Space war: Rocket scientists ground Government

Space War: Facing scientists’ fury, govt yields ground
FP Staff Jan 29, 2012
Facing enormous backlash from a galaxy of space scientists over its blacklisting of four scientists, including former ISRO chairman G Madhavan Nair in a satellite spectrum deal that has since been scrapped, the government appears to be reviewing its punitive action.

The Telegraph reports that the government had signalled its willingness to reconsider the punishment, and quotes V Narayanasamy, minister of state in the Prime Minister’s Office, as saying that “nothing is final”. The government, he added, “has an open mind. If the scientists feel that their views have not been adequately represented, we are willing to look into this again.”

On Saturday, scientists came out swinging against the government decision to blackball the four scientists for their alleged role in the satellite spectrum deal. Madhavan Nair was head of Antrix, the commercial arm of the Indian space establishment, when it decided to lease out transponders of two of its satellites to the US-based Devas Multimedia.

The action against the four former ISRO scientists is a drag on scientists' morale. Prof CNR Rao, who heads the Scientific Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, said the government had “thrown out like garbage” the four scientists who had served the country and ISRO with distinction for years (reports PTI)

“They have not treated corrupt persons in politics, in public life like that. Why have scientists been picked up?” wondered Rao. “Is this the way to treat anybody? Nobody will work for these (government) organisations if this is the way they are treated.”

Rao specifically criticised Narayanasamy for his reported comments that the government had taken punitive action against the four scientists in order to send “a strong message” to the scientific community that no wrongdoing would be tolerated.

Rao said this was no way to talk about scientists. “I don’t know where he (Narayanasamy) got his basic education. I am shocked by the way he was on TV and talking like this about scientists in general.”

Also on Saturday, another former ISRO chairman, UR Rao, said the government’s action against the four scientists – and the public and over-the-top criticism of the scientific community – would impair space scientists’ morale.

Acknowledging that he did not have the full facts of the case, and that he was not keen to get entangled in the controversy, UR Rao nevertheless said that the manner in which it had been handled, with public outbursts against scientists, was ill-advised.

“Whatever is happening is not good for the country,” UR Rao said. “It will affect the morale of all the people. The organisation gets affected. After all, one feels proud of an organisation. If morale goes, it does hamper work.”

Recalling iconic photographs of satellite parts being ferried on bicycles or on bullock carts, UR Rao said that ISRO had a track record of catapulting India, literally, from the “bullock cart age to the space age.” Whereas on average it took 25 years to build a satellite, ISRO scientists had abridged that time to just two-plus years.

Former Knowledge Commission chairman Dr P M Bhargav has also written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, expressing displeasure over the blacklisting of Madhavan Nair, saying it reflected a “dictatorial” attitude without any accountability. He wanted the government decision to be put on hold until the committee reports on the satellite spectrum deal were made public.

On Saturday, Madhavan Nair stepped down as chairman of the Board of Governors of Indian Institute of Technology-Patna, saying he was morally bound to give up all government positions following the punitive action
Space War: Facing scientists’ fury, govt yields ground

Amazing Grace: Corps of Signals Pipes and Drum

A photograph of the Bagpipers playing the tune Amazing Grace (Hymn), who form part of Corps of Signals Pipes and Drum, during Centenary Celebrations at Jabalpur on 14 Feb 2011
Corps of Signals Indian Army celebrated its Centenary at Jabalpur, where No. 1 Signal Training Center is located, from 13-15 Feb 2011 in a very beffiting manner.
One of the soul stirring and inspiring event was a Band Concert after dark in the Gowrishankar Parade Ground (named after one of our illustrious Signals general, who earned a Maha Vir Chakra-a very high gallantry award while commanding a brigade in Dera Baba Nanalk Sector, in Punjab, during 1971 War with Pakistan).
A poignant item in the Band Concert was playing of the Hymn 'AMAZING GRACE' by nearly thirty Corps of Signals Bagpipers. They came marching in slow time in two columns well separated by a large screen, each column lit by soft blue light, playing beautifully the haunting tune of the Hymn. As they came nearer, the sound of the bagpipes gradually increasing.
The Pipers formed up in two rows in front of the audience continued to play the tune and then slowly returned the way they had come; the sound fading away in the semi darkness and leaving everyone spell bound and may be with some moist eyes as well!!
A recorded version of the same tune played by US Marine Bagpipers can be seen and heard on this video below:



The Corps of Signals Pipers played absolutely in the same manner and I feel even better, except that the setting was more serene and stirring, being in the quietness of night under subdued light!

