India’s attempt to intercept a target ballistic missile at an altitude of 120 km "attained mission objectives," a senior defense scientist says. "In a significant milestone achieved in developing a two-layered Ballistic Missile Defense system, the Defense Research and Development Organization [DRDO] successfully carried out the maiden ‘Prithvi Defense Vehicle’ [PDV] mission, meeting the objectives perfectly," a DRDO scientist says.

Air India intends to acquire 14 Airbus A320s on lease for up to six years, to replace some of its aging aircraft and strengthen its domestic service. The airline wants to replace 14 older A320s and another 5 A319s. The aircraft, in an all-economy configuration with 188 seats, are being leased in a bid to meet heightened competition on domestic routes.

India’s aviation regulatory agency has allowed the use of personal electronic devices (PEDs), including mobile phones, in airplane mode instead of the switched-off mode, during all phases of a flight. However, the PEDs must be in the non-transmitting mode, directorate general of civil aviation (DGCA) chief Prabhat Kumar says. “The amended civil aviation regulation also directs all operators for reporting of any suspected or confirmed PED interference or smoke caused by PEDs,” he says.