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Smriti Mandhana Becomes Fastest Indian Woman to Reach 4,000 ODI Runs!

Team India’s ace batter, Smriti Mandhana, continues to dazzle cricket fans worldwide with her impeccable form. In the first ODI against Ireland, Mandhana etched her name into the record books by becoming the fastest Indian woman to score 4,000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs). She thus cemented her position as one of the most formidable players in women's cricket.The milestone places her among an elite group of 15 women worldwide to have crossed this coveted mark. Mandhana’s remarkable journey to this milestone took only 91 innings, surpassing the legendary Mithali Raj, who achieved it in 112 innings. Among the global ranks, Mandhana is now the third fastest, trailing only Australian greats Belinda Clark (86 innings) and Meg Lanning (89 innings).Mandhana’s historic moment came during the ninth over of India’s chase against Ireland. Facing Arlene Kelly, she took a single that not only contributed to India’s total but also marked her entry into the 4,000-run club. With this feat, Mandhana also showcased her leadership prowess as she captained the Indian side in the absence of Harmanpreet Kaur.Smriti Mandhana played an important role in the match with a strong 41-run innings that gave India a good start. Her reliable batting has been a key strength for Team India, showing she can perform well even under pressure.Source: Google ImagesWhile Mandhana’s milestone took center stage, the match also highlighted the emergence of young talent in the Indian squad. Pratika Rawal’s scintillating 89-run innings off 96 balls, peppered with 10 boundaries and a six, was a treat to watch. Her partnership with Mandhana set the tone for a commanding chase, leading India to a comfortable six-wicket victory and a 1-0 lead in the series.Smriti Mandhana’s journey from a promising young talent to a global cricketing icon is an inspiring story. Known for her elegant stroke play and steely resolve, she has become the face of Indian women’s cricket. Breaking records and leading from the front, Mandhana embodies the spirit of a true champion.As Team India continues its series against Ireland, all eyes will be on Mandhana to see what other feats she can achieve. With her current form and indomitable spirit, it’s safe to say that more records are within her grasp.

11 Jan 2025
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Amitav Ghosh Wins Prestigious Erasmus Prize: A Voice for Climate Justice

Amitav Ghosh, one of India’s most acclaimed authors, has added another feather to his literary cap. He has been awarded the Erasmus Prize 2024, a prestigious recognition presented by the Netherlands-based Praemium Erasmianum Foundation, for his profound contributions to literature and his ability to highlight the intricate connections between climate change and humanity.This recognition is particularly significant as it places Ghosh among global intellectuals who have made exceptional contributions to the humanities, social sciences, or the arts. The prize committee, in its statement, praised Ghosh for delving deeply into the existential threat of climate change, a challenge that often escapes the realm of imagination, and offering hope through his writing.Erasmus Prize: A Symbol of ExcellenceThe Erasmus Prize, which includes a monetary award of €150,000, is annually bestowed upon individuals or institutions whose work fosters a deeper understanding of society and culture. It will be presented to Ghosh by Dutch King Willem-Alexander later this year. Ghosh’s receipt of this honor follows a distinguished list of previous laureates who have advanced human knowledge and creativity.Weaving Climate Realities into FictionAmitav Ghosh’s literary genius lies in his ability to blend vivid storytelling with urgent environmental themes. Nature plays a central role in many of his works, becoming a character in its own right. In The Hungry Tide, Ghosh masterfully narrates the story of the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, and the devastating impact of rising sea levels on this fragile ecosystem.Through his exploration of the Sundarbans, Ghosh captures not only the tangible consequences of climate change but also the relationship between humans and nature in the Indian subcontinent. His portrayal extends beyond ecological collapse, delving into how these changes affect cultural and historical narratives.Challenging the Great DerangementIn his acclaimed non-fiction work, The Great Derangement, Ghosh confronts readers with an uncomfortable truth: climate change cannot be understood in isolation but must be viewed through the lens of geopolitics, war, and trade. By examining the historical forces that have shaped our world, he emphasizes the need for a collective reimagining of humanity’s relationship with the environment.Similarly, in The Nutmeg’s Curse, Ghosh explores the current ecological crisis through a historical perspective, tracing its roots to a colonial mindset that reduced the Earth to a mere resource for exploitation. His narrative challenges the anthropocentric worldview and calls for a new humanism—one that blurs the boundaries between humanity and nature.Source: Google ImagesA Literary Legacy of ActivismBorn in Kolkata in 1956, Amitav Ghosh has carved a unique niche in the literary world. His Ibis trilogy, set against the backdrop of the opium wars and colonialism, showcases how human history is deeply intertwined with ecological and economic systems.Ghosh’s works have been instrumental in bringing global attention to the pressing issue of climate change. The Erasmus Prize committee aptly described his writing as creating "space for hope," a sentiment that is essential for inspiring collective action against environmental crises.Recognitions and AccoladesAt 68, Ghosh’s illustrious career is decorated with numerous awards and honors. He received the Jnanpith Award in 2018, India’s highest literary accolade, and has been celebrated internationally for his contributions to literature. In 2019, he was conferred an honorary doctorate by Maastricht University and was named one of the most influential global thinkers by Foreign Policy magazine.The Erasmus Prize is a tribute to Ghosh’s enduring impact on literature and society.. It acknowledges his ability to transform abstract and overwhelming global crises into stories that resonate deeply with readers, urging them to rethink their relationship with the world around them.A Call to Action Through LiteratureAmitav Ghosh’s writing serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action. By bridging the gap between historical narratives and contemporary challenges, he has opened the door for a more empathetic and interconnected understanding of climate change.In a world increasingly affected by environmental disasters, Ghosh’s work is not just literature—it’s a roadmap for survival. His recognition with the Erasmus Prize solidifies his place as a literary giant and an advocate for climate justice.

27 Nov 2024
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Kaamya Karthikeyan Becomes the Youngest Indian Climber of Mount Everest!

Being at the top of the world is a dream we all share. Some aspire, dream, and achieve it. Kaamya Karthikeyan is one of them. The 16-year-old girl made history as she became the youngest Indian to summit the highest peak in the world, Mount Everest from Nepal side. In a unique father-daughter feat, Kaamya, along with her father Cdr S. Karthikeyan of the Indian Navy, successfully submitted the 8849 m Mount Everest summit on May 20. Kaamya has exhibited immense courage and fortitude in summiting the highest peaks in six of the seven continents. "Indian Navy wishes young Kaamya the very best in her aspiration to summit the highest peaks of all seven continents, becoming the youngest girl to do so,” the Indian Navy posted on X. She has now completed six milestones in her mission to summit the highest peak of all seven continents and aims to summit Mt. Vinson Massif in Antarctica this December to become the youngest girl to accomplish the Seven Summits Challenge. Who is Kaamya Karthikeyan? Kaamya Karthikeyan proved that bravery knows no age. At 16, she became the youngest Indian to summit the highest peak in the world - Mount Everest (8,849 meters) from the Nepal side. Not only did the teen set a record in India, but she also became the world's second-youngest mountaineer to scale Everest on May 20, the Indian Navy reported on Thursday. Accompanied by her father, Indian Navy officer Commander S. Karthikeyan, Kaamya embarked on her remarkable expedition. From her humble beginnings in Mumbai to the world's highest peak, here's a look at Kaamya Karthikeyan's journey. Sixteen-year-old Kaamya is a Class 12 student at Mumbai's Navy Children's School. Inspired by her father's love for mountaineering, she began trekking at the age of three. What started as an adventure soon led her to more demanding treks, including Har-ki-Dun (13,500 ft), Kedarkantha Peak (13,500 ft), and Roopkund Lake (16,400 ft) in 2016. By May 2017 Kaamya had trekked to the Everest Base Camp (17,600 ft), making her the second-youngest girl globally to achieve this milestone. Sky Was the Limit ~  (Source: Google Images)  In February 2020, while hosting Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that “young Kaamya Karthikeyan is an inspiration for everyone”. Later, in January 2021, PM Modi virtually interacted with the young mountaineer, then a 13-year-old on a mission to climb the highest peaks in all continents and ski to the North and South poles. “May she achieve greater heights. Congratulations on being awarded the Rashtriya Bal Puraskar,” said PM Modi after the interaction. When in the 7th grade, Kamya, a student from Navy Children School in Mumbai became the youngest girl in the world to summit Mount Aconcagua, the highest peak in South America and outside of Asia. On February 1, 2020, she conquered the 6,962-meter Argentinian mountain. She has already scaled the highest peaks in Africa, Europe, and Australia, including two peaks over 6,000 meters above sea level.  h Ambition Meets Self Belief Across All Hurdles ~  ( Source: Google Images)   

31 May 2024
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Woman Robot Astronaut 'Vyommitra' to Accompany Gaganyaan Mission into Space

