How Bihar is converting public infrastructure into clean energy. patna news

How is Bihar converting public infrastructure to clean energy?

Patna: : Bihar The solar energy journey is no longer limited to home rooftops. Across the state, government buildings, irrigation networks, reservoirs and public infrastructure are being converted to sources of clean energy, marking a decisive shift away from reliance on fossil fuels.At the heart of this transformation is the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Mission, under which Bihar Renewable Energy Development Agency (BREDA) has already equipped more than 12,800 government buildings with solar energy. Through the first two phases of its grid-connected rooftop programme, the state has created approximately 115 MW of decentralized solar capacity, reducing the burden on the conventional thermal power grid while reducing the cost of electricity for public institutions.More importantly, the initiative has transformed from a project to a policy. Incorporating renewable energy into Bihar’s future development model, solar infrastructure is now mandatory for all new government buildings. About Rs 575 crore was invested in the first two phases.The next phase promises to be even more ambitious. according to Rahul KumarDirector of BREDA and Managing Director of NBPDCL, the state aims to install 500 MW of rooftop solar capacity on government buildings through the Renewable Energy Services Company (RESCO) model. The objective is clear – to achieve almost complete solar coverage of public infrastructure within the next five years and establish a strong foundation for Bihar’s clean-energy ambitions by 2030.The scale of progress is already visible. Patna leads the state with 1,701 solar-powered government buildings, followed by Purnia with 1,635 and Rohtas with 1,056. Together, they explain how public infrastructure is becoming a key driver of Bihar’s renewable energy transition.Yet Bihar’s solar strategy extends far beyond rooftops. Unlike states like Rajasthan and Gujarat, Bihar faces a unique challenge – the lack of large tracts of barren land suitable for utility-scale solar projects. As a result, the state has adopted a diversified approach, identifying suitable locations in districts such as Aurangabad, Banka, Jamui and Gaya for large-scale establishments.The proposed 150 MW solar park in Aurangabad is a major milestone. Spread over 500 acres and costing about Rs 1,000 crore, the project will include battery storage capable of storing up to 20% of the electricity generated, helping address the intermittent nature of solar power.At the same time, the major Kajra solar project in Lakhisarai has come into operational mode. 185 MW of solar capacity supported by battery storage has already been added in the first phase, slated for February 2026. The second phase, to be completed by January 2027, will further strengthen the project and increase storage capacities.Recognizing the limitations of land availability, Bihar is also exploiting its water resources. A 10 MW floating solar project at Phulwariya Dam in Nawada is nearing completion, based on earlier floating installations in Darbhanga and Supaul. Such projects maximize energy production without competing for agricultural land.The state is also investing in long-term energy storage as well. The two proposed pumped storage projects in Nawada, with a combined capacity of 2,120 MW and an estimated cost of Rs 12,000 crore, are currently under survey.Along with these efforts, Bihar is pursuing feeder-level solarization under the PM-KUSUM scheme. Power purchase agreements for 456 MW across 175 solar plants have already been signed, the initiative aims to shift agricultural irrigation systems towards dedicated solar power.Together, these projects reveal a larger vision. Bihar is not just adding renewable energy capacity; It is redesigning its energy architecture. Combining rooftop solar, utility-scale projects, floating plants, battery storage and agricultural solarization, the state is building a diverse and resilient clean-energy ecosystem capable of fueling sustainable growth for decades to come.

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Karishma Vijay: ‘I’m not doing very well’: UK-based entrepreneur and The Apprentice winner Karishma Vijay opens up about mental health struggles world News

'I'm not doing very well': UK-based entrepreneur and The Apprentice winner Karishma Vijay opens up about mental health struggles

