India, France agree to deepen integration in defence industrial sectors

India and France have agreed to further deepen the integration between the two countries` defence industrial sectors and to work together to identify opportunities for co-design, co-development and co-production.

“In a reflection of the deep mutual trust and confidence between the two countries, and drawing strength from their decades-old cooperation in advanced technologies, President Macron and Prime Minister Modi reiterated their commitment to further deepening the integration between the two countries` respective defence industrial sectors and to work together to identify opportunities for co-design, co-development, co-production with the objective of not only fulfilling the defence needs of the Indian armed forces, but also of providing a viable and reliable source of defence supplies to other friendly countries,” as per India-France joint statement following French President Emmanuel Macron`s State visit to India for the Republic Day celebrations.

During the visit, PM Modi, French President Macron noted that defence industrial collaboration, especially from the design stage, not only creates quality jobs for the youth and advances the Prime Minister`s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, but also supports a broader progress in scientific, technological, digital and material sciences fields to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat for 2047. Towards this end, the two leaders welcomed the adoption of an ambitious Defence Industrial Roadmap.

In the broader context of the ambitious collaboration, and as more detailed in the industrial roadmap, they welcomed the progress in the establishment of the MRO for LEAP engines in India by Safran and the plans to add MRO for Rafale engines, a comprehensive helicopter partnership with a Joint Venture for IMRH engine between HAL and Safran, and the Scorpene submarines constructed in India, including indigenisation, as per the India-France joint statement.

They also welcomed the discussions between India`s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the French Directorate General of Armament (DGA), and intend to conclude an Arrangement MoU in an early timeframe.

PM Modi, French President Macron lauded the all-round progress in the defence and security partnership, which is a principal pillar of the partnership and a source of strengthening their countries` sovereignty and strategic autonomy, and for advancing peace in the region.

It extends from intelligence and information exchange to exercises and equipment and across all domains from the seabed to space. They welcomed the outcomes and the directions set by the 5th Annual Defence Dialogue chaired by the two Defence Ministers, and the Maritime Cooperation Dialogue held in October 2023, as per the joint statement.

They expressed satisfaction with the increasing complexity and interoperability of India-France joint defence exercises across air, sea and land and agreed to consider a distinct joint tri-services exercise. They also discussed actively increasing capacities, particularly in the maritime domain, by joining hands with other like-minded countries.

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Odisha: 3 killed, 13 injured in road accident in Koraput

At least three people including two women have been killed and 13 others were injured in a road accident involving two bikes, one autorickshaw, one tractor and an SUV in the Borigumma area in Koraput district, police said.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 3 lakh each for the kin of the three deceased in the road accident on Friday.

Expressing his deep condolences to the bereaved families, CM Patnaik has directed for proper medical treatment of the injured and wished them a speedy recovery, according to a statement from the Chief Minister`s Office.

The police informed that the condition of four out of the 13 injured is stated to be critical and they have been shifted to the Saheed Laxman Nayak Medical College and Hospital at Koraput. The other injured have been admitted to the Community Health Centre (CHC) at Borigumma.

Giving details of the accident, the police said that it involved two bikes, one autorickshaw, one tractor and an SUV.

In the CCTV footage, it can be seen that an SUV and an auto-rickshaw were coming from the same direction, and a tractor was coming from the opposite direction. The SUV was travelling at a high speed and was attempting to overtake the auto-rickshaw. At the same time, a speeding bike coming from the opposite direction while trying to overtake the tractor rammed into the SUV, the police said.

The SUV driver lost control and hit the auto-rickshaw. As a result of the collision, the auto-rickshaw turned upside down and some of the 15 passengers travelling in it fell on the road. Two of them died on the spot, they added.

