Karnataka CM DVS Gowda seeks Kalam's intervention to end IS-ROW

D V S Gowda

A P J Abdul Kalam

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service 

Bangalore: Karnataka Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda is seeking the intervention of former President A P J Abdul Kalam to douse the fire engulfing out of the Space war. Speaking to Express,  the CM said that he has asked a senior official in the government to draft a letter to be sent to Kalam. “It is very unfortunate to see what is happening in the Space sector. To me, it is a very sacrosanct filed which is making India thrive in the fields of communication, IT, agriculture and weather forecast. For a long time, I have been very keenly following all the developments in Space. But I am disappointed now,”  the CM said.

Hoping that his letter to Kalam will put and end to the current mess, Gowda said: “I don't want Bangalore's and Karnataka's name being drawn into any controversies. I hope Kalam Sir will bring both (Madhavan Nair & Radhakrishnan) to a discussion table and settle the row. As a politician I want to stay away from the current problem." 

The CM's decision to rope in Kalam comes after his attempt to get the attention of former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman K Kasturirangan. “I had contacted him too, but he being a former chairman, had his own reservations. I respect his decision as he is now engrossed in other activities in Delhi. I have always been touched by Kalam Sir's power to inspire people and hope he will take a stand and solve the matter,” the CM said.  

Kasturirangan, currently a member of Planning Commission looking after matters related to Science, Technology, Environment, Forest Wildlife and Agriculture, told Express from Delhi over phone that he will play a silent role at this juncture. “I have given my sweat and blood to ISRO for over 35 years and the last 10 years as its head. It is a very resilient organisation and must stay focused on its future missions. ISRO is very dear to my heart and as a human being, I will naturally have my emotions,” Kasturirangan said, not wanting to take any sides.

Kalam upset: The ongoing ISRO controversy seems to have upset Kalam. Sources say that the Missile Man, currently in Hyderabad, was completely disturbed to see the beating ISRO is getting from all quarters. “Space is  his pet subject and he shares very fond memories of ISRO. He is shocked by all the current developments,” sources said.

Kalam on the other hand is said to have made an attempt to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to discuss the raging space row. “Prior appointments of the PM, Republic Day engagements clashed with Kalam's travel plans. Hence the meeting could not take place at short notice,” government sources  said.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

Space Nair now gets backing from Aviation Nair!

C G K Nair, President SIATI

Madhavan Nair, ex-ISRO Chief

By Anantha Krishnan M & Byju Aryad

Express News Service

Bangalore/T'puram: Amidst the ongoing Space war unleashed by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman K Radhakrishnan and his predecessor Madhavan Nair, another Nair has come out expressing his strong views.

On Monday, it was the turn of C G Krishnadas Nair, Honorary President of SIATI (Society of Indian Aerospace Technologies and Industries) to express shock over the penalization of Madhavan Nair, Sridhara Murthy and other ISRO stalwarts.

Speaking to Express, C G K Nair said it was very demoralizing to Indian scientific and technical community. “It is very sad if such decisions are taken without fair probe and a fair chance to the concerned scientists. In today's world can any one be punished without giving a proper hearing?” C G K Nair, who was also the former chairman of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, asked.

Reminding that India should not forget the contributions of Madhavan Nair and his team so fast, C G K Nair said the nation owes a lot to former ISRO chairman. “The growth of space science technology and associated applications in the last one decade has been substantial, thanks to Madhavan Nair's role. He is a house-hold name and a popular figure among schoolchildren. He got India a place of pride on the world map. That is why India honoured him with a Padma Vibhushan,” C G K Nair, who was also the MD of Kochi Airport, said.

He said from his long-stint in the field of aerospace and defence, no chairman alone will take decisions. “All corporate decisions are taken by the Board. All the Board members will have to share the responsibility. I am happy to hear the government will hear these scientists now, but it could have been fair and appropriate before imposing the ban,” C G K Nair, still a name to reckon with in Indian aerospace sector, said.

Admitting that the entire episode had brought  'a huge shame on India', C G K Nair hoped that the matter will be settled at the earliest. “He (Madhavan Nair) is an asset to the nation and we are not setting a decent precedent by treating him so shabbily,” he said.  

Chandy's comfort call:  While Madhavan Nair's support is growing by the day, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy too backed the son of the soil. Madhavan Nair told Express that the CM had telephoned him on Monday and extended support that befits the case. “It was nice of him to have rang me up and stand by me during this hour of man-made crisis,” Madhavan Nair said.

But Chandy's comfort-call came after a slight faux paus he created on January 25, soon after the controversy erupted. His office requested all media houses in Kerala not to play up CM's comments on Madhavan Nair to avoid controversies. “"Nair is already giving valuable services on many matters of Kerala government. I expect that will continue the same. He is a prominent personality in the country and his services to the nation very important," the CM had said.

The CM's office said his initial comments were based purely on media queries soon after the cabinet meeting and it took some time for him to grasp the depth of the matter. Express has been informed by aides close to the CM that he is mulling over various options to bail out Madhavan Nair from the current mess.

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With raining orders, BATL finally signals arrival of good times | ISRO gets 100th Vikas engine

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore:  Inspired by an increasing order-book, probably signaling the arrival of 'good times,' the BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd now wants to steer clear BrahMos Aerospace Thiruvananthapuram Ltd (BATL) of all man-made mess. This follows a spate of internal dissidence by a small section of employees rooting for a trade union – a move put aside by the Kerala Government by exempting BATL out of the ambit of the Trade Union Act.

Sources now admit to Express that the decision to stop trade union activities has created a lot of discomfort to some employees. “After the BrahMos take over of KELTEC, many roles have undergone changes, which is the root cause of all problems. But these changes are inevitable for the growth of a Company. We are now talking with confidence about Kerala possibly making one of the best supersonic missiles in the world and this requires a professional roll call,” sources said.

With raining orders from multiple aerospace and defence firms in India, sources say that Kerala will be the biggest beneficiary, if BATL is allowed to work professionally. “Patience is the key and the defence industry is no child's play. It can't be run with union rifts and other unacceptable work culture. Let the BATL grow, along with it the employees will grow and the State too will grow. We are making missiles and not paper planes. It is a serious business," sources said. 

