CDS General Bipin Rawat's News: Black-box search on; RM to speak tomorrow

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken extends condolences on the deaths of Indian Chief of Defense Staff General Rawat, his wife & others. 

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin pays heartfelt condolence to CDS General Bipin Rawat. In the visitors' book writes," I join the nation in mourning this irreparable loss."

Cremation of Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and his wife to be done on Friday (December 10) in Delhi Cantonment. Their mortal remains are expected to arrive in the National Capital in a military plane by Thursday evening. The bodies would be brought to his house on Friday and people would be allowed to pay last respect from 11 am to 2 pm, followed by a funeral procession which will start from Kamraj Marg to Brar Square crematorium in Delhi Cantonment.

Border Road Organization (BRO) has condoled the demise of CDS General Rawat and others in the IAF chopper crash at Coonoor.  

General Bipin Rawat had last visited his native village in Uttarakhand's Pauri in 2018 and had plans to build a house there after his retirement, his uncle recalled, hours after a helicopter crash killed India's first Chief of Defence Staff near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday.

His uncle Bharat Singh Rawat (70) had gone to Kotdwar for some work but returned home as soon as he heard about the accident. The general's uncle said people from nearby villages offered condolences to the family with tears in their eyes.

He said Bipin Rawat had offered prayers to their "kuldevata" during his last visit to the village in 2018. He left on the same day and had said he would build a house in the village after his retirement, the general's uncle said.

Bharat Singh Rawat said the general was attached to his village and had told people that he would do something for the area after retirement as he was pained at migration from here.

He used to talk over the phone to him and had plans to visit the village in April next year, the general's uncle said wiping his tears, adding that little did he know that his nephew's wish would remain unfulfilled.

(Above inputs from PTI)

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh will on Thursday make statements on the tragic events of the day in both houses of Parliament, with CDS General Bipin Rawat and 13 others being killed in a helicopter crash in the forests of Coonoor in Tamil Nadu. The Raksha Mantri had attended the CCS meeting chaired by the Prime Minister in the immediate aftermath of the CDS' demise being announced by the IAF.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat and his wife and families of armed forces personnel who lost their lives today", EU's ambassador to India Ugo Astuto has posted on Twitter.

Sri Lanka's President Gotabaya Rajapaksa tweeted, "Deeply saddened to hear of the sudden demise of General #BipinRawat, Mrs Rawat & others in the tragic helicopter accident in Tamil Nadu. I extend my condolences to the families & to all Indians on behalf of the people of #SriLanka."

The RSS, meanwhile, has issued the following statement:

"The sudden demise of Chief of Defense Staff General Bipin Rawat in a helicopter crash is shocking and a great loss for the nation.Under his leadership, the Indian Army set new paradigms of valour."

"In his passing, the country has lost a great security strategist, a true patriot and an able leader. RSS pays heartfelt tributes to General Rawat, his wife and the soldiers who lost their lives in this unfortunate incident."

The Indian Army has also conveyed heartfelt condolences & stands firm in support of the bereaved families of the following personnel:

Brigadier LS Lidder
Lt Col H Singh
Wg Cdr PS Chauhan
Sqn Ldr K Singh
JWO Das
JWO Pradeep A
Hav Satpal
Nk Gursewak Singh
Nk Jitender
L/Nk Vivek
L/Nk S Teja

China's ambassador to India has tweeted, "Deep condolences on the sad demise of CDS General Bipin Rawat, his wife and other victims in the helicopter crash accident. My sympathy goes to all the family members of General Bipin Rawat."

As per sources, the Prime Minister will be present at the Shok Sabha in Delhi, after the mortal remains are brought back from Coonoor.

Satoshi Suzuki (Ambassador of Japan to India) has tweeted "Deeply saddened by the tragic demise of Gen Bipin Rawat, Chief of Defence Staff, his wife and 11 Armed Forces personnel in an unfortunate accident at Sulur, Tamil Nadu. I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family members of the people killed in the accident."

The investigating team consisting of Indian Air Force officers visited the crash-site in Coonoor and recovered parts of the Mi17. The search is on to find the black box.

As per sources, the Prime Minister and Home Minister are holding a one-on-one meeting post the conclusion of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting.

