Best printers for Home

Best Mixer Grinder

Best wired Earphones

Best 43 Inch TV in India

Best Wi Fi Routers

Best Home Theatre in India

Smart Watch under 5000

Best Laptops for Education

Best Laptop for Students

India and Israel have signed mega defence deals worth over $2 billion for advanced surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems, designed to destroy hostile aircraft, missiles and drones within 70 km range. 
 
Also read: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/politics/national-security/These-Israeli-drones-will-help-India-identify-and-destroy-terror-camps/articleshow/48914582.cms">These Israeli drones will help India identify and destroy terror camps!</a> 
 This would strengthen the bilateral strategic partnership that both countries share. PM <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword> is scheduled to visit <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/small-business/Start-Tel-Aviv-selects-2-women-entrepreneurs/articleshow/53681969.cms">Tel Aviv</a> in July this year. 
 
As per defence sources, the deal took place between India’s <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/small-business/tech/drdo-wants-to-weed-out-human-errors-in-security-heres-what-it-is-planning-to-do/articleshow/56373987.cms">DRDO </a>and <keyword id="621699" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Israel-Aerospace-Industries">Israel Aerospace Industries</keyword> (IAI) for the Barak-8 medium-range SAM systems to initially include one regiment of 16 launchers and 560 missiles for the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/military-defense/finally-indian-army-is-going-modern-with-its-ammo/articleshow/57407027.cms">Indian Army</a>. 
 
Another deal was done for a similar SAM system to be fitted on board India’s 40,000-tonne indigenous aircraft carrier <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/military-defense/INS-Vikramaditya-going-away-for-eight-months/articleshow/53411731.cms">INS Vikrant</a>, which is being built at the Cochin Shipyard. 
 
Also read: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/India-is-fast-tracking-the-development-of-its-new-aircraft-carrier-in-order-to-compete-with-China/articleshow/46363332.cms">India is fast-tracking the development of its new aircraft carrier in order to compete with China</a> 
 Two similar DRDO-IAI programmes are already underway for the next-generation SAMs for Indian warships and nine air defence squadrons for the <keyword id="15141" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Indian-Air-Force">Indian Air Force</keyword>. These projects are worth Rs 2,606 crore for Rs 10,076 crore, respectively. 
 
These Barak-8 systems, with their MF-STARs (multi-function surveillance and threat alert radars) as well as weapon control systems with data links will be able to detect and track hostile aerial threats within a range of 100 kms, while being able to destroy them within 70 km range. 
 
Thus, they will be helping in filling the existing holes in India's air defence coverage. 
 
However, these SAM systems have been questioned in the past, both for their exorbitant costs as well as long delays in their delivery schedules, taking years to be delivered. 
 
Also read: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/military-defense/india-to-get-rafale-jets-by-2019/articleshow/57180556.cms">India to get Rafale jets by 2019</a> 
 
Israel is among the top three defence suppliers to India and both countries have inked deals and projects worth around $10 billion over the last 15 years. Over the past two years, Israel has bagged seven contracts from Indian defence sector. 
 
(Image source AIN Online)