The police further said that as the SUV hit the auto-rickshaw, another bike coming from the opposite direction hit the SUV in which the person on the bike died on the spot.

source https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/odisha-3-killed-13-injured-in-road-accident-in-koraput-cm-patnaik-announces-ex-gratia-of-rs-3-lakh-23332019

PM Modi expresses gratitude to world leaders for Republic Day wishes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed gratitude to world leaders for their Republic Day wishes to India.

Thanking Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal for his Republic Day wishes to India, PM Modi on Friday said India cherishes the longstanding friendship with Nepal.

“Thank you @PM_nepal_ for your Republic Day wishes. India cherishes the longstanding friendship with Nepal,” PM Modi wrote on `X`.

The Nepal PM had said: “On the occasion of the 75th Republic Day of India, I extend my best wishes to PM Shri @narendramodi ji, the government and friendly people of India for good health, peace and prosperity. I am confident that the ties of friendship between our countries will continue to grow further.”

In reply to Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth`s wishes, PM Modi said he looks forward to the continued strengthening of the India-Mauritius bilateral partnership.

“Thank you Prime Minister @KumarJugnauth for your warm wishes. Looking forward to the continued strengthening of our robust bilateral partnership, this year and always,” PM Modi said.

The Mauritian PM had said: “Warmest congratulations to Prime Minister Shri Modi Ji @narendramodi and our Indian sisters and brothers on the glorious occasion of the 75th Republic Day of India.”

The PM also thanked French President Emmanuel Macron for joining India`s Republic Day celebrations.

“Thank you to the President @EmmanuelMacron for joining our Republic Day celebrations. Your presence will add great impetus to Indo-French relations,” the PM said.

The French President had said: “My dear friend @NarendraModi, Indian people, My warmest wishes on your Republic Day. Happy and proud to be with you. Let`s celebrate!”

PM Modi earlier said: “Thank you President @EmmanuelMacron for being a part of our Republic Day celebrations. Your presence will add great momentum to India-France ties.”

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar also expressed his gratitude to world leaders for their Republic Day wishes.

The EAM thanked Tanzania`s Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation January Makamba, Iran`s Foreign Minister H.Amirabdollahian, and Singapore`s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan among others.

source https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/pm-modi-expresses-gratitude-to-world-leaders-for-republic-day-wishes-23332017

Nine-month-old among four killed as fire breaks out in house in Delhi`s Shahdara

Four people, including a nine-month-old, died of suffocation and two were injured when a major fire broke out in a house on the ground floor of a multi-storey building in Delhi`s Shahdara area on Friday, police said. A call was received at 5:22 pm about a blaze in a house in the Shahdara area, fire officials said. “Five fire tenders were pressed into service and the blaze was doused by 6:55 pm. Rubber material like wipers and a rubber-cutting machine kept in a house on the ground floor of the building had caught fire,” said Delhi Fire Services (DFS) chief Atul Garg. Police and fire officials rescued six people from the building and rushed them to GTB Hospital, he said.

A senior police officer said after receiving information about the fire in the building, police personnel rushed to the spot and managed to rescue three people with the help of locals. They were taken to the hospital in a PCR van, he said. After fire officials reached the spot, they rescued three more people, including a child. Those who were rescued were in a semi-conscious state and were rushed to GTB Hospital, where doctors declared four of them dead on arrival, he added. Two women, aged 28 and 40, a nine-month-old girl and a 17-year-old boy died of suffocation. A 16-year-old girl and a 70-year-old woman are undergoing treatment, according to police. “The building has four floors with a single staircase. Legal action has been initiated against the building owner, Bharat Singh. He had kept the ground and first floor for himself and had given the remaining two floors on rent.

