Defence Acquisition Council approves Rs 2.4 lakh crore procurement for S-400 missiles, transport aircraft, and indigenous Bofors systems The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved a range of procurement proposals worth approximately Rs 2.38 lakh crore. The decisions include additional units of the Russian S-400 long-range surface-to-air missile system, medium transport aircraft, and indigenous 155mm Dhanush howitzers. These approvals aim to bolster India’s military capabilities and modernize its armed forces. The S-400 ‘Sudarshan’ system, which played a critical role in neutralizing Pakistani missiles during last year’s conflict, has received approval for further procurement. This comes as Indian Air Force (IAF) teams are currently in Russia to receive the fourth squadron under an earlier contract for five such systems. The fourth unit is expected to arrive by May, with the fifth squadron slated for December. The system’s ability to engage enemy aircraft at unprecedented ranges has been a key factor in its strategic importance. The DAC also approved the procurement of 60 medium transport aircraft to replace the aging AN-32 and IL-76 fleets used by the IAF. Brazilian firm Embraer, American company Lockheed Martin, and Russian manufacturer Ilyushin are among the contenders for this contract. The new aircraft will enhance the military’s strategic, tactical, and operational airlift capabilities. For the Army, the council cleared approvals for air defence tracked systems, armoured piercing tank ammunition, high-capacity radio relays, runway-independent aerial surveillance systems, and the 155mm Dhanush howitzers. Reports suggest India may acquire Russian Pantsir-S1 systems to protect its S-400 assets from low-flying threats and drones.#indian_air_force #rajnath_singh #defence_acquisition_council #s_400_sudarshan #embraer
Defence Acquisition Council approves proposals worth ₹2.38 lakh crore The Defence Acquisition Council, led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved capital acquisition proposals totaling ₹2.38 lakh crore on March 27, 2026, enhancing India’s combat, surveillance, and mobility capabilities across the armed forces. The decision marks a significant step in modernizing India’s military infrastructure, with approvals covering a wide range of systems for the Indian Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard. For the Indian Army, the approvals include air defence tracked systems, armoured piercing tank ammunition, high-capacity radio relay systems, the Dhanush gun system, and runway-independent aerial surveillance systems. These acquisitions aim to strengthen real-time air defence control, improve secure communication networks, boost long-range artillery firepower, and enhance battlefield surveillance and anti-tank capabilities. The Indian Air Force received clearance for the procurement of medium transport aircraft, the S-400 long-range surface-to-air missile system, remotely piloted strike aircraft, and the overhaul of Su-30 aero engine components. The new transport aircraft will replace aging AN-32 and IL-76 fleets, significantly improving strategic and tactical airlift capabilities. The S-400 system is expected to bolster air defence, while remotely piloted platforms will support precision strike operations and advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. Engine overhauls will extend the operational lifespan of the Su-30 fleet. The Indian Coast Guard was granted approval for heavy-duty air cushion vehicles to support high-speed coastal patrolling, reconnaissance, search and rescue, and logistics operations.#indian_army #indian_air_force #rajnath_singh #defence_acquisition_council #indian_coast_guard
