SPCCC was reopened on April 26 with 500 bed facilities but no arrangements were made for treating the critical patients

Photo for representation. PTI

Mukesh Ranjan

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, May 1

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has directed the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoH&FW) to provide and install 150 ventilators at the ITBP-run Sardar Patel Covid Care Centre (SPCCC) in the national capital’s Chhatarpur area.

In this regard Adviser to the Prime Minister Bhaskar Khulbe today wrote a letter to Joint Secretary in the MoH&FW Mandeep Bhandari asking him to provide 150 ventilators for the critical care of COVID-19 patients admitted to the SPCCC.

Incidentally, the PMO intervention came after a request made by Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Director General SS Deswal seeking allocation of 150 ventilators for addressing the needs of critical patients admitted to the SPCCC.

In his letter to the joint secretary, Khulbe said, “As discussed with you, 150 ventilators provided under PM CARES Trust Fund, and embedded with GPS enabled devices, may be provided from the available stock on loan basis for a period of six months now, which if necessary, may be extended further on review.”

“I also request you to organise immediate installation of these ventilators by the selected vendor(s). Simultaneously, please advise the SPCCC for the site preparation,” he added.

The Adviser in the PMO has also asked the MoH&FW official for organising necessary training for use of these ventilators and this could be done by the selected vendors.

In view of the alarming number of COVID-19 positive cases in Delhi, the SPCCC was reopened on April 26 with 500 bed facilities but no arrangements were made for treating the critical patients

NEW DELHI: The 15-lakh strong armed forces were on Friday granted special emergency financial powers by defence minister Rajnath Singh to speed up their ongoing efforts in the battle against the deadly second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Singh invoked “special provisions” to grant the financial powers to formation commanders around the country to establish and operate quarantine facilities and hospitals as well as undertake procurement of equipment and stores, apart from provisioning of various services and works required to support the ongoing efforts against the pandemic.
Under the powers, the Army, Navy and IAF vice chiefs, chief of integrated defence staff, general officer commanding-in chiefs and equivalents have been given full powers. “Corps commanders/area commanders, in turn, have been delegated powers up to Rs 50 lakh per case, while division/sub area commanders and equivalents have been delegated powers up to Rs 20 lakh per case,” said an official.
These powers have been devolved initially for a period of three months from May 1 to July 31. These are in addition to the emergency powers delegated to the medical officers of the armed forces last week,” he added.

May 5 will mark one year since the military standoff began between India and China in eastern Ladakh
As India’s Covid-19 crisis gets worse, it has come to light that China has quietly hardened its positions in eastern Ladakh. Top sources tell India Today TV that far from winding down winter deployments, the Chinese Army has reinforced its presence in eastern Ladakh depth areas with permanent accommodations and depots — an aggressive stance amidst continuing talks.
While the pullback by Indian and Chinese troops from the Pangong Tso sectors in February had created an atmosphere of hope for a slow but steady disengagement, the new permanent Chinese accommodations built between Kangxiwar, just north of Aksai Chin, and Rudok in Tibet’s Ladakh frontier has caused alarm.
Ground intelligence and imagery with the Indian security establishment has led to an assessment that has echoed through the standoff periodically: that the PLA is here for the long haul.
India Today TV brings out these fresh facts on a day when Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message of sympathy to Indian PM Narendra Modi over the Covid-19 deaths in the country, saying, “The Chinese side stands ready to strengthen cooperation with the Indian side in fighting the pandemic and provide support and help in this regard. I believe that under the leadership of the Indian Government, the Indian people will surely prevail over the pandemic.”
Contrasting the diplomatic outreach from the Chinese government aside, the Chinese Army has quietly reinforced positions located to support the friction areas if necessary.
India Today TV learns that imagery shows that China’s winter deployment positions have been reinforced with permanent structures, accommodations and military buildings in a long arc through the Aksai Chin bulge, comprising depth areas from the friction points of the India-China standoff.
These include Xaidulla in the southwestern part of Xinjiang Autonomous Region, a strengthened Chinese radar site at Piue which is just across from Ladakh’s Chip Chap valley, and the military outpost at Kyrmmgo Traggar across the LAC from Hot Springs and Gogra Post.
The 10,000 permanent Chinese troops positioned at Kangxiwar and Rudok have been reinforced with 10,000 additional temporary troops according to one intelligence estimate.
“They have disengaged, but not reduced troop strength — a clear sign that they intend to be here for the long haul,” a military source told India Today TV.
A map of the spring 2021 reinforcement has also strengthened the view that China is in no mood to dial down its aggressive posture across from the Depsang and Daulat Beg Oldie areas of northern Ladakh.
India Today TV has reported on how China has slowly built up in these sectors as well.
Interestingly, the depth areas of Spanggur Tso, south of the Pangong lake have also been reinforced with permanent accommodations. This is adjacent to the sector where India had obtained a tactical advantage in the Kailash Range last August, forcing China into a stalemate.
While some of these needed to be abandoned as part of the February pullback, the Indian Army is understood to still hold similarly advantageous positions in other sectors at this time.
The celebrated February disengagement is also revealing the reality of Chinese intent. While Chinese troops and positions have moved beyond Finger 8 in the north Pangong sector, a bulk of the forces remains in the rear areas with elements of the 4th, 6th and 11th Motorised Divisions still present in those areas.
It must be said that there has been no reinforcement or strengthening of Chinese positions on the frontlines in any of the sectors, though that isn’t surprising given that such a move would be seen as immediately belligerent.
China’s quiet but aggressive reinforcement in depth areas, fully within view of the Indian military and intelligence agencies, comes just weeks after China showed surprising inflexibility during the last round of talks on April 9, at which time it virtually outright refused to discuss any pullback from the Gogra Post and Hot Springs friction points of the standoff area.
May 5 will mark one year since the military standoff began between the nuclear neighbours in eastern Ladakh, starting with a conflagration on the banks of the Pangong lake, and quickly spreading to other areas, most notably the Galwan Valley, Gogra Post and Hot Springs.

