Top Headlines: Macron thanks ‘dear friend’ Modi for Republic Day invite, says will ‘celebrate with you’

  1. Macron thanks ‘dear friend’ Modi for Republic Day invite, says will ‘celebrate with you’
  2. Houthis targeted 2 warships, including India-flagged tanker in Red Sea: US
  3. Three [4] Army personnel killed in J&K ambush
  4. Hindu temple defaced with pro-Khalistani slogans in US
  5. India closer to new drone power as indigenous solar-powered pseudo-satellite flies for over 21 hrs

What Else

  • Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to visit United Kingdom
  • Indian workers not being brought in, says Taiwan
  • ED Arrests 2 Senior Employees of Vivo’s India; Chinese Firm vows to legally challenge Action
  • 303 Indian Passengers Detained Over ‘Human Trafficking’ Free to Leave France: MEA Sources
  • Pakistan: Nawaz Sharif, Maryam file nomination papers from different constituencies
  • Bangladesh: Job creation, curbing graft Awami League’s priority

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Macron thanks ‘dear friend’ Modi for Republic Day invite, says will ‘celebrate with you’

  • French President Emmanuel Macron on Fri (Dec 22) confirmed that he would be the chief guest for the 2024 Indian Republic Day parade in New Delhi.
  • In a post on X, President Macron said, “Thank you for your invitation, my dear friend Narendra Modi. India, on your Republic Day, I’ll be here to celebrate with you!”
  • Earlier in the day, an invitation was extended to Macron to be a chief guest
  • India had initially invited US President Joe Biden to be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations, but the visit did not materialize.
  • This is the sixth time that a French leader would be the chief at the celebrations in India’s national capital, which marked the 25th year of the strategic partnership.
  • Earlier this year, Indian PM Modi was the guest of honor at the Bastille Day celebrations in France on July 14. (here)
  • France submits bid for Indian tender to buy 26 Rafale-M for aircraft carriers
  • France has submitted its response to India’s tender for buying 26 Rafale Marine jets for the Indian Navy’s aircraft carriers, in response to India’s Letter of Acceptance.
  • A team of French govt officials dealing with military sales to foreign countries has flown over from Paris to submit the response to Indian tender, they said.
  • Details are yet to be studied, India will now negotiate, as it is a G2G contract.
  • The LoR is like a tender that it would want to have in the Rafale M being acquired for INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya
  • As per the plans, the Indian Navy will get 22 single-seated Rafale Marine aircraft along with four trainer aircraft. (here)

Houthis targeted 2 warships, including India-flagged tanker in Red Sea: US

  • Two warships, including an India-flagged, Gabon-owned tanker, came under Houthi fire in the Red Sea, according to official statements from the US Central Command.
  • The incident marks the 14th and 15th attacks on commercial shipping by Houthi militants since Oct 17.
  • At the same time, between 3 and 8 pm (Sanaa time), the USS LABOON (DDG 58) was patrolling the Southern Red Sea as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian (OPG).
  • The USS LABOON successfully intercepted and “shot down drones originating from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen that were inbound to the USS LABOON.
  • A second vessel, the M/V SAIBABA, a Gabon-owned, Indian-flagged crude oil tanker, reported that it was hit by a one-way attack drone with no injuries reported.
  • The USS LABOON (DDG 58) responded to the distress calls from these attacks.
  • The US Central Command underscored the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that these attacks pose a threat to the safety and security of international maritime traffic.
  • Recently, PM Modi had a telephone talk with his Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, with the two leaders sharing concerns over the safety of maritime traffic (here)
  • Navy dispatches warship, IFC-IOR coordinates real-time response to missile attack off India’s coast: In the wake of attack, the Indian Navy dispatches a warship to deal with the aftermath.
  • The attack, which occurred 200 nautical miles southwest of Veraval, resulted in a substantial explosion, causing significant damage to the vessel. (here)
  • Pentagon says Iranian drone ‘attack’ hit chemical tanker near India, reports Reuters, meanwhile, Indian Nevy refrains to pin the blame, so far.
  • Navy denies US claim, says MV SAIBABA tank not India-flagged; adds all 25 Indian crew members safe: The Indian Navy on Sun said all 25 Indian crew members on board are safe, clarifying that it wasn’t an India-flagged vessel, as claimed by the US earlier, but one carrying a Gabones flag. (here)

