WION's exclusive interview with Dr. V Anantha Nageswaran, the Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India. What are the risks to the robust growth outlook for India, which the government says will be a developed economy by 2047? Watch to learn more about the thought process behind the government's focus on women, farmers, the poor, and the youth. Watch the candid conversation with the Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India, who breaks down India's fiscal discipline plan and calls the path "realistic", not "ambitious".

WION's exclusive interview with Dr. V Anantha Nageswaran

<p>A day after the US State Department pledged the sale of the&nbsp;MQ-9B to India boosting its maritime security through its advanced capabilities, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has also cleared&nbsp;the deal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>US Senator Ben Cardin, a Democrat from Maryland and the Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee stated "his approval of the sale of MQ-9 drones to India."</p>

<p>However, the deal still requires ratification by the US Congress to be fully approved for sale to India. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on Thursday (Feb 1) delivered the required certification notifying US Congress of the sale of 31 of these Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).&nbsp;The deal involving MQ-9B drones comes at an estimated cost of $3.99 billion.<br />
<br />
"The US-India partnership plays a key role in Indo-Pacific stability, including through regional mechanisms such as the Quad. I support deepening our bilateral relationship with India as long as that partnership is based on mutual trust and respect," Cardin said in the statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/red-sea-indian-navy-bolsters-presence-with-deployments-off-djibouti-gulf-of-aden-and-east-coast-of-somalia-686574">Red Sea: Indian Navy bolsters presence with deployments off Djibouti, Gulf of Aden, and East Coast of Somalia</a></p>

<p>Earlier, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, after DSCA notified Congress of the sale, reportedly said,&nbsp;"This was the initial step today, notifying Congress. The exact timeline of the delivery is something that we will explore with the government of India over the coming months."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, in the notification, DSCA said,&nbsp;"This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to strengthen the US-Indian strategic relationship and to improve the security of a major defence partner which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia region."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-maldives-agree-to-phased-replacement-of-military-personnel-from-island-686513">India, Maldives agree to phased replacement of military personnel from island</a></p>

<p>The procurement of these drones by India comes as the country is looking to enhance its maritime security. This also comes at a crucial juncture as&nbsp;recent attacks on Red Sea shipping by Houthi rebels have raised concerns globally and exposed the vulnerability of maritime trade routes to&nbsp;threats.</p>

<section>
<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/maldives-india-ties-nose-dive-inside-south-asia-686566">Maldives-India ties Nose Dive | Inside South Asia</a></strong></p>

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<p>These types of attacks can disrupt the free flow of commerce through acts of piracy and attacks on vessels. In response to these challenges, India has not only expressed its concern but has also reaffirmed its commitment to working with international partners to address the evolving security situation in the maritime domain. Therefore, the sale of these drones to India will be a crucial step towards ensuring India's maritime security.&nbsp;</p>
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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A day after the US State Department pledged the sale of the MQ-9B to India boosting its maritime security through its advanced capabilities, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has also cleared the deal.

A day after the US State Department pledged the sale of the MQ-9B to India boosting its maritime security through its advanced capabilities, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has also cleared the deal. US Senator Ben Cardin, a Democrat from Maryland and the Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee stated "his approval of the sale of MQ-9 drones to India." However, the deal still requires ratification by the US Congress to be fully approved for sale to India. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on Thursday (Feb 1) delivered the required certification notifying US Congress of the sale of 31 of these Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The deal involving MQ-9B drones comes at an estimated cost of $3.99 billion. "The US-India partnership plays a key role in Indo-Pacific stability, including through regional mechanisms such as the Quad. I support deepening our bilateral relationship with India as long as that partnership is based on mutual trust and respect," Cardin said in the statement. Also Read | Red Sea: Indian Navy bolsters presence with deployments off Djibouti, Gulf of Aden, and East Coast of Somalia Earlier, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, after DSCA notified Congress of the sale, reportedly said, "This was the initial step today, notifying Congress. The exact timeline of the delivery is something that we will explore with the government of India over the coming months." Notably, in the notification, DSCA said, "This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to strengthen the US-Indian strategic relationship and to improve the security of a major defence partner which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia region." Also Read | India, Maldives agree to phased replacement of military personnel from island The procurement of these drones by India comes as the country is looking to enhance its maritime security. This also comes at a crucial juncture as recent attacks on Red Sea shipping by Houthi rebels have raised concerns globally and exposed the vulnerability of maritime trade routes to threats. Watch | Maldives-India ties Nose Dive | Inside South Asia × These types of attacks can disrupt the free flow of commerce through acts of piracy and attacks on vessels. In response to these challenges, India has not only expressed its concern but has also reaffirmed its commitment to working with international partners to address the evolving security situation in the maritime domain. Therefore, the sale of these drones to India will be a crucial step towards ensuring India's maritime security. (With inputs from agencies)

