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India, Thailand and Myanmar are collectively working on a 1,400-kilometre long highway, which would be linking India with Southeast Asia by land. It would be the first time in decades that this would happen, and is required to give a boost to trade and cultural exchanges between the three countries. 
 <keyword id="2645574" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bhagwant-Singh-Bishnoi">Bhagwant Singh Bishnoi</keyword>, Indian Ambassador to Thailand, has said that there are 73 bridges in Myanmar, built more than seven decades ago during World War II, and these are being renovated with the help of India, so that they can safely bear vehicles. 
 
The repair work is expected to be completed in 18 months, after which the highway would be opened to traffic from all three countries. 
The planned highway has its starting point in the eastern region of India from Moreh, and would run till Myanmar's Tamu city. 
 
A tri-nation motor vehicle agreement for the use of the 1,400-km road that will reach Thailand at Tak, Mae Sot district is under consideration. 
 
"There has always been a meeting of minds between India and Thailand. Our two countries share cultural, spiritual and linguistic links. With this road we will also have physical connectivity," Bishnoi said. 
 
Image for representational purpose| <a href="http://www.misswalkingshoes.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/imt-highway2.jpg">Source</a>

In 18 months, you can take a 1400-km long road trip from India to Thailand and Myanmar

<ul><li><keyword id="2808667" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="OYO">OYO</keyword>'s <keyword id="1670338" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ritesh-Agarwal">Ritesh Agarwal</keyword> writes for Business Insider and answers the most important question – Will India travel again?</li><li>Businesses will need to prepare today for tomorrow’s travellers, and innovate to meet the new standards of good quality travel and hospitality experience, he says.</li><li>Here’s what will dominate the ‘new way of travelling’ in India in the post-COVID world. </li></ul>Will India travel again? The answer is a resounding yes! However, the one question we do not have an answer to is when, as it is hard to predict when this pandemic will subside and it will be safe for people to travel once again. But what’s most fascinating for me is the fundamental shifts we will see in consumer behaviour related to travel once the pandemic subsides. Businesses will need to prepare today for tomorrow’s travellers, and innovate to meet the new standards of good quality travel and hospitality experience. Here’s what will dominate the ‘new way of travelling’ in India in the post-COVID world. Goa over Thailand, Coonoor over Scotland In the short-term, there could be some sluggishness in demand as people postpone any non-essential travel or focus on saving money. In the post-COVID-19 phase, industries will have to comply with distancing norms to reduce risks. In such a world, the aviation industry, for instance, will have to offer limited seats on flights, consequently leading to an increase in airfares. As international travel will be slightly expensive, domestic travel will be a net gainer as wanderlust bites us in the post-COVID world. As the pandemic subsides, tourism hotspots of the country are likely to see an unfamiliar group of tourists show up – the ones who have been spending their summers across European destinations and winters in AZ/NZ. This is almost inevitable – driven by restrictions or fear of international travel as well as the unpredictability of needs to self-quarantine when back. We will see packed Mall Roads as well as the resurgence of newer forms of domestic tourism including eco-stays, rural tourism, and nature tourism. This will offer a unique opportunity for the sector, aided by the government, to use this force of domestic demand to make travel and tourism thrive in India in the post-COVID world. God's Own Country must expand beyond Kerala to cover large parts of our beautiful nation. Road trips galore The famous Indian act of fitting “carriers” on top of their cars is likely to see a bump as mechanics open up shops. As travel by any mode of public transport is likely to get more challenging, more families and friends are likely to pack their bags and hit the roads – in parts also encouraged by the smoother highways. Destinations that are within driving distance of major urban centres are likely to see a boost. However, people are likely to drive shorter distances and initially maybe within state borders as they will seek the assurance of being able to head home if there is a spike in COVID cases in local areas. Not only established destinations but hidden gems near cities will no longer be hidden from the seekers who long to escape urban life. Teekli village near Gurgoan may be the new Alibag. For hospitality players to recover from the financial impact of the pandemic, it’s important to identify these geographies early on and increase readiness to welcome guests, while ensuring their health and safety. Staycations, the preferred vacations During the lockdown, people have discovered all kinds of passions – many are experiencing the pressure of cooking, doing yoga, learning hydroponic farming and so much more - and are already looking for a change. A safe getaway, or an escape from home even if it is for a couple of days. We are here referring to staycations, where people check into a hotel in the same city often for short durations. As people begin travelling again and looking for safe spaces to stay, there will be a growing preference for staycations where travellers would prefer independent boutique hotels with limited capacity or even private vacation homes where they can plan get-togethers with friends and family. The idea is to enjoy a vacation but at the same time ensure safety and hygiene. Finding your purpose and spiritual calling Pilgrimages have been an inextricable part of Indian life – right from the ancient days to the present modern age. The allure of a Tirupati or Ajmer Sharif endures and the faithful will visit in even bigger numbers as more people turn to faith in tough times. It will not be wrong to say that the earliest bounce back in tourism could be led by pilgrimages, as restrictions ease up and there is no fear of community spread. Human touch to zero-touch, the new normal For an industry where high touch [the firm handshake, the tikka on arrival, the butler service] was seen as a luxury, this will be a whole new world to navigate. Travellers will want the ease of travel but at the same time, would prefer not to come in touch with people as social distancing becomes a way of life. Check-in robots? Vending machine for packed food? Robots for cleaning? This is a time for hotel chains to think forward and innovate “tap” and “go” models across the length and breadth of daily operations. We foresee many more shifts in the way hotels are run. For instance, at OYO, we are in the process of implementing a minimal-touch policy for check-ins, check-outs and room service. As an industry, our biggest priority at the moment is to ensure we collectively navigate the crisis, restore our economy back into shape, and take care of livelihoods. It’s also time to hit pause, reset and rethink ways to welcome travellers once they are willing to travel by planes, stay at hotels and socialise again. See Also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/microsoft-ceo-satya-nadella-on-cloud-nine-with-lockdown-experience/articleshow/75833830.cms">Microsoft's lockdown experience puts Satya Nadella on ‘cloud’ nine</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/from-spicejet-to-oyo-to-mahindra-all-want-msme-tag-for-partners/articleshow/75821961.cms">Here’s why India's biggest hotel chain operator, a large car maker and airline would like to lose 'elite' tag</a>

