India's space sector is making significant strides. The country's first crewed mission is set for 2025, and the government is actively supporting the private sector's involvement. These new space regulations aim to simplify the approval process and attract foreign investment, with the goal of narrowing the gap with China.

PM Modi's government approves sweeping Space sector reforms

The Indian economy grew 8.4% during the October-December quarter beating the estimates by the RBI and the Dalal Street. The RBI had pegged the growth for this quarter at 6.5%. Also, in a big move to reduce India’s dependency on imports to the requirement of semi-conductors, the government has approved setting up of 3 chip manufacturing units in the country.

India grows at 8.4% in October-December quarter

How did the global stock indices and commodity prices perform in the month of February? What is the economic outlook for the world? All this and much more in the monthly economic health check.

How the global economy performed in February

More and more countries express interest in adding India's fastest cruise missile to its arsenal. Reports say many nations from West Asia and Africa have shown interest in acquiring these missiles.

Gravitas | BrahMos: West Asia, Africa show interest in India's supersonic missiles

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a key meeting of his Bhartiya Janata Party's Central Election Committee. The meeting was held late on Thrusday evening to finalise the first list of candidates for upcoming elections.

General Elections 2024: BJP Central Election Cell holds late-night meet, finalises first list

India has taken a significant step towards achieving self-sufficiency in chip manufacturing. The government approved a $15 billion investment in building three new semiconductor plants. This includes India's first major chip fabrication unit.

India to set up india's first major chipmaking facility

At least nine people were grievously injured after a blast at The Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru's Whitefield area on Friday. Initial reports suggest explosion due to cylinder blast.

Bengaluru Rameshwaram Cafe Blast: At least nine injured, shifted to hospital

A former British Airways employee accused of running an immigration scam is believed to be hiding in India. The 24-year-old fled from the United Kingdom with his partner by jumping bail after his arrest for the offence.

Ex-British Airways employee on the run in India

A groundbreaking study by an Indian Forest Service officer and a Pune-based researcher has found that Asian elephants ritually bury their dead calves. Although instances of elephants burying their dead have been mention in African literature, this is the first time such behaviour has been documented in Asian Elephants.

Asian Elephants ritually bury their dead calves says study

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) founder Sharad Pawar on Thursday extended an invitation to Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde, and the two deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar for lunch at his Baramati residence on Saturday when the state leadership will visit the constituency to inaugurate several developmental projects.

Sharad Pawar invites rivals for lunch at his residence at Baramati

Finland's Ambassador Kimmo Lähdevirta has emphasised on his country's DESI- or digitalisation, education, sustainability, and innovation- cooperation with India as both sides mark 75 years of ties.

Finland's Ambassador Kimmo Lähdevirta has emphasised on his country's DESI- or digitalisation, education, sustainability, and innovation- cooperation with India as both sides mark 75 years of ties. In a symbolic celebration of diplomatic relations between India and Finland, a unique logo has been unveiled to commemorate the milestone year. The logo was officially unveiled by EAM Dr S Jaishankar and Elina Valtonen, Finland's Foreign Minister during their meeting in February in Delhi. Ambassador Lähdevirta expressed his admiration for the logo, emphasising its reflection of the collaborative journey shared by both countries since 1949. Speaking to WION, he remarked, "The logo symbolises very well the journey that we have had together and not only the past, I think it also shows how we can advance things together in green areas, for example." Both countries have accepted the logo for use in their bilateral communications throughout the year. Designed by Aman Narayan, a 19-year-old student at the School of Communication, World University of Design, the logo captures the essence of both countries' cultural heritage in many ways. "The logo I created draws inspiration from India’s cultural ethos as well as aurora borealis, the famous natural phenomenon in Finland commonly known as northern lights," said Narayan. With a spectrum of colours transitioning from blue to saffron, the logo symbolises the vibrant exchange and cooperation between Finland and India. Also read: Exclusive I India an `important partner` in ensuring rules-based world order: Finland FM Ambassador Lähdevirta highlighted Finland's plans for bilateral engagement with India, mentioning potential ministerial visits in the autumn. "Well, remains to be seen, but we are certainly working on getting a couple of ministers in the Autumn," he stated. One area of significant collaboration is clean energy, where Finland has already made notable contributions. "I think we already have good things in the pipeline," noted the ambassador. He highlighted projects such as the bio-refinery in Assam and the establishment of electric vehicle charging stations as examples of Finland's contribution to India's sustainable development goals. Also read: Finland: Former PM Alexander Stubb wins high-stakes presidential election Moreover, Ambassador Lähdevirta emphasised the importance of India's engagement with the Nordic countries. "I think Nordics are certainly an interesting partner for India," he remarked. He cited the mutually beneficial partnership based on shared expertise and India's capacity for scaling up initiatives. Norway is expected to host this year's India Nordic summit.

