Annual Conference Of Indian Society Of Hospital Waste Management

A two-day annual conference on hospital waste management organised jointly by Indian Society of Hospital Waste Management (ISHWM) and Department of Health Services, Govt of NCT of Delhi, was inaugurated by Delhi Lieutenant Governor Shri Tejendra Khanna at India Habitat Centre, today.

The conference was attended by WHO Representative Designate to India Dr Nata Menabde, Director General (Organisation & Planning), Armed Forces Medical Services Air Mshl DP Joshi, DG Railway Health Services, senior medical and dental professionals, nursing officers and prominent doctors from hospitals and nursing homes in Delhi and other places in India and abroad.

ISHWM is a scientific society actively engaged in bringing about greater awareness among the doctors, health care works, nurses, paramedics and hospital administrators on safe and effective bio-medical waste management and safe disposal.

The Key note address was delivered by Joint Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forests Shri Rajiv Gauba. In his Presidential address, Chairman Air Marshal LK Verma highlighted the importance of effective management of the hospital waste to minimise risk of infection and enhance safety to the healthcare works and waste handlers from infectious diseases such as HIV, and Hepatitis group of diseases.

US Ambassador Douses Fire Over Headley Remarks

DNA

DRDo Test Flies Nishant With Break Technology For Structural Health Monitoring

Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) a premier DRDO laboratory has conducted Nishant trials (N15-32) on 28.10.2010 at Kolar Airfield in which a technology break through has been achieved. A new technology called the Structural Health Monitoring has been developed by Bangalore based Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) and National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) (a CSIR establishment), for the monitoring of structural health parameters while the UAV is in flight. This break-through enables the structural health of aeronautical structures to be monitored, so that online health can be monitored and online and corrective action for the flight can be taken. This enables the aircraft to be flown without unnecessarily grounding them.

Analysis algorithms have been developed to predict onset of failures which would be perfected using the data obtained through today’s flight. Usage of such techniques will avoid periodic grounding of the aircraft and make the maintenance schedules to be more like “on condition maintenance”, the condition being detected even before the failure occurs. It will avoid unnecessary grounding of aircraft for inspection. Such a monitoring can be used for LCA, MCA, FGFA and other UAVs. Such techniques are going to be extensively used in the future in order to cut down the operation costs of the aircraft and can also lead to reduction in airfares. Such techniques can prevent ensuing danger of the flights by pre-warning the occurence of failure.

DRDO

Shared Info With India Thrice-US Ambassador On Headley

DNA

Second Airbus Military Tanker For UK-RAF, A330 MRTT, Makes Maiden Flight

The second A330 MRTT Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) for the UK Royal Air Force has successfully completed its maiden flight from the Airbus Military facility at Getafe, Madrid following its conversion.

Converted from a basic A330-200 by Airbus Military, the aircraft flew for exactly two hours in the evening of 26th October.

The crew reported that the aircraft, its systems, and two Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines performed entirely satisfactorily.

The aircraft joins the first FSTA, which made its maiden flight on 16th September, in a flight-test programme which will lead to first delivery to the RAF towards the end of 2011.

Airbus Military has obtained military certification for the A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport from Spanish military certification authority Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Aerospacial a(INTA) on 5th October. This paves the way to first delivery of the first two aircraft to first operator the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) before of the year.

Photos : Final Phase Exercise Indradhanush

Naval Commanders Conference-2010

The second edition of the biannual Naval Commander’s Conference of 2010 began on 26 Oct 10 with the Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Nirmal Verma in chair. Coming as it does, towards the last quarter of the year, this four day conference provides a platform to take stock of the progress made in various thrust areas that were identified at the beginning of the year.

The CNS emphasised that apart from induction of new platforms and systems, optimum utilisation of in-service assets is essential. He emphasised that timely spares support and quick turnaround is critcal to enhance the operational availability of ships, submarines and aircraft.

Speaking about coastal security, Admiral Verma underlined tthe need to bring all stakeholders on board to create the requisite infrastructure and build a high level of synergy. The Admiral commended the efforts of the Commands in sensitizing the coastal populace about coastal security and mentioned that over 33 campaigns had been conducted in coastal states this year and the coastal populace was well integrated into the coastal security architecture. The positioning of the first lot of 263 personnel of the Sagar Prahari Bal also found mention.

The CNS noted with satisfaction the progress made in the National Maritime Domain Awareness initiative. The Admiral re-emphasized that Maritime Domain Awareness lay at the very core of maritime security and the creation of a National MDA network remains critical.

Reviewing the deployments of the two operational fleets the Admiral noted the reach, endurance and professionalism demonstrated in operations across the entire span of the Indian Ocean with increasing deployment durations. Operations had also been conducted as far as Australia.