Sale of MQ-9 drones to India cleared by US Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Veteran Bharatiya Janata Party leader Lal Krishna Advani will be conferred Bharat Ratna. The announcement was made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself. Advani has been a key leading figure in the BJP for decades and has served as home minister of India. Watch to know more!

India: BJP veteran leader LK Advani to get Bharat Ratna

India's highest civilian honour for BJP veteran leader LK Advani

<p>The governments of India and Maldives on Friday (Feb 2) agreed to a phased replacement of the Indian military personnel posted in the South Asian archipelago, Maldivian foreign ministry said in a statement. The development comes amid New Delhi's emphasis on "mutually workable solutions"&nbsp;after newly-elected&nbsp;pro-China President Muizzu called upon New Delhi to pull out its personnel from the island nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A total of 77 Indian military personnel are posted in the island nation primarily to operate two helicopters and an aircraft used for medical evacuations and humanitarian missions. The ties between New Delhi and Male have faced challenges since pro-China President Muizzu assumed power in November.</p>

<p>The development came during&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/maldives-delegation-in-india-for-second-core-group-meeting-686291">second meeting of the high-level core group</a> in New Delhi.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Breaking: Maldives says, India, Maldives have agreed that India will replace the military personnel in one of the three aviation platforms by 10 March 2024, and will complete replacing military personnel in the other two platforms by 10 May 2024. Announcement: <a href="https://t.co/g5Lpjz8Znz">https://t.co/g5Lpjz8Znz</a> <a href="https://t.co/5jPBCx3pcW">pic.twitter.com/5jPBCx3pcW</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1753445183663010179?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Both sides agreed that the Government of India will replace the military personnel in one of the three aviation platform by 10 March 2024, and will complete replacing military personnel in the &nbsp;other two platforms by 10 May 2024," the Maldivian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>From the looks of the second core group meet readouts and outcomes, the development appears to be a&nbsp;win-win situation for&nbsp;both the sides, with replacement of Indian military personnel with Indian civilian personnel.</p>

<p>The development comes despite an acute frost in the ties between the two neighbours after President Mohamed Muizzu was elected to power in Maldives last October on an 'India Out' election plank, calling for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the island.</p>

<p>Weeks later, the now-suspended ministers in the Muizzu cabinet made disparaging comments against Indian&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra&nbsp;Modi and Indian people in general. This led to&nbsp;the usually flourishing people-to-people ties between the two countries take a beating.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">From the looks of the 2nd core group meet readouts &amp; outcomes, it looks like a win win has been achieved by both sides, with replacement of Indian military personnel with Indian civilian personnel. <a href="https://t.co/0FXjfaj294">https://t.co/0FXjfaj294</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1753466235332038712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>“Both sides also agreed on a set of mutually workable solutions to enable continued operation of Indian aviation platforms that provide humanitarian and medvac services to the people of Maldives," India's Ministry of External Affairs&nbsp;said in its statement.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Maldives delegation in India for second core group meeting</strong></p>

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<p>The 77 Indian military personnel&nbsp;consist of military engineers, trainers, and pilots who are principally responsible for operating two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft.</p>

<p>The two sides have agreed to hold a third high-level core group meeting in Malé on a mutually agreeable date during the last week of February, the Maldivian foreign ministry said in its statement.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The governments of India and Maldives on Friday (Feb 2) agreed to a phased replacement of the Indian military personnel posted in the South Asian archipelago, Maldivian foreign ministry said in a statement.

