New Delhi, April 26: The United States has offered India one of its most advanced ship-board missile defence systems, capable of tracking and neutralising up to 100 attacking missiles.
The equipment on offer -- the Aegis ship-board missile system -- has the potential of being integrated with country's indigenous missiles like the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and nuclear-capable Agni missiles.
"An American company made a presentation to the Indian Navy in November 2006," Defence Minister A K Antony informed the Lok Sabha today.
"This presentation was made in respect of three ship-board missile systems," he said in a written reply.
Though Antony did not name the systems on offer, top defence sources said the US had made a presentation on the Aegis missile system made by Lockheed Martin.
The Ageis can track over 100 missiles, including sea-skimming versions, with its supercomputers and engage them according to priority, depending on their velocity and height. The system, according to Lockheed Martin, is designed for multi-pronged and simultaneous warfare to engage targets in the air, on sea, on the surface and also sub-surface.
Italy helping in conservation of Ajanta paintings
Italy is providing assistance for preservation and conservation of the paintings in Ajanta caves, the Lok Sabha was informed today.
In a written reply, Minister of Culture Ambika Soni said Italian experts are carrying out photo documentation, laser scanning and condition assessment of the mural paintings in cave 17 of Ajanta.
This step, she said, was being undertaken under a culture exchange programme signed on March 23, 2003 and a memorandum of understanding signed on January 31, 2005 between the two countries.
"A experts working group has been formulated for studies on the condition of paintings at Ajanta. The programme envisages research and study, cooperation in documentation and
formulation of conservation programme," she said.
Also, the central institute for restoration, Rome, undertook conservation and restoration training course on historical, archaeological, ceramic and glass objects at the national museum in Delhi in February this year, Soni said.
IOC to add 1,600 petrol pumps at Rs 160 cr investment
Indian Oil Corp (IOC) plans to invest about Rs 160 crore in adding 1,600 new petrol stations during the current fiscal, minister of state for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dinsha Patel said today.
"During the last three years, a total number of 3,855 retail outlets were opened by IOC," he said in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha.
During 2007-08, IOC has planned to set up 1,600 new retail outlets throughout the country. "The expenditure of about Rs 160 crore is likely to be incurred by IOC on setting up of the new retail outlets."
Govt to open regional drama schools
Government will open five regional schools of drama in the country to promote theatre in
local languages. In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Minister of Culture Ambika Soni said the five full fledged regional schools will be opened in Karnataka, Maharashtra/Goa, West Bengal, Northeast and Jammu and Kashmir.
She said this step was being taken following the recommendations of the broad-based committee. "This has been proposed during the 11th plan for promotion of theatre in regional languages," she said.
Bureau Report
First Published: Thursday, April 26, 2007, 00:00