Indian-origin entrepreneur and The Apprentice winner Karishma Vijay became emotional and cried while talking about physical insecurities and mental health struggles, saying that the pressure of a life-changing year has left her exhausted.The 29-year-old won a £250,000 investment from Alan Sugar for her skincare brand Kishkin after winning The Apprentice earlier this year. Since then, she’s moved house, expanded her business, gotten engaged, and started planning her wedding.In an emotional Instagram reel, Karisma admitted that despite her professional success, she has neglected her well-being.“Life may look great on social media but the Godly truth is that I’m not doing very well,” she said.He described balancing content creation, business operations, marketing campaigns, interviews, podcasts, and public appearances while building his company.The entrepreneur said the demands of his career have taken a toll on both his physical and mental health.She said, “I’m the heaviest I’ve ever been. My body is my biggest insecurity, but not because of my curves or the number on the scale. It’s because I’m 20 and I’m always tired.”Karishma also recalled a period about a year ago when she felt more confident in her body and her fitness journey. She said that due to work pressure and personal commitments, she gradually started losing the healthy routines she had worked hard to create.“I was performing for myself for the first time and now I’m back for the first time,” she said.“With everything going on in my life, I don’t know if I could do it all again.”Despite her struggles, Karisma said she plans to prioritize her well-being by returning to the gym, exercising regularly and being more conscious about her health.After this post, support from followers started increasing and many people encouraged her to focus on herself.One user wrote, “Please take care of yourself first.”Another commented: “It’s hard when life gets stressful, trust me. But now you need to take time for yourself.”

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Electricity consumption increased by about 11% year-on-year in May. india news

India grapples with extreme heat as record power demand puts power grid under severe stress

Photo credit: IANS

New Delhi: Electricity consumption in May increased by nearly 11% year-on-year due to hot weather conditions across the country throughout the month, which led to increased use of air conditioners in domestic and commercial sectors.Grid India data showed that 165 billion units (BU) of electricity was consumed in May this year, compared to 148.7 BU in the same month last year. Consumption increased by over 7% compared to April, which saw consumption of 154 BU.According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the number of heat wave days in the second fortnight of May was higher than in previous years, resulting in increased power demand. Demand began rising on May 11 and reached a record high of 270.8 GW on May 21, surpassing the previous all-time high for four consecutive days. However, it witnessed a steady decline in the latter half of the month. Before May, the highest electricity demand was recorded at 256.1 GW on April 25.There were 10 days in May when the maximum demand was more than 250 GW. Last May, bad weather kept power demand under control and crossed the 230-GW mark only twice during the month. Peak demand in May 2025 was 231 GW, while the season’s highest demand was recorded in June at 242.7 GW. The total power consumption in June 2025 was 150 BU.The government has predicted a scorching heat this year due to El Nino conditions, with power demand likely to be higher in June. However, maximum demand this month is unlikely to set another record, as the southwest monsoon is expected to reach Kerala in the next few days.

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Why do Indian women wear nose rings, anklets and toe rings? The hidden meaning and truth behind these centuries old traditions

Why do Indian women wear nose rings, anklets and toe rings? The hidden meaning and truth behind these centuries old traditions

India is a country of traditions and even the smallest jewelery has a deep meaning attached to it. Indian women have been wearing nose rings, anklets and anklets for centuries, not only for beauty but also for cultural, emotional and symbolic reasons. These jewelery are not just fashion accessories; They are tied to identity, marriage, health beliefs and spirituality. Although many traditions have changed in modern times, this jewelery still holds a special place in Indian culture.

Meaning behind nose ring

Image: Canva

21 May 2026 | 15:04

What’s the one thing that women get tired of being asked about?

Nose ring, also known as ‘Nath’, is one of the most beautiful jewelery worn by Indian women. It is a symbol of grace, beauty and tradition in most parts of India. Brides wear decorated nose rings, especially at weddings; They are an important symbol of marriage and celebration. Many traditional beliefs also link nose earrings to women’s health. According to old cultural ideas and practices inspired by Ayurveda, left nostril piercing was believed to help women’s reproductive health and reduce discomfort during childbirth. Although modern medical science does not firmly confirm these claims, the belief remains tenable in many communities.Nose rings also have emotional significance. In some families, it represents family pride, tradition, and a woman’s connection to her roots. Today, many women wear nose rings as a fashion choice while also appreciating their cultural significance.