India has signed defence deals worth over $2 billion with Israel

<ul><li>DRDO developed a counter-drone technology system in 2020, however it did not get any order from the Indian armed forces. </li><li>Experts believe that the drone as well as counter-drone technology are fairly young and still need improvements. </li><li>Indian government rolled out guidelines against rogue <keyword id="94769" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="drones">drones</keyword> in 2013, yet the country doesn’t have enough anti-drone devices.</li></ul>As the government of India has just started recognising the potential use cases of drones in the Indian healthcare system, it was hit with a harsh reality that the enemies of the state have taken leaps to incorporate this technology to harm the South Asian nation. Two bombs were<a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/jammu-iaf-base-drone-attack-jawans-saw-heard-bombs-drop-1821316-2021-06-30"> dropped</a> at the Indian Air Force station in Jammu, in the early hours of June 27 this year. <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">June 27, 2021 </td><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Two bombs dropped on IAF base in Jammu between 1:43 a.m.-1:50 a.m. </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">June 27, 2021 </td><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Two more drones were spotted over IAF military stations at 11:45 p.m. and 2:40 a.m. </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">June 28, 2021 </td><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Two similar devices were noticed in Ratnuchak-Kaluchak military area in Jammu. This prompted soldiers to open fire. </td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Source: Media reports </td></tr></tbody></table> This compelled the Indian government and security forces to go on a shopping spree to buy expensive counter-drone systems. While there are not many counter-drone technology makers in India, few of these players include state-owned Defence Research &amp; Development Organisation (DRDO), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), ideaForge and Big Bang Boom Solutions. According to media <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/bsf-it-ministry-companies-border-security-drone-attack-7386310/">reports</a>, there are over 500 companies that can help the country find a solution to its drone problem. All these companies may not make devices to harm or kill drones, but can certainly help in tracking them. There are also several military tech private companies in the country, including Adani Defence &amp; Aerospace and Kadet Defence Systems that make drones for surveillance and technology for other combat purposes; Atindriya Systems provides electronic systems and software solutions for defense, and Trijatta that develops radars and encryption devices for the military. The government of India has been aware of the potential threat that rogue drones could pose in the security of the nation and issued a <a href="https://www.civilaviation.gov.in/sites/default/files/Counter_rogue_drone_guidelnes_NSCS.pdf">National Counter Rogue Drone Guidelines </a>two years ago. The policy highlights that the drone factor should be taken seriously as unmanned aircrafts, consumer drones and do-it-yourself (DIY) drones are readily available over the internet. The policy, referring to the Israel-Lebanon war of 2006, highlights "In certain incidents, the small drones were also armed with explosive ordnance, to convert them into potentially lethal guided missiles, thus demonstrating the growing sophistication with which these potent warriors have found relevance in combat zones." Yet it has found itself short of any large scale counter-drone system. The Jammu attack in itself did not cost much, but it did highlight the urgency to invest in a counter-drone system that could prevent bigger attacks in the long run. In the coming months, the government of India wants to sign multi-million dollar [who’s saying this?] contracts with both domestic and foreign firms to procure these technologies. <div type="image" title="India has limited options for weapons that can take down enemy drones" msid="84836842" hostid="261"></div> The anti-drone technology has a massive headroom to cover Kruthi Aramanamada, head of marketing at ideaForge, explained to Business Insider that counter-drone technology is expensive and fairly new as it came into existence only a decade ago. The technology is not fully matured and there is still a lot of scope of research and development (R&amp;D) in this segment, she added. Meanwhile, Anshuman Tripathi, a drone technology expert who is also a member of the National Security Advisory Board, <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/combating-the-drone-menace-india-needs-to-pick-up-pace-with-anti-drone-measures-1823517-2021-07-03">said</a>, "Drones are still evolving and solutions to handle them are incomplete. It's a matter of a few years when the technology matures and you can standardise equipment as you go forward." Even developed countries like the US, Russia and Israel are <a href="https://theprint.in/opinion/brahmastra/india-needs-to-shop-for-anti-drone-systems-we-are-already-late/688517/">pumping