police, said, “We have dismantled factories not only in Maharashtra but also in Telangana and Uttar Pradesh. Our senior officers and chief ministers advocate a zero-tolerance approach to drug-related crimes, and the Maharashtra Police are working accordingly.”

Recent raids in areas like Andheri, Kurla, Bhiwandi, Mira-Bhayandar, Palghar, Navi Mumbai, Raigad, and even Sangli, Nashik, and Latur have resulted in large seizures of mephedrone and the arrest of several suspects. The growing availability of locally produced MD is fuelling addiction, particularly among young people. Mephedrone is a powerful stimulant that can lead to severe psychological and physical harm, including paranoia, heart palpitations, and long-term dependency.

Law enforcement agencies face a dual challenge — dismantling clandestine labs and breaking the networks that distribute MD across the city. Enhanced surveillance, stricter precursor tracking, and public awareness campaigns are urged to stem the tide, but experts stress that closing regulatory gaps is key to curbing this accessible peril.

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