Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez have inaugurated the country's first private military aircraft manufacturing facility in Vadodara. This landmark initiative aims to enhance India's defense capabilities and promote indigenous production in the aerospace sector. The plant is expected to create jobs and foster technological collaboration between India and Spain, marking a significant step in India's push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing.

PM Modi and Spain's PM Sanchez Launch India's First Private Military Aircraft Plant

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez refused on Tuesday to answer question from a judge investigating alleged influence-peddling by his wife, a case that has put pressure on his fragile minority government.

Spanish PM Sanchez declines to testify in wife's case

Spain's lower house on Tuesday rejected an amnesty bill due to differences on its scope between the ruling Socialists and a Catalan separatist party, in a blow for Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez that illustrates his parliamentary fragility.

The bill, rejected by 179 votes to 171, will now return for debate in a parliamentary committee and could eventually be sent back for another vote in the lower house. The amnesty bill is set to define Sanchez's second term and has prompted large protests against it.

Catalan separatists Junts voted against the law after they failed to reach a last-minute deal with Sanchez's Spanish Socialist Workers' Party.

Junts wanted all exceptions related to terrorism to be removed from the bill since some of its politicians are currently under investigation by courts over alleged terrorism-related crimes.

The bill was put forward by the Socialists in exchange for support for Sanchez's new term in office from Catalan separatist parties Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya and Junts.

"Junts cannot participate in leaving all Catalan separatism exposed to the arbitrariness of the politicised Spanish judiciary," said lawmaker Miriam Nogueras. She said the current amnesty proposal was too selective and has loopholes.

But Sanchez's party had said that some crimes involving terrorism-related charges could not be pardoned.

The amnesty would cover all events related to the Catalan independence drive from 2012, including a symbolic vote held in 2014 and an independence referendum in 2017, which courts declared as illegal.

It is expected to benefit several hundred separatists as well as some police officers who stormed polling stations during the referendum.

Sanchez, who opposed an amnesty in the past and still rejects a referendum on independence, has argued that the bill seeks to foster reconciliation. The conservative opposition accused him of undermining the rule of law.

Spain's lower house on Tuesday rejected an amnesty bill due to differences on its scope between the ruling Socialists and a Catalan separatist party, in a blow for Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez that illustrates his parliamentary fragility.

Spain's lower house on Tuesday rejected an amnesty bill due to differences on its scope between the ruling Socialists and a Catalan separatist party, in a blow for Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez that illustrates his parliamentary fragility. The bill, rejected by 179 votes to 171, will now return for debate in a parliamentary committee and could eventually be sent back for another vote in the lower house. The amnesty bill is set to define Sanchez's second term and has prompted large protests against it. Catalan separatists Junts voted against the law after they failed to reach a last-minute deal with Sanchez's Spanish Socialist Workers' Party. Junts wanted all exceptions related to terrorism to be removed from the bill since some of its politicians are currently under investigation by courts over alleged terrorism-related crimes. The bill was put forward by the Socialists in exchange for support for Sanchez's new term in office from Catalan separatist parties Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya and Junts. "Junts cannot participate in leaving all Catalan separatism exposed to the arbitrariness of the politicised Spanish judiciary," said lawmaker Miriam Nogueras. She said the current amnesty proposal was too selective and has loopholes. But Sanchez's party had said that some crimes involving terrorism-related charges could not be pardoned. The amnesty would cover all events related to the Catalan independence drive from 2012, including a symbolic vote held in 2014 and an independence referendum in 2017, which courts declared as illegal. It is expected to benefit several hundred separatists as well as some police officers who stormed polling stations during the referendum. Sanchez, who opposed an amnesty in the past and still rejects a referendum on independence, has argued that the bill seeks to foster reconciliation. The conservative opposition accused him of undermining the rule of law.

In blow to Sanchez, Spanish MPs reject amnesty bill for Catalan separatists

Spain will provide 206 million euros ($239 million) to help the island of La Palma recover from its volcanic eruption, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Sunday.

"Next Tuesday, the cabinet will approve a package of very powerful measures" to assist in areas such as infrastructure reconstruction, water supply, employment, agriculture and tourism, he told a news conference during a visit to the island.

The Cumbre Vieja volcano began its eruption on Sept. 19 and has destroyed more than 900 buildings. About 6,000 people have been evacuated from homes on the island out of a population of about 83,000.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-fissures-erupt-in-canary-islands-volcano-417900">Also read |&nbsp;New fissures erupt in Canary Islands volcano</a>

The financial package is the second stage of a plan approved last week. The first stage saw the government announce aid of 10.5 million euros ($12.3 million) for the immediate assistance of those who had lost their homes.

