General Indian Defence News

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
11-April, 2017 16:50 IST
Security Guidelines for Construction Activity Near Navy and Air Force Establishments

Restrictions on building constructions around defence installations are regulated under various Statutes and Rules / Notifications issued there under, which include the Works of defence Act, 1903, The Cantonments Act, 2006, The Aircraft Act, 1934, Ministry of Civil Aviation, 1934 Gazette Notification SO 84 (E) dated 14.01.2011 (as revised from time to time). However, all the sensitive defence installations have not been notified yet for imposition of restriction under Statutory Acts / Rules / Notifications.

In order to regulate building constructions around defence installations not covered by such notifications, Ministry of defence issued interim guidelines on 18.05.2011 for issue of No Objection Certificate (NoC) for construction activities within 500 meters of such installations. The guidelines dated 18.05.2011 have been amended from time to time. The last amendment to the NoC guidelines was issued on 21.10.2016 on the basis of review of security concerns of the defence establishments vis-a-vis public inconvenience wherein security restrictions in respect of 193 Army establishments have been reduced to 10 meters. The amendment dated 21.10.2016 further provides that for 149 Army establishments located in Jammu & Kashmir, no construction shall be permissible within 50 meters from Defence installations and for construction between 50-100 meters, NoC shall be required.

This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Dr. S

Ministry of Defence
11-April, 2017 16:44 IST
New Organisation for Undertaking Defence Procurement

Ministry of Defence constituted a Committee in April, 2016 comprising experts from various fields to study the setting up of a Defence Procurement Organisation.

The Committee submitted its Report in February 2017. The Committee has recommended the creation of a central, autonomous, empowered professional organization to build up indigenous defence capability as a strategic imperative for long term self-reliance.

Several measures have been taken in this regard which include:

• Reducing broad timeframe for completing procurement activities,

• Reduction of validity for Acceptance of Necessity to 6 months for ‘Buy’ cases and to one year for ‘Buy and Make (Indian) cases’,

• Incorporation of guidelines for change of name of vendor in Defence Procurement Procedure-2016 and notification of complaint handling guidelines,

• Processing of single vendor cases with due justification, instead of automatic retraction,

• Provision of Field Evaluation Trials in conditions where equipment is most likely to be deployed,

• Increased use of certification and simulations in technical evaluation of equipment.

• Enhancement of aim of Fast Track Procedure to cover urgent operational requirements,

• Elaboration of Request for Information process as the first step of acquisition process and defining the objectives clearly,

• Provision for bringing cases with ‘Acceptance of Necessity’ value of more than 150 crore directly before Services Capital Acquisition Categorisation Higher Committee by eliminating one level.

This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to Shri Rajeev Shukla in Rajya Sabha today.

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Ministry of Defence
11-April, 2017 16:43 IST
Shortage of Soldiers in Armed Forces


The shortage of soldiers in the three Armed Forces is given as under:

Officers:
Army(as on 1.1.2017)
7986

Navy(as on January, 2017)
1256

Air Force(as on 7.4.2017)
Nil


JCOs / Other Ranks & Equivalent:

Army(as on 1.1.2017)
25472*

Navy(as on January, 2017)
12785

Air Force(as on 1.3.2017)
13614


* Against this deficiency, 78205 recruits are under training. As such there is no significant problem of shortage in other ranks in Army.


This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to Shri Shankarbhai N Vegadin Rajya Sabha today.

 

[Hindustani78]

Cabinet
12-April, 2017 18:16 IST
Cabinet approves transfer on lease of 6.5628 acres of Defence land to Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan at Air Force Station Kanpur for construction of school building

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the transfer on lease of 6.5628 acres of Defence land to Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan(KVS) at Air Force Station Kanpur (AFS Kanpur). It will be used for construction of school building and other associated infrastructure in partial modification of its earlier decision on 16.06.2011 wherein it had approved transfer 8.90 acres of defence land to KVS at AFS, Kanpur.

The defence land is being transferred on lease basis at a nominal rent of Rs. 1/- per annum without any premium in terms of existing Government policy on the subject. The infrastructure for the school will be built by the KVS as per their norms and with their own funds.