Finnish ambassador highlights DESI cooperation with India

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a key meeting of his Bhartiya Janata Party's Central Election Committee. The meeting was held late on Thuusday evening to finalise the first list of candidates for upcoming elections.

India: PM Modi chairs BJP meet to finalise first list of Lok Sabha candidates

US&nbsp;pharma company Eli Lilly is gearing up to introduce its flagship diabetes medication and popular obesity treatment, Mounjaro, into the Indian market, Reuters news agency reported citing the company's CEO. 
 
India is a significant market opportunity due to its high population, escalating rates of obesity, particularly among women, and a substantial number of individuals grappling with type-2 diabetes, ranking second globally.

Concurrently, Indian pharmaceutical firms are exploring their formulations for weight-loss drugs, while counterfeit versions proliferate online.

Eli Lilly CEO&nbsp; David Ricks, speaking during the BioAsia conference in the south Indian state of Telangana,&nbsp; expressed optimism about Mounjaro's entry into India, pending regulatory approval.

The company remains open to partnerships to enhance market reach, ensuring both patient access and company viability, he said.

"Our famous Mounjaro – it's under review now. So, perhaps as early as next year to the Indian market," Ricks told Reuters on the sidelines of the BioAsia conference.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-ozempic-wegovy-and-now-zepbound-the-era-of-magic-pills-for-treating-obesity-656969">Also read |&nbsp;Explained | Ozempic, Wegovy and now Zepbound: The era of magic pills for treating obesity</a>

Sold as Mounjaro in the UK and Europe, and as Zepbound for weight loss in the US, the drug, chemically known as tirzepatide, is undergoing regulatory review in India. Lilly leverages data from global trials, which include participants from India.

Mounjaro, alongside Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Ozempic, belongs to a class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. These drugs, originally developed to manage blood sugar in type 2 diabetes, have gained popularity for their additional benefit of inducing satiety.

Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas | Oprah admits to using weight-loss drug

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-oprah-admits-to-using-weight-loss-drug-669804/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Analysts project the global market for these therapies to exceed $100 billion by the decade's end.

Novo Nordisk aims to introduce Wegovy in India by 2026, while Indian pharmaceutical giants including Zydus Lifesciences, Sun Pharma, Cipla, Dr. Reddy's, and Lupin, are already in the race, developing their versions, Reuters said in a report.

Ricks stressed on&nbsp;the need for India to streamline its regulatory processes, enhance patent protection, and rationalise policies to attract greater investment from global pharmaceutical companies.

Simplifying regulations would facilitate the entry of innovative medicines into the market and bolster the export capabilities of local biotech firms.

(With inputs from agencies)

US pharma company Eli Lilly is gearing up to introduce its flagship diabetes medication and popular obesity treatment, Mounjaro, into the Indian market, Reuters news agency reported citing the company's CEO.

