Monthly Archives: August 2018

AP

Kyiv, July 22

Russian attacks on 11 regions across Ukraine overnight killed at least eight civilians and wounded others, authorities said Saturday, as fierce fighting continues in Ukraine’s attempts to dislodge Russian forces from territory they have occupied.

The regional prosecutor’s office in the eastern Donetsk region said that at least four people, including a married couple, were killed as Russian forces on Friday night shelled the settlement of Niu-York, south of the city of Bakhmut – the site of the war’s longest and bloodiest battle until it fell to Moscow in May. Three other Niu-York residents were hospitalized.

Also on Saturday morning, Ukraine’s interior ministry said that two civilians died as Russian forces Friday struck Kostiantynivka, a city in the Donetsk region, from multiple rocket launchers.

In a post on its official Telegram channel, the ministry said that another civilian was wounded in the same attack, which also destroyed 20 private homes, cars and a gas pipeline.

Two people were also killed near the northern city of Chernihiv, some 100 km (62 miles) from the Russian border, as Russian cruise missiles destroyed the local cultural centre and damaged apartment blocks, the regional military administration reported on Saturday morning.

It did not specify the exact time of the attack, saying only it took place within the previous 24 hours.

Three civilians were wounded as Russian troops overnight shelled a town neighbouring the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, local Gov Serhiy Lysak reported Saturday.

Ukrainian officials have regularly accused Moscow of using the Zaporizhzhia plant, which Russian forces captured early in the war, as a base for firing on Ukrainian-held territory nearby.

Fears have also mounted that Russia might sabotage the plant – Europe’s largest – in an attempt to stymie Ukraine’s ongoing counteroffensive, which has focused on the Zaporizhzhia region as well as the country’s industrial east. The night passed quietly in the Ukrainian capital, with AP journalists in Kyiv witnessing no air raid alerts.

The Ukrainian air force on Saturday morning said that it had overnight brought down 14 Russian drones, including five Iranian-made ones, over the country’s southeast, where battles are raging.

In a regular social media update, the air force said that all Iranian-made Shahed exploding drones launched by Russian troops during the night were brought down, pointing to Ukraine’s increasing success rate in neutralising them.

In a major development strengthening the capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces, Mahindra has secured a massive order of 3320 units of their rugged Scorpio SUV
The first batch of deliveries has already commenced, and here’s an exciting sneak peek of the vehicle for you. Motorbeam has exclusively captured the India-army spec Mahindra Scorpio.
Maintaining its iconic and imposing stance, the Scorpio for the armed forces retains its classic charm. This version, distinct from the latest ‘Classic’ model, features the older grille, tail lamp design, and the vintage Mahindra logo. Sporting a military-exclusive matte green color, the army-spec Scorpio stands slightly taller with increased ground clearance, making it perfect for tackling challenging terrains.
Although official specifications are yet to be released by the carmaker, sources suggest that the SUV is likely to be powered by the same robust 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine found in the pre-Classic model. This powerhouse delivers an impressive 140 bhp and a torque of 320 Nm, outperforming the Classic version with its 130 bhp and 300 Nm torque. Mated to a 6-speed manual transmission and equipped with 4×4 as standard, the army-spec Scorpio is geared up for any mission.
To meet the stringent demands of military operations, the Scorpio may have undergone further enhancements, potentially boosting its minimum payload capacity to an impressive 800 kg. While the interior details are yet to be unveiled, it is speculated that certain features offered in the civilian version might not be available in the army-spec variant.
This noteworthy order adds to the fleet of military vehicles, joining the ranks of the previously ordered 3192 units of Tata Safari Storme GS800. Seeing both these automotive giants side by side in action will undoubtedly be a sight to behold, as they have been long-time rivals in the Indian auto industry.
As the Indian Armed Forces reinforce their capabilities with these powerful Scorpio SUVs, the nation can take pride in having reliable and capable machines guarding our borders. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development!

