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<ul><li>On June 27, India paid homage to the first Field Marshal of the Indian Army, <keyword id="192885" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sam-Manekshaw">Sam Manekshaw</keyword>, MC on his 11th death anniversary. </li><li>The hero of the 1971 Bangladesh liberation war died in 2008 in Wellington, Tamil Nadu. </li><li>Actor <keyword id="2618061" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Vicky-Kaushal">Vicky Kaushal</keyword> is set to essay Field Marshal’s role in an upcoming film directed by <keyword id="7471" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Meghna-Gulzar">Meghna Gulzar</keyword> of ‘Raazi’ fame. </li></ul>As India paid homage to Late Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, MC on his 11th death anniversary, Bollywood actor Vicky Kaushal broke the Internet with a social media post, announcing his next film based on him. Meghna Gulzar of Raazi fame will direct the movie which will be produced by Ronnie Secrewala. Kaushal shared his first look from the movie, and the social media is in awe of the striking resemblance. <div type="twitter" handle="vickykaushal09" handlename="Vicky Kaushal" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1072474080593485824/1VKHX9rg_normal.jpg" favoritecount="26161" retweetcount="2990" status="The swashbuckling general &amp; the first Field Marshal of India- SAM MANEKSHAW. I feel honoured &amp; proud of getting a c… https://t.co/N8oZqb3w1L" createdat="1561611414000" id="1144107310857383936"></div>

 ‘Sam Bahadur’ Known widely as Sam Bahadur, he was the Chief of Army Staff during 1971 Bangladesh Liberation war. He was the first general of the modern Indian army to be made a field marshal. Manekshaw’s career lasted four decades, and saw five wars. He also successfully masterminded the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971. He died on June 27, 2008 at the age of 94, in Wellington, Tamil Nadu. “General Bipin Rawat COAS and all ranks of the Indian Army pay homage to Field Marshal SHFJ Manekshaw on his 11th death anniversary. Field Marshal Manekshaw, one of the world’s leading military professionals developed Indian Army into an effective instrument of war,” <a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi/status/1144198766783651842">tweeted</a> ADGPI-Indian Army. The Burma Campaign The Field Marshal was born on April 3rd, 1914 and did his early schooling in Amritsar. He was amongst the first batch of 40 cadets to be selected for the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun and was <a href="https://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTemp1PTC2C.aspx?MnId=1+DDxl9H3tErntKfyLzp0w==&amp;ParentID=sJd1OldpEVzlIcnANQnk0g==&amp;flag=8CKP966uzg96kLov0aWdfQ==">commissioned</a> into the 12 Frontier Force Rifles in 1934. He earned fame early on in his career when he led his soldiers despite being severely wounded, during the first Burma campaign in World War II. In a rare case of its kind, his divisional Commander, Sir David Tennent Cowan, pinned his own <keyword id="6775404" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Military-Cross">Military Cross</keyword> on to the Captain’s chest saying, “ A dead person cannot be awarded a Military Cross.” Manekshaw was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1968 for his service to the nation.

Vicky Kaushal to play India’s ‘greatest war hero’ Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, MC in upcoming film; check out the striking resemblance

