Latest news with #Marksman
India Today
30-06-2025
- India Today
Drones, bomb squads, e-IDs: Amarnath Yatra's security vigil after Pahalgam attack
Following the recent attack in Pahalgam, authorities have rolled out a comprehensive security framework for the Amarnath Yatra starting on July 3. The objective is clear: protect pilgrims and thwart any potential threats along the pathway. Security arrangements have been devised with precision, marshalling significant resources and strategies to counter any menace commandos, distinguished by their notable performance in Operation Sindoor, are part of the security detail safeguarding Yatra routes. Their inclusion marks a strategic pivot towards a more varied and effective security system, offering holistic protection during the pilgrimage. This not only fortifies the security measures but also represents women's advancing roles in essential security to these security strategies is the deployment of 'Marksman' bulletproof vehicles accompanying pilgrims throughout their journey. These vehicles act as both a physical shield and a psychological deterrent to threats. Their presence underscores the authorities' dedication to a quick and efficient response to any breaches, thus reinforcing the safety perimeter around the Yatra. National Highway 44, a vital artery for the pilgrimage, is under constant watch by the Valley Quick Action Teams (QAT) and further scrutinised through live drone surveillance. This intricate security setup is geared to identify and neutralise threats with speed, providing pilgrims an added layer of security. Utilising advanced monitoring technology enhances the ability to effectively oversee the route, ensuring a protected passage for Yatra participants. Moreover, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has initiated 'Operation Dal' to safeguard Dal Lake, a favoured destination for tourists, after the Yatra. This operation involves CRPF's specialised water wing, maintaining safe tourist activities and supporting the local economy while prioritising security. Such operations showcase a broad approach to upholding safety beyond the immediate context of the year's Yatra has been trimmed to 38 days, a strategic move to lessen threat exposure while retaining the pilgrimage's essence. This decision has led to the formation of a detailed joint security plan involving CRPF, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Indian Army. Enhanced safety measures, such as digital mapping and thorough route audits, have been put in place to ensure a secure and uninterrupted further strengthen security, pilgrims and pony riders will receive digital ID cards. These IDs are part of a wider strategy to enhance tracking and management of the pilgrimage. Additional steps include blocking all approach routes during convoy movements and employing jammers and escort vehicles. These initiatives are designed to efficiently manage potential risks and ensure seamless logistics throughout the security blueprint also involves the deployment of Quick Action Teams, Bomb Disposal Squads, drones, and K9 units along the pilgrimage paths. Joint Police Control Room (PCR) vehicles will be strategically positioned to handle and respond to any incidents, ensuring rapid intervention capabilities. This deployment highlights the authorities's proactive strategy in preventing incidents, preserving the sanctity and security of the Yatra.- EndsMust Watch
Web Release
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Web Release
HONOR OF KINGS PREPARES TO ROLL OUT ITS MOST AMBITIOUS UPDATE
HONOR OF KINGS PREPARES TO ROLL OUT ITS MOST AMBITIOUS UPDATE Honor of Kings, the world's most played MOBA, is excited to share details of its biggest version update yet – so significant that the game will evolve into Honor of Kings Plus. Available from tomorrow, June 24, players will be able to experience a wealth of improvements and fresh content, greatly influenced by community feedback, all for free. 'As a live game the onus is on the development team to listen closely to player feedback and continue to evolve Honor of Kings,' commented Game Producer, Dean Huang. 'With Honor of Kings Plus, we have really pushed ourselves to introduce new, groundbreaking and engaging content and refine existing features. We look forward to the response of the community.' Flowborn ushers in a new era In a first for a MOBA, Flowborn is a player's personal in-game avatar that offers more depth and customisation than ever seen before. Flowborn isn't just another Hero, but an extension of you on the battlefield. ? Determine your look ? Select appearance ? Select skin tone ? Select outfit ? Unlock additional clothing, hairstyles and more ? Create and share your own 2D poster from a choice of backgrounds, stickers and nameplates ? Adaptive combat system ? Versatile weapons & skills are effective across multiple lanes ? Freely select attribute buffs during a match ? Flowborn will be rolled out as follows ? Flowborn – Marksman available starting from June 24 ? Flowborn – Tank coming soon in July ? Flowborn – Mage coming soon in July Greater recognition for players' performances The Honor of Kings Plus update will see a player's individual performance receive greater acknowledgement and Star rewards even if they are on the losing side. ? Overarching criteria ? Result points = match victory + personal performance points ? Personal performance points = basic evaluation + highlight moments points, with the total converted to a rating, which will provide different points accordingly ? Ratings and Stars will be awarded to players who achieve 'Highlight Moments' ? Examples of Highlight Moments ? Single-handedly destroying the highground tower and then destroying the opponent's crystal = Rating jumps directly to SSS ? Carrying the game with full score = Earn an additional 2-star rating ? In a 1v9 scenario even if unable to carry the match in spite of your best efforts = Retain or even gain Stars ? On the losing side and not MVP but receives a gold medal = Potential to gain Stars Furthermore, the global version of Honor of Kings will offer players a more transparent system compared to the Chinese version, with each rating tier clearly corresponding to specific bonus points. Breaking down the language barriers To facilitate communication between players, the development team is excited to reveal that from June 24, Honor of Kings will begin to offer real time voice to text transcription and translation to the game's existing translation features. This augmented functionality will initially support Chinese, English, Indonesian and Malay, with the team exploring the potential to include additional languages in the future. ? Communicate even