English हिन्दी
Connect with us

India News

Rs3600 crore spent but ‘Made in India’Akash missiles fail tests, not installed even 7 years after signing of contract : CAG

Published

on

Rs3600 crore spent but ‘Made in India’Akash missiles fail tests, not installed even 7 years after signing of contract : CAG

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Deficiencies in the surface-to-air missiles pose an operational risk during hostilities, says the national auditor

In a major setback to India’s defence preparedness at a time when the country is facing rising tensions on its borders with Pakistan and China, a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) tabled in Parliament on Friday claims that at least a third of the ‘Made in India’ Akash surface-to-air missiles have failed basic tests and are unreliable, unusable and untested.

“Based on the threat perception, Government of India in 2010 had envisaged induction of strategic missile system for the IAF in the ‘S’ sector to create deterrence. This deterrence capability was planned to be put in place between June 2013 and December 2015 in a phased manner,” the report said, adding, “but till date, even after four years this urgently needed capability has not been created and the strategic objective remains unachieved.”

Although the CAG does not expressly name the indigenously made surface-to-air missile, all references to the weapon point towards the Akash missles that were developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) produced by the state-run Bharat Electronics. The damning report states: “the missiles fell short of the target, had lower than the required velocity, and there was malfunctioning of critical unit” and that though Rs 3,600 crores have been paid to the manufacturer, none of the missile systems are installed at the six designated sites even though it has been seven years since the contract was signed.

The Army had ordered two regiments of the missile comprising six firing batteries and hundreds of missiles for Rs 14,180 crore.

The report said that as many as a third of the missiles failed the basic tests. Of the 20 missiles tested, six failed, putting the failure ratio at around 30%. The quality issues found in the test were:

The missiles fell short of the target

Had lower than required velocity

Critical units malfunctioned

Short lifespan

Apart from the quality perspective, the report also flagged prolonged delay in its installation along the India-China border because of non-completion of related infrastructure projects. The projects include storage facilities, workshops and ramp structures. Although work was nearly complete at two bases, the Indian Air Force had not taken over these buildings because of defects in construction. In the remaining four sites progress was below 45 per cent as of October 2016.

According to reports, Army has made it clear that it does not want any more Akash regiment after it gets the ordered ones as the missile does not meet its operational requirements. Instead, the Indian Army this year showed interest in Israel’s quick reaction surface-to-air missiles (QR-SAMs).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

India News

Controversy erupts over Saif Ali Khan’s stabbing incident as Maharashtra Minister expresses doubts

Published

on

Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane speaking at a press conference, questioning the authenticity of Saif Ali Khan's stabbing incident.

In an unexpected twist to the stabbing of Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, Maharashtra Ports Minister Nitesh Rane has cast doubt on the authenticity of the incident. Last week, it was reported that Khan, aged 54, was the victim of a stabbing attack during a home invasion, which resulted in him sustaining six knife wounds, including a critical one near his spinal cord, as confirmed by doctors at Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital.

However, Rane’s comments came shortly after Khan was discharged from the hospital and spotted leaving seemingly in good spirits. The minister provocatively referred to Khan as “garbage,” criticized his demeanor upon discharge, and insinuated that the actor might have been feigning his injuries. “I doubted if he had been stabbed… or if he was acting. He was dancing while walking,” Rane told reporters, further intensifying the controversy.

Rane also took this opportunity to make inflammatory remarks about the presence of Bangladeshis in Mumbai, connecting them to the alleged break-in at Khan’s residence. “Look at what Bangladeshis are doing in Mumbai. They entered Saif Ali Khan’s house,” he stated, implying a link without presenting evidence.

The situation was further complicated by political undertones involving other leaders. Rane criticized NCP leaders Jitendra Awhad and Supriya Sule for their selective concerns, contrasting their reactions to incidents involving Khan with their silence on issues affecting Hindu actors.

Responding to Rane’s allegations, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar downplayed the comments but confirmed the arrest of a suspect, identified as Shariful Shehzad, a Bangladeshi national. According to police, Shehzad attempted a burglary at Khan’s residence, leading to the confrontation.

Amidst the political crossfire and media frenzy, Saif Ali Khan has remained out of the public eye following the incident. The comments from Rane have sparked a significant backlash, with many calling for a more respectful and measured approach to the situation.

The case continues to unfold, with Shehzad’s legal representation denying all allegations and disputing the claims of his client’s illegal status in India. As Mumbai Police delve deeper, the true circumstances surrounding the alleged attack on Saif Ali Khan are yet to be fully revealed.

