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Defence pension adalat for veterans in Mandi

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Defence pension adalat for veterans in Mandi

Lt Gen YVK Mohan interacts with members of the Defence Women Welfare Association in Mandi on Thursday. Photo: Jai Kumar

Tribune News Service

Mandi, May 17

A veterans’ rally followed by a defence pension adalat was inaugurated by Lt Gen YVK Mohan, General Officer Commanding of the Rising Star Corps. He was accompanied by Upendra Sah, Additional Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA) from New Delhi, and Parveen Kumar, PCDA (P) Allahabad, at the venue.The adalat is being organised under the aegis of the Rising Star Corps, is aimed at ‘On the Spot’ redressal of grievances of defence pensioners, including defence civilians. Speaking on the occasion, Lt Gen YVK Mohan said welfare of Gaurav Senanis had been on the priority of the Indian Army, which was working to ensure that veterans were looked after well and the Rising Star Corps would remain committed towards this. He also felicitated various Veer Naris, gallantry awardees and veterans of the Mandi district.Upender Sah elaborated on various initiatives taken by the defence pension adalat in the sanction and disbursement of defence pensions. He also highlighted various steps being taken to improve the pension disbursement system. He appealed the pensioners to make full use of toll free helpline 1800-180-5321 at the Pension Cell, Allahabad, and also link their PPO (pension payment order) with Aadhar.On this occasion, various stalls were also set up to assist the veterans and facilitate general awareness on existing Central and State Government welfare schemes.

‘Role of armed forces crucial in relief operations, says Col HC Sharma

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‘Role of armed forces crucial in relief operations, says Col HC Sharma

Lt Gen Dushyant Singh, along with DC Varinder Sharma, inaugurates a CME at Military Hospital in Jalandhar. A Tribune Photograph

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, May 13

With the new disaster threats developed since the World War II besides the traditional disasters need to be considered and dealt with as a challenge more effectively, the army medical corps held a Continuing Medical Education-cum-workshop on the disaster and trauma management recently at the military hospital here.Lieutinent General Dushyant Singh, Corps Commander, 11 Corps, inaugurated the two-day conference. Addressing the gathering, Gen Dushyant laid emphasis on the training of delegates for disaster preparedness.Also, Jalandhar Deputy Commissioner Varinder Sharma spoke on the management of the district administration to deal with any natural disaster.While informing more, Col H C Sharma, Senior registrar of the Military Hospital said the contribution by armed forces is usually made under the official arrangement for aid to civil power, as laid down in the standing operating procedures. Moreover, the military forces have a history of effective disaster response.The armed forces can offer assistance to the victims with invaluable support in engineering, communications, transport, rescue, emergency medical services, field sanitation water supply and so on.“The flexible organisational structure, capability of sustained operation in all weathers and well-trained management system of the armed forces make them particularly well-suited for effective disaster relief operations,” said Col Sharma.He added that as army is the first to provide a cohesive response during a disaster, the conference will be of immense benefit to the delegates specially those directly involved in disaster related administration and trauma care.Event on medical negligence and assault on doctors at PIMSJalandhar: The department of Medicine and Forensic Medicine jointly organised a Continuous Medical Education (CME) event at the Punjab Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Jalandhar under the aegis of Punjab Academy of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology.The CME was conducted under the Chairmanship of Dr HL Kazal (HOD) department of medicine and Dr Anju Gupta (HOD) department of forensic medicine and toxicology. The guest of honour for the event was commissioner of Police Parveen Kumar Sinha. The CME was inaugurated by the PIMS resident director, Amit Singh, Director Principal Dr Kulbir Kaur, principal secretary labour medical education and research Sanjay Kumar, along with PIMS society director Dr. Bimal Sekri, Dr Kapil Gupta (PMC), medical superintendent Dr. Kulbir Sharma, Dr HL Kazal and Dr Anju Gupta.Guest of honour CP Parveen Kumar Sinha highlighted that there should be a transparency between patient and doctor relationship. There should be a professional counselling for doctors in each hospital. He added that such cases should be immediately reported to the nearest police station and a special helpline can initiated for hospitals.Amit Singh (resident director PIMS) said the incidents like medical negligence and assault on doctors were key issues faced by medical professionals. He said in some of the cases, the kin of patients are so violent that they not only harm doctors but also destroy hospital properties. He added that the purpose of the CME is to throw some light on such issues and to stop violence against doctors.More than 300 delegates from various medical colleges and institutes attended the CME.