The governments of India and Maldives on Friday (Feb 2) agreed to a phased replacement of the Indian military personnel posted in the South Asian archipelago, Maldivian foreign ministry said in a statement. The development comes amid New Delhi's emphasis on "mutually workable solutions" after newly-elected pro-China President Muizzu called upon New Delhi to pull out its personnel from the island nation. A total of 77 Indian military personnel are posted in the island nation primarily to operate two helicopters and an aircraft used for medical evacuations and humanitarian missions. The ties between New Delhi and Male have faced challenges since pro-China President Muizzu assumed power in November. The development came during the second meeting of the high-level core group in New Delhi. Breaking: Maldives says, India, Maldives have agreed that India will replace the military personnel in one of the three aviation platforms by 10 March 2024, and will complete replacing military personnel in the other two platforms by 10 May 2024. Announcement: https://t.co/g5Lpjz8Znz pic.twitter.com/5jPBCx3pcW — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) February 2, 2024 × "Both sides agreed that the Government of India will replace the military personnel in one of the three aviation platform by 10 March 2024, and will complete replacing military personnel in the other two platforms by 10 May 2024," the Maldivian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. What does it mean? From the looks of the second core group meet readouts and outcomes, the development appears to be a win-win situation for both the sides, with replacement of Indian military personnel with Indian civilian personnel. The development comes despite an acute frost in the ties between the two neighbours after President Mohamed Muizzu was elected to power in Maldives last October on an 'India Out' election plank, calling for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the island. Weeks later, the now-suspended ministers in the Muizzu cabinet made disparaging comments against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indian people in general. This led to the usually flourishing people-to-people ties between the two countries take a beating. From the looks of the 2nd core group meet readouts & outcomes, it looks like a win win has been achieved by both sides, with replacement of Indian military personnel with Indian civilian personnel. https://t.co/0FXjfaj294 — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) February 2, 2024 × “Both sides also agreed on a set of mutually workable solutions to enable continued operation of Indian aviation platforms that provide humanitarian and medvac services to the people of Maldives," India's Ministry of External Affairs said in its statement. Also watch | Maldives delegation in India for second core group meeting × The 77 Indian military personnel consist of military engineers, trainers, and pilots who are principally responsible for operating two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft. The two sides have agreed to hold a third high-level core group meeting in Malé on a mutually agreeable date during the last week of February, the Maldivian foreign ministry said in its statement. (With inputs from agencies)

India, Maldives agree to phased replacement of military personnel from island

<p>In a strategic move to address the escalating Red Sea crisis, the Indian Navy units, which already have Mission-Based Deployments in key areas of interest in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), are being deployed off Djibouti, Gulf of Aden, and in the North and Central Arabian Sea off East Coast of Somalia, the defence ministry said Friday (Feb 2).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The action is&nbsp;being taken to reinforce maritime security in the face of evolving threats in the Red Sea where there has been rampant attacks on shipping vessels by Houthi rebels.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Minister of Defence for State Ajay Bhatt, in a written reply to Kunwar Pushpendra Singh Chandel in the lower house of Parliament on Feb 2, stated, "Indian Navy has been proactively engaging with regional and extra-regional navies/maritime forces, to promote maritime security in the IOR."</p>

<p>The Indian Navy's commitment to enhancing maritime security has been evident through regular deployments, surveillance efforts, and proactive engagement with "regional and extra-regional navies".</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sale-of-mq-9-drones-to-india-cleared-by-us-senate-foreign-relations-committee-686536">Sale of MQ-9 drones to India cleared by US Senate Foreign Relations Committee</a></p>

<p>According to the minister, since 2008, the Navy has conducted antipiracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden and the East coast of Africa, successfully escorting 3,440 ships and over 25,000 seafarers.</p>

<p>The Navy's commitment also extends beyond physical presence, encompassing information exchange and intelligence sharing with friendly foreign countries.</p>

<p>Demonstrating international cooperation, the Indian Navy has taken bilateral and multilateral maritime exercises, surveillance in joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and carried out coordinated patrolling with friendly foreign countries.</p>

<p>This approach has been taken by the navy in a bid to counter non-traditional threats.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-maldives-agree-to-phased-replacement-of-military-personnel-from-island-686513">India, Maldives agree to phased replacement of military personnel from island</a></p>

<p>The minister also said that the establishment of the Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) further strengthens regional maritime security. The centre works in coordination with 25 partner nations and over 40 international multinational organisations for real-time information exchange.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-navy-rescues-another-iranian-flagged-vessel-off-the-east-coast-of-somalia-red-sea-crisis-686572">Indian Navy rescues another Iranian-flagged vessel off the east coast of Somalia | Red Sea Crisis</a></strong></p>

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<p>These are aimed at ensuring the protection of merchant vessels and providing assistance if required.</p>

<p>"In addition, information exchange/intelligence sharing is also being undertaken with Friendly Foreign Countries to identify the source/reason/players involved in the attacks/incidents," the minister said.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a strategic move to address the escalating Red Sea crisis, the Indian Navy units, which already have Mission-Based Deployments in key areas of interest in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), are being deployed off Djibouti, Gulf of Aden, and in the North and Central Arabian Sea off East Coast of Somalia, the defence ministry said Friday (Feb 2).