India's space exploration endeavors are set to achieve another significant milestone as a woman robot astronaut named 'Vyommitra' is scheduled to fly into space ahead of the Gaganyaan mission. What role will Vyommitra play during this historic mission? Vyommitra: Simulating Human Functions in Space Vyommitra, the robot astronaut, has been developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to simulate human functions in space. Equipped with advanced capabilities, Vyommitra is designed to monitor module parameters, issue alerts, and execute life support operations during the mission. A Friend in Space The name 'Vyommitra' is derived from two Sanskrit words: "Vyoma," meaning space, and "Mitra," meaning friend. This signifies the robot's role as a reliable companion during the Gaganyaan mission, assisting the crew and enhancing the safety and success of the mission. Functions and Interactions Vyommitra's functionalities are diverse and vital for the success of the mission. The robot astronaut can operate six panels, respond to queries, and interact with the life support system. These capabilities enable Vyommitra to perform tasks necessary for the smooth operation of the spacecraft and ensure the well-being of the crew during their journey in space. The Path to Gaganyaan Before the manned mission, ISRO has planned an uncrewed mission called Vyommitra, scheduled for the third quarter of this year. This precursor mission will test and validate the robot astronaut's capabilities and performance in the space environment, ensuring that all systems are fully functional before the human-manned mission. Preparing for Launch The Gaganyaan project aims to demonstrate India's human space capabilities by sending a crew of astronauts into an orbit of 400 kilometers and safely returning them to Earth. In preparation for this ambitious endeavor, ISRO successfully completed the Test Vehicle Flight TV D1 on October 21 last year. This test validated the crew escape system, parachute system, and human rating of the launch vehicle. Upcoming Milestones While Vyommitra's mission is set for this year, the Gaganyaan mission itself is scheduled for launch in 2025. The Gaganyaan mission will mark India's first-ever manned space flight, a significant achievement for the country's space program and a step towards broader scientific exploration. India's space exploration ambitions continue to soar as the country prepares to send a woman robot astronaut, Vyommitra, into space ahead of the Gaganyaan mission. With its ability to simulate human functions and interact with critical systems, Vyommitra will play a crucial role in ensuring the success and safety of the mission. As India advances its space program, the nation is set to carve out a prominent place in the realm of space exploration and scientific discovery.

6 Feb 2024
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Indian Navy Ship INS Sumitra Foils Hijack Attempt on Fishing Vessel

The Indian Navy ship INS Sumitra successfully foiled a hijack attempt on a fishing vessel by Somali pirates. The swift response and coordinated efforts of the Indian Navy ensured the safe release of the hijacked vessel and its crew.  Coercing Pirates for Safe Release INS Sumitra, deployed in the Gulf of Aden and East coast of Somalia for anti-piracy operations, received a distress message regarding the hijacking of an Iranian flagged Fishing Vessel (FV) named Iman. The pirates had boarded the FV and taken the crew hostage. In a statement issued on January 29, the Navy stated, "INS Sumitra intercepted the vessel and acted in accordance with the established Standard Operating Procedures to coerce the pirates for the safe release of the crew along with the boat." As a result of the Navy's swift action, all 17 crew members were successfully rescued. Enhanced Maritime Surveillance Efforts The recent resurgence of piracy in the region has raised concerns, especially in the backdrop of Houthi drone and missile attacks on commercial shipping. In December, a Malta-flagged tanker was hijacked by Somali pirates. In response to these incidents, the Indian Navy has substantially enhanced its maritime surveillance efforts in the Central and North Arabian Sea. Currently, around 12 warships are deployed for anti-piracy and maritime security operations in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden. Task Groups comprising destroyers and frigates have been deployed to undertake maritime security operations and provide assistance to merchant vessels in case of any incidents. Complete Maritime Domain Awareness To ensure a comprehensive understanding of the maritime domain, the Indian Navy has increased aerial surveillance using long-range maritime patrol aircraft and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). This enhancement in surveillance capabilities aims to provide complete maritime domain awareness and enable timely response to potential threats. Additionally, Navy commandos are conducting boarding and search operations on suspected vessels in international waters. Combating Piracy for Safe Passage The Indian Navy's successful rescue operation of the hijacked fishing vessel showcases its commitment to combating piracy in the region. The Navy's efforts not only safeguard the lives of seafarers but also ensure the free and safe passage of maritime trade. By maintaining a strong presence and actively responding to distress calls, the Indian Navy plays a crucial role in maintaining security and stability in the maritime domain. The Indian Navy ship INS Sumitra's swift response and coordinated efforts resulted in the safe release of a hijacked fishing vessel and its crew from Somali pirates. The Navy's commitment to combating piracy and enhancing maritime security is evident through its increased surveillance efforts and deployment of warships in strategic areas. The successful rescue operation highlights the Indian Navy's dedication to protecting seafarers and maintaining the safety of maritime trade routes.

30 Jan 2024
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PM Modi Expresses Confidence in India's Economic Potential At the Ongoing Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi showcased India's economic potential at a major business summit in his home state of Gujarat. The Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit witnessed the unveiling of significant investment plans worth nearly $30 billion by companies such as Maruti Suzuki and Adani. The tenth Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit is being held from 10 January to 12 January in Gandhinagar.  Addressing the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, Modi emphasized India's strengths as a hub for talented youth, a technology-driven nation, and a thriving democracy. He expressed confidence in India's trajectory towards becoming the world's third-largest economy in the coming years. Modi's efforts to attract investments come at a crucial time, with the upcoming national elections on the horizon and global businesses seeking alternatives to diversify their supply chains away from China. The biennial summit, which focused on promoting investments in chip and electric vehicle manufacturing sectors, attracted a multitude of business leaders, investors, and diplomats over its three-day duration. Maruti Suzuki, the leading car manufacturer, announced a commitment of ₹350 billion ($4.2 billion) for establishing a second car plant in Gujarat and a new production line at an existing facility. Billionaire Gautam Adani revealed plans for his conglomerate to invest $24 billion in renewable energy over the next five years in the state. Additionally, Tata Group is expected to announce the construction of a massive semiconductor fabrication plant in Gujarat, along with a 20-gigawatt battery storage factory. Prior to the summit, Gujarat, a prominent industrial hub, signed initial investment agreements with 58 companies amounting to a combined value of $86 billion. Dutch and Singaporean firms are also set to commit over $7 billion in spending during the event. Modi highlighted India's resilient economy amid global challenges and invited investors to be part of the nation's growth journey. As he seeks a third term in office, these investment plans and economic potential seem to bolster his chances in the upcoming elections. 

11 Jan 2024
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India's Stock Market Thriller: Nifty 50 breaks records at 20,000 points

The NSE Nifty 50, the heartbeat of the National Stock Exchange, accomplished a historic milestone today, reaching an astonishing 20,000 points.  At precisely 3:28 pm, the Nifty 50 was ablaze, up by an impressive 185.45 points, tantalizingly close to the magical 20,000 mark at 20,005.40. Simultaneously, the S&P BSE Sensex wasn't far behind, gaining over 557 points, reaching a formidable 67,156. While the Nifty 50 tantalized with its record-breaking performance, it fell just shy of the 20,000 threshold at the closing at 3:30 pm. This exhilarating rise can be attributed to an array of factors, including the brightening global outlook, a powerful rally in heavyweight stocks, a steady influx of funds and an upswing in sentiment following the triumph of the G20 summit and other pivotal developments. Manish Chowdhury, the Head of Research at StoxBox, jubilantly declared, "The market is in a state of euphoria, conquering the 20,000 milestone today, with the possibility of 20,500 on the horizon this month." Chowdhury went on to advise investors to keep a watchful eye on the large-cap sector, as the IT industry and behemoths like Reliance Industries, HDFC Bank, and ITC offer promising risk-reward opportunities. Meanwhile, Nitin Agrawal, CEO of Torus Oro PMS, remains bullish, pointing to high-frequency macro data like GST collections as evidence of the robust fundamentals underpinning the economy. He emphasized that India's growth trajectory remains steady, supported by manufacturing and a resurgence in the capital expenditure cycle. In a world grappling with sluggish growth and rising inflation, India stands tall, maintaining its equilibrium and poised to become a key player in the global economy.

