File photo of Indo-French Shakti military exercise
New Delhi: In another boost to the strategic defence ties between India and France, the two countries have agreed to expand the scope and complexity of the existing regular bilateral joint military exercises namely Shakti, Varuna and Garuda.
The agreement came during the second India-France Ministerial level Annual Defence Dialogue between Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his French counterpart, the Minister for the Armed Forces Ms. Florence Parly on October 8 in Paris.
The two sides comprehensively reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral defence cooperation, which is a key pillar of India-France Strategic Partnership. They also exchanged views on contemporary regional and international developments of mutual interest. Both sides discussed ways to further deepen defence-related official as well as operational level interactions.
Recognising that India-France partnership in the Indian Ocean Region is crucial for preserving and promoting the common strategic and security interests, the two Ministers noted the continuing implementation of actions outlined in the “Joint Strategic Vision of India-France Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region” (March 2018). The Ministers also reaffirmed the strong intention of the two sides to further deepen bilateral cooperation on counter terrorism.
India well set on path of success in women and child mortality goals
New Delhi: India is well set to achieve its Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) in Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) and Under Five Mortality Rate (U5MR) much before the target year of 2030. The country has also emerged as the biggest success story amongst Malaria endemic countries in the World by significantly bringing down the Malaria cases and deaths, under the National Health Mission (NHM).
These were among many other achievements which were conveyed to the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently.
There has been acceleration in decline of and the IMR since the launch of the NRHM/NHM. At the current rate of decline, India should able to reach its SDG target (MMR-70, U5MR-25) much before the due year i.e. 2030, the Cabinet was informed.
The Cabinet was informed that Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) has been significantly strengthened and intensified with installation of a total of 1,180 CBNAAT machines across all districts to provide rapid and accurate diagnosis for TB including drug resistant TB. This has resulted in three-fold increased use of CBNAAT over the past year. Due to the intensified efforts, there is 16% jump in identification of new cases in one year. Universal drug sensitive cases also increased by 54%. Newer drug regimen of Bedaquiline and Delaminide and nutrition support to all the TB patients for the duration of the treatment has been rolled throughout the country.
1990-2013
2013-2016
MMR Decline rate per 1 Lakh live births
5.3%
8%
IMR Decline Rate per 1 Lakh births
2.8%
4.7%
Under 5 Mortality Decline Rate
3.9%
6.6%
Malaria Annual Parasite incidence (API) per 1,000 population
Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan support Mongolia's mega refinery project
New Delhi: Expanding bilateral trade and investment relations between India and Mongolia, Petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan has commissioned the India-assisted infrastructure facilities for Mongolia’s proposed 1.5 MMT Oil Refinery Project with an additional US $ 236 million Line of Credit. Prime of Mongolia H.E. Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, along with his six Cabinet ministers, was also present on the occasion.
“This important event will pave the way to open a new chapter in our bilateral trade and investment relations. Shared Buddhist heritage and common belief in ideals of democracy sustain both our countries’ cordial relations and engagement,” said Pradhan in the ceremony.
He added, “The construction of the 1.5 MMT Oil Refinery Project with Indian assistance is a shining example of our friendship.” “Happy to share that on Mongolian request, India has announced an additional US $ 236 million Line of Credit from India to Mongolia beyond the committed US$ 1 billion,” said Pradhan.
“I am glad that the Engineers India Ltd, Public Sector Undertaking of the Ministry of Petroleum and natural gas is providing project management consultancy services for this prestigious refinery project in Mongolia,” he added.
Meanwhile, he added, “On completion of the project, it will meet about three-fourth of Mongolian requirement of oil. India would be happy to partner with Mongolia to develop its infrastructure as per the priorities decided by the people and Govt. of Mongolia. India remains committed to working with the Govt. and people of Mongolia to further strengthen our Strategic Partnership for mutual prosperity.”
Accompanied by an official and business delegation, Pradhan has been on a three-day visit to Mongolia as a follow up of the State visit of the President of Mongolia to India in September 2019.
Indian public broadcaster all set to gain from MoUs with foreign broadcasters
New Delhi: In a move that will go a long way in broadening the vision and enhancing the capabilities and reach of Public broadcasters Doordarshan and All India Radio, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given ex-post facto approval for the MoUs between India and Foreign Broadcasters in the field of Radio and Television.
The MoUs with the Foreign Broadcasters will help Public broadcaster in exploring new visions and New Strategies to address the demands of new technologies and stiff competition. These are also likely to pave way for media liberalisation and Globalisation.