The ‘ceasefire’ offer in J&K The ball is in the politician’s cour

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The ‘ceasefire’ offer in J&K

ARMY Chief Bipin Rawat’s indication that the Centre could stop anti-militancy operations in Kashmir Valley has been seized upon with gusto by regional politicians. In a state weary of the continuous cycle of killings and counter-killings, the Army’s ceasefire was bound to evoke considerable interest. That an all-party meeting was convened within 24 hours of the Army Chief’s statement, which, in turn, “unanimously” urged PM Narendra Modi for a “unilateral ceasefire” during Ramzan and the Amarnath yatra indicates political unanimity in both Jammu and Kashmir on exploring non-military solutions to the Kashmir dispute.  But what Gen Rawat said next is also equally important: who will guarantee that the security forces will not be fired upon; who will guarantee that security personnel on leave will not be attacked?In other words, the Army Chief was drawing red lines as a condition for easing of anti-militancy operations. If they do not wish to be rendered inconsequential, mainstream politicians, enjoying office or recently eased out of it, need to demonstrate their influence and authority to ensure that civilians keep their part of the bargain for anti-militancy operations to stop. However, the unanimity displayed in the all-party meeting does not square up with the subsequent statements of the two alliance partners: the BJP and the PDP. If an end to the Army’s heavy hand in Kashmir is not a calculated desire, the two parties need to work out a consensus to provide a believable façade of sincerity and credibility.  The politician is also sorely needed to round off some edges in the Army Chief’s statement, especially when he benchmarks the Indian Army’s operations with those in Syria and Pakistan or blames mysterious, dark powers for the lure of the gun in the Valley. A well-established and thriving conflict economy also spawns forces, including external, inimical to an effort to change the status quo. This makes it even more crucial for politicians and the security forces to remain on the same page. The message of peace, however, is yet to percolate to the streets that remain violent and contested. The politician has his task cut out. 

HEADLINES ::09 MAY 2018

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  • GOG PROVIDING FREE TRAINING TO YOUTHS FOR BSF/CRPF RECRUITMENT:जीओजी युवाओं को दे रही निशुल्क आर्मी भर्ती ट्रेनिंग 
  • IN HONOUR OF THE UNIFORM BY LT GEN BHOPINDER SINGH (RETD)
  • ARMED FORCES TRIBUNAL, EXTENSION OF RETIREMENT AGE OF COLONELS OF THE INDIAN ARMY, 57 YEARS
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  • CAREER HOTLINE ARMY FOR GIRLS
  • TOP NAVY COMMANDERS DISCUSS MARITIME SECURITY ISSUES
  • RUSSIA’S ‘PERMANENT’ PREZ THE CHALLENGE OF US SANCTIONS
  • DEATH OF TOURIST IN J&K NOT CONDUCIVE TO TOURISM: NIRMALA SITHARAMAN
  • NAWAZ SHARIF NOW FACES PROBE FOR LAUNDERING $4.9 BN TO INDIA: REPORTS
  • US PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP WITHDRAWS FROM THE IRAN NUCLEAR DEAL
  • PAK-BASED JEM DIRECTS ITS CADRES TO STRENGTHEN ‘JIHAD’ IN KASHMIR
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  • INCOME TAX WARNING: DON’T WANT TO BE LABELLED A TAX EVADER? FOLLOW THESE 8 TIPS CAREFULLY

ARMED FORCES TRIBUNAL, extension of retirement age of Colonels of the Indian Army, 57 years

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Dear friends,
I wish to inform you that recently the ARMED FORCES TRIBUNAL, Principal Bench at New Delhi has rendered a favourable judgment in the matter of extension of retirement age of Colonels of the Indian Army, at par with that of Gp Captain and Captains of the other two sister services. My plea was to enhance the retirement age of Colonels from 54 to 57 years. I was the first person to file this matter in the AFT way back in 2015 just prior to my retirement (case No 599/2015). Other officers filed similar cases subsequently.
A copy of the judgment has just now been made available on the website and I have gone through the entire contents of the said judgment. Judges have passed a very strong and favourable judgment, directing Govt of India to consider the case of the applicants and formulate a policy which shall set right the anomaly. The judgment can be accessed here. http://aftdelhi.nic.in/index.php?option=com_casetracking&view=judgement&layout=pdfdetail&did=11330&Itemid=5 .
The judgment also grants consequential benefits to the applicants (alone). In simple terms, it means that post formulation and implementation of the revised policy relating to superannuation ages of Cols, the Cols who were applicants in this case will be given continuity in service, seniority and all pay and allowances as admissible.
Now, those who have retired in the last few years and those who are at the brink of retiring, should also be made aware so that the benefits flowing out of the above judgment can be availed by all. To avail the benefits of extension of retirement age, and the consequential benefits viz. continuity in service, pay and allowances, seniority, and refixation of pension in case of already retired officers, they should also approach the AFT, New Delhi by filing their respective cases seeking same relief as had been asked by the original batch of applicants who now stand vindicated and are bound to get their rightful due from the MoD very soon. It is important that this exercise be completed ASAP preferably within the next few weeks as delay will only weaken and hamper your chances of getting same relief and benefits from the AFT. Interested officers may contact my lawyer Shri Harshvardhan at +91- 9140870945.
Regards,
Col Nisheeth Singhal Retd
+91-7045533967
nisheeth5p@yahoo.com

