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Remembering Professor Padma Bhushan Ved Prakash Nanda

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  Remembering Professor Ved Prakash Nanda: A Champion of International Law and Human Rights Professor Ved Prakash Nanda, a towering figure in the field of international law and human rights, sadly passed away on January 1, 2024. Nanda's legacy extends far beyond academic circles; he was a visionary educator, a passionate advocate for social justice, and a dedicated bridge between India and the United States. Born in Amritsar, India, in 1934, Nanda's life took him across continents and through a world-renowned academic career. He earned his law degree from the University of Delhi and later pursued doctoral studies at Harvard Law School, where he was mentored by the eminent legal scholar Louis Henkin. His expertise in international law soon gained recognition, leading him to prestigious professorships at the University of Iowa and, ultimately, the University of Denver, where he became the John Evans Distinguished University Professor of International Law. Nanda's contribution...

First All-Girls Sainik School Opens Doors in Vrindavan

  A Beacon of Hope: First All-Girls Sainik School Opens Doors in Vrindavan On January 1st, 2024, a historic moment unfolded in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, as Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated the first all-girls Sainik School in India. Named Samvid Gurukulam Girls Sainik School, this new institution with its initial intake of approximately 870 students stands as a symbol of progress and opportunity for young girls aspiring to serve the nation in the Armed Forces. The inauguration marks a significant milestone in the Government of India's initiative to establish 100 new Sainik Schools across the country. This ambitious project, launched in partnership with NGOs, private schools, and state governments, aims to provide quality education while nurturing the potential of young minds for future careers in the armed forces. With 42 schools already operational, Samvid Gurukulam adds a vibrant new chapter to this nationwide endeavor. Speaking at the ceremony, Raksha Mantri Shri Raj...

Air Vice Marshal S Sivakumar Steers Western Air Command

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  Taking Wing at the Forefront: Air Vice Marshal S Sivakumar Steers Western Air Command image form PIB The Indian Air Force, a pillar of India's national security, recently witnessed a change at the helm of its Western Air Command's administrative arm. On January 1st, 2024, Air Vice Marshal S Sivakumar assumed the mantle of Senior Officer-in-Charge Administration (SOA) at Headquarters Western Air Command, New Delhi. This appointment marks a significant step in the career of a distinguished officer with a long and illustrious service record. Air Vice Marshal Sivakumar's journey with the Indian Air Force began in 1990 when he was commissioned into the Administration Branch. Since then, he has carved a path of impressive service, accumulating a wealth of experience across various commands and roles. His dedication has seen him command an Equipment Depot, hold the vital positions of Command Works Officer and Command Personnel Staff Officer at an Operational Command, and even ri...

DRDO Celebrates 66th Foundation Day

  DRDO Celebrates 66th Foundation Day : A Year of Achievements and Looking Ahead India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) marked its 66th Foundation Day on January 1st, 2024, with a spirit of pride and a renewed commitment to innovation and self-reliance in defence technology. The day was filled with tributes to pioneers like Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and Dr. VS Arunachalam, along with a focus on the future of DRDO's mission. Chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat addressed the DRDO fraternity, highlighting the organization's remarkable achievements in the past year. He emphasized the delivery, induction, and handover of numerous DRDO-developed systems, including: Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for systems worth over Rs. 1.42 lakh crore: This is the highest ever for DRDO and a significant step towards Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence production. Successful completion or final stages of user evaluation for several systems: This paves the way for their in...

Gujarat Sun Salutes its Way into the Record Books

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  Gujarat Sun Salutes its Way into the Record Books: A Celebration of Fitness and Tradition The sun rose on a glorious New Year's Day in Gujarat, India, witnessing a spectacle not witnessed before. Over 50,000 people across 108 locations in the state, young and old, families and friends, united in a rhythmic symphony of Surya Namaskar, setting a new Guinness World Record for the most people performing the ancient Yogic practice simultaneously. This remarkable feat wasn't just about breaking a record; it was a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of fitness, cultural pride, and community spirit. Gujarat, the land of Mahatma Gandhi and the birthplace of Yoga, embraced this ancient practice with renewed fervor, showcasing its commitment to a healthy and mindful way of life. A Tradition Reborn: Surya Namaskar, or Sun Salutation, is a series of 12 postures that pay homage to the life-giving sun. It's not just a physical exercise, but a holistic practice that benefits the mind, bo...

XPoSat! Launched on January 1st, 2024

  XPoSat! Launched just yesterday, January 1st, 2024, it's already making quite a buzz in the world of space exploration. Here's a summary about it: What is it? XPoSat is the X-ray Polarimeter Satellite, India's first dedicated mission to study polarization in bright X-ray sources. It carries two instruments: POLIX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays): measures the polarization of X-rays, revealing hidden details about their origin and behavior. XSPECT (X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing): investigates the energy and timing of X-rays, providing further insights into their physical processes. What will it study? Black holes and neutron stars: These extreme celestial objects emit bright X-rays, and XPoSat will help us understand their magnetic fields, accretion disks, and jets. Supernova remnants: Studying the polarization of X-rays from these explosions can tell us more about the death of massive stars and the birth of new elements. Pulsar wind nebulae:...

The Desert Cyclone Joint Military Exercise 2024

The Desert Cyclone 2024 is a joint military exercise between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) taking place from January 2 to January 15, 2024, in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, India. Here's a breakdown of the key aspects: What is it? A bilateral military exercise focusing on urban warfare scenarios. The first combined exercise between the Indian Army and the UAE Armed Forces. Who is participating? Indian Army: Special Forces battalions, mechanized infantry units, and other relevant elements. UAE Armed Forces: Ground troops with expertise in desert warfare and urban operations. What are the aims? Enhance interoperability and cooperation between the two militaries. Share best practices and knowledge in urban warfare tactics and techniques. Improve the skills of both armies in operating in challenging desert environments. Strengthen military ties between India and the UAE. What are the expected activities? Joint planning and execut...