Hyderabad, Dec 14: Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, on Saturday addressed the graduating cadets at the Combined Passing Out Parade (CGP) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) at the Air Force Academy near Hyderabad. He urged the cadets to uphold the ethos, traditions, and honour of the IAF as they embark on their careers.

A Career of Honour and Responsibility

Addressing the cadets, Singh highlighted the challenges and honour associated with their careers. “Whether in the sky or on the ground, your role in operations is vital. Make sure you understand your responsibilities,” he said.

Singh exhorted the newly commissioned officers to embrace their roles as future leaders and commanders. “You are not just air warriors but the future leaders and commanders who will chart the destiny of the Indian Air Force. Let this huge responsibility motivate you,” he added.

Core Values and Professional Excellence

The Air Chief emphasized the importance of adhering to the IAF’s core values—mission, integrity, and excellence. He encouraged the officers to let these values guide them throughout their careers. Singh also underlined the impact of their professional learning, leadership cultivation, and mission execution on the future trajectory of the IAF.

Milestone Achievements

The CGP of the 214th Course marked the successful completion of pre-commissioning training for flight cadets across various IAF branches. The parade also witnessed the commissioning of the first batch of Weapon Systems Branch officers into the IAF.

During the ceremony, the IAF Chief conferred the ‘President’s Commission’ on the graduating trainees. Flight cadets and officers from the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and one officer from a friendly foreign country were also awarded ‘Wings’ and ‘Brevets’ upon completing their training.

A Glimpse into the Future

The event showcased the commitment of the IAF to nurturing capable leaders and ensuring operational excellence. With their training complete, the young officers are poised to contribute significantly to India’s air power and national security.

: India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) held the 15th Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) in New Delhi, discussing the ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) and enhancing bilateral cooperation in energy, connectivity, and trade.

Expanding Economic Ties

The meeting was co-chaired by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and his UAE counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Highlighting the strength of the India-UAE partnership, Jaishankar described it as a “model relationship” during his opening remarks. “Since the entry into force of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in May 2022, trade has steadily grown and has now reached USD 85 billion,” he said.

The JCM emphasized strengthening strategic ties in defense, emerging technologies, nuclear energy, polar research, critical minerals, and renewable energy.

India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor

Both nations discussed the IMEEC, a transformative initiative for improving maritime connectivity and trade among India, the UAE, and Europe. The IMEEC was formalized during the G20 Summit in September 2023, with participation from India, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, the UAE, and the United States.

Technological Collaboration

The meeting also highlighted robust cooperation in the fintech sector and the development of public digital infrastructure. The Virtual Trade Corridor (VTC) and MAITRI interface (Master Application for International Trade and Regulatory Interface) were praised for streamlining trade processes through paperless transactions.

Energy and Renewable Initiatives

Both ministers acknowledged the strong bilateral collaboration in the energy sector, including long-term supply agreements and joint projects in upstream and downstream domains. The discussions also focused on emerging areas such as nuclear energy, critical minerals, and green hydrogen.

Promoting Education and Culture

The functioning of the IIT-Delhi Abu Dhabi campus was commended, with progress on establishing campuses for the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad and the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade in Dubai reviewed.

Future Prospects

The JCM further underscored the importance of sustained collaboration across sectors, reaffirming India and UAE’s commitment to a robust Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that fosters innovation, trade, and cultural exchange.

The meeting concluded with a shared resolve to deepen the bilateral relationship and leverage new opportunities for mutual growth.

A day after plain areas in Kashmir experienced the season’s first snowfall, minimum temperatures dropped significantly across the valley on Friday, officials reported. The meteorological department has forecasted a cold wave across many areas over the next four days.

Night temperatures plummeted following the snowfall in the higher reaches and some plains of the region. Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, recorded a minimum temperature of minus 2 degrees Celsius, a sharp decline from the previous night’s minus 0.5 degrees Celsius.

Weather Department’s Forecast

The meteorological department indicated that the cold wave is likely to persist in the coming days, urging residents to prepare for colder nights. The snowfall, while welcomed by winter enthusiasts and tourists, has also brought challenges for locals, including disruptions in daily life and transportation.

Regional Impact

Higher altitudes witnessed heavier snowfall, while plains received a moderate layer of snow, transforming the valley into a picturesque winter landscape. The drop in temperatures has increased demand for heating supplies, adding to the region’s seasonal challenges.

Authorities have advised caution, especially for travelers and those residing in remote areas, as road conditions may deteriorate due to icy surfaces.