US pharma company Eli Lilly is gearing up to introduce its flagship diabetes medication and popular obesity treatment, Mounjaro, into the Indian market, Reuters news agency reported citing the company's CEO. India is a significant market opportunity due to its high population, escalating rates of obesity, particularly among women, and a substantial number of individuals grappling with type-2 diabetes, ranking second globally. Concurrently, Indian pharmaceutical firms are exploring their formulations for weight-loss drugs, while counterfeit versions proliferate online. Eli Lilly CEO David Ricks, speaking during the BioAsia conference in the south Indian state of Telangana, expressed optimism about Mounjaro's entry into India, pending regulatory approval. The company remains open to partnerships to enhance market reach, ensuring both patient access and company viability, he said. "Our famous Mounjaro – it's under review now. So, perhaps as early as next year to the Indian market," Ricks told Reuters on the sidelines of the BioAsia conference. Also read | Explained | Ozempic, Wegovy and now Zepbound: The era of magic pills for treating obesity Sold as Mounjaro in the UK and Europe, and as Zepbound for weight loss in the US, the drug, chemically known as tirzepatide, is undergoing regulatory review in India. Lilly leverages data from global trials, which include participants from India. Mounjaro, alongside Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Ozempic, belongs to a class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. These drugs, originally developed to manage blood sugar in type 2 diabetes, have gained popularity for their additional benefit of inducing satiety. Also watch | Gravitas | Oprah admits to using weight-loss drug Analysts project the global market for these therapies to exceed $100 billion by the decade's end. Novo Nordisk aims to introduce Wegovy in India by 2026, while Indian pharmaceutical giants including Zydus Lifesciences, Sun Pharma, Cipla, Dr. Reddy's, and Lupin, are already in the race, developing their versions, Reuters said in a report. Ricks stressed on the need for India to streamline its regulatory processes, enhance patent protection, and rationalise policies to attract greater investment from global pharmaceutical companies. Simplifying regulations would facilitate the entry of innovative medicines into the market and bolster the export capabilities of local biotech firms. (With inputs from agencies)

Launch of obesity medicine in India by next year, says pharma firm: Report

Lok Sabha elections are around the corner. India is set to vote for the next Union government.The Indian political arena is heating up. Now, national parties declared their income in 2022-23. Watch this video for all details.

How much income did the BJP, Congress & other national parties declare in 2022-23?

India successfully conducted two flight tests of a very short-range air defence missile off the coast of Odisha, an eastern Indian state. The tests were carried out on Wednesday (Feb 28) and Thursday (Feb 29).&nbsp;

The defence ministry said, "The DRDO conducted two successful flight tests of Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missiles on February 28 and 29 from a ground-based portable launcher off the coast of Odisha from integrated test range, Chandipur."&nbsp;

The statement added that the tests were carried out against high-speed unmanned aerial targets under different interception scenarios.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-govt-working-to-bring-back-indians-stranded-in-russia-official-says-695226">Indian govt working to bring back Indians stranded in Russia, official says</a>&nbsp;

"During all the test flights, the targets were intercepted and destroyed by the missiles, meeting the mission objectives," the ministry said.

The Very Short Range Air Defence System, or VSHORADS, is a fourth-generation, man-portable air defence system.&nbsp;

It is designed and developed indigenously by Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in collaboration with other Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) laboratories and Indian industry partners.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-gdp-grew-84-in-q3-economy-expected-to-grow-76-this-year-695260">India's GDP grew 8.4% in Q3; economy expected to grow 7.6% this year</a>&nbsp;

The statement further mentioned that the missile incorporates many novel technologies, including a miniaturised reaction control system (RCS) and integrated avionics, which have been successfully proven during the tests.&nbsp;

"The missile is propelled by a dual-thrust solid motor and meant for neutralising low-altitude aerial threats at short ranges. The design of the missile including the launcher has been highly optimised to ensure easy portability," it added.&nbsp;

Rajnath Singh, who is the defence minister, congratulated the DRDO and the Indian Army for the successful development trials. He said that the new missile, equipped with modern technologies, will give further technological boost to the armed forces.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

India successfully conducted two flight tests of a very short-range air defence missile off the coast of Odisha, an eastern Indian state. The tests were carried out on Wednesday (Feb 28) and Thursday (Feb 29).

India successfully conducted two flight tests of a very short-range air defence missile off the coast of Odisha, an eastern Indian state. The tests were carried out on Wednesday (Feb 28) and Thursday (Feb 29). The defence ministry said, "The DRDO conducted two successful flight tests of Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missiles on February 28 and 29 from a ground-based portable launcher off the coast of Odisha from integrated test range, Chandipur." The statement added that the tests were carried out against high-speed unmanned aerial targets under different interception scenarios. Also read: Indian govt working to bring back Indians stranded in Russia, official says "During all the test flights, the targets were intercepted and destroyed by the missiles, meeting the mission objectives," the ministry said. The Very Short Range Air Defence System, or VSHORADS, is a fourth-generation, man-portable air defence system. It is designed and developed indigenously by Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in collaboration with other Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) laboratories and Indian industry partners. Also read: India's GDP grew 8.4% in Q3; economy expected to grow 7.6% this year The statement further mentioned that the missile incorporates many novel technologies, including a miniaturised reaction control system (RCS) and integrated avionics, which have been successfully proven during the tests. "The missile is propelled by a dual-thrust solid motor and meant for neutralising low-altitude aerial threats at short ranges. The design of the missile including the launcher has been highly optimised to ensure easy portability," it added. Rajnath Singh, who is the defence minister, congratulated the DRDO and the Indian Army for the successful development trials. He said that the new missile, equipped with modern technologies, will give further technological boost to the armed forces. (With inputs from agencies)

