Has Pakistan Come to Senses?

Pakistan seems to have come to senses after steadfast and resolute stand taken by India. The Indian forces have given a resolute and befitting reply to Pakistani soldiers who know the language of bullet. It is good that our forces have started speaking the only language that the Pakis know.

Such is the insecurity in Pakistani camp that their Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) called on his Indian counterpart and expressed concern for the Indian retaliation.
“DGMO level talks on behest of Pakistan’s DGMO was held on 17 Jul 2017. During the talks the Pak DGMO raised the issues of targeting of Pak Army troops which resulted in the death of four Pakistani soldiers and one civilian in Athmuqam Sector of Pakistan occupied Kashmir opposite Indian Keren Sector, Kupwara District,” says the press statement by Col Aman Anand,PRO (Army).
The statement says, “Indian DGMO in response highlighted that all ceasefire violations were initiated by Pakistan Army and the Indian Army only responded appropriately to them. Apart from these, firing by Indian troops was initiated against armed intruders when attempting to infiltrate from close proximity of Pak posts along the Line of Control (LC).

“DGMO also put across emphatically that the trend of infiltration along the LC continued with active support of Pak forward posts impacting peace and tranquillity along the LC and also the internal security situation. This was evident from continued attempts of sniping and targeting of our troops undertaken through cross border actions duly supported by Pakistani Army troops,” it said.

DGMO made it implicit that Indian Army reserved the right to retaliate appropriately to any incident of violation of ceasefire but is sincere in its effort of maintaining peace and tranquillity along the LC provided there was reciprocity

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Will Prime Minister's Outburst Pacify Cow-Vigilantes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again warned those involved in cow vigilantism. Speaking during the all-party meeting ahead of the monsoon session of parliament beginning tomorrow, the Prime Minister said no violence in the name of gau raksha will be tolerated. He said that states have been asked to take strict action against those involved such violence.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Parliamentary affairs minister Ananth Kumar said that the Prime Minister underlined the belief of many Hindus that cow is like mother, but said that this should not let people take law in their own hands and every state government should act against violation of the law.
In a Hindi tweet later, the PM said that Hindus see a cow as mother and it is alright. But we must understand that there were laws to protect cows and one does not need take law into one's hand.
The prime minister also thanked all the parties for the cooperation extended in the implementation of GST.
The issue of north east flood also came up for discussion during the meeting. Government said it has taken all measures required to provide assistance to flood hit states.
The Prime Minister said that strict action must be taken against political leaders indulging in corruption.
Meanwhile, BJP Parliamentary party executive also met in parliament today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also attended the meeting. Currently leaders of ruling NDA are meeting to chalk out their strategy ahead of the Parliament session.
In the evening, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan has also convened a meeting of leaders of political parties. The meeting has been called to ensure smooth transaction of business.

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Rain Gods Pleased; Maharashtra to Get More Rainfall

Rain gods seem pleased with Maharashtra as the meteorology department has predicted more rains in the region.
Many regions of Maharashtra witnessed heavy rainfall and it is assumed that the state will be receiving heavy to more heavy rain. Nashik recorded more active rainfall and now it is now its way to cover entire Maharashtra.
According to ndia Meteorological Department (IMD), Southwest Monsoon has returned to its active phase. Since Thursday, the northern regions of Maharashtra and Konkan reported heavy to very heavy rains. At the same time, Pune city recorded 26 mm rainfall, the heaviest spell recorded so far in July.
The trend is expected to continue over the weekend, particularly over Nandurbar, Nashik, Jalgaon and Dhule districts, IMD said.
Till July 12, it was remarked that these northern districts fell under the ‘rainfall-deficient’ categories, with a shortage of 30%-50% below normal. But after receiving the heavy rains for only two days, these figures have not only shown marked improvements, but they are touching normal levels.
The sudden spike in rainfall activity over the state to the influence of a low-pressure system lying over west Madhya Pradesh was recognised by the IMD, Pune officials.
Senior Scientist at the climate monitoring analysis group Sunitha Devi stated, “This system, which is expected to move towards Gujarat, is set to further intensify into a deep depression, bringing more and heavier spells of rain over Madhya Maharashtra and Konkan, especially during the weekend”.
On Friday, some places in Raigad and Sindhudurg districts in Konkan recorded very heavy rains; Pen (240 mm) and Bhira (178 mm) were among the wettest towns. IMD authorities noted, “the monsoon trough has now shifted southwards and is passing through central India, so the rainfall is expected to get heavier in the coming days”.
Sunitha Devi informed, “The rainfall will be fairly well-distributed over the state, as extended range predictions indicate that the rest of July will be wet. There are fresh systems that will cause rains over central and western parts of the country”.
Meanwhile, in the Marathwada and Vidarbha regions, the rain is expected to gather momentum only by June 20. From the time when the monsoon season started, Vidarbha has been experiencing deficient rainfall.