11 Sep 2023
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Revolutionary Kirigami-Inspired Tape: 60x Stronger and Removable, Thanks to MIT Engineers

A team of researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has developed a new method to make tape stronger and more durable using a technique called Kirigami. Kirigami is a Japanese art form that involves cutting and folding paper to create intricate designs. In this case, the researchers used Kirigami to create patterns on tape that make it 60 times stronger than regular tape, while still being removable. The team used a laser cutter to create a series of cuts in the tape, creating a pattern that allows the tape to stretch and bend without tearing. The Kirigami pattern also helps distribute stress evenly across the tape, making it stronger overall. The researchers tested the tape by sticking it to various surfaces and subjecting it to different levels of stress. They found that the Kirigami tape was able to withstand significantly more force than regular tape. One of the key advantages of the Kirigami tape is that it is still removable, making it ideal for applications where temporary adhesion is needed. The researchers believe that the tape could be used in a wide range of industries, including construction, manufacturing, and healthcare. The team is now working to refine the Kirigami tape and explore new applications for the technology. They hope that their work will lead to the development of new materials that are stronger, more durable, and more versatile than ever before.

28 Jun 2023
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Big Announcement at IGF Annual Summit 2023: India's New AI Chatbot to Rival ChatGPT

India is causing a stir in the tech world with its upcoming AI chatbot, poised to challenge the mighty ChatGPT from OpenAI. During the India Global Forum Annual Summit, Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, hinted at a "big announcement" regarding this new chatbot. The highly-anticipated release comes on the heels of OpenAI's impressive record, with its chatbot amassing over 100 million users in its first two months and now welcoming 13 million visitors daily in 2023. With India making a bold move to enter the AI chatbot arena, the competition is sure to be fierce, as tech enthusiasts eagerly await the latest updates and breakthroughs. As India continues to grow as a technology giant, the government is supporting the country's startup and entrepreneurial community amid the recent Silicon Valley Bank collapse. Vaishnaw assured that the government is collaborating with the startup community to ensure that they are not affected by the crisis. Furthermore, India is shifting from being a technology consumer to a technology producer, with companies seeking to partner with Indian startups and entrepreneurs for technology development. Vaishnaw also spoke about India's ambition to lead the way in 6G telecom services, with the government already holding 127 patents related to the technology. Although 6G is still a few years away, India is positioning itself to be at the forefront of its development. The India Global Forum Annual Summit brought together former and current ministers, as well as diplomats and business representatives, to discuss India's growing startup sector community and the opportunities for partnership and growth. With India's determination to lead the way in technology and innovation, it is an exciting time for the country's tech industry and the global market as a whole.

31 Mar 2023
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MIT Professor Hari Balakrishnan Awarded the Prestigious Marconi Prize for Groundbreaking Research

Indian-born computer scientist, Hari Balakrishnan, has been awarded the prestigious Marconi Prize for 2023, considered among the world’s topmost honors in the field of information and communication technology. The prize is announced annually by the Marconi Society and named after Italian wireless pioneer Guglielmo Marconi.  Balakrishnan, the Fujitsu Professor of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), has been cited for his fundamental discoveries in wired and wireless networking, mobile sensing, and distributed systems. His research has made millions of people safer and has made the internet and wireless communications more efficient and robust. Balakrishnan is an alumnus of the Kendriya Vidyalaya at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras, and obtained his Bachelor of Technology (BTech) degree in computer science from IIT Madras in 1993. He later earned his doctorate in computer science from the University of California, Berkeley, and began his scientific career at MIT in 1998.  Balakrishnan developed techniques that have found their way into a number of commercial products and network standards. He has made substantial contributions to network congestion control, overlay, and peer-to-peer networks, robust routing, and Internet architecture. Upon receiving the Marconi Prize, Balakrishnan expressed his desire for a safer, more durable, and more sustainable world and said that he is inspired by how people use applications and the network. The ceremony for the Marconi Prize will be held in Washington, DC, on 27 October. Balakrishnan's passion for making the world safer, more resilient, and more sustainable is evident in his work, and his dedication to the field is an inspiration to young researchers. The Marconi Prize is a well-deserved recognition of Balakrishnan's hard work and achievements.

28 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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JANUS-1 Takes India's Satellite Industry to New Heights with Cloud-Based Design

India’s Ananth Technologies Ltd. (ATL) made history by designing and building the world's first satellite fully based on an end-to-end cloud platform. JANUS-1, which was launched into orbit on ISRO's mini rocket SSLV-D2, was fully assembled, integrated, and tested by ATL in Bengaluru. The company was able to design and build JANUS-1 in just 10 months, saving over 75% in cost compared to comparable satellite missions. JANUS-1 also represents the future of satellite technology. It can be accessed from the cloud of Antaris company, enabling cost and time savings. According to a report in the Times of India, the complete assembly, integration, and test of the satellite were conducted in Bengaluru by ATL. The company also contributed various avionics subsystems to ISRO's earth observation satellite EOS-7. Subba Rao Pavuluri, the company's founder and CMD, said that ATL's new satellite center in Bengaluru is the first private facility of its kind in India. It has the capacity to produce eight satellites weighing more than 2 tonnes in 18 months as well as over 25–30 small satellites, similar to what UK-based OneWeb is doing in the field of broadband satellites. JANUS-1 is a testament to India's rapidly growing satellite technology industry and the innovative capabilities of Indian companies. The cost and time savings achieved by ATL's end-to-end cloud platform approach is a major breakthrough in the satellite industry, and JANUS-1 is just the beginning of what seems to be a new era of satellites designed and built in India.

13 Feb 2023
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Combatting Plastic Pollution: How the Sagar-Mitra Abhiyaan is Empowering Children to Make a Difference

Children from more than 100 schools in Pune have established a daily pattern that comes as naturally to them as packing their bags or doing their schoolwork. Every day, they gather little pieces of clean, dry, empty plastic from their homes, such as broken plastic ball pen casings, bottles, bottle caps, old combs, and packets, and place them in a large plastic bag that is stored just for this purpose. They give the bag of plastic goods to the school's instructors and volunteers once a month on a set day. Each youngster is deemed a "Sagar-Mitra," a Hindi term that means "Friend of the Ocean." The Academic Advisors (TAA) is an NGO that founded the Sagar-Mitra Abhiyaan initiative in 2011. The initiative began after the co-founders of TAA, Vinod Bodhankar, Susan Raj and Lalit Rathi, observed a cleaning drive organized by some groups with schoolchildren and saw that children were being exposed to hazardous materials while picking up plastic waste.  The initiative aims to provide a safe and effective way for children to collect plastic waste from their homes and contribute it for recycling or safe disposal. The program currently has over a lakh and eleven thousand students from classes 5 to 9 from schools spread across Pune city, and the goal is to cover all 780 schools in the city, or twelve lakh students, to bring about a change in the culture of the city. Children are shown presentations where they become aware of how our lifestyle practices are destroying millions of creatures on land and in the oceans for no fault of their own. The presentation is successful in highlighting plastic as a serious environmental problem. The movement is gaining momentum as 21 schools in Jalgaon, 10 in Wai (both in Maharashtra), and 5 in Rajasthan have started collections, and more are stepping forward daily.

23 Jan 2023
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India Assumes G20 Presidency and Its Theme Is One Earth, One Family, One Future

On December 1, 2022, India assumed leadership of the G-20 for the summit that will be held in New Delhi the following year. A variety of public statements and events, such as the lighting of 100 monuments and landmarks across the nation, were held to commemorate this occasion.  The External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, noted the occasion and said it will be done differently. Stating India’s assumption of G-20 Presidency as an “unparalleled” event he said that India has taken up this crucial responsibility at a very challenging time in world politics and an inflection point in India’s history.  Prime Minister Narendra Modi pronounced India’s agenda at the G-20 as “inclusive, ambitious, action-oriented.” He added that India’s learnings and models will act as templates for others, particularly developing countries. He added that the principle of "Data for development" will be an integral part of the overall theme. Modi said that the most amazing development in our day is the digital transition. In the decades-long battle against poverty around the world, effective use of digital technologies can become a force multiplier. According to Mr. Jaishankar, the G20 brings together the top economies and includes two-thirds of the world's population. Given its importance, Mr. Jaishankar said that G 20 would be an event that would be celebrated across the nation and not just in Delhi. “The G-20 will make India "more world-ready" and the world "more India-ready," he added.

2 Dec 2022
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Know How This DFO Helps To Conserve Birds by Finding Their Names

Every year, a large number of birds migrate to Jharkhand including Jamtara from the Himalayan area and Central Asia. However, due to a tradition of bird hunting and poachers who hunt birds for food, the birds frequently fall victim to poachers and local villagers. The dwindling number of birds became a cause of worry for  Ajinkya Bankar, the DFO for Jamtara who came up with a novel way of protecting them. To safeguard the feathered creatures, he began a mission to identify birds and give them their traditional names so that locals could relate to them. Additionally, it was found that using the birds' traditional names rather than their English or zoological ones was more appealing to the locals. Therefore, the DFO with the assistance of local teachers, Van Samiti members, and members of the forest service in the district put together a list of birds with their traditional names. In addition, they have planted more than 35 species of trees, which is a natural habitat for birds. It was a tradition in the tribal society to carry slingshots to hunt birds. These were seized by the forest officials as another step towards protecting birds. All these efforts soon bore fruits. When birds were called by their traditional names, locals started correlating them with their culture. Gradually, the hunting of birds came down significantly. People stopped killing the birds as they could now identify them with their own culture and society.  

