Curfews and popcorn: India prepares for the Ram temple in a panic

Movie theaters will broadcast the event live, while the stock exchange will be closed. However, for many who recall the blood that was poured in its aftermath, fear and suffering endure as the nation grinds to a standstill for the opening of a temple.Mumbai/Yavatmal, India - In the Yavatmal area of central India, mini-trucks have been winding through communities on winding roads for the past month.Data from the local divisional collectorate shows that Yavatmal has been in such severe agrarian hardship over the past 20 years that over 5,800 farmers have committed suicide here.However, these trucks haven't delivered any assistance to struggling farmers. Rather, the trucks have been circulating across the district, urging farmers to donate grains, with banners of the Hindu god Ram affixed to their sides.Three decades after a Hindu nationalist-led mob destroyed a mosque on the site, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate a Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22. The grains are their route to the city to feed the throngs of worshippers who will be in attendance.The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), which is a branch of the Hindu nationalist Sangh Parivar network, which is overseen by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and comprises Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is in charge of operating the trucks.Grain sacks are being quickly loaded into a big container truck at Yavatmal's Samvidhan Chowk. "Three container trucks have been filled with these donations, and this is the fourth one," states Raju Niwal, President of the VHP Vidarbha Prant. The goal, according to VHP volunteers there, is to inspire farmers to get engaged in the festivities and give them a sense of purpose.The Modi administration and its ideological supporters have been effective in stirring up this feeling all throughout the nation. The effort to erect the Ram temple at Ayodhya, where Hindu scriptures claim he was born, has been tainted by violence and acrimonious dispute for more than seven decades. A study paper published by the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies estimates that during the violence that erupted around the BJP-led campaign seeking a Ram temple in the early 1990s, close to 2,500 people (PDF) were slain.However, as Modi prepares to open the Ram temple, the nation has been inundated by popular culture gestures and representations that downplay that problematic history, observers claim. This has given the Ram temple movement a positive reputation and left a lasting legacy for Modi among Hindus.The temple's inauguration is widely publicized, appearing in both schools and social media timelines. There are a ton of new songs on music outlets urging people to enjoy the occasion and declaring that Ram was "coming back." Ram's life has been the subject of new TV series. A temporary temple has been erected in the studio, and entire episodes of reality TV programs have been devoted to songs honoring Ram. Huge Ram decals are seen on news television channel cars, and news studios have giant Ram cutouts that serve as the background for news disputes. On its inaugural flight from Ahmedabad to Ayodhya, Indigo, the largest domestic airline in India, dressed up as Ram, his wife Sita, and his brother Lakshman.One of the biggest movie chains in India, PVR Cinemas, stated on Friday that they would be collaborating with the leading Hindi news channel Aaj Tak to provide live footage of the temple's opening event in theaters all throughout the nation. Those who attend would receive "a complimentary popcorn combo." Reels and videos are honoring the temple's inauguration on WhatsApp and Instagram with striking images. One such image, which has gone popular on many platforms, depicts Modi standing tall over Ram and escorting him inside the temple.The majority of this has Modi's approval; a review of his Twitter timeline shows that he has tweeted at least sixteen songs related to Ramadan this month. In fact, he put together a playlist of 62 of these songs, which he tweeted on Friday. At least five of the 14 posts he has made on his WhatsApp channel since January 1 have been about the opening of the Ram temple. Encouraged, a number of well-known artists, including Amit Trivedi and Anu Malik, as well as Sonu Nigam, Jubin Nautiyal, Shaan, Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik, and Kailash Kher, have released songs related to the event in the last few weeks. Modi can be seen in a lot of these music videos. These tracks have been multiplied in their reach by being recycled for crowdsourced reels and videos.However, a lot of people claim that a recognition of the violent history of the movement surrounding the temple is absent from the euphoria.  

Bollywood celebs Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif, Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, and others fly to Ayodhya for the dedication of the Ram Mandir.