General Dynamics Mobile Protected Firepower MPF Vehicle
The Indian army has issued a new RFI (Request For Information) to acquire 350 light tanks weighing less than 25 tons. This request comes after the clash with the Chinese army near the disputed Pangong Lake in Ladakh and the Tibet Autonomous Region, and near the border between Sikkim and the Tibet Autonomous Region.
According to the Request For Information (RFI), the Indian army would like to have a light tank featuring a multiple, modular and upgradable weapon system with the capability to destroy and offer countermeasures to varied threats.
The new light tank should also feature multiple weapons for anti-aircraft and ground role with different calibre assisted with remote control weapon station. For ammunition, the tank should employ modern advance multipurpose ‘smart munitions’ with a gun able to fire anti-tank guided missiles. The tank should have an auxiliary power unit, preheated, environment control unit and anti-drone capability, UAV jammers, net-enabled.

South Korean K-21 105 light tank and BAE Systems light tank 
Currently, the Indian army operates Russian-made main battle tank T-90S called Bhishma and T-72M1 nicknamed Ajeya. Modern heavy tanks are not designed to be deployed in mountainous regions with narrow roads and crossing points not able to support a combat vehicle with a weight of 50 tons.
China has developed the Type 15 a lightweight tank that has a maximum weight of 36 tons and offers the mobility and the firepower of a standard Main Battle Tank (MBT). In fact, the Type 15 also called VT5 is armed with one 105 mm rifled gun with a thermal sleeve and fume extractor which has a maximum firing range of 3,000 m. The gun is able to fire anti-tank missiles fitted with a tandem HEAT (High Explosive Anti-Tank) warhead able to destroy armoured or tanks protected with reactive armour (ERA). The missile has a maximum firing range of 5,000 m.
Currently, three companies have developed the concept of light tanks using tracked chassis including BAE Systems, General Dynamics, and Elbit Systems. U.S. Army has launched the MPF (Mobile Protected Firepower) program to have a new light tank for the airborne troops. Two prototypes of light tanks have already delivered to the US military for testing.
General Dynamics has developed a new light tank that weighs less than 30 tons. The light tank can be armed with a 120 or a 105 mm cannon and will have armour similar to a standard MBT. In October 2015 during the AUSA defence exhibition in Washington D.C., BAE Systems has unveiled a new concept of a light tank called Expeditionary Light Tank that could be airdropped from a C-130 aircraft. The company’s solution was based on the purpose-built M8 Armoured Gun System, modernized with mature technologies from the CV90 family of infantry fighting vehicles and the Bradley Fighting Vehicle.
Recently, the Philippines has awarded the contract for the Philippine Army’s Light Tank and Wheeled Armoured Personnel Carrier Acquisition Projects to the Israeli company Elbit Systems. The new light tank for the Philippines is the Sabra which is based on the ASCOD-2 tracked chassis.
In Europe, the Turkish company FNSS has designed the Kaplan fitted with a two-man turret armed with a standard NATO 105mm rifled gun which can fire both AP (Armor Piercing) and HE (High Explosive) ammunitions. The South Korean company Hanwha has also developed a light tank concept of light based on the K-21 IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) fitted with a two-man turret CT-CV 105HP designed by the Belgian company John Cockerill.

