Category Archives: Science & Technology

India-U.S. joint Sonobuoy production line expected to be ready by 2027

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India and the U.S. had last week announced the ‘first-of-its-kind partnership on co-production’ of U.S. sonobuoys for Undersea Domain Awareness for the Indian Navy.

The final assembly of sonobuoys from the U.S., meant for detecting submarines underwater, will be done in India and an operational production line is expected to be ready in 2027, according to the U.S. company Ultra Maritime (UM). The systems will be co-produced in India in partnership with defence public sector undertaking Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).

In a significant development, India and the U.S. last week announced the “first-of-its-kind partnership on co-production” of U.S. sonobuoys for Undersea Domain Awareness for the Indian Navy, a high-end technology that allows tracking of submarines in the deep seas and oceans. The announcement was made in the fact sheet issued at the end of U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s visit to India last week.

“Workshare will be in line with the principles of Make in India. Final assembly will be done in India. Our goal is to have an operational production line in 2027,” Ultra Maritime said in response to questions from The Hindu sent on email. “These will be U.S.-specification sonobuoys equivalent to those used on the P-8 aircraft.”

Chairman of BDL, Commodore A. Madhavarao (retd.), had stated that they are looking to set up joint production with Ultra Maritime in Vishakhapatnam.

The U.S.-based company, a world-leader in the design and production of undersea warfare capabilities, has already stated that in line with the U.S.-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (ICET) launched in May 2022, they will also pursue new sonobuoy technologies with BDL teams to optimise their acoustic performance in the unique environment of the Indian Ocean, enabling wide area search through bespoke multi-static active solutions. To a question, the company clarified that this was in addition to the initial production already envisaged.

On the future outlook, Ultra Maritime said it was working with BDL to identify opportunities for Indian suppliers to enter its global supply chain.

An Ultra Maritime statement issued last week had stated that the UM sonobuoys co-produced in India are interchangeable and interoperable between the U.S. Navy, Indian Navy and allied P-8, MH-60R and the MQ-9B Sea Guardian aircraft.

The development is of particular significance as India has over the years acquired a series of military platforms from the U.S. that are also operated by other countries in the region, especially Australia and Japan, which too are part of the Quad grouping and also hold the Malabar naval exercise. These sonobuoys are dropped from aircraft and helicopters. India is also pursuing another technology – sensors embedded on the ocean bed – and recently some progress has been made as a few Indian start-ups showcased the technology that is now undergoing trials.

As China undertakes massive expansion of its navy and also its presence in the Indian Ocean, undersea domain awareness has become critical and Indian Navy has been collaborating with countries on the region, especially the Quad group.

Indian Navy operates the P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft, is inducting the MH-60R multi-role helicopters and has two MQ-9A armed High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems on lease. It signed a $3.5 billion contract in October 2024 for 31 MQ-9B–15 Sea Guardians for the Indian Navy and 16 Sky Guardians, eight each for the Army and Air Force, with deliveries to begin from January 2029.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

IIT-Guwahati develops advanced nanotechnology for cholesterol, triglyceride detection

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The institute claims that their researchers have focused on a technique that combines nanotechnology and molecular detection, which can further be translated into a point-of-care as device with an enhanced diagnostic precision.

Researchers at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati have developed an innovative approach to improve the detection of cholesterol and triglycerides by integrating Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) on the nanoscale objects, officials said.

The findings of the research were recently published in the noted journal –Biosensors and Bioelectronics.

According to Dipankar Bandyopadhyay, Professor at Centre for Nanotechnology and Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT-Guwahati, the work utilises bimetallic nanostructures that are 10,000 times thinner than the width of a human hair for the high-fidelity detection of the biomarkers in the human blood.

“The metabolic biomolecules like cholesterol and triglycerides play pivotal role in maintaining a harmonious cardiovascular health of a human body. The high (HDL) and low (LDL) density lipoproteins transport cholesterol to the cellular sites for various metabolic activities,” he said.

Bandyopadhyay explained an imbalance of LDL and HDL causes arterial plaque formation leading to hypertension, formation of blood clots, or ischemia.

On the other hand, triglycerides (TGA) transform into fatty acids and glycerol during digestion which in turn is packaged inside lipoproteins namely very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), for transportation to the cells. An elevated level of triglycerides leads to atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease, pancreatitis, type 2 diabetes, or fatty liver, he said.