Continue Reading

India News

Bollywood on alert: Death threats sent to Rajpal Yadav, Kapil Sharma, and more

Published

on

Kapil Sharma faces legal trouble: Case filed against comedian for breach of contract during North America Tour in 2015

In a chilling development in Bollywood, Rajpal Yadav along with other celebrities like Kapil Sharma have been targeted with death threats via email. These threats have been traced back to Pakistan, escalating concerns over the safety of Indian celebrities.

Rajpal Yadav discovered the threatening email dated December 14 last year, which had initially gone unnoticed in his spam folder. It wasn’t until three days later that he reported the incident to the authorities. The email not only threatened Yadav but also instructed him to forward the threat to comedian Kapil Sharma, mentioning that preparations were being made to target Sharma’s family and associates.

Photos from Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala’s funeral were also attached to the threatening email to Yadav, perhaps as an intimidation tactic. The involvement of the Bishnoi gang was claimed by the sender, who referenced ongoing scrutiny of the celebrities’ activities.

In response, Rajpal Yadav has lodged a complaint with both the Amboli Police and the cyber crime department. He expressed his desire to focus on his career and leave the matter to the authorities. “I am an artist and I want to entertain the audience with my performances,” said Yadav.

Senior Police Inspector Sadashiv Nikam from Amboli Police Station noted that while the IP address of the sender has been located in Pakistan, the case is currently being treated as a threat without any demands for money. The police are continuing their investigation into these disturbing threats.

This series of threats comes in the backdrop of other violent incidents targeting Bollywood actors, including an attack on Saif Ali Khan in his Mumbai residence and a shooting near Salman Khan’s Bandra apartment. These incidents have heightened security concerns within the Bollywood community, prompting increased security measures such as the installation of bullet-proof windows in vulnerable residences.

Continue Reading

India News

Jalgaon train accident: 11 passengers jump out fearing fire, run over by another train

Emergency equipment, such as glass cutters and floodlights, was also made available to aid in rescue and treatment efforts. The scale of the accident necessitated a coordinated response from the local administration and railway authorities.

Published

on

A horrific train accident in Jalgaon district, Maharashtra, claimed the lives of at least 11 people on Wednesday afternoon. The tragedy unfolded near Paranda railway station at approximately 4:19 pm when the Bengaluru Express collided with passengers who had jumped from the Pushpak Express.

The Pushpak Express, travelling from Lucknow to Mumbai, experienced an incident involving smoke emanating from its wheels, likely due to a mechanical failure. Passengers, fearing a potential fire, panicked and took drastic action.

Instead of waiting for assistance from the train crew or following established emergency procedures, a number of passengers pulled the emergency chain, bringing the train to a halt, and then leapt onto the railway tracks in a desperate attempt to escape.

This chaotic scene created a devastating scenario. Simultaneously, the Bengaluru Express, travelling in the opposite direction, approached at speed. Unable to react in time, the train struck the passengers who were stranded on the tracks, resulting in the tragic loss of life and numerous injuries.

The immediate aftermath was one of confusion and distress. Emergency services were swiftly mobilized, with ambulances dispatched to the scene to transport the injured to nearby hospitals, including the general hospital in Jalgaon and several private facilities.

Emergency equipment, such as glass cutters and floodlights, was also made available to aid in rescue and treatment efforts. The scale of the accident necessitated a coordinated response from the local administration and railway authorities.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his deepest condolences and stated that the state government was fully committed to providing assistance to the victims and their families. He confirmed that ministers and officials were immediately deployed to the scene to oversee the rescue operation and coordinate the medical response.

He highlighted the dispatch of eight ambulances and the preparation of local hospitals for the influx of injured passengers.

The incident sparked an immediate investigation to determine the exact cause of the smoke on the Pushpak Express and to evaluate the adequacy of the emergency response. Questions regarding passenger safety protocols and the effectiveness of emergency procedures in preventing such tragedies are likely to be raised. Preliminary reports suggest that the cause might have been a “hot axle” or “brake-binding” incident, leading to the sparks and smoke that triggered the panic.

The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with rail travel and the importance of robust safety procedures, effective communication, and passenger awareness in preventing similar occurrences in the future.

The investigation will likely focus on both the mechanical failure of the Pushpak Express and the actions of the passengers in the face of perceived danger. The full extent of the casualties and the long-term consequences of this devastating accident are still unfolding.

Continue Reading

Trending

© Copyright 2022 APNLIVE.com