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As the Aero India 2025 show is set to start at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru on Monday, February 10, thousands of aviation enthusiasts are expected to visit the mega event. The show will end on February 14.

For those who are planning to visit the Aero India show to witness the thrilling aerial displays, here are the five key points they should know –

1 – Pass Registration: Visitors must register on the official Aero India website under the “Visitor Registration” section. Three types of passes are available — Business Pass, Air Display Viewing Area (ADVA) Pass, and General Visitor Pass.

Business Pass provides access to the exhibition, ADVA, and a car parking pass. Its prices are ₹5,000 for Indian nationals and USD 150 for foreigners (valid from Feb 10–12).

ADVA Pass offers access to the Air Display Viewing Area. Its prices are ₹1,000 for Indians and USD 50 for foreigners (valid from Feb 11–14).

General Visitor Pass: ₹2,500 for Indians and USD 50 for foreigners (valid on Feb 13–14).

2 – Parking Guidelines: Visitors having a parking pass must take Airport Road, cross the flyover at IAF Hunasemaranahalli, take a U-turn, and follow the service road to Gate No. 05. Exit must be done through Gate No. 05A via Reva College Junction.

For visitors without a parking pass, designated parking is available at GKVK Campus and Jakkur Airfield. They can take free BMTC shuttle buses to reach the venue.

3 – Route and QR Code: Visitors are advised to strictly follow the designated route mentioned in their QR code on their pass.

4 – Timings: The exhibition timings are from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily, featuring two air shows per day, one in the morning and another in the afternoon.

5 – Security checks: Strict security measures have been put in place, with all visitors needed to carry a valid government ID proof for verification.

Addressing Akhil Mewar Region Jat Mahasabha in Chittorgarh, Dhankhar said that farmers possess both political and economic strength.

He urged them to stand on their own, saying that a strong economic position for farmers translates into national prosperity.

“When the economic situation of farmers improves, the country’s situation improves. After all, farmers are the providers, and they should not look to anyone or depend on anyone for help, because farmers, with their strong hands, possess political strength and economic capability,” PTI quoted Dhankhar as saying.

Also Read: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar warns against forces seeking to ‘amplify caste, class divides’

“No matter what happens, no matter how many obstacles arise, no one can undermine the role of farmers in India’s journey towards development. Today’s governance system bows to the farmers,” he added.

Reflecting on the Jat reservation movement of 25 years ago, Dhankhar acknowledged the efforts of the Jat community in advancing social justice and highlighted their success in entering administrative services.

‘730 Agricultural Science Centres’

The Vice President encouraged farmers to fully utilise the more than 730 Agricultural Science Centres available to them. He said, “There are over 730 Agricultural Science Centres to help farmers. Don’t leave them alone, go there and ask them, ‘What services will you offer us?’ Learn about new technologies and government policies.”

The Vice President also added the importance of farmers’ involvement in trade and adding value to agricultural products.

“Why isn’t the farmer increasing the value of their products? Several businesses are running on the products of farmers, like flour mills, oil mills, and many more. We should collaborate and make sure the farmer focuses on livestock. I feel great joy when dairies expand. There should be more growth in this sector,” he added.

‘My appeal is to farmers…’

He also called on the youth, particularly those from farming families, to explore agricultural entrepreneurship. He said, “My appeal is to farmers to the sons and daughters of farmers. Agricultural production is the world’s largest and most precious trade. Why are farmers not involved in the trade of their products? Why aren’t they participating in it? Our youth is talented.”

The Vice President urged farmers to invest effort in other areas, exploring cooperatives and agricultural businesses, as well as other inputs that could contribute to their work, leading to long-term financial benefits.

(With PTI inputs)

BENGALURU: The importance of US-India partnership is growing as the two countries face “an increasingly complex and dynamic security environment in the Indo-Pacific,” a top American commander said on Sunday, putting the spotlight on China’s attempts to boost its presence in the vast strategic region.

Both the US and India stand for a rule-based international order for peace, prosperity and stability in the region.

“The Aero India 2025 is an ideal forum to showcase US defence aircraft and equipment and ultimately contribute toward our compatibility and interoperability with other nations,” said US Pacific air forces commander general Kevin Schneider, who is part of the American delegation visiting the five-day starting Monday.

The Aero India Show 2025 will be on till February 14 in Bengaluru, from 9am to 6pm with two daily air shows.

More than two dozen American exhibitors will engage with Indian counterparts, explore new business opportunities, and demonstrate innovative solutions in aviation and defence. These companies will display advancements in unmanned aerial systems, fighter aircraft, advanced avionics, and defence electronics, an official US statement said on the eve of Asia’s biggest air show.