INS Mormugao is the second ship of the Visakhapatnam-class stealth guided-missile destroyers
Members of the Defence Select Committee of the United Kingdom House of Commons visited Mumbai to better understand the current situation in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region and assess how the UK could contribute towards ensuring security in the region
Members of the Defence Select Committee of the United Kingdom House of Commons visited Mumbai to better understand the current situation in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region and assess how the UK could contribute towards ensuring security in the region, PTI reported.
The delegation, led by Tobias Ellwood, MP, a former British Army Officer and currently the chairman of the committee, visited the city from July 19 to 21, the navy said in a statement.
The delegation interacted with Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Western Naval Command and senior officers of the Command.
“The British delegation was in India to better understand the current situation in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and assess how the United Kingdom could contribute towards ensuring security in the region,” it said.
The interaction covered subjects of shared interests and the endeavours of both countries in bolstering security in the region. Ensuing discussions touched upon avenues to enhance defence cooperation between the two maritime nations, the navy said.
The delegation also visited the latest indigenous stealth destroyer INS Mormugao.
Over the decades, cooperation between India and the UK has enhanced in various defence-related fields.
The recent edition of Indian and Royal Navy bilateral exercise Konkan-23, held in March 2023, highlights continual efforts of both the countries to strengthen maritime security and uphold rules-based order in the region, the navy said.
The current visit by the Defence Select Committee furthers the growing cooperation between the two maritime nations for enhanced interoperability in various domains. With common interests in the IOR and mutual goal of peace and stability in the region, both countries are committed to work together, it added.

ISRO successfully tested the Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System (SMPS) on July 19, 2023 at ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) , Mahendragiri. This test involved five liquid apogee motor (LAM) engines with a thrust of 440 N and sixteen reaction control system (RCS) Thrusters with a thrust of 100 N.
The Service Module of Gaganyaan is a regulated bi-propellant based propulsion system that caters to the requirements of the Orbital Module, performing orbit injection, circularization, on-orbit control, de-boost manoeuvring and SM based abort (if any) during the ascent phase. The 440 N Thrust LAM engines provide the main propulsive force during the mission ascending phase, while the RCS thrusters ensure precise attitude correction.
The hot test of the System Demonstration Model (SDM) emulated the fluid circuit of the Service Module Propulsion System, encompassing the propellant tank feed system, helium pressurization system, flight-qualified thrusters, and control components.
The first hot test of the Phase-2 test series demonstrated the integrated performance of the Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System. The test, conducted for a duration of 250 seconds, involved LAM engines firing in continuous mode, along with RCS thrusters, adhering to the test profile. As part of the Phase-1 test series of SM SDM, ISRO had previously conducted five hot tests, totalling a duration of 2750 seconds. The earlier phase involved five 440 N LAM engines and eight 100 N RCS thrusters. For the Phase-2 test series, the current configuration includes the full configuration of five 440 N LAM engines and sixteen 100 N RCS thrusters.
The Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System is designed, developed, and realized by Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC).
With the successful completion of this hot test, the SMPS has advanced in demonstrating its integrated performance in the full configuration. Moving forward, ISRO has scheduled five additional tests to demonstrate both nominal and off-nominal mission scenarios, reinforcing the rigor of testing and the commitment to mission success.