Monday morning saw the arrival of a number of B-town celebrities who were invited to the sacred consecration ceremony at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. As they arrived in the temple city, Madhuri Dixit, her husband Shriram Nene, Katrina Kaif, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal were spotted posing together. At the airport in Ayodhya, they were greeted warmly and given crimson shawls and roses.A social media video showed Alia and Ranbir navigating through heavy security to get to the automobile outside the Ayodhya airport. Madhuri, Vicky, and Katrina were also taken. Vicky and Ranbir opted for off-white ethnic Indian ensembles, but for this particular occasion, the actresses wore sarees. During the occasion, Abhishek Bachchan was also sighted at the shrine.Actress Kangana Ranaut visited Ayodhya on Sunday and participated in a temple cleaning campaign there. "Ayodhya is decked out like a wedding. Numerous locations are hosting yagya and bhajans. We seem to have arrived to "Dev Lok"...Regarding individuals who choose not to attend, we are unable to comment.She told news agency ANI, "It feels so fantastic to be in Ayodhya right now.On Sunday, Anupam Kher also arrived in Ayodhya. "I have reached Ayodhya with all the Ram devotees," he added, sharing a video of himself aboard the aircraft. In the plane, there was an air of deep commitment. We are fortunate. We live in a fortunate nation! "Jai Shri Ram!"Randeep Hooda and Lin Laishram, who just got married, were also photographed outside the Mumbai airport before taking a flight to Ayodhya. The actor chanted "Jai Shri Ram" alongside the press.Consecration of the Ayodhya Ram Temple: Bollywood stars are in Ayodhya for the great Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha ceremony at the recently built temple. Bollywood stars are at the temple town of Ayodhya for the major consecration event of the Ram Mandir. At the Ayodhya airport, actors Madhuri Dixit, Katrina Kaif, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal were greeted with red shawls and roses after posing together. See also: Ranbir Kapoor dons a dhoti-kurta for the consecration of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, while Alia Bhatt dazzles in a sareeCelebrity couples Vicky Kaushal-Katrina Kaif, Ranbir Kapoor-Alia Bhatt, and star Madhuri Dixit with husband Shriram Nene were spotted posing in traditional attire with actor Ayushmann Khurrana and filmmakers Rohit Shetty and Rajkumar Hirani.Another video showed Alia and Ranbir navigating heavy security to get to a waiting car outside the airport in Ayodhya. Madhuri, Vicky, and Katrina were also observed. Alia wore a blue saree, Katrina and Madhuri Dixit opted for golden and yellow sarees, and Vicky and Ranbir sported off-white ethnic Indian ensembles. Online, numerous footage of the celebrities at the temple have appeared. In a video, the celebrities were sat next to each other as bhajans were playing. Businessman Akash Ambani and his wife Shloka Ambani were seated close to Ranbir and Alia.  

FoodTech Kerala to be held in Kochi from Jan 10 to 12

Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium will host the state's largest food processing and packaging expo, FoodTech Kerala, for its 15th edition from January 10–12.   The three-day exposition will serve as a hub for suppliers of ingredients and flavours to both large and small food processing facilities in the state, as well as producers of packaging and food processing machinery. Over sixty exhibitors are expected to display their goods and services, according to the expo's organisers. The Kerala Bureau of Industrial Promotion (K-BIP), Nabard, NSIC, and Norka-Roots have all endorsed and supported the event. The Food Processing Fund—Investor Meet, hosted by Nabard, will be the main event of this year's edition. The Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) will also be holding a one-day food packaging training programme on the second day. The K-BIP, Industries Department, is sponsoring an industrial pavilion at the expo that will showcase twenty small and medium-sized enterprises from the State. Cruz Expos, located in Kochi, is the organiser of FoodTech Kerala 2023. For the past 14 years, the firm has organised the FoodTech series of B2B trade expos on a regular basis around the state. The Food Processing Fund—Investor Meet, hosted by Nabard, will be the main event of this year's edition. The Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) will hold a one-day food packaging training programme on the second day. FoodTech Kerala 2024 is scheduled to occur at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium (Regional Sports Centre) in Kochi, Kerala, India on January 10–12, 2024.Participate in FoodTech Kerala 2024 in Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Elamkulam, Kochi, Ernakulam, Kerala, India, from January 10–12, 2024. Click this link to register as an exhibitor: bit.ly/47h8f0P Visit this link for free guest admission: bit.ly/49hPuvS Highlights of the Event: This is the premier trade event, a "must not miss" opportunity for all companies in the food processing and packaging industry to display their goods and services. A wide range of technologies, machinery, and solutions for food processing, dairy, beverages, food retailing, refrigeration & cold, chain, processed foods, hygienic & healthful foods, packaging, etc. will be on display throughout the three-day exhibition. Visit https://tradeshows.tradeindia.com/foodtechkerala/ for additional information. Get in touch with us: CruzExpos Chingam, Kadavanthra, Cochin, 682 020, India, K.P. Vallon Road Email: joseph@cruzexpos.com, event@cruzexpos.com; Mob: +91 8893304450, 8304063950  