WHAT IS AMAZING GRACE HYMN?
"Amazing Grace" is a Hymn written by English poet John Newton in 1973 and published in 1779.
Newton wrote the words from personal experience. He joined the Royal Navy and became a sailor, eventually participating in the slave trade. One night a terrible storm battered his vessel so severely that he became frightened enough to call out to God for mercy. After a few years he quit going to sea altogether and began studying theology.
Ordained in the Church in 1764, Newton began to write hymns with poet William Cower. "Amazing Grace" was written to illustrate a sermon on New Year's Day of 1773.
Gradually it was sung in Churches and congregations and over time set to many types of music. However, perhaps it sounds the best when played by Bagpipers.
Each Regiment and infantry battalion in the Indian Army has a Pipes and Drum Band. Corps of Signals has two such bands, one located with each of its two Signal Training Centers.
All Praise for Brig SK Pillai, Commandant 1 STC and his Team for masterminding and showcasing such amazing events, which make the Corps of yesterday and today so proud.
Harbhajan Singh
Lt Gen
Former Signal Officer-in-Chief and Senior Colonel Commandant

Corps of Signals- The “21st century arm of our forces"

Ministry of Defence 17-February, 2011 18:59 IST
Antony Asks Forces to gear up to Fight Cyber Wars
The Defence Minister Shri AK Antony has called upon the Armed Forces to be vigilant against emerging cyber threats. Addressing the centenary celebrations of the Corps of Signals here today, he called upon the forces to keep abreast of latest technologies. Terming the Corps of Signals as the “21st century arm of our forces”, Shri Antony said it has a major role in promoting inter-Service synergy and joint operations.

“The Corps is at the forefront of transforming the Indian Army to a network-centric force. It must continuously enhance its ability to absorb latest technologies in collaboration with the Industry and R&D establishment. The Corps has done commendable work, be it in fielding futuristic strategic defence communication networks, or development of state-of-the-art tactical communication systems. The contribution of the Corps in enhancing cyber security is worth a mention. However, the Corps needs to be ever vigilant, as cyber threats continue to multiply and intensify by the day,” Shri Antony said.

Speaking on the occasion the Minister of State for Defence Shri MM Pallam Raju said that besides being vital to the Armed Forces, Telecommunication and Cyber Infrastructure is a national and strategic asset as various other key sectors such as the Railways, Airlines, Banks and Industry depend on it. Shri Pallam Raju said that I&CT will be a key factor in reshaping the methodology of war fighting in the future.

“Any serious disruption can jeopardise our functioning including our responses to the war being raised by our adversaries. The ramification of cyber attacks launched by an unknown adversary or individual has necessitated a relook at the planning and security of Command and Control infrastructure at the highest levels of national governance,” Shri Pallam Raju said.

Underlining that the modern warfare has undergone a paradigm shift, the Chief of Army Staff General VK Singh said that the Corps of Signals has emerged as the proverbial “nervous system” of the Armed Forces in contemporary times.

“In all future wars, information superiority will be one of the key battle winning factors and future battlefield milieu would require communication system that are secure, responsive and reliable,” said General Singh. HH/NN (Release ID :69874)
Antony Asks Forces to gear up to Fight Cyber Wars

Definition: Nervous System
System of specialized cells (neurons, or nerve cells) that conduct stimuli from a sensory receptor through a neuron network to the site (e.g., a gland or muscle) where the response occurs. In humans, it consists of the central and peripheral nervous systems, the former consisting of the brain and spinal cord and the latter of the nerves, which carry impulses to and from the central nervous system. The cranial nerves handle head and neck sensory and motor activities, except the vagus nerve, which conducts signals to visceral organs. Each spinal nerve is attached to the spinal cord by a sensory and a motor root. These exit between the vertebrae and merge to form a large mixed nerve, which branches to supply a defined area of the body. Disorders include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, chorea, epilepsy, myasthenia gravis, neural tube defect, parkinsonism, and poliomyelitis. Effects of disorders range from transient tics and minor personality changes to major personality disruptions, seizures, paralysis, and death.
Read more: Answer. com

Corps of Signals- TV Panel Discussion

On the occasion of Centenary of Corps of Signals, “Day And Night News” TV Channel, Chandigarh, will telecast a discussion on Corps of Signals, as part of their program Defence Line. The details are as under:

Date and Timing
12 Feb 2011 Saturday at 9-30 PM
13 Feb 2011 Sunday at 1-30 PM

Participants
Lt Gen Harbhajan Singh, PVSM (Retd) former SO-in-C
Maj Gen Amarjit Singh Kahlon (Retd)
Maj Gen Sudesh Kumar (Retd)

TV Channel Day and Night News, Chandigarh- Platforms:
Dish TV- Channel 611
Big TV- Channel 462
Videocon- Channel 311
BSNL- Channel 75
Using a computer- Log on,‘youtube.com’ and search for after 12-2-2011 “Defence line-12-2-2011.”

Duration: 30 minutes approx
Harbhajan Singh
Lt Gen
Signal Officer-in-Chief and Senior Col Commandant 1988-91

PS
The Program can be seen on YouTube in two links below:

Part-1: Defence Line - 'Nerves' Of The Army - 12th Feb 2011

Part-2: Defence Line - 'Nerves' Of The Army - 12th Feb 2011

ISRO has more Scamsters than Scientists?

