The defense cooperation between India and the United States is about to achieve a new dimension amidst the tariff threats of US President Donald Trump. The deal of 6 additional P-8i Maritime Petrol Aircraft for the Indian Navy between the two countries is almost fixed. This deal is about 4 billion dollars. For this, a delegation of America will reach Delhi from September 16 to 19.

Important role of US delegation
This delegation will include officers of US Department of Defense and Boeing. In addition, officials of the Office of Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Navy International Program Office (NIPO), Maritime Petrol and Recognition Aircraft Program Office (PMA 290) and Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) will also participate in it. NIPO handles global maritime partnerships while PMA is helpful in 290 aircraft acquisition and support.

Indian Navy’s growing requirements
The Indian Navy currently has 12 P-8i aircraft. In view of China’s growing military influence in the Indian Ocean Region, the Navy needs 6 more aircraft to strengthen its surveillance and anti-Sabarine capacity. Apart from this, the Navy is also using MQ-9B drone, which will provide a total of 31 drones by 2029.

Technical characteristics and strategic importance
According to India Today report, P-8i aircraft are capable of long distance monitoring and detection of submarines. It can fly from a height of 41,000 feet and can cover a distance of up to 8,300 kilometers. It can also carry anti-ship missiles, cruise missiles, light torpedo and anti-sabmerine warfare charge. The MQ-9B drone will be helpful in the real-time surveillance of the Indian Ocean Region.

Indo-US relations are not affected
Recently, the high tariff imposed by the US on India for buying oil from Russia has not affected this defense agreement. In February, a joint statement released during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to America was clear that the deal is in the final stages.

The report of International Human Rights Organization Amnesty International has revealed that Pakistan is running a widespread monitoring campaign on its citizens. Chinese technology is being used under this supervision so that the government can suppress its opponents and independent voice. According to the report, an internet firewall (WMS 2.0) made of Chinese technology is being used in Pakistan, which censors social media and has the capacity to monitor about 40 lakh mobile phones in the country.

Chinese technology and cooperation of foreign companies
The report states that this firewall uses the US Divice of Niagara Networks of America, the Software of the Thales Company of France and the Server of the Chinese Government IT company. Earlier, this type of technology belonged to the Sandvine company of Canada. Amnesty said that this system works in two ways- one system allows to listen to calls and messages, while the other blocks or slows down the websites and social media of the Internet.

A large number of websites and platform blocks
According to the report, Pakistan has currently blocked around 6.5 lakh web links. Access to major social media sites like YouTube, Facebook and X has also been limited. Amnesty also said that about 4 million mobile phones are being monitored all the time and the firewall can block 2 million internet sessions simultaneously.

Such a case was revealed
It has also been told in this report that this information has been received from a case registered in Islamabad High Court in 2024. The case was registered by Bushra Bibi, wife of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, when his personal calls were leaked. In the court, Pakistan’s Ministry of Defense and intelligence agencies denied these surveillance activities, but later the telecom regulator admitted that they had ordered the phone companies to install the LIMS system. Amnesty International has warned that such widespread monitoring makes citizens fear and people are afraid to raise their voice.

Bird flu transition in the National Zoological Park (Delhi Zoo) has raised the alarm bell. In the last few days, 12 birds have died here, after which the administration has further strengthened monitoring and bio-security measures. Officials say that the entire campus is being sanitized after the H5N1 avian influenza virus is confirmed and the security protocol has been strictly implemented.

The official said that the monitoring teams are surveying the entire zoo twice a day. Special cleaning of migratory birds, ponds and pastures are being disinfected. Also, with the help of CCTV cameras and guardians, the health and behavior of all animals is being closely monitored.

Security arrangements for employees

The zoo administration has provided gloves, masks, protective suits and shoes cover to employees so that the risk of spreading the infection remains minimal. The birds found infected have been separated and are constantly being monitored.

Number of dead and infected birds

By Sunday, six painted storks and two black -neck Ibis birds had died in an aquatic birds, while four migrant painted storcs were found dead in the ponds. Investigations found that H5N1 virus is present in two painted storks and two Ibis bird samples.

Zoo closed for public

After the confirmation of bird flu, the zoo administration has temporarily closed the campus to the public in view of security. Officials say that all necessary steps are being taken to control the infection and the situation is constantly being monitored.