Author: Kapil Sharma

India and France’s plans for the acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine combat jets and three Scorpene submarines have hit a temporary roadblock as negotiations on technical and commercial aspects of the deals are yet to be concluded. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) gave its clearance for the Indian Navy’s proposals on July 13, coinciding with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France. However, the absence of formal announcements during the visit has raised questions. In this article, we explore the reasons behind the delay and shed light on the ongoing negotiations between India and France. India’s defence acquisition plans…

On July 18, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to inaugurate the fresh integrated terminal building at Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair. The state-of-the-art terminal, constructed at a cost of approximately ₹710 crore, aims to enhance connectivity infrastructure and boost air traffic, ultimately supporting tourism and economic growth in the region. The project showcases a strong emphasis on sustainability, with features designed to minimize the negative impact on the islands’ environment. Enhancing Connectivity and Tourism The new integrated terminal building at Port Blair’s airport is a significant step towards improving connectivity in the region.  The terminal’s total constructed…

On Sunday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with his Myanmar counterpart, Than Swe, to discuss connectivity initiatives, with a particular focus on the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway. The discussions emphasized the significance of ensuring peace and stability in the border areas. The meeting took place in Bangkok during the Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) Mechanism meeting. This article will delve into the key highlights of the meeting and shed light on the importance of the trilateral highway project. Connectivity Initiatives for Regional Significance The discussions between Jaishankar and Than Swe revolved around connectivity initiatives that hold immense regional significance. The India-Myanmar-Thailand…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accompanied by French President Emmanuel Macron, graced the prestigious Bastille Day Parade in Paris as the Guest of Honour, reaffirming the strong ties between India and France. This year’s celebration holds particular significance as it takes place amidst the backdrop of recent unrest and social tensions in France. Indian Tri-Services Contingent and Fly-Past by Indian Air Force One of the key highlights of the Bastille Day Parade was the participation of an Indian tri-services contingent.  It was indeed a proud moment for India as its armed forces showcased their discipline, professionalism, and military prowess on a…

France has made a significant offer to India, as it plans to equip the Indian Navy’s Scorpene class submarines with the naval version of the SCALP missile. The naval cruise missile, with a range of 1000 kilometers, is set to be launched from these submarines, providing a considerable boost to India’s naval capabilities. This move comes in addition to France’s commitment to construct three more Scorpene submarines for the Indian Navy at the Mazagon Dockyards in Mumbai. Enhancing Naval Capabilities The SCALP missile, an air-to-ground missile carried by Indian Air Force Rafale fighters, will be upgraded for naval use. This…

The collapse of the Foxconn-Vedanta deal has been met with disappointment by many in India, who were hoping that the joint venture would help to make the country a major player in the global semiconductor market. However, despite this setback, there are still many reasons to be optimistic about India’s semiconductor prospects. First, the Indian government is committed to making India a global semiconductor hub. The government has already announced several incentives to attract semiconductor manufacturers to India, and it is clear that they are serious about making this happen. Demand for semiconductor There is a growing demand for semiconductors…

Maharashtra, the second most populous state in India, has always held a significant position in national politics. With 48 Lok Sabha seats, winning Maharashtra is crucial for any political party aspiring to form the central government. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) understands this importance all too well, as it currently enjoys a comfortable lead in national politics. However, recent political developments in Maharashtra have caused seismic shifts in the state’s political landscape, leaving the BJP in a position of uncertainty and anticipation. Realignment and Ruptures The split in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on July 2nd triggered a realignment in…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Gorakhpur on Friday to flag off the Vande Bharat trains and to participate in the closing ceremony of the centenary celebrations of Gita Press. The event held great significance as Gita Press, the world’s largest publisher of Hindu religious textbooks, was recently honored with the prestigious Gandhi Peace Prize for 2021. Upon his arrival, Modi received a warm welcome from Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, emphasizing the importance of the occasion. Honoring Gita Press with the Gandhi Peace Prize Gita Press, an institution that has played a pivotal role in promoting…

In a significant development fostering global educational ties, India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tanzania to establish the first Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) global campus abroad. The IIT Tanzania campus, under the aegis of IIT Madras, is set to open its doors in October 2024, with the first batch comprising 50 undergraduate and 20 master’s students. This collaboration reflects India’s commitment to South-South cooperation and highlights the nation’s dedication to strengthening educational ties with Africa. The Dawn of a New Chapter: IIT Madras in Tanzania India’s Ministry of Education, IIT Madras, and Tanzania’s Ministry of Education…

In a solemn moment for the military community and the nation, Major Bakhtawar Singh Brar, one of the oldest army veterans, breathed his last at the age of 109. Major Brar, who dedicated his life to serving his country, will forever be remembered as a stalwart in the annals of India’s military history. His remarkable longevity and unwavering commitment to the principles of duty, honour, and sacrifice have left an indelible mark on generations of soldiers. Major Bakhtawar Singh Brar’s passing is a poignant reminder that the legacies of soldiers endure far beyond their mortal existence. A Life of Service:…