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Nafithromycin the First Antibiotic Developed in India

Nafithromycin stands out as a groundbreaking achievement in India’s pharmaceutical landscape, being one of the first antibiotics developed within the country. As a member of the macrolide antibiotic class, it has demonstrated significant potential in combating various bacterial infections.

This milestone underscores India’s advancing capabilities in pharmaceutical research and development and plays a vital role in the global battle against antibiotic resistance. By fostering the creation of homegrown antibiotics like Nafithromycin, we can ensure a reliable supply of effective treatments while decreasing dependency on imports, ultimately enhancing public health and safety.

Nafithromycin the Answer to Antibiotic Resistance

Antimicrobial resistance has long been a significant global issue, with pharmaceutical companies working diligently to develop new medicines to combat it worldwide. After years of facing challenges and putting in relentless effort, a breakthrough has finally been achieved. After three decades of research and hard work, India has pioneered the creation of Nafithromycin, the country’s first indigenous macrolide antibiotic. This significant achievement represents a crucial moment in the battle against antimicrobial resistance, highlighting India’s enhanced capabilities in pharmaceutical innovation.

What is Antimicrobial resistance?

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites evolve to resist the effects of medications designed to kill or inhibit them, such as antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics. This makes standard treatments ineffective, leading to persistent infections and increasing the risk of spread, severe illness, and death.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a natural process caused by genetic changes in pathogens over time. However, human activities significantly accelerate its spread, especially the overuse and misuse of antimicrobial drugs in humans, animals, and plants. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global health concern, resulting in approximately 600,000 deaths in India annually due to resistant infections.

Nafithromycin is ten times more effective than Azithromycin

Nafithromycin is a ten times more effective antibiotic than current treatments like Azithromycin and provides a three-day treatment regimen. Thus it significantly shortens the recovery time while improving patient outcomes.

Nafithromycin is intended to treat both typical and atypical drug-resistant bacteria. Thus making it an essential tool in combating the global health crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). It offers enhanced safety, minimal side effects, and no major drug interactions.

Nafithromycin marks a historic milestone as the first new antibiotic in its class introduced globally in over 30 years. The drug has undergone extensive clinical trials in the U.S., Europe, and India.

Breaking Barriers: The Story Behind Nafithromycin, India’s First Antibiotic

Developing new antimicrobials is challenging, time-consuming, and often not financially viable for pharmaceutical companies. As resistance grows, our arsenal of effective drugs is shrinking.

Nafithromycin has been developed with an investment of ₹500 crores. It has been developed by Wockhardt with support from the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council.

Nafithromycin was officially launched by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on November 20, 2024. Nafithromycin is sold under the brand name “Miqnaf”. Furthermore, it targets community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP) caused by drug-resistant bacteria. Moreover, drug resistance disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including children, older people, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

Besides developing Nafithromycin, the Government of India has undertaken significant actions to fight Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) through various strategic initiatives focused on surveillance, awareness, and collaboration. These initiatives aim to strengthen AMR containment, enhance infection control, and promote global cooperation.

December 7, 2024
Hydrogen Train trial will be conducted in December

A hydrogen train trial will be held on the 90 km long Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana in December 2024. This will be the first train in India that is hydrogen-powered. Indian Railways is set to revolutionise transportation by launching it.

The Jind-Sonipat route was selected for the trial due to its moderate traffic and suitable infrastructure. This ensures smooth evaluation of train performance, safety and efficiency. Successful testing will pave the way for hydrogen technology to be used on other non-electrified routes.

Benefits of the Hydrogen train

There are various benefits of the hydrogen train. Following are a few of the benefits:-

1 Eco-friendly

Hydrogen train is a big step towards sustainable travel. This is an eco-friendly train. This test reflects Indian Railways’ commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 and reflects its dedication to combat climate change.

This hydrogen-powered train is equipped with advanced fuel cells that generate electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. Thus the process releases only water vapour as a byproduct, making it a zero-emission transportation solution. This train is not only environmentally friendly but is also quieter and more energy-efficient than diesel trains.

This train emits zero greenhouse gases, thereby reducing pollution. Furthermore, Hydrogen fuel cells are quieter than diesel engines, reducing noise pollution, especially in urban areas.

2 Cost-effective:

Indian Railways expansion plans to introduce 35 hydrogen-powered trains by 2025. It will focus on routes currently dependent on diesel engines. Each train is estimated to cost ₹80 crore. Moreover, an additional ₹70 crore is required for the creation of infrastructure. Above all as the production of hydrogen fuel increases, the cost is expected to decrease.