Three [4] Army personnel killed in J&K ambush

  • 4 Army personnel were killed and 2 others were injured as militants ambushed an Army vehicle in the Pir Panjal valley’s Rajouri on Dec 21.
  • Two Army vehicles carrying troops were moving to an operation site when the terrorists fired on it at about 3:45 p.m.
  • The incident took place during an ongoing anti-militancy operation in Dera ki Gali, Thanamandi, Rajouri.
  • ”The operation was on since Wed (Dec 20) night,” the Army said. (here)
  • In a solemn wreath-laying ceremony, LtGen Upendra Dwivedi, Army Cdr NC paid homage to Naik Birendra Singh, Naik Karan Kumar, Rifleman Chandan Kumar, and Rifleman Gautam Kumar who sacrificed their lives in the service of the Nation.
  • One of the soldiers who was killed in the attack, his body was mutilated beyond recognition by terrorists!
  • No final rites till now, the body is still kept in the hospital, and his wife has been brought to Rajouri to identify whatever is left of him.
  • J&K govt initiates legal action after 3 civilians picked up by Army found dead: A day after 4 Army jawans were killed, 3 civilians who were picked up allegedly by the Army for questioning were found dead on Dec 22 with multiple injuries.
  • 5 more persons have been admitted to hospital with serious injuries.
  • A relative of one of the deceased civilians told The Hindu that the 3 men were tortured to death and the families were asked to collect the bodies from an Army camp on Fri.
  • A 29-second video of Army jawans stripping the 3 men and putting chili powder on them is viral on social media. [Who made the video is also a question]
  • The men are seen lying lifeless on the floor with severe wounds on their back.
  • The Army posted on X, “Reports have been received …. matter is under investigation. Indian Army stands committed to extending full support and cooperation.” (here)
  • Terrorists gun down Rtd police officer during mosque prayer in J&K’s Baramulla: Terrorists shot dead a retired Police Superintendent of J&K Mohd Shafi, at Gantmulla Village in North Kashmir’s Baramulla.
  • According to officials, the retired officer is survived by his wife, 2 sons, and a daughter.
  • State Police said that Shafi had gone to the nearby mosque where he was offering Azaan (prayer) at the time of being shot by the terrorists.
  • He was taken to a nearby hospital after being shot but succumbed to his injuries.
  • Hundreds of people have started to gather at the residence of Mohammad Shafi, after the news of his killing spread in the Baramulla district. (here)
  • J-K: Army chief Manoj Pande likely to visit Jammu on Mon: Amid the recent terrorist attacks, India Army chief Gen Pande is likely to visit Jammu on Mon. (here)
  • FM Jaishankar calls for ‘response’ to cross-border terrorism: ‘26/11 was tipping point’: FM said on Sat that terrorism in India started at the time of its independence when raiders came across Pakistan and called for a “response” to cross-border terrorism.
  • Jaishankar pointed out that a lot of people were very confused till they saw the true graphic impactful phase of terrorism of 26/11. (here)

Hindu temple defaced with pro-Khalistani slogans in US

  • A Hindu temple was defaced with pro-Khalistani slogans and slogans against India and PM Modi in Newark city, California, US. The incident happened.
  • The pictures were shared on X by the Hindu American Foundation, showing slogans scribbled on the walls of the Swaminarayan Mandir Vasana Sanstha.
  • The foundation insisted that the incident should be investigated as a hate crime and said the Police Department and the DoJ Civil Rights Division were informed about it.
  • Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar took note of the incident and reiterated that extremists and separatists should not be given space.
  • The Indian Consulate in San Francisco also condemned the act and said it has pressed the US authorities for a quick probe and prompt action against the miscreants. (here)
  • Meanwhile, the Newark police stated that any threats or acts of violence, harassment, property damage, intimidation, or other crimes that are motivated by hate or bias will be considered very serious and prioritized.
  • The US State Department on Sat condemned the vandalism: The US authorities informed that they welcomed the Newark Police Department’s efforts to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. (here)
  • US has deepened partnership with India; elevated cooperation through Quad: Blinken: US State Secy Antony Blinken has said the US has deepened its partnership with India.
  • He said the country has elevated cooperation with India, Japan, and Australia through the Quad.
  • We’ve deepened our partnership with India. We’ve elevated cooperation through the Quad with India, Japan, Australia,” the US State Secretary said in his remarks at an end-of-year press availability on Wed (US local time).
  • According to a press release issued by the US State Department, Blinken said the US’ partnerships in the Indo-Pacific have never been stronger. (here)

India closer to new drone power as indigenous solar-powered pseudo-satellite flies for over 21 hrs

  • Bengaluru-based NRT announced Sat that its long-endurance drone, the solar-powered High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite, had carried out its first flight lasting over 21 hours.
  • The development comes as a big fillip to India’s plan to have its long-endurance drones capable of flying in the stratosphere.
  • The project is being spearheaded under the Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative of the defense ministry.
  • Under this, NRT has signed a contract for an initial proof-of-concept demonstrator, which targets a solar-powered flight lasting longer than 48 hours.
  • Sameer Joshi, CEO of the start-up and a former Air Force pilot, announced on X, that the company’s prototype completed its flight during a Winter Solstice trial on Dec 22.
  • This was the next big thing in air warfare and the flight included both day and night flying, with the UAV using solar energy for travel during the day and using its solar-charged battery for flying at night.
  • The sources refused to get into details of what altitude the UAV flew at but said the plan is to have it fly in the stratosphere at about 65,000 feet, above air traffic. (here)