8 Nov 2022
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Farmers Rejoice As This Remarkable Device Protects Them From Crop Failure

16-year-old Rishikesh Amit Nayak of DAV Public School, Chandrasekharpur in Odisha was sad to see his grandfather depressed when his crops were damaged by pests. Rishikesh decided to develop a device that could detect insects on the crops at an early stage so that necessary precautions and remedial measures can be taken to save the crops. A Remarkable Device Rishikesh developed this amazing device – Kishan Know that prevents crop failure. He realized that in the incidence of crop failure, 80 percent takes place due to the invasion of pests. The device helps to detect pests at a very early stage. The device has been prepared by incorporating a Global System for Mobile (GSM) communication module, a chip of circuit that can be used to establish communication and a thermal camera. Before making the device, he consulted experts at Odisha University for Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) and focused on bacteria as it accounted for 80 percent of the crop loss. How It Works According to Rishikesh, farmers will have to move around the field with the device twice in a day to take thermal images of the crop. The data is sent for analysis wherein any change in plant temperature indicates pest or bacteria attack for which the farmer can take remedial measures in the initial stage so that the crop is protected from damage. Rishikesh has applied for a patent for this remarkable device, the prototype of which costs around Rs 1,500. It was on display at an exhibition recently and many visitors were impressed by its performance.

25 Nov 2019
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Thespian Amitabh Bachchan to Be Conferred With Dadasaheb Phalke Award

Amitabh Bachchan has an exceptional career in the world of cinema and his immense contribution to cinema was rightly acknowledged when he was unanimously selected for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award which is Indian cinema’s highest honour. The information was conveyed by Union Minister Prakash Javadekar in a tweet which hailed the legendary actor’s contribution to Indian cinema. In a career that spans over five decades, Amitabh Bachchan has given exceptional performances in innumerable movies including  'Agneepath', 'Black', 'Paa' and 'Piku' for which he was awarded the prestigious National Award. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award was first awarded to actress Devika Rani. Actor Prithviraj Kapoor (1971) and actor Vinod Khanna (2017) are the only posthumous recipients of the award. As of 2017, there have been 49 awardees which include Manna Dey (2007), Shashi Kapoor (2014) and Shyam Benegal (2005). Amitabh Bachchan needs no introduction as he is one of the most popular movie stars in the country who has acted in many critically and commercially successful films. He conquered the hearts of people and won many fans with outstanding performances in films such as Zanjeer, Deewaar and Sholay. More recently, his great work in films such as Pink, Paa and Piku won him many accolades. He also did a stint in Hollywood with a supporting role in Baz Lurhmann’s The Great Gatsby. The megastar also hosts the popular game show Kaun Banega Crorepati on television. The Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri in 1984, the Padma Bhushan in 2001 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2015 for his contributions to the arts. The Government of France honoured him with its highest civilian honour, Knight of the Legion of Honour, in 2007.

25 Sep 2019
Good News

Do You Know What Colour Codes in Weather Alerts Signify?

This year rains created havoc in many states in India and we often came across news where the IMD has issued a red alert or orange alert in certain places. However, many of us may not know what these different colours in alerts actually convey. Let us first understand what the colour-coded weather warning system means. It is a system used by the IMD to issue alerts to the public about the intensity of the predicted cyclones, floods, storms and winds so that people can take the necessary precautions. The colour system comprises of green, yellow, orange and red colours of which green is a low-risk one while red alert means the highest risk of severe conditions. Green colour: When a green alert is issued, there is no warning as such but it implies that people should stock essential items and make a contingency plan. Yellow colour: This colour means there is a possibility of danger from the impending natural calamity and people need to be aware of the possible adverse impacts of the change in weather. People should monitor weather conditions and pay heed to the IMD updates during a yellow warning. Orange colour: People need to be very cautious when IMD gives out an orange alert as it signifies a risk to people and property. The IMD asks people to be prepared to safeguard themselves, their family and property.  Red colour: We have often come across the words ‘red alert’ as this warning is the most important one which people should be aware of as it implies great risk to people and property and indicates that significant damage and disruption could take place. During red alert, IMD exhorts people in the area to take immediate action to protect their property and kin and, if required, move to safer locations. Now that the meaning of the colours in IMD alerts is known, people can take adequate and appropriate precautions to counter the changes in weather conditions.

5 Sep 2019
Good News

An Initiative Ensuring Women Safety

Women safety is a topmost priority these days. Hence major step was recently taken by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), especially for the women passengers.  Starting from the next month, first two doors of Bengaluru Metro will be only for women. Mahendra Jain, the Managing Director of BMRCL said the idea was to ensure the convenience for the women while they are entering and getting down from the train.  He also added that soon there will be six coaches instead of four and then the first two shall be allocated only for women.

15 Feb 2018
Good News

Mitra – A Symbol of AI Cooperation

Bengaluru-based Invento Robotics has developed an indoor autonomous robot that can be used in offices, hospitals as well as multiplx cinemas. The robot has been named – Mitra after the vedic God of friendship as it symbolises cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI) between India and China.  Balaji Viswanathan, one of the founders of Invento Robotics said that India has done the computer aided designing of the robot while its plastic mould is being made in a factory in Dongguan and the printed circuit boards and motor controls are being manufactured in Shenzhen (both cities in south China). The first prototype of Mitra is in use at the Canara Bank headquarters in Bengaluru. It was deployed four and a half months ago. The robot which stands five feet, two inches tall and weighs 30 kg has been working as a receptionist and giving tours of the bank’s “experience zone” to customers. It is quite easy to interact with the robot as it is capable of speech and face recognition and interactive gestures. The company Invento Robotics was launched last year by Viswanathan, Bharath Kumar and Mahalaksmi Radhakrishnan. Vishwanathan stated that the robot was made in China as the quality of assemblage and speed of delivery of products in China is very good. Mitra, the robot is the result of complementing India’s efficiency in software with China’s hardware proficiency.

20 Sep 2017
Good News

Amazing Innovation By Manipal University Students Panipuri in Automated Vending Machine

All time favourite Panipuri can now be eaten in a hygienic way.  Knowing the problem what people face while eating the panipuris on street and  what the vendors normally do while selling the panipuris on the street,  a team of fourth-year engineering students from Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Manipal University have built a prototype for India’s street food lovers. Electrofoodies a team of  Sunanda Somu, Karishma Agrawal, Neha Srivastava and Sahas Gembali have not only built this prototype but has also won the first prize at the national finale of Ink Makers held at T-Hub in Hyderabad. Teammates cum friends used to visit this local chaat wala near their college quite often. One day they placed an order and felt it took quite some time for their chance to come and out of curiosity they went and asked the chaat wala and found that he was short of manpower that day.  he was trying very hard and was busy serving everyone in the line for panipuri. It was then these teammates could realise how serving panipuri could be a monotonous and a very repetitive task and that this process instead can be automated in order to tackle the problem and hygiene too.   There came the thought of making this panipuri automated machine, said Sahas. With help of this automated Panipuri, making Panipuris has now become very easy. One can make this anytime and anywhere.  With the help of this machine, Panipuri would be in great demand not only in India but in global market too. The machine is so easy to use and one can quickly make panipuri in no time.  It has a control panel on the front and, since it is a vending machine, it releases the puris, makes the holes on the puris, fills it with the stuffing and pani, and all this at the push of a button. It is ideal to be placed in malls. It also has an interesting additional feature of multiplayer mode where friends can challenge each other as the scores are maintained by this automated vending machine.  Isn't this interesting....Kudos to the makers of such a unique automated vending machine.

