Lalit Modi spills the beans: Amin part of bidding for Pune
New Delhi: Giving a new twist to the bidding controversy, suspended IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi on Friday claimed that the Twenty20 league's interim chairman Chirayu Amin was part of the consortium that made an unsuccessful bid for the Pune franchise in March this year.
Modi said Aniruddha Deshpande, Managing Director of City Corporation in which Sharad Pawar and his family had 16 per cent shares, made the bid in March for a new consortium which included Amin.
"There were three members in the consortium that was part of the bid. They were Aniruddha, Akruti and Chirayu Amin," said Modi, whose suspension saw Amin being appointed as the interim IPL chairman.
"It's a fact of life and I cannot change or distort facts. They were the bidders, one can't change that," Modi said.
Amin was not available for comments. Amin, a Vadodara-based industrialist who heads the Baroda Cricket Association, was named the interim chairman in April after Modi was suspended on charges of financial irregularities, including bid-rigging.
Modi had earlier defended Pawar, saying no one from the Agriculture Minister's family had anything to do with Deshpande's bid.
Source: PTI
Amin was part of bidding for Pune: Modi
Can of worms exposed!
Manohar also claimed that contrary to Modi's assertions, the IPL Governing Council did not know that City Corporation's Managing Director Aniruddha Deshpande bid for the Pune team in his "individual capacity".
Convoluting the Cricket Controversy: Manohar lashes out at Modi
Moderator Comment
Is Cricket in India churning into a Money Laundering Business under the so called apex body of BCCI? Is there no one who can set the goals of sporting and games in order in India. Till today a billion plus citizens hardly produce world class sportsmen. The reasons are obvious from the scams that are erupting in the sports arena. It is here the Armed Forces can set an example to produce world class players and sportsman for the Nation to be proud of.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Justice for Kargil heroes
The Hindu Editorial: Saturday, Jun 05, 2010
Next month India will commemorate its victory in the Kargil war and the extraordinary sacrifices of the soldiers. They fought in some of the most brutal terrain in the world to achieve the objective of throwing the Pakistani intruders out. In his speech of July 26, Union Defence Minister A.K. Antony, a politician known for his commitment to probity, must set to rest the ghosts that haunt the battlefield. It has long been known that many who played a key role in ensuring victory were disgraced so that superiors who ought to have been penalised for their wartime failures could receive medals and honours. Last week, the Armed Force Tribunal held that the officer with direct supervisory responsibility for the conduct of the war, former XV Corps commander Lieutenant-General Kishan Pal, falsified battle records to deny a key subordinate credit for his stellar conduct of operations. This action, which seems to have been driven by a desire to cover up command failures, cost 70 Brigade commander Devinder Singh a medal and a promotion. That it took 11 years to deliver justice to Brigadier Singh is shocking: the Tribunal's judgment has only affirmed what the Army has known all along. Several accounts of the war, including Lieutenant-General Y.M. Bammi's magisterial, Kargil: The Impregnable Conquered, former army chief General V.P. Malik's memoirs, and Brigadier Gurmeet Kanwal's official history of the war, made it clear that Brigadier Singh had been instrumental in India's victory in the Batalik sector. The Tribunal received testimony from Brigadier Singh's subordinates and superiors lauding his bravery and acumen — testimony that was available to Army headquarters years ago. Yet successive Chiefs of Army Staff and Defence Ministers did nothing to undo the mischief.
In the build-up to Kargil Day, Mr. Antony will do the Army, his Ministry, and the country proud if he summons the courage to offer Brigadier Singh an apology and restore to him the honours to which he is entitled. But he needs to do more. There are other cases pending before the Tribunal seeking redress; they revolve around decisions made by XV Corps — notably those of 121 Brigade commander Surinder Singh and Major Manish Bhatnagar. Some officers with reason to consider themselves aggrieved, like Colonel Pushpinder Oberoi, chose not to move the court for justice. The Defence Ministry must set up a body to conduct a transparent audit of these cases and set wrongs right. It must also conduct a thoroughgoing examination of the official Kargil Review Committee, which relied heavily on a tainted account of events. Armies in which promotions depend on personal prejudices, rather than dispassionate assessments of professional capability, will see poor quality leadership rise to the top. In the end, their war-fighting capacities will be eroded. Telling the truth will, doubtless, be a painful process — but the Army as well as India will emerge the stronger for it.
Read Hindu Editorial
Justice for Kargil heroes
Next month India will commemorate its victory in the Kargil war and the extraordinary sacrifices of the soldiers. They fought in some of the most brutal terrain in the world to achieve the objective of throwing the Pakistani intruders out. In his speech of July 26, Union Defence Minister A.K. Antony, a politician known for his commitment to probity, must set to rest the ghosts that haunt the battlefield. It has long been known that many who played a key role in ensuring victory were disgraced so that superiors who ought to have been penalised for their wartime failures could receive medals and honours. Last week, the Armed Force Tribunal held that the officer with direct supervisory responsibility for the conduct of the war, former XV Corps commander Lieutenant-General Kishan Pal, falsified battle records to deny a key subordinate credit for his stellar conduct of operations. This action, which seems to have been driven by a desire to cover up command failures, cost 70 Brigade commander Devinder Singh a medal and a promotion. That it took 11 years to deliver justice to Brigadier Singh is shocking: the Tribunal's judgment has only affirmed what the Army has known all along. Several accounts of the war, including Lieutenant-General Y.M. Bammi's magisterial, Kargil: The Impregnable Conquered, former army chief General V.P. Malik's memoirs, and Brigadier Gurmeet Kanwal's official history of the war, made it clear that Brigadier Singh had been instrumental in India's victory in the Batalik sector. The Tribunal received testimony from Brigadier Singh's subordinates and superiors lauding his bravery and acumen — testimony that was available to Army headquarters years ago. Yet successive Chiefs of Army Staff and Defence Ministers did nothing to undo the mischief.
In the build-up to Kargil Day, Mr. Antony will do the Army, his Ministry, and the country proud if he summons the courage to offer Brigadier Singh an apology and restore to him the honours to which he is entitled. But he needs to do more. There are other cases pending before the Tribunal seeking redress; they revolve around decisions made by XV Corps — notably those of 121 Brigade commander Surinder Singh and Major Manish Bhatnagar. Some officers with reason to consider themselves aggrieved, like Colonel Pushpinder Oberoi, chose not to move the court for justice. The Defence Ministry must set up a body to conduct a transparent audit of these cases and set wrongs right. It must also conduct a thoroughgoing examination of the official Kargil Review Committee, which relied heavily on a tainted account of events. Armies in which promotions depend on personal prejudices, rather than dispassionate assessments of professional capability, will see poor quality leadership rise to the top. In the end, their war-fighting capacities will be eroded. Telling the truth will, doubtless, be a painful process — but the Army as well as India will emerge the stronger for it.
Read Hindu Editorial
Justice for Kargil heroes
ECHS: Improve reach and functioning of Veteran Polyclinics
Dear Veterans,
A letter addressed to Adjutant General titled “ECHS: RELEASE OF FUNDS FOR BETTER IMPLEMENTATION” click here is enclosed for information please.
With Kind Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement
A letter addressed to Adjutant General titled “ECHS: RELEASE OF FUNDS FOR BETTER IMPLEMENTATION” click here is enclosed for information please.
With Kind Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement
Scams: What else can you expect from Indian Ministers?
Telecom
Union Telecom Minister A Raja, in the eye of a controversy over the spectrum scam, was snubbed by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) with a proposed trip to Estonia turned down. Mr Raja wanted to lead a large delegation to learn everything about e-governance. The PMO said no to Raja's proposal. Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam (DMK) supports the Congress party, so A Raja sailed through the 2 G crisis. There was little Prime Minister Manmohan Singh could do. But it seems Dr Singh has acted tough - clipped Raja's wings - ended his plans for a foreign jaunt. Perhaps to escape charges of wasting government funds.
Govt clips Telecom Minister A Raja's wings
Agriculture
Union minister Sharad Pawar on Friday dismissed reports of his family's involvement in the City Corporation's failed bid for the Pune IPL team, saying the construction company's Managing Director made the attempt in his individual capacity.
Not me, not my family, my company's MD made the bid, says Mr Clean Pawar!
Comment
Sounds like both the high profile Ministers are eyeing for the Nobel Prize for Corruption. I am certain they will be nominated and clinch the prestigious Prize! If the Indian Government cannot find the ill gotten money trail of Terrorists and other Money Launderers, it is wise to seek the help of United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) who will be able to discover the money laundering route and the bank it is been finally parked in a jiffy!
Union Telecom Minister A Raja, in the eye of a controversy over the spectrum scam, was snubbed by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) with a proposed trip to Estonia turned down. Mr Raja wanted to lead a large delegation to learn everything about e-governance. The PMO said no to Raja's proposal. Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam (DMK) supports the Congress party, so A Raja sailed through the 2 G crisis. There was little Prime Minister Manmohan Singh could do. But it seems Dr Singh has acted tough - clipped Raja's wings - ended his plans for a foreign jaunt. Perhaps to escape charges of wasting government funds.
Govt clips Telecom Minister A Raja's wings
Agriculture
Union minister Sharad Pawar on Friday dismissed reports of his family's involvement in the City Corporation's failed bid for the Pune IPL team, saying the construction company's Managing Director made the attempt in his individual capacity.
Not me, not my family, my company's MD made the bid, says Mr Clean Pawar!
Comment
Sounds like both the high profile Ministers are eyeing for the Nobel Prize for Corruption. I am certain they will be nominated and clinch the prestigious Prize! If the Indian Government cannot find the ill gotten money trail of Terrorists and other Money Launderers, it is wise to seek the help of United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) who will be able to discover the money laundering route and the bank it is been finally parked in a jiffy!
Friday, June 4, 2010
God Speed! Rank Pay: Babus fast track review petition to back track the SC Judgement
Friday, June 4, 2010
God Speed! Speed, have you experienced it while dealing with officialdom? Chances are close to nil!
In the aftermath of the voices raised against the 6th CPC recommendations presented in March 2008, none less than the PMO had announced the setting up of a High Level Committee to look into the status, command and control issues concerning the military vis-à-vis the civilian hierarchy. Well, though eagerly awaited, it is yet to see the light of the day.
Fast forward, March 2010. The Hon’ble Supreme Court settled the rank pay controversy and directed the govt to release the arrears to affected officers with effect from 01 January 1986. And what happened next you may ask!, immediately a High Level Committee of Secretaries was set up to look into the financial aspect of the issue and within a period of less than a week it came up with its report that the financial damage would be more than rupees 1600 crores. The govt is now back in the Hon’ble Apex Court with a review application seeking a re-look.
Speed varies with the fact as to who is the affected party. And since when did financial burden become a reason to perpetrate an illegality?
Posted by Navdeep / Maj Navdeep Singh at 4:41 AM
Financial burden to perpetuate illegality?
The 2G Spectrum scam alone has drained the nation of Rs 60,000 crores at modest estimate if not three times over. Has the Government found out the predators who are selling the nation? The illegal money trail is yet to be discovered! Rs 1600 crores as Rank Pay arrears is peanuts for the worthy cause as legitimate dues to the soldiers who have defended the Nation with their blood and tears.
God Speed! Speed, have you experienced it while dealing with officialdom? Chances are close to nil!
In the aftermath of the voices raised against the 6th CPC recommendations presented in March 2008, none less than the PMO had announced the setting up of a High Level Committee to look into the status, command and control issues concerning the military vis-à-vis the civilian hierarchy. Well, though eagerly awaited, it is yet to see the light of the day.