Middle East crisis: Govt levies export duties on diesel, turbine oil; eyes over Rs 1,500 crore collection in fortnight The Indian government has imposed export duties on diesel and turbine fuel to boost domestic availability and strengthen energy security amid global supply chain disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict. The decision, announced by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) chairman, aims to ensure stable fuel supplies in the country. Revenue from these duties is projected to exceed Rs 1,500 crore over a fortnight. In parallel, the government reduced special excise duties on petrol and diesel to address financial shortfalls faced by state-owned oil marketing companies (OMCs). Officials emphasized that retail prices of key fuels will remain unchanged despite the adjustments. The excise duty on petrol was cut from Rs 13 per litre to Rs 3 per litre, while diesel duties were eliminated entirely, reducing the burden on consumers. The measures come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, particularly Iran’s tightening control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transit route. Global crude oil prices dipped on Friday following U.S. signals that negotiations with Iran were progressing, extending the 10-day pause in strikes. Brent crude fell 2.08 per cent to $105.75 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) dropped 1.94 per cent to $92.67. Prices remain elevated compared to pre-conflict levels, with Brent hovering near $106 and WTI around $93. Domestically, private fuel retailer Nayara Energy raised petrol prices by Rs 5 per litre and diesel by Rs 3 per litre, citing rising input costs tied to regional tensions. The company operates 6,967 of India’s 102,075 petrol pumps and has passed part of the cost increase to consumers.#strait_of_hormuz #rajnath_singh #amit_shah #nayara_energy #central_board_of_indirect_taxes_and_customs
संक्षिप्त विश्लेषण एवं विवरण आर्थिक सर्वेक्षण एवं बजट 2026-27 (29 जनवरी) आर्थिक सर्वेक्षण (Economic Survey): वित्त मंत्री निर्मला सीतारमण ने देश के "आर्थिक रिपोर्ट कार्ड" के रूप में आर्थिक सर्वेक्षण पेश किया। वित्त वर्ष 2026-27 में जीडीपी ग्रोथ 6.8% से 7.2% के बीच रहने का अनुमान लगाया गया। प्रधानमंत्री ने रिफॉर्म एक्सप्रेस के चलते आर्थिक विकास के लक्ष्यों की प्रशंसा की। बजट 2026-27 (1 फरवरी): रक्षा बजट में 15% की वृद्धि की गई, जो लद्दाख बॉर्डर एवं राष्ट्रीय सुरक्षा के लिए अहम है। आयकर में कोई बड़ा बदलाव नहीं किया गया, लेकिन टैक्स फाइल करने की प्रक्रिया में सुविधा दी गई। रेलवे प्रोजेक्ट एवं 3 नए आयुर्वेदिक AIIMS के निर्माण के लिए वित्त आवंटन किया गया। --- राजनीतिक तनाव एवं विपक्ष के विरोध (2 फरवरी से 5 फरवरी) राहुल गांधी के बयान एवं रक्षा मंत्री के टोक (2 फरवरी): राहुल ने लद्दाख बॉर्डर पर चीनी टैंकों के आगंतुक के बारे में बयान दिया, जिस पर रक्षा मंत्री राजनाथ सिंह एवं गृह मंत्री शाह ने टोक दिया। इस बयान के बाद लोकसभा में हंगामा हुआ, जो राजनीतिक विरोध के चिंतन को दर्शाता है। धन्यवाद प्रस्ताव के बिना अनुमोदन (5 फरवरी): राष्ट्रपति के अभिभाषण पर धन्यवाद प्रस्ताव पास किया गया, जिसमें प्रधानमंत्री के भाषण के बिना अनुमोदन हुआ। यह घटना 2004 के बाद पहली बार हुई, जो विपक्ष के विरोध के चिंतन को दर्शाती है। स्पीकर के ऑफिस में बहस (4 फरवरी): भाजपा सांसद निशिकांत दुबे ने गांधी परिवार एवं कांग्रेस पर लिखी किताबों के बारे में बहस की, जिसमें भ्रष्टाचार एवं अय्याशी के आरोप लगाए गए। --- विपक्ष के विरोध एवं राजनीतिक चुनौतियाँ (3 फरवरी से 5 फरवरी) राहुल गांधी के विपक्ष के नेता के रूप में बयान (3 फरवरी): राहुल ने कहा कि उन्हें बोलने की अनुमति नहीं दी जा रही है, जो विपक्ष के नेता के रूप में अपनी भूमिका को दर्शाता है। इस बयान के बाद लोकसभा में विरोध के चिंतन को देखा जा सकता है। अनुमोदन के बिना विपक्ष के विरोध (5 फरवरी): धन्यवाद प्रस्ताव के बिना अनुमोदन के बारे में चर्चा हुई, जो विपक्ष के विरोध के चिंतन को दर्शाती है। --- आर्थिक...#rahul_gandhi #nirmala_sitaraman #rajnath_singh #ladakh_border #economic_survey
