India has officially initiated the ₹65,000 crore "Super Sukhoi" modernisation programme, taking a major step by issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) to equip its Su-30MKI fighter fleet with advanced indigenous anti-jamming and anti-spoofing multi-constellation GPS antenna systems, according to Times Now. The upgrade aims to provide reliable navigation capability even in intense electronic warfare conditions by enabling simultaneous connectivity with NaVIC, GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo and GAGAN satellite networks.
The Ministry of Defence has limited the bidding process to Indian companies, seeking technically competent and financially strong Indigenous Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) or suppliers. The Directorate of Projects, Su-30, representing the President of India, stated that non-OEM bidders must submit certification proving authorised access to equipment and spare parts from the OEM. The move aligns with India’s Defence Acquisition Procedure policy focused on boosting domestic manufacturing and reducing reliance on imports.
The Indian Air Force currently operates nearly 260 Su-30MKI fighter jets, most of them produced in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited under licence from Russia’s Sukhoi Design Bureau. As the backbone of the IAF’s combat fleet, ensuring these aircraft remain operational in contested environments is considered vital. Electronic warfare threats such as jamming and spoofing can disrupt or manipulate navigation signals, but the new antenna system is intended to counter both by leveraging multiple satellite constellations simultaneously.
The technology will integrate with India’s indigenous NaVIC navigation network developed by ISRO, ensuring sovereign and uninterrupted navigation coverage over India and surrounding regions. It will also support GAGAN, the satellite-based augmentation system jointly developed by ISRO and the Airports Authority of India, improving navigation precision and compatibility with global systems like WAAS and EGNOS.
The technical requirements outlined in the RFP are extensive. The antenna must operate throughout the Su-30MKI’s flight range, including altitudes up to 21 km, speeds of Mach 1.5, and manoeuvres between -2g and 9g. It should be capable of suppressing single jamming sources by up to 85 decibels and multiple simultaneous threats by up to 80 decibels, placing it among high-end military anti-jam solutions.
Under the contract, 300 antenna units, 50 field-level testers and 10 base-level testers will be delivered. Before fleet-wide installation, certification trials will be carried out on two aircraft. IAF personnel will also undergo specialised training at the 9 TETTRA School, the Air Force’s advanced avionics and technical training centre.
The programme is expected to be completed within two years of contract finalisation. Bids are due by 22 June 2026, while technical evaluations will begin the following day. The anti-jamming navigation upgrade forms part of the broader “Super Sukhoi” enhancement initiative, which also includes the indigenous Virupaksha AESA radar based on Gallium Nitride technology, upgraded electronic warfare systems, and self-protection jammer pods. Collectively, these improvements are intended to keep the Su-30MKI combat-ready for future network-centric warfare scenarios and extend its operational relevance into the 2050s, while strengthening India’s domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from The Economic Times.
Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday strongly criticised the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government, accusing it of building a “criminal system” through alleged fake encounters and misusing police personnel for political gain. Speaking at a press conference, the Samajwadi Party chief claimed that the government distances itself from police officers once encounter cases become controversial. Referring to the Gorakhpur fake encounter case, he alleged that several policemen ended up in jail while the government withdrew support from them.
Yadav said fake encounters had created a dangerous system where police officers were exploited for political purposes. He claimed some lawyers promote fabricated narratives around encounter cases and warned that policemen involved in such incidents could face lifelong consequences, including social stigma within their own families.
The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister further alleged that fake encounters violate democratic values and are used to create fear and psychological pressure among the public. He claimed that such practices discourage investment and accused some officials of misusing the fear surrounding encounters to commit crimes against women.
Yadav also alleged that encounters in the state were being carried out on the basis of caste and religion, targeting backward classes, Dalits, and minorities. According to him, the government was using such actions to assert dominance and suppress the rights of PDA communities — Pichde, Dalit, and Alpsankhyak (Backward Classes, Dalits, and Minorities). He maintained that any encounter carried out with hidden motives should be considered fake and accused the government of misusing its authority to spread fear and exert control.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@samajwadiparty.
India, Australia, Japan, and the United States on Tuesday launched the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative Framework, committing to mobilise up to USD 20 billion in government and private sector funding to build secure and resilient critical minerals supply chains across the Indo-Pacific. The announcement followed the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, where the four countries agreed on the framework aimed at strengthening critical mineral supply chains that are vital for advanced technologies, economic development, and industrial resilience.