Kendriya Vidyalaya at AFS Kanpur is functioning since August 1985 from a temporary barrack-type accommodation which does not fully meet the requirements of a school as per laid down specifications. The existing accommodation has become inadequate to accommodate the increased number of students and required facilities. The transfer of land would enable KVS to construct its own school building with all the required facilities and amenities for both students and teachers.

The formalities relating to transfer of land to KVS would be within a period of two months. KVS will thereupon construct school buildings etc. on the leased land as per their own specifications and at their own cost.

***

 

[Hindustani78]

Cabinet
19-April, 2017 14:53 IST
Cabinet approves encashment of accumulated leave to certain Defence Services Personnel who died or were invalidated out while in service between 30 December 1991 to 29 November 1999 with less than 15 years of service

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved leave encashment up to 180 days in respect of those Defence personnel who died or were invalidated out of service between 30.12.1991 to 29.11.1999 with less than 15 years of service.

The decision will benefit the families of 9777 Officers and other personnel of Defence Services who died or were invalidated out of service during this period. This period is very significant as a large number of casualities took place during the Kargil conflict (“Operation Vijay”) and in counter insurgency operation in J&K and North East during the period.

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[RISING SUN]

India to strengthen defence along China border, build ALGs in Arunachal Pradesh
India moved to upgrade its defence infrastructure along the border with China, announcing the construction of two Advanced Landing Grounds (ALG) at Tawang and Dirang in Arunachal Pradesh on Thursday, a day after Beijing unilaterally renamed six places in northeastern state.

Defence secretary G Mohan Kumar held a high-level review meeting with Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu and discussed the ALGs to be constructed in Dirang and Tawang.

The meeting was also attended by Town Planning and Urban Development minister, Nabam Rebia, including senior Army officials and senior state officials.

Khandu has promised to speed up clearance of pending issues to expedite construction of the airfields.

The chief minister also discussed issues related to land acquisition for defence purposes, the strategic 378 km Missamari-Tenga-Tawang railway line, the status of ALGs and other security related issues.
The Missamari-Tenga-Tawang railway line is expected to be completed by October 2020. Survey work for the project, estimated at Rs 50,000- Rs 70,000 crore, is expected to begin next year.

However, defence ministry officials urged the Arunachal government to speed up on location survey works so that the project could be completed earlier.

During the meeting, the Defence Secretary informed the Chief Minister that the Defence Ministry has given its seal of approval for civilian use of the six ALGs in Arunachal Pradesh to promote tourism in this frontier state.

Kumar said the Defence Ministry had approved civilian use of these airfields on March 30.

“The dual use of the ALGs would help Arunachal Pradesh in promoting tourism and other commercial activities and bring succour to the sick and needy who require urgent transportation,” Kumar said.

The six ALGs - Tuting, Mechuka, Along, Passighat, Vijaynagar and Ziro - along the India-China border have been reconstructed, expanded and operationalised by the Defence Ministry and are under the direct control of the Indian Air Force.

On the issue of defence-related land compensation, the state government said that on the matter of dual compensation raised by the defence forces, a Group of Ministers has been set up whose report is awaited.

The Arunachal government officials informed that process is on for grant of permanent rights instead of leasehold rights to defence authorities, on condition that the defence authorities pay annual lease rent of Rs 10 per sq mt, which is as per the amended rules of the state’s land settlement laws.

The move to construct two ALGs in Tawang and Dirang comes after China renamed six places in the state, which it considers as part of “southern Tibet”. China had strongly protested the visit of Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, to Arunachal Pradesh, especially Tawang earlier this month.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india...hal-pradesh/story-EMuEqUt9oOddFi8FC9ahAN.html

 

[RISING SUN]

EU & India to step up anti terror co-operation
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/repor...ror-cooperation-engage-in-other-areas-2411058

 

[RISING SUN]

