India set to finalize mega defence deals worth over Rs 1.5 lakh crore before March 31
India is set to seal at least four major defence contracts worth more than Rs 1.5 lakh crore before the fiscal year ends on March 31. These deals aim to significantly strengthen India's military capabilities across various sectors, including fighter jets, submarines, helicopters, and artillery systems.
The first deal, valued at approximately Rs 63,000 crore, is with France for 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets. These aircraft will be deployed on India's indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. The contract includes 22 single-seat maritime fighters, four twin-seat trainers, along with weapons, simulators, crew training, and a five-year logistics support package for the Rafale jets already in service with the Indian Air Force.
Another significant agreement with France is for the acquisition of three additional Scorpene-class submarines worth Rs 38,000 crore. These submarines, equipped with air-independent propulsion for extended underwater endurance, will be built at Mumbai's Mazagon Docks. The first of these new submarines is expected to be delivered by 2031.
Additionally, India is finalizing contracts for 156 Prachand light combat helicopters, valued at around Rs 53,000 crore, and 307 advanced towed artillery gun systems (ATAGS) for Rs 8,500 crore. The Prachand helicopters, capable of operating in high-altitude areas such as Siachen Glacier, will be manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The ATAGS, developed by DRDO, will be produced by Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems, with Bharat Forge set to manufacture 60% of the guns
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Minister Parameshwara says remarks on properties linked to drug peddlers 'misunderstood'
Tumakuru (PTI): Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Saturday said his recent remarks on the demolition of properties linked to those involved in narcotics trade were "misunderstood and misinterpreted".
His clarification follows remarks made two days ago on the government's uncompromising crackdown on the drug menace, including action against properties linked to foreign nationals allegedly involved in drug trafficking.
"It is unfortunate. It is taken in the wrong sense. I didn't mean that tomorrow itself I am going to send bulldozers and demolish the houses. That was not my intention. It was wrongly taken," he told reporters here.
Responding to Congress MLC K Abdul Jabbar's question in the legislative council on the growing drug menace in Bengaluru, Davangere and coastal districts, the minister on Thursday detailed the extensive enforcement measures initiated since the Congress government assumed office.
Pointing to the involvement of some foreign nationals, the minister had said, "Many foreign students from African countries have come to Karnataka. They are into the drug business. We catch them and register cases against them, but they want the case to be registered because once the case is registered, we cannot deport them."
"We have gone to the extent of demolishing the rented building where they stay," he had said.