“Therefore, the timely detection of any abnormality and a close monitoring of cholesterol and triglyceride levels in blood is highly sought for. While traditional lipid profile tests of blood are reliable, they often require laboratory settings, are not available as a point-of-care solution, and can take time to provide results,” he said.

IIT-Guwahati claimed that their researchers have focused on a technique that combines nanotechnology and molecular detection, which can further be translated into a point-of-care as device with an enhanced diagnostic precision.

“The researchers employ SERS active bimetallic nanostructures – the silver shelled gold nanorods, which enable a plasmonic resonance hybridisation of silver and gold to produce augmented spectral resolutions as compared to pristine silver or gold nanorods.

“Subsequently, these bimetallic nanorods are linked to two different Raman active receptors and immobilised with the enzymes cholesterol oxidase and lipase for concurrent detection of different concentrations of cholesterol and triglycerides. Such innovations help in the development of a platform for the ultrafast point-of-care detection kit with a higher level of the detection sensitivity,” Bandyopadhyay said.

Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Telegraph Online staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.

source/content: telegraphindia.com (headline edited)


Indian-origin tech firms corner 1/5th of H1B visas issued by U.S.

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Out of these, Infosys took the lead with 8,140 beneficiaries, followed by TCS (5,274), and HCL America (2,953).

Indian-origin tech companies cornered a fifth of all H1B visas issued by the U.S. with Infosys and Tata Consultancy Services leading the pack, an analysis of data from the US immigration department showed.

According to data from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, in April-September 2024 period, out of the total 1.3 lakh H1B visas issued to different employers, about 24,766 visas were issued to Indian-origin companies.

Out of these, Infosys took the lead with 8,140 beneficiaries, followed by TCS (5,274), and HCL America (2,953).

Infosys came second to only Amazon Com Services LLC, which topped with 9,265 visas.

Cognizant, which was founded in Chennai but now has headquarters in New Jersey, ranked third in the list with 6,321 visas.

The H1B visa programme allows U.S. companies to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. Indian companies have been significant beneficiaries of this programme, particularly in the technology sector.

Major Indian IT services firms such as Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, Wipro, and HCL Technologies have consistently ranked among the top employers for H1B visa holders. Wipro was lower down this time with 1,634 visa grants. Tech Mahindra stood close by, having been issued 1,199 visas.

While these companies continue to benefit from the programme, ongoing developments indicate a need for adaptation in response to regulatory changes and public sentiment. The future of the H1B visa will likely depend on balancing the needs of the US businesses for skilled labour with broader immigration policy reforms.

Elon Musk, a former H-1B visa holder whose company Tesla utilises this programme, has publicly supported the tech industry’s reliance on foreign workers.

In a post on X on December 28, Mr. Musk emphasised the importance of welcoming individuals from all backgrounds who contribute to the U.S. through hard work. He passionately advocated for preserving America as a land of freedom and opportunity.

Mr. Musk’s statement also received backing from President-elect Donald Trump whose first administration restricted the programme in 2020, arguing that it allows businesses to replace Americans with lower-paid foreign workers.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati and the Bose Institute Kolkata have developed an advanced injectable hydrogel for localised cancer treatment.

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This innovative hydrogel-based therapy delivers anti-cancer drugs directly to tumour sites, reducing side effects associated with cancer treatments.

Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati and the Bose Institute Kolkata have developed an advanced injectable hydrogel for localised cancer treatment.

This innovative hydrogel-based therapy delivers anti-cancer drugs directly to tumour sites, significantly reducing side effects typically associated with conventional cancer treatments.

The findings have been published in the “Materials Horizons”, a journal of the Royal Society of Chemistry. The paper is co-authored by Prof Debapratim Das, along with research scholars Tanushree Das and Ritvika Kushwaha from IIT Guwahati. The collaborators are Dr Kuldip Jana, Satyajit Halder and Anup Kumar Misra from the Bose Institute Kolkata.

“Cancer continues to be a pressing global health challenge, with millions of patients affected worldwide. Current treatments, such as chemotherapy and surgical interventions, often have severe limitations. Surgical removal of tumors is sometimes not feasible, particularly for internal organs, while chemotherapy’s systemic delivery often results in harmful side effects by affecting both cancerous and healthy cells,” the IIT Guwahati said in a statement.