DD News: Is ISRO terminating contract with Devas on spectrum?
The ISRO has announced that it has already initiated the process to terminate the deal with Devas Multimedia and claimed there was no financial loss to the government on account of this.
However, ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan admitted that details about the 2005 contract under which Devas, floated by a former ISRO official, was to receive rights to 90 percent usage of transponders on two satellites, were not shared with the Space Commission or the Union Cabinet.
"One point that was not explicitly mentioned (to the Union Cabinet) was that GSAT 6 and GSAT 6A satellites are going to be predominantly used for this novel and commercial application that Antrix had entered into with M/s Devas," he said in New Delhi on Tuesday.
In the wake of media reports that the deal between Devas and Antrix, commercial arm of ISRO, could cause a loss of over Rs two lakh crore, the ISRO chief held a press conference to clarify that neither spectrum nor transponders or satellites were given to Devas or Antrix so far. "The question of revenue loss incurred does not arise," said Radhakrishnan, who was accompanied by former ISRO chief and Member, Planning Commission K Kasturirangan. He said the process of review of the contract was initiated in 8th December 2009 and soon "we are expecting it to complete it."
"In December 2009, I instituted a committee with a former member of Space Commission for a comprehensive review of all matters," he said explaining the genesis of the process of review.
To a question whether the Prime Minister was aware of the deal, he said the contract is finalised by the Antrix Board and he had taken up the matter to the Space Commission. "After the decision, I broached the matter with the Prime Minister, who is our Minister incharge and that is how the PMO conveyed a press note on the issue today," he said. At this point Kasturirangan interjected to point out that the review process was proof of the robustness of the decision making system. Radhakrishnan said no time was wasted and there was no dilly-dallying.
"We have come to taking a decision but the review process is very complex and that is what we are going through because we have to ensure that the government does not incur loss or suffer damage".
Explaining the review process, Radhakrishnan said the contract was reviewed from all angles and it was felt that the Space Commission. The Law Ministry was also being consulted on the termination process.
To a question whether ISRO officials were aware of the fact Devas was to get a predominant share of transponders on GSAT 6 and GSAT 6A, he said it was an internal matter and necessary action will be taken. He said some of the members of the Antrix Board may have been aware of the Devas connection. Asked why there was no competitive bidding for the deal, Radhakrishnan said this was a case of new service in 2003 and there was nobody there having such technology. Kasturirangan said the new technology was developed by Devas as part of an international consortium which comprised the best among peers. "As of now, we have the contract. It has not been terminated. The process to terminate is on. The decision to terminated was taken in July 2010. We are in the process of doing it," Radhakrishnan said.
The decision to terminate the contract was taken as the spectrum was required for national strategic purpose. It has been done in the interest of the government and the public, he said. (DD-8.2)
ISRO terminating contract with Devas on spectrum