India successfully flight-tests indigenous very short-range air defence system

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) founder Sharad Pawar on Thursday extended an invitation to Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde, and the two deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar for lunch at his Baramati residence on Saturday when the state leadership will visit the constituency to inaugurate several developmental projects

India: Sharad Pawar invites Eknath Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar for lunch at residence

Threatened by climate change, the big cat population across the world is on a decline. The india-headquartered international big cat alliance aims to change that. The multi-country, multi-agency alliance will facilitate interanational cooperation over conservation efforts. The Indian government has also pledged a budget of $18 million for the alliance.

Indian government approves formation of alliance aimed at conserving big cats around

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said&nbsp;that a minimum of 20 Indians, currently stuck in Russia, have reached out to Indian authorities seeking assistance. This development was communicated by MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a press briefing on Thursday (Feb 29).

India is actively engaged in efforts to repatriate these individuals, asserting its commitment to ensuring their safe return home. Jaiswal said that Indian authorities are maintaining regular communication with Russian officials to facilitate the necessary arrangements for the&nbsp;repatriation of the stranded Indians.

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<h2>Acknowledgment of the situation</h2>

The Indian government had formally acknowledged the predicament faced by some of its citizens amidst Russia's conflict with Ukraine on February 23. Recognising the gravity of the situation, the Centre affirmed its dedication to collaborating with Russian authorities to expedite the release and safe return of these stranded individuals.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stay-away-from-this-conflict-india-after-four-citizens-say-forced-to-fight-for-russia-693114">Also read |&nbsp;'Stay away from this conflict', says Indian foreign ministry as 4 citizens 'forced to fight' for Russia</a>

The situation presents numerous challenges, necessitating close coordination between Indian and Russian authorities to navigate logistical complexities and ensure the safe passage of the affected individuals. Efforts are being made to streamline processes and overcome hurdles hindering repatriation.

Ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian nationals stranded in foreign territories remains a top priority for the Indian government. The MEA continues to closely monitor the situation and remains committed to providing necessary assistance and support to facilitate their return to India.

Also watch |&nbsp;Russia: Alexei Navalny to be burried on March 1; Navalny's widow fears arrests at funeral

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-alexei-navalny-to-be-burried-on-march-1-navalnys-widow-fears-arrests-at-funeral-694988/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Diplomatic channels are being leveraged to address the plight of Indian citizens in Russia, underscoring the significance of international cooperation and collaboration in times of crisis. The Indian government is actively engaging with relevant stakeholders to expedite repatriation efforts and alleviate the distress faced by stranded nationals.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said that a minimum of 20 Indians, currently stuck in Russia, have reached out to Indian authorities seeking assistance.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said that a minimum of 20 Indians, currently stuck in Russia, have reached out to Indian authorities seeking assistance. This development was communicated by MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a press briefing on Thursday (Feb 29). India is actively engaged in efforts to repatriate these individuals, asserting its commitment to ensuring their safe return home. Jaiswal said that Indian authorities are maintaining regular communication with Russian officials to facilitate the necessary arrangements for the repatriation of the stranded Indians. #WATCH | MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "It is our understanding that there are 20 people who've gone there to work as support staff or as helpers with the Russian army. These are the people who have contacted us, and that is our understanding that this is the number that… pic.twitter.com/5kXPrUtTrR — ANI (@ANI) February 29, 2024 × Acknowledgment of the situation The Indian government had formally acknowledged the predicament faced by some of its citizens amidst Russia's conflict with Ukraine on February 23. Recognising the gravity of the situation, the Centre affirmed its dedication to collaborating with Russian authorities to expedite the release and safe return of these stranded individuals. Also read | 'Stay away from this conflict', says Indian foreign ministry as 4 citizens 'forced to fight' for Russia The situation presents numerous challenges, necessitating close coordination between Indian and Russian authorities to navigate logistical complexities and ensure the safe passage of the affected individuals. Efforts are being made to streamline processes and overcome hurdles hindering repatriation. Ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian nationals stranded in foreign territories remains a top priority for the Indian government. The MEA continues to closely monitor the situation and remains committed to providing necessary assistance and support to facilitate their return to India. Also watch | Russia: Alexei Navalny to be burried on March 1; Navalny's widow fears arrests at funeral Diplomatic channels are being leveraged to address the plight of Indian citizens in Russia, underscoring the significance of international cooperation and collaboration in times of crisis. The Indian government is actively engaging with relevant stakeholders to expedite repatriation efforts and alleviate the distress faced by stranded nationals. (With inputs from agencies)