Anklet: Sound of Grace and Presence

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Anklets, known as ‘payal’, are another traditional jewelery worn by Indian women. Their light tinkling sound has long been associated with beauty and femininity. In olden times, the sound of the anklet would also announce the arrival of someone in a room, showing respect in homes where women would often enter quietly. Silver anklets are particularly popular as gold is traditionally considered sacred and is not usually worn below the waist. Payal’s melodious voice is often associated with happiness and positive energy in homes.People have made many assumptions about health and anklets. Anklets are worn around the ankles. Some people think that the way the anklet rotates and applies pressure to the skin may help with blood circulation or keep the body energetic. These ideas are based more on cultural consideration than on confirmed medical science. Anklets also mean looking good, feeling happy and being yourself. Many girls wear anklets because they want to remember the old ways and also want to look stylish with modern clothes.

Nettle in toe: symbol of marriage and commitment

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People in India have toe rings, which they call ‘Bichhiya’. These toes are really important when it comes to marriage. Married Indian women wear silver rings to show their commitment to their husbands, similar to wedding rings worn in Western countries. Usually, when someone gets married, people give these rings as gifts and women wear them on the toes of both the feet.Many people believe that wearing a toe ring benefits women’s reproductive health. According to traditional beliefs, toe rings exert gentle pressure on certain nerves associated with the uterus and menstrual cycle, which may support fertility and overall well-being. However, these beliefs are based on cultural traditions and are not strongly supported by modern medical science. Nevertheless, nettle has great importance in Indian culture. For many women, they are not just jewelery but symbols of tradition, marriage and cultural identity, meaning much more than their appearance.Above all, toe rings symbolize responsibility, love and a new phase of life. They remind women of their connection to family and marriage and reflect tradition and identity.

more than jewelry

Image: Canva

Nose earrings, anklet chains and toe rings are not just jewellery. They tell stories of culture, values ​​and beliefs passed down from one generation to the next. These traditions have feelings, memories and meanings that go beyond appearances. Today many women wear them as a mix of tradition and fashion. Some people wear them to celebrate their culture, and others just like the way they look. Whatever the reason, these jewelery still have a certain timeless charm.They remind us that in Indian culture, jewelery too has a voice – a voice that speaks of identity, love, beauty and tradition, a voice that continues to shine across generations.

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A 2,000-year-old Roman gold mine found buried beneath a Spanish mountain reveals how ancient engineers moved millions of tons of earth. world News

2,000-year-old Roman gold mine found buried beneath Spanish mountain reveals how ancient engineers moved millions of tons of earth

For decades, archaeologists suspected that a strange landscape hidden in the Spanish Pyrenees was more than just a product of nature. Deep trenches, artificial ravines and vast excavated areas point to a forgotten human story buried beneath the mountains. Now, researchers have confirmed that the site, known as Guilleteras d’Ol in northeastern Spain, was a Roman gold mine about 2,000 years ago. The discovery of an ancient reservoir preserved beneath layers of sediment has provided the strongest evidence yet that Roman engineers used sophisticated hydraulic mining techniques to extract precious metals, reshaping entire mountains in the process and removing millions of tons of earth without modern machinery.

The Spanish mountain that hid the secret of a Roman gold mine

Located in the Cerdanya valley near the border between Spain and France, the Guilleurs d’All appears at first to be a rugged mountain landscape shaped by natural forces. A closer examination reveals something different.Archaeologists have identified a network of narrow ditches, cut slopes and large excavation fronts spanning the site. One of the most notable features is a circular excavation about 300 meters wide, a scale that immediately suggested human intervention.Researchers from the University of A Coruña and the University of Barcelona concluded that these features were created by Roman miners who transformed the landscape in search of gold. Their findings indicated that the site was part of a carefully planned mining operation rather than a small-scale prospecting effort.

A unique water-powered system is used to extract gold.

Instead of digging deep underground tunnels, Roman miners relied on hydraulic mining, a technique that used water as a powerful excavation tool.The process involved collecting large amounts of water in reservoirs and directing it through channels toward gold-rich sediment deposits. When released, the water broke up soil, gravel and loose rock, causing the material to flow downstream. Workers could then separate the tiny gold particles from the sediment.This method allowed the Romans to efficiently process huge quantities of earth. It also reduced the need for extensive underground excavation, making it particularly useful in mountainous areas where gold was scattered in ancient sediment layers.The newly confirmed mine shows how advanced Roman engineering had become by the height of the empire.