In a strategic move to address the escalating Red Sea crisis, the Indian Navy units, which already have Mission-Based Deployments in key areas of interest in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), are being deployed off Djibouti, Gulf of Aden, and in the North and Central Arabian Sea off East Coast of Somalia, the defence ministry said Friday (Feb 2). The action is being taken to reinforce maritime security in the face of evolving threats in the Red Sea where there has been rampant attacks on shipping vessels by Houthi rebels. Minister of Defence for State Ajay Bhatt, in a written reply to Kunwar Pushpendra Singh Chandel in the lower house of Parliament on Feb 2, stated, "Indian Navy has been proactively engaging with regional and extra-regional navies/maritime forces, to promote maritime security in the IOR." The Indian Navy's commitment to enhancing maritime security has been evident through regular deployments, surveillance efforts, and proactive engagement with "regional and extra-regional navies". Also Read | Sale of MQ-9 drones to India cleared by US Senate Foreign Relations Committee According to the minister, since 2008, the Navy has conducted antipiracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden and the East coast of Africa, successfully escorting 3,440 ships and over 25,000 seafarers. The Navy's commitment also extends beyond physical presence, encompassing information exchange and intelligence sharing with friendly foreign countries. Demonstrating international cooperation, the Indian Navy has taken bilateral and multilateral maritime exercises, surveillance in joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and carried out coordinated patrolling with friendly foreign countries. This approach has been taken by the navy in a bid to counter non-traditional threats. Also Read | India, Maldives agree to phased replacement of military personnel from island The minister also said that the establishment of the Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) further strengthens regional maritime security. The centre works in coordination with 25 partner nations and over 40 international multinational organisations for real-time information exchange. Watch | Indian Navy rescues another Iranian-flagged vessel off the east coast of Somalia | Red Sea Crisis × These are aimed at ensuring the protection of merchant vessels and providing assistance if required. "In addition, information exchange/intelligence sharing is also being undertaken with Friendly Foreign Countries to identify the source/reason/players involved in the attacks/incidents," the minister said. (With inputs from agencies)

Red Sea: Indian Navy bolsters presence with deployments off Djibouti, Gulf of Aden, and East Coast of Somalia

India-Maldives relations have taken a big hit since Mohamed Muizzu came to power in the Maldives. Muizzu's distinct anti-India and pro-China stand have meant huge flak from the political opposition and even his own party members. Lawmakers have even called for Muizzu's impeachment. A series of moves by Muizzu tilting away from traditional Maldivian ally India and towards China are in focus in this analysis on Inside South Asia.

Maldives-India ties Nose Dive | WION Inside South Asia

India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the government's last budget to parliament before a national election due by May. The interim budget for 2024/25 is being seen as an economic manifesto for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling party. Here is a report decoding the Interim budget and the politics surrounding it.

Nirmala Sitharaman's political jibes amid economic strides

There's a political potboiler playing out in India's Jharkhand state after Chief Minister and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha chief was arrested for money laundering and corruption. The man now elected by the party to be the Chief Ministerial face has been snubbed by the governor, even as he claims he has the support of 47 MLAs in the 81-member assembly. The Congress cries foul, alleging the BJP is being given space for horse-trading.

Jharkhand: Champai Soren newly elected as Chief Ministerial face JMM

In a major diplomatic win, the US Congress approved a $3 billion MQ-9B Predator Drone Deal with India. Watch the video to know more.