Government working to bring back Indians stranded in Russia, says external affairs ministry

French Army Chief Gen Pierre Schill has termed India as a key partner, emphasising the necessity of enhancing military cooperation between the two nations. In an exclusive conversation with WION diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, General Schill underscored India's significance, stating, "India is one of the biggest partners in the area."

He elaborated on his discussions with Indian Army Chief Manoj Pande, highlighting the need to deepen cooperation both quantitatively and qualitatively. This includes intensifying joint exercises, exchanging staff members, and engaging in dialogues regarding military doctrine and experiences.

During his three-day visit to India, Gen Schill engaged with representatives from the defence industry and observed a Pinaka firing demonstration in Rajasthan.

Regarding the situation in the Indo-Pacific region and Chinese assertiveness, he remarked that "China is a very strong power and China has a clear agenda to use this power."

Reflecting on the situation in Ukraine, he emphasised the imperative to expedite the development of weapons, ammunition, and military equipment, stating, "We will support Ukraine because France, you know, is behind Ukraine."

Here is the full interview:

WION: How do you see army-to-army engagement between the Indian Army and the French Army?

Gen Pierre Schill: Thank you for welcoming me here. I'm very happy to be here for three days and when I met my counterpart General Manoj Pande, we had very ancient relations between our two armies, we have a very ancient relation between our two countries. You mentioned the great honour of welcoming President Macron here for the Republic Day and marching of the French unit in the opening of the parade this year, and this is a sign of those 25 years of strategic relationship between our two countries. Relation is at the strategic level, there is a way to feed this relation at the army level. So the armed forces and the relation between the two Navies or Air forces counterparts are well-known, but there is also a very important relation between our two armies.

WION:&nbsp;&nbsp;What are the key focus areas when you had a conversation with your Indian counterpart here in Delhi?

Gen Pierre Schill: The base of our discussions was about how to deepen and enhance the relation we had during the last years and for example, in 2023 we increased the relation. General Manoj Pande was in charge and I was too and we met in Paris one year ago when he came and I received him in Paris. So we decided to enhance this relationship. So we did some important common activities in 2023, including exercises. We had an Army Detachment on a French ship which came here last year and that was the time to make a very interesting exercise. So the base for our discussions was to agree that we must go on further in quantity, but also in quality, for some common exercises, some exchanges of staff members, and also some talks about doctrine or exchange of experience, Army experience.

WION:&nbsp;So you pointed out to various exercises which have been happening between the Indian side and the French side, there are upcoming exercises as well - the Shakti exercises, which will take place in the month of May, if you can elaborate what will be the focus area, the participation at the French level with the Indian side?

Gen Pierre Schill: Yes...every two years we are doing those Shakti exercises and we try to do it once in France and once in India. So in 2024, it will be an exercise in India, here. The place is at the moment still [being] discussed, but what I know is that we will have about 100 French soldiers and we will come and do common exercise with the Army but also with some participation from the Air Force. And we will do an exercise at battalion level. That means we will try to increase the level of the exercise every year. The interest here is mutual knowledge. It is also the tactical theme we will make but it is also an exchange of military knowledge of our soldiers because our two armies are active armies that are really prepared for fight. And so that's sure from my side, regarding the fact that my soldiers will be able to know and learn from soldiers here, really efficient and famous with a famous military skill of the Indian Army.

WION: We saw the French contingent at the Republic Day Parade, which was symbolic of the India-French relationship. We also saw the Indian contingent at the Bastille Day parade as well. Symbolic of the relationship. How do you see the participation of these contingents? The French contingent marched on Republic Day, which was seen across the world and tweeted by the French president as well.