Prof Das from the Department of Chemistry and his team addressed these challenges by designing a hydrogel that delivers drugs precisely to the tumour site, ensuring localised action.

Hydrogels are water-based, three-dimensional polymer networks capable of absorbing and retaining fluids. Their unique structure mimics living tissues, making them suitable for biomedical applications. This newly developed hydrogel acts as a stable reservoir for anti-cancer drugs and releases them in a controlled manner, responding to specific conditions in the tumour microenvironment.

The hydrogel, composed of ultra-short peptides – biocompatible and biodegradable building blocks of proteins – is designed to remain insoluble in biological fluids, ensuring it stays localized at the injection site. It responds to elevated glutathione (GSH) levels, a molecule abundant in tumour cells. Upon encountering high GSH levels, the hydrogel triggers a controlled drug release directly into the tumour, minimizing its interaction with healthy tissues and reducing systemic side effects.

Speaking about the breakthrough, Prof Das said, “This work exemplifies how scientific innovation can directly address the pressing needs of cancer treatment. The hydrogel’s unique properties allow it to work in harmony with the biological environment, offering precision where it is needed most. We are excited by its potential to transform our thoughts about localized drug delivery.”

In pre-clinical trials on a murine model of breast cancer, the hydrogel showcased remarkable efficacy. A single injection of the hydrogel, loaded with the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin, resulted in a 75% reduction in tumour size within 18 days. Crucially, the hydrogel remained localized at the tumour site, steadily releasing the drug over time without causing detectable side effects on other organs, the IIT Guwahati said.

“This innovative delivery system enhances the drug’s effectiveness while reducing the required dosage, thus minimizing toxicity. Laboratory studies further demonstrated that the hydrogel improves drug uptake by cancer cells, induces cell cycle arrest, and promotes programmed cell death, thereby attacking tumours on multiple fronts,” the institute further stated.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)


India re-elected as President of International Solar Alliance till 2026

From the Asia and the Pacific Region, Australia and Sri Lanka have been selected as Vice Presidents, with the United Arab Emirates and Papua New Guinea as the Vice-Chairs.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Monday said India has been re-elected as the President of Indian Solar Alliance (ISA) from 2024 to 2026.

Addressing the press conference at 7th General Assembly of the ISA, Joshi informed that France has been reelected as Vice-President of the ISA.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Monday said India has been re-elected as the President of Indian Solar Alliance (ISA) from 2024 to 2026.

Addressing the press conference at 7th General Assembly of the ISA, Joshi informed that France has been reelected as Vice-President of the ISA.

India’s election to the President post is a testament to the impactful work the country, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been doing over the years for the global good in advancing solar energy adoption across the globe and boosting investment in essential solar projects, including mini-grids and healthcare solutions, Joshi opined.

Eight Vice Presidents of the Standing Committee, two from each of the four ISA geographical regions, were also selected by the Assembly.

From the Africa Region, Ghana and Seychelles have been selected as the Vice Presidents, while South Sudan and the Comoros will support the Vice Presidents as Vice-Chairs of Africa.

From the Asia and the Pacific Region, Australia and Sri Lanka have been selected as Vice Presidents, with the United Arab Emirates and Papua New Guinea as the Vice-Chairs, he informed.

Germany and Italy have been selected as Vice Presidents from the Europe and the Others Region, along with Greece and Norway as Vice-Chair. Leading the Regional Committee of the Latin America and the Caribbean region will be Grenada and Suriname, Jamaica and Haiti as Vice-Chairs, he said.

ISA Member Countries have also selected the third Director General of the Alliance. Ashish Khanna is the Director General Designate and will assume office in March 2025, when the tenure of the incumbent Director General, Ajay Mathur, comes to a close, he informed.

ISA initiated Demonstration Projects in 2020 to meet the needs of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Development States (SIDS).

The aim was to exhibit solar technology applications that can be scaled up and build the capacity of member countries to replicate these solar-powered solutions.

Joshi noted that 11 of these projects were dedicated to the people of the respective countries: Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cuba, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Mauritius, Samoa, Senegal, The Gambia, and Tonga.

ISA remains committed to supporting governments in their efforts to scale up solar energy projects and improve the lives of their people, he stated.

An important topic of discussion will be the guidelines for the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Scheme, which provides for 10 per cent to 35 per cent of the total solar project cost to be given as a grant for developing solar projects in LDCs and SIDS identified by the countries themselves, provided 90 per cent of the project cost is locked in, he said.

