Monthly Archives: August 2018

New Delhi, March 26

The Indian Navy’s iconic Tupolev-142M anti-submarine warfare aircraft will be decommissioned on Wednesday after serving as a mainstay in guarding the Indian Ocean region for almost three decades.The Soviet-era aircraft, known as one of the most formidable airborne reconnaissance platforms around the world, were part of all major naval exercises and operations of Indian Navy since its induction in 1988.Tupolev-142M fleet is being replaced by 12 P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft of Boeing which are equipped with harpoon anti-ship missiles, lightweight torpedoes, rockets and new generation sensors and radars.A Navy official said the Tupolev-142M aircraft would be decommissioned by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba on March 29 at a ceremony at INS Rajali, India’s premier naval air station in Tamil Nadu’s Arakkonam.A total of eight Tupolev-142Ms were inducted into the Navy and currently only three of them are in operation.“The aircraft has done the Indian Navy proud by participating in all major naval exercises and operations with distinction. The aircraft saw action during Operation Cactus in Maldives and participated in operational missions off Sri Lanka to provide airborne surveillance,” said the official.With its four powerful engines, slender fuselage and swept wings, Tupolev is the fastest turboprop aircraft in the world and reportedly is difficult to intercept by fighters.The decommissioning of the reconnaissance aircraft comes weeks after the Navy bid farewell to aircraft carrier INS Viraat. — PTI

General Bipin Rawat addresses the media. Tribune file photo

New Delhi, March 23

The armed forces should be prepared for conventional warfare along the country’s borders and advanced technology for military must be made available on a fast track mode, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said on Thursday.

He said that adequate focus must be given to ensure that “trial procedure” for procurement of military systems do not linger on for too long.

Without naming any country, Rawat said India will continue to face conventional or non-traditional forms of warfare and the armed forces will have to be ready to deal with any such challenge.

“The armed forces will have to remain prepared for conventional warfare along our borders,” the army chief said while addressing a two-day conference on military communication.

Addressing the gathering, Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre said the government was committed to fulfil requirements of the armed forces and that information technology can act as a force multiplier.

Rawat also stressed on the need to adopt the latest technologies for the armed forces without any delay so that it does not become obsolete after induction.

“We will have to identify the correct type of technology for the armed forces and ensure that our trial procedure do not linger on for long,” he said.

Communication technology for the armed forces must be simple, light-weight and easy to maintain as they will be required for wars on the borders, he said, adding the technology must work in extreme weather conditions.

Referring to social media, the Army Chief said the “adversaries” appeared to be taking advantage of it.

He also talked about the need for having proper encryption mechanism, both for voice and data, for communication network for the armed forces.

Speaking on the occasion, CII’s Chandrajit Banerjee pitched for early notification of the strategic partnership for defence production between the government and the defence industry. — PTI

Ashok Chaudhary (seated), husband of minister Aruna Chaudhary (R), at an Education Department meeting in Punjab Secretariat. Tribune Photo

Ruchika M Khanna

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 22

One must have heard of panch “patis” running the show on behalf of their better halves, but of “mantri pati”, perhaps not. Aruna Chaudhary, Minister of State, Higher Education and School Education,  seems to be relying completely on her spouse Ashok Chaudhary ”for helping her learn the ropes.” The latter told The Tribune that this was because they were a perfect couple, who worked in coordination!  Ashok Chaudhary not only accompanied the minister to her office today, but was seen chairing department meetings, meeting MLAs who called on his wife at her office on the sixth floor of the Punjab Civil Secretariat, and even going through the department files. While the minister stood talking to women representatives, her husband remained seated on  a chair placed adjacent to the minister’s (with higher back).  All this while, officers seemed quite amused at this power “shift”. But Ashok Chaudhary, a retired Additional Director, Local Bodies Department, told The Tribune that he had merely accompanied his wife to the Secretariat to help her locate her room and get familiar with the work environment as well as to guide her on holding meetings. “What wrong have I done? As her life partner, I should be helping her at every step. She has been assigned two public dealing departments. I was merely helping her. As a former government employee, I am aware of the rules and have not issued any directions on her behalf,” he said.Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh had promised 33 per cent  reservation for women in jobs at his maiden Cabinet meeting held last week. He has inducted two women in his Cabinet. Punjab has seen some of the toughest women politicians, who have worked independently. Rajinder Kaur Bhattal has been the CM. Sukhbans Kaur Bhinder, Satwant Kaur Sandhu, Bibi Jagir Kaur and Dr Upinderjit Kaur have been ministers. They all worked independently.

