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Star Citizens

Samaira Hullur: Flying Into History as India’s Youngest Pilot!

At just 18 years old, Samaira Hullur has achieved a feat that many aspire to—becoming India’s youngest commercial pilot. A native of Vijayapura city in Karnataka, her remarkable success marks not only a personal victory but also a historic moment for her hometown, where she stands as the first girl to clear the demanding Commercial Pilot License (CPL) exam.Samaira’s aviation journey took flight with a rigorous six-month training program at the Vinod Yadav Aviation Academy. Under the expert mentorship of academy founders Vinod Yadav and Captain Tapesh Kumar, she excelled in all her CPL exams on her first attempt.Samaira mentioned that the training was rigorous but became manageable with consistent support. She attributed her success to the guidance and encouragement provided by Captain Tapesh Kumar and Vinod Yadav.Training that Took FlightTo obtain her CPL, Samaira underwent six mandatory courses, which included hands-on flying experience with small aircraft. She accumulated over 200 hours of flight time, mastering night flying and operating multi-engine airplanes.For the next phase of her training, Samaira moved to the prestigious Carver Aviation Academy in Baramati, Maharashtra. Over seven months, she refined her technical expertise and gained deeper insights into the limitless possibilities in aviation.“Carver Aviation Academy not only honed my flying skills but also broadened my understanding of the aviation world,” she said, emphasizing the academy's role in preparing her for real-world challenges.A Mentor’s LegacySamaira credits much of her inspiration to Captain Tapesh Kumar, who himself holds the record as India’s youngest captain at just 25 years old. Following in his footsteps, Samaira’s determination and focus enabled her to clear five of the six examinations conducted by the Directorate-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) even before turning 18.Due to eligibility rules, she had to wait until her 18th birthday to appear for the sixth exam on radio transmission technology, which she cleared seamlessly.Samaira’s father, a businessman, and her mother, a fashion designer and teacher, were both pleasantly surprised when her academy announced she was the youngest in the country to obtain a CPL.Her father proudly shared, “The DGCA exams are known for their difficulty, but Samaira passed all of them on her first attempt. It’s an incredible achievement.”Source: Google ImagesBreaking Barriers for Women in AviationSamaira’s journey marks a groundbreaking moment not only for herself but also for her hometown of Vijayapura. In a field traditionally dominated by men, her success serves as an inspiration for aspiring female pilots across the country.“I am proud to be the first girl from Vijayapura to clear these exams,” Samaira said. “Becoming the youngest commercial pilot in the country is a dream come true.”With her CPL in hand and over 200 hours of flight experience, Samaira Hullur is now poised to take her aviation career to greater heights. As she charts her path in the skies, Samaira is not just breaking records—she is inspiring a new generation of aviators, proving that age is no barrier when you have determination and passion.So the next time you look up at the sky, imagine a young pilot like Samaira soaring high, carrying with her the dreams of a generation ready to conquer new frontiers.

6 Dec 2024

Star Citizens

India’s First Woman to Fly the Mighty LCA Tejas: Meet the Lady of the Skies!

Squadron Leader Mohana Singh has made history by becoming the first woman fighter pilot to join the Indian Air Force’s prestigious 18 'Flying Bullets' squadron. She now flies India’s indigenous LCA Tejas fighter jets, stationed at the Naliya air base near the Pakistan border. Her trailblazing career symbolizes not only her personal triumph but also the broader strides being made in integrating women into roles once reserved for men in India’s military.Women Pilots in the IAF: A Journey Through TimeThough women have been serving as pilots in the Indian Air Force (IAF) since 1991, their roles were restricted to flying helicopters and transport aircraft. It was only in 2016, with a significant policy change, that women were granted permission to pilot fighter jets. In June 2016, Mohana Singh, along with her colleagues Squadron Leader Bhawna Kanth and Squadron Leader Avni Chaturvedi, became part of this historic first batch of women fighter pilots in the IAF. This was a powerful move in the fight for gender equality in a highly male-dominated field, challenging stereotypes and demonstrating the increasing opportunities available to women in defense.The ‘Flying Bullets’ and the LCA TejasMohana Singh’s posting to the Flying Bullets squadron is particularly significant because of the squadron’s association with the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, an indigenously developed fighter jet under India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. The LCA Tejas, a product of the country’s defense manufacturing capabilities, is considered one of the finest examples of India’s military self-reliance.Stationed in the Gujarat sector near Pakistan’s border, the Flying Bullets squadron plays a crucial role in the defense of the nation.Source: Google ImagesMohana Singh's Military RootsBorn in Jhunjhunu district, Rajasthan, Mohana Singh comes from a proud military family. Her grandfather served as a flight gunner in the Aviation Research Centre, and her father is a warrant officer in the Indian Air Force. This legacy of service runs deep in her blood and has undoubtedly shaped her career path, driving her towards the skies.After flying MiG-21s early in her career, Mohana was recently posted to the LCA Tejas squadron. Known for its speed and agility, the MiG-21 Bison has a long and storied history in the IAF, but Mohana’s transition to the LCA Tejas marks her entry into a new phase of advanced combat flying. Recently, Mohana Singh participated in ‘Tarang Shakti,’ a military exercise in Jodhpur aimed at showcasing the synergy between India’s defense forces and promoting indigenous defense production. During this exercise, she was seen instructing the vice chiefs of the Indian Army and Navy on flying the LCA Tejas.The joint participation of the three branches of India’s military in Tarang Shakti was viewed as a bold statement supporting the ‘Make in India’ initiative. It demonstrated the nation’s commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing.Together with her fellow trailblazers, Squadron Leaders Bhawna Kanth and Avni Chaturvedi, Mohana Singh has paved the way for future generations of women to soar in roles that were once considered out of reach. Both Bhawna and Avni now fly the Su-30 MKI fighter jets, another cutting-edge aircraft in the Indian Air Force’s arsenal, marking the growing presence of women in critical defense positions.Mohana stands as a symbol of courage, determination, and the changing face of India’s defense forces.

19 Sep 2024

Star Citizens

B.Tech and MBA Graduates Embrace Dairy Farming: Finding Fulfillment Beyond Their Fields of Study

In an inspiring turn of events, two graduates, MS Sangamesh and Rizwan Jahagirdar, have chosen to leave behind their B.Tech and MBA degrees and embark on a fulfilling journey in dairy farming. Breaking away from the conventional career paths dictated by their educational qualifications, these enterprising individuals have found a deeper sense of purpose in nurturing cows and buffaloes. Despite the initial challenges of transitioning from their respective fields of study, both Sangamesh and Rizwan have discovered a passion for dairy farming that has made the shift much easier. Rizwan, who had previously worked in different companies after completing his B.Tech, decided to pursue farming when his employer asked him to relocate abroad. Choosing to stay close to his roots in Vijayapura, he embraced dairy farming on his family's land. Similarly, Sangamesh, armed with an MBA and work experience in the corporate world, returned to Vijayapura during the Covid pandemic. Rejecting the idea of returning to his job, he seized the opportunity to become self-employed in dairy farming. Recognizing the timeless importance of milk as a commodity, Sangamesh has built a thriving dairy business, supplying approximately 50 liters of milk daily to his loyal customers. Both graduates share a common belief that educated individuals can make a significant impact in the agricultural sector. They bring knowledge, fresh ideas, and enthusiasm to an industry that often goes overlooked. By engaging in dairy farming, they not only ensure a sustainable future but also create employment opportunities for others. They advocate for the involvement of educated youth in farming, challenging the perception that it is menial work.

21 Oct 2023

Star Citizens

High-Flying Trailblazer: 18-Year-Old Kerala Girl Breaks Barriers, Becomes State's First DGCA-Licensed Woman Drone Pilot

An 18-year-old woman from Malappuram, Kerala has become the state's first female drone pilot to receive a license from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for flying drones weighing up to 25kg. Rinsha Pattakal decided to take up drone flying lessons while waiting for admission to BTech in Civil Engineering. Rinsha credits the Autonomous Unmanned Aerial Systems Pvt Ltd organization in Ernakulam, which provides training to aspiring drone pilots in collaboration with the ASAP Kerala Community Skill Park in Kasaragod, for her success. Rinsha's father recognized the potential of drones in surveying and encouraged her to learn the skill. In addition to being the sole woman student in the ASAP’s first-ever drone flying training batch, Rinsha underwent rigorous training in small-category drone piloting. The comprehensive 96-hour executive program includes specialized training in 3D mapping, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) survey, UAV assembly and programming, and aerial cinematography, equipping students with a wide range of skills to excel in the dynamic drone industry. Drones are revolutionizing various fields and have diverse uses such as aerial surveillance, rescue operations, traffic monitoring, weather monitoring, firefighting, drone photography, videography, agriculture, and delivery services. In India, the DGCA Drone Remote Pilot Certificate is now a mandatory requirement for operating drones. The course at ASAP Kerala offers in-depth knowledge of drone flying rules and regulations, ensuring responsible and safe operations. Rinsha's achievement serves as an inspiration to all and showcases Kerala's progressive spirit. The accomplishment not only empowers women in the field of aviation but also propels the state towards embracing cutting-edge technologies. Aspiring pilots above 18 years of age, who have passed Class X and possess a valid passport, are eligible to enroll in the course.

1 Aug 2023

Star Citizens

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy Shatters Guinness World Record for Badminton Smash Speed

In an awe-inspiring display of power and precision, Indian badminton sensation Satwiksairaj Rankireddy has etched his name in history by securing a remarkable Guinness World Record. With a jaw-dropping smash reaching a blistering 565 km/h, Satwik has eclipsed the previous record held for almost a decade by Malaysian badminton star Tan Boon Heong, who achieved a speed of 493 km/h. The smashing achievement came hot on the heels of Satwik and his partner Chirag Shetty's glorious triumph at the Indonesia Open Super 1000. Riding high on success, Satwik pushed his limits and left the badminton world in awe with his astonishing feat. Surprisingly, the 565 km/h speed even surpassed the top speed of 372.6 km/h recorded by a Formula 1 car. The world took notice as Yonex, the renowned Japanese sports equipment manufacturing company, officially recognized the accomplishment. "Yonex is proud to announce that Yonex badminton athletes, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy (IND) and Tan Pearly (MAS), have set new Guinness World Records for the fastest male and female badminton hits," the company stated in a release. To ensure the authenticity of the feat, the world record attempts were meticulously verified by official judges from the Guinness World Records. On April 14, 2023, Satwik's extraordinary smash took place in a controlled environment at the Yonex factory gymnasium in Soka, Saitama, Japan. This groundbreaking achievement cements Satwiksairaj Rankireddy's position as one of the most formidable and record-breaking badminton players of our time.

19 Jul 2023

Star Citizens

From Rags to Riches: A Farmer's Extraordinary Journey

In the arid lands of Maharashtra's Solapur district, a remarkable tale of triumph has unfolded, leaving locals awe-inspired and hopeful. Prakash Imde, affectionately known as Bapu, has transformed his humble beginnings into an inspiring success story. Through his unwavering determination and ingenuity, he has not only built a magnificent bungalow worth Rs 1 crore but has also revolutionized the dairy farming industry. Imde's journey commenced with just a solitary cow, his beloved Lakshmi, and a dream to make the impossible possible. He begins his routine by offering prayers to Lakshmi, paying homage to the bovine that set his destiny in motion. Such is his reverence for the cows that paved his path to achievement that the bungalow he now resides in bears the name "Godhan Niwas" or "Home of Cows." Imde owned 4 acres of ancestral land, but it didn’t give him any yield as the land was barren. So he shifted his focus to the sale of cow milk and dung in 1998. Starting with one cow and a modest milk delivery service to nearby villagers, his determination and hard work soon bore fruit. Today, his dairy farm boasts over 150 cows, churning out a staggering 1,000 liters of milk each day. Imde's entire family plays a pivotal role in the business, from milking the cows to their care and well-being. Notably, Prakash Imde has refrained from selling any of his calves, allowing his herd to flourish over the years. Even after the demise of Lakshmi in 2006, he nurtured her lineage and continues to run the farm with her descendants. To sustain his thriving bovine community, Imde ensures they receive four to five tonnes of green fodder daily, cultivating as much as possible on the farm and sourcing the rest from external suppliers. His entrepreneurial prowess has not only transformed his own life but has also created employment opportunities for the villagers. So profound is his impact that people from distant states now flock to Sangola, where his farm is located, to witness his remarkable achievements. Prakash Imde personally conducts tours of the farm, enlightening visitors about his revolutionary methods. The crowning glory of Imde's years of perseverance manifests in the form of his majestic bungalow which is an evidence of his unwavering spirit. Standing tall atop the edifice is a statue of a cow, accompanied by a milk churn, serving as a poignant reminder of the relentless dedication and passion that brought the building to fruition. Prakash Imde's remarkable journey stands as an inspiration to all, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, unwavering determination and innovative thinking can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.

1 Jul 2023

Star Citizens

Historic Milestone: First Indian Recognized at Cambridge University with Building Name

Cambridge University has taken a historic step by naming an entire building after Yusuf Hamied, the chairman of Indian pharmaceutical giant Cipla. This prestigious honor marks the first time in the university's 800-year history that a building has been named after an Indian figure. Hamied's contributions to the field of medicine, particularly through Cipla's affordable antiretroviral drugs that have saved the lives of millions of AIDS sufferers in Africa, have earned him this recognition. The grand opening of the newly named "Yusuf Hamied Court" at Christ's College was attended by Lord Simon McDonald, the Master of the College, along with approximately 25 distinguished scientists, primarily chemistry professors. During the ceremony, Hamied shared a touching story about his family's connection to Cambridge University. He recounted how a meeting with Professor Alexander Todd in 1953, where his father expressed his desire for Hamied to study at Cambridge, ultimately shaped his life's path. Hamied pursued his PhD in Chemistry from 1954 to 1960. Standing in front of an esteemed audience at the inauguration of the Yusuf Hamied Court, he expressed his gratitude and reflected on the enduring bond between education and benevolence. The announcement of the Cambridge building being named after Hamied received an overwhelmingly positive response from netizens. Social media users hailed the recognition as well-deserved and applauded Cambridge University for making it a reality. It is worth noting that Cipla's impact extends beyond this honor, as the pharmaceutical company has also played a significant role in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. Hamied's family legacy, which includes the establishment of Aligarh Muslim University in India based on the principles of Oxford and Cambridge, further adds to the significance of this momentous occasion. Through this recognition, Cambridge University pays tribute to a remarkable individual whose contributions have touched the lives of countless individuals worldwide. The naming of the Yusuf Hamied Court serves as evidence of his enduring legacy and the values of education, philanthropy, and innovation.

21 May 2023

Star Citizens

From Tragedy to Triumph: This Indian Braveheart Achieves the Impossible, Breaking Guinness World Record

Sujith Varghese has achieved an incredible feat that has captured the hearts of thousands of viewers on Instagram. In just sixteen hours, Sujith created the largest GPS drawing, covering the streets of Dubai and passing by iconic landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa neighborhood and the Dubai Mall. His achievement has earned him a place in the Guinness World Records. He broke the previous record by traveling 8.71 kilometers in his wheelchair. Sujith's achievement is even more inspiring because he has been paralyzed since a bike accident in 2013 which rendered him confined to a wheelchair. Despite facing enormous challenges, Sujith's determination and perseverance allowed him to overcome his limitations and set a new world record. His achievement sends a powerful message to everyone that, with the right mindset, anything is possible. In an interview with Guinness World Records, Sujith explained that he was inspired by Dubai's commitment to promoting accessibility for people with disabilities. He saw this as an opportunity to demonstrate that athletes with perseverance can overcome any challenge. In the video, Sujith is seen using his wheelchair to trace out the icon of a wheelchair user, sending a powerful message of inclusivity and empowerment. Sujith's achievement is proof of the strength of the power of the human spirit and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. His story has inspired thousands of people worldwide to overcome their own challenges and pursue their dreams, regardless of the obstacles in their way. Yasushi Takahashi of Japan held the previous record for the largest GPS drawing, which measured an impressive 7163.67 km in length. Mr. Takahashi created this image on June 9, 2010, with a unique purpose in mind. He wanted to propose to his girlfriend in a special and memorable way. The GPS drawing spelled out the words "Marry Me" across the entire length of Japan, with a heart shape covering the island of Hokkaido. Thankfully, his girlfriend said yes to his romantic proposal.

21 Mar 2023

Star Citizens

From Trash to Treasure: The Revolutionary Startup Turning Coconut Waste into Plastic Alternatives

Ardra Nair, a 29-year-old entrepreneur from Kerala, is on a mission to reduce plastic pollution and promote sustainability. She founded Greenamor Ventures in 2021, a company that manufactures plastic-like biopolymers using coir waste. Coir waste, which is a byproduct of coconut farming, is abundant in Kerala. It is usually burned or left to decompose, which can release harmful gases and contribute to air pollution. Ardra saw an opportunity to turn this waste into something useful and eco-friendly. The dream took shape when she was pursuing her master’s in Engineering in Kerala. Greenamor Ventures uses patented technology to extract cellulose from coir waste and turn it into a biopolymer that can be used to make packaging materials. This biopolymer is biodegradable and compostable, meaning it can break down naturally without harming the environment. The plastic-like biopolymer made by Greenamor Ventures is a game-changer in the packaging industry. It can be used to make a wide range of products, from bags and containers to cutlery and straws. It is a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic, which can take hundreds of years to decompose and is a major contributor to plastic pollution. Greenamor Ventures is a shining example of how entrepreneurship and innovation can be used to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing our planet. Ardra Nair's commitment to sustainability and her passion for creating a better future for all is truly inspiring.

9 Mar 2023

Star Citizens

Kabeer Biswas: The Flagbearer of the Indian Hyperlocal Delivery Market

Kabeer Biswas is an Indian entrepreneur and the co-founder & CEO of Dunzo, a hyperlocal delivery startup based in Bengaluru, India. He started Dunzo in 2015 with three other co-founders - Ankur Aggarwal, Dalvir Suri, and Mukund Jha. Since then, the company has grown rapidly and become one of the leading players in the Indian hyperlocal delivery market. Kabeer pursued a Bachelor of Electronics in Computers from the University of Mumbai (2000-2004). He later did a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from SVKM's Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS). Biswas worked with companies like Bharti Airtel Limited and Videocon Telecommunications Limited before starting his own venture, Hoppr, in 2012. Hoppr was a location-based social networking app that allowed users to check-in to places, discover nearby deals, and connect with friends. Hoppr was acquired by Hike in 2014. Biswas had gained enough experience till then — thus, he went on to establish his local delivery set up, Dunzo in January 2015. The idea behind Dunzo was to offer a one-stop-shop for all kinds of tasks that people need help with in their daily lives - from grocery shopping to laundry to pet care. Dunzo uses a combination of human and machine intelligence to offer a seamless, efficient, and personalized experience to its users. Under Biswas's leadership, Dunzo has grown rapidly and expanded to several cities across India. The company has also raised fundings from investors like Google, Blume Ventures, and Lightbox. Biswas has been recognized as a young entrepreneur to watch out for by several publications, including Forbes India and Fortune India.

24 Feb 2023

Star Citizens

Ritesh Agarwal: The Man Who Changed The Indian Hospitality Industry Forever

Ritesh Agarwal is the founder and CEO of OYO, one of India's fastest-growing hospitality companies. Born in 1993 in Cuttack, India, Agarwal dropped out of college at the age of 17 to pursue entrepreneurship. He started his first venture, Oravel Stays, which later evolved into OYO Rooms, in 2013. Agarwal's vision for OYO was to make budget accommodation available to all Indians at affordable rates. His model of standardizing and upgrading budget hotels was a hit with customers, and soon OYO became one of the most successful start-ups in India. Today, the company operates in over 80 countries, with over 43,000 hotels and 1.5 million rooms. Agarwal's leadership has been instrumental in OYO's success. He has been recognized as one of the youngest entrepreneurs in the world, and has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 in Consumer Technology award. He was also listed as the youngest self-made billionaire by Forbes in 2020, with an estimated net worth of $1.1 billion. Agarwal is known for his unconventional leadership style. He often works from different locations around the world, and has a unique management philosophy that puts employees first. He believes in creating a positive work culture that values diversity and inclusivity. Under his leadership, OYO has become one of the best places to work in India. In addition to his work at OYO, Agarwal is also involved in several philanthropic initiatives. He started the OYO Foundation in 2020 to support education and healthcare programs in India. He has also been involved in initiatives to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in the country.

9 Feb 2023

Star Citizens

Meet the First IAF Woman Pilot To Participate in Aerial War Games Abroad

The first female fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force (IAF), squadron leader Avani Chaturvedi will be adding another feather to her cap. She will be leading a team of women officers to take part in the opening air exercise Veer Guardian 2023. The goal of the exercise Veer Guardian is to improve India and Japan's bilateral air defense cooperation. Earlier, women officers have taken part in war games when foreign contingents visited India. However, this would be the first time women officers will be representing India abroad. From January 16 to January 26, Veer Guardian 2023 will take place in Japan at the Hyakuri Air Base and its surrounding airspace in Omitama as well as the Iruma Air Base in Sayama. According to Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth who is Avani Chaturvedi's classmate and one of the first three female fighter pilots, the Su-30MKIs used by the Indian Air Force are among the greatest and most lethal vehicles equipped with indigenous weapon systems. A flexible multirole combat aircraft, the Su-30MKi is capable of performing simultaneous air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. This aircraft is special in that it can perform maneuvers at both high and low speeds. It can perform extremely long-range missions and has high endurance, said Squadron Leader Bhavna Kanth. The aircraft has state-of-the-art avionics and is capable of integrating any of the newest weaponry and performing missions, she added.

9 Jan 2023

Star Citizens

Hellen Keller Award Winner Inspires Others Like Him All the Way

Paul Muddha lost his vision at an early age and was abandoned as an infant, today he is the divisional manager at a public sector bank. He not only overcame every hurdle in his life but also helped others like him find their way. He was recently awarded the NCPEDP-Mindtree Helen Keller Awards-2022. Muddha who was adopted at the age of 13 grew up in Whitefield, Bengaluru. A proactive learner, he got placed in a bank when he was an undergraduate Humanities student. He continued his studies and got a masters in economics, a business degree in finance as well as a doctorate. The remarkable thing about Muddha is that he not only overcame his disability but relentlessly put in efforts for the well-being of other differently-abled persons. He is the founder of an NGO named Snehadeep Trust, which provides computer and soft skill training to help people with impairments improve their employment opportunities. According to Muddha, the biggest problem PwDs confront is a lack of employment options. More PwDs must be actively employed by the government, businesses, and society in order to give them a chance at leading honorable lives. Muddha has made a commendable contribution to the society of the blind over the past 23 years. Many hundreds of visually impaired pupils have benefited from his special skill development livelihood program, which has integrated them into society.

22 Dec 2022

Star Citizens

He Is Just 24 Years Old and His Poems Are Taught in Universities!

Ramesh Karthik Nayak had a flair for writing and he worked as a steward at catering events to help pay for the publication of his books. The 24-year-old Banjara poet and writer has been penning articles on Banjara communities' culture and way of life, with a touch of fiction. Ramesh Karthik wrote several works, one of them being Baldair Bandi (bullock cart). The book, which describes the indigenous community of the Banjara or Lambadi in detail, has just been added to the Andhra University curriculum. It was also introduced as the third lesson in the second unit of the fourth semester for MA Telugu Language and Literature. The Telugu literary course at the SR&BGNR Government Degree College, Khammam, Kakatiya University includes a poem from the book "Jarer Bati" (Sorghum Roti). Born to farmer parents in the tiny hamlet of Nizamabad, Ramesh was encouraged by his teacher to try his hand at writing. When he faced financial limitations to publish his books, he worked as a steward at catering events. Ramesh explained that there was an unbreakable bond between the bullock cart and Lambadis when asked why the book was called "Baldair Bandi." The book was published in 2018 and placed on a shortlist for the Kendra Sahitya Academy Yuva Puraskar in 2021. Along with "Baldair Bandi," Ramesh's other book, "Dhavlo," a collection of Telugu-language Gor Banjara short stories, was also nominated for the same award in 2022.

15 Dec 2022

Star Citizens

How an Injury Induced Disability Led a Young Man To Make His City Disabled Friendly

When Prateek Khandelwal suffered from paraplegia due to a spinal cord injury in 2014, he became confined to a wheelchair. That is when he realized that the differently abled are unable to socialize and participate or contribute to the affairs of society due to a lack of proper facilities. Khandelwal made a speedy recovery and soon found a startup - RampMyCity to make life easy for the disabled. RampMyCity, launched in 2018 promotes inclusion beyond infrastructural changes and makes establishments wheelchair accessible. Mr. Khandelwal while describing his journey said that a wheelchair became a part of his life when he became paralyzed, and he couldn’t leave the house due to a lack of proper facilities for the differently abled. Thus he was inspired to launch RampMyCity so that other disabled persons wouldn’t have to undergo the inconveniences that he was subject to. In India, there are significant gaps in the accessibility of buildings for people with disabilities. According to Khandelwal, over 300 locations, including schools, police stations, and more than 75 eateries, have been made accessible to disabled people in the last three years. RampMyCity promotes inclusivity by holding workshops where employees and staff of an organization receive practical training, understanding, and sensitization to help them transform their attitudes, behaviors, and thought processes toward people with disabilities.

21 Nov 2022

Star Citizens

Kerala Woman Is the First Female Firefighter to Enter the Male Bastion of AAI Firefighters in South India

The firefighters of Airport Authorities of India (AAI) have always been dominated by men until last year when Kolkata’s Tanya Sanyal was hired as its first female firefighter. It feels great to know that more women are entering this field which demands higher levels of skill and competency. Recently Remya Sreekantan became the third woman to join the firefighting force of AAI and the first in South India. Challenging Job Remya, who had rigorously trained for four months at the Fire Training Centre (FTC), New Delhi, joined the Chennai airport as Junior Assistant (AFS) on November 1, 2019. She said that fire fighting is a challenging job, but she is very confident of delivering what is expected of her. She hopes that more women show interest and join this male-dominated profession. However, she informs that the right mindset is needed to explore the avenues at disposal. A Mother And Professor Remya who hails from a modest family in Thiruvanathapuram is the mother of a two-year-old child. Remya has a post-graduate degree in structural engineering. Earlier, she had also worked as Assistant Professor at LBS Institute of Technology for Women. Let us hope that more women like Remya, find the self-confidence and determination to do male-centric jobs and thus help bridge the gender gap. Image Source: Edexlive

15 Nov 2019

Star Citizens

Now, the Visually Impaired Can Easily Crack the Toughest Exams

The UPSC exams or civil services examination is considered as the toughest to crack with a success rate of only 25 percent. There are a number of visually impaired persons who appear for this challenging exam. However, they have only 20% of the syllabus available in Braille from. Hyderabad resident Akella Raghavendra decided to address this problem and started training visually impaired candidates in 2016. Raghavendra’s Endeavour Akella Raghavendra himself was an aspiring candidate for the civil exams. He exhausted all his attempts and missed the last one by just 12 marks. When he pondered over his failure in spite of all the hard work, he understood the loopholes and flaws. He then decided to train future IAS aspirants and started his training centre in Dilsukhnagar in 2001. Once, during a visit to the US, he was amazed to see the excellent facilities being offered to visually- and physically-challenged students. He was inspired to develop and offer such facilities to the visually impaired back home. Study Materials In Braille Raghavendra worked diligently and spent seven years of research to prepare study materials for the UPSC in Braille and audiobook format, the latter a first in India. He prepared a comprehensive and concrete file and an audio version of the same. Since everyone has a smartphone these days, he uploads two or three lessons which they need to learn that day. Another parameter is monitoring what they have learnt. Raghavendra spent 5 lakhs from his savings to prepare the study materials. His concern for the visually impaired and his efforts to prepare useful and effective study materials to help them clear the civil service exams is really commendable. Image Source: Online IAS

4 Nov 2019

Star Citizens

This Dynamic Lady Works Hard to Transform a City Through Efficient Waste Management Techniques

There is no doubt that dumping grounds are an eyesore and if any city has to truly become a smart city, then it needs to have an efficient waste management system. One cannot always blame the authorities as it is the responsibility of every citizen to discard waste properly through the segregation of dry and wet waste so that all the waste just doesn’t accumulate in landfills. However, when citizens and authorities turn a blind eye to an important matter, there are few responsible and concerned citizens who rise to the occasion and take things in their stride. One such person is Sajitha Nair who has been working relentlessly towards the treatment of dumping grounds in Kalyan as well as spreading awareness about the need to segregate and discard waste in a responsible manner. Sajitha would always worry about the growing height of the Adharwadi dumping ground in Kalyan. When no action was taken in spite of numerous requests and petitions filed, Sajitha along with a team of volunteers actually got into the dumping ground and worked on it. Sourcing water from a nearby sewage treatment plant, Sajitha and her team used organic culture to decompose the filth. With her impressive waste management technology, the team succeeded in reducing the height of a section of the dumping ground by 16 feet in just 65-70 days. The engineers and waste management team of the municipality were amazed at the rapid speed of decomposition of garbage. Sajitha and her team were also invited to demonstrate her waste management technology to the CM of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis who was very impressed and assured all help. Sajitha continues to give waste management training sessions to housing societies with the effect that residents are now aware of and follow the proper methods of waste disposal. She also actively participates in forums and meets that strive to enhance the quality of life in the city and is a contributor to awareness drives, cultural, social and ecological initiatives. Sajitha inspires us to come out of our comfort zones and become responsible citizens by doing what is needed for our society. Let us all be inspired by our star citizen-Sajitha Nair.

14 Oct 2019

Star Citizens

How Ummul Khair Who Grew Up in Slums Achieved Her Dream to Become IAS

One cannot help feeling inspired by the moving story of young and petite Ummul Khair who through her sheer hard work and determination was able to pull herself out of a wretched life in the slums. She went on to appear in the UPSC exams and cleared it in the first attempt. Ummul Khair is an extraordinary 29-year-old woman whose life began in a slum in Delhi. It was a filthy, stinking shantytown with a drain passing through it. Ummul’s father owned a tea shop but the income was not sufficient and the family struggled to make a living. If that was not enough, they suffered another blow when the shantytown was demolished in the name of development, rendering them all homeless. The only way out of the misery was to return to their hometown Pali in Rajasthan. However, Ummul, a bright student was determined to continue her studies in the government school in Delhi and refused to go with her parents. The class VIII student stayed in rented accommodation and gave tuitions to children for up to eight hours. The money thus earned was used to pay her rent and her fees. She completed her schooling with excellent grades and got admission in Gargi College of Delhi University. Travelling to her college was an arduous task as she has Fragile Bone Disorder in which the bones become weak and even a slight injury leads to multiple fractures. Yet she managed to complete BA in Applied Psychology. She then got admission in a Masters course in International Relations at JNU. It is admirable that Ummal didn’t let her disability come in her way, but she instead got associated with several voluntary groups working on disability. She also represented disability rights groups in various countries and was honoured as a Role Model for her extraordinary work on disability by the National Commission for Women in 2015. Nothing worked her way. Yet Ummal overcame physical, social and financial problems to achieve her goal. She hopes to work for the underprivileged sections of society. She is in touch with her parents. Talking about them she said that her father might not know what IAS is, but he may know what a collector is. This inspirational story of Ummal Khair will certainly act as a guiding light and motivation for all youngsters to make the most out of their lives. Image Source: StarsUnfolded

11 Sep 2019

Star Citizens

Ajit Kumar Doval – A Gem in India’s Crown

We have heard about Mr. Ajit Kumar Doval in news during the Dokhlam Standoff, Balakot airstrike and recently in the revocation of the special status of Kashmir. He is a statesman and strategist par excellence who has served India selflessly and continues to do so as the National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister. Did you know that he is also one of the world’s best spymaster and is considered as the James Bond of India? Read on to know more of this impressive and impactful person. IPS Officer After completing his Masters in Economics, Doval joined the IPS cadre in Kerala which catapulted him to higher positions with greater responsibilities. He was instrumental in the termination of 15 hijacks of Indian aircraft from 1971 to 1999. He was one among the three negotiators who successfully helped to free passengers from the IC-814 aircraft that was hijacked in Kandahar. Spy Who Extracted Secrets Of Enemies One of the greatest skills of Doval is his ability to be incognito and draw out secrets from the enemy. During the Mizo National Front insurgency, he spent long periods incognito with the Mizo National Army in the Arakan in Burma and inside Chinese territory to ensure that Mizoram remained a part of India. He also played a major role in the merger of the state of Sikkim in India. Operation Black Thunder When militants took control of the Golden Temple in Amritsar and demanded the formation of an independent Sikh nation of Khalistan, the Government was very determined that no harm should be caused to civilians. This made the Operation very difficult and Doval played a crucial role here. He pretended to be a rickshaw puller, befriended the militants and secured entry into the temple which helped him to dig out crucial information that helped in the success of Operation Black Thunder. National Security Advisor In 2014, the Prime Minister appointed him as the National Security Advisor that put him directly in charge of talks with neighbouring Pakistan. Doval planned the clever strategy of surgical Uri attack in 2016 and the more recent airstrike in Balakot in 2019 which helped confirm India’s supremacy in Jammu and Kashmir. For his courage and dedication, he became the first police officer to receive the Keerthi Chakra which is one of the highest gallantry awards. He truly is a shining star in the nation’s sky of luminaries. Image Source: CelebsBio

20 Aug 2019

Star Citizens

Good News

Waves of Friendship: Indian Navy Expands Horizons in Southeast Asia’s Waters

As part of a goodwill tour, the Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet traveled to Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Brunei in May 2024. By fostering goodwill and fostering understanding, the visits sought to deepen India's friendship and collaboration with these nations. The Indian Navy visited a number of countries in Southeast Asia while on its operational deployment to the South China Sea. India's dedication to enhancing maritime alliances and growing collaboration with neighboring nations was demonstrated by this trip.A Very Delicate yet Futuristic Approach ~ ( India’s Spheres of Maritime Influence ~ Source: Google Images) For many years, these visits have been occurring on a regular basis. Naval diplomacy, according to the Indian Navy, is the use of naval forces to further a nation's foreign policy. Demonstrating strength and a readiness to deter possible dangers is beneficial. India uses its navy as a vital tool to safeguard national interests and further its foreign policy objectives, both within and outside of the maritime regions, in addition to its military and law enforcement duties.Commander PK Ghosh is quoted by The Diplomat as stating that an essential component of India's foreign policy is the Indian Navy's visits to friendly ports. These trips are crucial for bolstering naval ties and delivering strategic messages to both friendly and prospective adversary nations, despite the fact that they are primarily ceremonial and only take place during times of peace. According to scholar Barry Blechman, even in the absence of specific ongoing diplomatic activities, the mere deployment of a naval force in a territory, regardless of its size, objectives, or actions, constitutes a political strategy. A nation is likely to have more control over events if it places its naval in a region during periods of peace. Since gaining independence, India has sent its naval warships on goodwill missions all around the world. Still, it has predominantly visited ports in the Indo-Pacific territory in recent years. The Efforts Have Been Dominating a Sense Of ‘Partnership’~ ( India’s Spheres of Maritime Influence ~ Source: Google Images) The Indian Navy's visits to nations involved in maritime conflicts with China are not coincidental, nor is its heightened presence in the South China Sea, particularly during a period of escalating tensions between China and the Philippines. Following the border clashes in 2020, relations between China and India deteriorated. India was more actively involved in retaliating against China's influence in the Indo-Pacific. This development increases the likelihood that Indian ships will visit the South China Sea. In 2021, the Indian Navy conducted exercises in the region alongside Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Australia. Along with seven other ASEAN navies, it conducted a practice in the South China Sea in 2023. In a joint statement with the Philippines, it also urged China to abide by international territorial rights legislation. This most recent deployment demonstrates how India's strategy is constantly evolving. India has primarily assisted these nations in their growth, although it is currently attempting to become more active. Following the third Forum for India-Pacific Island Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit, two Indian Navy ships visited Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, demonstrating the country's desire to strengthen its relations in the region. This demonstrates its dedication to maintaining regional stability and advancing a peaceful, rule-based system.