"I would like to convey all the solidarity of the Spanish people. Today, Spain is with La Palma residents more than ever," Sanchez said.

Spain will provide 206 million euros ($239 million) to help the island of La Palma recover from its volcanic eruption, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Sunday.

Spain will provide 206 million euros ($239 million) to help the island of La Palma recover from its volcanic eruption, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Sunday. "Next Tuesday, the cabinet will approve a package of very powerful measures" to assist in areas such as infrastructure reconstruction, water supply, employment, agriculture and tourism, he told a news conference during a visit to the island. The Cumbre Vieja volcano began its eruption on Sept. 19 and has destroyed more than 900 buildings. About 6,000 people have been evacuated from homes on the island out of a population of about 83,000. Also read | New fissures erupt in Canary Islands volcano The financial package is the second stage of a plan approved last week. The first stage saw the government announce aid of 10.5 million euros ($12.3 million) for the immediate assistance of those who had lost their homes. "I would like to convey all the solidarity of the Spanish people. Today, Spain is with La Palma residents more than ever," Sanchez said.

Spain's PM Sanchez pledges 206 million euros for volcano-hit La Palma

Alexis Sanchez earned Arsenal an FA Cup final showdown with Chelsea and gave Arsene Wenger renewed hope of salvaging a troubled campaign as the gritty Gunners fought back to beat Manchester City 2-1 on Sunday.

When Sergio Aguero put City ahead in the second half of a bruising semi-final, Wenger&#39;s side were on the verge of another dispiriting defeat in arguably the worst season of the Frenchman&#39;s 21-year reign.

But, despite being out-played for long periods, Arsenal summoned a spirit and desire too often missing from their performances this term.

Nacho Monreal&#39;s equaliser forced extra-time and Sanchez&#39;s predatory finish in the additional period secured a final date with Premier League leaders Chelsea back at Wembley on May 27.

Arsenal&#39;s third FA Cup final in the last four years -- they won it in 2014 and 2015 -- gives them a record 20 appearances in the showpiece match of the famous old competition.

Crucially, it presents Wenger with a chance to mute the mounting criticism from his club&#39;s supporters who want him to resign.

The Gunners&#39; failure to challenge for the Premier League title has been compounded by their slide out of the top four.

But those close to Wenger believe he is still leaning towards staying.

With fourth placed City well adrift of leaders Chelsea, boss Pep Guardiola is destined to finish his first season empty-handed.

He now faces the difficult task of lifting his players before a vital derby against Manchester United as the top four battles heats up on Thursday.

City came close to striking first when the diminutive David Silva rose to meet Aguero&#39;s cross with a header that Petr Cech pushed over.

Silva departed due to injury soon after, but City monopolised possession and Arsenal were often reduced to kicking their opponents out of their rhythm.&nbsp;

Aguero and Raheem Sterling combined to bundle the ball into the net just before half-time, but the goal was controversially ruled out because Leroy Sane&#39;s cross was adjudged to have gone out as it looped over the bar before curling back into play.

Off the canvas&nbsp;

To City&#39;s frustration, television replays suggested a tiny part of the ball was still in play before it reached Aguero.

Yet Arsenal&#39;s play still lacked conviction and by the 62nd minute the scoreline finally reflected City&#39;s dominance.

When Yaya Toure seized the ball after Aaron Ramsey&#39;s mistake deep in City&#39;s half, the Ivorian spotted Aguero and sent a long pass towards the striker.

Aguero surged away from Monreal and, although his first touch almost ruined the chance, he recovered to lift a deft finish over Cech for his 30th goal this season.

If that felt like the knockout blow, Monreal had other ideas and he hauled the Gunners off the canvas in the 71st minute.

Having laboured for so long, Arsenal suddenly sprang to life and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain swung over a superb cross to the far post, where Monreal timed his run perfectly to slot home from close-range for his first Arsenal goal in over two years.

City almost hit back immediately, with Toure&#39;s 25-yard volley pushed onto a post by Cech before Fernandinho headed against the crossbar from Kevin de Bruyne&#39;s corner.

Danny Welbeck couldn&#39;t win it for Arsenal with a fine curling strike before extra-time, but Sanchez came to Wenger&#39;s rescue with a far more prosaic effort in the 101st minute.

Sanchez has been a problem for Wenger with his mood swings this season and he was well below his best for long periods once again.

But he was in the right place at the right time when a goalmouth melee ended with the Chilean beating Gael Clichy to the loose ball and firing in from close-range.