Sources say that last year the BATL gave Rs 17,000 as ex-gratia to every employee, irrespective of the class, despite the Company not making much profit. But the employees are now demanding a salary on par with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). “Kerala is a charged place and we know the sensitives involved in dealing with people. In the last couple of years we have seen BATL streamlining the workforce and documentation of processes. They (BATL) have added so many new machines worth over Rs 40 crore. More people have joined. Today we have been informed that the Company doesn't have any liabilities and have paid back all the loans,” sources said.

Sources say that Delhi is keen to have one single union without any external influence. “We are not averse to employees having a joint platform, but it has to be one that aids Company's growth and brand image. With additional orders, the the Industry in Kerala will be biggest winner as BATL moves forward,” sources said.

100th Vikas engine: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) received its 100th Vikas engine on Monday (Jan 30). The engine was handed over to the director of Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) at a low-key event at BATL. It was the 20th Vikas engine manufactured by BATL and 100th ISRO received so far. Vikas engine plays a crucial role during the lift-off of space vehicles (GSLV & PSLV).  Another 10 more units are to be delivered by BATL and it is the only Company that manufactures the complete engine under one roof. Each engine is worth about Rs 1 crore.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

INDIA SHINING: BATL bags Rs 120 cr additional BrahMos order | 6 more L-40 tanks for ISRO | Astra missile motor case for DRDO | Critical RF quadruple for BARC

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore: BrahMos Aerospace Thiruvananthapuram Ltd (BATL) has bagged an additional order worth Rs 120 crore from BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd. Sources tell Express that BATL will now manufacture critical components of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile at its Chakkai installation in Thiruvananthapuram. “The fresh orders are for F-3 section, metallic airframe components and CPHS (Combined Pneumo Hydraulic System). This is in addition to whatever BATL was executing for the BrahMos project,” sources said.

BATL is also making launcher containers for BrahMos missile, which had ran into some technical specification snags, but now said to be fixed. The airborne launcher (which holds the missile on Sukhoi-30MKI) prototype has been cleared now. BATL has started work on the actual airborne launcher for Sukhoi. A limited series production order of five sets is in place and the mass production of the launchers is now at a striking distance.

Amidst the man-made mess and internal squabbles, BATL is slowly and steadily marshalling its forces to be on the mission mode. “There’s no dearth for order, but dedication is the key,” sources said. For the Indian Space Research Organisation (SIRO), BATL is already supplying its star product Vikas engine, apart from titanium gas bottle. 

BATL is also producing Secondary Injection Thrust Vector Control (SITVC) tanks for ISRO. “They have been given a new order of six more L-40 tanks for GSLV. Baba Atomic Research Centre (BARC) wants the most-critical and complex radio-frequency quadruple from BATL. This is the first time an attempt is being in India to make the sensitive component for BARC,” sources said.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has placed orders for air-booster casing, B1 & B2 motor cases for missiles, gas generators and gyro valves. “The Astra air-to-air beyond visual range missile cases will also now be developed at BATL,” source said.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

Nair-row: PMO in a bind over post-ban episodes | Bright chances for lifting of ban | Radhakrishnan continues maun vrat

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) controversy over banning its former chief G Madavahan Nair & Co and the subsequent univocal outrage by the scientific community across India, have put the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in spot of bother.  Sources tell Express that there are divided opinions in the PMO over the way the ban order was executed with the post-ban episodes creating major embarrassments.

Sources tell Express that Minister of State in PMO V Narayaswamy’s comments on ‘teaching scientists a lesson’ have boomeranged on the government. “There are concerns and I can’t go into specific details now. The ban matter will come up for a detailed discussion this week,” a top source said. When asked whether the ‘detailed discussion’ will result in a possible recall of the ban order, the official said: “That’s only a possibility.” Sources said that the massive support to Madhavan Nair from of senior scientists has put the PMO on a back-foot.

Sources say that there’s a strong anti-Madhavan Nair lobby working overtime in PMO, especially targeting all those who were backed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s one-time powerful Principal Secretary T K A Nair (now eased out to an advisor role). Sources say that in the process of making a ‘vibrant PMO’ and to give it an ‘assertive image,’ there is a working script now in play, 24x7. “There are some more changes likely to happen at the PMO in the coming days. I can’t comment on whether the Madhavan Nair episode has any links to the new-found philosophy of PMO,” sources said.

Back in Bangalore, ISRO Chairman K Radhakrishnan continued his ‘maun vrat’ and this might be on for some more days. “He has been asked to do so after seeing the response to Narayanaswamy’s remarks. Right now, the PMO is keen to find a solution,” sources said. But, an insider at ISRO headquarters said that Radhakrishnan might issue a statement sooner or later, a fact which wasn’t confirmed by his media managers.

Madhavan Nair chose to stay away from the war for words on Sunday, but a close aide of his said that the blueprint for a counter-strategy is in place. “The letter issued and its format, are all in clear deviation from normal government norms. We have enough evidence that it was typed by Radhakrishnan himself at his residence and then made to sign by his junior colleague. He (Madhavan Nair) is not a college student to be issued a two-page ban order. Everything will be exposed soon,” sources said.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

Nair-row: PMO in a bind over post-ban episodes | Bright chances for lifting of ban | Radhakrishnan continues maun vrat

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) controversy over banning its former chief G Madavahan Nair & Co and the subsequent univocal outrage by the scientific community across India, have put the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in spot of bother.  Sources tell Express that there are divided opinions in the PMO over the way the ban order was executed with the post-ban episodes creating major embarrassments.

Sources tell Express that Minister of State in PMO V Narayaswamy’s comments on ‘teaching scientists a lesson’ have boomeranged on the government. “There are concerns and I can’t go into specific details now. The ban matter will come up for a detailed discussion this week,” a top source said. When asked whether the ‘detailed discussion’ will result in a possible recall of the ban order, the official said: “That’s only a possibility.” Sources said that the massive support to Madhavan Nair from of senior scientists has put the PMO on a back-foot.

Sources say that there’s a strong anti-Madhavan Nair lobby working overtime in PMO, especially targeting all those who were backed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s one-time powerful Principal Secretary T K A Nair (now eased out to an advisor role). Sources say that in the process of making a ‘vibrant PMO’ and to give it an ‘assertive image,’ there is a working script now in play, 24x7. “There are some more changes likely to happen at the PMO in the coming days. I can’t comment on whether the Madhavan Nair episode has any links to the new-found philosophy of PMO,” sources said.

