Nitish Kumar, leader of Janata Dal (United) (JD-U), took oath as Bihar’s chief minister on Wednesday (August 10) for the eight time after announcing a new ‘grand alliance’ with Tejashwi Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and other opposition parties. Tejashwi Yadav has been sworn in as the deputy chief minister. Kumar recently resigned as Bihar’s chief minister after breaking alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). After Kumar’s resignation, Nitish and other leaders addressed a joint press conference and announced their&nbsp;new ‘Mahagathbandhan’ or grand alliance, consisting of seven parties, and claimed support of 165 MLAs, including an Independent.

On a day of quick and sudden political developments in Bihar, Kumar earlier met the governor, Phagu Chauhan, twice: once to submit his resignation as CM, and the second time to stake claim for a new government after being chosen as the leader of the grand alliance.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nitish-kumar-resigns-as-bihar-cm-snaps-ties-with-bjp-505166">India politics: Nitish Kumar resigns as Bihar chief minister, snaps ties with BJP</a>

BJP&nbsp;attacked Kumar for snapping the pre-poll alliance&nbsp;and accused him of having disrespected the mandate given by the people of Bihar. 
 
Kumar, who is being trolled on social media for switching sides frequently,&nbsp;had earlier severed ties with the BJP in 2013 but had aligned again with it in 2017. He claimed that the decision to break ties was taken by a unanimous vote. JD-U members&nbsp;claimed that ties with the BJP deteriorated due to a number of instances, including RCP Singh’s exit from the party.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-unsc-india-slams-china-pakistan-for-double-standards-on-terrorism-505306">At UNSC, India slams China, Pakistan for double standards on terrorism</a>

In&nbsp;the joint press conference, Tejashwi criticised the BJP and accused it of destroying parties with whom it formed an alliance. He said, “Across the Hindi heartland, BJP does not have any alliance partner. History shows that the BJP destroys the parties with whom it makes alliances. We did see that happening in Punjab and Maharashtra.”

Kumar has worked with the BJP several times in the last 20 years and had even served as a minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government at the Centre in 1996. JD-U is the third major ally to snap ties with the BJP in the last three years&nbsp;after Shiv Sena and Shiromani Akali Dal.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Nitish Kumar, leader of Janata Dal (United) (JD-U), took oath as Bihar’s chief minister on Wednesday (August 10) for the eight time after announcing a new ‘grand alliance’ with Tejashwi Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and other opposition parties.

Nitish Kumar, leader of Janata Dal (United) (JD-U), took oath as Bihar’s chief minister on Wednesday (August 10) for the eight time after announcing a new ‘grand alliance’ with Tejashwi Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and other opposition parties. Tejashwi Yadav has been sworn in as the deputy chief minister. Kumar recently resigned as Bihar’s chief minister after breaking alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). After Kumar’s resignation, Nitish and other leaders addressed a joint press conference and announced their new ‘Mahagathbandhan’ or grand alliance, consisting of seven parties, and claimed support of 165 MLAs, including an Independent. On a day of quick and sudden political developments in Bihar, Kumar earlier met the governor, Phagu Chauhan, twice: once to submit his resignation as CM, and the second time to stake claim for a new government after being chosen as the leader of the grand alliance. Also read | India politics: Nitish Kumar resigns as Bihar chief minister, snaps ties with BJP BJP attacked Kumar for snapping the pre-poll alliance and accused him of having disrespected the mandate given by the people of Bihar. Kumar, who is being trolled on social media for switching sides frequently, had earlier severed ties with the BJP in 2013 but had aligned again with it in 2017. He claimed that the decision to break ties was taken by a unanimous vote. JD-U members claimed that ties with the BJP deteriorated due to a number of instances, including RCP Singh’s exit from the party. Also read | At UNSC, India slams China, Pakistan for double standards on terrorism In the joint press conference, Tejashwi criticised the BJP and accused it of destroying parties with whom it formed an alliance. He said, “Across the Hindi heartland, BJP does not have any alliance partner. History shows that the BJP destroys the parties with whom it makes alliances. We did see that happening in Punjab and Maharashtra.” Kumar has worked with the BJP several times in the last 20 years and had even served as a minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government at the Centre in 1996. JD-U is the third major ally to snap ties with the BJP in the last three years after Shiv Sena and Shiromani Akali Dal. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Nitish Kumar takes oath as Bihar CM for the 8th time, Tejashwi Yadav becomes deputy

In an ongoing encounter in Central Kashmir's Budgam district, Jammu and Kashmir police claim that terrorists were involved in the killing of TV actress Ambreen Bhat and Kashmiri Pandit Rahul Bhat are trapped at the operation site.