On August 16th, a day after India’s 71st Independence Day, Atal Bihari <keyword id="40921" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Vajpayee">Vajpayee</keyword>, the former Prime Minister, passed away in New Delhi at the age of 93. Vajpayee led the central government from 1998 to 2004, and till date is the only Indian Prime Minister from a party other than the Congress to complete a full term. The former <keyword id="14666" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="BJP">BJP</keyword> leader is set to be joined in this regard by current PM Narendra Modi, when the latter completes his term in May next year. Vajpayee has long been credited with moderating the BJP’s political position with his centrist <keyword id="35497" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="policies">policies</keyword> and socioeconomic reforms, thereby offering voters a viable national alternative to the Congress. A nine-time member of the Lok Sabha and two-time Rajya Sabha MP, he leaves a lasting legacy, and will be remembered for a slew of progressive and bold policies. Here are five of them:- Privatisation Vajpayee made privatisation a key component of his economic agenda when he set up the disinvestment ministry in 1999. Over the course of his tenure as PM, he oversaw the divestment of government holdings in more than 30 non-strategic public-sector companies such as VSNL, Maruti, Hindustan Zinc and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. What makes this policy all the more impressive is that Vajpayee had to overcome a considerable amount of opposition, not only from rival parties but from within his own Cabinet to implement it. Nuclearisation In May 1998, a month after his government came to power, Vajpayee ordered the commencement of five nuclear tests in Rajasthan’s Pokhran district. The move, which signalled India’s nuclear ambitions, drew the ire of Western powers, but it also highlighted India’s ability to defend itself from its neighbour Pakistan, which was building its own nuclear capability at the time. He always maintained that India would not use nuclear weapons first, stating that they would never be “weapons of aggression”. <keyword id="6354776" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Telecom">Telecom</keyword> Upon his death, Vajpayee was hailed as “the father of modern telecom in India” by leaders in the industry. Under his National Telecom policy, which was introduced in 1999, Vajpayee opened up the sector and implemented a number of structural reforms such as making mobile service providers offer services on a revenue share basis as opposed to a fixed-fee arrangement. This led to a reduction in call rates, a dramatic surge in mobile subscribers and encouraged competition among telecom operators. Roads and infrastructure While Vajpayee was prime minister, he launched a number of massive infrastructure projects to develop India’s roads and railway network. His government approved and funded the operations of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, which completed the first phase of the Delhi Metro in 2006. He also championed the Golden Quadrilateral scheme, a project to link all four of India’s major urban centers - Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata - by highways. Most importantly, though, was his Pradhanmantri Gramin Sadak Yojna scheme to improve road connectivity in India’s rural regions. <keyword id="45865" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indo-Pak">Indo-Pak</keyword> relations and Kargil Vajpayee made a number of steps to cement ties with Pakistan, such as the establishment of the Delhi-Lahore bus service in February 1999. He took the bus to Lahore and met with Nawaz Sharif, who was the leader of Pakistan at the time. Their meeting culminated in the signing of the Lahore Treaty, which outlined the country’s plans to steer clear of nuclear warfare. The goodwill was shortlived, however. A full-scale war took place in Kargil the following June. In July 2001, Vajpayee pushed for a peace summit with his new Pakistani counterpart, Pervez Musharraf in Agra. An agreement never materialised over the course of the summit, but not for his lack of trying.

Here are 5 policies that former Indian PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee will be remembered for

Ever since that fateful night in 1947, Indians and Pakistanis have shared a love-hate relationship with each other, and <keyword id="143" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bollywood">Bollywood</keyword> films have got a lot to do with that. 
 
Be it showing what’s common in the neighbouring countries or showing the tension at the border areas, Bollywood films have played a major role in shaping the mentalities of both Indians and Pakistanis, and with the recent success of Pakistani dramas in India, there is a newfound love for Pakistani culture and art that we never knew we had. 
 
On the eve of Pakistan’s Independence Day, and keeping up with our Independence Day special stories, here are some Bollywood movies that explored the bitter-sweet relationship between India and Pakistan, different from the usual war-based movies.

#Independence Day Special: 5 Bollywood movies that explore India-Pakistan ties

When two countries are at war, it's not the state that suffers as much as the people residing in it. This stands true for four aggrieved <keyword id="3001" type="COUNTRY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Pakistan">Pakistan</keyword> students, who now may not get a chance to be a part of <keyword id="61708" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="IIT-Bombay">IIT Bombay</keyword>'s biggest annual fest, due to the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. 
 All four students are from Karachi, and had registered for <keyword id="397491" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Techfest">Techfest</keyword> slated to be held in December this year. Just when they were excited and busy preparing for the competition, it has come to their knowledge that the organisers of the event are giving another thought to the invitation sent to the <keyword id="63890" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Pakistani-Students">Pakistani students</keyword> owing to security reasons. 
 
Meanwhile, the students have conveyed they have no problem visiting India. They have even applied for visas much before time fearing it might get delayed due to cross-border tensions, however, they claim there havebeen delays in accpeting the formalities. 
 
