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Background India has always had a strong military partnership with Russia. Now there appears a shift as India moves closer to the United States.But India would be wrong to put all its eggs in the basket of the USA and the West as for long during the cold war, when the West denied India the latest weaponry in preference to Pakistan, it was only the Soviet Union that stood by India , vetoing many a resolution on Kashmir brought by the Western powers in the Security Council. Indian Air Force at that time was denied  the latest fighter aircraft by the West in preference to Pakistan which was gifted the F-104( star Fighter). India had always relied on British and American aircraft before this ugly episode. It will be remembered that in 1932 the Skeene report recommended the setting up of the IAF, later the Royal Indian Air Force(RIAF). This was during the days of the Raj. This was not with a view to help India, but the primary purpose was to use much needed aircraft to bomb the Afghans and Pushtoons in the rebellious North West Frontier region of the Raj. The first batch of Indian trainees called " Hawai Sepoys" left for training on 8 October 1932 and the IAF was officially born. It's initial base was a large airfield close to Karachi( Now in Pakistan). The IAF was equipped with the Westland  Wapiti a Biplane and the Lysender. These planes were used extensively against the Muslim tribesmen of the NW Frontier who had declared "Jihad" against the English. In fact even as early as 1897, the Afghans and Pushtoons had waged a Jihad against the English under Gul Shah, but had been defeated. In 1939 World War II broke out and the British Empire in the East was gobbled up by the Imperial Army of Japan. The Japanese captured Indo-China and Singapore and ousted the English from Burma. The RIAF was thrown into battle  against the Japanese. There was also a need to modernize the RIAF and accordingly the latest fighter aircraft the Spitfire and Hurricane were incorporated in the RIAF. The RIAF saw action against the Japanese in Burma. During the war a need was felt for a transport squadron and plans were made to induct the C-47 ( military version of the DC-3) into the RIAF. By the time these aircraft were inducted the war was over. The first transport squadron  was commissioned in 1946. When the British left India in 1947, the RIAF was completely equipped with British and American aircraft. Just after independence the IAF inducted the De Havilland Vampire , a jet fighter bomber in the IAF. Thai was the first jet plane incorporated as part of its arsenal by any air force in Asia. Things began to change once the Cold War commenced as the Western powers showed their preference for Pakistan and an Indian request for a supersonic fighter was turned down. The IAF wanted the English Lightening Mark II, but the British flatly refused. The Indian government was nonplussed as to what to do. Momentous changes were taking place in Russia and Stalin died in 1953. He was a man who was opposed to Gandhi and Nehru and often referred to them as " running dogs of imperialism". Stalin had also refused to send a message of condolence on the assassination of Gandhi. The new leader Nikita Khrushchev had other ideas and wished to counter balance the USA. He along with Nikolai Bulganin visited India in 1955 and an effort was made to mend fences. In India the left leaning Krishna Menon , a close friend of Nehru was appointed the Defense Minister. His fondness for the communist bloc was well known. He sent feelers to the Soviet Union for a supersonic fighter plane. The matter was considered in the Politburo led by Khrushchev and it was decided to give India the Soviets most advanced fighter interceptor at that time the MIG -21. The Russians also agreed to give India the technology for manufacture of the plane. This was a diplomatic coup and the West led by the USA was stunned. General Eisenhower  the US President was against the deal and offered a a plane, but the dice was cast as the Russians were also transferring technology. The plane would be built in India at a later date. Accordingly 2 factories for manufacture of the MIG 21 were set up at Nashik and Koraput. At that critical moment it was only the Soviets who stood by India. The IAF goes  whole  Hog for Russian Aircraft The first MIGs entered the IAF inventory in 1959 and the plane has been the backbone of the first line fighter fleet for nearly 60 years. The plane has been suitably upgraded at frequent intervals and now the most advanced version the MIG 21( BIS) is in service and will be phased out only by 2024-25.  