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Monsoon covers entire Maha, brings relief to farmers

The south west monsoon has covered all parts of Maharashtra bringing good rains and relief to farmers. The Pune city, along with many other parts of the state, witnessed moderate rains today.

The central part of Maharashtra is a major food grains growing area and rainfall in this region has brought relief to farmers as well as the state administration.

"For the first time in July, the south west monsoon has brought rains to all parts of the state. There had been showers since July 1, but of low intensity and scattered. It is good that the entire Maharashtra is now covered," an official of the India rpt India Meteorological Department told PTI.

"The central parts of the state - comprising north Maharashtra and Marathwada - received showers of medium intensity. It will be helpful for farmers as the state was facing a potential challenge of second round of sowing in the region," he said.

"The second round of sowing means an additional input cost to the already debt-ridden farmers," the official said.

Maharashtra agriculture minister Pandurang Fundkar told PTI that sowing on over 66 per cent of the total area has been done during the ongoing Kharif season.

The state administration was a bit worried over the delay in rainfall. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had even issued an advisory for postponing the sowing, he said.

"As of today, the sowing has taken place on more than 66 per cent of agricultural area in the state. We are a bit relieved now," Fundkar said.

A report from Nashik said incessant rains lashed the city and other parts of the district after a dry spell, leading to water logging in low-lying areas.

The water level of Godavari river has risen following heavy downpour since last night in the catchment areas, an official said.

The irrigation department has not released water from the Nashik's Gangapur dam owing to the heavy rains.

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'Angry' Hindus Take to Street Protesting Amarnath Attack

Hundreds of workers belonging to Hindu organizations today came on the street in Mumbai protesting against attack on pilgrims in Amarnath in Kashmir.

"Despite providing foolproof security for Shri Amarnath yatra, jihadi terrorists attacked Amarnath pilgrims killing 7 and injuring 19. This incident is serious and worrying. Earlier too, the terrorists had attacked Amarnath yatra and set fire to Langar (Free food service centre) injuring 24. It is getting clear that all these activities are sponsored by Pakistan. Therefore, Pakistan and terrorist should be taught a lesson so that nobody would dare to attack Amarnath pilgrims again, and the status of 'Most Favoured Nation' allotted to Pakistan should be withdrawn," appealed the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti and other Hindu organisations to the Central Government.

 The march commenced from Shri Hanuman Temple, Dadar (West) and proceeded via Veer Kotwal park-Shiv Sena Bhavan concluding at Shivaji Park. Several Hindu organisations such as Shri Shiv Pratishthan,  Bajrang Dal, Hindu Govansh Raksha Samiti, Shivkarya Pratishthan Vikhroli, Raigad Sanvardhan Pratishthan, Vajradal, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Shivputra Pratishthan, Hindu Rashtra Sena, Swarajya Yuwa Pratishthan, Yoga Vedant Samiti, Sanatan Sanstha etc. along with the activists of Shiv Sena participated in the march.

The protesters also condemned violence being perpetrated on Hindus in West Bengal.

"Jihadi fanatics have created havoc in Bengal for last few days because of a controversial post on Facebook. Thousands of religious fanatics attacked Hindus in Bashirahat and Baduria areas of North 24 Parganas District, demolished hundreds of Hindu homes and temples; 35 Hindus were injured and Hindu women were raped. Even so, the Bengal Government has remained idle for appeasing Muslims. Now, the Modi government should dissolve the Bengal Government, which is trampling the law and order, without waiting for the Bengal to become another Bangladesh. The central Government should promulgate 'President's Rule' in Bengal and protect Hindus there," the protesters urged.