Back in Bangalore, ISRO Chairman K Radhakrishnan continued his ‘maun vrat’ and this might be on for some more days. “He has been asked to do so after seeing the response to Narayanaswamy’s remarks. Right now, the PMO is keen to find a solution,” sources said. But, an insider at ISRO headquarters said that Radhakrishnan might issue a statement sooner or later, a fact which wasn’t confirmed by his media managers.

Madhavan Nair chose to stay away from the war for words on Sunday, but a close aide of his said that the blueprint for a counter-strategy is in place. “The letter issued and its format, are all in clear deviation from normal government norms. We have enough evidence that it was typed by Radhakrishnan himself at his residence and then made to sign by his junior colleague. He (Madhavan Nair) is not a college student to issue a two-page ban order. Everything will be exposed soon,” sources said.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

COMING SOON: Brahmastras from the land of Sree Padmanabhaswamy! BrahMos likely to be integrated at Thiruvananthapuram, minus warheads & propellants | Julius Zacharias is new BATL boss

By Anantha Krishnan M & Tiki Rajwi

Express News Service

Bangalore\T'puram: The land of Sree Padmanabhaswamy is likely to roll out swift and sure Brahmastras that will ensure a kill-job as clean as a whistle. As a pointer to this delayed, yet dynamic project, a low-key bhoomi puja was conducted on January 27, at a piece of land recently 'acquired' by BrahMos Aerospace Thiruvananthapuram Ltd (BATL), in Chakkai, next to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. If all goes well, Ananthapuri will be the next address for India's supersonic-stealth cruise missile BrahMos.

Kept under wraps for reasons best known to BATL officials, the boomi puja was attended by A Sivathanu Pillai, BrahMos Aerospace CEO; V G Sekhar, Director, ASL, Hyderabad; Vishnu Kartha, Executive Director, BATL; Rear Admiral (Retd) Mohapatra, Executive Director, BrahMos Production, Hyderabad and the BATL Workmen Welfare Committee members. 

Sources confirm to Express that within a year, the complete building blocks for a Missile Integration Complex (MIC) will be in place. “BATL has taken the Air Force Complex land and Vishal Infrastructure Ltd (who undertook the Thiruvananthapuram airport work) has been entrusted with the mandate of completing the work on a war-footing. A total of 20,000 sq feet has been earmarked for the project, taken as part of BATL Phase-II expansion plans,”a senior defence official said.

The MIC will undertake the complete integration of BrahMos missile, sans warhead fixing and propellent filling jobs. “Once the dry integration is done at BATL, the missile can be taken to the adjacent airport and airlifted in special flights to Nagpur for warhead and propellent integration. There are plans to have a secure road-link to the runway,” sources said.

This will be the second MIC for BrahMos, with the first being already functional inside the Missile Complex in Hyderabad.     

BATL gets new boss: Rear Admiral (Retd) Julius Zacharias is the new head of BATL and will assume office on February 1. His appointment as Managing Director was ratified by the BATL Board which met on January 27. With a spate of internal dissidence from a section of employees demanding the formation of trade union, the decision to elevate BATL's chief's post from ED to MD is an indication he getting more disciplinary powers. The Kerala government had recently exempted BATL from the ambit of Trade Unions Act.  Zacharias  was attached to BrahMos MIC in Hyderabad last year as an Officer on Special Duty. The current BATL chief Vishnu Kartha completes his four-year tenure this month end and will go back to his parent body – Indian Space Research Organisation.

(Copyright@The New Indian Express)

No plane politics, NCAD project on right flightpath: CSIR DG | Delay due to 'careful approach' towards key details

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore: Samir K Brahmachari, Director General, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) defended his decision to adopt 'a careful approach' towards India's inspiring National Civil Aircraft Development (NCAD) project. Speaking to Express over the phone from Delhi, Brahmachari denied that he or his team is 'deliberately creating turbulence' along the flightpath of NCAD, as being accused by some of the High-Power Committee (HPC) members.

CSIR DG Samir K Brahmachari

“Why should be there any hurry? We are dealing with massive government funds and it has to be dealt through a careful approach. There are lots of work to be done. Only a feasibility study is in place and that was part of the 11th Plan. Now, in the 12th Plan we will initiate the rest. It is not correct to say that we have stopped the project,” Brahmachari said.

When asked why some of the HPC members are sensing a 'deliberate delay', the CSIR chief said: “It is not a delay. When we do funding for such a huge project, we will be slow and cautious. Madhavan Nair's job as the HPC head was over in November 2011 and we thanked him for all that he has done through a letter. A new committee has taken over now as we have now entered the execution stage.”

Terming that it is important for Indian industries to come forward and propel NCAD, Brahmacahari said the Kelkar and Roddam Committees would submit their reports in the next two months. “If the industry participation is not there, this project won't take-off. Hence we are working on the joint-venture template,” he said.

To a query why the draft Cabinet note of HPC was not considered, Brahmachari said: “The format was based on an old model and it was rejected outright by the Planning Commission. This note was an extra job being done by the HPC and it was never part of their terms of reference. I know how to move Cabinet notes and the new committee will make one and move it at an appropriate time.”

Specifically when quizzed if he was playing the villain in a script for a blockbuster science fiction 'War of Brains,' the CSIR boss said: “Arey baba, no politics or deliberate delays. The 12th Plan Budget is not finalized. Everything will be clear after that.” Further when Express told Brahmachari that Prime Minister himself has seen the HPC report and was probably 'keen to go-ahead,' Brahmachari said: “When did we stop. We are going ahead. There's no controversy.”

Insiders at the Bangalore-based National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), a premier CSIR lab, ducked Express queries saying that they have been officially asked to 'shut their mouth' and not to speak on the project.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

MAIN REPORT: BELOW POST

90-seater national aircraft project put to slow death? Few HPC members suspect 'delaying tactics'

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore: Has the much-hyped National Civil Aircraft Development (NCAD) project of India being pushed to the back-burner? If sources who were part of the 16-member High Power Committee (HPC) are to be believed, the NCAD project is being 'deliberately delayed' after the feasibility report was submitted to the government in June 2011.

