DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing P-8I Begins Flight Test Program / Boeing P-8I Aircraft For India Successfully Tested

Defense News: DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing P-8I Begins Flight Test Program /  Boeing P-8I Aircraft For India Successfully Tested

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - July 11, 2012: Boeing's [NYSE: BA] first P-8I aircraft for the Indian Navy began its official flight test program July 7, taking off from Boeing Field in Seattle at 9:15 a.m. and landing three hours and 49 minutes later after demonstrating flying qualities and handling characteristics. The flight went as planned with all test objectives met.

The P-8I is one of eight long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft Boeing is building for India as part of a contract awarded in January 2009. During the coming months, Boeing test pilots will put the P-8I, a Next-Generation 737-800 derivative, through its paces over a U.S. Navy test range west of Neah Bay, Wash., and a joint U.S./Canadian test range in the Strait of Georgia.

"Today's flight is another on-time milestone for the program," said Leland Wight, Boeing P-8I program manager. "We'll start out testing the P-8I's mission system, which includes its sensors and communication systems. The team then will transition to 'stores' tests during which the P-8I will carry inert weapon shapes under its wings to demonstrate that the aircraft is capable of carrying all the weapons the Indian Navy will use during regular missions."

The stores the P-8I will carry will have the identical shape and size of real weapons, including the Harpoon anti-ship missile, depth bombs and torpedoes.

"This is an important milestone for the program and sets the stage for operational testing and weapons certification as we move closer to P-8I aircraft joining the Indian Navy," said Rear Adm. DM Sudan, assistant chief of Naval Staff (Air), Indian Navy.

P-8I flight and weapons testing follows on the heels of similar testing for the U.S. Navy's P-8A Poseidon. P-8I is a variant of the Poseidon.

In order to efficiently design and build the P-8I and the P-8A, the Boeing-led team is using a first-in-industry, in-line production process that draws on the company's Next-Generation 737 production system. Assembly is complete on the second P-8I aircraft and it will make its first flight in the coming weeks.

The P-8I features open system architecture, advanced sensor and display technologies, and a worldwide base of suppliers, parts and support equipment. P-8I aircraft are built by a Boeing-led industry team that includes CFM International, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Spirit AeroSystems, BAE Systems and GE Aviation.

The Boeing-led team is on track to deliver the first aircraft to the Indian Navy in 2013.

Boeing offers India a broad spectrum of defense, space and security solutions that are relevant to India's current and future military and humanitarian needs. Boeing India's corporate office is in New Delhi. For more information, visit www.boeing.co.in.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $32 billion business with 61,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

Contact:

Chick Ramey
Surveillance & Engagement Communications
Boeing Defense, Space & Security
Office: +1 253-657-5636
Mobile: +1 206-851-4147
charles.b.ramey@boeing.com

Amrita Dhindsa
India Communications
Boeing Defense, Space & Security
+91 96546-06067
amrita.dhindsa@boeing.com

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
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DTN News: Farnborough Airshow 2012 - News Dated July 11, 2012

Defense News: DTN News: Farnborough Airshow 2012 - News Dated July 11, 2012
 Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith 

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - July 11, 2012:  Comprehensive daily news related to Farnborough Airshow 2012 of TODAY.

*Comprehensive daily news related on Farnborough Airshow 2012 of TODAY

Airbus A330 gets surgery to improve range Reuters FARNBOROUGH, England, LONDON (Reuters) - Airbus's most profitable long-distance jet, the A330, is getting a limited makeover to improve its range as Boeing prepares to bring out a competing new version. ... Watched · Digital cadaver table puts surgeons ... See all stories on this topic » UK makes gravity-defying 7.5 percent gain in aerospace Reuters FARNBOROUGH (Reuters) - The UK government revealed its high hopes for the British aerospace industry as it announced gravity-defying annual growth of 7.5 percent at the Farnborough Airshow on Tuesday.Though. ... FARNBOROUGH | Tue Jul 10, 2012 11:50pm ... See all stories on this topic » Farnborough 2012 | Press Releases and Images The 48th Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) was officially opened today by The Prime Minster who hailed the phenomenal success of the UK aerospace ... www.farnborough.com/press-releases-and-images.htm

Farnborough 2012: Raytheon widens RACR sales pitch - News ... Farnborough 2012: Raytheon widens RACR sales pitch. 08 July 2012 - 7:32 by Beth Stevenson in London. Farnborough 2012: Raytheon widens RACR sales ... www.shephardmedia.com/.../farnborough-2012-raytheon-wid...