Broadcasting of programmes to be obtained through mutual exchange, co-production will lead to equity and inclusiveness among viewer/listeners of DD and AIR. Exchanges of technical Know-how, expertise and training of manpower would help the public broadcaster to meet the emerging challenges in the field of broadcasting.
Piyush Goyal leads Indian Railway's green and clean drive.
New Delhi: Indian Railways has joined the nation-wide fight against single use plastic, and has banned its usage across all Railway premises.
Minister of Railways and Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal informed this while releasing the ‘Stations’ Cleanliness Survey Report’ in national capital coinciding with 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
“Cleanliness programmes are being conducted at over 6500 stations across Indian Railways,” the minister said.
Piyush Goyal also went around the Exhibition on Mahatma Gandhi and took note of the features of the bio-toilets and new generation coaches being used by the Railways. As part of the initiative of waste and scrap management, a sculpture of Bapu made from scrap material was also showcased on the occasion.
Railway Minister Piyush Goyal said that “Today we are committed to develop India as a Clean India, Healthy India and Prosperous India. Indian Railways is doing its bit to provide a clean and hygienic environment to the travelling people. There is a need to value the change emerged in the mindset of common people. Today, India is one of those countries which give priority to cleanliness.”
Goyal added that as safety is accorded first priority, Indian Railways has started manufacturing LHB coaches only and these LHB coaches are being equipped with bio-toilets.
Piyush Goyal, Harsimrat Kaur and Harsh Vardhan flagged off “Sarbat Da Bhala” express train.
New Delhi: As a goodwill gesture to Sikh pilgrims, Indian Railways has flagged off the “Sarbat Da Bhala” express train originating from New Delhi, which is the extension of New Delhi to Ludhiana Intercity Express to Lohian Khas via Jalandhar.
On the occasion of the 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the extension of the train is Indian Railways’ way of paying obeisance to the Holy Guru. The main Railway Station of the train in the heritage town of Sultanpur Lodhi, the place where the Saint received enlightenment, is being upgraded with modern amenities.
“Sarbat-Da-Bhala” Express will start from New Delhi and have stoppages at Shakurbasti, Bahadurgarh, Rohtak Jn, Jind, Narwana, Tohana, Jakhal, Sangrur, Dhuri, Jalandhar City, Kapurthala, Sultanpur Lodhi en-route in both directions and will reach Lohian Khas. The train will run five days a week.
Minister of Railways and Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal said that the new train will serve the Sikh pilgrims visiting Sultanpur Lodhi.
Besides the Railway, Minister, Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Minister for Food Processing Industries, Harsimrat Kaur Badal and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion. On this occasion, Members of Railway Board, General Manager, Northern Railway & senior Railway officials were present.
Minister for Food Processing Industries, Harsimrat Kaur Badal said, “I am thankful to Minister of Railways and Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal ji for providing a new train to Sultanpur Lodhi, where Guru Nanak ji spent 14 years of his life. She added that Railway Ministry has sanctioned the upgrade of Sultanpur Lodhi station and trains from important Sikh pilgrim cities like Nanded, Patna Sahib have been connected to Sultanpur Lodhi. “After 70 years, wishes of Sikh pilgrims have been granted.”
Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Harsh Vardhan said that this is an auspicious occasion as the new train will directly connect the National Capital to Sultanpur Lodhi.
Srinagar: Complementing the ground situation fast returning to normal in Jammu and Kashmir, the Kashmiri apples too have also become sweeter for their growers– metaphorically if not literally, as the Government has upwardly revised the procurement prices of all grades of Kashmiri apples.
The apple prices have been revised under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) by National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED), which is the nodal agency for procuring apples, and is assisted by J&K Department of Horticulture Marketing and Planning (J&KDHMP) in registering and grading of apples at four procurement centres in Kashmir.
The scheme was announced by the J&K government on August 12 in view of the lockdown and communication blockade in Kashmir.
Apples are cultivated on 3.87 lakh hectares in Kashmir. Being the mainstay of the state economy, It fetches Rs 8,000 crore annually and supports seven lakh families. Kashmir contributes 75 per cent of the apples produced in India.
The apple variety prices have been fixed at Rs 58 per kilogram for Grade A, Rs 42 per Kg for Grade B and Rs 22 for Grade C with cardboard grass packing.