An encounter started earlier today between terrorists and security forces in the Waterhail area of Central Kashmir's Budgam district. Jammu and Kashmir police say three terrorists are holed up at the encounter site. The terrorists belonging to the LeT(TRF) terror outfit are trapped. And the terrorist Lateef, involved in the killing of TV actress Ambreen Bhat and Kashmiri Pandit Rahul Bhat,&nbsp;was among the three terrorists trapped at the site.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-major-tragedy-averted-as-security-forces-recover-and-diffuse-ied-505462">J&amp;K: Major tragedy averted as security forces recover and diffuse IED</a>

''Encounter has started at Waterhail area of Budgam. 03 terrorists from the terror group LeT (TRF), including terrorist Lateef Rather, are caught up in an ongoing battle. Terrorist Lateef is involved in several civilian killings including Rahul Bhat &amp; Amreen Bhat," said Vijay Kumar, ADGP Kashmir Police.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kashmir-women-in-kupwara-are-making-special-national-flags-for-the-har-ghar-tiranga-campaign-504874">Kashmir: Women in Kupwara are making special national flags for the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign</a>

The security forces had received input about the presence of the terrorists in the area, after which a cordon and search operation was launched by a joint team of RR, Police, and CRPF. The terrorists fired on the forces while they were close to the site where terrorists were hiding, resulting in a gun battle.

Jammu and Kashmir have witnessed 78 encounters so far in the year 2022. Security forces have killed 127 terrorists during these encounters and among them were 33 Pakistani terrorists. Kashmir also witnessed the killings of 20 Civilians this year. Security forces also lost 16 soldiers in various terror incidents.&nbsp;

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In an ongoing encounter in Central Kashmir's Budgam district, Jammu and Kashmir police claim that terrorists were involved in the killing of TV actress Ambreen Bhat and Kashmiri Pandit Rahul Bhat are trapped at the operation site.

In an ongoing encounter in Central Kashmir's Budgam district, Jammu and Kashmir police claim that terrorists were involved in the killing of TV actress Ambreen Bhat and Kashmiri Pandit Rahul Bhat are trapped at the operation site. An encounter started earlier today between terrorists and security forces in the Waterhail area of Central Kashmir's Budgam district. Jammu and Kashmir police say three terrorists are holed up at the encounter site. The terrorists belonging to the LeT(TRF) terror outfit are trapped. And the terrorist Lateef, involved in the killing of TV actress Ambreen Bhat and Kashmiri Pandit Rahul Bhat, was among the three terrorists trapped at the site. Also read | J&K: Major tragedy averted as security forces recover and diffuse IED ''Encounter has started at Waterhail area of Budgam. 03 terrorists from the terror group LeT (TRF), including terrorist Lateef Rather, are caught up in an ongoing battle. Terrorist Lateef is involved in several civilian killings including Rahul Bhat & Amreen Bhat," said Vijay Kumar, ADGP Kashmir Police. Also read | Kashmir: Women in Kupwara are making special national flags for the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign The security forces had received input about the presence of the terrorists in the area, after which a cordon and search operation was launched by a joint team of RR, Police, and CRPF. The terrorists fired on the forces while they were close to the site where terrorists were hiding, resulting in a gun battle. Jammu and Kashmir have witnessed 78 encounters so far in the year 2022. Security forces have killed 127 terrorists during these encounters and among them were 33 Pakistani terrorists. Kashmir also witnessed the killings of 20 Civilians this year. Security forces also lost 16 soldiers in various terror incidents. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Encounter in Budgam district, killers of TV actress and Kashmiri pandit trapped

The outbound tourism in India is going to surpass 42 billion dollar by 2024. The government of India could bring about certain policy changes to boost the growing market like increasing direct connections to popular and upcoming destinations allowing foreign cruise vessels to operate on Indian waters.

India's international tourism to surpass $42 billion by 2024

Sri Lanka deferred a proposed visit by China's Yuan Wang 5 spy vessel amid growing pressure from India. China responded by indirectly accusing India of 'disturbing' its relations with Sri Lanka. Palki Sharma tells you why it's advantage India for now.

Gravitas: Sri Lanka defers voyage by Chinese spy vessel

India has been experiencing phenomenal growth in the telecom industry. It is the world’s second-largest telecommunications market with a subscriber base of 1.16 billion.