Further investigation into the matter is underway,” the officer said. The police said multiple teams have been formed to investigate the case. Forensics experts were also called to the incident spot to collect samples to ascertain the actual cause of the fire. “Teams of forensic science visited the spot after the incident. They will visit again on Saturday,” Said the officer. Only a week ago, six people, including four women, were killed in a fire that broke out in a multi-storey building in northwest Delhi`s Pitampura. Those killed in the incident, which took place on January 18, were from three different families.

source https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/nine-month-old-among-four-killed-as-fire-breaks-out-in-house-in-delhis-shahdara-23332003

Delhi Police issues traffic advisory for Beating Retreat ceremony

The Delhi Police has made elaborate traffic arrangements for the Beating Retreat ceremony to be held at Vijay Chowk on Monday, officials said. The Beating Retreat ceremony marks the formal end of the Republic Day celebrations. In an advisory issued on Friday, the police said traffic restrictions will be put in place from 2 pm to 9.30 pm on Monday and Vijay Chowk will remain closed to traffic.

Traffic will not be allowed on Rafi Marg between Sunehri Masjid roundabout and Krishi Bhawan roundabout, Raisina Road from Krishi Bhawan roundabout towards Vijay Chowk, beyond Dara Shikoh roundabout, Krishna Menon Marg roundabout and Sunehri Masjid towards Vijay Chowk, the advisory said. Traffic will be restricted on Kartavya Path between Vijay Chowk and `C` hexagon, it said. The commuters are advised to take alternative routes like Ring Road, Ridge Road, Aurobindo Marg, Madrasa T-Point, Lodhi Road, Safdarjung Road, Kamal Ataturk Marg, Rani Jhansi Road, and Minto Road, it said.

The buses will be diverted from their normal routes from 2 pm to 9.30 pm on Monday to facilitate the vehicles of invitees and spectators and to avoid traffic congestion on roads around the venues of the ceremony and India Gate, the advisory said. Parking will be available for those coming to see the illumination at Vijay Chowk between Rafi Marg and `C` Hexagon after 7 pm, it said. The general public and motorists are advised to be patient, observe traffic rules and road discipline, and follow directions of traffic personnel deployed at all intersections, it said. People are also requested to plan their journey in advance to avoid any inconvenience and stay updated through the traffic police`s Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram handles, it added.

source https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/delhi-police-issues-traffic-advisory-for-beating-retreat-ceremony-23331999

Seventy nine IPS, 45 BAS officers transferred amid RJD, JD (U) split

Amid anticipation that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar may rejoin the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the Bihar administration has carried out a massive bureaucratic restructure. On Friday, amid Bihar political turmoil, 79 Indian Police Service (IPS) and 45 Bihar Administrative Service (BAS) officers were relocated across the state, according to an ANI report.

According to a statement from the state government, IPS Sushil Mansingh Khopde, who was previously the Special Task Force`s Additional Director General (Operations), has been appointed ADG (Prohibition). IPS Amrit Raj, who formerly served as ADG (Prohibition), has been posted as ADG (Operations). In addition, IPS officer Deepak Ranjan, who is now the Superintendent of Police in Jehanabad, has been appointed commandant of the Bihar Special Armed Police, Bodh Gaya, the report added.

According to the reports, the political situation in Bihar is heated, with speculations that Nitish Kumar is considering rejoining the NDA. This speculation follows his departure from the alliance in 2022 to form the `Mahagathbandhan.` Leaders such as Jitan Ram Manjhi have hinted at a potential rupture of the current alliance.

Sushil Kumar Modi, a senior BJP politician, during the ongoing Bihar political turmoil, has stated that doors in politics are not forever closed, allowing for the possibility of resuming ties with Nitish Kumar`s JDU.

“We are keeping an eye on all the developments and if needed an appropriate decision will be taken. No door is permanently closed in politics and the door can be opened if needed…” Sushil Modi told ANI.

According to the report, Nitish Kumar`s political manoeuvring began in 2022 when he launched efforts to bring opposition forces together against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling party. However, recent words and occurrences point to a probable shift in alliances.

The situation worsened when RJD President Lalu Prasad Yadav`s daughter, Rohini Acharya, criticised the JDU, causing friction within the ruling alliance. If Nitish Kumar decides to swap parties, it will be the fourth time he does so, the report added.