Former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman Madhavan Nair headed the HPC under the command of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). His team's mandate was to complete a feasibility study to develop and manufacture a 90-seater civil plane, in addition to spell out its broad design parameters. The NCAD office is situated at National Aerospace Laboratory (NAL) in Bangalore, a CSIR lab.

“We had submitted the report to the Samir K Brahmachari (Director-General, CSIR) on time in June 2011 which contained a design report, feasibility report, development plan and a draft Cabinet note. Within a month it could have been taken up. We had sought for in-principle a government approval for Rs 4,500 crore for the development phase and another Rs 3,000 crore for the production. The management plan was fine-tuned by A T Kearney,” sources said.

The HPC had sent the entire report for vetting to senior member of Planning Commission Arun Maira. “The report was very thoroughly reviewed by Maira and we later incorporated all his suggestions. We don't have any clue what went wrong. May be it is professional jealousy due to the media hype NCAD received. We have been told that the DG (Brahmachari) had strong reservations on CSIR-NAL or government taking it up. He wanted private partnership, which according to HPC was not feasible. We felt that because the technology is with the government agency, the question of knowledge transfer and IPR will come. We were also sure that no private agency will be able to fund so much of money and wait for a long time,” an HPC member said.

HPC members claim that had the government acted on time, then the project could have officially taken-off this January and by 2017 probably the first aircraft would have been ready for its first flight. “If the initial approval itself is taking one year, spare a thought for the project now. There's a deliberate delay and that's hurting us. More the delay in starting the project, more chances of new technologies coming in forcing further changes. Our efforts was to establish core competence for a civil aircraft programme in India. Commercial angle comes next. If we don't start somewhere in this area, we will be left home alone, even among the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India & China) nations.

In September 2011, the CSIR boss formed two committees with one headed by Vijay Kelkar to look into the JV formation of the project and another by Roddam Narasimha to look into the technical aspects of the project. But the HPC members are feeling let down considering some of the big names of Indian aviation and defence sector have put together the feasibility study. “Even Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was highly impressed with our report. We had given a copy of the report to the PM the very next day after it was submitted to Brahmachari. Now we hear there is some confusion as to who should be nodal ministry for this project – whether it has to be Science and Technology Ministry or Civil Aviation Ministry,” sources said.

Some of the HPC members say that out of the Rs 50 crore sanctioned by the S&T Ministry from the CSIR funding, only Rs 20 crore has been paid the team. “It was during a review meeting in 2010 with then S&T Minister Prithviraj Chavan that the funds were sanctioned. We haven't been given enough justifications why the remaining funds were not released. Chavan gave all support to this project,” sources said.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

Next post: CSIR DG Brahmachari reacts

HAL waits for new chairman, DoPT for clearances | Chairman-elect R K Tyagi's papers on way to PMO | Announcement anytime now

WAITING IN THE WINGS? Pawan Hans CMD and HAL Chairman-elect R K Tyagi. Photo: Zoom Delhi

By Anantha Krishnan M
Express News Service

Bangalore: Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) is waiting for its 16th chairman R K Tyagi. Currently the CMD of Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd, Tyagi was short-listed as the lone man eligible for the top post after the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) interview on October 13, 2011. With the three-month interim arrangement of the current officiating chairman ending this month, the focus has again shifted to Delhi. The delay has already given enough teeth to rumour mills and whisper specialists, with some claiming that his papers are stuck at the powers of corridors.

However, during a telecon with Express on Friday, a senior official in the Ministry of Defence confirmed that Tyagi's file have moved to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) 'some time back'. “Every crucial clearances are in place and his papers should have moved to the Cabinet Secretariat, Home Ministry and  finally to the Prime Minister's Office. There are strong chances that things would get cleared any time in the next two weeks,” the official said. 
A Bangalore-based director is said to have vehemently opposed Tyagi's entry and made futile attempts to convince the powers-that-be in Delhi as to why an outsider should not be given the mandate of running HAL. “His views have not gone well the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and he has been communicated indirectly about it,” the official said. The Indian Air Force too had suggested that their man at the helm of affairs would be ideal -- a move which failed to impress Defence Minister A K Antony.
The defence minister was left with no option in October 2011, but to exercise his 'special powers' to appoint  HAL's senior-most director (MiG Complex) P V Deshmukh as the officiating chairman from November 1. His interim appointment came after MoD scuttled the extension dreams of former HAL head A Nayak, who had lobbied hard to hang around cashing in on the succession mess. Deshmukh had no choice but to accept the additional charge, despite handling the sensitive Sukhoi production at Nashik – a major source of revenue for HAL.
"All those who were interviewed by PESB in September\October are still to get their orders. The process generally takes time and we don't see anything unusual in the delay,” the official said. The MoD is yet to issue an appointment letter to T Suvarnaraju as the Director (Design and Development) of HAL, though he is currently being given the acting charge of the post. The PESB has now called for applications for the post of Director (Corporate Planning and Marketing), which fell vacant in October, 2011.
                                  Copyright@The New Indian Express

STAR WAR: Nair to focus on International Academy of Astronautics in Paris

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore: Will India's loss pan out to be an outright international gain? A day after the Nair-row erupted following a 'secret' two-page letter issued by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) banned some of its stars, including former chairman Madhavan Nair, Express have confirmed information that the man who was 'once over the Moon' has made up his mind. He wants now to focus on the activities of International Academy of Astronautics (IAA), headquartered in Paris. “If India doesn't want me, that doesn't mean the world has rejected me,” Nair is said to have told his close aides.

He is currently the president of IAA, the first man to occupy the top-post outside the United States, in its 50 years' of existence. The IAA has as members from all over world and Nair was re-elected for a second stint (for two years) in October 2011. With 1,200 members to its credit, it is loaded with pioneers from the Space field. “The academicians role in IAA is being given as an award and its is decided upon after scrutinizing the contribution by individuals,” sources said. Last year, the IAA had published two path-breaking studies for the contribution to both humanity and space community, under Nair's command.

When asked about the outbursts of Nair on Wednesday, sources shot back: “How long can he take the humiliation? Somebody has to speak out and he spoke his heart out for the first time. As of now, he will watch the developments.”

