Is suitable for air-to-air and air-to-ground precision targeting as well as for recce and surveillance operations

The Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIO), Chandigarh, has developed an indigenous Optical Module for the Indian Air Force’s Su-30 MKI fighter that will assist pilots to detect and track targets, execute precision strikes and conduct carry reconnaissance missions. 

IndiaNews Updates

The module comprises advanced electro-optical and infrared imaging capabilities and laser designators for target detection, recognition, tracking and precision engagement, thereby enhancing mission effectiveness while reducing dependence on imported technologies.

With long range detection, recognition and tracking ability, the module enhances the aircrew’s situational awareness and is suitable for air-to-air and air-to-ground precision targeting as well as for recce and surveillance operations.

The system has been flight tested and certified for seamless integration with the Su-30. It is ready for technology transfer to the industry for commercial production, according to information shared by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, of which CSIO is a constituent laboratory.

The Su-30 Optical Module provides all weather, day and night combat capability. A gyro-stabilised platform ensures accurate targeting even during high-g manoeuvres and an integrated laser range finder and designator is employed for precision engagements.

A heavy, all-weather, two-seater multirole fighter, the Sukhoi Su-30MKI is the backbone of the IAF fighter element, employed in the air defence as well as strike roles. The current fleet numbers about 260 aircraft, which has been undergoing mid-life upgrades and modernisation to enhance their combat potential. Some of the IAF’s SU-30 have also been modified to launch the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile for long range precision strikes.

Earlier, CSIO had developed an indigenous smart Head-Up Displays (HUD) and optical beam combiners specifically tailored for the Su-30MKI aircraft, along with associated maintenance and support equipment.

In the past, CSIO engineered several military aviation systems for use in combat aircraft, trainers and helicopters. These include HUDs for different aircraft, landing and navigation lights, bore-sighting systems, aircraft landing aids onboard naval platforms and optical gun sights.

IAF’s requirement is for a non-invasive urination device designed for females which is wearable inside the aircrew equipment assembly and is compatible with the cockpit systems

With women fighter pilots becoming an integral part of the Indian Armed Forces since 2016, the IAF is enabling them to undertake long distance flying, an activity currently restricted to male pilots as the cramped confines of the cockpits do not cater to the requirements of the female anatomy. 

With the induction of in-flight refuelling capability, fighter aircraft can stay airborne for several hours, during which pilots may need to relieve oneself. While a system for relieving exists for male pilots, there is no provision so far for female pilots.

“Multirole fighter aircraft worldwide are capable of long duration flying. In-flight urination is a critical combat requirement during such missions. Due to anatomical differences in gender, it is crucial to develop an in-flight urination device for female fighter pilots,” a problem statement listed for the Innovations in Defence Excellence (iDEX) scheme states. Bids were invited from the industry till July 15.

IAF fighters have been flying non-stop for several hours at a stretch for carrying out combat air patrols and also for ferry missions overseas for joint training exercises. In fact, many of the new Rafale aircraft flew non-stop from France to India after delivery, involving a distance of approximately 7,000 kms and a flight time of 8-9 hours.

Female fighter pilots are now an integral part of the IAF’s as well as the Indian Navy’s fighter fleet, flying different types of combat aircraft including the SU-30 MiG-29 and Rafale.

“Due to the physiological restriction of relieving oneself during long duration sorties or long stretches of duty in harsh climatic conditions, the role of fighter pilots in these fleets are restricted,” the iDEX document states.

An initiative of the Ministry of Defence, iDEX aims to foster innovation and technology development in defence and aerospace by engaging innovators and entrepreneurs through financial assistance and grants.

During long duration flying, male fighter pilots wear condom catheters for in-flight urination, but a device for females is not available. 

AirForce

Off the shelf products are not compatible with the cockpit systems and ejection seats of aircraft in IAF inventory. In the absence of an effective in-flight urination device, the IAF says that female fighter pilots are unable to exploit the full potential of these multirole aircraft.

The IAF’s requirement is for a non-invasive urination device designed for females which is wearable inside the aircrew equipment assembly and is compatible with the cockpit systems, harness and ejection seat of all fighters in IAF inventory.

