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Books > Social sciences > Warfare & defence > Military life & institutions > General
The issue of nationalism and anti-nationalism has always been the
subject of intense debate. To deride own country and culture has
become the hallmark of India's intelligentsia. Why does India breed
so many traitors? Is treachery a part of our DNA? An attempt has
also been made to analyse reasons for our disunity, caste-ridden
elections and degradation of the national institutions. Pakistan
was born on anti-India plank and shedding of anti-India posture
would amount to questioning the very logic of its creation. After
tracing its saga of treachery, the book recommends that
balkanization is the only cure for cancer-afflicted Pakistan.
Advocates of cultural and cricketing ties with Pakistan are
belittling the sacrifices of those battling militancy. It asserts
that demilitarisation of Siachen is a seditious proposition. The
book exposes the true agenda of unscrupulous pseudo-intelligentsia
that resorts to highly slanderous campaigns to spawn dissensions
and tarnish the image of the country. Finally, the book exposes the
Non-Functional Upgradation to be a bureaucratic scam of gargantuan
proportions.
The Ypres Times was the journal of the remembrance movement, the
Ypres League. Founded in 1921, the League was the creation of Henry
Beckles Willson and Beatrix Brice. Both Brice and Beckles Willson
understood the crucial significance of Ypres to the British Empire,
and believed it their sacred duty to maintain the memory of those
who had fought and fell in its defence. As the League's journal,
the Ypres Times published a huge range of material. It carried
reminiscences of veterans, discussions about the rebuilding of
Ypres, the developing work of the Imperial War Graves Commission in
the salient, and the erection and unveiling of unit memorials. The
Ypres Times reproduced for the first time, in facsimile format and
bound in three volumes provides a fascinating insight into the way
the British Empire's central commemorative site was understood and
imagined in the twenties and thirties.
This is a very interesting book full of valuable information of
particular use to young men who are contemplating entering West
Point. The book recalls many pleasant incidents of cadet life from
the author's own days at the academy.
Imported defence systems are like crutches that can provide only
temporary sustenance but not enduring muscle strength. Dependence
on imports makes a nation hostage to the policies of the exporting
nations and captive to the dictates of unscrupulous foreign
vendors. Therefore, 'Make in India' is a highly overdue clarion
call and a mission statement. The book identifies reasons for the
dismal state of the Indian defence industry and suggests corrective
measures. It recommends the integration of the private sector and
support to MSMEs. The need for an ecosystem to foster innovations
has also been emphasised. As the defence industry is characterised
by rapid obsolescence, regular infusion of the latest defence
technologies is essential. FDI is not just a question of getting
funds but accesses the latest know-how as well. Similarly, the
powerful leverage of offsets can be used to obtain technologies
that industrially advanced nations are unwilling to sell. Finally,
the book suggests the establishment of a Defence and Aerospace
Commission to oversee all functions pertaining to armament
production, acquisitions and exports.
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