The Prime Minister of Bhutan's official Twitter handle has posted its condolences over the demise of CDS General Bipin Rawat. 

The US embassy has also posted a statement condling the loss of CDS General Bipin Rawat

"The U.S. Embassy extends its deepest condolences to the Rawat family and the families of those who perished in the tragic helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu.

As India’s first Chief of Defence Staff, General Rawat spearheaded a historic period of transformation in the Indian military. He was a strong friend and partner of the United States, overseeing a major expansion of India’s defense cooperation with the U.S. military. In September, he spent five days traveling throughout the United States as part of a counterpart visit with General Mark Milley to discuss military developments and opportunities to enhance our cooperation with like-minded countries. His legacy will continue on.

Our thoughts are with the Indian people and the Indian military, and we pray for Group Captain Varun Singh’s full recovery."

Russia's envoy has also posted warmly about General Bipin Rawat.

The Prime Minister-led Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) was briefed about the military helicopter crash that led to the death of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat and other defence personnel near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu.

Besides Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the meeting was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, official sources said.

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister PK Misra and Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba also attended the meeting, in which the CCS members were briefed about the tragic incident.

The sources said the top cabinet brass expressed condolences on the death of General Rawat.

Separately, Chief of Army Staff General MM Naravane briefed the Defence Minister about the crash and related issues. The Defence Minister also visited General Rawat's residence and spoke to his daughter.

(Above inputs as per PTI)

In the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting, all members observed 2 minutes of silence & paid tributes to all those who lost their lives in the chopper crash, govt sources tell Republic. The meeting was held for just short of an hour, starting at 6:30 pm. It was attended by the senior-most union ministers as well as the top bureaucrats and chaired by the Prime Minister.
 

The Cabinet Committee on Security chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has concluded its meeting post the demise of CDS General Bipin Rawat.

General Bipin Rawat's brother in law Yashvardhan Singh will leave for Delhi shortly. The mortal remains of the CDS and his wife Madhulika will reach Delhi on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu has mourned CDS Rawat's demise, tweeting "Deeply shocked by the tragic death of Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat, his spouse Smt. Madhulika Rawat, senior officials of the armed forces & others in a helicopter crash in  Coonoor, Tamil Nadu."

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan has posted, "Deepest condolences on the untimely passing of CDS Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife, Army officials who accompanied them and crew of the IAF helicopter involved in the unfortunate accident. Kerala joins the nation in sharing the grief of their near and dear ones."

STATEMENT BY INDIAN ARMY

General MM Naravane and all ranks of the Indian Army express their deepest grief and sorrow over the untimely demise of General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Defence Staff, Mrs Madhulika Rawat, President DWWA and 11 other military personnel in an unfortunate air accident today on 08 Dec.

General Bipin Rawat, India's first CDS, was a visionary who initiated far reaching reforms in the Indian military's higher defence organisation. He was instrumental in creating the foundation of India's joint theatre commands and giving impetus to the increased indigenisation of military equipment, a legacy which will be carried on and strengthened by successive generations.

Mrs Madhulika Rawat, also the former President AWWA was an epitome of grace whose presence will be missed by everyone. 

The deceased 11 military personnel accompanying the CDS and President DWWA on the way to Wellington will also be equally missed by everyone. They performed their duties as per the best traditions of the Armed Forces.

PM Modi chairs Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting in light of CDS General Bipin Rawat's demise. Home Minister Amit Shah, EAM Jaishankar, NSA Doval, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh & Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman are present

The Chief of Naval Staff and the Indian Navy have condoled the demise of CDS General Rawat and others in the IAF chopper crash at Coonoor.  

"It's a terrible day and it's been an extremely sad day from the moment we heard this in Parliament. Not just because he was CDS, but because he was General Bipin Rawat, who was preparing the modernisation of the Indian forces. He was an extremely distinguished soldier and a fine gentleman," says MoS Electronics & IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar to Republic on CDS Bipin Rawat's demise.

"Deeply saddened by the demise of Chief of Defence Staff Gen #BipinRawat, his wife & 11 other Defence personnel in a very tragic accident in #TamilNadu. It is an irreparable loss to the nation. Deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wish speedy recovery of the injured" tweets Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik.