Ritesh Agarwal imagines robots at OYO hotels while wondering when India will travel again

<ul><li>For the quarter ending June, L&amp;T’s infrastructure orders went down by 10%. </li><li>The new orders won during the quarter too were from Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka. </li><li>“We will be lucky if we can maintain 6.5% growth,” A M<a href="https://www.news18.com/news/business/l-says-a-6-5-growth-will-be-lucky-2254855.html"> Naik, L&amp;T’s former chairman said</a>. </li></ul> Indian biggest infrastructure company Larsen &amp; Toubro is heading to greener pastures abroad as the home turf is getting tougher, and the local economy slower. The impact of the economic downturn hurting the company is visible in L&amp;T’s share price which is down over 11% in the last one month. For the quarter ending June, its infrastructure or construction orders went down by 10%. And, even among those that they won were overseas orders. “Order wins were mainly from the airport sector, gold beneficiation award in Saudi, water supply and distribution order in Sri Lanka, a notable desalination plant order in Gujarat and an order for a defence telecom network,” L&amp;T said in its earnings press release. As of now, international orders contributed to 23% of its total inflow for the quarter. This may only increase going forward. “Company will focus more on the international market to offset the muted demand from the domestic private sector investment,” ICICI Securities said. Yet, this a near-term strategy only. In the long-run, the company which has manufacturing facilities, construction capabilities and equipment all in place will have to bank on India growth story. Where is the growth? A M Naik, the former chairman of the company valued at ₹1.94 lakh crore; and an industry doyen broke his silence to criticise the government. Not only did he reject government’s claims that the country will grow at 7%, he also punched holes in the credibility of the numbers. “We will be lucky if we can maintain 6.5%,”<a href="https://www.news18.com/news/business/l-says-a-6-5-growth-will-be-lucky-2254855.html"> Naik said</a>. While he wasn’t talking specifically of L&amp;T, it is true that the 81-year-old company’s fate is largely linked to that of government. L&amp;T has been a part of every large infrastructure project in India right from the recent moon mission Chandrayaan-2 to large defence projects to nuclear power plants in addition to highways and others. However, the slowdown is too severe and it is taking a toll on the company’s prospects. “Domestic private sector demand is under stress and the overall environment is challenging. Management believes the government will face several challenges to keep up the pace of infrastructure development in the current environment,” said an analyst report by ICICI Securities, after the company’s annual general meeting. Lost opportunities Naik had hoped that India could gain from the trade war between US and China, but those manufacturing opportunities have been lost to Vietnam and Thailand, while L&amp;T itself lost the opportunity to gain from possible trade expansion. “We were too busy with elections,” Naik lamented. And, it is not like India has no infrastructure to build. It is still in want of good roads, airports, railway stations and much more. The country which is facing heavy water crisis in cities like Chennai, and subsequent threats in Hyderabad and others might boost this infrastructure, and that too an urgent basis. “Government’s renewed focus on clean drinking water to act as a catalyst for growth in the water and effluent treatment business and ‘Make in India’ programme in defence would augur well for large players like L&amp;T. Larsen has vast experience in execution and sail through any tough macro environment,” said a report by JM Financial. L&amp;T indeed could sail the rough weather, but it sure intends to make pit stops in other countries, picking up the business it lost due to the slowdown at home.