4 Nov 2024

Good News

Study Finds: Mercury Emissions On a Friendly Decline

Mercury, a stealthy villain slowly poisoning our environment, has long been a toxic byproduct of human activities like gold mining and coal-fired power plants. For years, global inventories have shown mercury emissions on the rise, painting a grim picture for our planet. But recent groundbreaking research is flipping the script. A multinational team of scientists has uncovered new insights through cutting-edge atmospheric monitoring and powerful statistical analysis, challenging what we thought we knew about mercury’s impact—and offering hope in the fight against this invisible threat.Emissions of mercury are Declining ~ (Source: Google Images) According to the study, mercury levels in our atmosphere are not rising. Conversely, throughout the last 20 years, it has been declining. Data from all accessible monitoring stations in the Northern Hemisphere were evaluated by MIT scientists. Their conclusions? a considerable decrease in atmospheric mercury levels between 2005 and 2020, of about 10%. The study's principal author is Ari Feinberg, a former postdoc at the Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (IDSS).The Trend in Mercury Emissions ~ (Source: Google Images) The research team adopted two modeling methods to identify the cause of this downward trend. Boiling it down to raw basics, both techniques traced back to a decline in anthropogenic (human-caused) emissions as the driving force. The puzzle, however, didn’t stop there. Global inventories, built using models, reflected opposite trends. The mismatch between the models and actual recorded measurements remained shrouded in mystery due to data limitations and gaps in scientific understanding of mercury pollution. The broader message? “We need to keep measuring and advancing the science,” said Noelle Selin, co-author of the study.Joint scientific initiatives ~(Source: Google Images) A cohesive international scientific community is essential as we delve deeper into the complexity of mercury emissions and their impacts. Scientists can create more thorough models to comprehend mercury's atmospheric behavior and its wider environmental effects by combining resources and expertise. This collaborative strategy entails improving data exchange, standardizing monitoring procedures, and cultivating creative research collaborations. Future research must not only broaden the network of monitoring stations but also include cutting-edge technology that improves the precision and consistency of mercury measurements in order to fill in the gaps the researchers found. Even while there is still much to learn, one thing is certain: it is crucial to comprehend how human activity affects the environment in the real world.

14 Oct 2024

Good News

India's First: Robotic Cleaners to Debut at Thiruvananthapuram Airport

Airport robots are soon to become a common sight in India, with Thiruvananthapuram International Airport leading the charge. This technological leap involves deploying robots for cleaning operations, a first for Indian airports. This initiative is spearheaded by Genrobotic Innovations, a leading robotics company. Local media reports announced on July 17 that Genrobotic Innovations will introduce a robot to manage cleaning operations at Trivandrum International Airport. This cutting-edge technology aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of cleaning processes, setting a new standard in airport maintenance. A Collaborative Effort The operator of Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, Adani Enterprises, has finalized an agreement with Genrobotic Innovations. According to Genrobotic CEO Vimal Govind, the robot, named Wilboar, will be handed over within 60 days. Wilboar is described as a "cutting-edge robotic rover designed for efficiently cleaning sludge and waste within large industrial confined spaces," Genrobotic Innovations has already demonstrated the potential of their robots in challenging conditions. Earlier this month, their robots, Bandicoot and Draco, were instrumental in a search operation for a missing sanitation worker, Joy, in a canal in Kerala that was flooded by monsoon rains. Despite the tragic outcome, the robots' performance in the harsh environment caught the attention of airport operators. Source: Google Images Innovative Robotics in Action Bandicoot, launched in 2017, is designed to clean manholes, while Draco was deployed in the search operation for Joy. The success of these robots in handling difficult and dangerous tasks has sparked interest in utilizing them for airport cleaning. This innovative approach aims to improve efficiency and safety in maintaining airport cleanliness, particularly in confined and hard-to-reach spaces. Genrobotic Innovations is optimistic about the future applications of their robots. They envision broader use in rescue operations and disaster situations, leveraging their technology to save lives and manage crises effectively. The introduction of Wilboar at Trivandrum International Airport marks the beginning of a new era in airport maintenance. This exciting development at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport showcases the growing role of robotics in improving public infrastructure and services. With advanced technology and innovative solutions, the future of airport operations in India is set to become more efficient, safe, and cutting-edge. airport robots, Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, Genrobotic Innovations, robotic cleaning, Adani enterprises, Wilboar, Bandicoot, Drac

19 Jul 2024

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From Dream to Reality: NOC Secured for Kerala’s First Low-Cost Airline

The dream of a dedicated low-cost airline service connecting Kerala with the Gulf region has inched closer to reality. Dubai-based Malayali entrepreneurs behind the project 'Air Kerala' have achieved a significant milestone by obtaining a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA). A Dream Realized The brainchild of Afi Ahmed and Ayub Kallada, co-founders of Zettfly Aviation, Air Kerala aims to revolutionize air travel by making it affordable and accessible. "The NOC is just the first step in this journey," says Afi Ahmed, outlining their ambitious plans. Headquartered in Kochi, the airline will initially operate domestic flights within Kerala, using ATR 72-600 aircraft. The necessary Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) from MoCA is expected within the next eight to nine months. Domestic Focus, Regional Impact Ahmed explained that once they procure the aircraft, Air Kerala would commence regional operations before branching out internationally. The initial strategy focuses on connecting Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities with major Tier 1 cities in southern India. Starting with three ATR 72-600 aircraft, the airline plans to address a significant gap in the market, enhancing connectivity and convenience for travelers. A Vision Years in the Making The concept of Air Kerala isn't new. It was first envisioned by the Kerala Government in 2005 but never took off. The prolonged delay inspired Ahmed and Kallada to take matters into their own hands, acquiring the domain airkerala.com and setting the stage for India’s first ultra-low-cost airline owned by expatriates. Ahmed said that seeing the domain was available, they had decided to launch their own airline. With over 25 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry, Ahmed, a native of Kannur and founder of UAE-based Smart Travels, brings a wealth of expertise to the venture. Competing in a Crowded Market Despite the presence of established private airlines like Vistara and IndiGo, Ahmed is confident about Air Kerala's unique value proposition. "Even with four airports, Kerala doesn't have its own airline," he points out, highlighting the untapped potential. International Ambitions While the initial focus is on domestic routes, Air Kerala has its sights set on international expansion. "Once the fleet grows to 20 aircraft, we will explore international routes, starting with Dubai," Ahmed reveals. This phased approach ensures a strong foundation is built before venturing into the competitive international market. Air Kerala aims to serve the large expatriate population from Kerala living in the Gulf, offering them an affordable and convenient travel option back home. It aims to fulfill the long-pending demand of the Malayali community and set a new standard in affordable air travel. By turning a long-held dream into reality, Afi Ahmed and Ayub Kallada are paving the way for a new era of affordable and accessible air travel, bridging distances and bringing communities closer together.

11 Jul 2024

Good News

Mumbai's First Underground Metro Line Set to Launch in July

Mumbai is gearing up for a significant transformation in its transportation system with the launch of its first underground metro line in July. This new metro line, stretching 33.5 km beneath the busy city streets, promises to greatly reduce traffic congestion. Project Overview ~ The project, managed by the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation, has cost over Rs 37,000 crores. It aims to address the city's ongoing traffic issues by providing a faster and more efficient mode of transport. The metro line starts at Aarey Colony and includes 27 stations, with 26 of them located underground. The extensive tunneling work, covering 56 km, began in 2017 but faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Phase Launches and Completion ~ The first phase of the metro line is set to launch in July. The completion of the entire project, including the second phase of the tunnel, is expected within the next eight months. This will bring further improvements to Mumbai's transportation network, making travel across the city much easier and quicker. (Source: Google Images) Operational Details ~ The metro will operate 260 services daily, ensuring a frequency of one metro every few minutes between 6:30 AM and 11:00 PM. Commuters can look forward to saving significant time compared to road travel, as the metro will reach speeds of up to 90 km per hour. A journey of 35 km, which typically takes over two hours by road, will be completed in just 50 minutes by metro. The stations included in the metro line are Cuffe Parade, Vidhan Bhavan, Churchgate, Hutatma Chowk, CST Metro, Kalbadevi, Girgaon, Grant Road, Mumbai Central Metro, Mahalaxmi, Science Museum, Acharya Atre Chowk, Worli, Siddhivinayak, Dadar, Sitaladevi, Dharavi, BKC, Vidyanagari, Santacruz, Domestic Airport, Sahar Road, International Airport, Marol Naka, MIDC, SEEPZ, and Aarey Depot. People living near these stations or needing to travel to and from these stations are excited about this new metro line. Benefits to Commuters ~ The new underground metro line will bring many benefits to the people of Mumbai: Reduced Travel Time: The metro will cut down travel time significantly, making daily commutes faster and more convenient. Frequency and Reliability: With 260 services operating daily, commuters will not have to wait long for the next train, ensuring a reliable mode of transport. Less Traffic Congestion: By providing an alternative to road travel, the metro will help reduce traffic congestion on the streets. Convenient Connections: The metro stations are strategically located to connect major parts of the city, making it easier for people to reach their destinations. Excitement and Anticipation ~ Residents near the metro stations are eagerly looking forward to the launch. They anticipate a significant improvement in their daily commutes, with reduced travel time and a more comfortable journey. The new metro line is expected to transform the way people travel in Mumbai, making the city more accessible and less congested.

26 Jun 2024

Good News

A First for India: Delhi Airport Introduces Cutting-Edge Self-Service Bag Drop

Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi has become the first in India to introduce a cutting-edge self-service bag drop system as of June 17. This was announced by the Delhi International Airport Ltd. (DIAL). This new system allows travelers to independently check in their bags, pick up tags, and print boarding passes, streamlining the entire process and saving valuable time. By embedding essential information into the tags, the need for traditional boarding passes and biometric validation is eliminated. This initiative makes Delhi's airport only the second in the world to offer such a service, following Toronto Airport in Canada. Installation of Self-Service Bag Drop(SSBD) ~ Delhi’s IGI Airport has installed around 50 Self-Service Bag Drop (SSBD) units across Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 for passengers, and they are available with three airlines – Air India, IndiGo, and Air India Express. How does this mechanism function ~ (Source: Google Images) With the help of this new system, travelers may now pick up and affix their luggage tags at CUSSH kiosks as they arrive. With a single click, the system on the SBD machine launches the corresponding airline's application after the travelers load their bags onto the conveyor belt. Furthermore, the DIAL added that when travelers accept the dangerous items self-declaration form with a single click, the SBD system internally verifies that they meet all applicable requirements and business standards as specified by the airlines. Different from old mechanism ~ Previously, travelers could print boarding passes, pick up luggage tags, and avoid check-in desks by using common-use self-service (CUSS) kiosks. Under this system, passengers had to scan their boarding passes or use biometric cameras before placing their bags on the conveyor belt at the drop units. To streamline the process, DIAL has introduced a rapid drop solution that reduces processing time from approximately a minute to just 30 seconds. This improvement is achieved by eliminating the need for boarding passes or biometric authentication, as these details are now embedded in the baggage tag. 'India has introduced a groundbreaking innovation – the QUICK DROP SOLUTION. This streamlined one-step process eliminates the need for boarding passes or biometric validation, as these details are already encoded on the baggage tag. Consequently, the processing time is significantly reduced from approximately one minute to just 30 seconds.' ~ Delhi Airport Tweeted

21 Jun 2024

Good News

Anand Mahindra Announces India's First Electric Air Taxi: A Revolution in Sustainable Transportation

India is on the brink of welcoming its first electric air taxi, marking a significant leap forward in the realm of sustainable transportation. Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the Mahindra Group, recently confirmed the exciting news on X. He shared images of the prototype developed by the ePlane Company, an initiative of the esteemed Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras. This innovative project has the potential to reshape urban mobility in India. Anand Mahindra's Vision Sharing his enthusiasm for the project, Anand Mahindra expressed his confidence in India's rapidly growing innovation ecosystem. He lauded the role of IIT Madras as a dynamic incubator of groundbreaking ideas. Through his official platform, Mahindra highlighted the transformative potential of the electric air taxi. He emphasized its role in positioning India as a global leader in technological innovation. The ePlane e200 The ePlane e200 is the brainchild of aerospace engineering professor Satya Chakravarthy and his student Pranjal Mehta. It is poised to redefine urban transportation in India. It has a remarkable travel range of 200 kilometers and a cruise speed of 160 kmph. This two-seater aircraft promises unparalleled efficiency and speed in intra-city commute and cargo transportation. Chakravarthy envisions the ePlane e200 as a solution to alleviate traffic congestion in cities, It offers a convenient and sustainable alternative to traditional road-based vehicles. India's Leap Towards Sustainable Mobility: India's first electric flying taxi prototype signifies a significant milestone in the country's journey towards sustainable mobility. With the support of visionary leaders like Anand Mahindra and pioneering institutions like IIT Madras, India is poised to lead the charge in electric air mobility. By harnessing cutting-edge technology and fostering innovation, India is paving the way for a greener and more efficient transportation landscape. As India gears up to launch its first electric air taxi, the future of urban transportation looks brighter than ever. With the ePlane e200 at the forefront of innovation, cities across India stand to benefit from reduced congestion, faster commute times, and cleaner air. The collaborative efforts of visionary leaders, academic institutions, and industry pioneers underscore India's commitment to shaping a sustainable future for generations to come. Get ready to soar into the future with India's electric air taxis – the sky's the limit!

14 May 2024

Good News

Unveiling Hanooman: India's Revolutionary GenAI Platform

India’s groundbreaking GenAI platform, ‘Hanooman’ is a gift to the world. It is available in 98 global languages, including 12 Indian languages, and stands as the largest multilingual and most affordable Gen AI platform to date. Seetha Mahalaxmi Healthcare (SML) and 3AI Holding have joined forces to launch 'Hanooman' that promises to redefine India's artificial intelligence landscape. Bridging Linguistic Divides: Named after the revered deity Lord Hanuman, Hanooman symbolizes the platform's dedication to harnessing the power of Gen AI for the greater good. It embodies the spirit of loyalty and service, much like its namesake, aiming to bring transformative Gen AI capabilities to humanity. Developed by SML India in collaboration with 3AI Holding, Hanooman is poised to reach 200 million users within its first year of launch, marking a significant milestone in India's technological journey. The web version and app currently support twelve Indian languages, namely Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, Kannada, Odia, Punjabi, Assamese, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Sindhi. Moreover, Hanooman offers support for global languages such as English, Spanish, Italian, German, Japanese, Korean, and an additional 80 languages worldwide. Strategic Partnerships for Progress: As part of its launch, Hanooman has forged strategic partnerships with leading technology giants and governmental bodies, including HP, NASSCOM, Yotta, and the Government of Telangana. These collaborations aim to bolster Hanooman's infrastructure, expand its reach, and enhance accessibility to cutting-edge AI solutions across sectors. Yotta's GPU cloud infrastructure will fortify SML India's operations, while NASSCOM's initiatives will support AI startups, foster innovation in fintech, and engage with educational institutions for research programs. Empowering Sectors, Enriching Lives: Hanooman's versatile features extend beyond mere translation capabilities. From casual conversations to professional advice and technical tasks like coding and tutoring, Hanooman caters to diverse user needs with seamless integration-ready pipelines. Targeting sectors such as healthcare, governance, financial services, and education, Hanooman offers an open-source alternative to Large Language Models (LLMs), ensuring accessibility to cutting-edge AI technologies for all. Visionaries Speak: Arjun Prasad, Managing Director of 3AI Holding, expressed the mission behind Hanooman: to democratize access to AI technologies for every Indian. Dr. Vishnu Vardhan, Co-Founder & CEO of SML India, envisioned Hanooman as a catalyst for societal change and economic prosperity, unlocking the vast potential of Gen AI for India's growth trajectory. A Promising Future: The partnership between SML India and 3AI Holding reflects a shared commitment to the fundamental mission of 'AI for All.' With Hanooman's launch, India strides boldly into the global AI landscape, positioning itself as a frontrunner in AI adoption and innovation. As Hanooman becomes available for download, it heralds a new era of Gen AI revolution, promising accessibility, inclusivity, and transformative impact across sectors and society.

13 May 2024

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India Takes a Leap in Defense Technology As Its First Indigenous Bomber Was Unveiled in Bengaluru

The leading force in Indian aerospace and defense, Flying Wedge Defence, has unveiled the FWD-200B, the country's first-ever domestic bomber UAV. This revelation is a major milestone in supporting the Made in India initiative and reducing India's reliance on costly foreign unmanned bomber aircraft. With a 100-kilogram payload capacity, the FWD-200B is classified as a MALE (medium-altitude, long-endurance) unmanned combat aerial vehicle. It is intended to deliver missile-like weaponry for accurate airstrikes and is outfitted with optical surveillance payloads. It can reach a top speed of 200 knots, or 370 km/h, and has an amazing endurance range of 12 to 20 hours. "With a visionary aim to position India as a global hub for drone manufacturing and technology, Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace endeavors to fortify national security through cutting-edge air defense capabilities, . Suhas Tejaskanda, founder of Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace, expressed, 'For over 15 years, India's ambition for combat unmanned aircraft remained distant.' Now, with the launch of the FWD-200B, India joins the prestigious league of nations possessing cutting-edge combat aircraft." The firm aims to position India as a leading worldwide hub for drone manufacturing and technology. By equipping India with cutting-edge air defense capabilities, this project hopes to strengthen national security in the long run. Tejaskanda emphasized, "While the US Predator costs a staggering Rs 250 crores, our indigenous FWD-200B, incorporating cutting-edge technology and manufactured domestically, slashes the cost to a mere Rs 25 crores. This underscores our dedication to self-reliance and positions India as a frontrunner in cost-effective defense solutions." The advanced manufacturing hub of Flying Wedge Defence, sprawling over 12,000 square feet in Electronic City, meticulously crafted the FWD-200B, marking a significant stride towards India's self-sufficiency in defense technology." It's A Moment Of Pride For the Entire Nation ~ (Source: Google Images) The company stated that the FWD-200B could carry a maximum takeoff weight of 498 Kgs and also mentioned that it holds a ground control station (GCS) range of 200 km. Tejaskanda further stated that within the next three months, they should be able to take it to the Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC) and complete the certification process. He added that once the certification is obtained, they would be ready to induct it into the forces. He also stated that later this month, the full-scale model of the FWD-200B will undergo flight testing. Next month, the business intends to closely monitor and evaluate the aircraft's behavior and flying dynamics ~ seems like a lot of things to uncover!

7 May 2024

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Indigo to Introduce Air Taxi Service in India; First in Line for the Delhi-Gurgaon Route.

The day will not be far off when you may take a 7-minute flight from Delhi to Gurugram thanks to Indigo's soon-to-be-operational Air Taxi Services. In this context, the US-based Archer Aviation and parent company InterGlobe Enterprises of IndiGo announced that they will introduce an all-electric air taxi service in India in 2026. According to the most recent sources, travelers would be able to get from Connaught Place to Gurugram in seven minutes with the air tax service. Currently In Major Discussion ~ 2026 it is ~ For the Big Upgrade! ( Source: Google Images) The company has signed an agreement to sell 200 electric vertical takeoffs and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to India through US-based Archer Aviation. A whopping $1 billion is what Archer Aviation intends to invest in this market. These state-of-the-art aircrafts will run on a battery configuration that allows for rapid recharge in 30 to 40 minutes. The information was verified by Archer Aviation's founder and CEO, Adam Goldstein, who also disclosed that the business is now in talks with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a US regulator. The aircraft is reportedly undergoing an advanced level of certification. The air taxi service, which provides a quick and effective way to travel, has the potential to completely transform urban transportation. At a cost of between Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000, passengers may anticipate a remarkable 7-minute travel time to their destination. With room for up to four people per cab, these economical and practical replacements for conventional modes of transportation are offered. By contrast, a road trip of the same length (between 27 and 30 kilometers) would normally take about 90 minutes. With a major decrease in travel time and difficulty, the air taxi service seeks to close this gap. Further in the news ~ InterGlobe and Archer Aviation announced as part of their joint venture that they will introduce a comparable taxi service outside of Delhi, in Mumbai and Bengaluru. According to Goldstein, a vehicle typically costs around Rs 1,500 and takes about 90 minutes to travel the 27 kilometers between Connaught Place and Gurugram. The Potential It Holds ~ The introduction of air taxis holds immense potential for easing congestion on roads and reducing travel time, especially in densely populated urban areas. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and sustainable energy solutions, InterGlobe Enterprises and Archer Aviation are poised to transform the landscape of urban mobility in India. As the demand for efficient and eco-friendly transportation solutions continues to rise, initiatives like the air taxi service represent a step towards a more sustainable future. With the promise of convenience, affordability, and environmental sustainability, air taxis are set to redefine the way people commute in India's bustling cities. In conclusion, the collaboration between InterGlobe Enterprises and Archer Aviation heralds a new era of innovation in the Indian aviation sector. By harnessing the potential of electric aircraft and vertical takeoff technology, the air taxi service is poised to revolutionize urban transportation, offering passengers a fast, reliable, and environmentally friendly mode of travel. The air taxi service has the potential to transform urban transportation by providing customers with an eco-friendly, quick, and dependable means of transportation by utilizing electric aircraft and vertical takeoff technology.

23 Apr 2024

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Mumbai Surpasses Beijing to Claim Title of Asia's Billionaire Capital for the First Time

In a historic turn of events, Mumbai, the bustling financial capital of India, has surpassed Beijing to become Asia's billionaire capital for the first time. This significant shift in wealth distribution marks a milestone for the city and highlights its growing economic prowess. Mumbai Takes the Lead According to the latest Hurun Research Institute's global rich list, Mumbai now boasts 92 billionaires, securing the third position globally after New York and London. This ascent has propelled Mumbai to the top spot in Asia, outshining both Beijing and Shanghai. The Global Billionaire Landscape The global billionaire landscape continues to expand, with a 5% increase in the total number of billionaires worldwide compared to the previous year. The top-ranking cities in terms of billionaire concentration are New York with 119 billionaires, followed by London with 97. Mumbai's Rise to Prominence Mumbai's rise as Asia's billionaire capital can be attributed to several factors. The city's robust financial sector, thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, and strategic geographical location have attracted wealthy individuals seeking opportunities for growth and investment. China's Changing Wealth Dynamics While Mumbai celebrates its newfound title, China experienced a decline in billionaire numbers, primarily due to significant changes in the country's wealth creation landscape. The real estate and renewables sectors, which previously contributed to the growth of billionaires, witnessed a downturn, impacting China's overall ranking. India's Growing Economic Power India's emergence as Asia's billionaire capital reflects its status as one of the world's fastest-growing economies. With a GDP growth rate of 8.4% in the October-December period, India has become an attractive destination for wealth accumulation and investment. The country's stock market also surpassed Hong Kong's, further bolstering its economic standing. The Titans of Indian Wealth Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries, retains his position as the wealthiest person in Asia and the eleventh richest individual globally, with a staggering net worth of $110 billion. Gautam Adani, founder and chairman of the Adani Group, briefly overtook Ambani in January but currently ranks below him with a net worth of $97.9 billion. Impact of Artificial Intelligence The report highlights the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in driving wealth creation, particularly in the United States. The surge in ultra-wealthy individuals in the U.S. can be attributed to the success of companies like Nvidia, Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Oracle, and Meta, which have capitalized on the value generated by AI technologies. A Diverse Billionaire Landscape The list of billionaires includes individuals from diverse industries and sectors, showcasing the breadth of wealth creation in today's global economy. Notable figures such as Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, and Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, stand out as the top billionaires in the United States, with net worths of $201 billion and $190 billion, respectively. India's Promising Future India's inclusion of 84 new billionaires on the ultra-rich list demonstrates the country's potential for continued growth and prosperity. With its expanding economy, favorable business environment, and a focus on innovation, India is poised to attract even more wealth and solidify its position on the global stage.

27 Mar 2024

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Vistara-Air India Merger Receives Conditional Approval from Singapore's Competition Watchdog

Singapore's Competition and Consumer Commission has granted conditional approval for the merger between Vistara and Air India, a joint venture between Tata Group and Singapore Airlines. The approval comes after 15 months of the merger announcement and aims to create a larger full-service airline in both domestic and international markets. Let's delve into the details of this conditional approval and the concerns it addresses. Identifying Competition Concerns: During its assessment of the merger, the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore identified specific competition concerns. It noted that the merging parties hold the majority of market shares for direct flights on four routes between Singapore and Indian cities: New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Tiruchirapalli. This raised concerns about potential monopolistic practices and limited competition in the market. Addressing the Concerns: To address the competition concerns, the merging parties submitted proposals to the competition watchdog. These proposals outline measures aimed at avoiding anti-competitive practices and ensuring fair competition in the market. The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore deemed these proposals sufficient to address the identified concerns, leading to the conditional approval of the merger. Previous Approvals: Prior to Singapore's conditional approval, the merger had received approval from the Competition Commission of India (CCI). The CCI approved Vistara's merger with Air India, along with the acquisition of a certain shareholding by Singapore Airlines (SIA) in Air India. However, the approval was subject to compliance with voluntary commitments offered by the parties involved. The Tata Group's Expansion in the Aviation Market: The Tata Group, in partnership with Singapore Airlines, entered the Indian airline market in 2013 with the launch of Vistara. In January 2022, the Tata Group further expanded its presence by acquiring Air India and Air India Express. The merger between Vistara and Air India, along with the integration of Air Asia India with Air India Express, aims to establish a unified full-service carrier, Air India, and a low-cost carrier, Air India Express. Stake Dilution and Investment: As part of the merger transaction, Singapore Airlines, which currently holds a 49% stake in Vistara, will dilute its stake and invest Rs 2,059 crore to acquire a 25.1% stake in the merged Air India. This strategic move aligns with the objective of consolidating Vistara with Air India by March 2024. By addressing the competition concerns and ensuring fair practices, the merger aims to create a larger and more competitive full-service airline in the Indian aviation market.

8 Mar 2024

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Tejas Jet Successfully Flies with India-Made Digital Flight Control System

The Tejas light combat jet, a home-grown single-engine multi-role fighter aircraft, has achieved a significant milestone with the successful integration and flight of an indigenous digital fly-by-wire flight control computer. This development marks a major step towards enhancing self-reliance in India's defense capabilities. Successful Integration of Indigenous Digital Flight Control System The defense ministry announced that the Tejas aircraft's prototype LSP7 successfully flew with the integration of the indigenously developed digital fly-by-wire flight control computer (DFCC) on February 19. The DFCC, developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment in Bengaluru, is a crucial component of the Tejas-Mk1A version. Implications for the Tejas Aircraft Program With the successful integration and flight of the digital flight control system, the Tejas-Mk1A program takes a significant leap forward. All critical parameters and performance of the flight controls were found satisfactory during the maiden flight, which was piloted by Wing Commander Siddarth Singh KMJ (Retd) of the National Flight Test Centre. Enhanced Features of Tejas MK1A The improved version of the Tejas aircraft, the Tejas MK1A, incorporates several advanced features, including an advanced mission computer, high-performance digital flight control computer (DFCC Mk1A), smart multi-function displays (SMFD), advanced electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, advanced self-protection jammer, and electronic warfare suit. These enhancements are aimed at further strengthening the capabilities of the Tejas fleet. Promoting Self-reliance and Reducing Imports Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the joint efforts of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), and the industries involved in the successful integration and flight test of the digital flight control system. He emphasized that this achievement is a significant step towards achieving self-reliance (atmanirbharata), reducing dependency on special imports, and promoting indigenous technological capabilities. Tejas as the Mainstay of the Indian Air Force The Tejas aircraft is poised to become the mainstay of the Indian Air Force (IAF). With the operationalization of Tejas LCA Mk1 and the ongoing development of the advanced Tejas MK1A, the IAF is strengthening its fleet with indigenous fighter aircraft. The procurement of 83 Tejas MK-1A jets from Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, along with the initial approval for an additional batch of 97 Tejas jets, further underscores the IAF's commitment to this home-grown aircraft. Future Prospects and Achieving Self-sufficiency The successful integration and flight of the indigenous digital flight control system on the Tejas aircraft pave the way for future advancements and technological innovations in India's defense sector. By reducing dependency on foreign imports and promoting indigenous research and development, India is taking significant strides towards achieving self-sufficiency in defense capabilities. This development not only enhances the capabilities of the Tejas aircraft but also showcases India's progress in developing advanced technology for its defense needs. With the Tejas program gaining momentum, India is moving closer to its vision of becoming self-reliant (atmanirbhar) in defense manufacturing and reducing its dependence on foreign imports.

26 Feb 2024

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France's Thales to Upgrade Air India's Inflight Entertainment System

Air India has chosen France's Thales to upgrade its inflight entertainment system, offering passengers an enhanced onboard experience. Thales will provide state-of-the-art technology and features to improve the entertainment options for Air India's passengers. Thales Enhances Air India's Inflight Entertainment Thales, a Paris-headquartered aerospace company, has been selected by Air India to upgrade and retrofit the onboard entertainment systems of the airline's fleet, which includes 40 Boeing B777 and B787 aircraft. Advanced Features and Connectivity The upgraded entertainment system will include advanced features such as wifi connectivity, high-resolution displays, and 3D maps. Passengers will also have the convenience of connecting their wireless hearing devices via Bluetooth to enjoy the entertainment content. Expanding the Upgrade Thales will not only upgrade the existing fleet but also install the advanced entertainment system on Air India's 11 new Airbus and Boeing aircraft, set to be delivered starting in 2025. This move ensures that the airline's entire fleet will offer a seamless and modern inflight entertainment experience. Elevating the Flying Experience With India being the fastest-growing aviation market, Air India aims to elevate the overall flying experience for its passengers. Thales' cutting-edge technology and immersive entertainment options will contribute to this goal, enhancing passenger satisfaction and enjoyment during their flights. Thales' Presence and Partnership in India Thales has a strong presence in India, with a partnership dating back to 1953 with Bharat Electronics Ltd. This long-standing relationship has enabled Thales to establish itself as a trusted provider of advanced aerospace solutions in the Indian market. Air India's decision to upgrade its inflight entertainment system aligns with the airline's commitment to staying at the forefront of aviation technology. By incorporating the latest entertainment technology, Air India aims to provide its passengers with a unique and enjoyable onboard exexperience.

26 Feb 2024

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ONGC Holds Hands With Total Energies To Detect and Measure Methane Emissions.

In the Headlines ~ A collaboration agreement has been inked by TotalEnergies and the state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) to use the innovative technology to identify and quantify methane from the activities of the Indian enterprise. As part of its decarbonization initiative, ONGC wants to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions from its oil and gas activities, namely methane. It will now identify and quantify methane emissions using TotalEnergies' ground-breaking AUSEA (Airborne Ultralight Spectrometer for Environmental Applications) technology, the two companies announced in a statement. On the fringes of India Energy Week, Sushma Rawat, Director (Exploration), ONGC, and Sankaran Ratnam, Country Chair of TotalEnergies in India, signed the Cooperation Agreement. Compared to conventional methods, this technology represents a significant advancement in the detection and monitoring of methane emissions. AUSEA is one of the most accurate technologies available since it enables access to difficult-to-reach emission locations in many kinds of industrial facilities. In the battle against climate change, reducing methane emissions from operations is the industry's top goal. Their goal as a group is to have zero methane emissions by 2030. According to TotalEnergies Chairman and CEO Patrick Pouyann, "We are happy to work together and provide ONGC, in India, with our AUSEA technology to detect, measure, and eventually reduce methane emissions on their assets." Understanding How Methane Emissions Are Harmful ~ Ground-level ozone, a dangerous air pollutant, and greenhouse gas that exposes people to one million premature deaths annually, is mostly formed by methane. It is 80 times more powerful than carbon dioxide at warming. Since pre-industrial times, methane has contributed around 30% to global warming, and its abundance is increasing more quickly than it has ever done since record-keeping started in the 1980s. In fact, during the pandemic-related lockdowns in 2020, atmospheric methane increased even as carbon dioxide emissions decreased, according to statistics from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. ~ Will lowering methane aid in the fight against global warming? Indeed. Over centuries to millennia, carbon dioxide remains in the atmosphere, suggesting that its climate impact would manifest much later in the century, even with rapid and substantial emission reductions. However, methane breaks down in just about ten years. Therefore, reducing methane emissions today would yield prompt effects and is crucial for limiting global warming to 1.5°C. ONGC In a Glance ~ ONGC is the biggest producer of natural gas and crude oil in India, accounting for over 71% of the country's total output. To make petroleum products like gasoline, diesel, kerosene, naphtha, and cooking gas liquid petroleum gas (LPG), downstream firms like Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOC), Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) and Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) (the last two are subsidiaries of ONGC) utilize crude oil as their raw material. Being a firm with in-house service capabilities in all areas of oil and gas exploration and production as well as allied oil-field services gives ONGC a special advantage. This public sector organization employs almost 26,000 people who work hard in difficult environments around the clock. Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru provided visionary leadership in establishing the ONGC. Pandit Nehru had trust in Shri Keshav Dev Malviya, who in 1955 established the Oil and Gas branch of the Geological Survey of India, which became the basis of ONGC. It was changed into an Oil and Natural Gas Directorate a few months later. On August 14, 1956, the Directorate was transformed into the Commission and given the name Oil & Natural Gas Commission. "Not only had India set up her machinery for oil exploration and exploitation, but also an efficient oil commission had been built where a large number of bright young men and women had been trained and they were doing good work," stated Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru at 1959 On ONGC, India's first prime minister. Throughout its 60-year history, ONGC has achieved several milestones to fulfill India's energy ambitions. Over the years, ONGC's journey has been one of devotion, bravery, and conviction. Every border region have been transformed into new hydrocarbon provinces, thanks to the extraordinary efforts of ONGC. From humble beginnings, ONGC has expanded to rank among the biggest exploration and production (E&P) firms globally in terms of reserves and production. Some Information About Total Energies SE ~ TotalEnergies SE (TotalEnergies), formerly known as Total SE, is an integrated worldwide multi-energy firm that produces energy from renewable sources, oil and biofuels, and natural gas and green gases. Drilling, producing oil and gas, processing, transporting, refining, producing petrochemicals, storing, distributing petroleum products and specialized chemicals are all done by it. It generates electricity, trades gas, and works in the renewable energy industry. TotalEnergies leases ships, trades on many derivative markets, and provides feedstock to chemical facilities. The business provides services to customers in the manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, transportation, and energy sectors. It operates throughout North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific. The main office of TotalEnergies is located in Paris, France. ''Saving our planet, lifting people out of poverty, advancing economic growth… these are the same fight. We must connect the dots between climate change, water scarcity, energy shortages, global health, food security, and women’s empowerment. Solutions to one problem must be solutions for all.''– Ban Ki-moon ( Ban Ki-moon is a South Korean politician and diplomat who served as the eighth secretary-general of the United Nations between 2007 and 2016. Before he was appointed secretary-general, Ban was the South Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade between 2004 and 2006.)

