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Top 20 world’s strongest militaries – personnel, aircraft, tanks and more; Here’s where India stands

<ul><li>Two big financial goals – medical necessities and retirement pension – are taken care of to a large extent. </li><li>Systematic <keyword id="6355120" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="investment" source="Orion">investment</keyword> plans (SIPs) are an ideal investment option due to regular monthly income. </li><li>Buying property can be a good long-term investment, especially given the housing benefits and loans available to <keyword id="462296" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="defence-personnel" source="Orion">defence personnel</keyword>. </li></ul>All of us go to bed at night knowing that the men at our borders are there to protect us. But the lives of defence personnel are different, not only when it comes to their jobs, but also to their finances. First, they might be posted at extremely remote locations where it is very difficult to get financial advice or access to banking and investment products. Also, the demands of their career are such that it relegates financial planning low down in their to-do list. “Being a government servant, two big financial goals of medical necessities and retirement pension are taken care of to a large extent. But then there are many more requirements of life which need careful planning,” says Col. Sanjeev Govila (Retd), a SEBI Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), and CEO, Hum Fauji Initiatives, a financial planning firm. Children’s graduation and post-graduation, their marriages, purchase of a house when they’re close to retirement, good vacations post-retirement, change of car, charity, indulging in passions which may need money, etc are likely financial goals which need to be carefully planned for. We take a look at five investment options defence personnel may consider. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Fixed deposits" comment="Subhead" text="Fixed deposits"><keyword id="6377620" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="fixed-deposits" source="Orion">Fixed deposits</keyword></cmsannotation>: Fixed deposits are a good investment choice for defence personnel due to their safety and simplicity. They offer guaranteed returns, minimising risks associated with market fluctuations. For military personnel with unpredictable schedules, FDs provide flexibility in terms of tenures and can be easily managed from anywhere. Moreover, the guaranteed interest earnings add to financial stability, making it a good choice for long-term planning and security, which matches the disciplined and secure aspects of military life. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Equity investments" comment="Subhead" text="Equity investments">Equity investments</cmsannotation>: Defence personnel, like any other citizen, are allowed to invest in stocks / <keyword id="6357979" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mutual-funds" source="Orion">mutual funds</keyword> or any other investment products. “However, they might have certain restrictions, especially officers holding sensitive positions. Such individuals might need to inform their respective cadres about their investments to avoid conflicts of interest,” says Bhuvanaa Shreeram, co-founder and head of financial planning, House of Alpha, a financial planning firm. When it comes to equity, the best suited investment option is mutual funds. “Systematic investment plans (SIPs) are ideally suited due to regular monthly income. However, thorough research, long-term outlook and regular monitoring is important,” says Govila. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)" comment="Subhead" text="Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)">Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)</cmsannotation>: Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is another investment option military personnel can consider if they have a girl child. It provides a secure and tax-saving avenue for their daughters' future. SSY offers an attractive interest rate, along with tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. For defence personnel frequently posted to remote areas, SSY can be conveniently managed online, ensuring consistent savings for their daughters' education and marriage. Its assured returns, safety, and tax benefits make it an appealing option, aligning with their commitment to secure their family's financial well-being. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Real Estate" comment="Subhead" text="Real Estate">Real Estate</cmsannotation>: “Buying property can be a good long-term investment, especially given the housing benefits and loans available to defence personnel. Although while in service they will be provided a place to stay, once they retire they will need a comfortable house to live in,” says Shreeram. “Start saving for a house early through SIPs in mutual funds and buy a house around 50 years of age when plans to finally settle down are concrete. No need for a second house,” says Govila. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Gold" comment="Subhead" text="Gold">Gold</cmsannotation>: Gold is a good investment choice for defence personnel due to its stability, liquidity, and security. It acts as a hedge against economic uncertainties, offering protection against inflation and currency fluctuations. Gold investments, such as Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) and Gold Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), provide the convenience of electronic holdings and easy liquidity, aligning with the mobile lifestyle of military personnel. <keyword id="3790" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="armed-forces" source="Orion">Armed forces</keyword> personnel experience unique service conditions, and their financial situations can vary significantly. Nevertheless, the fundamental principles of financial planning and investment are applicable to them. With careful planning and disciplined execution, there's no reason they cannot achieve a financially secure and dignified life.

