WASHINGTON: Russia has successfully test-fired an export variant of the active radar-guided Vympel R-77 medium-range air-to-air missile as part of a fighter upgrade programme it is developing for India. The test, conducted in August for the first time, is part of the MiG-21-93 fighter upgrade programme that Russia is developing for the Indian Air Force, Defense News said in its latest issue.

ABS man killed

PALGHAR: Deepak Haribhau Gavande (41), president of the Palghar unit of the Akhil Bharatiya Sena, was shot dead in a police encounter at 9 pm en route to a traders' house to collect Rs 2 lakh in extortion money on Tuesday. The police confronted him while riding a two-wheeler along with an accomplice, and ordered him to surrender. Gawande died in the exchange of fire.

A-I joins fare war

MUMBAI: Air-India has joined the fare war by slashing rates on three destinations. These include Mumbai-Ahmedabad Rs 1,539 (day) and Rs 1,351 (night);Mumbai-Kochi Rs 3,003 (day) and Rs 2,619 (night) and Mumbai-Calicut Rs 2,801 (day) and Rs 2,445 (night).