"Deeply shocked to learn about the tragic death of CDS Gen. Bipin Rawat, his wife and other soldiers of armed forces. India has lost a brave son today. His contributions for strengthening the armed forces shall always be remembered. My profound condolences," says former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.

"Sincere condolences on the demise of CDS Gen Bipin Rawat along with his wife and staff in the tragic helicopter crash. My prayers for the departed souls. May Akal Purakh grant solace to the bereaved family members.
"A soldier never dies he becomes eternal" #BipinRawat," writes SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal.

"I am deeply saddened to learn about the tragic demise of CDS General Bipin Rawat ji, his wife Madhulika Ji & other officers on board the helicopter. India has lost some of its bravest today. 
May the departed souls find peace.
My condolences to their families and loved ones," writes former Rajasthan Dy CM Sachin Pilot.

"It’s very sad & shocking to hear about the demise of Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife and other Armed Forces personnel in the unfortunate helicopter accident today. It’s an irreparable loss to the country. I pray to Almighty that their souls may rest in peace," writes ex J&K CM and senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad.

"Shocked and saddened beyond words at the most tragic death of CDS Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife, and 11 other Officers in the helicopter crash. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and prayers for the injured officer. Om Shanti," writes former Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa.

The mortal remains of Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and his wife Madhulika along with other Armed Forces personnel killed in the chopper crash at Coonoor are expected to arrive in Delhi by evening on Thursday

"His passing away has saddened me deeply": PM Modi calls CDS Rawat 'an outstanding soldier, a true patriot'.

President of India writes "The Nation has lost one of its bravest sons"; Indian Army says "dynamic & inspiring leadership of General Bipin Rawat shall remain eternally etched in our memories".

"He was one of the bravest soldiers, who has served the motherland with utmost devotion," writes Home Minister Amit Shah on CDS General Bipin Rawat's demise.

Union Ministers Jaishankar, Nitin Gadkari, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Piyush Goyal, as well as former Congress president Rahul Gandhi and ex-Team India cricketer Yuvraj Singh mourn demise of CDS General Bipin Rawat in the helicopter crash in Coonoor.

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh has tweeted paying his respects to CDS General Bipin Rawat who is confirmed to have died in the IAF's chopper crash in Tamil Nadu's Coonoor

CDS General Bipin Rawat, Madhulika Rawat & 11 others have died in the IAF helicopter crash at TN's Coonoor, the Indian Air Force has confirmed.

While the Defence Minister is set to address Parliament on Thursday on the IAF Chopper crash involving CDS General Bipin Rawat, 2 MPs - first from the Shiv Sena and second from the JDU - have sought an official response from the government on the situation with regards to the CDS.

Meanwhile, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami is to visit the village and residence of General Rawat on Thursday morning. Gen Rawat grew up in Pauri Garhwal, and his father hailed from the Sainj village.

As per the latest information, the Indian Air Force's team has reached the crash site at Coonoor. This input comes even as the IAF Chief, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, is set to reach there shortly.

The Prime Minister-led Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) is scheduled to meet at 6:30 pm to discuss the situation arising out of the crash of a military helicopter with Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat and several other officers on board on Wednesday near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu.

The meeting will be attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah among others. Sources said Singh has already briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the crash and the Indian Air Force chief has been asked to reach the site.

The CCS will meet at 6:30 pm, the sources said. Separately, Chief of Army Staff Gen MM Naravane briefed the Defence Minister about the crash and related issues. It is learnt that the top military brass also met following the accident. The defence minister visited the residence of Gen Rawat and spoke to his daughter. Singh is likely to make a statement on the incident in Parliament on Thursday.

After news agency ANI, PTI also states 13 of 14 persons onboard the IAF chopper that crashed in Tamil Nadu have been killed. There is one male survivor, PTI reports, citing the Nilgiris Collector.

Further, as per the latest information, Wing Commander Prithvi Singh Chauhan was the pilot of the Mi-17V5 which crashed with 14 personnel on board including CDS Gen Bipin Rawat. He is the Commanding Officer of the 109 Helicopter Unit.

