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India signs deal with US to procure 31 Predator drones

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India signs deal with US to procure 31 Predator drones

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved the acquisition of 31 Predator drones last week.

India will procure 31 Predator drones from the US defense major, General Atomics, under a government-to-government framework, officials said on Tuesday.

The two countries today signed the much-anticipated deal.

The Indian Navy will get 15 Sea Guardian drones whereas the Indian Air Force and Army will receive eight Sky Guardian drones each, reported PTI.

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Under the ₹32000 crore deal, a maintenance, repair and overhaul facility will also be launched in India, The deals were signed by both sides in the presence of senior officials, said defence officials.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved the acquisition of 31 Predator drones last week.

The American team of military and corporate officials are in India for the inking of these contracts.

Top Indian defence officials, including Joint Secretary and Acquisition Manager for the naval systems, were slated to be present during the signing ceremony.

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India had 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.

What are Predator drones?

The MQ-9B ‘hunter-killer’ drones will crank up the surveillance apparatus of the armed forces, especially along the contested frontier with China.

In June last year, the Defence Ministry approved the procurement of the MQ-9B Predator armed drones from the US under a government-to-government framework.

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The MQ-9B drone is a variant of the MQ-9 “Reaper” which was used to launch a modified version of the Hellfire missile that eliminated al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in the heart of Kabul in July 2022.

Also read: Centre clears crucial plan for submarines, Predator drones

The high-altitude long-endurance drones are capable of remaining airborne for over 35 hours and can carry four Hellfire missiles and around 450 kgs of bombs.

The Sea Guardian drones are being procured as they can carry out a variety of roles including maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare and over-the-horizon targeting among others.

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The high-altitude long-endurance drones are capable of remaining airborne for over 35 hours and can carry four Hellfire missiles and around 450 kgs of bombs.

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Fans defend ‘committed’ Alice Kaushik for getting cosy with Avinash Mishra on Bigg Boss 18, call it ‘sibling-like bond’

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Fans defend ‘committed’ Alice Kaushik for getting cosy with Avinash Mishra on Bigg Boss 18, call it ‘sibling-like bond’

A recent clip of Alice Kaushik and Avinash Mishra from Bigg Boss 18 left the internet divided. The show premiers on Colors TV at 10 pm.

Bigg Boss 18 is known for its in-house fights, heartbreaks, friendships and brewing romance among housemates. Recently, a candid moment between Alice Kaushik and Avinash Mishra left the internet divided. While a section of social media users criticised Alice and Avinash for cuddling on camera, others defended it a “sibling-like bond” among genuine friends. (Also read: Shoaib Ibrahim reveals reason behind turning down Bigg Boss 18: ‘Bahut zyada favour ya humiliation hota hai’)

Alice-Avinash viral clip sparks online debate

In the viral pictures and videos from a recent episode, circulating on social media, audiences have been divided about Alice and Avinash’s friendship. Since the duo is supposed to share the same bed as per Bigg per house rules, their brief ‘cuddling’ moment left a section of social media users uneasy. While some questioned the former’s commitment to her boyfriend, others called out those shaming the actor. Many fans pointed out the irony of “making baseless judgments” in an era where people advocate women’s empowerment.

Twitter divided over Alice-Avinash ‘cuddling’ clip

A Twitter post showcasing Alice and Avinash sharing the same bed as per Bigg Boss rules read, “Meet #AliceKaushik Alice claims to be in a serious relationship outside with plans of getting married to her boyfriend. Here she is cuddling & sleeping with #AvinashMishra.” A user backed the tweet and commented, “Hypocrisy next level.” While defending Alice’s personal choice, a fan replied, “They are looking cute.. Kanwar and Alice relationship is strong…He knows that he means world to her… literally…Stop your sick mind.”

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A user shared a gif from FRIENDS showing Mathew Perry embracing Jennifer Anniston on-screen as they portrayed Chandler and Rachel respectively in the series.

Fan calls out judgments over Alice-Avinash friendship

A user, in his long post, wrote, “#BiggBoss18: Defend #AliceKaushik and #AvinashMishra’s Friendship! Since last night, a photo of #AliceKaushik and #AvinashMishra has been circulating widely, shared by a popular BiggBoss portal, and sadly, it’s sparked some unfair criticism. Let’s get this straight: #BiggBoss has had contestants share beds for years, often leading to discomfort at first, but many find it’s simply part of adjusting to life in the house. In today’s era, when we’re advocating for women’s empowerment, it’s disappointing to see people quick to shame a woman for a genuine, respectful friendship. Alice and Avinash have a bond that’s easy and comfortable—maybe even sibling-like! They’re friends, nothing more, and both are at ease in each other’s company. So why create an issue? Let’s choose positivity and celebrate real connections rather than making baseless judgments.”

Bigg Boss 18 airs on Colors TV every night at 10 PM, and can be streamed on JioCinema.

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