How New TEJAS Fighter Jet Variant Is Different From Its Predecessor

The 4.5 generation TEJAS fighter jet can be used for multiple roles

by Divyam Sharma

New Delhi: The upgraded version of the indigenous supersonic fighter aircraft, the TEJAS MK-1A, is expected to be delivered to the Indian Air Force by July, reports said. The TEJAS MK-1A, the advanced version of the MK-1, conducted its first successful test flight on March 28 this year, marking a historic moment in India's fighter jet development program, reports NDTV new portal.

The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program was envisioned in the late 1980s to replace the MiG-21 and Su-7 fleet. The program got a boost in the late 90s and on January 4, 2001, the Technology Demonstrator-1 (TD-1) version of the TEJAS was airborne and rechristened 'TEJAS', a significant moment in the Indian Air Force's history.

The Second Series Production (SP2) TEJAS aircraft was given initial operational clearance in 2016. The TEJAS MK-1 version was inducted in the Air Force's No. 45 Squadron - 'The Flying Daggers'. Later, another TEJAS squadron, the No. 18 Squadron - 'The Flying Bullets' began operating the MK-1 variant.

How Is TEJAS MK-1A Different?

The Indian Air Force has ordered 83 TEJAS MK-1A variants in a ₹36,468 crore deal with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. In November last year, the Defence Acquisition Council cleared the project to acquire 97 more TEJAS jets for the Indian Air Force.

On March 28, Group Captain KK Venugopal (Retd), a test pilot, took the TEJAS MK-1A to the skies and was airborne for 15 minutes. The sortie was the first successful flight of the MK-1A version of the fighter jet.

Group Captain Sunit Krishna, a test pilot of the TEJAS MK-1, spoke to NDTV India and said, "With time, the technology has to be improved and have to be integrated. The Indian Air Force wanted new systems to be integrated into the TEJAS so that it could be in service for the next three decades."

"The aircraft might look similar from the outside, but new electronics, processors, display systems, and the hardware of fly-by-wire systems have been integrated...To list out, it has new AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar, air-to-ground, air-to-air modes and self-protection jammers, and the mission computer in MK-1A is new and indigenous. The aircraft is future-ready," Group Captain Krishna said.

The design of an aircraft poses limitations to integrating new systems. The HAL has incorporated the latest technology with slight modifications in the design to give a newer aircraft.

The new variant will have almost 50 per cent more indigenous content than its predecessor. The MK-1A version will have 40 more improvements than the previous one. The TEJAS MK-1A will have the advanced Israel EL/M-2025 AESA Radar. It will soon be replaced by the Uttam AESA Radar, indigenously developed by Bharat Electronics Limited and the HAL.

Uttam Is A Fully Engineered, Qualified And Deployable Radar

The Uttam Radar can track multiple targets and reportedly has a range of more than 200 km to give the aircraft a 360-degree scanned view of its surroundings. It will be used in the later variants like TEJAS MK-2 and the Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighters (TEDBF).

The HAL has maintained a commonality between the MK-1 and MK-1A variants. The new version will have enhanced situational awareness with a slightly bigger canopy and changes in the jet aerodynamics to improve its manoeuvrability.

MK-1A will have around nine hard points on its underbelly to carry various types of weaponry like the Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles, Air-to-Air/Ground missiles, and Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air missiles (ASRAAM). External self-protection jammer pods will allow the aircraft to engage in electronic warfare.

An indigenously developed digital fly-by-wire flight control computer was integrated into the TEJAS jet. Fly-by-wire systems in aircraft replace mechanical flight controls with an electronic interface.

"In a significant development towards TEJAS MK-1A program, the digital fly-by-wire flight control computer (DFCC) was integrated into prototype LSP7 and successfully flown on February 19," the defence ministry said.

"The TEJAS MK-1A will have an advanced electronic RADAR, warfare and communication systems, additional combat capability and improved maintenance features," HAL said.

The new Electronic Warfare Suite consists of a Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) system & Advanced Self Protection Jammer (ASPJ) pod will be installed into MK-1A. The purpose of the system is to protect the aircraft against ground-based acquisition radars, fire control radars, anti-aircraft artillery and airborne multimode radars.