Gravitas | US clears sale of 31 MQ-9B drones for India

<p>Kashmir Valley witnessed heavy snowfall over the last three days leading to the closure of major national highways including Jammu-Srinagar national highway that connects Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country, Mughal Road, Srinagar - Leh Road and Srinagar Gurez road.</p>

<p>The valley also saw record breaking dip in&nbsp;temperatures. The areas in South Kashmir and North Kashmir saw temperatures record&nbsp;below 10 degrees.</p>

<p>In south Kashmir’s Qazigund area, the temperature was recorded at minus 9.4°C, while&nbsp;the popular tourist spot Pahalgam recorded a low of minus 11.9°C.</p>

<p>MeT officials said that It was the 3rd lowest temperature for Pahalgam in the last ten years after minus 12.6°C and minus 12.7°C recorded on 2nd and 9th&nbsp;February in&nbsp;2020 and 2019, respectively.</p>

<p>According to officials, "The all-time lowest minimum temperature for Pahalgam during February was minus 17.2°C in February 1984."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kashmir-valley-receives-fresh-snowfall-breaks-over-two-month-long-dry-spell-684834">Also read |&nbsp;Kashmir Valley receives snowfall, breaking over two months of dry spell</a></p>

<p>The world-famous ski resort Gulmarg saw&nbsp;the minimum temperature settle at minus 12°C. Srinagar recorded the minimum temperature at minus 0.3 Celsius. The MeT department has predicted the&nbsp;weather to be generally dry with possibility of very light snow at isolated places in the higher reaches.</p>

<p>They also added that from Feb 3 to Feb 4, there is possibility of light to moderate snow in Kashmir Valley, and&nbsp;rain in Jammu region.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Kashmir: Heavy snow carpets across valley</strong></p>

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Kashmir Valley witnessed heavy snowfall over the last three days leading to the closure of major national highways including Jammu-Srinagar national highway that connects Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country, Mughal Road, Srinagar - Leh Road and Srinagar Gurez road.

Kashmir Valley witnessed heavy snowfall over the last three days leading to the closure of major national highways including Jammu-Srinagar national highway that connects Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country, Mughal Road, Srinagar - Leh Road and Srinagar Gurez road. The valley also saw record breaking dip in temperatures. The areas in South Kashmir and North Kashmir saw temperatures record below 10 degrees. In south Kashmir’s Qazigund area, the temperature was recorded at minus 9.4°C, while the popular tourist spot Pahalgam recorded a low of minus 11.9°C. MeT officials said that It was the 3rd lowest temperature for Pahalgam in the last ten years after minus 12.6°C and minus 12.7°C recorded on 2nd and 9th February in 2020 and 2019, respectively. According to officials, "The all-time lowest minimum temperature for Pahalgam during February was minus 17.2°C in February 1984." Also read | Kashmir Valley receives snowfall, breaking over two months of dry spell The world-famous ski resort Gulmarg saw the minimum temperature settle at minus 12°C. Srinagar recorded the minimum temperature at minus 0.3 Celsius. The MeT department has predicted the weather to be generally dry with possibility of very light snow at isolated places in the higher reaches. They also added that from Feb 3 to Feb 4, there is possibility of light to moderate snow in Kashmir Valley, and rain in Jammu region. Also watch | Kashmir: Heavy snow carpets across valley

India's Kashmir shivers in record-breaking cold after three days of snowfall

India is buying 31 MQ-9B Predator drones from the U.S. and exporting state-of-the-art defence equipment to other countries. On this episode of Gravitas, we bring you the story of a country growing into a defence superpower.

Gravitas | India To add predator drones to arsenal | Alarm as Indian students die in US

The Maldives delegation is in India for talks. India-Maldives will table second round of talks over military presence. This meeting will be India-Maldives second core group meeting. Watch to know more!

Maldives delegation in India: Maldives demands removal of Indian troops from country

What are the political ramifications of the ongoing troubles within the India alliance? Vikram Chandra speaks with senior political analysts, Neerja Chowdhury and Yashwant Deshmukh, founder and director, CVoter.

Election Countdown: India's opposition alliance in turmoil

<p>India's revolutionary Unified Payments Interface (UPI) marked its global debut as it was formally launched at the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. The momentous occasion, organised by the Indian Embassy in France, aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of taking UPI to the global stage.</p>

<h2><strong>Launch at the Eiffel tower</strong></h2>

<p>The formal launch took place at the Eiffel Tower during a significant Republic Day Reception, embodying the growing ties between India and France.</p>

<p>The event not only signifies the implementation of PM Modi's announcement but also underscores the broader vision of making UPI a global standard.</p>

<p>The official handle of the Indian Embassy in France shared the news on Twitter, expressing gratitude to the Minister Delegate in charge of Democratic Renewal, Government Spokesperson Prisca Thevenot, for honoring the occasion.</p>