17 Sep 2017
Good News

India’s Mithali Raj creates history

The ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 is proving lucky for India’s premier cricketer Mithali Raj. After creating a world record by smashing seven consecutive fifty-plus scores,  Mithali added yet one more feather to her cap when she became the leading run-getter in ODIs getting ahead of past England player Charlotte Edwards’ record of 5992 ODI runs. Ever since her debut in 1999, Mithali Raj has been an outstanding player. Currently, she is the captain of the women’s cricket team. On Wednesday she gave Indians plenty of reason to cheer. While playing against Australia, she punched Ellyse Perry to cover to become the highest run getter in ODIs. She also became the first cricketer in the history of women’s cricket to reach 6000 runs. No other woman cricketer has achieved this feat.   Mithali Raj is only the second player in women’s cricket history to average over 50 in ODIs, the first being Australia’s Meg Lanning with the highest average of 54.12. Currently, the Indian skipper’s average is 51. She has remained not out 48 times which is the most in women’s cricket. Yet, the day belonged to Australia as they defeated India to enter the semi-finals. India’s next match against New Zealand is crucial as they will have to win it to claim the last semi-final spot in the World Cup  

13 Jul 2017
Good News

New eco friendly bottles introduced for summer

There's no better way than quenching our thirst from the cool matkas in summer and now, we have eco-friendly, modern updates of the traditional water-cooling matkas which also serves PM Modi's 'Make in India' objective. Staying cool and hydrated is a must as temperatures are soaring in our country. Clay product manufacturer Mitticool has introduced the clay water bottle which keeps water cool. The eco-friendly terracotta clay bottle is made from a special mixture of clay which also adds a unique flavour to the water. The bottles are made of 100 % clay and are easy to clean and refill. The earthen pot made of clay, called matka have been in use in India since ancient times and occupies an important place in the homes of people of every class.  Traditionally, two types of clay are combined to make the matka- one that is found on the earth's surface and the other procured from beneath the earth. It takes about eight days to make the product as the mud clay must first be mixed with water, shaped, finished, polished, dried and baked in a kiln before it’s complete. Storing water in clay bottles is a far better option than storing in plastic which may contain toxic chemicals. These bottles are made from Mud clay which in its pure form is a 100% natural raw material and scientists claim that storing water in a clay water pot is very beneficial as it not only cools the water, but also provides healing with the elements of earth.   

5 Apr 2017
Good News

Star Citizens

Kaamya Karthikeyan Becomes the World’s Youngest to Conquer the Seven Summits!

At just 17 years old, Kaamya Karthikeyan has achieved an extraordinary feat: becoming the youngest girl in the world to conquer the Seven Summits—the tallest peaks on all seven continents. With this achievement, she has etched her name in the history of mountaineering and has become a source of inspiration for countless young dreamers.Kaamya’s next goal is equally ambitious. She now sets her sights on the Explorer’s Grand Slam, which includes reaching both the North and South Poles in addition to the Seven Summits—a challenge only a select few adventurers in the world have accomplished.From a Childhood Trek to Scaling the Seven SummitsKaamya’s mountaineering story began at the tender age of seven when she embarked on her first trek in Uttarakhand. That formative experience ignited a deep love for adventure and a resolve to push her limits.By the time she was 13, Kaamya was already determined to take on the Seven Summits challenge. She steadily worked toward her goal, culminating in her ascent of Mount Everest in May 2024. That marked a moment of personal and symbolic triumph for Kamya as it tested her physical and mental endurance.Her father, Commander S. Karthikeyan from the Indian Navy, climbed alongside her, making the achievement even more special.Source: Google ImagesConquering the Seven Summits: A Great AchievementKaamya’s Seven Summits conquest included:Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa): A beginner’s test of endurance and willpower.Mount Elbrus (Europe): Offering unpredictable weather challenges.Mount Kosciuszko (Australia): A symbolic yet significant step.Mount Aconcagua (South America): The highest peak in the Southern Hemisphere.Mount Denali (North America): Known for its frigid temperatures and steep inclines.Mount Everest (Asia): The ultimate pinnacle of her journey.Mount Vinson (Antarctica): A frozen, desolate finale in 2024.Each summit presented unique challenges, from battling freezing winds to navigating treacherous terrains. Yet, Kaamya faced them all with remarkable grit.Beyond mountaineering, Kaamya leads a well-rounded life. A Class 12 student at Navy Children School in Mumbai, she juggles academics with her passion for adventure. She also plays the piano and guitar, and is an accomplished Bharatanatyam dancer.A Moment of National PrideKaamya’s remarkable achievements have been celebrated across India. The Indian Navy lauded her on social media, highlighting her as an icon of perseverance.  “Breaking barriers and reaching new heights! Kaamya Karthikeyan... becomes the youngest female in the world to conquer the Seven Summits. A moment of immense pride for NCS Mumbai!” her school posted on X.Kaamya attributes much of her success to the steadfast support of her family, especially her father. A mountaineer himself, Commander Karthikeyan has been both a mentor and a partner in her journey.Dedicating her accomplishments to dreamers everywhere, Kaamya says, “No goal is too lofty if pursued with passion and determination.”With the Seven Summits behind her, Kaamya is now setting her sights on the Explorer’s Grand Slam. This grueling challenge will take her to the North and South PolesKaamya Karthikeyan’s journey is nothing short of inspirational. As she aims for the Explorer’s Grand Slam, the world watches with admiration and anticipation, knowing she is destined to continue scaling new heights.

2 Jan 2025
Star Citizens

''Grandmaster'': Achieving A Milestone In The Field Of Cinema

This year, Indian cinema’s highest accolade, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, will be bestowed upon the legendary Mithun Chakraborty, celebrating his extraordinary contribution to the film industry. Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw, took to X on Monday to share the thrilling news, exclaiming, "Mithun Da's remarkable cinematic journey inspires generations!" The veteran actor, known for his iconic roles and unmatched versatility, will be honored at the 70th National Film Awards on October 8. This prestigious recognition marks a defining moment in Chakraborty’s illustrious career.Prime Minister Narendra Modi reshared the post and wrote on X, “Delighted that Shri Mithun Chakraborty Ji has been conferred the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, recognizing his unparalleled contributions to Indian cinema. He is a cultural icon, admired across generations for his versatile performances. Congratulations and best wishes to him.”The Master Of Leaving A Mark Everywhere He Went  ~(Source: Google Images) Formerly a prominent figure in the 1980s, Chakraborty's on-screen persona has diminished in recent times. Despite appearing in Bengali movies such as Kabuliwala (2023) and Projapati (2022), his final Hindi film appearance was the contentious The Kashmir Files (2022). From 2009 until 2018, he also held the position of head judge, or "grandmaster," on the well-known dancing reality series dancing India Dance.The actor popularly known as "Mithun Da" debuted in the 1976 film Mrigayaa, directed by Mrinal Sen, for which he was nominated for a National Award for Best Actor. For his roles in the 1992 film Tahader Katha (best actor) and the 1998 film Swami Vivekananda (best-supporting actor), he won two more National Awards.But Mithun Da's real claim to fame was his unique dancing in the 1982 smash tune Disco Dancer, which is largely recognized for kicking off the disco dance movement in India with hits like "I Am A Disco Dancer." ~ legit all eyes on him when this song plays whenever and wherever !

1 Oct 2024
Star Citizens

Poorna Malavath: Conquering Mountains and Dreams

Imagine a land where dreams soar higher than the peaks that crown its landscape. That's where Poorna Malavath's remarkable story began. Hailing from the erstwhile Nizamabad district of Telangana, she accomplished the awe-inspiring feat of scaling Mount Everest at the tender age of 13. She became the youngest Indian and the youngest girl worldwide to reach the summit of the world's highest mountain. Poorna's astonishing journey continued with an unyielding spirit as she undertook the Seven Summits Challenge, which entails conquering the seven most daunting and towering peaks on Earth. Her list of achievements reads like a mountaineer's dream, including Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa), Mount Elbrus (Europe), Mount Aconcagua (South America), Mount Carstensz Pyramid (Oceania), Mount Vinson (Antarctica), and finally, Mount Denali (North America). When she reached the pinnacle of Mount Denali last year, Poorna revealed, "It has been almost seven years since I am practicing mountaineering. I completed the Seven Summits Challenge by climbing up Mt. Denali on June 5." Her indomitable spirit and unwavering determination have been her allies in this uphill battle. In a conversation with ANI, Poorna credited Dr. RS Praveen Kumar, the Chairman of Ace Engineering Academy, for igniting her passion for mountaineering. She expressed her gratitude for his unending support and guidance, emphasizing how his mentorship played a pivotal role in her journey to the summits. As we celebrate the triumphs of Poorna Malavath, it is fitting to draw inspiration from the Devi of the first day of Navratri, Shailaputri. Shailaputri's name, which means 'Daughter of the Mountains,' perfectly mirrors Poorna's journey, as she ascended the towering peaks of the world, proving that the mountains indeed became her playground. Shailaputri, a manifestation of Goddess Durga, symbolizes strength, determination, and unwavering resolve, much like Poorna's own attributes.

