Unsavoury Advices

On 22 March, China sent unsavoury advice to the Philippines over its decision to further boost bilateral relations with the US. The reasons cited by Secretary Blinken while in Manila, was China’s “provocative actions” in the region, the US diplomat was confident that it would “promote peace and stability in the South China Sea.” These assertions were just too much for Xi’s strategists to swallow comfortably. Naturally, with growing tension in the regional waters particularly around the contested Spratly Island, China views this as an ‘unnecessary intervention’ from the US. China also felt unhappy with the news from Japan that it plans to convert its 16 seaports and airports into dual-use military infrastructure. Global Times in a commentary on 29^th March termed the Japanese action as “Japan’s resurgence of militarism”. It appeared particularly infuriated that the new plans are actively promoted by the US in line with its Indo-Pacific strategy.

Not long back China had sent detailed advice on how Taiwan should plan and conduct its national election. In fact, it termed them as a regional election in its territory of Taiwan. From time to time, China has felt like advising many countries about their domestic policies. The list included major countries like Australia and India as well. Its ‘pearls’ of advice to India have special considerations about the conduct of diplomacy, foreign trade, state-to-state relations, multilateral military exercises, and of course, a list of restricted locations that must remain out of bounds in any case. China does not restrict its ‘advisories’ to comments from the Foreign Office but mostly it is pursued in great earnest by its state agencies and deeply controlled media.

ALSO READ: Chinese Influence Operations

The world has a great spectacle to witness the Chinese interference in the just concluded Taiwan national election where China pushed its state machinery to create a massive disinformation campaign discrediting the Democratic Progressive Party, the ruling alliance, and promoting its choice of candidates. It offered free trips to the mainland for a ‘better understanding’ of the perspective. When the election drew closer it even sent muffled threats to voters to ‘choose carefully’ as it imposed import restrictions under the garb of trade investigations.

In an aggressive show of strength, its fighters continue to breach the Median Line over the Taiwan Straits, once assumed as a sacrosanct air boundary between China and Taiwan. Its ships have dangerously attacked and blocked tiny Philippine boats with water cannons knocking them out of action on multiple occasions. It continues to send its ‘fishing boats’ further deeper into Senkaku Island raising alarms of territorial violation from the Japanese. Significantly, China conducts its affairs the way it desires, at the same time expecting everyone else to follow its directives. That’s being closest to how one can define the word hypocrites!

Raising Security Concerns

Countries in the neighbourhood of China not only feel threatened by its continued aggressive behaviour but are extremely worried about deteriorating future course. Japan’s National Security Council presented a very disturbing picture of the growing Chinese threat to Japan’s sovereignty. It was highlighted that with its current capacity, Japan would not be able to sustain a conflict with China. This strongly drove Japan to find a fix which was illustrated when they changed their national security outlook in December 2022 and dispensed with terms like Self Defence Force enshrined in Article 9 of their constitution. This was one of the reasons why Japan was so interested in getting NATO to set its foot there through a first-of-a-kind ‘Liaison Office’. Australia on the other hand was another major neutral power which decided it was time to ‘change course’. It boosted its defence investments, critically planned to adopt new platforms like nuclear submarines and almost rushed into the security grouping of AUKUS along with the UK and the US.

Deepening security concerns from China also took their toll on ASEAN. For the first time it decided to institute a dedicated commission for dialogue and discussion under the collective security approach for its members. Privately many ASEAN members have expressed alarming concerns over China’s hostile approach towards them. At one time ASEAN had entirely focussed on China to draw economic benefits, but the dramatic change in the situation demands credible management of security vulnerabilities with the same country. China has somehow been successful in creating a serious security quandary among almost all its neighbours. In global geopolitics unpredictability and unsavoury approaches are highly despised. It pushes countries further to find newer ways to preserve their sovereignty and dignity.

In such an unstable environment, countries joining hands in a promising formal security alliance is surely not out of context. If that happens, it will be a watershed moment for Asia and a point of no return. Xi’s chosen advisors may hurriedly dismiss such a scenario, and clearly, it is not an easy choice anyway. However, the perception is – they may be doomed if they choose and surely doomed if they don’t. It is a dark reality about China’s bloated ambitions and sadly for it, early signs of countries coming together have already begun to show!

Unmistakable Similarities

Existing home truths point to unmistakable similarities between Asian security challenges and what Europe was going through at the fag end of the Second World War. Noticeably, China is striving to get the aura of the erstwhile Soviet Union. In the near term, it wanted to be counted as ‘equal’ to the US while carrying a secret ambition of soon replacing it as the most powerful country in the world. The hanging fear of war among European nations at that time seemed replaced by a growing security threat among many Asian countries today. A pre-security alliance before NATO already existed in the form of the ‘Brussels Pact’, whose charter was to ensure “Collective Self-Defence” for its five members. Asia has already witnessed the formation of QUAD and AUKUS with a deep security undertone;

The US formed an integral part of NATO since its inception while it held special relations with the UK. In the Asian context, the US already maintains a strong presence both politically and militarily, while it holds special relations with Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. The Soviets have tried to strengthen their influence with Eastern Europe. China does not have that buffer but it has someone like North Korea which is much more powerful than maybe what Belarus is for Russia today. A formal alliance like NATO in Asia may not be imminent but it may also be just a ‘few events’ away.