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India is often called the most prolific film-making nation in the world. Combining Bollywood, Tollywood, Kollywood and other regional film industries, thousands of films are made in dozens of languages every year. And, according to the Guinness World Records, India makes the most movies as compared to other countries. In 75 years of independence, the nation has achieved countless milestones in the world of cinema and movie-making.

India@75: How India became world's movie capital

'Operation Smiling Buddha' was the assigned code name of India's first successful nuclear bomb test. The Ministry of External Affairs designated it as Pokhran-I.

India@75: Smiling Buddha - When India became nuclear state

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Freedom fighter and ardent Gandhian Pingali Venkayya was the first to sketch out India's national flag design in 1921. He was born on August 2, 1876.

India@75: Pingali Venkayya, the man who designed India’s national flag

During the struggle for independence, India's peasants emerged as the dominant force, directly fighting for their own demands.

India@75: Major peasant movements that led way to the struggle for independence

Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s four-day visit to India has come at a time when India’s neighbourhood is in flux. The economic crisis in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal is creating greater instability in a region that is already experiencing perpetual strategic hostilities by Pakistan and China against India. 

Solih’s visit assumes importance since the Maldives is an important partner for India in the latter’s geopolitical competition against China in the Indian Ocean Region. India’s sustained diplomatic, economic and strategic engagements with Maldives and Solih’s favourable response to the same since his becoming president in 2018 have been crucial in India’s counterbalance strategy against China in South Asia. 

Solih’s visit to India combines continuity along with a reset in the India-Maldives relations. 

Continued engagements

Since Solih became the president in 2018, India has accelerated its engagements with Maldives. Solih’s predecessor Abdulla Yameen, during his tenure from 2013 to 2018, pushed Maldives closer to China and away from India. In 2015, the constitution of Maldives was amended which allowed foreigners to own properties in the Maldives. In 2017, a free trade agreement was finalized between Maldives and China. According to former President Mohamed Nasheed, Chinese debt was $3.1 billion which included government-to-government loans and money lent to state enterprises and private entities. Other experts differ on this and estimate the amount of debt owed by Maldives to China to be around $1.1 to 1.4 billion, still a substantial amount considering Maldives annual GDP to be about $4.9 billion. 

Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s victory in the 2018 presidential elections turned Maldivian foreign policy orientation towards India. India proactively responded to this opportunity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the oath-taking ceremony of Solih in November 2018. For his part, Solih chose India as the country of his first foreign visit as president in December 2018. Under Solih’s presidency, Maldives also prioritized relations with India under the India First Policy. This policy has been complemented by India’s Neighbourhood First Policy. 

Since 2018, India’s ties with Maldives have witnessed an upswing. &nbsp;Even as China vies to keep upper hand, India has been successful in making inroads in Maldives by way of economic assistance and infrastructure projects. 

During his recent visit to India, Solih and Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Greater Male connectivity projects in Maldives. India has provided $100 million in grant and $400 million under line of credit. India has also provided $100 million line of credit for development projects in Maldives. Solih’s visit also saw the two countries entering into agreements in the areas of cyber security, disaster management and police infrastructure development. 

India’s status as a favoured partner of Maldives stems from the fact that Indian economic assistance is not aimed at creating a debt trap, like China’s economic engagements. Further, Maldivian economy depends substantially on tourism. However, with the tourism suffering due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Maldives would need assistance for economic recovery on liberal terms which is available from India. 

Challenges to the bilateral relations 

While India has been consistent with its engagements with Maldives there are challenges to the bilateral relations. 

While India has made significant inroads in Maldives, India Out campaign had been gaining ground in Maldives for about past year. Former President Abdulla Yameen led this campaign that was backed by China. Yameen, who was sentenced to five years of imprisonment and a $5 million fine for embezzling $1 million from state funds, was released from house arrest in 2021. The court also cleared him of the embezzlement charges citing insufficient evidence. These developments mark Yameen’s return to politics and the upcoming 2023 presidential elections could decide the fate of the India-Maldives relations should Yameen contest and win. In a bid to counter the anti-India sentiments, Solih signed a decree in April this year stating India Out campaign as a threat to national security and allowing security agencies to take action against opposition parties spearheading this campaign. 

Another area of concern is the radicalization in Maldives. Maldives’ transition to democracy in 2008 also led to growing undercurrents of radicalization. Opposition parties blamed the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), which won the 2008 elections, of ruining the sacred Islamic values. Further the of terror organization ISIS in the Middle East has contributed to radicalization in Maldives. The attack on former President Mohamed Nasheed has been linked to growing radical tendencies in Maldives. Maldives is the country with highest per capita foreign fighters in the world joining the ISIS. In June this year, a violent mob attacked an event organized by the Indian High Commission in Maldives to celebrate International Day of Yoga. This attack is believed to have carried out by the members of Abdulla Yameen’s Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM). Ilmuveringe Gulhun, an Islamic radical organization had called for stopping the celebrations of the International Day of Yoga as it goes against Islamic principles. 