15 Oct 2023
Star Citizens

Meet the Woman who Ran a Marathon in a Saree to Champion Cultural Pride

In an impressive display of strength, determination, and cultural pride, Madhumita Jena Das, a British Odia woman, recently made history by completing a 42.5-kilometer marathon in Manchester while sporting a traditional, crimson Sambalpuri saree and vibrant orange sneakers. In just four hours and 50 minutes, she achieved a monumental feat that left people from around the world in awe of her remarkable accomplishment. The Friends of India Soc Intl UK’s official Twitter account shared a video and a photo of Das, 41 running energetically with a bright smile on her face, which went viral and gained over 47K views and 1,044K likes. Many Indians took to the comment section to express their admiration for Das's achievement. Das is a seasoned runner and was the only person running the marathon in a saree. She stated in an interview with the New Indian Express that she was inspired by her mother and grandmother, who wore sarees daily while performing strenuous labor. She disputed the idea that wearing a saree makes it impossible to run and claimed that she wears sarees during the summer in the UK regardless. Madhumita Jena Das's remarkable achievement in completing a marathon in a traditional saree has inspired many. Das's accomplishment has not only showcased her physical abilities but also highlighted the beauty and versatility of traditional Indian attire and culture. It is also an inspiration to many women who are reluctant to participate in physical activities due to societal pressure and cultural norms.

20 Apr 2023
Star Citizens

The Weed Warrior: Fighting an Invasive Species to Save an Entire Ecosystem

In 2010, Meera Chandran had a mission: to reclaim her family's 8-acre land in Kerala that had been overrun by Lantana Camara, an invasive weed that threatened to destroy the local ecology. But instead of taking the easy way out and arranging an earthmover to clear the weeds, Meera got to work. She employed manual labor to cut the weed's roots two to three inches below the ground, preventing them from multiplying. As the weeds were successfully removed, native species were planted to restore the land's natural flora.  Meera's work did not stop there. She co-founded the Forest First Samiti, a non-profit dedicated to protecting native plants and restoring degraded lands. Over two years, the Samiti managed to restore one square kilometer of forest land in the Western Ghats with the help of CSR partners. By combining traditional knowledge of local flora and fauna with modern scientific approaches, they were able to bring back endangered, threatened and medicinal plant species.  Meera Chandran's story of reclaiming her family's land from the invasive weed, Lantana Camara, is an inspiring example of how one person can make a significant impact on the environment. Despite facing challenges and obstacles, Meera persevered in her mission to restore the natural balance of the ecosystem through the manual removal of the weeds and planting native of species.  Her efforts have not only led to the conservation of rare and endangered plant species, but also brought back the herbivores that thrive on them. The results of her work are a testament to the positive impact that individuals and organizations can have on the environment, and serve as a reminder of the importance of conservation and restoration efforts.

18 Feb 2023
Star Citizens

This Man’s Dedication and Interest in Pottery Earned Him the Title of a Scientist!

Mansukhbhai Raghavjibhai Prajapati from Gujarat is a down to earth man with an immense interest in pottery which has also been the family’s occupation for many years. As he was growing up, he developed an interest in making clay pots and wanted to lend a hand in the family business. However, his father who knew the hardships of this profession insisted that Prajapati should learn carpentry. Prajapati, who meddled with carpentry for a while found his true calling in pottery and returned to help his family business, much to the disappointment of his father who wanted him to become a carpenter. New Technology Prajapati wanted to modernize the whole process of making clay pots and pans. With his determination, he was able to procure Rs 30,000 and he dedicated his time and energy in developing a machine that could make tawa (pans). After unsuccessful attempts with nearly one and a half lakh tawas, he finally got the breakthrough technology. While a whole family of potters was making just about 80-100 tawas in a day Prajapati could make around 4000 tawas. This motivated him to try more such things from clay and he went on to make earthen dinner sets, cookers, filters and even spoons and glasses. In fact, he successfully made nearly all kitchen apparatus and appliances with clay. Earthen Refrigerator It is the dream of every household to have a fridge. However, economically weaker sections are unable to pay even their electricity bills. Prajapati used his pottery skills to make a clay refrigerator that worked without electricity and was easy on the pocket as well. All one has to do is fill a compartment of the clay fridge with water. Fruits and vegetables remain fresh in it for seven days.  A family even replaced their electric fridge with the clay one and are reaping the benefits. Besides, the clay fridge is also good for the environment. Mansukhbhi Prajapati passionately and successfully harnessed the vast potential of soil and transformed himself from a poor potter to a successful entrepreneur who is the founder of Mitticool. He has won numerous awards and accolades, but the icing of the cake was when former President  Abdul Kalam named him as a “true scientist” for his marvelous inventions. Image Source: Flickr

18 Nov 2019
Star Citizens

This Computer Scientist Fuses Biology With Computer Science to Make Revolutionary Discoveries in Medical Science

Sanghamitra Bandyopadhyay is a trained computer scientist who is currently the director of the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata. She took up computational biology to make remarkable strides in the field of cancer and Alzheimer’s research. Computational Biology Computational biology is the use of computational methods, mathematical models and statistical tools to understand and make inferences from biological data. According to Bandopadhyay, there is enormous physiological, genomic, metabolic and various other biological data with American databases like the NCBI(National Centre for Biotechnology Information, US) and also with European databases. It is impossible to make inferences from such massive amounts of data manually, but by making algorithms to look into the datasets, one can gain useful biological insights. Exceptional Work Bandopadhyay focused on building new algorithms with newer techniques. The computational biologist, based on her work and analysis could identify a new genetic marker for breast cancer, that was later validated through laboratory experiments. Her work also helped researchers to understand disease mechanisms related to HIV-1 and Alzheimer’s.  Bandopadhyay is keen that India doesn’t miss the data revolution. For her efforts, she was awarded the Swaroop Bhatnagar Prize in engineering science by CSIR. She is also the winner of The Infosys prize in engineering and computer science. Image Source: The Wire  

1 Oct 2019
Star Citizens

A True and Inspiring Story of a Girl Who Rose From the Dead and Went On to Win Many Hearts in KBC

It was sheer negligence on part of doctors of a hospital in Kanpur who declared a newborn girl as ‘born dead’. This girl, Noopur Singh from Unnao in Uttar Pradesh lived to tell an inspiring tale after reaching the hot seat of Kaun Banega Crorepati, India’s most celebrated game show hosted none other than Amitabh Bachchan. Conquering Death Noopur Singh was declared ‘born dead’ and discarded by the doctors. Fortunately, a few relatives spotted signs of life in her and she was revived, much to the joy of her parents. However, she grew up to be physically challenged owing to the negligence and inattention of the doctors in the initial crucial hours of her life. Nevertheless, Noopur grew up to be a good student. She was on the merit list in Intermediate and cleared her B.Ed entrance test in the first attempt. Currently, the 29-year-old enjoys teaching playschool students and also gives free guidance to Class X students. Noopur’s Journey To KBC Kaun Banega Crorepati is India’s most loved quiz show which is hosted by a star celebrity- Amitabh Bachchan. Noopur also loved this game show and she would answer most of the questions correctly even before the contestants could answer. Her proud mother and family members asked her to apply for this season. She agreed and to her joy, was selected. Her family rejoiced when she could answer 12 questions correctly, thereby winning Rs 12.5 lakhs and many hearts all over India. The story of Noopur who pulled herself through from the clutches of death to survive and live an inspiring life motivates us to develop ourselves to the fullest potential. Image Source: The English Post

29 Aug 2019
Star Citizens

Initiative To Deny "Development"

Dreaming to build a mitti ka ghar, these Delhi couple efforts have finally seen the daylight. After buying the land and sowing seeds, the duo wanted to build a house which was completely natural and eco-friendly. After their School of Architecture, they still were unaware of a way to building a mitti ka ghar. The duo wanted to a small hut, without any luxury that would harm the environment.  After a few months, the couple came across a dream team, Kamal Chawla and Anshu Sharma, who worked for an organisation called SEEDS (short for, Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society).  Anshu and Kamal had worked in several high altitude regions like Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir but this was the first time they worked in a rural area of Haryana.  After a lot of thought over the building of the natural farmhouse, the final plan was made. With a mixture of mud and water, the house started taking shape. And after six months, a five-storey building was build in a natural way.

7 Feb 2018
Star Citizens

Ambarish Mitra- A Pioneer Of Augmented Reality

Ambarish Mitra is a pioneer of augmented reality and AI-based computer vision that empowers more than 750 million people globally who cannot read or write. He was one of the first entrepreneurs to build a viable business with AR (Augmented Reality). He was named UK Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young in 2016 and a Young Global Leader by theWorld Economic Forum in 2017. He recently appeared on TED Talks India hosted by Shah Rukh Khan. Mitra said that the show was helping Indians think about the world around them in a completely different way.  

18 Jan 2018
Star Citizens

What Makes An IAS Officer Stand Different From Others

Virendra Mittal an IAS officer works as the Deputy Commissioner of Jorhat, Assam. He has brought about a profound change in his city by initiating the unique concept called Daan Toilet, wherein toilets can be donated to those households that still follow open defecation. He believes that donating a toilet to a household is one of the best services that one can do for others. Virendra Mittal took upon himself the onus of ensuring that every family in his district had access to a toilet and understood the importance of 'cleanliness'. So far, the Daan Toilet initiative has managed to donate more than 250 toilets, by raising close to Rs 32 lakh from corporate as well as average citizens. The aim is to ensure that 1000 toilets are donated by June 2018.

