Monthly Archives: August 2018

Will be 50% of basic pay drawn before retirement

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 24

In a major pre-election move, the Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday approved a new scheme to grant assured pension to 23 lakh Central Government employees and their families who are currently covered under the National Pension Scheme (NPS).

The NPS, which replaced the old pension scheme (OPS) in 2004, does not assure employees of pension. It says that upon retirement, subscribers can withdraw up to 60 per cent of the corpus as a lump sum and use the remaining 40 per cent to buy an annuity, which provides a regular pensionable income. Though withdrawals under the NPS are tax-free, annuity is taxable.

Government employees had long been demanding NPS review and return to the OPS architecture, something the Cabinet did today. The Congress had earlier thrown its weight behind employees demanding return to OPS and gained electorally by winning the Himachal Pradesh poll in 2022.

The new Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) says that every Central Government employee will be eligible for an assured pension of 50 per cent of average basic pay during the last 12 months before retirement. “Qualifying service for the assured pension benefit will be 25 years. If the service is under 25 years but more than 10 years, a proportional pension will be given,” Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said.

PM Modi hailed the scheme today after meeting representatives of the Joint Consultative Machinery of the Central Government staff at his residence after the Cabinet decision. “We are proud of the hard work of all government employees who contribute significantly to national progress. The Unified Pension Scheme ensures dignity and financial security for government employees, aligning with our commitment to their well-being and a secure future,” the PM said. It will have five pillars and will be fully funded by the Budget. State governments will be free to adopt it. “There will be no throw-forward of financial obligation of the UPS to future generations,” said Cabinet Secretary-designate TV Somanathan, who headed a committee the PM constituted in April 2023 to address concerns of employees enrolled under the NPS.

Apart from assured pension to the employee, the UPS also provides assured family pension. This amount will be 60 per cent of the pension of the employee before his demise.

The third pillar of the scheme will be an assured minimum pension of Rs 10,000 per month on superannuation for an employee who has served for a minimum of 10 years. Pensioners will also get the benefits of dearness relief, which accounts for inflationary pressures.

The fourth pillar of the UPS says the employee will get lump sum payment at superannuation in addition to gratuity. This will be one-tenth of monthly emolument (pay plus dearness allowance) as on the date of superannuation for every completed six months of service.

About the Unified Pension Scheme

• Employees to get assured pension of 50% of average basic pay drawn in last 12 months before superannuation
• If service is below required 25 years but more than 10 years, a proportional pension will be given
• Provision of assured family pension — 60% of the amount drawn by employee before demise
• Assured minimum pension of ~10,000 after 10-year job
• Pensioners will also get the benefits of dearness relief
• Lumpsum payment at superannuation in addition to gratuity
• No throw-forward of obligation of UPS to future generations
• Under UPS, the Centre’s share to rise from 14% to 18.5%
• All NPS employees will have the option to switch to the UPS
• All state governments can opt for their employees too
• UPS will apply to those having already retired under NPS from 2004 onwards; will get arrears
• Arrears to cost govt ~800 cr
• Additional annual cost by way of raised central contribution to UPS and zero throw-forward of liabilities will be ~6,250 cr

The force currently has about 20 battalions to guard the more than 500-kilometre-long front

Jalandhar/New Delhi, August 25

The BSF has sought the deployment of an additional battalion to check the onslaught of cross-border drones carrying drugs and ammunition and curb infiltration along the Punjab front of the India-Pakistan border.

The force currently has about 20 battalions to guard the more than 500-kilometre-long front, out of which 18 are “actively deployed” at the border while the rest are mobilised in view of the requirements at the Attari integrated check post in Amritsar and the Kartarpur corridor at Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district.

The drone menace that started around 2019-20 along this front is dominant in the border districts of Amritsar and Tarn Taran. One more Border Security Force (BSF) battalion has been sought to better secure the Punjab border, a senior officer told PTI.

The request is under “active consideration” of the Union Home Ministry, he said.

New Delhi to post liaison officer at US Special Operations Command in Florida

Ajay Banerjee

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during a visit to Naval Surface Warfare Centre in Carderock, Maryland. PTI

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Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 25

India and the United States are looking to expand cooperation in the maritime domain, including having a new testing facility for naval submarines. Separately, New Delhi has made an addition to its existing list of military liaison officers stationed in the US.

A statement of the Ministry of Defence said during the ongoing visit of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to the US, an MoU was signed between India and US regarding the deployment of liaison officers.

“India shall be accordingly deploying the first Liaison Officer to the Headquarters Special Operations Command in Florida, US,” the statement added.

The Indian Navy already has a liaison officer at the US Central Command headquartered at Bahrain. The US has its officer at the Indian Navy’s information fusion centre headquartered at Gurugram, near New Delhi.

