Thursday, November 30, 2023

97 Tejas Jets, 150 Helicopters: DAC Clears Procurement of Rs 2.23 Lakh Crore Defence Equipment From Domestic Firms


Defence officials said on Thursday that 97 Tejas Light Combat Aircraft for the Indian Air Force were acquired at a cost of around ₹65,000 crore

In a big boost to India's defence system, the Centre approved the procurement an additional batch of 97 TEJAS light combat aircraft and 156 Prachand helicopters on Thursday. “The move is aimed at boosting the overall combat capability of the armed forces," official sources were quoted by PTI as saying.

Defence officials said the TEJAS fighter jets cost around ₹65,000 crore. "Today, the defence ministry has cleared the proposal for the acquisition of 97 TEJAS MK-1A fighter jets for the Indian Air Force at a cost of around ₹65,000 crore," officials were quoted by ANI as saying.

Besides this, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, also cleared a proposal of the Indian Air Force to upgrade its Su-30MKI fighter fleet, sources said.

“These proposals are worth ₹1.6 lakh crore and are indigenous projects," defence officials said. Meanwhile, PTI reported that these mega procurement projects and the Su-30MKI upgrade program are expected to cost the exchequer ₹1.3 lakh crore.

The defence ministry is expected to provide the details of the projects cleared by the DAC soon.

Meanwhile, on November 28, top government sources had told PTI that the Defence Procurement Board (DPB) has accorded in-principle approval to the ambitious proposal signalling the government's readiness to go for the second indigenous aircraft carrier, to be known as IAC-II.

The Indian Naval Force has been making a strong push for having the IAC-II with a displacement of 45,000 tonnes which is estimated to cost close to ₹40,000 crore with the envisaged specifications.

India's first indigenously-built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant (IAC-I) was commissioned in September by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sources said the IAC II will be kind of a repeat order of the IAC-I. According to the plan, the IAC-II will be built by state-run Cochin Shipyard.


NASA To Place Indian Astronaut On ISS, Help ISRO Set Up Indian Space Station By 2035


Bill Nelson, the administrator of NASA on his recent trip to New Delhi announced that NASA will be working closely with ISRO to train and place an Indian astronaut on the ISS soon, and they will also help in setting up India's own Space Station by 2035

NASA is set to train an Indian astronaut for an upcoming mission to the International Space Station (ISS) by the close of 2024, as announced by Bill Nelson, the administrator of the US space agency, during his visit to Delhi. Emphasizing India’s potential as a “great future partner,” Nelson expressed the United States’ openness to cooperating on the development of an Indian Space Station.

During a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Modi, the call for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientists to establish an Indian Space Station by 2035 and to send an Indian astronaut to the moon by 2040 was reiterated. Nelson indicated that the US plans to de-orbit its space station in 2031 and anticipates the presence of commercial space stations by then. He affirmed the US’s willingness to provide counsel or collaboration if India seeks assistance.

Nelson highlighted the NISAR satellite program as another significant outcome of the India-US collaboration, scheduled for launch in the first quarter of 2024. According to the agreement between the two space agencies, NASA will assist in training an Indian astronaut, selected by ISRO, who will embark on the ISS mission by the end of 2024. The selected astronaut is likely to be chosen from the pool of four individuals who have undergone basic space astronaut training in preparation for the Gaganyaan mission.

The specifics of the two-week-long mission’s science objectives will be determined by India, as Nelson stressed the importance of the Indian astronaut having the autonomy to focus on scientific research that aligns with India’s priorities.

Following a meeting between Nelson and Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, a joint working group comprising representatives from both space agencies is exploring collaboration on various fronts, including radiation impact studies, micro-meteorite and orbital debris shield studies, and space health and medicine aspects. An implementing arrangement for ISRO-NASA collaborations has been established and is currently undergoing inter-governmental approvals, as per a statement from the Department of Space.


ISRO Exploring Collab With Boeing, Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin In Space Sector

Jeff Bezos Blue Origin's "New Shepard" rocket taking-off from Texas test site

The potential partnerships could also involve Indian commercial entities, India's Department of Space said in a statement Wednesday

India’s upcoming projects include its first launch of astronauts on a crewed mission, scheduled for 2025.

India’s space agency is exploring joint collaborations with Boeing Co., Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin LLC and Voyager Space Holdings Inc., as an official visit by the head of NASA highlights the growing level of cooperation between the US and India in outer space.

The potential partnerships could also involve Indian commercial entities, India’s Department of Space said in a statement Wednesday.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson is visiting several locations in India this week, including Bengaluru-based facilities that are testing and integrating spacecraft for a joint US-Indian Earth-observing mission scheduled for launch in 2024.