Farnborough 2012 - Before the opening - YouTube In preparation for the show, watch the customer A380, the Portuguese Air Force C295 and the ... www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScMmn8lAMco

Boeing at Farnborough 2012: Day one takes off with 787 - YouTube Farnborough 2012 gets off to a strong start for The Boeing Company. Highlights include a large ... www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKydeOcQZ9Q

Farnborough 2012 | Daily Flying Display Times Farnborough International Airshow 2012. ... Farnborough Airshow Image. Display Times. Please click here for Daily Flying Display timings. Visitor Passes ... www.farnborough.com/trade-daily-flying-display-times.htm

Farnborough 2012: Close up view of the mysterious F-35′s ...
By David Cenciotti
Related Articles. Farnborough 2012: This is the most advanced flight helmet, ever. The F-35′s Helmet Mounted Display System (theaviationist.com); Photo: F-35B Joint Strike Fighter test aircraft doing aileron roll with asymmetric weapons ...
The Aviationist 

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DTN News - AIRLINE NEWS: Boeing And Air Lease Corporation Announce Order For 75 737 MAXs

Defense News: DTN News - AIRLINE NEWS: Boeing And Air Lease Corporation Announce Order For 75 737 MAXs
- Order helps establish the 737 MAX in the leasing market
- Reconfirmation rights for 25 more 737 MAX airplanes

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - July 9, 2012: Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Air Lease Corporation (NYSE: AL) announced today a firm order for 60 737 MAX 8 and 15 737 MAX 9 airplanes, with reconfirmation rights for 25 additional 737 MAXs. The order, with a list-price value of $7.2 billion, represents the first 737 MAX order by a leasing company.

"The 737 MAX is an excellent addition to our portfolio and the ideal complement to our growing fleet of Next-Generation 737-800s," said Steven Udvar-Hazy, chairman and CEO of Air Lease Corporation. "The 737 MAX represents a step-change improvement that our airline clients need to compete in the future."

The 737 MAX is a new-engine variant of the world's best selling airplane and builds on the strengths of today's Next-Generation 737. The 737 MAX incorporates the latest-technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market.

Airlines operating the 737 MAX will see a 13 percent fuel burn improvement over today's most fuel efficient single-aisle airplanes and an eight percent operating cost per seat advantage over tomorrow's competition.

"This 737 MAX order continues ALC's disciplined approach to building its young, fuel-efficient fleet," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner. "The ALC leadership team has an excellent record of placing Boeing airplanes with airlines worldwide. They are an ideal partner to help establish the 737 MAX in the leasing market."

The ALC order builds on the continued market success of the 737 MAX. To date, the 737 MAX has orders and commitments for more than 1,000 airplanes.

ALC has ordered a total of 170 airplanes from Boeing including 75 737 MAX, 78 Next-Generation 737-800s, five 777-300ERs (Extended Range) and 12 787-9 Dreamliners.

About Air Lease Corporation (NYSE: AL)

ALC is an aircraft leasing company based in Los Angeles, California, that has airline customers throughout the world. ALC and its team of dedicated and experienced professionals are principally engaged in purchasing commercial aircraft and leasing them to its airline partners worldwide through customized aircraft leasing and financing solutions. For more information, visit ALC's website atwww.airleasecorp.com.