Similarly, Rs 59, Rs 43 and Rs 23 per kilogram have been fixed for Grade A, Grade B, and Grade C with cardboard tray packing. The prices for wood grass packing have been fixed at Rs 60, Rs 44 and Rs 24 per kilogram for Grade A, Grade B and Grade C respectively.
For American Apple variety Rs 47 per kilogram have been fixed for Grade A, Rs 31 per Kg for Grade B and Rs 17 for Grade C with cardboard grass packing. The prices for wood grass packing have been fixed at Rs 48, Rs 32 and Rs 18 per kilogram for Grade A, Grade B and Grade C respectively.
Similarly, Rs 39, Rs 24 and Rs 18 per kilogram have been fixed for Grade A, Grade B and Grade C Maharaji apple variety with cardboard grass packing. Whereas, wood grass packing prices have been fixed at Rs 40, Rs 25 and Rs 19 per kilogram for Grade A, Grade B and Grade C respectively.
NAFED Chairman meets J&K Governor
Meanwhile, the Chairman of NAFED, Dr Bijender Singh met Governor Satya Pal Malik at the Raj Bhavan.
In the meeting, Singh briefed Governor about the initiatives of the NAFED for promotion of co-operative marketing of agricultural produce. The better price realisation for small and marginal farmers and the diversification of its activities to make available essential items of daily need to the consumers at affordable rates.
They also had discussion about the ongoing process of procurement and marketing of the apple produce from J&K by the NAFED and its benefit to the apple growers who will be getting many times more remuneration for various grades of apple.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh received the first Rafale jet
New Delhi: Ending a long wait of almost two decades since the Indian Air Force sought the Rafale jets that had also been at the centre of political dogfight in last few years, India finally received the first of this omni-role fighter plane on October 9. Capable of outperforming any existing rival from China or Pakistan, the Rafale is also capable of
delivering nuclear weapons if required.
The fighter jet was formally handed over to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at Marignac in the fort city of Bordeaux in France, after he performed ‘Shastra Puja’ in the presence of his French counterpart Florence Parly. Later he also undertook a so sortie in the jet.
With a combat range of 780-km to 1,650-km depending on mission, the Rafales come armed with a deadly weapons package, advanced avionics, radars and electronic warfare systems to prevent jamming by adversaries and ensure superior survivability in hostile contested airspace.
The handing over ceremony of aircraft followed by the annual Indo-French Defence Dialogue between Rajnath Singh and French Armed forces minister Florence Parly in Paris.
Rafale is a fully versatile twin-jet aircraft that is able to operate from both an aircraft carrier and a shore base. It can carry out all combat operations to achieve air defence, air superiority, in-depth strikes, anti-ship strikes and nuclear defence.
All of the 36 jets are expected to arrive in India by September 2022, while the first batch of four Rafale jets will arrive by May 2020.
Hindon (UP): In a message to Pakistan, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who shot down a Pakistani F-16 fighter plane in February, and heroes of the Balakot operation today participated in a fly past on the occasion of Air Force Day here.
Abhinandan, who had shot down Pak F-16, flew MiG 21 to mark IAF Day
Abhinandan, flying a MiG-21 Bison, led a group of three fighter planes in an ‘avenger’ formation on the 87th Foundation Day of the IAF.
The significance was highlighted as it was a MiG-21 Bison, which he was flying during the aerial dogfight with Pakistani fighters on February 27.
He shot down an F-16 fighter before his own jet was hit when it crossed the border while chasing the Pakistani fighters. He was taken captive by the Pakistani forces, to be released two days later.
Huge cheers greeted his aerial manoeuvres today in the presence of IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal R K S Bhadauria.
The fly past also saw manoeuvres by Mirage 2000 fighter planes, flown by the pilots who bombed Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror camp in Balakot, deep inside Pakistan, on February 26 in retaliation to the February 14 terror attack on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama district of Kashmir.
It was the first time since the 1971 war that IAF fighters crossed the border to carry out hits deep inside Pakistan.
The air show also saw a fly past by recently-inducted Apache attack choppers, the most advanced combat chopper in the world, and three heavy-lift Chinook helicopters.
India’s indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas also performed spectacular manoeuvres during the air show.
The 51 Squadron of the IAF, also known as the Sword Arms, to which Abhinandan belongs, was presented with a citation by IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria. Its Commanding Officer Group Captain Satish Pawar was presented with the citation.
The air chief also presented a citation to IAF’s 9 Squadron, also known as Wolf Packs, which comprises the Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft. It was presented to the Wolf Packs Commanding Officer Group Captain HJ Sequeira.
