SOARING HIGHER
   Date :23-Sep-2020

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WOMEN officers in the Indian Armed Forces are set to break another glass-ceiling after earning the right of Permanent Commission granted by the Supreme Court a few months ago. The elite Golden Arrows squadron hosting the Rafale fighter jets is set to see a woman fighter pilot flying the newly-inducted mean machine that has become the toast of the nation since its arrival from France. Parallely, two women officers have been selected to join as frontline personnel in the Indian Navy’s helicopter stream. Both developments come with a warm feeling on the issue of gender parity in the Armed Forces and give a welcome message to women personnel in the forces that individual skill holds true merit over a person’s gender while serving for the country. This change in perception needs to be celebrated by the nation, for, its underscores the Constitutional guarantee of equality. A woman holds every right to pursue a career of her choice. Women officers in police force have set an example of leading from the front. This step in the Armed Forces will open doors for more women officers to set the bar higher.
 
AN OFF DAY!
 
THE Indian Premier League (IPL) has kicked off in a spectacular manner in the Emirates. While the daily dose of entertainment is back for the cricket lovers, the league has also been served its regular share of a controversy. This one has arisen from a wrong call by on-field umpire Nitin Menon who erred in calling Kings XI Punjab batsman Chris Jordan for a ‘short run’ that had an overbearing effect on the ultimate result. It was but natural for the Punjab team to appeal against the call after their loss to Delhi Capitals in the Super Over. While the Punjab team is now seeking more technological intervention in the decision making process, there is also a need to look at the aspect of human error. Like a batsman or a bowler, an umpire, too, can have an off-day. Menon certainly had an off-day during the Punjab-Delhi game. It is now for the teams to decide whether technology can only be the tool to arrive at decisions on the field. From a puritan’s point of view too much inclusion of technology will turn the umpires into bots with no say in taking calls. The Decision Review System was introduced to aid the umpires not to overtake their powers. An off-day, too, is part of cricket’s romance!