Contact:
Tim Bader
North America and Leasing Communications
            +1 425-717-0672      
Tim.s.bader@boeing.com

www.boeing.com

More information: http://www.boeing.com/newairplane//737max/

Photo and caption are available here: http://boeing.mediaroom.com

SOURCE Boeing

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
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DTN News - ISRAELI DEFENSE NEWS: Israel To Upgrade Air Force With F-35 Advanced Aircrafts

Defense News: DTN News - ISRAELI DEFENSE NEWS: Israel To Upgrade Air Force With F-35 Advanced Aircrafts

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources By: Hanan Greenberg - Almonitor

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - July 9, 2012: Not long ago, a thick cloud of rumors settled on the new, much-talked-about IDF [Israel Defense Forces] acquisition of 20 F-35's, a fighter plane known as the Stealth produced by the American Lockheed Martin Company. There were rumors regarding production slowdowns and delays of the F-35, known as the “fifth generation fighter plane” (in contrast to the Israeli fourth-generation F-16's). The fear is that they will reach Israel very late — too late to serve the IDF in coping with future challenges.

Lockheed Martin officials rarely circulate official statements regarding their planes. Nevertheless, Steve O'Bryan (vice president for F-35 business development) elucidated in an interview with Ma’ariv Magazine, “We will meet the deadline that we set.”

O'Bryan, an F-18 pilot by training, recently visited Israel. Among his duties in Lockheed Martin is responsibility for coordinating details of the business transaction with Israel. In a conversation with him, O'Bryan dissipates the rumors regarding postponement of the planes’ delivery date. “The various delays are not significant with regard to the overall schedule of the process,” he explains. “We will meet the deadline that was set. [However,] it is possible that some of the upgrades will be carried out at a later date in Israel.”

According to O'Bryan, the aircrafts will be handed over to Israeli air force pilots in the American Eglin Air Force Base, South Florida sometime in the second half of 2016. Israeli airmen can begin training on the spot, and will return to Israel at the beginning of 2017. The transaction includes 20 fighter planes, at the cost of approximately $2.7 billion. According to our IDF leaders, this is just the beginning. In the present budgetary reality, painful decisions will have to be made even within the army, regarding its priorities. It is impossible to afford everything on the list: the Stealth, the updated Merkava Mark IV (armored personnel carrier for the Merkava, a tank), as well as a new torpedo boat.

During his stay in Israel, O'Bryan delivered a speech at a convention of the Fisher Institute for Air and Space Strategic Studies. He explained the revolution that the Stealth will cause [in Israel], in both functional and operational terms,out of his keen acquaintanceship with the Israeli air force. “You have one of the most advanced air forces in the world,” he noted. “When the F-35 airplanes arrive to join your fleet, you will reach another level altogether. The new plane will add much power and strength [to the air force] and allow even better confrontation with challenges.” The advantages listed by O'Bryan stem from the plane’s characteristics: it can fly under all weather conditions, day and night; it has higher maneuverability; and, perhaps most important of all, it can fly without being revealed by radar or the most sensitive, advanced instruments possessed by the countries around us.

Name and Number

Recently, Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz delivered a survey speech to the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. Interspersed in his reports about Iran and Syria, Gantz also made an unusual statement, the kind never heard officially in the past from a high-placed IDF officer. “I have no doubt that we will need at least 2 squadrons for the F-35s,” he said. Thus he admitted that although the transaction included the new fighter plane, one squadron would ultimately not suffice. Thus, according to the Chief of Staff, the topic must be raised again at the next multi-year budgetary program called the Oz Plan, to double the quantities involved.

At the Committee, Gantz also admitted that the IDF will be forced to cope with new challenges before the Stealth planes are delivered. Nevertheless, long-term planning mandates the acquisition of the fighter planes. One example of an unforeseen regional change and challenge is the recent rise of Moslem Brotherhood candidate Mohammed Morsi to presidency over Egypt. Egypt maintains an advanced western army, including an advanced air force with more than 450 fighter planes (200 of them are F-16s). Although no one is currently planning a war against Egypt, the Egyptian change in the regional alignment is enough to demonstrate the uncertainty that reigns in our neighborhood—and that is without even bringing up Iran.