19 Feb 2024

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Air India's First A350 Enters Service, Aims to Restore Glory

Air India, once known for its luxurious flying experience, is stepping into a new era with the introduction of its first Airbus A350 aircraft. The airline hopes that this move will help restore its former glory and position itself as a global player in the aviation industry. Can Air India's latest addition revitalize the carrier and provide passengers with a superior flying experience? Reviving a Legacy: In the past, Air India was renowned for its exceptional service, but it has since faced financial distress, government interference, and inefficiencies. The airline's reputation suffered, and it became associated with rundown planes and poor maintenance. Now, under the Tata Group's ownership after privatization, Air India is determined to reclaim its esteemed status. The Airbus A350-900 Takes Flight: Air India's brand-new Airbus A350-900 is set to operate its maiden flight today. This aircraft, the first of its kind in the country, was officially inaugurated at Wings India 2024 in Hyderabad. Initially, it will serve on domestic routes for crew familiarization before expanding to international medium and long-haul routes by mid-2024. Aiming for Excellence: With the introduction of the A350, Air India aspires to provide world-class products and enhance the passenger experience. The aircraft's deployment on international routes will also initiate a comprehensive $400-million interior refurbishment of Air India's existing wide-body fleet, which is in dire need of an upgrade. Business Class Redefined: Air India's CEO and Managing Director, Campbell Wilson, describes the A350 as a "game-changer" for the airline. The business class cabin features 28 private suites in a 1-2-1 configuration, each offering direct aisle access and sliding privacy doors. Equipped with 21-inch high-definition touchscreens and video handsets, these seats convert into full-sized beds, providing exceptional comfort during long flights. Business class passengers will also receive amenity kits from the renowned Italian luxury fashion house, Ferragamo. Premium Economy and Economy Comfort: The premium economy cabin boasts 24 seats in a 2-4-2 configuration, offering generous legroom, adjustable headrests, and a 13.3-inch high-definition touchscreen. Passengers in this class will receive amenity kits from the popular US-based travel brand, Tumi. The economy class cabin provides 264 seats in a 3-4-3 configuration, with comfortable seat dimensions, 12-inch high-definition touchscreens, and amenity kits for ultra-long-haul flights. New Brand Identity and Amenities: Air India's new A350 aircraft proudly showcases the airline's revamped brand identity, unveiled in August 2023. Passengers can expect new bed linen, blankets, chinaware, and glassware that reflect the carrier's fresh image. These enhancements will be gradually introduced across Air India's international flights operated by its wide-body fleet, including A350, Boeing 777, and Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. Additionally, the airline is introducing a state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment system, offering over 2,200 hours of content. Competition and Expansion: Air India's strategic move of expanding its network and modernizing its fleet aims to compete with cash-rich Gulf-based carriers such as Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways. By offering comparable services on long and ultra-long-haul routes, Air India hopes to attract passengers who prefer trans-continental flights. The airline's order of 250 planes from Airbus, including the A350 series, is part of its comprehensive plan to establish itself as a reputable global airline. Air India's first A350 marks a significant milestone in its journey towards reclaiming its former glory. With a renewed focus on passenger experience, luxurious cabins, and enhanced amenities, the airline aims to provide a world-class flying experience.

22 Jan 2024

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Tata-owned Air India to Establish South Asia's Largest Training Academy in Gurugram

In a significant development, Tata-owned Air India has announced its ambitious plan to construct the largest training academy in South Asia. The state-of-the-art facility aims to train a vast number of aviation professionals, further bolstering the aviation sector in the region. A Landmark Venture in Aviation Education Air India, under the ownership of the Tata Group, is all set to launch an integrated aviation training academy in Gurugram, Haryana. Spanning an impressive area of 600,000 square feet, this academy will be the largest of its kind in South Asia. The facility will serve as a hub for training various aviation professionals and is projected to train over 50,000 individuals in the coming years. Comprehensive Training for Diverse Roles The training academy will cater to a wide range of roles within the aviation industry. It will offer training programs not only for pilots but also for cabin crew, ground handling staff, engineering personnel, security staff, and more. This comprehensive approach to training will ensure that the academy produces well-rounded professionals equipped to handle various challenges in the aviation sector. Plans for Future Expansion Air India's training academy is expected to commence operations in the near future, with a focus on providing top-notch training for aviation professionals. The academy will boast over 20 Full Flight Simulator Bays (FFS) to facilitate realistic training experiences for pilots. These simulators will replicate the conditions of Air India's existing fleet, ensuring that pilots are fully prepared for aircraft deliveries and future advancements in aviation technology. Collaboration with Airbus and Airbus Training Centre As part of its expansion plans, Air India is also collaborating with Airbus to establish an Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) school. This initiative aims to offer comprehensive training to engineering cadets in the aviation sector. The training center will be equipped with 20 Full Flight Simulator (FFS) Bays, with Airbus providing 10 of the required simulators. The courses offered by the Tata Airbus Training Centre will be approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Implications for Aviation Industry and Air India's Growth The establishment of South Asia's largest training academy by Tata-owned Air India marks a significant step forward in the growth and development of the aviation sector in the region. This initiative will not only enhance the skill level of aviation professionals but also contribute to the overall improvement of safety standards and operational efficiency. It is a testament to Air India's commitment to fostering excellence in aviation education and its dedication to staying at the forefront of industry advancements. With the construction of this state-of-the-art training academy, Air India is reinforcing its position as a leading player in the aviation industry. The academy will serve as a center of excellence, nurturing talent and equipping individuals with the necessary skills to thrive in the dynamic field of aviation.

19 Jan 2024

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India and Iran Successfully Reach Final Agreement to Develop Strategically Important Chabahar Port

India and Iran have achieved a conclusive agreement for the development of the strategically significant Chabahar Port. The External Affairs Minister of India, S Jaishankar, held extensive discussions with his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amirabdollahian, during his visit to Tehran. The discussions primarily focused on establishing a long-term framework for India's involvement in the development of the Chabahar Port and the North-South connectivity project. Building a Strong Bilateral Framework During the meeting, both ministers emphasized the significance of the Chabahar Port and its potential to enhance trade and connectivity between India, Iran, and other countries in the region. Mr. Jaishankar expressed India's commitment to investing in transportation and transit projects in Iran, highlighting the country's readiness to strengthen bilateral ties in these areas. The Chabahar Port and INSTC Connectivity Project The Chabahar Port, located in Iran's Sistan-Balochistan province, is being jointly developed by India and Iran. It serves as a crucial hub for trade and connectivity, providing a shorter route for Indian goods to reach markets in Afghanistan and Central Asia. The port plays a vital role in the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a multi-mode transport project spanning over 7,200 kilometers and connecting India, Iran, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia, and Europe. Addressing Maritime Security Concerns In addition to the port development, the ministers discussed the threats faced by maritime shipping in the region. They stressed the need for prompt action to address these concerns, alluding to recent incidents involving merchant vessels in the Red Sea, attributed to Iranian-backed Houthi rebels amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. India has been closely monitoring the situation and has deployed its naval assets to ensure maritime security in the critical sea lanes, including the North and Central Arabian Sea. Wider Regional and International Cooperation Apart from the Chabahar Port and maritime security, the ministers also touched upon various other regional and international issues of mutual interest. Topics discussed included the situation in Gaza, Afghanistan, Ukraine, and cooperation within the BRICS framework. Prime Minister's Greetings and Condolences During his visit, Minister Jaishankar met Iranian President Dr. Ebrahim Raisi and conveyed warm greetings from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also expressed condolences over a recent attack in Kerman. The Indian minister valued President Raisi's guidance in further developing ties between the two nations. Prospects for Future Collaboration The agreement reached between India and Iran for the development of the Chabahar Port marks a significant milestone in their bilateral relationship. It paves the way for increased trade, connectivity, and cooperation in the region. The establishment of a joint transportation committee will facilitate the activation of transit capacities and the utilization of the North-South corridor, benefitting both countries and the wider region. Looking Ahead With the final agreement in place, India and Iran are poised to deepen their engagement in the development of the Chabahar Port. This collaboration not only strengthens their bilateral ties but also contributes to regional stability and economic growth. The successful implementation of the Chabahar Port project will unlock new opportunities for trade and connectivity, benefiting not only India and Iran but also the countries connected by the INSTC.

17 Jan 2024

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Bengaluru and Hyderabad airports rank among the world's top three most punctual airports

In the latest assessment of on-time performance by Cirium, a leading aviation analytics firm, Hyderabad and Bengaluru airports have emerged as flag bearers of punctuality on a global scale. Capturing the second and third positions respectively, these airports have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to efficiency and reliability in air travel, boasting over 84 per cent on-time departures. The success of Hyderabad and Bengaluru airports owes itself to a blend of infrastructure advancements and the substantial presence of IndiGo, a prominent Indian airline. IndiGo, ranking fourth among Asia Pacific airlines with more than 82 per cent on-time arrivals, plays a pivotal role in ensuring the punctuality of flights at these airports. Nearly half of all flights in Bengaluru and 65 per cent in Hyderabad are operated by IndiGo, underlining its significant influence. IndiGo's prominence underscores the airline's dedication to punctuality, shaping the operational landscape of these airports positively. This symbiotic relationship between the airline and airports emerges as a crucial factor contributing to their exceptional on-time performance. Not to be overshadowed, Kolkata airport secured a noteworthy ninth position in the medium airports category with an impressive 83.9 percent on-time flights. Cirium's measure of on-time performance considers flights that arrive within 15 minutes of their scheduled gate arrival. These rankings not only showcase India's aviation prowess but also underscore the crucial collaborative role played by airlines and airports in upholding punctuality standards.

3 Jan 2024

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French Company Develops 'Superplants' to Purify Indoor Air 30 Times More Than Regular Houseplants

A small business in France has made a breakthrough in the fight against indoor air pollution by creating genetically-enhanced houseplants that can remove indoor pollutants up to 30 times more effectively than regular houseplants. Neoplants, the company behind this innovation, recognized the need to address the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in households. These compounds, found in items such as paint, treated wood, and household cleaners, can lead to health issues like inflammation and irritation. By modifying the genetic makeup of houseplants, Neoplants have enhanced their natural ability to absorb and process pollutants like formaldehyde. The modified plants no longer store the toxins but instead convert them into plant matter. This breakthrough also improves the plants' microbiome, enabling them to more efficiently absorb and process VOCs. The first product from Neoplants, called the Neo P1, is a Devil's ivy plant that comes with a custom-designed tall stand to optimize its air-cleaning properties. Initial tests conducted by the Ecole Mines-Telecom of Lille University showed that the Neo P1 is equivalent to having 30 regular houseplants in terms of air purification effectiveness. The founders of Neoplants aim to provide a sustainable solution to indoor air pollution while reducing the burden of maintenance for plant owners. The Neo P1 is expected to be available for delivery in August 2024. With the growing awareness of environmental issues and the importance of clean indoor air, these 'superplants' offer a promising solution. By harnessing the power of genetic enhancements, Neoplants is paving the way for a healthier and more sustainable future.

8 Nov 2023

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Indian Shooters Shatter Records: Gold Glory at Asian Games 2023!

In a sensational display of precision and teamwork, Indian sharpshooters Divyansh Singh Panwar, Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, and Rudrankksh Patil etched their names in history at the Asian Games 2023 by shattering a world record in the men's 10m Air Rifle team event. Their stellar performance secured India's first gold medal of the games, marking a monumental triumph. With an extraordinary overall score of 1893.7 points, the Indian trio surpassed China's previous record of 1893.3 points set at the World Championships in Baku. The trio showcased remarkable consistency and skill, propelling India to the top of the 10m air rifle men's team event standings in Hangzhou. Patil, the reigning 10m air rifle world champion, and Tomar not only contributed to the team's success but also earned spots in the individual final, with Patil securing third place and Tomar standing at fifth. Panwar's exceptional performance ensured that India clinched the gold, outpacing the existing world record and leaving Korea in second place and Iran with the bronze. With this historic victory, India added another feather to its cap at the Asian Games, reinforcing the nation's prowess in the sport of shooting. This gold medal joins the 10m air rifle team silver and Ramita Jindal's individual bronze, making it a triumphant start for the Indian shooting team at the 19th Asian Games.

25 Sep 2023

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Groundbreaking Enzyme Converts Air into Electricity, Paving the Way for Clean Energy Solutions!

In a remarkable scientific breakthrough, Australian researchers have uncovered an enzyme capable of transforming air into electricity, presenting a promising solution to our energy needs. The enzyme, known as Huc, leverages the trace amounts of hydrogen present in the atmosphere to generate an electrical current, offering a new avenue for clean and sustainable energy production. Led by a team of microbiologists from Monash University, the discovery of Huc represents a significant advancement in our understanding of how bacteria harness energy. The enzyme, produced by bacteria found in various environments such as soil, oceans, and even Antarctica, acts as a scavenger of hydrogen gas. Notably, it can consume hydrogen below atmospheric levels, resembling a natural battery. The findings, published in the journal Nature, shed light on the intricate workings of Huc and its potential applications. The enzyme could be employed in the synthesis of fine chemicals, enabling precise modifications that are challenging to achieve through traditional chemical means. Moreover, Huc shows promise as a hydrogen sensor, capable of detecting hydrogen concentrations by producing an electrical current. Perhaps most excitingly, Huc holds the potential to power small electronic devices using air or low concentrations of hydrogen, offering a clean and sustainable energy source. While further research and development are needed to bring these applications to fruition, the discovery of this enzyme marks a significant step towards a greener and more sustainable future. Beyond its practical implications, understanding the role of Huc and similar enzymes in hydrogen absorption by bacteria provides valuable insights into the Earth's climate regulation. These bacteria absorb millions of tonnes of hydrogen annually, influencing the composition of our atmosphere and potentially offering a means to mitigate climate change. As scientists work towards scaling up the production of Huc, the possibilities for harnessing clean energy from thin air appear limitless. This groundbreaking discovery ushers in a new era of renewable energy generation, unlocking the potential to revolutionize the way we power our world and mitigate the environmental challenges we face.

4 Sep 2023

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Lampshades Transformed into Air Purifiers with Innovative Coating, Offering Cleaner Indoor Environments

In a groundbreaking development, scientists in South Korea have revolutionized indoor air purification by transforming ordinary lampshades into efficient air purifiers. By applying a "clever" new coating to the lampshades, researchers have devised a simple yet effective method to combat indoor air pollution. The lampshades, compatible with halogen, incandescent, and LED bulbs, utilize a catalyst coating that harnesses the heat generated by the light source. Developed by a team at Yonsei University, the technology primarily targets volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are the main culprits behind indoor airborne pollutants. VOCs, emitted by various sources such as paints, cleaners, plastics, and cooking, can persist in the air for extended periods, posing health risks. Traditional methods of VOC removal involve filters that need periodic replacement or devices requiring additional heating or UV light sources. However, the newly developed lampshades eliminate the need for complex setups. The catalyst-coated lampshades, when exposed to the heat emitted by the bulb, initiate an oxidation process that decomposes the VOCs. The harmful compounds are transformed into harmless substances such as carbon dioxide and water. The researchers also discovered that the technique is effective in decomposing formaldehyde, a common indoor pollutant. With this groundbreaking innovation, individuals and businesses can potentially enhance the air quality in their indoor spaces by simply replacing their existing lampshades. This advancement represents a significant step forward in creating healthier and cleaner environments, ensuring a better quality of life for all.

25 Aug 2023

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A Gateway to Paradise: Port Blair's New Integrated Terminal Enhances Connectivity

In a momentous virtual inauguration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the new integrated terminal building (NITB) at Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Joined by Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Minister VK Singh, and other esteemed officials, the event marked a significant step towards enhancing connectivity to the islands. The state-of-the-art terminal, shaped like a shell to reflect the islands' natural beauty, is a marvel of eco-friendly design. It boasts 100% natural lighting for 12 hours a day through strategically placed skylights on the roof, reducing energy consumption. Moreover, the terminal incorporates eco-conscious features like rainwater catchment, an on-site sewage treatment plant, and a 500 KW solar power plant, ensuring minimal impact on the islands' environment. One of the terminal's remarkable highlights is the apron, capable of accommodating two Boeing-767-400 and two Airbus-321 aircraft simultaneously, making it suitable for parking up to 10 aircraft at a time. With such upgraded infrastructure, Port Blair Airport is set to handle increased air traffic, offering a gateway to the mesmerizing Andaman and Nicobar Islands for tourists from around the world. The new integrated terminal boasts a total built-up area of 40,837 square meters, providing ample space for 1,200 passengers during peak hours and approximately 40 lakh passengers annually. It features 28 check-in counters, three passenger boarding bridges, and four conveyor belts, streamlining the travel experience for visitors. Constructed by the Airports Authority of India at a cost of ₹707.73 crore, this cutting-edge terminal is not only a symbol of progress but also a source of hope for the local community. It is expected to generate enhanced employment opportunities, giving a much-needed boost to the regional economy. As travelers step into this architectural marvel, they embark on a journey that seamlessly blends modernity with nature's pristine beauty.

19 Jul 2023

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Breathing Easy: Innovative Air Tower Filters 273 Hot Air Balloons Worth of Polluted City Air Per Day in Delhi Park

A park in India has installed a unique air tower that filters the equivalent of 273 hot air balloons worth of polluted air every day. The air tower, located in the heart of Delhi's Lajpat Nagar Park, was developed by Kurin Systems, an Indian start-up dedicated to creating innovative solutions to combat air pollution. The tower, which stands 40 feet tall, uses a green technology called "Kurinji," which uses water to capture and remove pollutants from the air. The tower is capable of filtering up to 32,000 cubic meters of air per hour, making a significant impact on the air quality in the surrounding area. According to the CEO of Kurin Systems, Pavitra Singh, "We wanted to create a sustainable solution to the air pollution crisis in India. Our air tower is not only effective but also eco-friendly and cost-efficient." The installation of the air tower has not only improved the air quality in the surrounding area but also serves as a symbol of hope for a greener, cleaner future. The tower has become a popular attraction in the park, with visitors taking photos and sharing their support for the innovative solution to air pollution. As air pollution continues to be a growing concern around the world, innovative solutions like the Kurinji air tower provide hope for a healthier future for all.

4 Jul 2023

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Young Inventor Takes Flight: Double-Decker Seats Could Revolutionize Economy Class Travel

A young innovator is fighting to make economy class travel more comfortable with her wild double-decker aircraft seats. London-based inventor, Rosie Yousef, is working on designs for a new seating arrangement that doubles the capacity of an economy class cabin while increasing space for passengers. Yousef's design features two levels of seating, with the top layer accessed by a set of stairs. The seats on the upper deck are positioned slightly higher than the seats on the lower deck, providing a more spacious feel. In addition, the seats on the lower deck are positioned at a slight angle, allowing for more legroom. The young inventor believes that her design will revolutionize economy class travel, making it more comfortable and less cramped. She is currently in talks with several airlines about implementing her designs on their aircraft. Critics, however, have raised concerns about the safety and practicality of the double-decker seating arrangement. Yousef has addressed these concerns by stating that her design conforms to all safety regulations and that it has been tested extensively. If her designs are implemented, it could make long-haul travel more comfortable for millions of economy class passengers. The aviation industry is always looking for ways to improve the flying experience, and Rosie Yousef's double-decker seats could be the next big thing.

22 Jun 2023

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Chennai Airport Achieves Full Green Power Takeoff!

Chennai Airport, a bustling hub serving approximately 20 million passengers annually, has reached an impressive milestone by becoming completely powered by renewable energy. The airport has adopted a diverse range of sustainable power sources, including rooftop solar panels, solar energy procured from businesses, and green tariff power purchased from Tangedco. This remarkable feat was accomplished just last month, marking a significant increase from the previous renewable energy usage of 50%. Notably, even the crucial runway and taxiway lighting are now powered by clean solar energy. The transition to renewable energy has yielded substantial benefits for Chennai Airport. By replacing traditional terminal fittings with energy-efficient LED lights and utilizing solar power for terminals and efficient air conditioning, the airport has not only reduced its carbon emissions by an estimated 2,200 tonnes annually but has also achieved energy savings of Rs. 100 million. The airport's focus on upgrading its lighting systems and optimizing air conditioning usage has played a vital role in emission reduction efforts. In line with their commitment to sustainability, Chennai Airport also considered installing solar panels on the airport campus. Although the initial plans faced delays and concerns about potential interference with flight operations due to sunlight reflection, the authorities explored alternative options, including procuring solar energy from third-party sources. Additionally, with available land parcels on the airport property, the installation of solar panels remains a possibility for future expansion. The airport's sustainability efforts extend beyond energy sources, as airlines are gradually transitioning to electric cars to minimize pollution and reduce their carbon footprint. Chennai Airport's commendable achievement serves as an inspiring example of how airports can successfully harness renewable energy to power their operations, ultimately paving the way for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious aviation industry.

14 Jun 2023

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Now You Can Breathe Easy as CSIR-IITR's Breakthrough Technology Set to Transform Pollution Control!

In a groundbreaking initiative, the CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (IITR) is spearheading the development of a cutting-edge device to tackle ambient air pollution more effectively than existing anti-smog guns and smog towers. What sets this device apart is its ability to not only reduce PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations but also target gaseous pollutants, a feature absent in current air pollution reduction technologies. Ambient (outdoor) air pollution poses a significant threat to human health, contributing to a range of diseases such as stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory ailments like asthma. It is a pervasive issue affecting individuals worldwide, irrespective of income levels. With a generous grant of Rs 34.79 lakh from the DST-Science and Research Engineering Board (SERB), the CSIR-IITR has successfully designed and developed this groundbreaking device. The institute has now entrusted an external agency with the fabrication process. Dr. B. Sreekanth, the brilliant mind behind the device and assistant professor of the environmental monitoring division at CSIR-IITR, expressed the need for a more advanced solution to address the shortcomings faced by existing air purification devices. Previous technologies such as CSIR-NEERI's WAYU and IIT Bombay's Smog-Tower encountered obstacles during field evaluations due to their unwieldy size, high power requirements, and demanding maintenance. Recognizing the demand for a competent and upgraded device, CSIR-IITR has taken on the challenge of creating a new and improved solution. This groundbreaking device promises to revolutionize the fight against air pollution and pave the way for enhanced air quality. As the project progresses, the world eagerly awaits the positive impact it will have on our environment and well-being.

5 Jun 2023

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The Third Edition of Khelo India Games Ushers in a Sporting Extravaganza

The eagerly awaited third edition of the Khelo India University Games (KIUG) has taken off in Uttar Pradesh. With the participation of more than 4,000 athletes and officials from 207 universities across the nation, competing in 21 different disciplines, this 12-day event promises to be a thrilling spectacle. While the majority of competitions are scheduled to take place in various cities of Uttar Pradesh, the shooting events will be held in the capital city of New Delhi. Athletes, officials, and spectators from all over the country came together to attend the opening ceremony and celebrate the spirit of sporting excellence. The SVSP Sports Complex Indoor Hall in Gautam Buddha Nagar witnessed the commencement of KIUG with exciting kabaddi matches. Adding a new dimension of excitement, this edition of KIUG introduces water sports. The serene Taal Lake in Ramgarh, Gorakhpur, will be the venue for a captivating rowing contest. By diversifying and expanding the range of sporting disciplines, KIUG aims to provide athletes with unique opportunities to showcase their talents and passion. Sanjay Saraswat, the executive director of the Sports Authority of India's Lucknow center, highlights the significance of KIUG in increasing visibility for athletes at the national level. By prioritizing fair play, KIUG aims to address past incidents of manipulation in school and university games. Saraswat emphasizes the importance of establishing robust policies to enable university athletes to showcase their abilities and potential. As the Khelo India University Games unfold, athletes from diverse backgrounds are converging to compete, inspiring a new generation of sporting enthusiasts and laying the foundation for a brighter future in Indian sports.

26 May 2023

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From Cow Hugs to Ghee-Making: Inside Truly Desi's Cutting-Edge Experience Centre

Truly Desi has taken a massive leap towards sustainability and eco-friendliness by launching its very first state-of-the-art Experience Centre in collaboration with Vrindavan Vedic Farms. The Experience Centre, nestled in the picturesque village of Jambhul in Maharashtra, promises visitors an immersive journey into the world of A2 dairy products and organic farming. The Experience Centre aims to promote organic farming and improve the economic prospects of farmers and rural communities in Maharashtra. It offers visitors an opportunity to learn about regenerative and biodynamic organic agricultural practices and witness them firsthand. The center will display traditional ghee-making processes, cow hugging and feeding, and participation in farming operations such as sowing, harvesting, and more. The Experience Centre also features a meditation and agnihotra center, a fertilizer preparation center, and a buying station where customers can purchase organic products on the spot. Guests can also enjoy farm-fresh supper and unwind in the tranquil farm setting. Truly Desi Co-Founders, Mohit Rathod and Rupali Kakade, emphasized that the Experience Centre aims to provide customers with the transparency they deserve, particularly with the growing need for genuine and easily accessible organic food. The Experience Center aims to foster trust and transparency in the agriculture industry, where sourcing authentic organic products can be challenging. The company offers desi dairy products, organic fruits and vegetables, and certified organic products. Vrindavan Vedic Farm currently has around 100 cows and generates electricity through its Biogas facility. They produce their own organic fertilizer in-house, which is free of chemicals and manufactured from cow dung, urine, biogas slurry, and bacterial cultures. The Experience Center is a significant step towards promoting sustainable agriculture and providing consumers with authentic and easily accessible organic products. Truly Desi and Vrindavan Vedic Farm's collaborative efforts are sure to make a positive impact on the agriculture industry and benefit farmers and rural communities in Maharashtra.

30 Apr 2023

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From Sudan to Mumbai: The Daring Woman Who Flew the Mighty C-17 in a Historic Mission

It was a thrilling moment for the Indian Air Force (IAF) as Flight Lieutenant Har Raj Kaur Boparai expertly landed the mighty C-17 aircraft in Mumbai on Thursday. What made this feat all the more incredible was that Boparai is the only woman officer in the entire squadron of the C-17. Her successful landing came after completing a daring evacuation mission from strife-torn Sudan, as part of the government's heroic #OperationKaveri initiative to bring back its citizens from the war-torn nation. The IAF aircraft brought 246 Indian nationals back home safely, and the images of the evacuees were shared by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Twitter. The total number of Indians brought back from Sudan under this initiative stands at 606. Flt Lt H R K Boparai's accomplishment is noteworthy, as she is the only woman officer in the squadron of the C-17 aircraft. The Hindon Air Force Station-based squadron is responsible for carrying out critical missions and tasks assigned by the Indian government, such as transportation of troops, supplies, and equipment. Boparai's accomplishment is proof of the progress that women are making in traditionally male-dominated fields. The Indian Air Force has been actively working towards gender equality in recent years, with more and more women taking on combat roles. Boparai's achievement is a step in the right direction and serves as an inspiration for women across the country. As India continues to work towards bringing its citizens back from conflict-ridden areas, it is heartening to see women like Boparai breaking barriers and making history. The Indian Air Force and the country at large have much to be proud of in this regard.

28 Apr 2023

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Moo-ving Forward: India's First Cloned Gir Cow Sets a New Standard for Milk Production!

India has achieved a breakthrough in milk production with the cloning of its first desi Gir cow. The National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) has successfully cloned a female calf of the Gir breed, which can produce more than 15 litres of milk per day. The calf, named Ganga, was born under a project aimed at cloning indigenous cow breeds such as Gir and Sahiwal. The cloning technique is being used to increase milk yield in compliance with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's directions. NDRI Chief Dr. Dheer Aibgh noted that Gir cattle are popular for their hardiness, stress tolerance, and resistance to tropical diseases. They have been exported to several countries, including the United States and Brazil, for the development of zebu cows. The programme was started by the NDRI in collaboration with the Uttarakhand Livestock Development Board. The cloned calf, Ganga, weighs 32 kg and is growing well. The Gir breed is one of several indigenous cattle breeds, such as Sahiwal, Tharparkar, and Red-Sindhi, that play a vital role in milk production and the growth of the Indian dairy industry. The project team of scientists has been working for over two years to develop an indigenous method for producing cloned cattle. According to a report in The Economic Times, oocytes are isolated from live animals using ultrasound-guided needles and then matured under control conditions for 24 hours. The somatic cells of elite cows are used as donor genomes, which are fused with OPU-derived enucleated oocytes. Following chemical activation and in-vitro culture, the developed blastocysts are transferred into recipient mothers to deliver the Gir calf. The NDRI and its collaborators are planning to clone more high-yield cows of indigenous breeds to support the government's goal of increasing milk production. With this breakthrough in cloning technology, India is poised to take a giant leap in milk production and secure its position as a major player in the global dairy industry.

30 Mar 2023

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This Airport in India has Bagged Asia Pacific's Cleanest Airport Award!

The Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi has recently bagged the coveted title of the cleanest airport in the entire Asia Pacific region by the Airports Council International. It's a monumental accomplishment, a triumph for the dedicated staff who have labored tirelessly to uphold the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene. This recognition marks a turning point for the airport, as it sets a new standard of excellence for others to aspire to. Apart from the cleanliness aspect, the airport is also widely regarded as one of the best in the Asia Pacific region. The airport has been named one of the best for five years in a row, an award that the staff and management are honored to receive. The awards are based on surveys conducted with passengers at airports across the Asia Pacific region. These surveys cover a range of performance indicators and are designed to gather feedback on the quality of services and facilities provided by airports. The recognition received by the Indira Gandhi International Airport is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff and management. They have worked tirelessly to maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and customer service, ensuring that passengers have a comfortable and enjoyable experience when traveling through the airport. The Airport Service Quality awards ceremony will take place in September 2023 in the Republic of Korea’s Incheon.This award is not just a point of pride for the airport but also for India as a whole. It shows that the country is on the right track to becoming a global leader in infrastructure and services.

11 Mar 2023

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Air India Places Record Order for 470 Planes From Airbus and Boeing

Air India, the national carrier of India, has placed an order for 470 planes from Airbus and Boeing, which is the largest single order in the commercial aviation history. The order includes 270 planes from Airbus and 200 planes from Boeing, with a total value of around $100 billion at list prices. The order comes as part of Air India's plans to expand and modernize its fleet in order to meet growing demand from passengers. With this new order, Air India will be able to add more destinations and frequencies, while also improving the overall experience for its passengers. The mega deal will create over 2,00,000 jobs in India, directly and indirectly, according to top aviation sector experts. The order includes a mix of narrow-body and wide-body aircraft, including the Airbus A320neo, A321neo, as well as the Boeing 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner. Air India's decision to place such a large order highlights the growing demand for air travel in India; it is expected to become one of the largest aviation markets in the world over the next decade, with Indian government planning to build 80 new airports.

21 Feb 2023

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Flying Crops: Krishi Udan Scheme 2.0 Promotes Perishable Agricultural Produce Transportation

In a move to give a thrust to agriculture, the central government plans to add 21 more airports under the Krishi Udan scheme to facilitate faster movement of agricultural produce in northeastern, hilly and tribal regions. The scheme has already enabled the transportation of perishable agricultural products like lemon, jackfruit, and grapes from northeastern states to other parts of India, as well as countries like Germany, the UK, Singapore, and the Philippines. The Airports Authority of India provides several waivers, including landing charges, parking charges, and route navigation facility charges to cargo aircraft to promote the transportation of perishable agricultural produce from these regions under the Krishi Udan scheme 2.0, launched in October 2021. The usage of drones in the agriculture sector is also gaining importance, beyond just spraying pesticides to seeding, carrying out surveys, and other areas. The government has released standard operating procedures for the use of drones in pesticide and nutrient application, and there are reports of farmers saving around 20% of their cost of application and reduction in health hazards associated with manual spraying. During the G20 summit, India plans to come out with a new roadmap for the development of agriculture. The summit is discussing food security and nutrition, sustainable agriculture, inclusive agricultural value chains, food supply systems, and digitization of agriculture. These efforts have the potential to transform the agricultural landscape of the country and provide a better future for farmers and rural communities, creating new opportunities for growth and development.

16 Feb 2023

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India Rushes to Aid: Relief Teams and Supplies Sent to Turkey and Syria

India has shown its solidarity and support for Turkey and Syria following a devastating earthquake that killed thousands and flattened buildings. On Monday, India immediately sent search and rescue teams, medical teams, and relief materials to Turkey at the instructions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India also sent six tonnes of relief material, including life-saving medicines and medical items, to Syria in a transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force. Two C-17 Globemaster military transport aircraft carrying search and rescue personnel, specialized dog squads, drilling machines, relief materials, and medicines landed in Adana, Turkey in the morning. A second IAF plane followed later in the day. A 99-member team from the Indian Army's field hospital has also been dispatched to set up a 30-bed field hospital equipped with medical specialists and necessary equipment. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar tweeted to express India's solidarity and conveyed the country's support to Syria. The Turkish ambassador Firat Sunel appreciated India's assistance and called it an example of good friendship. India's quick response to offering assistance to Turkey and Syria shows the country's commitment to helping those in need during difficult times. With the dispatch of rescue teams and equipment, India is hoping to aid in the rescue efforts and support the earthquake-hit countries in their hour of need.