The technology involved includes advanced materials to channelise urine flow, suction pumps, battery packs and urobags to collect and solidify the excreted urine.

As an offshoot, the technology may help bedridden female patients, minimising long-term catheterisation and associated infections, and future developments can explore its use for human space missions.

Delhi has long served as the country’s political stage, with Parliament, Raisina Hill and Jantar Mantar becoming symbolic destinations for protesters seeking to press their demands before the government.

As Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) supporters clashed with the police while attempting to march towards Parliament on Monday, the scenes revived memories of some of the biggest public agitations that have unfolded in the national capital over the past decade and a half.Delhi has long served as the country’s political stage, with Parliament, Raisina Hill and Jantar Mantar becoming symbolic destinations for protesters seeking to press their demands before the government. Monday’s confrontation over the alleged examination paper leaks joined a long list of movements that transformed the city’s streets into sites of political resistance.One of the most defining was the 2011 Anna Hazare-led anti-corruption movement, when Hazare’s arrest sparked nationwide outrage. Thousands gathered outside Tihar Jail before the veteran activist shifted to Ramlila Maidan, where his 13-day fast galvanised the demand for a stronger Lokpal law and reshaped India’s political discourse.Related news:Gurdwara Bangla Sahib shelters injured protesters, stranded commuters in Delhi

Barely a year later, the 2012 Nirbhaya movement brought unprecedented crowds to India Gate and Raisina Hill after the fatal gang-rape of a 23-year-old woman. Students, professionals and citizens repeatedly attempted to march towards Parliament and Rashtrapati Bhavan, prompting the police to use water cannons, tear gas and baton charges. The protests eventually led to sweeping changes in India’s criminal laws relating to sexual offences.

The anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) protests of 2019 and 2020 again turned Delhi into the epicentre of a nationwide movement. Demonstrations at Jamia Millia Islamia, the women-led sit-in at Shaheen Bagh and protests across the city drew thousands, resulting in prolonged road closures, heavy police deployment and repeated restrictions around central Delhi.

CJP protest: FIR registered over assault of RAF jawan, say police’

The farmers’ agitation against the three farm laws became one of independent India’s longest protests. After being stopped at Delhi’s borders, thousands of farmers established camps at Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur, remaining there for over a year until the Centre repealed the laws. The movement reached its most dramatic moment on Republic Day in 2021, when a section of protesters deviated from agreed routes, entered central Delhi and reached the Red Fort, where the Nishan Sahib and farmers’ union flags were hoisted. More than 300 police personnel were injured during the clashes.

In 2023, India’s top wrestlers protesting against the then Wrestling Federation of India chief gathered at Jantar Mantar and later attempted to march towards the newly inaugurated Parliament building. Police detained several wrestlers and supporters, with images of Olympic and Commonwealth medallists being dragged away sparking national outrage.

Monday’s ‘Chalo Sansad’ march followed a familiar trajectory. Thousands of CJP supporters assembled at Jantar Mantar before attempting to move towards Parliament, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged paper leaks and examination irregularities. Police, citing prohibitory orders and the opening day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session, stopped the march with barricades, baton charges and tear gas, leading to hours of clashes in central Delhi. 

LegislativeBranch

While the causes have varied, from corruption and women’s safety to citizenship laws, farm reforms, sporting governance and now examination integrity, the geography has remained largely unchanged. Time and again, Delhi’s avenues leading to Parliament have become the country’s most visible arena for public dissent, reflecting both the democratic impulse to protest and the recurring confrontations that arise when crowds attempt to reach the nation’s seat of power.

US Central Command says targets included aircraft hangars and drone storage sites

The US military said it completed the 11th night of strikes on Iran early on Wednesday as attacks across the Middle East overshadowed diplomatic efforts in Pakistan to salvage an interim ceasefire deal that has collapsed.

US Central Command said targets included aircraft hangars and drone storage sites. The newest barrage came after President Donald Trump telegraphed that strikes would be intensifying.