Nelson’s visit underscores NASA’s deepening space alliance with the Indian Space Research Organization, which this year notched several accomplishments including the landing of a spacecraft near the moon’s south pole in August.

The two space agencies are planning to send an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station next year. In June, Nelson joined a ceremony in Washington when India signed the Artemis Accords, a US-backed initiative with more than two dozen other countries to establish principles for space exploration.

Blue Origin is “very keen” on considering using an Indian rocket as a crew capsule to service its proposed space station Orbital Reef in low-Earth orbit, ISRO Chairman S. Somanath told The Times of India in June. Larsen & Toubro Ltd., an Indian manufacturer of engineering equipment, is in early discussions with Blue Origin to supply orbital launch capabilities, according to local media.

Denver-based Voyager in July announced a preliminary agreement with ISRO’s commercial arm, NewSpace India Ltd., to explore using Indian rockets to launch and deploy small satellites.

Voyager in July also signed a memorandum of understanding with ISRO and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre regarding the use of Gaganyaan, the space agency’s crewed spacecraft now under development, to service a proposed space station, Starlab.

Boeing is considering designing and manufacturing of a space capsule simulator for India’s human spaceflight project but hasn’t signed a contract yet, according to local media.

India’s upcoming projects include its first launch of astronauts on a crewed mission, scheduled for 2025.


Case Against Individual In US And Linking With Indian Official Matter of Concern: MEA


New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs has responded to the US Justice Department indictment of an Indian national in an alleged foiled assassination plot in the US. In a news briefing the MEA on Thursday said that a case filed against an individual in a US court and allegedly linking him to an Indian official is a "matter of concern" and is contrary to government policy.

"We cannot share any further information on such security matters. As regards the case against an individual that has been filed in a US court allegedly linking him to an Indian official, this is a matter of concern. We have said and let me reiterate that this is contrary to government policy. The nexus between organised crime, trafficking and gun running and extremists at an international level is a serious issue for law enforcement agencies and organisations to consider and it is precisely for that reason that a high-level committee has been constituted and we will obviously be guided by its results" MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.

The MEA spokesperson said that the US side shared some inputs related to nexus between organised crimes, gun runners, terrorists and extremists and India takes these inputs "very seriously."

"During the course of discussions with US on bilateral security cooperation, the US side shared some inputs pertaining to nexus between organised crimes, gun runners, terrorists and extremists. We take such inputs very seriously and high-level inquiry committee has been constituted to look into all the relevant aspects of the matter, and necessary follow-up action will be taken based on the findings of the inquiry committee. You would have seen this in our statements that we have issued" MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.

The MEAs statement comes after the Justice Department unsealed an indictment against an Indian national for his alleged involvement in a foiled plot to assassinate a US-based leader of the Sikh Separatist Movement and a citizen in New York.

The US Justice Department has claimed that an Indian government employee (named CC-1), who was not identified in the indictment filed in a federal court in Manhattan, recruited an Indian national named Nikhil Gupta to hire a hitman to allegedly carry out the assassination of the Sikh Separatist, which was foiled by US authorities.

Gupta is currently in custody and has been charged with murder-for-hire, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Czech authorities had arrested and detained Gupta on June 30, pursuant to the bilateral extradition treaty between the United States and the Czech Republic.

The US Justice Department claimed that Gupta, is an associate of CC-1, and has described his involvement in international narcotics and weapons trafficking in his communications with CC-1. The indictment claims CC -1 directed the assassination plot from India.

The US Justice Department claimed that in or about May 2023, CC-1 recruited Gupta to orchestrate the assassination of the activist in the United States. At CC-1's direction, Gupta contacted an individual whom he believed to be a criminal associate, but who was in fact a confidential source working with the DEA. The source it is alleged introduced Gupta to a purported hitman, who was a DEA undercover officer.

The purported hitman was offered USD 1,00,000 to murder the Separatist leader, the Justice Department claims. The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


US Indictment of Indian National In Failed Assassination Plot Won't Impact Indo-US Relationship Say Foreign Policy Experts


New Delhi: Foreign Policy experts have reacted to the indictment filed by the United States Justice Department against an Indian national for his alleged involvement in a foiled plot to assassinate a US-based leader of the Sikh separatist movement and a citizen in New York.

Most policy experts feel that this is unlikely to have any impact on Indo-US ties with deep trust between the two sides.