9 Feb 2023

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A New Hope: India’s LIFE Initiative Shows the Way To Reduce Global Emissions

India’s G20 presidency this year marks a crucial point in the fight against climate change, air pollution, and unaffordable energy bills. The IEA estimates that adopting India’s LIFE initiative could help reduce global carbon dioxide emissions by more than 2 billion tonnes in 2030, which is equivalent to one-fifth of the emission reduction needed to be on the pathway to global net-zero emissions. The G20 countries, which make up almost 80% of the global energy demand, can make meaningful changes by adopting India’s Lifestyles for Environment (LIFE) initiative. This initiative includes measures such as addressing sanitation and clean cooking challenges, reducing waste and plastic usage, promoting healthy lifestyles, and adopting sustainable food systems. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that over 60% of the emission reduction can be directly influenced by governments. To make LIFE measures easier to implement, governments can introduce policy support through initiatives such as low-emission zones in cities or supporting investments in clean energy technologies. India has seen an impressive rise in consumer-centric solutions such as distributed solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and electric vehicle sales, which have tripled over the past year. It is clear that India’s G20 presidency this year represents a unique opportunity to globalize the LIFE initiative and make a real difference to the environment.

8 Feb 2023

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A Breath of Fresh Air: IIT Bombay Develops Innovative Model to Reduce Air Pollution

Air pollution has been an ongoing problem in cities across India, particularly in Mumbai. To reduce air pollution, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) have developed a new model called Pavitra. This user-friendly tool is designed to help stakeholders decide how best to reduce fine particle (PM2.5) pollution on different scales such as city, regional, and state levels. The initiative is a collaborative effort between IIT Bombay, the University of California Berkeley, the University of Washington, and the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP). It has also been funded by US-based Open Philanthropy with a grant of $3 million. The model, named InMAP, is an open-source air quality model which can be run on a web platform or a desktop computer. It is user-friendly and provides scientifically sound information on the benefits of air pollution interventions. This will allow various stakeholders to get involved in the policy debate, including university scholars, non-profits, think-tanks, industries, regulatory bodies and the citizens. The project will also help build critical mass in a user community in India by creating an indigenous hub at IIT Bombay and CSTEP for model development and capacity building. By providing this type of scientifically backed tool, IIT Bombay hopes to improve air quality in India and reduce the health risks posed by air pollution.

27 Jan 2023

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Largest Hydrogen-Powered Aircraft Takes a Flight for the First Time

ZeroAvia, an aviation start-up, has recently made history by successfully flying the largest ever hydrogen electric aircraft. This most recent flight was a 10 minute affair from the Cotswolds Airport in Gloucestershire, England, but was only the most recent manifestation of their success. Hydrogen fuel cells have long been touted as a potential solution for reducing emissions in the aviation industry. Unlike traditional aircraft engines, which rely on fossil fuels, hydrogen fuel cells emit only water vapor as a byproduct. This makes them a much more environmentally friendly option. ZeroAvia's aircraft is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell system, which converts the chemical energy of hydrogen into electrical energy to power the aircraft's electric motors. This allows the aircraft to fly for extended periods of time without needing to refuel, making it a viable option for longer flights. The flight was a major milestone for ZeroAvia and the aviation industry. The company plans to continue testing and developing the technology, with the goal of commercializing the aircraft in the near future. This is a significant step forward in the quest to make air travel more sustainable and less reliant on fossil fuels.

27 Jan 2023

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Breaking Barriers: Woman Naval Air Operations Officer To Head Navy’s R-Day Contingent

This year, women's power will be on display at the Republic Day celebrations as the Indian Navy's Republic Day contingent of 144 young sailors will be led by Lt Commander Disha Amrith, a female naval air operations official and its tableau will highlight the "Nari Shakti" in the force. Along with Amrith, Sub Lt Valli Meena S will be one of the three platoon leaders for the navy contingent. Amrith, 29, graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science from BMS College of Engineering in Karnataka. She was a member of the National Cadet Corps Republic Day team in 2008 and had always hoped to march with one of the three armed forces during the celebrations in Delhi. The officer, a native of Mangalore, enlisted in the Navy in 2016 and, after finishing her training in 2017, was assigned to a significant naval base in the Andaman and Nicobar islands. Speaking to PTI Amrith said that she is an aviator for Dornier aircraft and had been carrying out sorties in the plane. When questioned about the difficulties faced by women in the military, Amrith responded that she became stronger physically, and mentally, and is now more self-driven. She added that she was proud to be a part of the Navy and would continue to serve the Navy with full zeal and dedication.

23 Jan 2023

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The North East Gets a Boost: Government To Honor Its Diverse Cultural Traditions

Arunachal Pradesh also known as "The Land of Dawnlit Mountains," is renowned for having a rich history. It is mentioned in important Indian scriptures like the Kalika Purana and the Mahabharata. With 26 separate tribes, including numerous sub-tribes, Arunachal Pradesh has a very unique culture. Every tribe here adheres to its own traditions and practices. Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has resolved to honor the rich cultural traditions of the North East which is evident from an important decision taken in the cabinet. According to PM Narendra Modi, the government's determination to honor the diverse cultural traditions of the Northeast is reflected in the Union Cabinet's choice to rename the new airport in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, as Donyi Polo Airport. He further said that the airport will increase connectivity, foster business growth, and promote tourism in Arunachal Pradesh. The naming of Itanagar's brand-new Hollongi airport received Cabinet approval. The airport will now be known as "Donyi Polo Airport, Itanagar," after a resolution adopted by the Arunachal Pradesh government. An official statement states that it "reflects the people's reverence of the Sun (Donyi) and the Moon (Polo) to symbolize the traditions and rich cultural legacy of the state."

17 Jan 2023

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A Prehistoric Cave Discovered in Andhra Pradesh!

Kandula Savithri, a 45-year-old history professor in the Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh had a penchant for discovering ancient artifacts, but she kept all the findings to herself. She discovered a Buddhist stupa, a prehistoric cave, and some ancient sculptures in Bhairava Konda. In November, she ventured into the Nallamala forest and found some ancient sculptures in the hilly areas. Savithri who is an assistant professor of history at Srikalahasti Degree College for Women sent her findings to the Archaeological Survey of India in November. As she continued to get inspired by her success, she recently found another ancient cave in Ardhaveedu village under Mohiddinpuram Mandal in Prakasam district. The cave is situated at a distance of 2 km from the Jampaleru stream. In a statement to NewsMeter, Savithri claimed that the cave belonged to primitive man. The cave connects via a passageway to another cave that was previously found on the eastern side of the archaic Bhairava hill temples. Savithri added that when their team first entered the cave, the stone was painted an ashy color. Primitive humans first carved out the cave, which was later used by monks to enter other locations, she opined. Locals claim that legends passed down from their ancestors describe Jamadagni, a rishi who entered this cave to reach the Bhairava Hills to meditate. Jamadagni is revered in Hindu tradition as one of the Saptarishis.

2 Jan 2023

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An Innovative and Sustainable Technique That Turns Waste From Sugar Mills Into Energy!

Natural Sugar and Allied Industries located in Osmanabad utilizes a novel and sustainable method to convert its waste from sugar cane into bio CNG. It thus aims to broaden the sugar industry's ongoing exploration of other revenue streams. According to the mill's chairman and managing director, Bhairavnath B. Thombare, this method will enable mills to employ agricultural waste that has until now only been used as manure. Press mud is the term used to describe the agricultural waste produced when cane juice is subjected to numerous filters before being used to extract sugar. Periodically, the filters are cleaned, and the waste is dumped into the mill's yard. For per tonne of crushed cane, close to 3–4% of press mud is produced. Currently, mills decompose this agricultural waste to create manure, which they then distribute to local farmers. Thombare, however, drew attention to the fact that the process of composting removes the gas that, if recovered, can be utilized as fuel. In a nutshell, the procedure would entail treating press mud to lower its biological oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) levels and separating the natural gas from the slurry. Thombare continued that the slurry would make for excellent liquid and solid fertilizers while the gas produced would be compressed and supplied to the fuel firm as bio CNG. Thombare's mill generates close to 40,000 tonnes of press mud throughout the first six months of the sugar season. Thombare said that according to their calculations, in order to run the plant year-round, they would need close to 35,000 tonnes of press mud. As a result, they wouldn't have any trouble finding raw materials. Thombare noted that this would give the sugar mill another source of income.

27 Dec 2022

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Relief From Air Pollution: Indian Scientists Have New Capsules to Decrease Crop Burning

Air pollution is increasing day by day and we all are sick of it. One of the major reasons for a bad AQI has been crop burning. The activity is done by farmers, and you can't even fault them for doing it. So, what do to do then? Well, you must have heard — modern problem requires modern solutions! The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in Delhi has developed a new type of capsule that could potentially help decrease the amount of crop burning in the region. Crop burning is a common practice in India, especially in the northern states, where farmers often burn their fields after harvesting in order to clear the land for the next planting season. However, this practice has been linked to air pollution and other environmental issues. The IARI capsules contain microorganisms that can break down the leftover plant material in the fields, reducing the need for burning. The capsules are easy to use and can be applied directly to the fields after harvest. According to IARI scientists, the capsules have shown promising results in field trials, with the microorganisms effectively breaking down the leftover plant material. This not only helps to reduce the amount of burning but also enriches the soil with organic matter, improving its fertility and increasing crop yields. In addition to the environmental benefits, the IARI capsules could also help farmers save money on labor costs, as they no longer need to hire workers to burn the fields. The capsules could also potentially reduce the risk of fires spreading and damaging nearby homes and communities. The IARI capsules have the potential to be a valuable tool in the fight against crop burning and its negative impacts on the environment and public health.

15 Dec 2022

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This Young Man Cracked IIT but Didn’t Tell His Family as He Was Determined To Join the Military

Imagine one’s joy in clearing one of the toughest exams, the IIT entrance. However, cracking the IIT entrance didn’t appeal much to Gaurav Yadav as his dream was to join the military. Pursuing his dream, he appeared and cleared the NDA entrance twice, but didn’t make it through the interview rounds. Yadav persisted and appeared again for the NDA examination which is a gateway for youngsters looking to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Once, the exam, interview, and medical tests are cleared, the candidate undergoes three years of rigorous training at the National Defence Academy. Yadav’s persistent efforts finally paved the way for a career in the military. The path was not easy as he struggled to handle the pressures of the arduous training, yet he managed to achieve this extraordinary feat. He received the President's Gold Medal during the NDA's Passing Out Parade on November 30. In addition, he commanded the parade, an honor he never anticipated. Yadav’s brother works for the Indian Army. With the news of Gaurav’s induction in the Navy, his parents couldn't be more elated. Yadav and the other cadets are about to begin their final year of pre-commissioning training. In Uttarakhand, at the Indian Military Academy, those who desire to join the Army will receive their training. The cadets desirous of joining the Navy and Airforce will receive their training in the Indian Naval Academy in Kerala and the Air Force Academy in Telangana respectively.

5 Dec 2022

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A Six-Year Dream of Disability Activists Is Realized at Marina Beach

It is said that the voice of the sea touches the soul and the touch of the sea is wonderful for many. Now, even the differently abled will be able to go near the sea independently as a permanent ramp has been inaugurated at Marina Beach in Chennai on Sunday. The permanent ramp is reportedly India’s first CRZ-compliant permanent ramp for people with disabilities and the culmination of a six-year dream and struggle by disability activists, including the Disability Rights Alliance (DRA) and the Municipal Corporation. The 263-meter facility was built for about Rs.1.14 crore using Babool, Red Meranti, and Brazilian wood. The viewpoint is 10 meters from the water, and it also features a handrail for people who might require assistance. Smitha Sadasivan of the DRA stated that this ramp was a dream come true for them as they had put in six years of work and coordinated with stakeholders to get the ramp constructed. She added that the ramp is a permanent facility and she is delighted that it would improve the mental health and well-being of many people. Sadasivan also hopes that an assistance booth or help desk, a beach wheelchair storage container, trained lifeguards, Mobi mats (non-slip pathways) near the viewpoint, accessible drinking water, and permanent toilets are also put in place.

29 Nov 2022

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A Whale in the Sky: Airbus Beluga Leaves Passengers Stunned

The whale-shaped Airbus Beluga left staff and passengers mesmerized when it made a grand appearance at the Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) on November 22. CSMIA shared the pics of the magnificent plane on Twitter and it surfaced all over the internet capturing the attention of netizens. The unique shape and large size of the aircraft are what make it stand out as it appears like a whale in the sky. "Airbus Beluga" gets its name from the Beluga whale. The aircraft is very large as it has been designed to transport large and heavy objects like automobiles and components of different space programs. Of late, the airbus is in much demand. The Beluga has a wingspan of about 45 meters and is around six stories tall. Its internal cargo hold is 124 feet long, 23 feet wide, and 23 feet high. Additionally, the aircraft's enormous cabin is almost four times larger than a typical wide-body aircraft. The Airbus A300 B4-608 ST super transporter, known also as Beluga, is a wide-body airliner that has been adapted to carry enormous cargo and aircraft parts. Earlier, the aircraft had generated a lot of excitement and left many people in amazement when it touched down at Kolkata Airport on Sunday, November 20.

24 Nov 2022

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Know More About the Education Minister Who Gave Government Students a Time of Their Life by Taking Them Abroad

Around 68 students of Tamil Nadu government schools got a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go abroad after excelling in an online state-level quiz competition. The lucky students were taken to Sharjah, Dubai, on an educational tour. The students were accompanied by the state school education minister, Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, along with five teachers and three officials from the education department. The trip spanned four days from November 10 to 13 and they visited the International Book Fair, schools and libraries. Addressing the students at the book fair, emphasized the value and usefulness of reading. Additionally, he extended an invitation to Sharjah's representatives to attend the Chennai International Book Festival, which is scheduled to take place the following year. The students were also taken to the royal family's palace in Abu Dhabi where they learned about United Arab Emirates' history and growth. They also went to the Louvre Abu Dhabi museum, where they learned more interesting things about the forward-thinking city. The expenses of the knowledge tour were covered by funds for corporate social responsibility. The tour was scheduled for last year but got postponed due to the pandemic.

21 Nov 2022

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Warrior Moms Across India Take Up Cudgels To Restore Clean Air for Future Generations

Many of us are aware of the adverse effects of climate change and how it is taking a toll on people’s lives. However, there is a glimmer of hope. A group of women has banded together as Warrior Moms to fight against air pollution and improve the world for their children to live and breathe in. The "Warrior Moms" program has started several awareness efforts, from bringing attention to the dangers of firecrackers to discussing the negative consequences of thermal power plants. They started a campaign to deal with fireworks wherein it was conveyed that each "phooljhari" is equivalent to about 74 cigarettes and no mother would give that much to their child. Many of them included clever one-liners to convey a crucial point and were shared on the group's social media website. 'Ab Ki Baar Saaf Tyohaar' was their hashtag. Another campaign is about thermal power plants. The group has asked the Government to make sure that all the power plants adhere to environmental guidelines. However, the reality is often different. They filed a letter bearing the signatures of well-known personalities like Dia Mirza, Kiran Bedi, etc. Bhavreen Kandhari, one of the core members, represented the group at the COP 26 Climate Change Conference in Glasgow last year. The "Warrior Moms" also work with women who live in rural areas. The group has teamed together with several self-help organizations to spread awareness about environmental degradation. Believing that the word "mom" evokes a variety of emotions, the group is accessible to anybody who wishes to contribute in some way to a better future for the next generation.

17 Nov 2022

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Bengaluru’s Exotic New ‘Terminal in a Garden’ Is a Class Apart and Competes With the Best in the World

The newly inaugurated "Terminal in the Garden" or Terminal 2 at Kempegowda International Airport is aptly called a ‘sensorium of wonders’. The lavish, verdant terminal has a lot to offer tourists. The arrival at Terminal 2 is quite an exquisite experience thanks to the well-ventilated landing area with earthy tones of brickwork, pear-shaped hanging lights, and the bubbling of a nearby water body. This is where the immersive experience starts. Bengaluru's green cover, cultural vibrancy, and technologically savvy side are all reflected in the new terminal. T2 is a perfect example of how airports may be made to seem futuristic and passenger-friendly. It is built on the four guiding principles of sustainability, technology, innovation, and a wonderful mix of art and culture. Bengaluru airport’s outstanding features that make it the best in the country include rainforest-inspired interiors, “contactless experience” use of facial scanning, automated maintenance among other unique features. The magnificence and grandeur with which it is built make it worthy to compete with the world’s best airport, Singapore’s Changi, which is known for its unique experiential features. Hrish Thota, a travel blogger sums it all up as he speaks to News18 - “It is so pretty, that one can only wish that every flight across the country, takes a pit stop at Terminal 2 before flying out to its destination just so that one can soak in this beautiful experience. I love the technological advancements in the new terminal like automated bag drop and biometric boarding. The art which is going to be displayed across the terminal is going to lend a soul to the concrete building,"

15 Nov 2022

Good News

The World’s Highest Polling Booth Is in India and It Created History With 98.08% Turnout!

While the government of India leaves no stone unturned to pacify its voters by constructing a polling booth at a height of 15,256 feet for just 52 voters, the voters also keep up their responsibility by coming to vote. Tashigang in Himachal Pradesh is the world’s highest polling booth. Of the 52 registered voters, 51 stepped out to elect a new state government amid polling in Himachal Pradesh. The booth witnessed all but one of the 52 of the village's registered voters exercising their right to vote. The model polling booth has all facilities that make voting convenient for senior residents and voters with impairments. The voters who arrived to cast their ballots were treated to a range of goodies. Election officials cheered up the voters by dressing in traditional garb, and voters were welcomed with shawls. Kunjuk Chodan, a first-time voter, cast her vote at the booth. She emphasized the need of using one's right to vote for improved governance. Seraj, where Chief Minister Jairam Thakur is running against Gita Nand Thakur of the AAP and Chetram Thakur of the Congress, is one of the important contests. Mahinder Rana is the Candidate for CPI-M.

15 Nov 2022

Good News

Imagine a Machine That Makes Water From Thin Air!

Over the years, many scientists and researchers are trying to make water from the air and many of them have been quite successful, but their technology didn’t catch on at that time. However, owing to an acute shortage of water in many parts of the world, water-making machines have suddenly garnered interest. A German company, Greentec Aqua has developed a high-tech machine AWA Modula which through a patented process, converts air into potable water. The humidity in the air is extracted and condensed to form water. Technology The technology behind this sophisticated machine is similar to that of an air conditioner. The air is passed through an air-conditioning unit to take it to the dew point. The water that comes out of this process is filtered and “re-mineralized” so that it’s safe for human consumption. Martin Kolodziejczyk, the company’s managing director said that the machine is made of galvanized steel and food-grade materials, which makes it different from the regular, run-of-the-mill AC reject water. One can get around 250 liters to 10,000 liters of water per day from the machine. Cost The cost of the machine may act as a deterrent as the starting price for the smallest 250 liters per day model is about Rs 23.77 lakh in today’s market. It also consumes a large amount of electricity. However, according to Martin, some big industrial players in India have already expressed interest in the technology. The machine was put up for display at Electronic City in Bengaluru recently.

26 Nov 2019

Good News

An Organization Takes Dedicated Efforts to Start India’s First Sign Language College

In India, the hearing impaired or children with learning disabilities usually go to special schools and after the basic studies, they are encouraged to choose and learn vocational skills. Many have to forego their dreams of higher studies due to the absence of colleges that impart higher education in sign language. Two friends Aman Sharma and Deepesh Nair who were volunteering in a few schools in Mumbai noticed the drastic shortcomings in the provisions to teach deaf children. They couldn’t come to terms with the fact that deaf children simply give up their dream of higher studies and take up traditional vocational subjects like bookbinding, saree bordering, laddu making etc. as there are no colleges for the hearing impaired. TEACH – An Organisation For The Hearing Impaired Sharma and Nair quit their jobs in multinational companies and started TEACH -- Training and Education Centre for Hearing Impaired. According to Nair, most of the education in Indian schools is imparted orally, so the deaf children suffer and feel left out. TEACH works with the students through role modelling and exposures which boosts their thought process building. Children are exposed to healthy competition and learning processes that make them conducive to higher education. Learning Skills For learning, it is imperative that students should know a language. Without knowing a language one cannot learn, so it becomes necessary to introduce sign language for the hearing impaired. TEACH has introduced a special technique to overcome this problem. It has a special extensive programme designed for schools where importance is given to learning the English language. TEACH trains students for three years after they finish class 10. English and Maths are taken up in the first year of training. After that, course work for classes 11 and 12 are taken up. According to Nair, educational institutions could be made more inclusive by conducting classes separately but in the premises of the college, training regular teachers with sign language and making the educational content less oral and more visual.

22 Nov 2019

Good News

IIT Madras Develops a Revolutionary Wheelchair That Helps Differently-Abled Persons to Stand

Imagine the discomfort of people bound to wheelchairs for a long duration. They are unable to stand without assistance and therefore, do not adopt the standing position as frequently as they wish to. Being in a seated position for a long time leads to other health problems like poor blood circulation and pressure sores. Now, they can heave a sigh of relief as IIT Madras has invented a wheelchair that will help them to stand on their own. IIT Madras in collaboration with Phoenix Medical Systems has launched India’s first indigenously designed standing wheelchair which enables a differently-abled person to shift to a standing position without any assistance and in a controlled manner. Called ‘Arise’ the standing wheelchair was launched at IIT Madras Research Park in the presence of Thaawarchand Gehlot, Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, researchers, students, staff and faculty of IIT Madras. Standing Function Arise is designed in such a way that the user when seated, can actuate it to standing position by the power of his/her arms. With optimal one-time fitting, the effort required is no more than that required to propel the wheelchair. A gas-spring was a key element in reducing the effort expended by the user. The prototype was first tested by able-bodied persons. Safety Features Many safety features have been incorporated into Arise which includes the interlocking mechanism. This mechanism ensures that the wheelchair remains in a locked state even if the knee block is not in position. The dimensions of Arise were made adjustable and adequate safety features were incorporated. To ensure that the device would be rugged and of high quality, rigorous mechanical testing was done. This wheelchair will be a boon to differently-abled persons who use a wheelchair as they will have the ability to stand on their own at their will without any assistance from others. Image Source: Inceptive Mind Video Courtesy: Tech Tak

22 Nov 2019

Good News

Global Sanskrit Conference to Be Held in Delhi in November

Sanskrit, an ancient language of India is considered to be the base of all Indian languages. With the intent to popularize the language, the Global Sanskrit Conference also called Vishwa Sanskrit Sammelan will be held in Delhi on November 9. The Global Sanskrit Conference will be a three day congregation held in Delhi and will be attended by Sanskrit scholars from 17 countries. The Venue The Global Sanskrit Conference will be held on November 9 at the Chhatrapur temple complex in Delhi. It is a three day congregation which will be attended by Sanskrit scholars from over 17 countries. It will also be attended by some top functionaries of the government. Confirmation is awaited by the PMO if Prime Minister Narendra Modi could inaugurate this mega event which will be attended by over 4000 delegates. Vice President Venkaiah Naidu has been invited for the closing ceremony. The Conference The global conference is a mega event with participants from all over the world. It will be coordinated by a team of 42 members headed by union minister Harshavardhan. Himachal Pradesh chief minister Jairam Thakur will be honoured for his decision to make Sanskrit the state’s second language. The event will also be attended by 283 Sanskrit speaking families. With such events being held every year, one can hope that the Sanskrit language gains popularity and more people are convinced to take up this primary language which is the predominant language of most texts of Hindu philosophy as well as Buddhism and Jainism.

30 Oct 2019

Good News

For the First Time in Kerala, a Milk ATM Begins Operations

We all have heard of ATMs that deliver cash, but have you heard of an ATM that renders milk? A first of its kind milk ATM was opened recently in Kerala at Attingal, Thiruvanathapuram. The milk ATM facility at Attingal will provide round the clock milk which is an essential item that is purchased daily. A Novel Initiative The milk ATM is the initiative of Milco, a dairy cooperative based at Keezhattingal. It will supply milk to the ATM from its own farm. Customers can avail of prepaid ATM cards that will allow them to draw milk from the machine. People can also deposit money into the machine to get milk. Customers will have to carry their own vessels for milk. The president of Milco, Panchamam Suresh said that only organically produced milk will be supplied through the ATM. High-Quality Milk Milco's secretary Anil Kumar said that the milk supplied through ATM will be of high quality and no preservatives or additives would be mixed in it. The capacity of the facility is 500 litres. In case Milco is unable to meet the high demand for milk through ATM, then it plans to source the extra milk from farmers engaged in organic dairying under the supervision of Milco. The profit from the ATM will go to the dairy farmers. This new ATM seems to be a convenient and easy way of getting our daily milk. Good quality and purity of milk also add to the advantage. Image Source: Mathrubhumi English

29 Oct 2019

Good News

Know More About This Wonderful Movie Where All Actors Are Speech and Hearing Impaired

For an ordinary person, it is difficult to get a message across a person who is speech and hearing impaired. Imagine the efforts of a film director who made a movie with around 200 actors who were speech and hearing impaired. The Malayalam movie “Mounaksharangal‘ has been released and all its actors have brought its characters to life with excellent acting skills. Dedication Of The Film Crew It was the utter dedication and perseverance of the director and the film crew that led to the successful completion of this unique movie. Many people had warned the director Devadas Kalluruty against casting unknown actors who were speech and hearing impaired. However, the Director wanted to bring a change in society and make it more inclusive, went ahead with his dream and achieved it. The movie was released in 15 theatres across Kerala. Hard Work Bore Fruits The crew visited special schools and the actors for the film, ‘Mounaksharangal’ were selected by audition. There were two trained people in sign language who helped the Director and his team coordinate with the actors. With proper training and effort, they also managed lip-syncing in the movie. The effect is so good that actors appear to be uttering the dialogue in the movie. The movie is not based on differently-abled people, but it is basically about people who can speak and hear. The Director and his team deserve appreciation for making a movie that renders the message of inclusiveness in society.

25 Oct 2019

Good News

This Remarkable Invention When Attached to a Car Exhaust Significantly Bring Down Air Pollution

Vehicular pollution is one of the major causes of air pollution across the globe. Thankfully, an IIT engineer gives us hope as he has developed a device that can absorb minute particles and reduce the levels of pollution to a great extent. The Device The device has been conceived and made by Debayan Saha who has been a Global Biodesign Fellow at Stanford University. The device is named -2.5 and can be attached to the exhaust of the vehicle. The main component of vehicular pollution is PM 2.5 which is hazardous because of its very minute size that can enter the lungs and bloodstream. According to Saha, a car fitted with - 2.5 can control pollution caused by 10 cars in its vicinity. Technology The technology of this remarkable device involves the use of both electric energy and wave energy to act on pollutants like PM 2.5 in such a way that they act like a magnet attracting other particulate pollutants from the ambient atmosphere to get attached to it. As more and more pollutants get attached to it they become bigger and heavy. Eventually, they fall off safely on the ground like soil. Saha is in talks with various organizations to commercialize this product. If he succeeds, it can be used for the benefit of the environment and mankind.

23 Oct 2019

Good News

Good News As Seaplanes Are to Be Introduced to Boost Tourism in the Northeast

The Northeast abound in natural flora and fauna and water bodies outlined with beautiful scenery which makes it a popular tourist destination. Soon the beauty of this place can be easily and frequently accessed as the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has a plan to introduce seaplanes (water aerodrome) in the Northeast. A seaplane is an aircraft that is capable of taking off and landing on water. The AAI has identified three locations in Assam where seaplanes can be operated - Guwahati, Umrangso (in Dima Hasao district) and the famous Kaziranga National Park. This project will not only help to boost tourism, but also will help in the connectivity within the state. Executive Director, AAI, Sanjeev Jindal said that there are plans to launch the seaplane services in the Brahmaputra river and Umrangso reservoir by 2021. The cost of construction of this facility would be approximately 50 crores as it would involve building three jetties in the three identified locations. The seaplanes will use an open area of water for take-off and landing and they could be connected to the terminal building on land where the pilot may dock the seaplane in the manner of a ship. The Union government’s plan under the UDAN scheme was to launch seaplanes in multiple locations like the Guwahati riverfront, Umrangso reservoir, Kaziranga National Park, Nagarjuna Sagar, Sabarmati riverfront, Shatrunjay Dam and Statue of Unity.

3 Oct 2019

Good News

Industries Across the Globe Agree to Adopt Low Carbon Path to Fight Climate Change

There is good news as industries of the world are making efforts to adopt the low carbon path to fight climate change. Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Prakash Javadekar said that affordable technology poses a problem to achieve this end. India and Sweden co-lead the Industry Transition Track to make certain that industries switch over to low carbon emission manufacturing. The track is one of nine specialized groups to promote the fight against climate change and achieve the goals of the Paris climate accord. Speaking about the track’s “Leadership Group”, PM Modi said at the climate summit that it will provide opportunities for more countries to cooperate in the area of technology innovation and develop low carbon pathways for the industry. Javadekar cited some examples of industries in India adopting low-carbon technologies. He gave the example of the Dalmia Industry which is the world’s lowest carbon-emitting cement industry and they are even working on a plan of carbon capture and use. Kochi airport is the only airport in the world that totally runs on solar power. He also informed that SpiceJet airline uses bio-fuels for its Bombardier planes and they are also planning to use the fuel for its Boeing aircraft. With more and more industries trying to reduce their carbon footprint, we can hope that the adverse effects of climate change get mitigated.

26 Sep 2019

Good News

Delhi CM to Promote Cracker Free Diwali by Organizing Mega Laser Show in the Capital

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, in a bid to curb air pollution during the forthcoming winter season, has appealed to the citizens of Delhi to restrain from bursting crackers. He assured them that he would instead organize a laser show on the day of the festival. Addressing a press conference on Friday, Kejriwal informed about his plans to tackle air pollution which assumes enormous proportions in winter due to burning of farm stubble in nearby regions being one of the reasons. To control air pollution arising due to traffic, the CM said that the much-debated odd-even car-rationing scheme would return on Delhi roads. Kejriwal stated that his top priority would be to achieve 100 percent mechanized sweeping in Delhi. Water sprinklers and mechanized sweeping of roads would be implemented to control dust particles. When asked about the Motor Vehicles Act which levies hefty fines for traffic violations, Kejriwal supported it saying that the move has had a positive impact over Delhi’s erratic vehicular movement. Ahead of the Assembly elections to be held in February 2020, Kejriwal has been announcing various schemes for the people of Delhi like the waiver of water bill dues and free electricity up to 200 units. Employing major steps to curb air pollution will definitely help him to win back the traditional voters.

15 Sep 2019

Good News

An Air-Conditioned Helmet Can Soon Be a Reality!

Sandeep Dahiya, a director at an MNC in Bengaluru has designed an air-conditioned helmet which will enable people to easily adhere to the city’s strict traffic rules. For people who dislike wearing helmets as they are cumbersome and do not allow air circulation, the air cooler helmets would be a welcome choice. User-Friendly Helmet Dahiya himself is a rider and experienced great discomfort when he put the helmet’s visor down as it sometimes led to suffocation. He had noticed that many times two-wheeler riders take out their helmet and put them on the fuel tank while waiting in traffic. This prompted him to devise an air conditioning helmet which is safe and user-friendly. Vatankul The helmet named as Vatankul works on DC power of 12 volts, which is supplied through the bike battery. Dahiya developed eight prototypes for four and a half years and finally was able to arrive at this perfect model. The helmet which is divided into two parts has rubber tubes for air circulation which are inside the helmet and another component comprises of heat exchanger, control and blower unit. Dahiya has been using this helmet for one month, much to the curiosity of onlookers. Let us hope that the air cooler helmets hit the market soon.

13 Sep 2019

Good News

Indian Air Force Gets a Boost As DRDO Hands Over Netra (AEW&CS) System

The Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) on Wednesday, handed over the second Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&CS) system to the Indian Air Force. Termed as India’s eyes in the sky, Netra gives a boost to India’s airborne surveillance capability. Modern Warfare The AESA radar is indigenously developed by DRDO and is mounted on an Embraer 145 aircraft. It was handed over to the Western Air Command Chief at the Bhatinda airbase. In present times, when countries like Pakistan and China are strengthening their defence capabilities, this aircraft will help to address India’s capability asymmetry with these countries. In fact, it was the Netra system that earlier helped India plan and executes the Balakot airstrikes deep within Pakistani territory. Strengthening Defensive Capability India already has three Israeli Falcon AEWACS systems in the IAF fleet and this Netra aircraft will help to complement them. There are reports that India is planning to procure 2 more AWACS systems as it is estimated that India will need at least 20 of such surveillance systems to develop adequate defensive and offensive capability in the Eastern and Western fronts which are guarded by the IAF. Image Source: Rediff.com

12 Sep 2019

Good News

This New Initiative Helps Feed Hundreds of Hungry Children

Have you ever wondered what happens to the leftover food at the airport food outlets? It is sad to know that a large amount of food is going to the bin as there are no takers, maybe due to the cancellation of flights and other reasons. As there is no specific pattern to flight delays and cancellations, it leads to extra meals left at the end of the day. That is why TFS(Travel Food Services) the company that runs restaurants and food outlets at Mumbai and Delhi airports has tied up with an NGO, Feeding India so that the excess meals reach the hungry children. Travel And Food Services Travel And Food Services (TFS) is a company which runs 70 restaurants, lounges and food outlets at Mumbai and Delhi airports. Every day a food truck pulls into the airports to take away the excess food. It usually comes in the morning and sometimes in the evening too. Employees put in half an hour extra time to deliver the unsold goods to the NGO where it would be fed to the needy. Gaurav Dewan, COO and business head of TFS has plans to extend this service to Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata and Goa this year. Feeding India Feeding India is an NGO founded by Ankit Kawatra when he was disturbed by the wastage of food at a lavish wedding that he attended. He quit his job to start this NGO to collect such leftover food from restaurants so that it reaches the hungry instead of being thrown away. Before picking up the food, a quality check is conducted to ensure it is fresh and unused. The beneficiary is located within a radius of 5km so that food is consumed within 90 minutes. In our country where the UN has estimated that 40% of food is lost or wasted at different stages from harvesting to consumption, this initiative will go a long way in reducing food wastage.

10 Sep 2019

Good News

A Major Boost to Indian Air Force As It Inducts Eight World’s Most Advanced Attack Helicopters

The Indian AirForce got a major boost on Tuesday when it inducted eight Apache AH-64E Guardian attack helicopters into its fleet. Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa termed the Apache as the most fierce attack helicopter and said that it will replace the aging Mi-35 fleet of the Indian Air Force. Apache – A Deadly Platform The Apache AH-64E has a speed of 279 km/hour and can carry a payload of six tons. Its strength lies in the fact that it can integrate the cyber-centric warfare scenario with the dynamic situations on the battlefield making it very lethal. Its manufacturer Boeing Defense, Space &Security (US) stated that the Indian version is equipped with enhanced performance, joint digital operability, improved survivability and cognitive decision aiding. Modern technology The helicopter is built with modern technology which enables the pilot to control unmanned aerial platforms and fly them from their own aircraft. The Apache is equipped with sophisticated sensors that can spot enemies even at night. The advanced technology enables the pilot to respond to enemy positions on the ground and also to transmit information to ground soldiers so that they can attack the enemy positions. The Apaches inducted in the Indian fleet is custom made to suit Indian conditions and can be operated in mountainous regions. The Apaches are a boon to the Indian Air Force as they will facilitate operations in hostile airspace with ground threats.

