NEW DELHI — Pakistan on June 5 successfully test-fired a multi-tube, indigenously developed, nuclear-capable cruise missile, the Hatf-VII (or Babur), which has a range of 700 km (435 mi.). “[The] Babur cruise missile is a low-flying, terrain-hugging missile with high maneuverability, pinpoint accuracy and radar-avoidance features,” a Pakistan defense ministry official says. “The missile can carry both nuclear and conventional warheads and has stealth capabilities.” This was the fifth missile test by Pakistan since late April.
India’s federal aviation ministry has proposed a uniform pay scale for all pilots groups at state-owned Air India to resolve long-standing disharmony among the carrier’s crew members. Under the proposal from a committee headed by Justice C.S. Dharmadhikari convened to investigate the 2007 merger of Air India and Indian Airlines, the company will now employ equal pay scales and consistent working hours for pilots from the two legacy carriers, two issues that have been the cause of several strike actions since the merger.