On Wednesday, the US Justice Department claimed that an Indian government employee (named CC-1), who was not identified in the indictment filed in a federal court in Manhattan, recruited an Indian national named Nikhil Gupta to hire a hitman to carry out the assassination, which was foiled by US authorities.

In his post on X, Michael Kugelman the South Asia Institute Director at The Wilson Center said that the Indo-US strategic relationship was too big to fail.

"Even w/more info known about the plot, I still think damage to US-India ties will be modest. White House knew of plot in July, but no cancelation of later high-level meets (Biden/Modi at G20, 2+2). US didn't retaliate, just said it shouldn't happen again. A relationship too big to fail. I don't want to underplay the significance of this a strategic partner carrying out an assassination on US soil. With many/most other countries, the relationship would be torpedoed. But ample trust/strategic considerations loom large. Also leads to free passes most don't get" Kugelman said in his post on X.

In its indictment, the US Justice Department has claimed that, earlier this year, an Indian government employee working together with others, including Gupta, allegdly directed a plot to assassinate a political activist who is a US citizen of Indian origin residing in New York City. It is claimed that Gupta, is an associate of CC-1, and has described his involvement in international narcotics and weapons trafficking in his communications with CC-1. The indictment claims CC -1 directed the assassination plot from India.

Derek J Grossman, National Security and Indo-Pacific analyst at the RAND Corporation says that Washington DC recognises the importance of India.

"India has virtually nothing to worry about after today's explosive news. Reality is DC needs New Delhi far more than other way around due to Biden admin's Indo-Pacific strategy to counter China. But US leeway isn't unlimited and more bad behavior could chip away at recent gains," Grossman said in his post on X.

Lisa Curtis, Director of the Indo-Pacific Security Program at the Center for a New American Security however felt that India needs to cooperate with the US to address the issue.

"India should cooperate fully and immediately with US to address this shocking development or risk hard-fought progress in US-India relations," Curtis said in her post on X.

Indian national Nikhil Gupta is currently in custody and has been charged with murder-for-hire, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Czech authorities had arrested and detained Gupta on June 30, pursuant to the bilateral extradition treaty between the United States and the Czech Republic.

The Justice Department claimed that in or about May 2023, CC-1 (an Indian government official) allegedly recruited Gupta to orchestrate the assassination of the activist in the United States.

At CC-1's direction, Gupta allegedly contacted an individual whom he believed to be a criminal associate, but who was in fact a confidential source working with the Drug Enforcement Administration, a United States federal law enforcement agency under the US Department of Justice. The source it is alleged introduced Gupta to a purported hitman, who was a DEA undercover officer. The purported hitman was offered USD 1,00,000 to murder the Separatist leader, the Justice Department claims.

The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The unsealing of the indictment follows recent sharing of information by the US on a nexus between organised criminals, gun runners and terrorists.

India has since formed a high-level inquiry committee to address the security concerns highlighted by the US government. The Ministry of External Affairs said that India takes such inputs seriously since they impinge on national security interests as well, and relevant departments were already examining the issue.

The MEA further added that in this context, on November 18, the Government of India constituted a high-level enquiry committee to investigate all the relevant aspects of the matter.


'Indian Govt Needs To Work With US': Canada PM Justin Trudeau After US Indictment of Indian National In Failed Assassination Plot


Ottawa: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has called on the Indian government to cooperate with Canada in the investigation of the killing of India designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar after the United States Justice Department filed an indictment against an Indian national for his alleged involvement in a foiled plot to assassinate a US-based leader of the Sikh Separatist Movement in New York, CBC News reported.

Truedeau was quoted by CBC as saying that the news coming out of the US underscores the need for India to take the issue seriously.

Speaking to reporters, Trudeau said, "The news coming out of the United States further underscores what we've been talking about from the very beginning: which is India needs to take this seriously."

He said, "The Indian government needs to work with us to ensure that we're getting to the bottom of this. This is not something that anyone can take lightly," according to CBC News report.

Meanwhile, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said that she would not make remarks on the US criminal case but added she expected more from India, CBC News reported.

She said, "Clearly, we expect more cooperation on their part. And more engagement on their part." Joly made the remarks in Brussels, where she was attending a NATO meeting.

The US Justice Department unsealed the indictment against the Indian national about two months after Trudeau made allegations about India's involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Colombia's Surrey in June. India had outrightly rejected the allegation, terming it "absurd and politically motivated."

Earlier this week, the Indian High Commissioner in Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma said that India is only asking for "specific and relevant" evidence in the killing of India-designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar so that it can help Canada in reaching the conclusion of the investigation.