billions</a> of dollars into research and development of both drones and counter-drone systems. However, they have not found a foolproof system for both hard and soft kill as yet. Indian armed forces on a look out for counter-drone systems In June 2020, IAF floated a Request for Information (RFI) for Indian vendors for Counter Unarmed Aircraft System (CUAS), which can be used to bring down the rogue drone. Apart from that, other ministries and departments are also looking to sign such contracts. However, there have not been many insights on who may end up getting such contracts. One of the possible beneficiaries of this spree is likely to be Israel-based company Smart Shooter, a company that has been developing systems to help militaries track and engage moving targets. Indian Navy had placed an order to <a href="https://theprint.in/defence/navy-orders-israeli-smash-2000-plus-systems-to-tackle-drones-more-contracts-in-offing/562955/">procure </a>an unspecified number of Smart Shooter’s SMASH 2000 Rifle Sights in December 2020. However, the Indian Army wasn’t quite impressed with it after their trials in January 2021. They found that the system may work well for the Navy as they work in open terrain, but it is not feasible for other terrains. This highlighted another major challenge among the counter-drone technology — use cases. The counter-drone system is not a ‘one size fits all’ type of solution and has to be customised based on the criticality of the situation, Aramanamada added. The debate between indigenous or foreign technology remains Prof. P B Sujit, adjunct faculty at School of Engineering and Technology at BML Munjal University, said that the current counter-drone tech is limited and mostly sourced or licensed from other countries. He also noted that there are few Indian startups in the segment as well, but the quality of those solutions is undetermined at the moment. “The trust in Indian developed tech is low. With the history of India importing from Israel, it's natural to import this. Moreover Israel has good tech which has been field tested with Palestine stuff... So the confidence levels are right with the Israel tech,” he added. Apart from the Israeli plan, the government is also on a look out for the technology developed by domestic players and foreign public as well as private sector units, drone original equipment manufacturers, defence tech firms and Defence Research &amp; Development Organisation (DRDO). Indian stand on the counter-drone infrastructure includes only a few players at the moment: <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">DRDO anti-drone system was<a href="https://www.drdo.gov.in/sites/default/files/drdo-news-documents/NPC_15-16_Aug_2020.pdf"> first </a>deployed in India in 2020, during various national events including Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day speech. However, it is not being used. The device had the capability to detect, intercept and destroy small drones. </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">DRDO also carried out an urgent demonstration of its anti-drone system to armed forces at Kolar, a city in Karnataka, earlier in July 2021. The system has a detection capability of up to four kilometres with ‘soft kill’ option by radio frequency jamming. </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">National Security Guards had <a href="https://www.firstpost.com/india/why-india-needs-israel-as-drone-attacks-become-real-and-threatens-to-be-cataclysmic-9763551.html">awarded </a>a contract worth ₹1.49 crore to Bengaluru-based Accord Software &amp; System for procurement of indigenous Counter Drone Technology System. </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">ideaForge has partnered with German tech firm Aaronia AG to develop anti-drone tech devices. However, the solutions have not been deployed on the ground yet. </td></tr></tbody></table> Even though the army and security forces are yet to deploy DRDO’s anti-drone system, Bharat Electronics Limited and three<a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bsf-to-test-drdo-anti-drone-system-on-border-ied-laden-uav-shot-down-in-jammu-101627010670994.html"> undisclosed </a>private companies have signed a technology transfer agreement with the government. The agreement would enable these players to mass-produce the system. SEE ALSO <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/political-media/news/there-are-at-least-four-hot-issues-in-india-that-the-government-has-no-data-for/articleshow/84820788.cms">There are at least four hot issues in India that the government has no data for</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/cryptocurrency/news/maharashtra-karnataka-and-telangana-plan-to-use-ethereum-in-their-fight-against-fake-degrees/articleshow/84823688.cms">This Indian startup is using Ethereum to help Maharashtra, Karnataka and Telangana fight against fake degrees</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/ola-expands-esop-pool-to-3000-crore-issues-stock-worth-400-crore-to-employees/articleshow/84820171.cms">Ola expands ESOP pool to ₹3,000 crore, issues stock worth ₹400 crore to employees</a>