Asian Security Alliance

If and when the deteriorating security environment dictates the formation of a formal alliance, say an ‘Asian Security Alliance’(ASA), the driving purpose would only be to ensure ‘collective security’ for its members. It would be undoubtedly looking for the NATO construct as an inspiration, especially the nuances of Article 5 and Article 10, which define the alliance’s commitment to security for its members and modalities for membership. However, it would also present an opportunity to incorporate measures ab initio which are seen as creating hurdles and conflict within NATO today. The existing ingredients definitely indicate that an ASA would probably be a reality sooner than later while being a much-improved version of NATO, offering better security resolutions.

NATO has served one great purpose – its members haven’t seen a major war for more than half a century. This will be one of the most important stimulations towards the formation of the ASA. However, ASA must look to ensure its actions are – ‘time relevant’, unlike NATO it must dispense with the condition of ‘unanimity’. It should be able to undertake timely preventive military action with say even a 2/3rd majority, while punitive military actions could be undertaken with a 3/4th majority. Such an arrangement would obviate a ‘decision dilemma’ within the organisation which at critical times could be purposefully induced by the prime adversary through the weakest link and prevent unanimity from ever coming across, eventually defeating the entire raison d’être of the alliance.

ALSO READ: China’s Cyber Ranges for Attack and Defence

The membership should remain ‘by invite’ and only for those who meet the strict requirements to which its members are supposed to commit especially funding and national military spending. To give strength to this multi-nation grouping, it may propose that each member must get into a bilateral security commitment as a prerequisite to join the grouping. First, it would remove the scope of conflict among members, and second, it would fully commit them in the time of need removing all scope of geopolitical influences. It would enhance every member’s confidence that their national security challenges will be addressed promptly and cannot keep waiting for phoney approvals from the UNSC or unanimity of views. Such security arrangements are probably becoming more relevant as the UN has become hostage to a select few who continue to stall popular action time and again by their veto. This would create a new powerful grouping taking its place as a major pole, simultaneously addressing the yearning for multipolarity in global affairs. It will considerably diminish the idea of the sole superpower and prevent the urge for global policing.

Global Realities

In the existing dynamics, the ASA appears much more capable of stabilising the security situation in the Asian theatre. It will allow every member irrespective of their size and potential to better commit its national resources for its people without ever having to worry about bullying by anyone. It will definitely not be against anyone and remain very attractive for everyone! The charter would make it possible for even Taiwan and China to be members simultaneously, as long as both commit to abide by the bilateral security commitment of ‘no war’ and coming to fully help the other in case of any threat. Those who would find it ‘uncomfortable to join’ will have no locus standi to criticise it, as the entry though conditional, is ‘not denied’ for anyone. The global realities have given one prominent message to all that practice of shadow boxing and cold war tactics only create greater complications, sucking in more and more resources. A plain-vanilla grouping is what addresses the problem, especially against wayward adversaries and unpredictable proxies. When the scale of reprisal and fear of suffering become obvious it would create invisible guard rails keeping lunatics on globally accepted behavioural norms. Pundits in China must be strategising their next move to have a greater destabilising impact upon their chosen adversary, but they must also remain watchful, their every act is only pushing the tiniest of countries to gain stronger resolve to stand up and guard their national pride. China may end up being the greatest contributor towards the creation of an eventual security alliance like ASA, without ever qualifying as a member of the same!

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Hamas Leadership

Here is a brief profile of some of the Hamas leaders, based on the web search results:

Ismail Haniyeh. He is the head of the Hamas political bureau and the overall leader of the group. He was elected to this position in 2017, succeeding Khaled Meshaal. He was also the prime minister of the Palestinian Authority from 2006 to 2007, before Hamas took over Gaza in a violent coup. He has lived in Qatar for the past several years.

Yahya Sinwar. He is the leader of Hamas in Gaza and one of the most influential figures in the group. He is the founder of the Hamas security service, Majd, and a former commander of the Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas. He was imprisoned by Israel for 22 years, but was released in 2011 as part of a prisoner swap deal. He is known for his hardline stance and his close ties with Iran and Hezbollah.

Mohammed Deif. He is the chief of the Al-Qassam Brigades and one of the most wanted men by Israel. He has been involved in many attacks against Israel, including suicide bombings, rocket fire, and tunnel raids. He has survived several assassination attempts by Israel, which have left him severely injured and disabled. He is a shadowy figure who rarely appears in public or media.

Marwan Issa. He is the deputy chief of the Al-Qassam Brigades and the operational leader of the group. He is responsible for planning and executing the military operations of Hamas, including the recent surprise attack on Israel. He is also a former prisoner who was released in 2011. He is considered a close ally of Sinwar and Deif.

Izzat al-Rishq. He is a senior member of the Hamas political bureau and the spokesperson of the group. He is based in Qatar and is involved in the diplomatic and media activities of Hamas. He is also a member of the reconciliation committee that seeks to end the division between Hamas and Fatah, the rival Palestinian faction.

Hamas Organisation, Strength and Weapons

Hamas is a Palestinian Islamist militant group that has been fighting against Israel since its founding in 1987. Hamas has a political and a military wing, and its leadership is divided between Gaza, the West Bank, and abroad. Here is a brief overview of the organisation, strength, weapon holding and capability of Hamas, based on the web search results:

Organisation. Hamas has a political bureau that is headed by Ismail Haniyeh, who is based in Qatar. The political bureau is responsible for the diplomatic and media activities of the group, as well as the reconciliation efforts with the rival Palestinian faction Fatah. Hamas also has a military wing, known as the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, which is led by Yahya Sinwar in Gaza and Mohammed Deif as the chief of operations. The military wing is responsible for the planning and execution of the attacks against Israel, as well as the training and arming of the fighters. Hamas also has a network of social and charitable institutions that provide services and support to the Palestinian population in Gaza and the West Bank.

