Latest news with #K-4
India.com
27-06-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Pakistan, China in tension as India is developing this superweapon, faster, deadlier, stealthier than...., capable of...
Pakistan, China in tension as India is developing this superweapon, faster, deadlier, stealthier than… capable of… India is surrounded by enemies, and the recent conflict with Pakistan and the ongoing cold war with China have also raised an alarm that the country needs to strengthen its defence forces. India, which showcased its air prowess during Operation Sindoor, is now focusing on strengthening its naval power in view of the Dragon's growing influence in the Indian Ocean. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is working on a hypersonic missile for the Indian Navy. The K-6 hypersonic missile will be specifically designed for submarine launch, and the good news is that its trials are expected very soon. K-6 Hypersonic Ballistic Missile The hypersonic missile is a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM). It is equipped with high-tech engine, capable of surpassing the BrahMos cruise missile. With this hypersonic missile will place India in the club of powerful countries such as US, Russia, China, France and UK. Capable of carrying conventional and nuclear weapons, the K-6 missile will give the Indian Navy an edge over China and Pakistan. K-6 Hypersonic Missile: Super Speed And Unmatched Precision As per the Indian Defence Wing, a former BrahMos project scientist stated that K-6 SLBM's speed is its power which ensures that makes it undetectable on radars. It can be launched from submarines and can reach a speed of 7.5 Mach (approx 9,261 KMPH). Karachi's location near India's maritime border makes it a vulnerable strategic target. A successful attack on this major Pakistani economic centre could severely damage the country's economy. Extended Strike Range A former BrahMos scientist claims India's K-6 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) has an 8,000-km range. It can reach any marine part of Pakistan. This follows previous tests of the K-3, K-4, and K-5 SLBMs, with the K-4 and K-5 already in service. The K-6, when deployed, will significantly enhance India's ballistic missile capabilities alongside the Agni-5 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). Brahmos Brahmos is jointly developed by India and Russia. Known for its precision, Brahmos is one of the fastest cruise missiles in the world. It can reach a speed of Mach 2.8–3.0 with a 290–500 km range. Because of its accuracy, the cruise missile is used to strike crucial targets such as radar stations and bunkers. The missile is impossible to intercept because of its low radar cross-section.
News18
26-06-2025
- Politics
- News18
K-6 Hypersonic Missile: A Faster, Deadlier, Stealthier Superweapon For The Indian Navy
Last Updated: The K-6 SLBM is under development at DRDO's Advanced Naval Systems Laboratory in Hyderabad, designed specifically for the advanced S-5 class nuclear-powered submarines As regional tensions rise, India is strengthening its naval power to counter China's growing influence in the Indian Ocean. Major investments are underway in aircraft carriers, stealth frigates, and submarines. DRDO is developing the K-6 hypersonic missile for submarine launch, with trials expected soon. The K-6 hypersonic ballistic missile, a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), is poised to enhance India's naval arsenal. With capabilities surpassing the BrahMos cruise missile, the K-6 will place India alongside major global powers like the United States, Russia, China, France, and the UK. The hypersonic missile, which can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads, will be a formidable asset for the Indian Navy. Indian Defense Research Wing, citing a former BrahMos project scientist, has revealed key details about the K-6 hypersonic ballistic missile. He shared that the K-6 SLBM can be launched from submarines and can target enemies at a speed of 7.5 Mach (approximately 9,261 kilometres per hour). This speed ensures that adversaries have minimal time to react. Given its proximity to India's maritime border, Pakistan's economic hub, Karachi, could be a strategic target, potentially crippling Pakistan's economy in a single strike. K-6 To Extend Strike Range To 8,000 Kilometres According to a former scientist associated with the BrahMos project, the K-6 missile boasts an impressive range of 8,000 kilometres, covering the entirety of Pakistan. India has previously tested the K-3 (1,000 to 2,000 km range), K-4 (3,500 km range), and K-5 (5,000 to 6,000 km range) SLBMs, with the K-4 and K-5 already inducted into the Navy. Once operational, the K-6, combined with the Agni-5 ICBM, will form a formidable ballistic missile arsenal for India. Specially Designed For S-5 SSBN Submarines The K-6 SLBM is being developed at DRDO's Advanced Naval Systems Laboratory in Hyderabad, specifically for deployment on the more advanced S-5 class SSBN submarines. Larger than the Arihant, the S-5 will be 12 metres long, 2 metres wide, and capable of carrying two to three tonnes of warheads. The K-6 missile's Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) capability further enhances its lethality. First Published: June 26, 2025, 11:05 IST
Business Recorder
25-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Karachi
Karachi appears to be Pakistan's orphaned child. Once the country's capital, it now holds the dubious distinction of being among the most unliveable cities in the world. Despite contributing over 20% to Pakistan's GDP and hosting around 10% of the nation's population, Karachi struggles significantly to complete critical projects like the BRT and K-4 water supply schemes. Videos highlighting its crumbling infrastructure became memes during the recent India-Pakistan clash, which speaks volumes. For decades, Karachi has absorbed a continuous influx of migrants from various regions of Pakistan, expanding rapidly and without adequate planning, thus becoming a hub for crime and unrest. Despite these challenges, the city has remained Pakistan's economic backbone, functioning as the nation's industrial centre and sole significant link to the global supply chain for seven decades. In short, Karachi has the potential to pull Pakistan out of its financial difficulties with minimal effort—provided it receives proper attention and prioritization. Instead, it consistently receives minimal support. Political parties routinely stage protests against the federal government for neglecting Karachi, yet minor changes. Consider the energy sector, for instance. Karachi hosts the country's only privatized power utility, K-Electric (KE). According to recent communications, KE has become the most improved DISCO since 2009 regarding transmission and distribution losses, reducing its aggregated technical and commercial losses from a staggering 43.2% to approximately 20.3% by 2024. Within Karachi alone, the exempted feeder network increased dramatically from a mere 6.6% to 70%. These achievements, supported by a complete management turnaround, have gained global recognition, including a Harvard Business School case study and positive World Bank reports. However, despite these notable improvements, KE faced significant setbacks, such as delays in the Multi-Year Tariff determination, hindering its financial planning. The private utility, intended as a model for other DISCO privatizations, was inexplicably left in limbo, ultimately punishing Karachi residents more than the company itself. Another example is the denial of Fuel Cost Adjustment (FCA) relief—a substantial amount of Rs4.69 per unit—to KE's customers in a recent NEPRA hearing. The justification given was to maintain a uniform tariff across the country, exemplifying bureaucratic rigidity and the shortsighted decisions of temporary ministers. Karachi is also burdened with inefficiencies from other DISCOs. For nearly two years, Karachi's consumers have borne the Power Holding Limited (PHL) surcharge—debt repayment they did not contribute to or benefit from. Now, due to a new banking agreement, this surcharge is extended for another six years, meaning 72 more months of inflated electricity bills for Karachi residents. Even if the government manages to find buyers for its other DISCOs—a considerable challenge—the current treatment of KE sends a negative message. Potential buyers witnessing such hurdles and neglect may reconsider their interest, fearing similar treatment. Karachi deserves better.