India has limited options for weapons that can take down enemy drones

Cyber security researchers have found a <keyword id="9994130" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="new-trojan-malware">new Trojan malware</keyword> named Alien that can steal credentials from 226 Android apps in several countries including in India. Alien targeted other apps as well like Gmail, Facebook, Telegram, Twitter, Snapchat and WhatsApp. Most targets are banking apps, but Alien can also show phishing pages for social, instant messaging, and cryptocurrency apps, reports ZDNet. The <keyword id="9994132" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="alien-malware">Alien malware</keyword> is a rented banking Trojan which offers more than the average capabilities of Android banking Trojans. According to security researchers from ThreatFabric, it has common capabilities such as overlay attacks, control and steal SMS messages and harvest the contact list. The malware can leverage its keylogger for any use and, therefore, broaden the attack scope further than its target list. "It also offers the possibility to install, start and remove applications from the infected device". Most importantly, it offers a notifications sniffer, allowing it to get the content of all notifications on the infected device, and a RAT (Remote Access Trojan) feature (by abusing the TeamViewer application), meaning that the threat actors can perform the fraud from the victim's device. According to cyber security researchers, Alien is not a new piece of code but based on the source code of a rival malware named Cerberus which was an active malware-as-a-service (MaaS) last year. "We also notice an interest from actors in recording and stealing more information surrounding the victim. How that information will be used or monetized can vary, it is just a matter of time before actors find out about the value of such information," the researchers noted in a blog post. The last quarter of 2020 will probably come with some additional changes to the threat landscape, especially since the source code of the Cerberus Trojan has been made publicly available. In the coming months, we can definitively expect some new malware families, based on Cerberus, to emerge, the researchers added. "We strongly recommend all financial institutions to understand their current and future threat exposure and consequently implement the relevant detection and control mechanisms". SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/banks/news/hdfc-bank-and-sbi-customers-are-facing-upi-payment-glitches/articleshow/78293815.cms">HDFC Bank and SBI customers are facing UPI payment glitches</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/drdo-waives-performance-security-for-development-contracts-as-an-incentive-for-the-private-sector/articleshow/78295788.cms">DRDO waives ‘performance security’ for development contracts as an incentive for the private sector</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/the-first-ever-supermassive-black-hole-to-be-captured-on-camera-has-a-wobbly-shadow/articleshow/78290040.cms">The first-ever supermassive black hole to be captured on camera has a wobbly shadow</a>

Google, Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp and 222 other Android apps were targeted by a new Trojan malware found stealing user credentials

<ul><li>The five large Indian IT services companies — Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, HCL Technologies, Wipro, and Tech Mahindra — are trading in the green today. </li><li>The rally in their share price is on the back of Accenture’s fourth-quarter earnings announced last night. </li><li>The company recorded $14 billion in new deal wins, more than half of which came from the outsourcing segment.</li><li>Its growth in revenue was driven by the health and public services vertical. </li></ul>Accenture’s latest earnings report strengthens the optimism for recovery in the Indian IT sector. And the rally in domestic IT stocks is a reflection of that. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is among the top movers in the market today. Its Indian IT services peers — Infosys, Wipro, HCL Technologies and Tech Mahindra — India’s top 5 most valuable IT stocks are also glittering green on the back of Accenture’s earnings. <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; width: 468pt; table-layout: fixed;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Company </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">% change in share price </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">TCS </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">3.43% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">HCL Tech </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">3.07% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Infosys </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">1.85% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Tech Mahindra </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">1.82% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Wipro </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">0.21% </td></tr></tbody></table>Source: BSE — Share price as of 9:50 am compared to previous day’s closing The fourth-quarter results of the Global IT services company indicate that demand is set to return to the sector. “Strong order booking, driven by outsourcing, implies demand is on the path to normalisation and recovery,” said Motilal Oswal in its report dated September 25. <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; width: 468pt; table-layout: fixed;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td colspan="2" style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Accenture's order book: </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">New consulting orders </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">$6.5 billion </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">New outsourcing orders </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">$7.5 billion </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Total new order value </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">$14 billion </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">New large clients ($100 million plus) </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">17 </td></tr></tbody></table> The traction seen in outsourcing and the focus on cloud, in particular, bodes well for the Indian IT industry. Of the $14 billion worth of bookings that Accenture had on its books during the fourth quarter, more than half was from outsourcing. As of Q4, 70% of the company’s revenue was coming from businesses like digital, cloud and security — areas where Indian companies have also been doubling down. “The shift to cloud helps build a foundation for digital transformation and deflates costs which can be reinvested by enterprises to fund their digital transformation initiatives,” said Japanese brokerage Nomura. Healthcare — the diamond in the rough The biggest growth driver for Accenture is health and public services. However, that particular vertical is unlikely to benefit Indian IT service companies the same way. Most of them have relatively low exposure to healthcare. <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; width: 468pt; table-layout: fixed;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Vertical </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Quarterly growth by Accenture </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Health and public service </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">3.2% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Products </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">0.5% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Resources </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">-0.9% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Communications, media and technology </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">-1.3% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Financial services </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">-3.3% </td></tr></tbody></table> Nonetheless, TCS — recently having breached the ₹900 lakh crore valuation — is the only Indian IT services giant who’s healthcare market share is greater than its take of the manufacturing market. <div type="image" title="tcs healthcare (1)" msid="78309569" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;TCS share in the healthcare market&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Accenture’s revenue in the three months ended August fell 2% over the previous quarter to $10.84 billion. For the next fiscal year, the company expects operating margin to be in the range of 14.8% to 15.0%, an expansion of 10 to 30 basis points over the previous year. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/banks/news/hdfc-bank-and-sbi-customers-are-facing-upi-payment-glitches/articleshow/78293815.cms">HDFC Bank and SBI customers are facing UPI payment glitches</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/drdo-waives-performance-security-for-development-contracts-as-an-incentive-for-the-private-sector/articleshow/78295788.cms">DRDO waives ‘performance security’ for development contracts as an incentive for the private sector</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/the-first-ever-supermassive-black-hole-to-be-captured-on-camera-has-a-wobbly-shadow/articleshow/78290040.cms">The first-ever supermassive black hole to be captured on camera has a wobbly shadow</a>