TEJAS - Lightest, Smallest

TEJAS is the smallest and lightest aircraft in its class and the dimensions and the extensive use of composite structure make it lighter. The 4.5 generation aircraft can be used for multiple roles like ground attack, interception, air-to-air combat and air defence.

The air force plans to raise the first squadron of the indigenous TEJAS MK-1A fighter aircraft squadron at the Nal air base in the Bikaner district of Rajasthan near the Pakistan front. The TEJAS will replace one of the two MiG-21 squadrons already stationed, ANI reported.

The TEJAS MK-1, MK-1A, and MK-2 variants will replace the MiG-21, MiG-29, and SEPECAT Jaguar of the Indian Air Force in the future.

In 23 years of its history since the first test flight in 2001, the TEJAS aircraft has maintained an excellent flight safety record. In March, a TEJAS from the No.18 squadron crashed in Rajasthan, but it was the first such instance in 23 years of its history and almost eight years of operational deployment.

Nigeria, Philippines, Argentina and Egypt have shown interest in procuring indigenously-developed TEJAS Light Combat Aircraft, CB Ananthakrishnan, the Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, earlier said.

(With Reporting by NDTV)

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India Mulls On Participating In Ukraine Peace Summit On Switzerland

New Delhi: Ahead of the global Ukraine peace conference to be held in June in Switzerland, the Ministry of External Affairs said that India has received an invitation from the Swiss side, but the decision regarding participation is still pending.

"We have received an invitation from the Swiss side. we are yet to decide on participation," said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

In a weekly media briefing on Friday, MEA spokesperson also highlighted Swiss Foreign Secretary Alexandre Fasel India's visit and his meeting with the Ministry of External Affairs Secretary(West) Pavan Kapoor.

"The Swiss Foreign Secretary is in Delhi. He had a conversation with Secretary West," said MEA

On April 11, Swiss President and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis announced that Switzerland will host a high-level international conference in the month of June with more than 100 countries invited to help chart a path towards peace in Ukraine after more than two years of war.

Further, the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs said in the press release that, Switzerland is organising a high-level conference on peace in Ukraine, which is expected to take place in June 2024 at the Burgenstock.

The aim of the heads of state and government meetings is to develop a common understanding of a path towards a just and lasting peace in Ukraine."

The conference aims to provide a platform for a high-level dialogue on ways to reach a comprehensive, just and lasting peace for Ukraine based on international law and the UN Charter. It aims to create a common understanding of the framework conducive to this goal and a concrete roadmap for the peace process," the release added.

Meanwhile, Russia ruled out its participation in the 'Ukraine Peace Summit.' Russian Foreign Minister Sergey said that they will not participate in any event supporting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's "peace formula".

While speaking in an interview with a local Russian news outlet, Sergey Lavrov said, "When our Swiss colleagues say they want to invite Russia to the first conference, they are not telling the truth. We will not participate in any events that promote Volodymyr Zelenskyy's peace formula in one way or another."

(With Agency Inputs)

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Not Too Many More Vibrant Democracies In World Than India, Says White House

Washington: Applauding people in India for exercising their right to vote in the general elections, the White House said on Friday that there are not too many more vibrant democracies in the world than India.

National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby applauded the people of India for having a voice in their future government.

Kirby told reporters at a press conference, "Not too many more vibrant democracies in the world than India and we applaud the Indian people for exercising you know their ability to vote and have a voice in their future government and we wish them well throughout the process of course."

He was responding to the question about the US president's thoughts on India's general elections.

Responding to another question about the India-US relationship under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the White House official said, "I'm going to stick to the last three years...our relationship with India is extremely close and getting closer."

"You saw it on a State visit. We have launched all kinds of new initiatives working on critical emerging technologies together and bolstering and expanding the relevance of the Indo-Pacific Quad which India is a part of and then just the people-to-people exchanges and the military cooperation that that we share with India," Kirby said.

Kirby said, "It is a very vibrant very active partnership and uh and we're grateful for Prime Minister Modi's leadership."

When asked if US President Joe Biden really believes that two of his quad partners India and Japan are xenophobic, Kirby stressed that the president was making a broader point.

"I mean the president was making a broader point here about the vibrancy of our own democracy here in the United States and how inclusive and participatory it is," Kirby said.