Indian Army Desperate to Modernise

THE HINDU, OCTOBER 27, 2010
Indian Army-Desperate to re-order and modernise
Rahul Bedi
A large number of military officers concur that the Indian army, with an inordinately high teeth-to-tail ratio, faces a serious crisis of confidence.
An alarming rise in the number of Indian military officers charged with corruption, senior ranks quitting due to frustrating service conditions, and increasing instances of ‘fragging' in which disgruntled soldiers shoot dead their seniors, are severely damaging the image of the country's defence forces.
Few want to join the once-favoured military with the shortage of officers in the army never having fallen below 11,000 for over a decade against a sanctioned strength of 46,615 personnel. The navy and the air force too face officer shortage but it is not as severe as in the 1.2 million strong army.
Senior defence officials cite expanding employment opportunities as the reason behind the shortage. But serving and retired officers say this is only part of the cause. The Services too have to take responsibility for lowering the military's image and overall standing in the country's order of precedence and preference, they point out.
“Standards and values have changed for the worse and the army is not impervious to the overall environment,” admits a retired Lieutenant General. Like the rest of society, India's military too is in the turbulent and unsettling throes of transition, he adds.
Serving army officers say the ‘rot' in service ethics has been steadily creeping into the Services. Till the 1980s, military officers were considered upright men, respected in society and eagerly sought after by parents as suitable match for their daughters. Retired military men talk nostalgically of the days when a mere note from the commanding officer on behalf of a jawan to the local authorities back in his village carried weight.
Those were the times when the esprit d' corps in the apolitical service was strong and invitations to riotous, albeit swinging, regimental officers' messes were much sought after. Salaries were low but the lifestyle was lavish in what was largely a gentleman's army.
Many officers were, in reality, eager boys trapped inside adult bodies seeking to indulge in passions like shikar, riding, polo and outdoor living and danger at state expense as expansive colonial traditions made military service not only respectable but attractive. From Independence till the third war with Pakistan in 1971, there was ample opportunity for such expansiveness.
And it was adequately vindicated, except for the disastrous 1962 war with China in which India came off badly. But in this instance, it was widely acknowledged that it was the political and not the military establishment that forced ignominy upon the country.
The flamboyance, bravery and tactical brilliance of all ranks in the three wars with Pakistan are well recorded and the subject of study in combat institutions around the world. It is rarely acknowledged even at home that in 1971, the Indian army single-handedly achieved what even the United States with all its mite and technical wizardry has not managed since World War II — it liberated a nation.
Politics was rarely, if at all, discussed by officers who, if passed over for promotion, retired gracefully, confident of their status in society. Promotions, the bane of the Services today, were merit-based and, by and large, fair with undeserving candidates, adhering to the Peter Principle and rarely ever crossing their limits of incompetence.
Army chiefs and senior commanders brooked no political interference in operational matters and were listened to with respect by the establishment. Asked by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to move into East Pakistan — later Bangladesh — in early 1971, General Sam Manekshaw — later Field Marshal — firmly told her that it would take at least 10 months before his force would be ready for combat.
“That” he declared, referring to Indira Gandhi's scheme of launching operations earlier “would present me with problems far more complex than what had been the bane of the German general staff for more than 50 years across two world wars. It would be unwise to rely on diplomatic assurances that the Chinese would not react in support of Pakistan. We must wait for the snow to block the northern passes.” Indira Gandhi listened and Bangladesh came into being in December that year.
In short, the olive green uniform enjoyed an exalted status it was soon to lose. Its professionalism and apolitical stance began to slowly unravel after the Third Pay Commission in the late 1970s when officer ranks were diluted, ostensibly to enhance career prospects, but their responsibilities reduced in inverse proportion to their promotions.
Periodic cadre reviews further led to a lopsided rank structure creating a situation where Lieutenant Generals among the seniormost army officers, and their equivalents in the navy and the air force, discharged duties previously performed by middle-ranking Colonels and half-colonels and similar ranks in the other two services.
Currently there are over 900 Brigadiers, some 290 Major Generals and 85-odd Lieutenant Generals, roughly around a third of who were replaced every two-three years due to retirement, promotion and other reasons.
Pressure on promotions in the pyramid-like structure also meant that most served between 12-18 months in these higher ranks leaving them little time to effect any meaningful change in the overall command and control structure.
The cadre re-assessment was the moment for which politicians and civil servants had long been waiting. Having always looked upon the military with suspicion after independence and gazing nervously at Pakistan's experience, they were simply waiting for an opportunity to gain ascendancy over the Services.
Incidentally, this inherent misgiving and fear of the military persists, adversely manifesting itself in the non-appointment of a Chief of Defence staff, despite ministerial commissions and review and parliamentary committees stressing the need for such an officer in a nuclear weapon state and for an expanding military power with possible out-of-area responsibilities.
Sadly, many senior officers actively contributed to this negative state of affairs by seeking political and bureaucratic patronage for career enhancement whilst in service and for lucrative sinecures after retirement. Consequently, over years the military's standing deteriorated, reaching the unbelievable stage where it was selectively included in the “security loop.”
The Service chiefs, for instance, were told about the multiple 1998 Shakti tests at Pokhran just hours before they occurred; and that too as insurance against any “adverse reaction” from neighbouring Pakistan. In the intervening period thereafter, the military has been dealt a limited hand in maintaining India's strategic deterrence.
In another shocker, the military, particularly the army, was also unaware of India's cache of chemical weapons stored at various Defence Research and Development Organisation laboratories across the country that were destroyed under the global Chemicals Weapon Convention some years ago.
In conclusion, a large number of military officers concur that India's Mughal-like army, with an inordinately high teeth-to-tail ratio, faces a serious crisis of confidence which simply refuses to abate even as it is increasingly employed not only in counter-insurgency operations, flood and drought relief but also to battle mosquitoes threatening the Commonwealth Games athletes' village.
For, besides struggling against the slew of corruption charges, lopsided promotions and un-equitable pensions, the military also faces ad hoc equipping policies determined and dominated by ill-informed politicians and civil servants, as it grapples desperately to reorder and modernise itself within a nuclear weapon state. But that, as they say, is a far longer and complex saga.
(Rahul Bedi is New Delhi-based defence analyst.)
Indian Army-Desperate to re-order and modernise

US appoints first cyber warfare general

Pentagon creates specialist online unit to counter cyber attack amid growing fears of militarisation of the internet
Peter Beaumont, foreign affairs editor The Observer, Sunday 23 May 2010

The Pentagon is channelling a growing volume of troops and resources into countering cyber warfare. Photograph: Mike Nelson/AFP/Getty Images

The US military has appointed its first senior general to direct cyber warfare – despite fears that the move marks another stage in the militarisation of cyberspace.

The newly promoted four-star general, Keith Alexander, takes charge of the Pentagon's ambitious and controversial new Cyber Command, designed to conduct virtual combat across the world's computer networks. He was appointed on Friday afternoon in a low-key ceremony at Fort Meade, in Maryland.

The creation of America's most senior cyber warrior comes just days after the US air force disclosed that some 30,000 of its troops had been re-assigned from technical support "to the frontlines of cyber warfare".

