NATIONAL
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Govt clears plan for two military airfields in Lakshadweep
- The government has approved plans to construct two military airfields in Lakshadweep islands, in a move that will expand the reach of the armed forces in the region.
- The tri-services proposal, that got clearance, is to build an airbase in Minicoy and extend the existing facility on the Agatti island.These airfields can be used both by the military and civil airliners to boost tourism in the island chain.
- The Minicoy airfield will come up at naval base 'INS Jatayu' in the Lakshadweep islands that was commissioned in March. It is the nearest major military installation to the Maldives.
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Strengthening US-India defence ties: Lockheed Martin CEO after meeting PM Modi
- On Thursday, Lockheed Martin CEO Jim Taiclet joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing the commitment of the world's oldest and largest democracies to strengthen their bilateral ties. Taiclet praised the local workforce in India, recognizing its promising talent and capabilities.
- "As a trusted partner of over three decades, we recognize the promising talent and capabilities of the local industry and remain committed to strengthening the defence and industrial ties between our two nations," Lockheed Martin stated.
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Indian Navy P-8I aircraft taking part in US' RIMPAC exercise at Pearl Harbour
- The Indian Navy P81 aircraft is taking part in a military drill at Joint Base Pearl Harbour in the US, in the multilateral exercise, Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024. Joint Base Pearl Harbour-Hickam (JBPHH) is a US military base on the island of Oahu, Hawaii.
- Indian multi-role stealth frigate INS Shivalik, mission deployed in the South China Sea and North Pacific Ocean, reached Pearl Harbour in Hawaii last month on June 29 to take part in the 29th edition of the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise, which is the world's largest naval exercise.
INTERNATIONAL
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If India gives land, we will work together to produce palm oil here, says visiting Malaysian Minister
- India and Malaysia have decided to increase bilateral cooperation in the field of edible oil, especially the cultivation of oil palm, and the production and trade of palm oil.
- Union Minister for Agriculture Shivraj Singh Chouhan met Minister of Plantations and Commodities of Malaysia Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani here on Thursday. The two leaders also discussed the decision of India to ban the export of rice and sugar to ensure adequate supply in domestic markets. Mr. Ghani is learnt to have requested India to lift the ban on exports to Malaysia. “We talked about the issue and asked him to ensure adequate supply of rice and sugar,” Mr. Ghani said.
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U.S. opens embassy in Vanuatu, latest step in China competition
- The United States opened an embassy in the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu, the latest U.S. move in a long-running competition with China for influence in the Asia Pacific region.
- "The opening of the embassy builds upon our efforts to provide more diplomatic presence throughout the region and to engage further with our Pacific neighbors," the U.S. Department of State said in a statement.
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Russia and China finish successful South China Sea joint naval drills, TASS cites Russian Navy
- Russian and Chinese ships have used joint naval exercises in the South China Sea this week to successfully rehearse anti-submarine operations, naval combat and providing air defence to vessels, Russia's TASS news agency reported.
- TASS cited a statement from Russia's Pacific Fleet as saying that the drills - dubbed 'Maritime Cooperation 2024 - had now finished.
SPORTS
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World Junior Squash Championships
- Top seeded Mohamad Zakaria of Egypt got the men's World junior squash champion in Houston (USA). In the women's summit clash Amina Orfi got the women's World junior squash champion title.