Notably, IIT techfest - IIT Bombay's science and technology festival - usually gets about 1.65 lakh footfalls in three days, and security is a prime concern. Similar controversies during fest season have taken place before as well. Students at IIT Bombay claim that a band from Pakistan was invited for the festival two years ago, but it was not able to perform due to fear of the crowds. 
 
Going by the past, the organizers are unsure of whether the Pakistani participants will be welcomed by the crowds at the fest this time around, and if not, whether they will be able to handle security all by themselves. Also, with MNS threatening Pakistani actors to go back to their country, the college fears getting caught in political controversy around the issue, due to which techfest's image could take a beating. 
 
It's being said that only after having discussions with the institute and, if required, at the government level, will the committee take a final call on the Pakistani students.

IIT-B skeptical about having Pakistani teams in their biggest fest of the year as Indo-Pak tensions escalate

A total of four movies hit the theatres last week and all failed miserably at the <keyword id="827271" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Domestic-Box-Office">domestic box office</keyword>, not only because The Amazing <keyword id="88398" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="60" keywordseo="Spider-Man">Spider-Man</keyword> 2 has stolen the show in India but also because they (at least three of them including <keyword id="554325" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Purani-Jeans">Purani Jeans</keyword>, <keyword id="2221582" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kahin-Hai-Mera-Pyaar">Kahin Hai Mera Pyaar</keyword> and <keyword id="721837" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="angry-young-man">Angry Young Man</keyword>) have come loaded with common clichés that no longer attract the new-gen audience. The lone exception is <keyword id="1048837" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kya-Dilli-Kya-Lahore">Kya Dilli Kya Lahore</keyword>, starring <keyword id="31515" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Vijay-Raaz">Vijay Raaz</keyword> (he is also the <keyword id="303" type="POSITION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Director">director</keyword>) and <keyword id="422342" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Manu-Rishi">Manu Rishi</keyword> and offering an altogether different take on the trouble-torn <keyword id="2228533" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Indo-Pak-relationship">Indo-Pak relationship</keyword>. 
 
<keyword id="2223189" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="KDKL">KDKL</keyword> is an offbeat <keyword id="829894" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bollywood-flick">Bollywood flick</keyword> that dates back to 1948 and narrates the cross-border realities experienced by two ‘uprooted’ soldiers – <keyword id="2228536" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Rehmat-Ali">Rehmat Ali</keyword> (<keyword id="6363210" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Raaz">Raaz</keyword>) and <keyword id="2228527" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Samarth-Pratap">Samarth Pratap</keyword> (Rishi). Both are forced to leave their ‘original’ homeland due to <keyword id="6373578" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="partition">Partition</keyword> and compelled to live a life of bloodshed, bullets and the occasional enemy banter taking place across the border. Narrated &amp; presented by writer/lyricist <keyword id="7470" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="GUlzar">Gulzar</keyword> and garbed in dark humour, Kya Dilli Kya Lahore unfolds how ‘political’ issues impact real life as we relive the nostalgia, the helplessness and the pathos of it all. Although a commendable movie by the <keyword id="193380" type="POSITION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Debutant-director">debutant director</keyword>, it fared poorly at the domestic box office and fetched an abysmal Rs 7-8 lakh on the debut day (May 2). As per industry estimates, KDKL netted around Rs 35-40 lakh after the first three days while the budget (cost and P&amp;A) has reportedly stood at Rs 5.5 crore. The movie hit about 250 screens at home but suffered terribly from poor promotion and near-zero pre-release buzz. 
 But then, <keyword id="6356809" type="POSITION" weightage="80" keywordseo="producer">producer</keyword> <keyword id="476576" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Karan-Arora">Karan Arora</keyword> has told the media he is “not worried about the commercial viability” of the film and is content to know that he made “an honest film.” Film critic Shubhra Gupta sums it up well. “There’s something about the film that reminds you of the Bosnian Oscar winner <keyword id="1477726" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="No-Mans-Land">No Man’s Land</keyword>, a poignant reminder of the futility of war and the tragic waste of human lives. Kya Dilli Kya Lahore had the potential to be as powerful, maybe more, because it is our story… but single-tone. And that’s because the plot is so thin. This film could have been more.” 
 