Fast forward, March 2010. The Hon’ble Supreme Court settled the rank pay controversy and directed the govt to release the arrears to affected officers with effect from 01 January 1986. And what happened next you may ask!, immediately a High Level Committee of Secretaries was set up to look into the financial aspect of the issue and within a period of less than a week it came up with its report that the financial damage would be more than rupees 1600 crores. The govt is now back in the Hon’ble Apex Court with a review application seeking a re-look.
Speed varies with the fact as to who is the affected party. And since when did financial burden become a reason to perpetrate an illegality?
Posted by Navdeep / Maj Navdeep Singh at 4:41 AM
Financial burden to perpetuate illegality?
The 2G Spectrum scam alone has drained the nation of Rs 60,000 crores at modest estimate if not three times over. Has the Government found out the predators who are selling the nation? The illegal money trail is yet to be discovered! Rs 1600 crores as Rank Pay arrears is peanuts for the worthy cause as legitimate dues to the soldiers who have defended the Nation with their blood and tears.
The Young Everester Meets the Army Chief
PIB Photo no.CNR - 31907
Friday, June 04, 2010 15:29 IST
Army Chief General VK Singh felicitated yesterday the Arjun Vajpai, a young boy from Noida who scaled Mt Everest recently.
Arjun who has an army background, is an alumni of Nehru Institute of Mountaineering. On meeting the Army Chief, he expressed a deep desire to join the Indian Army, where fortitude and courage is a norm. His next mission is to join the elite National Defence Academy. Veerendra/Rajendra
The Young Everester Meets the Army Chief
Supreme Court raps center for filing frivilous appeals against the lowly and gutless to take on the IAS/ IPS Officers
New Delhi: Kumar Posted: Thu Jun 03 2010, 20:01 hrs
The Supreme Court on Thursday ticked off the Centre for frequently filing appeals challenging issues relating to class IV employees but not having the “guts” to take on IAS/IPS officers over such issues.
“Why do you come to us frequently against labourers, kalasis and chaprasis. Do you have the guts to take on IAS/ IPS officers? You keeping filing petitions against class IV employees but not against IAS/IPS officers. That’s because you don’t have the guts,” a bench of Justices B S Chauhan and Swatanter Kumar remarked.
The apex court passed the observation while dismissing the Centre’s appeal challenging a Punjab and Haryana High Court direction to appoint Jarnail Singh as a labourer in the Ministry of Defence.
According to Wasim Ahmed Quadri, the Centre’s counsel, though Singh was selected after an interview, he could not be appointed to the post for want of sanction as it was “time barred.” The counsel submitted that Singh was considered to the post on March 10, 1990, by the ministry, though the last date for appointment as per the rules was May 25, 1989.
Quadri submitted that the final appointment was subject to the condition that it would get the requisite sanction from the government. As the sanction could not be accorded, as it was time barred, he was not appointed.
Singh challenged the decision before the Central Administrative Tribunal, which ruled in favour of the Centre, but the Punjab and Haryana High Court directed the government to appoint Singh to the post. The High Court noted that Singh was entitled for appointment as the selection process was conducted through the employment exchange. Aggrieved, the Centre appealed in the apex court. The apex court while upholding the high court’s direction said the “question of law” on the issue would, however, be kept open. In other words, the direction for appointment has been made on the facts of the present case but not as a general ruling.
You bring chaprasis to us, don’t have guts to take on babus: SC to Centre
Indian Army: Inflated Annual Confidential Reports creates sycophancy
Curbing Inflated ACRs
The curse of inflated ACRs is the bane of the Army. This need to be checked by simply following the laws of averages where in any organisation there are very few outstanding persons and equally few below average persons. The bulk is in the average category. The Air Force and the Navy follow a very sound ACR system in which the inflation of the ACRs is negligible as compared to the army. In these services due weightage is given to the technical acumen of an individual unlike in the army, where organisation of a non professional event, like a sports event or a dinner party, has an over riding bearing on one’s career prospects. If a person is a good flyer in Air Force or a good technician in the Navy he gets his due. On the other hand in the army a prestigious DSSC Wellington graduate (psc), is also judged for his event management skills which are of no professional consequence. A 9 pointer ACR should be as rare as a PVC or a PVSM. The bulk of the Indian army officers should find satisfaction in 5 or 6 pointer ACRs with bright ones getting an odd ‘7 pointer’. An ‘8 pointer’ should be personally judged by two levels up and if deemed otherwise by the RO or the SRO, it should negatively reflect on the poor judgment of the IO. This will not only reduce the rat race but will also show some logic in the reporting system. Further more for those persons who are actually outstanding, there will be lesser competitions from other officers who are actually average but graded higher than what they deserve. The ACR form should also have a column to indicate whether the Reporting Officer is a good judge of his command or not. Our ACR system is the root cause of all the ills in the army. Earlier it is corrected the better.
Brig Harwant Singh(Retd)
Read the full article
ACRs in the Army: click here
ACR- Stab in the Back?
1. He has done his job well and has produced results. Has done various courses including the prestigious ones on competitive basis. Has held various important appointments. Has, may be, an award or a decoration.
2. His superiors find nothing wrong with him, indeed, find him good and recommend him for his next promotion.
3. One day he is told that he is not suitable for promotion. And this has been decided by a bunch that doesn’t know him, has never seen him, find nothing wrong with him and yet he bites the dust. Hasn’t he been stabbed in the back? (He is, of course, an officer of the Indian Army!)
To Be Objective or Not To Be
1. What you write in an ACR must be objective and never subjective. Very sound advice! All those who write ACRs know this. They also know that if one is to get his promotion (that is the “objective” in other words), he must be given a 8 point if not a 9 point report. Only then he has a fair chance. Anything less, he is doomed.
2. If you want to punish one, give him 7 points. He has to be recommended for promotion, as that is the rule. But he will never make it, and knows it. He can’t complain as he is above average and can’t support a claim for a better grading. He can neither smile nor weep.
3. Isn’t the IO being really ‘objective’ when he gives 8 or 9 points? Well, mustn’t he ensure that he attains his objective? So, why all this fuss about a large number of officers getting 8 and 9 points? Hasn’t the situation been made to order?
Col BN Ratha(Retd)
04 Jun 10
Moderator Comment
Armies in which promotions depend on personal prejudices, rather than dispassionate assessments of professional capability, will see poor quality leadership rise to the top. "There are many senior military officers who surround themselves with career opportunists. This is in part because they invariably begin to believe the sycophants who gather around him." How can such senior officers as IO, RO and SRO write a fair objective ACR of their juniors?
The ACRs and Medical Reports do not generally represent the true picture of the Officer especially from rank of Brigs to Lt Gens as all are branded "High Profile" (9 pointer). The Medical Standards need to be made more stringent to knock out the flab. Very few Generals can pass the mandatory physical standards as no tests are conducted for their physical fitness assessment. Fifty percent or so of the Generals are medically unfit but due to their superior rank and sphere of influence they retain SHAPE One category till retirement and most of them aspire to serve and retire in and around Delhi having developed local interests, as per statistics.
The curse of inflated ACRs is the bane of the Army. This need to be checked by simply following the laws of averages where in any organisation there are very few outstanding persons and equally few below average persons. The bulk is in the average category. The Air Force and the Navy follow a very sound ACR system in which the inflation of the ACRs is negligible as compared to the army. In these services due weightage is given to the technical acumen of an individual unlike in the army, where organisation of a non professional event, like a sports event or a dinner party, has an over riding bearing on one’s career prospects. If a person is a good flyer in Air Force or a good technician in the Navy he gets his due. On the other hand in the army a prestigious DSSC Wellington graduate (psc), is also judged for his event management skills which are of no professional consequence. A 9 pointer ACR should be as rare as a PVC or a PVSM. The bulk of the Indian army officers should find satisfaction in 5 or 6 pointer ACRs with bright ones getting an odd ‘7 pointer’. An ‘8 pointer’ should be personally judged by two levels up and if deemed otherwise by the RO or the SRO, it should negatively reflect on the poor judgment of the IO. This will not only reduce the rat race but will also show some logic in the reporting system. Further more for those persons who are actually outstanding, there will be lesser competitions from other officers who are actually average but graded higher than what they deserve. The ACR form should also have a column to indicate whether the Reporting Officer is a good judge of his command or not. Our ACR system is the root cause of all the ills in the army. Earlier it is corrected the better.
Brig Harwant Singh(Retd)
Read the full article
ACRs in the Army: click here
ACR- Stab in the Back?
1. He has done his job well and has produced results. Has done various courses including the prestigious ones on competitive basis. Has held various important appointments. Has, may be, an award or a decoration.
2. His superiors find nothing wrong with him, indeed, find him good and recommend him for his next promotion.
3. One day he is told that he is not suitable for promotion. And this has been decided by a bunch that doesn’t know him, has never seen him, find nothing wrong with him and yet he bites the dust. Hasn’t he been stabbed in the back? (He is, of course, an officer of the Indian Army!)
To Be Objective or Not To Be
1. What you write in an ACR must be objective and never subjective. Very sound advice! All those who write ACRs know this. They also know that if one is to get his promotion (that is the “objective” in other words), he must be given a 8 point if not a 9 point report. Only then he has a fair chance. Anything less, he is doomed.
2. If you want to punish one, give him 7 points. He has to be recommended for promotion, as that is the rule. But he will never make it, and knows it. He can’t complain as he is above average and can’t support a claim for a better grading. He can neither smile nor weep.
3. Isn’t the IO being really ‘objective’ when he gives 8 or 9 points? Well, mustn’t he ensure that he attains his objective? So, why all this fuss about a large number of officers getting 8 and 9 points? Hasn’t the situation been made to order?
Col BN Ratha(Retd)
04 Jun 10
Moderator Comment
Armies in which promotions depend on personal prejudices, rather than dispassionate assessments of professional capability, will see poor quality leadership rise to the top. "There are many senior military officers who surround themselves with career opportunists. This is in part because they invariably begin to believe the sycophants who gather around him." How can such senior officers as IO, RO and SRO write a fair objective ACR of their juniors?
The ACRs and Medical Reports do not generally represent the true picture of the Officer especially from rank of Brigs to Lt Gens as all are branded "High Profile" (9 pointer). The Medical Standards need to be made more stringent to knock out the flab. Very few Generals can pass the mandatory physical standards as no tests are conducted for their physical fitness assessment. Fifty percent or so of the Generals are medically unfit but due to their superior rank and sphere of influence they retain SHAPE One category till retirement and most of them aspire to serve and retire in and around Delhi having developed local interests, as per statistics.
For US, India is just a market
Daily Poineer Thursday, June 3, 2010 by Shobori Ganguli
Once feted as a “natural” and “strategic” partner of the United States, India must prepare to reconcile itself to the changed terms of relevance that the Americans have now laid out for this partnership. Even as External Affairs Minister SM Krishna and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton meet in Washington for the inaugural session of their Strategic Dialogue through this week, media reports and opinion-makers in the US point to an element of mistrust and pessimism that has crept into Indo-US relations of late. This, largely owing to the Obama Administration’s disposition towards China and Pakistan — the former, India’s biggest challenge to the number one position in Asia; the latter, an imploding neighbourhood with a committed anti-India policy.
