Private Sector Participation in Indias Defence Production

Private Sector Participation in Indias Defence Production Security of the state is of paramount importance since time immemorial, and a certain amount of military expenditure becomes a fundamental necessity irrespective of a point whether a nation is rich or poor. A nations strength revolved around maintaining steady un-hindered economic progress with the presence of mighty armies possessing proper stock of ordnance and armour to uphold the solidarity and sovereignty of that particular country. Accordingly, all over the world the rulers (including in India) had always dealt military and military associated equipments, policies, and personnel clandestinely and with great care. Scrutiny of the history reveals that, production of ordnance and armour was never pressed into the hands of private personnel. Even in India, the production/stocking of military equipment always had the element of secrecy and had always remained as a state-led organisation. Kautilyas Arthasastra emphasises, The Chief of Ordnance shall establish factories staffed with craftsmen for the manufacture of machines for attacking in battles(Verse 2.18.1). All equipments brought out into the armoury shall be stamped with the Kings seal and would be properly stocked(Verse 2.18.4).The Moghuls had canon factories under the control of Emperor called as TOP-KHAANAS with KHANSMAN or Lord Steward as an In-charge. Historian Robert Home recorded that, even Tipu Sultan took a keen interest in the production of firearms totally under the control of the state, and established at Seringapatam 11 armouries for making and finishing small arms; 4 large arsenals and 3 buildings housing machines for boring gun s. Post Independence-Neutral Attitude. In tune with the age old concept and belief of Defence Industry to be controlled only by State, the Planning Memorandum (PM) of 1945 and the Industrial Policy Resolution( IPR) of 1948 and 1956 placed the munitions , aircraft and ship building industries in the public sector under the control of the Central Government. There was a wide spread feeling that it was improper for the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to go in for collaboration with the private sector. Parliament did not permit any move in this direction. Secondly, in the area of defence production, profit making by private individuals in times of war and peace was considered undesirable. Post independence, Nehru commissioned PMS Blackett, a British physicist to prepare a report outlining the measures necessary for India to become near self sufficient in defence production. Though self reliance and self sufficiency were on the Blacketts report, there was a lukewarm attitude towards military requi rements due to the political philosophies of Indian National Congress and Nehrus strong postulated neutrality in the form of Non -Align Movement (NAM). Chinese Aggression. The real impetus for the military was only received in the aftermath of the 1962 Chinese aggression. The ordnance factories, which until then were being gainfully employed to produce coffee percolators and film projectors, were revitalised. At the same time, the geopolitical developments all over the world have critically affected developing countries like India. The need to maintain qualitatively better armed forces, and consequently equipment and infrastructure, has become the need of the hour. It was also evident that the nation will have to be progressively being more reliant on its own capabilities and build a credible defence industrial base to cater the needs of armed forces. Despite the will to contribute, the private sector at that juncture could not contribute much due to lack of expertise, infrastructure and opposition from Govt policies and was confined to play a subordinate role. The Yawning Gap. In the absence of worthwhile players in the private sector, massive investments by the government to raise infrastructure for defence RD in the sixties and seventies was a wise decision. However, due to the changing military environment, the needs of armed forces towards sophisticated ordnance and equipment were ever growing and could never be fulfilled by the inadequate indigenous production rendered by the public sector despite heavy investments. Therefore to fill the yawning gap of projected requirements of armed forces and available limited resources there come up an inevitable need for import of the necessary ordnance and equipments by spending Crores worth of foreign exchange. Foreign Exchange Spending. Indias spending on arms imports since 1999 Kargil conflict have risen to $ 25 billion and is likely to further rise beyond $ 30 billion by 2012. Indias import of defence articles as on today consists about 70% of the procurement in value terms from foreign sources because the Indian public sector cannot deliver in terms of quality or speed on either research or production of military stores. It would be astonishing to note that, India is currently the worlds biggest importer of arms worth 3% of GDP or $ 30 billion. This does not augur well for a country that seeks self reliance and aspires to be a global power. Change in Policies. Rising to the occasion, the govt has started to woo the private sector by announcing various policy changes, liberalisations for the active participation in the defence production, and thereby to reduce dependency on the other nations. These include 100% participation of the private sector in defence production with FDI to the extent of 26 % subject to licensing from the Dept of Industry Policy and Promotion (DIPP), funding research and development, as well as appropriate provisions in Defence Procurement Procedures (DPP) of 2005, 2006 and 2008 along with some amendments to DPP-2008 that came effective from 01 Nov 2009. AIM Aim of this paper is to analyse the role of private sector participation in the defence production in the light of growing needs of sophisticated ordnance and equipment by the armed forces vis-Ã  -vis the incapability of public sector to meet the challenges. PUBLIC SECTOR AND PRESENT STATUS Indian Ordnance Factories Organisation Formation. In order to meet the increased, simultaneous requirement of armaments and military equipment in the European and Eastern theatres of war and consequent British inability to ship the requisite quantities of arms and ammunition, a number of defence oriented industries were set up in India by the British. The rifle factory at Ishapore (oldest established in 1801), ammunition factory at Kirkee, shells and gun carriage factory at Jabalpur and saddler factory at Shajahanpur are a few in instance. Presently, there are 39 Ordnance Factories geographically distributed all over the country at 24 different locations and are running under the Department of Defence Production under Ministry of Defence. Role of Ordnance Factories. The organisation is primarily engaged in manufacture of Arms, Ammunitions, Equipment, Armoured Vehicles Personnel Carriers, Transport Vehicles, Clothing and General Stores items. After meeting the primary requirement of the Armed Forces, spare capacities are utilised for supply to non-defence sector and exports. The gross production of Ordnance factories during the year 2005-06 was Rs 8811.59 Crores. Total sales including issues to armed forces and other agencies and civil trade in the same year was Rs 6891.68 Crores. This constitutes approximately 40 percent of domestic supplies to the armed forces. Whereas, the contribution of OFB to IN in the year 2009-10 was a meagre one and half percent. The projected target was 11,000 Crores and delivered was only 6,000 Crores. Innate Challenges. The traditional challenges to the management of Ordnance Factories have been explained in the following sub paragraphs. However, the point to note is that the Ordnance Factories perceptibly have not done well except in the case of the last of these challenges, i.e. they have not been taking any net budgetary support from the government since 1999-2000:- (a) Significant reduction in the over head cost through reduction of excessive staff while at the same time retaining quality man power. (b) Speed up production to meet the expectations of the prime customers. (c) Faster absorption of imported new technologies either from abroad under license production or from the DRDO. (d) Reduced budgetary support from the Govt. Utter Fiasco. It is obvious that owing to the continuous monopoly they have enjoyed over a period of years as state pampered organisations they could not sustain in the race with foreign counter parts in producing sophisticated goods warranted by armed forces or at least in showcasing such capabilities. With the continuous dependency on DRDO, and total neglect of in-house R D facilities they miserably failed to deliver the desired goods in time. The Ordnance Factories are plagued with slackness due to lack of competition, multiple internal human resource problems. A brief note on DRDO is worth mentioning in this back drop to appreciate the close link between these two mutually failed organisations. DRDO Organisation Formation of DRDO Organisation. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) was formed in 1958 and since then, DRDO has risen from a few laboratories to a large organisation with fifty one well-established laboratories spread throughout the country. The DRDO is engaged in pursuit of state of the art technologies so as to achieve progressive self-reliance in defence weapons and equipment. Every year about 200 plus scientists join the DRDO. The workforce of the DRDO is over 25,000 personnel with 6750 scientists in its Defence Research Development Service (DRDS) cadre. Achievements of DRDO Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme. The most significant breakthrough in the field of high technology that DRDO can boast off is the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme(IGMDP). Government of India approved the IGMDP in 1983-84 with the aim of producing a wide range of guided missiles. Supersonic anti-ship cruise missile BRAHMOS is yet another (although it is a joint venture with Russia) success story. Besides these, achievements in other fields they claim are Main Battle Tank Arjun , Advanced Light Helicopter, Pilot less target aircraft, radar systems like the INDRA I and II, special steels, packed foods, snow clothing, vehicles, bridge layers, naval sonars and EW consoles to name a few. Failure of DRDO Gp Capt A G Bewoor anguishes in his article as, whenever the armed forces want a weapon system, the DRDO invariably says they can make it, and they have an unassailable record of never delivering. Ultimately, we import that same equipment at ten times the cost. Stories of such perfidy are too many to enumerate. Every indigenisation project of DRDO/OFB is much behind the schedule with success stories limited to few technology demonstrators. The classic examples of our R D failures are the Arjun tank, INSAS rifles, Saras, Kaveri, Akaash, Nag , Indra Radar and so many . Absence of Perspective Plan. The lackadaisical attitude of Ordnance Factories left indelible blemishes on the public sector technological front despite being the largest employer of man power, and pushed it towards incompetence and organisational failure. In the absence of any road map of their future perspective, they even cannot provide any assurance that they can meet the