Death of tourist in J&K not conducive to tourism: Nirmala Sitharaman

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Death of tourist in J&K not conducive to tourism: Nirmala Sitharaman

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at the Naval Commanders’ conference in New Delhi. Tribune photo

Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, May 8

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday said the death of a tourist in an incident of stone-pelting in Kashmir was not conducive to attracting tourists to Jammu and Kashmir.“We need to be firm with terrorists and ensure safe movement of tourists, said Sitharaman while addressing a press conference after inaugurating the Naval Commanders’ conference here. The state wanted to promote tourism, the minister said.Speaking about maritime strength, she said, “India will be a force to reckon with in the Indo-Pacific. All of Navy’s demands for the year 2017-2018 have been met.”At the conference, the Navy will review its new mission-based deployments philosophy aimed at ensuring peace and stability in the region. The new deployment philosophy, in furtherance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of security and growth for all in the region (SAGAR), aims at sustained, peaceful and yet responsive presence of Indian naval ships in critical areas and choke points.The Navy’s focus over the past year has been on combat efficiency and material readiness, and upkeep of its large fleet of 131 ships and submarines.Naval commanders would deliberate upon steps to improve the teeth-to-tail ratio and explore niche fields such as artificial intelligence and big data analytics. Harnessing cutting-edge technology, specifically those ‘Made-in-India’, to improve organisational effectiveness and efficiency would be another key focus area of the commanders.Indian Navy has been the flag-bearer of the indigenisation and ‘Make in India’ initiative. As many as 27 ships and submarines are currently under construction in Indian shipyards, including the first indigenous aircraft carrier ‘Vikrant’.

Nawaz Sharif now faces probe for laundering $4.9 bn to India: Reports

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Nawaz Sharif now faces probe for laundering $4.9 bn to India: Reports

File photo of Nawaz Sharif. AFP

Islamabad, May 8

In further trouble to Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan’s top anti-corruption body on Tuesday ordered a probe against the embattled former Prime Minister and others for allegedly laundering USD 4.9 billion to India, media reports said.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in a press release said its Chairman Justice (retd) Javed Iqbal took notice of reports making rounds on news channels claiming that Sharif allegedly laundered USD 4.9 billion to India, the Express Tribune reported.

According to the media report, this incident is mentioned in the World Bank’s Migration and Remittance Book 2016, the release said.

However, details of the media report in question have not been mentioned in the brief statement issued in Urdu, Geo TV reported.

The statement claims that the amount was laundered to the Indian Finance Ministry after which Indian foreign exchange reserves witnessed an increase and Pakistan suffered as a result.

Sharif is facing three corruption cases at the accountability court following the Supreme Court’s verdict in the Panama Papers case. An NAB inquiry is also under way against him for alleged illegal expansion of a road leading to his estate in Lahore’s Jati Umra locality.

Once formulated, this will be the fifth case against the ousted premier by the NAB.

Earlier today, the accountability court sought more time from the top court to end the trial on references filed by the NAB against members of the Sharif family.

Accountability court judge Muhammad Bashir, who presides over the hearings, has written a letter to the top court requesting for a second extension in the trial.

Earlier in March, the Supreme Court had granted a two-month extension to the accountability court to wrap the proceedings.

However, as the two-month deadline expires, the case is nowhere near its end, with the Al-Azizia Steel Mills and Flagship Investments still untouched, the country’s top anti-graft body is running out of time.

The Supreme Court of Pakistan had disqualified Sharif last year, forcing the three-time prime minister to resign. Sharif has dismissed the corruption charges as politically motivated.