<p>The event gathered members of Parliament, business leaders, scholars, friends of India, and the Indian community in France.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">UPI formally launched at the iconic Eiffel Tower at the huge Republic Day Reception. 🇮🇳➡️🇫🇷<br />
<br />
Implementing PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>’s announcement &amp; the vision of taking UPI global. <a href="https://t.co/abl7IPJ0To">pic.twitter.com/abl7IPJ0To</a></p>
— India in France (@IndiaembFrance) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaembFrance/status/1753406488826048729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>PM Modi's invitation to President Macron</strong></h2>

<p>Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, served as the Chief Guest during India's 75th Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi on January 26, following an invitation from Prime Minister Modi. During Macron's visit to Jaipur, PM Modi provided a demonstration of the UPI digital payments system, emphasising its functionality.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/data-lab-india-and-ai-are-we-ahead-of-the-curve-588533">Also read |&nbsp;Data Lab | India and AI: Are we ahead of the curve?</a></p>

<h2><strong>UPI for Eiffel Tower tickets</strong></h2>

<p>In line with this development,&nbsp;the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) announced that tourists visiting the Eiffel Tower can now book their tickets using UPI payments.</p>

<p>NPCI International Payments (NIPL) collaborated with French e-commerce and payments platform Lyra to facilitate the acceptance of UPI payments at the Eiffel Tower, making transactions quick, easy, and hassle-free.</p>

<p>Indian tourists, constituting the second-largest group of international visitors to the Eiffel Tower, can leverage the UPI payment mechanism to purchase tickets online.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Who pays UPI payment surcharge?</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-who-pays-upi-payment-surcharge-577120/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The process involves scanning a QR code generated on the merchant's website to initiate a seamless payment experience.</p>

<p>Unified Payments Interface (UPI), developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) in 2016, revolutionised the banking landscape. The system integrates multiple bank accounts into a single mobile application, offering seamless fund routing and merchant payments.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's revolutionary Unified Payments Interface (UPI) marked its global debut as it was formally launched at the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. The momentous occasion, organised by the Indian Embassy in France, aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of taking UPI to the global stage.

India's revolutionary Unified Payments Interface (UPI) marked its global debut as it was formally launched at the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. The momentous occasion, organised by the Indian Embassy in France, aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of taking UPI to the global stage. Launch at the Eiffel tower The formal launch took place at the Eiffel Tower during a significant Republic Day Reception, embodying the growing ties between India and France. The event not only signifies the implementation of PM Modi's announcement but also underscores the broader vision of making UPI a global standard. The official handle of the Indian Embassy in France shared the news on Twitter, expressing gratitude to the Minister Delegate in charge of Democratic Renewal, Government Spokesperson Prisca Thevenot, for honoring the occasion. The event gathered members of Parliament, business leaders, scholars, friends of India, and the Indian community in France. UPI formally launched at the iconic Eiffel Tower at the huge Republic Day Reception. 🇮🇳➡️🇫🇷 Implementing PM @narendramodi’s announcement & the vision of taking UPI global. pic.twitter.com/abl7IPJ0To — India in France (@IndiaembFrance) February 2, 2024 × PM Modi's invitation to President Macron Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, served as the Chief Guest during India's 75th Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi on January 26, following an invitation from Prime Minister Modi. During Macron's visit to Jaipur, PM Modi provided a demonstration of the UPI digital payments system, emphasising its functionality. Also read | Data Lab | India and AI: Are we ahead of the curve? UPI for Eiffel Tower tickets In line with this development, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) announced that tourists visiting the Eiffel Tower can now book their tickets using UPI payments. NPCI International Payments (NIPL) collaborated with French e-commerce and payments platform Lyra to facilitate the acceptance of UPI payments at the Eiffel Tower, making transactions quick, easy, and hassle-free. Indian tourists, constituting the second-largest group of international visitors to the Eiffel Tower, can leverage the UPI payment mechanism to purchase tickets online. Also watch | Gravitas: Who pays UPI payment surcharge? The process involves scanning a QR code generated on the merchant's website to initiate a seamless payment experience. Unified Payments Interface (UPI), developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) in 2016, revolutionised the banking landscape. The system integrates multiple bank accounts into a single mobile application, offering seamless fund routing and merchant payments. (With inputs from agencies)

India's UPI makes global debut, officially launched at iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris

After an incredible 60 attempts, tennis star Rohan Bopanna secured his first men’s doubles grand slam victory, becoming the oldest-ever grand slam winner in the process. Following this historic triumph at the Australian Open, he accomplished the remarkable feat of becoming the oldest first-time world no. 1 at the age of 43. Don't miss this exclusive conversation with Rohan Bopanna on the India Story.