TCS, HCL Tech, Infosys, and other IT stocks rally led by Accenture’s outsourcing strength

Last week, the multi-purpose <keyword id="2876046" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Barak-8">Barak-8</keyword> missile system, jointly developed by India and Israel, was successfully tested. Just when the world was absorbing its success, rumours float the air of possible deals worth billions of dollars. 

	"In addition to India and Israel, which are procuring it, other armies around the world have signed with IAI (Israel Aerospace Industries) to procure the advanced system. Assembly line production of the missiles and their accompanying systems has already begun", IAI Programme Director for Air &amp; Missile Defence Systems Boaz Levy told Globes business daily. 
 

	"The recent trial has given the system a substantial boost among countries that are still considering whether to procure it, and we believe that in the coming years, we will increase the number of signed contracts for its procurement. This is the spearhead of the defence systems, and a key growth engine for us," Levy said.
 

	Representatives of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), an equal partner in the joint venture right from the outset, also participated in the recent trial with the next test of the system likely to happen onboard Indian naval vessel INS Kolkata in December this year, defence officials here told PTI.
 

	Designed to defend against a variety of short-to-long -range airborne threats, including fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, drones and projectiles, Barak-8 incorporates a state-of-the-art phased array multi-mission radar, two-way data link, and a flexible command and control system, enabling users to simultaneously engage multiple targets day and night and in all weather conditions.
 

	The missile system is being jointly developed by IAI, DRDO, Israel's Administration for the Development of Weapons and Technological Infrastructure, Elta Systems, Rafael and other companies. 
 

	The missile system is being jointly developed by IAI, DRDO, Israel's Administration for the Development of Weapons and Technological Infrastructure, Elta Systems, Rafael and other companies.
 

	Sources involved in the development of the missile system told the business daily they believe that the Israeli Navy will be able to declare it operational within a few months.
 

	A Barak-8 battery, including the Adir radar system made by IAI subsidiary Elta Systems, a command and control system, and the missile launchers, is already installed on the deck of Israeli Navy ship Lahav, from which the new interceptor was fired last week as part of a complete trial of the system. 
 

	"All of the instruments related to the weapons system had been tested in the recent trial at the height of which an interceptor missile had been fired from the Lahav's deck," Levy was quoted as saying.
 

	"The missile was aimed at a UAV simulating an enemy target. The system's radar spotted the threat, monitored it in flight, and the data were transferred from it to the Barak-8 command and control centre, which launched the interceptor missile at the UAV. 
 

	Using its homing-in device, the missile aimed itself at the target, made an accurate hit, and destroyed it completely. The missile blew it into fragments. The Barak 8 system, including all of its components, successfully met all the objectives set for it," Levy said.
 

