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In a historic moment for the Indian Air Force (IAF), Defence Minister Rajnath Singh officially welcomed the inaugural C-295 medium tactical transport aircraft into the IAF’s fleet. This milestone event, graced by the presence of Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari and other top military officials, marks a significant leap forward in India’s defense capabilities.

The C-295 aircraft, crafted by Airbus, stands as a versatile and adaptable asset that promises to revolutionize IAF’s operations across multiple fronts. With a robust payload and modern features, it is poised to address diverse mission requirements.

About the C-295 Aircraft: The C-295, a next-generation tactical transport aircraft, is meticulously engineered to meet the dynamic demands of contemporary military endeavors. Its mission repertoire encompasses troop and cargo transportation, maritime surveillance, signals intelligence, and medical evacuation, reflecting its remarkable adaptability and multifaceted utility within the IAF.

Payload and Capacity: The C-295 aircraft boasts an impressive payload capacity, capable of ferrying up to nine tonnes of cargo or accommodating 71 troops. This exceptional capability ensures the efficient movement of personnel and equipment, bolstering the IAF’s operational readiness. Notably, the aircraft can reach a maximum cruising speed of 260 knots, ensuring rapid response during critical missions.

Replacement of Ageing Avro-748 Fleets: The induction of the C-295 signifies a pivotal moment in the IAF’s modernization endeavors, as it retires the decades-old Avro-748 planes. Serving the air force for over six decades, these aircraft are being phased out to align with contemporary operational requirements. Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari accepted the first of the 56 C-295 transport aircraft on September 13, following India’s ₹21,935-crore deal with Airbus Defence and Space for their procurement.

Collaboration with Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems: As part of a comprehensive agreement with Airbus, the first 16 C-295 aircraft will be delivered in ‘fly-away’ condition from Airbus’s assembly line in Seville by 2025. Subsequently, the remaining 40 aircraft will be manufactured and assembled in India, thanks to a strategic partnership between Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems (TASL). Production of aircraft components has already commenced at the Main Constituent Assembly (MCA) facility in Hyderabad, marking a significant milestone in India’s quest for self-reliance in defense manufacturing.

Versatility in Mission Profiles: The C-295 aircraft stands out for its unmatched versatility, capable of performing an array of missions. In addition to troop and cargo transport, it is equipped for airdropping paratroops and loads, making it a vital asset for airborne operations. Furthermore, its capabilities include casualty and medical evacuation, ensuring swift and effective medical support in crisis scenarios. The aircraft’s adaptability extends to special missions, disaster response, and maritime patrol duties, underscoring its indispensability in diverse scenarios.

Incorporating advanced capabilities and a strategic alliance for local production, the introduction of the C-295 aircraft ushers in a new era for the Indian Air Force, enhancing its preparedness and operational flexibility.

News Summary:

• The Indian Air Force has formally inducted its first C-295 medium tactical transport aircraft, a versatile asset designed for modern military operations.
• The C-295, manufactured by Airbus, offers impressive payload capacity, high-speed capabilities, and adaptability for various missions, including troop transport, cargo delivery, and medical evacuation.
• The induction marks the retirement of the aging Avro-748 fleet, aligning the IAF with contemporary operational requirements.
• A strategic partnership between Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems aims to manufacture a significant portion of the C-295 aircraft in India, contributing to the nation’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
• The C-295’s versatility extends to airdropping, casualty evacuation, special missions, disaster response, and maritime patrol duties, making it a valuable asset for the IAF.

Outgoing Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India, Milinda Moragoda, has voiced his support for India in the ongoing India-Canada row, commending India’s resolute response to allegations made by Canada. Speaking at a press conference, Moragoda emphasized Sri Lanka’s unwavering stance against terrorism, expressing solidarity with India.

In-Depth Article:

Amid escalating tensions between India and Canada, the outgoing Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India, Milinda Moragoda, has thrown his weight behind India, lauding the country’s unwavering response to allegations made by Canada. Moragoda made these remarks during a recent press conference, highlighting the shared concerns of India and Sri Lanka regarding terrorism.

Clear and Firm Response:
When questioned about Canada’s allegations against India, Moragoda stated, “I think India’s response has been inequitable and also firm and direct. And I think as far as we are concerned, we support India on that. Having said that, also, in my lifetime now, I’m 60 years old, 40 years of my life, we have spent facing various forms of terrorism in Sri Lanka.” He went on to express the deep toll terrorism has taken on Sri Lanka, saying, “I have lost many friends and colleagues to terrorism. We have all seen many Sri Lankans have died due to terrorism. So, therefore, our position on these matters, I think is very clear because we have endured and we have suffered. And as a country that has gone through that tolerance for terrorism is zero tolerance.”

