
HMSI sells 4.8 lakh units in April 2025
(HMSI) on Friday announced that 4,80,896 were sold in April 2025, which included 4,22,931 domestic units and 57,965 exported units. This is a 11 per cent year-on-year decline from 5,41,946 units sold last April.
#Pahalgam Terrorist Attack
India's Rafale-M deal may turn up the heat on Pakistan
China's support for Pakistan may be all talk, no action
India brings grounded choppers back in action amid LoC tensions
In April 2025, the company had introduced the updated versions of the
Dio 125
with new features. Moreover, the company's premium motorcycle portfolio has been further strengthened with the launch of the
2025 CB350
, CB350 H'ness and CB350RS.
The company also conducted 12
road safety campaigns
across 12 locations in India. These cities included Navsari (Gujarat), Yol Cantt. (Himachal Pradesh), Rajapalayam (Tamil Nadu), Ranchi (Jharkhand), Bengdubi (West Bengal), Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh), Pune (Maharashtra), Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), Anantapur (Andhra Pradesh), Tiruvallur (Tamil Nadu), Jaipur (Rajasthan) and New Delhi.
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News18
7 hours ago
- News18
F-35, Su-57 Or AMCA: Which Fifth-Generation Fighter Aircraft Will Help India Fly Higher & Better?
The Indian Air Force currently operates a variety of fighter jets, including the Russian-origin Su-30MKI, French Rafale, indigenous Tejas, Mirage 2000, and Jaguar India's need for a fifth-generation fighter aircraft has sparked ongoing speculation for several months as the nation weighs its options amid a complex geopolitical landscape. With its indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) still years away from operational readiness, expectations are turning toward potential acquisitions from foreign manufacturers. Only two viable contenders are practically available: the American F-35 Lightning II and Russia's Su-57 Felon. Yet, despite the buzz, neither the Indian government nor defence analysts have signalled a clear preference, leaving the future of this critical procurement uncertain. Given recent developments in trade between India and the US, reports suggest India has conveyed decision on the F-35 to the US. However, Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, recently clarified in Parliament that 'no formal discussions have been held as yet on this issue" concerning the F-35. He referred to the India-US Joint Statement from February 2025, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with President Trump, in which the US agreed to 'undertake a review of its policy on releasing fifth-generation fighters (such as the F-35) and undersea systems to India." However, this was only a policy review, and no proposal or negotiation has been initiated between the two nations. The offer from the United States to potentially supply F-35 fifth-generation stealth fighters has been a headline-grabbing development since its inception, but an analysis of India's defence ecosystem, technical realities, and indigenous ambitions shows why this deal is unlikely to materialize soon. Speaking on the current scenario, Dinakar Peri, Fellow, Security Studies at Carnegie India says, 'While the lack of a fifth generation fighter jet is going to be a glaring gap in the IAF for the near term, the choice of importing a FGFA in small numbers is a hard one to make. The indigenous AMCA is just taking off in development terms and is about a decade away. Another interim buy may take resources and time away from the crucial programme." Why Not F35? The Indian Air Force currently operates a variety of fighter jets, including the Russian-origin Su-30MKI, French Rafale, indigenous Tejas, Mirage 2000, and Jaguar. Over the past few years, India has created an ecosystem supporting these fighters, with advantages in desired integration, interoperability, availability of expert crew, and maintenance facilities. 'When selecting an aircraft, it's not just about acquiring a platform that can fly. You must consider its compatibility with your operational needs—whether it can integrate with existing systems, communicate effectively with other platforms, and support your current weapons and infrastructure. The F-35 introduces a completely new ecosystem with predominantly American systems, which may limit flexibility and pose challenges for existing systems," said a senior Indian Air Force fighter pilot, speaking on condition of anonymity. Dinakar Peri says, 'The F-35 is the cutting edge of stealth and military aviation. However, that necessarily doesn't mean it is the best bet for India for a variety of reasons. India doesn't have the US fighter ecosystem and going through the curve will be a long curve." 