French Consulate draws up plans for Bastille Day celebrations
On Bastille Day eve (Sunday), a torchlight procession will be taken out from the Dupleix Statue on Goubert Avenue. This symbolic night march commemorates the Storming of the Bastille, a defining moment of the French Revolution. It symbolises the unity of the French people in forming a republic and serves as a reminder of the shared values and enduring friendship between France and India, the French Consulate said in a press note.
Etienne Rolland-Piègue, Consul General of France in Pondicherry and Chennai, will lead the Bastille Day ceremonies.
Wreaths will be placed at the War Memorials of Puducherry at 8.30 a.m. and Karaikal at 9.30 a.m. The War Memorials will remain open to families for one hour after the official ceremonies for private wreath-laying. The traditional July 14 fireworks display will take place on the seafront in front of the Consulate General of France.
According to the Consulate, the long-standing strategic partnership shared by France and India in the Indo-Pacific region was recently reaffirmed by the visit of Sophie Primas, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad, attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
Her visit to Chennai and Puducherry highlights the significant role of French enterprises in creating employment, transferring skills, and contributing to the dynamic economic development of the region. Additionally, Samuel Ducroquet, France's Ambassador for Sports, visited India to promote Indo-French cooperation and inclusivity in the field of sports.
Meanwhile, the continued visits of Ambassador Thierry Mathou to Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry reflect the deep and enduring friendship between France and India, as well as the growing cooperation across multiple domains.
In Chennai, this year's celebration that took place on Friday, was attended by Yann Delaunay, Executive Director of France Volontaires, who is visiting India on the occasion of the launch of the Indo-French Volontariat International en Enterprise Alumni Network.
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First Post
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‘Killed 2,800 dogs, buried them under trees: The row over Karnataka politician's shocking remarks
SL Bhojegowda, a JD(S) member of the Karnataka Legislative Council, has sparked a row after admitting that he oversaw the killing of 2,800 dogs and buried them under trees while heading the Chikkamagaluru municipal council. His remarks come days after the Supreme Court directed the removal of all stray dogs from neighbourhoods in Delhi-NCR, which has angered many animal rights activists Bhojegowda's remarks come days after the Supreme Court ordered the removal of all stray dogs from neighbourhoods in Delhi-NCR. PTI/File Photo A controversy has erupted over comments by SL Bhojegowda, JD(S) member of the Karnataka Legislative Council, who said he had supervised the killing of 2,800 dogs while heading the Chikkamagaluru municipal council. He said on Wednesday that he was willing to go to jail if it meant protecting children from stray dogs. ALSO READ | 'When Paris removed stray dogs': What happened in the French capital in the 1880s? Bhojegowda's remarks come just days after the Supreme Court of India ordered the removal of all stray dogs from neighbourhoods in Delhi NCR. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD So, what exactly did he say, and what is the entire controversy? Let's take a look: The row over JD(S) lawmaker's remarks SL Bhojegowda has sparked a major controversy after saying he had poisoned at least 2,800 dogs to tackle the problem of strays on the streets. Speaking in the Legislative Council, the Janata Dal (Secular) leader said that a 'petition be filed in the Supreme Court… let Karnataka be the first in India to ask the Supreme Court to act against dogs". He claimed that while serving as chairperson of the Chikkamagaluru municipal council, he had killed 2,800 dogs and buried them under trees to act as natural compost. 'During my tenure as the chairperson of the City Municipality Council, we killed 2,800 dogs and buried them under trees to serve as natural compost," Bhojegowda said during a discussion. He said the animals were fed poisoned meat. Bengaluru, Karnataka: JD(S) Karnataka Legislative Council member S.L. Bhojegowda says, "Please file a petition in the Supreme Court. The Karnataka government has filed a petition against this decision; this will go down in history. Only we know the suffering children go through.… — IANS (@ians_india) August 13, 2025 Bhojegowda argued that the stray dog problem mostly affects children from poor families. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'Children of judges, ministers and legislators, who travel by cars and other vehicles, may not be affected. But children from poor families, who walk to school, face the danger of being attacked by stray dogs. The menace is prevalent even in Bengaluru's Cubbon Park," he said. The matter was raised in the Karnataka assembly after two college students in Bengaluru were attacked. The MSc students from Bengaluru's Ambedkar School of Economics University were hospitalised. His statement has drawn strong criticism from animal rights groups and the public. Responding to Bhojegowda's question, the Karnataka government referred to petitions and animal lovers. After this, MLCs suggested that 10 dogs should be sent to live in every animal lover's home. 'We are witnessing dog bite cases daily, and victims are being hospitalised. If someone opposesthe removal of stray dogs from the streets, let the government leave a few dogs in their compounds to make them understand the reality,' Bhojegowda said. 