Furthermore, these trains can run on non-electrified routes, eliminating the need for costly electrification projects.

3 Energy efficiency

Hydrogen can act as a storage medium for excess renewable energy, helping to stabilize energy grids and promote energy independence. Furthermore, a Hydrogen train is quieter and uses energy more efficiently. Moreover, transitioning to hydrogen helps diversify energy sources and reduce reliance on oil and gas.

November 25, 2024
UPI Lite limit increased by RBI
UPI lite limit has been increased before the Diwali festival to facilitate users to spend more. On Wednesday, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das made a new announcement regarding UPI 123 Pay and UPI Lite to promote UPI service in the country.

RBI has now increased the UPI Lite wallet limit to Rs 5,000. Earlier this limit was Rs 2,000. The limit per transaction has also been increased from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000.

Why was the transaction with UPI lite limit increased?

The Reserve Bank has now increased the per transaction limit for UPI123Pay from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000. UPI123Pay was launched in March 2022. This facility is now available in 12 Indian languages. This facility can now be used by a larger user group.

Ramakrishnan Ramamurthy, Chief Distribution and Operations Officer, Worldline in India, says, “It is necessary to expand the capabilities of UPI to make financial services accessible to everyone. UPI 123 Pay and UPI Lite have gained reach and acceptance. In such a situation, increasing the transaction limit is a positive step. This will help in increasing the value of transactions.”

What is UPI Lite?

UPI Lite is a streamlined version of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system. Furthermore, it is designed to facilitate smaller, low-value transactions with minimal friction. It was launched by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). Moreover, it is to improve the efficiency of digital payments for amounts less than Rs 1000 now.

Here are some key features of UPI Lite:
1. Offline Transactions: UPI Lite allows users to make transactions without needing an active internet connection. Thus it is beneficial for places with poor connectivity. Moreover, it works on an “on-device wallet” system. Furthermore, users load money into the UPI Lite balance from their bank accounts.
2. No PIN Required: For small transactions (below Rs 500), UPI Lite doesn’t require users to enter their UPI PIN. Thus making the process faster and more convenient.
3. Wallet-Based System: Now users can load up to Rs 5,000 at a time into their UPI Lite account. Furthermore, the total balance in the wallet can go up to Rs 7,000. Transactions are then deducted from this balance.
4. Targeting Small Transactions: UPI Lite is primarily designed for every day. Such as small-value transactions like purchasing groceries, paying for public transport, or small retail purchases.
5. Faster Payments: Payments made are faster by reducing the need for constant connectivity or PIN entry. UPI Lite makes digital payments quicker and more user-friendly for small purchases.
It’s a step toward making India’s digital payments ecosystem more inclusive and accessible, especially in rural or low-bandwidth areas.

The repo rate is fixed at 6.5%

Federal Bank Group President and CFO Venkataraman Venkateswaran said the increase in per transaction for UPI lite limit is a welcome move. Apart from this, the decision of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) was announced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The country’s central bank announced to keep the repo rate stable at 6.5%.

RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das informed that five out of six members of the MPC were in favour of keeping the repo rate at 6.5%. Venkateswaran further said, “RBI maintained the repo rate at the same level and changed the stance to neutral, which was largely in line with the consensus. The balance between growth and inflation is well maintained and this was a signal to change the stance.”
October 9, 2024
Minimum wage rate of labourers increased by Modi Government.

The minimum wage rate for skilled and unskilled workers has been increased as per the decision made by the Modi government. This has been considered a Diwali gift to the labourers. The Modi government has amended the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) for workers. Furthermore, the government has announced an increase in the minimum wage rate given to them to Rs 1,035 per day. The government has made a substantial increase in the minimum wage rates. The government’s objective behind this is to help workers amid the rising cost of living.

The minimum wage rate will be implemented in October.

For unskilled workers, the minimum wage rate in Sector A has been fixed at Rs 783 per day by the government. Thus unskilled workers will get Rs 20,358 every month. At the same time, the minimum wages for semi-skilled workers has been fixed at Rs 868 per day. In this regard, they will earn Rs 22,568 every month. Also, highly skilled workers will get Rs 1,035 per day and Rs 26,910 per month. This new minimum wage rate has been announced to be implemented with amendments in VDA.

