December 20, 2025 - IndiaVerve

US launches major military operation in Syria targeting ISIS

December 22, 2025December 20, 2025 by India Verve Desk

Damascus: The US on Friday night launched a large-scale military operation in Syria aimed at dismantling the Islamic State (ISIS), marking one of the most significant American actions against the extremist group in recent months.

The operation began with US forces carrying out co-ordinated air and ground strikes against dozens of ISIS targets across central and eastern Syria. Military assets deployed included fighter aircraft, attack helicopters and precision-guided munitions, targeting militant hideouts, weapons storage facilities, command centres, and logistical networks.

American officials said the offensive was launched in response to a recent attack in which US military personnel were killed during an ambush by ISIS-linked fighters. The operation is intended to degrade the group’s remaining operational capabilities and prevent it from regrouping or launching further attacks.

According to defence officials, more than 70 ISIS positions were struck during the initial phase of the campaign. The strikes were described as deliberate and intelligence-driven, aimed at eliminating fighters and disrupting the group’s ability to operate across Syria’s vast desert regions.

The US currently maintains around 1,000 troops in Syria as part of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts. Their mission focuses on supporting local partners, securing detention facilities holding ISIS militants, and preventing the group’s resurgence following the collapse of its territorial control.

ICG commissions indigenous fast patrol vessel Amulya in Goa

December 20, 2025 by India Verve Desk

Goa: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on Friday commissioned ICG Ship Amulya at Goa, marking the induction of the third vessel in the eight-ship series of new-generation Adamya-class Fast Patrol Vessels.

Built and designed by Goa Shipyard Limited, the 51-metre-long vessel sets a significant milestone in indigenous shipbuilding. With over 60% indigenous content, Amulya – meaning “priceless” – reflects the country’s advancing capabilities in defense manufacturing, aligned with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives. The ship features a modern design approach focused on high efficiency, extended endurance, and rapid operational response, according to an official statement.

The vessel is powered by two advanced diesel engines of 3,000 kW each, enabling a maximum speed of 27 knots and an operational endurance of 1,500 nautical miles. Equipped with state-of-the-art indigenous weapons and systems, Amulya offers enhanced manoeuvrability, operational flexibility, and superior performance across varied maritime conditions.

ICGS Amulya is configured to undertake a wide spectrum of Coast Guard missions, including maritime surveillance, interdiction, search and rescue operations, anti-smuggling tasks, and pollution response. Its induction further strengthens the ICG’s operational presence along the eastern seaboard.

The ship will be based at Paradip in Odisha and will function under the administrative and operational control of the Commander, Coast Guard Region (North East). It is commanded by Commandant (JG) Anupam Singh and is crewed by five officers and 34 personnel.

Tribal MPs pledge faster delivery of welfare schemes

December 20, 2025 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram on Thursday convened an interaction with MPs and ministers from tribal backgrounds, focusing on accelerating development outcomes in tribal regions through coordinated leadership and ground-level execution.

Addressing the gathering, Oram said the meeting reflected a growing consensus among elected tribal representatives to move beyond policy intent and ensure measurable improvements in the lives of tribal citizens. He stressed that MPs from tribal constituencies hold a dual responsibility – shaping legislation while also monitoring delivery mechanisms at the grassroots.

The discussion centred on the Union government’s targeted approach for tribal and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group areas, with emphasis on saturation-based delivery of essential services. Flagship initiatives such as PM-JANMAN, Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan and Eklavya Model Residential Schools were cited as key drivers in bridging long-standing development gaps, according to an official statement.

According to the minister, focused interventions have led to visible progress in housing, access to potable water, electricity coverage, healthcare services, education infrastructure, and livelihood generation in tribal belts. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen the implementation of the Forest Rights Act as a cornerstone for economic security and community ownership.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment from tribal lawmakers to work in alignment with the Union government’s broader vision of inclusive growth, social equity and sustainable development, ensuring that development reaches the most remote tribal habitations across the country.