Ely Ratner, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs in the US Department of Defense, wrote post on X: “I signed a liaison officer agreement to strengthen the ever-growing ties between US and Indian armed forces. The DoD looks forward to hosting Indian officers at US commands.”

Meanwhile, India shall deploy Indian Navy personnel in multi-nation Combined Task Force ‘CTF 150’ headquarters at Bahrain next year. The Ministry of Defence today said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited a technically-advanced water tunnel facility for testing submarines, torpedoes, naval surface ships and propellers, at Memphis, Tennessee.

“The discussions intend to support the ongoing proposal for establishment of similar facility for indigenous design and development in India,” it added. Rajnath had also met his US counterpart Llyod Austin. The US DoD described the meet quoting Austin saying: “We share a vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

Austin added: “We’re expanding our defence industrial ties and working to coproduce more capabilities and strengthen supply chain resilience.” India-US have increased operational cooperation across all domains. “The Indian navy remains an important security provider in the Indian Ocean,” Austin said.

Both ministers appreciated the progress made in operationalising the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness, a Quad initiative and lauded the ongoing efforts by India to enhance the maritime domain awareness for the partners in the Indian Ocean Region. Next month, the two sides will be hosting the ‘INDUS X’ silicon valley summit in the US. The ‘INDUS X’ stands for India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X).

It aims to establish the defence innovation bridge between the two countries. It works with start-ups, industry, academia and governments, accelerating the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and enhancing war-fighting capabilities of both sides.

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi reviewed the security situation along the international border in Manipur, an army statement said. Gen Dwivedi is on a two-day visit to Manipur. – File photo

Imphal, August 24

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi reviewed the security situation along the international border in Manipur, an army statement said. Gen Dwivedi is on a two-day visit to Manipur.

“The Army Chief along with the Eastern Army Commander reviewed the security situation along the border and the internal security situation in the area,” the statement said. Gen Dwivedi lauded “the efforts of the Indian Army and Assam Rifles towards maintenance of peace and harmony in the area,” it said.

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He interacted with veterans and appreciated their contributions towards nation building and urged them to continue playing their part in contributing towards peace and spreading friendship among communities.

He assured Manipur CM N Biren Singh regarding the maintenance of peace and harmony in the region. He reaffirmed that the Indian Army would provide all necessary assistance for the well-being of the populace.

Says Delhi can influence Moscow as crude oil fueling Russia’s war economy

tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 24

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has asked New Delhi to be literally seen on their side rather than merely “balancing” ties between Kyiv and Moscow.

Speaking to the media hours after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Ukraine capital last evening, Zelenskyy said, “We need your country on our side and it should not just be balancing between us and Russia. It’s not about the ‘historical choice’ you should make.” The details of the media interaction have been put out by news agencies.

In Kyiv, PM Modi had yesterday said India was not a “neutral or indifferent” bystander in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, but was always on the side of peace.

Zelenskyy referred to Moscow’s strike on a children’s hospital that coincided with Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Russia last month to claim that President Vladimir Putin “did not respect India or its leader”. “If you attack children in a hospital during the official visit of the PM… it means he doesn’t respect the Indian PM,” he said.

The Ukrainian leader suggested that Indian crude oil purchases were running Moscow’s economy. Asked if India could use its influence on Russia to stop the conflict, Zelenskyy said he had suggested PM Modi that India had a “global influence and a very big influence on the Russian economy”.

“A lot of export possibilities for Russia closed (after the war started), but India is open (to business). This is generating billions of dollars that help fund Russia’s military… officially, it’s war economy. Putin has nothing to sell, but oil,” he said.

Zelenskyy said he had discussed Ukraine’s ongoing peace summit mechanism with Modi and made it clear that his nation would not make compromises like losing one-third of its territory.

Asked if military equipment was discussed with Modi and what his country’s stance was, Zelenskyy said, “We are ready to co-produce for both markets. Of course, after the war, it can be 10 times more. We want to come to India. We are open to a big deal, if India is ready.” The Ukrainian President said he was unhappy on “not getting India’s support” on the UN resolution condemning Russia. “But we hope we will have stronger relations with New Delhi,” he said.

Meanwhile, EAM S Jaishankar on Saturday congratulated Ukraine on its Independence Day.

RHUMI-1 taking-off majestically from its Launch Pad in Chennai

India launched its first reusable hybrid rocket ‘RHUMI- 1’, developed by the Tamil Nadu-based start-up Space Zone India with Martin Group, from Thiruvidandhai in Chennai on Saturday.

The rocket, carrying 3 Cube Satellites and 50 PICO Satellites, was launched into a suborbital trajectory using a mobile launcher.