16 Jan 2018
Star Citizens

This Youngster Loves To Chase Problems

When Delhi’s air pollution reached alarming levels, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal introduced driving restrictions: Cars with odd and even number plates would be allowed to run on alternate days. This decision led to a problem of transportation to which Akshay Mittal had a solution, a website called odd-even.com which matched odd-numbered car owners with even numbered ones, based on timings, gender, profession and age. The website got 30,000 registrations during the first phase alone. In April last year, he sold his app to the ride-sharing app, Orahi, retaining a board seat. He is among the youngest entrepreneurs in the world and sees himself as one who wants to build and scale social impact ventures to build new India.

11 Jan 2018
Star Citizens

Mithali Raj in BBC’s List of Powerful Women

Mithali Raj, the captain of India's national women's cricket team has many reasons to rejoice. After leading India into the final of Women’s World Cup, she has been named as one of the 100 most influential women by the BBC. Mithali, 34, is currently the highest run-getter in ODIs. She is known for her grit and determination and is one of the most recognisable faces in India.  She enjoys a dedicated fan following just like the male cricketers. While revealing the list of 100 inspirational and innovative women for 2017, BBC said that the women on the list will be part of the 100 Women Challenge. The challenge will be hosted at Silicon Valley from October 2nd – 6th where a group will tackle the glass ceiling; Delhi from October 9th-13th, where a team will be looking at female illiteracy; in London and Nairobi from October 16th to 20th, the team will look at the safety on public transport and from October 23rd -27th women in Rio will consider sexism in sport. The aim is to counter some of the biggest problems that women face and to share their experiences and create innovative ways to tackle: 1) The glass ceiling - #Teamlead, 2) Female illiteracy - #Teamread, 3) Street harassment - #Teamgo and 4) Sexism in sport - #Teamplay. Mithali is in #Teamplay. Other Indians who made it to the list are: Aditi Avasthi (Entrepreneur; Founder and CEO, Embibe), Ira Trivedi (Writer), Mehroonisa Siddiqui (Homemaker, mother of actor Nawazuddin), Nitya Thummalachetty (Director of Diversity, FortunaPIX), Priyanka Roy (Student), Rupi Kaur (Author), Tulika Kiran (Teacher and social worker), Urvashi Sahni (Founder and CEO, Study Hall Educational Foundation), Virali Modi (Disability rights activist and youth ambassador)

28 Sep 2017
Star Citizens

Global News

Renewable Energy Gains Momentum Despite Challenges at Cop28 Climate Summit

The recent Cop28 climate summit held in Dubai faced significant challenges as vested interests and fossil fuel lobbyists made their presence known. However, amidst the obstacles, the final agreement marked a significant step forward. For the first time, it calls on all countries to transition away from fossil fuels and work towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. While falling short of explicit commitments, this landmark decision reflects the growing urgency to address the climate crisis. Despite opposition from major oil-producing nations, the agreement demonstrates a remarkable shift in global priorities. More than 190 nations participated, emphasizing the increased global attention on climate change. However, critics argue that the agreement contains loopholes and lacks enforcement mechanisms. Nevertheless, the renewables sector continues to gain momentum, undeterred by the challenges at Cop28. The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that renewables will provide 50% of the world's electricity by 2030, driven by falling costs, technological advancements, and supportive regulations. The IEA report also highlights other positive trends, such as a significant increase in electric vehicles, the dominance of solar PV in electricity generation, and a surge in offshore wind investments. While these developments inspire optimism, the IEA warns that global emissions remain alarmingly high. To achieve the crucial target of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, the transition to clean energy must accelerate rapidly. The transition towards renewable energy is an unstoppable force. The Cop28 agreement, along with the growing momentum in renewables, offers hope for a sustainable future. However, sustained commitment and action from governments, businesses, and individuals are essential to achieve a meaningful impact in the fight against climate change.

22 Dec 2023
Global News

Plant Nanobionics: A New Era of Sustainable Lighting

Plants have always been a source of food, shelter, and oxygen, but now they could also become a source of light. Thanks to the innovative work of MIT engineers, we may soon see plants replacing our unstable urban electric lighting grid.  The engineers have developed a technique to embed special nanoparticles in plant leaves to create a light-emitting plant that can be charged by LEDs. After just 10 seconds of charging, the plants glow for several minutes and can be recharged over and over again.  The glow of these plants is ten times brighter than the first generation of glowing plants. This breakthrough paves the way for a future where plant-based lighting is the norm, and electrical energy for living plants is no longer a far-fetched idea. The researchers behind this work have coined the term "plant nanobionics" to describe the emerging field of giving plants new features by embedding them with different types of nanoparticles. They created the first generation of light-emitting plants using nanoparticles that carry luciferase and luciferin, which work together to give fireflies their glow. But in their latest study, they wanted to create components that could increase the duration of light and make it brighter. The researchers came up with the idea of using a capacitor, a part of an electrical circuit that can store electricity and release it when needed. In the case of glowing plants, a light capacitor can be used to store light in the form of photons, which can be slowly released over time. The researchers used a compound called strontium aluminate to create their light capacitor. Before embedding them in plants, they coated the particles in silica, which protects the plant from damage. This breakthrough has the potential to transform the way we think about energy and lighting, and it is a significant step towards a more sustainable future. The researchers have shown that plants can be used not only for their aesthetic beauty but also for their ability to generate light, making them an integral part of our urban landscape. The possibilities for this technology are endless, and we can't wait to see what the future holds for plant nanobionics.

3 Apr 2023
Global News

US Researchers’ Latest Breakthrough in Nuclear Fusion Can Save Our Earth

Researchers in the United States have recently made a major breakthrough in nuclear fusion, a process that has the potential to revolutionize the way we generate electricity. Nuclear fusion occurs when two atomic nuclei fuse together, releasing a massive amount of energy. This process is the same one that powers the sun, and researchers have been trying to replicate it on Earth for decades. The team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) was able to successfully achieve a sustained plasma state in their fusion reactor, known as the Alcator C-Mod. This is a significant step towards achieving practical nuclear fusion, as maintaining a sustained plasma state is essential for generating electricity. The researchers were able to heat the plasma to over 100 million degrees Celsius, a temperature that is six times hotter than the core of the sun. They were also able to sustain the plasma for over two seconds, a significant increase from previous attempts. While there is still a long way to go before nuclear fusion becomes a viable source of electricity, this breakthrough is a major step forward in the quest to harness the power of the sun. If successful, nuclear fusion could provide a virtually limitless source of clean energy, with no greenhouse gas emissions and no risk of a meltdown. This could be a game-changer in the fight against climate change and the search for renewable energy sources.

29 Dec 2022
Global News

Positive Reads

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

ISRO's Gaganyaan Mission: A Historic Leap into Manned Space Travel!

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is on the brink of another historic milestone, with the much-anticipated Gaganyaan mission drawing closer to reality. The mission marks India's ambitious foray into manned space travel, and at its forefront is Vyommitra, a female-looking humanoid robot set to become the first tester of this groundbreaking endeavor. ISRO has been making waves in space exploration, with Chandrayaan's successful soft landing on the moon's south pole and the recent launch of Aditya L1, the world's first space-based observatory dedicated to studying the Sun. These achievements have bolstered confidence in ISRO's capabilities, setting the stage for the human spaceflight program. Union Minister Jitendra Singh recently shared an update on India's first manned space mission, revealing that trials for the project are scheduled to commence in October. The second phase of the project will see Vyommitra, the humanoid robot, embarking on a journey into space, paving the way for future manned missions. The Gaganyaan mission, originally slated for 2022, was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic but is now scheduled for 2024. Its primary objective is to send a three-person crew on a three-day voyage, orbiting at an altitude of 400 kilometers before safely returning to Earth, with a planned splashdown in the Indian Ocean. Vyommitra, the humanoid robot, plays a pivotal role in validating the crew module's spaceworthiness. This half-humanoid, equipped with advanced capabilities like operating switch panels, monitoring module parameters, and even identifying and interacting with humans, is a crucial step toward ensuring crew safety and mission success. As ISRO continues to make strides in its quest for space exploration, Vyommitra stands as a symbol of India's determination to conquer new frontiers, combining the Sanskrit words for "Space" (Vyoma) and "Friend" (Mitra). With Vyommitra leading the way, India's Gaganyaan mission is poised to rewrite the history of human spaceflight.