ALSO READ: ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR – Hamas Ideology and Gaza Politics

Strength. The exact number of Hamas fighters is unclear, but it is estimated to be between 30,000 and 40,000. Hamas fighters are mostly recruited from the local population, and are trained in guerrilla warfare tactics, such as using rockets, snipers, improvised explosive devices, and underground tunnels. Hamas fighters are also loyal and motivated by their religious and nationalist ideology, and are willing to sacrifice their lives for their cause.

Weapon Holding. Hamas has a large and diverse arsenal of weapons, which it obtains from various sources, such as smuggling from abroad, manufacturing locally, or capturing from Israel. Hamas’ main weapon is the rocket, which it fires in large numbers and at long ranges, targeting Israeli cities and infrastructure. Hamas also has drones, which it uses for reconnaissance and attack purposes. Hamas also has anti-tank guided missiles, which it uses to target Israeli armored vehicles and tanks. Hamas also has shoulder-launched anti-aircraft missiles, which it uses to threaten Israeli aircraft and helicopters. Hamas also has a variety of bombs and mortars, which it uses to target Israeli troops and border crossings. Hamas also has a sophisticated cyber warfare capability, which it uses to hack and disrupt Israeli systems and networks.

Capability

Hamas is capable of launching multipronged and coordinated attacks against Israel, using land, air, and sea routes. Hamas is also capable of surprising and challenging Israel, by using new and innovative tactics, such as paragliders, bulldozers, pickup trucks, and motorbikes. Hamas is also capable of resisting and surviving Israeli attacks, by using its tunnel network, which allows it to store weapons and supplies, move fighters and equipment, and launch ambushes and raids. Hamas is also capable of mobilizing and influencing the Palestinian and Arab public opinion, by using its media and propaganda outlets, as well as its social and humanitarian institutions.

Hamas’ Regional Supporters

The support provided by Iran and Qatar to Hamas is mainly in the form of financial, military, and political assistance. According to the web search results, here are some of the details of their support:

Qatar is a key financial backer and ally of Hamas, which has transferred more than $1.8 billion to the group. Qatar also hosts the Hamas political bureau and its leader Ismail Haniyeh in Doha. Qatar’s financial support began in 2016 to avoid a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and was approved by Israel and the international community. Qatar’s political support also includes mediating between Hamas and Israel, as well as facilitating the reconciliation efforts with the rival Palestinian faction Fatah.

ALSO READ: ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR – What led up to the October 7 Massacre

Iran is a major military and ideological supporter of Hamas, which provides the group with weapons, funds, and training. Iran’s support for Hamas dates back to the 1980s, when the Islamic Revolution inspired the Palestinian Islamist movement. Iran’s support for Hamas increased after the 2006 Palestinian elections, when Hamas won the majority of seats in the parliament and faced a boycott from the West. Iran’s support for Hamas also includes supplying the group with rockets, drones, anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles, and cyber warfare capabilities.

Fear of Palestinian Refugees

According to the web search results, the main reason why Egypt and other Arab countries are unwilling to take in Palestinian refugees from Gaza is that they fear that Israel wants to force a permanent expulsion of Palestinians into their countries and nullify Palestinian demands for statehood. They also worry that accepting refugees would risk bringing militants into their territories, who might launch attacks on Israel and endanger their peace treaties. Moreover, they argue that taking in refugees would not solve the root causes of the conflict, such as the occupation, the blockade, the settlements, the refugees, and the recognition of each other’s rights and existence. Therefore, they prefer to support the Palestinians diplomatically and financially, and to call for an immediate cease-fire and a return to negotiations.

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The searches were carried out by the National Investigation Agency and Enforcement Directorate at several locations across 13 states including Bihar, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana.

In what is being termed the “largest ever investigation process till date”, sources in the NIA said that searches were conducted in the residential and official premises of people involved in terror funding, organizing training camps, and radicalizing people to join proscribed organizations.

The maximum number of arrests were made in Kerala (22) followed by Maharashtra and Karnataka (20 each), Andhra Pradesh (5), Assam (9), Delhi (3), Madhya Pradesh (4), Puducherry (3), Tamil Nadu (10), Uttar Pradesh (8) and Rajasthan (2).

According to the charge sheet filed by the ED, PFI has formed District Executive Committee in UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and other places to raise funds. Targets are given to individuals to collect cash and transfer the same through Hawala or camouflaged as genuine business transactions.

The ED during the investigation analyzed more than 600 domestic contributors and their bank accounts and also looked at accounts of more than 2,600 beneficiaries. The agency has found that many of these accounts were bogus and people on the ground were not found during physical verification, the agency stated.

One of the beneficiaries of this money was Anshad Baseudeen. He was arrested by UP ATS with IEDs, a pistol, and live cartridges. PFI has transferred Rs. 3.5 lakh from the account of PFI. This shows PFI was involved in terror activities, the ED stated in the charge sheet.

The NIA had earlier carried out searches at over 40 locations in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana linked to PFI, following which four people were detained. Incriminating materials, including digital devices, documents, two daggers, and cash worth over Rs 8 lakh had been seized.

Meanwhile, PFI members staged protests in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka against the arrests.

