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HT Archives: 140-year French rule ends, Pondicherry merges with India – November 01st, 1954

On November 1, 1954, over 300,000 residents of former French enclaves in India were officially integrated into India, ending 140 years of French rule.

Pondicherry 

More than 300,000 people inhabiting “what used to be French enclaves in India” rejoined their mother country, India, at dawn on November 1, 1954, ending 140 years of unbroken French rule over the four settlements — Pondicherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yenam.

In a brief but solemn ceremony, at Government House, M Pierre Landy, of the French Foreign Office, handed over the seals of authority to Kewal Singh, Indian Consul-General and Commissioner-designate of the settlements, exactly at 6.54am and the two officials signed on behalf of their respective Governments the Instrument of Transfer negotiated between India and France.

From 7am, French rule over the four settlements ceased although sovereignty over them vests in France legally, till de jure transfer.

“A part of India separated from the Motherland is coming back to us of its own free will,” said Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, in a message welcoming the people of what used to be French enclaves in India “as nationals of the Republic of India”.

“I offer felicitations also to the Government and the people of France on this occasion. I am happy that Pondicherry will be a cultural link between the Republic of India and France,” Nehru added.

President Dr Rajendra Prasad welcoming the people of Pondicherry and other settlements, in his message said: “We shall be equal partners in a common endeavour to work for the progress and prosperity of India.”

The President hoped the spirit in which the friendly negotiations for the transfer were carried on would serve “as a shining example to other nations faced with similar problems of colonialism which is now an anachronism”.

Soon after the ceremony of signing the agreement, which lasted about 10 minutes, the Indian Tricolour was unfurled over Government House to the tumultuous ovation by thousands of people gathered at the Government House lawn.

THE CEREMONY Precisely at 6.45am, Kewal Singh drove from the Consulate to Government House. He was received at the gates by M Pierre Landy. Singh, after inspecting a guard of honour provided by a platoon of French police, was conducted to an anteroom where, to the glare of flashlights, the two officials signed the historic document of Instrument of Transfer to the booming of guns fired by the artillery.

M Landy then warmly shook hands with Singh and introduced French Indian officials to him and other Indian officials.

The Instrument of Transfer, which in French ran into six lines, read:

“In the year 1954 on the first of November at 6-54 a.m. according to the agreement signed on October 21 at Delhi between the Government of France and the Government of India. M. Pierre Landy, diplomatic consular representative of the Government of the French Republic, handed over to Mr Kewal Singh, representing the Government of the Indian Republic, the powers relating to the administration of French establishments in India.

“The handing over of the different services according to regulations contained in letter No. 3 appended to the, above agreement has been noted down for each service in a separate brochure.

“Done at Pondicherry the same day in six copies and signed by the two representatives. P. Landy and Kewal Singh.”

Soon after the transfer of power to India, RK Nehru, India’s foreign secretary, announced at a public meeting general amnesty to political prisoners in the settlements. He also announced the extension of the Five-Year Plan to these areas. The government of India, he said, proposed to extend civil rights guaranteed under the Indian Constitution to the people of these areas.

The foreign secretary, who conducted the two-year-long negotiations with the government of France for the transfer of the settlements, then unfurled the Indian Tricolour at the Customs House.

Thousands of people cheered, and a 21-gun salute was fired as the National Flag went up. Children from Aurobindo Ashram sang Jana Gana Mana.

From early morning people lined along the beach to witness the Indian national flag go up the Metal flag-mast. Leaders, including Messrs EG Pillai, Muthukumarappa Reddiar, Muthu Pillai and Subbiah, on arrival at the meeting ground were cheered by the waiting crowd.

NEHRU’S MESSAGE PM Nehru, in his message to Pondicherry, said: “I am far from India on this day but my thoughts are at Pondicherry where an event of great significance is taking place. A part of India long separated from the Motherland is coming back to us of its own tree will and this change is taking place as a result of friendly agreement with France. The French settlements in India were small in area but they raised difficult problems it is never easy to solve problems which involve the interests and prestige of different countries. It is thus a matter of peculiar satisfaction that both India and France have succeeded in solving this question with grace and goodwill. In doing so they have set an example of tolerance, good sense and wisdom. which if applied to other problems in the world might lead to successful results.