projected needs of armed forces and thus fail to generate any further faith of the user. Another noteworthy feature is while the defence public sector under takings outsource to the extent of 30 percent, this figure is about 80 percent in the case of ordnance factories. Thus, it was evident that, the ordnance factories in turn are dependent on private sector and the role of private sector cannot be under estimated though for the time being they are restricted to a secondary role. DPSUs AND PRESENT STATUS The countrys defence industrial capacity was concentrated in another class of enterprise, the Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) besides Ordnance Factories. The DPSUs are organised under the Department of Defence production within the Ministry of Defence. With increased production of armaments during the 1960-70s the number of DPSUs had grown to nine by the 1980s. This was reduced to eight in 1986 by the transfer of Praga Machine Tools limited to the Ministry of Industry. The DPSUs involves themselves in the manufacture of modern sophisticated weapon systems, in advanced electronics, and in the production of exotic metal alloys for aerospace projects. The eight DPSUs are M/s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, M/s Bharat Electronics Limited , M/s Bharat Earth Movers Limited, M/s Mazagon Dock Limited, M/s Goa Shipyard Limited, M/s Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited , M/s Bharat Dynamics Limited and M/s Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited. DPSU Summary. The DPSUs have been developing a wide variety of weapon systems and equipment under licence production. This large industrial effort should, in theory, provide the means to produce maintain and repair significant portions of the Indias military equipment, providing leverage against dependency on foreign supply and the means to ensure sustained military operations. However, as brought out by Baidya Bikasha Basu, there has been a little or no attempt in this direction. OFs/DPSUs and the private sector should involve themselves in experimentation and developing defence equipment in totality of defence requirements. In this venture, where collaboration and cooperation lead to innovation or failures, the OFs / DPSUs should be prepared to accept both. Emerging challenges offer opportunities to look at change. The defence industry by virtue of its technological edge and security applications is a crucial strategic industry. National governments in the west have long recognised this linkage and continue to evolve policies that both support the industry and retain its competitiveness. In contrast, the Indian government, while treating all defence PSUs as security related, has done precious little to prepare these vital industries to meet global challenges. India therefore, frequently falls prey to the games that developed nations play. Realising the damage , Govt has woken up and started reforms by promulgating various liberalisations and policies to encourage the private sector thereby to curtail the dependency on foreign resources. GOVT POLICIES Defence Offset Policy Defence Procurement Procedure 2005. Inclusions of provisions related to off sets in DPP 2005 was only a modest beginning. Except for specifying the contract threshold of Rs 300 Crore and prescribing an offset limit of 30 percent of the contract, there was not too much of elaboration on the modalities and other conditinalities for discharging the offset obligations. The procedure was vague with regards to inclusion of private sector industry for discharging offset obligations. Although symbolically a good beginning was made through the inclusion of an offset policy in the DPP 2005, it remained as a non-starter primarily owing to lack of clarity. Defence Procurement Procedure 2006. In 2006 the scope of the policy was clearly defined and the areas for discharging the offset obligations were clearly enunciated. The defence offsets were mandatory for all capital acquisitions under the category of buy (outright purchase), buy and make (purchase from a foreign vendor followed by licensed production), where ever the cost of acquisition in the RFP exceeds Rs 300 Crore (about $ 70 million). The minimum requirement of offsets at 30 percent under the buy category and a minimum of 30 percent of foreign exchange component under the buy and make category was prescribed. In terms of areas for discharge of offset obligations, the policy was specific namely:- (a) Direct purchase of, or executing export orders for defence products and components manufactured by, or services ordered by the Indian Defence Industries. (b) FDI in Indian Defence Industries, and (c) FDI in Indian Organisations engaged in defence. Defence Offset Facilitation Agency (DOFA). The most important feature of the 2006 policy was in terms of creation of an organisational structure for implementation of Offsets viz, Defence Offset Facilitation Agency (DOFA). Defence Procurement Procedure 2008. The Defence Offset Policy 2008 came into effect on Sep 01, 2008. Based on the inputs from all quarters the provisions related to banking of offset credits were incorporated, the licensing requirement from MoD for the manufacture of defence products was done away with. Instead, adherence to the procedure stipulated for the defence industrial licensing requirement as mandated by the Dept of Industry Policy and Promotion ( DIPP) , procedure of Min of Industry is now required to complied with. However, the revised procedure of 2008 remains silent on the issue of multipliers. Besides this, a new clause has been included (as an aftermath of 26/11 incident) that, the provisions will not be made applicable to the procurements