Kolkata Cyclone Dana Flights

Aircraft With 303 Indians Held In France Lands At Mumbai Airport

The A-340 aircraft, with 303 Indian passengers, that was grounded in France over suspected human trafficking, landed in Mumbai in the early hours of Tuesday.

The aircraft was headed to Nicaragua but was grounded “on a technical halt” last week by authorities at the Vatry airport in France.

The flight was headed from Dubai to Nicaragua.

Earlier on Monday, the Indian Embassy in France thanked the French government and the Vatry Airport authorities for their hospitality and quick resolution of the situation that allowed Indian passengers to return home.

The embassy also hailed the cooperation of French authorities for working closely with the embassy team and ensuring the safe return of citizens.

Taking to X, Indian Embassy in France said, “Thank French Gov and Vatry Airport for quick resolution of the situation enabling Indian passengers to return home & hospitality. Also for working closely with embassy team, present throughout at the site to ensure welfare and smooth & safe return. Thank agencies in India, too.”

The Indian Embassy in France also thanked French authorities for working through the long holiday weekend.

“Continue to work with French Gov for the welfare of the Indians currently at the Varty airport, 150 km East of Paris, & for early resolution of the situation. Embassy consular staff stationed there. Thank French authorities for working on this through the long holiday weekend,” the Indian Embassy in France said in the post. (ANI)

For more details visit us: https://lokmarg.com/

Indian students and alumni France

France Announces New Initiatives In Major Push For Indian Students

In a major push to Indian students and alumni, France has announced new initiatives to bolster academic excellence, cultural understanding, and long-lasting friendship between the two nations.

This comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited France as Chief Guest on country’s Bastille Day on July 14, where India and France, both raised people-to-people ties as one of the three pillars of  strategic partnership, an official release of French Embassy said.

President Emmanuel Macron announced France’s goal to welcome 30,000 students from India by 2030. This goal reflects France’s view that enlarging its Indian student population will promote academic achievement, cross-cultural understanding, and enduring friendship between our two countries.

The establishment of “International Classes” in France will enable Indian students to flourish in their studies and easily transition to the French educational system. These specialised programmes will offer thorough training in the French language and other academic areas. This choice demonstrates France’s dedication to facilitating the lives of Indian students as much as feasible

A five-year Schengen circulation visa for Indian alumni was also announced during PM Modi’s visit to France in July.

In a belief that when an Indian student spends even just a semester in France, it creates a connection that ought to be fostered and cherished, France announced that Indian students who hold a Master’s degree or above and have spent at least a semester studying in France are eligible for a 5-year short-stay Schengen visa, the press release said.

This is a special provision for Indian alumni to enable them to keep close links with France and their French counterparts.

In order to implement these initiatives, France has also decided to strengthen its Campus France network in India with additional staff and resources.

Commenting on these announcements, the official press release quoted the Ambassador of France to India  Emmanuel Lenain as saying: “Our teams are working double time to implement the decisions taken by President Macron and Prime minister Modi in Paris to benefit students. France has always been an inclusive and diverse country, eager to share our rich cultural heritage and world-class education opportunities with Indian students. My message for Indian students: France will always be your friend, and we will do everything possible to ensure you have an amazing academic and life experience in our country.”

In light of these declarations, the French Institute in India and the Embassy of France are excited to announce the Choose France Tour 2023.

It will be organised by the French Government and Campus France. Organized by the the education fair, it will be held in four major Indian cities, Chennai (October 8), Calcutta (October 11), Delhi (October 13), and Mumbai (October 15). 

It will give Indian students and their parents a fantastic opportunity to speak with representatives of the more than 40 French higher education institutions that will be present at the market and learn about a variety of study alternatives, the press release of French Embassy in India read.

There are numerous strong reasons for Indian students to select France as their study abroad country, including a plethora of academic disciplines and programmes. Moreover, for those passionate about the culinary arts or hospitality management, France presents an exceptional opportunity to master gastronomic excellence and the art of hospitality. Without mentioning social sciences, art and design, among many others.