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ISRO's Mangalyaan-2 Will Include A Rover And Helicopter To Explore Mars; Poised Be Become Third Nation To Land On Mars

ISRO has unveiled its plans for Mangalyaan-2, the nation's next Mars mission. Building upon the success of the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), or Mangalyaan, this ambitious endeavour promises to push the boundaries of India's space exploration capabilities.

Mangalyaan-2 will feature a combination of a rover and a helicopter, mirroring the innovative approach employed by NASA's Perseverance rover and the Ingenuity helicopter.

ISRO's engineers are currently working on developing cutting-edge technologies, such as a supersonic parachute and a sky-crane, to ensure a safe and precise deployment of the rover on the Martian surface. These two components will be used for a safe and stable descent of the rover during landing.

According to India Today, the revelations were made during a presentation on National Technology Day at the Space Application Centre last week.

The mission's launch will be facilitated by India's heaviest rocket - the Launch Vehicle Mark-III (LVM3).

One of the most intriguing aspects of Mangalyaan-2 is the inclusion of a Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), that will carry 'Marble' or the 'Martian Boundary Layer Explorer.' This aerial vehicle will soar up to 100 meters above the Martian surface and profile the planet's atmosphere with unprecedented detail.

ISRO is also planning to deploy a dedicated relay communication satellite ahead of the mission's launch to ensure seamless communication between the mission and Earth.

This satellite, launched aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), will act as a crucial link, facilitating uninterrupted and efficient data transfer between Mars and Earth

ISRO's journey to Mars began with the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), or Mangalyaan, which was launched on November 5, 2013. Designed for a lifespan of just six months, the orbiter defied expectations and continued to operate for an impressive eight years around Mars, until ISRO lost contact with it in 2022.

(With Agency Inputs)

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How ISRO Saved Indian Satellites From Strongest Solar Storm

The spacecraft around Earth and Moon felt the impact equally hard as plasma blasted off from the Sun in a series of seven coronal mass ejections that made its way through the inner solar system.

In February 2022, over 35 Starlink satellites began falling back on Earth, lighting up the skies in an illuminated trail. They had been launched just days before when they were hit by a geomagnetic storm from the Sun.

On May 8 and 9, one of the strongest solar storms in over two decades slammed into Earth and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was on alert. The solar storm was bound to hit not just the planet, but also the infrastructure around the planet and the Moon.

The spacecraft around Earth and Moon felt the impact equally hard as plasma blasted off from the Sun in a series of seven coronal mass ejections that made its way through the inner solar system. India has over 50 satellites in operation around the planet, and their health was in jeopardy.

What Happened?

The solar eruptions were the result of activity peaking on the Sun as it blasted plasma and material throughout the solar system, hitting the inner planets, including Earth.

A solar storm is a disturbance on the Sun, releasing energy in the form of solar flares, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), or solar wind. When these charged particles reach Earth, they interact with the planet's magnetic field, potentially causing geomagnetic storms.

These storms can impact various technologies, including satellite communications, power grids, and GPS navigation systems. Additionally, they pose potential risks to astronauts and airline passengers due to increased radiation exposure.

ISRO On Alert

ISRO's Master Control Facility (MCF) in Karnataka's Hassan and Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal became the fortress for tirelessly monitoring, and safeguarding the satellites orbiting our planet.

MCF carries out operations related to initial orbit raising of satellites, in-orbit payload testing, and on-orbit operations throughout the life of these satellites. The operations involve continuous tracking, telemetry and commanding.

With a keen eye on the tell-tale signs of geomagnetic upheaval, the MCF team remained vigilant, ready to act swiftly to protect the assets as solar material hurtled towards Earth.

As the solar storm came close, subtle changes in spacecraft behaviour raised concerns. Variations in momentum wheel speeds and electrical currents were particularly noticeable in spacecrafts with one-sided panels, which prompted the team to command adjustments.

As energies surged, threatening the delicate balance of satellites, ISRO's proactive measures came to the fore. With precision and foresight, certain sensors were deactivated as a precautionary measure, ensuring the continued functionality of critical systems.

Moreover, ISRO's network of 30 geostationary satellites remained unscathed, steadfast in their mission as they observed the planet. Notably, Earth observation satellites, integral to monitoring our planet's pulse, operated flawlessly, without being hampered by the solar storm.