This minimum wage rate will come into effect from the first of October. It has also been decided to give its benefits to the workers from April 2024. That means the outstanding amount will be paid from April itself. Earlier, the minimum wages was amended in April as well.

Modi’s strong reply to Congress’s ‘Khatakhat Scheme’

Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Khatakhat’ scheme made a lot of headlines in the Lok Sabha elections. Even now the uproar regarding it is heard on political platforms. After the end of the Lok Sabha elections, a huge crowd gathered outside the Congress office. Moreover, people were eager to receive the monthly instalment of Rs. 8,500 from the Congress office. However, the Congress leaders kept explaining to the public that their demands could not be met right now because their government had not been formed at the Centre.

During the assembly elections in several states, all opposition parties, including Congress, have made populist promises to the public. The parties are not even thinking much about the impact this will have on the government treasury. In such a situation, a befitting reply has been given to Congress’s ‘Khatakhat Scheme’ by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The public is still waiting for the benefits of Congress’s ‘Khatakhat Scheme’, while PM Modi has decided to increase the minimum wage rate. Due to this, the workers of the country will get a big gift before Diwali. Moreover, now the workers will get Rs 26,000 every month.

September 28, 2024
Ritika Tirkey, India’s First Tribal Woman Vande Bharat Loco-Pilot

Ritika Tirkey has been entrusted with ensuring the safe operation of the Vande Bharat Express train. Thus she became India’s first tribal woman loco-pilot. Before this Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually flagged off the Tata-Patna Vande Bharat Express on Sunday. This train was being operated by loco pilot SS Munda and Ritika Tirkey (27) as assistants. Ritika, from the tribal community of Jharkhand, is hailed as an icon of women empowerment and a trailblazer for the tribal society.

Champai Soren greeted Ritika Tirkey

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren posted on social media on Thursday that Ritika Tirkey is running Vande Bharat Express with full confidence. She is Jharkhand’s daughter and the country’s first woman tribal assistant loco pilot to run Vande Bharat. Furthermore, EX-CM wrote that this is the new India, in which this daughter of the tribal community is making our society and state proud with her education and talent.

Moreover, Champai Soren advised educating daughters and giving them a chance to move forward. Then only they will be able to come forward and lead the society and the country. Only then women’s empowerment will be visible on the ground.

Ritika joined Railways in 2019

Ritika Tirkey is originally from Gumla and now she lives with her husband in Jamshedpur. After obtaining a BE degree from BIT, Mesra, Ritika chose her career in Indian Railways. She joined the Chakradharpur division of South Eastern Railway (SER) in 2019 as a shunter. After that, she drove freight and passenger trains before being promoted to the rank of Senior Assistant Loco Pilot. Presently, she has the opportunity to assist in running the Vande Bharat Express.

Speaking to the media on the eve of flagging off the Vande Bharat Express, Ritika Tirkey said that she believes that women in India can achieve all their goals if they work hard. Ritika Tirkey said, “Opting for the Railways over a conventional job always felt like an adventure.” I would love to see more women pursue this as a career. Women can always lead.” Ritika said, “Yes, I am very happy to get this opportunity and I will give my best. I believe that women in India can achieve everything, provided they have the passion.”

Deepak Jha, Principal Chief Operation Manager (SER), said that Ritika Tirkey will inspire other women, including women from the tribal community, to aspire to make a career in the Railways.

September 21, 2024
Atishi Marlena Singh will now be the new CM of Delhi

Atishi Marlena Singh will now be the new CM of Delhi after Arvind Kejriwal’s resignation was submitted to LG V K Saxena yesterday evening on the 17th of September 2024. Aam Aadmi Party national convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Resigned from the post of Chief Minister. After his release on bail, he announced his resignation within two days. From then onward, doubts were going on whether he would resign. Moreover, discussions were going on that who would be the next CM.

Earlier before his resignation, Arvind Kejriwal proposed the name of Atishi during the meeting of the Aam Aadmi Party Legislative Party called at the Chief Minister’s residence. After this, the MLAs unanimously approved Atishi for the post of Chief Minister. Now Atishi will take over the responsibility of the post of Chief Minister of Delhi after taking oath.

Atishi praised Kejriwal

Atishi praised Kejriwal after being selected for the post of Chief Minister. She said that if she had joined any other party, she would not have even got the election ticket. But Arvind Kejriwal not only made her an MLA but also put forward her name for the post of Minister and now Chief Minister. Atishi further said that even after this she is not at all happy. Because Kejriwal is being continuously harassed by the BJP. Moreover, the BJP is misusing the investigating agencies against him.