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Ravindra Gaikwad Brings Embarrassment for Shiv Sena Besides Himself

Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad was never known for his parliamentary prowess. Far from bringing fame to his constituency Osmanabad – one of the most backward districts in Maharashtra, he has brought disrepute for it. Incidentally, he is the second MP from Osmanabad to find himself in the soup. His predecessor and Nationalist Congress leader Padmasinh Patil was charged as conspirator of the murder of his cousin.

With the latest episode, Gaikwad has invited embarrassment for himself as well as his party Shiv Sena. The estranged ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party is already cornered with its recent failure to stop BJP's juggernaut in Mumbai Municipal Corporation election. It is also at odds with the BJP-led state government even after being a part of it. Shiv Sena has tried to take higher moral ground on issues like farmers' suicide and noteban. Gaikwad's ill tempered and ill timed misadventure has forced Shiv Sena to go on defensive.

The Delhi Police today registered an FIR against Gaikwad for assaulting an Air India staffer and transferred the case to its Crime Branch. Delhi Police chief spokesperson and special commissioner (operations) Dependra Pathak said a case has been registered under sections 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), 355 (assault or criminal force with intent to dishonour person) of IPC. He said the case is being transfered to Crime Branch for a thorough probe.

Gaikwad hit 60-year-old duty manager, R Sukumar 25 times with his sandal when the official persuaded him to disembark after the plane landed at the IGI airport, New-Delhi from Pune. The entire episode has been captured on mobile and is going viral.

The MP refused to alight, holding up the aircraft for over 40 minutes yesterday. Police received two complaints in this regard- one from Air India and the other from Sukumar. What is worse, Gaikwad bragged on camera that he hit the AI employee.The incident took place on Thursday morning inside Air India's Pune- Delhi flight AI 852, when the aircraft landed in Delhi. Mr Gaikwad refused to disembark despite attempts of persuading him to do so. An Air India official also tried to pacify the MP, who vociferously complained about the morning flight to Delhi from Pune, not having business class.

Seven airlines including state owned AIR India have barred MP Gaikwad from flying. The Federation of Indian Airlines, which has Jet Airways, IndiGo, SpiceJet, AirAsia and GoAir as its members has decided to blacklist Gaikwad who admitted to his unruly behaviour with Air Indian staffer. The IndiGo even went ahead to cancel his ticket from Delhi to Pune scheduled today.

Taking serious note of Gaikwad’s behavior Shiv Sena has asked him to give an explanation over the issue. Party chief Uddhav Thackeray also sought AI’s version over the incident. Speaking to media in Mumbai yesterday, Shiv Sena Spokesperson Manisha Kayande stated that the party does not subscribe to any such reaction while MP Sanjay Raut, who is always on forefront in criticizing the BJP said that manhandling government employees cannot be party's program.

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We want to fight next war with technology on our side : Gen. Bipin Rawat

‘We want to fight next war with technology on our side and not like the past’ said General Bipin Rawat, the Chief of Army Staff. Gen. Rawat sought efforts towards the most important need to bring in transparency of the battlefield to allow better decision making. Pointing out the drawbacks in trial equipment, he asked the industry and academia to focus on the fact that Indian Army will fight its wars in varied terrain and weather conditions seeking them to come up with robust, rugged, miniaturised yet technologically compatible solutions. He further nudged them to come up with a ‘Society for Defence Manufacture’ as the next step.

Gen. Rawat chaired a combined session of ‘the user and the provider’ attended by renowned industrialists, academicians as well as the decision making hierarchy of the Army and released the ‘Compendium of Problem Statements Vol II’, which has been prepared by Army Design Bureau (ADB) after detailed interaction with all stake holders including soldiers deployed in field.

The first volume, with 50 problem statements released on 5th December 2016, was received with tremendous amount of enthusiasm, 28 new problem statements have now been added which will enable industry and academia to understand the ‘Felt Needs’ and come up with indigenous solutions incorporating the latest technology trends for India’s military power.

Giving feedback on the first vol, industrialists and academicians expressed keenness to step up R&D for solutions to Army’s problems and deeply appreciated Army’s efforts calling the raising of ADB as a path breaking step. Mr RS Bhatia pointed that India is probably the only great nation where Industrial might of the country is not yet reflected in its Defence Forces.

General Rawat took the opportunity to challenge the industry and academia by asking them to align the solutions to the stated problems. Industry leaders and the academicians who seemed greatly ‘fired up’ committed to work towards ensuring that ‘Indian Army Will Win India’s Wars with Indian Solutions’.

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