Five investment options for defence personnel

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Fighting in Ukraine has given some of the ex-convicts Russia recruited their swag back.</li><li>These men are granted freedom after surviving their military service.</li></ul>Ex-convicts who fought for Russia in Ukraine are heading home with newfound wealth and swagger, <a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/06/world/europe/russia-convicts-war-murder.html">The New York Times</a> reported on Saturday. Olga Romanova, who heads a Russian NGO focusing on prisoner issues, told The Times that around 15,000 ex-convicts have returned to Russia after fighting in Ukraine. The returning men, who are released without any rehabilitation, often go on to commit crimes once back home. Kirill Titaev, a Russian sociologist at Yale University, told The Times that the wave of "invisible violence" was a "big problem for the society." Experts The Times spoke to said some former prisoners gained confidence after their stints in Ukraine, and see their wartime service as a form of rehabilitation. Fighting in Ukraine has also left them financially well-off, as they were paid a base monthly salary of about $2,000 from The Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary organization, per The Times. That is also more than double the average salary of a Russian worker, who makes around $756 a month, Russia's statistics agency said in a <a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/almost-half-russians-say-salary-does-not-cover-basic-spending-survey-2023-10-23/">survey</a> released in October. Romanova told The Times that even the local police officers are afraid of the returning convicts and their newly-attained veteran status. Russia's <a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-losing-about-1000-soldiers-daily-not-stop-mass-attacks-2024-4">reliance on attrition warfare,</a> however, has seen the country <a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-recruited-over-100-000-prisoners-to-fight-in-ukraine-report-2023-12">continually drawing on its prison population</a> to boost its military manpower. Wagner first started the practice of recruiting inmates to bolster its ranks, offering the convicts full pardons if they <a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/prigozhin-russia-tells-ex-con-wagner-fighters-not-rape-free-2023-1">survived a six-month stint in Ukraine</a>. The practice was then <a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-copies-wagner-prisoner-recruitment-10000-signed-up-april-uk-2023-5">adopted by Russia's defense ministry</a> in 2023. Sending prisoners to the battlefield, the UK's defense ministry said in May, would allow Russia "<a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://twitter.com/DefenceHQ/status/1656535955338063873?s=20">to avoid implementing new mandatory mobilization, which would be very unpopular with the Russian public.</a>" The move, however, has not been without controversy. In November, <a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.sibreal.org/a/vlasti-vypustili-na-svobodu-ubiytsu-4-chelovek-i-lyudoeda-s-sahalina/32696512.html">Russia</a><a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://76.ru/text/criminal/2023/11/21/72933266/"> media</a> reported that <a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-frees-2-men-convicted-cannibals-fought-in-ukraine-reports-2023-11">two prisoners who were convicted of murdering and eating their victims</a> had been released after fighting in Ukraine. But even Russia's prison population is a finite resource. A local official told lawmakers last month that some prisons would be shut down due to "<a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-shutter-prisons-inmates-ukraine-war-2024-3">a one-time large reduction in the number of convicts</a>." Russia's need to recruit more troops could put further pressure on its economy. Besides dealing with <a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-economy-putin-ukraine-war-moscow-outlook-2024-3">crippling sanctions</a> from the West, Russia has had to grapple with <a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-economy-worker-shortage-ukraine-war-military-wages-unemployment-2024-1">severe labor shortages</a>. The <a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-short-around-48-million-workers-2023-crunch-persist-izvestia-2023-12-24/">Russian Academy of Science's Institute of Economics</a> said in December that the Russian economy had a <a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-lacks-workers-ukraine-war-labor-crisis-worker-shortage-2023-12">shortage of around 5 million workers</a>. "Unemployment is 3% and in some regions, it is even lower. This means there are practically no workers left in the economy," Russian Central Bank Governor <a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/europe/russias-depleted-workforce-threatening-economic-growth-says-central-bank-2023-11-09/">Elvira Nabiullina</a> told lawmakers in November. "The situation with personnel is really very acute." Representatives for Russia's defense ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider sent outside regular business hours.

