Monthly Archives: August 2018

Over the past decade, India has rapidly ascended into the elite global league in the defence, space, and semiconductor sectors, driven by a strategic focus on self-reliance, innovation, and indigenous technological advancement.

This transformation has been propelled by national initiatives such as Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India, which have fostered a robust ecosystem for research, public-private partnerships, and investment in cutting-edge science and technology.

In the defence sector, India has achieved a series of technological breakthroughs that have placed it alongside global superpowers. A landmark achievement was the successful trial of a laser-based directed energy weapon (DEW) system, capable of disabling fixed-wing aircraft and swarm drones.

This accomplishment has positioned India among an exclusive group of only four countries—the United States, Russia, and China being the others—that possess such advanced capabilities.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), particularly through its Centre for High Energy Systems & Sciences (CHESS), has been at the forefront of this innovation, with successful field demonstrations of the DEW MK-II(A) system.

This system has proven effective against unmanned aerial vehicles and drones, causing structural damage and disabling surveillance sensors, thereby underscoring India’s readiness for modern, technology-driven warfare.

Further reinforcing its elite status, India has recently joined the select group of nations testing Active Cooled Scramjet technology for hypersonic missiles, and in November 2024, DRDO test-fired the country’s first long-range hypersonic missile capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads at speeds exceeding Mach 5. These advancements not only enhance India’s strategic deterrence but also demonstrate its ability to innovate in next-generation military technologies.

India’s space sector has similarly witnessed record-breaking achievements. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) made history in 2023 by becoming the first country to land on the Moon’s South Pole, making India the fourth nation ever to achieve a soft landing on the lunar surface after the US, Soviet Union, and China.

Additionally, India has joined the elite group of countries demonstrating satellite docking and undocking technology, further establishing its credentials in advanced space operations.

In the semiconductor sector, the launch of the Semicon India initiative has marked India’s entry into the global race for chip manufacturing. Backed by significant investments from global technology giants and strategic partnerships, India is now among the few nations seriously competing to become a semiconductor hub, which is crucial for technological sovereignty in defence and space applications.

The Indian Army’s transformation has been equally remarkable, with a strong emphasis on indigenisation and technological absorption. Initiatives such as the Army Design Bureau and a host of Make I and Make II projects have led to the development and deployment of indigenous platforms including light tanks, tactical communication systems, precision munitions, and advanced drone technologies.

The focus on innovation is not only enhancing operational capabilities across diverse terrains but also reducing dependency on imports and strengthening India’s position as a global leader in defence technology.

India’s concerted push for self-reliance and technological innovation has resulted in its entry into the elite league of nations in the defence, space, and semiconductor sectors. These achievements reflect a paradigm shift in India’s global standing, transforming it from a technology follower to a pacesetter and strategic competitor on the world stage.

In a landmark development for connectivity and national integration, the Indian Army has successfully facilitated high-speed mobile connectivity across the remote and high-altitude regions of Ladakh, including some of the world’s most inhospitable terrains such as Galwan, Siachen Glacier, Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO), Demchok, Chumar, Batalik, and Dras.

For the first time, troops stationed at these isolated posts—often cut off during harsh winters at altitudes above 18,000 feet—now have reliable access to 4G and 5G networks, enabling them to stay in touch with their families and loved ones, which has significantly boosted morale among the personnel.

This transformative initiative was accomplished through a collaborative Whole-of-Government approach. The Indian Army, leveraging its robust optical fibre cable infrastructure, partnered with Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) and the Union Territory administration of Ladakh.

The Fire and Fury Corps played a pivotal role in this synergy, facilitating the installation of multiple mobile towers on Army infrastructure, including at least four key towers in the Ladakh and Kargil districts. Notably, a 5G mobile tower was successfully installed on the Siachen Glacier—the world’s highest battlefield—marking a historic technological achievement and underscoring India’s resolve to bring development to its most remote frontiers.

The impact of this initiative extends well beyond troop welfare. By integrating border villages—referred to as ‘First Villages’—into the national digital network, the project is bridging the digital divide and transforming the socio-economic fabric of these regions.

Local communities, previously deprived of modern communication, now benefit from improved access to education, telemedicine, government services, e-commerce, and new opportunities in border tourism and local enterprise. The enhanced connectivity is also expected to bolster strategic preparedness, facilitate faster troop mobilization, and improve surveillance and supply chain logistics, thus strengthening India’s border security.