The air show at the Yelahanka airbase will be attended by more than 900 exhibitors, 54 foreign original equipment manufacturers, 52 domestic manufacturers and top representatives of 78 countries, said defence production secretary Sanjeev Kumar.

“One of the highlights of the air show will be the display by the Russian Su-57 and US F-35 stealth fighters,” he said.

“The US will showcase a range of advanced aircraft, reinforcing the strong and growing defense and aerospace partnership between the US and India, which share a commitment to promoting regional security, stability and economic prosperity through diversified trade, and strategic investment ties,” the US said in a statement.

The US embassy charge d’affaires Jorgan Andrews will lead the high-level American delegation of representatives from the US departments of state, defence, and commerce. “The United States is excited to once again participate in Aero India and to spotlight our strong defence ties with India. Our cooperation in defence, trade, and training is integral to our growing strategic partnership,” he said.

On February 6, defence minister Rajnath Singh spoke to his US counterpart Pete Hegseth over phone and reviewed bilateral defence cooperation, with focus on multiple domains in land, air, maritime and space, even as the two leaders agreed to deepen collaboration in areas including technology, integration of defence industrial supply chains, interoperability, logistics and information sharing, and joint military exercises.

This was their first conversation after Hegseth took over as defence secretary and came in the run-up to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to the US.

“The growth in Indian and US bilateral defence trade has corresponded with growing interoperability through information sharing, liaison officers, training exercises, and defence enabling agreements,” Schneider added.

Both sides have made progress under the US-India Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap, including ongoing collaboration to advance priority co-production arrangements for jet engines, munitions, and ground mobility systems.

The roadmap, adopted in 2023, seeks to fast-track technology cooperation and co-production in critical areas including air combat and land mobility systems, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, munitions, and the undersea domain.

Last October, India signed a deal worth $3.5 billion with the US to acquire 31 MQ-9B drones to boost its defence preparedness, primarily with an eye on China. The agreement came after a deliberative process in New Delhi that spanned eight years, involved negotiations with two US administrations, incorporated the lease of two drones in this period, and required, at the American end, a challenging process of congressional approval.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is also negotiating a deal with US firm GE Aerospace for the joint production of F414 engines in India. The two firms signed a memorandum of understanding in Washington in June 2023 to produce 99 F414 engines for India’s future LCA (light combat aircraft) Mk-2 programme.

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India News Live: Stay informed with our live blog covering India’s latest in politics, economy, crime, and general news. Get real-time updates on political developments, financial trends, crime reports, and important events across the country. Stay connected with the most crucial stories shaping India, all in one place.

News india news India News Live Today February 9, 2025: Parvesh Verma, BJP ‘giant-killer’ who defeated Arvind Kejriwal, vows to complete ‘unfinished work’

In Saturday’s election, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wrested control of the national capital, securing 48 out of 70 seats and reducing AAP to just 22, much below its 2020 poll tally of 62 and the majority mark of 36. The defeat not only stripped AAP of political power but also damaged its once-unassailable reputation that had been built on its success in Delhi.

For the AAP, Delhi has always been the launchpad—its success story and a key source of momentum. With key figures like Arvind Kejriwal losing from New Delhi and other prominent leaders, including Manish Sisodia, Satyendar Jain, and Saurabh Bharadwaj, also facing setbacks, the party now finds itself at a crossroads.

AAP’s governance model falls flat

AAP’s governance model, which focused on free electricity, water, and education reforms, failed to resonate with many city residents, while its attempt to make a soft Hindutva appeal—promising monthly stipends for temple priests—also fell flat with the electorate.

However, AAP is not entirely out of the picture.

The party still holds power in Punjab, a state where it continues to govern with a significant mandate. It also remains a force in national politics, having been officially recognized as a national party in April 2023. With 13 parliamentary seats, including 10 in the Rajya Sabha, AAP still has a foothold, albeit limited.

Challenging road ahead for AAP

The party’s road ahead is challenging. While it has expanded beyond Delhi, notably making strides in Goa, Gujarat, and Jammu and Kashmir, the defeat in Delhi is a major setback.

Legal troubles, including the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal in March 2024 over alleged corruption linked to the excise policy, added to the turmoil. The jailing of several leaders and subsequent damage to AAP’s image created a strong narrative against the party, once seen as a corruption-free alternative.

The party now faces the task of rebuilding public trust while addressing corruption allegations and clarifying its governance model. Its future success will depend on whether it can expand beyond its remaining strongholds, particularly Punjab, and whether it can bounce back from the challenges it now faces.

As the party works to redefine its strategy, one question looms large: Will AAP reclaim its former glory, or fade into political irrelevance? Only future election tests will tell.

(With PTI inputs)