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to visit United Kingdom

  • Def Min Rajnath Singh is set to embark on a visit to the UK in just about a week. The key visit aims to deepen ties and enhance strategic partnerships in the realm of defense.
  • This will also be his 1st visit to the UK in his capacity as def min in PM Modi’s cabinet.
  • The discussions will focus on bilateral issues, with a particular emphasis on firming defense engagement with his British counterpart, Rt Hon Grant Shapps.
  • This visit comes in the wake of several high-profile interactions between military leaders from both countries, indicating a concerted effort to bolster collaboration (here)

Indian workers not being brought in, says Taiwan

  • Taiwanese Labour Minister Hsu Ming-chun on Sat said that the govt has no plans to bring as many as 100,000 migrant workers from India to Taiwan.
  • His remarks come in apparent reference to the statement made by Kuomintang (KMT) presidential nominee Hou Yu-ih.
  • In a press release, Hsu Ming-chun said Taiwan had not signed a MoU with India to bring in migrant workers.
  • He further said that the issue was subject to continued evaluation regarding employment cooperation.
  • Hsu stressed that any claims made regarding Taiwan seeking to open its doors to 1L Indian workers are “fake,” adding that such claims have been made by “ill-intentioned people” to manipulate people’s opinions for electoral gains. (here)

ED Arrests 2 Senior Employees of Vivo’s India; Chinese Firm vows to legally challenge Action

  • The Enforcement Directorate has arrested two senior employees working for Chinese smartphone maker Vivo’s India unit, which the company vowed to challenge legally.
  • The arrests come 2 months after the ED arrested 4 executives, including 1 Chinese national, in a case of alleged money laundering; charges the firm has denied.
  • India has stepped up scrutiny of Chinese businesses and investments following a deadly border clash in 2020.
  • “The recent arrests demonstrate continued harassment and as such induce an environment of uncertainty amongst the wider industry landscape,” says Vivo.
  • According to a source directly involved with the case, the individuals arrested were brought to a Delhi court on Sat and sent to the agency’s custody.
  • An ED spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. (here)

303 Indian Passengers Detained Over ‘Human Trafficking’ Free to Leave France: MEA Sources

  • As many as 303 Indian passengers, who were stranded in France after their plane was detained on suspicion of human trafficking, have received clearance from France.
  • French prosecutors and the judge are keen that Indians should go back as soon as possible, who are likely to fly on Dec 26.
  • It is not clear whether they will go to India or the UAE, sources said.
  • “There is a technical issue related to chartered flights which has permission only to fly up to Dubai and no permission for India.
  • At present, two plans are being explored for their travel out of France. (here)

[NEIGHBORHOOD]

Pakistan: Nawaz Sharif, Maryam file nomination papers from different constituencies

  • PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and Senior Vice President Maryam Nawaz on Sun filed nominations from different constituencies for the general elections
  • Bilal Yasin submitted the papers on behalf of Nawaz Sharif from Lahore-XIV, while Maryam submitted her papers for 2 NA (NA-119 and NA-120) constituencies.
  • Maryam also submitted nomination papers from 4 constituencies of the Punjab Assembly — PP-159, PP-160, PP-165 and PP-80.
  • On the other hand, NA-130 was won by PTI with PML-N turning up as the 2nd-largest party of the constituency.
  • PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has challenged the Sharif brothers in their stronghold of Lahore in the Feb 8 polls.
  • The PPP chief on Dec 22 filed nomination papers from the NA-128 constituency in Lahore which has been traditionally the stronghold of the PML-N with the party securing a majority of seats from the provincial capital in the last many elections.
  • PTI founder Imran Khan has also announced contesting polls from 3 constituencies including Lahore.
  • The elections will take place on Feb 8, 2024, with the national poll organizing authority finally issuing the schedule following the Top Court’s order. (here)
  • Election 2024: Imran Khan no longer part of list for registered political parties: Less than 2 months ahead of the sought-after general polls across the country, the Election Commission on Sun released an updated roster of 175 officially registered political parties representing a diverse spectrum within the country’s political arena. (here)

Bangladesh: Job creation, curbing graft Awami League’s priority

  • The party’s main focus will be on generating employment to make the country a developed nation by 2041, said leaders involved in drafting the election manifesto.
  • The party is likely to set a goal of creating 1.5 crore jobs in the next 5 years, which was also mentioned in the declaration adopted at AL national council in Dec last year.
  • AL Presidium Member Abdur Razzaque told this correspondent in Jan that the party’s next manifesto would focus mainly on the major goals set in the 2022 declaration.
  • According to govt data, the unemployment rate was 3.53% in 2022.
  • If voted to power, the AL’s goal will be to significantly lower the rate. (here)

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