The Indian Army, working with IIT Hyderabad under Project PRABAL (Portable Robotic Printer for Printing Bunkers and Accessories), has taken a major step forward in defence infrastructure by deploying On-Site 3D Concrete Printing Technology, according to an official release. This capability, already tested in other operational zones, has now been successfully used by the Trishakti Corps in Sikkim and nearby forward areas.
The indigenous robotic 3D concrete printer—featuring a robotic arm, circular mixer, piston pump, and generator—is fully portable by vehicle and designed for fast movement across mountainous terrain. Created specifically for use in forward locations, it enables rapid construction of bunkers, sentry posts, and protective shelters. These printed structures have passed live ballistic testing, confirming their durability and protective capability.
The release noted that 3D concrete printing offers several key operational benefits, such as customised designs, improved blast and ballistic resistance, higher compressive strength, better quality control, efficient use of local materials, and quick construction within tactically acceptable timelines. It also allows for terrain-specific structures and advanced camouflage. The Army’s ongoing adoption of on-site 3D printing marks a major advancement in engineering and readiness, supporting fast, sustainable, mission-focused infrastructure development in difficult environments.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PRODefence.
Four civilians lost their lives and four others were injured during new clashes between Afghan and Pakistani forces near the Spin Boldak district in Kandahar, according to Tolo News, which cited local sources. The casualties reportedly resulted from mortar shelling in the Maazal Gali and Luqman village areas after fighting broke out on Friday evening. Among the injured are a woman and a man who are in critical condition and are being treated at Aino Mina Hospital.
Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the incident on X, accusing Pakistani forces of initiating the assault inside Afghan territory. “Unfortunately, this evening the Pakistani side once again carried out attacks toward Afghanistan in the Spin Boldak district of Kandahar, prompting our forces to respond,” he wrote on Saturday.
Dawn reported that heavy gunfire was exchanged between the two sides along the Chaman border late Friday night, with officials from both Afghanistan and Pakistan accusing one another of sparking the violence. Pakistani authorities alleged that Afghan troops fired mortar rounds at the Badani area, prompting retaliation.
A senior Quetta official, who spoke anonymously, told Dawn that the confrontation began around 10 pm on Friday and continued into the early hours of Saturday. Muhammad Owais, Medical Superintendent of the Chaman district hospital, said three people — including a woman — were admitted with injuries after the incident.
As of the latest reports, neither Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) nor the Foreign Office has issued an official statement regarding the clashes, Dawn noted. Border tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have risen repeatedly in recent months, with both nations frequently accusing each other of violating frontier norms.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Friday withdrew its earlier directive that barred airlines from replacing a crew member’s weekly rest with leave. The move comes amid large-scale operational disruptions across airlines, with over 500 IndiGo flights delayed or cancelled on Friday. The regulator said it reviewed the rule following repeated requests from airlines seeking stability in operations. It clarified that the instruction prohibiting substitution of weekly rest with leave is now removed with immediate effect.
Earlier, the Airline Pilots' Association of India (ALPA India) criticised the DGCA for granting what it called selective and unsafe exemptions to IndiGo under the revised Phase II Flight Duty Time Limit (FDTL) rules. ALPA argued that these relaxations compromise pilot safety and weaken the purpose of fatigue-management regulations.
The DGCA noted that IndiGo has requested temporary exemptions from certain FDTL norms for its A320 fleet until February 10, 2026, promising restoration of operational stability by then. IndiGo has been cancelling around 170–200 flights daily, far more than usual, due to difficulties implementing the new FDTL rules, crew-planning issues, and winter-related constraints. As disruptions continued nationwide, more than 500 IndiGo flights were delayed or cancelled on Friday. Delhi Airport also announced that all IndiGo departures from Delhi were cancelled until midnight, while other airlines continued operating normally.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
On Friday in McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, the Dalai Lama released the National Book Trust’s new publication, Forest Resources in India: Integrative Governance and Community Participation for Sustainable Future. The book, written by Sushil Kumar Singla, Rakesh B. Sinha, and Krishan Kumar Raina, was also personally signed by the Dalai Lama during the event. Author Sushil Kumar Singla briefed him on the book’s themes, structure, and research findings.
The publication offers an in-depth look at sustainable forest management in India. It highlights India’s long-standing cultural traditions of nature protection, the crucial roles of women and local communities, and the governance systems that guide forest policy. It also stresses the links between agriculture, the environment, tribal development, and climate change, and calls for States and Union Territories to jointly balance development with conservation.
The epilogue states that India is progressing toward the goal of bringing one-third of its land under forest and tree cover by following the principles of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas. It emphasises that forestry must support livelihoods, promote self-reliance, and strengthen its contribution to the GDP and agriculture sector.
It notes that while constitutional provisions and central/state regulations have aided sustainable forest management, current pressures on natural resources require reforms that encourage simplification, deregulation, and faster decision-making to enhance both “Ease of Doing Business” and “Ease of Living.” The book also advocates stronger cooperation between public and private sectors and integration with related areas such as agriculture, horticulture, livestock, fisheries, tribal affairs, environment, rural development, Panchayati Raj institutions, and tourism. Local community participation in governance and monitoring remains a central theme of the publication.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@nbt_india.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron were greeted by children waving Chinese flags and holding flowers during an official welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, as part of Macron’s three-day state visit to China, highlighting diplomatic warmth and cultural exchange between the two nations.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
Across the globe, Gen Z is moving beyond online activism and taking to the streets — pushing back against existing systems, highlighting inequality, and demanding a future they can trust. Many young people feel increasingly shut out, with rising youth unemployment and shrinking economic opportunities adding to their frustration. We speak with CNA senior correspondent Wei Du, who followed a wave of Gen Z demonstrations in Asia for an Insight documentary, and Dr. Eugene Mark, Fellow and Co-coordinator of Thailand Studies at the ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute, to understand the forces behind this new wave of youth-driven protests.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.
A new law in Texas now permits residents to sue abortion pill providers in other states. Supporters argue it helps enforce Texas’ abortion restrictions, while critics are concerned about how plaintiffs might gather evidence. In this special episode, Carter Sherman, the Guardian US reporter on reproductive health and justice, talks with individuals who provide, use, or protect abortion pills, as well as those opposing them in Texas.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from The Guardian.
On ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro speaks with Her Excellency Jessica María López, Venezuela’s Ambassador to Singapore, about her country’s key cultural traditions, foods, drinks, and travel highlights. She discusses must-visit destinations such as Angel Falls and Caracas, as well as customs like Carnaval, joropo dancing, and family-oriented dishes such as arepas. Ambassador López also highlights cocuy, a traditional spirit central to Venezuelan drinking culture. Representatives from the restaurant Chimichanga will join to explain cocuy and how it differs from tequila and mezcal.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.
Pippa and Kiran talk about the prime minister’s Monday speech and consider whether it will distract from claims that the chancellor misled the public with her budget statements. Also: disorder at Your Party’s inaugural conference.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from The Guardian.