Russian convicts who earned their freedom fighting Ukraine are going home with swagger and a stash of money to burn: NYT

<ul><li>“Our armed forces are always ready to stop any attempt of transgression at our borders,” <keyword id="6355121" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rajnath-singh" source="Orion">Rajnath Singh</keyword> told the Lok Sabha. </li><li>Indian and <keyword id="151196" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="chinese-troops" source="Orion">Chinese troops</keyword> clashed along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in <keyword id="12277618" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tawang-sector" source="Orion">Tawang sector</keyword> of Arunachal Pradesh on December 9. </li><li>The face-off resulted in "minor injuries to a few personnel from both sides", the Indian Army said on Monday. </li></ul>Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that timely intervention by Indian Army stopped the Chinese PLA troops from encroaching on the country's territory during the December 9 face-off at Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang sector. Speaking in the Lok Sabha today, the Defence Minister said that Indian Army bravely stopped the Chinese People Liberation Army (PLA) PLA troops from encroaching on Indian territory, and forced them to withdraw to their posts. "On December 9, 2022 in the Yangtse area of Tawang sector PLA troops encroached upon and attempted to change status quo. This attempt was tackled by our troops in a determined manner. There was fist fight in during this face-off as well. Our troops bravely stopped PLA from encroaching upon our territory and forced them to go back to their post," Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in the Lok Sabha. The minister said that the issue had been taken up with China through diplomatic channels. "After this incident, on December 11, the local commander of the area held a flag meeting with his Chinese counterpart under the established system and discussed this incident. The Chinese side was refused all such actions and told to maintain peace at the border," Singh told the Lok Sabha. The Defence Minister said that no <keyword id="1052484" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="indian-troops" source="Orion">Indian troops</keyword> were killed or seriously injured in the incident. Singh said, "In this face-off, a few soldiers on both sides suffered injuries. I'd like to tell this House that none of our soldiers died or suffered any serious injury. Due to the timely intervention of Indian military commanders, PLA soldiers have retreated to their own locations." "This matter has also been taken up with China through diplomatic channels. I want to assure the House that our forces are committed to guard our borders and ready to thwart any attempt that will be made to challenge it," Rajnath Singh said. "I am confident this House will respect the capability, valour and commitment of our armed forces, Singh said. On Monday the Indian Army in a statement said: "On December 9, PLA troops contacted the LAC in Tawang Sector which was contested by own (Indian) troops in a firm and resolute manner. This face-off led to minor injuries to a few personnel from both sides." "Both sides immediately disengaged from the area. As a follow up of the incident, own (Indian) commander in the area held a flag meeting with his counterpart to discuss the issue in accordance with structured mechanisms to restore peace and tranquillity," it said. Opposition members earlier today created a ruckus in Parliament over the clash between troops of India and China. Soon after Rajnath Singh's statement, Opposition leaders staged a walkout from Lok Sabha.

No loss of life or serious injury to our soldiers: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tawang clash

<ul><li>Speaking in the <keyword id="6355187" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="lok-sabha" source="Orion">Lok Sabha</keyword> today, the Defence Minister said that Indian Army bravely stopped the Chinese People Liberation Army (PLA) PLA troops from encroaching on Indian territory, and forced them to withdraw to their posts.</li><li>The minister said that the issue had been taken up with <keyword id="1334" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="china" source="Orion">China</keyword> through diplomatic channels. </li><li>He further said that no Indian troops were killed or seriously injured in the incident.</li></ul>Defence Minister <keyword id="6355121" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="rajnath-singh" source="Orion">Rajnath Singh</keyword> on Tuesday said that timely intervention by Indian Army stopped the Chinese PLA troops from encroaching on the country's territory during the December 9 face-off at Arunachal Pradesh's <keyword id="61282" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="tawang" source="Orion">Tawang</keyword> sector. Speaking in the Lok Sabha today, the Defence Minister said that Indian Army bravely stopped the Chinese People Liberation Army (PLA) PLA troops from encroaching on Indian territory, and forced them to withdraw to their posts. "On December 9, 2022 in the Yangtse area of Tawang sector PLA troops encroached upon and attempted to change status quo. This attempt was tackled by our troops in a determined manner. There was fist fight in during this face-off as well. Our troops bravely stopped PLA from encroaching upon our territory and forced them to go back to their post," Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in the Lok Sabha. The minister said that the issue had been taken up with China through diplomatic channels. "After this incident, on December 11, the local commander of the area held a flag meeting with his Chinese counterpart under the established system and discussed this incident. The Chinese side was refused all such actions and told to maintain peace at the border," Singh told the Lok Sabha. The Defence Minister said that no Indian troops were killed or seriously injured in the incident. Singh said, "In this face-off, a few soldiers on both sides suffered injuries. I'd like to tell this House that none of our soldiers died or suffered any serious injury. Due to the timely intervention of Indian military commanders, PLA soldiers have retreated to their own locations." "This matter has also been taken up with China through diplomatic channels. I want to assure the House that our forces are committed to guard our borders and ready to thwart any attempt that will be made to challenge it," Rajnath Singh said. "I am confident this House will respect the capability, valour and commitment of our armed forces, Singh said. On Monday the Indian Army in a statement said: "On December 9, PLA troops contacted the LAC in Tawang Sector which was contested by own (Indian) troops in a firm and resolute manner. This face-off led to minor injuries to a few personnel from both sides." "Both sides immediately disengaged from the area. As a follow up of the incident, own (Indian) commander in the area held a flag meeting with his counterpart to discuss the issue in accordance with structured mechanisms to restore peace and tranquillity," it said. Opposition members earlier today created a ruckus in <keyword id="6354721" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="parliament" source="Orion">Parliament</keyword> over the clash between troops of India and China. Soon after Rajnath Singh's statement, Opposition leaders staged a walkout from Lok Sabha. (ANI) SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/news/rupee-declines-20-paise-to-82-71-against-us-dollar-in-early-trade/articleshow/96188516.cms">Rupee declines 20 paise to 82.71 against US dollar in early trade</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/indian-markets-open-higher-as-retail-inflation-eases-paytm-icici-bank-dalmia-bharat-among-stocks-to-watch-out-for/articleshow/96188313.cms">Indian markets open higher as retail inflation eases — Paytm, ICICI Bank, Dalmia Bharat among stocks to watch out for</a>

