J'aime Paris

Neelam Mathews

Paris

Oct 2, 2013

With the background of the Eiffel Tower in the background, Air France unveiled its new offer of products and services in the Premium Economy and Economy cabins. 

Interestingly, we were sitting in the meeting room, called the Electric Room when the power went off! The French, used to nuke power that is almost always reliable, didn't know what to make of it. "This is the first time I have witnessed a power outage," an official told me. Buddy, you should come to India- we'll provide you that experience!

The first stage of the move upmarket for all Air France customers, will be followed in 2014 by the new La Première and Business offers. The first flight with the new Air France cabins will take place in summer 2014.

The airline says it is the ONLY carrier to serve champagne in its long-haul economy classes. so CHEERS! Good to hear that there will be some competition to Gulf carriers! Kudos.

In Economy class, there is a new fully-revised seat, with more legroom, a new seat cushion, more comfortable headrests and a wider tray table.The seat also features new functionalities including an electric socket, headphones holder.

In Premium Economy, more comfortable seat cushions and a multi-position footrest. As for entertainment, wide touch screens with High Definition images are now available, offering over 1,000 hours of music, movies, TV series and many other programs are available on demand.

The meal service has also been upgraded, with a second hot dish and new gourmet offer (candies, ice-cream). Available on board since 1 September 2013, this new dining offer is presented in tableware designed by the Catalan designer Eugeni Quitllet.

In Parliament - Artillery Guns for military

Posted by- Neelam Mathews

Defense Minister AK Antony said in Rajya Sabha on friday the artillery equipment procured / upgraded in the past two decades includes Pinaka Rocket System; Smerch Rocket System; BrahMos Missile System and Upgradation of 130mm gun to 155mm/45 calibre.

"Procurement of new generation artillery is in consonance with Artillery Profile 2027. This profile has a mix of 155mm/39 calibre, 155mm/45 calibre and 155mm/52 calibre gun system."

"Modernization is an ongoing process. ....The guns presently held are not of World War II vintage nor the ammunition levels are low to the levels reported in media. However, some deficiencies do exist in some categories of ammunition. Divulging further details would not be in the interest of national security.

Modernisation of Army is undertaken on a continuous basis which entails the replacement/upgradation of equipments of older technology. Presently, a number of proposals for upgradation of the existing air defense guns and procurement of ammunition are at various stages of implementation/procurement, " said Antony.

One wonders if the present queries by the opposition on the Bofors gun is going slow down procurement.

Modernisation of the Armed Forces is a continuous process based on threat perception, operational challenges, technological changes and available resources. The process is based on a 15 year Long Term Integrated Perspective Plan (LTIPP), five year Services Capital Acquisition Plan (SCAP) and Annual Acquisition Plan (AAP). These plans also cater for the Northern/Chinese borders.

The LTIPP 2012-2027 for the Armed Forces has been finalized and duly approved by the DAC on April 2, while the five year defense Plan has also been formulated.

The allocation for capital outlay of Defense Services under BE 2011-12 was Rs.69,198.81 crore. This was revised to Rs.66,143.81 crore by Ministry of Finance at RE 2011-12 stage. The accounts for financial year 2011-12 are not yet finalized. However, the total allocation of Rs.66,143.81 crore is expected to be fully utilized.