These satellites will be collecting data for research purposes on Global warming and Climate change. RHUMI Rocket is equipped with a generic-fuel-based hybrid motor and electrically triggered parachute deployer, RHUMI is 100% pyrotechnic-free and 0% TNT.

The mission RHUMI is led by Anand Megalingam, the founder of the Space Zone, under the mentorship of Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai Former Director of ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC).

(From left) Dr Anand Megalingam (who is playing a sterling role as a mentor to several start-ups), CEO, Space Zone India, Dr Mylswamy Annadurai, Moon Man of India, and Jose Charles Martin

The RHUMI-1 rocket combines the advantages of both liquid and solid fuel propellant systems to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs.

Space Zone India is an aero-technology company in Chennai that aims to provide low-cost, long-term solutions in the space industry.

Space Zone India (SZI) provides hands-on training experience on Aerodynamic principles, Satellite Technology, Drone Technology and Rocket Technology. It also creates awareness of the career options in this industry. SZI works with Private institutions, Engineering and Art and Science colleges, and Private and Government schools.

In 2023, through mission ‘Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Students Satellite Launch – In 2023’ over 2,500 students from government, tribal, and public schools across the country, contributed in designing and construction of a student satellite launch vehicle. The vehicle could carry a payload of 150 Pico satellite research experiment cubes.

New Delhi: Admiral Marcos Sampaio Olsen, the Commander of the Brazilian Navy, paid tribute at the National War Memorial by laying a wreath. He was also honoured with a “Guard of Honour” at South Block.

This visit marks a significant step in strengthening military cooperation between India and Brazil, as both countries work towards finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding in key strategic areas. The meeting highlights the deepening partnership between the two nations and their shared commitment to bolstering defence capabilities.

Agencies

New Delhi: The Indian Air Force contingent with its team of five Sarang helicopters is on its way to the first edition of the Egypt International Air Show, the IAF said on Saturday.

The helicopters are being airlifted by C-17s for the Air Show at Al-Alamein International Airport from September 3-5, the Air Force statement said.

In a post on X, the Air Force said, “Lock, stock, and barrel…the Sarang team is on their way to the first edition of the Egypt International Air Show! The IAF contingent with its five Sarang helicopters (ALH Mk1) being airlifted by C-17s for the Air Show at Al-Alamein Intl Airport from 3rd to 5th Sep 24. IAF Sarang team, flying the indigenous ‘Dhruv’ ALH, represents the spirit of ‘Atmanirbharta’ and showcases India’s aviation excellence.”

Earlier on August 14, the first phase of India’s largest multilateral air exercise ‘Tarang Shakti’ involving the air forces of Germany, France, Spain, and the UK concluded at Sulur in Tamil Nadu.

Speaking at the concluding press Conference, IAF Chief, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, conveyed his appreciation to all participating Friendly Foreign Countries.

“He stated that the first phase of the largest multinational air exercise in six decades, conveyed the message of friendship and cooperation, besides involving brilliant performances. The canvas of the exercise was well spread covering aspects of flying and maintenance practices to sports and yoga,” IAF posted on X.

The Chiefs of the German, French and Spanish Air Forces, appreciated the capability of IAF to host such a complex exercise, and commented on achieving enhanced ability to work together.

The second leg of the exercise will take place from August 29 to September 14 at Air Force Station Jodhpur.

The Royal Air Force added that on their way home, they looked forward to enhancing the operability of their aircraft.

This report is auto-generated from a syndicated feed

Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA) comes four years after India and the US signed the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA), the last of four so-called foundational agreements to boost defence cooperation

New Delhi: India and the United States have signed an agreement to ensure the mutual supply of defence goods and services to enable the acquisition of the industrial resources they need from one another to resolve unanticipated supply chain disruptions and meet national security needs, the Pentagon announced.

Additional secretary and director general (acquisition), ministry of defence Samir Kumar Sinha with principal deputy assistant secretary for industrial base policy, US department of defence, Dr Vic Ramdass (X/@SpokespersonMoD)

Vic Ramdass, the American principal deputy assistant secretary of defence for industrial base policy, and Indian defence ministry’s additional secretary and director general (acquisitions) Samir Kumar Sinha signed the non-binding Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA) on Thursday.

The pact will allow India and the US to request priority delivery of goods and services from defence firms in both countries for executing contracts and subcontracts.

The two sides also signed a memorandum of agreement regarding the assignment of liaison officers to deepen defence cooperation, the defence ministry said on Friday. This agreement seeks to enhance cooperation, understanding, interoperability, and sharing of information on matters of mutual interest.

The two agreements were signed on the day defence minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Washington on a four-day official visit.