 
 <keyword id="202523" type="POSITION" weightage="80" keywordseo="debutante-director">Debutante director</keyword> <keyword id="2218584" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="40" keywordseo="Tanushri-Chattrji-Bassu">Tanushri Chattrji Bassu</keyword>’s coming-of-age bromance Purani Jeans did a little better at the box office, netting a little over Rs 1 crore in the debut week against a budget of Rs 11 crore. It’s the age-old story of two <keyword id="343" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="80" keywordseo="Friends">friends</keyword> falling for the same girl – the staid <keyword id="1594" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Siddharth">Siddharth</keyword> (<keyword id="582705" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Tanuj-Virwani">Tanuj Virwani</keyword>) from a poor background, the rich and spoilt brat <keyword id="23466" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sam">Sam</keyword> (<keyword id="1249127" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Aditya-Seal">Aditya Seal</keyword>) and the trophy girlfriend, <keyword id="59965" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Nayantara">Nayantara</keyword> (Brazilian <keyword id="334231" type="POSITION" weightage="60" keywordseo="model-turned-actress">model-turned actress</keyword> <keyword id="1701426" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Izabelle-Leite">Izabelle Leite</keyword>). What follows is a youth-focused but totally cliché script that depicts every possible human emotion without much cohesiveness and one can hardly relate to the ‘growth pangs’ we all face during those wonder years. 
 Directed by <keyword id="2228541" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mahesh-Vaijnath-Doijode">Mahesh Vaijnath Doijode</keyword>, Kahin Hai Mera Pyar is all about an artist’s quest to find his dream girl, with loads of traditional <keyword id="143" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bollywood">Bollywood</keyword> trappings weighing it down. <keyword id="766838" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Abhishek-Sethiya">Abhishek Sethiya</keyword> and <keyword id="1049937" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sonia-Mann">Sonia Mann</keyword> don’t sizzle on-screen and the improbable storyline of this musical romance seems far removed from the reality. Although veteran <keyword id="297" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Jackie-Shroff">Jackie Shroff</keyword> shines, the rest looks totally bleak (yes, even the VFX is bad) and its bleak performance is amply reflected at the domestic box office. Even after four days, the official numbers are not available although industry insiders have already written it off. Ramesh Rout-directed Angry Young Man also suffers the same fate. Starring Ajay Sinh Rathod (Arjun) and <keyword id="2110776" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Prachi-Sinha">Prachi Sinha</keyword> (Sarah), this action movie reeks of <keyword id="26778" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="80" keywordseo="underworld">underworld</keyword>, revenge, love and benevolence – all rehashed from earlier Bollywood flicks of the same genre. The outcome is another flop and even here, the numbers are missing till date. So wait and watch for the next lot of movies to hit the theatres – those may just be able to break the Black Friday jinx plaguing the box office like never before. 
 
Images: Indiatimes

Box Office Debacle Doesn’t Let Up; Kya
Dilli Kya Lahore Is A Must-watch

<keyword id="60603" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="United-States-Air-Force">United States Air Force</keyword> has successfully tested its <keyword id="443786" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Fifth-Generation-Fighter-Aircraft">fifth generation fighter aircraft</keyword> way back in 1997 and has inducted the same in December 2005. It has a total strength of around 187 operational F-22 fighters. It is the only air force in the world which currently operates the fifth generation jets; however it definitely fueled the fifth generation fighter jet development programs around the world either solo or in collaboration. Russia, India, China and Turkey are reportedly engaged in the development of their own version of the fifth generation fighters. 
 The Sukhoi/HAL Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (<keyword id="441427" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="FGFA">FGFA</keyword>) or Perspective Multi-role Fighter (PMF) is a fifth generation fighter aircraft being developed by India and Russia. The FGFA is being developed for the <keyword id="15141" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Indian-Air-Force">Indian Air Force</keyword> (IAF) and is a derivative product of PAK-FA. The completed FGFA will include a total of around 45 improvements(expected) over the T-50, including stealth, advanced sensors, super cruise, networking and combat avionics as per the Indian conditions and will be armed with the weapons like <keyword id="94511" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="astra">ASTRA</keyword>, a Beyond Visual Range (BVR)missile developed and tested by India. 
 