Residents and local leaders have expressed overwhelming gratitude, describing the connectivity as a lifeline that brings dignity, inclusion, and economic opportunity to these remote areas. The initiative is widely seen as a testament to the Indian Army’s enduring commitment to national integration and development, echoing the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat – India@2047’. By overcoming extreme weather and logistical challenges to install 4G and 5G towers in such high-altitude, isolated locations, the Army has not only empowered its personnel but has also set the stage for a digital revolution in Ladakh’s border communities.

PTI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) faces a critical strategic gap in its long-range strike capabilities due to the absence of dedicated strategic bombers and limited air-launched cruise missile (ALCM) deployment. However, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is actively working to enhance its air-launched cruise missile (ALCM) capabilities to counter China’s advanced long-range strike assets.

Bridging this bomber and ALCM gap is essential for enhancing India’s deterrence posture and operational reach, particularly in the context of evolving regional threats from China and Pakistan, both of whom have significantly modernised their air forces with advanced bombers and missile capabilities.

Unlike adversaries possessing long-range bombers capable of striking deep into Indian territory, the IAF currently relies primarily on fighter aircraft, which, while versatile, lack the sustained range and payload capacity of bombers to conduct prolonged strategic missions.

This shortfall constrains India’s ability to project power and respond effectively in a two-front conflict scenario, especially given the IAF’s current squadron strength of around 31 against a sanctioned requirement of 42, compounded by shortages in force multipliers such as mid-air refuellers and AEW&C platforms.

The introduction and integration of ALCMs like the BrahMos missile on platforms such as the Su-30MKI have provided the IAF with a potent precision strike capability at stand-off ranges, enhancing its ability to target high-value land and maritime assets.

However, the limited number of platforms capable of deploying such weapons and the absence of a dedicated strategic bomber fleet restrict the full exploitation of ALCM potential.

To address this, innovative approaches such as leveraging the C-17 Globemaster-III transport aircraft to launch Nirbhay ALCMs have been proposed, offering a cost-effective and flexible means to extend strike reach without the immediate need for new bomber acquisitions.

This strategy could enable the IAF to saturate enemy defences with multiple cruise missiles launched from deep within Indian territory, thereby enhancing deterrence and operational flexibility.

From a strategic perspective, possessing dedicated bombers confers significant advantages beyond mere payload capacity. Bombers serve as a powerful psychological and political tool, signalling resolve and capability through their mere presence and potential for rapid, deep strikes.

Historical lessons, such as the 1962 Sino-Indian War where Chinese bombers influenced Indian strategic calculations, underscore the importance of matching adversaries’ long-range strike capabilities. Moreover, modern bombers can carry larger electronic warfare suites and emerging technologies like directed energy weapons, further augmenting their battlefield utility.

While current IAF priorities rightly focus on replenishing fighter squadrons, force multipliers, and indigenous platforms like the HAL Tejas, the eventual induction of strategic bombers remains a critical long-term objective to ensure parity with regional powers and to secure India’s airspace and strategic interests comprehensively.

While immediate focus must remain on addressing fighter shortages and enhancing force multipliers, innovative interim solutions such as C-17 launched cruise missiles and accelerated indigenous missile programs can partially mitigate current limitations.

Ultimately, the acquisition or development of dedicated strategic bombers, complemented by advanced ALCMs, will be indispensable for the IAF to project power effectively, safeguard national security, and maintain a technological edge over adversaries in the decades ahead.

In conclusion, the IAF urgently needs to develop and operationalise air-launched cruise missiles and suitable delivery platforms to effectively counter China’s advanced long-range strike capabilities. Efforts are well underway with the Nirbhay and LR-LACM programs, BrahMos integration, and a strategic pivot toward air-launched ballistic missiles. These developments will enhance India’s strategic deterrence, operational flexibility, and survivability in a contested regional security environment.

In a significant development that marks a milestone in India’s artificial intelligence journey, Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw has unveiled India’s first fully designed indigenous AI server.

This ground breaking technology, developed by VVDN Technologies, represents a major leap forward in the country’s technological capabilities and self-reliance efforts. Named ‘Adipoli’—a Malayalam word meaning “awesome” or “fantastic”—the server features eight powerful GPUs and was conceptualised and built entirely within India, with approximately 80% of the development work taking place in Kochi, Kerala.

The launch not only showcases India’s growing prowess in advanced electronics and artificial intelligence but also reinforces the country’s commitment to the ‘Make in India’ initiative, positioning India as an emerging global leader in technological innovation and digital transformation.