India’s biggest infrastructure company is looking overseas for orders because there are few at home

So you love a wide spread of smoked salmon, lasagne and a glass of Champagne on your Sunday brunch menu? Now get ready to pay a bomb from July. If you don’t like the continental and want to indulge in chicken biryani and lamb rezala, you aren’t spared either. Government’s much awaited <keyword id="6354679" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="GST">GST</keyword> (Goods and Services Tax) has brought the axe down on the business of hospitality. Both for the restaurateurs and customers, the recently declared GST rate, which would be effective from July, has resulted in devastation. Moreover, the <keyword id="6404781" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Alcohol-ban">alcohol ban</keyword> on the highways has taken a toll on many renowned hospitality destinations and has crippled them to the core. The ludicrously high GST i.e. 18% for hotels charging Rs 2,500 to Rs 5,000 a room night and 28 % for those pegged at tariff rate of Rs 5,000-plus level and the same taxes for the <keyword id="34615" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="restaurants">restaurants</keyword> would hinder the business like never before. Stand alone restaurants aren’t spared either. Those with air-conditions and liquor license will be charged 18% and non AC ones 12%. For the ones with less than annual turnover of Rs 5 lakh, guests will be charged 5% from July 1. Compare this to the global statistics – GST charged for hotels in Malaysia is 6%, Thailand and Singapore stand at 7% and Japan 8%. The only country that goes double digit with its GST among the competition is China at 11%. Dr. Ankur Bhatia, Executive Director, Bird Group, which runs Roseate House in Delhi Aerocity, in an <keyword id="6370284" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Exclusive">exclusive</keyword> interview with Business Insider said, he has lost Rs 2 crore of business in last two months of alcohol ban. Losing Rs 2 crore isn’t a nominal amount and makes us ponder how the government could have actually done it better. Hotels = Jobs At a time, when the opposition parties have raised fingers at the Modi government for the inability to provide jobs to the youth, it is to be reminded, the hospitality sector provides direct employment to 5.8 million people. And when the alcohol was banned along the highways in the restaurants and hotels, nearly 1 million jobs were curbed. Hospitality industry = skyrocketing economy Besides being an essential job creator in the country, hospitality industry has a market worth of Rs 3,09,110 crore, just below Retail and Insurance. Renowned food journalist, Sourish Bhattacharya, on his portal, fears that this high GST would deter local dhaba owners and small food joints to upgrade their businesses fearing too much taxation. At the end of the day, hospitality business is one the verge of becoming service class of the society who takes the burden of all kinds of taxations without much rebate. Why is high rate of GST horrifying? “High GST is going to seriously hurt the hospitality business because international tourists will prefer Southeast Asian destinations because of the increase in tax from the current level. India as a destination will further face challenges from inbound tourists from its neighbouring ASEAN countries. When it comes to the competition with our Asian counterparts such as Japan and Singapore where the tax is much lesser, there will be a dropdown in inbound business which will affect the economy of the country,” feels V. Jaiswal, Senior VP – Sales &amp; Marketing, Sarovar Hotels &amp; Resorts. What goes in the disadvantage of the customers is most eateries will charge 12% even if they are small just to save themselves from taxmen’s red eyes. “We continue to lose to our competitors in the international market due to these activities. Unfortunately the situation does not get any better. In any case we have infrastructural issues in the country and as you know India is a far off destination and so on and so forth. We continue to face these issues,” Dr Bhatia told Business Insider. 
	
	
	
	
	
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What motives are ailing the industry? Alcohol ban impact “Liquor sale alone accounts for 20-30% share of the total food and beverage revenue. It also impacts the revenue from the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) segment, and the room demand segment and will lead to several job losses,” added Jaiswal. When will the government understand? If alcohol ban along the highways and high GST weren’t enough, there is a high level of red tapes that tends to derail the industry anytime. “The red tape bureaucrats today make things difficult by adding onto the business cost, logistics and all other functions of a business get affected. The procedure of getting a license is too long. There are too many departments to get one license cleared thus making it time consuming and delay from the department. This leaves little room for restaurant owners to focus on actually running the restaurant,” Vikrant Batra, Owner, Cafe Delhi heights told Business Insider. Also India’s millennial city Gurugram and the state that houses it has had its fair share of bad day last quarter when the state government without any thought decided to sell liquor through one distributor across the state. In this case, Neeraj Sachdeva’s Lakeforest Wines is a clear winner having paid Rs 62.5 crore bid amount. Since then, if local restaurateurs are to be believed, the liquor prices have gone up by 59% and given rise to grey market economy. Where lies the solution? While Bhatia is positive about various business bodies taking legal steps to make the alcohol ban verdict null, Batra believes,a a single window for the entire licensing process, preferably over the internet handled by the government facilitation agencies would make things easier.