 
The need and the delay 
 Former Defense Minister Antony’s Moscow visit in October 2007 to co-chair the annual session of <keyword id="2585279" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="India-Russia-Inter-Governmental-Commission">India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission</keyword> on military-technical cooperation (IRIGC-MTC) marked the start of FGFA project with the aim to induct the futuristic stealth fighter by 2016-17. The $295-million preliminary design contract signed in December 2010 was allocated for the 50:50 design and production agreement which was a mere part of the massive US $30 Billion project. 
 The purpose of having the next generation FGFA is to execute a credible deterrence power and to attain independence is developing the indigenous technology under the transfer of technology agreement. Why waste so much money on an older 4th generation plane, when we can divert that money to develop Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and the advanced LCA <keyword id="6376012" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Tejas">Tejas</keyword>. 
 
The IAF currently maintains 34 squadrons of 550+ fighters while the sanctioned number is 42 squadrons. This reduced capacity can have serious outcomes if it faces a two front war situation given the multiple threats that India perceives. 
 
Regular reports of differences between the joint development parties over design and work agreements are further pushing the trial and induction of the fighters. Earlier it was expected to induct the fighters by 2016-17 but the delays and cost-overruns are pushing the dates towards 2019-2020, however prototypes will be coming soon. 
 
 
Area of concern and the possible outcome 
 
Reduced IAF's fleet strength means fewer aircraft have to perform more missions to get the work done. Imagine this situation in a two front war scenario. This is where India quickly needs to induct more locally built advanced version of Tejas fighters and more locally assembled Su-30MKIs which are top of the line 4++ generation fighters. On the lines of SU-30, India can take 20-25 of FGFA jets in fly away conditions and rest can be made under license. India has done remarkably well by cutting down the MMRCA deal to 36 Fighters and saved around 18 Billion USD which can be further pooled into the faster development of the Fifth generation fighters like FGFA and AMCA which will form the future force multipliers for the country. 
 
(image credits: Defenceprojectsindia)

Indo-Russian 5th Generation Fighter Aircraft program: Delays and the possible outcomes

Obama administration’s decision to eight F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan has met with fierce criticism from top US lawmakers, who have expressed concerns that rather than combating terrorism, Pakistan could use these aircrafts against India. They have asked the Obama Administration to review the decision in a new light. 
 
"Many members of Congress, including me, seriously question the judgement and timing of such a sale. Additionally, Indo-Pak tensions remain elevated and some question whether the F-16s could ultimately be used against India or other regional powers, rather than the terrorists as Pakistan as asserted," Congressman Matt Salmon said during a Congressional hearing yesterday. 
 
Salmon, and several other lawmakers, were present during the Congressional hearing on Afghanistan and Pakistan that was convened by the Subcommittee on Asia and Pacific of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. 
 
"We've got to be concerned what military assistance and whether the F-16s constitute the least expensive, most efficient way for the Pakistani air force to go after the terrorists and the least disruptive weapon system to the balance of power between India and Pakistan," Congressman Brad Sherman said. 
 
"We need to offer to Pakistan those weapon systems well- crafted to go after terrorists and not crafted for a war with India," Sherman added. 
 
This has led the US Senate to put a hold on the decision, which would have bought in around USD700 million. 
 
Salmon has also asked for clarifications about the underlying purpose and timing of the intended sale, questioning how it would be in the best interest of the United States. 
 
