Business

PM Modi hands over made-in-India light combat helicopters to IAF

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hand over locally produced military hardware, including light combat helicopters (LCHs), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and electronic warfare systems for warships, to the armed forces on November 19 at a function in Jhansi as part of celebrations marking India’s 75th year of independence, emphasising the government’s focus on achieving self-reliance in the defence sector.

The PM will present the LCH, designed and developed by state-run plane maker Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), to Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari, and UAVs manufactured by local startups to army chief General MM Naravane, according to a statement issued by the defence ministry on Monday.

The three-day event will be inaugurated on November 17 by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

“LCH incorporates advanced technologies and stealth features and is designed to perform roles such as enemy air defence destruction, counterinsurgency, search and rescue, and anti-tank operations.” It is the world’s only attack helicopter capable of landing and taking off at an altitude of 5,000 metres.

HAL has not yet received the LCH contract from the defence ministry for supplying helicopters to the IAF and army, but that has not stopped it from manufacturing and delivering helicopters to the two services. Its transfer to IAF indicates that the contract will be signed soon.

HAL is awaiting a contract for 15 limited series production (LSP) helicopters and anticipates additional orders, as the IAF and army have a combined projected requirement of 160 LCHs. The initial 15 LSP helicopters approved for purchase by India’s apex defence procurement body, the defence acquisition council (DAC), are for the IAF and five for the army.

Business

Lunar and SAS partner to launch Scandinavia’s first debit card with EuroBonus points

SAS and Lunar, two Scandinavian corporations, have forged a new alliance. Today, they are introducing the first debit card in Scandinavia that lets you earn EuroBonus points.

Users earn EuroBonus points on everyday purchases

On everyday transactions made without using credit, such as grocery store trips, morning coffee, and summertime activities. In this new collaboration, two recognisable Scandinavian businesses combine digital innovation with a strong Scandinavian tradition.

Scandinavians now have access to the first debit card in the country, where users can earn EuroBonus points on everyday purchases, thanks to the combination of Lunar’s cutting-edge and user-friendly banking app and SAS’ well-liked EuroBonus programme.

The new debit card is available to all EuroBonus members as well as Lunar users in Scandinavia. If you are not a EuroBonus member you can easily sign up via flysas.com to unlock a world of benefits and gain access to everything from SAS flights to hotel stays, upgrades and different quality products in the SAS EuroBonus shop. If you are not a Lunar user, you can sign up within minutes through the Lunar app – perhaps while waiting to board your next flight.

New Lunar users receive up to 6,000 welcome points.

The debit card is available both as a physical and a digital card, allowing users to use it whenever and wherever it suits them best. For every 100 DKK spent on the debit card, users earn 8 EuroBonus points. New Lunar users receive 3,000 welcome points, and the first 10,000 users get 6,000 points.

The card can be ordered via Lunar’s banking app from June 18, 2024.

About Lunar

Lunar is a digital challenger bank that makes it easy for businesses and individuals to manage their finances by building the best Nordic everyday bank. Founded in Aarhus, Lunar today employs 450 people across the Nordics. In 2019, Lunar received a banking license and is now one of the few banks with a Nordic banking platform. Lunar currently has over 900,000 private and business customers in the Nordics. www.lunar.dk

About SAS

SAS, Scandinavia’s leading airline, with main hubs in Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm, flies to destinations in Europe, USA and Asia. Spurred by a Scandinavian heritage and sustainability values, SAS aims to be the driving force in sustainable aviation and in the transition toward net zero emissions. We are continuously reducing our carbon emissions through using more sustainable aviation fuel, investing in new fuel-efficient aircraft and technology innovation together with partners – thereby contributing towards the industry target of net zero CO2 emissions by 2050. In addition to flight operations, SAS offers ground handling services, technical maintenance and air cargo services. www.sasgroup.net