Business Recorder
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
JI demands fair share for Karachi in provincial budget
KARACHI: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi staged a large protest march on Saturday, demanding a fair share for Karachi in the provincial budget, early completion of the K-4 water supply project, and an end to what it called chronic injustices against the city. The rally, which began from Khizra Masjid and ended at the Sindh Assembly building, saw participation from people across the city. Protesters carried banners and chanted slogans criticizing the Sindh government and its allies for ignoring Karachi's basic needs. Addressing the crowd, JI Karachi Chief Munem Zafar Khan accused the ruling PPP and MQM of presenting an 'anti-Karachi' budget and sidelining the city in development planning. He said Karachi suffers from a worsening water crisis, crumbling infrastructure, lack of public transport, and power outages. 'Karachi contributes the most to the national and provincial economy but gets nothing in return,' Munem Zafar said, demanding at least Rs500 billion to address the city's pressing issues. He stressed the need for 10,000 buses and the revival of the Karachi Circular Railway to ease public transport problems. He criticized the under funding of the K-4 water project, saying only Rs3.2 billion was allocated against a Wapda requirement of Rs40 billion. 'Karachi paid Rs3,000 billion in taxes, but the government can't spare Rs40 billion for water?' he questioned. Munem Zafar also condemned what he called 'rigged' elections and political manipulation in the mayoral race, blaming both PPP and MQM as 'products of Form 47' — a reference to election results he claimed was tampered with. Highlighting stalled infrastructure projects, he pointed to delays and rising costs in the Red Line BRT and KDA underpass schemes, saying they had caused both human and financial losses. He also slammed recent traffic and transport policies, including the ban on four-seater rickshaws and higher penalties for motorbike riders, calling them 'illogical and unfair.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
13-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Khatri slams imposition of GST on imported solar panels
KARACHI: Abdul Shakoor Khatri, prominent industrialist and founding chairman of the All-Pakistan Textile Processing Mills Association (APTPMA), has strongly criticized the imposition of an 18% tax on solar energy in the federal budget for 2025-26, calling it counterproductive to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's vision of an energy-efficient Pakistan. Sharing his views on the federal budget, Abdul Shakoor Khatri expressed deep disappointment, stating that the business community had expected an industry-friendly and people-centric financial plan. Instead, the new taxation measures, particularly on solar energy, have further burdened industries already struggling with high production costs. 'Electricity prices have skyrocketed, making industrial operations uncompetitive. Now, taxing solar energy removes the last affordable alternative, forcing industries to rely on expensive grid electricity—a move that is both unjust and regressive,' Khatri said. He contrasted Pakistan's approach with global trends, where governments incentivise renewable energy to reduce costs and enhance industrial efficiency. 'While the world embraces technological advancements, our policies seem to push industries backward,' he remarked. Abdul Shakoor Khatri highlighted the budget's failure to address the textile sector's challenges, particularly the sharp decline in local cotton production. 'Instead of burdening imports with taxes, the government should eliminate duties on cotton to sustain industrial operations and preserve employment,' he argued. He urged authorities to introduce special incentives for the textile industry, including easier access to bank loans for modern machinery imports, to enhance global competitiveness. The veteran industrialist stressed the need for a cohesive policy benefiting the entire textile value chain—from ginning and dyeing to weaving and garment manufacturing. 'The State Bank and Finance Ministry must collaborate on a strategy that supports all segments of the sector,' he said. He also appealed for concessions for senior citizens, including exemption from tax return filings, and emphasized the urgency of completing critical infrastructure projects like Keti Bandar and the K-4 water scheme. 'Delays in such projects hinder economic growth and exacerbate water and energy shortages,' he noted. Shakoor Khatri warned that without corrective measures, the budget's current framework risks stifling industrial growth and exacerbating unemployment. He urged the government to revisit the solar tax and other punitive measures, aligning policies with the needs of both businesses and the public. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