“France offers scholarships of over 15 crore rupees every year specifically designed for Indian students, making education even more accessible and affordable. These scholarships cover various disciplines, allowing students to pursue their desired academic fields without financial constraints,” the press release read.

With 570 French companies employing more than 400 000 staff in India, graduates with French qualifications gain access to a wide spectrum of career prospects, and the chance to work with globally renowned organizations.

According to the French Embassy press release, Indian students with a French Master’s degree also have the opportunity to work and explore professional alternatives in France during their two-year post-study work visa. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron during their meeting in July in France agreed that the relationship between India and France has been resilient in the darkest storms and bold and ambitious in riding the high tides of opportunities. 

The two leaders noted that the diplomatic and political engagements between India and France are among their “closest and most trusted.” PM Modi and French President Macron called the defence and security partnership between the two nations “strong.”

“Our political and diplomatic engagements are among our closest and most trusted. Our defence and security partnership is strong and extends from seabed to space. Our economic ties reinforce our prosperity and sovereignty and advance resilient supply chains,” the Joint Communique on the visit of PM Modi’s visit to France read.

Macron and PM Modi noted that the deepening ties in education, science and technology, culture, burgeoning youth exchanges, and growing Diaspora are bringing the relationship closer to the people and sowing the seeds of future partnerships.

During his visit to France, PM Modi attended Bastille Day Parade as Guest of Honour at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron on the Champs-Elysees. PM Modi and Macron met notable dignitaries during the Bastille Day Parade in Paris.  

PM Modi and President Emmanuel Macron witnessed the Indian tri-services contingent fly over the Bastille Day Parade in Paris, showcasing the French national flag. They also saw French and Indian soldiers march along Paris’ tree-lined Champs-Elysees avenue as Rafale fighter planes flew above the Arc de Triomphe. (ANI)

Read More: http://13.232.95.176/

Punjab Regiment for bastille day

Will Parade At Our Ancestors Did: Punj Regiment Gears Up For Bastille Day Parade

An Indian tri-services contingent, led by the Punjab Regiment of the Indian Army, gathered at the Champs-Elysees Avenue on Friday, ahead of the annual Bastille Day military parade in Paris, France.

Preparations are underway for the Bastille Day Parade, which commemorates the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille prison, an ancient royal fortress in 1789 during the French Revolution.
Meanwhile, security has also been beefed up.

French security forces are seen checking the cars and buses ahead of the parade.

Earlier, on Wednesday, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin announced the adoption of an exceptional security plan for the French national holiday, which will be placed under heavy police surveillance due to a “particular environment (…) of violence,” Le Monde reported.

No fewer than 130,000 members of law enforcement will be mobilised across the country on Thursday and Friday, “including 45,000 each evening, equipped and organized (…) for urban violence”, the minister said.

The Punjab Regiment will be led by Captain Aman Jagtap. The Indian Navy contingent is being led by Commander Vrat Baghel while the Indian Air Force contingent is by Squadron Leader Sindhu Reddy.

Expressing his happiness over being part of the Bastille Day parade, Captain Aman Jagtap, 23rd Battalion, Punjab Regiment, Longewala, who will command the Indian contingent at the Bastille Day Parade, said, “It is a proud and historic moment. After 107 years, we will parade at the same place where the ancestors of my Regiment did. For my troop and me, it is a matter of pride for me…It is not every day that someone gets to parade before one’s PM in a foreign land. It is a huge and rare opportunity for us.”

This year the Bastille Day Parade will have about 6,300 soldiers in various marching contingents. This includes a tri-services contingent of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. The Punjab Regiment participated in both World Wars, having been awarded 18 Battle and Theatre Honours in the first war.

Meanwhile, Subedar Satinder Pal Singh from the Punjab Regiment, said, “The troops are full of vigour. We are ready to march. Our ‘josh’ and morale is high. Our ancestors sacrificed themselves for this land. Now we are here.”

Indian Navy’s contingent is also set to participate in the Bastille Day Parade.

Ranveer, an officer of the Indian Navy, told ANI, “Our contingent is brimming with anticipation and enthusiasm. From the parade, you will get a sense of the preparations that went into it. We have been preparing (for the parade) for the last one month. However, all stage rehearsals are over and we are all set for the march today. We are very proud that the PM is here and that our contingent is taking part in the Bastille Day Parade.”