TN Global Investors Meet 2024 attracts record investments of ₹6.64-lakh crore

The chief minister of TN states that these investments should result in the creation of more than 26 lakh new employment. Record-breaking investments of ₹6.64 lakh crore were drawn to the Tamil Nadu Global Investors Meet 2024, surpassing the approximate amount of ₹5 lakh crore and more than doubling the amount invested in the preceding GIM in 2019. The Chief Minister MK Stalin's goal of the State having a $1 trillion GDP by 2030 will benefit greatly from the investment pledge. The statement is made one day before Gujarat's investors' summit, Vibrant Gujarat, which gets underway in Gandhinagar on Wednesday. The last two Tamil Nadu global investors' meetings took place in 2015, during the AIADMK government, with J Jayalalithaa serving as chief minister, and in 2019 with Edapaddi K Palaniswami serving as chief minister. Although investments of ₹2.42 lakh crore were solicited by the first edition, ₹3 lakh crore were managed by the second one. Leading the group During the two days of the event, nearly 600 enterprises, both large and small, signed Memorandums of Understanding with the Tamil Nadu government, with Tata Power leading the way. It plans to invest ₹70,800 crore in several regions, including Tirunelveli, to increase its presence. The Adani group, which consists of Adani Green Energy (24,500 crore), Ambuja Cements (3,500 crore), Adani Connex (13,200 crore), and Adani Total Gas & CNG (1,568 crore), was the second-highest investor in the State. Third-largest investor, Sembcorp of Singapore, intended to contribute ₹36,238 crore. Leap Green plans to invest ₹22,000 crore in the districts of Tiruvannamali and Thoothukudi. Government data indicates that CPCL Ltd. proposes to invest ₹17,000 crore in Nagapattinam; L&T Innovation aims to invest ₹3,500 crore in Chennai; Saint Gobain expects to invest ₹3,400 crore; and Royal Enfield plans to invest ₹3,000 crore in Kanchipuram. On the first day, which was Sunday, it was revealed that Tata Electronics would be investing ₹12,082 crore to develop its Krishnagiri facility, while VinFast would be investing ₹16,000 crore to establish an integrated electric car manufacturing in Thoothukudi. For its expansion plans, TVS would invest ₹5,000 crore, while Pegatron will invest ₹1,000 crore.  

ITPO New Delhi will host the 9th Smart Cities India Expo over three days.

The highly anticipated 9th Smart Cities India 2024 Expo is set to happen virtually and at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi from January 17–19, 2024. It is an international event. Several important organizations focused on sustainability and urban development have joined forces to host this event.The exhibition is a key venue for smart city advancement and will explore the relationship between urban development and advanced technologies. Over the course of the three days, prominent professionals from a variety of sectors will impart their knowledge on the changing landscape of smart cities through a variety of presentations and panel discussions.Important Expo Topics: Combining Renewable Energy and Green Buildings Creative Approaches to Water Conservation and Environmental Cleanup Progress in Urban Mobility Intelligent ICT Applications for Optimizing Resources Opportunities and Challenges for Sustainable Urban DevelopmentOur involvement in this occasion demonstrates our dedication to creating intelligent, sustainable urban landscapes. Professionals, public servants, business executives, and anybody else with an interest in the future of urban living should not miss this event. Participants will have thought-provoking conversations and acquire insightful knowledge, creating a cooperative atmosphere for the development of smart city projects.From January 17–19, 2024, Pragati Maidan in New Delhi will host the 9th Smart Cities India Expo.January 18, 2024, New Delhi: The "National Smart Cities Mission Pavilion" is where the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) are exhibiting the mission's accomplishments. Models of some of the most significant projects are on display in the National Pavilion. These projects include the Digitization of Manuscripts of Prayagraj Smart City, Area-Based Development of Udaipur Smart City, Connecting Past with Future of Surat Smart City, and Chappan Dukaan of Indore Smart City.On January 19, 2024, a City Leader's Conclave will be held. This event will bring together private entrepreneurs and city leaders to discuss city initiatives and find appropriate solutions for creating sustainable and livable cities. On January 19, 2024, the Smart Cities India Awards will be place to honor the best practices in the 100 Smart Cities and to recognize projects that have had an impact on making our cities livable, sustainable, and economically viable.From January 17–19, 2024, Pragati Maidan in New Delhi will host the 9th Smart Cities India Expo. Key verticals of the smart city framework, such as Smart ICT, Smart Energy, Buildings, Transport, Water, and Clean India, are featured in the three-day exhibition, which is being organized by the Exhibitions India Group and the India Trade Promotions Organization (ITPO). These verticals provide a platform for deeper communication and a hands-on approach to bringing smart cities to reality.Overview of the Smart Cities Mission: Each of the 100 Smart Cities has created Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) to carry out Smart City Projects. Approximately 8,000 multi-sectoral projects valued at over ₹1.7 lakh crore are being developed by these 100 SPVs. As of January 15, 2024, more than 6,650 projects totaling over ₹1.32 lakh crores had been completed by the 100 SPVs.  