	The trial focused on the system's capability in its naval application and the interceptor missile launched at the target was simulating a deep-sea target.
 

	IAI is also testing land-based applications of the system. 
 

	The radar and command and control systems stationed on land are said to have also successfully identified and monitored the target, and calculated its trajectory, but did not launch an interceptor missile at it.
 The Barak 8's interceptor range is said to be 70 kilometres, making it capable of handling several threats posed against Israel's defence, including missiles like the Yakhont which the Israeli army believes is a part of Lebanese Shia militant group <keyword id="66869" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Hezbollah">Hezbollah</keyword>'s arsenal and can be used to hit Israel's ports, navy ships, merchant vessels, and Mediterranean natural gas facilities. 

	Professional sources told the Globes that Barak-8 is also capable of providing a solution for surface-to-surface missiles and accurate rockets possessed by Hezbollah that threatens infrastructure facilities in Israel and essential Israel Defence Forces (IDF) bases all over the country. 
 

	Barak-8, an upgraded version of the missile Barak system already being used by India and Israel, is designed to defend naval vessels against incoming missiles, planes and drones.
 

	India's Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) will be assigned the task of producing the missiles with 32 initial ones to be fitted on INS Kolkata.
 

	Israel made MF-STAR radar system, which is capable of simultaneously tracking hundreds of airborne targets to a range of more than 250 kilometres, adds value to the marketing potential of the new system.

	 
	 
	(Image credits: Indiatimes)

Indo-Israel missile system Barak-8 likely to win deals worth billions

The face of the Indian defence sector is changing rapidly with a strong focus on indigenisation. The man leading that change is Manohar Parrikar, India’s defence minister. Parrikar has worked hard over the last one-and-a-half years to bring a complete turnaround in the defence establishment. 
 
In a latest interview, Parrikar spoke about his future plans and the key security issues facing the country. 
 
Q. The new Defence Procurement Policy (DPP) is being referred to as a game changing policy for the sector. How do you see it altering the Indian defence growth story? 
 
A. In the new DPP, we have tried to shift the focus on Make-in-India, small and medium scale industries. We are also stressing on time-bound procedures. 
 
The defence sector has a strange set of procurement procedures, which do not normally exist for other procurements. One obvious reason is that products need to be tested as unless successful testing is conducted, the costly equipment can’t be procured. So testing is a major criteria and this was, so far, not allowed to Indian private companies and was resulting into major delays. So the new DPP opens up testing facilities. Various defence PSUs are also offering facilities to the private sector. The new DPP will address these concerns of the industry in detail. 
 
Q. The <keyword id="6354869" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="make-in-India">Make in India</keyword> initiative is gaining steam. The new category of ‘Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured’ (IDDM) equipment reverses the local mix from 70:30 to 30:70. Do you have any timelines for its implementation? 
 
A. It won’t happen overnight. In the new DPP for IDDM, it will be only now that things will be processed. Orders may be placed after one year and actual production will start after a year. So, it is in 2017 that we will start seeing the real impact. Of course, some push that we had given earlier would result in some shifting of the balance during the current year. 
 
Q. We see a sudden rush from big corporates who want to invest big time in the defence sector. Already some 50 MoUs have been signed and over 350 licenses given. Is there any kind of a mechanism that you are going to put in place to monitor that everything that is being talked about actually takes-off? 
 
A. Unlike other sectors, the buyer is only one except for exports, which we have opened up. In fact, the recorded NoCs for export granted by us in spite of the fact that we have reduced the number of items under restricted export in defence, has almost tripled as compared to last year and grown by five times the earlier years. We are now touching around Rs 2000 crore this year. I expect growth of another 50%-100% because of offsets. 
 
In the next year, we should cross Rs 1 billion in exports, which itself will be an achievement. Except the export part of it, the rest is produced and purchased by the Indian defence forces. These are part of preparations. These are not actual fructification. The fructification will happen in the current year for some in the private sector whom we are already placing orders with. In fact, Tata’s have developed 6x6 (truck for Indian army), Larsen &amp; Toubro is in the final stage of getting the order for self-propelled guns. 
 