The creation of Cyber Command is in response to increasing anxiety over the vulnerability of the US's military and other networks to a cyber attack.

James Miller, the deputy under-secretary of defence for policy, has hinted that the US might consider a conventional military response to certain kinds of online attack.

Although Alexander pledged during his confirmation hearings before the Senate committee on armed services last month that Cyber Command would not contribute to the militarisation of cyberspace, the committee's chairman, Senator Carl Levin expressed concern that both Pentagon doctrine, and the legal framework for online operations, had failed to keep pace with rapid advances in cyber warfare.

In particular Levin voiced concern that US cyber operations to combat online threats to the US, routed through neutral third countries, "could have broad and damaging consequences" to wider American interests.

Plans for Cyber Command were originally conceived under President George W Bush. Since taking office Barack Obama has embraced the theme of cyber security, describing it last year as "one of the most serious economic and national security challenges [the US faces] as a nation".

During his confirmation hearing, Alexander said that the Pentagon's networks were being targeted by "hundreds of thousands of probes every day" adding that he had "been alarmed by the increase, especially in this year".

Cyber warfare has increased rapidly in scale and sophistication with China accused of being at the forefront of prominent recent attacks, including the targeting of Google and 20 other companies last year as well as "Titan Rain" in 2003 – a series of coordinated attacks on US networks. Russian and North Korean hackers have also been accused of large-scale attacks.

Moscow was accused of being behind a massive cyber assault on Estonia in 2007 – the second largest cyber warfare operation ever conducted.

While Alexander has tried to play down the offensive aspects of his command, the Pentagon has been more explicit, stating on Friday that Cyber Command will "direct the operations and defence of specified Department of Defense information networks [involving some 90,000 military personnel] and prepare to, when directed, conduct full-spectrum military cyberspace operations in order to enable actions in all domains, [to] ensure US allied freedom of action in cyberspace and deny the same to our adversaries."

The complex issues facing Cyber Command were thrown into relief earlier this year when the Washington Post revealed details of a so-called "dot-mil" operation by Fort Meade's cyber warfare unit, backed by Alexander, to shut down a "honeytrap website" set up by the Saudis and the CIA to target Islamist extremists planning attacks in Saudi Arabia.

The Pentagon became convinced that the forum was being used to co-ordinate the entry of jihadi fighters into Iraq.

Despite the strong objections of the CIA, the site was attacked by the Fort Meade cyber warfare unit. As a result, some 300 other servers in the Saudi kingdom, Germany and Texas also were inadvertently shut down.

Of equally concern to those who had opposed the operation, it was conducted without informing key members of the Saudi royal family, who were reported to be "furious" that a counter-terrorism tool had been shut down.

The issue of cyber warfare – and how to combat it – has become an increasingly fraught one.

The need to have electronic warfare capabilities, say those who support them, has been proven repeatedly by the apparent success of hostile attacks on government networks, including last year's massive denial of service assault on networks in both the US and Korea.

Last year, hackers also accessed large amounts of sensitive data concerning the Pentagon's Joint Strike Fighter programme.

The difficulties facing the new command were underlined in March by former CIA director Michael V Hayden, who said that the Saudi operation had demonstrated that cyber warfare techniques were evolving so rapidly that they were now outpacing the government's ability to develop coherent policies to guide its use.

"Cyber was moving so fast that we were always in danger of building up precedent before we built up policy," Hayden said.
US appoints first cyber warfare general: Pentagon creates specialist online unit to counter cyber attack amid growing fears of militarisation of the internet.

Article of Interest
From the May- June 2010 issue: The American Interest: The Return of the Raj by C. Raja Mohan

National Security: Expat Pilots

23/05/2010
AI crash: Focus back on expat pilots
Mangalore: The crash of the Air India Express plane piloted by a Serbian national on Saturday has put the focus back on whether foreign pilots with various Indian air carriers are able to operate in a country with a diverse topography.
There are around 560 expat pilots currently employed with various airlines in India and they account for 10 per cent of the total strength of 5,500 civilian pilots.

Air India Express, the low-cost arm of the national carrier, has 125 expat pilots and they reportedly face a number of problems while operating a flight in the country when they are in the cockpit. In all, Air India has 250 expat pilots.

"Expat pilots should be removed because they are not familiar with the diverse topography in India," a retired Indian Airlines pilot, who did not wish to be identified, said.

The common problems that expat pilots face are related to communication and lack of knowledge of topography of Indian terrain, a senior pilot association official said. According to ATC sources, air traffic controllers find it hard to communicate with expat pilots.

"Many a times, foreign pilots are unable to follow the instructions because of the difference in our accent. Also we find it hard to understand what an expat pilot is saying in his hard accent," an ATC source said.

The Indian Commercial Pilots Association of erstwhile Indian Airlines has been often demanding that expat pilots must be asked to go home as there is no shortage of pilots in the country.

"We have been asking the DGCA for their removal and induction of Indian pilots. But every time, the deadline for their removal is extended due to some pressure of the airline companies," an ICA official said.