Pak high commission staffer claimed ISRO man involved, police now say no such person exists
Investigation agencies had gone into a tizzy last year after Mehmood Akhtar, a Pakistan High Commission staffer detained by Delhi Police on October 26 on charges of espionage, claimed that he had been provided sensitive information by an official of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

The claim had prompted the Delhi Police Crime Branch to scrutinise profiles of several ISRO employees, but after a thorough probe over the last few months, investigators have concluded that no such person exists. DCP (crime branch) Madhur Verma told The Indian Express that they have not found anyone from the ISRO involved in the incident. Akhtar, who was declared “persona non grata” after he was detained by officials of the inter-state cell while allegedly exchanging classified documents with three Indian agents, had claimed last year, in a video-recorded interrogation, that he sourced “sensitive” information from an ISRO official.

“Akhtar was detained from outside the Delhi Zoo and was jointly interrogated at ISC’s Chankyapuri office by officials of the ISC and intelligence agencies. Afterwards, he was handed over to High Commission officials since he enjoys diplomatic immunity,” police sources said.

At least 45 minutes of Akhtar’s questioning was recorded and on being asked about his informers, he claimed that he had been provided sensitive information by ISI agents posted at the Pakistan High Commission and an ISRO official. “Investigators later shared the details with the authority concerned and started scanning profiles of employees. But they didn’t find anything,” sources said.

Police have filed the supplementary chargesheet in the case, wherein they have stated that all classified documents that were recovered have been verified with agencies concerned. “We had earlier filed a chargesheet against the four arrested men, including Samajwadi Party MP Chaudhary Munawwar Salim’s personal assistant Farhat Khan. Now we have filed a supplementary chargesheet after receiving a confirmation report from authorities stating these documents are classified,” Verma said.

Sources said the investigators stated that the documents comprised details of deployment of the armed force in Sir Creek, the Army’s fire plan, and the position of surface-to-air missiles. Police claimed in their report that, after confirmation by authorities, it has been substantiated that the documents are classified and can be used to give another country operational advantage during a war.
http://indianexpress.com/article/ci...police-now-say-no-such-person-exists-4620384/
This might have been good ploy by staffer in providing false information knowing that arrested staffer will be released soon due to diplomatic immunity. For months security agencies would have been chasing for leads which didn't existed in ISRO, though UP lead got arrested and seized documents verified.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Human Resource Development
02-May, 2017 18:35 IST
Prakash Javadekar Launches VIDYA VEERTA ABHIYAN

Patriotric Fervour’s Re Energisation in Universities and Colleges is need of the Hour- Prakash Javadekar


Union Minister of Human Resource Development Shri Prakash Javadekar today launched the VIDYA VEERTA ABHIYAN here in New Delhi. He was accompanied by Minister of State for Defence Dr. Subhash Ramrao Bhamre, writer Shri Tarun Vijay, Senior Officers from Indian Army, Air Force and Navy Lt. General Sarat Chandra, Air Marshal H.N.Bhagwat, Rear Admiral K.K.Pandey, Paramveer Chakra recipient Grenadier Sanjay Kumar and Subedar Yogendra Singh Yadav on this occasion. A collage of photo portraits and book on Paramveer Chakra recipients was also released and presented to Vice-Chancellors of universities.


Highlighting the importance of the occasion Shri Javadekar expressed his gratitude towards the most difficult service rendered by our armed forces. He said we feel secure just because of the continuous vigil and alertness of our forces busy in securing our borders. The Minister said these are our real post independence heroes while the freedom fighters who laid their lives and faced atrocities for the cause of freedom are the natural heroes since the days of Satyagraha which culminated in the revolution for getting independence from the foreign rule.

Shri Javadekar said through this campaign a wall of valour will be built in colleges and universities across the country and this will be built on contributory funding by students and teachers on voluntary basis. He said this wall will be 15X20 feet in size and will depict the portraits of all the 21 Paramveer Chakra recipients. The Minister expressed the hope that this will help revive and re-energize the patriotic fervour in our young minds.


The Minister said organising of such events help in changing atmosphere in our colleges and universities. It is just to revive the patriotic feeling in our youth. He said we are not interested to teach lessons of patriotism to anyone as it is innate in every individual. But its continuous revival is a dire need. Shri Javadekar said we do not want to force it.