'What will they do if a stray bites their children?' he added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD His comments come as the Supreme Court has directed civic bodies in Delhi and the National Capital Region to immediately catch, sterilise, and permanently relocate stray dogs to shelters, warning of strict action against anyone obstructing the work. The top court instructed officials to ensure that all dogs are taken off the streets 'at the earliest'. PTI/File Photo Supreme Court's 'remove strays' order While hearing a suo motu case on the rise in dog-bite incidents in the national capital region, the Supreme Court on Monday issued strict directions to the Delhi civic body to capture stray dogs, sterilise them, and move them permanently to shelters. The court said the order must be enforced without delay to make New Delhi and the surrounding NCR safe. ALSO READ | With nearly 10 lakh stray dogs, how will Delhi implement the Supreme Court order? Describing the stray dog problem as 'extremely grim', the court instructed officials to ensure that all dogs are taken off the streets 'at the earliest' and warned that anyone blocking the drive would face strict action. The order has faced backlash from animal rights activists and many pet lovers, who argue that there are not enough shelters to house the animals. 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Mint
44 minutes ago
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HAL, BEL, BEML to Mazagon Dock: Experts recommend these defence stocks to buy ahead of Indian Independence Day 2025
Defence stocks to buy today, 14 August 2025: Amid brewing Indo-US trade war tension after the announcement of Trump's tariffs on India, the possibility of border aggression by the Pakistan-sponsored terror outfits is highly likely. So, the Indian government is expected to increase its defence expenses, which may lead to a rise in the share prices of certain listed defence stocks. As 14 August 2025 marks Pakistan Independence Day, some motormouth speeches from the Pakistani, Chinese and the US administrations are highly expected. So, for long-term investors, buying some defence stocks ahead of the Indian Independence Day can be a good option. According to stock market experts, Trump's tariffs have triggered the realignment of the geopolitical setup, and some new equations are likely to take place. In that case, most affected countries are likely to find new avenues for export revenue, which they are expected to lose due to the imposition of Trump's tariffs. They advised investors to look at those defence stocks expected to benefit from the rise in the government's defence expenditures. However, they advised investors to look at the fundamentals of the companies before making any investment decision. Speaking on the defence stocks to buy ahead of the Indian Independence Day 2025, Seema Srivastava, Senior Research Anallyst at SMC Global Securities, said, "India's defence sector is in a structural upcycle, driven by a Rs.16 trillion procurement pipeline, record Rs.23,622 crore exports in FY25 (up 12% YoY), and a push for self-reliance. HAL, BEL, BDL, and MDL provide stability, and L&T adds private-sector efficiency while niche tech firms offer high-growth potential. Policy support, rising export authorisations, and indigenisation could double exports to ₹ . 50,000 crore by 2029, ensuring long-term competitiveness and sustainable returns through a diversified investment approach." Seema Srivastava of SMC Global Securities listed out the following five defence stocks: 1] Bharat Electronics Limited or BEL: During Q1 FY26, PAT rose 25% YoY to ₹ . 969.13 crore, underpinned by a sharp 560 bps expansion in operating profit margin to 27.9%, reflecting superior cost control and a favourable execution mix. While revenue growth was modest at 5.2%, the company's ability to convert this into strong profitability highlights operational discipline and execution strength. A slight 2.4% YoY decline in the order book to ₹ 74,859 crore is monitorable. Still, with ongoing defence modernisation, the Make in India push, and expanding export opportunities, BEL is well placed to replenish and grow its order pipeline. Its debt-free balance sheet, robust cash flows, and leadership across radar, missile systems, and electronic warfare provide a durable competitive moat. The company is also strategically diversifying into non-defence areas like smart cities, solar, and cybersecurity, which can provide additional growth avenues and revenue stability. Supported by sustained government indigenisation initiatives and a proven track record of large-scale project execution, BEL offers long-term compounding potential. 2] BEML: BEML posted a narrowed net loss of ₹ 64.11 crore in Q1 FY26, down from ₹ 75.3 crore YoY, with EBITDA losses also reduced to ₹ 40.71 crore. Revenue remained flat at ₹ 633.99 crore, underscoring muted topline momentum and reflecting lean operations. Despite current softness, the company's robust order book of ₹ 9,945 crore offers multi-quarter visibility. Additionally, BEML won a significant ₹ 282 crore defence order for high-mobility vehicles, marking steady demand from the MoD. Strategic moves include diversification into futuristic mobility. BEML signed an MoU with IIT-Madras incubatee TuTr Hyperloop, expanding beyond traditional heavy equipment into innovative transport solutions. The company also continues to benefit from India's record defence production uptick and export acceleration, creating a favourable policy backdrop. While near-term performance remains volatile, BEML's strong order pipeline, evolving portfolio, and alignment with national infrastructure and defence thrust lend it credible long-term upside. The key things to watch include disciplined execution, especially in converting orders into profitable revenues and managing its operational turnaround. 3] Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited's Q1 FY26 results reflect near-term profitability pressures, with net profit down 35% YoY and EBITDA margins contracting sharply due to higher procurement and human resources costs. However, the company's long-term investment case remains strong, anchored by its strategic role in India's naval modernisation and a robust financial track record. Between FY21–24, MDL delivered exceptional growth with ~33% CAGR in revenue and ~47% CAGR in net profit, supported by industry-leading return ratios (ROE ~27%, ROCE ~33%) and a debt-free balance sheet, enabling self-funded capacity expansion. Key strategic initiatives such as the upcoming Nhava dry dock facility, which will double shipbuilding capacity, and the proposed majority stake in Colombo Dockyard to expand into export markets highlight management's intent to scale operations beyond domestic contracts. The strong defence order pipeline ensures multi-year revenue visibility, particularly in submarines, destroyers, and frigates. While FY26 may see margin volatility from execution cycles and input costs, MDL's operational leverage, expansion into higher-value projects, and export diversification should drive gradual profitability recovery. Given its strategic importance, technological capabilities, and capacity growth, MDL is well-positioned to capture long-term value from India's growing defence spend and global naval procurement opportunities. 4] Zen Technologies: The company's Q1FY26 performance, though marked by a temporary moderation in topline growth, reflects strong long-term fundamentals. EBITDA and PAT margins have been sustained, underscoring disciplined operations and cost efficiency. A healthy consolidated order book of ₹ . 754 crore, coupled with a debt-free balance sheet and robust liquidity of ₹ . 918 crore, provides financial resilience and the flexibility to pursue growth opportunities. Strategic acquisitions, such as the 76% stake in TISA Aerospace, signal entry into high-potential UAV and loitering munitions markets, aligning with evolving global defence demand. Subsidiaries ARIPL and UTS are already adding meaningful operational synergies, while integration efforts progress smoothly. Moreover, according to the company's management, looking ahead to H1FY26, we remain confident in achieving our order inflow guidance of ₹ 800 crores. In addition, we expect orders to be placed under the government's emergency procurement plan, particularly for anti-drone systems. Its robust pipeline and continued policy support for indigenous manufacturing position the company well for sustained growth. The company's management mentioned that while FY26 is likely to be a year of consolidation, it would remain focused on executing its long-term strategy. It is confident in maintaining its targeted cumulative revenue of ₹ 6,000 crores over the next three financial years. 5] Astra Microwave Products: During Q1FY26, performance underscores a strong foundation for long-term growth. Consolidated revenue rose 29% YoY to ₹ 200 crore, with gross margin expansion to 46.7% and EBITDA margin improvement to 20.5%, reflecting operational efficiency and a favourable product mix. PAT surged 126% YoY to ₹ 16 crore, driven by robust execution and higher value-added orders. The consolidated order book stood at ₹ 2,236 crore as of June 30, 2025, ensuring multi-year revenue visibility. A key highlight was the August ₹ 135 crore DRDO radar system upgrade order, reinforcing Astra's technological leadership in advanced defence electronics. The company's diversified portfolio across defence, aerospace, and space electronics, supported by in-house R&D, advanced test facilities, and AS9100D & ISO certifications, enhances its competitive moat in high-specification systems. Continued opportunities in QRSAM, missile subsystems, and space electronics align with India's push for indigenisation and rising defence budgets. With strategic capabilities from component-level RF/Microwave products to integrated systems, Astra is well-positioned to capture domestic and export demand. On defence stocks looking strong on the technical chart, Ganesh Dongre, Senior Manager of Technical Research at Anand Rathi, said, "BEL, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders and Cochin Shipyard shares are looking strong on the technical chart pattern. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL) also sound promising on the technical chart." 1] BEL: BEL's share price currently trades around ₹ 388, offering an attractive risk-reward setup. A stop-loss can be comfortably placed at ₹ 360, while the medium-term upside potential lies in the ₹ 430 to ₹ 440 range. This makes BEL a compelling candidate for technically driven investors seeking bullish setups. 2] HAL: HAL share price is trading at ₹ 4,525 and appears to be forming a base in the daily chart's ₹ 4,450 to ₹ 4,550 zone. Technically, it is in the oversold zone and has formed a bullish engulfing pattern, indicating potential upward momentum. Traders can consider buying at current levels with a stop-loss of ₹ 4,300 and a target price of ₹ 4,900. 3] Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL): Bharat Dynamics' share price is in the process of base formation and, in the short term, has formed a bullish engulfing pattern. The stock is currently oscillating between ₹ 1,500 and ₹ 1,600. A decisive move above ₹ 1,650 could take it towards ₹ 1,800 in the coming days. Investors can consider buying with a stop-loss of ₹ 1,400 and a target of ₹ 1,800. 4] Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders' share price has corrected nearly 50% from its May high and shows signs of base formation around the daily chart of ₹ 2,650 to ₹ 2,750 levels. With a medium-term recovery expected, investors can consider buying at the current market price of ₹ 2,750 with a stop-loss of ₹ 2,500 and a target of ₹ 3,100. 5] Cochin Shipyard: The Cochin Shipyard share is in the oversold zone and shows a rounding bottom pattern on the hourly chart, suggesting a potential reversal. Investors can buy on dips from ₹ 1650 to ₹ 1700 with a stop-loss of ₹ 1,500 and a target range of ₹ 1,900 to ₹ 2,000. Disclaimer: The views and recommendations above are those of individual analysts or brokerage companies, not Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.