Maldives is an important country in the Indian Ocean Region for India. India’s deep diplomatic, economic and strategic engagements with Maldives seek to address traditional as well as non-traditional security threats. &nbsp;It is pertinent for India to keep up with the engagements and at the same time make an effort to connect with the Maldivian people for greater acceptability. Such measures could lead to India sustaining a geopolitical advantage in Maldives.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)&nbsp;

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Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s four-day visit to India has come at a time when India’s neighbourhood is in flux. The economic crisis in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal is creating greater instability in a region that is already experiencing perpetual strategic hostilities by Pakistan and China against India.

Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s four-day visit to India has come at a time when India’s neighbourhood is in flux. The economic crisis in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal is creating greater instability in a region that is already experiencing perpetual strategic hostilities by Pakistan and China against India. Solih’s visit assumes importance since the Maldives is an important partner for India in the latter’s geopolitical competition against China in the Indian Ocean Region. India’s sustained diplomatic, economic and strategic engagements with Maldives and Solih’s favourable response to the same since his becoming president in 2018 have been crucial in India’s counterbalance strategy against China in South Asia. Solih’s visit to India combines continuity along with a reset in the India-Maldives relations. Continued engagements Since Solih became the president in 2018, India has accelerated its engagements with Maldives. Solih’s predecessor Abdulla Yameen, during his tenure from 2013 to 2018, pushed Maldives closer to China and away from India. In 2015, the constitution of Maldives was amended which allowed foreigners to own properties in the Maldives. In 2017, a free trade agreement was finalized between Maldives and China. According to former President Mohamed Nasheed, Chinese debt was $3.1 billion which included government-to-government loans and money lent to state enterprises and private entities. Other experts differ on this and estimate the amount of debt owed by Maldives to China to be around $1.1 to 1.4 billion, still a substantial amount considering Maldives annual GDP to be about $4.9 billion. Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s victory in the 2018 presidential elections turned Maldivian foreign policy orientation towards India. India proactively responded to this opportunity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the oath-taking ceremony of Solih in November 2018. For his part, Solih chose India as the country of his first foreign visit as president in December 2018. Under Solih’s presidency, Maldives also prioritized relations with India under the India First Policy. This policy has been complemented by India’s Neighbourhood First Policy. Since 2018, India’s ties with Maldives have witnessed an upswing. Even as China vies to keep upper hand, India has been successful in making inroads in Maldives by way of economic assistance and infrastructure projects. During his recent visit to India, Solih and Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Greater Male connectivity projects in Maldives. India has provided $100 million in grant and $400 million under line of credit. India has also provided $100 million line of credit for development projects in Maldives. Solih’s visit also saw the two countries entering into agreements in the areas of cyber security, disaster management and police infrastructure development. India’s status as a favoured partner of Maldives stems from the fact that Indian economic assistance is not aimed at creating a debt trap, like China’s economic engagements. Further, Maldivian economy depends substantially on tourism. However, with the tourism suffering due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Maldives would need assistance for economic recovery on liberal terms which is available from India. Challenges to the bilateral relations While India has been consistent with its engagements with Maldives there are challenges to the bilateral relations. While India has made significant inroads in Maldives, India Out campaign had been gaining ground in Maldives for about past year. Former President Abdulla Yameen led this campaign that was backed by China. Yameen, who was sentenced to five years of imprisonment and a $5 million fine for embezzling $1 million from state funds, was released from house arrest in 2021. The court also cleared him of the embezzlement charges citing insufficient evidence. These developments mark Yameen’s return to politics and the upcoming 2023 presidential elections could decide the fate of the India-Maldives relations should Yameen contest and win. In a bid to counter the anti-India sentiments, Solih signed a decree in April this year stating India Out campaign as a threat to national security and allowing security agencies to take action against opposition parties spearheading this campaign. Another area of concern is the radicalization in Maldives. Maldives’ transition to democracy in 2008 also led to growing undercurrents of radicalization. Opposition parties blamed the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), which won the 2008 elections, of ruining the sacred Islamic values. Further the of terror organization ISIS in the Middle East has contributed to radicalization in Maldives. The attack on former President Mohamed Nasheed has been linked to growing radical tendencies in Maldives. Maldives is the country with highest per capita foreign fighters in the world joining the ISIS. In June this year, a violent mob attacked an event organized by the Indian High Commission in Maldives to celebrate International Day of Yoga. This attack is believed to have carried out by the members of Abdulla Yameen’s Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM). Ilmuveringe Gulhun, an Islamic radical organization had called for stopping the celebrations of the International Day of Yoga as it goes against Islamic principles. Maldives is an important country in the Indian Ocean Region for India. India’s deep diplomatic, economic and strategic engagements with Maldives seek to address traditional as well as non-traditional security threats. It is pertinent for India to keep up with the engagements and at the same time make an effort to connect with the Maldivian people for greater acceptability. Such measures could lead to India sustaining a geopolitical advantage in Maldives. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Continuity and challenges in the India-Maldives relations