Indeed, India’s relevance to the US must be re-measured according to President Barack Obama’s priorities which, as things stand today, are somewhat different from those of his predecessor, Mr George W Bush. The first, of course, is Mr Obama’s AfPak policy. Having committed a complete withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan by 2011, Mr Obama envisions a Pakistani role in that country to be played purely to American direction. In this scenario, India seems a stumbling block to Mr Obama as it seeks a legitimate and rightful role in Afghanistan’s reconstruction, as much for strategic depth in the region as to contain Pakistan’s influence in that country. This is clearly not to Mr Obama’s liking as he would ideally wish Pakistan, after all a proxy state, to wield greater influence in Afghanistan once the Americans have technically vacated that theatre. Therefore, any attempt by India to enhance its relevance in Afghanistan would not be a truly welcome step for the US.
Another source of discomfort to Mr Obama, of course, is India’s attempt to paint Pakistan into a corner on the issue of terrorism. While New Delhi has done its share of protesting against Islamabad’s sponsorship of terror in India, Washington has remained largely unimpressed. The official US position is that terrorism is a “shared challenge that the United States, India, Pakistan, other countries have”. Such is Mr Obama’s compulsion to keep Pakistan in good humour on this so-called war against terror that he actually put pressure on India to cede ground after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack and invite Pakistan for resumed negotiations on all issues, including Kashmir, as Islamabad so pointedly boasted about. Clearly, India is expected to de-prioritise its concerns about Pakistan and maintain peace on its western border only so that the latter is not distracted from its job — that of securing American interests in the AfPak arena.
Read more: For US, India is just a market
Readers Comment
This is the way the US Presidents operate. For Obama and the Democratic Party, the most important thing is his re election.
Also USA is so concerned about the economic, financial and military potential of China. India has made itself not so relevant in the critical schemes of things for the US President. The Americans also know that India is a paper elephant!!!
Pakistan is playing to the US tune and is critical for any stability in Afghanistan. Even though the US Authorities know the double game always played and being played by Pakistan, they need Pakistan.
Good Indo-US relations can help in keeping Pakistan under control. During the cold war US did not trust Indian leadership. Hence agreeing to US requests like starting dialogue with Pakistan is not too big a price to pay. Of course the Indian leadership has to always weigh, how much to go along!!
So India should take care of its own interests. We need tough leadership.
Lt Gen Harbhajan Singh (Retd)
Once feted as a “natural” and “strategic” partner of the United States, India must prepare to reconcile itself to the changed terms of relevance that the Americans have now laid out for this partnership. Even as External Affairs Minister SM Krishna and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton meet in Washington for the inaugural session of their Strategic Dialogue through this week, media reports and opinion-makers in the US point to an element of mistrust and pessimism that has crept into Indo-US relations of late. This, largely owing to the Obama Administration’s disposition towards China and Pakistan — the former, India’s biggest challenge to the number one position in Asia; the latter, an imploding neighbourhood with a committed anti-India policy.
Indeed, India’s relevance to the US must be re-measured according to President Barack Obama’s priorities which, as things stand today, are somewhat different from those of his predecessor, Mr George W Bush. The first, of course, is Mr Obama’s AfPak policy. Having committed a complete withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan by 2011, Mr Obama envisions a Pakistani role in that country to be played purely to American direction. In this scenario, India seems a stumbling block to Mr Obama as it seeks a legitimate and rightful role in Afghanistan’s reconstruction, as much for strategic depth in the region as to contain Pakistan’s influence in that country. This is clearly not to Mr Obama’s liking as he would ideally wish Pakistan, after all a proxy state, to wield greater influence in Afghanistan once the Americans have technically vacated that theatre. Therefore, any attempt by India to enhance its relevance in Afghanistan would not be a truly welcome step for the US.
Another source of discomfort to Mr Obama, of course, is India’s attempt to paint Pakistan into a corner on the issue of terrorism. While New Delhi has done its share of protesting against Islamabad’s sponsorship of terror in India, Washington has remained largely unimpressed. The official US position is that terrorism is a “shared challenge that the United States, India, Pakistan, other countries have”. Such is Mr Obama’s compulsion to keep Pakistan in good humour on this so-called war against terror that he actually put pressure on India to cede ground after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack and invite Pakistan for resumed negotiations on all issues, including Kashmir, as Islamabad so pointedly boasted about. Clearly, India is expected to de-prioritise its concerns about Pakistan and maintain peace on its western border only so that the latter is not distracted from its job — that of securing American interests in the AfPak arena.
Read more: For US, India is just a market
Readers Comment
This is the way the US Presidents operate. For Obama and the Democratic Party, the most important thing is his re election.
Also USA is so concerned about the economic, financial and military potential of China. India has made itself not so relevant in the critical schemes of things for the US President. The Americans also know that India is a paper elephant!!!
Pakistan is playing to the US tune and is critical for any stability in Afghanistan. Even though the US Authorities know the double game always played and being played by Pakistan, they need Pakistan.
Good Indo-US relations can help in keeping Pakistan under control. During the cold war US did not trust Indian leadership. Hence agreeing to US requests like starting dialogue with Pakistan is not too big a price to pay. Of course the Indian leadership has to always weigh, how much to go along!!
So India should take care of its own interests. We need tough leadership.
Lt Gen Harbhajan Singh (Retd)
Co-inventor of the bazooka dies at 92
Los Angeles Times
Edward G. Uhl dies at 92; co-inventor of the bazooka
The former aerospace executive helped create what was originally named the M1 Rocket Launcher during World War II. He went on to oversee the development of several missiles.
Edward G. Uhl, former president of Fairchild Industries who was co-inventor of the M1 bazooka during World War II, died Sunday of heart failure at an assisted living facility in Easton, Md. He was 92.
Uhl, pronounced "Yule," served as a regular officer in the Army's Ordnance Corps from 1941 until 1946. In 1942, while assigned to Ordnance Corps headquarters at the Pentagon in Washington, he helped develop the first U.S. shoulder-launched bazooka, which was originally named the M1 Rocket Launcher, with Col. Leslie A. Skinner.
"When I met with Skinner, he was working on rockets. We really had no anti-tank weapon. You can't believe how inept our military was at that point in time," Uhl said in a 2007 interview with Maryland Cracker Barrel Magazine.
"Skinner said, 'I'm going to be working on rockets to be located on aircraft, and I want you to take this rocket grenade. I think we can probably make a rocket out of this grenade and have it be an effective weapon, so that's your job,' " Uhl recalled. "The weapon that I was working on finally developed into what was known as the bazooka."
Uhl faced two immediate problems: How would a soldier aim the weapon and how would the burning powder be kept from coming into contact with his face?
"One day I was walking by this scrap pile, and there was a tube that was 5 feet long and 60 mm in diameter, which happened to be the same size as the grenade that we were turning into a rocket," Uhl said in the interview. "I said, 'That's the answer! Put the tube on a soldier's shoulder with the rocket inside and away it goes.' "
During field trials at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland, the M1 rocket launcher successfully blew the turret off a tank and its M6 rocket penetrated armor plate that was more than 4 inches thick.
Later during World War II, Uhl joined the staff of Gen. Douglas MacArthur in the Pacific. After resigning his commission in 1946 with the rank of lieutenant colonel, he went to work for the old Glenn L. Martin Co. in Middle River, Md., where he was a member of a team that was directing the company's move into the new field of rockets.
In 1949, he was named head of "pilotless aircraft" — or what is now known as guided missiles — and helped design the Viking high-altitude research rocket and the Air Force Matador.
Rising through the ranks, Uhl was named vice president of engineering in 1952 and later became vice president and general manager of Martin's plant in Orlando, Fla.
During his years in Orlando, Uhl oversaw the development and manufacture of the LaCrosse, Bullpup and Pershing missiles.
After leaving Martin in 1959, he was general manager and vice president of technical administration for two years at Ryan Aeronautical Co. in San Diego.
In 1961, he was named president of Fairchild Engine and Airplane Corp., later Fairchild Industries Inc., in Hagerstown, Md.
During Uhl's years at Fairchild, one of his great successes was the building of what was called a "close air support aircraft" — later the A-10 Warthog — which featured jet engines rather than turbo props. Beating out the competition, Fairchild got a $40-million contract from the Defense Department to build the new planes. Uhl retired in 1985.
Born in 1918 in Elizabeth, N.J., the son of a mechanic and a homemaker, Uhl earned a bachelor's degree in engineering physics in 1940 from Lehigh University, where he had been a member of Phi Beta Kappa.
Uhl's survivors include his wife of 44 years, the former Mary Stuart Brugh; two sons, a daughter, two stepsons, four grandchildren and five step-grandchildren.
Copyright © 2010, The Baltimore Sun
The making of the Bazooka
Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal to overtake India’s
03/06/2010
Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal to overtake India’s: SIPRI
"Our conservative estimates are that Pakistan has sixty warheads and could produce 100 nuclear weapons at short notice. In comparison India had also 60 to 70 nuclear warheads," the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) said. Pakistan has 60 nuclear warheads and with two new plutonium reactors nearing completion in Khusab, its weapons grade plutonium production will jump seven-fold, according to latest figures released by Swedish institute.
Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal to overtake India’s
VAIDYANATHAN K IYER says:
Thursday, 03 June 2010 23:35:18
When on economic point of view Pak is like a begging country. The have not learnt any lesson from encouraging terrorism. As they sow they will reap is the proverb. It is eccentric that people are boasting about their capability to destructive weapons rather than constructive way of developing their nation. God alone should save their country which has got its own destruction on its head and exposing pompous living.
Nuclear Terrorism
Is Pakistan heading for Nuclear terrorism or is the country being taken over by Taliban type Terrorists alongwith the Nuclear assets. Pakistan style democracy is a fake and a farce. The world needs to see Pakistan's game plan in a holistic manner. The Chinese who are assisting them now are likely to see red soon!
Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal to overtake India’s: SIPRI
"Our conservative estimates are that Pakistan has sixty warheads and could produce 100 nuclear weapons at short notice. In comparison India had also 60 to 70 nuclear warheads," the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) said. Pakistan has 60 nuclear warheads and with two new plutonium reactors nearing completion in Khusab, its weapons grade plutonium production will jump seven-fold, according to latest figures released by Swedish institute.
Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal to overtake India’s
VAIDYANATHAN K IYER says:
Thursday, 03 June 2010 23:35:18
When on economic point of view Pak is like a begging country. The have not learnt any lesson from encouraging terrorism. As they sow they will reap is the proverb. It is eccentric that people are boasting about their capability to destructive weapons rather than constructive way of developing their nation. God alone should save their country which has got its own destruction on its head and exposing pompous living.
Nuclear Terrorism
Is Pakistan heading for Nuclear terrorism or is the country being taken over by Taliban type Terrorists alongwith the Nuclear assets. Pakistan style democracy is a fake and a farce. The world needs to see Pakistan's game plan in a holistic manner. The Chinese who are assisting them now are likely to see red soon!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Army hit by sex scandal
Army hit by sex scandal
3 Jun 2010, 1425 hrs IST
In a major embarrassment for the Army, the Engineer-in-Chief, Lieutenant General A K Nanda has been accused of sexual misconduct towards the wife of a fellow Army officer. There have been unconfirmed reports that he even has been asked to resign; at any rate the allegations made to Army authorities by the victim seem to be strong enough for the general to now face an internal probe.
If the general is found guilty, he could face a court martial and be forced to either resign or take an early retirement and could even lose his pension.
The lady concerned is the wife of the technical secretary of the Engineer-in-chief, and was allegedly sexually misbehaved with by the accused lieutenant general during a trip to Israel. She thereafter reportedly complained to the Army Chief's wife, who is also the president of the Army Wives' Welfare Association (AWWA).