In an interview with Canadian journalist Tahir Gora at TAG TV Toronto, he said, "India is only asking for specific and relevant information so that we can help you. We can help the Canadian investigators to reach their conclusion, to the extent that it will be viable for them to go for the legal action...I will urge my Canadian friends and colleagues. I can assure them that we will certainly look into them."

On Wednesday, the United States Justice Department filed an indictment against an Indian national for his alleged involvement in a foiled plot to assassinate a US-based leader of the Sikh Separatist Movement and a citizen in New York.

The US Justice Department has claimed that an Indian government employee (named CC-1), who was not identified in the indictment filed in a federal court in Manhattan, recruited an Indian national named Nikhil Gupta to hire a hitman to carry out the assassination, which was foiled by US authorities.

Gupta is currently in custody and has been charged with murder-for-hire, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Czech authorities arrested and detained Gupta on June 30, pursuant to the bilateral extradition treaty between the United States and the Czech Republic.

In its indictment, the US Justice Department has claimed that, earlier this year, the Indian government employee working together with others, including Gupta, directed a plot to assassinate on a political activist who is a U.S. citizen of Indian origin residing in New York City.

It is claimed that Gupta is an associate of CC-1, and has described his involvement in international narcotics and weapons trafficking in his communications with CC-1. The indictment claims CC -1 directed the assassination plot from India.

The unsealing of the indictment follows recent sharing of information by the US on a nexus between organised criminals, gun runners and terrorists. India has since formed a high-level inquiry committee to address the security concerns highlighted by the US government.

The Ministry of External Affairs said that India takes such inputs seriously since they impinge on national security interests as well, and relevant departments were already examining the issue.


India Achieved The Extraordinary During Its G20 Presidency: PM Modi


New Delhi: As India completes a year of its G20 Presidency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a column, said that achieving the extraordinary, New Delhi revitalised multilateralism and amplified the Global South's voice.

"I am delighted that during our Presidency, India achieved the extraordinary: It revitalised multilateralism, amplified the voice of the Global South, championed development, and fought for the empowerment of women everywhere," PM Modi said.

In the column, PM Modi highlighted that India sought to offer the world an alternative to the status quo--a shift from GDP-centric to human-centric progress as the G20 chair.

"India aimed to remind the world of what unites us rather than what divides us. Finally, the global conversation had to evolve; the interests of the few had to give way to the aspirations of the many. This required a fundamental reform of multilateralism as we knew it," he said.

The Prime Minister further noted that India, as the G20 President, defined its approach by being inclusive, ambitious, action-oriented and decisive.

"Inclusive, ambitious, action-oriented and decisive--these four words define our approach as G20 president, and the New Delhi Leaders' Declaration (NDLD), unanimously adopted by all G20 members, is testimony to our commitment to deliver on these principles. Inclusivity has been at the heart of our presidency," PM Modi wrote.

"The inclusion of the African Union (AU) as a permanent member of the G20 integrated 55 African nations into the forum, expanding it to encompass 80 per cent of the global population. This proactive stance has fostered a more comprehensive dialogue on global challenges and opportunities," he added.

India delivered the G20 2023 Action Plan to Accelerate Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), taking a cross-cutting, action-oriented approach to interconnected issues, including health, education, gender equality and environmental sustainability.

"A key area driving this progress is robust digital public infrastructure (DPI). Here, India was decisive in its recommendations, having witnessed the revolutionary impact of digital innovations like Aadhaar, UPI, and Digilocker firsthand. Through the G20, we completed the Digital Public Infrastructure Repository, a significant stride in global technological collaboration. This repository, featuring over 50 DPIs from 16 countries, will help the Global South build, adopt, and scale DPIs to unlock the power of inclusive growth," PM Modi said in his column.

"For our One Earth, we introduced ambitious and inclusive aims to create urgent, lasting, and equitable change. The Declaration's "Green DevelopmentPact" addresses the challenges of choosing between combating hunger and protecting the planet, by outlining a comprehensive roadmap where employment and ecosystems are complimentary, consumption is climate-conscious, and production is planet-friendly," he said.

Adding further, he said that the G20 declaration called for ambitious tripling of global renewable energy capacity by 2030.

"Coupled with the establishment of the Global Biofuels Alliance and a concerted push for Green Hydrogen, the G20's ambition to build a cleaner, greener world is undeniable. This has always been India's ethos, and through Lifestyles for Sustainable Development (LiFE), the world can benefit from our age-old sustainable traditions," he added.

Further, the Declaration underscores our commitment to climate justice and equity, urging substantial financial and technological support from the Global North. For the first time, there was a recognition of the quantum jump needed in the magnitude of development financing, moving from billions to trillions of dollars.