As the battle-lines are already drawn in ISRO for Space War-II, it is left to be seen whether the current ISRO Chairman Radhakrishnan – the alleged master-mind behind the secret order – and his predecessor will have any Nair-row escape route left to come out of this mega mess. Going by the sentiments of ISRO scientists and insiders owing allegiance to Madhavan Nair, the atmosphere at Antriksh Bhawan – ISRO Headquarters in Bangalore – has already polluted and the Chairman will have a tough time keeping his flock together .

Watch this Space!

Nair to go Kalam way; to inspire young minds

The sishya in Madhavan Nair is all set to follow the foot-steps of his guru A P J Abdul Kalam with a new mission to inspire India. “I have been doing this for the last two years and now have decided to aggressively purse it by talking to to college students and schoolchildren. If India has to grow in a sensible and systematic way, we should inspire our youth. At least, they will be loyal to the nation,” Madhavan Nair told Express.

“I have already made-up my mind and a blueprint is ready. I shall be formally launching my mission so that students across India will have more access to me. Their minds will be my laboratory and I am confident of contributing to their growth the scientific way,” says Nair.

(Copyright@The New Indian Express)

UAV Test pilot Lt Col Thapa to command DRDO's R-Day contingent | Part of Army UAV team since 2000 | Piloted Rustom-1 externally 9 times so far

Lt Col V S Thappa (inset) and on the jeep during the R-Day rehearsals in New Delhi. Photo: DRDO 

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore:  Lt Col V S Thapa, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) external Test pilot, hailing from Dehradun, will command this year's Defence Research and Development Organisation's (DRDO) Republic Day parade contingent in New Delhi. Thapa, is presently posted on a special assignment to Bangalore-based Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) – which is the abode of home-grown UAVs, including Nishant and Rustom.

Speaking to Express from Delhi, Thapa said that it was a very esteemed occasion for him to command the unit. “It is a lifetime opportunity that has come my way and I am working hard to make it a success. The rehearsals have been good and we have fine-tuned everything before the big day,” the 44-year-old Thapa said.

Thapa hit the headlines after conventionally flying Rustom-1 UAV for the first time in October 2010, and so far has piloted (externally) nine flights of Rustom-1. An officer from the Regiment of Artillery of the Indian Army, Thapa is certified as an external pilot from Israeli Aerospace Industries, Malat, Israel. He is part of Army's UAV team since 2000 and has handled Searcher Mk-I Alpha and Searcher Mk-II UAVs. Thapa is married to Puja with the couple having a daughter Bani, studying in 7th standard.

DRDO sources tell Express that Thapa was selected to lead the R-Day contingent after a vigorous selection process. “There were four other officers in the race and Thapa was selected after scrutinizing various parameters,” sources said.

ADE Director P S Krishnan said that the lab couldn't have asked for more with a member of his team being chosen to command the DRDO R-Day team. “A double honour for us, with Thapa and Rustom-1 chosen for the parade. The UAV by itself can be used for  various reconnaissance purposes, though it is a technology demonstration vehicle for Rustom-2,” Krishnan said.

In addition to Rustom-1, Thapa will have in his company missiles Agni-4 and Prahaar, in addition to a tableau depicting gen-next technologies used while handling hazards of snow and avalanches.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

Karnataka pride goes one notch up | Coast Guard names IPV after Rani Abbakka | Delighted the Queen is honoured: Historian

The statue of Rani Abbakka installed at Yeshwanthpur in Bangalore. (Photo Nagarj Gadekal | The New Indian Express). Below: The Indian Coast Guard Ship Rani Abbakka which was commissioned recently. (Photo: MoD)

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore:  The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) put the pride of Kannada one notch up with the naming of their first inshore patrol vessel (IPV) after Rani Abbakka, a legendary queen of Ullal in Mangalore. Rani Abbakka is the first of a series of five IPVs, designed and built by  Visakhapatnam-based Hindustan Shipyard Limited.

The news of the IPV being named after a Kannada braveheart was welcomed by former Karnataka Ithihasa Academy president Suryanath U Kamath. “It was during my tenure that a resolution was passed that Rani Abbakka should find a prominent place in today's time and space. She was a lady who defeated the Portuguese during the fierce naval battle in 1618. She belonged to the Chawta family, originally from Moodbidri. We are happy that our request to name one ship in memory of her naval victory is finally fulfilled,” Kamath said.

Kamath says that along with the Samithi, the Kannada Shakthi Kendra too wanted a ship named after the queen. “We had published our resolution in local dailies then and was extremely happy to see a newspaper advertisement recently announcing the commissioning of ICG ship Rani Abbakka. This is a matter of great pride for each one of us in Karnataka,” Kamath, former chief editor of Karnataka State Gazetteer (1981-1995), told Express.

Giving a glimpse of Rani Abbakka's exemplary will in taking on the mighty Portuguese,  he said that here planning and war tactics left the invading forces clueless. “The Portuguese (over 200) came to coastal areas of Karnataka and demanded goods be sold at a price fixed by them. Rani Abbakka (whose mother was also a Queen in Ullal), protested the demand. She asked the people not to yield to the men and with the help of Prince Venkatappa Nayak of Keladi (a town in Shimoga district), she took the Portuguese head on,” Kamath said.

Today, a statue of Rani Abbakka (riding a horse) is installed at Ullal, while another one of her's (standing next to a canon), is erected at Yeshwanthapur in Bangalore. "It is a matter of great pride for the people of Karnataka that a Coast Guard ship now carries the name of the great warrior Rani Abbakka. I am delighted that the announcement of the ship's commissioning came at a time when the whole nation is gearing up for Republic Day. Her story is really inspiring and I salute the spirit at which she took on the Portuguese," Karnataka Governor H R Bhardwaj told Express. 

If Rani Abbakka's is a story of valour, then the ship boasts of state-of-the-art features. It has onboard navigational/communication sensors and equipment of next generation. Among the special features are an integrated bridge system, machinery control system and a home-grown gun mount with fire control system. To be manned by five officers and 34 men under the command of Commandant C Vivekananda, Rani Abbakka will be based at Chennai.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

Bangalore man who saw the Moon, NASA and Star Wars closer | Prof Ramnath of MIT says India should have a national goal

R V Ramnath, Prof of Aeronautics & Astronautics, MIT. Photo: Jithendra

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore: Motorcycle rides to Jakkur air strip from V V Puram, soon after finishing his Intermediate from National College in 1955, gave him fundamental lessons in speed and accuracy. Flying Tiger Moth over good-old Bangalore saw his dreams taking wing along with exposure to altitude and the not-so-friendly G-forces. The rest, as they is history.