The government recently extended the time-frame for phasing out foreign pilots employed by Indian carriers by one year up to July 31, 2011. The move came in the wake of demands by Air India and other airlines that the time be extended beyond July 31, 2010.

The existing policy for validation of foreign (pilots) licences is valid up to July 31, 2010. Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had requested airline operators to submit their plan for phasing out expatriate pilots along with net requirement of these pilots beyond that date, according to Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel.

Patel said that since 2008, the number of foreign pilots has come down considerably and gradually Indian pilots, who have mostly been co-pilots, would soon be elevated to the status of commanding pilots.

Overseas pilots were allowed to fly Indian aircraft initially as during 2004-05, there was stagnation in the aviation sector.

However, after the sector started looking up, in order to maintain the momentum, foreign pilots continued to be inducted. The DGCA has started a programme for phased reduction of the expat pilots.

According to Patel, Indian pilots are capable of flying under any condition and their training and qualification can be compared to the best in the world.
AI crash: Focus back on expat pilots

National Air Space Security Threat
Does the MHA give security clearance for the expat pilots before being employed by the Indian Air Carriers? Employing 500 expat pilots without proper int background check will prove disastrous in the long run. The complete air space of India can be compromised or jeopardised. Why are our Intelligence Agencies not objecting to deployment of expat pilots in our skies? The Military Intelligence in coordination with Air force authorities need to actively engage in detecting security lapses from this angle. There is a need to keep a tab and be extra vigilant. Past experience indicates that spies, terrorists and Hawala operators take advantage of the Recruitment Agencies whose only mission is to make huge commissions. Moderator

Cyber Warfare is the New Gen Security Threat: Antony

The Defence Minister Shri AK Antony today asked the top brass of the Armed Forces to work in unison and make cyber systems 'as secure and as non-porous as possible'. Addressing the Army Commanders here, Shri Antony said cyber-warfare is becoming a serious threat to security.

"The paradigms of security in the age of Information Technology are seldom constant. The evolving security matrix is complex and calls for co-operation and coordination of the highest level. Today, no single service can work in isolation. Cyber warfare and threats to cyber security are fast becoming the next generation of threats. We need to make our cyber systems as secure and as non-porous as possible", he said.

Shri Antony made a strong plea for synergy among the three Forces and said the future security matrix calls for a high-degree of cooperation and inter-dependence among the Services. He said the primary area of focus should be to develop as a force capable of operating in joint network – centric environment. Besides these the other emerging areas that warrant synergised development are space, NBC, Cyber Warfare capabilities, Air Defence, Rotary Wing Assistance, precision munitions, standoff targeting and missiles, communication systems, logistics and joint training.

"Though significant progress has been made towards accomplishing jointness in various operational training and administrative facets among the three Services, there are a number of areas congruence that need to be strengthened further", he said.

Referring to the Modernisation Plans of the Armed Forces, the Defence Minister said it is in our long term national interest that we become self reliant in the field of critical defence equipment. He said modernisation plans of the Armed Forces encompass force modernisation and development of critical combat capabilities, not only against potential adversaries, but across the spectrum of conflict. Sitanshu Kar / RAJ
PIB: Cyber Warfare is the New Gen Security Threat: Antony

Army Commanders’ Conference
The Army Commanders’ Conference commenced at Integrated Headquarters of Ministry of Defence (Army) on 17 May 10. The five days conference, scheduled from 17 May 10 to 21 May 10 is being chaired by Army Chief General VK Singh. The Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in his inaugural address emphasised on the necessity for force modernisation to meet emerging threats. He stressed on the requirement of Tri-Services synergy across the spectrum of conflict to meet our National Security needs. The Defence Minister brought out that Cyber Security is the next generation of threat. He stressed the need to make our cyber space fully secure. He said that the Govt was taking all necessary steps to ensure that the Indian Army is kept in a high state of operational preparedness as also ensuring high morale of troops through training and welfare measures.

The Army Chief General VK Singh during his address reviewed the Regional security situation, in which he spoke of the Asymmetric means adopted by non state actors and terrorists to achieve their objectives. He also mentioned the multi spectral threats, which directly affect military doctrines and restructuring.

General Singh stressed on the need to transform the Indian Army so as to customise its operational effectiveness. Talking about training, the Army Chief emphasised on realistic, imaginative and practical training. Referring to Low Intensity Conflict he stressed on “zero tolerance” to Human Rights violations.

Army Chief also emphasised on morals, ethics and value systems in the Army. He brought out that professional commitment, loyalty, sacrifice and integrity were the need of the hour and that there would be no compromise with respect to the image of the Army. Veerendra/Rajendra
Army Commander's Conference commenced: PIB

Corps of Signals Centenary Celebrations Chandigarh

A motorcycle rider shows his skills during the centenary celebrations at Chandi Mandir on Sunday. Tribune photo: Pradeep Tewari

Corps of Signals: Martial arts, skydiving mark centenary celebrations
Tribune News Service, Chandigarh, April 11, 2010

As part of the ongoing celebrations to mark 100 years of the Corps of Signals, a thrilling display by skydivers, martial arts experts and motorcycle riders was organised at Chandi Mandir near here today.