"The G20 acknowledged that developing countries require USD 5.9 trillion to fulfil their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by 2030. Given the monumental resources required, the G20 emphasised the importance of better, larger, and more effective multilateral development banks. Concurrently, India is taking a leading role in UN reforms, especially in the restructuring of principal organs like the UN Security Council, that will ensure a more equitable global order," PM Modi wrote.

Moreover, gender equality took centre stage in the Declaration, culminating in the formation of a dedicated Working Group on the Empowerment of Women next year. India's Women's Reservation Bill 2023, reserving one-third of India's Parliament and state legislative assembly seats for women, epitomised commitment to women-led development.

The New Delhi Declaration showcased a renewed spirit of collaboration across these key priorities, focusing on policy coherence, reliable trade, and ambitious climate action.

"It is a matter of pride that during our presidency, the G20 achieved 87 outcomes and 18 adopted documents, a marked rise from the past," PM Modi wrote, adding "During our G20 presidency, India led deliberations on geopolitical issues and their impact on economic growth and development. Terrorism and the senseless killing of civilians are unacceptable, and we must address it with a policy of zero tolerance. We must embody humanitarianism over hostility and reiterate that this is not an era of war," he concluded.


'India Has Walked The Talk When It Comes To Climate Action:' PM Modi Ahead of His Visit To UAE For COP28


New Delhi: Ahead of his visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India has always walked the talk when it comes to climate action and added that even during the G20 Presidency, climate was high on priority.

In his departure statement ahead of the COP28 climate talks in Dubai, PM Modi also noted that the G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration also included concrete steps on climate action and sustainable development.

"India has walked the talk when it comes to climate action. Our achievements in different sectors like renewable energy, energy efficiency, afforestation, energy conservation, and Mission LiFE are testament to the commitment of our people towards Mother Earth," the Prime Minister said, according to an official release by the Prime Minister's Office.

"In keeping with our civilizational ethos, India has always laid emphasis on climate action even as we pursue social and economic development. During our G20 presidency, climate was a high priority. The New Delhi Leaders' Declaration includes numerous concrete steps on climate action and sustainable development. I look forward to the COP-28 taking forward the consensus on these issues," he said.

According to the departure statement, COP28 will also provide an opportunity to review progress made under the Paris Agreement and chart a path for future action on climate action.

The visit of PM Modi to Dubai comes at the invitation of President of UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

"I am travelling to Dubai to attend the World Climate Action Summit of the COP-28 on December 1, 2023. I am happy to see that this significant event is being held under the Presidency of the UAE, which has been an important partner for India in the field of climate action," the Prime Minister said in his departure statement.

He also noted that the Global South spoke for the need for climate action based on the principles of equity, climate justice, and common but differentiated responsibilities at the Voice of Global South Summit, which was convened by India.

"It is important that efforts in the developing world be supported with adequate climate financing and technology transfer. They must have access to equitable carbon and development space to achieve sustainable development," the statement read.

COP28, which stands for the 28th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), is taking place in Dubai, UAE, from November 30 - December 12 this year.

Delegates from almost 200 nations will be present at the summit, including world leaders like Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will arrive in Dubai later today.

PM Modi had earlier attended the Glasgow conference in 2021, during which he unveiled India's five-pronged 'Panchamrit' strategy to deal with climate change.


PM Modi Emplanes For His Visit To UAE For COP28 World Climate Action Summit


New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday evening emplaned for Dubai to take part in the World Climate Action Summit in the United Arab Emirates.

PM Modi will address the opening session of the World Climate Action Summit in the United Arab Emirates and participate in the three high-level side events, of which two will be co-hosted by India.

The Prime Minister visited the UAE in July this year.

Ahead of his visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India has always walked the talk when it comes to climate action and added that even during the G20 Presidency, climate was a high priority.

In the UAE, PM Modi will also attend an event related to the Green Credits Initiative.

Addressing a special briefing on PM Modi's visit to the UAE here on Thursday, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said the Prime Minister will also attend an event related to Green Credits Initiative.

"The Prime Minister will be travelling to Dubai later this evening to attend World Climate Action Summit which is the high-level segment of the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Departing later this evening, he will be attending the summit events tomorrow before returning to India later tomorrow evening," he said.

PM Modi will also attend the high-level event co-hosted by India and Sweden.

"The second (event on the sides) which is co-hosted by India and Sweden is the launch of Lead IT 2.0, leadership group for industry transition. If you recall, it was a joint initiative launched by India and Sweden in 2019 at the UN Climate Action Summit in New York. Essentially, this initiative fosters collaboration among decision-makers, bringing together both the public sector and private sector with the objective of accelerating the industry transition to net zero emissions, essentially from heavy industries."