Khelo India's medal total for the 2024 Winter Games

The Khelo India Youth Games 2024 will take place over 26 different sports, with competitions beginning on January 19 and ending on January 31.On Friday, January 19, the sixth iteration of the Khelo India Youth Games is scheduled to get underway. Up till January 31, the event will be held in Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, and Trichy. It is a component of the Khelo India initiative of the Indian government, whose mission is to promote various sports at the grassroots levels of the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will open this year's showpiece event at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai.At the 2024 Khelo India Youth Games, more than 5,500 athletes from the 36 Indian states and Union Territories are expected to compete. Every athlete from every state and Union Territory will add to the total number of medals won in this team competition. The team with the greatest number of medals at the end of all the events will be declared the winner. In past Khelo India Youth Games seasons, Maharashtra and Haryana have dominated. In the first iteration of the event in 2018, known as the Khelo India School Games, Haryana emerged victorious, topping the medal standings. In the subsequent two rounds, Maharashtra emerged as the winners, but Haryana eventually took home the trophy in 2022. As the defending champions, Maharashtra will start the season as favorites.26 different sports are represented on the 2024 KIYG lineup, with a total of 933 medals available—278 gold, 278 silver, and 377 bronze. This year's multi-sport under-18 meet will see the debut of squash. However, for the first time, a demonstration sport based on an indigenous martial art called silambam will be included in the schedule.With 559 athletes, host Tamil Nadu has the largest contingent in the 2024 KIYG. Maharashtra, however, has committed 451 competitors to the competition, and Haryana has sent 491 athletes. The majority of the events will be staged in Chennai, while the Kalaripayattu events will be held in Madurai and Tricky will host gatka and kho kho. Basketball and thang-ta competitions will take place in Coimbatore in the meantime. You Might Enjoy  

Ladakh's Culture Shines During J&K's Mamani Food Festival

CHICKAN KARGIL LADAKH | MUSIC | SEASONAL | EXPO AND EXHIBITIONS | ART & CULTURE | MUSIC One of the most anticipated celebrations in Kargil Ladakh is the Mamani Festival, also known as the Ethnic Food Festival. People cook traditional foods on this day, such as Hrtsrap Khur Yeast Bread Markhur, Thukpa Popot Grain Soup, Puri Poli Pane Cakes of Buck Wheat Curd, Suggoo Kash or Pachae, and Skinn Kabchey. This festival has the potential to draw a lot of tourists to Kargil in the near future.Actions The Ethnic Food Festival, or Mamani Festival 1. Food Expo Booths 2. Customized Archery 3. Hockey on Ice4. Cultural Events5.The present study aims to give a comprehensive picture of Mamani, the sole ethnic food festival of Ladakh, India. A total of 40 people, selected at random, were involved in the interviews and discussions after receiving their prior consent. The annual Mamani festival promotes the preparation and consumption of traditional Ladakhi foods. It indicates the end of the harsher part of the winter season and is also considered a tribune for showcasing the communal and social harmony of the region. This festival will boost winter tourism in Ladakh. It will also be a helpful tool in the introduction of local foods at Anganwadi centres and schools. In light of modernization, this time-tradition that has started to fade needs to be revived on priority.LADAKH, a trans-Himalayan union territory of India since the ancient period has an extraordinary relationship with nature. The natives enjoy every season of the year with great zeal and enthusiasm. Ladakh is known for its harsh winters with average temperatures ranging between –20°C and –30°C. To cope with this period, several festivals are being celebrated in its twin districts, i.e. Leh and Kargil. Another reason for celebrating festivals in the winter is due to the people becoming free from all farming activities as farming is only possible during the summer season. One such festival is Mamani, an ethnic food festival that is celebrated by both Muslim and Buddhist communities in Ladakh. It is currently celebrated in majority of the blocks of Kargil district and Skurbuchan block of Leh district. It is also celebrated in Kargil and Leh cities by the inhabitants of these areas. Currently it is also celebrated in Bilargo, Brolmo and Skilma villages of Baltistan (a region in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir). The festival is not associated with either Buddhism or Islam, the two prominent religions of Ladakh, but is still practiced as a tradition.  

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Opening: Time, date, and itinerary of events

On January 22, 2024, the Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is scheduled to open. People book online for the opening of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, and the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra accepts them.In advance of the Ram temple's opening, offline reservations for the Ram Mandir Aarti pass are being accepted. Reports state that the inauguration will take place on January 16, 2024. Devotees can select from a list of three different types of aartis offered throughout the day and schedule their appointments appropriately.On January 22, 2024, the Ram temple in Ayodhya will be inaugurated. The availability of the PM on the day of inauguration is confirmed by an official letter from Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra.According to a committee member for the Ram temple, the opening of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is scheduled for January 14–22, 2024. PM Modi will soon disclose the precise opening date. The ceremonies begin on January 16, 2024.The event's nameRam Mandir Opening Place: Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh by Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra organizing Date of Event: January 22, 2024; Principal Guests: PM Registration for MODIFor the Ram Mandir Inauguration, tickets and registration are now available.The Pran Pratishtha ritual The date of the pran pratishtha is January 22, 2024. It is possible that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may open the temple. But between 12:15 and 12:45 pm is when Ram Lalla would be dedicated in the temple during his Pran-Pratishtha.Darshan timings The temple is open for darshan from 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.times for Aarti Every day, three aartis will be performed at 6.30 a.m., 12 p.m., and 7.30 p.m. At the aarti ritual, passes are required. 6.30 am: Aarti for Jagaran or Shringar 12 o'clock - Bhog Aarti Sandhya Aarti Schedule: 7.30 p.m.Schedule for the Ram temple opening: 7 days The Temple Trust is well underway with its preparations, having laid up a seven-day schedule of ceremonies and events.There may be a darshan atonement ceremony on January 16. At the start of the day, special prayers and a purification ceremony known as "Dashvidh Snan" might be performed for the idols of Ram Lalla and Sita Mata. The start date of Pran Pratishtha is January 17. The idols will arrive in a magnificent procession known as the "Nishan Yatra" to commence the official consecration ritual.On January 19, 2024, there will be the Agni Sthapana, Navagraha Sthapana, and Havan. In a ceremony known as "Abhishek," the sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha) will be thoroughly cleaned on January 20 using holy water from the Saryu River.In a ceremony known as "Shayadhivas," the idols of Ram Lalla and Sita Mata will receive a divine tub with 125 pots of holy water on January 21. After the holy wash, the idols could be adorned in a ceremony called "Abhisekam and Shringar" with priceless jewels and holy clothing.The seven-day celebration will culminate on January 22, when the idols that have been placed in the sanctum sanctorum during the auspicious Mrigashira Nakshatra will be moved. Devotees may be able to receive the darshan of Sita Mata and Ram Lalla through specific darshan lines following the consecration.  

