#Additional Ambernath Manufacturers Association

[vivanls]

New Post has been published on Vivan Life Sciences

New Post has been published on https://www.blog.vivanls.com/international-standards-demand-more-rd-from-india-to-produce-ppe/

International Standards demand more R&D from India to produce PPE

More R&D is required to enable India to produce personal protective equipment (PPE) conforming to international standards. This will create more opportunities for India to become a global PPE exporter and to revive the pandemic-hit economy while keeping health workers safe, according to Harjiv Singh, board member, GlobalPPEMart.

GlobalPPEMart.com is a technology and marketing B2B platform connecting manufacturers and buyers of PPE globally. It is the first global online marketplace to address the shortage of Covid-19 gear across the world during the ongoing pandemic.

When the pandemic struck the world, there was a hike in the requirement of PPE as more and more countries experienced a massive shortage in personal protective gears. Even in India, the rapid spread of the virus created a temporary shortage of PPE. However, within three months, India became the second largest manufacturer in N-95 masks and PPE production.

“Though the ministry of textile has taken care of the quality of PPE that is manufactured in India, Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO)’s concept of developing low-cost and high-volume PPE at a large scale, helped India to cope with the increasing demand. But there shouldn’t be compromises in the quality of PPE as it is hazardous for the frontline health workers. That’s why R&D accelerates innovation, and India requires innovation and development in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and even engineering. Through tapping into R&D, India can create a benchmark for the world, especially by boosting research in the textile industry and manufacturing PPE,” Singh added.

Singh further added, “Since the start of the pandemic, several countries, which initially relied extensively on Chinese and Asian manufactured PPE, began to boost indigenous PPE production. Therefore, Indian PPE manufacturers must focus on quality to effectively compete in these global markets and produce PPE worth global standards at competitive prices. Increased public spending on R&D will play a crucial role.”

India already has a strong R&D infrastructure in place, which helped build PPE ecosystem from scratch in 2020. There are facilities like the South India Textile Research Association (SITRA) in Coimbatore, the Defence Research and Development Organisation in New Delhi and Ordnance Factories in Ambernath, Kanpur and Muradnagar which conduct testing programmes on indigenous PPE. This has helped accelerate domestic supply, eventually enabling India to begin exporting within just four months.

“The Government of India’s push for R&D and the establishment of mega textile parks, in addition to the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, in the recent Union Budget, is also a welcome sign. These initiatives will provide a strong impetus to the PPE industry and help India manufacture equipment of international standards. Now, we need a robust implementation plan to consolidate the fragmented PPE industry and bring price transparency,” Singh concluded.

Reference: Pharmabiz

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[born2battle]

Specialisation Training in LGSC at Deolali

     In the last week of May, I was given a fond farewell, both during the Bara Khana and in the Officers Mess before departure for Deolali. I felt happy to proceed for LGSC but also sad to leave the Jat Balwan family after a long association of five years. I availed annual leave for a month at Aurangabad enroute to Deolali. On 30 Jun 1976, I reported at the Reception Centre established at Deolali Railway Station. Transport was provided to move further to yet another grand Reception Centre set up in B Mess. Some other officers detailed for the same Course had also reached meanwhile. We were welcomed with refreshments & handed over the Information Brochure containing all the basic information to facilitate settling down. Bachelors were allotted two room suites in one Block, just adjacent to B Mess. Married officers were allotted family quarters in three dispersed locations. We were expected to settle down in the next three days. An invitation was also handed over for a social evening at Temple Hill Institute on Saturday, where we would be formally welcomed as Long Gunnery Staff Course Field 743. 

     On 05 Jul, we assembled in Sarvatra Hall for the Welcome Address by Brig Avatar Singh, the Commandant, School of Artillery. He began his speech by complimenting the entire Course ( total of 30 officers in a service bracket of 5 to 10 years ) for this great achievement of selection for LGSC. He advised us to devote greater efforts and focus on improving from Good to Excellent, with renewed quest for professional competence. Then, we moved to the Field Wing ( just across the Cadet Hill ), where we were addressed by Col D D Batra , the Chief Instructor, Field Wing. He emphasised that we must lay equal stress on the theoretical & the practical aspects while learning about any weapon system. He explained the course structure in detail & issued the training calendar for next one year. Our training was to be conducted in five capsules in the following sequence :-

Basic Leg ( 2 months )   

Gunnery Leg ( 3 months )   

Survey Leg ( 2 months )   

Tactical Leg ( 3 months )  

Special Leg ( 2 months )   

       Basic Leg commenced in full swing, the very next day. We had guessed that it would not be as” Basic” as the name suggested. Three new subjects namely ---- Ballistics, Equipment & Ammunition, were bombarded at us daily. It was a challenge to understand the theories of Ballistics and trajectory computations. It was even more difficult to learn about the design and functions of all the components of each type of Gun of different calibre ( 75 mm, 100 mm, 105 mm, 122 mm,130 mm ) & Mortars of 120 & 160 mm calibre. The theories of design and effect of a variety of ammunition systems of the aforementioned type of Guns were equally complex, due to peculiar features of Shells & Fuzes, Cartridges & propellants etc. In addition to these intense sessions throughout the day, we had to carry out self study and prepare for giving lectures on three different topics, These were called TPs ( Teaching Practices ) and were assessed by a separate team of IGs. At the end of the Basic Leg, we appeared in Written & Practical tests. The results gave us a true feedback about how much we knew & how much we still needed to know.The realisation dawned that we had just touched the - Tip of an Iceberg !!! 