<a href="http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.2283998.1436287305!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/article_635/usa-fighter-crash.jpg">Image source</a>

US lawmakers warn Obama that F-16 jets sold to Pakistan can be used against India and not terrorists

<ul><li>"Action has been initiated" against <keyword id="8181189" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="pakistani-drones-smuggling-arms">Pakistani drones smuggling arms</keyword> and ammunition into India, said <keyword id="15141" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Air-Force">Indian Air Force</keyword> (IAF) Chief — Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria. </li><li>He stated that the drone smuggling is a space violation issue and the necessary steps will be taken. </li><li>Three consignments of weapons, ammunition, narcotics and counterfeit currency were seized by the Punjab police in September. </li></ul>Drones smuggling arms and ammunition across the border is the new threat that India faces from its neighbour Pakistan, according to the new Indian Air Force (IAF) chief — Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria. "Small drones are a new threat and some procurements are already in process to tackle the issue. It is a space violation issue and necessary action has been initiated in this aspect," stated Bhadauria at the annual Air Force Day press conference. The heightened security on the Indo-Pak border means that terrorists have had to shift their smuggling routes to Punjab to deliver weapons, ammunition, narcotics and counterfeit currency. So far, three such consignments have been caught by the Punjab police. They believe that the packages are being airdropped into the state by Khalistan Liberation Front (KLF) and Khalistan Zindabad Force terrorists, with help from the Islamic State of Iraq (ISI) this side of the border. <div type="image" title="drones" msid="71440585" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Drones recovered near the Indo-Pak border over the last around one month&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>

 Inquiry by the <keyword id="6362387" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="national-investigation-agency">National Investigation Agency</keyword> (NIA) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is already looking into the multiple cases of drones being used by Pakistan to smuggle arms into India. According to Pakistani Chief Minister, Captain Amarinder Singh, these drones are GPS-enabled and can carry upto 10 kilograms. The first consignment was caught on 12 September 2019 where the police seized four AK 56 rifles, two AK 47 rifles with 180 rounds, six magazines and 11,000 bullets. The second consignment was much larger. On 22 September 2019, the police recovered five AK 47 rifles with 16 magazines and 472 rounds, four Chinese-made point 30 bore pistols with eight magazines and 72 rounds, nine hand grenades, five satellite phones, two mobile phones and two wireless sets along with ₹1 million (₹10 lakh) in counterfeit currency. They were found in the possession of KZF terrorists. The latest consignment which was seized on 24 September 2019, consisted of four AK 47 rifles, 10 magazines and 200 cartridges. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/military-defense/article/a-nuclear-war-between-india-and-pakistan-would-result-in-125-million-deaths-global-cooling-and-mass-starvation/articleshow/71417075.cms">A nuclear war between India and Pakistan would result in 125 million deaths, global cooling and mass starvation</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/military-defense/news/india-has-called-paks-nuclear-bluff-twice-ex-army-officers/articleshow/71427011.cms">India has called Pak's nuclear bluff twice: Ex-Army officers</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/pakistan-issued-its-most-explicit-threat-of-war-against-india-yet-as-the-2-nuclear-powers-clash-over-kashmir/articleshow/71296226.cms">Pakistan issued its most explicit threat of war against India yet as the 2 nuclear powers clash over Kashmir</a>

Action initiated against Pakistan for using drones to smuggle arms, says Indian Air Force Chief

Power play by <keyword id="6358826" type="COUNTRY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Russia">Russia</keyword> has grabbed the global attention yet again. The Ukrainian crisis, particularly the seizure of the <keyword id="901413" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="40" keywordseo="Crimean-Peninsula">Crimean Peninsula</keyword> in southern <keyword id="6355101" type="COUNTRY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Ukraine">Ukraine</keyword> by Russia, is getting more critical every day, with no easy solution in sight. But should it matter to India? And if it does, what would be India’s reasons for getting involved in the crisis, which has been on since centuries, exploding out of control every now and then? 
 The international Press, which is closely observing the civil war that broke out in <keyword id="359731" type="COUNTRY" weightage="40" keywordseo="Crimea">Crimea</keyword> since the end of last year and proceeded well into the first quarter of 2014, predicts that Crimea, the now autonomous republic within Ukraine, is all set to break away from Ukraine sooner or later. The nearest date for this could be March 16 when the people of the republic will vote to decide whether it wants to remain a part of Ukraine or be independent and join the Russian Federation as a federal subject. In all probability, Crimea will vote for the second option instead of staying on with Ukraine. 
 