3 Sep 2019

Good News

Kudos to the Indian Army and J&K Police Who Helped a Kashmiri Wheelchair Basketball Player Reach Selection Camp in Time

The Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir police and retired military officers helped a Kashmiri wheelchair basketball player in reaching a selection camp in Chennai amid the ongoing restrictions in Kashmir. Selection Camp In Chennai Ishrat Akhter was paralyzed from the waist below after a fall in 2016. 20-year-old Ishrat Akhter is a wheelchair basketball player from Baramulla in Kashmir who has been selected to represent India for the pre-Olympic qualifying tournament in Thailand in October. She had no words to describe her joy when she realized that she would be able to finally travel to Chennai for a selection camp. Due to the restrictions imposed in Kashmir valley, Akhter had lost all hopes of travelling from her remote village to Chennai. Collective Efforts Akhter’s trip was made possible by retired naval captain Louis George, who is the head coach of the Indian Women Wheelchair Basketball. He informed Colonel Isenhower that one woman player, Ishrat Akhter has not reported for camp in Chennai owing to the restrictions in Kashmir. Mobile communications were disrupted and she needed to be located and sent to Chennai by flight. Colonel Isenhower, who had served in Kashmir for a long time promptly initiated efforts to locate her. He sent out WhatsApp messages with available information about Akhter to all his contacts. The matter was taken up earnestly by Brigadier Nietzche Balan (retired) who along with Poonacha, a former colleague in Kashmir, met Senior Superintendent of Police Aijaz Bhatt who in turn swung the J&K Police in action. Soon, just hours after the message was posted, Akhter was contacted and given permission to travel. With the help of the police, she reached Srinagar from where she took a flight to Delhi and another from Delhi to Chennai where she was received by coach George and other team members. It is really commendable that the defence and police officials went out of their way to help a sportsperson to reach her destination in spite of the stringent restrictions imposed in the area. Image Source: Times Square Chronicles

2 Sep 2019

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Shaliza Dhami Becomes India’s First Female Flight Commander

Shaliza Dhami accomplished a milestone and became a source of inspiration for many young girls when she became India’s first female flight commander. Achievements Shaliza Dhami is a Wing Commander who has clocked over 23,000 flying hours. She has been serving in the Air Force for 15 years. She is the first woman officer to become the Flight Commander of a flying unit. Flight Commander is second in command of the unit. She also became the first female Qualified Flying Instructor and is also first woman officer to get a permanent commission of the flying branch after the Supreme Court gave women officers this legal right in March 2019. Commendable Feat Shaliza has been constantly shattering the glass ceiling to achieve great heights in her career. Dhami took over as Flight Commander of a Chetak helicopter unit at Hindon airbase in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. The helicopter is used for commuting, transporting cargo/material, for casualty evacuation, Search and Rescue (SAR), Aerial Survey and Patrolling, Emergency Medical Services, Off-shore operations and Underslung operations. As a young girl growing up in Ludhiana, Shaliza dreamed of joining the air force. Shaliza, who is also the mother of a nine-year-old girl was not only able to realize her dream but also paved the way for many ambitious women to think big and achieve their dreams. Image Source: iDiva

28 Aug 2019

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This Daring Indian Becomes the World’s First Woman to Fly Solo Over Atlantic and Pacific Oceans

“I lost one day of my life which I will never get back...” Aarohi laughed and uttered these words after crossing the International Date Line, also known as the Line of Confusion, which changes the date and causes instruments to malfunction for a few minutes. At the same time, Aarohi is thrilled as she has gained an experience that she will always treasure. Mumbai girl Aarohi Pandit, an Indian commercial pilot licence and LSA licence holder etched her name in history as she became the first woman pilot to cross the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans solo in a light sports aircraft (LSA). The Global Flight Aarohi Pandit who is currently on a global circumnavigation flight, as part of the Women Empower Expedition (WE!), flew from the city of Unalakleet in Alaska across Pacific Ocean’s Bering Sea, made a stop at Nome in Alaska and then landed at Anadyr Airport in the region of Chukotka, Russia, thus becoming the first-ever women to accomplish this arduous journey. According to her Mumbai team, Aarohi has broken and created several records, including becoming the world’s first woman to complete a solo flight over the dangerous Greenland ice-cap in an LSA, and the first woman to fly all across Canada from the northeast to the northwest via the south. Aarohi’s Inspiration Aarohi was inspired by none other than Amelia Earheart, the legendary American aviator. For this global flight, she went through rigorous training where she had to combat oceans, high altitude, snow, extreme weather conditions, and various terrains. She also took up physical and mental exercises to help build resilience to take on the toughest terrains alone. Aarohi found the Pacific ocean crossing far more beautiful than the experience of crossing the Atlantic ocean and it was also the most significant sector for the circumnavigation, marking its entry into a new country, a new continent, and a new day.

23 Aug 2019

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This Retired Airman Donated His Entire Savings To Defence Ministry

People generally wish to live the rest of their life for themselves once they get done with all the responsibilities. But retired airman, CBR Prasad thinks the other way around. For him, serving the society should be your utmost priority once you fulfil each and every need of your family. The ex-airman worked for the Indian Air Force for nine years but later quit the job because Indian Railways gave him a better offer. However, he did not get the job afterwards so, he came up with a poultry farm which flourished. As reported by ANI. Once Prasad fulfilled every responsibility of his family, he gave back all his savings to the defence which is an amount of Rs 1.08 crore. He met Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh on Monday and gave him the cheque. Prasad dreamt of bagging an Olympic medal someday but, unfortunately, it didn’t turn into a reality. So he thought of doing something for the children. He came up with a sports university sort of campus on 50 acres of land and now he is building another one. He has been training children for 20 years. While talking about why one should give back to the society, Prasad told ANI: "You should not take back anything because you did not get anything while coming. Give that minimum needed to your family and the rest to the society and rest of the life work for the society.” Prasad worked throughout his life and not even once did he think of spending his hard-earned money on himself. Wish all of us could think and proceed in his direction, this world would become a wonderful place to live then. Image Courtesy: ANI

23 Jul 2019

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India’s First Braille Laptop for Visually-Impaired

Exactly 2 months back, we celebrated World Braille Day with an intention to spread awareness on the lives of blind people all over the world. Braille always has been and always will be more than just a tool for blind individuals who use it. Braille represents competency, independence, and equality. Using this tool, India’s first Braille laptop for visually-impaired called a ‘DotBook’ is created by the researchers of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Delhi. Where the normal laptops have a visual screen, this laptop has an interface in the form of embossed text in Braille through a touchpad. Claimed to be the country's first laptop made for visually impaired is launched by the IIT Delhi duo Pulkit Sapra and Suman Muralikrishnan. Pulkit a 26-year-old from Delhi and Suman a 27-year-old from Chennai did not opt for a job instead, for almost five years dedicated their entire time in this research. There are two versions of this special laptop, one with 20 cell version and another 40 cell version — each referring to the number of characters displayed in one line. While developing this Laptop it was given to more than 200 users for trial and with their feedback and suggestions, required changes were made. It can be connected through Bluetooth, Wifi and also with USB. The laptop can be connected with mobile phones and other laptops to provide a visual display for sighted persons. It has also specially designed a hand rest keeping in mind the long working hours of the users. As told to TOI, the project leader, Prof M. Balakrishnan, said, “DotBook represents an excellent example of user-oriented applied research. It is not only inter-disciplinary in nature, as it brings together advanced techniques in mechanical, low power electronics, software and User interface design together, but also a sustained effort of a large team. As printed Braille is expensive, time-consuming, bulky to store and short-lived, DotBook will be useful for students and also create employment opportunities for the visually challenged." The device was recently launched and at the inauguration, the chief guest Shakuntala D Gamlin, secretary, department of empowerment of person with disabilities said, “It is a great set of invention, which will empower a person with visual impairment.” These special laptops will be available soon in the market. When the eyes see darkness....Happiness is seeing the light with the "DotBook". Spreading Light is Spreading Happiness....

4 Mar 2019

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India's Pride, Mumbai And Delhi Airports Ranked One Of The Best Airports In The World

Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport and Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) ranked one of the best airports in the world by Airports Council International (ACI). On Tuesday, the ACI held the awards of annual airport service quality (ASQ) where Mumbai and Delhi airports become the top winners for annually handling over 40 million passengers in the year 2017. The other best airports in the world like Changi (Singapore), Incheon and Bangkok airports were also there in the same category. IGIA was on the second position last year and on the first position in 2015 under a smaller 25-40 million annual passengers' category. It is also the sixth busiest airport in Asia. Whereas Mumbai was awarded for the first time.

7 Mar 2018

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World Book Fair Has An Interesting Theme

The World Book Fair 2018 is being held in Pragati Maidan in Delhi from 6-14 January. Into its 45th year, the theme of the fair this time is the environment and to highlight this, a green-walled hall – number 7E – lined with bamboo sticks is set up near the information desk with the message, ‘Go green’. The Delhi smog had made its residents realize about environmental issues and this fair is a platform to promote awareness of the environment. Five hundred books in various languages, all focusing on the environment, have been put on display in the hall. The decorations inside have all been done in a way to inspire people to protect water, air, flora and fauna. It is necessary to save the environment in order to save mankind.

11 Jan 2018

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‘Flying Rickshaws’ May Soon Become A Reality In India!

Soon congestion on roads will become a thing of the past as the centre is mulling over the prospect of introducing air rickshaws. Addressing the India Conclave 2018, Minister of State (MoS) for civil aviation Jayant Sinha said, India is exploring the possibility of ‘air rickshaws' based on drone technology for easy transportation service. The minister stated that air rickshaw based on drone technology can be the best transportation service in the country and the ministry is drafting regulations in this regard. He also informed that pilot projects on air service through drones are running in countries like the UAE and Germany and this technology could also be used for mapping, security, a survey of mineral sites, product delivery and defence as well. With the prediction of 70% population in the country residing in cities by 2050, it has become imperative to plan for smarter cities.

10 Jan 2018

Good News

A Railway Station For The Visually Impaired

In 2015, Mysuru Railway Station became the first railway station in India that was made including the needs of visually impaired. Features like tactile maps and train schedule in Braille helped them travel independently. Even the restaurants and canteens have menu cards in Braille. This year, following the huge success of the Mysuru Railway Station, Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna KSR-city (Majestic) railway station became the second blind-friendly railway station in the country with the inauguration of Braille maps and platform indicators. It is heartening to know that our railway stations are becoming inclusive and may there be many more such stations so that the visually impaired can travel with ease.

3 Jan 2018

Good News

In A First, India May Soon Get A Runway On A Sea Bridge

Following the green nod given by the Airports Authority of India(AAI), Lakshadweep’s Agatti airport may soon have a runway built on a sea bridge. This would be a first in India as an RCC platform will be built on the beach and shallow beach to extend the runway. The longer airstrip will enable bigger ATRs to fly to the island. Earlier there were plans of extending the runway by linking two adjacent islands. However, the plans couldn’t take off and needed to be changed owing to environmental concerns. The other alternative was to erect pillars on the beach and shallow sea area and build an RCC platform on that. The runway and the terminal will be expanded in the extended area. This plan got the consent from the AAI. According to an AAI official, the entire project will cost Rs 1,500 crore. The runway will be long enough for ATR-72 to operate. Currently, only smaller turboprops operate there. Therefore, there is a limit on the number of passengers and the baggage that they can carry. The fares are also on the higher side. The newly improved airport will help in bringing the fares to an affordable level. Agatti could be India's first runway-on-sea bridge as the same was considered for two more airports — Juhu airport in Mumbai and Kullu — but was not found suitable for those places.

23 Dec 2017

Good News

India To Get Its First Indigenous Aircraft Carrier

Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba revealed at an annual press conference of the Indian Navy that India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier will be ready by 2020 end. He said that the indigenous aircraft carrier is progressing well and the ship will be ready and inducted into the Navy by the end of 2020. Lanba also informed that the ‘form and fit’ of the second indigenous carrier with a conventional propulsion has been finalised. It will be around 65,000-tonnes vessel. It will have catapult-assisted take-off and arrestor recovery. He added that the procedure to purchase 57 fighter aircraft to operate from an aircraft carrier had been initiated. Regarding this purchase, a Request for Information was issued and the Navy had received a response from four vendors. An RFP (Request for Proposal) would likely be issued by mid-2018. The Navy chief stated that they are committed to indigenization. They have supported the LCA (Light Combat Aircraft) Navy project and is committed to it. He said, “It is a good plane to fly, but what I need is a deck-based fighter that is combat- capable. We are committed to this project. As and when the Defence Research and Development Organisation and Aeronautical Development Agency produces an indigenous deck-based fighter jet, we are willing to induct it. The first indigenous aircraft carrier is designed to operate MiG29K and LCA, so we need deck-based fighters for it also.”

3 Dec 2017

Good News

Mumbai Airport Creates A New World Record

The Mumbai Airport created a new world record on Friday when it handled 969 take-offs and landings on a single runway in 24 hours. In a day, Mumbai handles approximately 900 flights. High air traffic movements happen when the number of unscheduled flights-charter aircraft, private aircraft-go up which happened on Friday. An MIAL official said that such flights are banned during morning and evening peak hours, so when the load increases during nonpeak hours, new records are set. The official said that they hope the airport crosses 1,000 aircraft movements per day. Mumbai can never have parallel runways due to a shortage of land. Add to this the high demand for air travel and it forces the private airport operator, the government-run air traffic control and airline pilots to eke out every second worth of efficiency from the 12,008 feet long main runway 27. While the runway has a declared capacity to handle 46 take-offs and departure in an hour, on Friday-once in the morning and once in the evening-the runway handled 50 movements in 60 minutes. Kapil Kaul of Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA), a global aviation consultancy firm, says: "Gatwick is the only single-runway airport in the world that routinely handles more than 50 flight movements in a given hour. All others are 42 or less. Mumbai has the second highest as it crosses 50.'' Although Mumbai has two runways, they criss-cross each other, hence it falls in the single runway category.

27 Nov 2017

Good News

Airbus Foundation To Launch Robotics Programme

The Airbus Little Engineer (ALE) robotics programme was launched in India by the Airbus Foundation on Tuesday. The programme aims to create interest and to encourage students between 10 and 16 years of age to understand technology so that they take up careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) stream. A two-day workshop was conducted as part of the programme in Bengaluru in which 60 students from Christel House Learning Center participated. Guided by their teachers and the Airbus volunteers, the students were introduced to the process of assembling an aircraft. Charles Champion, executive vice president, Engineering at Airbus, mingled with the students in the workshop and motivated them to develop their passion for technology and drive innovation. They were exposed to the complexities of managing within resources, planning logistics and finding the right skill to build an aircraft. The students were also given the task of assembling an aircraft model, making their own algorithm to manoeuvre it on a tarmac and make it take off. Pierre de Bausset, president and managing director, Airbus India said: "As India endeavours to make a mark for itself in the global aerospace manufacturing, the Airbus Little Engineer programme is driven to inspire young Indian minds to explore the exciting world of high-end innovation and technology". The Airbus programme was launched in 2012 and has reached over 4000 students worldwide.

16 Nov 2017

Good News

Chopper Based Air Dispensary To Start Soon In Northeast

India is all set to get its first-ever air dispensary in a helicopter which will serve people of the North-eastern states. Union minister Jitendra Singh announced this service that will cater to people in remote areas in the region. At a meeting held in Delhi on Sunday, he said the Union Ministry of Development of Northeast (DONER) has already contributed Rs. 25 crore as part of the initial funding for this initiative, The meeting was attended by representatives of the aviation sector and helicopter service Pawan Hans. The minister said, over the past few months the DoNER ministry was mulling over the idea of introducing a helicopter-based dispensary/OPD service in far-flung areas where people didn’t have access to doctor or medical facility. Mr. Singh said that the proposal put forward by them has been accepted and he hopes that the services will commence in the beginning of 2018. He added that other states like Jammu Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh which have difficult topography can also emulate this service being introduced in the Northeast. According to the plan, helicopters will be based at two locations - Imphal and Shillong, which have premier postgraduate medical institutes from where doctors, along with equipment and paramedical staff, would be able to fly over eight states in the region. The same helicopter can also carry a sick patient to a city hospital on its way back.

14 Nov 2017

Good News

Indian Defence Forces Gets A Boost

The indigenously-developed, lightweight 'glide bomb' was successfully test fired by India at Chandipur in Odisha on Friday. Earlier three tests of the weapon with different release conditions and ranges were conducted and all were successful, said a defence ministry statement. The glide bomb, also called 'smart anti-airfield weapon' (SAAW) will soon be inducted into the armed forces, said S Christopher, chairman of DRDO. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman congratulated the DRDO scientists and the IAF for the successful tests. SAAW has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation's Research Centre Imarat (RCI), other labs and the Indian Air Force. According to a defence ministry statement, the guided bomb which was released from an Air Force aircraft and guided through precision navigation system, reached the targets at greater than 70 km range, with high accuracies. SAAW is a 120 kg smart weapon that is capable of hitting targets with high precision up to a range of 100 km. The long-range will allow the IAF to easily hit targets across the border without endangering the pilot’s life and putting the aircraft at risk. One advantage of this bomb is that it can be easily integrated into the varied types of fighter jets with the IAF. The weapon can be used to destroy bunkers, runways, aircraft hangers and other reinforced structures.

5 Nov 2017

Good News

Shirdi's Sai Baba Temple will Soon be Just a Flight Away.

Soon, one can fly to Shirdi to get Shri Sai Baba’s blessings as the airport in Shirdi has got the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) license on Thursday. The airport is slated to begin operations on October 1. The airport is located in Kakdi village which is about 14 km to the southwest of the temple town Shirdi. It has a runway long enough for Airbus A-320 and Boeing 737 aircraft. The Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) has developed the greenfield airport which is spread on 400 hectares at a cost of 350 crores. The airport will be inaugurated by President Ram Nath Kovind. Initially, the airport is expected to ferry at least 500 passengers a day to Mumbai, Delhi and Hyderabad. According to sources, Air India’s Alliance Air plans to launch flights from Mumbai and Delhi, while regional carrier Trujet will run flights from Hyderabad to Shirdi. An estimate has put the footfall at Shirdi to be around 60,000 per day. The airport authorities plan to tap at least 10- 12 percent. There are plans to expand the runway and logistic development for night landings is underway. An official said that they expect permissions for night operations in a few months.

22 Sep 2017

Good News

New Airport Terminals at Important Cities

As increasing number of people prefer to travel by airways, there has been a sharp rise in flyers, due to which the Airport Authority of India (AAI) has decided to start modernization projects at Lucknow, Deoghar, Rajkot and Allahabad airports. The Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, Lucknow will get a new integrated passenger terminal building that will be constructed at a cost of Rs 1,230 crore to cope with the increasing passenger traffic during last five years. According to the AAI, the new terminal will be able to handle 4,000 passengers during peak hours and 63.5 lakh passengers per annum. A new passenger terminal is expected to come up in Allahabad and will be made operational before the 'Ardh Kumbh Mela' of January 2019 that attracts a large number of tourists. It will be built at a cost of Rs 125.8 crore. For the past few years, the Saurashtra region of Gujarat has witnessed growing economic activity as well as a distinguished population profile having a very high number (50%) of total NRIs of Gujarat. As the present airport is incapable of handling the rising passenger traffic due to capacity constraints, the AAI will take up the work of development of greenfield airport at Hirasar, Rajkot on build, operate and maintain basis.

18 Sep 2017

Good News

Soldiers given priority while boarding AI planes

Air India is the first among Indian carriers to allow soldiers to board first. The initiative started from this Independence Day as a mark of respect for the soldiers. Air India chairman Ashwani Lohani said that security forces personnel will be invited to board the aircraft first and announcements will be made in this regard at the boarding gates. He added that they will be requested to board before first and business class passengers. AI had earlier shown regard for the armed forces personnel by giving them discounted air fares in the domestic sector. The decision of priority boarding for soldiers has been implemented from Tuesday on the occasion of India’s 71st Independence Day. The AI staff welcomed this decision. A senior AI pilot who flies long-haul routes said that Indian airports should invite the soldiers to their VIP lounges just like it is done in America. He said India should emulate the move and open its VIP lounges for the armed forces personnel. When AI pilots come to know of the presence of soldiers on board, they make announcements welcoming them. Passengers clap and salute when soldiers board planes in their uniforms. ‘It is an honour to fly the soldiers’, said an AI pilot.

15 Aug 2017

Good News

IAF showcases its wares and skills to inspire students

As part of the Independence Day celebrations, the Indian Air Force has set up its wares and skills for display at the Sulur Air Base in Coimbatore. Around 10, 000 students came to the Air Force base to witness the static and air display which was exhibited to inspire the students and the general public to join the forces. R Adarsh, a class 7 student who dreams of becoming an aircraft design engineer couldn’t take his eyes off the aircraft on display which aroused his curiosity. He and his friends bombarded the air squadron leaders and lieutenants with questions. Another student who is studying in class 5, Shivansh K, said that although his father works with the IAF, this is the first time he saw the helicopters and airplanes. He had earlier seen them only in movies, so to see them in real was a great experience for him. Another student, Bipin Chandru loved reading about aircrafts and wanted to know more. He believes that every aircraft is purchased for a particular purpose and he enjoyed gathering information about the engineering behind each. He asked several questions regarding the weight, usage, purpose and engineering aspects to the administrators, pilots and engineers who were ready with all the answers. The MI-17 V-5 helicopter that was used during the Chennai floods for rescue operations was the star of the show. One of the squadrons gave information about another aircraft, Antonov – 32 and said that its main purpose was to deliver food and other necessary items to the forces and civilians in the Andaman and Nicobar islands. The students and visitors also attended interactive sessions with IAF officers who explained to them the various operations of the IAF.

11 Aug 2017

Good News

IATA assigns location code to Kannur airport

There are two airports in Kerala and one more will become operational as Kannur international airport has been granted its location code. Work is progressing fast and the Kannur airport is expected to start operations by mid-2018. The airport which will be commissioned next year has got the three-letter location code from the IATA (International Air Transport Association). P Bala Kiran, managing director of Kannur International Airport (KIAL) disclosed that the location code of the new airport is ‘CNN’ which is short for CaNNanore as the locals call the place. He said that KIAL wanted ‘KN” as the code, but it was not available. The location code is important as it is exclusive to every airport in the world and it is like what Aadhar is for an individual. Bala Kiran also informed that the new website of KIAL, with the '.aero' domain name will be put up soon and its URL will be 'kannurairport.aero'. He added that work on the terminal will be completed by October and the runway would be ready by December - January. Then, a license must be obtained from the Aerodrome Licensing Authority of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation after their inspection. Also, the Instrument Landing System (ILS) at the airport has to be finalized by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) using the calibration flight, which would be done in a few months after the conclusion of the civil works. According to KIAL authorities, once the airport becomes fully operational, it is expected to handle 4.67 million passengers and 60,758 metric tonnes of cargo in a year, with 39,638 aircraft movements.

29 Jul 2017

Good News

After Kochi, now Bhopal shines

Bhopal’s Raja Bhoj Airport is going to be the second in India to be completely dependent on solar energy. Airport director, Akashdeep Mathur said that after Kochi, Bhopal airport will become self-sufficient through green energy. A 1MW capacity solar plant will be installed at the airport to power all its functions. Once operational, the airport will be able to save around Rs25 lakh a month in electricity charges. Mathur said that generating solar electricity was a new concept at the airport, therefore, all are very enthusiastic about the project. After successful installation of solar panels as a pilot project, they have realized the wonders of solar power. According to sources, the cost of the project is around Rs 4.5 crore and the airport is expected to go all-solar by December 2017. There is also a system of net metering wherein customers generating their own electricity can feed the surplus into the power grid. Thus, the extra electricity that the airport generates during daylight hours can be stored and used during the night time when use exceeds the system’s output. The airport consumes 80 % electricity at night. According to a senior official, net metering enables the electricity generated during the day to go back to the grid so that at night the stored electricity can be used.

14 Jul 2017

Good News

Responsible NRI billionaire donates generously for child welfare

Anil Agarwal, the NRI billionaire who controls the London listed Vedanta Resources has pledged 75 percent of his family wealth for nurturing over 7.5 crore underprivileged children below the poverty line. According to the US magazine Forbes, the generous mining baron had a net worth of $2.4 billion as on July 1, 2017. He is ranked 603rd on the world's billionaire list according to the Forbes magazine, he is the 63rd richest Indian. In an interview, Agarwal said that he strongly believed in giving back to the society and has, therefore, pledged 75 percent of his family wealth for uplifting and nurturing underprivileged children. For this reason, his company has invested Rs 400 crore to start Nand Ghars, which is a unique initiative to strengthen the foundation of children below the age of seven years by providing them with adequate nutrition, health and education. Around 7.5 crore children living in remote areas will benefit from this initiative. Designed in partnership with the Ministry of Women and Child Development, this project will bring about improvement in pre-primary education, healthcare, nutrition for children and economic empowerment for women in rural India. These Nand Ghars will be equipped with sufficient amenities like clean toilets, safe drinking water, electricity through solar panels and various education and recreation facilities.

3 Jul 2017

Good News

Mumbai’s water vending machines to quench thirst of commuters

Mumbaikars can now have access to clean drinking water at cheap rates as water vending machines have been installed at railway stations across Mumbai. The machines are an initiative by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) that aims to provide purified drinking water at low rates at railway stations. The rate card denotes that if one is carrying an empty bottle, one needs to pay Rs 1 for 300 ml water, Rs 3 for 500 ml, and Rs 5 for 1 litre. If one needs a bottle as well, the rates are Rs 2, Rs 5 and 8 respectively. There is also an attendant at most kiosks, throughout the day who helps people understand how to operate the machine. However, at night, one has to operate the machine by oneself. A vendor near the kiosk said that people are making good use of this facility and during peak hours, commuters have to queue up to get water. The rush at the kiosk shows that the machine is a hit with the people. He admitted that because of the kiosk, his sale of soft drinks has come down. One happy commuter after filling her one litre bottle said that earlier she had to pay Rs 15 for a one litre bottle of water, but now she can have the same for just Rs 5. People avail of this facility even at night. It was found that overall during a 24-hour period, nearly 500 litres of water has been dispensed with.

14 Jun 2017

Good News

Mumbai beat London as busiest airport

If you wonder about the busiest airports in the World, then Mumbai has surpassed London’s Gatwick to become the world’s busiest airport that operates with a single runway. It is an achievement for the airport operator and Mumbai traffic control. They now handle one of the most difficult jobs in the world, as every 65 seconds an aircraft either takes off from or touches down at the Mumbai airport. The main airports of most major cities such as Delhi, Dubai, Singapore, Sydney, London and New York handle aircraft with at least two parallel runways in use. All passenger and cargo aircraft operate from a single runway -either the main runway (0927) or, when it's shut for repairs, the secondary one (1432). In the financial year ending March 2017, Mumbai airport handled 45.2 million passengers, beating Gatwick's 44 million.Currently, Mumbai airport handles 837 arrivals or take-offs in a day which brings to an average of 80 flights more than Gatwick, which handles 757 movements in a day. So there is one take-off or touch-down every 65 seconds from the main runway of Mumbai airport. As per the report published in The Times of India the air traffic controller informed, “We broke Gatwick's record in such conditions. It shows the level of perfection air traffic controllers in Mumbai have achieved through rigorous training," he added. Though Mumbai airport has two cross runways, only one is in use at any given time, making Mumbai an accidental entrant into the group of airports around the world that operate with a lone runway. It's not an unjust inclusion, as other airports in the singlerunway league, like Gatwick, for instance, have similar arrangements. Gatwick has two parallel runways but uses only one at a time. Because of land constraints, Mumbai airport cannot have a parallel runway and simultaneous use of its cross runways is too complicated, which leaves the lone runway to handle all air traffic. Mumbai International Airport Pvt Ltd (MIAL), the company that runs the airport, has been working at improving the taxiway network of the air port. The less time an aircraft spends on the runway to take off or land, more the number of flights it can handle. "Currently, work on extension of an existing taxiway is on to connect the Terminal 2 aircraft parking apron to runway 27. It will provide the much-required additional holding area for aircraft ready to take off on the main runway 27," said an MIAL spokesperson.

13 May 2017

Good News

First Indian made civilian aircraft Saras to take to sky soon

Having received a green signal from the government under the new regional connectivity policy, India’s first indigenous civil aircraft Saras is likely to take first flight in June, if everything goes as per plan. The Saras has been fitted with a modified engine and various specifications have also been modified. It is a 14-seater plane. It’s first prototype had done its maiden flight on May 29, 2004. At that time, it was found that aircraft was overweight at 5,118kg compared to the design specifications of 4,125kg. The original design had specified a payload of 1,232kg. and maximum takeoff weight of 6,100kg. The new Saras will now have multi-role capabilities including light cargo transport, troop transport, aerial survey, reconnaissance, feeder line aircraft, executive aircraft as well as air ambulance. Saras aircraft has been handed to the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE) for test flights by Bengaluru-based developers National Aerospace Laboratory (NAL), as per Times of India reports. NAL Director Jitendra J Jadhav said, "The engine tests have already begun. The low-speed taxi and high-speed taxi trials are expected to be completed by the end of this month. After that, the ASTE will do the first flight most probably in the first week of June." The new Saras will certainly give boost to the government’s ambitious regional air connectivity plan under Udan scheme, when it clears airworthiness test flights and goes for commercial production

12 May 2017

Good News

Logos denoting hearing impaired drivers are out with the first hearing disabled driver to get license in Telangana

Making lives as normal to disabled people as a normal person, Telangana has become the first state to have logos for drivers with hearing impairment. The logo was designed by a graphic designer Manikanta Annapragada from Hyderabad who is also the first hearing impaired person to get a driving license. The logo was finalized out of eight logos designed and submitted by Manikanta himself. The final logo was decided by the state’s transport department. This logo is kind of a safety measure for the hearing impaired drivers as this will acknowledge the other drivers and make them attentive so as to avoid accidents and be careful. Telangana has become the first state in India to make such a decision. Talking about the logo, it has a mark that symbolizes hearing impairment with text on it as follows, “Driver is deaf. Please watch out.”Size of the logo is different for two and four wheeler vehicles. In two wheelers, for the rear side, the logo must be 4 inches high and 3 inches wide and for the front side, it must be 3 inches high and 2 inches wide. In four wheelers, for the rear side, the logo must be 6 inches high and 5 inches wide and for the front side, it must be 4 inches high and 3 inches wide. As per the records with the transport ministry of the state about 10 hearing impaired people have applied for learner’s license. In November 2016, the Union Transport Ministry had granted permissions to provide licenses to hearing disabled people if they pass the tests successfully, provided the applicant has proper visual ability.

12 May 2017

Good News

Soon noise mapping to check noise pollution at airports

Taking up the issue of noise pollution from aircraft during its take off and landing and also during its movements at airports, the National Physical Laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) , the Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) and the Airport Authority of India have agreed to work together for 'noise mapping' of all airports across the country and suggest measures to reduce its impact. Noise-mapping refers to the scientific method to measure existing and projected noise levels in a particular area. Noise mapping is usually done by calculating noise levels in different scenario and it helps in preparing action plans to mitigate it. CSIR-NPL director, D K Aswal said that continuous exposure to noise above 85 decibels was harmful to hearing as per guideline of OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). According to documented research, noise does not have to be that loud to lead to physiological changes in blood pressure, sleep, digestion and other stress-related disorders. Continuous high-intensity sound impacts the health of a human being. The environment ministry has fixed noise standards within the boundary for various airports as the ones applicable for 'industrial areas'. The issue of noise pollution around airports was came to light in January when the National Green Tribunal (NGT) heard pleas filed by the residents of Vasant Kunj and Bijwasan in South Delhi. These residential areas are in close proximity to the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in the Capital.

6 May 2017

Good News

Airlines introduces offers for student flyers

Here’s a little good news for those students traveling abroad for their studies. Jet Airways and Air India have extended special offers to students going abroad to study this summer. With market growing with 17 per cent, according to a market report, over 4,00,000 students from India travelled abroad for studies in 2016-17. The Jet programme covers students from India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal who hold confirmed admissions for studying at universities/ institutions in Australia, Canada, Europe, Hong Kong, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, United Kingdom, and USA. The Air India programme includes flights operated by the national carrier from India to destinations like Newark, New York, London, Birmingham, Osaka, Tokyo, Frankfurt, Paris, Rome, Milan, Vienna, Madrid, Moscow, etc. Under the Jet Airways "eduJetter" programme for the 2017-18 academic year, students will be allowed 69kg baggage, free SIM cards, and through baggage check-ins right up to the final destination. After booking the tickets, students can go to the eduJetter page on Jet Airways website and fill up the form. The student will then receive an updated ticket from the airline with applicable eduJetter benefits within 72 hours. The Air India Maharaja Scholars' Offer 2017 (details are on AI website) allows students travelling on a valid student visa or student exchange visa to carry one extra 23kg bag free on board AI flights to the US and Europe. On its flights to Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Seoul, Sydney and Melbourne, the additional baggage allowance is 20 kg. The AI offer is valid till September 30.With more and more students traveling abroad for their studies, this is surely a move which will help already tensed students about their baggage limits. Also, many students are worried about immediate contact to their hometown, therefore free sim card will also make sure that students do not panic once they reach their education destination.

5 May 2017

Good News

Shirdi Airport to start soon

Soon the devotees to Shirdi can fly from three different cities in India starting from next month. Shirdi airport wll be the first developed airport which will be managed by Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) in Ahmednagar district. This airport will be connected to Mumbai, Delhi and Hyderabad initially. Even while the MADC was formed in the year 2002, not a single airport was developed. Shirdi will be the first greenfield airport in the state. Talking to The Times of India, Vishwas M. Patil, chairman and managing director, MADC, said, "The airport at Shirdi is almost ready and will be operated by MADC. Flight operations will start from next month. As far as CAG's observations are concerned, I will not be able to comment." According to Patil, MADC will first operate domestic flights from Shirdi. Later, international flights will also be started. "MADC is currently working on the details," Patil said. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has sanctioned project around Rs 340.54 crore for this airport. Few of the routes expected to run from Shirdi are Shirdi-Hyderabad, Shirdi-Delhi, Shirdi-Mumbai among others. More routes will also be added once the airport starts functioning from next month.

11 Apr 2017

Good News

April onwards UDAN flights to start under regional air connectivity programme.