As per the latest information, three Members of Parliament from Uttarakhand are to visit CDS General Bipin Rawat's residence in New Delhi. The three MPs are Ajay Tamta of Almora, Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah of Tehri Garhwal and Tirath Singh Rawat (former Uttarakhand CM) of Garhwal. 

A number of top officials from the security forces, including COAS General Naravane, visited the house of CDS Bipin Rawat in Delhi, and a number of other Army families including those who have known the Rawats for a long time have also been seen going inside.  

As Republic has been reporting from the location, starting with Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, a number of key persons have visited the Rawats' residence at 3 - Kamraj Marg in New Delhi. Gen Rawat and Madhulika Rawat have two daughters, one of which resides with them in Delhi.

The Mi17V5 helicopter, which crashed with Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Bipin Rawat and 13 other people onboard on Wednesday, is an advanced military transport chopper that has been with the Indian Air Force (IAF) since 2012.

Manufactured by Russian Helicopters' subsidiary Kazan, the helicopter has an onboard weather radar and is equipped with the latest generation of night vision devices.

It also has the new PKV-8 autopilot system and a KNEI-8 avionics suite. It can carry a maximum take off weight of 13,000 kg and maximum payload weight of 4,000 kg.

India had in 2008 signed a deal with Russia to induct 80 Mi17V5 medium lift helicopters for strengthening its chopper fleet for humanitarian and disaster relief missions and transport operations. 

The contract was later expanded for delivery of 151 Mi17V5 helicopters.

The first batch of these helicopters came to India in September 2011.

In February 2012, the IAF had formally Mi17V5 helicopters from Russia to enhance its operational capabilities including carrying troops and cargo to high altitude areas.

The helicopter is fitted with a self-defence system against heat seeker missiles, heavily-armoured cockpit, vital systems and components.

"The Mi-17V-5 military transport helicopter is designed to carry personnel, cargo and equipment inside the cargo cabin or on an external sling, drop tactical air assault forces and reconnaissance and sabotage groups, destroy ground targets and carry the wounded," said Russian government's defence exports company Rosoboronexport.

According to the company, this helicopter can achieve a maximum speed of 250 km per hour.

The helicopter is fitted with advanced TV3-117VM engines.

It is the most technically advanced helicopter of Mi-8/17 family of helicopters, and incorporates the best engineering solutions from previous generations of helicopters.

(Above as per PTI)

As per the latest inputs, the government is expected to issue a formal statement on the Tamil Nadu IAF chopper crash involving CDS General Bipin Rawat, but it is only likely to happen after the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting that the Prime Minister is expected to chair at 6:30 pm. Earlier, it was reported that the Defence Minister would be briefing Parliament on Wednesday, which was then shifted forward by a day to Thursday. However, the situation is in flux depending on the news coming out of Coonoor.

The Prime Minister has called a meeting of the Cabinet Committee of Security (CCS) at 6:30 pm on Wednesday in light of the IAF chopper crash in Tamil Nadu. CDS General Bipin Rawat and his wife Madhulika Rawat were among the 14 persons onboard the Mi-17 chopper. The condition of the CDS is still unclear - he is being treated in hospital is the latest information.

In view of the IAF Helicopter Crash, President Kovind cancels all events in Mumbai, to head back to Delhi. 

13 of the 14 personnel involved in the military chopper crash in Tamil Nadu have been confirmed dead. Identities of the bodies to be confirmed through DNA testing, as per ANI Sources. 

13 of the 14 personnel involved in the military chopper crash in Tamil Nadu have been confirmed dead. Identities of the bodies to be confirmed through DNA testing, sources have informed. 

Krishnaswamy, the first eyewitness, said that the helicopter crashed into a tree making a loud noise. It was then engulfed in flames. The locals immediately alerted the police and fire department.''I saw a person who was up in flames. Then I saw three or four other persons who were fully charred. I got really scared and left the place.''

Ramachandran, fire, and rescue team personnel in an exclusive conversation with Republic said, "We were on duty at the helipad, it is a regular posting for us when there is a movement. But though the helicopter took off it hadn't landed even after half an hour of the landing time. That is when we got information about the accident. 

"We rushed to this spot, but the fire service vehicle could not reach by then so we trekked 2 km. We have retrieved 2 people alive, one with 90 percent burn and another with 45 percent burn. 12 others retrieved have been declared dead," he added. 