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to make statement in Parliament on India-China troops clash in Tawang

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="11894337" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="russia" source="Orion">Russia</keyword> is relying on a "disparate" assortment of soldiers in <keyword id="11985141" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="ukraine" source="Orion">Ukraine</keyword>, UK intelligence said Wednesday.</li><li>Officials said that this caused "disunited command," leading to military failures in its invasion.</li></ul>Russia is sending a ragtag group of soldiers to fight in Ukraine that aren't its main army because of 'significant resourcing problems,' UK intelligence officials said.The assessment came in an update published Wednesday, which said that relying on irregular forces was hampering Russia's ability to attack Ukraine.The officials said that the Kremlin was forced to look elsewhere for soldiers partly because of its huge losses while capturing the city of Mariupol in southern Ukraine.Among those being deployed were "several thousand" Chechen forces loyal to the warlord Ramzan <keyword id="13671699" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="kadyrov" source="Orion">Kadyrov</keyword>, the update said.Kadyrov is a <keyword id="11909347" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="putin" source="Orion">Putin</keyword> loyalist whose personal militia — also known as "Kadyrovites" — are <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ukraine-says-kadyrov-troops-killed-russia-soldiers-refuse-fight-2022-4">widely reported</a> to have been fighting in support of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. As well as Kadyrov, who "likely maintains close personal oversight of the deployment", his cousin Adam Delimkhanov has likely acted as the Chechen field commander in Mariupol, the update said.Ukrainian intelligence has already identified Kadryov's forces as being heavily involved in the invasion, saying they <a href="https://news.yahoo.com/intelligence-reveals-number-kadyrov-militants-084610757.html">"were involved in house searches, the bullying of hostages and civilians, robberies and looting"</a>.Last month, Ukraine claimed that <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ukraine-says-kadyrov-troops-killed-russia-soldiers-refuse-fight-2022-4">Kadyrov</a> said he would provide <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kadyrov-and-putin-planned-to-assassinate-zelenskyy-ukraine-official-2022-4?r=US&amp;IR=T">help with assassination attempts against Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin</a>.Kadyrov claimed in April that Mariupol would fall <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/putin-ally-kadyrov-says-russia-sieze-mariupol-steel-plant-thursday-2022-4?inline-endstory-related-recommendations=&amp;r=US&amp;IR=T">"tomorrow, or, in fact, today, before or after lunch"</a>. In the event, it took <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ukrainian-forces-say-combat-mission-mariupol-complete-evacuations-2022-5?r=US&amp;IR=T">nearly a month longer</a>. In Wednesday's update, the MoD said these "individual volunteers and National Guard units" were also part of Russia's forces, contributing to its relative lack of success in its incursion. "The combat deployment of such disparate personnel demonstrates Russia's significant resourcing problems in Ukraine and is likely contributing to a disunited command which continues to hamper Russia's operations," it said.