The latest MIGs have advanced avionics and Radar as well as greater endurance. The Russians have faithfully kept their part of the bargain and given their latest technology. The success of the plane and easy access to Russian technology  at a cheaper price and against Rupee payment spurred the air force to go in for more Russian aircraft. At that time after the 1962 India- China war there was a need for a transport plane to be able to land with cargo at the high landing fields like Leh. The USA again refused as the Pakistan government of General Ayub Khan  protested. India again turned to the Soviet Union and was able to get the AN -12. This was a sturdy plane and could ferry troops as well as a Tank  and land all over India including LEH. The AN -12 was followed by the AN-32, which is still in service as the AN -12 has been phased out after 40 years. The Russians also gave India the " Big Bird", the massive IL-76 that can carry 45 tonnes of freight or military hardware or 350 fully armed para troopers. These planes were used by the IAF to ferry troops to the Maldives to help the government there in 1987. The transport fleet was thus completely Russian. On the fighter front the upgraded MIG 23 and 27, the terror of the Western Air Forces were inducted into the IAF. In addition the SU-7 and SU-9 ground attack aircraft were also added to the IAF arsenal. The stress now was only on Russian aircraft and the entire fighter bomber fleet was equipped with Russian aircraft.  The Navy also began to use the TU-114, long range Maritime patrol aircraft with a range of 6000 miles. The IAF also went in for Russian helicopters and the MI 15, 17 and later the Helli-gunship the MI-35 ( seen in the movie Rambo) were added to the IAF fleet. These helicopters gave the IAF a high degree of mobility and stood India in good  stead when the India army launched a heli borne troop landing for storming Dhaka in 1971. Along with the aircraft the Russians also gave India the latest support facilities to service these planes. The total dependence on Russia irked the USA, which keeping the new geo- political scenario  decided to have a strategic shift and accommodate India. However the earlier modernization of the IAF was entirely die to the effort of Krishna Menon and he deserves a lot of credit for it. The Strategic Shift Now The break up of the Soviet Union was a blow as it left the USA as the single most powerful nation on this globe. The Russians having broken into 18 states were now only a shadow of their older state. The Indian government was looking for alternatives and with Uncle Sam willing the Indian political leadership decided to placate the USA. This became more pronounced when The Modi government of the BJP took over. An attempt was made to cozy up to the USA and for the first time after 65 years an American transport plane was inducted into the IAF, the Star lifter.  The Russians had an equivalent plane but the Indian government thought it better to  to have the American plane against hard  cash. Obviously this is not liked by the Russians and India has also cold shouldered the Russian fighter jet the SU- 35 and gone in for a French Plane the Rafael, which is both costly to maintain and is also double the cost of the Russian plane. These steps are difficult to fathom as Russian aircraft have stood India in good stead during many wars and  going overboard to the west  can be a disaster. The west and the USA still molly coddle to Pakistan and one is wondering what Modi and party are planning. The Russia president cut short his last visit to India by one day and that is an ominous sign. There is no doubt that when the chips were down , the Russian stood by India. As things stand the 5th generation fighter interceptor to be jointly developed by India and Russia  is in limbo and that is again not a good sign. Presently the IAF has still a fleet that is composed of 80 % Russian aircraft and the Russians are allowing up-gradation of the aircraft factories. One hopes this strategic partnership does not end as the West has proved time and again as unreliable partners of India.