Army Chief General MM Naravane briefs Defence Minister Rajnath Singh over the incident of the crash of a military helicopter in Tamil Nadu, that was also carrying CDS Gen Bipin Rawat.

Journalist Ravi Kumar reports #LIVE from the site in Coonoor where the Mi-17 chopper crashed with CDS General Bipin Rawat onboard with CDS General Bipin Rawat onboard

Tune in here: 

Sources have informed Republic that a medical team from the Sulur Air Force Base at Coimbatore has gone to Coonoor. A team of 6 doctors from the government hospital has also gone. 

Pilots of the military chopper that crashed in Coonoor of Tamil Nadu are identified as Captain PS Chauhan and Squadron leader Kuldeep. 

Nilgiris Collector IAS officer S.P. Amrith in an exclusive conversation with Republic confirmed that 11 out of 14 onboard are dead. "Rescue operations still underway. We're monitoring the crisis closely," he added. 

The government is likely to issue a statement in Parliament on the crash of the military chopper with Chief of Defence Staff on board, sources have informed. 

On the directions of Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari is on his way to Sulur, say sources. 

9 AM- CDS Bipin Rawat along with his wife leaves from Delhi

11:35 AM- CDS lands in Sulur

11:45 AM- CDS departs for Wellington on a helicopter

12:20 PM- Helicopter crashes minutes before landing

As per sources, the site of the crash of the IAF helicopter is less than 10 km away from the landing spot. 

"Saddened to hear that the IAF chopper carrying CDS General Bipin Rawat crashed. I am trying to gather more information on it. As per preliminary information, he has been taken to the hospital for treatment," said Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai. 

Tamil Nadu Forest Minister K Ramachandran reaches the helicopter crash site on the instructions of Chief Minister MK Stalin. Speaking to the media, he said, "Rescue operation is underway."

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is monitoring the situation following the crash of an IAF chopper carrying CDS Bipin Rawat & others. A meeting of senior Defence Ministry officials is underway. Singh has briefed the PM about the crash: Sources

11 out of 14 people onboard the IAF helicopter that crashed in Coonoor declared dead. 

Sources have informed Republic that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin will leave for Coonor at 5 PM. 

The IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter was airborne from Sulur for Wellington. There were 14 persons on board, including the crew: Indian Air Force

TN Chief Minister inquires over the phone with district administration and police officials about the Coonoor Army helicopter crash.

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin has ordered a high level treatment to CDS and instructed Health secretary to depute equipped medical team at Nilgiris to assist. 

Distressed to hear the news of an Army helicopter crash carrying CDS General Shri Bipin Rawat Ji and other senior Army officials. Praying for their safety & well-being, said Jyotiraditya Scindia. 

As official reports are still awaited on the Military chopper crash in Tamil Nadu, here are inputs from experts. 

Listen here:

Read the entire report on the Tamil Nadu helicopter crash here:

Bodies recovered from the site of the crash (between Coimbatore and Sulur where a military chopper crashed) have been taken to Military Hospital, Wellington in Tamil Nadu: Sources

IAF Helicopter crash: Catch minute to minute updates here:

A statement in Parliament over IAF Helicopter crash is also expected. 

Military chopper crash in Tamil Nadu: Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat being treated in the hospital.

Catch live updates:

Official reports have informed that four bodies recovered, three injured persons rescued from IAF helicopter crash site in TN:

CDS Bipin Rawat has been moved to the hospital.

"The news of the crash of an army helicopter carrying CDS General Bipin Rawat in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu is worrying. I pray for the safety of the people on board the helicopter," wrote Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot in Hindi

Army chief Gen M Naravane is monitoring the situation from DGMO. All communication with the Mi-17 V5 helicopter was reportedly lost before the crash. 14 people were on board and rescue ops is underway.

Reportedly, 14 people were bonboard the IAF chopper which crashed in Coonoor include CDS Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife Mrs Madhulika Rawat and other officials. An inquiry has been set up by the IAF.

Here is the official list of senior Army officials present at the IAF chopper that crashed in Ooty. 

An Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident, confirms IAF.