On the subject of submarine force levels he stressed the need to closely monitor the Scorpene project and the recently sanctioned Project 75-I for adherence to timelines was critical.

The CNS noted the significant improvement in the operational availability of aircraft resulting from improved spares availability and maintenance efficiency. Although satisfied with the progress made in augmentation of surveillance capability with acquisition of Maritime Reconnaisance (MR) aircraft ie Long Range like P8I,additional Medium Range MR aircraft and UAVs, he stressed upon the need to further expedite cases for augmenting the helicopter fleet of the Indian Navy.

The Admiral was pleased to note that the IN had escorted over 1300 merchant vessels without a single incident of hijacking. The Admiral was particularly pleased to note the increased patrol duration of each ship.

In addition to discussion on the vital areas of induction of platforms/equipment and operations, due emphasis was also paid to personnel policies to maintain satisfaction levels which are as important. Measures to further enhance promotion prospects of sailors and improve training efficiencies were also discussed.

The Admiral urged the Commanders to cultivate a culture of cost-consciousness amongst subordinate formations. He said “Inculcating a culture of cost consciousness, to utilise the limited resources at our disposal in the most optimum manner, without compromising on our operational preparedness is therefore the need of the hour”.

New DG-BRO Lt Gen Ravi Shankar

Lt Gen S Ravi Shankar has taken over as the 21st Director General Border Roads. A recipient of Vishisht Seva Medal, the General Officer is an alumnus of National Defence Academy Khadakvasla, Pune, Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, College of Military Engg, Pune, Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and Army War College, Mhow.

Lt General Ravi Shankar was commissioned into Corps of Engineers (Madras Sappers) in 1972 and has held various staff, instructional and command appointments, some important ones being Commanding Officer of an Engineer Regiment, Commander of an Engineer Brigade, Deputy Military Secretary at Integrated Headquarters of Ministry of Defence (Army), Commandant, Selection Centre East, Allahabad and Chief Engineer at Headquarters Eastern Command. He has been an instructor at College of Military Engineering, Pune, Indian Military Academy, Deharadun and Defence Services Staff College, Wellington.

He also has the distinction of being awarded the Gen Harkirat Singh Gold Medal for innovation in the field while supporting operations on the Siachen Glacier and serving as Deputy Chief Engineer during United Nations assignment at Headquarters UNOSOM. Before taking over as Director General Border Roads, the General Officer was holding the appointment of Additional Director General (Financial Planning) in Financial Planning Directorate, Integrated HQ of MoD (Army), New Delhi.

Infantry Day Celebrated

October 27 is celebrated as Infantry Day to mark the achievement of the Indian Army in its maiden military engagement post- independence. On this day, sixty three years ago, the first contingent of Infantry Soldiers landed at Srinagar airfield in response to the threat posed to the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity by Pakistan.

Indian Infantry has a glorious history of warfare both in its duty of guarding our frontiers and as United Nations Peace keepers in Africa and the Middle East. Infantry has been the key battle winning factor during all wars and has been the mainstay in all Counter Insurgency Operations and Internal Security duties.

The Infantry is unique, it has to adapt and operate in different terrain, altitudes and weather conditions. Be it the sub zero mountains of the Siachen Glacier, the icy plateaus of North Sikkim, the Western Deserts or the North East Jungles, the Infantry has earned for itself a unique place of pride.

To commemorate Infantry Day,and to pay a befitting tribute to the Infantrymen who have made the supreme sacrifice, wreath was laid at the imposing Vijay Smarak War Memorial by Lt Gen JS Bajwa, Chief of Staff HQ Eastern Command. A get together of serving and retired Infantry officers was organized in the evening at Army Officers Institute, Fort William. In his message, Lt Gen Bikram Singh, Goc-in-C Eastern Command conveyed his greetings to all Infantrymen and urged them to carry forward ideals and professionalism of the Infantry to greater heights while upgrading themselves to face the challenges of the modern day battlefield.

Hillary Clinton, Robert Gates Not In Obama's Delegation to India

In a distinct departure from the past, Obama will not have Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Secretary of State for Defence, Robert Gates in his delegation.

Clinton would be in Australia along with Defence Secretary, Gates, for the 25th anniversary of the annual Australia-US Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN). This would also be the first overseas trip of his new National Security Advisor Tom Donilon.

Neglected Naval Aviation Comes Up In Commanders Conference

DNA

Air Force Commanders Conference Begins

The second biannual Indian Air Force (IAF) Commanders’ Conference got underway in the Capital at Air Headquarters, today. The IAF Vice Chief, Air Officers Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of IAF’s seven Commands, Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) at Air HQ are among those attending the four-day conference.

