
Defence Ministry to clear Rs 1 lakh crore worth of military deals post Op Sindoor
The Ministry of Defence is set to approve military proposals worth over Rs 1 lakh crore in a key meeting scheduled this week. This will be the first acquisition meeting since Operation Sindoor, aiming to enhance the capabilities of India's armed forces.According to defence officials who spoke to India Today, the proposals include a range of critical defence systems such as spy planes, sea mines, air defence missiles, and underwater autonomous vessels.advertisementA major highlight of the meeting will be the likely clearance of three new regiments of the indigenous Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM) systems for the Indian Army. This project is expected to strengthen India's air defence along the Pakistan border. The QRSAM systems, developed by the DRDO, will be manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited.
The Indian Air Force is also expected to push forward a proposal to procure three spy planes under the Intelligence, Surveillance, Targeting and Reconnaissance (I-STAR) programme. 'The Intelligence, Surveillance, Targeting and Reconnaissance aircraft would be critical for Air Force's plans to take out ground targets in future,' sources said.The aircraft will be sourced from an original equipment manufacturer and then modified by the DRDO's Centre for Airborne Systems in collaboration with private partners.advertisementIn addition, the Indian Navy is set to propose the induction of DRDO-developed Pressure-Based Moored Mines, designed to target enemy submarines and surface vessels.The meeting is also expected to review the upgrade programme for 84 Su-30MKI fighter jets, which has already received initial approval from the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC). The DAC will also examine the proposal for acquiring underwater autonomous vessels, marking its first major acquisition decision after Operation Sindoor.- EndsMust Watch
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Business Standard
25 minutes ago
- Business Standard
Apollo Hospital rallies after board OKs demerger of digital & pharmacy units
Apollo Hospital Enterprise (AHEL) added 3.25% to Rs 7,477.95 after the company's board approved to spin-off its omnichannel pharmacy and digital health businesses through scheme of arrangement. The board of AHEL and its subsidiary, Apollo HealthCo granted in-principle approval for the demerger of Omnichannel Pharma and Digital Health business. The proposed structure enables direct access of omni-channel pharmacy and digital health business to the shareholders of AHEL. For every 100 shares of AHEL, the shareholders of AHEL will receive 195.2 shares of the new company, Apollo Healthtech enabling their direct participation in the value unlock. The proposed transaction will result in the creation of the largest, integrated omni channel healthcare eco-system with a FY25 revenue of approximately Rs 16,300 crore ($ 1.9 billion) in FY25. The Apollo Healthtech is expected to achieve a revenue run rate of Rs 25,000 crore ($2.9 billion) by FY27. Upon the effectiveness of the Scheme, Apollo Healthtech will become an Indian owned and controlled company (IOCC) and it will apply for listing on the stock exchanges. The listing is expected within 18 to 21 months. AHEL will retain 15% stake in the Apollo Healthtech to ensure an integrated, seamless, and comprehensive healthcare offering across the patient lifecycle. Upon becoming an IOCC, the Apollo Healthtech also proposes to consolidate the front-end pharmacy business by acquiring the remaining 74.5% stake in Apollo Medicals (AMPL), which owns 100% of APL. Dr Prathap C Reddy, chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group, said "Today's developments mark the beginning of the next chapter of Apollo Hospitals' relentless mission to bring healthcare of world-class standards within the reach of every individual. The omnichannel pharmacy business and integrated digital healthcare ecosystem will be a unique model to enable access to high-quality healthcare for millions of Indians. What Apollo Hospitals achieved for the creation of the private healthcare industry in India, this new entity will create for the digitally forward generation of tomorrow. We have the opportunity to make a positive difference to their lives and partner in their wellness pursuits. I wish both the teams all the best as they enter uncharted territory with infinite potential." Suneeta Reddy, managing director, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise said, "Apollo has always focused on growth, reach, and scale. We have carefully built our formats-of-care around the consumer at the centre. This comprehensive integrated network, overlaid with a strong digital layer, will allow us to create an impact of magnitude greater than could be achieved with a single format of care. AHEL will continue its focus on outstanding healthcare delivery, while the New Entity will accelerate its efforts on deepening customer engagement and penetration, with clear capital allocation outlays, growth plans and management teams driving both. Together, we will generate unparalleled value for the consumer, while making sure that all synergies and network effects stay intact, rooted in the Apollo ethos of quality and trust." Shobana Kamineni, executive chairperson, Apollo HealthCo said, "The New Entity, once integrated, will be a truly customer-focused healthcare leader, with capabilities across the value chain. Delivering medicines seamlessly from more than 7,000 physical stores, online delivery platform serving over 19,000 pincodes, with Keimed ensuring supply chain integrity, our aspiration is that we will serve over 100 million Indians with trusted quality and availability. With each business expected to record healthy rates of growth, we will continue to be the leader in this sector. Apollo Hospitals Enterprise has established a strong presence across the healthcare ecosystem, encompassing hospitals, pharmacies, primary care and diagnostic clinics, as well as various retail health models. The company reported 53.5% jump in consolidated net profit to Rs 389.60 crore on 13.1% increase in revenue from operations to Rs 5,592.20 crore in Q4 FY25 over Q4 FY24.