made under the Fast Track Procedure (FTP) in all probabilities to obviate the delays involved in entering into execution of offset contracts. Draw Backs of Defence Offset Policy Lack of Universally Accepted Definitions. In its current form the offset procedure is limited to direct offsets. However, the direct offset procedures are not exactly in sync with the internationally practised definition of direct offsets. Therefore, adoption of universally accepted or acknowledged definitions for clarity of thought among all the stake holders is the need of the hour. Banking Offset Credits. Provisions on banking of offset credits facilitate the vendor to commence business operations in the buyer country without waiting for the award of a procurement contract. However, due to rigidity of the provisions in the policy, if a vendor is able to create more offsets than his obligations under a particular contact, the suppliers credit can be banked and would remain valid only for a period of two years after conclusion of the contract, and due to this the efforts put in by the vendor goes in vain and acts a disincentive. Offset multipliers. There is no mention of Offset Multipliers in 2008. Although DPP 2006 states that, the availability of giving additional weights to offset having multiplier effects in terms of exports generated or building indigenous capability in strategic technology products, or other issues may be considered after reviewing the experience of implementing the above policy. It would therefore be appropriate to accord a higher multiplier factor for a developing country like India, purring the core objective of defence industrial base through defence offsets. PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION PRESENT STATUS The extent of private sector involvement vis-Ã  -vis the defence outlay has been comparatively limited this far. On the other hand, the private sector often looks at short-term investment and returns, which inhibit strategic investments. The inability to export is another constraint; since the quantities required may often be restricted, there have to be concerted efforts to promote exports, within the bounds of national security.The contribution of the private sector to the Indian defence industry has always been significant albeit in a piece meal basis. The major defence related initiatives and achievements of the private sector companies are enumerated in the following sub -paragraphs:- (a) Tata Group. The Tata group is supplying full systems for DRDO-developed Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher, building a launch vehicle for Akash missile system and a major participant in an electronic warfare programme. Tata Motors has developed an indigenous light specialist vehicle (LSV) that is currently being tested by the Indian Army. Tatas emergence as a major force bodes well for the Indian defence industry, which is otherwise characterised by monopolistic enterprises and high import-dependency. Its presence in the industry will also enhance Indias self-reliance in defence production . (b) Larsen Toubro (LT). Licences have been given to LT, one of Indias largest engineering and construction companies, to build warships, submarines, weapon platforms (offshore, floating and submerged), high speed boats, radar, sonar, electronic warfare equipment, armoured and combat vehicles including associated systems and sub-systems such as turrets and bridge-layers. The Boeing Company has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Larsen Toubro Limited (LT) for joint exploration of business opportunities in the Indian defence sector. (c) Mahindra Mahindra (MM). Mahindra Mahindra has set up the Mahindra Defence Systems. The Mahindra Striker, a light weight combat vehicle, is considered ideal for armed reconnaissance and mounted patrols. Mahindra Defence Systems recently unveiled their Light Specialist Vehicle Axe, the all-terrain vehicle, which can accommodate six/nine soldiers. They are venturing in to developing various under water delivery systems . (d) Ashok Leyland. Truck-maker Ashok Leyland started out with supplies of Hippo, the popular heavy trucks for a general service role way back in the seventies. Since then, the company has produced field artillery tractors, high mobility vehicles, light recovery vehicles and water carriers. (e) Kirloskar Oil Engines Ltd. It specialises in ship engines and has been participating in many programmes with the Indian Navy. (f) Godrej Aerospace. Godrej Aerospace, a company under Godrej Boyce provides a critical application for the Agni missiles. It has also contributed to the production of hardware and sub-systems for Indias cryogenic engine programme. The company is also actively involved in habitability solutions for naval warships. Indigenisation Towards Self Reliance. As the Defence Secretary stated, The Indian Defence Industry in the private sector is now gradually assuming the role of system integrator and manufacturer of complete defence equipment and systems. Indigenisation in defence production is now one of the major thrust areas of the Government. Consequently, our efforts are now directed towards reduction of defence imports and promoting indigenisation in defence production sector with the active support of the Indian Defence Industry, both in the public as well as in the private sector . The issue of indigenisation is a double edged weapon. On the one hand there can be little debate that this is indeed the way ahead; but the factor of cost disadvantages in indigenous production and the rate of absorption of modern technology are indeed despairing factors. This policy needs to be dovetailed with a larger training component in the induction