Earlier, the Ministry of Defence, in a press release, stated, “The Indian Army contingent comprising of 77 marching personnel and 38 members of the Band is being led by Captain Aman Jagtap. Indian Navy contingent is being led by Commander Vrat Baghel and the Indian Air Force contingent is by Squadron Leader Sindhu Reddy. The Rafale fighter jets of the Indian Air Force will also form part of the flypast during the parade.”

It added, “The Army contingent is being represented by the Punjab Regiment which is one of the oldest Regiments of the Indian Army. The troops of the Regiment have participated in both the World Wars as well as the post-independence operations.” (ANI)

Read More: http://13.232.95.176/

Modi Paris Welcome by macron

Paris Mein Hardik Swagat: Macron Welcomes Modi

Ahead of the French National Day celebrations, President Emmanuel Macron on Friday extended a warm welcome to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will be the Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day Parade.

“India and France are celebrating 25 years of strategic partnership made of trust and friendship, which are only getting stronger with time. Dear @NarendraModi, welcome to Paris.” Macron tweeted.
He later tweeted the same message in Hindi, saying, “Bharat aur France 25 saal ki Ranneetik saajhedaari tatha vishwas aur dosti ke sadaiv majboot bandhan ka jashn mana rahe hain. Priya Narendra Modi, Paris mein hardik swagat.”

PM Modi arrived in Paris on Thursday to a ceremonial welcome. He was recieved by his France counterpart Elisabeth Borne and later addressed the Indian diaspora in the France capital.

An Indian tri-services contingent will be part of the Bastille Day Parade, while three Rafale fighter jets of the Indian Air Force as part of the military contingent, are also set to participate in the Bastille Day flypast over the Champs Elysees, Paris.

The Bastille Day Parade is the highlight of celebrations of the day that marks the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille prison, an ancient royal fortress in 1789 during the French Revolution.

This year the Bastille Day Parade will have about 6,300 soldiers in various marching contingents. This includes a tri-services contingent of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. The Indian Army is being represented by the Punjab Regiment. The troops of the Regiment have participated in both World Wars, having been awarded 18 Battle and Theatre Honours in the first war.

The Punjab Regiment participated in an offensive near Neuve Chapelle in France in September 1915 during World War One. The regiment also won 16 Battle Honours and 14 Theatre Honours in the Second World War.

Earlier, PM Modi also thanked French President Emmanuel Macron and France’s First Lady Brigitte Macron for hosting him at the Elysee Palace.

Taking to his official Twitter handle, PM Modi stated, “I thank President @EmmanuelMacron and Mrs. Macron for hosting me at the Élysée Palace this evening.”

On his arrival at Elysee Palace, Prime Minister Modi was welcomed by French President and First Lady.

During the private dinner, Emmanuel Macron bestowed the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (local time). It is the highest French honour in military or civilian orders. With this, PM Modi becomes the first Indian PM to receive this honour.

Prior to arriving for the dinner at Elysee Palace, PM Modi interacted with the Indian community in Paris, where he highlighted the multifaceted linkages between India and France. He spoke about India’s development in various sectors and invited diaspora members to invest in India.

PM Modi also held a meeting with his French counterpart Elisabeth Borne, with the discussions on furthering cooperation in various areas, including economy, trade, energy, environment, education, mobility, digital public infrastructure and people-to-people ties.

He also met French Senate President Gerard Larcher on Thursday at the Senate building, Palais du Luxembourg in the 6th arrondissement of Paris.

The two-day official visit is special because this year also marks the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership between the two countries.

PM Modi’s visit is expected to herald the next phase in the India-France Strategic Partnership by setting new and ambitious goals for our strategic, cultural, scientific, academic, and economic cooperation, including in a wide range of industries, the official statement read. (ANI)

Read more: http://13.232.95.176/

Scorpene Submarines From France

India To Buy 26 Rafales, 3 Scorpene Submarines From France

In a major development, India is planning to buy 26 Rafale fighter aircraft and three Scorpene class conventional submarines from France.