Important Partners

For the Israel air force, the arrival of the F-35 is a very big deal, more significant than any other acquisition in the past. It was already decided that the fifth-generation Stealth squadron will be constructed in the Nevatim base. At this point, air force equipment is being re-examined (by the equipment group of the Air force and other professional agents) and the flight runways are being re-examined in order to adapt them to the new planes. The IDF is even considering creating new specifications for the underground Hardened Aircraft Shelters  [HAS] where the planes are parked when not in the air. Due to the different shape of the Stealth, it will have to be ‘parked’ in custom-designed underground shelters that are different than the ones that currently house fighter planes.

Due to the political changes in the Middle East — the Arab Spring that turned everything upside down — IDF top brass feel that the Stealth is advantageous not only for deterrence purposes. In fact, many believe that the reason for acquisition of Stealths is to achieve real air superiority. “While it is true that Syria has internal problems, it simultaneously is engaged in unprecedented investments in anti-aircraft systems,” says a top-echelon military officer. “Therefore, we cannot afford to rest on our laurels.”

Although the first planes will only arrive in about five years, the air force is already planning to acquire a new simulator to train the pilots in the use of the advanced aircraft. As part of the preparations for the planes, decisions will have to be made about the number of squadrons. Hence an event that may appear to be simple, really involves many internal struggles involving even former air-force officers. No less important is the new name of the aircraft. Like its brother in the air force family, the new F-35 Stealth will also receive a resoundingly Israeli name.

Quite a few defense industries in Israel are benefiting from the development of the new fighter plane, since they are involved in production of some of its components. Israel Aerospace Industries is in charge of producing wing-parts; Elbit — helmet-mounted display systems and airframe parts.

 “While Israel is not a direct associate of the project, it is a very important partner nonetheless,” analyzes O’Brien, “Israel is making a big contribution to the entire plan.”

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources By: Hanan Greenberg - Almonitor
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DTN News - AIRLINES NEWS: Korean Air's 737-900ER Lands At Farnborough To Showcase New Boeing Sky Interior

Defense News: DTN News - AIRLINES NEWS: Korean Air's 737-900ER Lands At Farnborough To Showcase New Boeing Sky Interior

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom, July 9, 2012: A Korean Air Next-Generation 737-900ER (Extended Range), featuring Boeing's innovative Sky Interior, was the second Boeing [NYSE: BA] airplane to arrive at this year's Farnborough International Airshow.

"We are proud to partner with industry-leading Korean Air to show off their 737-900ER here at the 2012 Farnborough International Airshow," said Beverly Wyse, vice present and general manager of the 737 program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
 "Boeing takes great pride in knowing Korean Air is using the Sky Interior to deliver a more comfortable travel experience for its customers."

"The 737 Boeing Sky Interior is helping airlines like Korean Air to differentiate themselves from their competitors," Wyse said. 
"Passengers instantly see and feel the difference." Those differences include sculpted sidewalls and window reveals, LED lighting, larger stow bins and more intuitive placement of attendant call and light buttons.

Korean Air currently operates four 737-900ERs as well as a combination of 34 737-800s and -900s in its single-aisle fleet. The airline's fleet consists of 87 Boeing commercial jetliners. Korean Air took delivery of this airplane in May 2012.

The 737-900ER, which was called the 737-900X prior to launch, is the newest addition and the largest variant of the Boeing 737 line and was introduced to meet the range and passenger capacity of the discontinued 757-200 and to directly compete with the Airbus A321.

An additional pair of exit doors and a flat rear pressure bulkhead increase seating capacity to 180 passengers in a 2-class configuration or 215 passengers in a single-class layout. Additional fuel capacity and standard winglets improve range to that of other 737NG variants.

The first 737-900ER was rolled out of the Renton, Washington factory on August 8, 2006 for its launch customer, Lion Air. Lion Air received this aircraft on April 27, 2007 in a special dual paint scheme combining the Lion Air lion on the vertical stabilizer and the Boeing livery colors on the fuselage. Lion Air has orders for 166 737-900ERs as of August 2011.

On August 22, 2011, it was reported that Delta Air Lines had placed an order for 100 737-900ERs, the largest single order for the type.