package and as far as possible a Transfer of Technology (TOT) option. Transfer of Technology (ToT). The ToT as part of offsets has been deliberately let off of the purview of the offset policy. As a distinguished Scientist of DRDO puts in Critical defence technologies are either denied or controlled through various control regimes. These are never offered and therefore can never be obtained through the RFP route even if the country is prepared to pay. Therefore, often it is not possible to get the technology through contracts and leveraging our purchase power though offset policy proves to be only sure way for acquisition of denied technology. Steps Galore. Various steps have been taken in this direction. The recent introduction of buy and Make (Indian) category in the defence acquisition process has been designed to enhance participation by the Indian industry, meeting requirements for state of the art defence systems and platforms by getting into tie ups with technology providers through mechanism of technology transfers in joint ventures. In capital acquisition cases categorised as Buy and Make (Indian), the RFP will be issued to those Indian industries that have requisite financial and technical capabilities to enter into Joint Ventures, as also absorb technology and undertake indigenous manufacture. The procedure to be followed in this regard will be akin to the existing Make procedure with a difference that the production and development by the Indian industry will be through Transfer of Technology and not through Research and Development. Indigenisation Plan. The Navy had prepared a 15-year indigenisation plan that was well received by the industry. A Science and Technology roadmap has been drawn up for the Navy that identifies the end-product capabilities that needs to be built over the next 20 years. This roadmap gives a clear picture of technologies and products that are foreseen for induction and will further help define what can be taken up by civil industry. Possible Key Areas for Participation of Private Sector. Areas where the private sector can participate and where indigenisation is feasible are indicated in Appendix A. Mr Gurpal Singh, Deputy Director General, CII, stated that, CII wish to accelerate the reform process in the defence sector. He said that the effective implementation of the defence offset policy can facilitate the absorption and indigenisation of foreign aeronautic technologies that accrue to the country by way of offset deals. It would be appropriate here to discuss the role played by the Confederation of Indian Industries in realising this feat by the private sector. Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Role of CII. The Confederation of Indian industries (CII) has played a significant role in trying to build up a partnership between the Industry and Defence. The CII have been the pioneers in organising interactive sessions between the defence forces and the industries and conducting several events like the NIP (Navy Industry Partnership meet), DEFCOM(Defence Communication Seminar), Defence IT Conventions and The Defexpo India (Asias largest land and Naval Systems) exhibitions. It had formed the Defence Division in 1993 to catalyse change in the Defence sector by pursuing the Government to liberalise Defence Production and by initiating the process of partnering with the Defence establishments in organising interactive meetings with the end users, i.e. the Armed Forces. The objective of this division is to Establish a strong partnership between Defence Services and Industry and enlarge the role and scope of Indian industry in defence production for mutual benefit and enhance the National Security. Activities of the CII. Activities of the CII National Committee on Defence are divided under the following major heads: (a) Defence Industrial Policy and Procurement Procedures (b) Trade Promotion (c) International Linkages for Joint Ventures, Technology Tie-Ups and (d) Export (e) Advocacy / Consulting / Training Services ROAD MAP Can the Indian Industry Deliver? Indian private industry should move from fringes to mainstream, observes Air Chief Marshall, PV Naik, Chief of Air Staff while speaking at the brochure release ceremony of the 5th International Conference on Energising Indian Aerospace: Achievements and Future Strategies, organised by the CII. He further said that Indian Air Force has been recommending private sectors participation in defence industrial base and indigenisation. However, the progress has been a restrained one. Private sector entrepreneurship and innovation can help augmentation of RD base and creation of system integration capabilities. In fact, the country will enjoy two advantages by permitting greater civilian industrial sectors participation in defence production. First, on account of its complimentary character with state units, defence production will become more efficient and second the contribution of R D more tangible. Gearing Up for Challenges. The Indian Industry today is ready to assume such greater responsibility in making the country self-sufficient in defence production. As stated by the Defence Secretary India is a growing market and emerging as a strong economy. With the projected growth of the Indian economy, its defence needs are also correspondingly growing. India, therefore, offers excellent opportunities, both for domestic as well as foreign companies, to forge new alliances and partnerships in the form of joint venture, co-production and co-development arrangements in the Defence sector. Identification of Specific Thrust Areas. To move ahead, there is a clear need for dedicated groups comprising representatives from the Services, Department of