The event was attended by several vice-chancellor of universities, scholars, ex-servicemen and school children. Paramveer chakra recipient Shri Sanjay Kumar and Shri Yogendra Singh Yadav who also shared their war memories and experiences with the audience and instilled patriotic feelings in the young ones.


The function was also addressed by Dr. Subhash Ramrao Bhamre MoS Defence and Shri Tarun Vijay, the convener of the event.

******

GG/ST/IA/ VIDYA VEERTA ABHIYAAN

The Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Shri Prakash Javadekar presented the portraits of Param Veer Chakra heroes to the Vice Chancellors of Universities, at the inauguration of the “VIDYA, VEERTA ABHIYAAN”, in New Delhi on May 02, 2017. The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Subhash Ramrao Bhamre and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Shri Prakash Javadekar presented the portraits of Param Veer Chakra heroes to the Vice Chancellors of Universities, at the inauguration of the “VIDYA, VEERTA ABHIYAAN”, in New Delhi on May 02, 2017. The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Subhash Ramrao Bhamre and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Shri Prakash Javadekar presented the portraits of Param Veer Chakra heroes to the Vice Chancellors of Universities, at the inauguration of the “VIDYA, VEERTA ABHIYAAN”, in New Delhi on May 02, 2017. The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Subhash Ramrao Bhamre and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Shri Prakash Javadekar honoured the Param Veer Chakra heroes, at the inauguration of the “VIDYA, VEERTA ABHIYAAN”, in New Delhi on May 02, 2017. The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Subhash Ramrao Bhamre and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Shri Prakash Javadekar addressing at the inauguration of the “VIDYA, VEERTA ABHIYAAN”, in New Delhi on May 02, 2017. The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Subhash Ramrao Bhamre and other dignitaries are also seen.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Subhash Ramrao Bhamre addressing at the inauguration of the “VIDYA, VEERTA ABHIYAAN”, in New Delhi on May 02, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/decoding-the-doctrine/article18404994.ece?homepage=true


More clarity is needed on implementing the Joint Indian Armed Forces Doctrine

“Surgical strikes”, probably the most abused term of 2016, are now the new norm. The Joint Doctrine of the Indian Armed Forces 2017, released in April, has formally embedded them as a part of sub-conventional operations — meaning that from now on, they are among a range of options at the military’s disposal to respond to terrorist attacks.

The more interesting aspect in the second such joint doctrine since 2006 is that the scope of “surgical strikes” has been left open. There is no mention of their employment being within the country or beyond its borders — the ambiguity is intended to send a message in the neighbourhood.

Larger message lost
In this context, it is important to note that the surgical strikes in September 2016 on terror camps along the Line of Control, though much maligned due to political chest-thumping draped in the camouflage of nationalism, did achieve some far-reaching strategic objectives. They were never meant to put an end to terrorism but reversed a discourse which began in 1998 that India was out of conventional options in its quiver in the face of continued cross-border terrorism after the Indian and Pakistani nuclear tests. Unfortunately, this bigger message was lost in the noise.

Further, while acknowledging that the possibility of a “conventional war under a nuclear over-hang” recedes with attendant “political and international compulsions”, the doctrine notes that training of ‘‘Special Operations Division’’ for execution of precision tasks needs no reiteration. Factoring in the escalation potential of a conflict due to such actions, it states: “The possibility of sub-conventional escalating to a conventional level would be dependent on multiple influences, principally: politically-determined conflict claims; strategic conjuncture; operational circumstance; international pressures and military readiness.”

The doctrine also reiterates the basic tenets of the Indian nuclear doctrine, no-first use (NFU) and minimum credible deterrence, contrary to recent calls to revise the NFU and speculation in the West that India would resort to a first strike.

It adds that conflict will be determined or prevented through a process of credible deterrence, coercive diplomacy and conclusively by punitive destruction, disruption and constraint in a nuclear environment across the Spectrum of Conflict.