“The raids are taking place at the homes of national, state, and local leaders of PFI. The state committee office is also being raided. We strongly protest the fascist regime’s moves to use agencies to silence dissenting voices,” the PFI said in a statement.

Shocking revelation of the Popular Front of India (PFI) planned to liquidate several RSS-BJP leaders came to light when Special Investigation Team arrested PFI activist Sirajjuddin on September 17 in connection with the brutal murder of RSS leader Srinivasan on April 16. A list of 12 RSS-BJP leaders to be assassinated from Malappuram was seized from him. Several incriminating documents were also seized from him, a Malappuram native.

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The Mistral has a maximum intercept range of 6.5 kilometers and can be used to take out hostile Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and helicopters.

The Mistral has two launchers each carrying two missiles and it is already integrated into India’s Rudra helicopter and Light Combat Helicopter.

Under the licensing agreement MBDA will transfer the equipment and knowledge to BDL for establishing the facility that will start operation in the current fiscal year.

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“Negotiation technique courses are in conceptual stage,” a defence source said stating that the finer modalities are being worked out.

Referring to Chinese negotiating tactics, a second source said that they try to drag on and wear out the other side during talks, a common observation by several officers in the know. “There is now greater effort to sensitize the rank and file on the ground on negotiation tactics,” the source stated.

Concurrently, the number of Chinese language interpreters in the Army has also gone up on the ground with interpreters now increasingly part of patrols where needed, according to officials on the ground.

Since May 2020, the two sides have been holding regular military to military talks on the ground in addition to the 13 rounds of Corps Commander level talks to resolve the standoff in Eastern Ladakh. For instance, since May 2020 and up to the 12th round of Corps Commander talks on July 31 this year, the two sides have held 10 Major General level talks, 55 Brigadier level talks and around 1,450 calls over the established two hotlines. India and China have two hotlines for communication at Chushul and Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO) in Eastern Ladakh.

Similarly in the Eastern sector, there are four Hot Lines, including the one added very recently, as part of measures to maintain peace and tranquillity on the LAC.

There are nine Border Personnel Meetings (BPM) held between the countries every year on ceremonial occasions till before the pandemic. Five of these are held on the Indian side and four on the Chinese side, said Maj Lovish Gupta during a recent visit to Bumla.

On the Indian side they are held on January 26 Republic Day, April 14 being Baisakhi, May 30 to mark the day when BPM’s began at Bumla in 1990, August 15 on Independence Day and on Diwali. On Chinese side they are held on January 1 new year, August 1 which is the raising day of People’s Liberation Army (PLA), October 1 coinciding with the day China declared Independence in 1949 and October 30 when BPM’s started on Chinese side in 1991. “Flag meetings are held as and when required between the two sides,” Maj Gupta added.

There have been 51 BPMs on the Indian side at Bumla since 1990 and 49 BPMs on the Chinese side since the point was set up on their side since July 16, 1991, another officer on the ground said.

At Bumla, the last BPM was held on January 2020 before the COVID pandemic. This year, three flag meetings were held till October end, the officer added.

The Army, with a view to orient its officers and men posted along the LAC in Tibetan culture and also prepare them to better understand information warfare, has begun a course in Tibetology and the first batch with 15 participants was held from March to June this year. Around 150 officers have been trained so far across the country.

In Eastern Ladakh, the two sides have completed disengagement at Galwan, Pangong Tso and Gogra areas, and Hot Springs, Demchok and Depsang are yet to be resolved. The 13th round of Corps Commander talks remained inconclusive with the two sides releasing sharp statements on the outcome. Following another round of diplomatic level talks the two sides are now preparing to hold the 14th round of Corps Commander level talks soon.

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This statement was made during his address at the inaugural session of the General Convention of the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist in Chitwan.

“We have published a new map incorporating Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura which also is published in the constitution of the nation but we need to take those land back. We will take the land back through dialogue,” Oli said as he addressed the crowd.

The 10th General Convention of Communist Party of Nepal- Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) is being held at Chitwan in Central Nepal which lies at a distance of about 160 kilometres from the capital Kathmandu.

Tensions between New Delhi and Kathmandu arose last year after the issuance of the revised political map by Nepal as India had included the tri-junction in its map issued in November 2019.

Diplomatic ties between the nations worsened after the inauguration of a road linking Kailash Mansarovar via Lipulekh on May 8, 2020, after which Nepal handed over a diplomatic note to India objecting to the move.

New Delhi had called Nepal move a “unilateral act” and cautioned Kathmandu that such “artificial enlargement” of territorial claims will not be acceptable to it.

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As a result of its intensive patrolling in coastal areas, the ICG has seized more than 3.5 tonnes of drugs coming through the sea route in the last two years. The Coast Guard is working in close synergy with several agencies.

Post 26/11 attacks in 2008, the Central government brought in various reforms to tighten the coastal security.

In November 2008, 10 terrorists had entered India from Pakistan via the sea route and targeted multiple locations, including Taj Hotel, Nariman House and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, in Mumbai. At least 166 persons were killed and over 300 injured in the attacks that lasted four days.

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What has the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) to do with India’s security ? Everything, since a lack of patriotic and efficient administration contributes handsomely to a nation’s slow progress and makes it economically, diplomatically and militarily weak. The pace of India’s progress in the last seven decades, thanks to the IAS, makes a snail feel like Usain Bolt.