Defence Production, DRDO and the Private Sector to address specific thrust areas identified by each of the Services. These groups would be better able to define requirements, identify the model and extent of participation of the private sector, and work out the methodology for meshing in with current acquisition procedures and processes. Publishing the Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap, covering a period of 15 years, to share the future needs of our armed forces as brought out by the Defence Minister could be a right move. Kelkar Committee Raksha Udyog Ratnas. The Vijay kelkar Comittee recommended to nominate a dozen Indian private sector companies as Rakhsa Udyog Ratna (RUR)s with a status equivalent to that of the defence PSUs when it comes to bidding for major defence contracts. The RUR Policy is an encouraging step in the right direction. Once the government identifies those Indian companies to be treated as RURs, the private sector would get a further push towards establishing itself as a viable alternate to defence units in the sphere. RURs will not only bring parity with State industries in terms of treatment, getting R D support, forging partnership with others but with their expertise and resources they can take India towards self -reliance. RECOMMENDATIONS To ensure that the country maintains a credible defence capability, there is an urgent need for the government to step in and reform the existing administrative set-up and also to put in place a defence spending apparatus to ensure optimum utilisation of funds and long term perspective planning for both procurement and production. Very often the ills of defence procurement and production point towards red tapeism and the MoD. The IN Maritime Strategy clearly states, We must sustain our futuristic initiatives and harness the available capability, infrastructure and resources, including intellectual capital, to the fullest extent to develop a vibrant and proactive Defence Industry. A strong and healthy partnership between the public and private sectors alone will enable India to sustain a powerful defence industrial base for the future, setting us firmly on the path of self-reliance. Efforts to create synergy between private and public-owned industry, would be based upon the exploitation of core competence of each sector. Keeping in view these dogmas recommendations are made in the subsequent paragraphs for the effective participation of private sector in the defence industry. Need for Collaborative Approach. In the words of Def Secretary, We are also looking for collaborations in the field of Defence RD and tie-ups in critical technology areas in order to meet the requirements of the Armed Forces through indigenous sources to the extent possible. Joint Ventures. The exponentially expanding Indias defence industry base needs joint ventures to sustain the phase and to carve a niche, and to claim a spot in the global arena of armament/defence production. Conducting Awareness Campaigns. More Seminars, Work Shops, Def Expos be conducted on a regular basis for more interaction between the user ( armed forces) and the producer ( private industry)to bring significant awareness amongst each other and for better appreciation of each others needs. Amendments to Defence Offset Policy. Necessary amendments regarding the introduction of multipliers and endorsing accountabili

September 11: An American Victory :: September 11 Terrorism Essays

September 11: An American Victory The terrorist attack on the World Trade Center and Washington DC has been described as an act of war and a tremendous defeat for the United States, a defeat that must not be allowed to be repeated and a loss that must be avenged. Personally, I don't like the use of the phrase "Act of War". Wars are something that happen between states. Wars end when one side surrenders. If we treat this as a literal war, what will be the victory conditions? Who will surrender? How will we know that the war is over? Whose suit for peace will be listened to? But, for the sake of discussion, let us ignore these concerns, let us concede for the nonce that the language of war is appropriate. Let us put aside the questions of who exactly the enemy is. We know, at least, who 19 of the other side's foot soldiers were. We know, more or less what happened. I'm willing to set these questions aside because I have become angry, angry about how we ourselves are viewing the outcome of this attack, and how we are letting the world view it. I am angry about how we are viewing the acts of heroes, and how we are view ourselves as a nation. Let me state this quite clearly...   The United States did not lose the Battle of September 11, 2001. Claiming that we did diminishes the heroism that Americans showed. It underestimates American strength and it misses some very important points about the American character. There were four phases of the battle, four attacks. The first two took us completely by surprise, and can easily be viewed as a two pronged attack. Two transcontinental planes flying from Boston were turned into bombs and used to destroy the twin towers of the World Trade Center. Because they had the element of surprise the enemy's first thrust was extremely effective. The battle started very badly for us. The third phase occurred in Washington DC. The enemy hijacked a third commercial airliner. This time, however, US intelligence and technology began to come into play. At least one passenger was able to contact the Justice Department, inform them of what was happening and ask what instructions should be passed to the pilot. I'm speaking here, of course, of Barbara Olson's phone call to the Solicitor General, her husband Ted.