Here’s why this is the worst time to be in the business of hospitality in India

New Delhi, Auto components maker Happy Forgings Ltd has filed preliminary papers with capital markets regulator Sebi to raise Rs 1,200-1,300 crore through an initial public offering (IPO). The IPO comprises a fresh issue of equity shares worth Rs 500 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of up to 80.55 lakh shares by a promoter and a selling shareholder, according to the draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) filed on Monday. As part of the OFS, 53.7 lakh equity shares will be offloaded by <keyword id="17519692" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="paritosh-kumar-garg" source="Orion">Paritosh Kumar Garg</keyword> (HUF) and up to 26.85 lakh equity shares by India Business Excellence Fund - III. Also, the company may consider a pre-IPO placement of shares aggregating up to Rs 100 crore. If such placement is completed, the fresh issue size will be reduced. According to market sources, the IPO size is expected to be Rs 1,200-1,300 crore. Going by the draft papers, proceeds from the fresh issue to the tune of Rs 213.6 crore will be utilized towards the purchase of equipment, plant, and machinery, up to Rs 190 crore for payment of debt and a portion of funds will also be used for general corporate purposes. Ludhiana-based auto components maker employs a vertically integrated approach encompassing engineering, process design, testing, manufacturing, and supply of diverse components. Its primary clientele includes both domestic and global OEMs in the commercial vehicle sector, while also serving non-automotive markets like farm equipment, off-highway vehicles, and industrial machinery spanning oil and gas, power generation, railways, and wind turbine industries. Among its notable customers are <keyword id="6357085" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="ashok-leyland" source="Orion">Ashok Leyland</keyword>, JCB India, Mahindra &amp; Mahindra, <keyword id="574323" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="sml-isuzu" source="Orion">SML ISUZU</keyword>, and <keyword id="258568" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="tata-cummins" source="Orion">Tata Cummins</keyword>. The company has operations in nine countries, namely Brazil, Italy, Japan, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey, the UK, and the US. The company's consolidated revenue from operations rose 39.12 per cent to Rs 1,196.53 crore in fiscal year 2023 from Rs 860.05 crore in the preceding fiscal. Net profit jumped 46.67 per cent to Rs 208.70 crore from Rs 142.29 crore in fiscal 2022. <keyword id="45949" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="jm-financial" source="Orion">JM Financial</keyword>, Axis Capital, Equirus Capital, and Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors are the book-running lead managers to the issue. Equity shares are proposed to be listed on BSE and NSE.