Russia is sending a ragtag group of soldiers to fight in Ukraine because of 'significant resourcing problems,' UK intel says

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="13588508" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="british-intelligence" source="Orion">British intelligence</keyword> said <keyword id="11894337" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="russia" source="Orion">Russia</keyword> is hiring <keyword id="11898555" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="military" source="Orion">military</keyword> personnel who have not served in the army since 2012. </li><li>The UK's <keyword id="11893741" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="ministry-of-defence" source="Orion">Ministry of Defence</keyword> said Russia is dealing with "mounting losses."</li></ul>British intelligence says Russia is trying to expand its military capacity by hiring military personnel who have not served in the army since 2012, after the Russian military has been hit with "mounting losses." In a statement on Twitter, as part of regular intelligence updates, the UK's Ministry of Defence said that Putin's army is working to "generate more fighting power."It also aims to bolster its numbers by recruiting fighters from the unrecognized Transnistria region, a slither of disputed territory besides Moldova, said the UK intel.In an unprecedented admission, Vladimir Putin's spokesperson Dmitry Peskov <a href="https://news.sky.com/story/ukraine-war-putins-spokesman-denies-war-crimes-but-admits-significant-russian-losses-12584552">told Sky News on Friday</a>, "we have significant losses of troops, and it's a huge tragedy for us."It is believed Russia is planning a major new offensive in eastern <keyword id="11985141" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="ukraine" source="Orion">Ukraine</keyword> and will need to strengthen its ranks after Putin's army was <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/inside-the-elite-ukrainian-drone-unit-volunteer-it-experts-2022-4">mauled in an aborted attempt to conquer Kyiv, Ukraine's capital,</a> in the early days of the invasion.<div type="image" title="Russian soldiers are seen on a tank in Volnovakha district in the pro-Russian separatists-controlled Donetsk, in Ukraine on March 26, 2022." height="683" width="910" msid="90765510" hostid="261"></div>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/zelenskyy-intv-ukraines-president-issues-chilling-warning-for-donbas-war-2022-4">warned of a conflict that could result in the biggest war in centuries.</a>Speaking to <a href="https://www.bild.de/politik/ausland/politik-ausland/selenskyj-im-bild-interview-ich-weine-nicht-mehr-79716844.bild.html">the German newspaper BILD,</a> owned by Axel Springer, Insider's parent company, Zelenskyy predicted intense fighting in the coming days."It could be a big war in Donbas — like the world has not seen in hundreds of years," he told BILD reporter Paul Ronzheimer.The Ukrainian government has said that 18,900 Russian soldiers have been killed since the start of the war, according to the <a href="https://kyivindependent.com/uncategorized/ukraines-general-staff-says-18900-russian-soldiers-killed-during-invasion/">Kyiv Independent</a>. NATO estimates the death toll between<a href="https://www.rferl.org/a/russians-confront-costs-casualties-war/31795043.html"> 7,000 to 15,000.</a>

Russia is recruiting retired veterans to 'generate more fighting power' and combat 'mounting losses,' says UK

<ul><li>₹4.71 lakh crore allocated to defence in Union Budget 2020.</li><li>₹1.33 lakh crore allocated to defence pensions. </li><li>According to World Bank, India is the fourth largest military spending nation.</li></ul> The Union Budget 2020-2021 allocated ₹4,71,378 crore towards defence expenditure this year. Despite the “marginal” increase, resources aren’t nearly enough to meet the department’s requirements. Last year’s budget made the headline for being the lowest since 1962, which was when India went to war against China. A lion’s share of the budget has been allocated to the Army, followed by the Navy and the Airforce. The majority goes towards paying the pensions and salaries of personnel. Pensions, alone, have doubled over the last five years. It’s gone from ₹60,000 crore to ₹1,33,825 crore. It’s not only the magnitude of the allocation that’s a cause of concern but the fact that it’s a recurring future impact. This leaves marginal amounts left over for the Ministry of Defence to upgrade its equipment. This is particularly harrowing for the Air Force and Navy, which are more tech-intensive than the Army. The issue of modernisation Most of this year’s defence expenditure will go towards acquiring the new Tejas Mk 1A aircraft. Although indigenously developed, the aircraft took over three decades to reach fruition and match the capabilities of the MiG-21 aircraft. Even so, its capabilities pale in comparison to other fighter jets around the world. Nonetheless, India plans to order 83 Tejas Mk1A jets, according to ICICI securities expectations. Acquiring new equipment has been a pain point for the defence sector for a while. According to Sameer Patil, a fellow in international security studies with Gateway House — a think tank based out of Mumbai — the Armed Forces currently prefer to import rather than buy homegrown tech. The technology produced in India isn’t up to the mark and better versions of it are available off-the-shelf from foreign suppliers. Patil explains that India’s military research branch — the <keyword id="152819" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Defence-Research-and-Development-Organisation">Defence Research and Development Organisation</keyword> (DRDO) — also discourages private participation, claiming that they have superior expertise and should get priority in the strategic sector. Despite its shortcomings, India is the fourth largest military spending the world according to the World Bank. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/nirmala-skitharaman-recites-kashmiri-poem-comparing-india-to-a-daal-lake-lotus/articleshow/73832846.cms?src=hp_latest">Nirmala Sitharaman ditches Tamil to recite a Kashmiri poem - comparing India to a Dal Lake lotus</a>

