NEW DELHI — India has ordered its defense forces and all other security agencies to remain prepared to tackle an entire range of challenges along its borders in the wake of the situation in the neighboring Afghanistan/Pakistan region. Taliban militants on April 15 mounted a synchronized attack at key establishments in Kabul. The assault ended after 18 hr. on April 16, by which time all but one attacker had been killed.

Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific Airways plans to expand its air cargo services to India to meet high demand to and from the country’s leading information technology cities of Hyderabad and Bengaluru. The airline will launch a twice-weekly freighter service to Hyderabad and add a third weekly freighter flight to Bengaluru, both starting May 17, the carrier says. The new arrangement will present shippers more choice and flexibility in connecting to the airline’s international cargo network through the Hong Kong hub, it says.

AMMO DELIVERY: India is likely to take delivery of 16,000 rounds of ammunition from Russia for its T-90 tanks this year. “A contract for procurement of 16,000 rounds of Fin Stabilized Armor Piercing Discarding Sabot (FSAPDS) ammunition for T-90 tanks was signed with Rosoboronexport ... in December 2010. It became effective in March 2011, and the complete consignment is likely to be delivered in the first half of 2012,” a defense ministry official says.