Flowing from the broader objective is the statement that Special Forces units will be “tasked to develop area specialisation in their intended operational theatres” to achieve an optimum effect.

The various objectives open up an entire gamut of capability addition and process optimisation for the Indian military to be able to enforce it. Achieving these broad objectives requires seamless synergy between the three services, a far cry in the present circumstances.

Interestingly some of the biggest policy decisions have been stuck endlessly — appointment of a Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), formation of cyber, space and Special Forces commands and carving out inter-service theatre commands. After some initial push from the Government, the enthusiasm has gone cold.

The doctrine also declares: “Undertaking ‘Integrated Theatre Battle’ with an operationally adaptable force, to ensure decisive victory in a network centric environment… in varied geographical domains, will be the guiding philosophy for evolution of force application and war fighting strategies.” In this context, how the doctrine will be put into effect will be worth watching given that the 15 year Long Term Integrated Perspective Plan is nowhere near being achieved by any of the three services.

Indigenisation challenge
Another important pronouncement under the “National Military Objectives” is: “Enable required degree of self-sufficiency in defence equipment and technology through indigenization to achieve desired degree of technological independence by 2035.”

This probably presents the biggest challenge of all given the fledgling state of the domestic defence-industrial complex. While a grand pronouncement was made under the “Make in India” initiative, it has essentially remained an exercise in doling out billions of dollars to foreign companies.

The doctrine is a bold announcement, but without the necessary elements in place, it will remain just another document like the policy formulations enunciated earlier. Or worse, it will be relegated to being another political slogan for popular resonance rather than send out a message of intent beyond Indian borders and shores.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/defence-pay-hike-from-may/article18404958.ece?homepage=true

Order says remaining core concerns are being addressed separately
After a wait of about eight months, military personnel are likely to receive their revised pay recommended by the Seventh Pay Commission with arrears in May’s salary, say the general instructions issued by the three Services to their personnel.

The Union Cabinet issued orders last week for implementing the recommendations for military personnel. Following this, the three Services issued the general instructions stating the various recommendations that were approved.

“Army pay rules 2017 issued on May 03 … Some core concerns have been addressed and remaining core concerns are being addressed separately,” said the instructions issued by the Army’s Pay Commission Cell on May 5.

Pay stages stretched
The recommendations approved include extension of pay stages for junior commissioned officers (JCO) and other ranks from 24 to 40 to prevent stagnation, increase in index of rationalisation for Colonels and Lieutenant-Colonels from 2.57 to 2.67 and extension of pay stages for Brigadiers by two.

On the pension front, two recommendations approved are restoration of the percentage-based disability pension and an additional option for pension by pay fixation method in addition to the consolidation method, whichever is higher.

“Revised pay with arrears likely to be credited this month,” the instruction stated.

Arrears since Jan. ‘16
Sources said the arrears will be calculated from January 2016, the date of implementation of the pay panel recommendations, and will be credited with this month’s salary along with the revised pay. “They will deduct the 10% interim arrears given before Deepavali last year,” a source added.

The Controller-General of Defence Accounts (CGDA), which is responsible for implementing the recommendations, has already been issued instructions. “They will now calculate the revised tables and release them,” the source said.

Anomalies remain
However, some of the core anomalies raised by the services are yet to be addressed, top among them are Non-Functional Upgrade (NFU) and higher Military Service Pay (MSP) for JCOs.

NFU entitles all officers of a batch who are not promoted to draw the salary and grade pay that the senior-most officer of their batch would get after a certain period.

In a reference to that the instructions notes: “Pay comparison between defence services, all India services and Group A services must be understood in totality and explained to rank and file to dispel apprehensions about discrepancies.

 

[NirmalKrish]

http://www.timesnow.tv/india/video/...trocities-bunker-debunked-in-60-seconds/60651

 

[Hindustani78]

President's Secretariat
11-May, 2017 17:09 IST
Address by the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee on the occasion of National Technology Day Vigyan Bhavan: May 11, 2017

1. I am indeed very happy to be present amidst you this afternoon for the nineteenth National Technology Day function being organized by the Ministry of Science and Technology. When we celebrate Technology Day, it is not only to commemorate the spectacular technological achievements of our nation. It is also to encourage the upcoming innovators and entrepreneurs, whose efforts are helping in percolating the benefits of science and technology to the society at large and the common man in particular.