India’s defence budget 2020 increased 9% but not enough to meet the defence needs

<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/military-defense/finally-indian-army-is-going-modern-with-its-ammo/articleshow/57407027.cms">Indian Army </a>has asked the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/politics/finance-minister-arun-jaitley-gets-defence-ministry-after-manohar-parrikar-heads-to-goa/articleshow/57618660.cms">Defence Ministry </a>to approve raising 370 new platoons (around 18,000 personnel) of the Defence Security Corps (<keyword id="6437612" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="DSC">DSC</keyword>). These personnel would be imparted with better training with weapons like AK-47 assault rifles and light-machine guns (LMGs). 
 
Also read: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/india-has-signed-defence-deals-worth-over-2-billion-with-israel/articleshow/58065210.cms">India has signed defence deals worth over $2 billion with Israel</a> 
 
This is needed to strengthen the security for military camps and establishments across India. 
 
A tri-service committee, chaired by former Army Vice-Chief Lt-General Philip Campose (Retd), had recently submitted a report on alleged gaping holes in the security infrastructure of defence installations in the country. The report, apparently, has been made after an extensive audit last year. 
 
However, the government has not yet begun implementing the committee’s recommendations, even though there have been several terrorist attacks on military bases like <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/politics/Indo-Pak-foreign-secretaries/articleshow/51990712.cms">Pathankot</a>, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/law-order/crime/Uri-terror-attack-There-could-be-2-points-from-which-terrorists-entered-the-army-camp-Probe-on/articleshow/54408445.cms">Uri </a>and <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Fierce-gunbattle-underway-in-Jammu-four-militants-killed/articleshow/55681771.cms">Nagrota</a> in the recent past. 
 
Also read: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/shot-9-times-crpf-commandant-wakes-up-from-coma/articleshow/58029639.cms">Shot 9 times, CRPF commandant wakes up from coma</a> 
 As per the <keyword id="43909" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Defence-ministry">Defence Ministry</keyword>, it has issued "broad guidelines" based on the recommendations to the Army, Navy and <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/IAF-jets-touch-down-on-the-longest-ever-Agra-Lucknow-Expressway-in-a-grand-opening-ceremony/articleshow/55541954.cms">IAF </a>headquarters. 
 
Also read: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/this-is-what-will-happen-to-indias-oldest-warship-ins-viraat/articleshow/57267472.cms">This is what will happen to India’s oldest warship-INS Viraat</a> 
 
It was a recommendation of this committee that the DSC be revamped. As of now, it consists of over 64,500 jawans that arw re-employed after they retire from the armed forces. 
 
The Army seems to have agreed to this recommendation, which is why it has asked for equipping each of the 370 new platoons (a full platoon has a junior commissioned officer and 55 other ranks) with at least two LMGs and a light 2.5-tonne vehicle, along with <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/military-defense/indian-army-has-less-life-protecting-equipments-than-pakistan-sri-lanka-and-bangladesh/articleshow/56136012.cms">bullet-proof jackets</a>, headgear and night-vision devices. 
 
As per an <a href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/army-seeks-new-corps-of-18000-men-to-secure-camps/articleshow/58119599.cms">ET </a>source, the initial cost for raising these 370 platoons will be around Rs 1.3 crore. 
 