more easily with existing friends & team members ? Help make new friends Battlefield improvements To deliver a smoother gameflow and reduce player frustration in those matches where all lanes get pushed, from tomorrow, players will experience changes to spawn times, attributes, rewards and more: ? The number of mid lane minions will be increased to four ? The Central River Sprite will be removed completely to deliver a better flow and balance in mid lane ? Adjustments to the respawn frequency, abilities and rewards for top and bottom lane River Sprites & the Space Sprite ? The Red Falcon's spawn timing, skills, and rewards have been rebalanced ? Super minions in all three lanes have had their attributes lowered to balance late-game pressure\ ? Changes to Turret shield system ? Teleport Summoner Skill is now permanently available along with improved Teleport visuals Honor Pass receives a makeover. The existing Honor Pass system was one of the major pain points highlighted by the community and has led to the introduction of a streamlined mission system that effectively becomes the primary source of event based rewards and see players earning experience for: ? Completing Honor Pass missions ? Achieving Highlight moments ? Completing campaigns That in turn can be used to upgrade Honor Pass levels and earn even more rewards ? In addition… ? For the first month, after updating their game players will receive an Elite Pass for free ? The first new Honor Pass will be KWC themed ? Level 1 will immediately get the skin Nuwa-Syzygy Moonlight, Stay active and level up to 80 to get Alessio EWC skin for free ? Upgrading to the Deluxe Pass also grants an additional 398 tokens, which can be used for the next Honor Pass, or a future pass And there's even more… ? Want It, Get It! – Limited Time Freebie Frenzy (Get a skin voucher worth 1688 Tokens for free) ? Starting June 19, complete tasks to earn special event tokens ? Starting June 24, after updating to the latest version, players can go to the Event Center to redeem the special event tokens for a skin voucher worth 1688 Tokens ? From June 28 to June 30, players can use the 1688-Token Voucher in the Shop to get a discount on designated skins! ? This coupon is valid for all skins released before January 1st 2025, with the exception of the newly launched skin Yun Ying – Crystallight Spear ? The coupon is fully usable with no minimum spend, and can deduct up to 1688 Tokens. It is valid for a single skin only and cannot be used for bundled purchases. ? All Skins Free-to-Use Plus ? From June 28 to 30, all in-game skins launched before June 24 are free to use, including limited and legendary skins.
Indian Express
10-05-2025
- Automotive
- Indian Express
Bharat Forge, Mahindra among private defence suppliers instructed to step up production of munition, carriers
The government is learnt to have reached out to multiple private companies that are into defence equipment production, including Bharat Forge and Mahindra & Mahindra's defence division. This is linked to specific instructions being issued to private vendors for upscaling supplies of certain ammunition, including for anti-drone and smart ammunition, alongside equipment such as armored vehicles that can be integrated with different weaponry — loitering munitions and guided missiles. Instructions have been issued to these private players to step up output of some items, including designated ammunition, over and above what is already being produced by the ordnance factories. Sources in the industry said these suppliers are likely to be summoned for a follow-up meeting shortly. Bharat Forge has a large defence manufacturing facility in Jejuri, near Pune, dedicated to the assembly and integration of guns, vehicles, small and medium arms, and systems. The company had, earlier this year, signed a landmark contract with the Ministry of Defence for supplying 184 indigenously developed Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS). The 155/52 mm calibre ATAGS was jointly developed with the Defence Research and Development Organisation. The indigenously developed ATAGS can fire projectiles up to 48 km and operates on an all-electric drives that makes it maintenance-free in comparison to regular hydraulic drives. it can move at a speed of 18 kmph, unlike towed guns, which typically move at around 8 kmph. Additionally, the ATAGS has a firing rate of six shells, compared to three for towed guns. Existing ammunition can be successfully fired from the ATAGS without requiring special modifications. Mahindra, too, had obtained a licence from the government to produce small arms and associated ammunition, along with its specialisation in making armoured carriers and non-armoured mobility solutions for the Indian Army. The company also produces the Marksman, a military vehicle designed for urban warfare, and the Rakshak, an armored military utility vehicle. The Indian Army had earlier issued a request for information seeking vendors to manufacture 23mm anti-drone ammunition under the 'Make in India' initiative, which is being overseen by the Directorate General of Army Air Defence. The country's defence production has grown sharply since the launch of the 'Make in India' initiative, reaching a record Rs 1.27 lakh crore in FY24. Currently, about 65 per cent of defence equipment is now manufactured domestically, as compared to a 65-70 per cent import dependency around a decade ago. The private sector including companies such as Bharat Forge, Mahindra and the Tata Group are playing an increasingly important role, contributing 21 per cent to total defence production in FY24, alongside fostering innovation and efficiency. India's defence industrial base, apart from the 16 PSUs, now includes over 430 licensed companies, and approximately 16,000 MSMEs. Queries sent to Bharat Forge and Mahindra, and the Ministry of Defence, did not elicit a comment. Aanchal Magazine is Senior Assistant Editor with The Indian Express and reports on the macro economy and fiscal policy, with a special focus on economic science, labour trends, taxation and revenue metrics. With over 13 years of newsroom experience, she has also reported in detail on macroeconomic data such as trends and policy actions related to inflation, GDP growth and fiscal arithmetic. Interested in the history of her homeland, Kashmir, she likes to read about its culture and tradition in her spare time, along with trying to map the journeys of displacement from there. ... Read More Anil Sasi is National Business Editor with the Indian Express and writes on business and finance issues. He has worked with The Hindu Business Line and Business Standard and is an alumnus of Delhi University. ... Read More