The RJD has 79 MLAs in the current Bihar Assembly, which has 243 seats. The BJP comes in second with 78. The JD(U) has 45 seats, Congress has 19, the CPI (M-L) has 12, and the CPI(M) and CPI have two apiece. In addition, the Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) has four seats, the AIMIM one, and one Independent legislator.

source https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/bihar-political-turmoil-79-ips-45-bas-officers-transferred-amid-rjd-jd-u-split-23332027

Will launch protests if Centre doesn`t clear Bengal`s dues: Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal CM and Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee on Friday gave the Centre a seven-day ultimatum to clear all dues failing which the party would launch a massive protest. Banerjee made these remarks during a programme at Raj Bhavan to celebrate the 75th Republic Day. Banerjee said, “If the central government does not clear the funds, then we (TMC) will initiate a massive protest.”

According to West Bengal government`s figures, the Centre owes the state Rs 9,330 crore under the PMAY, Rs 6,900 crore under MGNREGA, Rs 830 crore under National Health Mission, Rs 770 crore under PM Gram Sadak Yojna, Rs 350 crore under the Swachh Bharat Mission, Rs 175 crore for mid-day meals, as well as money under other schemes. Banerjee had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 20, and discussed the issue of pending central funds.

After the meeting, she said Modi proposed that officials from state and Centre can sit together and clear the issues. Earlier this week, a team of state government officers visited New Delhi and met their central counterparts. According to officials, they submitted a detailed report on alleged irregularities in the 100 days` work scheme and the measures taken to address them. The delegation also met Union ministry of rural development secretary Shailesh Kumar Singh. In November, TMC MLAs led by the party chief had staged a protest within the state assembly premises against the alleged delay in the release of central funds by the Modi government.

Earlier, the party`s national general secretary, Abhishek Banerjee, led a protest dharna at Rajghat in New Delhi on Mahatma Gandhi`s birth anniversary, demanding the release of funds by the Centre. In a jibe at the Trinamool Congress supremo, senior BJP leader Rahul Sinha said Banerjee has threatened to launch an agitation after her nephew Abhishek Banerjee`s threats to wage a sustained movement against the Centre on the same issue turned out to be a non-starter. “Bhaipo (nephew) has stopped giving calls for a movement on the same issue after finding no support among people. Now pishi (aunt) has decided to prop up the same issue which has already been rejected by the public,” Sinha, a former state unit president of the party, told PTI.

source https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/will-launch-protests-if-centre-doesnt-clear-bengals-dues-mamata-banerjee-23331998

Republic Day celebrations showcase `Nari Shakti` and military grandeur

India marked 75th Republic Day with an impressive display of `Nari Shakti` (women power), rich cultural heritage, and military prowess, featuring missiles, warplanes, and advanced weapon systems. French President Emmanuel Macron graced the occasion as the chief guest, witnessing the Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path in New Delhi.

The parade, held in the heart of the national capital, began with President Droupadi Murmu taking the salute alongside Macron. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and other dignitaries attended the event, which included a fly-past despite dense fog.

Notable highlights included an all-women tri-services contingent marching for the first time and over 100 women artists leading the parade with Indian musical instruments. The mechanized column showcased T-90 Bhishma tanks, NAG missile systems, and other advanced military equipment. The event also featured an all-women Armed Forces Medical Services contingent.

France`s participation included a 95-member marching contingent and a 30-member band, showcasing the strong bilateral ties. The parade culminated in a spectacular fly-past by 46 aircraft of the Indian Air Force, featuring 29 fighter jets, seven transport aircraft, nine helicopters, and a heritage plane. The fly-past included a formation of indigenously-built Tejas aircraft for the first time.

The ceremony began with Prime Minister Modi paying tributes at the National War Memorial, followed by the unfurling of the national flag, the national anthem, and a 21-gun salute. The parade also saw the return of the traditional buggy after 40 years, carrying President Murmu and President Macron.