CBU-97 Sensor Fused Weapon is a USAF 1,000-pound (450 kg)-class freefall Cluster Bomb Unit
Washington: The joint production of GE’s F-414 jet engines in India announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to the US in June is a game-changer.
https://bda05cbea02af718fdaa20d04c7aa15f.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.htmlIt bears testimony to the growing centrality of defence in the bilateral relationship between the two countries, driven in part by shared concerns about an aggressive China.
Additionally, India ordered General Atomic’s MQ-9 armed drones during this visit that will significantly enhance its ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) capabilities. These will be assembled in India.
The two sides also concluded Master Ship Repair Agreements that would allow forward deployed US navy ships to dock in India for repairs and agreed towards the creation of logistic, repair, and maintenance infrastructure for aircraft and vessels in India.
A joint statement released by the two sides after Prime Minister Modi’s meetings with President Joe Biden contained many new initiatives — around 25 — across an entire range of sectors including the opening of new US consulates in India and stateside H-1B renewals (Indians are the largest beneficiaries of the program), but the F-414 joint production clearly stole the show.
India has been trying to develop a jet engine for its fighter jets for decades but unable to make much headway, it has been using GE’s F404 for its Tejas fighters. F414 will power the next generation of Tejas fighters.
Under the MoU signed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and GE, F414 engines will be jointly produced in India, which would entail the most significant transfer of US military technology to India, a remarkable capstone for a defence relationship that did not exist 20 years ago.
India, which is the world’s largest importer of arms, bought nothing from the United States till 20 years ago. By 2020, it had bought $20 billion worth of American equipment, accounting for 10 per cent of its arm imports; the total is now nearing $25 billion.
According to a list compiled by the Congressional Research Service, a non-partisan body that provides policy research to US lawmakers, India’s purchases over the years span all three platforms, but majorly air and sea:
Air
28 AH-64 Apache combat helicopters (22 delivered)1,354+ AGM-114 Hellfire anti-tank missiles245 Stinger portable surface-to-air missiles12 APG-78 Longbow combat helicopter radars6 spare helicopter turboshafts15 CH-47 Chinook transport helicopters13 C-130 Hercules transport aircraft (12 delivered)11 C-17 Globemaster heavy transport aircraft2 MQ-9A Reaper UAVs (two-year lease in 2020)512 CBU-97 guided bombs234 aircraft turboprops (228 delivered)147 aircraft turbofans (48 delivered)
Sea
1 Austin-class amphibious transport dock24 MH-60R Seahawk ASW helicopters (3 delivered)12 P-8 Poseidon patrol and ASW aircraft48 Mk-54 ASW torpedoes (32 delivered)6 S-61 Sea King naval transport helicopters53 Harpoon anti-ship missiles1 Harpoon Joint Common Test Set (Accepted)24 naval gas turbines (6 delivered)
Land
12 Firefinder counterbattery radars145 M-777 towed 155mm howitzers (41 delivered)1,200+ M-982 Excalibur guided artillery shells72,400+ SIG Sauer SIG716 assault rifles.
India used to buy most of its defence equipment from Russia (earlier Soviet Union) once. But it has been steadily cutting it down and by 2022 it was down to 45 per cent, according to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). France was India’s second largest arms seller with 29 per cent and the US third with 11 per cent.
Washington has sought to boost its arms sales to India by removing regulatory barriers in recent years. It declared India a “Major Defence Partner” in 2016, facilitating technology sharing to a level commensurate with the closest US allies and partners.
In 2018, the US granted India the status of STA 1 (Strategic Trade Authorization 1), which brought India at par with NATO member countries and five close treaty allies of the US — Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and Israel) for license free import of sensitive dual use technology.
India, on its part, shed years of hesitation to sign the four Foundational/Enabling Agreements — General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), Logistic Support Agreement (LSA), Communications and Information Security Memorandum of Agreement (CISMOA) and the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for Geospatial Intelligence (BECA) — that the US says are necessary for interoperability between its military with that of the signatory country.
A legislation moved in both chambers of US congress last month seeks to amend the Arms Export Control Act to expedite arms sales to India, extending it, without mentioning specifically, the same privileges as a group of countries called NATO Plus Five — Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan and Israel.
The two countries have intensified exchanges and engagements between their militaries as well. India now conducts maximum joint military exercises with the US. Bilaterally, Yudh Abhyas (Army), Vajra Prahar (Army Special Forces), Cope India (Air Force), Tiger Triumph (tri-service). And with multiple other nations along with the US, Malabar (Navy), Rim-of-the-Pacific (RIMPAC, Navy), Milan (Navy), Cutlass Express (Navy), La Perouse (Navy), Sea Dragon (Navy), Pitch Black (Air Force) and Red Flag (Air Force).
If defence cooperation is the engine driving this bilateral relationship, the fuel for it is coming from shared concerns about China.
People’s Republic of China found not a single direct mention in the 6,500-word joint statement issued by India and the US after Modi’s meetings with Biden, or in the 2,600-word fact-sheet issued by the White House to highlight the important elements of the discussions.
Para 29 of the joint statement, however, left no doubt about about where the priorities lay for the two sides: “a free, open, inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous India-Pacific region with respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, and international law,” it emphasised.
“Both leaders expressed concern over coercive actions and rising tensions, and strongly oppose destabilizing or unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force,” the para went on to say, referring, without naming names and events, China’s pursuit of maritime and territorial claims in the region that hat led to tensions and conflicts with several countries including India, Japan, Philippines and Indonesia.
“Both sides emphasised the importance of adherence to international law, particularly as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and the maintenance of freedom of navigation and overflight, in addressing challenges to the maritime rules-based order, including in the East and South China Seas,” the statement said further, referring to China’s rejection of a 2016 ruling of the panel.
China cast a shadow on the Modi visit.”Clearly, the challenges presented by the PRC to both our nations were on the agenda yesterday,” White House national security council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters a day after Modi-Biden meetings.
But he rejected suggestions that Modi’s visit was intended to leverage India as a counterweight against China. But it’s no secret here in the US or in India that the threat from China is pushing the two countries closer like nothing else.
China has also brought India closer to Australia and Japan, as members of the Quad, alongwith the United States. Though resurrected in 2017 after it folded up in 2008, India participated enthusiastically in its revival after the Galwan border skirmishes with Chinese troops — New Delhi’s hopes of friendly relations with Beijing were rudely broken.
Quad has since taken off, with the second in-person summit level meeting of its leaders taking place earlier on the sidelines of the G-7 meeting in Hiroshima.
Defence and security matters are not covered by the Quad, they are not only front and centre in the bilateral India-US ties, but are, in fact, driving it and, once again, in no small measure because of China.