“I congratulate the people of what used to be French enclaves in India and welcome them as nationals of the Republic of India. I offer felicitations also to the Government of France under the wise leadership of its Prime Minister and the people of France on this occasion. I am happy that Pondicherry will continue to be a centre of the French language and culture and will be a cultural link between the Republic of India and the Republic of France. The settlement of this problem is a justification and vindication of the policy we have pursued in such matters. That policy is of peace and patient perseverance. Some people have thought that it was slow in achieving results. But the way of peace though it might appear long is always the shortest and most satisfactory. That way we shall continue to pursue, holding always to what we consider to be right and yet ever ready to be friends with even those who might oppose us. Jai Hind.”

source/contents: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)

India’s first analog space mission to simulate extra-terrestrial conditions on Mars and Moon kicks off 

India’s first Mars and Moon analog mission at Leh in Ladakh to simulate life in an interplanetary habitat has been inaugurated.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), AAKA Space Studio Pvt. Ltd, the University of Ladakh, IIT Bombay, and the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council have collaborated in this endeavour.

Collaborative effort

ISRO on Friday posted on X (formerly Twitter), “India’s first analog space mission kicks off in Leh! A collaborative effort by Human Spaceflight Centre, ISRO, AAKA Space Studio, University of Ladakh, IIT Bombay, and supported by Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, this mission will simulate life in an interplanetary habitat to tackle the challenges of a base station beyond Earth.”

Aastha Kacha, founder of AAKA Space Studio Pvt. Ltd said this mission is designed to simulate extraterrestrial conditions on Mars and the Moon, enabling India to enhance its human spaceflight capabilities.

“The mission site, located in Ladakh, was chosen for its unique environment that closely resembles Martian and lunar surfaces, offering a natural laboratory for testing habitat sustainability, life support systems, and the human experience of isolation. For the next 21 days, an analog astronaut from AAKA Space Studio will reside within the habitat, conducting essential research to support India’s human spaceflight aspirations,” Ms. Kacha said.

AAKA Space Studio further said that the mission centres on testing a human-centred habitat prototype developed by it.

Designed to support both physical needs and psychological well-being, the habitat integrates a range of innovative technologies like airlock and Extra-Vehicular Activities (EVA zone), Circadian lighting system, hydroponics, environment monitoring system and stand-alone power system.

According to AAKA Space Studio, the Airlock and EVA Zone is a dedicated space for preparing for EVA while maintaining habitat integrity; the Circadian lighting system simulates natural daylight cycles to support astronauts’ sleep-wake patterns, the hydroponics and food preparation area supports sustainability and fresh food production, the stand-alone power system utilises renewable energy to ensure uninterrupted power and the environmental monitoring system tracks habitat conditions to support optimal functioning.

Why Ladakh was chosen

AAKA Space Studio said that Ladakh was chosen for its unique environmental characteristics, which closely mirror those of Mars and the Moon.

“The Diurnal shifts from 15°C to -10°C, which simulate the thermal challenges of extraterrestrial environments, enabling testing of the habitat’s thermal insulation. Situated over 3,500 meters above sea level, Ladakh’s oxygen levels are only 40% of sea level, allowing researchers to test life support systems for low-pressure conditions similar to Mars,” AAKA Space Studio said.

It further said that the region’s sandy, rocky soil resembles Martian and lunar regolith, ideal for research on rover mobility and in-situ resource utilisation.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: BIRTHS & DEATH REGISTRATION: Centre launches CRS app for birth and death registration: Here’s how it works

Developed by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, CRS app is expected to reduce the time required for these registrations seamlessly.

Union home minister Amit Shah on Tuesday launched a new mobile application, the Civil Registration System (CRS), for birth and death registration. Developed by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, the app is expected to reduce the time required for these registrations seamlessly.

“Under PM Shri @narendramodi Ji’s Digital India vision to integrate technology with governance, launched the Civil Registration System mobile application,” Amit Shah posted on X.

According to the Union minister, the app will streamline the process of birth and death registration, allowing citizens to register anytime, anywhere, and in their state’s official language. This, he said, will “significantly reduce the time required for registration.”

He also shared a brief video from the Registrar General of India accompanying the post, showcasing the app’s interface. It explains that the CRS mobile app enables digital certificate delivery and online digitisation of legacy records and assures that states will not be burdened with additional financial burdens for the app’s operation and maintenance.

How does it work?

– Registrars should first download the new Civil Registration System (CRS) mobile app from the Google Play Store.

– After downloading, you need to log in using their user ID and password.

– The app will prompt them to complete a captcha, then send an OTP via SMS to the registered mobile number for verification. The login is completed after entering the OTP.