Chinese embassy has reportedly sought an urgent meeting with senior Sri Lankan authorities. The move comes after Colombo reportedly saw deferment of the planned docking of high-tech Chinese research vessel Yuan Wang 5.

Sri Lanka blocks Chinese vessel in Indian ocean after India raises concern

A US navy ship called the Charles Drew arrived at a shipyard in India, southern sea of Tamil Nadu for repair work and allied services. This is the first time that an American vessel has visited India for repairs.

US warship Charles drew in India for repair, arrives in Tamil Nadu

China seeks urgent meeting over ship docking, Sri Lanka opposes vessel

The satellites launched by the Indian space research organization have been deemed unusable. Despite the successful launch, the mission did not reach its intended destination.

ISRO’s SSLV Mission fails despite successful launch

A US&nbsp;Navy ship named 'Charles Drew' made history on Sunday when it landed in India for repairs and ancillary services at Larsen &amp; Toubro's (L&amp;T) Shipyard in Kattupalli, Chennai. This move added a new facet to the rapidly growing Indo-U.S. strategic cooperation.

“This is the first ever repair of a US&nbsp;Navy ship in India. The U.S. Navy had awarded a contract to L&amp;T’s Shipyard at Kattupalli for undertaking maintenance of the ship. The event signifies the capabilities of Indian shipyards in the global ship repairing market,” a Defence Ministry statement said.&nbsp;

As reported by The Hindu, the USNS Charles Drew will spend 11 days at the Kattupalli shipyard getting various repairs done.

At the India-US&nbsp;2+2 in April, both countries decided to look at the possibility of using Indian shipyards for the upkeep and repair of ships owned by the US Maritime Sealift Command in order to assist with mid-voyage repairs of US&nbsp;naval ships.

J.D. Patil, a member of the executive council and advisor to the CEO of L&amp;T for defence and smart technologies, stated that the Marine Sealift Command of the U.S. Navy had conducted a thorough evaluation of a few Indian shipyards before approving L&amp;T to handle repairs on their vessels. He called this "a recognition for the modern infrastructure at the shipyard built to global standards."

The arrival of the USNS Charles Drew for repairs, according to Defence Secretary Dr. Ajay Kumar, is a symbol of a developing Indian shipbuilding industry. He called the occasion a "red-letter day" for the Indian shipbuilding industry and the Indo-US defence cooperation.

India currently has six significant shipyards with a combined annual revenue of around $2 billion. We build ships for purposes other than our own needs. We have a design studio on staff that can create a variety of cutting-edge ships. "A brilliant example of the expansion of the Indian shipbuilding sector is the nation's first indigenous aircraft carrier, Vikrant," he remarked.

Dr. Kumar further argued that India and the US&nbsp;have been developing their relationship on the basis of shared ideals and perspectives about "an open, inclusive, and rule-based order in the Indo-Pacific and rest of the global common systems."

According to Dr. Kumar, India will design and develop its first large-scale marine diesel engine over the next two to three years.

He said that a decision had been made to expand the capabilities of naval shipyards and that marine diesel engines of six megawatts and more will be designed and manufactured in India, marking a significant stride toward shipbuilding activities.

The Indian Navy will issue a request for proposals in this respect. The decision to create the diesel marine engine under the "make-one" approach, in which the government contributes 70% of the project cost for the design and development of the engine, has been made, he continued.

From August 7 to August 17, the USNS Charles Drew ship will be in the port for repairs.

According to Judith Ravin, the US Consul General in Chennai, "US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin restated their commitment to explore using Indian shipyards for repairs on US Navy vessels at the US-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in April.

The L&amp;T Kattupalli shipyard's first repair of a United States Navy ship, the Charles Drew, is a significant accomplishment that should be recognised as a testament to our deepened collaboration between the two countries.