Hans India
31 minutes ago
- Hans India
Chandrababu distributes pension to elderly in Malakapalli, says committed to super six schemes
In a recent public forum in Malakapalli, East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu highlighted the significance of pensions in invigorating local economies, stating that villages come alive on the first of every month due to pension distributions. The CM actively participated in the event by beating a drum on stage to mark the occasion. Emphasising the regime's commitment to their "Super Six" schemes, Chandrababu accused the previous government of mishandling salaries and pensions, asserting they have launched the 'Pedala Sevalo' programme aimed at assisting the underprivileged. He revealed that the government is allocating a substantial Rs. 2,750 crore monthly on pensions. "Rebuilding our state is our promise. We intend to lead it from devastation to development. The destruction witnessed during the YSRCP regime is unprecedented," he remarked, pledging efforts to rejuvenate the economy and distribute wealth more equitably. The Chief Minister announced plans for free transport for women via the RTC starting August 15, along with celebrating achievements that include two Guinness records and 21 records in the World Book stemming from the Yoga Andhra event held in Visakhapatnam. "We have deposited Rs. 10,000 crore as a tribute to our mother," he added, reinforcing his dedication to the region's progress.


Time of India
32 minutes ago
- Time of India
Didn't discuss leadership change with MLAs, MPs in Karnataka: Congress leader Surjewala
AICC general secretary and party's Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala on Tuesday ruled out gathering any opinion on leadership change, remarks that came in the wake of internal bickering in the Congress' state unit over the matter. Surjewala said that he has been meeting the MLAs and MPs to understand the work done by them in their respective constituencies. "Some of you asked me are you taking opinion on leadership change. The answer I had given yesterday also and I am answering again today-- the answer is clearly 'no' in one word," Surjewala said in a press conference. Flanked by Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who is also the Karnataka State Congress president, Surjewala said he had a meeting with the party MLAs, MPs, MLCs and party candidates who contested the assembly and Lok Sabha elections. He also said that in the next seven to eight days he would meet all the MLAs. Live Events Explaining the reason, the Congress general secretary said, "We are meeting the MLAs and MPs. We are trying to understand from our MLAs what work they have done in the past two years in their respective constituencies. It's important to review their performance." "If I'm an MLA, I'm obliged to ensure that my accountability to the people and the election promises of the Congress party are fulfilled in my constituency. So, I am asking my MLAs to give their report cards," he added. The MLAs will also be asked about the status of the Block Congress Committee, Assembly Congress Committee and the number of party meetings they held from time to time, the Congress leader said. "We are also asking them (MLAs) what, if any, difficulty or aspiration he or she has. Every MLA has some aspirations or some more work to be done in the constituency," he explained. Stating that it was fine to have aspirations, Surjewala said their ambitions will be conveyed to government and whatever best can be done on a priority basis will be taken up. After the MLAs, the Congress leader said he would meet the ministers to understand what they have done in their respective constituencies. The role of the frontal organisations such as NSUI, Mahila Congress, SC/ST and OBC, Minority, Kisan departments and Youth Congress will be reviewed, he said. Surjewala said it was necessary to see the status of the implementation of the five guarantees. The five guarantees are Rs 3,000 monthly assistance to homemakers, loan waivers up to Rs 3 lakh for farmers, Rs 25 lakh health insurance per family, Rs 4,000 monthly allowance for unemployed youth, and free bus travel for women. On the BJP being critical of the five guarantees, he said, "This is a bogey raised by BJP in Karnataka. They want the guarantees to be shut down." "I reiterate that the BJP leaders from R Ashoka to Vijayendra want the five guarantees to be stopped. They want Rs 58,000 crore not to go to the accounts of Kannadigas in a transparent manner," he alleged. The Congress leader said the five guarantees will never be stopped. On some Congress MLAs' charges that there was no development work happening in their segments, Surjewala said there are sufficient funds with the government in Karnataka. Regarding MLAs giving open statements in public against the government, the Congress leader said, "What we deliberate in the party should remain within the party. I have advised my MLAs also. If they have a problem, instead of raising an issue or a non-issue to settle score, raise it with the head of the family -- In the PCC, there is Shivakumar and in the government there is Siddaramaiah." Economic Times WhatsApp channel )