Q. Will the entry of private companies affect the role of defence PSUs and DRDO? 
A. PSUs are also part of Make-in-India. We are asking them to broaden their vendor base and get products outsourced so that the private industry also develops in course. 
 
Q. Indian defence companies say their products are comparatively much cheaper to, say those supplied by US companies, like for example the ultra-light weight howitzers developed by the Kalyani Group is around 50% cheaper than that manufactured in the US. Aren’t we spending a lot for importing equipments like these? 
 
A. I am not aware of the costs but I will definitely find out. We are serious on indigenously developed products and I will talk to them. 
 
Q. Are you happy with the budget allocation? How would you in the present constraints of fund allocation priorities your plans on modernization? 
A. I don’t see a big fund constraint. Let me put it this way, in a month if a family eats say 20 kg of rice they may consume around 500 grams a day --- so budgets have to be seen in that angle. What do I require today? One is my committed liabilities. I am talking about capital acquisition so if I have placed orders with the vendors then as they supply I have to go and pay. For example, Apache Helicopter for which I placed the order in October. It will be supplied in 2018. Initially, I paid some 15%. The total including the weapon package was about Rs 21,000-22,000 crore. I paid only Rs 3000 crore. How much do I require as per the calibrated payment terms --- maybe I will require another Rs 1500 crore this year and Rs 1500 crore next year and maybe some Rs 5000 crore or Rs 8000 crore the year after. So what I do today has its impact in next 5-10 years and what was done in 2012-13 is going to reflect now. 
 
Q. What about China and Pakistan’s participation in the Defexpo? 
A. I don’t see a big issue in inviting or not inviting. Traditionally, they have not been invited but I think from China we had some people to visit if I am not mistaken. There is no calibrated decision specifically taken in this regard. 
 
Q. The double finance scrutiny first by MoD and then by finance ministry is making defence procurement cumbersome. Why should there be a double scrutiny at all? 
A. Ask that question to the finance ministry. If you ask me it is a triple level --- MoD, then our own finance department and then the MoF. I think it’s a case for a higher delegated power. It will be taken up but I don’t see it as a big problem. I have no problem in finance expenditure going through it. 
 
Q. Your comments on the government’s plans to cut foreign vendor contracts by 30% in the next two years? 
A. We don’t intend to cut. We intend to purchase locally so automatically the procurement from outside will reduce. 
 
Q. In Rafale jet deal pricing is a big issue? Even the law ministry has recently raised some objections? 
A. Price is equally important. While I want the aircraft, I will definitely be interested in the right price. The objections are being attended to. 
 
Q. Your government is completing two years in office? How do you think it has performed? 
A. I am happy because this government is doing more than reasonably well. The foundation is already there and lot of things have been done by this government which had been in limbo for last 10-12 years so I feel that in another one year we would be very clearly reaping the benefits of the seeds that have been sown by this government and things that have been done by this government.

Parrikar: Real impact of Make in India in defence sector will be seen in 2017

When <keyword id="44528" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="FDI">FDI</keyword> is being actively promoted for all other sectors, why shouldn’t the Indian Military benefit from the same? Let us take a quick look at the pros and cons before the D-Day on July 10, when the newly elected Narendra Modi government will present its first Union Budget. 
 
Current scenario Even though India is the world’s largest importer of arms and has one of the biggest armed forces in place, it is mostly dependent on outdated Soviet equipment and technologies. The situation is further aggravated by a largely public sector arms industry, lacking the latest technologies for producing modern arms. It mostly makes ballistic missiles and functions as assembly lines for imported jet fighters. Worse still, the DRDO (<keyword id="32723" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Defence">Defence</keyword> Research and Development Organisation) has not kept pace either with emerging and new defence technologies. The Ministry of Defence shot down the proposal for increasing FDI in defence by raising the bogeyman of security reasons and the need to protect the local arms industry. 
 