A serious a charge against such a senior general who is almost on the verge of retirement, warrants two possible responses by authorities; He could be asked to leave the Army immediately, or face a courtmartial. Both options would be a major embarrassment for the Army. But the reputation of the Army is at stake and one can expect the Army Chief to take prompt and stringent action to set the right example.
In the last 20 years there have been several cases where officers have been asked to leave the defence services on account of 'stealing the affections of a brother officer's wife' - as mentioned in the rules and regulations. However cases of sexual misconduct is also a criminal offence and can attract civil prosecution.
Wing Commander (retired) Bakshi, commenting on the development, said "If this lady reports the matter, authorities will take suitable action, they will order a court of inquiry for which suitable officers will be selected. Then, if there is enough evidence against the accused, the Army chief can call for a courtmartial. The general will also get judicial guarantees and an opportunity to defend himself against the allegation. There is a feeling that in the Armed forces people can get away with such things - that is wrong. The standards are very high provided the commanders can maintain them."
Army hit by sex scandal
Lt-Gen accused of molesting aide Col’s wife
The accused, Lt-Gen A K Nanda (59), who as the engineer-in-chief (E-in-C) is among the eight principal staff officers of the Army chief, is alleged to have molested the wife of his aide, Colonel C P S Pasricha, during an official trip to Israel in the second week of May.
There were even indications that the case could be the result of some dirty top-level jostling for the "extremely lucrative" E-in-C post, controlling "all the construction and works projects" of the 1.13-million strong Army spread across the country. In the steeply hierarchical structure of the armed forces, a senior officer being sacked or resigning before his term ends can change the entire chain of succession after him. Nanda is to retire in September.
Nanda’s wife, Neerja, too jumped to her husband’s defence. "The allegations are not true. I was also part of the five-day trip to Israel... I can vouch 100% for my husband’s character. We have been married for 35 years. Let the Army conduct an inquiry... the truth will come out," she said.
Lt-Gen accused of molesting aide Col’s wife: TNN, Jun 3, 2010, 05.37pm IST
Sex scandal in Army takes many twists and turns
Inference from Media Reports
1. Do wives accompany officers on Official Foreign assignments. Even if permission has been granted it behooves on the Senior officer to maintain decorum and honour in keeping with the traditions of the Military in so far as ladies are concerned.
2. The trip primarily seems to be for joint vacation to Egypt for which advance payments had been made.
3. Junior officer's contention of not reporting in foreign soil is genuine. No one will want to throw up dirty linen abroad. Molestation is a serious charge where the accused can be arrested irrespective of status or rank in any country irrespective of one's nationality.
4. The Senior Officer by posting out his Junior Officer to Bhopal on return to Delhi exposes his complicity.
5. Performance of an Officer cannot diminish in a couple of days in a foreign nation.
6. The onus rests with the accused to prove his innocence.
3 Jun 2010, 1425 hrs IST
In a major embarrassment for the Army, the Engineer-in-Chief, Lieutenant General A K Nanda has been accused of sexual misconduct towards the wife of a fellow Army officer. There have been unconfirmed reports that he even has been asked to resign; at any rate the allegations made to Army authorities by the victim seem to be strong enough for the general to now face an internal probe.
If the general is found guilty, he could face a court martial and be forced to either resign or take an early retirement and could even lose his pension.
The lady concerned is the wife of the technical secretary of the Engineer-in-chief, and was allegedly sexually misbehaved with by the accused lieutenant general during a trip to Israel. She thereafter reportedly complained to the Army Chief's wife, who is also the president of the Army Wives' Welfare Association (AWWA).
A serious a charge against such a senior general who is almost on the verge of retirement, warrants two possible responses by authorities; He could be asked to leave the Army immediately, or face a courtmartial. Both options would be a major embarrassment for the Army. But the reputation of the Army is at stake and one can expect the Army Chief to take prompt and stringent action to set the right example.
In the last 20 years there have been several cases where officers have been asked to leave the defence services on account of 'stealing the affections of a brother officer's wife' - as mentioned in the rules and regulations. However cases of sexual misconduct is also a criminal offence and can attract civil prosecution.
Wing Commander (retired) Bakshi, commenting on the development, said "If this lady reports the matter, authorities will take suitable action, they will order a court of inquiry for which suitable officers will be selected. Then, if there is enough evidence against the accused, the Army chief can call for a courtmartial. The general will also get judicial guarantees and an opportunity to defend himself against the allegation. There is a feeling that in the Armed forces people can get away with such things - that is wrong. The standards are very high provided the commanders can maintain them."
Army hit by sex scandal
Lt-Gen accused of molesting aide Col’s wife
The accused, Lt-Gen A K Nanda (59), who as the engineer-in-chief (E-in-C) is among the eight principal staff officers of the Army chief, is alleged to have molested the wife of his aide, Colonel C P S Pasricha, during an official trip to Israel in the second week of May.
There were even indications that the case could be the result of some dirty top-level jostling for the "extremely lucrative" E-in-C post, controlling "all the construction and works projects" of the 1.13-million strong Army spread across the country. In the steeply hierarchical structure of the armed forces, a senior officer being sacked or resigning before his term ends can change the entire chain of succession after him. Nanda is to retire in September.
Nanda’s wife, Neerja, too jumped to her husband’s defence. "The allegations are not true. I was also part of the five-day trip to Israel... I can vouch 100% for my husband’s character. We have been married for 35 years. Let the Army conduct an inquiry... the truth will come out," she said.
Lt-Gen accused of molesting aide Col’s wife: TNN, Jun 3, 2010, 05.37pm IST
Sex scandal in Army takes many twists and turns
Inference from Media Reports
1. Do wives accompany officers on Official Foreign assignments. Even if permission has been granted it behooves on the Senior officer to maintain decorum and honour in keeping with the traditions of the Military in so far as ladies are concerned.
2. The trip primarily seems to be for joint vacation to Egypt for which advance payments had been made.
3. Junior officer's contention of not reporting in foreign soil is genuine. No one will want to throw up dirty linen abroad. Molestation is a serious charge where the accused can be arrested irrespective of status or rank in any country irrespective of one's nationality.
4. The Senior Officer by posting out his Junior Officer to Bhopal on return to Delhi exposes his complicity.
5. Performance of an Officer cannot diminish in a couple of days in a foreign nation.
6. The onus rests with the accused to prove his innocence.
Indian bureaucracy most inefficient in Asia: Survey
Singapore | Jun 02, 2010
India has the most inefficient bureaucracy in Asia and red-tape is much worse than in China, says a survey.
In the ranking of 12 countries, India has been named as having the most inefficient bureaucracy followed by Indonesia and the Philippines, according to the survey of expatriate business executives conducted by the Hong Kong-based Political and Economic Risk Consultancy (PERC).
Quoting the consultancy, news agency AFP has reported that bureaucratic red-tape is a serious problem in India and China but "the differences in the political systems of these two countries have made inertia much worse in India than in China".
The ranking is based on a scale from one to 10 and a score of 10 indicates the worst possible scenario.
India scored 9.41, followed by Indonesia (8.59), the Philippines (8.37), Vietnam (8.13) and China (7.93).
As per the survey, Singapore and Hong Kong with scores of 2.53 and 3.49, respectively, have the most efficient bureaucracies.
Other countries ranked are Malaysia (6.97), Taiwan (6.6), Japan (6.57), South Korea (6.13) and Thailand (5.53).
As many as 1,373 middle and senior expatriate executives participated in the survey conducted earlier this year.
Writing about India, PERC said, "politicians frequently promise to reform and revitalise the Indian bureaucracy, but they have been ineffective in doing so -mainly because the civil service is a power centre in its own right".
The consultancy noted that dealing with India's bureaucracy "can be one of the most frustrating experiences for any Indian, let alone a foreign investor".
PERC noted that bureaucracies in some Asian countries have become power centres in their own right, allowing them to effectively resist efforts toward reforms by politicians and appointed officials.
Indian bureaucracy most inefficient in Asia: Survey
India has the most inefficient bureaucracy in Asia and red-tape is much worse than in China, says a survey.
In the ranking of 12 countries, India has been named as having the most inefficient bureaucracy followed by Indonesia and the Philippines, according to the survey of expatriate business executives conducted by the Hong Kong-based Political and Economic Risk Consultancy (PERC).
Quoting the consultancy, news agency AFP has reported that bureaucratic red-tape is a serious problem in India and China but "the differences in the political systems of these two countries have made inertia much worse in India than in China".
The ranking is based on a scale from one to 10 and a score of 10 indicates the worst possible scenario.
India scored 9.41, followed by Indonesia (8.59), the Philippines (8.37), Vietnam (8.13) and China (7.93).
As per the survey, Singapore and Hong Kong with scores of 2.53 and 3.49, respectively, have the most efficient bureaucracies.
Other countries ranked are Malaysia (6.97), Taiwan (6.6), Japan (6.57), South Korea (6.13) and Thailand (5.53).
As many as 1,373 middle and senior expatriate executives participated in the survey conducted earlier this year.
Writing about India, PERC said, "politicians frequently promise to reform and revitalise the Indian bureaucracy, but they have been ineffective in doing so -mainly because the civil service is a power centre in its own right".
The consultancy noted that dealing with India's bureaucracy "can be one of the most frustrating experiences for any Indian, let alone a foreign investor".
PERC noted that bureaucracies in some Asian countries have become power centres in their own right, allowing them to effectively resist efforts toward reforms by politicians and appointed officials.
Indian bureaucracy most inefficient in Asia: Survey
2G Spectrum Scam: License for Corruption
Yechury draws PM into 2G scam
Mail Today Bureau New Delhi, June 2, 2010
The telecom scam heat threatens to scald Prime Minister Manmohan Singh after he indirectly defended the actions of controversial minister A. Raja in the sale of 2G spectrum.
Days after the PM's press conference, where he said Raja had acted according to the guidelines of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, CPM politburo member Sitaram Yechury raised the issue.
"If the PM gives Raja a clean chit, he has to answer the questions raised by us on the scam. The PM's premium is his value based politics, so if he wants value as his premium, he has to act against Raja." Releasing an audit report by the post and telecommunications audit office dated March 31, 2010, Yechury said the document supplemented the growing evidence against Raja.
Yechury also released an open letter, his third, to the PM outlining the case against Raja. Anticipating Raja's mentor, DMK chief M. Karunanidhi's stand that he was being targeted as he was a Dalit, Yechury said: "We are targeting Raja as the minister for telecommunications. Caste, community are totally unrelated."
2G License for Corruption
Read more:2G SPECTRUM SCAM. PM-Sonia, sack Raja, recover loss of Rs. 1.9 lakh crores
Moderator comment
Draining the nation of Rs 1.9 crores for personal and corrupt purposes is unpardonable by the citizens of the Nation. The predator needs to be apprehended before the Nation is sold out to criminals. It is the poor who have been cheated by the rich and the mighty! Is the Nation incapable of tracking the footprints of the illegal money trail?
Mail Today Bureau New Delhi, June 2, 2010
The telecom scam heat threatens to scald Prime Minister Manmohan Singh after he indirectly defended the actions of controversial minister A. Raja in the sale of 2G spectrum.
Days after the PM's press conference, where he said Raja had acted according to the guidelines of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, CPM politburo member Sitaram Yechury raised the issue.
"If the PM gives Raja a clean chit, he has to answer the questions raised by us on the scam. The PM's premium is his value based politics, so if he wants value as his premium, he has to act against Raja." Releasing an audit report by the post and telecommunications audit office dated March 31, 2010, Yechury said the document supplemented the growing evidence against Raja.