The proposals have been placed before the Defence Ministry by the defence forces and are likely to be announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France this week, government sources told ANI.
As per the proposals, the Indian Navy will get 22 single-seated Rafale Marine aircraft along with four trainer aircraft.

The Navy had been pressing for acquiring these fighter aircraft and submarines urgently as they have been facing shortages in view of the security challenges around the country.

The aircraft carriers INS Vikramaditya and Vikrant have been operating the MiG-29s and need the Rafales for operations on both carriers.

Meanwhile, the three Scorpene class submarines would be acquired under the repeat clause by the Navy as part of Project 75 where they would be built in the Mazagon Dockyards Limited in Mumbai.

The deals are estimated to be worth over Rs 90,000 crore but the final cost would be clear only after the contract negotiations are completed which will be held after the deal is announced.

India is likely to seek price concessions in the deal and would be insisting on having more ‘Make-in-India’ content in the plan, sources said.

Industry sources said for the Rafale M deal, India and France are expected to form a joint team to negotiate the deal like it was done for the previous Rafale deal for 36 fighter aircraft.

The proposals have been discussed in the defence ministry at high-level meetings already and are likely to be placed before the defence acquisition council in the next few days and expected to be accorded Acceptance of Necessity by the government before the announcement in France. (ANI)

Read More: http://13.232.95.176/

French Envoy Lenain

All Rafales For IAF Delivered On Time: French Envoy Lenain

The Ambassador of France to India, Emmanuel Lenain has confirmed that all 36 Rafales have been delivered to India on time despite Covid-19, and added that people in the industry have worked extra shifts to make it happen.

When asked about the status of delivery of Indian Rafales, the French envoy told ANI, “Of course, I mean, there are 36 Rafales for the Air Force that have been delivered on time. In spite of COVID, and anything. People in our industry have been working extra shifts, day and night and weekends to deliver to the Indian Air Force, on time.”
Describing “trust” as the core of the partnership between India and France, he said that this relationship between the two nations allows them to bet and jointly develop technologies and commit to each other.

“The core of the partnership between France and India is trust. We know that we can commit for years, for decades and we won’t change our minds, and that’s really important. So, that allows us to bet and to jointly develop technologies which need years and years, and it would be used for decades through and via into the defence sectors,” Lenain said.

“So yes, we have decided to work on the defence sector together. It’s important for strategic autonomy,” the envoy added.

Talking about the ties between India and France, Lenain said, “India’s economy is developing. We feel we need to see more of India in the international governance and for a country like mine it is very welcoming. India and France share the same values and we are both large democracies, we have the same vision of free and open Indo-Pacific so we want to see more of India at UNSC, in global efforts to tackle global issues.”

Three Indian Air Force Rafale fighter jets, as part of the military contingent, are poised to participate in the Bastille Day flypast over the Champs Elysees, Paris, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be the guest of honour, as per the release.

The Indian military contingent would also be part of the marching contingent on Bastille Day.

At the invitation of France President Emmanuel Macron, PM Modi will be the Guest of Honour on France’s National Day on July 14.

The French traditional military parade is held in Paris during the Bastille Day on July 14. PM Modi’s visit will coincide with the 25th anniversary of the “strategic partnership” between France and India.

The Rafale is a 4.5-generation aircraft and has helped India regain its supremacy over Indian sub-constituent skies with long-range air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles along with advanced radar and electronic warfare capabilities.

They are the latest fighters to have been inducted into the Indian Air Force and are considered to be the most potent in the entire Asian region. The 36 Rafales have been completely inducted and they have played a significant role in improving the country’s operational preparedness along both the borders with Pakistan and China.

The French firm Dassault Aviation is also involved in the maintenance of the aircraft whose serviceability is over 75 per cent. The IAF has also added the HAMMER missile to the Rafale’s arsenal as it was required for carrying out precision attacks at shorter distances. (ANI)

Read More: http://13.232.95.176/

Mayor House In Paris Suburb

France: Hundreds More Arrested Amid Unrest Over Teen Killing

Protests that erupted in France in response to the killing of a 17-year-old by a police officer continued for a fifth night, The New York Times reported. Authorities arrested hundreds of people nationwide overnight Saturday and protesters clashed with police officers in riot gear.