– On the home screen, the CRS app displays births and deaths.

– The menu, accessible via the hamburger icon on the top-left, provides options such as Birth, Death, Still Birth, Adoption, Profile, and Add/View Payment Details.

– To register a birth, registrars should select “Birth” and then tap on “Register Birth,” where they will need to enter details like the child’s date of birth, address, and family information.

– The process to register a death is similar and can be found under the “Death” > “Register Death” option.

– Once the payment process is completed, the required certificate is generated.

– Both birth and death certificates can then be downloaded directly from the CRS app.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)

U.S., France, Armenia emerge as India’s top three defence export customers

India’s top military exports go to U.S., France, and Armenia, boosting domestic production and global presence.

Amid a growing push to increase exports of indigenous defence equipment, the U.S., France and Armenia have emerged as the top three customers for Indian military exports.

“India is presently exporting military equipment to more than 100 nations across the world. The top three countries in the last financial year include the U.S., France and Armenia,” official sources said on Sunday (October 28, 2024).

The Defence Ministry has been pushing defence exports and manufacturing in the country to improve domestic production of these equipment to meet internal and international requirements.

The sources said the exports to the U.S. include a significant number of parts of aircraft and helicopters manufactured by Indian firms for global defence majors like Lockheed Martin and Boeing. The exports to France include a lot of software and electronic equipment, while the exports to Armenia include ATAGS artillery guns, Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher systems, Swathi weapon locating radars and other important systems.

Official sources said that the Defence Industrial Base has been expanding with the presence of 16 Defence public sector units, 430 firms with licenses along 16000 medium and small-scale enterprises. Sources said the value of defence production in the country has gone up significantly since 2014-15.

“There has been a around three-fold increase in the value of production since 2014-15. While the Indian firms produced equipment worth ₹46,429 crores in 2014-15, it has come to ₹1.27,265 crores in the last fiscal,” they said.

The contribution of the private sector in this value of production is 21%. The major defence platforms produced in the country include the LCA Tejas fighter jets, aircraft carriers, warships, submarines, Dhanush artillery gun system, MBT Arjun, advanced towed artillery gun system, high mobility vehicles, weapon-locating vehicles, weapon-locating radar, 3D tactical control radar, software-defined radios, and Akash missile system.

India’s Defence Exports (in Cr.)

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Airbus to double sourcing from India to $2 billion over next couple of years

Speaking at the same event, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu reiterated the government’s ambition to design and manufacture commercial aircraft in India, and said that Airbus has a role to play in that endeavour.

European aerospace giant Airbus expects its component and services sourcing from India to nearly double to $2 billion annually over the next couple of years as the company’s engagement with the country is “gaining a new momentum” at a time when the aerospace and defence industry is taking off in India, Airbus India and South Asia President & Managing Director Rémi Maillard said Thursday. Airbus currently sources components and services worth 1 billion euros ($1.08 billion) from India.

India is the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market and also among the fastest-growing major aviation markets globally. With Indian airlines having over 1,200 commercial aircraft on order—a bulk of those with Airbus—the country is slated to emerge as a global aviation hotspot over the coming years. The country is also pushing the allied sectors of domestic aerospace and defence manufacturing.

“In the next couple of years we will further grow our sourcing footprint and touch the $2-billion mark, Airbus direct employment numbers will cross 5,000, we will set up a second pilot training centre in a JV (joint venture) with Air India, we will invest in setting up a 5,000-seater Airbus Campus in Bengaluru, we will deliver the first Make in India aircraft from the private sector—the C295 (and) we will deliver the first Make in India helicopter from the private sector—the H125—both programmes in partnership with Tata,” Maillard said at the inauguration of Airbus’s new India and South Asia headquarters.

Airbus currently sources components and services from dozens of Indian suppliers and service providers. It currently employs around 3,500 people in India, where it also operates an engineering centre. Airbus has also tied up with the Tata group to set up final assembly lines (FALs) for the C-295 military aircraft and the H-125 helicopters in India.

Speaking at the same event, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu reiterated the government’s ambition to design and manufacture commercial aircraft in India, and said that Airbus has a role to play in that endeavour.

“We are actively pursuing the dream (of designing and manufacturing commercial aircraft in India), and we feel that Airbus has a very big role to play. They have already been doing their bit over the years, expanding their footprint in manufacturing the important components that go into manufacturing aircraft,” Naidu said.