File photo of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh | PTIText Size: A- A+

New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday granted emergency financial powers to the armed forces that will allow formation commanders to make urgent procurement to set up health facilities for COVID-19 patients.

Under these powers, vice chiefs of armed forces will be able to clear procurement proposals, officials said.

Singh’s office said he invoked special provisions and granted emergency financial powers to the armed forces to empower them to speed up efforts in the nationwide fight against COVID-19.

“These powers will help Formation Commanders to establish and operate quarantine facilities/ hospitals and to undertake procurement/ repair of eqpt/ items/ material/ stores, besides provisioning of various services and works required to support the ongoing effort against COVID,” his office tweeted.

Also read: Military hospitals could now treat civilians as Rajnath seeks armed forces’ aid in Covid fight

Currently, only 0.05 per cent (or 1 out of 2,000) retirement requests are being processed, only on compassionate grounds. This is likely to continue until 2022.

A contingent of the Indian Army showcase their skills on Army Day, in Delhi | Suraj Singh Bisht |

New Delhi: The Army has decided to continue with its policy of restricting premature retirements for soldiers this year too, in view of less recruitment last year because of the pandemic, ThePrint has learnt.

Last year, the Army had promulgated the policy of capping premature retirements for its personnel after the pandemic hit the force’s recruitment drives.

Sources in Army headquarters said only 0.05 per cent (or 1 out of 2000) retirement requests are currently being processed, only on compassionate grounds. This is likely to continue until 2022.

In August 2020, ThePrint had reported that the Regiment of Artillery was among the Army branches that stopped all premature retirements of its personnel from 1 September. The move came due to the pandemic that had delayed planned fresh recruitment, training and induction of recruits.

“Approximately 50,000-60,000 Army personnel proceed on superannuation every year, of which premature retirements could range from 6-8 per cent. The move to curtail premature retirements for sometime will go a long way in increasing the gap between the recruits coming in and those retiring,” said a source.

A second source explained that the annual recruitment rallies held across the country by the Army aim for these figures and the intake and outflow are balanced.

“Due to the pandemic, many of the rallies had to be postponed or cancelled, thereby leading to a reduction in recruitment, while the number of personnel superannuating remains more or less constant,” the source said. “This creates a deficiency in the forces. Controlling premature retirements helps in reducing this deficit partially.”

Earlier this week, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and told him that all armed forces medical personnel who had retired or taken premature retirement in the last two years are being recalled to serve in Covid facilities near their residence.

Other medical officers who retired earlier had also been requested to make their services available for consultation through medical emergency helplines, Gen Rawat told the PM.

Also read: Tejas aircraft tech comes in aid of oxygen-starved Indian cities. This is how it works

Other steps taken by Army to manage pandemic

In the wake of the massive Covid wave, among other offices, the Army headquarters had earlier this month issued orders stating that physical attendance in command and formation headquarters should be 15 per cent at most till further orders, while those on essential duties will continue with existing Covid protocols.

The Army had also cancelled major physical meetings until 5 May, promoting use of video and telephonic conferences.

The orders also said ongoing training courses will continue, but no new courses will start before 10 May. All collective training and field firing were cancelled till 10 May. The dates could be extended depending on the pandemic situation.

The Army also ordered cancellation of temporary duties and leave. The orders said in military bases, all non-essential stores in shopping complexes, parks and cinemas would be shut down while all welfare, social and religious gatherings would be cancelled. Regulated entry in essential stores and canteens would continue.

ThePrint reported earlier that 99 per cent of the 13-lakh strong Army had received the first vaccine dose while only 18 per cent of all personnel are left to receive the second vaccine dose.

On Thursday, Army chief General M.M. Naravane met PM Modi to discuss various initiatives taken by the Army to help in the pandemic management.

Also read: India looks to lease mid-air refueller from French Air Force for training, more could follow

Farmer leaders during the Gurpurb celebrations at the Singhu border. Tribune Photo

Tribune News Service

Karnal, April 30

The agitating farmers and labourers, under the banner of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), on Friday celebrated the 400th birth anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur at the Singhu border in Sonepat district.

At a joint meeting of the SKM and the Central Trade Unions, it was decided that May Day would be celebrated as ‘Mazdoor Kisan Ekta Diwas’.

Leaders, including Abhimanyu Kohar, Balbir Singh Rajewal, Dr Darshan Pal, Gurnam Singh Charuni, Hannan Mollah, Jagjit Singh Dallewal, Joginder Singh Ugrahan, Yudhvir Singh and Yogendra Yadav said Guru Tegh Bahadur fought for humanity beyond religion and caste and sacrificed his life

“It has been more than five months since farmers have been sitting at the Delhi borders. The Centre is forcibly imposing farm laws on us. Taking inspiration from Guru Teg Bahadur, we are ready for any sacrifice,” said Darshan Pal, a leader of the SKM.