“SOSA represents a pivotal moment in the US-India Major Defence Partner relationship and will be a key factor in strengthening the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI),” the Pentagon stated.

It further quoted Ramdass saying, “I look forward to the next DTTI meeting this fall to deepen cooperation between our respective defence industrial bases and pursue bilateral co-development, co-production, and co-sustainment initiatives.”

In 2023, the two countries concluded a new road map for future defence industrial cooperation with the goal of fast-tracking technology cooperation and co-production in critical areas in a renewed push for deepening collaboration. The areas included air combat and land mobility systems, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, munitions, and the undersea domain.

India is the 18th SOSA partner of the US after Australia, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

SOSA comes four years after India and the US signed the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA), the last of four so-called foundational agreements to boost defence cooperation.

The two sides have been sharing real-time intelligence under the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA), which was signed in 2018. The two countries signed the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016.

In 2019, India and the US signed the Industrial Security Annex to shore up defence cooperation. It allows the US government and American original equipment manufacturers to share classified information with private Indian defence firms. Before this, the US could share such information only with the Indian government and public sector undertakings under the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) signed in 2002.

“The US will provide India assurances under the US Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS), with program determinations by the Department of Defense (DoD) and rating authorisation by the Department of Commerce (DOC). India will in turn establish a government-industry Code of Conduct with its industrial base, where Indian firms will voluntarily agree to make every reasonable effort to provide the US priority support,” the statement on SOSA said.

With an expanding global supply chain, SOSAs are a key mechanism for DoD to strengthen interoperability with US defence trade partners, it said. “The arrangements institute working groups, establish communication mechanisms, streamline DoD processes, and proactively act to allay anticipated supply chain issues in peacetime, emergencies, and armed conflict. They are also a useful tool in developing investment strategies to ensure redundancy and security,” the statement added.

Supply chain bottlenecks can delay defence projects.

For instance, the TEJAS light combat aircraft TEJAS MK-1A) project to strengthen the Indian Air Force’s capabilities is running behind schedule. Many in the air force are sceptical about the TEJAS MK-1A deadlines being met, and one of the main reasons for that is the lingering delay in the supply of the GE-F404 engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited by US firm GE Aerospace. The delivery of the engines is delayed by around 10 months.

GE Aerospace earlier said it is working with HAL to fix issues related to the delay in the supply of its GE-F404 engines for the TEJAS MK-1A program, attributing it to supply chain bottlenecks in the aerospace industry.

New Delhi, August 24

The US has approved the sale of equipment used to track submarines to India. The Defence and Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) of the US issued a notification last night saying US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has approved a sale of ‘anti-submarine warfare sonobuoys’ and related equipment for an estimated cost of $52.8 million (approx Rs 422 crore).

This will be done under the ‘foreign military sales’ adopted by the US for such sales. The DSCA has delivered the required certification notifying US Congress of this possible sale. The Congress is needed to ratify the decision.

The Government of India has requested to buy three separate types of sonobuoys. These sonobuoys when dropped in sea can emit signals to indicate the location of enemy submarines. Planes or helicopters flying above receive these signals, the pilots can then decide the future course of action against the sub.

The DSCA said the proposed sale will improve India’s capability to meet current and future threats by enhancing its capacity to conduct anti-submarine warfare operations from its MH-60R helicopters. These can be also used from the maritime surveillance planes the Boeing P8I.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met at the White House in Washington DC last night to discuss collaboration on projects.

The Indian Ministry of Defence today said the two discussed the ongoing defence industrial collaboration projects between the two countries and potential areas where the industries of the two countries could work together.

Later, while meeting the US defence industry at a round-table organised by the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, he gave the example of the planned co-production of GE 414 aero-engines in India, saying “it shall be a significant milestone in India-US bilateral relations”.

The GE 414 engines are made in India under joint venture, with public sector company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited being the India partner for the deal. The engines are meant for the next generation Tejas Mark 2 jets.

Jake Sullivan and Indian NSA Ajit Doval co-chair the US-India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET). It last met in June this year.

Rajnath told Sullivan that India looks forward to closely working with the US across the domains of defence for capability building and for an abiding technology and industrial partnership which can address emerging challenges.

The industry event saw the attendance of prominent US defence and technology companies such as Boeing, General Electric, General Atomics, General Dynamics Land Systems, L3 Harris, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon Technologies and Rolls Royce.

Rajnath meets Sullivan

• The Ministry of Defence said Defence Minister Rajnath met US NSA Sullivan and the two discussed the ongoing defence industrial collaboration projects between the two countries
• Rajnath told Sullivan that India looks forward to closely working with the US across the domains of defence for capability building and for an abiding technology and industrial partnership