However, the storm's impact was not without consequence. Heightened atmospheric density, a consequence of solar activity, could have enhanced the descent of satellites, demanding swift intervention.

"The Navigation Centre has not noticed any significant degradation in the NaVIC service metrices till now, indicating no or negligible impact from the geomagnetic storm," ISRO confirmed.

(With Agency Inputs)

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India To Attend SCO Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting In Astana On May 21

New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Friday that India will participate in the meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers that will be held in Astana, Kazakhstan on May 21.

Secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Dammu Ravi will visit Astana and represent the Indian government in the meeting of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers on May 21.

The MEA spokesperson said that Dammu Ravi, during his visit, is also expected to hold meetings with counterparts from SCO member states and senior officials of the Kazakhstan government.

Jaiswal stated, "The announcement is in respect of our participation in the meeting of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting which is coming up. Shri Dammu Ravi, Secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs will pay a visit to Astana, Kazakhstan on May 20- 21. In Astana, he will represent the Government of India, in the meeting of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers on 21 May."

"The meeting will discuss preparations for the upcoming summit of the SCO Council of heads of State, review ongoing cooperation in SCO and exchange ideas on regional and global developments of common concern. During his visit, he is also expected to hold meetings with his counterparts from SCO member states and senior officials of the Government of Kazakhstan," added.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is an intergovernmental organization founded in Shanghai on 15 June 2001. The SCO currently comprises eight Member States - China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, and Iran, three Observer States - Afghanistan, Belarus, and Mongolia and six Dialogue Partners - Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Turkey.

During the weekly media briefing, Randhir Jaiswal noted that India and Taiwan have ongoing exchanges in the cultural, economic, trade, investment and scientific sectors.

On being asked whether the Indian delegation will attend the swearing-in ceremony of the Taiwan President on May 20, Jaiswal stated, "With Taiwan, we have ongoing exchanges in the cultural, economic, trade, investment and scientific fields. We will continue with these exchanges."

The inauguration of Taiwan's President-elect Lai Ching-te is scheduled to take place on May 20. Lai Chang-te will succeed Tsai Ing-wen as Taiwan's President.

The 64-year-old president-elect, who calls himself a "pragmatic worker for Taiwanese independence" will capture the attention of the international community during his inaugural address, ABC News reported.

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'We Are Not Aware': MEA On Indian Students Facing 'Deportation' In Canada

New Delhi: Amid the recent reports of Indian students in Canada protesting against the Justin Trudeau government for "changing the immigration policy overnight and denying them work permits", the Ministry of External Affairs stated on Friday that they don't have any update on deportation issues being faced by these students.

Addressing the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "You know we have a large number of students who have gone to Canada to study. The figure is pretty significant. But what you are mentioning is that several students are facing problems that we haven't come across as of now. Sorry, deportation. I don't have an update on that. We are not aware of," he added.

MEA further pointed out that there may be some rare cases but there is no major problem concerning students in Canada.

"There may be one case here or one case there, that's about it. But we don't see any major problem as far as students in Canada, as they're concerned," said MEA.

Meanwhile, Jaiswal also emphasised the importance of BRICS, highlighting the expansive program planned by the Russian presidency with over 250 meetings.

"BRICS is an important platform. I understand the Russian presidency is preparing a very expansive, ambitious program. There are over 250 meetings that are planned. We look forward to participating in the BRICS meetings and strengthening the BRICS agenda," Randhir Jaiswal said.

"And we also hope that the expanded BRICS becomes an important platform to give voice to the issue of multipolarity..." he added.

On January 1, 2024, Russia took over the chairmanship of BRICS, an intergovernmental organization that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, plus four new members: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.

Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates joined BRICS as new full members, which is a strong indication of the growing authority of the association and its role in international affairs.

During the BRICS Chairmanship, the Russian side will continue its work in all three key areas, including, politics and security, economy and finance, and humanitarian cooperation.

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Indian Talent In High Demand Globally, Mobility Agreements On Rise: EAM Jaishankar

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Friday stressed the growing role of Indian skills and talent at the global level and said that the developed countries of the world are now manifesting interest in concluding mobility agreements with India.