The farmer leaders also emphasised on the progressive writings of Guru Teg Bahadur.

They said taking inspiration from the ninth Sikh Guru, the Sikh community had been fighting against exploitation and they were ready for any sacrifice. “Today, farmers are fighting against oppression, while many other organisations are helping people affected by the pandemic. Farmers and social welfare organisations, who were discredited and abused by the governments and a section of society, are still engaged in social service,” they added.

Religious organisations, including farmer leaders, also participated in a ‘samagam’. They called for strengthening the protest.

Visits without security route and special security arrangements

ribune News Service 

New Delhi, May 1

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday morning visited gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib here. He offered prayers on the 400th Parkash Purab of Guru Teg Bahadur as the Covid surge continued to overwhelm the country setting new grim records every day.

Also read: Devotees pay obeisance in Punjab to mark 400th Prakash Purb

According to sources, Prime Minister Modi visited the Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Chandni Chowk area without security route or special security arrangements at the gurdwara. 

“On the special occasion of his 400th Parkash Purab, I bow to Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji. He is widely respected globally for his courage and his efforts to serve the downtrodden.He refused to bow to tyranny and injustice. His supreme sacrifice gives strength and motivation to many,” Prime Minister Modi tweeted.

‘Centre mustn’t leave vax pricing to makers’; order expected today

A distressed Covid-19 patient with a relative waits to receive oxygen at Indirapuram, Ghaziabad, on Friday. PTI

Satya Prakash

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 30

The Supreme Court on Friday said states can’t take coercive action against people sharing distressing information on social media to seek medical help for their dear ones during Covid-19 pandemic.

“I flag this issue at the outset… We want to make it very clear that if citizens communicate their grievances on social media and the Internet then it can’t be said it’s wrong information. We don’t want any clampdown on information,” a Bench led by Justice DY Chandrachud said while hearing a suo motu PIL on Covid management.

‘Why not buy 100% doses?’

The Bench wanted to know why the Centre wasn’t buying 100 per cent of vaccine doses
Why not follow the national immunisation policy with respect to Covid vaccines, it asked.
Vaccine makers are publicly funded, hence vaccines are ‘public goods’, it said
“We will treat it as a contempt of court if such grievances are considered for action,” said the Bench, which also included Justice LN Rao and Justice SR Bhat.

Terming the second wave of the pandemic as a “national crisis”, it said, “There should be free flow of information… we should hear voices of citizens.”

The UP Government had reportedly ordered strict action under the National Security Act against those allegedly creating panic by making “false appeals” for help for Covid patients on social media. However, the top court said, “Let a strong message go to all the states and their DGPs… clampdown on information is contrary to basic precepts.”

Noting that the government should not leave vaccine pricing and distribution to manufacturers, the Bench sought to know why the Centre was not buying 100 per cent of the Covid vaccine doses as it was better placed to determine equity and disburse. It asked, “Why can’t the Centre follow the national immunisation programme policy with respect to Covid vaccines?”

The top court — which had last week taken suo motu cognisance of the Covid management — will formally issue its order on Saturday.

Sailors from the Indian Navy ship, INS Talwar, in the process of loading a liquid oxygen tank onto their ship at Salman Port, Manama, Bahrain.

New Delhi, April 30

Among several initiatives to tackle the ongoing Covid-19 surge, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday, invoked special provisions and granted emergency financial powers to the armed forces while Indian Navy warships have sailed across to three countries to bring several tonnes of oxygen.

The Ministry of Defence said the financial powers would help formation commanders establish and operate quarantine facilities and hospitals, and undertake procurement and repair of equipment, items, material and stores. These powers, in addition to the emergency powers delegated to medical officers of the armed forces last week, have been devolved initially for a period of three months.

Crucially, the Indian Navy has launched Op Samudra Setu-II for shipment of oxygen-filled containers to India. Two warships— INS Kolkata and INS Talwar — entered the port of Manama, Bahrain, on Friday. These will be transporting 40 metric tonnes of liquid oxygen to Mumbai. INS Jalashwa is sailing to Bangkok while INS Airavat is enroute to Singapore for similar missions. The DRDO has handed over 75 cylinders to the Delhi Government and another 40 will be given to the ITBP-run Covid care centre in the city. Each of these oxygen cylinders has a capacity of 10,000 litres. — TNS