Indian Defense Minister Outlines Four Principal Characteristics of Nation's Military

Every year on January 15, India celebrates Army Day, which dates back to 1949, when the nation's armed services received their first Indian chief of staff.The four primary characteristics of an Indian soldier were outlined by Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday during an Army Day celebration in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.Singh emphasized that the core values of the armed men of the sovereign state of South Asia were patriotism, loyalty, humanism, and courage.An excellent patriot is a soldier who defends the nation with the motto, 'Whether I live or not, my country must stay protected.'" The minister said, "The soldier's courage comes from this patriotism.Singh further stated that the government of Narendra Modi was dedicated to modernizing the country's armed forces, including arming them with cutting-edge weapons. "The country is now witnessing how our military is continuously being equipped with modern weapons/technologies powered by drones and artificial intelligence, as well as the growing role of women in the Armed Forces," Singh continued.The Raksha Mantri discussed the distinctive qualities of an Indian soldier in his speech, which are ingrained in the nation's cultural traditions. His description of the four most essential characteristics of a soldier included patriotism, bravery, humanism, and allegiance to the Indian constitution.Singh stated, "In our own neighbourhood, we can witness the disconnect between the military and their constitutional values," without mentioning India's western neighbor. However, the Indian military's commitment to upholding the principles of the constitution is unmatched and widely acknowledged.Singh made these remarks while giving a speech during the "Shaurya Sandhya" event, a combat demonstration held in Lucknow to honor the 76th Army Day. He discussed the distinct character of Indian soldiers, which are ingrained in the nation's cultural traditions, and listed the four most crucial traits of a soldier as "patriotism, courage, humanity, and loyalty" to the Indian constitution."A model patriot is a soldier who defends the homeland with the mentality, 'Whether I live or not, my country must remain safe.'" The soldier's courage comes from this sense of patriotism, he remarked.  

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IAF Chief Says More Than 60,000 Components Have Been Indigenized Recently

Significant indigenization efforts and the finding of a missing aircraft's wreckage in the Bay of Bengal are announced by IAF Chief VR Chaudhari.Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari has revealed a substantial leap in the Indian Air Force's (IAF) self-reliance drive, with the indigenisation of more than 60,000 components in the last two to three years. Addressing the media at Bhonsala Military School in Nagpur, he stressed the shift towards in-house maintenance, reducing dependent on foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). The Indian Air Force is striving to become more self-sufficient in fleet maintenance and more efficient in its operations. "We have opened our Base Repair Depots (BRDs) to industry collaboration, allowing them to participate in the activities across all Air Force units," said the head of the IAF."We appreciate that the Ministry of Ocean and Earth Sciences made this possible and allowed us to find this wreckage. It ends a long-pending, tragic accident." The defense ministry reports that about seven and a half years after the jet with 29 people on board vanished, the debris of an IAF transport aircraft has been found at a depth of about 3.4 kilometers in the Bay of Bengal. "All our BRDs have been opened up to all the industries to come and take a look as to where industries can pitch in into the work that has been done, not only in BRDs but all the Air Force units," the IAF head stated in response to a question regarding the indigenization of Base Repair Depots (BRDs).Over 60,000 components have been locally produced in the past two to three years. We have come to the realization that we cannot depend on overseas OEMs to perform overhaul and repair work. We must complete it internally," he continued.  

Twelve Indian fishermen are being held by Sri Lanka on suspicion of poaching in nearby waters.