Auto components maker Happy Forgings files IPO papers with Sebi

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jet has earned high marks for its capabilities and affordability.</li><li>But buyers have often passed on the Gripen in favor of other jets, including the US-made F-35.</li></ul>As Russia's beleaguered air force continues to launch attacks in Ukraine, Kyiv finds itself in need of air assets, including new fighter aircraft.The best jet for Ukraine is the Gripen, a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/swedens-jas39-gripen-may-be-worlds-best-nonstealth-fighter-jet-2021-11" target="_blank" rel="noopener">4.5th-generation multirole fighter jet</a> built by Sweden's Saab and which is "by far the most suitable candidate in terms of operational requirements," according to Justin Bronk, Nick Reynolds, and Jack Watling of the Royal United Services Institute, a British think tank.Ukraine needs a fighter with missiles that offer "the greatest possible effective range under low-altitude, subsonic launch conditions" in order to bypass <a href="https://www.sandboxx.us/blog/how-effective-is-russias-nebo-m-counter-stealth-radar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Russian air defenses</a>, including its S-400 missile system, which can target Ukrainian jets at higher altitudes, <a href="https://static.rusi.org/SR-Russian-Air-War-Ukraine-web-final.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the three experts said</a> in a recent report.<div type="image" title="A Saab JAS 39C Gripen jet performs during an aerial show in Eslov in this June 5, 2011 file photo. REUTERS/Johan Nilsson/TT News Agency/Files" height="544" width="800" msid="95924490" hostid="261" sizebytes="12438"></div>The Gripen can carry the Meteor air-to-air missile, which is effective in those conditions thanks to its ramjet design and has a <a href="https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/meteor-beyond-visual-range-air-air-missile/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">100 km range</a>, allowing it to be fired from safer distances. The jet can also be outfitted with anti-ship missiles.The Gripen has a suite of electronic-warfare capabilities specifically designed to reduce the effectiveness of the radars used by Russia's jets and surface-to-air-missile systems.Additionally, as Ukrainian airstrips and airbases remain under threat from Russian long-range missiles, Kyiv needs a jet that can operate from shorter, more rudimentary airstrips and from basic airbases with smaller ground crews in order to minimize the risk of the jets being detected and destroyed on the ground.<div type="image" title="Czech Republic JAS-39 Gripen" height="1364" width="2000" msid="95924492" hostid="261" sizebytes="93624"></div>The Gripen was "designed from the outset for ease of maintenance" and for operating from secondary or improvised airfields, according to the report, which noted that the Gripen can be refueled, "re-armed and given basic maintenance by teams of just six ground crew using two vehicles on small airbases or highways in cold weather."Only one member of that crew needs to be highly trained, which would ease the strain on Ukraine's already overstretched air force, while most US fighter jets require extensive ground support equipment, which "would be difficult to build without being observed and hit" by Russian strikes, the report <a href="https://static.rusi.org/SR-Russian-Air-War-Ukraine-web-final.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">adds</a>.The Gripen's operational cost — including fuel, repairs and maintenance, and personnel — is also lower than that of the US-made F-16, F-18E/F, and F-35; the French-built Rafale; and the European-designed Eurofighter, according to <a href="https://www.key.aero/sites/keyaero/files/comment_forum/2013/08/20/Gripen_operational_cost_lowest_of_all_western_fighters_Janes__0.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a paper produced</a> for a study commissioned by Saab.<h2>An underdog in limited supply</h2><div type="image" title="Hungarian Air Force JAS-39 Gripen" height="1212" width="1616" msid="95924494" hostid="261" sizebytes="55838"></div>Saab's JAS 39 Gripen was designed largely with Russia in mind. The 4.5th-generation jet can reach Mach 2 and can supercruise, maintaining supersonic speeds without relying on an afterburner.Although the jet has never seen combat, it has <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nato-alliance-leaders-see-benefit-in-swedish-finnish-fighter-jets-2022-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">performed very well in exercises</a> against 4th-generation aircraft that are on par with Russia's jets.Nevertheless, it has not been adopted by many countries. Besides Sweden — which uses only the Gripen — the jet's main operators are South Africa, Brazil, and Thailand. Other countries, including India and Indonesia, are also considering the jet.The jet's nemesis seems to be Lockheed Martin's F-35, a fifth-generation fighter. Saab's Gripen is not as advanced as the F-35, as it lacks stealth and other capabilities, but <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gripen-jet-cant-overcome-us-f35-leverage-saab-ceo-says-2022-10" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the firm's CEO has said that</a> the US's geopolitical clout also creates an uneven playing field when it comes to international fighter-jet competition.<div type="image" title="F-16 JAS 39 Gripen fighter jet" height="863" width="1151" msid="95924496" hostid="261" sizebytes="19196"></div>The Gripen has lost bids to the F-35 in Denmark, Norway, Finland — all neighbors of Sweden — and Poland. It has also lost a number of bids to Lockheed's F-16, a fourth-generation fighter that is widely used around the world.Despite the failed bids, the Swedish jet is <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nato-alliance-leaders-see-benefit-in-swedish-finnish-fighter-jets-2022-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">well regarded by aviation experts</a> for being highly capable, relatively easy to use, and inexpensive.The Russian air force's failure to achieve air dominance in Ukraine has made it more cautious, focusing on long-range missile attacks and mostly keeping its aircraft over friendly territory.Therefore, "a few modern Western fighters with long-range missiles able to meet the Russians on technically equal or even superior terms would likely have a disproportionate deterrent effect," the RUSI report says.<div type="image" title="Brazilian Air Force F-39E Gripen" height="1331" width="2000" msid="95924498" hostid="261" sizebytes="74710"></div>Kyiv has shown interest in the Swedish fighter. In <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2022/10/25/oleksii-reznikov-ukraine-war-russia-weapons-tanks-00063370" target="_blank" rel="noopener">an interview</a> in October, Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said he was "sure" that acquiring "fighter jets like F-16s, F-15s, or Gripen from Sweden will also be possible" in the future.Stockholm is also increasing its support for Kyiv. It <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/sweden-promises-287-mln-military-aid-package-ukraine-including-air-defence-2022-11-16/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recently announced</a> a military aid package worth $287 million, its largest to date, that includes air-defense systems.Yet finding Gripens for Ukraine may not be easy. Producing new jets takes years, meaning any sent to Kyiv will likely have to come from Sweden's own fleet or from those of other countries.The only NATO members that operate the jet are the Czech Republic and Hungary, the latter of which maintains good relations with Russia.Constantine Atlamazoglou works on transatlantic and European security. He holds a master's degree in security studies and European affairs from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. You can contact him on <a href="https://affiliate.insider.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fconstantine-atlamazoglou&amp;amazonTrackingID=null&amp;site=bi&amp;vikingID=6361621a71518a06bc1f310d&amp;platform=browser&amp;sc=false&amp;disabled=false&amp;sessionID=1666213839364g7wks1lw" target="_blank" title="LinkedIn" rel="nofollow noindex noopener sponsored">LinkedIn</a>.