Kwatra stated that PM Modi will participate in another high-level event 'Transforming Climate Finance' which is to be hosted by the Presidency of the COP28 - UAE.

In his departure statement ahead of the COP28 climate talks in Dubai, PM Modi also noted that the G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration also included concrete steps on climate action and sustainable development.

"India has walked the talk when it comes to climate action. Our achievements in different sectors like renewable energy, energy efficiency, afforestation, energy conservation, and Mission LiFE are testament to the commitment of our people towards Mother Earth," the Prime Minister said, according to an official release by the Prime Minister's Office.

"In keeping with our civilizational ethos, India has always laid emphasis on climate action even as we pursue social and economic development. During our G20 presidency, climate was a high priority. The New Delhi Leaders' Declaration includes numerous concrete steps on climate action and sustainable development. I look forward to the COP-28 taking forward the consensus on these issues," he said.

According to the departure statement, COP28 will also provide an opportunity to review progress made under the Paris Agreement and chart a path for future action on climate action.

The visit of PM Modi to Dubai comes at the invitation of President of UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

"I am travelling to Dubai to attend the World Climate Action Summit of the COP-28 on December 1, 2023. I am happy to see that this significant event is being held under the Presidency of the UAE, which has been an important partner for India in the field of climate action," the Prime Minister said in his departure statement.

COP28, which stands for the 28th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), is taking place in Dubai, UAE, from November 30 - December 12 this year.

Delegates from almost 200 nations will be present at the summit, including world leaders like Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will arrive in Dubai later today.


PM Modi Created Ecosystem That Supports Innovation: Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland


Dubai: Lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, Commonwealth Secretary General Patricia Scotland has said that he has been a really important leader because of his innovation and creativity, as India is producing more unicorns than almost any other country. She added that this has happened because of an ecosystem that supports innovation.

While speaking to ANI, the Commonwealth Secretary General said, "He (PM Modi) has been a really important leader because of innovation and creativity. If you look at what India is doing, it's producing more unicorns than almost any other country. And many of those new innovations are focused on our delivery. So this creation of an ecosystem that supports innovation, which is what Prime Minister Modi has done, is critically important."

"I've said before that human genius got us into this mess. This is how we came up with the Industrial Revolution. Now there is a technological revolution, and it's being led, in the main, by India and a number of other countries. So his contribution to that, particularly in relation to women, is critically important," she said.

On India's role in tackling climate change, she underlined that New Delhi has a vital role to play as it has become a technological giant and this is an opportunity to use the data that is available.

She said, "India has a vital role to play. India has become a technological giant and this is an opportunity for us to use the data we have, the geospatial data, to enable us to respond better to the exogenous shocks to which we are subject, particularly the climate crisis. So I know that the whole Commonwealth is grateful for what India did during COVID because it was able to come up with some of the solutions in terms of distribution. And we're looking to India again to do that leadership role. And we know that if we share data, if we share knowledge about what works, what doesn't work, then we'll really get there faster. So green energy is pivotal. India is leading the way, along with a number of other countries, and we really want her to continue to do that and help the rest of the Commonwealth family."

Calling India's G20 Presidency "phenomenal," she said that it is about time to talk about the G-21, adding, "Because of what India has done, Africa is now represented in the G-20, an incredibly important step forward."

"India has been innovative, creative, but most importantly, inclusive. And that inclusivity--taking together the diversity of our world and making sure that we all have a platform from which we can be truly heard--is critically important. I think everyone will be congratulating India, congratulating Prime Minister Modi for a phenomenal presidency of the G-20. So well done, India. And I can't help but mention India got to the south side of the moon, and it was led by a woman," she told ANI.

When asked whether the Russia-Ukraine war and Israel-Hamas conflict will have any impact on COP 28, Scotland stated, "Well, I hope it will make us concentrate even more, because if we have no world, then the conflicts become contextualised. We are talking about an existential threat--a global threat. We have to save our world, and we have to save ourselves from conflict."

She further went on to say that "financing" is high up on the agenda during this year's COP28 climate talks that are taking place in Dubai.

"Well, what's absolutely on the agenda is the financing, because, you know, way back in 2009, the world committed to producing USD 100 billion, which is particularly important to those small and developing countries that are the worst affected by climate change. So I hope we will deliver on our financial obligations," she said.