The Sri Lankan Navy has detained twelve Indian fishermen for poaching off the coast of Karainagar in the northern Jaffna peninsula region.On suspicion of poaching in the island nation's waters, the Sri Lankan Navy detained 12 Indian fishermen on Sunday and took their trawlers, according to media reports. The fishermen were arrested and their three trawlers seized on Saturday off the shore of Karainagar in the northern Jaffna peninsula, according to a statement issued by the Navy. According to the report, they were brought to the port of Kankesanthurai for additional measures.Fishermen in the little body of water known as the Palk Strait are extremely fortunate to have abundant fishing grounds in both Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. The island nation's navy detained 240 Indian fishermen and 35 trawlers in 2023 for poaching in Sri Lankan waters.In numerous claimed instances of illegally entering Sri Lankan territorial waters, Lankan Navy soldiers have even opened fire on Indian fisherman in the Palk Strait and seized their boats, making the fishermen issue a sensitive one in the relationship between India and Sri Lanka.Authorities in Sri Lanka have occasionally detained Indian fishermen for reportedly fishing in Sri Lankan waters after they crossed the International Maritime Boundary Line. The island nation's Navy detained 35 trawlers and 240 Indian fishermen in 2023 for poaching in Sri Lankan waters.  

India notifies the US of a ban on laptop imports due to national security concerns.

One of India's largest trading partners, the US is anticipated to generate $200 billion in revenue this year. However, there are still important problems with bilateral trade.At the 14th Ministerial-level meeting of the India-United States Trade Policy Forum (TPF), which was co-chaired by both delegates in New Delhi on Friday, US Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai brought up the issue. In response, India's Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, vehemently defended New Delhi's import restrictions on laptops, tablets, and servers. According to the joint statement, Goyal also requested that Tai abolish the import prohibition on shrimp that are wild fished at the meeting.Goyal also restated New Delhi’s longtime demand about being reinstated in Washington’s Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) program, which gives duty-free access for some imports from low and middle-income nations. Before the former Donald Trump administration excluded India from the GSP program in 2019, it was one of the program's largest beneficiaries.During the TPF, Goyal also outlined the "challenges" that Indian business investors had in obtaining a US visa and asked Tai to expedite the visa application process. According to the joint statement, the Indian minister also brought attention to problems experienced by Indian experts whose credentials are not accepted in the US labor market.He mentioned that the pharmaceutical industry in the US was India's largest export destination and that the country's exports had increased 6.7% annually over the previous five years.Multiple authorizations may be applied for by importers, and if granted, they will remain in effect until September 30, 2024. Authorizations will be granted for any quantity of shipments for imports through September of the following year. Regarding the scenario that would follow September 2024, the official stated: "We are keeping an eye on imports and analyzing the data." Thus, subsequent actions will be based on whatever information that data may yield. On November 1, 2023, the first day of the new system's implementation, the government approved 110 out of the 111 applications, including those from Apple, Dell, and Lenovo. major applications sought approval for the importation of major IT hardware products, which are estimated to be valued about USD 10 billion. "More imports than were previously authorized annually have already been approved by the administration. Therefore, before making a choice, it is necessary to ascertain which companies are involved and what kind of goods are on the way," the official continued. Along with encouraging home production of these products, India has launched a number of initiatives, including a production linked incentive (PLI) program for the large-scale manufacturing of electronics. The comments take on relevance as the US brought up India's new import rules for laptops and tablets during the Trade Policy Forum (TPF) meeting on January 12 and requested that New Delhi make sure that the industry's trade is not restricted by the country's present online system or related policies.    

India accuses the UK of abusing its sovereignty by sending an envoy to Kashmir.

Delhi has always insisted that the area is a "integral part" of India and has accused Pakistan of "illegal occupation" of Pakistan-administered Kashmir.According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday, Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra has sent a "strong protest" to the British High Commissioner in New Delhi against the visit to Pakistan-administered Kashmir by UK envoy Jane Marriott.The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized that New Delhi had taken "serious note of the highly objectionable visit" to Mirpur in "Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)" on January 10th, which included Marriott and a UK Foreign Office official.The Indian statement emphasized that "the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are, have been, and shall remain an integral part of India."Foreign envoys headquartered in Islamabad have been receiving opposition from New Delhi regarding their visits to Pakistan-administered Kashmir.In October of last year, India officially protested to Washington about a same visit to the area made by the US ambassador in Islamabad.Since 1948, Pakistan has governed a portion of Kashmir that it refers to as "Azad Kashmir. " This occurred after terrorists supported by Islamabad took control of a significant portion of the area following the formal annexation of the former monarchy by India by Maharaja Hari Singh.In order to block the terrorists' progress, the former Indian prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru sent troops along the Line of Control (LoC), a line of truce. A clause in the Indian Constitution that granted Jammu and Kashmir, a former state, special status was formally repealed by the Indian Parliament in 2019. Additionally, the Parliament decided to divide the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir into the union territories of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir. After protesting to the Indian Parliament's decision, Pakistan has insisted that the restoration of Kashmir's special status is a requirement for the start of new negotiations between the two countries. Meanwhile, New Delhi rejects Islamabad's "interference" in matters pertaining to Jammu and Kashmir.With 24 seats set aside for the region in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, the Indian government continues to uphold the position that Jammu and Kashmir, including PoK, is an essential component of India. Despite this, the British envoy used the fact that 70% of British Pakistanis have roots in Mirpur to justify her visit by emphasizing the close ties between the UK and the region. She also attended talks with local government representatives, business owners, and residents. India has strongly objected to this visit, claiming that it violates its territorial integrity and sovereignty.In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs emphasized how Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh are essential components of India. Regarding the issue, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra protested to Alex Ellis, the British High Commissioner in India.  