Gen Pierre Schill: I was lucky to be in the Champs-Élysées on Bastille Day, when Prime Minister [Narendra] Modi came and when three Armed forces contingents, from Air Force, Navy and Army were opening the parade. It was great. When French remember Bastille Day of 2023 they have in sight the parade of the Indian detachment. I think this is very important, our relation is a strategic relation, fed by the military relation. So having some Indian units on Bastille Day and Prime Minister Modi coming and this year having our President on the Republic Day and those French units marching with the Indian Army are very symbolic and very important symbols of this relation between our two countries.

WION:&nbsp;&nbsp;Sir, your three-day visit was not just about the meeting but also about your travels. You saw the firing as well, the artillery firing in Rajasthan. What do you make out of that? Your conversation as well, your addresses as well and any specific comments on India's make in India projects.

Gen Pierre Schill: I was very impressed during the last three days by all that I've seen. I've met...the higher [officials] responsible of the Army, of course General Pande, but also the Vice Chief of Air force, Vice Chief of Navy and some units on the ground including a demonstration of shooting, long-range artillery Indian shooting.&nbsp;I was very impressed at all levels because of the professionalism of the Indian Army, the quality of their equipment and as you mentioned, make-in-India equipment with the ambition to have real strategic autonomy. And I value this a lot because this is very close to the French view of strategic autonomy, freedom of decision, support of a world in which the rules are the normal way to cope with the relations between states. And I think this is the heart and the base of our relationship and what we military, we need to keep possible for our politicians. That means supporting this view of our two countries but very, very impressive Indian Army and I will have a lot to think about coming back to France.

&nbsp;

French Army Chief Gen Pierre Schill has termed India as a key partner, emphasising the necessity of enhancing military cooperation between the two nations. In an exclusive conversation with WION diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, General Schill underscored India's significance, stating, "India is one of the biggest partners in the area.

