
IAF grounds AgustaWestland chopper fleet
The AgustaWestland VVIP helicopters in the Indian Air Force fleet have turned out to be white elephants.
Three AW-101 choppers inducted into the IAF before India terminated the controversial Rs 3,727 crore contract for 12 helicopters this January have been grounded.
The choppers have been hit by a crisis of spares, after-sales support and maintenance problems after the deal fell through following bribery allegations. The UK-based helicopter manufacturer allegedly paid Rs 375 crore to middlemen.
“We are waiting for the government’s final decision on what to do with the choppers,” IAF spokesperson Group Captain Gerard Galway told HT. Each AW-101 chopper costs upwards of `250 crore.
AgustaWestland could reach out to the new government but a breakthrough seems unlikely as India is speeding up efforts to encash bank guarantees worth more than Rs 2,360 crore deposited by the firm to secure the payments already made to it.
With the new government in place, a battery of VVIPs is likely to visit forward areas. But the IAF now faces a dilemma over how it will fly them as its existing VVIP fleet consisting of Russian-made Mi-8 choppers will not be airworthy beyond 2014.
As first reported by HT, the IAF may consider going back to Russia to acquire a new VVIP fleet to replace its ageing Mi-8 choppers.
Choosing Russia as a new vendor will not require tendering, as is normally the case with military purchases. The new deal will be considered a “follow-on” order since India has already booked 139 Mi-17 V5 choppers. This variant can be upgraded for VVIP use.

India vaccinates 224,301 individuals over two days of Covid-19 vaccination drive

Congress, Left to complete seat-sharing arrangement in Bengal by January end
- The Election Commission of India is likely to announce the schedule of the elections in February and the polls may be held in phases in March and April.

Delhi lab technician helps woman deliver baby in train near Mathura
- The lab technician took instruction from a doctor on a video call and helped the woman deliver the baby

Opposition seeks probe into Arnab Goswami's chats with former BARC chief

Govt rules out repeal farm laws, says ready for tweaks

MP: 8 held for rape of 13-year-old

Prayagraj cops submit production warrant for comedian Munawar Faruqui
- The case was registered following a YouTube video, uploaded by Munawar Faruqui, wherein he was seen making derogatory remarks against Hindu deities among other things

On which days are people being vaccinated? Check full schedule of states, UTs

Oppn seeks probe into Goswami chats

MP: 8 held for rape of 13-year-old

People may be allowed to self-register for a vaccine

India delivers 1st batch of heavy cranes to bolster operations at Chabahar port

Hooch bust in Datia district of Madhya Pradesh ends in death of 5 cows
- Local people accused the authorities of destroying the alcohol drums in the open and not taking precautions to stop access of the liquor to the cows.

Farooq Abdullah says 'can't even kiss my wife' because of pandemic

Shiv Sena gets ambitious, to contest 100 seats in Bengal assembly polls
- The Shiv Sena which is a marginal force in West Bengal, is aiming to punch much above its weight.