Buried reservoir that solved a centuries-old mystery

While archaeologists long suspected that the site was Roman, its age was difficult to prove.That changed during excavations conducted between 2010 and 2022, when researchers discovered an ancient reservoir buried beneath centuries of sediment. The structure measured approximately 4.5 meters wide and 1.5 meters deep and was strengthened by a dam made of large stone blocks.The reservoir once stored and controlled water used during mining operations. After the site was abandoned, layers of sediment gradually settled on its floor, preserving a record of its history.To determine when the reservoir was last used, the researchers used Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dating, a technique that measures the last time quartz grains were exposed to sunlight.The results showed that the hydraulic system was abandoned between the late 2nd and early 3rd centuries, placing the operation firmly within the Roman era.

The Romans moved a surprising amount of earth.

The scale of the mining complex is one of the most notable findings of the study.Researchers estimate that about 2 million cubic meters of earth was displaced during mining activities. Depending on the density of the material, this represents several million tons of sediment moved using little more than gravity, water, and human labor.Even today, the scars left by the operation are visible across the mountain. The dug trenches and ravines continued to shape the landscape for nearly two millennia, even after Roman workers abandoned the site.Although smaller than Las Médulas, Spain’s most famous Roman gold mine, Guilletera d’Oll demonstrates that similar mining techniques were used in many areas of the empire.

Pyrenean gold is hinted at in ancient texts

Historical sources had already suggested that the Pyrenees contained valuable gold deposits.The Roman writer Pliny the Elder described the mineral wealth of the area, while the poet Martial noted the gold associated with the area around the Roman settlement of Iulia Libica.The newly confirmed mine is close to Iulia Libica, the only known Roman city in this part of the Pyrenees. Researchers believe that the settlement may have played an important role in organizing mining operations and managing the local economy.Additional archaeological discoveries support this connection, including a metallurgical workshop found at El Castellot de Bolvir and a gold bracelet recovered from a nearby Roman cemetery.The discovery provides more than evidence of a forgotten gold mine. It offers a glimpse of the technological capabilities and economic priorities of the Roman Empire.Mining was an important source of wealth that helped finance military campaigns, public works, trade networks, and royal administration. The ability to construct reservoirs, channels and large-scale hydraulic systems in remote mountainous environments highlights the extraordinary engineering skills developed by Roman societies.The discovery also reveals how well the empire exploited natural resources, spreading complex industrial activities across areas that might otherwise have seemed isolated from the ancient world.

A hidden chapter of Roman engineering is revealed

The mountains of northeastern Spain have hidden this story for nearly 2,000 years. What once appeared to be an unusual landscape shaped by erosion is now recognized as the legacy of one of the most sophisticated mining operations of the ancient world.Thanks to the discovery of the buried reservoir and modern dating techniques, archaeologists can finally confirm that Roman engineers transformed this remote valley into a vast gold-extraction complex. Their achievement serves as a reminder that long before modern machinery came into existence, ancient civilizations were already capable of moving mountains in search of precious resources.

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Ebola outbreak: India sends 43 tonnes of aid to Africa CDC in second relief tranche. india news

Ebola outbreak: India sends 43 tonnes of aid to Africa CDC in second relief tranche

