The army chief in a recent press conference stated a few facts, which merit further justification. His major comment included that ‘Azadi’ is not feasible and those who challenge the army or demand ‘Azadi’ will be fought against. Secondly, numbers of militants killed are irrelevant as others would join, ensuring that the cycle continues. Thirdly, the Indian army fights with […]
The two Koreas appear to be moving forward post the successful summit between the two leaders. The agreement signed, details of which were released later, indicates steps taken between the two nations to create an environment of peace, post the rise of tensions in the peninsula, after North Korean nuclear and missile tests last year. Within days of the meeting […]
There are press reports that the home ministry is considering the deployment of National Security Guard (NSG) teams in the valley. The proposal involves deploying a unit of Black Cat Commandos in the Kashmir valley for highly specialized anti-terror operations particularly to deal with hostage situations. Presently, these tasks are being conducted by the army’s Special Forces (SF), who are […]
Based on a demand from across the nation on the need to establish our own memorial for those military personnel who laid down their lives in service of the country, the government announced the construction of a new war memorial in Oct 2015. This issue was pending for decades with every government looking for reasons to delay its decision. Even […]
The Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) rose from the extra judicial killing of a young Pashtun man by a police team led by Rao Anwar in Karachi early this year. From its humble start, it has marched on and threatened the power of the most powerful institution of the country, its army. Its largest rally was in Peshawar where it drew […]
Bangladesh goes to the polls later this year. In Asia, this election will be closely watched. It will be of special interest to India and China. Politics in Bangladesh is run by two major political parties, both led by dynastic rulers. The present ruling party, the Awami League is headed by Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of the founding father of […]
The conclusion of the summit between North and South Korea was monitored across the globe. With cameras rolling it was excellently choreographed by both leaders. It indicated the setting in of a bonhomie not seen in the peninsula for decades, especially as tensions had risen to a peak in the last one year, when North Korea conducted a series of […]
The defence ministry has informed service headquarters to compile a list of obsolete military equipment and weapon systems so that they can be refurbished and gifted to friendly nations. The intention of the government appears to be to boost defence cooperation with friendly states. It also has a dual purpose of creating repair, spare parts and ammunition facilities in India, […]
Xi Jinping was the first leader whom PM Modi hosted in his home town Ahmedabad in Sept 2014 and Xi responded by hosting Modi in Xi’an, his own home town in May 15. Since then, the two have met on multiple occasions as both nations are part of multiple international organizations, where heads of state meet. Despite all tensions both […]
Twice in the last fortnight the Supreme Court has rapped the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and fined it for appealing against cases pertaining to grant of disability pensions to veterans. The MoD was appealing against the decision of the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT). In its judgement the Supreme Court remarked that the government must wake up to its duties and […]