"In the era of a knowledge economy, the role of Indian skills and talent is also being reassessed. The nature of technological advancement is itself creating greater demand. But there is also the reality of demographic shortages in developed countries. These trends are manifesting themselves right now in an interest across the world to conclude mobility agreements with India," EAM said while speaking at the CII Annual Business Summit 2024 in New Delhi.

"On our part, we too would like to see that our talent is treated fairly and transparently. As a global workplace emerges - and believe me, it will grow faster than all of us anticipate. As a global workplace emerges - there are some immediate consequences. Expanding the scale and quality of skilling at home becomes an even more urgent imperative. This is very much in line with the Modi Government's thinking. They are supported by the spread of the innovation and start-up culture as well. Businesses too need to do their fair share in the upgrading of our human resources," he added.

Asserting the obligation to secure Indian citizens even abroad, EAM also highlighted India's successful operations held to evacuate Indian citizens from Ukraine and Sudan and said that their goal is to make India a global hub for innovation, research, and design as well.

"As the global workplace expands, the obligation to secure our citizens abroad will also grow proportionately. Fortunately, this is an area where we have already built capabilities and created SOPs, as evidenced recently in Ukraine and in Sudan. We are also deploying technology more widely for the ease of living of Indians traveling and working abroad," he said.

"However, as we contemplate the relevance of our talent with the importance of 'Make in India,' our goal is to make ourselves into a global hub for innovation, research, and design as well. 'Work in India' is the natural outcome, I would say, a supportive basis for 'Make In India.' But it will also have 'Work for the World' as its subset," he added.

He also underscored the crisis engulfed across the world due to the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza and said that the world is experiencing a 3F crisis of fuel, food, and fertilizers, in which India is acting with the judicious combination of 'Bharat First' and 'Vasudaiva Kutumbakam.'

"Instead today, what is the reality we are staring at? A Ukraine conflict now in its third year. A huge escalation of violence in West Asia/the Middle East that could spread beyond. The disruption of logistics due to war, due to sanctions, drone attacks, and climate events. The world is experiencing a 3F crisis of fuel, food, and fertilizers. In Asia, new tensions have emerged in land and sea as agreements are dishonored and the rule of law disregarded," he said.

"Terrorism and extremism have started to consume those who have long practiced it. In many ways, we are actually going through the perfect storm. For India, the task is to mitigate its impact on itself and contribute to stabilizing the world to the extent possible. It is this judicious combination of 'Bharat First' and 'Vasudaiva Kutumbakam' that defines our image as 'Vishwa Bandhu,'" he added.

(With Agency Inputs)

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EAM Jaishankar Bids Farewell To Outgoing Italian Envoy Vincenzo De Luca

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday received and warmly bid farewell to the Italian Ambassador to India, Vincenzo De Luca during a formal farewell call in Delhi.

During their meeting, the Minister also appreciated the Italian envoy's efforts towards strengthening the India-Italy partnership and wished him the best in his future endeavours.

EAM Jaishankar also shared details of their meeting on X saying, "Received Ambassador Vincenzo De Luca of Italy for a farewell call. Appreciate his efforts towards strengthening India-Italy partnership and India-Italy ties. Wish him best in his future endeavours."

In this response, Italian envoy posted on X, "Great honour to be received for farewell by Honourable Minister Jaishankar. Very grateful for his strong commitment to the growth of relations between Italy and India."

Vincenzo de Luca was appointed as the Ambassador of Italy to India on December 18, 2019 and Ambassador of Italy to Nepal on October 22, 2021. He is completing his tenure this year.

Previously, he was Director General for the Promotion of the Country System from February 1, 2016, after having served in the same Directorate General with the position of Deputy General Manager and Central Director for the internationalization of the Country System and territorial autonomies (since January 2014), as per the Italian embassy in New Delhi official website.

On April 25, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with his Italian counterpart Georgia Meloni with the two leaders reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the bilateral strategic partnership.

The Prime Minister extended his greetings to PM Meloni and the people of Italy on the occasion of the 79th anniversary of Liberation Day.

He also thanked PM Meloni for the invite to the G7 Summit Outreach Sessions to be held in June 2024 in Puglia, Italy.

"The leaders discussed taking forward the important outcomes from India's G20 Presidency, especially that support the Global South, at the G7 Summit under Italy's Presidency. They reaffirmed their commitment to continue to strengthen the bilateral strategic partnership," a PMO release said.