According to a statement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the initiative seeks to leverage coordinated investments and economic policy measures to promote diversified, transparent, and reliable critical mineral markets while ensuring steady supplies essential for regional economic growth and security. The framework outlines cooperation in three major areas: investment and project development, regulatory coordination, and recycling and recovery of critical minerals.
Under the initiative, the Quad partners plan to mobilise up to USD 20 billion through existing and new government and private sector efforts focused on mining, processing, and recycling. This includes identifying strategic projects linked to Quad countries, supporting critical mineral ventures, and exploring new methods to attract private investment and reinforce supply chains across the region.
The countries also aim to improve the regulatory environment for critical mineral development in line with their domestic laws by exchanging best practices on licensing, permitting, and regulatory procedures, including ways to streamline approvals. They will additionally cooperate on technology development, geological mapping, and resource assessment.
The statement added that the Quad members will examine coordinated responses to non-market policies and unfair trade practices, including the possibility of high-standard marketplaces and pricing mechanisms. The partners further intend to strengthen the recovery and recycling of critical minerals from e-waste and scrap materials by encouraging investment in recycling technologies, collection systems, and recovery infrastructure in collaboration with the private sector. The Quad countries will promote innovation in e-waste recycling and explore ways to simplify export and import procedures for relevant waste and scrap materials, while remaining consistent with domestic regulations and international obligations.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
The Bihar government has instructed all state employees to take mandatory family trips to tourist destinations within the state once every three months and submit feedback reports to help boost tourism, officials said on Tuesday. According to a May 20 letter issued by Additional Chief Secretary (General Administration) B Rajender to departmental heads, divisional commissioners, district magistrates and superintendents of police, employees must spend two days and two nights visiting tourist, eco-tourism or rural tourism sites located outside their home districts.
The trips are to be planned over Fridays and Saturdays, during which employees are expected to visit at least three tourist spots and stay overnight. The directive noted that Bihar possesses rich cultural traditions, environmental heritage and historically important destinations with the potential to become major tourism centres nationally and internationally. It added that encouraging officials to explore these locations and provide suggestions would support tourism growth and infrastructure development.
Employees have also been told not to hold review meetings or conduct official inspections during these visits. After completing the tour, employees must submit a report with photographs, details of the places visited and their experiences to their respective departments or district magistrates.
Nodal officers in district magistrate offices, divisional commissioner offices and state departments will collect the reports and forward them to departments including Tourism, Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Art and Culture. The government said the initiative is likely to boost local economic activity while giving visitors opportunities to experience local culture, cuisine and hospitality. The travel period will be treated as official duty.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said India’s economy is strong, but the West Asia crisis is increasing pressure on foreign exchange due to higher imports of crude oil, fertiliser, and gold. She said global commodity prices, especially crude oil, have been very volatile, raising import costs. Fertiliser and gold prices have also surged, and all these imports require foreign currency, which adds stress to India’s forex outgo. She referred to this as pressure from the “three Fs” — fuel, fertiliser, and foreign exchange — and noted that the conflict is also leading to higher shipping costs, supply disruptions, and difficulties for exporters and MSMEs. Despite this, she said India’s economic fundamentals remain strong, supported by solid GST collections, rising vehicle sales, and healthy credit growth.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.
Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey respond to reader questions on whether Andy Burnham could outperform Keir Starmer, whether Makerfield matters more for Reform UK than for Labour, and whether the UK could realistically rejoin the EU.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
One method used to support wildlife conservation is to permit wealthy hunters to legally kill a small number of animals in exchange for very high fees. Supporters say the money helps protect habitats and fund conservation work. However, critics argue that this practice is ethically questionable and resembles neocolonial exploitation of African wildlife resources.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
A prolonged and heated courtroom dispute between tech billionaires Elon Musk and Sam Altman has ended in a win for OpenAI’s CEO. Musk says he plans to challenge the decision. The case has raised wider questions about Big Tech influence and the worldwide competition in artificial intelligence. Lucy Hough discusses the outcome with Guardian US tech and power reporter Nick Robins-Early in a YouTube interview.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from The Guardian.
An Ebola outbreak has been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, with around 400 confirmed cases and over 100 deaths. To understand its possible origin, containment measures, and why it is especially concerning, Ian Sample speaks with clinical epidemiologist Daniela Manno from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