Yechury also released an open letter, his third, to the PM outlining the case against Raja. Anticipating Raja's mentor, DMK chief M. Karunanidhi's stand that he was being targeted as he was a Dalit, Yechury said: "We are targeting Raja as the minister for telecommunications. Caste, community are totally unrelated."
2G License for Corruption
Read more:2G SPECTRUM SCAM. PM-Sonia, sack Raja, recover loss of Rs. 1.9 lakh crores
Moderator comment
Draining the nation of Rs 1.9 crores for personal and corrupt purposes is unpardonable by the citizens of the Nation. The predator needs to be apprehended before the Nation is sold out to criminals. It is the poor who have been cheated by the rich and the mighty! Is the Nation incapable of tracking the footprints of the illegal money trail?
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Alcohol Abuse: Military is top liquor guzzler
As reported by Ellavya Atray in dnaindia.com on 07 February 2009: DNA: India
New Delhi: If an adult Indian, on average, consumes a trickle of alcohol in a year, an Indian Jawan guzzles a bucketful.
The military has emerged as the single most organised guzzler of liquor in the country, with an annual consumption of nine litres per head, at least a litre more than the Malayalees, India's biggest alcohol-consuming community.
Though alcohol consumption is still not well documented in the country, the average per capita consumption (for population aged 15 and above) is a little less than a litre, according to World Health Organisation figures.
Reply to a detailed questionnaire on the sale of liquor in military canteens, filed by DNA under the Right To Information (RTI) Act, shows that our soldiers consumed a staggering 1.1 crore bottles of hard liquor -- rum, vodka, whiskey, and brandy -- in 2007, not to mention 1.2 million bottles of beer and sundry wines.
No wonder, then, the recent cut in liquor quota sold in military canteens dampened the spirits of the men and women in uniform.
Rum continues to be the most preferred choice, though it's gradually losing the kick. Vodka sales, on the other hand, have seen a threefold rise in the last four years.
"Many army wives drink, and they prefer vodka," said an officer who looks after a few canteens. "It is light compared to whisky and rum."
Surprisingly, Old Monk, the old favourite of beginners and veterans alike, is not the most sold rum. That crown goes to the military's own Contessa.
Military is top liquor guzzler
Alcohol and Drug Abuse
The role of unit command is to provide well-trained, physically fit and mentally alert Jawans and Officers who can successfully accomplish their assigned duty. Jawans who abuse alcohol and drugs will negatively impact on the successful attainment of this objective. Specifically abusers effect morale, cohesion, performance and unit readiness. Their actions could result in serious injury to civilians, other members and or to themselves. Therefore alcohol and drug abuse should not be tolerated by Unit/ formation Commanders.
Jawans and Officers should not misuse/ consume alcohol under the following conditions:
1. If the member is under the age of 21.
2. Within 12 hours of reporting for duty or while on duty.
3. While in uniform.
4. When the mission requirements dictate.
5. Within 12 hours of operating a motor vehicle or while operating a motor vehicle.
6. When restricted by the commander
Liquor should not used for trading, services or bartering especially with civilians, servants and vendors for favours or used for bribing in lieu of cash. Selling liquor in the civil market for monetary gains is a punishable crime. (There is rampant misuse of liquor in the Military Training Institutions starting from premier Staff College to the lesser ones).
Substance abuse or excessive drinking is considered unbecoming conduct. Members who violate this policy should be subjected to strict disciplinary action under the Army Act. Recent cases as reported by media prove that drunken Officers and Jawans break the rule of the land by committing civil crimes.
New Delhi: If an adult Indian, on average, consumes a trickle of alcohol in a year, an Indian Jawan guzzles a bucketful.
The military has emerged as the single most organised guzzler of liquor in the country, with an annual consumption of nine litres per head, at least a litre more than the Malayalees, India's biggest alcohol-consuming community.
Though alcohol consumption is still not well documented in the country, the average per capita consumption (for population aged 15 and above) is a little less than a litre, according to World Health Organisation figures.
Reply to a detailed questionnaire on the sale of liquor in military canteens, filed by DNA under the Right To Information (RTI) Act, shows that our soldiers consumed a staggering 1.1 crore bottles of hard liquor -- rum, vodka, whiskey, and brandy -- in 2007, not to mention 1.2 million bottles of beer and sundry wines.
No wonder, then, the recent cut in liquor quota sold in military canteens dampened the spirits of the men and women in uniform.
Rum continues to be the most preferred choice, though it's gradually losing the kick. Vodka sales, on the other hand, have seen a threefold rise in the last four years.
"Many army wives drink, and they prefer vodka," said an officer who looks after a few canteens. "It is light compared to whisky and rum."
Surprisingly, Old Monk, the old favourite of beginners and veterans alike, is not the most sold rum. That crown goes to the military's own Contessa.
Military is top liquor guzzler
Alcohol and Drug Abuse
The role of unit command is to provide well-trained, physically fit and mentally alert Jawans and Officers who can successfully accomplish their assigned duty. Jawans who abuse alcohol and drugs will negatively impact on the successful attainment of this objective. Specifically abusers effect morale, cohesion, performance and unit readiness. Their actions could result in serious injury to civilians, other members and or to themselves. Therefore alcohol and drug abuse should not be tolerated by Unit/ formation Commanders.
Jawans and Officers should not misuse/ consume alcohol under the following conditions:
1. If the member is under the age of 21.
2. Within 12 hours of reporting for duty or while on duty.
3. While in uniform.
4. When the mission requirements dictate.
5. Within 12 hours of operating a motor vehicle or while operating a motor vehicle.
6. When restricted by the commander
Liquor should not used for trading, services or bartering especially with civilians, servants and vendors for favours or used for bribing in lieu of cash. Selling liquor in the civil market for monetary gains is a punishable crime. (There is rampant misuse of liquor in the Military Training Institutions starting from premier Staff College to the lesser ones).
Substance abuse or excessive drinking is considered unbecoming conduct. Members who violate this policy should be subjected to strict disciplinary action under the Army Act. Recent cases as reported by media prove that drunken Officers and Jawans break the rule of the land by committing civil crimes.
Is the Nation in a coma induced by cancerous corruption?
Monday, May 31, Business Line: The Hindu Group by Mohan Murti
Europeans believe that Indian leaders are too blinded by new wealth and deceit to comprehend that the day will come when the have-nots will hit the streets.
A few days ago I was in a panel discussion on mergers and acquisitions in Frankfurt, Germany, organised by Euroforum and The Handelsblatt, one of the most prestigious newspapers in German-speaking Europe.
The other panellists were senior officials of two of the largest carmakers and two top insurance companies — all German multinationals operating in India.
The panel discussion was moderated by a professor from the esteemed European Business School. The hall had an audience that exceeded a hundred well-known European CEOs. I was the only Indian.
After the panel discussion, the floor was open for questions. That was when my “moment of truth” turned into an hour of shame, embarrassment — when the participants fired questions and made remarks on their experiences with the evil of corruption in India.
The awkwardness and humiliation I went through reminded of The Moment of Truth, the popular Anglo-American game. The more questions I answered truthfully, the more the questions get tougher. Tougher here means more embarrassing.
European disquiet
Questions ranged from “Is your nation in a coma?”, the corruption in judiciary, the possible impeachment of a judge, the 2G scam and to the money parked illegally in tax havens.
It is a fact that the problem of corruption in India has assumed enormous and embarrassing proportions in recent years, although it has been with us for decades. The questions and the debate that followed in the panel discussion was indicative of the European disquiet. At the end of the Q&A session, I surmised Europeans perceive India to be at one of those junctures where tripping over the precipice cannot be ruled out.
Let me substantiate this further with what the European media has to say in recent days.
In a popular prime-time television discussion in Germany, the panellist, a member of the German Parliament quoting a blog said: “If all the scams of the last five years are added up, they are likely to rival and exceed the British colonial loot of India of about a trillion dollars.”
Banana Republic
One German business daily which wrote an editorial on India said: “India is becoming a Banana Republic instead of being an economic superpower. To get the cut motion designated out, assurances are made to political allays. Special treatment is promised at the expense of the people. So, Ms Mayawati who is Chief Minister of the most densely inhabited state, is calmed when an intelligence agency probe is scrapped. The multi-million dollars fodder scam by another former chief minister wielding enormous power is put in cold storage. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh chairs over this kind of unparalleled loot.”
An article in a French newspaper titled “Playing the Game, Indian Style” wrote: “Investigations into the shadowy financial deals of the Indian cricket league have revealed a web of transactions across tax havens like Switzerland, the Virgin Islands, Mauritius and Cyprus.” In the same article, the name of one Hassan Ali of Pune is mentioned as operating with his wife a one-billion-dollar illegal Swiss account with “sanction of the Indian regime”.
A third story narrated in the damaging article is that of the former chief minister of Jharkhand, Madhu Koda, who was reported to have funds in various tax havens that were partly used to buy mines in Liberia. “Unfortunately, the Indian public do not know the status of that enquiry,” the article concluded.
“In the nastiest business scam in Indian records (Satyam) the government adroitly covered up the political aspects of the swindle — predominantly involving real estate,” wrote an Austrian newspaper. “If the Indian Prime Minister knows nothing about these scandals, he is ignorant of ground realities and does not deserve to be Prime Minister. If he does, is he a collaborator in crime?”
The Telegraph of the UK reported the 2G scam saying: “Naturally, India's elephantine legal system will ensure culpability, is delayed.”
Blinded by wealth
This seems true. In the European mind, caricature of a typical Indian encompasses qualities of falsification, telling lies, being fraudulent, dishonest, corrupt, arrogant, boastful, speaking loudly and bothering others in public places or, while travelling, swindling when the slightest of opportunity arises and spreading rumours about others. The list is truly incessant.
My father, who is 81 years old, is utterly frustrated, shocked and disgruntled with whatever is happening and said in a recent discussion that our country's motto should truly be Asatyameva Jayete.
Europeans believe that Indian leaders in politics and business are so blissfully blinded by the new, sometimes ill-gotten, wealth and deceit that they are living in defiance, insolence and denial to comprehend that the day will come, sooner than later, when the have-nots would hit the streets.
In a way, it seems to have already started with the monstrous and grotesque acts of the Maoists. And, when that rot occurs, not one political turncoat will escape being lynched.
The drumbeats for these rebellions are going to get louder and louder as our leaders refuse to listen to the voices of the people. Eventually, it will lead to a revolution that will spill to streets across the whole of India, I fear.
Perhaps we are the architects of our own misfortune. It is our sab chalta hai (everything goes) attitude that has allowed people to mislead us with impunity. No wonder Aesop said. “We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to high office.”
(The author is former Europe Director, CII, and lives in Cologne, Germany. blfeedbackatthehindudotcodotin)
Is the nation in a coma?
Related reading
The Hindu: Wednesday, Jun 02, 2010 by Smita Gupta
We will fight terror ‘root and branch': Manmohan
UPA-II report card keeps social inclusiveness in sharp focus
— Photo: R. V. Moorthy 
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, flanked by United Progressive Alliance chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, during the release of the ‘Report to the People' on the completion of one year of the second term of the UPA government in New Delhi on Tuesday.
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh promised the nation on Tuesday that his government would not flinch from frontally battling Maoist violence, communalism and terrorism.
We will fight terror ‘root and branch': Manmohan
Moderator comment
Truly a sad state of affairs. The vast majority of patriotic and law abiding citizens of India will hang his head in shame and shed a few tears. The thought like that of the French Revolution in the 21st century is mind boggling and beyond one's comprehension! Are then the Maoists and Naxals prelude to the predicted Revolution? Pertinent question: Can this revolutionary threat be doused by the Indian Corruption Inc.?