The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

The Group of Seven (G7) is an informal forum that brings together Italy, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. The European Union also participates in the Group and is represented at the summits by the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission.

Italy assumed the Presidency of the G7 for the seventh time on January 1 this year. The Italian Presidency will last till December 31, 2024.

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Norwegian Envoy May-Elin Stener Calls India EFTA-TEPA Agreement 'Historic'

May-Elin Stener, Ambassador of Norway to India with R N Ravi Governor of Tamil Nadu

New Delhi: Norwegian Ambassador to India, May-Elin Stener on Friday called the recently signed India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement 'historic' in the India-Norway relationship and said that the pact will be an important instrument to enhance trade and investments between the two countries.

"We have an extremely productive and constructive dialogue at the political level. The date the 10 March 2024 is historic in our relationship. On that day we signed the EFTA India Trade and Partnership agreement here in Delhi. The agreement will be an important instrument to advance trade and investments and increase people-to-people contact between Norway and India," she said while speaking at Norway's National Day celebrations held at the Norwegian embassy in New Delhi.

"Norway is hosting the India- Nordic Summit. We look forward to this high-level meeting and hope this will give yet another big boost to our collaboration. During my eight months in India, I met so many impressive, kind, positive and welcoming people. I have visited ten Indian states that now celebrate vibrant Indian festivals and learned about the most important Indian fashion, crickets. Thank you for all the wonderful experiences. My impression is that Norwegians and Indians get along very well and I believe that the people-to-people contact is important for our bilateral relationship," she added.

On 10th March, the EFTA States and India signed the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA). The EFTA States undertake to maintain the abolition of all customs duties on imports of industrial products, fish and other marine products that originate from India.

The National Day celebrations were held at the embassy with the aurora borealis theme and Union Minister of State for Ministry of External Affairs, Meenakshi Lekhi presided over the event as chief guest. May 17, is observed as Norway National Day.

Moreover, MoS Lekhi also addressed the gathering at the event and underscored the long-standing relationship between the two countries, asserting that the two countries experiencing unprecedented growth in the bilateral relationships.

"Our relationship is, and it's important to understand that trade and commerce doesn't happen in air. Trade and commerce need to have a basis and the basis is the connection of people to people. And that people-to-people connect is what brings people together, and helps them understand each other. And with changing times, changing history, changing patterns, the pattern of today between the two countries has also changed," she said.

"And I can very proudly say the relationship has not been so good ever before and in future hold still better days for both countries. And wishing this the very, very best, the relationship between the two countries and its people the very best," she added.

She also highlighted the growth in trade between the two countries in the past decade and underscored that the trade between the two countries has touched the mark of USD 2.5 billion.

"I must say that the trade and commerce is another area, bedrock being the constitutional democracies that the two countries are. But on that foundation, the building is built by trade and commerce and economy. And the two countries share quite a lot. To just mark these statistics, in 2013 and 2014, before our government came to power, the trade and commerce brought in a business of which is less than USD 1 billion and today it is USD 2.5 billion," she said.

MoS also shared details about her participation in the event on X saying, "Happy to join the National Day reception at the Norwegian Embassy. Cherish our warm and friendly ties. Reaffirmed our commitment to deepen and expand our cooperation bilaterally and in multilateral fora."

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GSFC University Inks Pact For Drone Tech

The GSFC University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Garuda Aerospace, a Chennai-based start-up specializing in developing low-cost drone solutions, related software, and analytical tools. This collaboration aims to advance research and education in the aerospace field, offering diverse applications such as sanitization, agricultural spraying, mapping, delivery, and surveillance.

In 2021, students of GSFC University had initiated a drone development project to enhance agriculture through drone technology. The MoU was signed by B B Bhayani, CEO of GSFC’s University Incubation Innovation Technology and Applied Research council, and Dr Vijaykumar Jones, chief operating officer of Garuda Aerospace.

This partnership represents an exciting step forward in the field of drone technology, enabling innovative solutions for various sectors. Drones have the potential to revolutionize industries by providing efficient and cost-effective solutions for tasks such as crop monitoring, package delivery, and surveillance. It’s great to see educational institutions collaborating with start-ups to drive progress in this area!