A citation was also presented to the 601Signal Unit of the IAF that had identified the package of 30 aircraft that had been released by Pakistan into Indian territory on February 27. It was presented to its Commanding Officer Group Captain Abhijit Nene.
In his address at the event, Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria said the IAF will help Indian firms in playing a major role in its fleet sustenance.
He said the force is committed to building strategic autonomy through indigenous design and manufacturing under the ‘Make-in-India’ initiative of the government.
Earlier, last week, he had asserted that there will be no imports whatsoever in the foreseeable future to replace the ageing aircrafts or increasing the fleet strength.
The IAF is short of at least 10-12 squadrons of fighter jets and the existing Bison and non-Bison versions of the MiG-21 planes are also set to be decommissioned very soon.
“The development of the indigenous fifth generation Advanced Multirole Combat Aircraft (AMCA) has been launched,” the Air Chief said.
The manufacture of the AMCA by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is being given priority by the government to make up for the depleting strength of the IAF.
“I am also happy to say that in the air force the nodal technology centres at the base depots have successfully completed 40 indigenous projects over the past one year with the help of industry, R&D centres and the academia. Another 122 projects are in the pipeline,” he added.
Dreaming of a honeymoon far away in the lap of nature surrounded by historical mystique? If yes, Go Dutch! No, not in the commonly known literal sense, but in an intimately romantic way. Indeed, we are talking of Holland.
Known for being a favoured honeymoon destination in Europe, Holland offers honeymooners a whirlwind adventure around the country.
Amsterdam, the world-famous 17th century capital of Holland, sees a huge tourist influx throughout the year.
Top Places to visit:
1 Keukenhof: Step into the land of tulips and flowers
Hand in hand with your spouse, step inside the most beautiful spring garden in the world – Keukenhof – that marked its 70th anniversary in 2019. Also known as the Garden of Europe, Keukenhof is the largest and most beautiful spring garden in the world, casting a magical spell on its visitors. Your love will grow more after witnessing the beauty and essence of gorgeous Dutch tulips among other flowers that grow in abundance there. Approximately seven million flower bulbs are planted annually in the garden.
2 The windmills and the beauty of Zaanse Schans
When exploring Holland, seeing a windmill up-close is a must! Holland was once home to thousands of windmills, some of which exist even today and are open to visitors. A number of them have also been converted into shops, museums and restaurants, making them a must-visit in Holland. What could be better than getting an authentic impression of life in Holland in the 17th and 18th centuries? Zaanse Schans gives you a glimpse of authentic houses, a tinware factory, a cheese and dairy factory, and other crafts that date back to the time.
3 Romantic canal cruises in Amsterdam
Canal cruises of Amsterdam are the best way to explore the city! Take a guided tour with your spouse by your side, as you witness unparalleled views of centuries-old architecture, canal houses and historical monuments. Romantic candlelight cruises, cheese and wine tours, and several tours held during the Amsterdam Light Festival in winter are perfect for couples. The Amsterdam Canal District is on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
4 The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
The Rijksmuseum is a Dutch national museum that illustrates the art and history of Holland right from the Middle Ages to present times. World-famous highlights from the Dutch Golden Age, including Rembrandt van Rijn’s “Night Watch” and Johannes Vermeer’s “The Milkmaid”, can be admired at The Rijksmuseum.
5 A’DAM Lookout
Want to add adventure to your honeymoon? Holland has a bagful of things for you. Visit A’DAM Lookout for best views of Amsterdam, the most populous city in the Kingdom of The Netherlands. Lookout is a place where couples can enjoy unequalled panoramic views of the city, a great meal, and an interactive exhibition, or can take a ride on Europe’s highest swing—Over the Edge.
6 Van Gogh Museum
Vincent van Gogh was a nineteenth-century Dutch Post-Impressionist painter. His work had a huge impact on twentieth-century art. He was little appreciated in his lifetime, selling just a single piece of work. Today, the Van Gogh museum draws some 1.5 million visitors each year. Nowhere but here will you be able to find so many of Vincent van Gogh’s paintings. The collection boasts over 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and 750 written documents. Together, they give visitors an insight into his life and work.
7. Romantic dining in Amsterdam
Calm your hunger pangs in true Amsterdam style! Winter in Amsterdam is the season for romance, with the intimacy of the city-centre and its lovely canals, shopping streets that are ornate with decorative lights and beautiful windows, and countless pubs and restaurants that are teeming with people.
delivering nuclear weapons if required.