The ‘Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik’ (UDAN) scheme would begin from April. The aviation ministry has announced the first regional flight accordingly. Under the UDAN scheme, the government will provide air travel facility to common man with a subsidised per hour of flight airfare at Rs 2,500 only. As per the reports in The Economic Times, civil aviation secretary R N Choubey said, “We expect that the first regional flight will start from next month.” The ministry announced that five airlines have submitted 27 proposals, which have been accepted. By enforcing this programme, the government will facilitate connectivity to 31 additional airports in the country. Further, these airlines will together connect 128 routes across India. Choubey added that, “In a century of civil aviation, only 76 airports connected with scheduled commercial flights. In one year since aviation policy was announced, 31 more unserved airports will get connectivity.” The government will provide a subsidy of Rs 205 crore for the first year of starting a regional flight. At last, taking a flight from a regional airport will be a reality for the citizens residing in the remote areas of India.

30 Mar 2017

Good News

The Whys and Hows

Should You Choose Yogurt or Kefir for Your Health?

Both yogurt and kefir are fermented milk products with distinct qualities and lengthy histories. Yogurt is creamy and has a tangy flavor that is best enjoyed with a spoon. The history of yogurt begins in the ancient Middle East. It was discovered by herdsmen that milk stored in intestinal gut bags would sour and curdle. Kefir, on the other hand, is a thicker drink with a stronger tang. Its past is rooted in the Caucasus, Eastern Europe, and the Balkans. Both kefir and yogurt are excellent options for consumers who are concerned about their health because they are high in nutrients and include helpful bacterial strains. Examine their manufacturing processes, distinctions, and health advantages to determine which is best for you.Comparing Benefits and Other Analysis ~ (Source: Google Images) Nutritious additions to the diet, yogurt, and kefir are both excellent choices. A one-cup portion of either plain, or low-fat is comparable in terms of calories and important nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid). There are a few variations to be aware of, though. Compared to kefir, yogurt has higher levels of vitamin B12 and is somewhat higher in zinc and riboflavin (vitamin B2). Kefir, on the other hand, shines with larger concentrations of vitamin D, A, and selenium and provides a bit more protein. Which Probiotic Is Higher? Living bacteria known as probiotics can be beneficial to health when consumed in sufficient quantities.Probiotics are living microorganisms that offer health benefits when taken in adequate amounts. Probiotics, also known as "good bacteria" are naturally present in your gut and can support gut health in various ways. They can make it easier for things to move through the intestines, stop harmful microorganisms from growing, and strengthen the gut's protective lining. Over 100 trillion microorganisms are inside the gut. Probiotics are also found in fermented foods like yogurt and kefir. Studies on yogurts containing S. thermophilus and L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus found varying levels, from less than 10,000 to over one billion colony-forming units per gram or millimeter (CFU/g or ml). Colony-forming units (CFUs) are a way of counting live microorganisms. According to research, yogurt contains an average of 100 million colony-forming units per gram.Cultured dairy products typically retain larger amounts of microbes than other fermented foods, even while kefir may appear to be fermented with a wider variety and in bigger quantities. However, a fermented product's microbial count can vary based on its age and place of origin. Regretfully, there's not much information on how many living microbes are present in the majority of fermented foods that are retailed. Product labels typically do not carry this information. Looking for the "live and active cultures" seal on a product is one simple approach to find out if it contains a large amount of live microorganisms in its cultured dairy. Which is healthier, kefir or yogurt ultimately comes down to personal preference. Dairy is a food group that is high in vital nutrients like protein, calcium, and potassium. Furthermore, studies indicate a potential correlation between the regular consumption of fermented milk products, such as kefir and yogurt, and a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes, colorectal cancer, and breast cancer. Additionally, it can support improved heart, bone, and intestinal health as well as assist maintain a healthy weight. Kefir and yogurt are both quite adaptable and can be used in a wide range of dishes and snacks. Their adaptability makes it simple to include them in a balanced diet, which enhances general health and wellbeing.

30 Aug 2024

The Whys and Hows

The Green Defense: The Role of Plants in Combatting Vehicle Pollution

In the bustling world of urban development, vehicle emissions have surged alongside population growth. The initial targets of these vehicle emissions are the vegetation along the roadsides and highways. Here is a quick overview of vehicle emissions' effects on plants. Conversely, there has also been discussion on roadside plants' potential benefits in mitigating the negative impacts of vehicle emissions. There have also been theories on how plants may function as bioindicators of air pollution. One of the main concerns has been highlighted regarding the inadequate investigation of the nanocarbon particle element of vehicular pollution and their interactions with roadside plants, and more specifically with roadside crops. A State Of Emergency ~ Take Care Of Them and They Will Revert ~ ( Source: Google Images ) In the last several decades, the world's population has gradually increased, rising from 7.4 billion in 2016 to 7.7 billion in 2019, 7.8 billion in 2020, and 7.9 billion in 2021. By 2050, it is predicted that there will be 9.9 billion people on the planet. Transportation needs have grown as a result of urbanization, industrialization, and a rise in different economic activities to fulfill the wants of this population that is growing at an exponential rate. The insufficiency of public transportation networks has also subtly led to a rise in the usage of private automobiles. If you drive in India regularly, you probably know more than anybody about the importance of roadside vegetation. A verdant portion of traffic junction canopy not only magnificently elevates the otherwise boring jungle of concrete and asphalt visually, but for many riders, it's their final line of defense against the scorching Indian sun. It is very uncommon to witness plants near highway medians and islands withering away from neglect or even being destroyed by stray cattle who eat at these locations as they pass by. Not only is this awful in terms of aesthetics, but recent research discovered that these plants are essential in reducing the negative impacts of motor vehicle pollution. Researchers carefully tested the air at five locations along a US highway, comparing places with natural or decorative vegetation to identical sites devoid of greenery, to determine the effect of trees and shrubs on lowering air pollution. The findings were remarkable: there was a 37% decrease in soot and a 7% decrease in ultrafine particles on the roadways with vegetation. This, according to the researchers, is because shrubs and trees provide a lot of surface area for tiny particles to stick to, which effectively traps pollutants and keeps them from escaping into the surrounding region. The thoughtful placement of vegetation in conjunction with this natural filtering mechanism may provide a practical response to the urgent problem of increased pollution levels in the vicinity of roads. But Roby Greenwald, the study's author, is keen to warn against thinking that lush roads would solve every problem relating to automobile emissions. Although it greatly lowers particle air pollution, it does not sufficiently address greenhouse gas emissions like carbon dioxide and ozone pollution, which are contributing to the planet's catastrophic overheating. "We should plant more trees along roadways because they provide benefits that go beyond aesthetics," Greenwald explains. "But I don't want to give anyone the impression that we can solve all of the problems associated with motor vehicle emissions simply by planting trees." Air pollution is a silent killer that has no limits and is frequently linked to cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. Furthermore, a large number of Indian universities and colleges are situated near roads, increasing the likelihood that their students may be exposed to dangerous pollutants as well as an increased chance of being involved in traffic accidents. As scientific data tying motor vehicle pollution to ailments including asthma, chronic bronchitis, lung cancer, and heart attacks keeps growing, the urgency of addressing this issue grows. Municipalities need to prioritize environmental sustainability in their policies, encourage active transportation options like walking and cycling, and invest in public transit infrastructure to enhance the quality of the air. As scientific evidence tying automobile pollution to ailments like asthma, chronic bronchitis, lung cancer, and heart attacks keeps mounting, the urgency of addressing this issue grows. Municipalities need to prioritize environmental sustainability in their policies, support active transportation options like walking and cycling, and invest in public transit infrastructure to enhance the quality of the air.

12 Apr 2024

The Whys and Hows

Uncovering the Science of Flight: How Do Airplanes Defy Gravity and Stay in the Air?

Airplanes are a common mode of transportation for millions of people every day, but have you ever wondered how they actually stay in the air? The answer lies in the science of aerodynamics, which is the study of how air behaves when it interacts with objects. When an airplane is in flight, the wings generate lift by creating a difference in air pressure. The curved shape of the wings causes air to move faster over the top of the wing than underneath it. This creates a region of low pressure on top of the wing and a region of high pressure underneath it. The difference in pressure generates lift, which keeps the airplane in the air. The engines of the airplane provide the necessary thrust to move the airplane forward, which creates airflow over the wings, generating lift. To control the airplane, the pilot adjusts the angle of the wings and tail using control surfaces such as flaps and elevators. In addition to lift, airplanes also rely on other forces such as weight, drag, and gravity to stay in the air and maintain stability. A balance of these forces is necessary for safe and efficient flight. In conclusion, the science of aerodynamics explains how airplanes are able to stay in the air and travel long distances. The principles of lift, thrust, and control are essential to the successful operation of an airplane and ensure a safe and enjoyable flying experience.

30 Jun 2023

The Whys and Hows

Global News

Newly Discovered Protein Stops DNA Damage and Even Repairs It!

A protein that possesses the hitherto undiscovered capacity to halt DNA damage in its tracks has been found by Western University researchers. The discovery may provide the groundwork for the development of cancer vaccines as well as crops resistant to growing drought. The protein, known as DdrC (for DNA Damage Repair Protein C), was discovered by researchers in Ontario, Canada, in a fairly common bacterium called ‘Deinococcus radiodurans’. This bacterium has the remarkably unusual ability to survive conditions that damage DNA; it can withstand radiation doses of 5,000 to 10,000 times that which would kill a normal human cell. Lead scientist Robert Szabla claims that Deinococcus is also highly effective at mending broken DNA.Szabla, a graduate student in the biochemistry department at Western, compares it to having an NFL player who plays every game without a helmet or pads. Every game, "he would sustain multiple broken bones and concussions, but he would miraculously recover completely overnight, just in time for practice the following day." He and his associates found that DdrC is an essential component of this restoration process. Every cell has a system in place to repair damaged DNA. According to a news release, “a human cell can't fix itself and it dies if there are any more than two breaks in the entire billion base pair genome.” In contrast, DdrC's special protein aids the cell in mending hundreds of fractured DNA fragments into a cohesive genome.Newly Discovered Protein Stops DNA Damage and Even Repairs it – Pointing to a Cancer Vaccine (Source: Google Images)Interesting Findings To Investigate ~ Szabla and his colleagues employed the nation's most potent X-ray source, the Canadian Light Source at the University of Saskatchewan, to ascertain the protein's three-dimensional form. From there, they went backward to gain a deeper understanding of the protein's "superpower" to counteract DNA damage.They found that DdrC searches the DNA for breaks, and when it finds one, it closes, much like a mousetrap. There are two main purposes for this trapping action. It repairs the DNA damage and stops more harm from occurring at the break. Furthermore, it functions as a tiny molecular beacon. It says, "Hey, over here," to the cell. There is harm. Come make it right. According to Szabla, proteins typically create intricate networks that allow them to perform a certain function. Because it can carry out its job without the assistance of other proteins, DdrC seems to be a bit of an anomaly.He presented findings in the journal Nucleic Acids Research. "To our utter surprise, it actually made the bacterium over 40 times more resistant to UV radiation damage," he said. "It appears that there are very few instances where a single protein functions as a stand-alone device." According to him, theoretically, this gene could be added to any organism—plants, animals, or humans—and it would boost the cells' capacity for DNA repair.The Western team is just beginning its study of 'Deinococcus' ~DdrC is just one out of hundreds of potentially useful proteins in this bacterium. The next step is to produce further, look at what else this cell uses to fix its own genome – because they are sure to find many more tools where they have no idea how they work or how they’re going to be useful until they look. “Currently, when we think of cancer treatments, we always think of treating it once it’s already happened. What if we can prevent the cancer from happening in the first place?” ~ Szabla

23 Aug 2024

Global News

Doha’s Hamad International Airport Overtakes Changi To Secure the Title of Best Airport in the World

The excitement was palpable at the recent 2024 World Airport Awards as Hamad International Airport in Doha claimed the top spot, dethroning Singapore's Changi Airport from its longstanding position. This prestigious award, bestowed by the London-based research institute Skytrax, marks a significant milestone for Hamad International Airport and highlights its commitment to delivering exceptional travel experiences. The Skytrax World Airport Awards Ceremony The highly anticipated awards ceremony took place at the Passenger Terminal Expo in Frankfurt, Germany, on April 17, 2024. Amidst industry professionals and aviation enthusiasts, Hamad International Airport celebrated its third victory, having previously secured the second position in 2021 and 2022. Changi Airport's Storied Legacy While Changi Airport gracefully transitioned to the second position globally, it remains a powerhouse in Asia, continuing to excel in various categories such as immigration services and airport hotels. The Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, for instance, received accolades as the best airport hotel for the ninth consecutive time reflecting Changi's unwavering commitment to passenger satisfaction. Passenger-Driven Excellence Skytrax's comprehensive survey, conducted from August 2023 to February 2024, captured the sentiments of travelers across a spectrum of touchpoints within airports, from check-in to shopping, security, immigration, and departures. This feedback mechanism reflects the voices of passengers who contribute significantly to shaping airport experiences worldwide. Celebrating a Decade of Success at Hamad International Airport CEO Badr Mohammed Al Meer expressed delight at Hamad International Airport's triumph, coinciding with its milestone 10th year of operations. He credited the airport's success to the dedication and innovation of its employees, reaffirming their commitment to maintaining a leading position in the industry. India's Standout Performers Delhi International Airport retained its position at 36th globally and was honored as the 'best airport in India and South Asia.' Meanwhile, Bangalore International Airport surged ahead, clinching the title of 'best regional airport in India and South Asia' and making significant strides in global rankings. Skytrax World Airport Awards: Top 3 Airports of 2024 Here's a snapshot of the top airports of 2024 according to Skytrax, showcasing excellence in airport services and passenger satisfaction: 1. Doha Hamad Airport, Qatar 2. Singapore Changi Airport 3. Seoul Incheon Airport, South Korea The Skytrax World Airport Awards continue to serve as a benchmark for excellence in airport operations and passenger experiences, driving continuous improvement and innovation in the global aviation industry.

18 Apr 2024

Global News

Alaska Introduces Aurora: The New Runway Guardian Robot to Prevent Wildlife Encroachments!

The Alaskan wilderness is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife. However, this natural beauty poses unique challenges for aviation safety, particularly at Fairbanks International Airport. In an innovative approach to mitigate the risks of wildlife encounters on the runway, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities has introduced a new "employee" – a robot named Aurora, developed by Boston Dynamics. Unconventional Solutions for Aviation Safety: Traditionally, airports have employed various methods to deter wildlife from encroaching onto runways, from employing real dogs to using repellents sprayed from drones. However, faced with the limitations and risks of these methods, the Alaskan government turned to technology for a more effective solution. Enter Aurora, the dog-like robot designed to mimic a predator and keep migratory birds and other animals at bay. Aurora's Role in Enhancing Airport Safety: During his address to the Alaska House and Senate transportation committees, Ryan Marlow, the robot handler, highlighted Aurora's role in enhancing airport safety. The robot will undergo trials to patrol the runways during migratory bird season, effectively reducing the risk of hazardous encounters between planes and wildlife. Additionally, Aurora will be tested to gauge its effectiveness in deterring larger animals like bears and moose. Innovative Approach to Wildlife Mitigation: One of the distinctive features of Aurora is its adaptability. The robot's panels can be replaced to resemble different animals, such as foxes or coyotes, allowing it to invoke predator responses in wildlife. This innovative approach eliminates the need for lethal or chemical-based deterrents, aligning with the principles of non-lethal wildlife mitigation. Advantages Over Traditional Methods: Compared to traditional wildlife deterrents like real dogs, Aurora offers several advantages. As Marlow explained, the robot eliminates the need for food, training, and warmth associated with real animals. Moreover, Aurora's ability to collect data provides valuable insights for airport authorities, facilitating informed decision-making regarding wildlife management. Addressing Concerns and Future Implications: While Aurora's trial presents a promising solution to wildlife management at airports, concerns have been raised regarding surveillance and privacy implications. Given the history of Boston Dynamics' robots being deployed for military and policing applications, some individuals express reservations about the broader implications of Aurora's deployment. In an era of technological innovation, Aurora represents a paradigm shift in wildlife management at airports. With the help of robotics and artificial intelligence, airports like Fairbanks International are pioneering new approaches to ensure aviation safety amidst the challenges posed by wildlife encounters. As Aurora undergoes trials and evaluation, its role in safeguarding Alaska's skies will continue to evolve, shaping the future of airport wildlife management worldwide.

3 Apr 2024

Global News

Wings Amidst Wheels: Why Auckland Airport is an Unlikely Haven for These Endangered Dotterels

In an unexpected turn of events, the endangered tūturiwhatu, also known as the New Zealand dotterel, has chosen a bustling airport as its nesting sanctuary. Auckland Airport, known for its constant noise and activity, has become a safe haven for these precious birds, thanks to tall fences that keep out their predators. The Auckland Airport, which usually serves as a hub for planes and passengers, has become a peaceful refuge for the tūturiwhatu. Four pairs of dotterels have been recorded nesting in the green areas alongside the airport's outer runways this year. The airport's wildlife manager, Lucy Hawley, explained that the high fences surrounding the airport prevent the bird's invasive predators from entering, making it an attractive nesting spot for the dotterels. Despite the noise and movement of giant planes, the dotterels pay no heed and have no qualms about raising their young beside the taxiways. Over the past decade, approximately 80 dotterels have hatched on the airport's taxiways, with the parents typically arriving between November and December. To ensure the safety and well-being of these endangered birds, the airport has collaborated with professional wildlife biologists who have banded some of the birds to track their movements and nesting behavior. This heartwarming story showcases how what may seem like a hindrance to one species can become a sanctuary for another. The Auckland Airport's tall fences and green areas have provided a unique nesting habitat for the tūturiwhatu, allowing them to thrive amidst the airport's bustling environment.

8 Nov 2023

Global News

Portland's New Airport Sets a Sustainable Standard with Local Tribal Timber Construction

Portland's newly constructed airport terminal is making waves in the construction industry with its innovative use of local tribal timber. The use of cross-laminated timber (CLT), also known as "mass-timber," sets a new standard for sustainable building materials. The terminal's remarkable features include inherent fire resistance, reduced carbon footprint, and an aesthetically pleasing design. The construction industry is increasingly turning to CLT due to its durability and flexibility. Unlike plywood, CLT is made by pressing long boards together cross-ways with glue and high temperatures, resulting in a strong and versatile material. The new terminal's massive roof, covering an area of 9 acres, is made entirely of CLT sourced from within a 300-mile radius of Portland. The Douglas fir, hemlock, and southern yellow pine used in the construction were obtained from Oregon landowners and Tribal nations. Each board used in the skylights and beams has a unique story, with the Yakama Nation and Coquille Indian Tribe contributing to the project. Portland's airport terminal not only showcases the potential of the American mass timber market but also highlights the environmental benefits of using sustainable materials. Mass timber is a low-carbon building solution, unlike concrete, which is a major emitter of greenhouse gases. Additionally, the carbon absorbed by the trees used in mass timber construction remains sequestered, contributing to the reduction of the global carbon cycle. This landmark project is expected to inspire other cities across the country to explore the possibilities of using local and sustainable materials for their construction projects. By embracing tribal timber and sustainable practices, Portland's new airport is leading the way towards a greener and more eco-friendly future for the aviation industry.

6 Nov 2023

Global News

Liquid Trees: A Cutting-Edge Solution That Seems Straight out of Science Fiction!

In the battle against urban pollution and the dwindling quality of life in crowded cities, Serbia has unveiled a cutting-edge solution that seems straight out of science fiction – liquid trees. These trees do not have roots or leaves. They are futuristic devices that hold the key to revolutionizing air quality control. Officially known as bioreactors, these tanks contain a powerful mix of water and microalgae. The magic happens within these tanks as microalgae, fueled by sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide, engage in photosynthesis to capture CO2 and release oxygen. In essence, they function just like trees – purifying the air. Microalgae, incredibly tiny organisms, breathe life into these tanks. As they inhale, pollutants are absorbed, while pure, revitalized air is exhaled. The more they work, the greener they become, akin to the growth of a real tree. This innovation, aptly named Liquid 3, addresses the pollution woes of urban areas where space for traditional parks and trees is scarce. One Liquid 3 unit can clean as much air as a 20-year-old tree. What's more, these solar-powered marvels are remarkably efficient, quick to build and instantly effective. But the ingenuity doesn't stop there. These bioreactors in Serbia double as benches, offering urban dwellers a comfortable spot to relax. They even provide power outlets for charging mobile phones. While Liquid 3 currently graces the streets of Belgrade, the future holds exciting prospects, with plans to introduce these urban air saviors in cities like Paris, New York, and New Delhi. In a world where planting new trees in sprawling metropolises is a challenge, Liquid 3 emerges as an inspiring and practical solution to combat pollution and enhance the urban environment.

6 Oct 2023

Global News

Austrian Innovator Saves Ibis Species from Extinction: Ultralight Aircraft Paves the Way for Unique Migration Route

In a remarkable feat of wildlife conservation, an Austrian ornithologist has devised a groundbreaking method to save the northern bald ibis from extinction. By fostering chicks of this endangered species and guiding them along a new migration route using an ultralight aircraft, he has successfully reconnected these birds with their natural migratory patterns. The northern bald ibis, once extinct in Europe for over 400 years due to excessive hunting, has found hope for survival through the efforts of a small team of scientists and conservationists. In 2002, they initiated a project to reintroduce the species in Europe, which gained momentum with funding from the European LIFE-program in 2014. Johannes Fritz, the visionary biologist and pilot behind this initiative, raised the ibis chicks with the help of human foster parents. The juvenile birds were then trained to follow an ultralight aircraft, with human co-pilots, as they embarked on their journey from northern Europe to their wintering grounds in southern climes. The reintroduction project was not without its challenges. Initially, the birds' natural instincts led them to migrate to Russia instead of their intended destination. To overcome this, Fritz personally flew them over the Alps in his ultralight aircraft, ensuring their safe passage. Despite facing setbacks, such as unstable migration routes due to climate change, Fritz's dedication and perseverance paid off. The ibises have successfully adopted the newly established migration tradition, marking a significant milestone in their conservation journey.

25 Aug 2023

Global News

Revolutionizing Mobility: South Korean Universities Unveil Cutting-Edge Material Advancements for Air and Road Travel

South Korean universities have developed a new composite material that could revolutionize air and road mobility. Researchers from Solutions to Electromagnetic Interference in Future-mobility (SEIF), Hanyang University, and Jeonbuk National University have created a self-reinforced composite (SRC) that uses only one type of polypropylene (PP) polymer, resulting in improved bonding and tensile strength, as well as impact resistance. In fact, the SRC they created had adhesive strength 333% greater than composites currently in use, while tensile strength was 228% greater and impact resistance was a staggering 2,700% higher. Apart from toughness, SRCs are lightweight, inexpensive, and have advantages in terms of disposal and recycling as the reinforcement and the base material are composed of the same material. Current manufacturing processes for SRCs involve mixing chemically different components, resulting in poorer physical properties and preventing recyclability. However, the Korean researchers found a successful way to control the melting point, fluidity, and impregnation by adjusting the chain structure of the polypropylene matrix through a four-axis extrusion process. The new material is being looked at as the next-generation composite material to replace carbon-fiber-reinforced composites used in vehicle and aircraft/drone bodies. With the new composite material, vehicles and aircrafts will be more fuel-efficient while significantly reducing carbon footprints. The development of this new material could pave the way for a more sustainable future in air and road mobility.

23 Jul 2023

Global News

Irvine's Great Park Project: Military Base to Become America's Largest City Park, A Haven for Greenery and Amenities

The city of Irvine in California is set to boast the largest city park in the United States, as construction begins on the Great Park Project. Spanning 1,300 acres, the project will be built on the site of the former El Toro Marine Corps Base, which has been derelict for many years. The park is expected to take at least another decade to complete, but will feature a range of amenities including museums, an amphitheater, a veterans memorial garden, an aquatics center, a sports complex, and two lakes. The project is being funded by $455 million in municipal bonds, with the total cost estimated at $1 billion. The park is being designed by Irvine professionals from SWA Group and Kellenberg Studios, and is expected to dwarf New York's Central Park by more than 500 acres. The first stage of the project involves demolishing and clearing away 77 old military buildings, while the El Toro air traffic control tower will be leased by the Federal Aviation Administration. A portion of the park is already open to visitors, featuring a soccer pitch and tethered balloon rides. Irvine City Councilman Michael Carroll, who serves as Chairman of the Great Park Board, said, "After many years of community input and after the last year of intensive planning and design, we are excited to be launching what is a $1 billion investment to establish the world’s next great metropolitan park." The park is expected to provide a much-needed green space for the rapidly-growing city of Irvine.

14 Jul 2023

Global News

NASA and Boeing Unveil Revolutionary New Plane to Combat Climate Change

NASA and Boeing have unveiled a new experimental aircraft designed to reduce the environmental impact of air travel and combat climate change. The X-48C aircraft is a hybrid-electric plane that uses advanced technology to significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The new aircraft features three electric motors powered by lithium-ion batteries, which work in conjunction with a traditional jet engine to increase efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. The X-48C also has a unique aerodynamic design, featuring a "blended wing body" that reduces drag and increases lift, further improving its fuel efficiency. NASA and Boeing hope that this new technology will help to revolutionize the aviation industry and lead to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The X-48C is just the latest in a series of experimental aircraft developed by NASA and its partners, as part of the agency's efforts to promote sustainable aviation. The X-48C is currently undergoing testing at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in California. The aircraft's first flight is expected to take place in the coming months, and NASA and Boeing hope to use the data collected during these tests to further refine the design and improve its performance. This new technology could have a significant impact on the aviation industry, which is responsible for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions. By developing more sustainable air travel options, NASA and Boeing are helping to pave the way towards a more sustainable future.

21 Jun 2023

Global News

Revolutionary Hydrogen-Powered Swiss Jet Could Bring Back Supersonic Flight and Slash Travel Times by 75%

A Swiss aviation startup claims to have developed the world's first hydrogen-powered supersonic jet, which could cut travel time by 75% and bring back supersonic flight. The new jet, called the HB-2, uses hydrogen fuel cells to power its engines, eliminating the need for traditional fossil fuels. The HB-2 has been developed by the aeronautics firm Swiss Hydrogen in partnership with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL). The aircraft is designed to travel at speeds of up to 1,000 miles per hour, which is about 1.3 times the speed of sound. This could potentially reduce travel time from New York to London to just two hours, compared to the current duration of around seven hours. The technology behind the HB-2 is groundbreaking as it uses hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity, which is then used to power the jet's engines. Hydrogen fuel cells are considered a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuels. The hydrogen used in the HB-2 is stored in on-board tanks and is converted into electricity through a process that produces only water as a byproduct. The HB-2 has already completed a successful test flight, which lasted for 10 minutes, at an altitude of 6,500 feet. The aircraft is still in development, and Swiss Hydrogen plans to conduct further tests to refine the technology and evaluate its performance. If successful, the HB-2 could usher in a new era of supersonic travel, which has been absent since the retirement of Concorde in 2003. The HB-2's use of hydrogen fuel cells could also help to reduce the aviation industry's carbon footprint, which is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions.

10 May 2023

Global News

Selling Fresh Air to Travelers: Dusit Kachai’s Unique Business Venture in Thailand

Pollution in cities is getting worse day by day due to the release of gases from industrial waste or automobiles. Therefore, urban citizens frequently venture outside of the city to breathe some fresh air. But did you know that a man in Thailand has utilized this opportunity to make money? Dusit Kachai, a 52-year-old farmer in Thailand, offers travelers a unique opportunity to purchase fresh air. For the initial hour, visitors pay 1,000 Thai baht (approximately Rs. 2500), after which they are given food and camping without cost. Situated close to Phu Laen Kha National Park, which is known for its clean air and lush scenery, Kachai's farm is said to have particularly pure air. In addition to his air-selling enterprise, Kachai is also the founder of Asian Life, an environmental group in the northeast of the country. Kachai warns visitors to be mindful of their actions, as he is a strong advocate for protecting the environment from the effects of climate change. Thailand is facing a growing issue of air pollution, which is putting the lives of many people in danger. Air quality in Thailand has been a problem. Bangkok's air is often polluted with dust as a result of a lack of breeze and airflow. According to the country's Environment Department, the capital's lack of breeze eventually locks pollution in the city.

24 Jan 2023

Global News

An “ Airline First”: British Airways Includes Jumpsuits and Hijab in Its Revamped Uniform as a Step Towards Inclusivity

British Airways, in a heartening move of inclusiveness, has added hijabs and tunics to their newly revamped set of uniforms. It's been nearly two decades since the Airways brought a change to its staff’s attire. The new uniform, designed by Savile Row fashion designer and tailor Ozwald Boateng will take the place of the present one, which was developed by Julien MacDonald. The female crew has the option of wearing a dress, skirt and trousers, or a modern jumpsuit. In a first, the international airline offers women the choice of a tunic and a hijab. The male cabin crew would, on the other hand, be fitted in a tailored three-piece. In a report in The Indian Express, Boateng states that the design is a “truly original collection”. “The airwave pattern that features across the entire uniform collection including jackets, t-shirts, buttons and ties was inspired by the movement of air over an aircraft wing. The jacquard fabric across all of the tailored garments features a variation of the airline's iconic speedmarque,” he added. Boateng revealed that it took a lot of time and even more effort to design this legendary collection that will stand the test of time and it was worth the wait. The new uniform will be worn for the first time by the airline's engineers and ground personnel starting in the spring of 2023. All members of British Airways cabin crew, pilots, and check-in agents will transition to the new uniform in the summer of 2023.

11 Jan 2023

Global News

From Hair Cuts to Hair Mats! How Human Hair Does Wonders To Protect Our Environment

A Belgian NGO Dung Dung has found a novel way to utilize human hair waste that would otherwise end up in landfills. Hair gathered from hairdressers is put to good use with The Hair Recycle Project which turns hair and braids into matted squares or hair mats, which can then be made into bio-composite bags or utilized to absorb oil and other harmful hydrocarbons. They can also be used to clean up oil spills and address pollution issues brought on by flooding. According to the project's website, hair is robust, durable, and can sustain up to 10 million times its own weight, absorb fat and hydrocarbons, and is very elastic and water-soluble because of its keratin fibers. The distinctive properties of human hair, such as its distinct chemical composition, slow rate of deterioration, high tensile strength, thermal insulation, elastic recovery, scaly surface, unique interactions with water and oils, and its socio-cultural significance, have enabled a wide range of applications. Patrick Janssen, the co-founder of the Project, claims that 1 kilogram (2.2 lbs) of hair may absorb 7-8 liters (1.8-2.1 U.S. gallons) of oil and other hydrocarbons, making the products useful for cleaning water of impurities before it enters rivers. He also noted how their goods are ethical because they are made locally rather than outsourced to other nations. Hair has many advantages over synthetic materials, which are typically used to absorb spills. It is infinitely available, biodegradable, and cost-free to produce (hair grows on us at a rate of roughly 1 cm a month). Hair sponges are washable, so they can be reused. Thus, it's amazing that human hair waste that due to their slow integration would otherwise have taken a lot of room in landfills is being used to prepare products that are beneficial for the environment.

5 Jan 2023

Global News

Israeli Startup Makes a Major Breakthrough As It Successfully Tests Drone-Like Personal Flying Vehicle

Being stuck in heavy traffic on congested roads may sometimes seem like an unavoidable situation, but an Israeli startup is hoping to put an end to such frustrating situations. The startup’s electric vehicle which is intended to transport commuters on short journeys above congested streets has completed its first unmanned flight, a milestone that its makers claim will speed up the vehicle's arrival on the market within the next two years. The flying electric vehicle, developed by Israeli startup AIR makes use of drone technology. The airplane with propellers ascends vertically from the ground before accelerating forward in the sky. According to the Israeli firm AIR, the aircraft will be able to go up to 100 kilometers with two people aboard it: a pilot and a passenger. This type of travel will eventually become mainstream, as predicted by AIR and many competitors around the world. CEO and co-founder Rani Plaut said that the success of this test flight has brought them closer to their dream of mass production of the AIR ONE. He further stated that before individuals can expect to fly themselves through cities in little vehicles like these, there are still a number of big barriers to be overcome, including developing rules and commercializing the technology. The next phase of the test will involve test-flying the vehicle with a person on board.

24 Dec 2022

Global News

Scientists Have Made a Startling Discovery in Antarctica

Scientists have made the astonishing discovery of a major river in Antarctica that was concealed by thick sheets of ice. A team of glaciologists researching how climate change is affecting glaciers came upon the river during a recent airborne radar survey. According to experts, the river extends 460 kilometers beneath the ice, a longer distance than the river Thames, which flows across southern England and through London. The journal Nature Geoscience carries a published article on the study of the waterway and its offshoots. According to glaciologists, the river may have a significant impact on the flow and melting of the glacier ice above it. It is known to scientists that water flows beneath ice sheets. However, this new research demonstrates that rivers are being formed as a result of the melting of ice. As the glacier's base loses stability, it is claimed that these freshwater channels could hasten the ice-melting process. Scientists discovered the river by combining the data from water flow modeling and airborne radar surveys. They studied a sizable area, which included ice from the Antarctic's east and west sheets as well as water flowing into the Weddell Sea. The study's base region has enough ice to increase the sea level worldwide by 4.3 meters. How quickly and how much of this ice melts depends on how slippery the ice base is. According to Martin Siegert, a glaciologist at Imperial College London in the UK and a co-author of the paper, the recently discovered river system "may greatly affect this process."

23 Nov 2022

Global News

Wanderlust

Glowing Forest: Where Science Feels Like Magic!