An often overlooked Swedish fighter may be the jet Ukraine needs to take on Russia now, experts say

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Saab's JAS 39 Gripen is considered to be a highly capable 4.5-generation fighter jet.</li><li>Despite its high regard, the Gripen has often lost out on sales to US jets like the fifth-gen F-35.</li></ul>Why can't Sweden's Saab export its advanced Gripen fighter? It's America's fault, Saab's CEO says. Because of the US's clout in the international defense market, other nations are much more likely to buy its aircraft, such as the F-35."It is extremely frustrating, to say the least, and I can say that it is not about the [Gripen] product that we have developed and manufactured," <a href="https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/saab-ceo-frustrated-at-slow-pace-of-gripen-sales" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Saab CEO Micael Johansson told reporters</a> in August. "If it had been a completely level playing field in terms of not talking about security, politics, and other areas, then I think we would have been much better off.""In many countries, the leverage of the US is tremendous. They are not so easy to work against," Johansson said.The Gripen is something of a runner-up in the fighter world, frequently a contender when nations from Canada to India are shopping for fighters. Yet it somehow rarely emerges as the winner. Its nemesis is the F-35.<div type="image" title="Norway Sweden F-35 JAS 39 Gripen B-52" height="867" width="1157" msid="94691655" hostid="261"></div>What is likely particularly galling for Swedes is that neighboring Finland — which opted to join NATO alongside Stockholm after Russia's invasion of Ukraine — <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/militaries-in-europe-are-buying-the-f35-fighter-jet-2022-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">decided to buy the F-35</a> to replace its aging US-made F/A-18EF Super Hornet jets.In 2014 referendum, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-swiss-vote-gripen/swiss-voters-narrowly-block-deal-to-buy-saab-fighter-jets-projection-idUSBREA4H05920140518" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Swiss voters said</a> the Swiss Air Force shouldn't acquire Gripens. The government instead pursued F-35s, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/swiss-activists-drop-campaign-against-f-35-fighter-deal-2022-09-20/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">signing</a> a $5.5 billion deal for 36 of the jets in September. Meanwhile, the Czech Republic is ending its lease of Gripens in favor of purchasing F-35s.It does seem a bit unfair. While the Gripen is not a cutting-edge fifth-generation stealth aircraft like the F-35, it is considered a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/swedens-jas39-gripen-may-be-worlds-best-nonstealth-fighter-jet-2021-11" target="_blank" rel="noopener">highly capable 4.5-generation fighter</a>. It can reach Mach 2 and supercruise, which allows it to fly at supersonic speed without resorting to a fuel-guzzling afterburner.It is agile and carries Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles with a range of up to 80 miles. It is also designed to operate from improvised airstrips <a href="https://www.saab.com/newsroom/stories/2020/april/swaf-gripen-pilots-train-on-national-highway" target="_blank" rel="noopener">such as highways</a>, which is useful if fixed airbases are knocked out.<div type="image" title="Czech JAS-39 Gripen" height="1328" width="2000" msid="94691656" hostid="261"></div>However, while several countries fly the Gripen — including Brazil, South Africa, and Thailand — it has a much smaller customer base than US aircraft like the F-35 and F-16.One problem may be Sweden itself, which is an odd country in terms of defense. It maintained <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-ukraine-attack-causes-sweden-to-up-defenses-reconsider-nato-2022-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">neutrality in the World Wars and the Cold War</a>, but it also has a huge arms industry that makes popular weapons, such as the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-sending-at4-basic-deadly-anti-tank-weapon-to-ukraine-2022-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AT-4 anti-tank rockets</a> used by the US military.Swedish politicians are not aggressive in lobbying other nations to buy Swedish weapons the way that US, French, and other leaders are, according to Elisabeth Braw, a foreign policy expert at the American Enterprise Institute."Since defense equipment lasts for decades and needs to be continually updated, foreign governments want to be extremely sure of the relationship they're entering into," Braw wrote for <a href="https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/08/25/sweden-gripen-sell-export-fighter-jets/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Foreign Policy</a> in August. "Having some companies bid with massive government backing for the deal while Swedish companies bid with only modest government engagement clearly suggests to foreign governments that the Swedish government is just not that into them."Another problem is that Swedish governments have tended to be liberal, though the far-right made strong gains in the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/sep/14/swedish-pm-concedes-election-defeat-to-bloc-led-by-far-right-sweden-democrats" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recent election</a>.<div type="image" title="Swedish Air Force pilot in JAS-39C Gripen" height="1331" width="2000" msid="94691657" hostid="261"></div>"Swedish politicians were more interested in discussing alternative energy, gender equality, economic cooperation, and other soft questions," Jan Kallberg, a nonresident senior fellow with the Center for European Policy Analysis, told Insider. "Pushing for arms sales was not a good fit for their agenda. The Ukraine war has changed these conditions, but it is too late in the game when the sales cycle for arms is 10-plus years."Ultimately, arms sales, like war, isn't fair. Regardless of the Gripen's merits, the fact is that Sweden is a nation of just 10 million people, and even though it has a tradition of providing UN peacekeeping forces and recently decided to join NATO, it hardly has a reputation for a muscular foreign policy.To many nations, American arms come with an extra perk: Washington's goodwill, which could mean US support in a crisis."US influence comes less from the US, and more from the Europeans themselves," Kallberg said. "As Russia becomes more aggressive, European nations want stronger ties and interoperable equipment with the US. Purchasing the F-35 makes it happen."Michael Peck is a defense writer whose work has appeared in Forbes, Defense News, Foreign Policy magazine, and other publications. He holds a master's in political science. Follow him on <a href="https://www.twitter.com/@mipeck1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mipeck/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LinkedIn</a>.