Express caught up with 74-year-old Rudrapatna V Ramnath, Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), to know from a man, who was part of America's Apollo Mission, which brought Moon closer to mankind. “My father sold my motorcycle after he came to know that I was learning flying without his clearance,” says Prof Ramnath.

Son of late R. Venkataramaiya, the first Chief Justice of Karnataka, Prof Ramnath, studied in Kannada medium schools and took his BE in Electrical Engineering from Mysore University College of Engineeering, Bangalore, in 1959. He went to Cranfield Institute of Technology, UK in 1963 and did his MSc and a PhD in Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering from Princeton University, USA. “In UK, I graduated my flying on Tiger Moth and Auster Eaglet. It was all for fun, you see,” he said, adding: “My first boss was Dr Neelakantan, the first director of National Aerospace Laboratories and I was his technical assistant.”

Topping his inspiration-list is J Robert Oppenheimer, the brain behind the Manhattan Project responsible for detonating the first atomic bomb. “He loved Indian philosophy and he quoted from the Bhagavad Gita at the time of the first controlled nuclear explosion. He described it as Light of a Thousand Suns (Divi Surya Sahasraya). Even the great Einstein was under him. I had met Oppenheimer and he shared his love for India and Sanskrit,” Prof Ramnath, who was in India to receive an award, said.

On his role in Apollo Mission, the professor said that MIT was given the contract then for developing the guidance system. “I am glad that I was part of a team that made man walk on the Moon for the first time. I am also delighted

that India has made huge inroads in Space applications. Technology-wise the US is far ahead, but India is catching up. There's no lack of brain and intelligence here. But man-management and red-tape is a bane for this nation. India should have a national goal. I feel here everything is fragmented,” Prof Ramnath, who is settled in Lexington said.

When asked about his take on the new-age Bangalore, his thoughts hit the road in a splash. “Traffic can make your nervy. My heart still beats for Bangalore. My memories, my childhood, my yoga classes... I love Carnatic and Hindustani classical music and every time I listen to them, I travel in time and space to Bangalore,” the professor, married to Vijaya from Mysore, said.

A buddy of India's space legend Prof Satish Dhawan, the septuagenarian recalled their days together playing tennis. “We had fun while playing. He tried hard to get me into India's space programmes, but I was chasing more challenges,” says the man who was roped in for Ronald Regan's Star War project. In addition to teaching at MIT, he is also consultant to NASA and advisor to US Department of Defence.

If all these are rocket science stories, then here's a sportive bit. Prof Ramnath is the man who developed a systematic procedure to evaluate the performance of advanced sports equipment, including tennis/badminton racquets and golf clubs. He is also credited with aiding the technology that helps line-calls in tennis.

(This article appeared on Jan 22 Edition of Express. Copyright@The New Indian Express)

Smarter space security must to counter China's ASAT capabilities, says new book

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore: Are our space assets safe? Is the threat, if any,  a problem? Whats does it involve? What is the solution? Answers to all these relevant queries are captured in a new book titled 'Space Security -- Need of Global Convergence' published by Pentagon Press. Authored by Dr Arvind Gupta, Lal Bahadur Shastri Chair, Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis (IDSA), Prof Amitav Mallik, former member, National Security Advisory Board and Wg Cdr Ajey Lele, a research fellow with IDSA, the book dwells upon the challenges in front of India in the wake of anti-satellite (ASAT) capabilities developed by China.

Stunning the space powers and sending out warning bells, China had demonstrated its ASAT capability in January 2007 by destroying its weather satellite (not in operation).  “This aspect (the Chinese threat) needs to be analyzed in terms of its present and future plans and more so on  space systems for both military and civil applications. India needs to concentrate more on space exploitation capabilities development both for space and ground systems than concentrating its efforts and finances on space weapon systems,” opines the book.

With India mastering the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) technology, and exhibiting its capability to launch a number of satellites through a single launch, the authors see the need for smaller satellites for surveillance/earth observation in low earth orbit. “India must develop alternates to space system to support requirements . The space systems should act only as a redundancy or as an alternative to terrestrial or aerial platforms. For sea-based forces, the space system be planned as complementary to the existing systems. This will ensure better exploitation of adversary weakness while one can continue to exploit its own  space assets,” the book recommends.

Saying that electronically fighting a war in space will be both economical and effective in comparison to employing other forms of weapons against space systems, the authors strongly  pitches for India expanding its scope of its existing electronic warfare (EW) units. “Include the cyber warfare capabilities and other EW measures against satellites by employing static, mobile and on the move satellite terminals. They will be effective even on fringe of the adversary satellite footprint and shall also offer protection against detection and conventional weapon attack. Simultaneously India should also develop capabilities to counter adversary EW attack on its space systems ,” the authors felt.

THREAT TO SPACE SYSTEMS*

1. Electronic warfare such as jamming communications and command-control system/links.

2. Physical attacks on satellite ground stations and hit -to-kill anti-satellite weapons.

3. Dazzling or blinding of satellite sensors.

4. Attacks by micro-satellites to acts as space mines and pellet cloud attacks on lo-orbit satellites.

5. High-altitude nuclear detonations (HAND).

6. Space debris.

(*Source: Space Security -- Need of Global Convergence, Pentagon Books)

This article appeared on Jan 22 Edition of Express. Copyright@The New Indian Express

HATSOFF CEO Upadhyay quits; HAL says all is well

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore: Veteran Test pilot and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bangalore-based HATSOFF Helicopter Training Private Ltd Wg Cdr (Retd) C D Upadhyay has quit . Sources confirmed to Express on Thursday that Upadhyay put in his papers on January 5 and will be out of HATSOFF (Helicopter Academy to Train by Simulation of Flying) by the end of this month. HATSOFF is a JV of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and CAE Canada.

Sources say that Upadhyay emailed his resignation to the Board members expressing his desire to be off all activities of HATSOFF. “The CAE, while acknowledging the email thanked him for getting a world-class, leading-edge chopper training facility in Bangalore. He is now keen to share his expertise to promote helicopter industry and safe helicopter operations in India ,” sources said. He was appointed as the first CEO of HATSOFF in 2009.

