India

Chandigarh, Oct 8 (IANS) The Centre on Saturday approved the creation of a weapon systems branch for the Indian Air Force (IAF) officers for the first time since Independence.

Addressing a gathering during the 90th Air Force Day celebrations here, Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari said, "It is my privilege to announce that the government has approved the creation of a weapon systems branch for the officers of the Indian Air Force."

"This is the first time since Independence that a new operational branch is being created. The creation of this branch would result in savings of over Rs 3,400 crore due to the reduced expenditure on flying training," he said.

This was the first time that the annual day celebrations were held outside the National Capital Region (NCR).

The Defence Ministry said in a statement, "In a historic step for the Indian Air Force (IAF), the government has approved the creation of a new branch called the weapon systems branch."

The creation of this branch would entail unification of all weapon system operators under one entity dedicated to the operational employment of all ground-based and specialist airborne weapon systems.

The branch would encompass operators in four specialised streams -- surface-to-surface missiles, surface-to-air missiles, remotely piloted aircraft and weapon system operators in twin/multi-crew aircraft. It will contribute immensely by enhancing the war fighting capability of the Indian Air Force.

"We are increasingly seeing the convergence of all these domains in one continuum in the form of hybrid warfare. The conventional systems and weapons will need to be augmented by modern, flexible and adaptive technology," Chaudhari said while emphasising on 'Make in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.

"We've inherited the proud legacy curated by sheer hard work, perseverance and vision of our predecessors. We must acknowledge the contributions of our veterans who chartered this course. Now the onus is on us to usher IAF into the centenary decade."

Speaking about the synergy of all three services - the Army, Navy and Air Force - he said, "One single service can't win a war on its own. Work is in progress to enhance the jointness of three services."

The Air Chief Marshal also spoke about the recently-launched Agnipath scheme, saying, "Induction of air warriors into IAF through the Agnipath scheme is a challenge for all of us. But more importantly, it's an opportunity for us to harness the potential of India's youth and channelise it towards the service of the nation.

"We've changed our operational training methodology to ensure that each Agniveer is equipped with the right skills and knowledge to start a career in IAF. In December this year, we'd be inducting 3,000 'Agniveer Vayu' for initial training. This number will go up in the years to come."

The Air Force chief also said that next year, the force will induct women Agniveers.

"We are also planning to induct women Agniveers starting next year. Creation of infrastructure is in progress and streamlining of trade structures is being finalised," he said.

A ceremonial parade was organised at the Air Force Station to mark the occasion with Chaudhari taking the salute.

Earlier, the IAF chief reviewed the ceremonial parade commanded by Group Captain Anoop Singh, with a three aircraft formation of Mi-17 helicopters trooping the IAF ensign followed by a formation of three Rudra helicopters flying past the saluting dais in an aerial salute.

The IAF's new combat uniform was also unveiled on the occasion.

--IANS
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Dahod, Oct 8 (IANS) Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday promised to create 10 lakh jobs and construct 20,000 mohalla clinics in Gujarat if voted to power.

Addressing a public gathering in Dahod town, the AAP founder promised to open 20,000 mohalla clinics in 18,000 villages of the states.

Attacking the ruling BJP government in Gujarat, Kejriwal said that the state's annual budget is Rs 2,50,000 crore and yet, schools, health centers are in a very bad condition.

He alleged that the BJP leaders are siphoning off public money, but if AAP is voted to power, then each and every penny will be recovered and same will be used for building good schools, hospitals and roads.

Talking about the unemployment in Gujarat, the Delhi Chief Minister said that his government has provided jobs to 12 lakh people in the national capital, whereas the six-month-old AAP government in Punjab has provided jobs to 20,000 people.

"If voted to power in Gujarat, AAP will create 10 lakh new jobs," Kejriwal claimed.

Playing 'Hindu card', Kejriwal promised to run a special train from Gujarat to Ayodhya so that anyone wishing to visit Ram temple can travel at expense incurred by the government.

For farmers, he promised to procure five crops wheat, rice, chana, cotton and groundnut at MSP.

Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann are on two-day Gujarat visit, till Saturday afternoon.

Kejriwal has tactfully avoided commenting on his cabinet minister's oath allegdely denouncing Hindu gods at a religious event.

Before his arrival in Vadodara for Tiranga yatra, tension prevailed between AAP and BJP supporters, heated arguments took place between two groups and with great efforts, police were able to disperse supporters of both parties.

--IANS
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Hyderabad, Oct 8 (IANS) Veteran Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday said that the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) cannot become a national party by changing its name.

Kharge, a contender for the Congress party's presidential elections, told reporters that several regional parties in the past changed their names to go national but nothing happened.

"ADMK became AIADMK, TMC became All India TMC. Did they become national parties," he asked.

Kharge was talking to reporters at party headquarters Gandhi Bhavan here after his arrival in the city to campaign for the party's presidential polls.

He also hit back at BJP leaders for ridiculing the presidential election of Congress party. He remarked that those who do not believe in democracy have no right to criticise the Congress party's presidential poll.