To combat terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army launches Operation Sarvashakti

Operation Sarvashakti is an important tactic that the Indian Army is launching to counter the increasing terrorist activity in Jammu and Kashmir in response to previous attacks, particularly the sad tragedy on December 21.This operation comes in reaction to heightened efforts by Pakistani proxy terrorist groups to reignite terrorism in the region, notably south of the Pir Panjal hills of Jammu and Kashmir.The Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Central Reserve Police Force, the Special Operations Group, and intelligence agencies are all cooperating in this operation.Northern Command and Army Chief General Manoj Pande have had in-depth conversations about addressing the terrorist threat in advance of this operation.Comparing Operation Sarvashakti to the 2003 operation Sarpvinash, which also sought to drive terrorists from the same regions, comparable results are anticipated. Terrorist activity in the region had all but stopped by 2003, according to Army Chief General Manoj Pande, but enemies are currently attempting to rekindle hostilities.Shortly after Home Minister Amit Shah's security conference with key players—such as National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Army and intelligence agencies, and state and federal police officials—the strategy for Operation Sarvashakti was developed.The Indian Army is starting 'Operation Sarvashakti' in an attempt to crack down on these, according to media reports citing sources. The goal of this operation is to combat the terrorist resurgence that Pakistani proxy groups are facilitating along the Pir Panjal mountain ranges in the Union Territory."Operation Sarvashakti would be to carry out combined counter-terrorist operations from both sides of the Pir Panjal ranges where the formations of the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps along with the Nagrota-headquartered White Knight Corps would be carrying out simultaneous operations," sources within the security forces told ANI. "The Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, Special Operations Group, and the intelligence agencies would be working in close coordination to thwart Pakistani designs to revive terrorist activities in the UT, especially in the Rajouri Poonch sector," they stated.The anticipated activities will resemble those of Operation Sarpvinash, which was initiated in 2003 with the goal of removing terrorists from the same regions in the South of the Pir Panjal range. According to recent remarks made by Army Chief General Manoj Pande, terrorist activity in the region has essentially stopped since 2003, but the enemy from the west is currently attempting to resurrect it.  

Growing Economy and Government Efforts Could Win Modi Another Term

In his quest for a third term, Modi is anticipated to discuss welfare programs, better infrastructure, and a burgeoning economy throughout the forthcoming election campaign.Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undoubtedly gain more political points and possibly win another term as prime minister because to India's growing economy and other commendable initiatives carried out by his administration over the past ten years, experts predict.Assistant professor Baisakhi Dalapati, who works at the National Institute of Fashion Technology in Bhopal, told Sputnik India that two significant benefits that the public can clearly see are the economy and the country's improved infrastructure, particularly its road system.Regarding the possibility that the Indian economy, as declared by Prime Minister Modi, will soon take third place in the world's economies, Assistant Professor Dalapati stated that given the country's ability to grow under difficult circumstances, this position would be attained quite quickly.Subsequent to the Modi government's prior objective of 2024–25, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman declared on Wednesday that India's economy would surpass $5 trillion and become the third largest in the world by 2027–28.India's ambition to become the world's third-largest economy will be realized. Even though the average person in India faces challenges in his daily life, the country's growing economy has sent a positive message to the populace, and the rate of economic expansion would undoubtedly benefit Modi politically in the next elections, the expert added.In addition to the developing economy, Prashant Rao, a senior school teacher, stated that the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), a program launched by the Modi administration during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 to give 5 kg of food grains to individuals at no cost, has won him a place in people's hearts.When asked if he thought the administration had changed its goal, Modi replied that India would hopefully make it to the top three economies by the new deadline. "As declared by the relevant minister, I don't see any reason why the Indian economy shouldn't rank third in the world by 2027–2028," he stated, noting that opposition parties might benefit greatly from anti-incumbency sentiment against Modi.  

At Rajasthans International Camel Festival, tourists are enthralled by decorated camels.