The show was kicked off by kalariyapattu, an ancient martial art. The eight-member team led by Hav KP Dhanesh performed with daggers, swords and sticks. This was followed by a display of taekwondo skills by a team led by Hav Arup Shaikhiya.

Next to come in was the silent drill team, the first of its kind in the Army. Based on the silent drill teams in the US military, the team executed synchronised and coordinated moves with weapons but without any word of command or accompanying music.

Commanded by Sub AC Gogoi, the 20-member team gave its first performance at Delhi in February this year.

Paratroopers from the Army’s skydiving team stole the show. Six of them led by Lt Col Satyendra Verma jumped from two Chetak helicopters hovering at an altitude of 10,000 feet and touched down with a precision at the designated landing point after opening their parachutes at 3,000 feet.

Dare devils of the Corps motorcycle rider display team put up a scintillating performance with their high-speed precision maneuovers and formations. Led by Capt Rahul Saini, their display included a group as well as individual stunts like jumping through a ring of fire and smashing through glass barriers.

The Corps regimental pipes and drums band was also in attendance. A large number of serving as well as retired military personnel and their families attended the event.

A series of events, including public displays and technical seminars, have been planned throughout the year at various locations across the country to mark the Signals’ centenary. The Corps was raised on February 15, 1911, with the formation of 31st and 32nd Divisional Signals Companies at Fatehgarh. Also known as information warriors of the Army, the Corps of Signals is responsible for secure and reliable communication at the tactical and strategic level.
Corps of Signals: Martial arts, skydiving mark centenary celebrations

Indian Express Report
Acrobats on speeding motorcycles to sky jumps from 10,000 feet above the ground, martial art presentations to a one-of-a-kind silent drill, it wasn’t for no reason that Chandimandir’s enormous Raina stadium was bursting at its seams this Sunday afternoon. The display by various Corps of Signals teams was organised as part of the ongoing centenary celebrations of the Corps being held across the country.

The first signal units, 31st and 32nd Divisional Signal Companies, were raised on February 15, 1911 at Fatehgarh and this year the Corps of Signals has entered 100 years of its journey, achieving significant milestones in fields of strategic, tactical and operational communications. Putting forth an enthralling display of daredevilry and team spirit were various groups comprising both officers and men.

The special showcase kicked off with presentations on martial arts such as Kalariyapattu, where an eight-member team performed battle acts using daggers, swords, spears and flexible swords. That was followed by a Taekwondo display that saw the Signals team break burning tiles and the like.

What truly got the massive crowd applauding, However, was the sky diving event. A team of six sky divers, led by Lt Col Satyendra Verma, jumped from a height of 10,000 ft from two hovering Chetak helicopters. Keeping pace with the high-adrenaline action was a 30-minute show by the motorcycle riders, more popularly known as the dare devils.

The team consists of volunteer Dispatch Riders (DR) and on Sunday afternoon, the 31-member team showcased acrobats as well as tricks and stunts all astride their thundering motorcycles. Captain Rahul Saini led the dare devils as they displayed high levels of precision and timing during the course of the event. Another highlight of the well-attended show was the silent drill. Formed in the Corps of Signals, the team is first of its kind in the Indian Army. The main attraction was that it was performed with perfect coordination and synchronisation, but without any word of command.

Given the boisterous nature of the Army drills, where commands by the leader can be heard from far away, the silent drill took most by surprise. The event was attended Lt Gen S R Ghosh, AVSM, SM, GOC-in-C, Western Command, Lt Gen MS Bhuttar, VSM, Chief of Staff, Western Command, Maj Gen TK Das, VSM as well as senior serving and retired officers with their families.
Corps of Signals celebrate centenary anniversary at Chandimandir

Challenges before the new Army Chief

General V.K. Singh has taken over as the 26th Army Chief in an environment full of challenges. Nearly half the army is committed in fighting various insurgencies and a proxy war. The combat potential of the army is at an all-time low of nearly 50 per cent.
There has been little modernisation in the last decade or so. The budget for the army gets reduced every year in real terms. The deteriorating civil-military relations do not bode well for the safety and security of the nation. And the regional security environment is cause for concern.
The status of army personnel is dwindling continuously, adversely affecting the morale of the rank and file. The shortage of officers is again at a precariously high level. The veterans’ resentment consequent to the dragging of feet by the government on their long-pending demand for one rank one pension (OROP) threatens to boil over.
The situation reminds this writer of the battlefield message sent by a General to his Emperor: “Am surrounded both sides. My centre cannot hold. Situation excellent. I shall attack.” Will the new Army Chief, who had cut his professional teeth in a proud and valorous regiment, replicate this by being proactive? The citizens, who have a great affection for the army, do expect it from him.
Lt-Gen Vijay Oberoi (Retd)
The writer is a former Vice-Chief of the Indian Army
Click link below to read the full account
Challenges before the new Army Chief by Lt-Gen Vijay Oberoi (retd)

Air Chief Marshal PV Naik takes over as Chairman, COSC

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik receiving the baton as he took over as the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) from outgoing Chief of Army Staff, General Deepak Kapoor at a brief ceremony, in New Delhi on March 30, 2010. Photo no.CNR- 31003

PIB: Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal PV Naik took over as the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) today. He received the baton of Chairman, COSC from outgoing Chief of Army Staff, General Deepak Kapoor at a brief ceremony in the South Block. Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Nirmal Verma was also present.