The senior leader alleged that the BJP never conducted a presidential election. "Were Advani, Gadkari, Rajnath Singh, J. P. Nadda, Amit Shah and others elected as BJP presidents," he asked.

Kharge termed the contest between him and Shashi Tharoor as the internal matter of the party.

Kharge alleged under the Narendra Modi government, India has seen a decline in all the sectors. He said Modi and Shah team has "destroyed" the country.

"They used to repeatedly ask us what we did in 70 years. We built dams and major irrigation projects. We built major public sector companies and they are selling all of them one after the other," he said.

The unemployment has gone up to a record high during the BJP rule. He said crores of people have lost their jobs after Covid. He pointed out that the value of the rupee has dropped to an all-time low of 82.32 against dollar.

The Congress leader said during the Modi rule, the life of the common man has become miserable as there has been a steep hike in prices of essential commodities. The price of LPG cylinder which was Rs 416 during Congress rule has now gone up to Rs 1,100.

Kharge said the Modi government further added to the burden on common man by imposing GST on items like milk and even pencil and rubber.

Earlier, several Congress leaders accorded a warm welcome to Karge when he arrived at Begumpet Airport in the city. Kharge, who was accompanied by AICC secretary Sampath Kumar, was welcomed by Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president A. Revanth Reddy, MP Uttam Kumar Reddy, senior leaders V. Hanumanth Rao and Ponnala Lakshmaiah.

After reaching Ganhi Pavan, Kharge met TPCC delegates and interacted with them.

The Congress presidential polls are scheduled to be held on October 17. The results will be declared on October 19.

--IANS
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Guwahati, Oct 8 (IANS) Taking a jibe at the Congress, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said that earlier Assam was only known for bandhs, protests and insurgency under the Congress regime.

"Congress gave this region only tension with the rest of India. When BJP came to power at Centre in 2014, Assam along with the entire northeast started to walk on the path of peace and development," Shah said while inaugurating a six-storey building of a new headquarters for the state unit of Assam BJP in Guwahati.

The Union Home Minister further said that since the Independence of the country, northeast India was pushed to violence and anarchy by the Congress governments. The region could join the mainstream of development only after Prime Minister Narendra Modi took several steps to uplift this region.

"Almost 9,000 militants laid down their arms in last eight years which brought peace to the Assam and northeast," he added.

Shah also claimed that the Centre has increased the budget allotment to bring infrastructural development to the NE states.

Earlier, Amit Shah along with BJP president J.P. Nadda inaugurated Assam BJP's new headquarters in Guwahati. The six-storey building was named after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Foundation stones for nine district party offices and 102 BJP regional offices in Assam were laid down virtually by Nadda and Shah respectively.

Shah said that the BJP offices reflect the emotion, commitment and dedication of all party workers.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam BJP president Bhabesh Kalita, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, and other party leaders were also present on the occasion.

--IANS
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Tumakuru, (Karnataka) Oct 8 (IANS) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, leading the 150-day Bharat Jodo yatra, said on Saturday that he believes in 'tapasya' and that he wants an element of suffering while interacting with the people.

Addressing mediapersons in Turuvekere town on the sidelines of the march, Rahul Gandhi stated that not just him, his entire family believes in the concept of 'tapasya'.

He was responding to questions on how the rally has changed him as a person. "Along this padyatra, communication with people, I wanted an element of suffering for myself.

"I didn't want the march to be easy. I was wanting to do something which would make me suffer. While I am talking to my people, I can share my sufferings. That was the idea.

"So, I find that to be a very powerful experience. When you are walking on the road and speaking to your people, after suffering, the communication is better.

"For me, it's been a learning experience. It began 31 days ago but for me the learning has not yet begun. I can already see the advantages of this type of communication," Rahul Gandhi explained.

"Also, the interaction with people is the most beautiful part of the journey. But unfortunately, things I say get distorted. When I am speaking in front of cameras, those behind it distort my words.

"There is tremendous wisdom among our people but it gets wasted by the kind of politics we are running. They have a lot to say but are unable because of the political system. I am also getting a huge amount of support, I don't mean by numbers but from individuals with whom I interact," he added.

--IANS
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Turuvekere (Karnataka), Oct 8 (IANS) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has countred BJP on party presidential polls and said that both the contestants have statures of their own. For Congress presidential polls, Mallikarjun Kharge and Shashi Tharoor are the candidates.

"Both the nominees contesting for Congress Presidential elections have a position as well as their own perspectives. To call anyone a 'remote control' is insulting to both of them," said Rahul.

Rahul attacked BJP and blamed it for spreading hatred and violence in the country, which he said is an anti-national act and he will fight anybody who spreads hatred and violence.

"We are not a fascist party. We are a party that believes in conversation and we welcome different viewpoints. We do know that in order to win elections we will have to work as a team." he said.

Rahul said that the Constitution states that Bharat is a Union of States. "It means all our languages, states and traditions have an equally important space. That is the nature of our country."

He claimed that the party will win Karnataka polls hands down and that the people are upset over unemployment and inflation.

The voting will take place on October 17.

--IANS
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Karnataka, Oct 8 (IANS) The Bharat Jodo Yatra, currently in its Karnataka leg, will take a break on October 17 in view of the Congress presidential poll.