8 Sep 2023
Positive Reads

The Unthinkable Solution: How a Biorefinery is Changing the Game for E-Waste Extraction

Who would have thought that electronic waste could be treated through a biorefinery? Well, Anant Mittal has just done the unthinkable by revolutionizing the way we extract precious metals from e-waste. With his groundbreaking bio-refinery plant in Roorkee, which uses the latest biohydrometallurgy approach, Anant has achieved an extraction rate of 98% for gold and palladium, while processing 150 kg of e-waste every day.  With RacerFly, his company, Anant has already created a stir in the drone industry by designing top-of-the-line drones that utilize components from both South Korea and China, providing the most effective drone solutions available in India. However, Anant's latest innovation could be a game-changer for the environment and the economy. Anant's plant in Roorkee processes 150 kg of e-waste every day using biohydrometallurgy, the newest approach that uses microorganisms to expose, leach, bind and recover metals from a feedstock under ambient conditions. This approach is more environmentally friendly than traditional techniques as no harmful gases and chemicals are released. Not only is this process more sustainable, but it also has a higher rate of recovery for precious metals such as gold, palladium, and copper. Anant and his team have created a bio-hydrometallurgical technique that allows for 98% extraction of gold and palladium from e-waste. This development could not only reduce India's dependence on imports of precious metals but could also contribute to a more sustainable economy. Anant's innovation is a great example of how success can be achieved even against all odds. Anant dropped out of IIT-Guwahati to pursue his passion for drones and has now made a significant contribution to the economy and the environment.

15 Mar 2023
Positive Reads

The Whys and Hows

Reaching for the Sky: Unlocking the Heights of Human Ingenuity in Skyscraper Construction

In the world of architecture and engineering, the race to the sky continues unabated. Skyscrapers, the epitome of human achievement in vertical construction, have long captured our imagination. From the towering Burj Khalifa to the majestic Shanghai Tower, these architectural marvels redefine our perception of height and push the boundaries of human ingenuity. But just how tall can humans build a skyscraper? Let's delve into the realm of structural engineering to unlock the secrets behind reaching new heights. For centuries, architects and engineers have been on a quest to design ever-taller buildings. Advancements in construction materials, engineering techniques, and computational models have played a vital role in this pursuit. Today, the construction of supertall skyscrapers is made possible through a combination of innovative design, meticulous planning, and cutting-edge technology. The current record-holder for the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, stands at a staggering height of 828 meters (2,717 feet). To achieve such heights, engineers employ a variety of strategies to ensure structural stability and safety. The primary challenge lies in countering the forces of gravity, wind, and seismic activity that act upon these colossal structures. One crucial aspect of skyscraper construction is the foundation. The building's weight must be distributed evenly and securely to the ground. Deep foundations, such as piles or caissons, are often employed to provide stability and prevent sinking or tilting. Additionally, advanced engineering techniques, including base isolation and dampening systems, help mitigate the effects of earthquakes and strong winds. Another key factor in skyscraper design is the choice of materials. Steel and reinforced concrete are the primary materials used in high-rise construction due to their strength, durability, and flexibility. These materials can withstand immense vertical and lateral forces, allowing for the construction of tall and slender buildings. Advanced composite materials and technological innovations, such as carbon fiber and nanomaterials, hold promise for even stronger and lighter structures in the future. As buildings reach unprecedented heights, wind becomes a significant consideration. Tall buildings can experience powerful gusts that exert tremendous pressure on their facades. To address this challenge, engineers employ various techniques, such as aerodynamic shaping, tuned mass dampers, and wind tunnel testing. These measures help reduce wind-induced vibrations and ensure the safety and comfort of occupants. However, there are limits to how tall a skyscraper can be built. Beyond a certain height, the forces acting on the structure become increasingly difficult to manage. One critical factor is the ratio between a building's height and its base. Known as the slenderness ratio, this determines the stability of the structure. As buildings become taller and slenderer, the risk of buckling or collapse under extreme conditions becomes a concern. Moreover, practical considerations such as elevators, utilities, and vertical transportation systems present challenges as buildings ascend to greater heights. The need for increased energy consumption, longer travel times, and logistical complexities make the construction and operation of supertall skyscrapers more demanding. Looking to the future, architects and engineers are continuously pushing the boundaries of skyscraper design. Concepts such as "megatall" buildings, surpassing the kilometer mark in height, are being explored. Innovative technologies, such as vertical transportation systems using magnetic levitation (maglev) or even space elevators, are being envisioned as potential solutions to overcome the limitations of height. The construction of skyscrapers is not solely motivated by reaching new heights; it is also demonstrates human ambition, creativity, and the desire to shape our urban landscapes. These architectural wonders stand as symbols of human achievement, pushing the boundaries of what is possible and inspiring generations to come.

18 Sep 2023
The Whys and Hows

Wanderlust

Treat yourself to an exhilarating experience at one of the best tea gardens in India!

When we hear of tea gardens,  It is Darjeeling in the East or Wayanad in the South that comes to our mind, but have you heard of the Temi Tea Gardens which is situated in the hills of the Himalayan state of Sikkim?  One of the best tea gardens in India, the Temi Tea Garden, situated in the town of Ravangla was founded in 1969 and is well-known for its organic tea. It has been attempting to get a GI Tag for the kind of tea it produces. The state government has been hosting a festival that honors the legacy of those who introduced tea growing to Sikkim. The festival highlights the commitment and passion of the local farmers who care for the tea gardens with everlasting devotion.  The Temi Tea Estate in Ravangla comes to life with the Temi Tea Autumn Festival in the second part of the year, between October and November, as the cherry blossom trees adorn the streets of Sikkim. The festival, which is also known as the Cherry Tea Festival, aims to raise awareness of the cherry blossoms and organic tea grown at this isolated estate. Tea lovers who attend this annual festival are enthralled by the adventurous activities, photographic contests, and cultural programs presented against the backdrop of the breathtaking Kanchenjunga mountain. Immerse yourself in the fine art of tasting tea as professionals lead you on a sensory tour that introduces the complex flavors and fragrances of Temi tea. Learn the nuances of tea enjoyment, from knowing the various types of tea to recognizing the qualities that make each cup a special experience.  You may also take a tour of the estate and participate in the labor-intensive tea plucking process, which turns these lovely leaves into our favorite beverage.  Adventure sports like paragliding, hiking, cycling, helicopter rides, jeep safaris, and zip-lining are among the thrilling experiences that the Temi Tea Autumn Festival promises. Campouts are also permitted on the tea estate.  This festival promises an amazing experience that takes you on a voyage through the world of tea with its aromatic teas, stunning scenery and fascinating festivities. 

25 May 2023
Wanderlust

Global Inspirations

The World’s Fastest Ant Moves at Incredible Speed

Researchers in Germany have declared that the Saharan silver ant ( scientific name: Cataglyphis bombycina) is the fastest of all known ant species. It can run at incredible speeds clocking nearly a metre per second. In other words, it can be said that the tiny creature covers 108 times its own body length per second! There exist only two other creatures on the planet that can accomplish this feat- the Australian tiger beetle and the California coastal mite. It would be interesting to know that if the fastest man in the world, Usain Bolt had to cover 100 times his body length as quickly, it would mean he would have to sprint the 200-metre dash in less than a second. One more interesting fact as reported by the researchers is that the Saharan silver ant gains top speed when it runs during midday across desert sands that reach 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit). However, it was noticed that when the temperature dropped to a chilly 10 degree C the ant slowed down by more than a third. In spite of shorter legs, the Saharan silver ant easily outpaces its close competitor Cataglyphis fortis. It was found that the Saharan ant switches from running to a gallop, with all six feet off the ground at regular intervals when it is at its fastest.  

21 Oct 2019
Global Inspirations

Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed’s Peace Efforts Have Earned Him the Nobel Peace Prize for 2019

Abiy Ahmed, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia has been hailed as a visionary and reformer. His successful efforts for peace with neighboring foe Eritrea has spread hope across Africa to nations that have been affected by civil unrest. Abiy Ahmed’s Peace Efforts The Nobel committee said that Abiy was honored for his efforts to achieve peace and international cooperation, and in particular for his decisive initiative to resolve the border conflict with neighboring Eritrea. When Abiy took office in April last year he initiated policies to transform societies in the Horn of Africa that have been adversely affected by border conflicts and civil unrest. He formally ended a  20-year-old stalemate between Ethiopia and Eritrea in the historic meeting with the Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki. He immediately freed dissident from jail, apologized for state brutality and welcomed home exiled groups. The Nobel Committee The Nobel committee chose from more than 300 nominations this year which included activist Greta Thunberg who was s strong contender. The committee believed that this award will encourage Abiy Ahmed to push on the peace initiatives in the right direction spreading winds of hope in Africa that have been marred by violence, border issues and civil unrest. Abiy Ahmed said that he was thrilled and humbled to hear the news. "It is a prize given to Africa, given to Ethiopia", he said. Image Source: Common Dreams

13 Oct 2019
Global Inspirations

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