8 years ago
7 skin care products present in your refrigerator or in kitchen pantry will help to protect your skin from damage, old age and skin diseases. Many of us have been using or have used cucumber slices over your eyes to reduce the puffiness or mashed banana over face as facial pack. Similarly following list of products will significantly improve your skin and hair. Most of the skin care products are made of chemicals which not only harm your skin but also produce skin problems over the long term use. Hence it is always better to use the natural products or chemical free products for your delicate and sensitive skin.  This article will show you some kitchen products that can be useful to protect your skin.   Yogurt Plain yogurt either home made yogurt or store product helps to protect your skin from sun damage. Make a face pack of plain yogurt and honey. Apply and leave on your face for 20 minutes and rinse it. This face pack acts like a cleanser and skin conditioner. This face pack not only helps to remove the dirt and rejuvenates your skin but also balances bacteria and reduces the redness of your skin.   Almonds We all know almonds help to improve the memory hence consumption of 1-2 almonds in a day is very beneficial for health. Almonds can be useful for your skin as well. Grind 4-5 almonds with a cup of yogurt and apply the paste. The almonds exfoliates the dead skin and makes it smooth and shiny. This paste will replace your exfoliators that you may have bought from the store. Almond oil can be applied on your hair as well, it strengthens the hair roots and prevents further hair fall. If you are allergic to nuts then be cautious before using it. Check with the family doctor or physician for allergies with respect to nuts.  Olive Oil Olive oil acts as a deep conditioner. You can apply olive oil all over body to smoothen the skin. Let it absorb before dressing or getting into bed as olive oils are usually messy. Olive oil also helps to de-frizz your hairs. Apply this oil once a week, let it stand for a day than wash it off. You can easily replace olive oil with the store brought skin conditioners.  Orange Peels Peel the oranges and gently scrub your skin and teeth. The citric acid in the orange whiten your teeth and removes dirt from your skin. Rinse your mouth well and wash your body after applying this peel.  Baking Soda Do you have dull hair and have tried all the shampoos and conditioners? Then its time to use baking soda for your dull looking hair. Add half teaspoon of baking soda in shampoo during your hair wash. Do not use this more than once a week. Excess and frequent use may harm your hairs. Baking soda will help to break through product build up and reveal cleaner hair.  Apple Cider Vinegar If you have the pimple breakouts try Apple Cider vinegar. Even though it may smell weird, its worth trying it. Clean your face with tap water. Take few drops of Apple cider vinegar over cotton balls and apply over the acne prone area. It will help to tighten the pores and kill the bacteria. Let it dry and later rinse it off with tap water.  Honey Are you suffering from dry skin? Try adding a drop of raw honey to your moisturizer. Honey acts to the best with your moisturizer by pulling the moisture deeper into the skin cells. Honey will smoothen your skin and keep it fresh for longer time.    These are some of the easily available products that can be useful to protect your skin, hair, and teeth. Instead of spending money on expensive chemical ingredients, try these products. These products are already present in your kitchen, just make right use of them.       
8 years ago
7 skin care products present in your refrigerator or in kitchen pantry will help to protect your skin from damage, old age and skin diseases. Many of us have been using or have used cucumber slices over your eyes to reduce the puffiness or mashed banana over face as facial pack. Similarly following list of products will significantly improve your skin and hair. Most of the skin care products are made of chemicals which not only harm your skin but also produce skin problems over the long term use. Hence it is always better to use the natural products or chemical free products for your delicate and sensitive skin.  This article will show you some kitchen products that can be useful to protect your skin.   Yogurt Plain yogurt either home made yogurt or store product helps to protect your skin from sun damage. Make a face pack of plain yogurt and honey. Apply and leave on your face for 20 minutes and rinse it. This face pack acts like a cleanser and skin conditioner. This face pack not only helps to remove the dirt and rejuvenates your skin but also balances bacteria and reduces the redness of your skin.   Almonds We all know almonds help to improve the memory hence consumption of 1-2 almonds in a day is very beneficial for health. Almonds can be useful for your skin as well. Grind 4-5 almonds with a cup of yogurt and apply the paste. The almonds exfoliates the dead skin and makes it smooth and shiny. This paste will replace your exfoliators that you may have bought from the store. Almond oil can be applied on your hair as well, it strengthens the hair roots and prevents further hair fall. If you are allergic to nuts then be cautious before using it. Check with the family doctor or physician for allergies with respect to nuts.  Olive Oil Olive oil acts as a deep conditioner. You can apply olive oil all over body to smoothen the skin. Let it absorb before dressing or getting into bed as olive oils are usually messy. Olive oil also helps to de-frizz your hairs. Apply this oil once a week, let it stand for a day than wash it off. You can easily replace olive oil with the store brought skin conditioners.  Orange Peels Peel the oranges and gently scrub your skin and teeth. The citric acid in the orange whiten your teeth and removes dirt from your skin. Rinse your mouth well and wash your body after applying this peel.  Baking Soda Do you have dull hair and have tried all the shampoos and conditioners? Then its time to use baking soda for your dull looking hair. Add half teaspoon of baking soda in shampoo during your hair wash. Do not use this more than once a week. Excess and frequent use may harm your hairs. Baking soda will help to break through product build up and reveal cleaner hair.  Apple Cider Vinegar If you have the pimple breakouts try Apple Cider vinegar. Even though it may smell weird, its worth trying it. Clean your face with tap water. Take few drops of Apple cider vinegar over cotton balls and apply over the acne prone area. It will help to tighten the pores and kill the bacteria. Let it dry and later rinse it off with tap water.  Honey Are you suffering from dry skin? Try adding a drop of raw honey to your moisturizer. Honey acts to the best with your moisturizer by pulling the moisture deeper into the skin cells. Honey will smoothen your skin and keep it fresh for longer time.    These are some of the easily available products that can be useful to protect your skin, hair, and teeth. Instead of spending money on expensive chemical ingredients, try these products. These products are already present in your kitchen, just make right use of them.       