Also read: Rights of people being `eroded` under the BJP govt: Mallikarjun Kharge on 75th Republic Day

The celebration themes centered around `Viksit Bharat` and `Bharat — Loktantra Ki Matruka` (India — Mother of Democracy). The event highlighted the resilience and strength of the nation, paying tribute to the fallen heroes and showcasing India`s diverse cultural and military achievements.

For the first time, an all-women tri-services contingent marched down the ceremonial boulevard reflecting the country`s growing `Nari Shakti` (women power). In another first, the parade was heralded by over 100 women artistes playing Indian musical instruments such as `shankh` and `nagada` instead of traditional military bands.

The first Army contingent leading the mechanised column was the 61 Cavalry, which was raised in 1953. It was followed by 11 mechanised columns, 12 marching contingents and a fly-past by advanced light helicopters of the Army Aviation Corps.

The T-90 Bhishma tanks, NAG missile systems, infantry combat vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, weapon locating radar system `Swathi`, drone jammer system and medium-range surface-to-air missiles were among the key displays by the mechanised columns.

The all-women tri-services contingent, led by Captain Sandhya of the Army Military Police, with three supernumerary officers Captain Sharanya Rao, Sub Lieutenant Anshu Yadav and Flight Lieutenant Shrishti Rao, drew huge applause.

Another all-women Armed Forces Medical Services contingent, headed by Major Srishti Khullar with Captain Amba Samant of the Army Dental Corps, Surgeon Lieutenant Kanchana of the Indian Navy and Flight Lieutenant Dhivya Priya of the Indian Air Force also marching down the majestic avenue.

The Army`s marching contingents included the Madras Regiment, the Grenadiers, the Rajputana Rifles, the Sikh Regiment and the Kumaon Regiment.

The Indian Navy`s contingent consisted of 144 men and women Agniveers, led by Lt Prajwal M as commander and Lt Mudita Goyal, Lt Sharvani Supreiya and Lt Devika H as platoon commanders.

It was followed by a naval tableau, depicting the themes `Nari Shakti` and `Sea Power Across the Oceans Through Indigenisation`.

The themes of the celebrations were — `Viksit Bharat`; and `Bharat — Loktantra Ki Matruka` (India — Mother of Democracy).

A 95-member marching contingent and a 30-member band contingent from France also took part in the parade.

Two Rafale fighter gets and an Airbus A330 multi-role tanker transport aircraft of the French air force also featured in ceremony that culminated with a jaw-dropping fly-past by 46 aircraft of the Indian Air Force.

The IAF fleet included 29 fighter jets, seven transport aircraft, nine helicopters and a heritage plane. These aircraft operated from six different bases.

Fifteen women pilots, including six from the fighter streams, operated the IAF platforms during the fly-past.

For the first time, indigenously-built Tejas aircraft flew in a formation of four aircraft.

The ceremony started with the prime minister`s visit to the National War Memorial, where he led the nation in paying solemn tributes to the fallen heroes by laying a wreath.

Minutes later, President Murmu and her French counterpart Macron arrived in the `traditional buggy` as the crowd sought to capture the moment on their mobile phones.

The national flag was then unfurled, followed by the national anthem with a 21-gun salute using the indigenous 105-mm Indian Field Guns.

“The 75th Republic Day Parade showcased the nation`s extraordinary Nari Shakti as impressive march-pasts by women received standing ovation by the invitees. President Droupadi Murmu and the French President Emmanuel Macron arrived at the Kartavya Path in the traditional buggy which made a comeback after 40 years,” the Rashtrapati Bhavan said in a post on X.

Four Mi-17 IV helicopters of the 105 Helicopter Unit showered flower petals on the audience present at the Kartavya Path.

The Kartavya Path also witnessed a march past by a combined band and marching contingent of the French armed forces.

Gallantry award winners, and winners of Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar riding jeeps decked up with flowers, also took part in the parade.