Governance and administration are mistaken as synonyms but are as different as shuttlecocks are from peacocks. Governance relates to a master-slave relationship, wherein a superior authority governs its subjects. Administration, on the other hand, concerns itself with civic management of affairs of equal citizens. While governance has a snobbish, snooty tinge to it, administration has a mellow peerage quality. In mature democracies, citizen is king and its affairs are administered by elected representatives. In pseudo-democracies or banana republics, citizen is a subject, surviving under bureaucratic bosses, serving insouciant political masters. India, though the biggest democracy of the world, has yet to shake-off her banana-like shape, insofar as her public administration is concerned.

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India’s administration from district and above levels is vested in the IAS. Like the Holy Roman Empire (HRE), which was neither holy nor Roman nor even an empire, IAS is neither Indian – being an elitist avatar of the British bureaucracy, nor administrative – having the psyche of governance deeply embedded in its genes – and certainly not a service, considering its masterly attitude towards a supplicant populace. IAS is as misleading in its nomenclature as a gravy-train, which is neither a train nor carries any real gravy.

How are IAS officers made?

The annual raw material comprises of 700-800 candidates for civil services out of some 11 lakh aspirants who write a tough 3-stage Union Public Services Exam (UPSC) exam. Of these 700-800 candidates, 180 nuggets are chosen for the prized IAS and the rest are consigned to lesser services, viz, Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Revenue Service (IRS), etc. All of them undergo a common 15-week Foundation Course (FC) at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie to inculcate camaraderie among civil services, quite like the joint training of Army, Navy and Air Force cadets in NDA, Khadakvasla. After the FC, IAS officer trainees (OTs) remain in LBSNAA and the rest proceed to their respective academies for specific training. OTs undergo about 18 months of training in two phases including one year of District Training aimed at “learning by seeing and doing” in a district of their state cadre. This is a bit like a live-in arrangement, before marriage, a tribal practice now adopted by young millennials. Most training comprises of visits and attachments to various government offices and establishments like Lok Sabha Secretariat, PSUs, Bharat Darshan of nearly 20,000 km and a Foreign Study Tour. No other professional training is as cushy and loaded with leisure as that of OTs. During the training period OTs receive a handsome stipend, close to 85% of their starting salary as an IAS officer, hugely subsidised meals plus all the perks and privileges that would make members of parliament envious. OTs are finally awarded a master’s degree in Public Management by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) New Delhi. No degree was obtained with as much ease and guarantee.

Unlike for defence services and IPS, there is almost no medical specification for IAS entrance. There is, of course, a medical exam for IAS but without any specification for height, weight, girth or chest. Squinty eyes with colour blindness, spectacles and partial deafness are OK. If one fails an IAS medical exam, one either has malignant cancer, is chronically diabetic or hypertensive or is simply not breathing. There is no psychological assessment of IAS candidates, as done for fauji cadets, which explains their lack of emotional quotient or commitment to any mission.

ALSO READ: Education and History Shape the Nation’s Future

From the time one steps into LBSNAA, an OT is treated like a male child is treated in Bihar – a superior being to be groomed to reign over every government office, department, ministry and enterprise in India. Training of OTs comprises merely of exposure to various facets of government functions, without any deep study of anything, quite like the military training of British princes – Charles, William and Harry. After graduation, an IAS officer never serves subordinate to any other authority other than another IAS officer or a minister. LBSNAA takes the crème-de-la-crème of Indian youth and in less than 2 years churns out snooty, self-serving and unenthusiastic IAS officers, armed with authority, power and jurisdiction far in excess of their capabilities limited to bureaucratic babugiri. If cream could be turned into sour milk, LBSNAA would do it readily. No organisation defies its motto with as much nonchalance and contempt as IAS does ‘Sheel Param Bhushanam’- “character is the ultimate ornament”.

Corruption and the IAS

India is synonymous with corruption, thanks to decades of Congress-inspired decadence since 1947. The blame for corruption is unfairly heaped on politicians, police and government agencies other than IAS. There is no denying the aforesaid are corrupt, no corruption is possible without the willing and active abetment of the IAS, who hold the reins of all administration. No files can move, nor any government funds be released without IAS acquiescence. IAS, after all, heads all government departments, ministries, PSUs and state administration down to district level, makes notings on file and signs all government orders. It may not be wrong to conclude corruption is “professionally administered” by the IAS. Yet, IAS enjoys the lowest conviction rate for corruption among all civil servants and politicians, thanks to a cleverly specious caveat adopted by the masterminds of British bureaucracy. All government orders signed by the IAS are prefaced with the phrase “I have been directed to…”. This absolves the signers of any culpability or consequences and protects them from legal action. They, of course, extract their pound of flesh before signing the document. The brilliance of this sinister caveat must be applauded for its simplicity and legal effectiveness.

IAS officers were never convicted of any corruption charges during Congress regime. The odd case that came to light was tied up in red tape or overturned in legal processes. Corrupt IAS officers would get “suspended” for some time and reverted to duty once the storm subsided. This was easy during the era of no TV, internet, social media, sting operations and a conniving political setup. The truth of IAS involvement in rampant corruption is slowly dawning on the media and on the people, armed with modern technology and awareness.