8 years ago
7 skin care products present in your refrigerator or in kitchen pantry will help to protect your skin from damage, old age and skin diseases. Many of us have been using or have used cucumber slices over your eyes to reduce the puffiness or mashed banana over face as facial pack. Similarly following list of products will significantly improve your skin and hair. Most of the skin care products are made of chemicals which not only harm your skin but also produce skin problems over the long term use. Hence it is always better to use the natural products or chemical free products for your delicate and sensitive skin.  This article will show you some kitchen products that can be useful to protect your skin.   Yogurt Plain yogurt either home made yogurt or store product helps to protect your skin from sun damage. Make a face pack of plain yogurt and honey. Apply and leave on your face for 20 minutes and rinse it. This face pack acts like a cleanser and skin conditioner. This face pack not only helps to remove the dirt and rejuvenates your skin but also balances bacteria and reduces the redness of your skin.   Almonds We all know almonds help to improve the memory hence consumption of 1-2 almonds in a day is very beneficial for health. Almonds can be useful for your skin as well. Grind 4-5 almonds with a cup of yogurt and apply the paste. The almonds exfoliates the dead skin and makes it smooth and shiny. This paste will replace your exfoliators that you may have bought from the store. Almond oil can be applied on your hair as well, it strengthens the hair roots and prevents further hair fall. If you are allergic to nuts then be cautious before using it. Check with the family doctor or physician for allergies with respect to nuts.  Olive Oil Olive oil acts as a deep conditioner. You can apply olive oil all over body to smoothen the skin. Let it absorb before dressing or getting into bed as olive oils are usually messy. Olive oil also helps to de-frizz your hairs. Apply this oil once a week, let it stand for a day than wash it off. You can easily replace olive oil with the store brought skin conditioners.  Orange Peels Peel the oranges and gently scrub your skin and teeth. The citric acid in the orange whiten your teeth and removes dirt from your skin. Rinse your mouth well and wash your body after applying this peel.  Baking Soda Do you have dull hair and have tried all the shampoos and conditioners? Then its time to use baking soda for your dull looking hair. Add half teaspoon of baking soda in shampoo during your hair wash. Do not use this more than once a week. Excess and frequent use may harm your hairs. Baking soda will help to break through product build up and reveal cleaner hair.  Apple Cider Vinegar If you have the pimple breakouts try Apple Cider vinegar. Even though it may smell weird, its worth trying it. Clean your face with tap water. Take few drops of Apple cider vinegar over cotton balls and apply over the acne prone area. It will help to tighten the pores and kill the bacteria. Let it dry and later rinse it off with tap water.  Honey Are you suffering from dry skin? Try adding a drop of raw honey to your moisturizer. Honey acts to the best with your moisturizer by pulling the moisture deeper into the skin cells. Honey will smoothen your skin and keep it fresh for longer time.    These are some of the easily available products that can be useful to protect your skin, hair, and teeth. Instead of spending money on expensive chemical ingredients, try these products. These products are already present in your kitchen, just make right use of them.       