Before the latest strikes, Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni visited Pakistan, a key mediator in the conflict seeking to revamp diplomacy. But it was unclear what new arrangement might be reached to end the war, which lately has become a battle for control over the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway vital to world energy supplies.

Speaking from the Oval Office on Tuesday, Trump gave a dim view on possible talks, saying the US had “no interest in meeting”. He signalled that US forces could soon target an area of Iran close to one of its main sites for enriching uranium.

With negotiations and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz largely stalled, both sides have sought to gain leverage by targeting civilian infrastructure in the region relied on by millions of people.

A barrage of US strikes hasn’t loosened Iran’s grip on the strait, through which about one-fifth of the world’s crude oil and natural gas was shipped before the war.

The US continued its airstrikes on the Islamic Republic into Wednesday, with Iranian air defences activating near the capital, Tehran. That came after Iran attacked a tanker in the strait, forcing the crew to abandon the ship. Iran also kept up attacks against US allies in the region. Sirens in Bahrain and Kuwait warned residents of incoming projectiles.

The escalation pushed energy prices higher. The international benchmark for crude oil traded on Wednesday above USD 92 a barrel and regular gasoline in the US climbed to an average of USD 4 a gallon.

Activists from the ‘Hindus for Human Rights’ gather at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in New York City’s Union Square and San Jose on Monday evening carrying placards bearing slogans in support of Wangchuk

Activists from a US-based advocacy group held demonstrations in New York and San Jose to express solidarity with activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike in New Delhi over alleged irregularities in the conduct of the NEET exams.

Activists from the ‘Hindus for Human Rights’ gathered at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in New York City’s Union Square and San Jose on Monday evening carrying placards bearing slogans in support of Wangchuk.

The activists also raised slogans against the Indian government and demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. 

Similar solidarity demonstrations were also held outside the Indian High Commission in London and the Indian Embassy in Dublin, the Hindus for Human Rights said in a statement here on Tuesday.

“Our protests sent a clear message, whether in New York or London, San Jose or Dublin: India’s students deserve to be treated with fairness and dignity,” the group said in a statement.

“The youth of India deserve honest answers and a future they can trust. The Indian citizenry deserves open dialogue and reform, and it is time for the Indian government to take accountability,” it said.

Earlier this week, Hindus for Human Rights urged the Indian government to reach out to Wangchuk and other protesters.

On Saturday, Wangchuk was whisked away by the Delhi Police from the protest site at Jantar Mantar to the Safdarjung Hospital after his health deteriorated due to over three weeks of fasting. He has since been moved to a private hospital following a Delhi High Court order.

Opposition parties have come out in support of the Cockroach Janta Party and carried out massive protests against the government in Delhi.

.click to open

https://www.instagram.com/reels/DbDXH9gTsAx

https://www.instagram.com/reels/DbDGbtVvQ1s

Meanwhile, CJP announced a ban on cheering “Aazadi Aazadi” slogans during the protest.

CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said, “Shaheed Bhagat Singh and Mahatma Gandhi already gave us freedom. Instead, we should raise ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’.” 

A day after Cockroach Janata Party supporters stormed Delhi over the NEET (UG)-2026 paper leak, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the perpetrators of the crime would not be spared and the strongest possible punishment would be meted out to them.

Speaking on the issue for the first time since the agitation erupted, the Prime Minister said paper leaks were not a partisan issue and should not be politicised.

“Paper leak is not a Centre’s issue alone. Whoever is involved in paper leaks across states should be punished. This is not a  political issue or a partisan matter. We need foolproof systems to prevent this crime. It is a national responsibility to ensure no one plays with the future of our children,” Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju quoted PM Modi as having said at an NDA MPs’ meeting today.

Speaking for the first time since Cockroach Janta Party began its protest demanding his resignation, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday said students deserved reforms, not outrage, and the government is committed to giving them that.

Slamming Rahul Gandhi for his sit-in outside PM Narendra Modi’s residence, Pradhan took to X, saying Rahul and Congress “continue to shamelessly exploit students as political tools to manufacture disruption during the Monsoon Session of Parliament”.