2. Scientific and technological developments are a key to any nation’s success. India is one of the top-ranking countries in the field of basic research. Indian science has progressed to become one of the most powerful instruments of knowledge. Yet in the wake of new demands of economic growth, it is necessary to embark on translating science and technology into developmental needs in all sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, health, communication and education.

3. I am proud to state that our nation has been making rapid strides. Last year, we witnessed a number of remarkable achievements in the field of science and technology. It was a proud moment for every Indian when ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle successfully launched 104 satellites into the orbit, marking the thirty-eighth consecutive successful mission of PSLV. India’s first Light Combat Aircraft Tejas was inducted into the Indian Air Force, marking the culmination of many years of painstaking research and hard work. Successful test firings of Medium and Long Range Surface to Air Missiles, which have been developed by DRDO in collaboration with Israel, were conducted. Maiden test flight of the Rustom-II Unmanned Aerial Vehicle was also successfully carried out by DRDO.

Ladies and gentlemen:

4. While we applaud these significant achievements, we must also contemplate on whether the technological developments have been limited to only a few sectors. Our pursuits in science and technology have to be more inclusive and encompassing, improving the lives of our vast population. In building such a scenario, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) plays a pivotal role. It promotes new areas of scientific development and supports the entire eco-system, from seeding and capacity building in cutting-edge research to translational research. DST works deep in technology development and deployment; innovations and start-ups; and international collaborations. This, they do so, by supporting infrastructure, scientists and students in academic and R&D institutions across the country. DST has established strategically important systems and mechanisms to foster excellence and leadership in scientific R&D, aligned with India’s developmental aspirations.

5. It is heartening to know that DST’s initiatives like “National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovation”, called NIDHI, is aimed at building an innovation-driven entrepreneurial eco-system for wealth and job creation. The INSPIRE programme, or “Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research”, tap students early in life and nurture them to take up science and pursue careers in research. “Scholarship for Higher Education”, or SHE, encourage students to undertake higher studies in science-intensive programmes by providing scholarships and mentoring through summer attachment. “Knowledge Involvement in Research Advancement through Nurturing” called KIRAN empower women scientists who had a break in their career. I compliment DST for its efforts towards encouraging S&T as a mission and career in the country.

6. Technology Development Board, which is the commercial wing of DST, is playing a stellar role in the development and commercialization of indigenous and imported technologies. In its twenty years of existence, the Board has vigorously pursued its mandate of providing financial assistance to Indian companies. In that respect, its role is aligned to the “Make in India” initiative of the government. Some projects of TDB have had a global impact especially in the pharmaceuticals and vaccines domain. Due to its efforts, India has emerged as a global supplier of childhood vaccines to UNICEF and World Health Organization.

Ladies and gentlemen:

7. Disparity between haves and have-nots, urban and rural areas, and exclusion or marginalization of certain groups can give rise to social unrest. It is crucial that more technological innovations are geared towards eliminating these disparities and differences. In our endeavor for global excellence, not even a single citizen should be left behind. ‘Technology for sustainable and inclusive growth’ is the need of the hour. And it is where you all – innovators, technocrats, entrepreneurs and policymakers – have an important role to play. You have to ensure that science and technology does not remain confined to a select few sectors only. Progress and growth of the country will be sustainable only if development for all is the overarching goal. For that, we have to ensure that all strata of the society enjoy the benefits of technological innovation and scientific advancements equally.

8. India is a land of rich diversity, with outstanding talent hidden away even in the remotest areas and minutest villages. Such potential needs to be discovered and nurtured. Our nation has been making steady progress towards increasing connectivity between far-flung regions and integrating people from all walks of life. It is essential that we continue to move forward in this direction and use technology to create stable employment opportunities, encourage entrepreneurship, and build growth models that allow for inclusion of women and the disadvantaged. This will lead to the empowerment of citizens, which is the hallmark of a strong nation.