The Indigenous AI Server: Technical Specifications And Development

The AI server ‘Adipoli’ represents a culmination of India’s growing expertise in advanced computing and artificial intelligence. Fully equipped with eight graphics processing units (GPUs), the server demonstrates India’s capacity to design and develop complex computing infrastructure domestically. The name ‘Adipoli’—chosen deliberately to acknowledge the significant contribution from Kerala where 80% of the development work occurred—reflects the regional diversity that contributes to India’s technological advancement. Minister Vaishnaw proudly showcased this achievement, emphasizing that the server was completely designed in India without foreign technological dependencies. This indigenous development stands as a testament to the country’s growing capabilities in developing advanced computing systems that can support sophisticated AI applications and workloads.

The technical sophistication of the Adipoli server positions it as a competitive alternative to imported AI computing infrastructure. While detailed performance metrics weren’t specifically outlined in the announcement, the incorporation of eight GPUs suggests significant parallel processing capabilities essential for modern AI workloads including machine learning training, deep learning algorithms, and large language model processing. The server architecture likely incorporates advanced cooling systems, robust power management, and optimized hardware configuration to ensure efficient operation under intensive computational loads. VVDN Technologies, the company behind this innovation, has demonstrated through this project that India possesses the technical expertise and manufacturing capabilities to produce high-performance computing equipment that meets international standards.

From Concept To Reality: The Development Journey

The development of India’s first indigenous AI server involved overcoming numerous technical and logistical challenges. The journey from concept to functional hardware required extensive collaboration between hardware engineers, software developers, and AI specialists across multiple regions of India. With 80% of the development work centred in Kochi, the project leveraged Kerala’s growing technology ecosystem while incorporating expertise from other technology hubs across the country. This collaborative approach demonstrates how regional technological strengths can be harnessed for national technological advancement when properly coordinated and supported by government initiatives. The development timeline, while not explicitly stated in the available information, likely spanned several years of research, prototyping, testing, and refinement before the final product was ready for public unveiling.

VVDN Technologies’ previous experience with edge AI appliances and video analytics solutions likely provided a foundation for developing this more comprehensive AI server solution. Their earlier Edge AI Appliance, developed in collaboration with AMD and Kinara, featured video analytics capabilities for smart retail, smart cities, and industrial applications. This progression from edge computing to full-scale AI server development illustrates the company’s growing technical capabilities and strategic expansion into more sophisticated computing infrastructure development. The indigenous development process also likely involved creating customized firmware, system software, and management interfaces tailored to Indian operational requirements and use cases.

Significance For India’s Technological Ecosystem

The launch of India’s first indigenous AI server represents a pivotal moment in the country’s technological evolution. This achievement transcends being merely a product launch; it symbolizes India’s transition from being primarily a consumer of global technology to becoming a creator of advanced technological infrastructure. By demonstrating the capability to design and manufacture sophisticated AI computing systems domestically, India is positioning itself to reduce dependence on imported technology for critical digital infrastructure. This self-reliance is particularly important in the strategic domain of artificial intelligence, which is increasingly becoming fundamental to national security, economic competitiveness, and societal advancement. The indigenous server also provides India with greater control over its technological destiny, allowing for customization to meet specific national requirements and priorities.

The development of Adipoli establishes a foundation for a broader AI hardware ecosystem within India. As Minister Vaishnaw emphasized during the launch, this achievement will likely catalyze further innovations in related technologies, components, and applications. The successful development of an indigenous AI server demonstrates to both domestic and international stakeholders that India possesses the technical capabilities to compete in advanced technology domains. This could potentially attract more investment into Indian technology companies, encourage more ambitious technological projects, and inspire a new generation of engineers and entrepreneurs to pursue innovations in hardware design and manufacturing. Furthermore, having domestic production capabilities for AI servers could potentially lower costs for Indian businesses and research institutions looking to deploy AI systems, thereby accelerating AI adoption across various sectors of the economy.

Strategic Implications For Digital Sovereignty

The indigenous AI server development has significant implications for India’s digital sovereignty and technological autonomy. In an era where data and computing capabilities increasingly determine economic and geopolitical advantages, developing indigenous computing infrastructure represents a strategic imperative. By building domestic capabilities in AI server design and manufacturing, India reduces vulnerabilities associated with dependence on foreign technology providers, particularly for applications related to critical infrastructure, government services, and sensitive data processing. The indigenous server also provides greater assurance regarding security features and protections against potential backdoors or vulnerabilities that might exist in imported systems. This control over hardware design and implementation is increasingly crucial as computing systems become more deeply integrated into virtually every aspect of national infrastructure and governance.