New Delhi: India has sent the second tranche of emergency medical assistance worth 43 tonnes to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to strengthen Ebola response efforts across the African Union, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Monday. The consignment, sent to Kampala, Uganda following a request by the African Union Commission, includes protective equipment, diagnostic and surveillance equipment, medicines and other critical health supplies.The latest shipment is scheduled to arrive in Kampala on June 2 and will be formally handed over to Africa CDC. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the consignment includes protective gear, diagnostic and surveillance equipment, sample transport kits, infection prevention supplies, medicines and nutritional supplements, which are aimed at enhancing public health preparedness and strengthening Ebola response capacities.External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced the dispatch on social media platform X, sharing pictures of the consignment.“India has sent the second tranche of medical assistance to Africa CDC, including protective gear, diagnostic and surveillance equipment, medicines and supplements. Confident that this 43-tonne consignment will further strengthen public health preparedness and enhance Ebola response capacities across the African Union,” he wrote.This assistance is part of India’s response to the African Union Commission’s appeal for support in combating the Ebola outbreak and strengthening regional health systems.Before the latest shipment, India had already delivered an initial tranche of emergency assistance to Uganda. The first consignment, weighing about 2.5 tonnes, was sent on May 24 and included protective gear, medical monitoring equipment, essential medicines and nutritional supplements.The Ministry of External Affairs said the larger second tranche was raised after Africa CDC submitted a more detailed assessment of its operational needs. The expanded assistance package was designed to meet immediate needs related to disease surveillance, diagnosis, patient care and infection control.India’s assistance comes as African health authorities continue efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak and improve preparedness against the spread of the disease across the continent. This support also reflects New Delhi’s broader commitment to public health cooperation with African countries through bilateral and multilateral partnerships.

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Hardik Pandya will reach BCCI COE on June 2 before Afghanistan ODI. cricket news

Hardik Pandya will reach BCCI COE on June 2 before Afghanistan ODI

India’s all-rounder hardik pandya All set to reach BCCI Center of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru on June 2. Pandya is likely to spend more than a week at the facility before joining India’s ODI squad for the Afghanistan series on June 11.The 32-year-old, who last played in this format in the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in March 2025. He was named in the ODI squad selected on 19 May, but “subject to fitness clearance”.It is learned that the BCCI medical team had directed both Rohit Sharma and Pandya to report to the CoE, but there is no clarity on the former at this stage. Pandya is likely to undergo fitness drills and match simulation next week.Indian Test team begins training in Mullanpur. Meanwhile, India’s Test team will hold its first training session ahead of the one-off Test against Afghanistan in Mullanpur from June 6. The team will train in the afternoon – from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm – and their rivals Afghanistan will have a morning session – from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.Gurjapaneet Singh, Auqib Nabi, Prince Yadav, Saransh Jain, Zeeshan Ansari and Shivang Kumar have joined the Indian squad as net bowlers to assist the team in its Test preparation.India’s test team: Shubman Gill (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (vice-captain), Sai Sudarshan, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Devdutt Padikkal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey, Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper)India’s ODI team: Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma*, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (vice-captain), KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya*, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey.notes:*Subject to fitness clearance.The first ODI has been rescheduled and will now be played on 13 June 2026.

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Chyler Leigh: ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Chyler Leigh regrets not meeting Eric Dane: ‘I couldn’t go down there to visit because’

'Grey's Anatomy' Chyler Leigh regrets not meeting Eric Dane: 'I couldn't go there because'

Chyler Leigh And Eric Dane Played on-screen sweethearts on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and were good friends in real life. When news of Eric Dane’s passing broke, the cast of the hit medical drama was devastated by the news. While Leigh opened up about how she felt at the news, in a recent interview, she shared the one thing she regrets most about meeting Dan.

Chyler Leigh opens up about regretting not meeting Eric Dane

Speaking to TV Insider, the actress revealed that she had a chance to meet Dane during a shoot; However, since she was filming elsewhere, the two were unable to meet. The shoot they talked about was the dream sequence that Meredith Gray experiences as she fights for her life after being infected with COVID-19.“We were all filming during COVID – actual COVID – and I was in Vancouver filming Supergirl. I couldn’t go there because I would have had to quarantine [for] It will take two weeks to get back to Vancouver.” She further explained that since the travel and quarantine time would have been too much, she was unable to visit the actual set, and instead had to film part of the sequence in front of a green screen.He concluded that not traveling to meet everyone is one of his biggest regrets. “If there’s anything I regret, it would be not being able to do this,” she concluded.During the interview, she also recalled many memories of working with Dane and commented, “I could pick a million [memories]. He was a wonderful human being.”