Taking to his Twitter handle, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said that 427 people had been arrested overnight on Saturday. On Friday, more than 1300 people had been detained in France. He further said that 45,000 police officers were deployed nationwide on Saturday evening, a number similar to the night before, according to The New York Times report.
A government minister said that the evening was calmer than the recent ones. However, local media reported rioting, looting, and clashes in Marseille, the report said. Gerald Darmanin noted that the number of officers deployed across the nation was not increased and added that more officers were sent to control protesters in Lyon, Grenoble, and Marseille, The New York Times reported. Tensions remained high in France after the funeral of the 17-year-old by a police officer on Tuesday in Nanterre.

The funeral of a French teen, whose shooting by police provoked violent protests across the nation, was held after more than 1300 people were detained overnight on Saturday, CNN reported. The service was held at a mosque in Nanterre, a suburb of Paris, on Saturday afternoon local time.

Mounia, the mother of the teenager who was shot dead, told France 5 on Friday that she alone held the cop who shot her son, Nahel Merzouk, accountable for his demise. However, the murder has led to widespread damaging unrest and inquiries into whether race played a role in his passing. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron decided to postpone his state visit to Germany due to intense protests in France.

On Saturday, France’s Interior Ministry said that 1,311 people had been detained following the fourth night of violence, an update on its previous figure. It said 2,560 fires had been reported on public roads, with 1,350 cars burned, and that there had been 234 incidents of damage or fire in buildings, CNN reported. 79 police and gendarmes were injured over the course of Friday night and there were 58 attacks on police and gendarme stations, the Ministry added. (ANI)

Read More: http://13.232.95.176/

Jallikatu, Mann Kuthal, Pongal, Tamil Nadu's Madurai | lokmarg

SRK Teaches Iconic ‘Signature Pose’ To Wayne At FIFA WC

Shah Rukh who is promoting his upcoming film ‘Pathaan’ at the FIFA World Cup final taught ‘The Wonder Boy’ of football Wayne Rooney his iconic signature pose ahead of the match.

Ahead of the Argentina and France match, SRK along with former England Footballer Wayne Rooney were present for a live interaction, where the actor promoted his upcoming film ‘Pathaan’ and ended up teaching his iconic pose.
In the pictures, the duo was seen doing the signature open-arms SRK pose.

One of the Twitter users shared the video.

In his ‘Dil To Pagal Hai,’ SRK danced in the rain to Chak Dhoom Dhoom in his arms open pose.

Song tracks of ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’ and ‘Main Hoon Naa’, ‘Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna’ also feature the superstar incorporating his trademark pose.

On Saturday, SRK conducted the #AskSRK session, during which a fan asked him about whom he is supporting FIFA World Cup.

One of the users, wrote, “Who are you supporting in World Cup final tomorrow #AskSRK,” to which ‘Pathaan’ actor replied, “Arre yaar the heart says Messi no?? But Mbappa is a treat to watch also.”

Meanwhile, Argentina came out all guns blazing as captain Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria’s strikes gave Argentina a 2-0 lead in the first half against France in the ongoing FIFA World Cup at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar.

Argentina led France 2-0 at halftime after Messi netted his sixth goal of the tournament and Angel Di Maria doubled the advantage from a thrilling counter-attack.

Coming back to SRK, his charismatic personality radiates in the massive fan following. The superstar has given the audience memorable films like ‘Baazigar’, ‘Kabhi Haan Kabhi Na’, ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’, ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’, ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’, ‘Veer Zara’, and many more.

SRK is busy promoting director Siddharth Anand’s next action thriller film ‘Pathaan’ alongside Deepika Padukone and John Abraham.

Shah Rukh portrays a gun-toting spy with a license to kill in the action-thriller film.

The film is all set to hit the theatres on January 25, 2023.

Makers of ‘Pathaan’ unveiled the first song ‘Besharam Rang’ on Monday which got massive responses from the audience.