Bikaner, in the Indian state of Rajasthan, saw a great deal of enthusiasm as the three-day International Camel Festival got underway, displaying the city's magnificent beauty and rich cultural legacy.The International Camel Festival in Bikaner, Rajasthan, draws visitors from all over the world with its decked-out camels wearing vibrant clothing and accessories.The three-day celebration include camel races, camel beauty pageants, traditional folk performances, and heritage excursions through Rajasthan's capital city.Videos from the festival's opening day, which depict visitors taking part in the celebration of folk culture, are circulating online. The gorgeous painted camels, colorful women's costumes, and skilled folk artists gathered to take part in the Heritage Walk marked the beginning of the festivities at Rampuriya Haveli.A colorful glimpse into the rich local culture was provided by the mesmerizing blend of traditional folk songs, ram mat melodies, and dances performed by local folk artists. The International Camel Festival in Bikaner, Rajasthan, draws visitors from all over the world with its decked-out camels wearing vibrant clothing and accessories.Day One Unfolds with Cultural Extravaganza: A Tapestry of Tradition The streets were alive with color on the first day of the celebration as camels with decorations, people dressed in traditional robes, and women in bright costumes paraded through them. The cultural festival gained credibility as folk artists enthusiastically participated in the Heritage Walk, which began at Rampuriya Haveli. With traditional melodies, Rammats, and enthralling dances, local folk artists captivated the audience and gave them a glimpse into the vibrant local culture.Friendly Salutations and Blooming Showers: Urbanites Accept the Festivity The people of the city greeted the walkers with great warmth as they made their way down the main thoroughfares. A joyful and festive atmosphere was created by the flowers that lined the road and the rangolis that ornamented different locations. A lot of visitors and locals flocked to the city park early in the morning to see the cultural show, which turned into the celebration's main attraction.  

What Effects Will the US and Allies' Strikes Against the Houthis Have?

Airstrikes against the Houthis in Yemen's capital Sanaa were carried out by the US, UK, and allies in response to the militants' continuous attacks on ships in the Red Sea since November.On Thursday and Friday, US and coalition forces in northern Yemen attacked more than 60 positions spread among 16 Houthi areas. The targets included the capital city of Sanaa, the northwest Houthi stronghold of Saada, and the Houthi Red Sea port of Hudaydah in the Dhamar province. The bombing occurs when Israel has been attacking Gaza, Palestine, and then Lebanon since October 7 with US support. Thousands of lives have been lost as a result, and there have also been injuries and displacement.A new chapter has now begun with the US and its allies attacking Yemen's capital, Sanaa. This has sparked a new conflict that is wreaking even more havoc and misery.To get his opinion on the events, Sputnik India spoke with political and foreign policy analyst Muhammad Taimur Fahad Khan.He went on, "This could result in a worsening of the situation in Yemen and the Middle East as a whole. A further degree of complexity is introduced by Iran's engagement in the region and its resistance to the United States and its allies. Concern Across the Globe Over Another Unsettling History He contended that the incident on Thursday night represents a serious threat to the international world as well as the Middle East.This could lead to widespread unrest and instability that affects areas far outside of the actual battle zone. Dr. Tughral Yamin, an expert at the Institute of Policy Studies in Islamabad, was also interviewed by Sputnik India.The operation was referred to as a “follow-on action” after the US and the UK launched a flurry of land and naval attacks against Houthi military positions throughout Yemen in an effort to prevent the group from attacking military and commercial vessels in the Red Sea.Mohammed al-Attab of Al Jazeera reported from the capital of Yemen, saying, "I heard these explosions and many people talked on social media that they had heard powerful explosions in the capital, Sanaa. " The Houthis' deputy communications secretary, Nasreddin Amer, told Al Jazeera that there were no injuries or damage from the US strike that occurred overnight.Amer declared that there were no casualties, material losses, or human losses and that the Houthis would return with a "strong and effective response." Mohammed Abdulsalam, a spokesman for the Houthis, told the Reuters news agency that the US strike would not stop them from attacking vessels that are connected to Israel.  

How the Partnership Between India and the UAE Can Expand the BRICS

On January 1, the UAE formally joined the BRICS. On Wednesday, when the president of the Middle Eastern nation is visiting the South Asian nation, India celebrated the UAE's admission into the influential economic bloc.Under the BRICS umbrella, India and the UAE are developing tight cooperation in defense, counterterrorism, and artificial intelligence, according to a scholar.During Emirati President Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan's official visit to the South Asian sovereign state, Dr. Muddassir Quamar, a professor of international politics with a focus on Middle East affairs at India's esteemed Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi, made these remarks. On Wednesday in Ahmedabad, Nahyan had a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit.The two nations then released a joint statement in which India commended the UAE for joining BRICS. UAE and India are Close Partners in a Range of Fields In light of this, Quamar emphasized that the UAE and India are strong strategic allies with similar objectives and points of view on a wide range of global and regional problems, including economic expansion, stability, and security in the area.Additionally, Quamar emphasized that the UAE's membership in BRICS fortifies it as a multilateral organization that may be vital in establishing international standards on a number of significant topics, including financial governance.In an effort to challenge the US dollar's hegemony in the world currency market, New Delhi and Abu Dhabi have also taken a number of steps to conduct commerce in their own currencies. The West Asian monarchy is crucial to the economic expansion of the largest democratic country in the world, as seen by the billions of dollars in remittances sent by the roughly four million Indian expatriates living in the United Arab Emirates.Furthermore, Quamar declared that "Asia today is the nerve center of the international economy," meaning that the economic collaboration between the UAE and India would only grow and expand into other areas as part of the BRICS.