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 21

Defence Services Officers’ Institute, Sector 36, is going to elect its new management committee on July 23. Elections will be held for vice-chairperson’s post and his team. Brig BS Gill (retd), a Vir Chakra awardee of the 1971 Indo-Pak war, is a contender for vice-chairman. Against him is Lt Col DS Grewal (retd) and his team.

DSOI Chd. Members willing for casting vote on 23 Jul 2023 are requested to clear their dues if any. All members coming to cast vote for Management Sub-Committee on 23 Jul must carry their DSOI Smart Cards pl. Casting of votes from 9 am to 5 pm.

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 21

A low intake of officers during Covid pandemic has led to a shortage of 11,266 Majors and Captains and officers of the equivalent and other ranks in the Indian Air Force and Navy.

Haryana leads in NDA women cadet count

• All 57 vacancies of women cadets in NDA, Pune, in the past one year have been fully subscribed
• The maximum cadets (19) are from Haryana followed by 12 from UP. There are three cadets each from Punjab, Delhi and J&K, and two from HP, the MoD told Parliament

The Army has a shortage of 2,094 Major-level officers and 4,734 at the Captain level. The IAF is short of 881 Squadron Leaders and 940 Flight Lieutenants, and the Navy 2,617 officers of the rank of Lt Commander and below. The Ministry of Defence in a written reply to the Lok Sabha today said the “low intake during Covid-19 pandemic” was the main reason for the shortage. Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt in a reply to a question posed by three MPs — Manish Tewari, Prof Sougata Ray and Haji Fazlur Rehman – also attributed the shortage to a low induction in supporting cadres like the Short Service Commission (SSC).

The recruitment in the forces is done through several streams. One of them is through the SSC, where cadets pass out after 11 months of training and serve in the forces for a fixed tenure of 10 to 14 years.

On being asked whether any alternative strategies like re-employment of officers to such posts were being considered to address the shortage, the MoD replied: “No proposal has been received in the ministry.” The MoD, however, said it was considering making the “Short Service” entry more attractive.

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 19

One Army officer died while three soldiers sustained injuries in a fire accident in the Siachen glacier on Wednesday.

The injured have been safely evacuated from there to hospital, Defence PRO, Leh, Lt Col PS Sidhu said.

He said that Regiment Medical Officer Capt Anshuman Singh succumbed to serious burn injuries during the unfortunate incident.

While three other personnel suffered smoke inhalation and second-degree burns, the officials added.

“They have been safely air evacuated for further treatment. The condition of the injured personnel is reported to be stable”, the Defence PRO said.

The incident took place at around 3 am. Further details on the incident are awaited. (With ANI Inputs) 

PTI

Imphal, July 21

The husband of one of two women paraded naked and molested by a group of men in Manipur is a Kargil war veteran who rued that though he protected the country but could not save his wife from being humiliated.

The incident which sparked condemnation countrywide came to light when a video shot on May 4 surfaced on Wednesday night.

The husband had served the Indian Army as a Subedar of the Assam Regiment. “I fought for the nation in the Kargil war and was also in Sri Lanka as part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force. I protected the nation but am dejected that after my retirement, I could not protect my home, my wife and fellow villagers… I am sad, depressed,” he told a Hindi news channel.

He said that on the fateful May 4 morning, a mob burnt down several houses in the locality, disrobed the two women and made them walk on the village paths in front of people.

“Police were present but took no action. I want that all those people who burnt the houses and humiliated the women get exemplary punishment,” he said.

Four people have been arrested in connection with the case on Thursday, a day after the video surfaced.

“The State Police is making all-out efforts to arrest the other culprits at the earliest. Raids are continuing,” the Manipur Police said in a Twitter post.

More than 160 people have lost their lives, and several injured since ethnic violence broke out in the state on May 3, when a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley, while tribals, which include Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 per cent and reside mostly in the hill districts.