While several liked the peppy track, there were also who found ‘Besharam Rang’ objectionable over the use of saffron and green costumes.

Apart from this, Shah Rukh Khan will be also seen in south director Atlee’s upcoming action thriller film ‘Jawan’ and director Rajkumar Hirani’s next film ‘Dunki’ opposite Taapsee Pannu. (ANI)

Read more: http://13.232.95.176/

FIFA WC: Argentina 2-0 Lead At First Half Against France | Lokmarg

FIFA WC: Argentina 2-0 Lead In First Half Against France

Argentina came out all guns blazing as captain Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria’s strikes gave Argentina a 2-0 lead in the first half against France in the ongoing FIFA World Cup here at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar on Sunday.

Argentina led France 2-0 at halftime after Messi netted his sixth goal of the tournament and Angel Di Maria doubled the advantage from a thrilling counter-attack.
Lionel Messi’s Argentina began the match on a positive note as Julian Alvarez was provided with a small opportunity to test Hugo Lloris. Alvarez came close twice in the first five minutes. The first time, the ball was passed by Di Maria to him very close to the Argentina goalkeeper. He was offside though but the next shot came from a distance three minutes later and that was straight at Lloris.

A fine move by Argentina saw Mac Allister finding an opportunity to shoot. His shot, however, went straight into the hands of France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. Messi with another excellent attacking contribution from midfield as he unleashed Angel di Maria, who dribbled into the box before lining up a shot for Rodrigo de Paul. The shot, however, was blocked.

Within 14 minutes of the game, Kylian Mbappe found himself with some space on the left wing but the move didn’t materialize. Emiliano Martinez efficiently collected the ball to put the attack to an end.

Angel di Maria was brought down in the penalty box by Ousmane Dembele. Di Maria fell down inside the French box after Dembele’s tackle. Lionel Messi made no mistake from the spot and beat France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. A calm penalty from the Argentine to score his 6th goal of the World Cup and took Argentina 1-0 ahead in the 23rd minute of the game.

Angel di Maria made it two for Argentina as Mac Allister set up Di Maria for a brilliant finish in the bottom right corner and di Maria made no mistake in taking his team to a 2-0 lead in the 36th minute of the game.

In the 41st minute of the game, Olivier Giroud and Ousmane Dembele went off the field and Marcus Thuram and Randal Kolo Muani took their place.

7 minutes of stoppage time were added to the clock. It’s for the 6th time that Argentina has taken a 2-0 lead in the 2022 Qatar World Cup. A total of 7 minutes of injury time has been added in the first half.

At the end of the first-half Argentina have the upper hand and they went into the second half with a 2-0 lead over France, all thanks to amazing goals by Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria. (ANI)

Read more: http://13.232.95.176/

Iran Mine Explosion Kills 50

Explosion In Apt Block In Island of Jersey, 1 Dead, 12 Missing

At least one person was killed and around a dozen others are reported missing after an explosion and a fire at a block of apartments in St Helier, the capital of the island of Jersey, situated off the coast of northern France, local media reported.

The explosion took place in the early hours of Saturday with residents claiming that fire crews were called hours before the blast due to a strong smell of gas.
According to the Jersey Police chief, a number of residents are still missing. Emergency services are working at the scene and have commenced a surface search of the site, officials added.

Taking to Twitter, State of Jersey Police said, “Following the explosion this morning at Haut du Mont, Pier Road a number of residents are still missing. Emergency services are working at the scene and have commenced a surface search of the site. Relatives are being contacted by Family Liaison Officers.”

A search and rescue operation is underway to find people trapped in the rubble and the site of the mishap has been reported to be “very dangerous,” according to several media reports.

The Government of Jersey has asked residents not to go to the Emergency Department “unless absolutely necessary”.

Around 20 to 30 people are being cared for at St Helier Town Hall. Pier Road, Pier Road car park, and South Hill have been cordoned off, local media reported.

Jersey is a British Crown Dependency with a self-governing parliamentary democracy. It has an estimated population of 103,267. (ANI)

Read More: http://13.232.95.176/