Protests in New York, San Jose in support of Sonam Wangchuk

July 22, 2026 8:31 am

Washington: Activists from a US-based advocacy group held demonstrations in New York and San Jose to express solidarity with activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike in New Delhi over alleged irregularities in the conduct of the NEET exams. Read more:

Nadda, Jitendra Singh meet Wangchuk at Gurugram hospital

July 22, 2026 8:11 am

New Delhi: Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh on Tuesday met activist Sonam Wangchuk at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, sources said. Wangchuk was discharged from the Safdarjung Hospital earlier in the evening and was shifted to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram for further treatment in compliance with a Delhi High Court order, officials said. “Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh have met Sonam Wangchuk at the hospital,” a source told PTI. Wangchuk was brought to the Medanta Hospital in an ambulance at around 7.30 pm under tight security. He has been admitted to ICU 8 under the supervision of Dr Sushila Kataria, an internal medicine specialist, a Medanta Hospital official said. PTI

BENGAL SAPPERS (BSOA)MEET OF 24 JULY(Friday) AT DSOI SECTOR 36,CHANDIGARH

ALLOW  PEACE TO PREVAIL IN PUNJAB :: DONOT PUSH TOWARDS  PRE-ELECTORAL BATTLEFIELD

IAF Rafales arrive in Australia for PitchBlack 2026 air combat exercise

IAF Rafales arrive in Australia for PitchBlack 2026 air combat exercise

Andaman & Nicobar Islands poised to give India a strategic, economic edge

Flames of war

Indian Navy to add 3 more submarine hunting copters ‘Seahawk’ to its fleet

India attends SCO border security chiefs’ meeting in Islamabad

Removal from electoral list doesn’t mean loss of citizenship, clarifies Supreme Court

One Ride. One Nation. One Salute

Above the Peaks: The Story of Operation Safed Sagar | Podcast Raksha Sutra | DPR, MoD

Border infrastructure to remain indispensable in future technology-driven warfare: Raksha Mantri at BRO Strategic Infrastructure Conclave

Chief of Defence Staff & Secretary, Department of Military Affairs General N. S. Raja Subramani paid a courtesy call on Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth

Bike rally to commemorate Kargil War victory flagged off

Two weeks after raising IBGs, Army Chief reviews preparedness in N-E

LT GEN HANUT SINGH

FIVE BROTHERS ,ONE WAR

Sapper Veterans/officers those want to attend please inform Col Upadhiya –6909-646008

single or with lady wife . timing 1100 hrs to 1400hrs

payment link below

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeyl9H0zC36rhHHkWG7QyXkQ00B9MdKKrzpjJIcetY1bPp9SA/viewform

Charanjit SIngh Khera

The manner in which the film Satluj has resurfaced raises important questions. If it remained effectively banned or unreleased for nearly six years, only to receive a brief release on a Zee platform and then become the center of an intense social media campaign just before elections, it is reasonable to question  whether history is once again being used to shape electoral narratives rather than promote reconciliation. The film was aired for 48 hours and on centers order was removed by the time many downloaded in India and abroad , which now days shown in villages and Gurdwaras for AC comforts.

Punjab appears to be witnessing a familiar pattern. Political messaging increasingly portrays sections of one  community as “anti-Satluj”, the other  as “pro-Satluj”, while the Punjab ruling party  highlights the alleged “paap” of the Congress. Some turn coat type leaders are provocating Hindus without any wisdom,logic or reality instead of burying the past  . All this must stop in the interest of Punjab Bhai Chara .Such narratives risk dividing society both horizontally between communities and vertically along political and ideological lines. Some virus has been generated in other two states going for Electoral process .Sikhs are beaten while going to Hemkunt sahib or Manali, ,Shimla  only reflects winning election by concern party as sole criteria  at cost of Hindu-Sikh division with hatred

There was no  ideological differences between two communities during  Partition of 1947,and 1984 Sikhs massacre ,both lived in harmony in Punjab . These petty  political leaders for vote gains should be especially be cautious about reopening historical wounds. Every internal law-and-order issue should first be viewed through the lens of public peace rather than electoral gain. There is no more demand  projecting “Khalistan” in Punjab but still narrative may be build to  justify greater deployment of central security forces like West Bengal ,while deepening mistrust within Punjab..