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Artist and producer <keyword id="36091" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sona-Mohapatra">Sona Mohapatra</keyword> made her debut appearance on the iconic <keyword id="1219606" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Times-Square-billboard">Times Square billboard</keyword> in New York on Monday. She is one of the first independent musicians to be given this place as a pop-culture milestone. Sona said: "To be woken up in the middle of the night to see photographs of my face on a billboard covering a skyscraper in one of my favourite cities New York was a surreal feeling. To be one of the first independent musicians to be given this place is a pop culture milestone because it paves the way for artistic expression of various hues and colours free from cookie-cutter formulas in musical mainstream success." Sona appeared on Times Square billboard as part of the Spotify 'EQUAL' global campaign leading the Indian leg. Her single track 'Aise Na They' is being featured on the 'EQUAL' playlist for the entire month. The soundtrack for 'Aise Na They' has been composed by Ram Sampath with lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya and distributed by Paris-based music distribution and marketing service Believe. The song's narrative revolves around a relationship that has lost its fizz, but a sense of optimism is infused in the track through the lovely sound of the hills with pop rock blended with ethereal flutes and tingling mandolins. She said: "I have been consistently releasing original music for many years, have fought many battles for <keyword id="11732726" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="ip-">IP &amp;</keyword> residuals for artists and it has been exhilarating, exhausting too but now, with my indie label <keyword id="6695093" type="AGENCY" weightage="20" keywordseo="omgrown-music">Omgrown Music</keyword> partnering with a global name like Believe, I truly feel optimistic about the future of the music scene in India and more so for other independent voices like mine. She added: "To celebrate this achievement, I am dropping a single '<keyword id="11732725" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="ek-din-manhattan-memories">Ek Din - Manhattan Memories</keyword>', a heartbreak love song which would be a perfect companion for a long highway drive or a dance party." Talking about the emergence of independent music in the pandemic, she said: "We are slowly coming out of a very tough time together as a society but this phase in India has been the very best for independent music releases without the big banyan tree of Bollywood taking away all the media and audience attention with its big promotional budgets." She added: "This billboard is a validation of that constant hustle of never giving up on the power of music and self-belief. My allies have stood by me through thick and thin and I am grateful for their belief." For the global campaign, Sona has been joined alongside other female global artists such as Meryl (France), Bowklylion (Thailand), Nadin Amizah (Indonesia) and Anikv (Russia). Launched globally earlier this year to celebrate female talent across the world, the campaign aims to put the spotlight on women in music across the world. The initiative features specially curated playlists across 50 countries. Vivek Raina, MD, Believe India said: "This is a great initiative by Spotify and we are proud to collaborate with Sona Mohapatra. Her new song is a celebration of love which is soulful, a pop-rock romantic track which will surely enthrall her fans." <keyword id="11729733" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="see-also">SEE ALSO</keyword> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/byjus-last-two-acquisitions-and-a-deal-with-disney-reveal-its-american-dream/articleshow/84783749.cms">Byju's last two acquisitions and a deal with Disney reveal its American dream ⁠— one that is anchored in India</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/personal-finance/news/six-red-flags-for-investors-to-avoid-becoming-a-victim-of-misselling-by-agents-or-financial-advisors/slidelist/84782913.cms">Six red flags for investors to avoid becoming a victim of misselling by agents or financial advisors</a>