Air Chief Marshal PV Naik addressed the Commanders and reviewed the overall progress of the IAF. Spelling out his vision for the IAF, the Air Chief elaborated on the roadmap set forth to achieve the objectives. In the context of the present day scenario, he mentioned of the threats that could manifest in unpredictable ways and the need to maintain a constant vigil to counter the threats.

Over the remaining three days, the Commanders will discuss and debate key issues encompassing IAF’s operational, maintenance and administrative aspects. The IAF is vigorously pursuing its modernization plans to enhance its strategic capabilities. The conference would also witness introspection on the progress made in key spheres and outline future plans of action for the IAF.

Washington Outlines Larger Role For India In Asia, Particularly East-Asia!!

DNA

Surprised Indian Defence Minister Didn't Know Coastal Security Before 26/11, Thought Real Border Was Just Land Border!!!

While Defence Minister A K Antony says that the armed forces are always ready and that the country is safe in the hands of our armed forces, he called the Mumbai terror attacks two years ago as "an eye opener" to Indian security establishment, he said the importance of coastal security had dawned on the government only after the 26/11 incidents.

"For us, 26/11 incidents in Mumbai was an eye opener. It is now all the more important due to the security situation around India. We have to take more care in strengthening the coastal security," he said.

"All the while, we thought land border is only the real border. Strengthening the security along the land borders was our only concern. We thought coastal areas have their own protection from the seas. Gone are those days. We have to be more careful," he added.

That was why the government was giving more attention to the coastal security now by strengthening coast guard and coastal police, he added.

Sir, if all this is true then please resign from your job, you're unfit to be a defence minister!!

Antony On Coastal Surveillance At ICG Commanders Conference

Defence Minister A.K. Antony has said that Coastal Surveillance Network (CSN) station at Tarapore in Maharashtra will be commissioned very soon. Inaugurating the 29th Annual Coast Guard Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi today he said once it is put in place, the CSN system will provide a big boost to our real time maritime domain awareness.

Antony said that ever increasing threat from the sea has necessitated strengthening of our coastal security mechanism. He said “there is an urgent need to keep our vast Maritime Zones under effective round-the-year surveillance by utilising all the assets at our disposal”.

The Defence Minister said our security concerns, particularly along the sea lanes and our long coastline have widened the mandate and also increased the responsibility of the Coast Guard. He said Coast Guard has emerged as a potent and dependable maritime force of our nation. The Defence Minister said the establishment of 46 Chain of Static Sensors atop the light houses along our coast line needs to be speeded up. A lot more needs to be done compared to what has been achieved till now, the Minister added.

Referring to the current force level of the Coast Guard Antony said that as of now it stands 91 surface platforms and 45 aircraft. He said Government is committed to enhance the force levels in a phased manner in the near future.

Giving an overview of the recent achievements of the Coast Guard the Defence Minister informed that Five stations have been commissioned at Karwar, Gandhinagar, Veraval, Hutbay and MurudJanjira to augment the presence of Coast Guard. He said District Headquarters No 12 at Kavaratti and Regional Headquarters of the North-East, along with a co-located station at Kolkata are likely to be established next year. In addition, 5 Stations at Ratnagiri in Maharashtra, Minicoy in Lakshadweep & Minicoy Islands, Mundra in Gujarat, Kolkata in West Bengal and Dahanu in Maharashtra are also likely to come up next year. The remaining 9 Stations at Pipavav, Androth, Karaikkal, Krishnapatnam, Nizampatnam, Gopalpur, Frazergunj, Kamorta and Mayabunder are slated for commissioning soon, the Minister added.

Dwelling upon the future plans of Coast Guard, Antony informed that as many as 42 Coast Guard Stations will be functioning all along the Coast by the end of the current Eleventh Plan. He said the timely establishment of these coastal stations will allow greater synergy and cooperation among the Coast Guard, State Government and other Central Government organizations to prevent anti-national activities. With regard to the manpower, Antony said the Government has sanctioned a total strength of 4026 personnel (596 officers, 2941 enrolled personnel and 489 civilian personnel).

In his address Director General, Coast Guard, Vice Admiral Anil Chopra, highlighted the progress made by the Coast Guard in acquisition of various ships and aircraft, development of infrastructure, induction of manpower and enhanced efforts for surveillance of the coast and the sea areas.

The three day Coast Guard Commanders’ Conference will analyse operational capabilities, the deployment of forces and future challenges.