The Voyage Repair Availability (VRS) of USNS Charles Drew at L&amp;T Kattupalli, according to Vice Chief of Naval Staff S.N. Ghormade, "shows the kind of mutual trust and also consolidates our role as a significant defence partner." This significant step between India and the US would improve maritime cooperation as well.

According to Dr. Kumar, the Indo-US Defense partnership has made considerable strides in the recent few years. "We have seen a huge amount of traction in the defence industry cooperation. India's defence exports have increased significantly since the&nbsp;&nbsp;last four to five years.&nbsp;

Exports have increased dramatically from 2015–2016 to the present. The US is a major market for Indian goods. This shipbuilding project opens a new section of defence exports. This is a further indication of the shipbuilding industry's maturation, he continued.

(With inputs from The Hindu)

A US Navy ship named 'Charles Drew' made history on Sunday when it landed in India for repairs and ancillary services at Larsen & Toubro's (L&T) Shipyard in Kattupalli, Chennai.

A US Navy ship named 'Charles Drew' made history on Sunday when it landed in India for repairs and ancillary services at Larsen & Toubro's (L&T) Shipyard in Kattupalli, Chennai. This move added a new facet to the rapidly growing Indo-U.S. strategic cooperation. “This is the first ever repair of a US Navy ship in India. The U.S. Navy had awarded a contract to L&T’s Shipyard at Kattupalli for undertaking maintenance of the ship. The event signifies the capabilities of Indian shipyards in the global ship repairing market,” a Defence Ministry statement said. As reported by The Hindu, the USNS Charles Drew will spend 11 days at the Kattupalli shipyard getting various repairs done. At the India-US 2+2 in April, both countries decided to look at the possibility of using Indian shipyards for the upkeep and repair of ships owned by the US Maritime Sealift Command in order to assist with mid-voyage repairs of US naval ships. J.D. Patil, a member of the executive council and advisor to the CEO of L&T for defence and smart technologies, stated that the Marine Sealift Command of the U.S. Navy had conducted a thorough evaluation of a few Indian shipyards before approving L&T to handle repairs on their vessels. He called this "a recognition for the modern infrastructure at the shipyard built to global standards." The arrival of the USNS Charles Drew for repairs, according to Defence Secretary Dr. Ajay Kumar, is a symbol of a developing Indian shipbuilding industry. He called the occasion a "red-letter day" for the Indian shipbuilding industry and the Indo-US defence cooperation. India currently has six significant shipyards with a combined annual revenue of around $2 billion. We build ships for purposes other than our own needs. We have a design studio on staff that can create a variety of cutting-edge ships. "A brilliant example of the expansion of the Indian shipbuilding sector is the nation's first indigenous aircraft carrier, Vikrant," he remarked. Dr. Kumar further argued that India and the US have been developing their relationship on the basis of shared ideals and perspectives about "an open, inclusive, and rule-based order in the Indo-Pacific and rest of the global common systems." According to Dr. Kumar, India will design and develop its first large-scale marine diesel engine over the next two to three years. He said that a decision had been made to expand the capabilities of naval shipyards and that marine diesel engines of six megawatts and more will be designed and manufactured in India, marking a significant stride toward shipbuilding activities. The Indian Navy will issue a request for proposals in this respect. The decision to create the diesel marine engine under the "make-one" approach, in which the government contributes 70% of the project cost for the design and development of the engine, has been made, he continued. From August 7 to August 17, the USNS Charles Drew ship will be in the port for repairs. According to Judith Ravin, the US Consul General in Chennai, "US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin restated their commitment to explore using Indian shipyards for repairs on US Navy vessels at the US-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in April. The L&T Kattupalli shipyard's first repair of a United States Navy ship, the Charles Drew, is a significant accomplishment that should be recognised as a testament to our deepened collaboration between the two countries. The Voyage Repair Availability (VRS) of USNS Charles Drew at L&T Kattupalli, according to Vice Chief of Naval Staff S.N. Ghormade, "shows the kind of mutual trust and also consolidates our role as a significant defence partner." This significant step between India and the US would improve maritime cooperation as well. According to Dr. Kumar, the Indo-US Defense partnership has made considerable strides in the recent few years. "We have seen a huge amount of traction in the defence industry cooperation. India's defence exports have increased significantly since the last four to five years. Exports have increased dramatically from 2015–2016 to the present. The US is a major market for Indian goods. This shipbuilding project opens a new section of defence exports. This is a further indication of the shipbuilding industry's maturation, he continued. (With inputs from The Hindu)

In a first, US navy ship docks in India for repairs

Sri Lanka has asked China to defer the planned visit of a Chinese survey ship to the island country after an objection from India, a government source stated on Sunday.