The political future of Sharif, who leads the country’s most powerful political family and his party, has been hanging in the balance since then. If convicted, he can be jailed. PTI

An article beyond the usual pass on posts

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 Some of us saw this Bn from close quarters and Col now Brig (retd) purushe my ex CO dealt with some court-martials. Story below as told by Brig Gakhal of Sikh Regt;
THE SPIRIT TO WIN !
“It is not the dog in the fight that matters but the fight in the dog.”  Harold Robbins.
1. The other day i had a lunch appointment with Col Karam Singh Virk and it is that which brought to mind this quote of Harold Robbins that one read in college. We met to glean the events of Disbandment of 9 Sikh, an event entrusted to his charge after the CO was attached. During the course of the three hour interaction, he eyes were perpetually moist at times the tears made an appearance, but his voice never quivered or cracked. Having commanded three Battalions, it was his fate to preside over the disbandment of the third. The emotions were but natural. 
2. Towards the close of 1984, Col Virk who was commanding 20 Sikh at Charmagad, was summoned  at short notice to assume command of 9 Sikh. At that point in time the unit was split in three locations. The detainees numbering 387 in Ganganagar under 14 Bihar, 05 Officers,16 JCOs and 200 OR who were on leave /courses on 7/8 June 84 were attached at Bikaner with a Field Regiment and the remaining 05 officers,10 JCOs and 140 OR were at Lalgarh Jattan. Though technically Col Virk took over 9 Sikh he was actually commanding 05 Officers, 10 JCOs and 140 OR, a rifle Company strength. His efforts to concentrate the Battalion less the detainees at one location did not get the approval of the chain of command. It is in that scenario that the ‘fight in the dog’ came to the fore.
3. The Competition calendar was being finalised and Col Virk was asked if  9 Sikh would like to participate. With nothing to loose the answer to the amazement of brigade staff was an affirmative. The X Country team was unaffected by the events of 7/8 june and won the brigade hands down. First nine positions went to 9 Sikh. The Rajputs & Gurkhas were way behind. Hockey followed, the original team had been mauled by the events of 7/8 June. Available talent practised day and night with little else to do.( The unit was disarmed and as such training with arms was not possible). Hockey was also won, comfortably. Basket ball posed problems as the Rajputs boasted of Command level players and a  well oiled team. Col Virk a basketballer himself  had in LT PK Singh a fine talent, between them they mustered, skilled and trained a team. Col Virk often witnessed the Rajputs at play and was able to strategize their game plan. Come the finals, the Sikh’s defensive play frustrated the skilled Rajput players who lost rationality as reputation was at stake. A victory here stunned the Rajput Battalion.
4. Boxing is a prestigious Gurkha sport. Sikhs have little talent in the lower weights while the Gurkhas lack in higher weights. On the final day, the first three knock outs by Gurkhas and chants of “Ho Kay Hoi na” motivated the Sikh heavier weights. To cut a long story short the Knock outs that followed silenced the audience and as the trophy was handed over to 9 Sikh Jaikar’s reached a crescendo.  The only sport in which  coy worth of 9 Sikh were runners up was football, where the Gurkhas won a closely fought final by 3-2.
5. What motivated a motley Company strength to show the prowess they did ? Right Leadership and Right Spirit. 9 Sikh was always renowned for the limitless spirit to win. A unit that within a year of its raising in Apr 1964 won the Gen Chaudhry Match and repeated the win the following year.  A gruelling physically demanding competition that ended in testing accuracy in firing. A unit that captured 46 Sq KMs of the Lipa Valley in sept 1971. Their spirit to win was endless !
Its not the Dog that matters its the spirit in the dog !! so well said !!

Ball in Pak court: India says 2018 SAARC summit unlikely

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Smita Sharma

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 24

India resetting ties with China does not imply Delhi will soften its position on Pakistan and terrorism sponsored from its soil, said sources. Questions are being raised if Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will be in the same room with his Pakistani counterpart during the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) summit in China in June, will be open to formally reviving dialogue with Islamabad. India and Pakistan became full members of the SCO last year. New Delhi believes multilateral dynamics are different from bilateral ones and that it is too early to comment on the possibility of a handshake or conversation between the India-Pakistan PMs on the SCO sidelines in Qingdao, the sources say. Also, India is not warming up to the idea of reviving SAARC this year. The summit dialogue to be hosted in Islamabad in 2016 saw an India-led boycott in the wake of the Uri terror strikes. Unless Pakistan passes on the hosting right, Indian PM will be unwilling to participate.And the eight-member South Asian grouping charter states that even if one head of government or state does not attend, the summit meet cannot be held. “In the current situation, we do not contemplate a SAARC summit. It is difficult to have a summit when one of the countries is involved in actively sponsoring cross- border terrorism. There has to be a conducive environment for it,” underlined a government source, ahead of Modi’s talks with Xi Jinping, President of Pakistan’s all-weather friend China.Interestingly, India managed to win Chinese support at the global counter-terror funding body FATF (Financial Action Task Force) meeting recently to grey-list Pakistan.