Impact on the Indian Armed Forces 
There has been a spate of fatal accidents due to outdated or defective equipment, along with problems related to spares and repairs. The most tragic incidents involved the submarine fleet. The Air Force, too, has had its share of loss of lives in air crashes. 
 
Morale of the Armed Forces – an overlooked factor 
Asking men to fight with defective and ageing equipment is like asking them to fight with one arm. It can adversely affect troop psychology and morale. 
 
Why India should modernise its weapons? 
Past cross-border wars and ongoing infiltrations from Pakistan and China make it necessary that India should be prepared and well-equipped to meet these challenges. After all, more than 50% of China’s arms exports go to Pakistan. Moreover, the ongoing Iraq crisis may move closer to home with disastrous consequences. Also, India has a coastline spanning more than 7,000 km to patrol and defend. China’s increasing presence in the Indian Ocean is another worrying factor for the defence forces of India. 
 
Western arms industry set to benefit? 
Billions of dollars are involved and there is keen competition to have a slice of the Indian arms pie. Last year, India imported $6 billion worth of arms and armaments, and this number is expected to grow. In contrast, the market for Western arms industries is shrinking and newer markets are required to support economic growth. Narendra Modi, the newly elected Prime Minister of India, has earlier made it clear that he is keen to strengthen the military and want to transform India into an arms exporter. India will be looking more towards sharing of technologies and manufacturing facilities for churning out finished products and won’t function like assembly line units. 
 
India’s Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) has recommended 49% FDI where no technology transfer is involved, 74% in cases of technology transfer and 100% for the manufacturing of state-of-the-art equipment. We need to wait and see how far the FDI ceiling will be raised by the new government. 
 
Western countries looking to ink deals 
Traditionally, Russia has been the top supplier of arms to India and it was the first to hold talks with the new government by sending Deputy Prime Minister, Dmitry Rogozin. However, all is not rosy for the Russian Bear. India is dissatisfied with its outdated technology and upset about the recent Russian offer to sell Mi-35 attack helicopters to its neighbour Pakistan with whom it has long-standing border and terrorism problems. 
 
France rushed its Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius to India, hoping to finalise among other deals the long-pending Dassault Aviation business for 126 Rafale jet fighters, worth over $15 billion. And the US wants to cement its very recent position as a leading supplier of arms to India. U.S. Senator John McCain from Arizona, which has arms manufacturers such as Raytheon and Boeing, expects his visit to be successful in helping the arms manufacturers in the US. He has advocated to the US Senate that it should support and augment India’s economic and military growth. The UK is also likely to depute its Foreign Secretary and Finance Minister, seeking to swing the deal away from Rafale to it Eurofighter Typhoon jets. 
 
National security 
Specific safeguards can be included in the contracts and licenses, granting India the right to take special steps during national emergencies. 
 
Wooing FDI 
A higher percentage of FDI is required as investors will invest only if they have a say in controlling their investments. Therefore, India will have to promote a stable environment with clear cut and fair economic policies. Political stability, combined with a skilled workforce, plenty of raw materials, low production costs and a profitable market will attract investors. But the bottom line is profit. 
 
FDI in the defence space with proper safeguards and well-thought-out policies will strengthen and make the Indian forces better equipped to do its duty. Apart from mutual economic benefits, FDI will also encourage and promote research and development in the defence sector in India. As India aims for greater economic presence globally, it will need matching military clout to make its presence felt.

You Searched For "drdo development contracts" and got 7 results

India has signed defence deals worth over $2 billion with Israel

BI India Bureau

India has limited options for weapons that can take down enemy drones

Kritti Bhalla

Google, Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp and 222 other Android apps were targeted by a new Trojan malware found stealing user credentials

IANS

TCS, HCL Tech, Infosys, and other IT stocks rally led by Accenture’s outsourcing strength

Prabhjote Gill

Indo-Israel missile system Barak-8 likely to win deals worth billions

BI India Bureau

Parrikar: Real impact of Make in India in defence sector will be seen in 2017

Anupama Airy

Is FDI The Mantra For Modernising Indian Military?

Preetam Kaushik

Popular Keywords

Buying Guides