Last month, Naidu had said that the government plans to set up a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to devise and build a roadmap for development and manufacturing of an indigenous commercial aircraft in India, and is looking to involve multiple stakeholders including large planemakers like Airbus and Boeing.

“We are actively pursuing the dream (of designing and manufacturing commercial aircraft in India), and we feel that Airbus has a very big role to play. They have already been doing their bit over the years, expanding their footprint in manufacturing the important components that go into manufacturing aircraft,” Naidu said.

Last month, Naidu had said that the government plans to set up a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to devise and build a roadmap for development and manufacturing of an indigenous commercial aircraft in India, and is looking to involve multiple stakeholders including large planemakers like Airbus and Boeing.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

Prabhakar Raghavan, IIT-Madras Alumnus Appointed as Google’s Chief Technologist

Prabhakar Raghavan, an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-Madras), has been appointed as Google’s Chief Technologist. He was previously the Senior Vice President at Google, responsible for overseeing a broad spectrum of products including Google Search, Assistant, Geo.

Prabhakar Raghavan, an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-Madras), has been appointed as Google’s Chief Technologist. He was previously the Senior Vice President at Google, responsible for overseeing a broad spectrum of products including Google Search, Assistant, Geo, Ads, Commerce, and Payments. His new role marks a significant shift in Google’s leadership, especially as the company undergoes core business restructuring.

Early Career and Education

Educational Background:

  • BTech in Electrical Engineering from IIT-Madras (1981): Raghavan’s educational journey began at IIT-Madras, one of India’s most prestigious engineering institutions. He graduated with a degree in electrical engineering, which laid the foundation for his illustrious career in technology.
  • MS and PhD from the University of California: He continued his academic pursuits at the University of California, Berkeley, earning his MS in 1982 and completing his PhD in computer science in 1986. His doctoral work in computer science solidified his expertise in areas such as algorithms, data mining, and machine learning.

Academic and Professional Achievements

Prabhakar Raghavan is a highly respected figure in the global tech community. He has received numerous accolades for his contributions to computer science and technology:

  • Member of the US National Academy of Engineering: This prestigious title is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to engineering research, practice, or education.
  • Honorary Doctorate from the University of Bologna, Italy: In recognition of his achievements in technology and leadership.
  • UC Berkeley Distinguished CS Alumnus Award: Acknowledging his outstanding contributions as an alumnus of the University of California, Berkeley.
  • Fellow of the IEEE and ACM: These fellowships are awarded to individuals with exceptional accomplishments in electrical and computer engineering, as well as computing machinery

Career Before Google

Before joining Google, Prabhakar Raghavan had already established a stellar career, holding leadership roles in some of the world’s top tech companies.

  • Yahoo! Labs: Dr. Raghavan founded and led Yahoo! Labs, where he spearheaded major advancements in search and ad ranking algorithms. He played a pivotal role in ad marketplace design and served as Yahoo’s Chief Strategy Officer.
  • CTO at Verity: Raghavan also served as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Verity, a leading company in enterprise search technology.
  • 14 Years at IBM: During his long tenure at IBM, Raghavan worked extensively on algorithms, data mining, and machine learning. His work at IBM solidified his reputation as an expert in developing technologies related to data management.

Career at Google

Raghavan joined Google in 2012 and has since held various key roles within the company. His journey at Google is marked by leading teams that have developed and managed some of the company’s most critical in-house products:

  • Google Cloud and Google Apps: Raghavan initially managed Google Cloud and Google Apps, overseeing vital tools like Gmail and Google Drive. His leadership contributed to the growth and success of these products, making them integral to Google’s broader ecosystem.
  • Google Search and Related Products: As Senior Vice President, Raghavan was responsible for overseeing Google Search, one of the company’s most essential products, along with Google Assistant, Geo, Ads, Commerce, and Payments. His efforts helped improve the functionality and relevance of these products, enhancing Google’s role as a global leader in technology and innovation.

Transition to Chief Technologist

In October 2024, Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced in an internal note that Prabhakar Raghavan would take over the position of Chief Technologist. This shift in leadership came at a crucial time for Google, which is currently undergoing significant business restructuring to address increasing competition and changes in user behavior.

Raghavan’s role as Chief Technologist will focus on driving technical innovations, overseeing key strategic initiatives, and guiding the company through the evolving landscape of technology.

  • Nick Fox will take over Raghavan’s previous role, leading Google Search, Assistant, and related products.