'A more pertinent aspect is how much the US wants the F35 to be integrated into India's military ecosystem which has high-end Russian systems like SU-30MKIs, S-400 air defence systems in addition to French and Israeli system among others. Without seamless integration, the F35 cannot become an effective platform that it's envisaged to be, nor can the aircraft itself be fully exploited to its full potential," he added. Su-57 As An Option Many consider the Russian Su-57 a viable option given the circumstances surrounding the F-35. However, this option comes with its own challenges. Along with the fear of sanctions and political pressure, there are sufficient reasons to believe that deliveries will be delayed, and the jet may not fully serve its intended purpose. While the Su-57 offers benefits like technology transfer and easier integration given India's existing Russian aircraft ecosystem, its issues—delayed production, sanctions risks, past technological concerns, payment hurdles, and alignment complexities— bring challenges. Wait For AMCA Following Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's approval, public and private sector companies can collaborate to execute India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. While development is progressing rapidly, the prototype is not expected before 2027-28. DRDO officials have indicated that the aircraft's induction will likely occur no earlier than 2036. This timeline exacerbates the existing shortage of fighter jets in the Indian Air Force. Consequently, experts suggest inducting 4th Generation Plus (4Gen+) aircraft to bridge the gap until the AMCA is operational. top videos View all Dinkar Peri, talking on the way out, says 'The real crisis in the IAF today is shortage of fighters, 4th gen plus, and the numbers are set to go down further. The primary focus should be on ramping up the LCA production and the MRFA that are meant to address this." Indian Air Force currently operates 30-31 squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42.5 squadrons. While there were expectations that the LCA Mk1A and Mk2 would help bridge this gap, delays in their delivery have hindered progress. With adversaries like China and Pakistan accelerating their aircraft production and inductions, the geopolitical scenario pushes the urgency to address this shortfall which experts believe is very important to focus on. About the Author Akash Sharma Akash Sharma, Defence Correspondent, CNN-News 18, covers the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Railways. In addition, he also follows developments in the national capital. With an extensive experience More Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : fighter jets India Air Force news18 specials view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: August 03, 2025, 15:53 IST News india F-35, Su-57 Or AMCA: Which Fifth-Generation Fighter Aircraft Will Help India Fly Higher & Better? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


India.com
13 hours ago
- India.com
Mahindra & Mahindra Buys 59% Stake In SML Isuzu For Rs 555 Crore
Mumbai: Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M) has completed the acquisition of a 58.96 per cent controlling stake in SML Isuzu Limited for Rs 555 crore. Following regulatory approvals, the company will be renamed 'SML Mahindra Limited'. In April 2025, M&M had signed an agreement to buy this stake at Rs 650 per share. The acquisition includes the entire 43.96 per cent stake held by Sumitomo Corporation, the promoter of SML, and a 15 per cent stake held by Isuzu Motors Limited. M&M will also launch a mandatory open offer to acquire up to 26 per cent from eligible public shareholders, as per SEBI Takeover Regulations. The company said the move is a significant step towards building a strong presence in the above 3.5-tonne commercial vehicle (CV) segment, where it currently has a 3 per cent market share. In comparison, it enjoys a 54.2 per cent share in the sub-3.5-tonne light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment. "It is a big step for M&M towards establishing a strong presence in the >3.5T Commercial vehicles (CV) segment, where the company has a 3 per cent market share presently, as compared to a 54.2 per cent market share in the Sub-3.5 tonne LCV segment," the company said. M&M expects this acquisition to double its CV market share to 6 per cent immediately, with plans to grow it further to 10-12 per cent by FY31 and over 20 per cent by FY36. As part of the leadership changes, M&M has appointed Vinod Sahay as Executive Chairman of SML Isuzu from August 3. Dr Venkat Srinivas will take charge as Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer from August 1. Both leaders will continue to hold their existing positions within the Mahindra Group alongside their new responsibilities. SML has a nationwide presence in the trucks and buses segment and holds a 16 per cent market share in the intermediate and light commercial vehicle (ILCV) bus segment. On August 1, shares of Mahindra & Mahindra closed at Rs 3,160.20 on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).