The ongoing crisis creates a rather sticky situation for the US, which is in a diplomatic soup regarding Crimea, especially after Russia’s imposition on this republic, citing ‘guarding the safety of ethnic Russian people’ living in that small nation by the Black Sea. India has treaded rather cautiously on the issue. The US, for its part, already said it would not recognise the referendum, whatever the outcome might be, and would take further steps against Russia at international forums, should the latter use the referendum to further its interests. 
 When two arms manufacturing powers are locked in an argument, India chooses to remain non-committal. Only when the country runs short of options, it does react after cautiously weighing all pros and cons. <keyword id="818773" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="40" keywordseo="The-situation">The situation</keyword> in Crimea and Ukraine is not an exception either. Weeks into the crisis, India has never made its opinion known to the international community. China has not minced words and stood by Russia in its decision to ‘safeguard’ Crimean interests. But India has chosen to toe the line only now. 
 The reason is simple. Russia has been a key ally of India and has stood by the country post 1998 after India conducted its nuclear tests in dunes of Pokhran. Russia’s (former <keyword id="6365126" type="COUNTRY" weightage="40" keywordseo="Soviet-Union">Soviet Union</keyword>) backing goes back to early 1970s when the Indo-Pak war took place and Bangladesh (earlier, East Pakistan) was born. 
 
As Russia and India had been close allies for years and the latter had hugely benefited from the bilateral relations, India cannot be a mere onlooker now. With Russia about to recover its global position of strength and India looking for strong and strategic partners with whom it can further strengthen bilateral trade, a good relationship with Russia will continue to yield better results. Moreover, when one considers India’s demand for resources increasing with every passing day and the need of developing countries to trade with their strongholds to make ends meet, the logic becomes clearer. 
 
When one looks at the trade relations between India and Ukraine, under which Crimea is legally an autonomous republic till it decides otherwise, the numbers don’t look too impressive – up to $3.1 billion as of now. However, several MoUs have been signed between the two, spanning diplomatic relations, air service, defence, education, culture, tourism, sports, etc. Also, over 4,000 Indian students are studying at various universities and educational institutions in Ukraine. 
 Incidentally, the then Ukrainian <keyword id="2540" type="POSITION" weightage="40" keywordseo="President">President</keyword> Viktor Yanukovych visited India in 2012 to strengthen trade relations between the two countries. Although the value of trade between the two isn’t very high, it covers a number of strategic areas such as nuclear, space, economic, defence, science and technology, which will help propel India’s growth. 
 
What really matters is the agreement between two countries in the field of agriculture, health and counter-terrorism efforts. For India, where villages abound and agriculture is the main occupation, it makes sense to protect the interests of a country that provides a robust fillip to that field with fertiliser supply. For the sake of record, Ukraine ranks as one of the major producers of fertilisers and India is one of the leading importers of this product. 
 
Boost to the pharma sector will also aid better health facilities within India, increasing its revenues manifold. Both countries work closely as far as the pharma sector is concerned. 
 
Although China, after communicating with key EU leaders, decided to limit its role on Sunday and said a politically viable solution must be reached in Crimea, the Middle East will continue to burn for some more years, placing India in a quagmire of tricky international relations. 
 
Image: Indiatimes

Why Crimean Crisis Matters To India

Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword>’s China trip is his 17th foreign nation visit since he assumed office. Though his China tour would last only for three days---May 14th to 16th—but the attractions of his trip are countless. The list includes: thunderous speeches by public figures; the visit to Xian, hometown of Chinese Premier; the cultural hoopla-hoos in various ceremonies; the business and trade partnership during his <keyword id="1333" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Beijing">Beijing</keyword> visit and finally, and his undoubtedly charming address to the Shanghai youth. 
 
Even though the bonding between the two Asian rivals is crucial, Modi’s visit does not lead to such jaw-dropping anticipation as many might believe---or even hope for. Experts wonder how his physical trip to a historically sparring country could take issues forward to a point we want them to. 
 
To look back, both the countries have long-standing commercials, historical and ‘conflicting’ links. The clouds over their relationship continue to loom in spite of decades of effort. 
 