More about Meredith Grey’s final sequence

In the final sequence, Dane and Leigh’s characters, Mark and Lexie, reunite nearly a decade after dying on the show. Lexie’s death was shown at the end of season 8, when several doctors from Gray Sloan Hospital were involved in a plane crash, right after Mark admitted that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Lexie. The season 9 premiere began by showing Mark’s death at the same location.Eric Dane, who was last seen in ‘Euphoria 3’, passed away earlier this year on February 13 after suffering from ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).

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Britain bans Palestinian commentators: Britain bars pro-US Palestinian commentators Hassan Pikar and Cenk Uygur from entering the country. world News

Britain bans pro-US Palestinian commentators Hassan Pikar and Cenk Uygur from entering the country

The UK government has revoked travel authorization for pro-Palestinian figures Hassan Pikar and Cenk Uygur, barring them from entering the country ahead of scheduled speaking engagements in London.The pair were due to attend the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in London this week and speak at the Oxford Union.In a statement to CNN, the Home Office confirmed it had canceled the men’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which allows eligible foreign nationals to visit the UK without a visa for short stays.The department said the decision was taken because their presence in the UK “may not be conducive to the public good”.“Such decisions are based solely on an assessment of the potential risk an individual poses to UK society,” the Home Office said. He said both men were free to apply for visas if they wanted to travel to Britain.Picker, a popular online streamer known for political commentary, said on social media that the British government has revoked his permission to enter the country.Picker told CNN that he criticized the decision, arguing that free speech and due process were being undermined.Uygur, the founder of the online news and commentary program The Young Turks, said he learned of the ban while attempting to fly to London.“I have been banned for criticizing Israel,” Uygur wrote on X (formerly Twitter), claiming the move is a suppression of political views.The decision has been criticized by free speech advocates, who argue that the action reflects increasing restrictions on voices critical of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.It has also attracted political criticism. Zac Polanski, leader of the Green Party in England and Wales, described the restrictions as “serious” and said they were “another clear warning” about the direction of the country, The Guardian reports.Pikar has a large online audience across platforms including Twitch, X and Instagram, while Uygur is a prominent progressive political commentator in the United States and previously sought the Democratic Party nomination in the 2024 US presidential election.

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India issues letter of request to France to sign contract for 114 Rafale jets; IAF chief in Paris to push deal | india news

Pakistan worried as India doubles down on France's Rafale with biggest-ever fighter jet deal

New Delhi: Taking another major step towards signing the Rafale deal, India has issued a Letter of Request (LoR) to France to finalize the mega defense deal worth around Rs 3.25 lakh crore for 114 Rafale fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force.“The letter of request was issued to French authorities last week by the acquisition branch of the Defense Ministry,” a source said. times of India. LOR is a formal government-to-government document used to initiate defense procurement, often under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program or similar international agreements.Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh arrived in France on Monday and during his 4-day visit, he is likely to talk about the proposed agreement and visit the French facilities of Dassault Aviation where the fighter planes will be manufactured. After the Air Force chief, PM Modi is expected to visit France in mid-June and the Rafale deal is expected to figure in his discussions with the French leadership.It is expected that the French side will respond to India’s LOR or tender in the next 2 to 3 months. The final contract, which is expected by the end of this year, will be signed after final price negotiations and approval of the Cabinet Committee on Security.Under the proposed deal, 90 to 94 Rafale jets will be manufactured in India by French manufacturer Dassault Aviation in partnership with an Indian company under the Make in India initiative and the rest will be delivered in fly-away condition.Apart from the deal for 114 Rafale jets, the Navy is separately purchasing 26 Rafale maritime aircraft from Dassault for carrier operations, the agreement for which was signed on April 28 last year. The IAF is already operating 36 Rafales received under a September 2016 inter-governmental agreement.India’s Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme, under which 114 fighter jets will be procured, aims to address the critical capability gap in the Indian Air Force and check the declining strength of its fighter squadrons, which have shrunk from the ideal 42.5 squadrons to a worrying 29, which are required to effectively deal with the two-front security threat from Pakistan and China.The Defense Acquisition Council had approved the Indian Air Force’s proposal to purchase 114 Rafale jets four months ago. As part of the deal, it will be the first time that Rafale aircraft will be manufactured outside France with about 50% localisation.

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