Both weapons should be compatible with accessories like sound suppressor, optical sights, laser aiming devices and tactical torch, besides being able to operate in sub-zero temperatures and high humidity conditions. The Garud force, at present, uses the Austrian Glock-17 9mm pistol and the Israeli Tavor TAR-21 5.56 mm assault rifle as standard issue personal weapons, besides some other weapons in varying numbers like the Galil sniper rifle, Negev light machine gun, AK-47 assault rifle and Beretta pistol. The IAF had sought bids for new pistols and submachine guns in the past from global vendors but the procurement process continued to hang fire. Raised in September 2004, the Garud special force is tasked with the protection of critical Air Force bases and installations, counter terrorism, special reconnaissance, establishing airbases in hostile territory, suppression of enemy air defences and destruction of enemy assets, guide air strikes through laser designators and search and rescue missions.

November 13, 2022

Udaipur, November 13

An explosion occurred on railway tracks here on Sunday, hours before the Asarwa-Udaipur express train was supposed to pass, police said.

Due to the disruption, the train has been halted at Dungarpur, a Railways spokesperson said.

Superintendent of Police, Udaipur, Vikas Sharma said all angles, including sabotage, are being probed and the work to restore the tracks has started.

The explosion occurred near Kewda ki Naal under Jawar Mines Police Station of Udaipur.

“Locals informed us about the explosion in the morning. We have found some explosives on the track and efforts are being made to identify the accused,” SHO Jawar Mines Police Station Anil Kumar Vishnoi said.

Police and railway officials are at the spot and conducting an investigation, he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had flagged off the inaugural run of the Asarwa-Udaipur express train on this track from Asarwa Railway Station in Ahmedabad on October 31.