New Delhi, March 21

A total of 88 Kashmiri youths joined militancy in 2016, the highest in the last six years, the Centre has said, adding that infiltration almost tripled last year as compared to 2015.It, however, said the situation in J&K had “improved to a large extent” in the current year. In written replies to two separate questions in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Home Affairs Hansraj Gangaram Ahir shared data about Kashmiri youths taking up arms, infiltration attempts and law and order situation in the Valley.The data shows a steady increase in the number of youths taking up arms in the Valley from 2014 onwards as compared to the period between 2010 and 2013.According to the data, 88 Kashmiri youths joined militancy in 2016, which is the highest in the last six years.In 2010, 54 youths joined militancy, in 2011 the number came down to 23. It further dipped to 21 in 2012 and 16 in 2013, it said. In 2014, the number shot to 53, and in 2015, it reached 66 before touching the highest mark in six years (88) in 2016, the data said.“The state of Jammu and Kashmir has been affected by terrorism, sponsored and supported from across the border. The levels of terrorist violence in the hinterland of J&Kare linked to infiltration from across the border,” Ahir said.The data on infiltration shows that about 121 terrorists had sneaked into the country in 2012, highest in six years, followed by 119 in 2016.“The counter-terrorism efforts saw the best figures in 2010, when 81 per cent of the infiltration attempts were thwarted by the security forces, with only 95 terrorists entering the country as against 489 attempts,” the data said.In 2011, 52 terrorists had crossed over against 247 infiltration attempts, while in 2013, 97 ultras managed to sneak in against 277 attempts, it said. — PTI

Laying focus on violence-prone areas’

• “Barring some violence-prone pockets, the situation is at present normal. Efforts are afoot to bring the situation under control in these vulnerable pockets,” said Minister of State for Home Affairs Hansraj Gangaram Ahir in the Lok Sabha

Charanjit Singh Channi assumes charge as Technical Education Minister on Monday. Photo courtesy: Facebook Charanjit Channi

‎Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 20

Charanjit Singh Channi on assuming charge as Technical Education and Industrial Training Minister on Monday said his priority would be to ensure professional training to the youth of the state. ‎He said evaluation of the present syllabi in the technical education institutes would be carried out, which would be replaced by the syllabi in accordance with demands of today’s technologically driven era and would be of the level of IITs and other prominent institutes.

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The Minister said it would be his endeavour to substitute the outdated courses with the ones which would be job-oriented. He said the intelligent students would be sent abroad for higher studies at government expense which would save them from being exploited by unscrupulous agents.

A Sikh manuscript and swords displayed at Newarke Houses Museum in Leicester. Photos: sikhmuseum.org.uk

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 19

An exhibition underway at Newarke Houses Museum, Leicester, is showcasing relics from the Anglo-Sikh wars.The wars were fought between the Sikh Empire and the East India Company in a series of battles leading to the annexation of Punjab in 1849. The British were led by Generals who had fought in many military campaigns, such as the Napoleonic wars (1803-15), while the Sikh forces comprised remnants of the army created by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.The exhibition uses 3D modelling and augmented reality technology to bring lost relics to life. The Anglo-Sikh Wars Project was initiated last year by the Sikh Museum Initiative (SMI), which has worked with various museums across the UK. The SMI was formed in 2015 by a group of Leicester professionals and volunteers to research and promote Sikh heritage in the UK.Leading the project is Sikh scholar and historian Gurinder Singh Mann, head of the SMI. Speaking at the exhibition launch recently, Mann said: “This exhibition has brought together many items from the Anglo-Sikh wars in one place for the first time. A number of items have never been seen in public before.“We have 3D-modelled several key relics, from the Kohinoor diamond to the sword of Lord Hardinge. Our augmented reality set-up showcases how we can advance our knowledge of history and heritage through new technologies.”The exhibition, which will continue till June 4, tells the story of the battles through artefacts which were captured by British regiments, including swords, manuscripts, paintings and other objects from the battlefield.There is a parallel display at the University of Leicester, where copies of the Illustrated London News and other publications from the period can be viewed.

VIP culture ‘to end’ I Legislation on ‘conflict of interest’ I Cartels to face action

The Cabinet has called for banning use of red beacons atop vehicles, though CM’s convoy (above) is exempt. Barring Manpreet Badal, all ministers allowed use of beacons while leaving post the meeting. Photo: Pradeep Tewari

Rajmeet Singh

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 18

Proposing an overhaul of the political, administrative and police setup in Punjab, the Capt Amarinder Singh government, in its first Cabinet meeting, today decided to end the VIP culture and bring in a legislation on “conflict of interest”, wherein the ministers or MLAs could be unseated on being found to have business interest in their official capacity.

No beacons will be used by ministers, MLAs and officers on vehicles, except on emergency vehicles, the vehicles of the CM, the Chief Justice and High Court Judges.

To cut expenditure and minimise public harassment, the functioning of the district administration would not be disturbed during visits by the CM and ministers.

No banquets and dinners at government expense will be allowed.

With an aim to end the sand mining, transport, cable and liquor “cartels” active during the previous Parkash Singh Badal government, the Cabinet decided to introduce a slew of steps and legislations.

Apart from bringing a White Paper on various omissions and commissions by the SAD-BJP government, it was decided to set up a Commission of Inquiry to review “false” political cases and fix accountability.

Further, a third party audit of all the government expenditure (above Rs 10 crore) during the last three years would be done. In future, third party audit of government spending will be an annual feature.

The Cabinet also decided to recall unutilised pre-election funds from all departments to generate revenue and stayed all decisions of the last six months pending for review.