8 years ago
Adolescents  are more likely to drink or using drugs if they hang out with deviant friends or if they actively seek out peers  to facilitate substance use says studies. http://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/feelings/parenting-tips-heres-how-you-can-protect-your-child-from-substance-abuse/  
8 years ago
These flowers are edible just like any food, http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/photo-stories/health-fitness/10-flowers-that-are-edible-just-like-any-food/photostory/50451740.cms  
8 years ago
Pakistan Premier Nawaz Shaarif called PM Modi. He has promised to take strong action on the terrorists involved in Pathankot. http://www.huffingtonpost.in/2016/01/05/pathankot-attack_n_8916260.html?1452003797&utm_hp_ref=india  
8 years ago
8 years ago
8 years ago
anil wrote: usha manohar wrote: Army operation of hunting terrorist is continue at Pathankot air base. Pakistan's print media reprove act of terrorist. I think voice of media is voice of public. So Pakistan public is condemned this deed of terrorist. It is time to support this view of Pakistan's public to make pressure of Pakistan's government to took some strong step against enemies of peace.   Pakistan has always leaned towards army rule which is almost like a dictatorship with the army calling the shots and the elected government falling in to their demands,People have now probably got fed up after seeing how they are losing out in many ways because of this, so are voicing their opinion . BUt, one cannot expect anything much from the government which has always been cantankerous as far as India is concerned ! Yes some what you are right, but think for a moment if elected government of Pakistan took any step against the wish of the Pakistan army and ISI what will be happen with them. Remember Dismiseal of Nawaz Sahrif government in 1999 by Parvej. Nawaz Sharif and his family had to run Soudi Arbia to save life. Now the conditions are different. Strong winds of change are blowing from Pakistan. The country is longing for having friendly relations wit that country that was once an integral part. It may or may not merge with India, but certainly, there wouldn't be hostilities.    
8 years ago
8 years ago
Will there be any Mother who will not relish the sweet and sonorous word, "Mamma " ? Every mother floats on the waves of ecstasy when she hears the word " Mamma ". When a Mother doesn't have the the possibilities of having children due to some reasons, definitely she goes for adoption. And she will not have an iota of hesitation to bear the difficulties involved in Motherhood. Hence, I definitely say that adopting a child is a wise decision. Here I must say that parents should take care to adopt a Just born baby. The idea is the baby should not know that it's an adopted child.  
8 years ago
Homonyms are similar sounding words that have different meanings. People often get confused and committ error while writing or using such words. Let us test your knowledge on homonyms.
8 years ago
Homonyms are similar sounding words that have different meanings. People often get confused and committ error while writing or using such words. Let us test your knowledge on homonyms.
8 years ago
Homonyms are similar sounding words that have different meanings. People often get confused and committ error while writing or using such words. Let us test your knowledge on homonyms.
8 years ago
Homonyms are similar sounding words that have different meanings. People often get confused and committ error while writing or using such words. Let us test your knowledge on homonyms.
8 years ago
Those who love reading fiction, often remember the book by its fascinating characters. So let us check your knowledge, how well are you able to match characters and the books in which they had a role to play.
8 years ago
Those who love reading fiction, often remember the book by its fascinating characters. So let us check your knowledge, how well are you able to match characters and the books in which they had a role to play.
8 years ago
Shampa Sadhya said thank you to usha manohar for his/her reply to the topic Is there a perfect age for marriage ?.
Shampa Sadhya wrote: Here, I would like to write about myself. I was actually disinterested in getting married but finally when I decided to get married I was thirty years old and my hubby was thirty-two. It was fine until my son was born when I was thirty-five. Then I realised I made a wrong decision of getting married so late. After being parents my husband started calculating how to put everything at the right place for our son before his retirement and I used to get exhausted very quickly while looking after him. At 35 I lacked that patience and energy which was very much needed to nurture a child. I sincerely feel that if at all a girl wants to get married then it should be around 25/26. I would suggest so but will never force anyone to do so because it's definitely a personal choice. Now, that my son is no more a toddler so I don't need to run after him but the concern regarding his completion of education and his further establishment still remains a concern for us because up to an extent the parents are responsible for their child's future.  That is a very honest and frank appraisal...I agree that it is better to have children while one is reasonably young and fit ! But nowadays we find couple getting married without any plans of having children .One of my neighbor and her hubby are in their late thirties, she being older by a couple of years , have adopted a girl child and looking after her with the help of grand parents and they have no plans on having any children of their own.I see a lot of young couple going in for adoption !
8 years ago
Adoption is certainly a great choice if the couple has a minimum chance of having their own child but that does not lessen the job of the mother to look after the child. The tenacity matters a lot which every mother requires to nurture her child be it of her own or an adopted one. I think when marriage takes place at late age then love between the couple which is the essence of a married life simply converts into responsibilities and more responsibilities. Somewhere down the line the couple misses some great moments in their lives.   
8 years ago