Global News

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Skyward Generosity: 70 Years of Parachuting Holiday Cheer to Remote Isles

For over seven decades, Operation Christmas Drop has been spreading holiday cheer and providing much-needed supplies to remote islands via parachute delivery. This long-standing tradition, initiated in 1952 by the U.S. Army, has become the longest-running U.S. Department of Defense mission in continuous operation. Operating over the Pacific islands, this annual mission not only brings joy to the islanders but also serves as a valuable training opportunity for new troops in delivering humanitarian aid during emergencies. Each parachuted crate carries an assortment of items, including toys, school supplies, clothing, shoes, powdered milk, canned goods, and fishing nets and gear, totaling an impressive 400 pounds (180 kg). To ensure the safety of the locals, the crates are dropped in the water just off shallow beaches, allowing the islanders to retrieve them easily. The operation is funded through various sponsored activities such as golf tournaments, sponsored runs, and donations from local businesses. Dedicated volunteers assemble the packages at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam, with the support of crew and aircraft from the 36th Airlift Squadron at Yokota Air Base in Japan. The heartwarming tradition of Operation Christmas Drop began when an aircrew spotted islanders waving at them during a mission over the Micronesian atoll of Kapingamarangi in 1951. The crew quickly gathered items they had on the plane, attached them to a parachute, and dropped them from the aircraft. Since then, the operation has grown significantly, involving multiple countries and increasing the number of islands and communities served. This remarkable initiative not only brings holiday joy but also exemplifies the spirit of generosity and compassion. Operation Christmas Drop continues to make a positive impact on the lives of remote islanders, demonstrating the power of collective goodwill and the joy of giving during the holiday season.

27 Dec 2023

Global News

Star Citizens

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Beyond the Pages: How One Youth Transformed a Village Through a Free Library

In the remote village of Halmathpora, nestled in the scenic landscapes of north Kashmir's Kupwara district, a young man named Mubashir Mushtaq embarked on a remarkable endeavor that would forever change the lives of children in his community. Driven by a desire to uplift society and eradicate child labor, Mubashir single-handedly established a free library, becoming a beacon of hope and inspiration for others. The seed of this noble initiative was planted when Mubashir witnessed numerous children from neighboring villages trapped in the clutches of child labor, deprived of education due to a lack of books. He was determined to make a difference when he realized how difficult it was to procure books during Covid-19 restrictions. Undeterred by the challenges ahead, Mubashir collected books from his friends, professors, and even the generous residents of Kupwara and his native village. These contributions laid the foundation for the establishment of the 'Let's Talk Library' in July 2022, an endeavor that garnered support from both near and far. Initially Mubashir met with skepticism from his parents, but his unwavering dedication soon won them over. They became staunch believers in his cause when they witnessed children from far-flung places flocking to study at the library. Mubashir's father even took up the responsibility of covering the library's annual rent of Rs 15,000. Currently, the library boasts a growing community of 52 registered students who has the opportunity to read over 3,000 diverse books. Ranging from competitive texts to English and Urdu literature, from Islamic writings to academic resources, the library offers a vast array of knowledge. Magazines and newspapers also grace its shelves, broadening the horizons of eager readers. Mubashir's efforts did not end with the provision of books alone. Under his 'Our Kids Our Future' initiative, over a hundred children gather at the library every Sunday, engaging in activities that nurture their personalities, foster English speaking skills, and cultivate public speaking abilities. Mubashir is determined to steer the youth away from the perils of drug addiction and instill in them a love for reading, enabling them to discover the true value of life. Furthermore, Mubashir envisions making study materials easily accessible to those who cannot afford private coaching, ensuring that knowledge becomes a gateway to a brighter future for all. Through his free library, Mubashir has opened doors to new worlds, empowering children and igniting a passion for learning that will shape generations to come.

20 May 2023

Star Citizens

Positive Reads

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Ensure Privacy and Security of Your Smartphone With 5 Simple Steps

Be it watching movies, ordering groceries,online banking or booking cabs, we are so dependent on our phones that they have become an integral part of our lives. However, very few of us are concerned about the security and privacy of our mobile phones. Here are a few easy ways through which you can ensure the safety of your phone: Update the smartphone Users must update their smartphones regularly. The OS upgrades from smartphone manufacturers include security patches to address specific security flaws and vulnerabilities that might be exploited. It may seem inconvenient to upgrade the phone, but it actually helps. Stronger passwords are preferable Yes, it might be challenging to remember all the passwords and each one's unique set of requirements. But since one cannot avoid it, it is always preferable to use strong passwords rather than "password" or "123456"—which, incidentally, are two of the most popular passwords of 2022, according to cybersecurity company NordPass. Use unique passwords only. Never jot down your passwords in a document or on your phone or computer. Don't forget to log out of online shopping sites Don't forget to log out of your account after completing a purchase on a website, especially if you're using a public wifi network. Check before charging Juice jacking is a typical con used by hackers. When you put in your phone at one of their false charging stations, they can access your data or install malware, giving them access to your phone. Turn on remote-wiping Anyone can lose a phone, and when it does, there is that overwhelming concern: "What about the data, images, and everything?" The ability to remotely wipe the phone is available on both android and apple smartphones. Therefore, even if you lose your phone, you can be sure that no one has accessed your data.

8 Jan 2023

Positive Reads