Escalation of India-Canada Tensions:
Relations between India and Canada have grown strained following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s statement on September 18, in which he accused India of involvement in the fatal shooting of Khalistan Tiger Force chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. Nijjar, previously designated a terrorist in India, was fatally shot outside a Gurdwara in Surrey, Canada, on June 18. India swiftly rejected these accusations, labeling them “absurd” and “motivated.”

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated, “Allegations of the Government of India’s involvement in any act of violence in Canada are absurd and motivated,” firmly denying any wrongdoing.

Political Motives Alleged:
In response to Canada’s claims, MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi indicated, “Yes, I do think there is a degree of prejudice here. They have made allegations and taken action against them. To us, it seems that these allegations by the government of Canada are primarily politically driven,” during a weekly press briefing. He also noted that Canada had not provided any specific information regarding Nijjar’s death, despite India’s willingness to investigate any such information.

As tensions persist, both India and Canada face the challenge of resolving the diplomatic impasse while preserving their bilateral ties.

News Summary:

Outgoing Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India, Milinda Moragoda, has expressed support for India in the India-Canada row, praising India’s firm and direct response to allegations made by Canada. Sri Lanka’s stance against terrorism aligns with India’s, emphasizing zero tolerance for terrorism. Tensions between India and Canada escalated after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of involvement in the killing of Khalistan Tiger Force chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. India has vehemently denied the allegations, labeling them politically motivated, while calling for specific information from Canada.

The highly-anticipated release of Prasanth Neel’s action-packed “Salaar,” starring Prabhas, is causing a stir in the entertainment world as the film’s makers mull over a December release, potentially setting the stage for a monumental clash with Shah Rukh Khan’s “Dunki.” While both films boast remarkable star power and grandeur, fans and pundits alike are speculating about the repercussions of this impending showdown.

“Salaar,” initially scheduled for a September release, currently lacks an official release date. The film marks the first collaboration between Prabhas and Prasanth Neel, the director behind the blockbuster “KGF.” With Neel’s track record and Prabhas’ massive fan base, “Salaar” is poised to make a colossal opening at the box office. In contrast, Shah Rukh Khan is experiencing a stellar year, with two 1000-crore hits already under his belt. His upcoming film “Dunki,” directed by the acclaimed Rajkumar Hirani, is also expected to be a hit.

The potential clash between “Salaar” and “Dunki” in the last week of December has garnered mixed reactions. Telugu-speaking fans have voiced concerns, with one fan on the Tollywood subreddit stating, “SRK just scored back-to-back 1000cr+. This will be suicide. Dunki won’t suffer much; it will be a loss for Salaar only, as Salaar makers are expecting huge collections from the north. I think Salaar won’t even get a screen in the north. Please don’t do it; it will ruin the potential of Salaar.” Another commenter echoed this sentiment, saying, “You can’t release Salaar next to an SRK film in SRK’s 2000+CR year. This is basically financial suicide.”

Some fans believe that such a clash would adversely affect both films, with one remarking, “Worst decision. Both films will lose so much money.” Others expressed hope that distributors would veto the plan, emphasizing, “No exhibitor in their right mind would let this happen. Why would anyone want two potential 1000cr grossers to eat into each other’s collections?”

Prabhas, catapulted to nationwide stardom with “Baahubali,” has faced challenges in replicating that success in subsequent releases, such as “Saaho,” “Radhe Shyam,” and “Adipurush,” all of which, despite strong openings, struggled at the box office. Fans are anxious that a fourth consecutive flop could jeopardize the actor’s career, with one stating, “Right 4 back-to-back big budget flops would be career suicide.”

However, it’s important to note that “Salaar’s” release date remains uncertain, as no official confirmation regarding a December release has been provided by the film’s makers. Sources indicate that producers are currently seeking feedback from exhibitors and distributors to inform their final decision. Titled “Salaar Part 1: Ceasefire,” the film also features Prithviraj Sukumaran, Shruti Haasan, and Jagapathi Babu in pivotal roles.

News Summary:

• Prasanth Neel’s “Salaar” starring Prabhas contemplates a December release, potentially clashing with Shah Rukh Khan’s “Dunki.”
• Both films are highly anticipated and expected to perform well at the box office, causing concerns among fans and industry experts about the clash.
• Fans express worries about the impact on both movies, with some suggesting it could be financially detrimental.
• Prabhas’ recent films have faced challenges at the box office, and fans fear another flop could be detrimental to his career.
• The release date for “Salaar” remains uncertain as makers seek feedback from exhibitors and distributors before making a final decision.