"We know that it's going to take about USD 4 trillion a year in order to meet the 2030 agenda and the Paris Agenda, but right now, we only have 630 billion dollars, so we're nowhere near the target...So we need to get serious about the money we need and make sure those who are really in need get it," she added.

COP28, which stands for the 28th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), is taking place in Dubai, UAE, from November 30 - December 12 this year.

Delegates from almost 200 nations will be present at the summit, including world leaders like Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will arrive in Dubai later today. PM Modi had earlier attended the Glasgow conference in 2021, during which he unveiled India's five-pronged 'Panchamrit' strategy to deal with climate change.

During COP-26 in Glasgow, the Prime Minister announced five specific targets, titled "Panchamrit," as India's unprecedented contribution to climate action.

The Prime Minister had also announced Mission Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) on that occasion.


INS Kadmatt Conducts Underway Replenishment With Japan's JS Towada In North Pacific


New Delhi: Indian Navy Ship (INS) Kadmatt deployed to the North Pacific on Thursday conducted Underway Replenishment (UNREP) with Japan's JS Towada.

INS Kadmatt is the second of four anti-submarine warfare corvettes built for the Indian Navy by the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers of Kolkata under Project 28.

The ship was inducted into the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy.

Meanwhile, JS Towada is the lead ship of the Towada-class replenishment ships of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force. It was commissioned on March 24, 1987.

Recently, Japanese Ambassador to India, Hiroshi Suzuki reiterated the message of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe over the role of India and Japan in ensuring peace and freedom in the Indo-Pacific region.

Suzuki said, "Prime Minister Abe had a strong belief that India and Japan should take the leading role in preserving peace and freedom in the Indo-Pacific region and the world. He had this belief because Japan and India share the fundamental values, freedom, democracy, and rule of law."

He added, "With this belief, he was convinced that the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean must continue to be open and free, free for navigation, free for overflight, free for commerce. The vast expanse of this region must provide the foundation for peace and posterity of this Indo-Pacific region and for the entire world."

Japanese envoy also hailed Admiral Karambir Singh's contribution to building a relationship between the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force and the Indian Navy.

He said, "Under the strong leadership of Admiral Singh, the interoperability between the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Indian Navy has been dramatically enhanced. And through this, the capabilities of the Self-Defense Forces have been improved greatly."

He said further, "Thanks to your leadership right now, today, our two nations enjoy a very close security partnership. In particular, in the maritime security domain, our partnership is making dynamic progress. After Prime Minister Abe passed away, Admiral Singh is a torch bearer of realizing the vision of Free and Open Indo-Pacific."

Japan ambassador's remarks came as Japan Self-Defence Forces Day 2023 was held by the Japanese Embassy in New Delhi.


India-UAE 'Historical Relationship' Rooted In People-To-People Contact, Trade, Investments...: Indian Envoy


Dubai: Emphasising on India-UAE "historical relationship," Indian Ambassador to UAE, Sanjay Sudhir, said on Wednesday that both countries' relations are rooted in terms of people-to-people contact, trade, investments, education, or health.

"Although it is a very historical relationship and it goes back centuries, it has never been as strong as you know and is firmly rooted in so many areas, whether there's people-to-people contact, trade, investments, education, health, you name it, and it is there in this relationship," he said.

Sudhir further highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in the UAE in July this year, noting that it was a bilateral visit.

Moreover, PM Modi visited the UAE in June 2022 as well. "So leaders have been meeting very regularly because there's content; there's so much content in the relationship."

Sudhir also underscored the MoU signed between India and the UAE to establish the IIT-Delhi campus in Abu Dhabi.

"In the last visit of the Prime Minister, we signed an MoU to establish a campus of IIT-Delhi in Abu Dhabi. We also signed another MoU on linking our messaging systems," he said.

Sanjay Sudhir also highlighted the agreement between both nations on settling trade in local currencies, the rupee and the Dirham.

The two leaders, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and PM Modi, witnessed on July 15 the exchange of MoUs between the Reserve Bank of India and the UAE Central Bank for the establishment of a framework to promote the use of local currencies (INR-AED) for cross-border transactions and another one for bilateral cooperation on interlinking their payment and messaging systems.

Additionally, he also told ANI about the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) that was signed last year.

"The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was signed last year in February, and we can also already see the good results. Last year, trade shot up by about 16 per cent, and I think CEPA has a big role to play in that."

While answering about the expectations from the two leaders' discussions this year, Sudhir told ANI that this visit is more in a multilateral context.

"The fact that there will be more than 130 leaders also gives an opportunity for our Prime Minister to interact with so many other world leaders here," he added.