Effects of illiteracy on society Essay

Recent studies show that there is an increasing rate of illiteracy all over the world. A study conducted by WSI (World Statistics Institute) shows that over 27% of people are illiterate globally. Another study by the same institute shows that the speed at which the illiteracy rate ascends is 32% [32% of what?]. These rates are quite important, as illiteracy has terrible effects on society. The most important effect of illiteracy on society is that it works as an inhibitor. That is to say, the more illiterate people there are in a country, the harder it will be for the country to develop. This fact could be clarified with an example: America (whose illiteracy rate is below 5%) and Canada (illiteracy rate: around 8%) are developed countries, whereas countries like Turkey and Iran (illiteracy rates: 61% and 43% in order [respectively]) are undeveloped countries. Illiteracy has got a kind of â€Å"genetic† effect. The children of illiterate people are more likely to be illiterate than those who aren’t [aren’t what? – rewrite this sentence to make it clear]. Even if the parents don’t want their children to be illiterate, their children, observing the parents, see that they somehow manage to live and adopt the idea that illiteracy isn’t actually a bad thing [not very clearly expressed – try a rewrite]. And since people develop most of their character during childhood, they choose to go with illiteracy. Another major effect of illiteracy is that illiterate people believe in the said things easily. They do not investigate what was said or told to them. When looked [looking] at the pages of history, it can be seen that while most†¦ [continues] Prev Page Next Page Search

Free Essays on Global Wind Patterens

Wind Power â€Å"They’re farming a different crop in Wyoming County these days- the wind. Atop a hill in this little town – population 729 – are 10 windmills that are expected to produce enough electricity each year to provide power for 1,700 homes. It’s not hard to see what this piece of the future looks like.† (Ploetz, A1) Wind power was developed as a major alternative energy source during the 1970’s. The interest in finding alternative energy sources has grown tremendously as people are beginning to realize that they are depleting the Earth of irreplaceable natural resources. The technology is now the fastest-growing energy source in the world. The wind turbine, also called a windmill, is a means of harnessing the kinetic energy of the wind and converting it into electrical energy. This is accomplished by turning blades called aerofoils, which drive a shaft, which drive a motor (turbine) and are connected to a generator. This energy is then supplied to a multitude of homes, businesses, factories, etc. The worldwide total wind capacity is 13,400 MW and the year 2000 is expected to significantly increase this amount, according to the trend in recent records of the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA). Wind generating capacity has grown from 2,000 MW in 1990 to the present capacity of more than 3,600 MW. It is predicted that worldwide energy supply may consist of 10% wind power by 2020, with Europe alone producing more than 100,000 MW. â€Å"Global investment in wind turbines should surpass $200 billion by 2010 as part of a rapid growth in investment in renewable energy sources worldwide,† according to Michael Kujawa, senior Allied Business Intelligence Incorporated (Chambers, 14-16) Presently, Europe is far more advanced than the U.S. in its development and implementation of wind power. However, NASA is using the largest, most expensive wind tunnel yet created to test a huge, high-tech wind tur... Free Essays on Global Wind Patterens Free Essays on Global Wind Patterens Wind Power â€Å"They’re farming a different crop in Wyoming County these days- the wind. Atop a hill in this little town – population 729 – are 10 windmills that are expected to produce enough electricity each year to provide power for 1,700 homes. It’s not hard to see what this piece of the future looks like.† (Ploetz, A1) Wind power was developed as a major alternative energy source during the 1970’s. The interest in finding alternative energy sources has grown tremendously as people are beginning to realize that they are depleting the Earth of irreplaceable natural resources. The technology is now the fastest-growing energy source in the world. The wind turbine, also called a windmill, is a means of harnessing the kinetic energy of the wind and converting it into electrical energy. This is accomplished by turning blades called aerofoils, which drive a shaft, which drive a motor (turbine) and are connected to a generator. This energy is then supplied to a multitude of homes, businesses, factories, etc. The worldwide total wind capacity is 13,400 MW and the year 2000 is expected to significantly increase this amount, according to the trend in recent records of the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA). Wind generating capacity has grown from 2,000 MW in 1990 to the present capacity of more than 3,600 MW. It is predicted that worldwide energy supply may consist of 10% wind power by 2020, with Europe alone producing more than 100,000 MW. â€Å"Global investment in wind turbines should surpass $200 billion by 2010 as part of a rapid growth in investment in renewable energy sources worldwide,† according to Michael Kujawa, senior Allied Business Intelligence Incorporated (Chambers, 14-16) Presently, Europe is far more advanced than the U.S. in its development and implementation of wind power. However, NASA is using the largest, most expensive wind tunnel yet created to test a huge, high-tech wind tur...