HAL chairman's office told Express that Upadhyay was turning 65 years this month and hence it was a matter of days before he would have signed off from the post. An email sent to CAE's media department evoked no response. “He was informed that he could continue till March, which he rejected. There were some skirmishes over one armed forces' wing not agreeing to sent Dhruv pilots to train at HATSOFF despite repeated representations to them. He didn't budge a bit from the rulebook,” sources said.

For Upadhyay this will be the end of a hat-trick service spanning over 65 years. He commanded the Mi-8 Squadron while being with the Indian Air Force and later was the Chief Test Pilot (CTP) of HAL's rotary wing operations. “He was very much part of the design and development of Dhruv from its inception and has over 1000 hours of prototype testing experience on this helicopter. He has flown over 33 different types of aircraft and helicopters and has over 9000 hours of operational, prototype testing and instructional flying experience,” sources at HAL's Human Resources department said.

Upadhyay was not available for any comment.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

DGCA wants pilots 'fix the weather' before flying to avoid accidents | Pilots say regulatory authority is running away from responsibility

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore: 'Fix' the weather first and then fix the flight-plan! The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) now wants civil chopper pilots to obtain proper weather updates before flying. Logic: Numerous chopper accidents in the recent past have occurred due to pilots flying in inclement weather conditions inadvertently. But, the pilots say in unison that the regulatory authority is running away from their responsibility, putting them into a real fix. Their logic: DGCA must ask MET department to improve weather predictability.

'Weather' the pilots like it or not, a recent two-page circular issued by A K Saran, joint director, DGCA, clearly puts the onus on them (see below). Express' sought the reactions through a professional guild of Indian helicopter pilots, only to see the rotor wing clan flooding with their responses, enough to even write a book! However, the anonymity pact was put in place.

“Overconfidence, over weight of the helicopter and weather are the biggest enemies of a helicopter pilot. A pilot can control the first two, but weather is beyond control. A pilot who is always weather-wise will never require his superior skills to get out of an unforeseen situation. The DGCA require to put pressure on the MET department to improve weather predictability, establish met facilities at all division level and most importantly update it at every 30-minute interval so that the pilot\operate can easily accessible it,” a senior pilot said.

Saying that the DGCA regulations are inspired out of the one prevalent in the United Kingdom, the pilots claimed that the size of UK could be smaller than UP. “Can we manage a country like India which is much bigger than UK, but with the same amount of infrastructure? We do not have adequate coverage of MET station and R/T (radio transmission) for the full length and breadth of our country. Helicopter operations have always been given the last preference while in the developed and Western world they are the most important. The DGCA is still yet to come to terms with it,” another pilot said.

The pilot say that the circular does little to address the primary concerns of helicopter flying, and attempts to solve it typically in the ‘fixed-wing’ way; whereas, both these types of operations differ significantly. “Aeroplanes fly at higher altitudes, and cover greater distances. They are benefited by the genralised information being made available by the IMD website, and the type of briefings being afforded by the Met departments in airfields. Helicopters very rarely, fly between airfields. Mostly, they have to operate from helipads where the necessary weather expertise does not exist. They require more specific weather inputs from such locations,” sources said.

A Hyderabad-based chopper expert said that best option would be simulators. “Helicopters do not fly (always) over urban areas, areas covered by met forecast, areas having internet connectivity. To expect enroute weather trend to be accurate will be a mistake. A pilot has to learn to take correct decisions leading to safe flight (this sometime comes from experience). This needs to be taught, not by theoretical classes but by the use of simulators where various situations can be created,” the pilot, with over 5,000 hours of flying said.

The DGCA says that its instructions are only guidelines and asked the operators to develop their own system and checks to ensure that all pilots fly in safe weather conditions only. “This aspect will be checked by during the annual audits of the operators and during random ramp inspections of helicopter flights,” the circular warns.

THE DGCA DIKTAT

1. All helicopter flights will be executed only when weather at port of origin, enroute and at destination is within the pilot’s and helicopter’s minimas (requirements), with no significant ‘trend’ to deteriorate.

2. In case the launch of flight is delayed by 30 minutes or more, the PIC (pilot in command) should obtain latest destination weather on phone or make use of satellite bulletins available on mobile internet to do so and get the trend.

3. For helicopters carrying out shuttle services/ flights between helipads in uncontrolled airspace or offshore, the operators will make arrangements to make available existing weather at the helipads/ helidecks to the pilots on RT every 30 minutes.

4. In case the pilot encounters bad weather at any stage of flight which would entail VFR (visual flight rules) fight entering into IFR (instrument flight rules) conditions, he/she shall take timely decision to discontinue the flight or take alternate action as per the flight plan clearance.

5. During monsoons and during times when visibility is low, if any section of flight is over hostile environment (terrain, vast water body, dense vegetation or militant activities where immediate landing is not possible), all helicopter flights will be planned very deliberately with alternate route, force landing fields etc and will be monitored by the operations branch of the operator.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

CHETAK CRASH INVESTIGATION REPORT | DGCA says HAL Academy don't have approved flying manual | DGCA sitting over manual & blaming the pilot for not using proper proforma baseless: HAL

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore: Hit by the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)'s investigation 'findings' into the 2010 August Chetak crash, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) launched a strong defence terming some of the comments as 'incorrect.'  In an email response to Express' queries, a senior HAL official wanting not to be named, backed the pilot Air Cmde (Retd) ROJ Assey, Flying Instructor at the Rotary Wing Academy (RWA), who survived the crash with minor injuries. He had over 4200 hours of flying at the time of crash and his trainee pilot Capt Virendra Singh of the Indian Army, who too escaped, around 15 hours. 

While the DGCA findings minces no words against the instructor and RWA, HAL defended its stand by sharing all facts with evidence – a first in many years. Taking on DGCA's comment that the RWA doesn't have an approved training manual, the official said: “We have sent the manual to DGCA head quarters in Delhi, but no response for a long time. We have received an acknowledgment and the  approval is pending with them. Number of reminders have also been sent,” sources said.

HAL says that a special audit of RWA was carried out in 2011 by a special team and no non-compliance was found. “Every year the audit is carried out by an inspector for renewal of RWA's approval where the current medical and standardization checks are put under the scanner. The crash investigation report is not been written by a pilot, who understands the mechanics of flying and flying training. One has to take into consideration the total accident-incident free record of the instructor (prior to the accident) and comment,” the official said.