Officials said about 77,000 guests are estimated to have attended the event, which included 13,000 “special invitees”. A senior official of ISRO said, “about 200 women from ISRO” also attended the event, some of them accompanied by their spouses.

A total of 16 tableaux from states, Union territories and nine from central ministries and departments rolled down the Kartavya Path during the parade. (With inputs from agencies)

source https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/indias-75th-republic-day-celebrations-showcase-nari-shakti-and-military-grandeur-23331970

Kerala: Three college students drown in Vellayani lake near Vizhinjam

Three college students reportedly drowned in the Vellayani lake near Vizhinjam in Kerala on Friday afternoon, the ANI reported on Friday.

According to the ANI, The three, aged between 20 and 21 years, were part of a group of four students from the nearby Christ College who used to often frequent the lake, police said.

The four students went into the lake to take a bath, but three of them drowned and one managed to get out alive, an officer of Vizhinjam police station said.

The exact cause of the tragic accident is not yet known, the officer said.

The bodies of the three were recovered and inquest proceedings are underway, the police said.

In an another incident in Gujarat earlier this month, as many as twelve students and two teachers died after a boat capsized in Harni lake on the outskirts of Vadodara city in Gujarat on Thursday, the PTI had earlier reported.

An FIR under sections 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide) of the Indian Penal Code has been registered and two persons have been arrested, Sanghavi informed, the news agency had reported.

Teams had been formed to nab other culprits.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel had also visited the site late in the evening and along with Sangahvi toured Janvi Hospital and state-run SSG Hospital to meet survivors and kin of the deceased.

Bhupendra Patel had also monitored the rescue operation being carried out by personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other agencies, including the local fire brigade, the news agency had earlier reported.

In a message on social media platform X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said, “Distressed by the loss of lives to a boat capsizing at the Harni lake in Vadodara. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. May the injured recover soon.”

“The local administration is providing all possible assistance to those affected. An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000,” the PM further said.

(with PTI inputs)

source https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/kerala-three-college-students-drown-in-vellayani-lake-near-vizhinjam-23331964

Delhi: Fire breaks out at house in Shahdara, people trapped

A fire broke out at a house in north-east Delhi`s Shahdara area on Friday. Some people were feared to be trapped, the officials of the fire department said, reported the PTI.

Around five people are feared trapped inside the building and a rescue operation is underway, they said, as per the PTI.

A total of five fire engines were pressed into service to douse the flames.

“We got a call at 5.22 pm regarding a fire at a house in Ram Nagar area. Immediately, five fire engines were pressed into service. We got to know that five people are feared trapped in the building. We are conducting the rescue operation,” a fire official said.

Meanwhile, in an another incident in Mumbai, a major fire broke out at a timber market in South Mumbai`s Kamathipura area near Grant Road early on Friday, said Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

One death has been reported so far in the fire incident. One unknown male person`s charred body was found in the bathroom at said premises and was moved to JJ Hospital, the civic body said.

The fire started at around 2 am and a total of 16 fire engines and two water lines from a high-rise building on the spot to control the blame, the civic body said.

The fire was confined to the wood stock in a large area in the Chor Bazaar locality of Grant Road in south Mumbai.

“Fire is confined to electric wiring, stock of wood, stock of chemicals in ground and ground plus upper one and partly upper two floored structure/gala. Also confined to about 400 to 500 shops/hotels nearby area,” said the Mumbai Fire Brigade.

“Total of 18 lines (6 hose lines from north side, 3 hose lines from west side, 3 hose lines from south side, 5 hose lines from east side and 1 line of fixed fire fighting system of building). 16 fire engines and 2 lines from a high-rise building are in operation,” the Mumbai Fire Brigade said.

Due to flames, nearby Platinum Mall and high-rise building vacated, the fire brigade said.

(with PTI inputs)

source https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/delhi-fire-breaks-out-at-house-in-shahdara-people-trapped-23331963