In a startling turn of events, an Indian Army jawan who alleged he was assaulted by unidentified miscreants with ‘PFI’ written on his back, has been arrested for making a false statement about the incident. The case, which had initially sparked outrage, took a surprising twist when the soldier’s friend disclosed that the act was a bid for fame.

The incident reportedly occurred in a rubber forest in Kerala’s Kollam region, but investigations have revealed a different story.

Soldier’s Friend Discloses Truth: The soldier’s friend, whose identity remains undisclosed, admitted to his involvement in the fabrication of the incident. He confessed to writing ‘PFI’ on the soldier’s back and staging an assault. “I was drunk, so I initially wrote DFI, but he (Kumar) said to write PFI. So I made it PFI. Then he asked me to beat him up, but I said I couldn’t because I was drunk,” he revealed. The friend further stated that he was asked to tape the soldier’s mouth and hands before leaving the scene.

Arrests Made: The soldier, identified as Shine Kumar, initially filed a complaint before the Kadakkal Police Station. However, as the investigation progressed, discrepancies emerged, leading to his arrest. R Prathapan Nair, Addl SP of Kollam Rural, confirmed the arrests, stating, “On the basis of that, he was arrested today, and one of his friends was also arrested.”

False Statements Unraveled: According to a senior police official, Shine Kumar provided multiple reasons for making the false statement. These motives are currently under scrutiny. The police have also recovered green paint, a brush, and tape allegedly used in the staged incident.

PFI Connection: The soldier had claimed that he was assaulted by six individuals who wrote ‘PFI’ on his back. ‘PFI’ generally refers to the Popular Front of India, an organization banned by the central government last year. However, no physical injuries were found on the soldier’s body.

Summary:

• An Indian Army jawan was arrested for fabricating an assault incident involving ‘PFI’ writing on his back.
• The soldier’s friend confessed to staging the incident, citing intoxication as a factor.
• The police have recovered evidence used in the staged event, including green paint and tape.
• The soldier claimed he was assaulted by six individuals, but no physical injuries were found.
• ‘PFI’ refers to the banned organization Popular Front of India.
• Investigations into the soldier’s motives for making false statements are ongoing.

In a heart-wrenching incident that has sent shockwaves through the city, a 15-year-old class 10 student met a tragic end when he fell from the 35th floor of ‘My Home Bhooja’ apartment complex in Hyderabad. The devastating incident occurred on Monday evening, leaving the community in mourning.

The young boy, identified as Reyansh Reddy, reportedly sent a distressing text message to his mother at approximately 7 pm, revealing his intention to end his life due to undisclosed personal reasons. In a race against time, his mother, Swaroopa Reddy, initiated a frantic search for her son and eventually filed a missing complaint at the Raidurgam Police Station around 3 am.

A thorough analysis of the apartment complex’s CCTV footage by the authorities revealed that Reyansh had not exited the premises, leading to growing concerns about his whereabouts. Tragically, in the early hours of the following day, the teenager’s lifeless body was discovered near the third gate in the Deck area on the ground floor of the building.

The CCTV footage also captured the haunting final moments of the young boy, who was last seen entering the elevator that fateful evening, leaving a chilling sense of mystery surrounding the incident.

Hyderabad police are actively investigating the case, which has been filed as a “suspicious death,” and are inquiring with school authorities, teachers, and the boy’s friends to shed light on the circumstances leading up to the tragedy.

Reyansh’s father, Suresh Kumar Reddy, who works as an analyst with a finance firm, is grappling with the loss of his elder son. Initial, albeit unconfirmed, reports had suggested that the teenager may have spent extended hours engrossed in video games and faced academic stress, potentially contributing to this devastating decision.

Madhapur Deputy Commissioner of Police, Gone Sandeep, has stated that there is no concrete evidence of addiction to online games, leaving the motive behind Reyansh’s actions still uncertain, with academic pressure emerging as a possible factor.

The community is now left in shock and grief, grappling with the loss of a young life that ended so tragically and unexpectedly. As authorities continue their investigation, the city’s thoughts and condolences are with the Reddy family during this unimaginably difficult time.

News Summary:

• A 15-year-old student tragically fell to his death from the 35th floor of an apartment complex in Hyderabad, shocking the community.
• The boy, identified as Reyansh Reddy, sent a distressing text message to his mother, hinting at ending his life due to undisclosed reasons.
• Despite a frantic search, Reyansh’s lifeless body was discovered near the apartment complex, leaving a chilling mystery surrounding the incident.
• Hyderabad police have launched an investigation into the case, which is filed as a “suspicious death,” and are looking into potential academic stress as a contributing factor.
• Initial reports suggesting an addiction to online games have been debunked, leaving the motive behind the tragic decision still unclear.

