Jasbir Sarai Fifteen students of Jammu and Kashmir coached under the Super 30 programme sponsored by the Indian Army, as a part of its two and a half decade old welfare initiative – Operation Sadbhavna, have cleared the prestigious JEE (Mains) 2016 competitive examination. This initiative by the Indian Army was launched in 2014. It is based on the model of the Super 30 in … [Read more...] about Indian Army’s Super 30 in Kashmir attains excellent results
Can India take Pakistan at its face value?
Vikas Khanna Has India scored a self-goal by inviting Pakistani investigating team to Pathankot? It would be naive to expect from Pakistan to agree to any amount of evidence shared with it in terror-related activities in India. For, any kind of admission will expose Pakistan to be bracketed as a rogue state, inviting harsh sanctions. Therefore, Pakistan cannot be expected to … [Read more...] about Can India take Pakistan at its face value?
A perspective on Armed Forces Special Powers Act
Ranjan Chauhan An interesting discussion on the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) was held on Lok Sabha Television Channel on 28 March 2016 from 5 PM to 6 PM The discussants considered application of the act in Jammu and Kashmir and the North East, the human rights issues involved and the way forward. As the discussion progressed it was Jammu and Kashmir that held … [Read more...] about A perspective on Armed Forces Special Powers Act
Checkmate for the US as it loses the plot in Afghanistan
Vikas Khanna It has been 15 years since the US-led NATO forces landed in Afghanistan and ousted the Taliban from power, but the situation in the war-torn country is as fragile as it was then. The western powers are now desperate to leave. But they can’t! The US’ frustration is writ large as it seeks an early dialogue between Afghanistan government and the very Taliban forces … [Read more...] about Checkmate for the US as it loses the plot in Afghanistan
Central pay commission leaves disabled soldiers in the lurch
Brig. (Retired) Atul Nagpal The armed forces are upset with the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) for relying upon inadequate and selective data to arrive at inaccurate and skewed analysis on the issue of disability pension for its personnel. Defence forces had sought removal of the Neither Attributable Nor Aggravated (NANA) clause applicable to its personnel. On the basis of … [Read more...] about Central pay commission leaves disabled soldiers in the lurch