Raf  

'The questions asked to the IAF officials were very basic in nature. They were asked about fifth generation fighter planes and how they were more capable than what the Air Force currently operates. They were also asked about the generation of the Su-30MKI planes and the Rafale planes,' senior IAF officials said

The Supreme Court on Wednesday commenced its crucial hearing on pleas seeking a court-monitored probe into the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets from France.

The court is hearing petitions, including those filed by former ministers Yashwant Sinha and Arun Shourie, questioning the jet deal between India and France and the choice of Anil Ambani's inexperienced Reliance Defence as India partner for Rafale maker Dassault.

Nirmala Sitharaman pointed out that the opposition keeps changing the prices on the Rafale deal. She also re-emphasied the fact that the ruling NDA government maintains transparency. 

Asked about the controversy surrounding Dassault Aviation's choice of Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence as an offset partner, Sitharaman said each company involved in the supply will have its offset partners in India.

Finance minister Arun Jaitley dismissed as "rubbish" allegations that Verma was removed because he wanted to look into the Rafale fighter jet deal.

India is preparing to induct its first Rafale plane in September next year, and has already paid over Rs 25,000 crore to France for the 36 combat aircraft, for which a deal was signed in September 2016.