India's Defence Acquisition Council Greenlights Massive Rs 3.6 Lakh Crore Military Procurement Deal
In a landmark decision aimed at significantly bolstering India's aerial combat capabilities, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has granted approval for the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets, advanced combat missiles, and the cutting-edge Air-Ship Based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (AS-HAPS) system from France. The comprehensive defense package carries an estimated cost of Rs 3.6 lakh crore (approximately $43 billion), marking one of India's most substantial military acquisitions in recent history.
The council issued the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the Multi Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) project, which is strategically designed to enhance the Indian Air Force's air superiority and long-range precision strike capabilities. This approval represents a critical step in modernizing India's defense infrastructure and strengthening its strategic deterrence posture.
Family of Indian Student Killed in Seattle Reaches $29 Million Settlement
The family of 23-year-old Indian student Jaahnavi Kandula, who tragically lost her life after being struck by a Seattle police vehicle in January 2023, has reached a substantial $29 million settlement with city authorities. The incident occurred when police officer Kevin Dave was responding to an emergency call at a speed of 74 mph, resulting in the fatal collision.
Subsequent bodycam footage revealed another officer making insensitive remarks about the tragedy, sparking widespread public outrage and ultimately leading to that officer's dismissal. Seattle City Attorney Erika Evans stated that the settlement aims to provide some measure of closure to the grieving family, with approximately $20 million of the amount to be covered by the city's insurance policy.
Haryana Woman Killed in E-Rickshaw Accident Involving Police Officer
A 24-year-old woman from Gurgaon, identified as Nikita Bajaj, was killed in a devastating accident in Ambala Cantonment when the e-rickshaw she was traveling in with her brother was allegedly struck from behind by a speeding car driven by Haryana Police head constable Amit Kumar. The violent impact threw Bajaj onto the roadway, where she was subsequently run over by the vehicle.
Despite being rushed to Civil Hospital Ambala City, doctors pronounced her dead upon arrival. The accused police officer, who was stationed in the Ambala area, has been taken into custody. Authorities have confirmed that the allegations are under thorough examination, with the case remaining under active investigation and a post-mortem examination scheduled.
Kanpur Court Grants Bail in Lamborghini Crash Case
A Kanpur court has granted bail to Shivam Mishra, who was arrested in connection with a high-profile Lamborghini crash on VIP Road that left three individuals injured. Mishra was released on a personal bond of Rs 20,000 after police took him into custody following his repeated failure to cooperate with investigators and appear for questioning.
The court dismissed initial claims by another individual, Mohan Lal, who had asserted that he was driving the luxury vehicle at the time of the accident. The bail decision comes amid ongoing investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Bangladesh Political Leader Dies at Polling Station Amid Allegations of Violence
BNP Metropolitan leader Mohibuzzaman Kochi, 60, died under tragic circumstances at a polling station in Khulna, Bangladesh, after reportedly being pushed by supporters of the rival Jamaat party. According to party officials, Kochi—a former Khulna Metropolitan BNP office secretary—was allegedly pushed while opposing campaigning activities inside the Khulna Alia Madrasa polling center, causing him to fall and sustain a fatal head injury.
He was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. Jamaat officials have contested this account, denying that anyone was pushed during the incident. BNP leaders have responded by demanding the immediate arrest of those allegedly involved in the altercation.