Ladies and gentlemen:

9. The challenges facing us are many. Ground-breaking innovations are required in key sectors like energy, education, healthcare and agriculture. Technological initiatives in these fields will have wide implications. I, therefore, urge the prominent gathering present here to give singular emphasis on these areas. On this occasion, I also take the opportunity of congratulating our agricultural scientists who have contributed to increasing foodgrain production in India to record levels.

10. I must, however, add that radical innovations, which are long-term drivers of growth, must not come at the cost of our environment. With rapid industrialization and the consequent mechanization of different sectors, keeping carbon emissions in check has become imperative. In our quest for technical supremacy, we must always remember that a country’s progress, in the true sense, hinges upon striking a balance between fulfillment of economic needs and protection of the natural environment. The rising concerns about global climate change must spur us on to find novel technological solutions to achieve this objective.

11. Devising strategies for inclusive and sustainable development will require collaborative efforts among the public and private sectors. Strong political will and commitment, backed by firm and effective policies; investment in infrastructure and education; and focus on adoption of eco-friendly technologies will enable us to promote inclusive growth without compromising on sustainability.

12. I encourage the innovators, policymakers, and technological spearheads gathered here today to join hands and take our nation to the upper echelons of development. Make India a force to reckon with in the world. I wish each one of you present here the very best for the future.

Thank you.

Jai Hind.

****

 

[Hindustani78]

Officials of the Andhra University and the Navy exchanging an MoU in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday.
http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...courses-in-defence-sector/article18420772.ece

Varsity is in a position to earn about ₹100 crore in the next two to three years, says V-C
With the government support to the State-run universities dwindling with every passing year, the universities are looking out for sources of revenue apart from the traditional courses and the government grants.

Taking a lead in this direction, Andhra University has entered into a series of agreements with the defence sector for offering various courses and which would not only bring in additional revenue to the cash-strapped 90-year-old university, but also provide a good platform for the university students to interact with the professionals from the defence sector.

Win-win situation
According to AU Vice-Chancellor Prof. G. Nageswara Rao, it is a win-win situation both for the university and the defence establishments “On one hand we will be embarking upon new innovative courses that will benefit the servicemen and on the other the university will be earning good revenue and the peer influence will rise to a new-level,” he said.

According to him with the various tie-ups, AU will be in a position to earn close to about ₹100 crore in the next two to three years.

The university will offer close to 117 courses in the defence sector, covering disciplines ranging from engineering to sciences and humanities to law.

Giving details, the Vice-Chancellor said, “Recently we entered into an MoU with INS Viswakarma, Naval Dockyard, Eastern Naval Command, for offering courses in B.Sc (Naval Architecture) and B.Sc (Hull Maintenance). For Eastern Naval Command we are starting BE, B. Tech and MBA courses in the evening and we have entered into an MoU with the Air Force for offering courses in foreign languages like French, German, Japanese and Arabic.”

Diploma course in yoga
According to Prof. Rao, the foreign language courses have already begun at the campus and the Indian Air Force has also signed up for a diploma course in yoga.

Putting all the courses together, the university will be earning around ₹50 crore in the next two years, and we intend to scale it up to ₹100 crore subsequently, informed Prof. Nageswara Rao to The Hindu.

These apart, the university has also tied up with the Directorate General for Resettlement in New Delhi and the university will be offering short-term diploma courses or skill enhancement courses such as diploma in yoga, fire fighting, disaster management and marine engineering. “These courses are basically aimed at retired defence personnel and the intake in each course will be about 50 and the duration will be for three months,” said the V-C.

The annual budget is around ₹500 crore, and the block grant sanctioned by the State government is about ₹292 crore. This grant takes care of the annual salary and pension component of the university.