On the DGCA observation on the instructor's hover height and improper handling, during the time of crash, the official said: “While teaching we always maintain a higher height so that the pupil get more room while maneuvering. This is a globally-accepted technique. If the instructor was on the controls this accident would never have happened. But if the instructor is always on the controls, the pupil never learns but goes ahead to become a pilot. The emergency actions taken by the pilot were the most appropriate in the situation. Blaming the pilot not using proper proforma is ridiculous, as it is the one issued by DGCA.”

A senior pilot in the know-how of training rookie pilots felt that the frequency of inspection in a training institution should be more. 

Following are some of key crash findings of DGCA. 

1. While the instructor started following the pupil on the cyclic, the helicopter suddenly pitched up. This hover was due to not properly handling of controls by the instructor.

2. The instructor had followed his instincts and did not follow the emergency procedures as laid down in the flight manual, thereby delaying the corrective action.

3. RWA doesn't have an approved training and procedures manual which defines the hover height during training flights for trainee pilots in order to provide an element of safety.

ABOUT RWA

The Rotary Wing Academy (RWA) is the only Academy in the country training pilots on helicopters on civil flying even today. It was established in 2000, as the helicopter training outside of the military was non-existent. Ever since, the RWA has trained total of about 110 pilots on helicopters from civil, Border Security Force, Nepal Army, Coast Guard, Indo-Tibetan Border Police and the Indian Army. It owns two piston engine Schwiezer 300 chopper, one turbine engine Schwiezer 330 chopper, and had two Chetak –- of which one was lost in the 2010 crash. It is now being replaced with a new procurement. There are four experienced instructors at RWA.

|Copyright@The New Indian Express|

Bravehearts want more men join the Army | Double for Maj Rajiv

K B Lava, an instructor at Commando School Belgaum (left); Major Madhusudan B S, gunner with Infantry Battalion and Major Rajiv Shankar (below, passport-size photo) of ASC Bangalore are among the Sena Medal recipients from Karnataka. Photo: MEG

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore: The real action heroes are here. To get honoured for their valiant efforts that fetched glory to the Nation. Fearless and raring to go, these men have got fame to Karnataka as well, in their missions - be it at Siachen, Assam or Jammu and Kashmir.

In Bangalore to receive the prestigious Gallantry Awards (Sena Medal) during the Investiture Ceremony, these bravehearts spoke to Express on their transformation from boys to men of guts. The daredevils had one message in common – a clarion call on Army Day – to all the sons of soil in Karnataka: “Come and join the Indian Army. We are there for you.”

Major Madhusudan B S holds a Masters in Bio-Technology from Bangalore University and was a lecturer before joining the Army. Inspired by his father, a banker, Madhu graduated his skills as a Scout and later in NCC, before reaching his dream destination. An operation in April, 2010 is the high-point in his career so far, when he took on a militant group in Manipur head-on.

“An ambush was laid to flush out the militants. God is great and the mission was safe. I had earlier eliminated many militants during various operations. But, this one was close. Seeing death from very close quarters. We fired at them with AK-47s. We had gone there to win and we won,” says Madhu, from Bappujinagar in Bangalore. A native of Coorg, Madhu wants more men from Karnataka to join the Army. “The privilege and esteem is more. It is an excellent profession. Give a try, come what may. I am the lone Kannadiga officer in my Artillerymen Battalion,” he said.

K B Lava is an instructor with the Commando School in Belgaum. Sixteen years into Service, Lava is from 19 Karnataka Battalion and was influenced by his NCC teacher Capt Devaiah to join the Army. It took five attempts for Lava to finally make it. “The 5th one was crucial and I was already 21 then. I knew I will and I am proud of my decision,” Lava said.

In Jan 2010, while serving in Assam, Lava's team received an information on an insurgent hiding in a house. “He jumped out of the house and fired at me straight. My life is precious and he was a goner in seconds. I love the religious harmony in the Army. I am already talking to youngsters in Coorg to join the Army,” Lava, whose father is a farmer, said.

Major Rajiv Shankar hails from Thirvananthapuram and now posted at the Army Service Corps Supply Depot in Bangalore . An NDA product, his is a rare case, considering that he is part of a logistic unit of the Army and not combat. This Sunday he will be receiving his second Sena Medal and he has already two Mention in Despatches to his credit. He took on the LeT militants in the Valley in a counter-terrorism operation. “We moved in based on inputs. I am the hunter and got on with the kill-task with no second thoughts,” says Rajiv, who is a fourth-generation solider from his family to Serve the Army.

MEG all geared-up: The MEG & Centre was all decked up on the eve of the 64th Army Day celebrations. The Army conducted a full dress rehearsal on Saturday at the Basantar Auditorium with a host of Army top brass in attendance. The entire area was combed by security experts and restrictions are in place inside the campus on general movements. “Once the Investiture Ceremony is on, there won't be any movement allowed inside the premises. It is a very  captionsolemn event for us. A detailed list of items that are not to be taken inside the premises have been identified,” sources told Express.

Remembering Cariappa: Army Day is celebrated on January 15 every year to mark the first Indian taking over the command of the Indian Army of Independent India. It was on this day in 1949 that Lieutenant General (who became Field Marshal later) K M Cariappa took over as the first Commander in Chief of Army from General Sir Francis Butcher, who was the last British Army Chief.

Big boss checks in: Lieutenant General A K Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Headquarters Southern Command of Indian Army touched down at HAL Airport on Saturday on an official three-day visit to Bangalore. An alumnus from National Defence Academy, he was commissioned into the 7th Light Cavalry on 17 Jun 1973. A key think-tank of Indian Army, Singh was earlier Director of the General Perspective Planning, responsible for all future strategies, development of long-term perspective and plan formulation. “Singh commanded the 7th Light Cavalry, an Armoured Brigade during ‘Op Parakram’ which he converted to first T-90 Brigade of the Indian Army and prestigious 31 Armoured Division. He was Commanding General of Strike 1, the main deterrence force of the Army,” sources told Express.

|Copyright@The New Indian Express|

(Tarmak007 welcomes onboard its 500th registered member, Salah Sai.)