(Image source LiveMint)

Army asks defence ministry for 18000 new personnel to secure camps and military establishments

New Delhi, <keyword id="3658" type="COUNTRY" weightage="20" keywordseo="India">India</keyword> and <keyword id="1334" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="China">China</keyword> on Saturday held another round of <keyword id="6043242" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="military-talks">military talks</keyword> with a focus on taking forward the <keyword id="9531122" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="disengagement-process">disengagement process</keyword> in Hot Springs, Gogra and Depsang in eastern Ladakh and bring down the tensions in the region, <keyword id="233909" type="POSITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="official-sources">official sources</keyword> said. The 10th round of Corps Commander-level talks are taking place two days after the Chinese and Indian militaries completed the withdrawal of troops, weapons and other military hardware from the North and South banks of Pangong lake areas as part of an agreement. The meeting started at 10 am at the Moldo border point on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control and it was continuing, the sources said. They said India will insist on a faster disengagement process in remaining areas like Hot Springs, Gogra and Depsang to bring down tension in the region that has witnessed a tense standoff between the two militaries for over nine months. "The focus of the talks is on carrying forward the disengagement process," said a source. On February 11, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced in <keyword id="6354721" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="parliament">Parliament</keyword> that India and China reached an agreement on disengagement in the North and South banks of Pangong lake that mandates both sides to "cease" forward deployment of troops in a "phased, coordinated and verifiable" manner. Under the agreement, he said China will pull back its troops to east of Finger 8 areas in the northern bank of Pangong lake while the Indian personnel will be based at their permanent base at Dhan Singh Thapa Post near Finger 3 in the region. Similar action would take place on the <keyword id="221581" type="DOMAIN" weightage="20" keywordseo="South-Bank">south bank</keyword> of the lake as well, he said. The sources said troops of both sides have retreated to positions that were agreed upon by both the sides. The disengagement process began on February 10. The Indian delegation at Saturday's talks is being led by Lt Gen PGK Menon, the Commander of the Leh-based 14 Corps. The Chinese side was to be headed by Maj Gen Liu Lin, the commander of the South Xinjiang military district of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). In his statement in Parliament, the defence minister also said that it was agreed to convene the next meeting of senior commanders of both sides within 48 hours of completion of the disengagement in the Pangong lake areas so as to resolve all other remaining issues. Days later, the <keyword id="43909" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Defence-ministry">Defence Ministry</keyword> said other outstanding "problems" including in Depsang, Hot Springs and Gogra will be taken up at the upcoming talks between military commanders of the two countries. The border standoff between the Indian and Chinese militaries erupted on May 5 following a violent clash in the Pangong lake areas and both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy weaponry even as the two sides continued military and diplomatic talks. Last year, the Chinese military built several bunkers and other structures in the areas between Finger 4 and 8 and had blocked all Indian patrols beyond Finger 4, triggering strong reaction from the Indian Army. In the nine rounds of military talks, India had specifically insisted on withdrawal of Chinese troops from Finger 4 to Finger 8 on the North bank of Pangong Lake. The mountain spurs in the area are referred to as Fingers. On its part, the Chinese side was insisting on withdrawal of Indian troops from several strategic peaks on the southern bank of the lake. Around five months back, Indian troops occupied a number of strategic heights in the Mukhpari, Rechin La and Magar hill areas around the southern bank after the Chinese PLA attempted to intimidate them in the area. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/entertainment/news/pewdiepies-lyrics-targeting-cocomelon-and-jk-rowling-that-may-have-gotten-youtube-angry-enough-to-pull-the-video-down/articleshow/81102941.cms">PewDiePie's lyrics targeting CocoMelon and JK Rowling may have gotten YouTube angry enough to pull the video down</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/ecommerce/news/flipkart-gets-leaner-with-a-300-million-jabong-write-off-as-ceo-kalyan-krishnamurthy-lists-out-the-priorities-for-2021/articleshow/81105083.cms">Flipkart gets leaner with a $300 million Jabong write-off as CEO Kalyan Krishnamurthy lists out the priorities for 2021</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/happiest-minds-is-leveraging-its-partnerships-with-big-players-like-google-microsoft-aws-salesforce/articleshow/81105035.cms">Happiest Minds is a smaller company that does the same thing as MindTree and L&amp;T Infotech — but clearly it is doing it a lot better</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/india-may-require-twitter-facebook-and-others-to-remove-unlawful-content-within-36-hours/articleshow/81104740.cms">India may require Twitter, Facebook and others to remove unlawful content within 36 hours</a>

India and China hold 10th round of military talks regarding disengagement in eastern Ladakh, says official sources

The newly minted 170 <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Indian+Administrative+Service+%28IAS%29+" target="_BLANK￿￿￿￿">Indian Administrative Service (IAS)</a> officers of 2013 batch are literally being kept on their toes as they have been asked to come up with new and innovative ideas to simplify government processes before they meet <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=PM+Narendra+Modi" target="_BLANK￿￿￿￿">PM Narendra Modi</a>. 
 These officers, who are on deputation to the Centre before they head for their first state postings as part of an idea mooted by the <keyword id="71" type="POSITION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Prime-Minister">prime minister</keyword>, have time till November 30 to come up with ideas on simplifying at least two processes of the government. 
 