Beyond immediate practical applications, the development of an indigenous AI server sends a powerful signal about India’s technological ambitions and capabilities. It positions India as a potential alternative source of advanced computing infrastructure in a global market currently dominated by a small number of countries and companies. This diversification of the global technology supply chain could have far-reaching implications for international technology partnerships, standards development, and market dynamics. For India specifically, it reinforces the country’s growing influence in global technology governance discussions and standards-setting processes. The successful implementation of such a complex technological project also demonstrates effective collaboration between government policy, industrial capabilities, and research expertise—a model that could be replicated for other strategic technologies.

Make In India: Boosting Indigenous Electronics Manufacturing

The launch of the indigenous AI server aligns perfectly with the objectives of the ‘Make in India’ initiative, which aims to transform India into a global manufacturing hub. Minister Vaishnaw explicitly positioned this achievement within the broader context of the initiative, highlighting how it exemplifies the program’s success in cultivating domestic manufacturing capabilities for sophisticated technologies. The AI server represents precisely the kind of high-value, knowledge-intensive product that the ‘Make in India’ initiative seeks to promote—moving beyond simple assembly operations to encompass the entire value chain from design to manufacturing. This progression demonstrates that the initiative is successfully enabling Indian companies to climb the technology value ladder, creating products that incorporate significant intellectual property and advanced engineering. The development also showcases how policy support can translate into tangible technological outcomes when properly aligned with industrial capabilities and market opportunities.

Under the ‘Make in India’ framework, the electronics manufacturing sector has witnessed remarkable growth. According to Minister Vaishnaw, electronics manufacturing has expanded fivefold over the past decade, reaching approximately ₹11 lakh crore in total production value. Even more impressively, exports have grown sixfold, exceeding ₹3.5 lakh crore, indicating that Indian electronics products are gaining acceptance in international markets. These statistics reflect the transformation of India’s electronics sector from primarily import-dependent to increasingly self-sufficient and export-capable. The development of an indigenous AI server further reinforces this trajectory, demonstrating that Indian manufacturers can successfully compete even in cutting-edge technology categories that require sophisticated design capabilities and manufacturing processes. This progress has significant implications for job creation, skills development, and economic value addition within the country.

IP Protection And Global Competitiveness

A significant aspect highlighted by Minister Vaishnaw was India’s growing reputation for intellectual property protection, which is creating a more favourable environment for innovation and technology development. This focus on IP rights protection has dual benefits: it encourages domestic companies to invest in research and development by ensuring they can protect and monetize their innovations, while also reassuring international partners and investors about the security of their intellectual assets when collaborating with Indian entities. The minister emphasized that this enhanced reputation for IP protection is helping boost investor confidence and encouraging innovation throughout the country’s technology ecosystem. For complex products like AI servers, which incorporate numerous patented technologies and proprietary designs, a robust IP protection framework is essential for sustainable innovation and commercial viability.

The minister’s remarks also highlighted how Indian-made electronic products are becoming increasingly reliable and globally competitive. This improving quality and reliability is critical for overcoming historical perceptions about Indian manufacturing and establishing the country as a source of high-performance, dependable technology products. The indigenous AI server serves as a concrete example of this progress, demonstrating that Indian companies can design and manufacture computing infrastructure that meets demanding performance and reliability requirements. This growing reputation for quality, combined with cost advantages and proximity to rapidly growing Asian markets, positions India’s electronics manufacturing sector for continued expansion in both domestic and international markets. The improved global competitiveness directly translates into economic benefits through increased exports, investment attraction, and integration into global technology supply chains.

VVDN Technologies: Powering India’s Electronics Revolution

VVDN Technologies has emerged as a prime example of India’s growing capabilities in advanced electronics design and manufacturing. The company’s facility in Manesar, where Minister Vaishnaw inaugurated a new Surface Mount Technology (SMT) Line, exemplifies the sophisticated manufacturing infrastructure being developed within India. This new SMT Line represents a significant advancement in manufacturing capabilities, supporting PCB sizes up to 850mm x 560mm and operating at an impressive speed of 250,000 components per hour. Such advanced manufacturing equipment enables the production of complex electronic assemblies required for AI servers, networking devices, and motherboards with high precision and efficiency. The establishment of such facilities demonstrates how Indian companies are investing in world-class manufacturing technologies to compete effectively in the global electronics market. VVDN Technologies’ investment in advanced manufacturing capabilities creates a foundation for producing increasingly sophisticated electronic products domestically.