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India, UAE Hold Meeting On India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor

Abu Dhabi: The first inter-ministerial delegation from India held meetings from May 15-17 under the Intergovernmental Framework Agreement between the two countries concerning cooperation for the empowerment and operation of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC).

According to the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi press release, the IMEEC will provide effective alternate supply routes generating efficiencies and reducing costs. Indian Ambassador to UAE Sunjay Sudhir led the discussions with key entities like DP World UAE, AD Ports Group and UAE's Federal Customs Authority.

"The Indian delegation comprised of senior officials from Ministry of Shipping, Ports & Waterways, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Central Board of Excise and Customs and Deendayal Upadhyay Port, Kandla," the press release stated.

"They visited Khalifa Port, Fujairah Port and Jebel Ali Port where they held detailed discussions with the respective Port authorities for facilitating the movement of goods between India and the UAE and beyond. They also held meetings with UAE Customs Authorities," it added.

Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi stated, "The visit, which took place within three months of signing the Agreement, reflects the importance both governments attach to the IMEEC project. The Corridor will provide effective alternate supply routes generating efficiencies and reducing costs. Both sides agreed to continue discussions for early implementation of the Agreement."

In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi stated, "India Middle East Europe Corridor (IMEEC) takes shape with the 1st visit of n Inter-Ministerial Delegation to for Intergovernmental Framework Agreement on IMEEC. Amb @sunjaysudhir led the discussions with key UAE entities like @DPWorldUAE @ADPortsGroup @CUSTOMSUAE."

On February 13, India and UAE signed the framework agreement in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, according to the press release. The Agreement provides for cooperation towards the development of IMEEC and exploring potential joint investment and technical collaboration towards this objective.

Earlier in February, PM Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a meeting and discussed the India-UAE bilateral relationship and witnessed the exchange of eight agreements. The two leaders met during PM Modi's two-day visit to the UAE.

"The two leaders discussed the India-UAE bilateral relationship, which was formally elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the visit of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to India in 2017. They expressed satisfaction on the progress achieved in various sectors, noting that the partnership between the two countries has been significantly expanding over the years," the joint statement read.

The agreements signed between India and the UAE are the Bilateral Investment Treaty, the Inter-Governmental Framework Agreement on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), the MoU for cooperation on Digital Infrastructure Projects, the MoU in the field of Electricity Interconnection and Trade, the MoU for cooperation with the National Maritime Heritage Complex, Lothal at Gujarat.

India, the US, UAE, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, Italy and the European Union signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) during the G20 Summit held in New Delhi in September last year.

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Home Minister Amit Shah Meets Delegations From Various Communities During Kashmir Visit

Union Home Minister Amit Shah met delegations from the Gujjar, Bakarwal, Pahadi, and Sikh communities during his two-day visit to Kashmir

A representative of the Pahadi community, Mohammad Akbar Khan, told ANI, “They (the BJP) included us in the ST category and did us a favour. And we will also do them a favour in return. Whatever used to come for the Pahadi people, the National Conference and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) used to eat it. Sikh, Pahadi, Gujjar, and Kashmiri communities have come to meet (Amit Shah).”

“We only came here to thank him (Amit Shah) for including us in the ST category. Gujjar, Sikh, and Pahadi delegations have come to meet him… We met like a family. Whatever the Home Minister or the BJP promises, that gets done 100 per cent. ‘Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas’ actually happens,” a representative from one of the communities who met Amit Shah said.

Notably, BJP is not contesting from any of Jammu and Kashmir’s three Lok Sabha seats; Srinagar, Baramulla, and Anantnag.

The electoral battle remained between two major regional parties, the National Conference (NC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

In the 2019 Lok Sabha election, the BJP had six candidates in the fray in Jammu and Kashmir but failed to win a single seat in Kashmir.

Voting for the Udhampur and Jammu seats concluded on April 19 and 26, respectively, while in Srinagar, voting was done on May 13.

The Baramulla seat will vote on May 20, while the Anantnag-Rajouri seat will vote on May 25.