There is another factor for the premise that police, IRS (Income Tax, Customs, Octroi, Sales Tax) are more corrupt than the IAS. All police corruption is predicated only on criminals or violators of traffic rules. There is no earning for the police from honest, law-abiding citizens. The scope and scale of corruption in the police, therefore, is limited. The IAS, however, earns its black-moolah for signing contracts, giving licences, approving plans, waiving penalties, distributing grants, etc. IAS, thus, has a far vaster scope and scale of corruption-canvas to paint on. The beneficiaries of IAS largesse extend from common citizens (oops, subjects) to influential captains of industry, bigtime contractors, businessmen and even petty politicians. In this, IAS may well be competing with the IRS whose scope and scale is quite similar, if a bit smaller. While the bribe to IPS is grudging, the kickback to the IAS is willing and cheerful. IAS corruption, to a great extent, is also protected by a strong IAS Officers’ Association that fights for the exoneration of tainted IAS officers involved in criminal cases. The old-boy network of IAS, with a finger in every pie of government jurisdiction, can easily browbeat all but the most uncontestable of crimes.

Who is more corrupt – the Mantri or the Babu?

There are many factors that point to the primacy of the Babu over the Mantri when it comes to government corruption. Firstly, even if a Mantri is corrupt, the execution of the corruption lies with the Babu. A Mantri cannot siphon-off public funds without the Babu’s active connivance nor carry-out a corrupt action without involving the Babu. The Babu is the custodian of public funds and no misappropriation is possible without his/her active participation. Secondly, Mantris come and go, but there is a degree of permanence to bureaucracy in ministries and departments. Most mantris are naïve and not as conversant with the ways of the bureaucracy, becoming easy prey to the sycophantic, suave and chashni-coated language of the babus. First-time mantris are easy meat for the Venus Flytrap of red-tape awaiting them. While the Mantri cannot be corrupt without the shoulder of the Babu, the latter does not rely on the Mantri for the same. What oxygen is to combustion, Babu is to corruption – a prerequisite! Honest IAS officers can enforce honesty in their domain far more effectively than honest ministers can in their ministry. An honest minister is not so much of a problem to a corrupt IAS officer as an honest IAS officer is to a corrupt minister. If corruption is a cake, its tiers are made of bureaucracy and the icing is political.

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The IAS is not only corrupt, it is solely responsible for the architecture that enables and sustains corruption in India. When a bill becomes an Act, it is the IAS that drafts its Rules, injecting innocuous loopholes for future exploitation. Commissions of inquiry may be headed by judges but are staffed by the Babus. KPMG, one of the world’s largest audit and compliance firms, in its 2004 report on Corruption in India, blames the “excessive bureaucratic regulation” as one of the major causes for corruption. The power of Indian authorities to search and question individuals creates opportunities to extract bribes. Most individuals or businesses prefer a bribe to due process and cost of delay. Lack of transparency allows room for manoeuvre for both demanders and suppliers of corruption. A study conducted by German NGO Transparency International, in 2005, noted that 82% Indians had paid a bribe to a public official to get a valid job done. The catalysts of corruption in India include excessive regulations, complicated systems, numerous departments, opaque bureaucracy, vast discretionary powers, government monopoly of strategic material delivery and opaque procedures. These have been deliberately created and nurtured by the IAS for their benefit. A 2009 survey revealed Indian bureaucracy to be the least efficient among ASEAN, South Korea, Japan, China and Philippines and that working with India’s civil servants was, like halaal, a “slow and painful” process.

Despite rampant corruption, conviction rate of IAS officers has been negligible. IAS officers themselves acknowledge that 35% of them are extremely corrupt, making hundreds of crores of rupees during their careers, 55% are moderately corrupt making tens of crores and about 10% are honest. This makes 90% of IAS officers unacceptably corrupt. Small wonder why IAS officers rarely seek post-retirement employment but are fervently sought-after by business houses, building conglomerates and private industries for the advantages they bring for liaison with government departments.

IAS has perfected the art of heading departments and organisations without much clue of their functioning. An IAS, officer during his career, would head departments as diverse and complex as civil aviation, fisheries, mining, railways, chemicals and fertilizers, shipping, town-planning, finance or revenue, etc – one as different from the other as coal from snow. Heading an organisation while lacking expertise in that field, leads them to pursue the only expertise they truly have -to delay and confuse! It is no surprise that India is so far behind China, Austria and Israel, a few of the countries that got independence after India but are years ahead in all indices of international comparison, except corruption. Their advantage? They do not have IAS.

So, what is the solution?

India has been afflicted with two curses since independence – Congress rule and IAS. While Congress has largely been electorally neutralised by the voters, IAS still needs to be tackled. In the past seven decades, IAS has trampled over all other government services and established its numero uno status. They have formed rules, modified regulations and tweaked pay commissions to their immense advantage, against all “adversaries” especially the military. The most obvious solution for India’s ills would be to discard IAS altogether. This, however, is more desirable than feasible.

Corruption is directly proportional to the population of a country. India, with almost the biggest population, is as conducive to corruption as coffee is to waking-up. Most countries with a high “honesty-index” are sparsely populated. Climate also seems to play a role as colder countries are, statistically, more “honest”. Here, too, India suffers from lying in the Torrid Zone. Administration is best executed in small jurisdictions.