Perhaps most impressive is VVDN Technologies’ substantial design and engineering workforce, which Minister Vaishnaw highlighted during his visit. The company employs approximately 5,000 engineers dedicated to designing complex products with advanced features including artificial intelligence capabilities. This large pool of engineering talent represents a critical competitive advantage, enabling the company to undertake ambitious projects like the indigenous AI server. Minister Vaishnaw specifically emphasized that this concentration of design talent gives India a significant advantage compared to many other countries. The minister’s interaction with these engineers during his visit underscores the human capital dimension of India’s technological advancement. These engineers are not merely implementing designs created elsewhere but are actively conceptualizing and developing cutting-edge products that push technological boundaries.

Innovation Infrastructure And Capability Building

Beyond its workforce, VVDN Technologies has established comprehensive innovation infrastructure that supports the entire product development lifecycle. The company’s Global Innovation Park in Manesar houses specialized facilities including the Server R&D Lab, 5G R&D Lab, and Video Image Tuning Lab, which Minister Vaishnaw inspected during his visit. These specialized laboratories provide the technological foundation for developing advanced products across multiple domains, creating an ecosystem where innovations in one area can cross-pollinate developments in others. Additionally, the company has established a 1.5 lakh sq. ft. Mechanical Innovation Park housing state-of-the-art facilities for tool-making, CNC machining, EDM, and injection moulding. This comprehensive innovation infrastructure enables VVDN to maintain control over the entire design-to-manufacturing ecosystem, reducing dependence on external providers for critical processes.

The company’s track record includes the recent deployment of 6,000 AI servers, which Minister Vaishnaw cited as evidence of India’s advancing hardware capabilities. This substantial deployment demonstrates that VVDN has already established credibility in the AI infrastructure domain even before the official launch of the indigenous Adipoli server. The company’s previous experience with edge AI appliances, developed in collaboration with AMD and Kinara, also indicates a progressive development of AI hardware capabilities, evolving from specialized edge computing devices to full-fledged AI servers. This evolutionary approach to capability development, building on successive generations of increasingly sophisticated products, provides a sustainable path to technological advancement. VVDN’s comprehensive approach—combining design expertise, manufacturing capabilities, and innovation infrastructure—creates a model for other Indian technology companies seeking to develop advanced electronic products.

Government Initiatives Supporting Electronics Manufacturing

The indigenous AI server development exists within a broader framework of government initiatives designed to strengthen India’s electronics manufacturing ecosystem. During the launch event, Minister Vaishnaw announced that guidelines for the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme were almost ready and would be released within days. This scheme, approved by the Cabinet in March with substantial funding of ₹22,919 crore, aims to make India self-reliant in the electronics supply chain. The minister indicated that a portal would soon be launched to accept applications under this components manufacturing scheme. This initiative is particularly significant because it addresses a critical gap in India’s electronics ecosystem—the production of core components that are currently imported in large volumes. By supporting domestic component manufacturing, the scheme will reduce import dependence, lower costs, improve supply chain resilience, and increase the value addition occurring within India.

The Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme is designed to complement the National Semiconductor Mission, creating a comprehensive support structure for the entire electronics manufacturing value chain. Together, these initiatives address both the sophisticated semiconductor manufacturing needed for advanced computing and the broader component ecosystem required for complete electronic systems. Minister Vaishnaw emphasized that these initiatives will further expand the depth and scope of electronics development in India, creating a more robust and self-sufficient industry. The timing of these initiatives coincides with global efforts to diversify electronics supply chains, presenting India with a strategic opportunity to establish itself as an alternative manufacturing destination. By systematically addressing different segments of the electronics value chain through targeted policy interventions, the government is creating a more favourable environment for ambitious projects like the indigenous AI server.

Skills Development For Advanced Manufacturing

Recognizing that advanced manufacturing requires specialized skills, Minister Vaishnaw outlined a three-tier skilling strategy focused on basic training, on-site product-specific modules, and industry-aligned university courses. This comprehensive approach to skills development acknowledges that different roles within the electronics ecosystem require varying levels of specialization and theoretical understanding. The strategy particularly emphasises capital-intensive skills in the electronics sector, recognizing that working with advanced manufacturing equipment and complex design tools requires significant investment in human capital development. This skills development framework complements the hardware and infrastructure investments being made by companies like VVDN Technologies, ensuring that physical manufacturing capabilities are matched with appropriate workforce capabilities.

The expansion of electronics manufacturing facilities like VVDN’s new SMT Line and Mechanical Innovation Park is expected to generate substantial employment opportunities. The minister noted that these facilities alone are expected to create over 3,000 skilled jobs, advancing the government’s employment and skilling vision.