(AFP)

The Gunners entered the final for a record 20th time after an Alexis Sanchez winner capped off a spirited comeback

Alexis Sanchez earned Arsenal an FA Cup final showdown with Chelsea and gave Arsene Wenger renewed hope of salvaging a troubled campaign as the gritty Gunners fought back to beat Manchester City 2-1 on Sunday. When Sergio Aguero put City ahead in the second half of a bruising semi-final, Wenger's side were on the verge of another dispiriting defeat in arguably the worst season of the Frenchman's 21-year reign. But, despite being out-played for long periods, Arsenal summoned a spirit and desire too often missing from their performances this term. Nacho Monreal's equaliser forced extra-time and Sanchez's predatory finish in the additional period secured a final date with Premier League leaders Chelsea back at Wembley on May 27. Arsenal's third FA Cup final in the last four years -- they won it in 2014 and 2015 -- gives them a record 20 appearances in the showpiece match of the famous old competition. Crucially, it presents Wenger with a chance to mute the mounting criticism from his club's supporters who want him to resign. The Gunners' failure to challenge for the Premier League title has been compounded by their slide out of the top four. But those close to Wenger believe he is still leaning towards staying. With fourth placed City well adrift of leaders Chelsea, boss Pep Guardiola is destined to finish his first season empty-handed. He now faces the difficult task of lifting his players before a vital derby against Manchester United as the top four battles heats up on Thursday. City came close to striking first when the diminutive David Silva rose to meet Aguero's cross with a header that Petr Cech pushed over. Silva departed due to injury soon after, but City monopolised possession and Arsenal were often reduced to kicking their opponents out of their rhythm. Aguero and Raheem Sterling combined to bundle the ball into the net just before half-time, but the goal was controversially ruled out because Leroy Sane's cross was adjudged to have gone out as it looped over the bar before curling back into play. Off the canvas To City's frustration, television replays suggested a tiny part of the ball was still in play before it reached Aguero. Yet Arsenal's play still lacked conviction and by the 62nd minute the scoreline finally reflected City's dominance. When Yaya Toure seized the ball after Aaron Ramsey's mistake deep in City's half, the Ivorian spotted Aguero and sent a long pass towards the striker. Aguero surged away from Monreal and, although his first touch almost ruined the chance, he recovered to lift a deft finish over Cech for his 30th goal this season. If that felt like the knockout blow, Monreal had other ideas and he hauled the Gunners off the canvas in the 71st minute. Having laboured for so long, Arsenal suddenly sprang to life and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain swung over a superb cross to the far post, where Monreal timed his run perfectly to slot home from close-range for his first Arsenal goal in over two years. City almost hit back immediately, with Toure's 25-yard volley pushed onto a post by Cech before Fernandinho headed against the crossbar from Kevin de Bruyne's corner. Danny Welbeck couldn't win it for Arsenal with a fine curling strike before extra-time, but Sanchez came to Wenger's rescue with a far more prosaic effort in the 101st minute. Sanchez has been a problem for Wenger with his mood swings this season and he was well below his best for long periods once again. But he was in the right place at the right time when a goalmouth melee ended with the Chilean beating Gael Clichy to the loose ball and firing in from close-range. (AFP)

FA Cup: Arsenal overcome City to set up Chelsea showdown

Arsene Wenger&#39;s decision to leave Alexis Sanchez on the bench backfired as first half goals from Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane set Liverpool on course for a vital 3-1 win over Arsenal on Saturday.

Wenger eventually brought on the Chilean international at half-time at Anfield and he set up Danny Welbeck for a goal that breathed life into Arsenal.

But in the closely-fought contest for a top-four finish, this was a disappointing result for the Arsenal manager and Georginio Wijnaldum added Liverpool&#39;s third goal in stoppage-time to cap a wretched evening for the Gunners.

Arsenal drop below Liverpool to fifth place and sit two points outside the top four after a third defeat in their last four league games.

Faced with the daunting task of trying to overturn a 5-1 deficit against Bayern Munich in the Champions League last 16 second leg, Wenger knows the critics will be sharpening their knives again on Tuesday and he can&#39;t expect any sympathy after this bizarre selection gamble.

Liverpool, who climb to third place, took nine minutes to score the opening goal in an effort to maintain their record of not having lost to a team currently in the top half of the Premier League this season.

It was the home team&#39;s first notable chance as Mane crossed from the right and Philippe Coutinho dummied the ball to allow it into the path of Firmino at the far post.