Joint Indo-French Mountaineering Expedition To Draupadi-ka-Danda-II

Mountaineering is an activity that has been an inseparable part of adventure in the Indian Army since long. It imbibes the soldierly attributes of esprit-de-corps, discipline, courage and endurance. Indian army has been a pioneer in the field of mountaineering and has been the flag-bearer to some of the most glorious feats in the world history. In continuation to the magnificent tradition and to enhance the cooperation between Indian Army and the French Army, a joint mountaineering expedition was launched to Draupadi-Ka-Danda-II (5670m) in the Garhwal Himalayas. The expedition was flagged off by Maj Gen BS Sachar, SM, VSM, Offg DGMT from DGMT Conference Hall, New Delhi on Oct 1, 2010.

The joint team comprising of four officers, one JCO ,seventeen OR of Indian Army and four officers, nine OR of French Army was led by LtCol Vishal Thapa of Ordnance Corps.

The joint expedition team started from New Delhi on Oct 2, 2010 and established Administrative Base at Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi. On 06 Oct 2010 the team moved to Tel Camp to establish the first staging camp and reached its Base Camp on Oct 7, 2010. Advance Base Camp was occupied by the first and second teams on Oct 11,2010 and Oct 12, 2010 respectively. Five officers and eight other ranks from French Army and three officers, one JCO and twelve other ranks of

Indian Army successfully summited the peak on Oct 14-15, 2010. The joint teams finally arrived back to Delhi on Oct 24,2010.The peak Draupadi-Ka-Danda is a part of Garhwal Himalayas and presents a challenging ascent combined with high levels of endurance and good technical skill. The route to the peak is long and arduous requiring skilled ascent in rock and snow.

The team had to negotiate a number of rock and ice obstacles demanding high levels of skill and endurance. The joint expedition not only helped the both teams to study each other’s mountaineering techniques but also went a long way in strengthening the mutual ties between the two countries.
DPR

Antony On Pakistan In Army Commanders Conference

The Defence Minister AK Antony today asked Pakistan to shed its ambivalence on terrorism. Addressing the top brass of Army Commanders here, Antony said Pakistan did not appear to give up India-centric posturing.

“Pakistan does not appear to be willing to leave its India-centric posturing. It will have to shed its ambivalence in dealing with terror groups. Though we are not unduly concerned, we will have to keep constant vigil on the developments in Pakistan,” Antony said.

Pointing out that fighting terrorism cost the nation substantially, the Defence Minister reiterated that we will crush terrorism with all our might. Antony said that violence has shown signs of abating in Jammu and Kashmir due to the constant vigil by the Army.

“The Army has been quite successful in countering the proxy war and in minimising the incidents of terror,” Antony said, adding, “Still, as long as the terror infrastructure across the border continues to flourish, we cannot afford to drop our guard”.

The Defence Minister said that the security situation in the ‘AfPak’ region continues to be a cause for concern. “Despite the physical and material costs, India has at all times, advocated peace and stability with all nations – including our neighbours,” Shri Antony said. “The volatile political situation in our immediate neighbourhood has the potential of having a debilitating impact on the region. India’s role in preserving peace and stability thus, becomes all the more important,” he added.

Calling upon the Armed Forces to maintain a high level of operational readiness, Antony stressed that the Government remains committed to modernisation and indigenisation.

“The Defence Ministry has introduced changes in the Defence Procurement Procedure to increase private participation. I am confident that the changes in our ‘Procurement Procedures’ will help in realising the full potential of Public Private Partnership and leverage the advantages in the fields of R & D and manufacturing,” Antony said.

The Defence Minister underlined the need for probity and transparency in defence deals. “I wish to strongly reiterate that we must adopt ‘Zero Tolerance’ towards corruption in letter and spirit. Even the slightest hint of corruption will erode the lofty image of our Armed Forces that the people of our nation have become used to,” Antony said.

The inaugural session of the Army Commanders’ Conference was attended among others by the Chief of Army Staff, General VK Singh and the Defence Secretary, Pradeep Kumar. The five-day conference will review the security situation, emerging challenges and strategies. Issues pertaining to operational logistics to include infrastructure development and modernization will also be discussed. Keeping pace with the technology transformation and advancement, the conference will also focus on training and its effectiveness based on state-of-the-art technology for meeting the future challenges as also attaining a high state of combat readiness.

Everyone Wants Strategic Partnership With India, Including Eurofighter!!!

EADS

US Action Team Inspects Hotel Thrice Before Finalising Maurya

DNA

With King Of Bhutan At NDC Golden Jubilee Dinner!!

Photos : Indo-Russian Joint Army Exercise--'Indra 2010'

First Ever Commemoration Of WW-1 Battle Of Haifa, Israel On Sep 22, 2010