The ISA Assembly will also consider a proposal for promotion of greater involvement of women in ISA’s initiatives, programs, and support activities, wherever feasible, across member countries, he said.

Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Telegraph Online staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.

source/content: telegraphindia.com (headline edited)

Prabhakar Raghavan, IIT-Madras Alumnus Appointed as Google’s Chief Technologist

Prabhakar Raghavan, an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-Madras), has been appointed as Google’s Chief Technologist. He was previously the Senior Vice President at Google, responsible for overseeing a broad spectrum of products including Google Search, Assistant, Geo.

Prabhakar Raghavan, an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-Madras), has been appointed as Google’s Chief Technologist. He was previously the Senior Vice President at Google, responsible for overseeing a broad spectrum of products including Google Search, Assistant, Geo, Ads, Commerce, and Payments. His new role marks a significant shift in Google’s leadership, especially as the company undergoes core business restructuring.

Early Career and Education

Educational Background:

  • BTech in Electrical Engineering from IIT-Madras (1981): Raghavan’s educational journey began at IIT-Madras, one of India’s most prestigious engineering institutions. He graduated with a degree in electrical engineering, which laid the foundation for his illustrious career in technology.
  • MS and PhD from the University of California: He continued his academic pursuits at the University of California, Berkeley, earning his MS in 1982 and completing his PhD in computer science in 1986. His doctoral work in computer science solidified his expertise in areas such as algorithms, data mining, and machine learning.

Academic and Professional Achievements

Prabhakar Raghavan is a highly respected figure in the global tech community. He has received numerous accolades for his contributions to computer science and technology:

  • Member of the US National Academy of Engineering: This prestigious title is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to engineering research, practice, or education.
  • Honorary Doctorate from the University of Bologna, Italy: In recognition of his achievements in technology and leadership.
  • UC Berkeley Distinguished CS Alumnus Award: Acknowledging his outstanding contributions as an alumnus of the University of California, Berkeley.
  • Fellow of the IEEE and ACM: These fellowships are awarded to individuals with exceptional accomplishments in electrical and computer engineering, as well as computing machinery

Career Before Google

Before joining Google, Prabhakar Raghavan had already established a stellar career, holding leadership roles in some of the world’s top tech companies.

  • Yahoo! Labs: Dr. Raghavan founded and led Yahoo! Labs, where he spearheaded major advancements in search and ad ranking algorithms. He played a pivotal role in ad marketplace design and served as Yahoo’s Chief Strategy Officer.
  • CTO at Verity: Raghavan also served as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Verity, a leading company in enterprise search technology.
  • 14 Years at IBM: During his long tenure at IBM, Raghavan worked extensively on algorithms, data mining, and machine learning. His work at IBM solidified his reputation as an expert in developing technologies related to data management.

Career at Google

Raghavan joined Google in 2012 and has since held various key roles within the company. His journey at Google is marked by leading teams that have developed and managed some of the company’s most critical in-house products:

  • Google Cloud and Google Apps: Raghavan initially managed Google Cloud and Google Apps, overseeing vital tools like Gmail and Google Drive. His leadership contributed to the growth and success of these products, making them integral to Google’s broader ecosystem.
  • Google Search and Related Products: As Senior Vice President, Raghavan was responsible for overseeing Google Search, one of the company’s most essential products, along with Google Assistant, Geo, Ads, Commerce, and Payments. His efforts helped improve the functionality and relevance of these products, enhancing Google’s role as a global leader in technology and innovation.

Transition to Chief Technologist

In October 2024, Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced in an internal note that Prabhakar Raghavan would take over the position of Chief Technologist. This shift in leadership came at a crucial time for Google, which is currently undergoing significant business restructuring to address increasing competition and changes in user behavior.

Raghavan’s role as Chief Technologist will focus on driving technical innovations, overseeing key strategic initiatives, and guiding the company through the evolving landscape of technology.

  • Nick Fox will take over Raghavan’s previous role, leading Google Search, Assistant, and related products.

Importance of His Appointment

Raghavan’s appointment as Google’s Chief Technologist is a testament to his decades of experience in computer science, leadership, and technical expertise. His deep knowledge in areas like machine learning, data mining, and algorithms is expected to further enhance Google’s technological capabilities and strategic direction.