       We progressed into the Gunnery Leg, hoping that it would be easier comparatively!! The focus was on all critical aspects of technical Gunnery, in case of all type of weapon systems. It meant attaining higher levels of proficiency in standard of shooting from OP end & accurate response after quick deployment & firing from the Gun end. This was practised during Course shootings in Deolali Ranges, both by day and night.We were also taught the practical aspects of maintenance of all equipment. It was really enjoyable stage of learning, as we built up our confidence gradually, from 75/24 Pack Howitzers to 130 mm Medium Guns. We had to give three lectures again on different topics in the form of TPs, which were assessed by a different team of IGs. It certainly developed our instructional ability. Incidentally, one of the TPs had to be in Hindi , being the language of instruction for teaching in the Regiment. We had to prepare for Group Projects as well. This task had to be done as a syndicate work in late evenings. Such meetings always ended up with a drive down upto the Railway station or Deolali market --- for refreshments, as per Gunners culture prevalent in Deolali. Finally, the Gunnery Leg ended with the Written & Practical assimilation tests. Incidentally, we could arrange few get togethers and trips to visit Shirdi & Trimbakeshwar in this period. 

       In Dec, we proceeded for the much awaited educational tour for a duration of two weeks. The aim of this Tour was to acquaint us with the production facilities for Artillery equipment , sub systems and manufacture of ammunition by the Ordnance Factories.  We were privileged to travel by a reserved compartment which  was attached to various trains, in accordance with the schedule of visits. At the halts, we stayed in the compartment itself, which was placed on the railway siding. We visited Pune, Ambernath, Bangalore, Jabalpur, Kanpur & Dehradun. It was an enriching experience indeed for all of us, including the IGs who accompanied during the Tour. It also strengthened our Course spirit. We returned fully rejuvenated to progress from “ known to unknown”.

       Survey Leg commenced in the New Year. We had to learn the basic concepts of Surveillance & Target Acquisition, the special equipment employed & the relevant procedures. Several exercises were conducted to practice setting up a grid and establishing link up between the OP & Gun end. The accuracy of the procedures was tested during Course shootings in Deolali ranges, having a total area of 30 x 10 km. Simultaneously, Exercise TOPCHI was conducted as a demonstration of fire power, to be witnessed by the officers of Defence Services Staff College. Our Course was also integrated in this annual event, which proved to be useful in the long run. Each of us was again assessed for yet another TP during the Survey Leg. In the end, the usual written & practical tests were conducted. 

       Tactical Leg began in Mar, in the Tactical Wing located adjacent to HQ, School of Artillery.This was conducted with total focus on tactical employment of Artillery, both in defensive & offensive operations. We were taught by senior instructors who had completed the command of their Regiments. Most of the instruction was through Sand Model Discussions    (SMDs ) depicting various terrain scenario. We had to evolve the plans by resorting to Syndicate work in the afternoon & submit the solutions by sunset. In addition, we were assigned Projects to summarise the contribution of Artillery in previous military campaigns. Fire planning was practised & tested in the Fire & Move Exercises in Deolali ranges. It enabled use of variety of ammunition ( High Explosive, Smoke, Illuminating, Rockets etc ). It was also interesting to learn about the staff work required at the level of Brigade/ Division/ Corps. In the end, we were tested by giving us a tactical scenario , for which we had to write an elaborate tactical appreciation & evolve an Artillery plan. This Leg really expanded our tactical horizon, in a short span of three months.

       Around mid Jun, just when I had completed 6 years of service, a team of Staff officers from MS Branch of Artillery Directorate visited School of Artillery. They announced our posting orders to be executed after completion of the Course in end of Jul. It was not much of a surprise since we had a general idea about our performance which was the basis for planning our postings. Most of the officers were to proceed back to their respective Regiments, while seven of us were to be retained in School of Artillery. I felt really privileged to be in this list of top performers, selected to continue their innings at the “ Home of the Gunners”. 

      Normally, the tempo of studies declines after receipt of the Posting Orders but this did not happen in our Course. We moved back to Field Wing with renewed enthusiasm and set about learning about special equipment such as 105 mm Abbot, 160 mm Tampella Mortar, 7.2 inch Gun & GRAD BM 21. Each of these equipment & associated sub systems and ammunition was unique. This was experienced during the practice firings , which was absolutely impressive. We were also informed about new equipment / ammunition which was under development or undergoing trials. The Special Leg ended on a special note of euphoria. 

        Soon, the last fortnight of the Course began. We had to put up a Variety Entertainment Program in the last week. All officers & families decided to participate & get on the stage to display their hidden talents. It was an occasion which I would never miss. So, I too joined the Qawali group & also gave a duet for the first time. It was an impressive show which was well appreciated. 

        Next day, the Chief Instructor announced the final results.He interviewed each of us and apprised us about our performance including the instructional ability. I received a special pat on the back for topping the Course & obtaining ‘Alpha X- Ray grading’ ( above 70% score ). He expressed confidence that I will prove to be an asset as an IG in the Field Wing. 

The farewell functions began with the formal dining out from the Field Wing at the Temple Hill Institute. On the next day, there was a farewell from “ A” Mess being the oldest Officers Mess in the Campus. This was a formal farewell from the entire School of Artillery with the band playing the farewell tune “Auld Lang Syne”. On 01 Aug 1977 (which coincided with the Raising Day of the Jat Balwans ), we assembled on the final day, for the final time, for the final ceremony, in Sarvatra Hall. This was the traditional ‘IG Band’ ceremony. We were privileged to be awarded the coveted red band known as the ‘IG Band,’ which had to be worn on the Peak Cap, as a symbol of distinction. What a transformation, as hereafter, we would be respected as a part of an elite “Band of Brothers” - the IG fraternity. 

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