New

Delhi, July 20

A shocking video of sexual assault on two Manipur women sparked national outrage on Thursday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying the “unforgivable crime had shamed 140 crore Indians”. The first day of the monsoon session of Parliament was washed out over bitter differences between the Opposition and government on the structure of the debate on violence in the northeastern state.

The video of the two victims being paraded naked was recorded a day after ethnic violence erupted in the state on May 3, but the footage surfaced on Wednesday.

• Mob leader among four arrested in Manipur
• Manipur incident grossest of rights violation: Supreme Court says if govt won’t act, it will
• Democracy has turned into mobocracy: Congress slams govt over Manipur unrest

I want to assure the citizens, no criminal will be spared. The law will take steps with its full might. What happened with our daughters in Manipur can never be forgiven. —Narendra Modi

Modi government and BJP have changed democracy and the rule of law into mobocracy…. Manipur is burning… and PM is giving statements outside (the House). —M Kharge, Cong chief

“Today as I stand in the temple of democracy, my heart is filled with sorrow and anger over the incident in Manipur. This is a shameful act for any civilised society. The entire nation, 140 crore citizens are feeling ashamed… I assure no wrongdoer will be spared. Every step will be taken to ensure the law acts with all its might. What happened to Manipur daughters can never be forgiven,” PM said in customary remarks at the start of the session and in his first comments on Manipur violence that started on May 3.

Video shot in may after protests erupted

May 3 Protests erupt between Meitei and Kuki tribes in Manipur

May 4 Two tribal women paraded naked, sexually assaulted by mob

May 18 First FIR registered by Kangpokpi district police

June 21 Another case registered by Thoubal district police

July 19 A 26-second video of women being paraded surfaces

July 20 Mastermind among four arrested after outrage over clip

The Congress-led Opposition termed PM’s remarks “too little, too late” and demanded an immediate discussion on Manipur after suspension of all business in both Houses, followed by a statement of the PM.

The government agreed to debate the issue under a separate set of rules that allow an urgent discussion at a time permitted by the presiding officer. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said once discussion happened, Home Minister Amit Shah would reply.

Parallel to disruptions in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha where the Congress, AAP, BRS, Shiv Sena UBT, TMC, Left and other INDIA constituents raised slogans on the Manipur issue, Shah spoke to Manipur CM N Biren Singh who said the mastermind of the crime had been arrested. Singh spoke of capital punishment for the perpetrator. The Opposition, however, attacked the government for not seeking Singh’s resignation. The Congress went on the offensive over PM appealing to CMs of Opposition-ruled states to maintain law and order too.

“I appeal to all CMs to strengthen law and order in their states. Whether the incident happens in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh or Manipur, rising above political disputes and maintaining the significance of the rule of law and the respect for women is crucial,” the PM said today, with Congress’ Jairam Ramesh retorting, “The PM spoke on Manipur violence for 30 seconds after 1800 hours and then tried to divert attention by comparing the humanitarian tragedy in Manipur with other states.”

In the Upper House, Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge complained of not allowing a discussion on the Manipur issue despite appropriate notices in this regard.

“I have made my full efforts to attract your attention and give notice but unfortunately, I am not allowed to raise this (rule) 267,” Kharge said as Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar asked Opposition MPs to maintain order amid frenzied slogans “Manipur is burning”. Earlier, when the House met at 12 noon after one adjournment, Dhankhar accepted eight notices MPs for a short duration discussion under Rule 176. Leader of the House Piyush Goyal said the government was ready for a discussion but “the Opposition appears to be determined to wreck the proceedings”.

“It looks like the Opposition wants to run away from discussions to escape responsibility for deteriorating law and order in their states. Once a discussion starts, Home Minister will clarify as to who responded to such discussions in the past,” Goyal added.

In the LS too, pandemonium prevailed all day. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi said the government was ready for a discussion on Manipur in both Houses.

“Deputy Leader in Lok Sabha Rajnath Singh has also given a similar assurance,” said Joshi, adding Shah would reply once a discussion took place and time for the discussion would be finalised by the chair.

Jairam, however, accused the government of disrupting the day, saying: “The first day of the monsoon session was washed out. This was because the Modi government did not agree to INDIA’s demand for an immediate discussion on the post-May 3rd situation in Manipur following a statement by the PM inside Parliament. The PM deemed it more appropriate to give a ‘desh ke naam sandesh’ via the media outside Parliament before the two Houses met.”