1. IAF to Conduct Biggest Combat Exercise Along Pakistan, China Borders.
he Indian Air Force (IAF) is going to conduct its biggest ever combat exercise along Pakistan and China borders.
The exercise- Gagan Shakti, 2018- will be taking place between April 10 to 23. Depending upon the order of the Air Force Chief, the Air Force will mobilise its assets in the war scenario within 48 hours of the orders. Meanwhile, the IAF is readying to mobilise its entire asset and equipment inventory to conduct its biggest exercise ever.
IAF will mobilise more than 1100 combat, transport and rotary wing (helicopter) aircraft in order to practice the real time scenario, to be conducted day and night, of Combat with the enemy encompassing along Pakistan border in the Western areas and along China border in the Northern areas. For the first time, the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas will be taking part in the exercise and will perform both the offensive and defensive roles. Navy’s Maritime Combat Aircraft MiG 29s will also take part.
2. Prime Minister Narendra Modi Launches India`s 1st All-Electric High-Speed Train.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today launched India`s first all-electric high-speed locomotive in Bihar. The addition of all-electric high-speed locomotive in Bihar will be a giant leap in PM Modi`s govt initiative `Make in India`.
The electric locomotive, with a 12,000 horsepower (HP), will be flagged off from Bihar`s Madhepura loco factory by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Before the launch of high speed locomotive train, the most powerful electric engine in India was of 6,000 HP.
Besides the first all-electric high-speed locomotive, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has dedicated the state-of-the art Madhepura factory, which is a high-value FDI joint venture with French rolling stock giant Alstom to the country.
Below we have listed the five facts about India`s first all-electric high-speed locomotive.
1. In line with the PM Modi government`s and Indian Railways` target of 100-per cent electrification and towards sustainable mobility, these new locomotives will not only bring down the operating cost for the railways, but significantly cut down greenhouse gas emissions as well.
2. The first locomotive is part of a 3.5-billion euros order for 800 electric double-section locomotives, signed in 2015, part of the Ministry of Railways` public-private partnership programme to modernise the country`s rail infrastructure.
3. The 12,000-hp, double-section locomotive, part of Alstom`s Prima locomotives family, has a hauling capacity of 6,000 tonnes and is capable of running at a speed of 120km per hour, allowing a faster and safer movement of heavier freight trains across the country.
4. Besides, Alstom had also announced three new contracts worth approximately 75 million euros -- a power supply contract from the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL), a contract for new train-sets from the Chennai Metro Rail Corporation and another power supply contract from the Jaipur Metro Rail Corporation.
5. PM Narendra Modi is also likely to flag off a new bi-weekly train, Humsafar Express, connecting Katihar to New Delhi.