Alternative to IAS

When seeking an alternative to the IAS, it is tempting to adapt administrative models operative in Canada, Singapore, New Zealand and Nordic countries, where the index of corruption is low and that of happiness high. India’s geography, culture, demography and economic status is so different from these countries that transcribing their models here would be like expecting a French chef to make a good jalebi. Let us not forget, India was a civilized nation long before fire was discovered in the West. Instead of aping the West, India needs to dig into her glorious past and relearn the excellent practices of civic administration followed during the Vedic period and subsequently in the Mauryan, Gupta, Chola and Ahom eras in different parts of India. The common strand, during these periods of India’s prosperity, was the acceptance of village as the most important unit of democracy and administration. Even in monarchial dispensations, democratic administration was practised in villages with a village-headman leading a village-council that carried out the wishes of the village-assembly, comprising of all villagers. Towns and cities did not merit as much importance as villages did, as our forefathers and wise kings realised the wisdom of focussing on villages that were not only a majority, they contributed more to the economy too. If India’s decision-making emanates from her villages and sprouts upwards, spreading to her towns and cities it would annihilate Lutyens’ caucus, power-brokers and dalals, having no largesse or licences to distribute. India lives in her villages and if villages are prosperous and happy, India cannot but be prosperous and happy.

Howsoever juicy the prospect, IAS cannot entirely be eliminated because a central administrative machinery is a valid necessity. So, IAS needs to be improved upon, by instilling checks on their unbridled power and removing immunity from prosecution. IAS needs to be accountable for its actions. For the last 5-6 years, the government, seized of this malaise, has been taking steps to plug loopholes, deliberately incorporated by the IAS to exploit the system. There is a crying need to simplify rules and procedures, reduce paperwork and eliminate cash transactions for all official purposes, including disbursal of money to the poor. These steps have been initiated by the NDA government and shall have a salutary effect in reining-in the IAS in times to come. The most important reform required, however, is to make IAS accountable for any order, approval, grant, etc, signed by them, notwithstanding on whose behalf or orders these are signed. IAS officers do, after all, take an oath to protect India and her Constitution and cannot hide behind the caveat of “I have been directed to…” They are educated and ought to be responsible for what they sign.

Names of IAS officers responsible for public services like power supply, water-supply, drainage, road-repairs, street-lighting, local transportation, public urinals, parking arrangements, etc, should be prominently displayed for the public’s knowledge. Public should be educated that provision of these services is an administrative and NOT a political responsibility. It is time IAS and not politicians, are blamed for the state of our deplorable infrastructure and public utilities.

When asked why Tata Nagar (Jamshedpur) was the cleanest city in India, Tata administration exclaimed, “There is no IAS officer involved”!!

The post GOVERNANCE – The IAS and India’s Security appeared first on IMR.

Sovereignty and Winnability of wars hinge on defence digitisation. Warfare is changing and so are the threats, especially for India and there are collusive threats from neighbouring nations, border intrusions across terrestrial borders and the new phenomenon of multi-front warfare spanning borders, electronic and cyber domains. Armed forces across the world are digitalising and building network-centric defence ecosystems to bolster combat readiness, modernise battlefield operations, and build strategic deterrence.

There needs to be seamless flow of information, data based decision-making and tight security protocols at the network level.

Keeping in mind the impact of new technologies on warfare as proved by recent conflicts, the Armed Forces are undertaking “Digitisation and Networking” with the latest technologies providing for efficient communication networks, effective network-centric operations, C4ISR, Decision Support Systems, all addressing Info, Data and Big Data challenges and vulnerabilities.

The move toward network-centric warfare ability includes use of dedicated satellites, special optic fibre networks allowing real time data and communication. The key is Integrated Communication & Control; Situational awareness & Common Operational Picture; Communication for Kinetic Operations; Evolved Cyber and Space prowess; and Collaboration between tri-Services.

The Defence Space Agency and Defence Cyber Agency will facilitate this integration.

The needs of the three Services vary. The IAF and Navy need network centricity the most. AFNET, on which will rides the IACCS providing connectivity between all the airborne platforms and ground platforms, integrates the ability to use data and images in real time across many battlefields.

The Navy’s, newer communication tools allow warships to see real time information of what is happening in say Karachi or in Malacca Straits or even over the  South China Sea.

The Army needs tactical information on ground for which UAVs and other sensors beam live pictures and provide geo-locations of targets for engagement. 

Digitisation Imperatives

Enabling C4ISR – command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance –  is the essence of digitisation of the battlefield in all domains. Command and Control, Fire Control and Combat Support Systems are warfighting facilities that will provide accurate and real-time combat support information to the CDS, the Theater Commanders, Task Force Commanders and other commanders at various levels as needed. The Service Chiefs and the heads of support services such as Supplies, Transportation, Ordnance Stores, equipment, ammunition, Repair and maintenance facilities, etc., will also be utilising the facility.

A robust and a secure communication infrastructure, sensors, interoperable systems are all mandatory for creating a digitised battlefield environment. Sensors covering the whole spectrum of the battle space to include thermal, infrared, sound and electromagnetic sensors, aerial photography, digital satellite, surveillance and reconnaissance systems, mounted in various platforms such as spacecraft, UAVs, aircrafts, land vehicles, ships, and personal battlefield systems combined with other sources of information will fuse information which is an essential dimension of situational awareness.

Digitisation will  facilitate exercise of command, instant grouping and regrouping in inter-Services environment, provide commanders a clear picture of the operational situation, logistics monitoring, concentration of fire power from widely separated weapon platforms and assets of all the three Services, multidimensional coordination of joint operations and substitutes long-winded voice communication with real time data including imageries.

India already has expansive and secure defence networks across the three Services, but some are decades old and need to be upgraded in view of the changing scenario. There is an urgent need to unify, fortify, and modernise country’s defence networks with Interoperability of Networks, Technology-led security solutions, and Cyber security architecture.

New Technologies

The defence sector should adopting digital technologies like IoT, AI, Big Data, and AR/VR in an effort to bring out more efficiency to military missions, automate operations, improve precision attacks and reduce casualties and collateral damage.