French Army Chief Gen Pierre Schill has termed India as a key partner, emphasising the necessity of enhancing military cooperation between the two nations. In an exclusive conversation with WION diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, General Schill underscored India's significance, stating, "India is one of the biggest partners in the area." He elaborated on his discussions with Indian Army Chief Manoj Pande, highlighting the need to deepen cooperation both quantitatively and qualitatively. This includes intensifying joint exercises, exchanging staff members, and engaging in dialogues regarding military doctrine and experiences. During his three-day visit to India, Gen Schill engaged with representatives from the defence industry and observed a Pinaka firing demonstration in Rajasthan. Regarding the situation in the Indo-Pacific region and Chinese assertiveness, he remarked that "China is a very strong power and China has a clear agenda to use this power." Reflecting on the situation in Ukraine, he emphasised the imperative to expedite the development of weapons, ammunition, and military equipment, stating, "We will support Ukraine because France, you know, is behind Ukraine." Here is the full interview: WION: How do you see army-to-army engagement between the Indian Army and the French Army? Gen Pierre Schill: Thank you for welcoming me here. I'm very happy to be here for three days and when I met my counterpart General Manoj Pande, we had very ancient relations between our two armies, we have a very ancient relation between our two countries. You mentioned the great honour of welcoming President Macron here for the Republic Day and marching of the French unit in the opening of the parade this year, and this is a sign of those 25 years of strategic relationship between our two countries. Relation is at the strategic level, there is a way to feed this relation at the army level. So the armed forces and the relation between the two Navies or Air forces counterparts are well-known, but there is also a very important relation between our two armies. WION: What are the key focus areas when you had a conversation with your Indian counterpart here in Delhi? Gen Pierre Schill: The base of our discussions was about how to deepen and enhance the relation we had during the last years and for example, in 2023 we increased the relation. General Manoj Pande was in charge and I was too and we met in Paris one year ago when he came and I received him in Paris. So we decided to enhance this relationship. So we did some important common activities in 2023, including exercises. We had an Army Detachment on a French ship which came here last year and that was the time to make a very interesting exercise. So the base for our discussions was to agree that we must go on further in quantity, but also in quality, for some common exercises, some exchanges of staff members, and also some talks about doctrine or exchange of experience, Army experience. WION: So you pointed out to various exercises which have been happening between the Indian side and the French side, there are upcoming exercises as well - the Shakti exercises, which will take place in the month of May, if you can elaborate what will be the focus area, the participation at the French level with the Indian side? Gen Pierre Schill: Yes...every two years we are doing those Shakti exercises and we try to do it once in France and once in India. So in 2024, it will be an exercise in India, here. The place is at the moment still [being] discussed, but what I know is that we will have about 100 French soldiers and we will come and do common exercise with the Army but also with some participation from the Air Force. And we will do an exercise at battalion level. That means we will try to increase the level of the exercise every year. The interest here is mutual knowledge. It is also the tactical theme we will make but it is also an exchange of military knowledge of our soldiers because our two armies are active armies that are really prepared for fight. And so that's sure from my side, regarding the fact that my soldiers will be able to know and learn from soldiers here, really efficient and famous with a famous military skill of the Indian Army. WION: We saw the French contingent at the Republic Day Parade, which was symbolic of the India-French relationship. We also saw the Indian contingent at the Bastille Day parade as well. Symbolic of the relationship. How do you see the participation of these contingents? The French contingent marched on Republic Day, which was seen across the world and tweeted by the French president as well. Gen Pierre Schill: I was lucky to be in the Champs-Élysées on Bastille Day, when Prime Minister [Narendra] Modi came and when three Armed forces contingents, from Air Force, Navy and Army were opening the parade. It was great. When French remember Bastille Day of 2023 they have in sight the parade of the Indian detachment. I think this is very important, our relation is a strategic relation, fed by the military relation. So having some Indian units on Bastille Day and Prime Minister Modi coming and this year having our President on the Republic Day and those French units marching with the Indian Army are very symbolic and very important symbols of this relation between our two countries. WION: Sir, your three-day visit was not just about the meeting but also about your travels. You saw the firing as well, the artillery firing in Rajasthan. What do you make out of that? Your conversation as well, your addresses as well and any specific comments on India's make in India projects. Gen Pierre Schill: I was very impressed during the last three days by all that I've seen. I've met...the higher [officials] responsible of the Army, of course General Pande, but also the Vice Chief of Air force, Vice Chief of Navy and some units on the ground including a demonstration of shooting, long-range artillery Indian shooting. I was very impressed at all levels because of the professionalism of the Indian Army, the quality of their equipment and as you mentioned, make-in-India equipment with the ambition to have real strategic autonomy. And I value this a lot because this is very close to the French view of strategic autonomy, freedom of decision, support of a world in which the rules are the normal way to cope with the relations between states. And I think this is the heart and the base of our relationship and what we military, we need to keep possible for our politicians. That means supporting this view of our two countries but very, very impressive Indian Army and I will have a lot to think about coming back to France.

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A 20-year-old student studying in Greater Noida, in the Gautam Buddha Nagar district of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, was allegedly strangled to death by four friends.

Local police officials said that the incident happened after an argument broke out. The friends allegedly buried his body 6 ft deep inside a farmland in Amroha.&nbsp;

Police said that the accused killed the student on February 27 but to mislead the police and his family, they sent ransom messages on February 28.&nbsp;

Officials said that three accused were engaged in a gunfight with the police in Greater Noida on Wednesday evening and the accused also suffered gunshot injuries on their legs. They were arrested by the police.&nbsp;

The fourth accused, Shubham Chaudhary, is at large.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-at-least-14-killed-20-injured-after-pick-up-van-overturns-in-madhya-pradesh-694963">At least 14 killed, 20 injured after pick-up van overturns in Madhya Pradesh</a>&nbsp;

The victim, who has been identified as Yash Mittal, and the accused belonged to the Gajraula area in Amroha district, Uttar Pradesh, where the murder took place on Tuesday night.&nbsp;

The student belonged to a business family and was enrolled for a Bachelor in Business Administration (BBA) degree at a private university in Greater Noida.&nbsp;

As quoted by the news agency PTI, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Greater Noida) Saad Miya Khan said that when Yash did not return to the university hostel after leaving the premises on Monday, an FIR was lodged at the local Dadri police station and a probe was launched.&nbsp;

Khan added, "On February 27, the police received information that Bennett University student Yash Mittal had not returned to the hostel since February 26. Immediately, police teams were formed to investigate this case. When CCTV footage was reviewed, it was found that he left the university campus safely in a car while talking to someone on the phone."&nbsp;