A total of 52 -900s, 82 -900ERs, and 6 -900 BBJs have been delivered with 183 unfilled orders as of January 2011.

www.boeing.com

Contact:
Mike Tull
737 Program Communications
+1 206-304-7164
michael.j.tull@boeing.com

Kevin Yoo
International Communications
+1 206-766-2906
kevin.k.yoo@boeing.com

SOURCE Boeing

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
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DTN News - AIRLINES NEWS: Boeing, Virgin Australia Announce Order For 23 737 MAX

Defense News: DTN News - AIRLINES NEWS: Boeing, Virgin Australia Announce Order For 23 737 MAX
*Order includes options for four additional 737 MAX airplanes

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - July 9, 2012:  Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Virgin Australia today finalized a firm order for 23 fuel-efficient 737 MAX airplanes with options for four additional 737 MAX airplanes.

With this order, Virgin Australia becomes the first Australian airline to finalize an order for the new 737 MAX, while adding to their existing fleet of 68 Next-Generation 737 airplanes.


"Boeing shares a longstanding relationship with Virgin Australia and we are honored to partner with Virgin once again as the country's first customer for the new 737 MAX," said Brad McMullen, Vice President of Japan & Oceania Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 737 MAX will provide passengers with unrivaled comfort as well as tremendous economics and reliability to Virgin Australia's growing operations," McMullen said.

The 737 MAX will deliver the big savings in fuel that airlines want. Powered by the CFM International LEAP-1B engines, it reduces fuel use by an additional 13 percent over today's most fuel-efficient single-aisle airplanes. The 737 MAX's more efficient structural design, less engine thrust and less required maintenance also add up to substantial cost advantages for customers. The 737 MAX 8 will have the lowest operating costs in the single-aisle segment, with an eight percent per-seat advantage over its competitor.

Virgin Australia established its operations in Australia with two Boeing 737 airplanes in August 2000. The airline operates a mix of 73 narrow and wide body Boeing airplanes.
Ailerons for all Boeing 737 airplanes are manufactured in Australia by Boeing Aerostructures Australia.

Since 2006, Boeing has discussed replacing the 737 with a "clean sheet" design (internally named "Boeing Y1") that could follow the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. A decision on this replacement was postponed, and delayed into 2011.

In 2010, Airbus launched the Airbus A320neo, a single-aisle jet aircraft which incorporated a new engine to improve fuel burn and operating efficiency. The decision was met with positive reaction by many airlines, which began making major orders for the improved aircraft, notably from AirAsia and IndiGo. This put pressure on Boeing and on August 30, 2011, Boeing's board of directors approved the Boeing 737 MAX project. Boeing claims the 737 MAX will provide a 16% lower fuel burn than the current Airbus A320, and 4% lower than the Airbus A320neo. 


Boeing expects the 737 MAX to meet or exceed the range of the Airbus A320neo. The first of new variant is scheduled to be delivered in 2017.

The three variants of the new family are the 737 MAX 7, the 737 MAX 8 and the 737 MAX 9, which are based on the 737-700, −800 and −900ER, respectively. which are the best selling versions of the 737 Next Generation family. Boeing has stated that the fuselage lengths and door configurations from the Boeing 737 Next Generation family will be retained on the 737 MAX variants.

Initially, the customers for the 737 MAX were not disclosed, except for American Airlines. On November 17, 2011, Boeing released the names of two other customers - Lion Air and Aviation Capital Group. At that time, Boeing reported 700 commitments from 9 customers for the 737 MAX. On December 13, 2011, Southwest Airlines announced they would be the launch customer for the 737 MAX with a firm order of 150 aircraft and 150 options. In December 2011, Boeing has 948 commitments and firm orders from 13 customers for the 737 MAX.
Norwegian Air Shuttle has announced in January 2012 an order for 100 Boeing 737 MAX airliners, along with 22 Boeing 737-800 and 100 Airbus A320neo aircraft. This is the first European order for the 737 MAX and the entire order is valued at $11.4 billion. In July 2012, Virgin Australia announced an agreement to order 23 Max aircraft.