They are scheduled to face Modi at a feedback session at the end of a rigorous three-month stint at the Centre. 
 
Before their session with Modi, each of the officers have to prepare a 'Paper on Innovation' or 'Process re-engineering to improve functioning of the government', along with identifying at least two processes for simplification and compiling the guidelines or norms pertaining to their desk. 
 
A typical day, which begins with yoga for two hours from 6:30 am, is chock-a-block with meetings with senior officers and involves grappling with files related to the Centre's flagship programmes. 
The <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Department+of+Personnel+and+Training+%28DoPT%29+" target="_BLANK￿￿￿￿">Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT)</a> has issued at least 99 orders over the past one month on how they should go about their work, including a detailed 13-week work calendar to follow. But they can fall back on three senior secretaries who have been appointed as chief mentors. 
 
The time spent with the central government will help the officers "acquire a national perspective and a deeper appreciation of harmonization of diversities in national policies", according to a concept paper on the exercise being undertaken for the first time. 
 The chief mentors include home secretary <keyword id="1928895" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Rajiv-Mehrishi">Rajiv Mehrishi</keyword>, <keyword id="193102" type="POSITION" weightage="40" keywordseo="defence-secretary">defence secretary</keyword> Mohan Kumar and <keyword id="2665691" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="40" keywordseo="Niti-Aayog">NITI Aayog</keyword> chief executive Sindhushree Khullar. 
 
The 52 ministries and departments where the young IAS officers have been posted as assistant secretaries have been divided into four clusters — social, economic, infrastructure and regulatory. 
 
Further, these clusters have been assigned to Jugal Mohapatra (secretary, rural development), AC Duggal (secretary, finance services), Amitabh Kant (secretary, DoPT) and Sanjay Kothari (secretary, DoPT) respectively, who have been tasked with meeting every 15 days to take stock of the performance of the assistant secretaries. 
 
On August 26, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=cabinet+secretary+" target="_BLANK￿￿￿￿">cabinet secretary</a> PK Sinha held a special meeting and assigned the job to these senior secretaries. Sinha also directed the ministries to allot desks pertaining to the <keyword id="6360789" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Modi-Government">Modi government</keyword>'s flagship programmes to the new officers or programmes which have a bearing on states in terms of implementation. This will give the officers an opportunity to look at the projects from the point of view of both Centre and the ground level, Sinha said at the meeting. 
 The DoPT is keeping a close watch on the number of files initiated and disposed of at the desk of each <keyword id="222361" type="POSITION" weightage="40" keywordseo="assistant-secretary">assistant secretary</keyword>, who has to attend meetings within and outside the ministry with other officers as well. The trainees have been asked to meet every officer in their ministry. 
 
As per the 13-week work calendar, the assistant secretaries have to meet officers and secretaries across the board in the first two weeks, identify a specific project in the third week on which they will do extensive and intensive work, and work on action on frontlines for Swachh Bharat Abhiyan on October 2. 
 
Between the fourth and the eight weeks, they will have to come to grips with the intricacies of implementation of schemes and projects, and "wear the thinking caps — question and challenge existing processes and policies" in the ninth and tenth weeks. 
 The 11th and 12th weeks will be time to "bring it all together" with a presentation to the secretary on two processes that can be simplified or modified and bring files handed by the officer to the logical end. The assistant secretaries have already had meetings with principal secretary to the PM, Cabinet secretary, foreign secretary, home secretary, <keyword id="51689" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="40" keywordseo="Railway-Board">Railway Board</keyword> chairman, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Comptroller+and+Auditor+General" target="_BLANK￿￿￿￿">Comptroller and Auditor General</a>, central information commissioner, central vigilance commissioner, chief election commissioner and NITI Aayog V-C. 
 
They have attended two recent conferences held by the PM this month and submitted weekly notes on their activities since their stint began on September 1. Besides, the Institute of Secretariat Training and Management has sent 23 case studies on noting and drafting which have been distributed among the assistant secretaries. 
 
(Image: Indiatimes)

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