The officer said that call data records were also checked as part of the probe. The call details led the police to some suspects, including his friend Rachit Nagar who told the police about a party in Gajraula to which Mittal was invited by his friends.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-1993-serial-train-blasts-accused-abdul-karim-tunda-acquitted-by-court-in-rajasthan-695077">Lashkar-e-Taiba bomb maker Abdul Karim Tunda acquitted in 1993 blast case</a>&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Row erupts after Tamil Nadu Minister's Chinese flag on Indian rocket ad. Here's how PM Modi reacted&nbsp;

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"During the probe, Rachit Nagar told police that he, Yash Mittal, Shivam Singh, Shubham Singh, Sushant Verma and Shubham Chaudhary, who lived in Gajraula (Amroha), are friends with each other since November 2023," the DCP said.&nbsp;

"On February 26, they had called Yash Mittal for the party in Gajraula. He went there during which an argument broke out between him and others after which he was killed and his body was buried inside a farmland in Gajraula. We recovered the body from the farmland on Wednesday," Khan said.&nbsp;

Reports said that the victim's family is in the electronics business and he apparently told his friends that they were "surviving and having parties on his money", which became the reason for the conflict.&nbsp;

The police received information that the accused were in Greater Noida's Dadri area on Wednesday evening and during a combing operation, a gunfight broke out during which the accused suffered bullet injuries.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A 20-year-old student studying in Greater Noida, in the Gautam Buddha Nagar district of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, was allegedly strangled to death by four friends.

A 20-year-old student studying in Greater Noida, in the Gautam Buddha Nagar district of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, was allegedly strangled to death by four friends. Local police officials said that the incident happened after an argument broke out. The friends allegedly buried his body 6 ft deep inside a farmland in Amroha. Police said that the accused killed the student on February 27 but to mislead the police and his family, they sent ransom messages on February 28. Officials said that three accused were engaged in a gunfight with the police in Greater Noida on Wednesday evening and the accused also suffered gunshot injuries on their legs. They were arrested by the police. The fourth accused, Shubham Chaudhary, is at large. Also read: At least 14 killed, 20 injured after pick-up van overturns in Madhya Pradesh The victim, who has been identified as Yash Mittal, and the accused belonged to the Gajraula area in Amroha district, Uttar Pradesh, where the murder took place on Tuesday night. The student belonged to a business family and was enrolled for a Bachelor in Business Administration (BBA) degree at a private university in Greater Noida. As quoted by the news agency PTI, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Greater Noida) Saad Miya Khan said that when Yash did not return to the university hostel after leaving the premises on Monday, an FIR was lodged at the local Dadri police station and a probe was launched. Khan added, "On February 27, the police received information that Bennett University student Yash Mittal had not returned to the hostel since February 26. Immediately, police teams were formed to investigate this case. When CCTV footage was reviewed, it was found that he left the university campus safely in a car while talking to someone on the phone." The officer said that call data records were also checked as part of the probe. The call details led the police to some suspects, including his friend Rachit Nagar who told the police about a party in Gajraula to which Mittal was invited by his friends. Also read: Lashkar-e-Taiba bomb maker Abdul Karim Tunda acquitted in 1993 blast case Watch: Row erupts after Tamil Nadu Minister's Chinese flag on Indian rocket ad. Here's how PM Modi reacted × "During the probe, Rachit Nagar told police that he, Yash Mittal, Shivam Singh, Shubham Singh, Sushant Verma and Shubham Chaudhary, who lived in Gajraula (Amroha), are friends with each other since November 2023," the DCP said. "On February 26, they had called Yash Mittal for the party in Gajraula. He went there during which an argument broke out between him and others after which he was killed and his body was buried inside a farmland in Gajraula. We recovered the body from the farmland on Wednesday," Khan said. Reports said that the victim's family is in the electronics business and he apparently told his friends that they were "surviving and having parties on his money", which became the reason for the conflict. The police received information that the accused were in Greater Noida's Dadri area on Wednesday evening and during a combing operation, a gunfight broke out during which the accused suffered bullet injuries. (With inputs from agencies)

'Friends' kill 20-year-old student in Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, send ransom messages to 'mislead' police

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