Latest visuals from the spot (between Coimbatore and Sulur) where a military chopper crashed in Tamil Nadu. CDS Bipin Rawat, his staff and some family members were in the chopper.

Live updates: IAF Chopper Crashes In Tamil Nadu; CDS General Bipin Rawat Reportedly Onboard:

Military chopper has crashed in Tamil Nadu. Senior officials were on board. More details are awaited.

In a response from the Home Ministry, Amit Shah briefed the Parliament on Article 370 and talked about number of terrorists killed and asserted, 'no Kashmiri Pandit displaced after abrogation'. 

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Air version of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile was successfully test-fired from supersonic fighter aircraft Sukhoi 30 MK-I from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur off Odisha coast today, informed DRDO. 

In the ongoing Shopian encounter, one terrorist has been gunned down by J&K security forces.

'Pakistan is unlikely to shed its Kashmir-oriented strategy. It will continue to sponsor terrorism. Pak armed forces have formulated a new concept of war-fighting &has acquired & equipped itself with latest tech, aircraft & upgrade its defence capabilities,' said Air Chief Marshal. 

Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday conducted raids in several PFI offices in Kerala:

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After getting summoned by the ED, Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez reached the ED office on Wednesday morning in 200 Cr extortion case. 

Nagaland MP briefs the firing incident and a debate to withdraw AFSPA  is currently going on in Rajya Sabha's Winter session. 

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Union Ministers Rajnath Singh, Pralhad Joshi, Nirmala Sitharaman are among the attendees:

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted unanimously to keep the policy repo rate at 4% & the stance remains accommodative. MSF rate and bank rate remain unchanged at 4.25%. Reverse repo rate also remains unchanged at 3.35%: RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das following MPC meeting.

President Ram Nath Kovind will present the Presidential Standard to the Indian Navy's 22nd Missile Vessel Squadron or Killer Squadron in Mumbai. 

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President Ram Nath Kovind arrived at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai to award the President’s Standard to the 22nd Missile Vessel Squadron:

In an exclusive conversation with Republic TV, eyewitnesses from Otting recounted the Nagaland firing incident. 

Read the full story here:

India reports 8,439 new #COVID19 cases, 9,525 recoveries, and 195 deaths in the last 24 hours

Samyukt Kisan Morcha's 5-member committee to hold an urgent meeting in New Delhi at 10 am today:

Experts have raised concerns over Pakistan's falling currency against USD under PM Imran Khan. 

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At UNSC meet for troop-contributing countries for UNDOF for Israel-Syria ceasefire, Pratik Mathur, Counsellor in India's Permanent Mission to UN, recalled sacrifice by Indian peacekeeper Sepoy Johnson Beck & highlighted that India is the third-largest troop contributor:

WHO representative to India spoke exclusively to Republic TV over COVID-19 Omicron variant concerns:

Delhi's air quality has improved to 'poor' from 'very poor' category with Air Quality Index (AQI) standing at 235, as per SAFAR-India.

The Central Government on Tuesday contacted some farmer leaders, informed sources to Republic Media Network. The Centre has assured farmer leaders to withdraw cases against protesting farmers. The Centre has also assured that no more cases of stubble burning will be registered against the farmers. They have also been assured on a committee on MSP, which still remains unresolved. Meanwhile, Kisan unions demand a written assurance from the Central government on this. And the government has agreed to give it, sources said. Also, the Centre is likely to soon give written assurance to the farmers on their demands. The Haryana government may also issue a letter to farmers soon on withdrawing lawsuits against farmers in the state.

Read full story here.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday, 7 December, to inaugurate projects worth Rs 9,600 crore. During his speech in the poll-bound state, the Prime Minister said that he is overwhelmed by this support from Gorakhpur. He assured that the BJP government will open more fertiliser plants in Gorakhpur and emphasised that the "beginning of a fertiliser plant & AIIMS in Gorakhpur is sending out several messages." While addressing at a Gorakhpur event, Prime Minister Modi stated that India's money will be invested in the country. "When there is a double engine government, work is done at double speed," he remarked.

An encounter has broken out between security forces and terrorists in Check Cholan area of Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir, informed Police.

Nine students of Government Residential School have tested COVID positive in Odisha's Jajpur district:

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said that it will join the US in a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.