Importance of His Appointment

Raghavan’s appointment as Google’s Chief Technologist is a testament to his decades of experience in computer science, leadership, and technical expertise. His deep knowledge in areas like machine learning, data mining, and algorithms is expected to further enhance Google’s technological capabilities and strategic direction.

This leadership transition also highlights Google’s commitment to innovation and technical excellence, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of global technology advancements.

source/content: currentaffairs.adda247.com / Adda247 (headline edited)

PM Modi, Spanish counterpart to inaugurate Tata aircraft complex for manufacturing C-295 aircraft, making it India’s 1st Private Sector final Assemly line for Military Aircraft.

The Prime Minister’s Office, in a statement, said this will be the first private sector final assembly line for military aircraft in India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Spanish counterpart, Pedro Sanchez, will inaugurate the Tata aircraft complex in Gujarat’s Vadodara on Monday for manufacturing C-295 aircraft by Tata Advanced Systems.

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), in a statement on Saturday, said this will be the first private sector final assembly line for military aircraft in India.

During the visit to his home state, Modi will also launch development projects worth more than Rs 4,900 crore in Amreli.

The PMO said 40 aircraft will be built in the Vadodara facility as part of the agreement, while aviation behemoth Airbus will deliver 16 aircraft directly.

Tata Advanced Systems is responsible for making these 40 aircraft in India and this facility will be the first private sector final assembly line (FAL) for military planes in India.

It will involve the full development of a complete ecosystem, from manufacture to assembly, test and qualification, to delivery and maintenance of the complete life cycle of the aircraft, the statement said.

Apart from the Tatas, leading defence public sector units, such as Bharat Electronics and Bharat Dynamics, as well as private micro, small and medium enterprises will contribute to this programme.

Modi had laid the foundation stone for the Vadodara final assembly line in October 2022.

In Amreli, the prime minister will inaugurate the “Bharat Mata” Sarovar in Dudhala. This project was developed through a collaboration between the state government and the Dholakia Foundation under the public-private partnership (PPP) model.

Various rail, road, water and tourism projects, among others, to be inaugurated by Modi will benefit the citizens of Amreli, Jamnagar, Morbi, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Junagadh, Porbandar, Kachchh and Botad districts of the state, the statement said.

Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Telegraph Online staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.

source/content: telegraphindia.com (headline edited)

OpenAI appoints Aaron Ronnie Chatterji as first chief economist, an Indian-American

OpenAI has appointed renowned economist Aaron Chatterji as its first Chief Economist, who is an Indian-American. He aims to ensure that the economic advantages of AI are widespread and that the transition to AI-driven systems is smooth. Here is everything you need to know.

In Short

He aims to ensure that the transition to AI-driven systems is smooth

OpenAI has appointed renowned economist Aaron “Ronnie” Chatterji as its first chief economist

He is an Indian-American, who will be looking at how AI can reshape industries

OpenAI has appointed Aaron “Ronnie” Chatterji, a business and public policy professor from Duke University, as its first-ever Chief Economist. This move comes as the company aims to explore the economic implications of artificial intelligence (AI) on global markets, job creation, and growth across industries. Chatterji brings vast experience from both academia and government, having served under the Obama and Biden administrations.

Chatterji’s role will involve leading research into how AI is reshaping the economy, particularly focusing on its impact on employment and long-term productivity. With his experience, he is expected to guide both businesses and policymakers in navigating the opportunities and challenges posed by AI technology.

Prior to joining OpenAI, Chatterji played a key role in the Biden administration as the CHIPS coordinator, managing the $52 billion CHIPS and Science Act. His background includes serving as Chief Economist for the US Department of Commerce and contributing to economic strategy on President Obama’s Council of Economic Advisers. Given his strong expertise in innovation and economic development, his appointment is seen as critical to OpenAI’s ambitions.

OpenAI’s hiring of Chatterji comes at a time when the company is ramping up efforts to understand how AI can drive sustainable growth across multiple sectors. As AI continues to evolve, concerns about its effect on jobs and industry shifts are growing. A study co-authored by OpenAI suggested that up to 80 per cent of U.S. workers might see AI affect at least 10 per cent of their job tasks, and a significant portion could face more disruptive impacts. Chatterji’s work will be essential in addressing these issues and helping businesses adapt.

In addition to Chatterji, OpenAI has made other prominent appointments recently, including Chris Lehane, a former White House lawyer, as Vice President of Global Affairs, and Paul Nakasone, a retired four-star US Army general, to boost its leadership team.

source/content: indiatoday.in (headline edited)