The Brazilian appeared to have mis-controlled the ball, with Hector Bellerin closing him down just six yards out, but Firmino had the presence of mind to recover and deposit the ball into the roof of the Arsenal goal.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain had led a couple of early attacks with Bellerin sending over a dangerous cross from one of them which Joel Matip did well to defend at the expense of a corner.

But the second goal, five minutes before half-time, was an even better worked effort as Wijnaldum&#39;s pass from the left was moved on superbly by Firmino and Mane drove in an unstoppable finish.

Superiority&nbsp;

Liverpool, with just two wins in 12 attempts in the calendar year before this meeting, looked anxious in defence.

Oxlade-Chamberlain&#39;s 21st minute chip to the far post caused one such moment of concern as Olivier Giroud rose with Mignolet who flapped at the ball before it went out for a corner.

An entertaining game continued in that fashion with Firmino fractionally offside as he readied himself to tear through on goal and Petr Cech being forced to tip Coutinho&#39;s 18-yard shot over the Arsenal bar after Wijnaldum&#39;s lay-off.

But as the half wore on, Liverpool&#39;s superiority began to tell and the visiting supporters greeted a wayward effort by Granit Xhaka with ironic cheers of &quot;We&#39;ve had a shot&quot;.

Francis Coquelin, who was enduring a miserable, error-strewn evening, became the game&#39;s first booking for a petulant tug on the shirt of Adam Lallana and Liverpool&#39;s second goal soon after left his team in even deeper trouble.

Coutinho could have added a third before the interval as Lallana&#39;s pass deflected into his path but he could only scoop his shot into Cech&#39;s arms.

Wenger predictably threw on Sanchez as a half-time substitute and the forward soon provided two dangerous left-wing crosses - one which Mignolet turned away and another which found Giroud whose header was turned over by the Liverpool keeper.

The momentum was now with Arsenal and, on 56 minutes, a brilliant pass by Sanchez threaded the ball between Nathaniel Clyne and Matip for Welbeck to chase into the area.

The England forward lifted an accomplished finish over Mignolet for his first league goal since the end of April.

Arsenal looked more capable than the first half but Liverpool responded well to conceding and could have extended their lead before eventually scoring a deserved third.

(AFP)

Firmino and Mane set Liverpool on course for a 3-1 win over Arsenal, who had their talisman Sanchez sitting on the bench for the first half

Arsene Wenger's decision to leave Alexis Sanchez on the bench backfired as first half goals from Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane set Liverpool on course for a vital 3-1 win over Arsenal on Saturday. Wenger eventually brought on the Chilean international at half-time at Anfield and he set up Danny Welbeck for a goal that breathed life into Arsenal. But in the closely-fought contest for a top-four finish, this was a disappointing result for the Arsenal manager and Georginio Wijnaldum added Liverpool's third goal in stoppage-time to cap a wretched evening for the Gunners. Arsenal drop below Liverpool to fifth place and sit two points outside the top four after a third defeat in their last four league games. Faced with the daunting task of trying to overturn a 5-1 deficit against Bayern Munich in the Champions League last 16 second leg, Wenger knows the critics will be sharpening their knives again on Tuesday and he can't expect any sympathy after this bizarre selection gamble. Liverpool, who climb to third place, took nine minutes to score the opening goal in an effort to maintain their record of not having lost to a team currently in the top half of the Premier League this season. It was the home team's first notable chance as Mane crossed from the right and Philippe Coutinho dummied the ball to allow it into the path of Firmino at the far post. The Brazilian appeared to have mis-controlled the ball, with Hector Bellerin closing him down just six yards out, but Firmino had the presence of mind to recover and deposit the ball into the roof of the Arsenal goal. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain had led a couple of early attacks with Bellerin sending over a dangerous cross from one of them which Joel Matip did well to defend at the expense of a corner. But the second goal, five minutes before half-time, was an even better worked effort as Wijnaldum's pass from the left was moved on superbly by Firmino and Mane drove in an unstoppable finish. Superiority Liverpool, with just two wins in 12 attempts in the calendar year before this meeting, looked anxious in defence. Oxlade-Chamberlain's 21st minute chip to the far post caused one such moment of concern as Olivier Giroud rose with Mignolet who flapped at the ball before it went out for a corner. An entertaining game continued in that fashion with Firmino fractionally offside as he readied himself to tear through on goal and Petr Cech being forced to tip Coutinho's 18-yard shot over the Arsenal bar after Wijnaldum's lay-off. But as the half wore on, Liverpool's superiority began to tell and the visiting supporters greeted a wayward effort by Granit Xhaka with ironic cheers of "We've had a shot". Francis Coquelin, who was enduring a miserable, error-strewn evening, became the game's first booking for a petulant tug on the shirt of Adam Lallana and Liverpool's second goal soon after left his team in even deeper trouble. Coutinho could have added a third before the interval as Lallana's pass deflected into his path but he could only scoop his shot into Cech's arms. Wenger predictably threw on Sanchez as a half-time substitute and the forward soon provided two dangerous left-wing crosses - one which Mignolet turned away and another which found Giroud whose header was turned over by the Liverpool keeper. The momentum was now with Arsenal and, on 56 minutes, a brilliant pass by Sanchez threaded the ball between Nathaniel Clyne and Matip for Welbeck to chase into the area. The England forward lifted an accomplished finish over Mignolet for his first league goal since the end of April. Arsenal looked more capable than the first half but Liverpool responded well to conceding and could have extended their lead before eventually scoring a deserved third. (AFP)