Sri Lanka objects Chinese vessel arrival after India raises concern

India has successfully launched its small satellite launch vehicle (SSLV). Mission marks 75 years of India's independence. With the launch, India has entered the small satellite launch market.

ISRO successfully launches SSLV as India enters the small satellite launch market

Jagdeep Dhankar has been elected as the 14th Vice President of the country. Dhankar, a former governor of West Bengal and the National Democratic Alliances or the NDA's pick defeated opposition nominee Margaret Alva.

Former West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankar becomes India's 14th Vice President

India has launched its small satellite launch vehicle. Mission marks 75 years of India's independence. Watch this special report.

India enters the small satellite launch market with the successful launch of ISRO's SSLV

India enters small satellite launch market as ISRO launches its small satellite launch vehicle

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India is all set to launch its small satellite launch vehicle. Mission will mark 75 years of India's independence. Watch this special report.

A new feather in ISRO's hat as India is all set to launch its small satellite launch vehicle

ISRO is all set to launch SSLV today. Mission will mark 75 years of India's independence. For more details on the mission, ISRO Chairman speaks to WION.

ISRO is all set to launch SSLV: Mission marks 75 years of India's independence

The satellites launched by the Indian space research organization have been deemed unusable. The maiden small satellite launch vehicle that was carrying the satellites lifted off smoothly from the launch pad but the mission did not reach its intended destination.

India's newly launched satellites deviated from circular orbit

India and the US are all set to hold the 18th edition of War games which is a series of military exercises that includes participation of troops from both the countries. The military drills will be held in mid-October.

India, US to carry out mega military exercise; Joint drills to take part near LAC

The world's top exporter of rice India has been hit by patchy rains. A fall in rice production is expected to raise food prices. Watch this report.

The world's top exporter of rice India hit by patchy rains; Fall in production to raise food prices

India's RBI hiked key lending rates by 50 basis points to tame the rising inflation. Will it be enough to control the spiraling cost-of-living crisis? How does India's economic situation compare with the world? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: India's RBI hikes key interest rates

The relations between Afghanistan and India have been frozen since the Taliban took control in Kabul last year. However, there seems to be some progress in the relations between the two nations, with Afghanistan and India resuming flights.

Flight between Afghanistan and India resume

About 3 years ago, on the 5th of August, 2019, the government of India scrapped Article 370 which gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Years later, the situation of the people of the valley has transformed greatly, witnessing an all-round development.

J&K valley witnesses all-round development

In order to break the dominance and reduce dependence on China in mining and processing rare earth minerals, the United States recently announced the formation of a global alliance called the Mineral Security Partnership (MSP).&nbsp;

Apart from the US, the other countries to have joined this partnership are: Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Sweden, the UK, and the European Commission.

The partnership was announced at the world’s largest mining event, held in Toronto in June.&nbsp;

“Demand for critical minerals, which are essential for clean energy and other technologies, is projected to expand significantly in the coming decades. The MSP will help catalyse investment from governments and the private sector for strategic opportunities — across the full value chain — that adhere to the highest environmental, social, and governance standards,” the US State Department said in a statement issued on June 14.

However, as per reports, there have been growing concerns in India over being left out of the US-led partnership that seeks to end dependency on China. And New Delhi’s apprehension is quite justified given that the country has been pushing for EV and electronics, for which rare earth minerals are needed.

What is MSP?

Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) is an ambitious new alliance formed by the US to secure supply chains of critical minerals. It comes in the backdrop of recorded demand for critical minerals, which are essential for&nbsp;clean energy&nbsp;and other technologies.

The goal of the alliance is to ensure that critical minerals are produced, processed, and recycled&nbsp;in a manner that supports the ability of countries to realise the full economic development benefit of their geological endowments.

The focus would be on the supply chains of minerals such as&nbsp;Cobalt, Nickel, Lithium&nbsp;and also the 17 “rare earth” minerals.

What is a critical mineral?

There is no global definition of critical minerals, but essentially, they are mineral deposits with high economic vulnerability and high global supply chain risk.

Rare earth (RE) comprises seventeen elements and are classified as light RE elements (LREE) and heavy RE elements (HREE).

There is an immense range of these of course and many countries already have their own specific lists of what they currently consider critical minerals – depending on their industrial production requirements.

But globally, there is a gap between projected supply and projected demand for many critical minerals by the end of this decade, especially in cobalt and lithium.