For transparency and accountability, all the MLAs and MPs will have to declare their immovable properties on January 1 every year and asset details of all IAS, IPS, PCS and Class-1 officers would be tabled every year in the Vidhan Sabha.

33% JOBS FOR WOMEN

Cabinet decided to provide 33 per cent reservation to women in all government jobs and increase their representation in PRIs and Urban Local Bodies from 33 to 50 per cent.

NO FOREIGN TRAVEL

The Cabinet banned foreign travel by ministers, MLAs and officials for two years.

HALQA SYSTEM GOES

The system of halqa incharge and use of political clout by staff in seeking transfers and favours has been ended.

DRUG TASK FORCE

A Special Task Force headed by ADGP Harpreet Sidhu, leading anti-Maoist ops in Chhattisgarh, will implement a programme to eliminate drugs. In next meeting, Home Department will submit a proposal for enactment of Confiscation of Drug Dealers Property Act.

NO SALE OF FARMER LAND

A new legislation will be brought to prohibit sale/auction of farmers’ land by lending agencies.

JOINT EXERCISE WITH NEPAL ARMY GOES ON FOR 9TH DAY

K-SITUATION, HARSH WEATHER CAST SHADOW ON ZOJILA TUNNEL PROJECT

CAPT STARTS SECOND INNINGS WITH TEAM OF 9 FIRST TASK: DRUG TASK FORCE

MINISTERS AND THEIR PORTFOLIOS

LT GEN JASBIR SINGH DHALIWAL ,CHIEF PATTRON SANJHA MORCHA THE MAZAR OF HAZRAT MOINUDDIN CHISHTY PRAYS AT AJMER

CAPT AMARINDER SINGH TAKES OATH AS PUNJAB CM RAHUL GANDHI, MANMOHAN SINGH ATTEND SWEARING-IN

CAPT KEEPS HOME; MOHINDRA GETS HEALTH, SIDHU LOCAL BODIES, MANPREET FINANCE

NO DEPUTY CM POST FOR SIDHU, TAKES OATH AS CABINET MINISTER

AMARINDER SINGH’S JOURNEY TO BEING PUNJAB’S CAPTAIN A SECOND TIME

KARAN AVTAR SINGH NAMED PUNJAB CHIEF SECRETARY AMONG 12 TOP TRANSFERS

AMARINDER SINGH’S JOURNEY TO BEING PUNJAB’S CAPTAIN A SECOND TIME

ATUL NANDA APPOINTED PUNJAB ADVOCATE-GENERAL

PRIORITY WILL BE TO RESTORE LOST GLORY OF PUNJAB: MANPREET BADAL CHANNI ORDERS REMOVAL OF RED BEACON FROM HIS CAR

6,000 PUNJAB BUS PERMITS TO GO

Tribune News Service
Amritsar, March 12
The death of an Army person, identified as Nishan Singh, a resident of the cantonment area here, has become a puzzle for the authorities concerned. Nishan’s body was found in his car in the Kot Khalsa area yesterday.
A postmortem examination of his body was conducted at the Government Medical College here today. A medical board comprising two doctors from the Forensic Department was constituted for the purpose.
Gurjit Singh, in charge, Kot Khalsa police chowki and investigating officer in the case, said there was no breakthrough so far. He said the police had initiated action under the Criminal Procedure Code for time being.
“Action will be taken accordingly as soon as we get the postmortem examination report,” said Gurjit.
Nishan was found dead in his car at the Kot Khalsa railway crossing yesterday. The incident came to light when the people saw the car, which remained parked near the crossing for a long time. When they asked the driver to move the car, he did not respond and was found dead.
They immediately informed the police. The deceased was later identified as Nishan Singh, a Lance Naik in the Army. He was living in the Cantonment area. The police informed the Army authorities about his death, which also reached the spot and carried out investigation.
It is suspected that Nishan may have been poisoned to death. However, the police authorities said they could not say anything at the moment as the autopsy report was awaited. Further investigation was under progress, police official added.

The Aam Aadmi Party will be a better Opposition than the Shiromani Akali Dal. The Akali Dal has committed sins during its 10­year rule and had to pay for it. MANPREET BADAL, Congress

Punjab Congress chief Captain won by the highest margin of 52,407 votes, while SAD’s Lakhbir Singh won by a lowest margin of 485 votes

HIGHEST MARGIN

CAPTAIN AMARINDER SINGH CONG Patiala Urban 52,407 Victory margin

NAVJOT SINGH SIDHU CONG Amritsar East 42,809 Victory margin

BHARAT BHUSHAN ASHU CONG Ludhiana West 36,521 Victory margin

AVTAR SINGH JUNIOR CONG Jalandhar North 32,291 Victory margin

LOWEST MARGIN

LAKHBIR SINGH LODHINANGAL SAD Batala 485 Victory margin

DAVINDER SINGH GHUBAYA CONG Fazilka 265 Victory margin

PRITAM SINGH KOTBHAI CONG Bhucho Mandi 645 Victory margin

BUDH RAM AAP Budhlada 1,276 Victory margin