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U.S. Bans 26 Textile Firms Over Alleged Links To Forced Labour In China

New York: The US administration on Thursday added 26 textile entities like traders and warehouses to the forced labour entity list, for having an alleged link with Uyghur labour camps from China's Xinjiang, Nikkei Asia reported

This latest decision will now ban, products associated with these entities from entering the US market, the same report also claimed that this step will also increase pressure on the supply chains of the US market.

the US Department of Homeland Security's report stated that Companies in provinces across China, including Henan, Jiangsu, Hubei, and Fujian, have been added to the forced-labour Entity List, which now increases the count to 76 entities.

The US has repeatedly taken steps against the use of forced labour for production in China's Xinjiang region, home to the predominantly Muslim Turkic Uyghurs and other minorities.

Locals of this region have been facing human rights abuses at the hands of China however, the country denies all such claims and states that all those alleged labour programs are to alleviate poverty in the region.

The Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act (UFLPA) generally bars imports sourced "wholly or in part" in Xinjiang, a major cotton-supplying region. Enforcement has led to around USD 3 billion in shipments being flagged at the border since the act took effect in June 2022. Hence all the products coming from that region are considered to be a product of forced labour until there is clear evidence that proves otherwise.

The Entity List designates specific companies whose products, or components of other companies' finished products, are to be blocked from entering the country.

Authorities have flagged extra scrutiny for certain sectors, such as cotton, tomatoes, and polysilicon, a key raw material for solar panels, the report by Nikkei Asia claimed.

In the same reference the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party wrote to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in January this year, urging stronger enforcement of the UFLPA through such steps as adding entities outside China to the list.

A researcher on the matter Adrian Zenz has highlighted that one key issue faced by the US government is a lack of transparency in domestic supply chains within China. According to his statement given to Nikkei Asia "The UFLPA contains a provision to monitor and keep an eye on intra-Chinese supply chains because of the risk of labour transfers to other provinces. As Xinjiang itself doesn't export so much of what is produced in Xinjiang. The greatest risk comes through intermediaries, and the Entity List is very much suited to counter or to address that problem."

Nikkei Asia further quotes the research accomplished by Zenz which stated that there was a 38 per cent increase from 2022 to 2023 in the number of labourers moved as part the "pairing assistance" program but said any future understanding of labour transfer programs could diminish now that the Chinese government has stopped publishing statistics.

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Israel Recovers Bodies of Three Hostages From Gaza

Tel Aviv: The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Friday recovered the bodies of three hostages from the war-torn Gaza Strip amid intense fighting raging between Israeli forces and Hamas, The Times of Israel reported.

The three were identified as Itzhak Gelerenter, Amit Buskila, and Shani Louk.

In a press statement, IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said the bodies were recovered in an overnight operation carried out by the military and Shin Bet.

The three were at the Supernova music festival near Re'im on the morning of the Hamas-led October 7 onslaught, where they then fled to the Mefalsim area.

Hagari said they were killed there by Hamas terrorists, and their bodies were then kidnapped to Gaza.

Until recently, both Gelerenter and Buskila were presumed to be alive, while Louk was confirmed dead in late October after a piece of her skull was identified following widely shared footage of terrorists kidnapping her, The Times of Israel reported.

The military had initially not planned to make the announcement of the recovery of the bodies on Friday, but rather wait until the operation had concluded. However, due to rumours spreading on social media about the operation, it was decided to release some information, including the names of the three hostages.

"I call on the public -- please refrain from spreading rumours and maintain the security of our forces. Keep our forces safe. Listen to the messages of the IDF spokesperson and the official bodies only," Hagari said. "We will update with any information that is available, transparently, first of all the families and then the public through the media."

According to Hagari, the recovery efforts have "been going on for a long time already." He also said some of the intelligence for the operation came from Palestinian terror suspects captured by the IDF and interrogated by the Shin Bet, The Times of Israel reported.

"The intense fighting in all parts of the Strip continues, and the task of utmost importance of returning the hostages is [on the mind] of every commander and fighter in the field," he added.

The Times of Israel reported citing Shani Louk's father Nissim statement he gave to Channel 12 news while the announcement that the IDF recovered her body was difficult to receive, it was also news that he had been waiting for, since he had been officially informed more than six months ago that Shani was dead.

Nissim said military representatives showed him a picture of Shani's body when they informed him that her remains were recovered from Gaza, while praising the "brave soldiers" who did so.

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