Sona Mohapatra becomes first independent Indian artist and producer to appear on Times Square billboard in New York

<ul><li>Researchers from MIT and the Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) have a new road-mapping model that can automatically count lanes and detect road types. </li><li>The researchers claim that Google's current methods to make maps detailed are expensive and often ignore entire parts of the world. </li><li>RoadTagger uses <keyword id="107950" type="TECHNOLOGY" weightage="20" keywordseo="artificial-intelligence">artificial intelligence</keyword> (AI) and <keyword id="294572" type="TECHNOLOGY" weightage="20" keywordseo="machine-learning">machine learning</keyword> (ML) on satellite images to make the process cheaper. </li><li>They hope that it can help improve maps in countries like Qatar, who is set to host the <keyword id="523845" type="SPORT" weightage="20" keywordseo="World-Cup-2022">World Cup 2022</keyword> but Uber drivers frequently get lost. </li></ul>It's not uncommon for dependable <keyword id="2442824" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="mobile-navigation">mobile navigation</keyword> apps, that normally work perfectly well in the city, to completely lead you off-the-road if you're exploring unfamiliar territory. However, researchers have a new way to add lane counts and road types to <keyword id="2442773" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="mobile-maps">mobile maps</keyword> to make routes more accurate. "Most updated digital maps are from places that big companies care the most about. If you're in places they don't care about much, you're at a disadvantage with respect to the quality of the map," said co-author of the study, <a href="http://news.mit.edu/2020/artificial-intelligence-digital-maps-0123">Sam Madden</a>. The researchers point out that tech giants like Google do try and be as detailed as possible — but the process is expensive. In some cases, entire parts of the world are ignored. In India, it's a frequent problem when driving through rural areas. However, the new model — '<a href="https://arxiv.org/pdf/1912.12408.pdf">RoadTagger</a>' — is cheap, automatic and can be done by simply using satellite imagery. By using machine learning (ML) models on satellite images, which are easier to obtain and can update fairly regularly. RoadTagger was presented at the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) conference by MIT and the Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI). It uses a combination of neural network architecture to automatically predict the number of lanes and road types — residential or highway. 
	<div type="image" title="roadtagger2_edited" msid="73576303" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Example of RoadTagger detecting the number of lanes and road types&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>

 Navigating FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar, where QCRI is based, is set to host the FIFA World Cup in 2022. According to Madden, it is "not a priority for the large companies building digital maps.". What makes things more difficult is that in preparation for the tournament, the country is constantly building new roads and improving on old ones. "While visiting Qatar, we've had experiences where our Uber driver can't figure out how to get where he's going because the map is so off," said Madden. By integrating lane counts, the GPS system can warn drivers of diverging and merging lanes. Information on parking spots could help drivers plan ahead. Even in cases of disaster relief, tagging roads could quickly update information on road conditions to help improve planning. "If navigation apps don't have the right information, for things such as lane merging, this could be frustrating or worse," explained Madden. RoadTagger has been tested using maps of 20 US cities. Researchers found that the model was able to detect lane numbers with 77% accuracy and road types with 95% accuracy. What makes it special is that it can detect roads, even if there are obstructions in the way, like overarching trees that may make parts of a road disappear from satellite images. 
	<div type="image" title="roadtagger4_edited" msid="73576351" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Two representative samples of the micro benchmark, RoadTagger predicts both of them correctly&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>

 How RoadTagger works The RoadTagger model combines a convolutional neural network (CNN) with a graph neural network (GNN). CNN first puts the raw satellite images of the target roads. The GNN then divides detected roads in 20-meter segments — or 'tiles'. Each tile is then analysed by CNN and compared to the tiles around it. If there's an obstruction, RoadTagger used combines information from other tiles along the road to figure out what's behind it. 
	<div type="image" title="roadtagger3_edited" msid="73576326" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Overview of RoadTagger road attribute inference framework&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>

 The model is 'end-to-end'. This means it operates without human intervention from start to finish. Researchers hope that RoadTagger will help others validate and approve modifications to more mainstream maps. In addition to Qatar, Bastani in Thailand is another area of interest where the roads are constantly changing but the map updates are few. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/google-io-2019-keynote-announces-incognito-mode-for-google-maps/articleshow/69225354.cms">Google I/O 2019: Google won't be stalking you anymore with Google Maps' incognito mode</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/google-maps-feels-like-star-trek-and-doctor-who-with-new-animation-for-space-exploration/articleshow/73040745.cms">Google Maps lets you explore the cosmos like Star Trek — complete with a warp drive 'whoosh</a>'

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