This leadership transition also highlights Google’s commitment to innovation and technical excellence, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of global technology advancements.

source/content: currentaffairs.adda247.com / Adda247 (headline edited)

PM Modi, Spanish counterpart to inaugurate Tata aircraft complex for manufacturing C-295 aircraft, making it India’s 1st Private Sector final Assemly line for Military Aircraft.

The Prime Minister’s Office, in a statement, said this will be the first private sector final assembly line for military aircraft in India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Spanish counterpart, Pedro Sanchez, will inaugurate the Tata aircraft complex in Gujarat’s Vadodara on Monday for manufacturing C-295 aircraft by Tata Advanced Systems.

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), in a statement on Saturday, said this will be the first private sector final assembly line for military aircraft in India.

During the visit to his home state, Modi will also launch development projects worth more than Rs 4,900 crore in Amreli.

The PMO said 40 aircraft will be built in the Vadodara facility as part of the agreement, while aviation behemoth Airbus will deliver 16 aircraft directly.

Tata Advanced Systems is responsible for making these 40 aircraft in India and this facility will be the first private sector final assembly line (FAL) for military planes in India.

It will involve the full development of a complete ecosystem, from manufacture to assembly, test and qualification, to delivery and maintenance of the complete life cycle of the aircraft, the statement said.

Apart from the Tatas, leading defence public sector units, such as Bharat Electronics and Bharat Dynamics, as well as private micro, small and medium enterprises will contribute to this programme.

Modi had laid the foundation stone for the Vadodara final assembly line in October 2022.

In Amreli, the prime minister will inaugurate the “Bharat Mata” Sarovar in Dudhala. This project was developed through a collaboration between the state government and the Dholakia Foundation under the public-private partnership (PPP) model.

Various rail, road, water and tourism projects, among others, to be inaugurated by Modi will benefit the citizens of Amreli, Jamnagar, Morbi, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Junagadh, Porbandar, Kachchh and Botad districts of the state, the statement said.

Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Telegraph Online staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.

source/content: telegraphindia.com (headline edited)

India launches fourth nuclear-missile submarine as a leap in maritime defence, says report

The launch of India’s fourth SSBN, S4*, at Visakhapatnam boosts its nuclear deterrence. 

India launched its fourth nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) this week at the Ship Building Center (SBC) in Visakhapatnam, enhancing its nuclear deterrence capabilities against potential adversaries, Hindustan Times reported.

The country’s second SSBN, INS Arighaat, was commissioned by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on August 29, 2024, while the third SSBN, INS Aridhaman, is set to be commissioned next year. Additionally, on October 9, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved plans for the Indian Navy to construct two nuclear-powered attack submarines, aimed at bolstering deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in a message to the neighbouring countries who share maritime boundaries with India that maritime security is a collective effort and inviting “outside forces” to the doorstep would dent efforts for unity, PTI reported.

“Maintaining peace in the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean Region should be top priority. Cooperation of India’s friendly nations is essential in this effort, as even if one country is left out, the nation’s security wheel breaks,” Singh said.

Hindustan Times reported that the newly launched S4* SSBN features nearly 75% indigenous content and is armed exclusively with K-4 nuclear ballistic missiles, which have a range of 3,500 km and can be launched through vertical systems. In contrast, the first submarine of its class, INS Arihant, carries K-15 nuclear missiles with a range of 750 km.

The report further noted that the newer submarines are upgrades, exclusively equipped with K-4 missiles. These SSBNs have unlimited range and endurance, limited only by food supplies, crew fatigue, and maintenance needs. Both INS Arihant and INS Arighaat are currently on deep-sea patrols, and a Russian Akula-class nuclear-powered attack submarine is expected to join the fleet on lease in 2028.

India’s first leased nuclear attack submarine, INS Chakra, was designated as S1, leading to the naming of subsequent submarines: INS Arihant as S2, INS Arighaat as S3, and INS Aridhaman as S4. The newly launched submarine is designated S4*, with its formal name yet to be announced. Future classes of Indian SSBNs are expected to have a displacement of 6,000 tons, double that of the Arihant class, and will carry nuclear missiles with ranges exceeding 5,000 kilometers and beyond, reported Hindustan Times.

source/content: livemint.com (headline edited)

GLOBAL: Indian Dr Venkatesh Karthikeyan Elected As Publications Director Of World Medical Association

Dr Venkatesh Karthikeyan, a distinguished figure in the field of medical science has been recognised for his outstanding contributions in health care.