Speaking on the occasion, Air Marshal Naik said the Indian Armed Forces are in the process of moulding existing and emerging concepts together, to develop capabilities and solutions that will directly benefit the Armed Forces and the joint warfighter of tomorrow. In his farewell address, General Deepak Kapoor said a number of important ongoing issues like Network for Spectrum, Ballistic Missile Defence and Space Based Systems need to be addressed jointly.

Commissioned into the IAF in June 1969 as a fighter pilot, Air Marshal Naik has flown a variety of combat aircraft and is a Qualified Flying Instructor and a Fighter Combat Leader. A graduate of the Defence Services Staff College and an alumnus of the National Defence College, Air Marshal Naik is a recipient of the Param Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal. PK
Air Chief Marshal PV Naik takes over as Chairman, COSC

Space Warfare: Sky's the limit

The Indian Express
Tags : DRDO, defence ministry, india
Posted: Tuesday , Feb 16, 2010 at 0201 hrs
Beijing’s dismissal of the DRDO’s claims that its missile technology is superior to that of China might provoke knee-jerk patriotism in Delhi. But no one in the world disputes that China is way ahead of India in missilery and military uses of space. By transferring missiles and their production technology, China has also put Pakistan ahead of India. Instead of acknowledging the reality and redoubling the effort to catch up, the DRDO is making extravagant claims. Take, for example, its head V.K. Saraswat’s claim that the Agni-III, with its 3000 km range, is ready for “induction” by the services. A weapons system inducted after just four tests including one failure? This is the kind of sanctimonious self-congratulation that the DRDO has doled out for decades. Because they wrap themselves in the flag, we are not supposed to ask questions, only clap. Saraswat has claimed that “there is no need to produce and store missiles in today’s world”. Really? China has more than 1000 missiles pointed at Taiwan; and is producing and deploying missiles in scores every year.
Sky's the limit

Comments
Still long way to go
By: MK Mohanty | 16-Feb-2010
In India, we always take too much pride in achievements that are already too late. Here all government organisations have no accountability and people ride to top just doing manipulations and politics. There is no investigation why projects are taking too much time and what the actual quality of products they develop. Instead people in name of patriotism just get proud and complacent. There are only a few people who are sincere and put to much effort to get whatever success they achieve, but they get hardly any recognition and reward for their achievements. Instead people who do not have any honest effort of professional integrity and those who only play blame-game and are active players of favouritism in terms of their language, race and political orientation get all the highlights. This is the culture we have in all spheres of our life and still we feel we are great of all civilisations. We've to still long way to go to understand what exactly is going on around us.

There is NO accountability in the whole system, be it scientists or politicians.
By: Jatin | 16-Feb-2010
In reality, India is great mainly those areas where independent verification is not possible; but in any other area of science-technology we are lagging far behind China and also slipping down fast compared to our own past (as per published data). There is NO accountability in the whole system, be it scientists or politicians. Whole system is crippled by nepotism and political interference.

Indian armed forces release joint warfare doctrines

New Delhi, Feb 9 : The Indian armed forces, in a major step towards synergising their fighting capabilities, Tuesday released three joint doctrines -- on sub-conventional operations, electronic warfare and maritime air operations -- that also redefine the battlefield of the future as battle space.

"The joint doctrines collectively aver that it may be more appropriate to call the battlefield of the future as battle space, since wars would be fought not only in air, on land and sea but also in cyberspace, on electronic fronts, along information highways and media fronts," a defence ministry statement said.

"Success in such a battle space depends on joint teamwork by maritime, ground and air forces operating effectively, individually and together in support of shared military objectives," it added.

"Considering the prevailing security environment in the country and its neighbourhood, it is mandatory to ensure that the thrust of all agencies involved in combating terrorism is focussed towards the common enemy and the synergised endeavour produces best results.

"Taking the lead from the operational imperatives, these doctrines would fundamentally shape the way armed forces plan, think and train for military operations," statement said, adding: "The Indian armed forces are one of the few militaries in the world which have joint operational doctrines for optimising their capabilities."

The doctrines were released by Indian Army chief General Deepak Kapoor, who is also the chairman of the chiefs of staff committee. Indian Navy chief Admiral Nirmal Verma and Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik were also present on the occasion. --IANS
India armed forces release joint warfare doctrines