These jobs represent high-quality employment opportunities that provide technical workers with valuable experience in advanced manufacturing environments. The electronics sector as a whole already employs over 25 lakh individuals according to the minister’s statements, and is positioned for exponential growth in the coming years. This employment generation aspect of electronics manufacturing makes it particularly valuable from a socioeconomic development perspective, creating pathways for technical workers to participate in India’s knowledge economy. The combination of employment generation, skills development, and technological advancement makes electronics manufacturing a strategic priority that delivers multiple benefits for India’s development goals.

Conclusion: Implications For India’s Technological Future

The launch of India’s first indigenous AI server represents a watershed moment in the country’s technological journey, signalling a transition from technology consumption to technology creation. This achievement demonstrates that India possesses the design capabilities, manufacturing infrastructure, and technical talent needed to develop sophisticated computing systems that form the backbone of artificial intelligence applications. The successful development of the Adipoli server validates the effectiveness of government initiatives like ‘Make in India’ when combined with private sector innovation and investment in advanced capabilities. As India continues to strengthen its electronics manufacturing ecosystem through initiatives like the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme, the country is positioning itself to play an increasingly significant role in global technology supply chains and innovation ecosystems.

The indigenous AI server launch also reflects broader trends in India’s technological evolution—most notably the emergence of large-scale design teams within manufacturing firms and the growth of comprehensive innovation infrastructure. These developments indicate that India is building sustainable capabilities for continuous technological advancement rather than achieving isolated successes. The emphasis on intellectual property protection, quality and reliability, and workforce development creates a solid foundation for future innovations across the electronics and computing spectrum. As India’s electronics sector continues its impressive growth trajectory, the country stands to benefit economically through job creation, export earnings, and reduced import dependence, while also gaining strategic advantages from greater technological self-reliance in critical domains like artificial intelligence.

A pilot in the IAF, 33-year-old Squadron Leader Rai died in a plane crash on December 4, 2023 near the Air Force Academy in Hyderabad while training a foreign cadet

Aggrieved parents of Squadron Leader Abhimanyu Rai who died in a trainer jet crash feel they were “ignored” for entitlements and honours that went to their daughter-in-law, demanding a change in government policy.

A pilot in the IAF, 33-year-old Squadron Leader Rai died in a plane crash on December 4, 2023 near the Air Force Academy in Hyderabad while training a foreign cadet.

He was flying a Pilatus PC-7 Mark-II aircraft, a trainer jet, with a foreign cadet under his training when it crashed near the Academy killing both of them.

Group Captain Amitabh Rai (retd) and his wife Chitralekha said they lost their only son Abhimanyu in December, 2023 but they have not received even a word of condolence from the government so far.

They feel the policy for such cases needs to be tweaked to accommodate the parents of the martyred bravehearts apart from their wives.

“We know of at least a dozen parents of martyrs who have been ignored when it came to according entitlements, which went exclusively to their wives,” Chitralekha told PTI in an exclusive interview here on Wednesday.

“One year and three months have passed since we suffered the worst tragedy of our life, losing our only son in a trainer jet crash near the Air Force Academy in Hyderabad. But we did not receive even a word of condolence to date from either the prime minister or the defence minister,” Amitabh Rai said.

“Why should a word of condolence be the exclusive privilege of only the martyr’s wife,” he asked.

He said in many cases, the wives of slain or martyred soldiers leave or ill-treat their in-laws after getting compensation and half the pension of their husbands. At times, they even drag them to court to claim their share in their late husband’s ancestral property, he claimed.

“The wife of a slain soldier is called a ‘veer nari’ (brave woman) but not his mother who gave birth to him, brought him up and inculcated in him a love for the country that was strong enough to make him lay down his life for it. Is it fair?” asks Group Captain Rai.

“We know what it takes to groom your son like that and make him a soldier ready to die for his country. But, unfortunately, no one seems to take notice of the fact,” says he.

The awareness that their son is not treated as a “martyr” despite having died in the line of duty only deepens their sense of hurt.

“As his death was not a ‘battle casualty’, they don’t treat our son as a martyr. Our question is didn’t he die for the nation?” asks Chitralekha.

“My son had even served for one-and-a-half years in the prime minister’s fleet,” Group Captain Rai, who retired from the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2017 after 32 years of service, said.

The plane crashed during a low-level navigation sortie, says the braveheart’s father.

“My son was a dedicated soldier. The foreign cadet was admittedly weak in memory and slow in learning things. He also lacked confidence and was not keen on continuing with his training.