Have you ever had the urge or desire to travel to a fairyland? There are parts of India with landscapes straight out of a fairy tale. There is a legend that the fireflies in the area where fairies reside light up the night and cause the woodland to twinkle. It is preferable to witness this unusual sight in the monsoon. Many nature enthusiasts are drawn to the area by its tranquility, woodland aromas, and petrichor. You don't have to travel far to experience this phenomenon. Let me tell you about the glowing forests in India, where the trees seem to be illuminated by fairies and spirits. Let's explore some myths about these enchanted woodlands and the scientific explanations behind their magical radiance. India's "glowing forests" are a magnificent natural phenomenon that shines during the monsoon season. They are mostly located in the Western Ghats. The cause of this glow is bioluminescent mushrooms, especially those of the Mycena species, which release light when the air is very moist. At night, these fungi produce a breathtaking sight as they thrive on organic materials and decaying wood on the forest floor. Some Legends of the 'Glowing Forests' ~ Giving You The Chills! ( Source: Google Images) India's shimmering woodlands are shrouded in myth and mystery, particularly in the Western Ghats. According to one mythology, there was a time when people thought gods and goddesses lived in the woodlands. It was believed that the bioluminescent glow represented their heavenly presence, guarding the numerous species of the forest and guiding travelers. There is a story in Maharashtra about a lovely fairy who spends every night in the jungle. It is said that her beauty makes the whole forest shimmer. Many think that God sent her to observe his natural wonders. It is stated that anyone who sees her will experience prosperity and good fortune in life. Another tale from the nearby tribes describes a magnificent spirit who prowls the jungle at night. It is said that the shining mushrooms are this spirit's eyes, keeping watch over the land and its occupants. According to the tribes, the glow indicates the happiness of the spirit, and damaging the forest would incur its wrath. There are other legends of magical animals living in the luminous forests. It is stated that these ethereal creatures may only be seen when the forests light up during the monsoon season. The local populations hold them in high regard as the guardians of the forest's enchantment. Though the traditions differ from place to place, they are all united by a reverence for the bright trees. These legends, which have been handed down through the ages, keep the already enchanted phenomenon of bioluminescence charming. Whether there is any truth to these legends or they are just the creations of colorful minds, they undoubtedly add richness to India's natural beauty and cultural fabric. Uncovering Science Behind It ~ ( Source: Google Images) The enchanting glow of these forests is due to bioluminescent fungi, particularly the Mycena genus. These fungi emit light when there is a high amount of moisture in the air, such as during the monsoon season. They grow on decaying wood and other organic matter on the forest floor, creating a stunning visual effect at night. Places to Experience the Glowing Forests. Here's a list of destinations in India where you can experience this magical glow. Mattu-Padukere Beaches, Karnataka: While not a forest, these beaches exhibit bioluminescence due to marine organisms. Havelock Island, Andaman Islands: The seas around this island glow, thanks to bioluminescent phytoplankton. Bangaram Island, Lakshadweep: Another marine bioluminescence spot, particularly enchanting on moonless nights. Purushwadi, Maharashtra: Known for its sparkling fireflies, adding to the glow of the forests. Ahupe Village, Maharashtra: Near the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Ahupe is a small tribal village that showcases bioluminescence during the monsoon Bhimashankar Wildlife Reserve, Maharashtra: This reserve is known for its glowing forests, especially after a heavy monsoon rain. Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, Goa: Another location where the glowing forests can be observed. Krang Shuri, Meghalaya: Home to a new species of mushroom that causes the forests to glow. Best Time to Visit ~ The best time to witness this phenomenon in the forests is during the monsoon months of July, August, and September, right after an evening of heavy rains. For marine bioluminescence, the peak time is from November to February. Remember, the occurrence of bioluminescence isn't guaranteed, so it might require a bit of luck to experience this natural wonder. The glowing forests of India offer a unique and magical experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The combination of scientific wonder and rich folklore makes these forests a must-visit during the monsoon season. So set your bags and prepare to see one of nature's most captivating shows!

19 Jun 2024

Wanderlust

Positive Reads

Microgrids: Energizing India's Green Airports Revolution

India's aviation industry is positioned for a bright future as the country's passenger flow is predicted to grow at a rate of 7% per year. According to projections, India's domestic aviation passenger count is predicted to increase from 153 million in 2023 to 300 million yearly by 2030. Airports must fight the urgent concerns of climate change while simultaneously streamlining operations, minimizing downtime, and providing seamless experiences, even though the growing number benefits our nation as a whole. However, airports' susceptibility to power outages continues to be a serious risk that could cause delays and irritate customers. Airports all around the world are investing more in microgrid technology as a potent strategic response to these problems, giving them access to a continuous, confined, and independent power source. While the majority of airports aim to reach net zero emissions by 2030 and the worldwide plan of carbon neutrality by 2024, green airport project projects have the potential to significantly speed up India's transition to a decarbonized future. Microgrids: Providing sustainable aviation power ~ Are Microgrids Future Of Airports? (Source: Google Images) Resilience and sustainability in the aviation sector can be greatly enhanced by microgrids. Airports may become hubs for green energy thanks to these state-of-the-art solutions, which open the door to a more energy- and environmentally-conscious future. Microgrids are electrical systems that function similarly to an embedded grid and provide the surrounding area with a fraction of the electricity needed to operate an airport. Their ability to function both independently and in conjunction with the main grid gives them two advantages. They can provide energy even in the event of a grid breakdown or extreme weather. However, microgrids offer far more advantages than merely keeping the lights on. Airports may lower their carbon footprint and utility expenses dramatically by using renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Because microgrid configurations are inherently flexible, airports may make the most of local resources—especially in places like India that receive an abundance of sunlight. Through the utilization of solar energy, microgrids provide robust infrastructure solutions customized to the specific requirements of each location, promoting sustainable energy generation and storage options in line with local emissions reduction regulations. New 'Microgrid' At Pittsburgh International Airport Is A Big, Green Infrastructure Success ~ (Source: Google Images) Therefore, microgrids have the potential to be the cornerstone in the transformation of airports towards sustainability, providing a glimmer of hope in the face of climate hardship. These innovative and strategically deployed localized energy solutions not only strengthen airports against power outages but also create a foundation for a more environmentally conscious and resilient aviation industry that is ready to take off toward a more sustainable and brighter future.

23 May 2024

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Your Shortcut to Live Long: Benefits of Climbing Stairs

Choosing the stairs over the elevator has been considered sage fitness advice for years, but new research backs up this health tip. Yes, you read it correctly. A meta-analysis presented at a European Society of Cardiology conference this past weekend found that people who routinely climb stairs were 39% less likely to die from heart disease, compared to those who didn’t. They also had a lower risk of stroke and heart attack. Research presented on Sunday at ESC Preventive Cardiology 2024, a scientific congress of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), suggests that climbing stairs is linked to a longer lifespan. According to Dr. Sophie Paddock, the study's author from the University of East Anglia and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital Foundation Trust in Norwich, UK, "If you have the choice, go for the stairs as it will help your heart." "Even little bursts of physical activity have positive effects on health, and incorporating short stair climbing sessions into daily routines should be a realistic goal." Exercise and other such behaviors can help avoid cardiovascular disease. However, almost 40% of adults globally do not engage in the recommended amounts of physical activity. Firstly Understanding Longevity ~ Living a longer and healthier life is what is meant to be understood as longevity. It indicates a person's expected lifespan and level of health in subsequent years. The state in which an individual lives longer than their average life expectancy is also referred to as longevity. The study of longevity in medicine also teaches us how to live longer, better lives. Its primary objective is to guarantee that we continue to live healthy, active, and productive lives as we age, in addition to extending our longevity. In what precise sense is longevity defined? How about making a few little lifestyle adjustments to extend your life expectancy? Your lifestyle decisions have a direct impact on your health and longevity in addition to hereditary and environmental influences. A well-planned physical regimen plus a nutritious diet can improve health and lengthen life. It's crucial to remember that each person is unique, so what works for you might not necessarily work for someone else. Stair Climbing for Health ~ Research shows that moderate-intensity physical activity for 30 minutes each day is good for your health. It supports cardiovascular fitness, aids in weight control, and improves social and psychological well-being. Additionally, individuals should engage in at least 150 minutes a week of moderately intense aerobic physical activity, according to the World Health Organization. Nowadays, a lot of people claim to be "busy" and hence do not engage in regular physical activity. But you should make every effort to be more physically active for your health. Climbing stairs is one method to fit exercise into your everyday routine. Most people find it to be a practical and accessible form of exercise, particularly those who are sedentary. Stair climbing is a low-cost and readily accessible form of exercise that provides a series of health benefits if we do it every day: It enhances heart and lung function and improves blood circulation. It reduces the risk of developing coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, or colon cancer. It increases body resistance, thus reducing the chance of contracting diseases and increasing efficiency at work. It leads to healthy bones and lowers the risk of osteoporosis. It strengthens muscles. On Basis of Recent Conducted Study~ What Does It Say? ( Source: Google Images) One useful and accessible physical activity that is sometimes disregarded is stair climbing. A study looked into the possibility that staircase climbing, as a physical activity, could lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and early mortality. The authors performed a meta-analysis after compiling the best available data on the subject. Regardless of the number of flights of stairs and the rate of ascent, studies were included. In the end, 480,479 participants from nine research were included in the study. The study cohort comprised individuals with a history of peripheral artery disease or heart attacks, as well as those in good health. Participants' ages varied from 35 to 84 years old, with women making up 53% of the group. Stair climbing was linked to a 24 percent lower risk of dying from any cause and a 39 percent lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease when compared to not climbing steps. A lower risk of cardiovascular disease, such as heart attacks, heart failure, and stroke, has also been associated with stair climbing. "We would encourage people to incorporate stair climbing into their daily lives based on these results," Dr. Paddock stated. It is necessary to confirm our study's findings, which indicated that the advantages increased with the number of stairs ascended. Thus, use the stairs wherever you are—at work, home, or wherever. “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”– Lao Tzu

15 May 2024

Positive Reads

ARTPARK, India’s First Robotics Park Is a Gateway to Robotics Innovation

Nestled within the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) campus in Bengaluru, ARTPARK is a game-changer, bringing a wave of new technology to India. Established in 2020, under the visionary leadership of Raghuram Dharmaraju, ARTPARK is all about harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics solutions to address pressing societal challenges. Empowering Innovation: At its core, ARTPARK serves as a dynamic convergence point for startups, industry stalwarts, researchers, government entities, and non-profit organizations, fostering a collaborative environment conducive to groundbreaking discoveries. With a robust seed funding of Rs 230 crore from the Centre's department of science and technology and the Karnataka government, ARTPARK embarks on a mission to pioneer critical technologies, reduce India's import dependency, and catalyze AI-driven solutions for the nation's most pressing issues. Revolutionizing Sectors: From industrial automation to healthcare and agriculture, ARTPARK's innovation initiatives cover diverse sectors, promising transformative outcomes and functional benefits. Noteworthy among its physical platforms is the ARTgarage, a cutting-edge manufacturing and testing facility, serving as a crucible for developing autonomous intelligent systems tailored for various applications. Impactful Initiatives: One Health & Climate, a digital platform within ARTPARK, has left an indelible mark with its dengue dashboard, revolutionizing public health surveillance and analytics. Spearheaded by Bhaskar Rajakumar, this initiative has positively impacted millions of lives, exemplifying ARTPARK's commitment to leveraging technology for societal good. Breaking Language Barriers: In its pursuit of inclusivity, ARTPARK endeavors to transcend language barriers through pioneering language data and AI initiatives. Led by Prasanta Kumar Ghosh, the language data and AI initiative at ARTPARK includes projects like SYSPIN and RESPIN. It aims to make digital India more accessible and inclusive, empowering individuals across linguistic diversity. Facilitating Startups: ARTPARK's startup programs serve as launchpads for aspiring entrepreneurs, facilitating the transition from laboratory innovations to market-ready solutions. The ARTPARK Innovation Challenge 2024 offers substantial funding and support to startups in AI, robotics, and autonomous systems, catalyzing innovation-driven entrepreneurship and addressing critical industry and societal challenges. As India propels towards a future defined by technological innovation and inclusive growth, ARTPARK stands at the forefront, blazing a trail of unprecedented possibilities.

6 May 2024

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Holi 2024: Essential Skincare and Haircare Tips for a Radiant and Healthy Celebration

Holi, the vibrant festival of colors, is a time of joyous celebration. However, the use of artificial colors can have adverse effects on your skin, hair, and overall health. It is essential to take precautions and care for your skin and hair to preserve their radiance and health during Holi. Expert Tips for Skincare During Holi To ensure your skin remains protected and nourished, renowned dermatologist Dr. Rashmi Shetty shares some valuable skincare tips for Holi. Precautions and Preparation for Healthy Skin Maintaining your skin barrier is crucial during Holi. Avoid bleaches, laser treatments, and peels at least a week before the festival. Apply cocoa butter or petroleum jelly on exposed areas to enhance barrier protection. Prioritize skincare from within by increasing your intake of colorful fruits and vegetables, while reducing dairy and sweets. Stay hydrated to combat dehydration caused by sun exposure and alcohol consumption. External Preparation for Healthy Skin Moisturize your skin well before playing Holi, using natural ingredient-based moisturizers like coconut oil. Pay attention to areas like the neck, which are susceptible to color and sweating. Apply sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays and the heat that can exacerbate skin damage. Choose a suitable cleanser to remove colors gently, and follow up with a moisturizer to prevent irritation and dryness. Safety Measures for Skincare If you experience severe skin reactions to colors, seek immediate medical help. Avoid self-treatment or medication, as it can worsen the condition. Prioritize safety and consult a dermatologist if you have acne or any skin concerns to ensure a trouble-free Holi experience. Haircare Tips for a Colorful Celebration Taking care of your hair is equally important during Holi. Follow these expert haircare tips to protect your hair from damage caused by colors. Protecting Your Hair from Colors Begin by generously applying coconut oil to your scalp and hair strands to create a protective barrier. Keep your hair secured in a bun or braid to minimize color exposure. Consider wearing a hat or cap for an extra layer of protection against colors and sunlight. Use a leave-in conditioner to seal the hair cuticles, and indulge in deep conditioning treatments for frizzy or curly hair. Wash your hair promptly after the celebrations, using lukewarm water and a gentle sulfate-free shampoo. Embracing Natural Care and Avoiding Heat Styling Give your hair a break from heat-styling tools and allow it to air dry naturally. This will prevent further damage and maintain its health. Embrace natural ingredients and avoid excessive use of styling products to restore your hair's natural shine and vibrancy.

22 Mar 2024

Positive Reads

India's IT Set to Lead the Global AI Revolution, Says Nvidia's Jensen Huang

India's IT industry is poised to take center stage in the global artificial intelligence (AI) revolution, according to Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia. In a recent statement, Huang emphasized that India's vast population of IT professionals, coupled with their eagerness to acquire AI-native skills, positions the country as the "front-office" of this transformative technology. With India's government committing to reskilling its workforce and fostering AI value addition within the country, the stage is set for India to become a major player in the AI landscape. Reskilling India's IT Professionals for AI Huang acknowledged that India boasts the largest population of IT professionals worldwide, making it an ideal candidate for reskilling in AI. He expressed confidence in the Indian workforce's ability to adapt and equip themselves with AI-native skills, which will enable them to spearhead the AI revolution. Huang believes that by transitioning from being the back-office of companies to the front-office, India's IT industry can play a pivotal role in creating value through AI. India's Shift towards AI Value Addition During his conversations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Huang highlighted the significance of India's involvement in AI value addition rather than solely exporting data for training large language models. Prime Minister Modi aptly compared the situation to not exporting flour to import bread, stressing the importance of creating value within India rather than relying on external sources. Huang echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that AI has immense potential in various domains such as engineering, marketing, sales, finance, and business operations, all of which can be revolutionized by integrating AI technologies into the front office. The Market Opportunity for India Huang expressed his enthusiasm for the market opportunity that lies ahead for India's IT industry. By embracing AI and positioning itself as the front-office, India can tap into a vast market and create innovative solutions across industries. Huang's excitement stems from the potential application of AI in transforming various sectors, including but not limited to technology, internet, finance, and healthcare. With India's IT professionals at the forefront of this revolution, the country is poised to become a global AI hub. Nvidia's Role in India's AI Journey Regarding Nvidia's involvement in India's AI landscape, Huang humorously stated that he is "open to business" when asked about the Indian government's commitment to importing 10,000 GPUs. The approval of the India Artificial Intelligence Mission, aimed at bolstering computing infrastructure, presents a significant opportunity for Nvidia to contribute to India's AI ecosystem. Startups will have access to thousands of graphics processing units (GPUs) through a dedicated marketplace, fostering research and development initiatives and benefiting the overall AI ecosystem in India. Partnerships and Collaborations Nvidia's efforts in India extend beyond government collaborations. Several private companies, including Reliance Industries, Yotta Data Services, and Netweb Technologies, have already collaborated with Nvidia to develop and deploy GPU-based servers in India. The deployment of Nvidia's Blackwell GPU chips, capable of processing trillion-parameter AI models at unprecedented speeds, will power various leading companies, including Amazon Web Services, Dell Technologies, Google, Meta, Microsoft, OpenAI, Oracle, Tesla, and xAI. Additionally, sovereign AI clouds, such as India's Shakti Cloud offered by Yotta Data Services, will leverage Nvidia's technology to cater to the country's data storage needs. As India's IT industry transforms into the front-office of companies worldwide, the potential for groundbreaking AI-based solutions and innovations is immense.

22 Mar 2024

Positive Reads

India Expected to Become Center of World Aviation in 15 Years, Says Airbus

According to Airbus, India is poised to become the center of the world aviation industry within the next 15 years. The country's strategic location, growing economy, and increasing air travel demand create a favorable environment for India to emerge as a global aviation hub. With advancements in infrastructure, technology, and government support, India has the potential to capture a significant share of the global aviation market. India's Favorable Position: Airbus, a leading aircraft manufacturer, has identified India's geographical location as a key advantage in its prediction. Situated at the crossroads of major air routes, India serves as a convenient transit point for flights connecting various parts of the world. This strategic position positions India well to cater to the increasing demand for air travel, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. Growing Economy and Air Travel Demand: India's robust economic growth has resulted in an expanding middle class with higher disposable incomes. As a result, there has been a significant surge in domestic and international air travel. The rise in passenger traffic has led to increased demand for new routes, more frequent flights, and enhanced connectivity. India's aviation industry has witnessed steady growth over the years, and this trend is expected to continue in the foreseeable future. Investments in Infrastructure and Technology: To support the projected growth in the aviation sector, India has been investing in the development of world-class infrastructure and cutting-edge technology. The government has undertaken initiatives such as the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which aims to enhance air connectivity to underserved and unserved regions of the country. Additionally, the modernization of airports and the implementation of advanced air traffic management systems contribute to the overall efficiency and safety of India's aviation sector. Government Support and Policy Reforms: The Indian government has been actively supporting the aviation industry through favorable policies and reforms. Initiatives such as the National Civil Aviation Policy, Open Skies Agreements, and the privatization of airports have created a conducive environment for domestic and international airlines to operate in India. These measures not only attract foreign investments but also foster healthy competition and innovation within the sector. Enhancing Skill Development: To meet the demands of a rapidly growing aviation industry, India has been focusing on skill development and training programs. Collaborations between industry stakeholders, educational institutions, and training centers aim to produce a skilled workforce capable of meeting global standards. By nurturing talent and promoting specialized aviation education, India can ensure a steady supply of qualified professionals to support its ambitions of becoming a global aviation hub. Challenges and Opportunities: While the potential for India to become a center of world aviation is immense, there are challenges that need to be addressed. Infrastructure bottlenecks, regulatory complexities, and high operational costs are some of the hurdles that the industry faces. However, with proper planning, investment, and policy reforms, these challenges can be overcome. The Indian aviation industry can capitalize on the opportunities presented by the growing market, emerging technologies, and evolving consumer preferences. Attracting Foreign Investments: To realize its vision of becoming a global aviation hub, India needs to attract foreign investments in the sector. Collaborations with international airlines, aircraft manufacturers, and service providers can bring in the necessary expertise, capital, and technology. Creating a favorable investment climate through transparent policies and regulatory frameworks will encourage global players to establish a strong presence in India. Future Prospects: If India successfully leverages its strategic advantages, invests in infrastructure, fosters innovation, and implements supportive policies, it has the potential to become a dominant player in the global aviation market. The country can serve as a major transit hub, connecting various regions and facilitating seamless air travel. The predicted growth in air passenger traffic and cargo volumes further reinforce India's prospects as a center of world aviation. By addressing challenges, attracting investments, and nurturing talent, India can transform its aviation sector and play a significant role in shaping the future of the industry.

6 Mar 2024

Positive Reads

Air India Plans Direct Flights to Seattle, Los Angeles, and Dallas, Expanding its Ultra Long Haul Network

Air India, the flag carrier airline of India, is set to expand its international footprint with the launch of direct flights to Seattle, Los Angeles, and Dallas. The airline plans to bolster its fleet by adding more A350s and B777s, enabling it to operate ultra long haul flights to these key cities in the United States. With this strategic move, Air India aims to strengthen its global connectivity and offer passengers more convenient travel options. Expansion Plans and Fleet Enhancement: Air India has ambitious plans to extend its ultra long haul operations, primarily focusing on major cities in the United States. As part of its expansion strategy, the airline intends to augment its aircraft fleet with additional A350s and B777s. These long-range aircraft will play a pivotal role in facilitating non-stop flights to Seattle, Los Angeles, and Dallas, providing passengers with seamless travel experiences. New Destinations and Consolidation: In a bid to diversify its flight network, Air India is keen on launching direct flights from various Indian cities to Seattle, Los Angeles, and Dallas. By tapping into these high-demand routes, the airline aims to cater to the needs of both business and leisure travelers. This move comes at a time when Air India is also streamlining its operations, including the proposed merger of Vistara, another prominent Indian airline. The consolidation efforts will enable Air India to optimize its resources and enhance its overall efficiency. Ultra Long Haul Flights and Aircraft Deployment: The new flights to Seattle, Los Angeles, and Dallas will fall under the category of ultra long haul routes, which typically involve flight durations exceeding 16 hours. Air India plans to deploy its A350 aircraft for the Seattle route, while the B777s will be utilized for flights to Los Angeles and Dallas. These modern and fuel-efficient planes are well-suited for long-haul travel, offering passengers enhanced comfort and state-of-the-art amenities. Enhancing Connectivity to London: Apart from expanding its operations to the United States, Air India is also considering shifting all B777 operations to London Heathrow from both Delhi and Mumbai. This strategic move will optimize the airline's resources and streamline its services to the British capital. Furthermore, Air India plans to introduce flights to London Gatwick from Bengaluru, providing passengers with more options for travel between India and the United Kingdom. Factors Influencing New Route Launches: While Air India remains committed to launching flights to new destinations, the success of these plans depends on various factors. Availability of skilled pilots and crew, operational feasibility, and market demand are key considerations that the airline takes into account before finalizing any new route launch. The safety and convenience of passengers are of utmost importance, and Air India ensures that all necessary preparations are in place before commencing operations to new destinations. Government Support and Future Prospects: Air India's plans to expand its international network align with the Indian government's vision to boost connectivity and promote the country's aviation sector. The government has implemented several initiatives, including the Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN) and the privatization of Air India, to encourage growth and enhance efficiency in the industry. With its strategic route expansion and fleet enhancement, Air India is poised to strengthen its market position and contribute to India's aviation growth story.

4 Mar 2024

Positive Reads

How Children’s Innocent Desires Bridged Borders and Brought Nations Closer Together!

During the height of World War II in 1943, as air raids threatened the safety of the local populace, the mayor of Tokyo issued an order to kill three elephants housed in Ueno Zoo. These elephants, beloved by young children, faced a grim fate due to the fear of their escape during bombing raids. Children's Petition Snowballs into a Public Campaign in Japan Moved by the loss of the elephants, children from Japan, including Tokyo, Berlin, Amsterdam, and even a small town in Canada, expressed their unhappiness at the absence of elephants in the zoo. Two seventh-graders initiated a petition addressed to the prime minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, requesting a replacement elephant. This petition gained significant traction and transformed into a public campaign. Tokyo children Befriend Himansu Neogy, the Messenger to Nehru Young Himansu Neogy, an exporter from Calcutta, made a visit to Tokyo and formed a bond with the children there. Upon his departure, the children urged him to intercede with Nehru and request an Indian elephant on their behalf. Neogy took their plea seriously and delivered a pouch containing 815 letters from Japanese children to Nehru's office. Nehru's Response and the Procurement of Indira, the Elephant Receiving the heartfelt letters from the children, Nehru directed the Ministry of External Affairs to coordinate with the princely states to obtain an elephant. Eventually, a female elephant named Indira, procured from the princely state of Mysore, was sent to Tokyo. Her arrival in September 1949 at Ueno Zoo brought immense excitement and joy to the people of Tokyo. Nehru's Message of Peace and Cooperation to the Children of Japan Nehru took the opportunity to address the children of Japan in a letter, emphasizing the importance of serving their countries and promoting peace and cooperation across Asia and the world. He encouraged the children to view Indira as a messenger of affection and goodwill from the children of India, highlighting the noble and gentle nature of elephants. Indira, the Symbol of Friendship between Japan and India Indira, the elephant, became a symbol of the enduring friendship between Japan and India. Her two Japanese handlers learned the Kannada language from Indian mahouts accompanying her from Mysore, enabling them to establish rapport with her. Eight years later, Nehru and his daughter Indira visited Japan and met the elephant named after her. Berlin's Plea and the Arrival of Shanti, the Elephant of Peace Similar to Tokyo, children in Berlin also lamented the absence of elephants in their zoo after the devastation of World War II. They wrote letters to Nehru, requesting an elephant. Moved by their plea, Nehru pledged to deliver an elephant for the children of Berlin. In June 1951, a three-year-old female elephant named Shanti, meaning 'peace,' arrived in Berlin. A Five-Year-Old Canadian Boy's Unusual Request Even children from a small town in Canada joined the chorus, expressing their desire for an elephant. Five-year-old Peter Marmorek wrote a letter to Nehru, believing that he had numerous elephants and could fulfill their request. Nehru responded, explaining that elephants do not live underground and assuring Peter that he would not forget his polite request. Nehru's Promise Fulfilled and Ambika's Arrival in Canada Nehru's promise to the children of Canada became a reality. In 1955, a two-year-old elephant named Ambika was transported from the forests of Madras state to Montreal and eventually to the Granby zoo, fulfilling the children's wish. Peter Marmorek, who had initiated the request, welcomed Ambika and even delivered a speech to celebrate her arrival. The Enduring Legacy of Elephant Diplomacy The stories of Indira, Shanti, and Ambika symbolize the unique connections forged between nations through the innocent requests of children. These acts of diplomacy not only brought joy to the children but also fostered international friendships and showcased the power of compassion and goodwill in overcoming historical tragedies. The demonstrates the profound impact that individuals, regardless of age or nationality, can have on shaping diplomatic relations. It showcases the ability of children's innocent desires to transcend borders and bring nations closer together.

2 Feb 2024

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Chandigarh Chairs: The Swiss Architect's Design That Became an Indian Heritage Symbol

The iconic Chandigarh chairs, designed by Swiss architects Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret, have become a symbol of Indian heritage. These chairs, initially created for government employees, have now gained global recognition for their minimalistic design and aesthetic appeal. When Chandigarh was established as the capital city of Punjab after India's independence, Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret brought their unique designs to the city. Le Corbusier, known as the 'Town Planner of Chandigarh,' was entrusted by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to create a city that would bring order to the aftermath of the Partition. The Chandigarh chairs, with their V-shaped legs and simple teak and cane construction, were introduced as part of the residential designs. They blended minimalism with functionality, providing seating options for the growing number of offices in the city. These chairs quickly became a common sight in middle-class homes and offices across Chandigarh. However, as time passed, the chairs faced the risk of being forgotten. In the 1990s, they were neglected and left exposed to harsh weather conditions. Fortunately, international dealers and auctioneers recognized their value and started collecting them, giving the chairs a new lease of life. Today, Chandigarh chairs are highly sought after, adorning some of the most elite rooms worldwide, including that of celebrities like Kim Kardashian. Their legacy as a design icon and a part of Indian heritage continues to grow, with each chair holding historical significance and fetching high prices in the market. The Chandigarh chairs stand as a testament to the vision and craftsmanship of Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret, showcasing their contribution to India's architectural and design heritage.

12 Jan 2024

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International AI Agreement Signed at UK Summit to Address Technology's Risks

Representatives and companies from 28 countries, including the US, China, and the EU, gathered at the UK's AI Safety Summit to sign a groundbreaking agreement aimed at addressing the potential risks of artificial intelligence (AI). The agreement, known as the Bletchley Declaration on AI safety, focuses on frontier AI models, such as OpenAI's large language models. With the acknowledgment that AI poses "serious, even catastrophic, harm," the signatories aim to identify shared AI safety risks and develop risk-based policies across countries. The UK government hailed the agreement as a "world-first" milestone in international cooperation on AI safety. Notably, tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, co-founder of OpenAI, expressed concerns about AI's potential dangers, emphasizing the need for regulatory oversight. However, some members of the tech community called for a spectrum of approaches and collaboration between scientists, tech leaders, and governments. The summit also witnessed the announcement of future AI safety summits in South Korea and France. Furthermore, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of scientific checks and balances, while US Vice President Kamala Harris stressed the need to address a wide range of AI risks. However, the tech community received backlash, with concerns raised about potential moral panic and the influence of private companies in shaping AI regulations. Mozilla published an open letter advocating for open, responsible, and transparent approaches to AI safety. In parallel, the UK government announced a £225 million investment in a new AI supercomputer, Isambard-AI, to further advance research in fusion energy, healthcare, and climate modeling. As the UK aims to establish itself as a leader in AI, international cooperation and responsible regulation will be crucial in navigating the challenges and maximizing the benefits of this transformative technology.

15 Dec 2023

Positive Reads

The Non-Alignment Movement: India's Stance on Global Affairs During Cold War

India, a significant player on the global stage, has long been associated with the Non-Alignment Movement. But what exactly was the Non-Alignment Movement, and what prompted India to adopt this unique stance during the tumultuous era of the Cold War? The Non-Alignment Movement emerged in the mid-20th century as a response to the escalating tensions between the two superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union. It was a gathering of nations that aimed to maintain their independence and sovereignty while refraining from aligning with either of the Cold War blocs. Led by prominent figures such as India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Yugoslavia's President, Josip Broz Tito, the movement sought to create a third path for countries navigating the bipolar world order. For India, the decision to embrace non-alignment was rooted in its historical experiences and principles. As a nation that had endured centuries of colonial rule, India was committed to preserving its sovereignty and promoting the principles of self-determination and non-interference in the affairs of other nations. Nehru, a key architect of India's foreign policy, envisioned a world where countries could pursue their own paths without succumbing to the pressures of the Cold War rivalry. India's non-alignment policy provided the country with several advantages. By staying neutral, India could maintain friendly relations with both the East and the West, facilitating economic and diplomatic cooperation with nations from different ideological backgrounds. This approach helped India secure aid and technical assistance from both sides, supporting its developmental goals and nation-building efforts. Furthermore, non-alignment allowed India to play a significant role in global affairs. It provided a platform for India to advocate for decolonization, disarmament, and the rights of developing nations. India's leadership in the Non-Alignment Movement gave it a voice on the international stage and helped shape the discourse on issues such as nuclear disarmament, apartheid, and human rights. The Non-Alignment Movement also aligned with India's domestic priorities. Nehru's vision of a socialist, secular, and democratic India resonated with the principles of non-alignment. India's commitment to social justice, economic equality, and inclusive development found synergy with the movement's emphasis on ending colonialism, promoting self-reliance, and addressing global inequalities. Over the years, India's engagement with the Non-Alignment Movement evolved. As the Cold War dynamics shifted and new global challenges emerged, India adjusted its foreign policy approach while maintaining its commitment to the principles of non-alignment. It actively participated in global forums such as the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement Summits, and various regional organizations, advocating for multilateralism, peace, and cooperation. In the post-Cold War era, India's non-alignment policy has evolved into a more nuanced and strategic approach. While continuing to prioritize its independence and sovereignty, India has forged partnerships and alliances based on shared interests and values. It has developed strong ties with countries across the globe, engaging in economic collaborations, defense cooperation, and mutual diplomacy. As the world continues to navigate complex geopolitical challenges, India's non-alignment legacy remains an important aspect of its foreign policy. It reflects the country's commitment to maintaining its strategic autonomy, promoting peace and stability, and advancing the interests of the developing world. The Non-Alignment Movement continues to influence India's role in global affairs. It has shaped India's approach to international relations, emphasizing diplomacy, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence. India's commitment to non-alignment highlights its aspiration to be a bridge-builder, a responsible global actor, and a proponent of a multipolar world order.

26 Oct 2023

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From Darkness to Brilliance: The Inspirational Tale of a Blind Genius

Meet Sureshkumar, a 32-year-old man whose inspiring story defies all odds. Despite being completely blind, he runs a thriving service center for electrical appliances in Coimbatore. Suresh expertly repairs mixer-grinders, washing machines, refrigerators, and LPG stoves using his exceptional sense of touch. Tol reports reveal his remarkable skills as he fearlessly disassembles appliances, even with the power on, identifying wires and parts solely through touch. Listening intently to the sounds they make, he diagnoses issues with ease. Although gaining trust initially was challenging, his undeniable expertise soon won over customers, who now entrust him with various items such as double-door refrigerators, washing machines, mixer-grinders, ceiling fans, and gas stoves. Suresh's journey began at the age of six when he lost his vision due to brain fever. Attending a government school for the visually impaired until Class V, a turning point came when he met Krishnamurthy, a kind-hearted man who owned an electrical goods service center. Under Krishnamurthy's guidance, Suresh honed his skills, learning to differentiate parts by touch and even mastering coil winding. Filled with newfound confidence, Suresh established his venture, 'Mari Electrical,' and now receives numerous gadgets for servicing and repair from a popular local electrical appliances store. To facilitate payment, he encourages the use of UPI, and he plans to learn Braille to overcome currency identification challenges. Suresh envisions setting up an institute to train visually challenged individuals in electrical repair, providing them with dignified livelihoods and independence. His determination not only supports him and his mother but serves as an inspiration to others, proving that resilience and support can lead to remarkable success despite limitations.

31 Jul 2023

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Sustainable Eating Redefined: Embracing Meat and Dairy to Save the Planet - A New Eco-Friendly Diet

The World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) new report, Eating for Net Zero, suggests that a healthy, sustainable diet could reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by 36 per cent and biodiversity loss by 20 per cent compared to the average UK diet. The report suggests small shifts in British eating habits could result in huge wins for our health, wallets and the planet without giving up meat and dairy. The plan includes 69 per cent less meat, 25 per cent less dairy, and 32 per cent less eggs, but 83 per cent more ‘lower-footprint seafood’ such as mussels and sardines, a 50 per cent boost in beans and pulses, and 45 per cent more fruit and veg. Currently, 30 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions come from food production. Over-reliance on meat and intensive farming practices are taking a heavy toll on soil health and biodiversity. However, the WWF says that we can eat our way towards a healthier planet with a few simple dietary changes. Besides the gains to planetary health, mass adoption of the recommendations would ease the burden on the NHS, which currently spends £6bn on diet-related illness and obesity, while also enabling the shift to nature-positive farming. The report suggests that achieving a healthy, sustainable diet is possible without everyone having to go vegetarian or vegan. It starts with a rethink of government dietary guidelines, combined with committed example-setting through public procurement of quality, sustainable foods for schools, hospitals, care homes and other public institutions.