Oldest-ever winner: Bopanna's historic Australian Open triumph

<p>In the latest,&nbsp;India's groundbreaking Unified Payments Interface (UPI) made its global debut with&nbsp;a formal launch at the renowned Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. In other news, tensions persist in West Asia as the conflict between Israel and Hamas escalates across the region. Following the alleged killing of three US troops at an American base in Jordan by a group associated with Iran, the situation remains volatile. Additionally,&nbsp;Tesla, the electric vehicle giant, is undertaking its most extensive recall in the United States, involving nearly all electric vehicles sold in the country.</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more.</strong></p>

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<p>West Asia continues to be on edge as the war between Israel and Hamas continues to expand in the region. After three US troops were killed at an American base in Jordan allegedly by a group linked to Iran, President Joe Biden has vowed to retaliate but his administration has fallen short of declaring a full-fledged war.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-upi-makes-global-debut-officially-launched-at-iconic-eiffel-tower-in-paris-686453">India's UPI makes global debut, officially launched at iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris</a></p>

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<p>India's revolutionary Unified Payments Interface (UPI) marked its global debut as it was formally launched at the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. The momentous occasion, organised by the Indian Embassy in France, aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of taking UPI to the global stage.</p>

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<p>Indian Navy foiled another piracy attempt along the eastern coast of Somalia. This time, New Delhi's naval forces ensured the safe release of 11 Iranian and 8 Pakistani crew aboard the Iranian-flagged vessel FV Omari that had been boarded by seven pirates who took the crew hostage, Indian Navy said in a statement on social media.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Mark Zuckerberg, the Chief Executive Officer of Meta Platforms Inc, the parent company overseeing social media giants Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is poised to receive an annual dividend of $700 million. The announcement follows Meta's disclosure on Thursday that it would issue its first-ever quarterly dividend to investors, in a significant development since Facebook's Initial Public Offering in 2012.</p>

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<p>Tesla, the electric vehicle giant, is undertaking its most extensive recall in the United States, involving nearly all electric vehicles sold in the country.</p>

<p>The recall is prompted by concerns related to warning lights, posing potential safety risks due to difficulties in reading critical information on the instrument panel, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.</p>

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<p>At least three&nbsp;people were killed and more than 270&nbsp;were&nbsp;injured in a massive fire started by a gas explosion&nbsp;in Kenya's capital Nairobi.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-banker-bao-fan-missing-for-a-year-officially-resigns-from-all-roles-at-china-renaissance-holdings-686380">China: Banker Bao Fan, missing for a year, officially resigns from all roles at China Renaissance Holdings</a></p>

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<p>Chinese billionaire banker Bao Fan, who had been missing for nearly a year, has officially resigned from all positions at China Renaissance Holdings, a financial advisory firm he founded in 2005. Health reasons and a desire to focus on family matters were cited as&nbsp;reasons by the bank for Bao Fan's resignation in its statement,&nbsp;reported BBC.</p>

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<p>Two British teenagers, Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe, received life sentences on Friday (Feb 2)&nbsp;for the shocking knife murder of a 16-year-old transgender girl, Brianna Ghey, in Warrington, northwest England, in 2023. Judge Amanda Yip mandated a minimum of 22 years for Jenkinson and 20 years for Ratcliffe in their respective sentences.</p>

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<p>In a shocking development, three teenage girls lost their lives whilst they were undergoing female genital mutilation (FGM) in Sierra Leone.</p>

<p>According to the reports, police have launched an inquiry into the incident.</p>

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<p>Multiple gunshots were fired at pro-Khalistan Simranjeet Singh's residence in Surrey, Canada. He is an associate of now-dead pro-Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Updates in Canadian media say that the firing took place in the early hours of Thursday (February 1) and that the house indeed belongs to Simranjeet Singh.</p>


In the latest, India's groundbreaking Unified Payments Interface (UPI) made its global debut with a formal launch at the renowned Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. In other news, tensions persist in West Asia as the conflict between Israel and Hamas escalates across the region.