Imphal, Manipur, September 26, 2023 – Mobile internet services have been suspended in the northeastern state of Manipur for a period of five days, according to an official statement released by the Home Department of the Manipur government. The decision comes in response to the growing law and order concerns stemming from the spread of disinformation, false rumors, and the incitement of violent activities on various social media platforms.

Government Takes Serious Note of the Situation

In an official statement, the Home Department expressed its grave concern over the prevailing law and order situation in Manipur, particularly the widespread dissemination of unverified information through platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. The government cited the potential for these messages to facilitate and mobilize agitators and demonstrators, potentially leading to loss of life or damage to public and private property.

Internet Restrictions to Last Until October 1, 2023

As a result of these concerns, the Manipur government has decided to suspend mobile internet data services and internet/data services through VPN in the state’s territorial jurisdiction for a period of five days, with the restrictions set to be in place until 7:45 pm on October 1, 2023.

Protests Erupt Over Deaths of Two Missing Meitei Students

Earlier in the day, Imphal, the capital of Manipur, witnessed large-scale protests as hundreds of students took to the streets demanding justice for two missing Meitei teenagers who were allegedly killed by suspected Kuki militants. The two students, Hijam Linthoingambi (17) and Phijam Hemjit (20), had gone missing on July 6, during a period of heightened ethnic violence in the state.

Graphic Images Circulate on Social Media

The situation escalated further after graphic images of the deceased bodies of the two students surfaced on social media platforms. One image depicted the lifeless bodies of the students, while another showed them sitting in fear alongside two armed men.

Government Confirms Identities of Deceased Students

The Manipur government has since confirmed the identities of the deceased students, stating that they are indeed Hijam Linthoingambi and Phijam Hemjit. According to available information, the two students had gone for a ride on July 6 on a KTM bike and had not been seen since.

Summary:

• Mobile internet services have been suspended in Manipur for five days, lasting until October 1, 2023, due to concerns over the spread of disinformation and potential violence incitement on social media platforms.
• Protests erupted in Imphal, Manipur, following the circulation of graphic images of two missing Meitei students who were allegedly killed by suspected Kuki militants.
• The Manipur government has confirmed the identities of the deceased students as Hijam Linthoingambi and Phijam Hemjit, who went missing on July 6, 2023, during ethnic violence in the state.

After four consecutive sessions of weakness, the Indian stock market exhibited a flat closing on Monday, leaving investors eager for signs of a potential rebound. The Nifty 50 index managed a marginal gain, closing at 19,674 levels, while the BSE Sensex edged up by a mere 14 points, settling at 66,023. On the brighter side, the Bank Nifty index recorded a gain of 154 points, concluding at 44,766 levels. In the broader market, small-cap stocks inched up by 0.12%, while mid-cap stocks surged by 0.46% during Monday’s trading.

Analysts are closely monitoring the market’s near-term support levels, with Vaishali Parekh, Vice President of Technical Research at Prabhudas Lilladher, offering insights into the outlook for Tuesday’s trading. Parekh emphasized that Nifty’s critical support is situated within the range of 19,600 to 19,550 levels. According to her, a potential bounce-back in the market can be anticipated as long as Nifty remains above this crucial support zone.

For those seeking trading opportunities, Parekh recommended three intraday stocks for Tuesday: Shriram Finance, TVS Motor, and RailTel.

Vaishali Parekh’s Stock Recommendations:

1. Shriram Finance: Buy at ₹1945, target ₹2020, stop loss ₹1915.
2. TVS Motor: Buy at ₹1515, target ₹1580, stop loss ₹1490.
3. RailTel: Buy at ₹228, target ₹244, stop loss ₹224.

Parekh’s insights also extend to the Nifty 50 index and Bank Nifty index. She highlighted that Nifty managed to maintain support near the 19,600 zone amid intraday volatility, with a recovery to 19,730 levels by the end of the day. The index’s crucial near-term support lies around 19,550 levels, coinciding with the significant 50EMA.

On the other hand, Bank Nifty maintained support near 44,400 levels and experienced a respectable pullback towards the 44,930 zone, encountering resistance before closing at approximately 44,750 levels. Parekh stressed that the Bank Nifty index has a crucial support zone at 43,600 levels and could potentially witness further gains if it decisively breaches the 45,000 level.

In summary, the support and resistance levels for the day are as follows: Nifty 50 – Support at 19,550 levels, Resistance at 19,800 levels; Bank Nifty – Daily range of 44,400 to 45,000 levels.