Europeans believe that Indian leaders are too blinded by new wealth and deceit to comprehend that the day will come when the have-nots will hit the streets.
A few days ago I was in a panel discussion on mergers and acquisitions in Frankfurt, Germany, organised by Euroforum and The Handelsblatt, one of the most prestigious newspapers in German-speaking Europe.The other panellists were senior officials of two of the largest carmakers and two top insurance companies — all German multinationals operating in India.
The panel discussion was moderated by a professor from the esteemed European Business School. The hall had an audience that exceeded a hundred well-known European CEOs. I was the only Indian.
After the panel discussion, the floor was open for questions. That was when my “moment of truth” turned into an hour of shame, embarrassment — when the participants fired questions and made remarks on their experiences with the evil of corruption in India.
The awkwardness and humiliation I went through reminded of The Moment of Truth, the popular Anglo-American game. The more questions I answered truthfully, the more the questions get tougher. Tougher here means more embarrassing.
European disquiet
Questions ranged from “Is your nation in a coma?”, the corruption in judiciary, the possible impeachment of a judge, the 2G scam and to the money parked illegally in tax havens.
It is a fact that the problem of corruption in India has assumed enormous and embarrassing proportions in recent years, although it has been with us for decades. The questions and the debate that followed in the panel discussion was indicative of the European disquiet. At the end of the Q&A session, I surmised Europeans perceive India to be at one of those junctures where tripping over the precipice cannot be ruled out.
Let me substantiate this further with what the European media has to say in recent days.
In a popular prime-time television discussion in Germany, the panellist, a member of the German Parliament quoting a blog said: “If all the scams of the last five years are added up, they are likely to rival and exceed the British colonial loot of India of about a trillion dollars.”
Banana Republic
One German business daily which wrote an editorial on India said: “India is becoming a Banana Republic instead of being an economic superpower. To get the cut motion designated out, assurances are made to political allays. Special treatment is promised at the expense of the people. So, Ms Mayawati who is Chief Minister of the most densely inhabited state, is calmed when an intelligence agency probe is scrapped. The multi-million dollars fodder scam by another former chief minister wielding enormous power is put in cold storage. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh chairs over this kind of unparalleled loot.”
An article in a French newspaper titled “Playing the Game, Indian Style” wrote: “Investigations into the shadowy financial deals of the Indian cricket league have revealed a web of transactions across tax havens like Switzerland, the Virgin Islands, Mauritius and Cyprus.” In the same article, the name of one Hassan Ali of Pune is mentioned as operating with his wife a one-billion-dollar illegal Swiss account with “sanction of the Indian regime”.
A third story narrated in the damaging article is that of the former chief minister of Jharkhand, Madhu Koda, who was reported to have funds in various tax havens that were partly used to buy mines in Liberia. “Unfortunately, the Indian public do not know the status of that enquiry,” the article concluded.
“In the nastiest business scam in Indian records (Satyam) the government adroitly covered up the political aspects of the swindle — predominantly involving real estate,” wrote an Austrian newspaper. “If the Indian Prime Minister knows nothing about these scandals, he is ignorant of ground realities and does not deserve to be Prime Minister. If he does, is he a collaborator in crime?”
The Telegraph of the UK reported the 2G scam saying: “Naturally, India's elephantine legal system will ensure culpability, is delayed.”
Blinded by wealth
This seems true. In the European mind, caricature of a typical Indian encompasses qualities of falsification, telling lies, being fraudulent, dishonest, corrupt, arrogant, boastful, speaking loudly and bothering others in public places or, while travelling, swindling when the slightest of opportunity arises and spreading rumours about others. The list is truly incessant.
My father, who is 81 years old, is utterly frustrated, shocked and disgruntled with whatever is happening and said in a recent discussion that our country's motto should truly be Asatyameva Jayete.
Europeans believe that Indian leaders in politics and business are so blissfully blinded by the new, sometimes ill-gotten, wealth and deceit that they are living in defiance, insolence and denial to comprehend that the day will come, sooner than later, when the have-nots would hit the streets.
In a way, it seems to have already started with the monstrous and grotesque acts of the Maoists. And, when that rot occurs, not one political turncoat will escape being lynched.
The drumbeats for these rebellions are going to get louder and louder as our leaders refuse to listen to the voices of the people. Eventually, it will lead to a revolution that will spill to streets across the whole of India, I fear.
Perhaps we are the architects of our own misfortune. It is our sab chalta hai (everything goes) attitude that has allowed people to mislead us with impunity. No wonder Aesop said. “We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to high office.”
(The author is former Europe Director, CII, and lives in Cologne, Germany. blfeedbackatthehindudotcodotin)
Is the nation in a coma?
Related reading
The Hindu: Wednesday, Jun 02, 2010 by Smita Gupta
We will fight terror ‘root and branch': Manmohan
UPA-II report card keeps social inclusiveness in sharp focus
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, flanked by United Progressive Alliance chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, during the release of the ‘Report to the People' on the completion of one year of the second term of the UPA government in New Delhi on Tuesday. NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh promised the nation on Tuesday that his government would not flinch from frontally battling Maoist violence, communalism and terrorism.
We will fight terror ‘root and branch': Manmohan
Moderator comment
Truly a sad state of affairs. The vast majority of patriotic and law abiding citizens of India will hang his head in shame and shed a few tears. The thought like that of the French Revolution in the 21st century is mind boggling and beyond one's comprehension! Are then the Maoists and Naxals prelude to the predicted Revolution? Pertinent question: Can this revolutionary threat be doused by the Indian Corruption Inc.?
Monday, May 31, 2010
World Tobacco Day focuses on Protecting Women Worldwide
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Globally, every year, May 31st is observed as World No Tobacco Day (WNTD). This year the focus is on Gender and Tobacco with an emphasis on marketing to women. In commemoration of World No Tobacco Day this year, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India with support of World Health Organisation (WHO), and in collaboration with Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC) and other partner organization including Voluntary Health Association of India(VHAI), India Cancer Society (ICS), Health Related Information Dissemination Amongst Youth (HRIDAY), and Consumer Online Foundation (COF), is organizing an event at Lady Hardinge Medical College auditorium, N.Delhi. The activities include an exhibition and panel discussion on the theme, skits by school students. Ms. Barkha Singh, Chairperson, Delhi Commission for Women will be the chief guest for the function.
Tobacco is the most common preventable cause of death in the world today. Globally 5.4 million deaths can be attributed to tobacco use, and it is expected that by year 2030 about 80% of these deaths will be in developing countries where tobacco use continues to grow in a healthy manner. Roughly 10 % of the tobacco smokers live in India, and if we include the chewers the data will more than double. Currently India accounts for a sixth of world tobacco related deaths.
According to a study published in ‘New England Journal of Medicine’ in Feb, 2008 smoking alone will cause one million deaths every year in India during the 2010’s. As per the estimates from the latest round of National Family Health Survey-3 (2005-06) 57% males and 10.8% females reportedly consuming tobacco in some form , smoked or chewed. More than a third of Indian men and about 8% of the Indian women chew tobacco in form of gutkha or paan masala, the prevalence is more in rural areas than urban areas. Among women, 0.5% in urban areas and 2% in rural areas use the smoking form of tobacco products and about 6% of urban women and about 12% of rural women use smokeless tobacco.
Further, in India about 6 million farmers are involved in growing tobacco and it provides employment to 36 million people. Likewise, more than 4.4 million people are engaged in bidi rolling, and majority of them are women and children. These are conservative estimates as bidi rolling is mainly a household activity, and the entire family is engaged.
Tobacco and Women
The adverse health effects of tobacco on men and women exhibit sex-specific differences and women have specific health issues due to its use and exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS). The adverse effects on reproductive health, including those on unborn child and the newborn are issues of grave concern for women.
Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke during pregnancy increases the risk of health and behavioral problems including: abnormal blood pressure in infants and children, cleft pallets and lips, childhood leukemia, infantile colic, childhood wheezing, respiratory disorders in childhood, eye problems during childhood, mental retardation, attention deficit disorder, behavioral problems and other learning and developmental problems.
In addition, the industry also engages a large number of women in tobacco farming and manufacturing and thus exposes them to a multitude of adverse health effects. Women working as tobacco workers suffer from numerous health hazards and various kinds of exploitation from the employers. Tobacco workers are caught in a vicious cycle of poverty, exploitation and helplessness. Low wages, poor returns, lack of alternatives and exploitation at the hands of middlemen keep them in perpetual poverty and debt. Bidi rollers handle tobacco flakes and inhale tobacco dust as well as volatile components of tobacco which put them at a high risk of cancer, chronic lung diseases, tuberculosis, asthma, eye problems, pains in neck and back, gynecological problems.
In order to protect the youth and women from the adverse harm effects of tobacco use and Second hand Smoke, Govt. of India enacted “Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act (COTPA) in 2003. The Act also bans all forms of advertisement (direct and indirect), promotions and sponsorship of tobacco products.
In the report “Women and Health: today’s evidence, tomorrow’s agenda,” Director-General of WHO, Margaret Chan wrote “protecting and promoting the health of women is crucial to health and development – not only for the citizens of today but also for those of future generations”. Hence, recognizing the importance of reducing tobacco use among women, and acting upon that recognition, would save many lives. DS
‘World No Tobacco Day’ focuses on Protecting Women from Tobacco Use and Tobacco Marketing
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Globally, every year, May 31st is observed as World No Tobacco Day (WNTD). This year the focus is on Gender and Tobacco with an emphasis on marketing to women. In commemoration of World No Tobacco Day this year, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India with support of World Health Organisation (WHO), and in collaboration with Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC) and other partner organization including Voluntary Health Association of India(VHAI), India Cancer Society (ICS), Health Related Information Dissemination Amongst Youth (HRIDAY), and Consumer Online Foundation (COF), is organizing an event at Lady Hardinge Medical College auditorium, N.Delhi. The activities include an exhibition and panel discussion on the theme, skits by school students. Ms. Barkha Singh, Chairperson, Delhi Commission for Women will be the chief guest for the function.
Tobacco is the most common preventable cause of death in the world today. Globally 5.4 million deaths can be attributed to tobacco use, and it is expected that by year 2030 about 80% of these deaths will be in developing countries where tobacco use continues to grow in a healthy manner. Roughly 10 % of the tobacco smokers live in India, and if we include the chewers the data will more than double. Currently India accounts for a sixth of world tobacco related deaths.
According to a study published in ‘New England Journal of Medicine’ in Feb, 2008 smoking alone will cause one million deaths every year in India during the 2010’s. As per the estimates from the latest round of National Family Health Survey-3 (2005-06) 57% males and 10.8% females reportedly consuming tobacco in some form , smoked or chewed. More than a third of Indian men and about 8% of the Indian women chew tobacco in form of gutkha or paan masala, the prevalence is more in rural areas than urban areas. Among women, 0.5% in urban areas and 2% in rural areas use the smoking form of tobacco products and about 6% of urban women and about 12% of rural women use smokeless tobacco.
Further, in India about 6 million farmers are involved in growing tobacco and it provides employment to 36 million people. Likewise, more than 4.4 million people are engaged in bidi rolling, and majority of them are women and children. These are conservative estimates as bidi rolling is mainly a household activity, and the entire family is engaged.
Tobacco and Women
The adverse health effects of tobacco on men and women exhibit sex-specific differences and women have specific health issues due to its use and exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS). The adverse effects on reproductive health, including those on unborn child and the newborn are issues of grave concern for women.
Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke during pregnancy increases the risk of health and behavioral problems including: abnormal blood pressure in infants and children, cleft pallets and lips, childhood leukemia, infantile colic, childhood wheezing, respiratory disorders in childhood, eye problems during childhood, mental retardation, attention deficit disorder, behavioral problems and other learning and developmental problems.
In addition, the industry also engages a large number of women in tobacco farming and manufacturing and thus exposes them to a multitude of adverse health effects. Women working as tobacco workers suffer from numerous health hazards and various kinds of exploitation from the employers. Tobacco workers are caught in a vicious cycle of poverty, exploitation and helplessness. Low wages, poor returns, lack of alternatives and exploitation at the hands of middlemen keep them in perpetual poverty and debt. Bidi rollers handle tobacco flakes and inhale tobacco dust as well as volatile components of tobacco which put them at a high risk of cancer, chronic lung diseases, tuberculosis, asthma, eye problems, pains in neck and back, gynecological problems.
In order to protect the youth and women from the adverse harm effects of tobacco use and Second hand Smoke, Govt. of India enacted “Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act (COTPA) in 2003. The Act also bans all forms of advertisement (direct and indirect), promotions and sponsorship of tobacco products.
In the report “Women and Health: today’s evidence, tomorrow’s agenda,” Director-General of WHO, Margaret Chan wrote “protecting and promoting the health of women is crucial to health and development – not only for the citizens of today but also for those of future generations”. Hence, recognizing the importance of reducing tobacco use among women, and acting upon that recognition, would save many lives. DS
‘World No Tobacco Day’ focuses on Protecting Women from Tobacco Use and Tobacco Marketing
Voluntary premature retirees entitled to disability pension
Tribune News Service Chandigarh, May 30
The Armed Forces Tribunal has held that an individual is entitled to disability pension along with regular pension even if he has taken voluntary premature retirement.
There have been many instances where the authorities concerned have been denying disability pension to military personnel who opted for pre-mature retirement owing to their low medical category.
Granting disability pension to a Brigadier who retired in 2004 along with arrears since the date he retired with 12 per cent interest, the Tribunal overruled the contention of the government that Regulation 50 of the Pension Rules did not entitle voluntary retirees to disability pension.
“After discussions, we have held that even if the incumbent may seek pre-mature retirement, he is still entitled to the disability element of pension,” the Bench said. The Bench observed that in the present case, the incumbent sought pre-mature retirement after completing 33 years and four-month service. A medical board had assessed his disability to be 30 per cent, which was attributed to and aggravated by military service.
He had earlier petitioned the Army headquarters and the Controller of Defence Accounts (Pensions), over the issue, but to no avail. Thereafter, he sought legal redressal to his grievance.
Voluntary retirees entitled to disability pension
Can the disabled expect immediate payment of arrears?
From past experience one wonders if court orders will be respected by MoD or GOI! ESM are made to run from pillar to pillar to seek justice.
The Armed Forces Tribunal has held that an individual is entitled to disability pension along with regular pension even if he has taken voluntary premature retirement.
There have been many instances where the authorities concerned have been denying disability pension to military personnel who opted for pre-mature retirement owing to their low medical category.
Granting disability pension to a Brigadier who retired in 2004 along with arrears since the date he retired with 12 per cent interest, the Tribunal overruled the contention of the government that Regulation 50 of the Pension Rules did not entitle voluntary retirees to disability pension.
“After discussions, we have held that even if the incumbent may seek pre-mature retirement, he is still entitled to the disability element of pension,” the Bench said. The Bench observed that in the present case, the incumbent sought pre-mature retirement after completing 33 years and four-month service. A medical board had assessed his disability to be 30 per cent, which was attributed to and aggravated by military service.
He had earlier petitioned the Army headquarters and the Controller of Defence Accounts (Pensions), over the issue, but to no avail. Thereafter, he sought legal redressal to his grievance.
Voluntary retirees entitled to disability pension
Can the disabled expect immediate payment of arrears?
From past experience one wonders if court orders will be respected by MoD or GOI! ESM are made to run from pillar to pillar to seek justice.
Can CRPF manage Inter State Insurgency seamlessly?
The Tribune Monday, May 31, 2010, Chandigarh, India
The state armed police and the CPOs on counter-insurgency/guerrilla operational tasks and missions require different rules of engagement, training, equipment, leadership and man management.
People who have worked alongside the CRPF are aware of the constant moves of their companies at short notice, non-existent command and control at the battalion level, their inhuman living conditions, poor physical fitness, and lack of the basic equipment like bullet-proof jackets, radio sets, bullet-proof and mine-protected vehicles. How can we expect high results from such psychologically depressed personnel?
Counter-insurgency operations against the Maoists require integrated operations because insurgents when pursued in one state manage to take shelter in the neighbouring states. Every major operation requires detailed planning, coordination, and follow-up on the intelligence and combat aspects. Inter-state coordination and disputes over the state or Central responsibility can be resolved if there are effective Unified Command Headquarters with clear-cut political, operational and coordinating responsibilities.
We need a synergised Centre-state strategy and doctrine to deal with the different aspects of the Maoist insurgency. This should cover the earlier mentioned internal security-related reforms as well as policies on accelerated economic development and social justice in the affected areas.
The writer is a former Army Chief.
Read the full analysis: Different aspects of Maoist problem: How to handle it effectively by Gen V. P. Malik (retd) click here
The state armed police and the CPOs on counter-insurgency/guerrilla operational tasks and missions require different rules of engagement, training, equipment, leadership and man management.
People who have worked alongside the CRPF are aware of the constant moves of their companies at short notice, non-existent command and control at the battalion level, their inhuman living conditions, poor physical fitness, and lack of the basic equipment like bullet-proof jackets, radio sets, bullet-proof and mine-protected vehicles. How can we expect high results from such psychologically depressed personnel?
Counter-insurgency operations against the Maoists require integrated operations because insurgents when pursued in one state manage to take shelter in the neighbouring states. Every major operation requires detailed planning, coordination, and follow-up on the intelligence and combat aspects. Inter-state coordination and disputes over the state or Central responsibility can be resolved if there are effective Unified Command Headquarters with clear-cut political, operational and coordinating responsibilities.
We need a synergised Centre-state strategy and doctrine to deal with the different aspects of the Maoist insurgency. This should cover the earlier mentioned internal security-related reforms as well as policies on accelerated economic development and social justice in the affected areas.
The writer is a former Army Chief.
Read the full analysis: Different aspects of Maoist problem: How to handle it effectively by Gen V. P. Malik (retd) click here
Is India a shining example of Democracy?
The Panchayati Raj
Democracy thrives in India today largely because it has always existed in some form at the micro level even during the long feudal era. The village council, Panchayat, consisting of village elders played a key role in this long survival of grass root democracy.
The Panchayati Raj (rule) now enjoys constitutional status with built-in mechanism for regular elections and minimum representation of women and members of the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. There are over three million elected local representatives, making this the widest democratic base in the world.
The Panchayati Raj helps in purposeful understanding of the masses and articulation of their responses. The Panchayati Raj is perhaps the best means of spreading democracy at the grassroots. Mahatma Gandhi called the Panchayats ‘village republics'; these village republics contribute to making India a shining example of democracy in the world.
What is killing Democracy in India
First is the bureaucracy.
Second is the great Indian Fakes starting from Politicians who are on top of the rung and mulitude of all other Indian fakes from passports to currency.
Third being the state sponsored criminalisation of citizens with a heavy dose of freebies. Some samples- Free TV, free saris, free gas stove, free electricity, free marriages coupled with bribes, money laundering, hawala operations, smuggling, black money, Swiss bank accounts, illegal mining, commissions for contract, terrorists, cash for votes... and you name it... it varies from state to state notwithstanding the scams surfacing at regular intervals at every level of governance. The disparity between the haves and have-nots galloping at a faster rate than growth of population or the GDP!
Democracy thrives in India today largely because it has always existed in some form at the micro level even during the long feudal era. The village council, Panchayat, consisting of village elders played a key role in this long survival of grass root democracy.
The Panchayati Raj (rule) now enjoys constitutional status with built-in mechanism for regular elections and minimum representation of women and members of the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. There are over three million elected local representatives, making this the widest democratic base in the world.
The Panchayati Raj helps in purposeful understanding of the masses and articulation of their responses. The Panchayati Raj is perhaps the best means of spreading democracy at the grassroots. Mahatma Gandhi called the Panchayats ‘village republics'; these village republics contribute to making India a shining example of democracy in the world.
What is killing Democracy in India
First is the bureaucracy.
Second is the great Indian Fakes starting from Politicians who are on top of the rung and mulitude of all other Indian fakes from passports to currency.
Third being the state sponsored criminalisation of citizens with a heavy dose of freebies. Some samples- Free TV, free saris, free gas stove, free electricity, free marriages coupled with bribes, money laundering, hawala operations, smuggling, black money, Swiss bank accounts, illegal mining, commissions for contract, terrorists, cash for votes... and you name it... it varies from state to state notwithstanding the scams surfacing at regular intervals at every level of governance. The disparity between the haves and have-nots galloping at a faster rate than growth of population or the GDP!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Army to assist CRPF in evolving strategies to counter Maoist threat
30/05/2010
Major changes in CRPF's operational strategies are underway following the recent setback against Naxals, especially in Dantewada where it lost over 75 personnel.
The post of CRPF Inspector General of Police (Operations) is likely to be created in every state where the force is deployed for anti-Naxal operations, official sources said.
The most crucial states of Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh may be the first to get the new IGP, who will exclusively oversee operations and will not do any administrative work.
Such a set-up currently exists in militancy-hit Jammu and Kashmir.
The sources said a need was felt to have a specialised person heading the anti-Naxal operations in each states besides the one at the headquarters.
The Home Ministry will have to create the additional posts before the names are finalised, sources said.
Shuffling of certain officers is likely to take place soon, sources said.
Also on the anvil is a process for greater coordination between the central and state police forces, a need for which was also mentioned by E N Rammohan, the former BSF chief who led a one-man enquiry into the Dantewada massacre.
Sources said fresh strategies are being planned out and efforts are on to understand and replicate the successes achieved by security forces in Gadchiroli in Maharashtra.
The forces there have been able to regain control of most areas from Naxals.
Emphasis is also being given to proper training. While earlier, all battalions inducted in Naxal areas post August 2009 were been given training by the army, sources said those who were posted earlier could also be given the same now at the counter insurgency and jungle warfare schools of the force and the army.
Source: The Indian Express
Post Dantewada massacre CRPF revamps operational strategies
Army adviser in Home Ministry
The four-day Army Commanders conference, which began in Delhi on Monday, is scheduled to discuss the growing threat of Maoist extremism.
Lt. Gen. VK Ahluwalia, Central Army Commander, based in Lucknow, will make a presentation on Army's possible response to the situation.
In anticipation of such a possibility over the past one year, the Army has undertaken a detailed study on the Maoist issue. Those findings will also be discussed at the Army Commanders conference.
A serving brigadier is already deputed in the Home Ministry as adviser.
The Naxal-affected state governments will be asked to take in one brigadier-level officer as security-cum-training adviser as a start.
Army to discuss growing Maoist threat
Moderator comment
There you go... Additional IGPs to be created in the CRPF. We do not know about the strategy and results! The ground work will be done by Ex/ on deputation Army personal perhaps!
Major changes in CRPF's operational strategies are underway following the recent setback against Naxals, especially in Dantewada where it lost over 75 personnel.