The World Climate Action Summit, the High-Level Segment of COP28, is scheduled from November 30 to December 12 under the UAE's presidency in Dubai. The host country hopes for a deal on tripling renewable energy and doubling energy efficiency by 2030, focusing on phasing out fossil fuels, climate finance, and the Global Goal on Adaptation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the summit, having announced specific climate targets during COP26 in Glasgow. His visit includes bilateral meetings with leaders, and it's at the invitation of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.


3 Killed In Jerusalem Terror Attack; 2 Gunmen 'Neutralised'


Tel Aviv: Three Israelis were killed and at least seven others were injured in a shooting attack on Thursday morning, Israeli police said adding that two shooters responsible have been neutralised, The Times of Israel has reported.

Surveillance footage shared by a Times of Israel correspondent on his X handle shows the attack at the entrance to Jerusalem at around 7:40 am local time. The video shows two gunmen exiting a car and opening fire at a group of civilians waiting at a bus stop.

A 24-year-old woman was reported dead at the scene of the crime as well as a man in his 70s and an elderly woman who has died in hospital after being caught in the cross-fire the Times of Israel reported citing the Magen David Adom ambulance service.

Two off-duty soldiers and an armed civilian killed the assailants who opened fire, shortly after the attack.

The attackers' identities are not immediately given, but some Hebrew media reports say they are from East Jerusalem.

Police said officers are scanning the area to rule out any additional attackers, reported The Times of Israel

US Ambassador to Israel Jack Lew condemned the "abhorrent terrorist attack" in Jerusalem, calling it "brutal."

"My thoughts are with the families of the victims and I offer my sincere condolences to all those affected," he posted on X.

The finance minister of Israel Bezalel Smotrich has said that Israel is at "war on all fronts," and will pursue and "destroy" terrorists everywhere

"The terrible attack in Jerusalem reminds us that our enemies are not only the Nazis in Gaza. We will pursue and destroy them, with God's help, everywhere," Smotrich wrote on X, saying Israel is going for "total victory on all fronts."

The attacks come shortly after Hamas' agreement with Israel to extend the ceasefire for a seventh day.

The operation pause was set to end at 7 am (local time) on Thursday, The Times of Israel reported. According to the agreement, Hamas will need to release at least 10 hostages for every extra day of the pause in fighting. In turn, Israel will release 30 Palestinian prisoners for every 10 hostages.

Taking to X, the IDF stated, "The operational pause will continue in light of the mediators' efforts to continue the process of releasing the hostages and subject to the terms of the framework."


US Navy Destroyer Shoots Down Iranian-Made Drone Launched From Yemen


Washington: A US Navy warship shot down an Iranian-made drone launched from Yemen on Wednesday, the same day the Pentagon said it warned Tehran over its drone use in the region, the Hill reported.

While in the South Red Sea, the Arleigh-Burke Class Guided Missile Destroyer USS Carney shot down an Iranian-made KAS-04 drone launched from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen at approximately 11:00 a.m. local time, The Hill quoted statement of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

The incident comes as the US military warned Iran over an "unsafe and unprofessional" drone manoeuvre near the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower carrier strike group on Tuesday.

"Although its intentions are not known, the UAV was heading toward the warship," CENTCOM notes.

At the time of the shootdown, the Carney was escorting the USNS Supply, a Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship, and another U.S. flagged and crewed ship carrying military equipment to the region, The Hill reported.

There were no injuries to U.S. personnel and no damage to U.S. vessels, according to the command.

The USS Thomas Hudner, also a Navy destroyer, shot down multiple one-way attack drones in the Red Sea.

The U.S. Navy has increased the number of its ships stationed in the Middle East following the start of the Israel-Hamas war on Oct. 7, a conflict that has caused tensions to soar in the region and threatened to escalate into a wider fight.


Israel President Herzog Headed To COP28 In The UAE In Push To Free Hostages


Tel Aviv: Israel President Isaac Herzog will travel to the United Arab Emirates for a series of political meetings with various world leaders attending the upcoming World Climate Conference as part of a diplomatic push to see all of the hostages held in Gaza freed.

The president will leave on Thursday and his visit will last less than a day.

The president's office said that the purpose of his meetings will be to reveal to world leaders in a "clear and in-depth manner" the atrocities committed by the terrorist organisation Hamas in the horrific massacre it perpetrated on October 7 and to emphasise the fundamental security threat underlying Israel's forced entry into the war in Gaza.

The president intends to enlist world leaders in the first-ever humanitarian effort to return the hostages held by Hamas to their homes "quickly and peacefully" and to emphasise Israel's humanitarian efforts, which are an integral part of the overall campaign.