For more information go to boeing.com/newairplane/737max/virgin-australia  

Contact:

Allison Bone
Boeing Australia Communications
+61-2-9086-3300
allison.bone@boeing.com

Kevin Yoo
Boeing Commercial Airplanes Communications
+1 206-766-2906
kevin.k.yoo@boeing.com

SOURCE Boeing

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
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DTN News - INDIA TODAY: Goodman The Lalten Lost His Way In Darkness - Manmohan Singh The Incredible Prime Minister of India

Defense News: DTN News - INDIA TODAY: Goodman The Lalten Lost His Way In Darkness - Manmohan Singh The Incredible Prime Minister of India
*Manmohan Singh a man in shadow, underachiever says Time Magazine.

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Business Line
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - July 8, 2012:  The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, who has long been lauded for his pivotal role in liberalising the Indian economy, has been dubbed an “underachiever” by a top US magazine which says he appears “unwilling to stick his neck out” on reforms that will put the country back on growth path.

79-year-old Dr Singh is featured on the cover of Time magazine’s Asia edition, which will be out next week. With his portrait in the background, the title on the cover reads ‘The Underachiever — India needs a reboot’.

‘Is Prime Minister Manmohan Singh up to the job?’ Time’s report ‘A Man in Shadow’ asks, adding that apart from facing the challenges of a slowdown in economic growth, huge fiscal deficit and a falling rupee, India’s Congress party-led UPA coalition “has found itself fending off corruption scandals and accused of showing a lack of economic direction.”

”....investors at home and abroad are beginning to get cold feet. Voters too are losing confidence, as rising inflation and a litany of scandals chip away at the government’s credibility,” the magazine said.

Pointing towards Dr Singh’s fall “from grace,” the magazine said, “in the past three years, the calm confidence he (Dr Singh) once radiated has been absent. He seems unable to control his ministers and — his new, temporary portfolio at the Finance Ministry notwithstanding — unwilling to stick his neck out on reforms that will continue the process of liberalisation he helped start.”

The magazine said at a time when India cannot afford a slowdown in economic growth, “laws that could help create growth and jobs are stuck in Parliament, sparking concerns that politicians have lost the plot in their focus on shorter—term, populist measures that will win votes.”

“Now that Singh is interim Finance Minister as well as PM, he has greater scope and a fresh opportunity to turn things around — but it’s by no means certain that he can,” Time said.

Over the past 20 years, Dr Singh’s “avuncular visage and signature powder blue turban were synonymous with India’s rising star, a fixture on front pages since the early 1990s, when, as Finance Minister, he played a pivotal role in liberalising the economy and setting the nation on the path of fast growth,” the magazine said.

It said in a national capital full of bluster and backroom deals, the quiet economist has long been admired for his restraint and personal integrity. The country clocked a 9.6 per cent growth in his first term as Prime Minister.

“For the past two years, the Congress-led coalition has found itself fending off scandals, most notably the corrupt awarding of 2G spectrum at prices below market value,” the magazine said.

It added that Dr Singh’s “squeaky-clean image” took a hit when anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare levelled charges at Dr Singh and more than a dozen of his ministers over the alleged misallocation of coal-mining rights.

India’s “battered economy” is another menacing concern for Dr Singh, Time said.

“In a bid to cushion the pain of inflation and keep constituents happy ahead of ever looming elections, the UPA has been burning through its boom—time chests, spending on subsidies and social benefits. But business-friendly laws that could spur growth to offset that spending are languishing, and industry is struggling,” it said.

Given the bleak economic situation, industry leaders are demanding a host of bold reforms, such as an end to expensive subsidies, deregulation of diesel prices and resumption of a law to allow multi-brand retailers like Walmart into India, the magazine said.

Dr Singh has said that the government owes it to the country to take all the “necessary decisions which would return the country to a high—growth path,” it said.

Time said Dr Singh has joined the public soul-searching belatedly, and the electorate will let him know what it thinks of his performance in general elections scheduled for 2014.

”...India can only wait to see if Singh can rouse himself, let alone prevail or overcome,” it said.

The magazine said some believe Dr Singh’s “unofficial power—sharing agreement” with UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi has “tied his hands and that he lacks the clout to go against other party stalwarts.”

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Business Line
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