The post Editorial November 2020 appeared first on IMR.

Languages

Medium of instruction until Class 5 and preferably beyond should be in mother-tongue and regional languages. Sanskrit and foreign languages given emphasis. No language imposed.

A language strategy would be released in the National Curriculum Framework in 2021.

School Education

•             The “10 + 2” structure shall be replaced with “5+3+3+4”.

•             Instead of exams every academic year, only three exams, in Classes 3, 5 and 8.

•             Re-designed Board exams, with objective and descriptive parts, continue for Classes 10 and 12. These would be conducted twice a year, with two attempts to qualify.

•             Reduction in curriculum load, allowing students to be “inter-disciplinary” and “multi-lingual”, ie, opting fashion-design with physics, or bakery with chemistry. “Holistic” Report cards with report on students’ skills.

•             Coding will be introduced from Class 6 and experiential learning will be adopted.

•             Midday-Meal Scheme extended to include breakfast.

•             Focus on students’ health and mental health, through counsellors/ social workers.

Higher Education

•             Proposes multi-disciplinary bachelor’s degrees with multiple exit options.

•             M.Phil. (Master of Philosophy) courses are to be discontinued to align with Western models.

•             A Higher Education Council of India (HECI) to regulate higher education. It will have three verticals:

•             National Higher Education Regulatory Council (NHERC), to regulate higher education, except medical and legal, and teacher education.

•             National Accreditation Council (NAC), a meta-accrediting body.

•             Higher Education Grants Council (HEGC), for financing of universities and colleges. These will replace the existing National Council for Teacher Education, All India Council for Technical Education and the University Grants Commission.

•             National Testing Agency for conducting JEE Main, NEET and entrance examinations for universities across India.

•             Higher education institutes like IITs and IIMs to incorporate diversity of learning.

•             To internationalize education in India. Foreign universities can set up campuses in India.

•             Tuition fees of private and public universities shall be fixed.

Teacher Education

NEP 2020 makes many changes to teachers and teachers’ education. 4-year Bachelor of Education shall be the minimum requirement for teachers by 2030. Teacher recruitment will be strengthened and made transparent. NAC will frame a National Curriculum Framework for Teacher Education by 2021 and National Professional Standards for Teachers by 2022. It ensures students are taught by passionate, qualified, trained and well-equipped teachers.

Other Developments

Under NEP 2020, new educational institutes, bodies and concepts have been formed:

•             National Mission on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy National Education Commission, headed by the Prime Minister .

•             Academic Bank of Credit, a digital credits storage to resume further education.

•             National Research Foundation, to improve research and innovation.

•             Special Education Zones, to focus on education in disadvantaged regions.

•             Gender Inclusion Fund, for education of female and trans-gender children.

•             National Educational Technology Forum, to facilitate technology to improve learning.

•             Indian Institute of Translation and Interpretation.

•             National Institutes for Pali, Persian and Prakrit.

•             National Mission for Mentoring.

•             National Book Promotion Policy.

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Education is a National Security Imperative

“National Security” includes keeping the country safe from intruders by maintaining a strong military, and following a sound national security policy, foreign and economic policy. High-grade education should also be included in the list. Without proper education, the nation’s status in the world, economic future and physical safety are at risk.

To defend the nation in an unsettled world, it needs each generation to be successful, healthy and productive. As a former selector at the Services Selection Board, I am aware that our armed forces are increasingly concerned that an adequately qualified pool of candidates is not coming forward to join the forces in officers’ ranks.

In the civil world, young men and women suffering from lack of education, good health, upbringing makes them prone to committing crimes and drug abuse.

Early years have a significant impact on educational attainment, behaviour and health. High-quality early education helps vulnerable children succeed in school, become law-abiding citizens and open the doors for many career paths. It builds a good foundation for the next generation to develop in mind, body, and character, so they can succeed in the career they choose.

The relationship among education, national security and radicalization is inextricably linked. How is education tied to terrorism and national security? When children in refugee camps or in deprived situations see themselves with no future, no possibility to improve their lives peacefully, extremist narratives catch hold, and the process of radicalization begins.

Importance of education of girls can be explained this way. When girls are educated, they are more likely to delay marriage. Their future children, hence, are more likely to be healthy and better nourished, which in turn, strengthens the security of their family. National growth also gets a boost. Child marriage, underage mothers are part of challenges to national security.

Here are some statistics worth noting. India’s literacy rate is at 74.04% (2011 Census). Kerala has achieved a literacy rate of 93.91%. Bihar is the least literate state in India, with a literacy of 63.82%. In terms of human capital India stands at 103 out of 130 countries (WEF Human Capital Report, 2017). India’s Education Index was 145 out of 191 (United Nations, 2013).

According to the Government of India Educational Statistics Report, 2018, Government elementary schools had a shortfall of 9.08 lakh teachers against a sanctioned strength of 51.8 lakhs.

Dropping out of students has huge financial ramifications affecting labour market, economic performance and social progress of a country. One reason is that schools have not been providing educational and vocational counselling to their students. Ensuring access to educational opportunities will strengthen and grow the economy, drive technological advancement and innovation across every industry, and allow citizens to overcome socioeconomic challenges that are influenced by education inequality.

Future national security depends on the investment the nation makes in the education of its young citizens. Students of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) are tomorrow’s cyber security experts, physicians and scientists who will develop strategies, treatments and technology solutions for development.                                    Chief Editor

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