“He had written all this in a letter to Abhimanyu. But as the passing out parade was near after which he was to be commissioned into the air force of his country, Abhimanyu decided to help him complete his training by taking him on the training sortie during which the jet crashed,” his father said.

Asked why his son did not bring the foreign cadet’s reluctance to complete his training to his superiors, Group Leader Rai said maybe he was under pressure.

“He might have been hesitant to take the matter to the higher-ups because diplomatic ties between the two countries are involved. The trainer pilots are under pressure to complete the training process successfully,” Rai said.

Training of cadets from friendly countries is done as part of a diplomatic exercise to strengthen ties with them and the resulting pressure comes on the soldiers, he said.

It is an inherent flaw in the system which needs to be addressed, he said.

“An inquiry is underway to ascertain what exactly led to the crash and until that happens, we are assailed by all sorts of doubts about the circumstances at the time of the crash such as whether our son was overworked or under pressure or some error was committed by the weak and ill-confident foreign cadet under training,” Rai said.

The Rais visited the crash site in Hyderabad and erected a memorial in the name of their martyred son at their own expense. The couple also visited the foreign cadet’s country, met his parents and extended financial assistance to them as a goodwill gesture.

“We went to meet the parents of the deceased foreign cadet. Our pain was common. We had both lost our sons. My wife and the cadet’s mother cried on each other’s shoulders,” he said.

However, the loss of a son has not deterred Group Captain Amitabh Rai (retd) from training bright young boys free of cost to join the armed forces and serve their motherland with valour.

Urges Army to set up airstrip at Rangrik

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu presides over a meeting with GOC-in-C, Central Command, Lucknow, Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta.

Himachal Pradesh will soon take up with the Union Government the issue of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Shipki La in Kinnaur district along with the abolition of inner line posts to promote tourism. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said this at a meeting with General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Command, Lucknow, Lt General Anindya Sengupta here today.

“The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has religious significance for Hindus, Jains and Buddhists and every year, thousands of pilgrims visit Kailash Mansarovar. The pilgrims can make entry into Tibet through Shipki La, as it offers a viable route for them,” he added.

Sukhu said that the state government would also urge the Central Government to establish a Himachal Scouts Battalion on the analogy of Sikkim, Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh with a special quota for the people of the border areas of the state. .

The Chief Minister also sought cooperation and collaboration with the Indian Army and other paramilitary forces for the promotion of tourism up to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on the China border. “The state government will also urge the Central Government for the abolition of inner line check posts of various military and paramilitary forces that at present pose permit-related hurdles to tourists. The travel-related procedures must be relaxed to promote tourism,” he added.

Sukhu asked the Army to set up an airstrip at Rangrik in the Spiti valley, facilitating the landing of large aircraft to promote tourism in the area. He also asked Lt Gen Sengupta to conduct a survey for the construction of heliports in Sangla, Neesang, Thangi etc.

He said that these measures would go a long way in promoting tourism in these areas vis-à-vis strengthening the economy of local people. He added that tourism was a priority sector for the state government and coordination with the Army was essential for its promotion in border areas as well. He also urged the Army to explore the possibility of establishing a military school in the area. He said that the government would set up a milk processing plant in border areas.

Sukhu said that the Union Ministry of Defence should maintain roads, which were the lifeline of the state, such as Kiato-Takling La-Nurbo Sumdo, Wangtoo-Kafnu-Mud-Atargoo, Leo-Chango, Giu-Pang, Khana Dumti-Nithal Thach and Harsil, Jeori-Wangtoo on the right bank to Shipki La.

The Army assured of cooperation in these initiatives and also evinced keen interest to converge in water supply, power and sports sectors with the state government to provide better facilities to people residing in border areas.

Lt Gen Sengupta said that the Army would construct an all-weather ice skating rink and an indoor stadium at Kaza. Besides, it would also organise an eye check up camp at Kaza. Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi attended the meeting.

Umling La provides vital road link to areas along Line of Actual Control

The world’s highest motorable pass, Umling La, has been reopened for vehicular traffic about two months ahead of schedule after post-winter snow clearance operations were undertaken by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).

Located at an elevation of 19,024 feet in south-eastern Ladakh, Umling La provides the vital road link to Demchok and adjoining areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, a sensitive region that witnesses frequent Chinese military activity. The pass is also becoming an increasingly popular destination for adventure enthusiasts and bikers.

Like other high passes in Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, Umling La remains closed during winter months due to heavy snow. The routes are reopened by the BRO in early summer, but some stretches remain susceptible to snow spells even in the summer months.