Investors are advised to exercise caution and consult certified experts before making any investment decisions.

News Summary:

• Indian stock market closes flat after four days of weakness.
• Nifty 50 index maintains support near 19,600, with a crucial support zone at 19,550.
• Bank Nifty index shows signs of improvement, holding support near 44,400 levels.
• Analyst Vaishali Parekh recommends intraday stocks: Shriram Finance, TVS Motor, and RailTel.
• Investors cautioned to verify investment decisions with certified experts.

Pro-Kannada activists in Karnataka’s Ramanagara district staged a symbolic funeral for Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Tuesday morning, intensifying protests against the release of Cauvery river water to the neighboring state. These protests have triggered a call for a statewide bandh on September 29, with Bengaluru already experiencing a strike today.

Members of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, a pro-Kannada organization, orchestrated a funeral scene with a portrait of MK Stalin and conducted rituals typically performed during a person’s demise. A floral wreath was placed on the picture of Stalin, and a group of protesters chanted slogans against the DMK chief. Concurrently, a group of Tamil Nadu farmers expressed their discontent with Karnataka’s stance on Cauvery water and demanded its release. In a unique display of protest, some Tamil Nadu farmers held deceased rats in their mouths in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu.

As the strike unfolded in Bengaluru today, schools and colleges were already closed, and several IT offices allowed their employees to work from home. Meanwhile, the pro-Kannada group “Kannada Chaluvali,” led by Vatal Nagaraj, affirmed their commitment to the statewide bandh scheduled for Friday. Nagaraj stated during a press conference on Monday, “Everyone will support the bandh. We will protest in front of the Raj Bhavan. We will block national highways and airports. Buses, taxis, and autos will support the bandh.”

Bengaluru Police Commissioner B. Dayananda, however, made it clear that permission had not been granted for the bandh on Tuesday, explicitly prohibiting processions and rallies. He issued a stern warning of strict action against any individuals involved in untoward incidents. Prohibitory orders under CrPC Section 144 were enforced from Monday midnight to Tuesday midnight, limiting public gatherings to no more than five people.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized that the government would not curtail the protests but insisted that they must be conducted in adherence to the law and order of the city.

Summary:

• Pro-Kannada activists hold mock funeral for Tamil Nadu CM amidst Cauvery water dispute.
• Karnataka witnesses a strike; schools, colleges closed; IT offices allow work from home.
• Kannada Chaluvali group calls for a statewide bandh on September 29.
• Bengaluru Police Commissioner prohibits Tuesday’s bandh; issues strict warnings.
• CM Siddaramaiah assures protests will not be curtailed, emphasizes adherence to law.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has responded promptly to a video depicting an elderly man smoking a beedi inside one of its coaches, urging commuters to report such incidents for immediate action. This move comes as part of DMRC’s commitment to maintaining a safe and comfortable travel environment for passengers.

The video, shared on social media platform X by user Manish Pandey, shows an elderly man lighting a beedi with a matchstick and subsequently throwing away the lit match. Despite the blatant violation of no-smoking rules within the Delhi Metro, initially, no one intervened. However, towards the end of the video, a fellow passenger gently tapped the man’s leg, presumably indicating that smoking was prohibited inside the metro.

DMRC, through its official statement, assured commuters that it actively monitors and takes action against such objectionable behavior through its “flying squads.” These squads conduct random checks to identify and address violations of metro rules.

“We conduct random checking through flying squads to detect any such objectionable behavior. We appeal to the public to instantly bring up such instances to our notice so that immediate action can be taken,” DMRC stated.

The video, shared just a day ago, has garnered over 3,000 views and prompted discussions among viewers. Many expressed concern over the lack of intervention by fellow passengers during the incident. Some advocated for a more robust mechanism to identify and penalize violators promptly.

“Socially responsible people. Why no one could intervene and snatch the matchbox from the culprit. Anyone who made this clip or video is also equally responsible for such an incident,” commented one individual.

Another commenter said, “Horrible. The system should have an inbuilt mechanism of identification and termination of the journey at the next stop. Ordinary citizens don’t intervene due to being scared of violent reactions or follow up by such people.”

DMRC’s call for passenger involvement in reporting violations reflects its commitment to passenger safety and ensuring a pleasant commuting experience for all.

News Summary:

• DMRC swiftly responds to a video depicting a man smoking a beedi inside a Delhi Metro coach, urging passengers to report such violations for immediate action.
• The video, shared on social media, raised concerns about passengers’ reluctance to intervene in the incident.
• DMRC employs “flying squads” to conduct random checks and address objectionable behavior within the metro.
• Commuters and social media users call for a stronger mechanism to identify and penalize violators promptly.