For the around 40 Pradesh Congress Committee delegates participating in the march, polling booths will be set up at the camp site itself where all eligibles, including Rahul Gandhi, will cast their votes, officials said.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has clearly stated that the voters only need an ID card for exercising their franchise.

Headed by the senior party leader Madhusudan Mistry, the Central Election Authority, will oversee the poll process, notification of which was issued on September 22.

The last date for withdrawal of nominations is October 8 and results are scheduled to be declared on October 19.

Voting will take place only if two candidates compete. In case only one of the candidates remains after the nomination withdrawal date, he will be elected unopposed.

--IANS
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Srinagar, Oct 8 (IANS) Vehicular traffic has been disrupted along the Jammu-Srinagar national highway at Mahar due to shooting stones, Traffic Police said on Saturday.

"Shooting stones disrupting traffic movement at Mehar on Jammu-Srinagar national highway," Jammu and Kashmir Traffic police added.

The highway is the lifeline of the Kashmir Valley and the main road link connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country.

Kashmir-bound trucks laden with essential supplies and other vehicles pass through the highway and fruit carrying trucks from Kashmir head for rest of the country through this road.

--IANS
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By Yashwant Raj
Washington, Oct 8 (IANS) Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has said that India will buy crude oil from whichever country it wanted in regards to questions being raised about purchases from Russia, whose western buyers have either stopped buying from it or are reducing their orders as punishment for invading Ukraine.


On the 2-million barrel a day production cut announced by OPEC+ countries (which include most of India's top sellers), the Minister on Friday added that he would wait for effective the cut to assess the impact on India; the real reduction is by 900,000 barrels a day, according to oil analysts. But, he said generally, global supply falling short of the demand would fuel recession.

Puri, who also holds the portfolio of Housing and Urban Development, arrived in Washington DC on Thursday and held a wide of range of meetings with his counterpart in the Biden cabinet, Jennifer Granholm -- their first in-person meeting -- and other officials such as the US special envoy on Energy Amos Hochstein. He is scheduled to meet energy business leaders in Houston, where he is reaching on Saturday.

India has been under pressure from the US-led West to cut its energy buys from Russia. It has stepped up its purchases, instead, to take advantage of the heavy discounts offered by Moscow.

"Look, let me make it very clear. India will buy oil from wherever it has to for the simple reason that this kind of a discussion cannot be taken to the consuming population of India," Puri said, addressing a news briefing with reporters of Indian media outlets.

He added, "Have I been told by anyone to stop buying Russian oil, the answer to the categorical No." But he conceded such discussions can take place in a geopolitical context.

On OPEC cuts, the Minister sounded circumspect, saying he would wait before offering any assessment of the impact on India. He was also cautious as the OPEC+ group included countries that are India's top suppliers such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates.

But he did offer criticism in a general sense. "I think everybody has to realise that the producer has the sovereign right to decide how much quantity they want to release. They say that doesn't affect the price. It is their judgment. I would respectfully submit that I have a different view. If you release quantities which are much shorter it will result in you know driving up prices which in turn exacerbates the inflationary situation and which will make the result in deepening the recessionary condition and make no mistake large parts of Europe today," he said.

But he sounded confident India will be able to deal with it as it has in similar situations before.

Asked about the possibility of the US cutting exports to India -- as part of an all around ban on exports reportedly being considered by the Biden administration as a response to the OPEC+ cuts, the Minister sounded confident it may not play out that way.

"Today we are buying $20 billion of energy products from them," he said, adding the US would "want to sell more to India"."

--IANS
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New Delhi, Oct 8 (IANS) The controversial 'religious conversion' event where anti-Hindu god slogans were raised have sparked a political fight and now the matter has reached the Delhi Police after the BJP filed a complaint.

BJP's Delhi President Adesh Gupta has lodged a complaint with the Delhi Police against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Cabinet Minister Rajender Pal Gautam, for the alleged conversion programme where anti-Hindu god slogans were raised.

Gupta has requested the Delhi Police to lodge the FIR under sections 153A, 153B, 295A, 298, 505, 506 of the Indian Penal Code.

According to information, the programme was held at Ambedkar Bhawan in Central Delhi.

"They released the video of the programme and made it viral. The video was exasperating and mischievous in nature. These social media posts are created with the obvious motive of inciting violence and promoting hatred," said the Delhi BJP President in his complaint.

Gupta has alleged that during the anti-NRC protests, same tactics were used to incite violence by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders.

The complaint said that a 'sabha' (rally) was held at Ambedkar Bhawan on October 6. This Sabha was organised by AAP and their concerned leaders where oaths were administered which continuously demeaned various Hindu gods and goddesses and subsequently everyone was asked not to follow Hinduism, considering it to be a bad religion.

"That videos were made of such speech and were subsequently shared on various social media platforms to get maximum reach and propagation so that the religious sentiments of people of the Hindu religion may be attacked and subsequently a state of riot and disturbance be created on a national level," the complaint added.

The Delhi Police said that they were looking into the matter.

--IANS
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