In the latest, India's groundbreaking Unified Payments Interface (UPI) made its global debut with a formal launch at the renowned Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. In other news, tensions persist in West Asia as the conflict between Israel and Hamas escalates across the region. Following the alleged killing of three US troops at an American base in Jordan by a group associated with Iran, the situation remains volatile. Additionally, Tesla, the electric vehicle giant, is undertaking its most extensive recall in the United States, involving nearly all electric vehicles sold in the country. Click on the headlines to read more. Middle East crisis: Iran vows 'strong response to bullies' as Gaza war keeps region on edge West Asia continues to be on edge as the war between Israel and Hamas continues to expand in the region. After three US troops were killed at an American base in Jordan allegedly by a group linked to Iran, President Joe Biden has vowed to retaliate but his administration has fallen short of declaring a full-fledged war. India's UPI makes global debut, officially launched at iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris India's revolutionary Unified Payments Interface (UPI) marked its global debut as it was formally launched at the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. The momentous occasion, organised by the Indian Embassy in France, aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of taking UPI to the global stage. Indian Navy rescues Pakistani, Iranian crew members along east coast of Somalia Indian Navy foiled another piracy attempt along the eastern coast of Somalia. This time, New Delhi's naval forces ensured the safe release of 11 Iranian and 8 Pakistani crew aboard the Iranian-flagged vessel FV Omari that had been boarded by seven pirates who took the crew hostage, Indian Navy said in a statement on social media. Zuckerberg to get $700mn in Meta dividends day after apologising to parents over children safety Mark Zuckerberg, the Chief Executive Officer of Meta Platforms Inc, the parent company overseeing social media giants Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is poised to receive an annual dividend of $700 million. The announcement follows Meta's disclosure on Thursday that it would issue its first-ever quarterly dividend to investors, in a significant development since Facebook's Initial Public Offering in 2012. Tesla's largest recall yet: Millions of vehicles called back due to safety concerns Tesla, the electric vehicle giant, is undertaking its most extensive recall in the United States, involving nearly all electric vehicles sold in the country. The recall is prompted by concerns related to warning lights, posing potential safety risks due to difficulties in reading critical information on the instrument panel, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. People flee as gas explosion fire in Kenya kills two, injures over 200 At least three people were killed and more than 270 were injured in a massive fire started by a gas explosion in Kenya's capital Nairobi. China: Banker Bao Fan, missing for a year, officially resigns from all roles at China Renaissance Holdings Chinese billionaire banker Bao Fan, who had been missing for nearly a year, has officially resigned from all positions at China Renaissance Holdings, a financial advisory firm he founded in 2005. Health reasons and a desire to focus on family matters were cited as reasons by the bank for Bao Fan's resignation in its statement, reported BBC. UK teens sentenced to life in 'frenzied, ferocious' knife killing of transgender girl Two British teenagers, Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe, received life sentences on Friday (Feb 2) for the shocking knife murder of a 16-year-old transgender girl, Brianna Ghey, in Warrington, northwest England, in 2023. Judge Amanda Yip mandated a minimum of 22 years for Jenkinson and 20 years for Ratcliffe in their respective sentences. What is Female Genital Mutilation, regressive practice that killed young girls in Sierra Leone? In a shocking development, three teenage girls lost their lives whilst they were undergoing female genital mutilation (FGM) in Sierra Leone. According to the reports, police have launched an inquiry into the incident. Canada: Gunshots fired at pro-Khalistan Nijjar associate Simranjeet Singh's house Multiple gunshots were fired at pro-Khalistan Simranjeet Singh's residence in Surrey, Canada. He is an associate of now-dead pro-Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Updates in Canadian media say that the firing took place in the early hours of Thursday (February 1) and that the house indeed belongs to Simranjeet Singh.

Top 10 world news: UPI launched in France, Tesla's biggest vehicle recall, and more

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Another Indian student in the United States named Shreyas Reddy has been found dead in Cincinnati, Ohio, making it the third such case within a week. The cause of death, however, remains unknown as of now. According to reports, Reddy was a student at the Linder School of Business. The Indian Consulate in New York has expressed regret about the incident and said that it is in touch with his family and is extending all possible assistance to them.

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The United States has given the green light for the sale of 31 MQ-9B armed drones to India. The deal, valued at an estimated $4 billion, marks a milestone in defence cooperation between the two nations.

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US approves $4 billion sale of MQ-9B drones to India

US-India relations are getting stronger. The U.S. approved the sale of 31 MQ-9B armed drones to India. The sale is valued at an estimated $3.99 billion.

US approves sale of armed drones to India for nearly $4 billion

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