  The former bank employ Jaswant Singh Kalra worked hard to highlight the dark side of so called Khalistan moment. State and police which played role of suppressing  Khalistan movement by violating human rights  law and constitution .Kalra was picked up by Police sep6,1995 and disappeared .He came to limelight that he attended Bhog ceremony of those killed and was fearless in his speeches to the attenders.

The Police by adopting fake encounter was the surest way to get  elevated   promotions from SSP to higher ranking post in Punjab Police with whims and fancies of then the Politician to  allowed them to rule Punjab for decades ,even the police families were not spared .

Whether or not one accepts this interpretation, the episode illustrates how communal polarisation of communities’ pre-election days can influence both electoral outcomes and public institutions.

Today, the lifting of restrictions on Satluj, renewed slogans such as “Naare Baaje“, and the portrayal of late DGP K.P.S. Gill  and Beant Singh as Butchers by one community and other as the “saviour of Punjab from terror period  thus risk reopening memories of Punjab’s Police Raj rather than promoting reconciliation..

  Lack of in-depth information, Knowledge and maturity to know the pulse of Public should get priority not  frustration of  Ravneet  Bittu as his grand father has surfaced in Film. Now he is showing  old video with  clean shaven dead bodies and questioning authenticity  kalra claim of 25000 bodies and his unthoughtful provocation speech to Hindu brethren claiming more than 35000 Hindus were killed . Hindu brethren are condemning his unthoughtful  provocation to one community.

  The film only says 25000 as per records of Kalra and his book. The office of Kalra and residence was also raided and all records were confiscated, not to be seen thereafter.

 Daljit is a world fame singer, and an actor why blame him. He  acted as directed by the director without any charges. The Director Honey Tehran  has kept the film simple, limited  and close to reality.

There is nothing in Satluj that is anti-national or something that may compromise India’s security.

The film projected Punjab’s dark, and ugly side period. Thus  projecting  and concentrated on Jaswant Singh Kalra human rights activist, not depicted the complete incidents of that period as commonly commented upon one side of the story

No doubt Punjab terrorists gunned down both Hindu and Sikh and even Punjab  police force was also cut down by terrorists and how their families suffered. Not how only Hindus suffered.

The Punjab police adopted method of fake  encounters since 1960 in fight against smugglers and during Naxalite movement. It Furter modified the fake encounter drill during militancy period by killing even innocents and throwing them into rivers/canal and terming  them unidentified

The Sikh community has served as India’s natural western shield, just as the Himalayas protect the north. Sikhs have outstanding  tremendous role in world wars where a million of Sikhs men fought  on behalf of the British army in the First World War —9,909 of them, are now  forgotten in India but other countries remember them annually . It’s been about 30 years since the end of terrorism in Punjab — let’s take the first steps today not to forget, or deny our dark past, but to remember and heal. The guiding principle must remain Sarbat Da Bhalla—the welfare of all. Punjab needs peace, dialogue and reconciliation, not politics that revive historical wounds for electoral advantage.

THe views expressed in article are personnel of the writer in interest of Punjab social atmosphere

🇮🇳 Jai Hind

Charanjit Singh Khera(Retd)

Colcharanjit1403@gmail.com

India’s Rafale fighter jets and C-17 transport aircraft have arrived in Australia to participate in the Roy­al Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) premier multina­tional air combat exercise, Pitch Black 2026, marking another step in expand­ing defence cooperation between the two countries.

Announcing the arrival of the Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent, the High Commission of India in Canberra said in a post on X, “The High Commission of India is proud to wel­come the Indian Air Force contingent of four Rafale and two C17 aircraft along with over 120 Air Warriors to Darwin to participate in Royal Australian Air Force’s premier air combat exercise Pitch Black 2026.”

The diplomatic mission added that the deployment reflects India’s commit­ment to strengthening military partnerships and enhancing operational co­ordination with friendly nations.

“Over the next three weeks, our Air Warriors will fly alongside counter­parts from participating nations towards enhanc­ing