Mane-led Liverpool sparkle against lacklustre Arsenal

Cristiano Ronaldo and Renato Sanches were recalled&nbsp;to the Portugal squad after injury on Thursday as&nbsp;coach Fernando Santos urged the two to switch out of &quot;party mode&quot;.

&nbsp;

While naming his players for next month&#39;s World Cup qualifiers, Santos said his players were not fully switched on when they vegan their campaign with a 2-0 defeat in Switzerland,

&nbsp;

&quot;We have to get out of European champion mode, that party mode, that state of relaxation,&quot; Santos told reporters. &quot;That cannot happen again.&quot;

&nbsp;

&quot;We have to remember that the qualifying competition is very different from a tournament. We don`t have 50 days together and the sense of togetherness that goes with it,&quot; he added.

&nbsp;

&quot;We play once a month and then the players go back to their clubs.&quot;

&nbsp;

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<h5>I wouldn`t say the team is stronger just because Ronaldo is here but because the other players have played more, have worked more and have trained more. That was one of the problems of the match against Switzerland.&quot;</h5>
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&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The squad&#39;s captain, Ronaldo, and midfielder Sanches missed the Switzerland match because they had not fully recovered from injuries sustained during Euro 2016.

&nbsp;

But Santos added it was not just their presence that would make Portugal stronger. &quot;I wouldn`t say the team is stronger just because Ronaldo is here but because the other players have played more, have worked more and have trained more. That was one of the problems of the match against Switzerland.&quot;

&nbsp;

Portugal will host Andorra in Aveiro on October&nbsp;7 and visit the Faroes three days later.

&nbsp;

Santos called Faroes a &#39;very well-organised team&#39; and said&nbsp;they would play in a similar manner to Iceland, who held Portugal to a 1-1 draw in their opening match at Euro 2016.

&nbsp;

&quot;They are a very well-organised team. They will cause trouble and we have to be on our guard. If we respect them as we did with our opponents during the Euros, we will win; if we are not careful, we will be left with a bad taste.&quot; he told reporters.

&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from Reuters)

Portugal will host Andorra in Aveiro on October?7 and visit the Faroes three days later

Cristiano Ronaldo and Renato Sanches were recalled to the Portugal squad after injury on Thursday as coach Fernando Santos urged the two to switch out of "party mode". While naming his players for next month's World Cup qualifiers, Santos said his players were not fully switched on when they vegan their campaign with a 2-0 defeat in Switzerland, "We have to get out of European champion mode, that party mode, that state of relaxation," Santos told reporters. "That cannot happen again." "We have to remember that the qualifying competition is very different from a tournament. We don`t have 50 days together and the sense of togetherness that goes with it," he added. "We play once a month and then the players go back to their clubs." I wouldn`t say the team is stronger just because Ronaldo is here but because the other players have played more, have worked more and have trained more. That was one of the problems of the match against Switzerland." × The squad's captain, Ronaldo, and midfielder Sanches missed the Switzerland match because they had not fully recovered from injuries sustained during Euro 2016. But Santos added it was not just their presence that would make Portugal stronger. "I wouldn`t say the team is stronger just because Ronaldo is here but because the other players have played more, have worked more and have trained more. That was one of the problems of the match against Switzerland." Portugal will host Andorra in Aveiro on October 7 and visit the Faroes three days later. Santos called Faroes a 'very well-organised team' and said they would play in a similar manner to Iceland, who held Portugal to a 1-1 draw in their opening match at Euro 2016. "They are a very well-organised team. They will cause trouble and we have to be on our guard. If we respect them as we did with our opponents during the Euros, we will win; if we are not careful, we will be left with a bad taste." he told reporters. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

Santos recalls Ronaldo and Sanches, asks players to get out of 'party mode'

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