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First Post
an hour ago
- First Post
History Today: How the nation of Pakistan was born
The Dominion of Pakistan was created when Britain handed over power on August 14, 1947. At the stroke of midnight, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the first governor-general of Pakistan, addressed the nation and emphasised on unity, tolerance, and equal rights for all citizens The portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah is seen at at the Wagah border post as a Pakistani Ranger (top) unfurls the Pakistani national flag during a ceremony to celebrate Independence Day. File image/AFP Pakistan and India were one nation till 1947, when the countries gained independence from the British Empire. But while the independence was a joyful event, partition was something that came along with it. And people on both sides of the border remember August 14, 1947, as a sombre as well as happy day when Pakistan was created. If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers' ongoing series, History Today, will be your one-stop destination to explore key events. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD One of the most wanted terrorists in the world, Ilich Ramírez Sánchez, who was better known as Carlos the Jackal, was captured in Sudan by French authorities on August 14, 1994. Here is all that took place on this day across the world. Pakistan came into existence August 14 is an important date in the history of the Indian subcontinent as Pakistan emerged as an independent nation. With this, nearly 200 years of British rule came to an end and marked the emergence of two new nations - India and Pakistan. Pakistan was created as a result of the Pakistan Movement, spearheaded by the All-India Muslim League under the leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Pakistan was initially set to share its Independence Day with India on August 15, but it was difficult for Mountbatten to be present at both New Delhi and Karachi at the same time; hence, Pakistan's Independence Day was brought forward. British Viceroy Lord Mountbatten (centre) with Muhammad Ali Jinnah (right) and Jawaharlal Nehru (left). Wikimedia Commons The power was transferred from the last British Viceroy Lord Mountbatten, to the new Dominion of Pakistan at the stroke of midnight on August 14. The Constituent Assembly met in Karachi, and Jinnah addressed the nation, emphasising unity, tolerance, and equal rights for all citizens, regardless of religion. However, the joy of independence was marred by one of the largest and bloodiest migrations in human history. From that day, millions of Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs moved to the newly created nations. Reports suggest that these displacements were often marred by some of the most horrific communal violence. Estimates suggest that up to a million people lost their lives. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The new nation adopted its green-and-white flag symbolising Muslim identity and minority rights, and 'Pakistan Zindabad' ('Long Live Pakistan') became the rallying cry of its people. Amid these instances of pain, Pakistan began its journey as a sovereign state with aspirations to build a strong, democratic, and Islamic society. International terrorist Carlos the Jackal was captured One of the world's most wanted terrorists, Ilich Ramírez Sánchez, better known as Carlos the Jackal, was captured in Sudan in a covert French intelligence operation. Carlos, a Venezuelan-born militant, gained international notoriety in the 1970s and 1980s for a series of bombings, hijackings, and assassinations linked to pro-Palestinian and other revolutionary causes. His most infamous act was the 1975 raid on a meeting of Opec oil ministers in Vienna, in which he took more than 60 hostages and killed three people. The daring operation, combined with his ability to evade capture for decades, turned him into both a feared figure and a media myth. Terrorist Ilich Ramírez Sánchez, aka Carlos the Jackal, in a Paris court in 2000. File image/AP By the early 1990s, Carlos had largely faded from the headlines but was still wanted by multiple governments. French intelligence learned that he was in Khartoum, Sudan, receiving medical treatment for varicose veins. In a carefully planned operation, Sudanese authorities, under pressure from France, allowed French agents to enter the country and carry out the arrest. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On the night of August 14, a team of French operatives seized Carlos from his villa and sedated him. He was flown to Paris, where he was formally charged with the 1975 murders of two French counterintelligence agents and an informant. This Day, That Year Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt became the first person to win the 100 metres at the Rio de Janeiro Games in three consecutive Olympics in 2016. On this day in 1941, British PM Winston Churchill and US President Franklin D Roosevelt issued the Atlantic Charter. China declared war on Germany and Austria-Hungary during World War I in 1917. With inputs from agencies