The post of CRPF Inspector General of Police (Operations) is likely to be created in every state where the force is deployed for anti-Naxal operations, official sources said.
The most crucial states of Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh may be the first to get the new IGP, who will exclusively oversee operations and will not do any administrative work.
Such a set-up currently exists in militancy-hit Jammu and Kashmir.
The sources said a need was felt to have a specialised person heading the anti-Naxal operations in each states besides the one at the headquarters.
The Home Ministry will have to create the additional posts before the names are finalised, sources said.
Shuffling of certain officers is likely to take place soon, sources said.
Also on the anvil is a process for greater coordination between the central and state police forces, a need for which was also mentioned by E N Rammohan, the former BSF chief who led a one-man enquiry into the Dantewada massacre.
Sources said fresh strategies are being planned out and efforts are on to understand and replicate the successes achieved by security forces in Gadchiroli in Maharashtra.
The forces there have been able to regain control of most areas from Naxals.
Emphasis is also being given to proper training. While earlier, all battalions inducted in Naxal areas post August 2009 were been given training by the army, sources said those who were posted earlier could also be given the same now at the counter insurgency and jungle warfare schools of the force and the army.
Source: The Indian Express
Post Dantewada massacre CRPF revamps operational strategies
Army adviser in Home Ministry
The four-day Army Commanders conference, which began in Delhi on Monday, is scheduled to discuss the growing threat of Maoist extremism.
Lt. Gen. VK Ahluwalia, Central Army Commander, based in Lucknow, will make a presentation on Army's possible response to the situation.
In anticipation of such a possibility over the past one year, the Army has undertaken a detailed study on the Maoist issue. Those findings will also be discussed at the Army Commanders conference.
A serving brigadier is already deputed in the Home Ministry as adviser.
The Naxal-affected state governments will be asked to take in one brigadier-level officer as security-cum-training adviser as a start.
Army to discuss growing Maoist threat
Moderator comment
There you go... Additional IGPs to be created in the CRPF. We do not know about the strategy and results! The ground work will be done by Ex/ on deputation Army personal perhaps!
NPT members agree to take early steps on nuclear- free Mideast
AP, May 29, 2010, 03.47am IST
UNITED NATIONS: The 189 member nations of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty on Friday adopted a detailed plan of small steps down a long road toward nuclear disarmament, including a sharply debated proposal to move toward banning doomsday arms from the Middle East.
The 28-page Final Declaration was approved by consensus on the last day of the monthlong conference, convened every five years to review and advance the objectives of the 40-year-old NPT.
Under its action plan, the five recognized nuclear-weapon states - the United States, Russia, Britain, France and China - commit to speed up arms reductions, take other steps to diminish the importance of atomic weapons, and report back on progress by 2014.
The final document also calls for convening a conference in 2012 "on the establishment of a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and all other weapons of mass destruction."
This Arab idea of a WMD-free zone is designed to pressure Israel to give up its undeclared nuclear arsenal. Despite the decision here, U.S. officials questioned whether Israel could be persuaded to attend the conference.
Iran and Syria had dissented loudly on various points in the final hours, but no objections were raised in the concluding session. After the declaration's approval, Iran's chief delegate Ali Asghar Soltanieh joined with the others in hearty applause beneath the U.N. General Assembly hall's soaring dome.
"All eyes the world over are watching us," the conference president, Libran Cabactulan of the Philippines, said before gaveling the final document into the record.
The decision was "an important step forward towards the realization of the goals and objectives of the treaty," Egypt's Maged Abedelaziz said afterward, speaking for the 118-nation Nonaligned Movement of mainly developing countries.
"The final document this conference adopted today advances President Obama's vision" of a world without nuclear weapons, Undersecretary of State Ellen Tauscher told the assembled delegates.
The conference is convened twice a decade to review and advance the objectives of the 40-year-old NPT, under which nations without nuclear weapons committed not to acquire them; those with them committed to move toward their elimination; and all endorsed everyone's right to develop peaceful nuclear energy.
NPT members agree to take early steps on nuclear- free Mideast
UNITED NATIONS: The 189 member nations of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty on Friday adopted a detailed plan of small steps down a long road toward nuclear disarmament, including a sharply debated proposal to move toward banning doomsday arms from the Middle East.
The 28-page Final Declaration was approved by consensus on the last day of the monthlong conference, convened every five years to review and advance the objectives of the 40-year-old NPT.
Under its action plan, the five recognized nuclear-weapon states - the United States, Russia, Britain, France and China - commit to speed up arms reductions, take other steps to diminish the importance of atomic weapons, and report back on progress by 2014.
The final document also calls for convening a conference in 2012 "on the establishment of a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and all other weapons of mass destruction."
This Arab idea of a WMD-free zone is designed to pressure Israel to give up its undeclared nuclear arsenal. Despite the decision here, U.S. officials questioned whether Israel could be persuaded to attend the conference.
Iran and Syria had dissented loudly on various points in the final hours, but no objections were raised in the concluding session. After the declaration's approval, Iran's chief delegate Ali Asghar Soltanieh joined with the others in hearty applause beneath the U.N. General Assembly hall's soaring dome.
"All eyes the world over are watching us," the conference president, Libran Cabactulan of the Philippines, said before gaveling the final document into the record.
The decision was "an important step forward towards the realization of the goals and objectives of the treaty," Egypt's Maged Abedelaziz said afterward, speaking for the 118-nation Nonaligned Movement of mainly developing countries.
"The final document this conference adopted today advances President Obama's vision" of a world without nuclear weapons, Undersecretary of State Ellen Tauscher told the assembled delegates.
The conference is convened twice a decade to review and advance the objectives of the 40-year-old NPT, under which nations without nuclear weapons committed not to acquire them; those with them committed to move toward their elimination; and all endorsed everyone's right to develop peaceful nuclear energy.
NPT members agree to take early steps on nuclear- free Mideast
US develops plans for unilateral strike on Pakistan
Options studied for a possible Pakistan strike By Greg Miller
Washington Post Staff Writer Saturday, May 29, 2010
Gallery: U.S. reviews possible Pakistan strike: The Times Square attack and alleged ties to elements of the Pakistani Taliban have sharpened the Obama administration's need for retaliatory options, U.S. senior military officials say. U.S. options include air and missile strikes and small teams of U.S. Special Operations troops already positioned along the Afghanistan border.
The U.S. military is reviewing options for a unilateral strike in Pakistan in the event that a successful attack on American soil is traced to the country's tribal areas, according to senior military officials.
Ties between the alleged Times Square bomber, Faisal Shahzad, and elements of the Pakistani Taliban have sharpened the Obama administration's need for retaliatory options, the officials said. They stressed that a U.S. reprisal would be contemplated only under extreme circumstances, such as a catastrophic attack that leaves President Obama convinced that the ongoing campaign of CIA drone strikes is insufficient.
"Planning has been reinvigorated in the wake of Times Square," one of the officials said.
At the same time, the administration is trying to deepen ties to Pakistan's intelligence officials in a bid to head off any attack by militant groups. The United States and Pakistan have recently established a joint military intelligence center on the outskirts of the northwestern city of Peshawar, and are in negotiations to set up another one near Quetta, the Pakistani city where the Afghan Taliban is based, according to the U.S. military officials. They and other officials spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity surrounding U.S. military and intelligence activities in Pakistan.
The "fusion centers" are meant to bolster Pakistani military operations by providing direct access to U.S. intelligence, including real-time video surveillance from drones controlled by the U.S. Special Operations Command, the officials said. But in an acknowledgment of the continuing mistrust between the two governments, the officials added that both sides also see the centers as a way to keep a closer eye on one another, as well as to monitor military operations and intelligence activities in insurgent areas.
Obama said during his campaign for the presidency that he would be willing to order strikes in Pakistan, and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said in a television interview after the Times Square attempt that "if, heaven forbid, an attack like this that we can trace back to Pakistan were to have been successful, there would be very severe consequences."
Obama dispatched his national security adviser, James L. Jones, and CIA Director Leon Panetta to Islamabad this month to deliver a similar message to Pakistani officials, including President Asif Ali Zardari and the military chief, Gen. Ashfaq Kiyani.
Read the full article: Options studied for a possible Pakistan strike
But US retaliation, officials said, will be contemplated only under extreme circumstances such as catastrophic attack that leaves President Barack Obama convinced that the ongoing campaign of CIA drone strikes is insufficient.
The military bombing would focus on air and missile strikes but also could use small teams of US special forces currently deployed along the border with Pakistan.
Read IE Report: US develops plans for unilateral strike on Pakistan
Moderator Comments
1. How about India developing contigency plans for strike in Terrorist Training Camps in POK?
2. India needs to develop a spine in a language that it hurts Pakistan.
3. Mumbai Mayhem has left India without a strategy.
Washington Post Staff Writer Saturday, May 29, 2010
Gallery: U.S. reviews possible Pakistan strike: The Times Square attack and alleged ties to elements of the Pakistani Taliban have sharpened the Obama administration's need for retaliatory options, U.S. senior military officials say. U.S. options include air and missile strikes and small teams of U.S. Special Operations troops already positioned along the Afghanistan border.The U.S. military is reviewing options for a unilateral strike in Pakistan in the event that a successful attack on American soil is traced to the country's tribal areas, according to senior military officials.
Ties between the alleged Times Square bomber, Faisal Shahzad, and elements of the Pakistani Taliban have sharpened the Obama administration's need for retaliatory options, the officials said. They stressed that a U.S. reprisal would be contemplated only under extreme circumstances, such as a catastrophic attack that leaves President Obama convinced that the ongoing campaign of CIA drone strikes is insufficient.
"Planning has been reinvigorated in the wake of Times Square," one of the officials said.
At the same time, the administration is trying to deepen ties to Pakistan's intelligence officials in a bid to head off any attack by militant groups. The United States and Pakistan have recently established a joint military intelligence center on the outskirts of the northwestern city of Peshawar, and are in negotiations to set up another one near Quetta, the Pakistani city where the Afghan Taliban is based, according to the U.S. military officials. They and other officials spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity surrounding U.S. military and intelligence activities in Pakistan.
The "fusion centers" are meant to bolster Pakistani military operations by providing direct access to U.S. intelligence, including real-time video surveillance from drones controlled by the U.S. Special Operations Command, the officials said. But in an acknowledgment of the continuing mistrust between the two governments, the officials added that both sides also see the centers as a way to keep a closer eye on one another, as well as to monitor military operations and intelligence activities in insurgent areas.
Obama said during his campaign for the presidency that he would be willing to order strikes in Pakistan, and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said in a television interview after the Times Square attempt that "if, heaven forbid, an attack like this that we can trace back to Pakistan were to have been successful, there would be very severe consequences."
Obama dispatched his national security adviser, James L. Jones, and CIA Director Leon Panetta to Islamabad this month to deliver a similar message to Pakistani officials, including President Asif Ali Zardari and the military chief, Gen. Ashfaq Kiyani.
Read the full article: Options studied for a possible Pakistan strike
But US retaliation, officials said, will be contemplated only under extreme circumstances such as catastrophic attack that leaves President Barack Obama convinced that the ongoing campaign of CIA drone strikes is insufficient.
The military bombing would focus on air and missile strikes but also could use small teams of US special forces currently deployed along the border with Pakistan.
Read IE Report: US develops plans for unilateral strike on Pakistan
Moderator Comments
1. How about India developing contigency plans for strike in Terrorist Training Camps in POK?
2. India needs to develop a spine in a language that it hurts Pakistan.
3. Mumbai Mayhem has left India without a strategy.
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