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EAM Jaishankar Appreciates France’s Firm Stance Against Terrorism
During a joint press conference with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot in Marseille, Jaishankar stated, “I would like to convey our sincere appreciation to France for its strong denunciation of the cross-border terrorist attack in Pahalgam and for its steadfast backing of India’s right to protect itself from terrorism.”
Jaishankar engaged in discussions with Barrot at Raisina Mediterranean 2025, emphasizing the strategic partnership between India and France. The talks focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation, covering areas such as trade, defense, clean energy, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), culture, and people-to-people exchanges.
“Our enduring partnership is founded on shared values, a strong sense of sovereignty, a commitment to democracy and independence, and a strategic autonomy that informs our foreign policies. We are united in our dedication to multilateralism and adherence to international law. Over the years, a significant level of trust has developed between India and France, shaping our relationship and collaboration,” Jaishankar noted during the press conference.
The External Affairs Minister elaborated on a wide array of topics discussed, including defense, civilian nuclear energy, space, counter-terrorism, and advancements in innovation and AI technology. The conversations explored how education, research, business, and mobility could bring additional substance to bilateral relations.
On Friday, Jaishankar emphasized India’s strengthening strategic ties with Europe, especially with France. In a post on X, he remarked, “A fruitful conversation with FM Jean-Noel Barrot of France at Raisina Mediterranean 2025. We discussed India’s expanding strategic alignment with Europe, driven by mutual convergences and shared interests, and how this impacts global connectivity and technology frameworks, particularly benefiting the Global South.”
Earlier that day, Jaishankar reiterated his appreciation for France’s robust condemnation of terrorism and affirmation of India’s right to self-defense. He shared on X, “I was pleased to meet FM Jean-Noel Barrot in Marseille today. I welcomed France’s condemnation of terrorism and India’s right to defend itself. We had productive discussions about our bilateral cooperation—including trade, defense, clean energy, IMEC, culture, and people-to-people relations—and explored new avenues in technology, AI, cyber, and space as we anticipate the India-France Year of Innovation in 2026. Our various shared interests reflect the trust and strength of our enduring strategic partnership.”
New Delhi: An 18-year-old MBBS student has accused a 20-year-old male friend of drugging and sexually assaulting her at a hotel in Delhi’s Adarsh Nagar area. The alleged incident took place on September 9, police officials said.
According to the complaint, the accused, who is also a medical student, invited the woman to “Hotel Apple” on the pretext of spending time together. Once there, he allegedly gave her a drink laced with drugs and then raped her.
The survivor told police that the accused recorded obscene videos and took pictures during the assault. He later threatened to make the content viral if she reported the incident.
The woman, a native of Jind in Haryana, is currently staying at the hostel of Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College in Rohini, Delhi.
Based on her complaint, police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. A search is underway to locate and arrest the accused, officials added.
In a separate case earlier this month, a school manager in Uttar Pradesh was arrested for allegedly raping a Class 8 student. In February, a tuition teacher in Delhi’s CR Park area was accused of repeatedly raping a 15-year-old student over three years and threatening her with blackmail.
Jaipur: Eight patients died after a fire broke out at the trauma centre of the state-run Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur late Sunday night.
Officials said the blaze started in the storage area of the Neuro ICU, possibly due to a short circuit. There were 11 patients in the ICU at the time. Smoke quickly spread, causing panic among patients and staff.
Hospital workers and attendants tried to rescue patients, even moving them out on their beds. Firefighters controlled the blaze in about two hours.
Families of the victims alleged that hospital staff ignored early warnings about smoke and fled during the fire.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and other ministers visited the hospital to review the situation and assured a detailed probe into the incident.
Uttar Pradesh: A 75-year-old man who remarried in search of companionship died barely hours after his wedding, sparking shock and speculation in his village.
The deceased, identified as Sangruram, a resident of Kuchhmuchh village in Jaunpur district, had been living alone after losing his first wife a year ago. With no children, he supported himself through farming. Despite advice from relatives against remarriage, Sangruram wed 35-year-old Manbhavati, a resident of Jalalpur area, on Monday, September 29.
The marriage was first registered in court, followed by traditional rituals at a local temple. According to Manbhavati, the couple spent most of the wedding night conversing, as Sangruram assured her that she would take responsibility for the household while he would “take care of the children.”
However, by the next morning, his health deteriorated suddenly. He was rushed to hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
The unexpected death has triggered varied reactions in the village. While some residents believe it to be a natural occurrence given his age, others have expressed suspicion about the circumstances.
Relatives, including nephews residing in Delhi, have halted funeral rites until their arrival. They have also raised questions about whether a police inquiry or post-mortem examination will be conducted before the cremation.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding further investigation.
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