Judith Wright essays

Judith Wright essays Judith Wright is commonly regarded as Australia's greatest twentieth century female poet. She was born on her father's station property at Wallamumbi in New South Wales in 1915 and even attended the University of Sydney, where she graduated with a BA in 1936. Between then and the outbreak of the Second World War she was in various secretarial jobs all while continuing to write. However, it wasnt until her return to Wallamumbi that brought home to her the unbelievable power of the Australian landscape. Wrights work shows that she takes a special interest in the resilience of the human spirit, the ability of people to continue to live their lives in the face of adversity and misfortune. However, what is remarkable to note is Wrights concern and feelings for the plight both of the Aborigines and of the Australian environment. In all of Wrights work there is evidence of a deep love of the land these people live in and is able to incorporate a constant imagery to relay her emotions. In Wrights poem, Request to a Year, the reader gets a first hand look into the fascination that she possesses about the resilience of human nature. In this poem, one finds that there is a mother sitting on a high rock sketching out the landscape that appears massive, quiet and dispassionate. Below her the scene shifts to her son who is struggling to survive as he balances on an ice floe that is approaching a waterfall. Yet, the mother does nothing and continues to sketch. Finally he is eventually saved by the mothers daughter who, stretching out an alpenstock (walking stick), pulls him to safety. What is most striking about this scenario is the firmness of the mother, who, unable to do anything to help her son, remains on the rock and sketches the event. She is as immobile as the rock itself. Its almost hard to swallow because it doesnt seem right that a mother would watch as one of her ...

Prostate Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Prostate - Essay Example The rectal assessment discloses an expanded prostate with an irregular shape, tenderness, and bogginess. Clinical presentation is used to diagnose acute prostatitis. Urine analysis and culture is used to test for uropathogens. Patients suffering from acute prostatitis and possess other risk elements such as chronic renal failure, and diabetes are more at risk for prostatic abscess (Resnick & Thompson, 2000). Treatment in acute prostatitis includes antimicrobial treatment combined with drainage through the urethra by transurethral resection of the prostate, through the rectum by aspiration and perineaum by aspiration (Shoskes, 2008). I agree that Benign prostatic hyperplasia is an illness where there is unusual expanding of the prostate gland. The risk elements in this condition include dietary aspects, alcohol, metabolic syndrome, sexual activity, age and presence of flowing androgens (Bachmann & Rosette, 2012). The signs and symptoms consist of incomplete voiding, straining to void, frequent urination, nocturia, problem in beginning urine stream and dribbling. According to the American Urological Association, the diagnosis includes a blood test, bladder test, measuring post-void residual volume, cystoscopy, ultrasound and urodynamic pressure (Urology Care Foundation, Inc. 2014). Treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy includes ÃŽ ±1adrenoceptor antagonists for signs related to obstruction of the lower urinary tract. In this particular case, the doxazosin is most suitable (Kirby, McConnell, Fitzpatrick, Roehrborn, Wyllie & Boyle, 2005). The other drugs that are appropriate are 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, com bination medications, alpha blockers and phosphodiesteras-5 inhibitors (NIH Publication, 2014). I agree that Prostate cancer is the most killer disease in men. The risk aspects comprise of environmental and genetic factors. Some risk factors cannot be managed for example family history of prostate

Mid Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Mid - Essay Example Petrarch is known as the â€Å"Father of Humanism† because he was the one who theorized that â€Å"language was the key to learning and a window to the human soul† (Woods). In short, he was the one who first realized the interplay between language and the human being. For Petrarch, if only the human being can use language effectively, we can know ourselves and the world better and we can serve others better as well. Petrarch was also the first to theorize on the need to know the theoretical and practical purpose of human life in order that one may live well and happily (Woods). Petrarch, however, endured the Black Death because a woman whom he had met in his youth, Laura de Noves, died of Black Death, and of whom Petrarch could only write, â€Å"her soul, as I believe, returned to heaven, whence it came† (Petrarch on the Plague). Women were excluded from the history of our culture because â€Å"our tradition tells us†¦that philosophy itself [including history], and its norms of reason and objectivity, exclude everything that is feminine or associated with women† (Witt). Moreover, society is simply biased against women as it promoted the â€Å"negative characterization† of women or anything pertaining to the feminine aspect (Witt). Our culture and cultural heritage therefore have been not only biased against women and once did not recognize many of the rights that they freely exercise now. The passage actually comes from William Shakespeare’s play As You Like It, Act 2, scene 1, 12-17. This means that the speaker is sick and tired of the pretense that he experiences from the world around him. He seems to have been forced to adopt this insincerity ever since and that everytime he adopts this worldview, he suffers â€Å"adversity† in his life. However, without this adversity, he would not have realized the good thing that such adversity would bring him – the â€Å"precious