Earlier this month, the BRO reopened the strategic 11,500 feet high Zoji La Pass that connects Kashmir with Ladakh along National Highway–1 in record time. It remained closed for vehicular traffic for just 32 days during the winter season.

Snow clearing operations by the BRO are also underway along the Manali–Leh highway that provides an alternative road link to Ladakh, and on which lie several of the highest and most difficult motorable passes in the world like Baralacha La, Tangang La, Nakee La and Lachulung La.

Since the roads to Ladakh remain inaccessible during winters, logistic support to the northern sector and sustenance of forward posts, including availability of critical supplies and troop rotation, depends solely on air maintenance by the Indian Air Force and the Army Aviation Corps.

The closure of roads also affects the local populace in the region who require many items that are shipped from other parts of the country in the summers and also depend economically on the inflow of tourist.

The BRO, functioning under the Ministry of Defence, is tasked with the construction and maintenance of roads, bridges and tunnels in border regions of the country. Though most of its work is along the Himalayan frontier in the northern and north-eastern theaters, it also has a presence in other border states and has undertaken projects in some friendly foreign countries.

It was only recently that the Centre allowed tourists to visit some sensitive border regions in Ladakh and the north-east, access to which heretofore was restricted. The BRO has also launched a website to promote tourism in border areas.

Cabinet can also discuss increase in retirement age

The state government may raise the minimum service required for employees to draw pension to 25 years. This is one of the major recommendations made by the Cabinet Sub-committee on Resource Mobilisation headed by Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri. The Cabinet can discuss the contentious issue pertaining to the necessary amendment to the pension rules at its next meeting. The pension liability of the government following the restoration of the old pension scheme has risen tremendously and the state is at present not in a position to bear this additional expenditure.

The other issue of raising the retirement age of employees by one year from 58 years to 59 years can also be discussed at the Cabinet meeting along with the assessment of its impact on the unemployed youth. In the past also, the Virbhadra Singh government had raised the retirement age of its employees by one year to postpone the payment of retirement benefits.

At present, all state government employees, who have completed 10 years of regular service, are entitled to pension benefit. The decision to increase this service period to 25 years can deprive many employees of the benefit of both old pension scheme (OPS) or new pension scheme (NPS).

The Cabinet Sub-committee on Resource Mobilisation has recommended that considering the financial health of the state and the debt burden crossing Rs 1 lakh crore, the Cabinet will decide as to which decisions can be taken.

About the decisions pertaining to government employees, it has been recommended that they should be stopped from availing of commutation of pension. At present, any employee, who has retired, can take 40 per cent of the total pension amount and if this practice is to be stopped, an amendment to the Pension Rules will be required. The state government is fully authorised to do so though the employees will challenge its decision in the court of law.

Another recommendation of the Cabinet sub-committee is that the 20-year time period, which is mandatory for availing of full pension, should be raised to 25 years. Besides, pension will be given to employees with less than 25 years, as per their service period.

The renewed wave of protests marks the second day of nationwide demonstrations since Trump took office

Thousands of protesters rallied in Washington and other cities across the US on Saturday to voice their opposition to President Donald Trump’s policies on deportations, government firings, and the wars in Gaza and Ukraine.

Outside the White House, protesters carried banners that read “Workers should have the power,” “No kingship,” “Stop arming Israel” and “Due process,” media footage showed.

Some demonstrators chanted in support of migrants whom the Trump administration has deported or has been attempting to deport while expressing solidarity with people fired by the federal government and with universities whose funding is threatened by Trump.

“As Trump and his administration mobilise the use of the US deportation machine, we are going to organise networks and systems of resistance to defend our neighbours,” a protester said at a rally at Lafayette Square near the White House.

Other protesters waved Palestinian flags while wearing keffiyeh scarves, chanting “free Palestine” and expressing solidarity with Palestinians killed in Israel’s war in Gaza.

Some demonstrators carried symbols expressing support for Ukraine and urging Washington to be more decisive in opposing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine.

Since his January inauguration, Trump and his billionaire ally, Elon Musk, have gutted the federal government, firing over 2,00,000 workers and attempting to dismantle various agencies.

The administration has also detained scores of foreign students and threatened to stop federal funding to universities over diversity, equity and inclusion programs, climate initiatives and pro-Palestinian protests. Rights groups have condemned the policies.

Near the Washington Monument, banners from protesters read: “hate never made any nation great” and “equal rights for all does not mean less rights for you.”

Demonstrations were also held in New York City and Chicago, among dozens of other locations. It marked the second day of nationwide demonstrations since Trump took office.

Brig SS Gill with Bharat Bhushan Ashu