What are major critical minerals?

The major critical minerals are Graphite, Lithium and Cobalt. They are used for making EV batteries and are also critical for making semiconductors and high-end electronics manufacturing.

These minerals are also used in manufacturing fighter jets,&nbsp;drones,&nbsp;radio sets&nbsp;and other critical equipment, hence it is critical for aerospace, communications and defence industries.

Who are the top producers of critical minerals?

According to a report released by the International Energy Agency in 2021 and subsequently updated in March 2022, the major producers of critical minerals globally are Chile, Indonesia, Congo, China, Australia and South Africa.

In terms of processing, China rules the roost. While others include Indonesia, Chile and Japan.

Notably, none of these countries, except Japan and Australia, are represented in the MSP.

India’s concerns

Some of the rare earth elements available India are: Lanthanum, Cerium, Neodymium, Praseodymium and Samarium. While others classified as heavy RE elements such as Dysprosium, Terbium, Europium are not available in extractable quantity.

India relies heavily on China for HREE, which is one of the leading producers with an estimated 70 per cent of the global production.

Hence, there is a lot at stake for India. Which is why Union Finance Ministry, according to The Indian Express, have reportedly communicated with the Ministry of External Affairs to explore the possibility of how New Delhi can join the 11-member group.

(With inputs from agencies)

In order to break the dominance and reduce dependence on China in mining and processing rare earth minerals, the United States recently announced the formation of a global alliance called the Mineral Security Partnership (MSP).

In order to break the dominance and reduce dependence on China in mining and processing rare earth minerals, the United States recently announced the formation of a global alliance called the Mineral Security Partnership (MSP). Apart from the US, the other countries to have joined this partnership are: Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Sweden, the UK, and the European Commission. The partnership was announced at the world’s largest mining event, held in Toronto in June. “Demand for critical minerals, which are essential for clean energy and other technologies, is projected to expand significantly in the coming decades. The MSP will help catalyse investment from governments and the private sector for strategic opportunities — across the full value chain — that adhere to the highest environmental, social, and governance standards,” the US State Department said in a statement issued on June 14. However, as per reports, there have been growing concerns in India over being left out of the US-led partnership that seeks to end dependency on China. And New Delhi’s apprehension is quite justified given that the country has been pushing for EV and electronics, for which rare earth minerals are needed. What is MSP? Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) is an ambitious new alliance formed by the US to secure supply chains of critical minerals. It comes in the backdrop of recorded demand for critical minerals, which are essential for clean energy and other technologies. The goal of the alliance is to ensure that critical minerals are produced, processed, and recycled in a manner that supports the ability of countries to realise the full economic development benefit of their geological endowments. The focus would be on the supply chains of minerals such as Cobalt, Nickel, Lithium and also the 17 “rare earth” minerals. What is a critical mineral? There is no global definition of critical minerals, but essentially, they are mineral deposits with high economic vulnerability and high global supply chain risk. Rare earth (RE) comprises seventeen elements and are classified as light RE elements (LREE) and heavy RE elements (HREE). There is an immense range of these of course and many countries already have their own specific lists of what they currently consider critical minerals – depending on their industrial production requirements. But globally, there is a gap between projected supply and projected demand for many critical minerals by the end of this decade, especially in cobalt and lithium. What are major critical minerals? The major critical minerals are Graphite, Lithium and Cobalt. They are used for making EV batteries and are also critical for making semiconductors and high-end electronics manufacturing. These minerals are also used in manufacturing fighter jets, drones, radio sets and other critical equipment, hence it is critical for aerospace, communications and defence industries. Who are the top producers of critical minerals? According to a report released by the International Energy Agency in 2021 and subsequently updated in March 2022, the major producers of critical minerals globally are Chile, Indonesia, Congo, China, Australia and South Africa. In terms of processing, China rules the roost. While others include Indonesia, Chile and Japan. Notably, none of these countries, except Japan and Australia, are represented in the MSP. India’s concerns Some of the rare earth elements available India are: Lanthanum, Cerium, Neodymium, Praseodymium and Samarium. While others classified as heavy RE elements such as Dysprosium, Terbium, Europium are not available in extractable quantity. India relies heavily on China for HREE, which is one of the leading producers with an estimated 70 per cent of the global production. Hence, there is a lot at stake for India. Which is why Union Finance Ministry, according to The Indian Express, have reportedly communicated with the Ministry of External Affairs to explore the possibility of how New Delhi can join the 11-member group. (With inputs from agencies)

What is Minerals Security Partnership that seeks to end China's dominance and why is India keen to join it?

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