Indian Express
16 hours ago
- Indian Express
Tavleen Singh writes: Trump and his trumpeter
This week I was planning to write about Narendra Modi's image both here and in foreign lands. Readers of this column regularly berate me for writing more often about the Dynasty than the Prime Minister. They charge me with 'hatred' of the Gandhi family and troll me viciously. I was planning to bow to the demands of the box office and comment on Modi's stature at home and abroad. Especially abroad where on the world stage the most powerful leaders today are a collection of clowns, tyrants and brutal warmongers. This subject will have to be postponed for another time because Rahul Gandhi, always irresistible, said something that was so weird and mysterious that I found it hard to ignore. Days after he challenged the Prime Minister to say 'Donald Trump, you are a liar' inside the Lok Sabha, he suddenly found himself on Trump's side. The President of America, as has now been widely reported, said that the Indian economy was dead. A comment that in the eyes of most political analysts was both offensive and foolish but not in the opinion of the Leader of the Opposition. When reporters accosted him outside Parliament House and asked what he thought about Trump's remark, he said, 'But the Indian economy is dead. Trump is right. Everybody knows that the Indian economy is a dead economy…except the Prime Minister and the finance minister.' He added that the BJP had destroyed the Indian economy to help Gautam Adani. Now I am no economist, but you do not need to be one to know that this remark is both bizarre and bewildering. But, very much in keeping with the economic ideas Rahul Gandhi expressed during the election campaign in 2019 when it was Anil Ambani he was obsessed with. Remember those days when he and his sister campaigned with toy fighter jets in their hands to make the point that Modi made money out of buying Rafale jets. Mr. Ambani, in his view, was the launderer of this bribe. This was never established. Never proved. So Ambani was forgotten. To come back, though, to the 'dead Indian economy', may I say that Rahul Gandhi appears not to have any memories of those years when Granny was prime minister and the Indian economy was dead, dead, dead. Ask anyone who lived through those times, and they will tell you what shopping for groceries used to be like. There were shortages of the kind that countries experience only when there has been a war or a massive natural disaster. We queued and queued and queued. Daily necessities like bread, milk and sugar were always in short supply. And, when it came to 'luxuries' like cars, you could remain in the queue for ten years. The richest Indians did not dare invest for the fear that if they exceeded their quotas to produce cars, scooters and air-conditioners, they could be fined and sometimes jailed. The only businessmen who thrived in those times were smugglers. They smuggled in gold and household goods like toasters, irons, kettles, coffee makers and mixers and sold them for a huge profit. As for us ladies, we would sneak off to smugglers in Karol Bagh to buy cosmetics, perfumes and fancy underwear. Things began to change only when the license raj ended. And one of the beneficiaries of this was Narendra Modi. I have never forgotten that first campaign of his when he talked of how government had no business to be in business. One of the reasons why people like me supported him was because of the hope that he would dismantle what remains of the licence raj and curb the evil officials who end one regulation only to make two more. They lived better in those central planning days than big businessmen and they had more power. They could destroy major industrialists with just a single signature. And they knew that they would get away with this because the political leaders who were their bosses were all lefties of the most committed kind. If the Leader of the Opposition wants to understand the real meaning of a 'dead economy', he needs to go back to his economics tutor and ask him to loan him some books on Nehruvian socialism. A short course is all he needs, not a degree, but a short course is essential because he leads our oldest political party and the only one that can challenge the BJP. Meanwhile, he would do well to keep his economic ideas to himself because they are ideas that are truly dead. My grievance against Modi is that he has failed to dismantle the remnants of the licence raj. He allows his bureaucrats too free a hand to make rules and regulations that crush real enterprise. Government-sponsored startups and unicorns are just a new incarnation of the public sector. What we need is a new generation of economic reforms that would truly make it easier to do business and India will take off beyond anyone's imagination. Trump's tariffs could turn into a real opportunity for India instead of being the threat that they currently appear to be. But for this to happen, Modi needs to remember that he once believed that the government had no business to be in business. Meanwhile, Rahulji can go back to his economics tutor and ask him to explain clearly why the Indian economy is not dead.