The World Medical Association (WMA) has elected Dr Venkatesh Karthikeyan as the new Publications Director of the WMA Junior Doctors’ Network. The appointment took place during the recent WMA General Assembly in Helsinki, Finland.

Dr Venkatesh Karthikeyan, a distinguished figure in the field of medical science and public health, has been recognised for his outstanding contributions and leadership in health care. With a robust background in Community and Family medicine, Dr. Karthikeyan will oversee the publication activities of JDN aimed at shaping the future of medical science globally.

The World Medical Association, now encompassing 114 member countries, is dedicated to the highest standards of medical education, science, and ethics, ensuring quality health care for all people worldwide. Dr Karthikeyan’s election as Publications Director underscores his formidable reputation as a leader capable of steering the international medical community towards these lofty goals.

In addition to his new role at WMA, Dr Venkatesh Karthikeyan is already serving as the National Convenor for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) at the Indian Medical Association. This election  signifies India’s rising prominence as a global leader in healthcare.

The World Medical Association (WMA) is an international organization representing physicians. It was founded on 17 September 1947, when physicians from 27 different countries met at the First General Assembly of the WMA in Paris. The organization was created to ensure the independence of physicians, and to work for the highest possible standards of ethical behaviour and care by physicians, at all times. This was particularly important to physicians after the Second World War, and therefore the WMA has always been an independent confederation of free professional associations. 

source/content: ndtv.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL / NATIONAL: DEFENCE: India, US sign Rs 32,000-crore deal for 31 Predator drones

The development comes less than a month after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden held talks about the acquisition of the Predator drones on the sidelines of the Quad Leaders’ Summit held in Delaware. 

In Short

  • Total cost of the deal could rise to Rs 34,500 crore
  • Deal includes MRO facility establishment in India
  • 15 drones for Navy, rest for Air Force and Army

India has signed a deal with the US for the procurement of 31 Predator MQ-9B High Altitude Long Endurance UAV manufactured by General Atomics. The development comes less than a month after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden held talks about the acquisition of the drones on the sidelines of the Quad Leaders’ Summit held in Delaware.

The two countries signed a deal worth Rs 32,000 crore for the acquisition of 31 predator drones, along with the establishment of a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in India.

This deal will enhance the surveillance capabilities of the Indian armed forces. According to reports, the total value of the deal could rise to Rs 34,500 crore.

The project was cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) last week under which the Indian Navy will receive 15 Sea Guardians, while the Indian Army and Air Force will each acquire eight Sky Guardians.

Along with the UAVs, the deal encompasses advanced weaponry, such as 170 AGM-114R Hellfire missiles, 16 M36E9 Hellfire training missiles, 310 GBU-39B/B laser-guided Small Diameter Bombs (SDB), and eight GBU-39B/B LSDB guided test vehicles with live fuses.

India has been discussing the deal with the US for many years, but the final hurdles were cleared a few weeks ago at the Defence Acquisition Council meeting as it had to be cleared before October 31 as the validity of the American proposal was till that time only.

India would be basing the drones at four possible locations, including INS Rajali near Chennai, Porbandar in Gujarat, Sarsawa and Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh.

WHAT ARE THE FEATURES OF THE MQ-9B DRONES?

The US had approved the sale of 31 MQ-9B drones to the Indian military at an estimated cost of $3.99 billion in February.

The key characteristic of the MQ-9B Predator is its whisper-quiet operation. The drone stands out from the rest because of its stealth feature. The drone can fly as close to 250 metres from the ground without the target even having an inkling it is there unless spotted.

With a maximum speed of 442 km/h, the drone can soar at an altitude of around 50,000 feet, higher than that of a commercial airplane.

The drone’s capacity to be sent on extended missions in any kind of weather is another noteworthy feature. The drone has the option to be fitted with air-to-ground missiles in addition to air-to-air missiles.

The MQ-9B drone can fly 2,000 miles without refueling and carry up to 1,700 kg of cargo, which includes four missiles and about 450 kg of bombs. The drone’s manufacturer, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, claims that it can fly nonstop or hover over targets for up to 35 hours.

source/content: indiatoday.in (headline edited)