The Republic of Scams

Dipankar Paul, India Syndicate, 26/04/2011
The Republic of Scams
2010 was The Year of Scams: The 2G spectrum scam, the CWG scandal, the Adarsh Housing Society debacle, all contributed to shatter India's image on the global stage. Yet, scams are not new to this part of the world. In fact, since Independence, India has seen so many cases of high-profile fraud, it's a wonder why we haven't already been renamed the Republic of Scams.
click here to read major scams from 1946 till date
Comment: Banana republic is a pejorative term that refers to a politically unstable country dependent upon limited agriculture (e.g. bananas), and ruled by a small, self-elected, wealthy, corrupt politico-economic plutocracy or oligarchy. Ours seems to be truly a fake Democracy!

Book on Army's achievements

Defence Minister A.K. Antony, along with Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshall P.V. Naik and other officers, at the Air Force Commanders Conference in New Delhi on Monday. Photo: S. Subramanium of The Hindu
Friday, Apr 29, 2011 Special Correspondent The Hindu
NEW DELHI: Chief of Army Staff General V.K. Singh has released a book “Footprints — On the Sands of Time; Indian Army's Unique Achievements,” at a ceremony during the ongoing Army Commanders Conference here.

The book, compiled by a team of officers at the office of Additional Directorate General of Public Information, comprises more than 200 entries, most of which are historic or unique in their own way and pertain to the military environment and ethos.

The Army Chief also presented medals for essay competition. Colonel Manish Bhave and Lieutenant Colonel B.S. Rai won gold medals in their respective categories — on subjects, “Future Shape, Size and Structure of the Indian Army” and “Man Management and Stress Management in LIC [Low Intensity Conflict] Situation.” respectively. Havildar Anand Prakash was awarded the top medal for his essay “Army as a Profession” in the Junior Commission Officers and Other Ranks group, a Defence Ministry release said.

Captain Rochak Tyagi, Major A.K. Mishra and Subedar Anant Ram bagged silver medals, followed by Lieutenant Colonel K. Ravichandran, Lieutenant Amit Semwal and Naib Subedar Puran Chandra who won bronze medals.
Book on Army's achievemnts
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Protest March from Jantar Mantar- Fight against Corruption

Protest March on 01 May 11 from Jantar Mantar to India Gate, FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION
Dear All,
Crusader Anna Hazare sat on fast unto death from 5 April to 10 April 2011 at Jantar Mantar and the Government had to accept all his demands to draft a strong and effective Jan Lok Pal Bill. IESM had strongly supported the movement and veterans under the banner of IESM were present in large numbers on all days at Jatar Mantar to show solidarity and support to the movement against corruption. But as is the wont of politicians they started putting road blocks even before first meeting of the drafting committee to ensure that the proposed bill does not see the day light. Some vested interest have started a maligning contest and are spreading canard of lies to discredit the drafting team picked by veteran Anna Hazare. India against corruption has decided to undertake a solidarity march from Jantar Mantar to India Gate on Sunday 1 May at 1700h to show solidarity and confidence in the drafting committee of the Jan Lok Pal Bill. More than 10000 citizens of Delhi have confirmed their participation in the proposed march. IESM has decided to lend its support to the march and will participate in the march with full force. All veterans will participate with their caps.

All veterans are requested to reach Jantar Mantar sharp at 5PM on 1 May 11 Sunday with their caps to patricipate peacefully in the march under the banner of IESM to show solidarity with the India Against Corruption team and support the Crusader Veteran Anna Hazare.
Regards
Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM
Gen Sec IESM