To begin with, the root casue of the dispute was a 3,500-km border in the Himalayas that sputtered into a war in1962 and involved large tracts. 
 
China claims that 90,000 square kilometres in the eastern sector of the Himalayas belongs to it. India considers it to be an Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, but China calls it South Tibet. India objects to China occupying 38,000 square kilometres of its land on the Aksai Chin plateau in the west. 
 
Moreover, both nations have always been military and economic competitors. Last month, India increased its defense budget by 11% to $40 billion, even though it cannot match China’s frigates or defence preparedness. 
 Chinese business penetration in the littoral states of the Indian Ocean raises some concern, so India is hoping to defuse issues. After China, Modi’s visit to Seychelles, Mauritius and then <keyword id="6355572" type="COUNTRY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sri-Lanka">Sri Lanka</keyword> would be the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 28 years, for he hopes to “expand military as well as economic ties.” 
 
President Xi’s visit eight months back made the two countries thrash all the issues that dog them: the boundary dispute, trade, investment, market access, the maritime Silk Route, Kailash-Mansarovar... the list is endless. 
 
The joint statement between the two nations on Building a Closer Developmental Partnership was issued on September 19, 2014 after President Xi’s team went into every pettifogging issue. 
 Yet, the biggest thorn in the flesh is still stuck there. Last September, when President <keyword id="191809" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Xi-Jinping">Xi Jinping</keyword> visited India for his first summit talks with Modi, China intruded into Chumar. 
 
This year, in February, Modi’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh in order to open two development projects had China fuming again. The foreign ministry released a condemnatory press release. The Chinese vice-foreign minister thundered at the Indian ambassador that the PM had transgressed “China’s territorial sovereignty, rights and interests” and that “violates the consensus to appropriately handle the border issue”. 
Modi, not to be left out, retorted: “Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India and will always remain so…China will also have to leave behind its mindset of expansion.” 
 
Fortunately, India is also an emerging Asian giant---or at least seems to be---and China cannot afford not to play its cards, although that huge nation has a strong bond with India’s arch enemy, Pakistan, 
 
China is also wary of India’s role in setting up the ‘Quadrilateral Initiative’---a formal defence pact among India, US, Japan and Australia, effectively isolating China. There are hints that the plan would even include Central Asia, Mongolia, the Korean peninsula, and all other countries in Southeast Asia except China. 
 
Fortunately, the disputed region of Arunachal Pradesh does not parallel the Kashmir issue, which dogs the Indo-Pak relationship. While aggressive Pakistan looks at the K-problem as a “plus point”, and a driver of their terrorist, anti-India policy, China is groping for solutions. While the Chinese are as patriotically passionate about the disputed land as Indians say they are, they also recently appear willing to compromise, with a give-and-take approach. 
 
Hence, in recent days, the mood seems to have softened, with China soft-pedalling its approach, and trying to woo, rather than hard-sell its intentions. Although the Chinese want to oppose the visits to a disputed area, they do want to keep the objections moderate. 
 Experts claim that the Chinese are putting in a lot of effort to keep the border tension-free in the last five months. When <keyword id="6355111" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sushma-Swaraj">Sushma Swaraj</keyword> visited China, the Chinese chiefs seemed to be eager to take the relationship to a high level. The signals showed that the talks between Swaraj and her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi was characterised by “extraordinary warmth and cordiality”. 
 
The wording of their “protests” seem muted, though the content is the same, with China mentioning that they do not recognize the McMahon Line as well as the three areas 'belonging' to it. In the latest protest, the Chinese foreign ministry asked for a “fair and reasonable” resolution of the border issue through negotiations. 
 
“At the moment the boundary negotiations are in the process of building up small, positive steps,” Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi said recently. “It is like climbing a mountain. The going is tough, that is only because we are on the way up,” he added. 
 
Modi’s visit, then, may be just the tip of an iceberg, or the first step in a long haul. There are hints of bilateral thrust-and-parry as well as compromise in the tone, attitude and unspoken desires of both countries. 
 
If this one large and killing problem of disputed land is nailed, then, the Asian giants can hold hands on every other issue. They may not even call for pompously heralded heads-of-states to visit each other.

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