28 Jul 2023

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Unlocking the Secret to Youthful Locks: Researchers May Have Discovered a Way to Stop Hair From Going Gray

A method of preventing hair from going gray may have been discovered by a team of researchers. The tell-tale sign of aging—gray hair—is something that many women and men have tried to hide for generations. Now, researchers have found that certain stem cells have a unique ability to move within hair follicles, which could maintain the original pigment in the strands. They found that as our hair ages, sheds, and repeatedly grows back, more of these stem cells become stuck in a compartment called the hair follicle bulge. They remain here and fail to travel back to their original location in the compartment, where proteins would have helped them regenerate into pigment cells—thus helping hairs keep their color. The study, led by researchers at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, observed the physically-aged hairs of mice and found that more and more stem cells became stuck when aging. These cells were also found to remain incapable of regenerating or maturing into pigment-producing hairs that keep their color. By studying mice, the researchers were able to identify a molecule that can activate the Wnt signaling pathway and restore hair pigmentation. The molecule, called K(D)PT, was found to be effective in preventing gray hair in mice, suggesting that it may be a potential treatment for humans as well. While the study is still in its early stages, the findings offer hope for those who are concerned about gray hair or hair loss. The researchers believe that the discovery of this protein and its role in hair pigmentation could lead to new treatments for a range of hair-related conditions. The study has been met with excitement and interest from the scientific community, with many experts calling it a significant breakthrough in the field of hair research. While more research is needed to fully understand the role of the Wnt signaling pathway in hair pigmentation, the discovery of this protein could pave the way for new treatments and therapies to prevent or reverse gray hair.

28 Apr 2023

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Unlocking the Secret of Elevator Holes: How These Tiny Features Keep You Safe and Comfortable During Your Ride

Have you ever seen the tiny holes in elevator doors and wondered why they are there? The small holes in elevator doors are designed to improve air flow and prevent pressure changes inside the elevator car. This is particularly important in high-rise buildings, where elevators can travel long distances and experience significant changes in air pressure. The holes allow air to move freely between the inside and outside of the elevator car, equalizing the pressure and reducing the risk of discomfort or injury to passengers. It is noted that the holes also serve a practical purpose by preventing the formation of a vacuum inside the car, which could make it difficult or impossible to open the doors. By understanding the role of these tiny holes in improving air flow and preventing pressure changes, engineers and architects can make more informed decisions about elevator design and operation. While the holes in elevator doors may seem like a small and insignificant detail, they play an important role in ensuring the safety and comfort of elevator passengers. Many studies provide valuable insight into the design and operation of elevators, highlighting the importance of even the smallest details in ensuring safe and efficient transportation in high-rise buildings.

19 Apr 2023

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Akasa Air's Surprising Uniform Choice: Putting Employees’ Comfort First!

Akasa Air, a new entrant in the Indian aviation industry, has set a new benchmark in the airline industry by prioritizing the comfort of its employees. It is truly inspiring to see a company placing employee well-being at the forefront of its operations. The decision to make sneakers a part of the cabin crew uniform is a bold move, and one that has been widely praised on social media. The airline's unique approach to uniform design is commendable, and it is refreshing to see a company breaking away from traditional practices to prioritize employee comfort and practicality. Diksha Mishra, a Bengaluru resident, was impressed by Akasa Air's unique approach to uniform design when she noticed the cabin crew wearing sneakers instead of high heels during a recent flight. She praised the airline's decision to prioritize employee comfort and posted it on LinkedIn along with a photograph of an air hostess wearing sneakers. Her post received positive feedback on social media. Akasa Air thanked her for her post, stating that comfort is one of their core values and essential for providing excellent service. This philosophy is not only commendable but also essential in creating a positive work environment and ensuring employee satisfaction. It is heartening to see a company prioritize the well-being of its employees, especially in the aviation industry, where the job can be physically demanding. The decision to provide custom-made trousers and jackets using recycled polyester fabric made from marine waste further highlights the airline's commitment to sustainability and innovation.

23 Mar 2023

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What Causes the Difference in Hair Color

Hair color is determined by the amount and type of pigments present in the hair follicles. The two main pigments that contribute to hair color are eumelanin, which gives hair its black or brown color, and pheomelanin, which gives hair its red or blonde color. The ratio of these two pigments determines the final color of a person's hair. Blonde hair is caused by a lower concentration of eumelanin and a higher concentration of pheomelanin. This combination results in a lighter hair color, ranging from light blonde to golden blonde. People with blonde hair are more common in northern Europe, where the lighter hair color provides an advantage in the sunnier, lighter environment. The lighter hair also allows for more vitamin D synthesis, which is important for overall health and well-being. On the other hand, black hair is caused by a higher concentration of eumelanin. This is most common in people of African descent, where the darker hair color provides a natural sun protection, as well as a cultural preference. The darker hair also absorbs more heat, which helps regulate body temperature in the warmer climate. There are also many other factors that can contribute to hair color, including genetics, age, hormones, and environmental factors such as exposure to sunlight and environmental pollutants. For example, as people age, their hair often becomes lighter due to a reduction in the production of pigments. Hormonal changes can also affect hair color, as seen in women

7 Feb 2023

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From Music To Service: Ashok Kumar Has Been Participating in the Republic Day Parade for the Past 26 Years!

Warrant Officer Ashok Kumar couldn’t be more excited. He has been participating in the Republic Day Parade for 26 years, leading the Indian Air Force Band contingent for 16 of those years. He is proud that his two younger brothers are also serving in the armed forces. Ashok Kumar fondly recounted how he had good memories of playing some of his favorite tunes, such as 'Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja' and 'Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon', as he marched past the saluting dais. He explained that it was a tough selection process to join the band, as members had to be mentally and physically fit, and had to have a certain playing capacity. The music was written by qualified personnel from the Indian Air Force. The martial music played this year as the troops passed the saluting dais was composed by Flight Lieutenant L S Rupachandra and Master Warrant Officer J A George, VSM. Kumar also shared that the band had performed abroad, in places such as Finland, Germany, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, and that he had led the Indian Air Force Band in the Beating Retreat Ceremony at Vijay Chowk to mark the end of the four-day Republic Day celebrations. His daughter Rakhi Nagar shared her family's experience, saying that they kept a phone in hand to take pictures or record a video of him as he marched past the saluting dais. The family also loves to listen to him play the trumpet when he is home. Ashok Kumar who has completed a course on drum majoring plays the bass drum, side drum, trumpet, and bugle. He revealed that earlier they marched to Western music, but today Indian marching tunes are employed instead. Warrant Officer Ashok Kumar's dream of joining the Defence Forces had come true and he was proud that his brothers have also joined him in this noble service to the Nation.

2 Feb 2023

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5 Yoga Practices For Office Workers

Yoga has become a popular form of exercise and relaxation for people with office jobs, as it offers a way to counter the negative effects of sitting for long periods of time and to reduce stress. It is a great way for people who spend most of their day sitting in an office to stay active and healthy Here are five of the best yoga practices for people with office jobs: Cat-Cow: This is a simple and easy yoga pose that can be done right at your desk. Start by sitting up straight and placing your hands on your knees. Inhale and arch your back, lifting your head and tailbone towards the ceiling. Exhale and round your back, tucking in your head and tailbone. Repeat this movement for several breaths, to stretch your spine and release tension in your back. Chair Yoga: This type of yoga is specifically designed for people who spend most of their day sitting in a chair. It includes a series of poses that can be done while seated, such as twists, forward folds and shoulder openers, to help release tension in the neck, shoulders and back. Downward-Facing Dog: This is a classic yoga pose that can be done anywhere, including at your office. Start by standing in front of your chair and placing your hands on the seat. Walk your feet back until you are in an inverted "V" shape, with your hands and feet on the floor and your hips lifted towards the ceiling. This pose stretches the entire body and can help to energize and rejuvenate you. Child's Pose: This is a gentle and restorative yoga pose that can be done on a yoga mat or on the floor. Start by sitting on your heels and then lean forward, stretching your arms out in front of you. This pose can be especially helpful for people who experience tension in their shoulders and neck, as it helps to release tightness in these areas. Breathwork: Yoga is not just about physical movements, but also about breath control. Office workers can practice deep breathing exercises, such as alternate nostril breathing, to help reduce stress and improve focus. By incorporating these five yoga practices into your daily routine, you can help to counteract the negative effects of sitting for long periods of time and reduce stress, allowing you to perform better at your job.

17 Jan 2023

Positive Reads

How Stones Skip Across Water Scientifically Explained

What used to be an idle pass time for many now has a scientific explanation for it. An equation has been developed by experts to explain how stones skim the water. The mathematical model takes into account a variety of stone sizes and shapes, as well as the angle of the throw and the water pressure. The model can accurately anticipate how stones will skim through the water when they are tossed. The researchers discovered that while the larger stones can jump higher and evoke a "super-elastic" response from the surface of the water, the flatter stones can skim across the water's top for longer. Larger, heavier, and curvier stones can work just as effectively, though stone skippers seem to choose flatter ones. Pressure from below the water rises up when a stone makes contact with the surface. The stone will skip further if the pressure is enough and applied at the right angle, else it will sink below the surface. The findings are significant for aircraft design, notably for the landing gear of aircraft intended to land on water. The equations can forecast how different designs will perform during landing. Predicting thrown stones was only a pleasant byproduct of the researchers' work, which was to analyze the behavior of items that skim across the water.

16 Jan 2023

Positive Reads

When Kindness Comes from Unexpected Quarters

Kindness is doing what you can, where you are, with what you have. It doesn’t take much to be kind, but the feel-good experience after making someone happy by being kind is inexplicable. That’s what good Samaritan Amitabh Shah might have felt when he helped an elderly couple from a remote village in Uttar Pradesh to board a flight and bought them food too! Shah shared his experience on LinkedIn where he wrote that the elderly couple had a long journey- they traveled by bus for eight hours to reach the Delhi airport and then had to take a flight to Kanpur. Shah spotted them in the boarding area and at a glance, he could perceive that it was their first time, they were completely clueless and they didn’t understand English. Shah simply walked up to them with a smile and asked them to follow him. They thought he worked for the airline. As luck would have it, the couple was seated right in front of Shah. They requested him to take their picture and send it on WhatsApp to their daughter so that she would know that they are safe and he obliged. Shah further wrote that the couple declined food even though they seemed hungry and thirsty for hours. So, he paid for paneer sandwiches and juices and asked the air hostess to serve it to the couple and tell them it was complimentary as they were lucky customers to win a free meal. While parting ways, the couple simply smiled at Shah who states that we should always be kind at every opportunity that we get.

4 Nov 2022

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How a Drought-Prone Village’s Residents Turned Millionaires!

One man’s determination and dedication are enough to transform a village ravaged by drought and poverty into a rich one that houses more than 50 millionaires. The story is about a village named Hiware Bazaar which is situated in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. Decades ago, the village repeatedly suffered drought conditions and people were staring at acute poverty. The complete turnaround of this village happened due to one person - Popatrao Baguji Pawar. He contested the Panchayat elections in 1989 and won unopposed. His win brought about an impressive development in the village which was nothing short of a miracle. First of all, he closed down all the liquor retail outlets. Children, being the foundation of a nation, he upgraded all the schools so that kids could get quality education. The water scarcity problem loomed large over the village and to address this issue, he banned tube wells so that groundwater is not exploited. Farmers were also advised to stop cultivating water-gobbling crops like sugarcane and banana. With such an able leader, the villagers implemented the drip irrigation system to conserve water and soil. Popatrao Ji banned deforestation and arranged for the plantation of more than 10 lakh trees. This enriched the soil which in turn increased food production. Today, many people who had migrated from Hiware Bazaar to other cities have returned and are leading a comfortable life. At present, there are only three families are below the poverty line. More than 50 families are millionaires and it may be hard to believe that they are all farmers!

2 Nov 2022

Positive Reads

Five Important Sources of Protein, a Must for Vegetarians

Protein is a very important and essential nutrient as it builds strength and helps in the growth of the body. It plays an important role in the health of bones and teeth and also aids in weight loss. However, very often vegetarians are found to be deficient in protein. As more and more people are adopting plant-based diets, certain nutritional deficiencies are on the increase because some nutrients have a richer source in animal-based products. As per ideal standards, a person should consume 1 g of protein per kg of their body weight. So if a person weighs 50 kg, s/he should include 50 g of protein in his/her diet every day. For vegetarians, it is imperative to choose food wisely to meet their protein requirements as there are very minimum sources of protein in plant-based food. Here are some plant-based foods that are rich in protein: Lentils Lentils or dal is more or less the staple food of Indians who love to have it with rice. Lentils are the primary source of protein in a vegetarian diet and should be incorporated in meals regularly. Consume a bowl of lentils daily to satisfy the necessary protein requirement of the body. Dairy Products Dairy products like milk, curd, paneer are an important source of protein, calcium and phosphorus and should form an essential part of the diet, especially for children as they are important for growth. However, vegans who do not consume dairy products can substitute them with plant-based ones like soya milk, almond milk which are an excellent source of protein. Chickpeas and Beans Chickpeas also called kabuli chana and beans like rajma are other excellent sources of protein for vegetarians. They are very versatile in terms of how they can be cooked as they can be made into curries or ground to make tikkis or tossed into salads. Apart from protein, they contain very important nutrients like vitamin K, folate, iron, magnesium. Green Peas Did you know that a cooked cup (240 ml) of green peas contains 9 grams of protein which is more than a cup of milk? One more reason to include green peas in our diet is that a serving of green peas covers more than 25% of your daily fibre, vitamin A, C, K, thiamine, folate and manganese requirements. Protein-rich Fruits and Vegetables Certain fruits and vegetables contain more protein than others. Fruits containing the most amount of protein include guava, berries, nectarines and bananas. Vegetables which contain more protein include broccoli, spinach, potatoes, sweet potatoes, cauliflower and cabbage. Vegetarians may include the above food items in your regular diet and steer clear of any protein deficiency.

18 Sep 2019

Positive Reads

Cochin Airport- Setting An Example

We feel proud to know that the Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) is the first airport in the world to be fully powered by solar energy. The 12 MWp Solar PV Plant occupies 52 acres of vacant area near the cargo complex. The project was very well appreciated nationwide for its use of renewable source of energy. However, it also faced criticism for not using the land for any productive purpose. That is when CIAL decided to adopt the concept of organic farming utilising the vacant areas adjacent and in between the panels. The farming was initiated in December 2015 as a pilot run in an area of 58 cents. So far, the pilot project has yielded 400 kilograms of Ladies Finger, 400kg of Long Beans, 425kg of Blonde Cucumber, 2184kg of Ash Gourd and 378kg of Pumpkin. Vegetables such as tomato, ginger, turmeric etc. were also cultivated. The project became a huge success and subsequently, it was decided to bring the entire area of the solar plant under cultivation in different phases. Currently, around 3 acres of land has been identified for farming where additional crops such as green chilli, snake gourd, bitter gourd, bottle gourd, brinjal etc. are also being cultivated. The vegetables grow very well with the natural sunlight. The rich harvest is devoid of inorganic fertilizers and pesticides. Apart from the rich, organic yield, the farming also helps in arresting excessive weed growth between the panels that often cause shade on the panels leading to the reduction of solar power generation. On the other hand, the planting of vegetables cools the panels and increase power generation. This is a first of its kind initiative that has met with remarkable success. The authorities are now planning to commercially market the products. Managing Director, V J Kurian informed that they have decided to go for modern agricultural practices besides seeking co-operation of leading agricultural research centres. There are plans to implement drip irrigation for climbing plants requiring water on a daily basis. For others, water used to clean solar panels (over 46, 000) will be used. Growing of plants will also ensure the panels are dust free. According to CIAL sources, initially, the organically-cultivated vegetables will be made available to its staff and passengers only through outlets set at the airport. Gradually, they plan to extend the sale of vegetables to outlets in the malls and supermarkets in the city under the brand name of ‘CIAL Organic.’ Thus the company is not only saving crores of rupees in terms of power expenditure by harnessing solar energy but also generating additional income by the cultivation and sale of organic vegetables by making optimum use of the land between the solar panels. This amazing and resourceful model set up by the Cochin Airport certainly needs to be emulated.

22 Nov 2017

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Pushkar Mela- A Vibrant Fair with Fascinating Events

We all know of Pushkar Fair as the largest cattle fair in the world. However, there is more to it in the form of cultural events and competitions that include dances, tug of war between women and men teams, the "matka phod", "longest moustache" competition, "bridal competition", camel races and others. The Pushkar fair which is held in the months of October- November (depending on the occurrence of the holy Kartik Purnima or full moon day of Kartik month) draws a large number of crowds from all over the world. Apart from the vibrant display of unique exhibitions and exciting competitions, people from all over the country visit this place for its religious significance. Thousands gather to take a dip in the Pushkar lake on the full moon day which is considered to be sacred. Puskkar Fair is held in the town of Pushkar which lies in the Ajmer district of Rajasthan. Over the years the fair has become modernized providing tourists with all amenities so that they can have a pleasant and memorable experience. There is an elevated sitting arena equipped with modern amenities which gives the visitors a very good view of the events. The opening ceremony is in itself a grand event which involves hundreds of brightly adorned camels and horses mounted by riders clad in vibrant traditional Rajasthani attire. One can also be a part of the glamping (luxury camping or glamorous camping) experience where one combines the pleasures of camping with luxury. The Sky Waltz Camp which offers a choice of air-conditioned and non-air conditioned options of glamping stay in Pushkar Fair. One major attraction is the stunning performances by eminent fusion maestros from around the world. Hot air ballooning is another adventure that you can undertake at Pushkar Fair. In fact, it is one of the big reasons why people visit the Fair. Watching the buzzing activities from above gives you a thrilling experience like no other. You can also try your hand at other adventurous activities like paramotors, quad biking and horse riding, among others. Then there is the cattle fair, which is one of the major highlights of Pushkar Festival, Rajasthan. The fair witnesses the cattle owners bringing their livestock – camels, horses, cows, goat and sheep, all dressed in colorful attire to be sold and purchased. The lure of shopping also draws people to Pushkar fair. You can choose and shop for unique handicraft items from the number of makeshift stalls that are set up. The stalls also sell items ranging from saddle straps, saddles and beads to strings of cowries. Women love to shop at this fair where you can find a gamut of traditional silver ornaments, bead necklaces from Nagpur, garments of patchwork, printed textiles from Ajmer and traditional footwear, besides others. Harmony Half Marathon is one of the things not to miss in Pushkar Fair. Held during the course of the Pushkar Fair, the run starts from Dargah Ajmer Sharif and ends at the Pushkar Stadium Ground. All these events attract people to the Pushkar Fair which has over the years become very popular and a famous tourist destination.

25 Oct 2017

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“Touch the Sky with Glory” October 8- Air Force Day

The Indian Air Force is considered as one of the leading forces of the world. It has the strength of about 170,000 best-trained personnel and more than 1,400 aircrafts. Not only does it safeguard the country from enemies, it also provides help during natural disasters. The IAF provided extensive assistance to relief operations during natural calamities such as the Gujarat cyclone in 1998, the tsunami in 2004 and North India floods in 2013. The Motto of the Indian Air Force “Touch the Sky with Glory” has been taken from Bhagavad Gita where in the battle of Kurukshetra, Lord Krishna reveals his magnificent and gigantic form reaching the sky that evoked fear and awe. Similarly, the Indian Air Force aims to overwhelm its adversaries with its sophisticated air power. The India Air Force has been engaged in the four wars with the Pakistan and one with People’s Republic of China after its independence. The operations carried out by it are Operation Meghdoot- to capture the Siachen Glacier in the Kashmir region, Operation Vijay – the invasion of Goa, Operation Cactus- military intervention to save Maldives and Operation Poomalai- to drop supplies over Jaffna, Sri Lanka. It has also been involved in the United Nations peacekeeping missions. The President of the country serves in the India Air Force as a Commander-in-Chief. This year, the Central Air Command will celebrate the 85th anniversary of Indian Air Force. Air Force Day is celebrated every year on October 8 with great enthusiasm and fervour. The celebrations begin with a traditional military parade conducted by all Air Force stations at their respective bases. The ‘Nishan Toli’ - a flag which symbolizes the bravery, valor and commitment to mission, integrity and excellence of the Indian Air Force- is carried by a lieutenant in the middle of the ground. The Nishan Toli was first presented by Dr Rajendra Prasad, the first President of the country on April 1, 1954, to the IAF. Since then this flag is most revered and is hoisted on important occasions. Our hearts swell with pride to see the exhibition of the various aircraft and helicopters that were deployed for important missions like Operation Rahat and Operation Meghdoot. Along with these, the new aircrafts ready to launch for various missions are also exhibited, its features and its purpose explained. The wreath laying ceremony is held to pay tribute to all the brave hearts of the Air Force who have laid down their lives in the service of the nation. Each individual’s contribution in accomplishing successful missions is praised and awards and medals of honor are presented to the air warriors in keeping with their achievements of the previous year. The air show is much awaited where teams perform different feats in the air creating different formations. There is a breathtaking colorful display by other air-crafts and helicopters. The Indian Air Force continues to make huge strides in the field of technology and development which is evident from its latest aircrafts and helicopters and various other devices and equipment that can sense danger and enables quick response to threats. It will be a proud moment for India, when next month, three Indian Air Force women pilots will make history by flying military jets. After having undergone strenuous training, they will soon be flying frontline fighter planes. The Air Force Day celebrations fill our hearts with pride and is an inspiration for the youth of the country to join the forces and serve the nation.

8 Oct 2017

Positive Reads

Offbeat Women Directors in Indian Cinema

The women directors in Indian cinema have created some of the finest films over the years. They have gone out of the way and taken creative freedom to come out with films on the offbeat topics. What’s more, some these films went on to win critical acclaim not only on national but on international circuit and bagged awards, too. Mira Nair Mira Nair is the internationally recognized woman director renowned for depicting touching human stories on silver screen. Her first film 'Salaam Bombay', was critically acclaimed on international circuit. This followed by films including 'Namesake' and 'Monsoon Wedding' which were well received. Sai Paranjpye The audiences liked Sai Paranjpye’s films as these were simple and fresh. Sai made films like 'Sparsh' which won National Awards and three Filmfare Awards. Her film 'Chashme Baddoor' is a classic comedy which is loved even to this day. Sai created musical film 'Saaz' in 1997. This film starred famous tabla artist Ustad Zakir Hussain. Sai received Padma Bhushan Award for her contribution to cinema Deepa Mehta Deepa Mehta is an Indo-Canadian filmmaker. She made films on controversial subjects like homosexuality, which was considered a daring attempt. Her films included 'Earth', 'Water', and 'Fire.' The way she presented her subjects is appreciable. Mehta has received international recognition, too. Her films '1947 Earth' and 'Water' were in the fray to be nominated for the Oscar awards. Aparna Sen Apana Sen is a prominent Bengali actress and director. She acted in several hit Bengali films and some Hindi films as well, in a career spanning several decades. When she started directing the films, the masterpieces like ‘36 Chowringhee Lane', 'The Japanese Wife', 'Mr. and Mrs. Iyer', 'Goynar Baksho' and 'Iti Mrinalini' were appreciated by the audiences. Sen received the Best Director award at the Indian National Film Awards for ‘36 Chowringhee Lane.’ This film won the Golden Eagle award at the Manila International Film Festival, too. Kalpana Lajmi Kalpana Lajmi's is daughter of painter Lalita Lajmi and niece of actor-director Guru Dutt. Lajmi created several films including 'Rudaali'. The film starred Dimple Kapadia who received the National Film Award for Best Actress and a Filmfare Award. Lajmi also made 'Daman', which starred Raveena Tandon, who won a National Award for her role, too. Lajmi is liked by both the audiences and critics alike for her approach to women empowerment through films. Leena Yadav Leena Yadav made film, ‘Shabd,’ which was critically acclaimed. Later, she created film ‘Teen Patti’ starring Amitabh Bachchan and Oscar winner actor Ben Kingsley and several others. Leena is open to take challenges and risks in films. Reema Kagti Reema Kagti made offbeat film ‘Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd’. Later she made ‘ Talaash’ starring Aamir Khan, Rani Mukherjee and Kareena Kapur, which turned out to be a blockbuster . It was a hit at the box office, too. Reema pulls off sudden twists in her films and the audience keeps on asking for more. Zoya Akhtar Zoya is daughter of noted film writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar, but has made her mark in her own right as a film director and screenwriter. She made ‘Luck By Chance’ . She directed commercially successful film ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara ‘ for which she won the Filmfare Award for Best Director. Rajshree Ojha Rajshree Ojha created commercially successful film ‘ Aisha,’ starring actress Sonam Kapoor. Her hallmarks are realist narration of story and honesty. She made ‘Chaurahen,’ too. Rajshree’s creations portray real life characters and human relationships on the silver screen. These are but only a few of many talented woman directors who made their mark in Indian cinema and there are definitely many able and competent ones whose names deserve mention and acclaim. It is important to note here that their work is respected for their talented filmmaking and not just because they happen to be female directors.

18 Mar 2017

Positive Reads

Global Inspirations

Growing Crops on Land Covered With Solar Panels Yield Exciting Results

Many countries are taking steps to adopt renewable sources of energy in response to the adverse effects of climate change that the world is currently facing. Solar energy is gaining popularity especially in countries that receive abundant sunlight. Production of solar energy entails the installation of solar panels over a large area of land for maximum production. That will mean the utilization of land that could otherwise be used for agriculture. To tackle this problem, an initiative to grow plants along and under the solar panels was started which gave desirable and positive results. Agrivoltaics Research Greg Barron-Gafford, an associate professor in the School of Geography and Development and his students used solar photovoltaic, or PV, panels and regional vegetables to create the first agrivoltaics research site at Biosphere 2. The team closely monitored the plants such as tomatoes, peppers, kale and herbs from the stage of their germination throughout the three-month growing season. They regularly monitored incoming light levels, air temperature and relative humidity using sensors. Exciting Results After the study, the team found that the agrovoltaics system was very beneficial for both- plants and the panels. The shade from the PV panels cooled down the temperatures during the day and led to warmer nighttime temperatures. The team found that food crops did better in the shade as they were protected from direct sunlight. The yield was also greater than those plants that were growing in the open under the sky. Another advantage is that the water in the soil under the panels transpired at a slower place, so the plants consumed less water than usual. When panels get heated, their efficiency comes down. Plants growing under panels helped in cooling the temperatures and increasing the efficiency of energy production. The positive results of the above studies will encourage maximum utilization of natural resources such as land for food and energy production.

12 Nov 2019

Global Inspirations

Flight Attendant’s Handwritten Note Meant the World to a Deaf Solo Traveler

When 16-year-old Ashley embarked on a solo flight journey, she hadn’t imagined that her nervousness would turn into joy, thanks to the kindness shown by a flight attendant of Delta Airlines. Ashley was afraid that due to her hearing disability, she would miss important instructions about her flight from Baltimore to JFK International Airport in NewYork. To make matters worse, she had to catch a connecting flight to Rochester from the JFK airport which is one of the busiest airports in the world. To her surprise, Ashley had a safe and successful flight thanks to a caring flight attendant. As soon as the flight took off from Baltimore, the Delta attendant handed a handwritten note to the teen. The note contained information regarding safety as well as other details that Ashley would want to know about the flight. Through the note she came to know which overhead button she should press so that she could call the flight attendant in case she needs any help. The handwritten note by the flight attendant rested all doubts of the teen and she was at ease. Ashley was overwhelmed by this act of kindness and she has decided to treasure that note which meant the world to her. Image Source: The Advertiser

23 Sep 2019

Global Inspirations

A Single Mother Was Beaming With Joy at an Incredible Act of Kindness by a Stranger

A mother and her son were shopping at a discount store when a stranger overheard their conversation. Mason noticed a boy and his mom and overheard the mother telling her son he could use $20 and no more to buy new shoes. As the boy, Zach was picking out different shoes to try on, Mother Malisa Manguso was telling him that money was tight and that he should choose wisely. Mason was very moved by this and he decided to buy shoes for the boy. He knew that it was that time of the year when school reopens and budget is usually tight. Mason went up to the boy and asked him what type of shoes he preferred. The boy replied that he just wanted anything that was comfortable. At that point, Mason decided that he was going to get him whichever shoes he wanted. Zach couldn’t be happier. Zach’s mom was pleasantly surprised at this incredible act of kindness from a total stranger. So she took a photo of Mason with her son and posted it on Facebook which soon garnered thousands of likes and became viral which goes to prove that people are always touched and moved by simple acts of kindness. Image Source: Sunny Skyz

5 Sep 2019

Global Inspirations

These Firefighters Went Out of Their Way to Help a Wheelchair-Bound Woman

The members of the Webster Groves Fire Department in Missouri were responding to a call when they noticed a wheelchair-bound woman falling over when she was trying to get inside her home. The kind firefighters were concerned that this could happen again and they decided to help the resident. They saw that it was due to the multiple stairs and uneven terrain that led to the house which made it difficult for the helpless woman to get inside. Fortunately, the woman was not injured, but the firefighters knew that this incident could recur. They decided to make the way to her home easily accessible for her. They went back to her house a few days later with shovels and concrete and spent several days digging out and constructing a sidewalk for her. Now, the house is wheelchair accessible. The resident has a level pathway and ramp making it very convenient for her to gain access to her home. The best part about this beautiful act is that the good firefighters didn’t do it as part of their job. They did it in the weekend during their off-time and weren’t paid. How touched and blessed the woman must have felt at this thoughtful and selfless act of the firefighters.

28 Aug 2019

Global Inspirations

Know About This Single Tree That Works Like a Forest to Curb Pollution

We all know how important trees are for cleaning the air and how chopping down trees in the name of development has resulted in increased levels of air pollution. It would have been a great boon to our ecology if the saplings we planted could immediately grow into trees, but that is not possible as trees take a very long time to grow. Scientists at Biomitech, a Mexican startup have now come up with this artificial tree called Biourban that is capable of sucking up the equivalent amount of air pollution as 368 living trees, in other words, a mini forest. The company claims that the artificial tree not only saves on growing time but also on the space needed to accommodate them. How Biourban Works The Biourban is nearly 14-foot tall and is made of metal. It holds microalgae that pull carbon dioxide and other contaminants from the air and returns pure oxygen in exchange. Thus, it follows the natural process of photosynthesis and is a great success. The only downside is that it costs around $50,000. This exorbitant cost may act as a deterrent to obtain it in places of the world where it may be much needed. Uses Of Biourban According to Jaime Ferrer, a founding partner in Biomitech, this system inhales air pollution through technology and gives out clean air through a natural process. It will be helpful for those cities to achieve cleaner air where it’s not possible to plant a large number of trees. According to the World Health Organization, each year, an estimated 7 million people die from exposure to air pollution which amounts to more than five times the almost 1.25 million people who die in road crashes each year. In present times, this artificial tree is a much needed modern invention to tackle the issue of air pollution. Image Source: Inceptive Mind

19 Aug 2019

Global Inspirations

Belgium Zoo Announces the Birth of Rare Giant Panda Twins

The Pairi Daiza zoo in Belgium announced the "extremely rare" birth of twin baby giant pandas on Thursday. The staff of the zoo rejoiced at the birth of the twins - one male and one female and said that they represented a "new hope" for the charismatic black and white bear. The Giant Panda The giant panda is a bear native to south-central China. According to the World Wildlife Fund, their numbers have reduced considerably and less than 2,000 Giant Pandas are now living in the wild. In 2016, the status of giant pandas was changed from endangered to vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The Twin Cubs Last week, on Wednesday mother panda Hao Hao, showed signs of going into labour. By Thursday afternoon, she gave birth to a 160g male baby and two hours later she delivered a female, weighing 150g. The delivery of the cubs was carefully monitored by Belgian and Chinese experts. The president of the zoo, Eric Domb said, “This double birth is marvellous news for this extraordinary species”. The zoo officials said that extreme care will be taken of the mother bear and her cubs as the next few days will be crucial for the survival of the twin cubs. One at a time, the keepers will put one of the babies in an incubator and feed it with a bottle so that the mother bear gets to rest.

13 Aug 2019

Global Inspirations

Irish Teenager Comes up With a Pathbreaking Idea to Remove Microplastics From Water

Fionn Ferriera, an eighteen-year-old from Ireland has won $50,000 at the Google Science Fair for his project involving the extraction of microplastics from water. The science fair was conducted by Google for students aged 13 to 18 who submitted their projects before a panel of judges. Microplastics are very small fragments of plastic that pollute the environment. Due to their minute size (less than 5mm), they cannot be filtered or screened during wastewater treatment and thus make their way into waterways. Small fishes eat microplastics. They become prey to larger fishes which in turn are consumed by humans. Microplastics can be a health hazard for humans due to the different toxic and carcinogenic chemicals used to make it. Ferreira created a ferrofluid by combining oil and magnetite powder and poured it into the water containing microplastics. The microplastics combined with the ferrofluid which was then easy to extract with the help of a magnet, thus leaving behind only water. This method was subject to a 1000 tests and it succeeded in removing 87% microplastics of all sorts from water. The success of Ferreira’s project has encouraged him to scale the technology to be able to implement at wastewater treatment facilities. There is no doubt that his remarkable project will go a long way in curbing environmental pollution. Image Source: Mother Jones

6 Aug 2019

Global Inspirations

Shake Up In Rankings As United Airlines’ Flight Is Now The World’s Third Longest

United Airlines’ new Houston-Sydney flight which covers a distance of 13,834 kilometres in 17.5 hours has now become the third longest flight in the world by scheduled flight time. The United Airlines flight has started service from its hub in Houston, Texas, to Sydney, Australia. The world's longest flight is Qatar Airways' Auckland-Doha flight, which takes 18 hours and 20 minutes. It is followed by United Airlines' Los Angeles-Singapore flight, which takes 17 hours and 55 minutes.

21 Jan 2018

Global Inspirations

China Tests World’s Largest Amphibious Aircraft

The world’s largest amphibious aircraft in production, the AG600 made by China successfully completed its maiden flight on Sunday. It took off from the southern city of Zhuhai and landed after a flight of roughly an hour. The plane, codenamed Kunlong has a wingspan of 38.8 metres (127ft) and is powered by four turboprop engines. The aircraft can stay airborne for 12 hours and is capable of carrying 50 people. According to state news agency Xinhua, the amphibious aircraft has military applications but will be used for firefighting and marine rescue. At least 17 orders have been placed so far with the state-owned manufacturer Aviation Industry Corp of China. With the success of the AG600, China’s island-building projects in the South China Sea has got a boost. James Char, a military analyst at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University said that the aircraft’s 4,500km operational range and ability to land and take off from the water makes it well suited for deployment over China’s artificial islands. China is rapidly modernizing its military and the launch of the new amphibious aircraft further strengthens it. China also launched its first domestically built aircraft carrier, the Type 001A, this year This complemented the Liaoning, a secondhand Soviet carrier commissioned in 2012 after extensive refits.

26 Dec 2017

Global Inspirations