The remaining is met from internal sources, such as fees collection from students and affiliated colleges.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
20-May, 2017 15:16 IST
Defence Acquisition Council Finalises Broad Contours of Policy to Engage Indian Private Sector in Manufacture of High-Tech Defence Equipment in India

Breaking new ground, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) under the Chairmanship of the Minister of Defence, Shri Arun Jaitley, today finalised the broad contours of a policy aimed at engaging the Indian private sector in the manufacture of high-tech defence equipment in India. The policy is aimed at developing the defence industrial eco-system in the country through the involvement of both the major Indian corporates as well as the MSME sector.

The policy, which was developed through extensive stakeholder consultations with Indian industry, envisages the establishment of long-term strategic partnerships with qualified Indian industry majors through a transparent and competitive process wherein the Indian industry partners would tie up with global OEMs to seek technology transfers and manufacturing know-how to set up domestic manufacturing infrastructure and supply chains. The policy will give a boost to the ‘Make in India’ policy in the Defence sector and set Indian industry on the path to acquiring cutting-edge capabilities which will contribute to the building of self-reliance in the vital sector of national security requirements.

The policy is expected to be implemented in a few selected segments to begin with, namely, fighter aircraft, submarines and armoured vehicles. In future, additional segments may be added. Appropriate institutional mechanisms will be set in place to implement the policy.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
22-May, 2017 17:33 IST
3rd Defence – ITTA Joint Seminar and Exhibition: 2017

The 3rd Defence – ITTA (Indian Technical Textile Association) Joint Seminar cum Exhibition was inaugurated by Smt Smriti Zubin Irani, Hon’ble Minister of Textiles, Govt of India, on 22 May at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi. Gen Bipin Rawat, the Army Chief and senior officials from the Defence Services, MoD, MHA and Industry were present at the function.


The seminar is being conducted over 22 & 23 May and will include topics related to developments in personal and protective clothing as also building, medical and geo textiles. Items like Special Snow Socks, HAPO Chambers, Snow Goggles, Thermal Insoles and Ruck Sacks being used in Siachen Glacier and other super high altitude areas which were being imported till recently will now be manufactured in India of matching quality and at a much cheaper price.


The Hon’ble Minister of Textiles highlighted the need for exploiting the advanced R&D facilities for improving the existing inventory of the Army. While assuring all assistance from her Ministry, she reiterated the need for the industry to explore various business models and joint ventures. She said that there is a distinction between ‘supplying’ and ‘serving’ and the industry should strive to ‘serve our defence forces’. She also highlighted the scope of NTC (National Technical Cooperation) supplying their vast product range to the Army.


Gen Bipin Rawat reiterated that joint initiatives between the Textile Ministry, MoD and industry assume great significance given the fact that many of the principal items of Ordnance Equipment Factory (OEF) are going to be offered to the Trade on a permanent basis over the next 3 to 5 years. He highlighted that the Government is supporting the industry and the onus is on the Defence forces to take the advantage of the same.


Lt Gen RR Nimbhorkar, Master General of Ordnance (MGO) apprised the delegates of specific areas where improvements were needed. He urged the industry for early indigenisation of the three layered Special Suits, Sleeping Bags, Boot Mufti-Purpose and Modular Gloves that are being used in the super high altitude areas besides products improvement for Extreme Cold Clothing (ECC), Mattress Kapok, Face Mask, etc. The MGO reiterated that the industry has a lot of scope for participating in the Rs 3000 crore General Stores and Clothing requirements.


From the Industry side, Mr Pramod Khosla, Chairman ITTA and Dr KS Sundararajan, Vice Chairman, ITTA assured the Army officials of constant support. Exhibitions stalls from various Business Houses dealing with technical textiles and Army’s present clothing and general stores inventory were laid for the delegates to see.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
25-May, 2017 12:10 IST
Sanjay Mitra Takes Over as the New Defence Secretary

Shri Sanjay Mitra, took over as the new Defence Secretary on May 24th, succeeding Shri G Mohan Kumar.


Belonging to the 1982 batch of IAS, West Bengal cadre, Shri Mitra is a Post-Graduate in Physics and Economics. He also did his Mason Fellowship at the John F Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University in 1995 – 96.


Shri Mitra was earlier Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways in the Government of India and had also worked as Chief Secretary of West Bengal.