Atishi insisted not to congratulate her. This is the same Kejriwal, who did remarkable work towards providing better education and health to the people of Delhi. But, it is sad that Kejriwal is being harassed by BJP. But, we will keep fighting this battle.

Atishi will be the third woman CM of Delhi

Atishi will become the 17th woman CM of the country and the third woman CM of Delhi. Currently, Atishi is the MLA from Kalka. In 2020 she became an MLA. Furthermore, in 2023 she became a minister and now in 2024, she is going to become the Chief Minister of Delhi. Atishi will become the eighth Chief Minister of Delhi.

Till now, there have been seven Chief Ministers in Delhi so far. Out of these, two women Chief Ministers have taken charge. Sushma Swaraj from BJP was the first woman CM of Delhi. Afterwards, Sheila Dikshit from Congress became the Chief Minister of Delhi. Moreover, Sheila Dikshit has a record of being a woman Chief Minister for the longest period. She ruled for 15 years and 25 days.

Biography of Atishi Marlena Singh

Atishi Marlena Singh, commonly known as Atishi, is an Indian politician, educator, and member of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). She was born on June 8, 1981, in New Delhi, India, to Vijay Singh and Tripta Wahi, both of whom were professors at Delhi University. Atishi’s upbringing in an academic environment significantly influenced her future career in public policy and education.

Education:

Atishi attended Springdales School in New Delhi and later graduated from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University, with a degree in History. She then went on to pursue higher education at the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, where she completed her master’s degree in History.

Political Career:

Atishi joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) shortly after its formation in 2012. Her work in education reform became the cornerstone of her political career. She played a pivotal role as an advisor to Delhi’s Education Minister, Manish Sisodia, from 2015 to 2018. During this time, Atishi helped implement a series of landmark educational reforms in Delhi, including the transformation of government schools, the introduction of the “Happiness Curriculum,” and improvements in infrastructure and teaching standards.

Her work gained widespread recognition, and she was instrumental in reshaping the public education system in Delhi, which led to improved learning outcomes and a higher number of enrollments in government schools.

Election and Legislative Role:

In the 2019 Indian general elections, Atishi contested from the East Delhi constituency but lost to BJP’s Gautam Gambhir. Despite the defeat, she remained a prominent figure in AAP and continued her efforts in education and public policy.

In 2020, she was elected as a Member of the Delhi Legislative Assembly from the Kalkaji constituency. As a legislator, Atishi has been active in various areas such as education, health, and infrastructure. She was appointed as one of the leaders of several initiatives aimed at the upliftment of marginalized communities.

Atishi Husband, Personal Life and Ideology:

Atishi is known for her progressive views and emphasis on education as a tool for social empowerment. Her parents, known for their left-leaning ideologies, named her “Marlena,” a portmanteau of Marx and Lenin.

Praveen Singh is Atishi’s Husband. He is an educationist and researcher. Furthermore, he is associated with institutes like the Sadbhavana Institute of Public Policy. He has studied at IIT Delhi. Apart from this, Praveen has studied at IIM Ahmedabad. Moreover, he has worked in many big institutions. He has served in consultancy firms in America. After this, he got involved in social work. Praveen has been doing social work since his college days. The couple got married in 2013. They have kept their personal life relatively private, with both of them being focused on their professional and social work.

Controversies

Swati Maliwal openly criticized the selection of Atishi as CM of Delhi. She posted on X regarding her sadness. She stated that today is a very sad day for Delhi. Today, a woman is being made the Chief Minister of Delhi whose family fought a long battle to save terrorist Afzal from hanging. Moreover, Swati wrote that Atishi’s parents wrote mercy petitions to the Honorable President to save terrorist Afzal. According to Atishi’s Parents, Afzal was innocent and he was implicated in a political conspiracy. Furthermore, Swati stated that Atishi Marlena is just a ‘Dummy CM’, yet this issue is related to the security of the country. May God protect Delhi!

Earlier Swati Maliwal registered a case on Bibhav Kuma r a personal assistant to Arvind Kejriwal.

Former MLA of Aam Aadmi Party and now Vice President of the Delhi BJP Kapil Mishra said that Atishi’s family had tried to stop the hanging of terrorist Afzal. Moreover, Kejriwal is sinning imposing a Naxalite mentality on Delhi through the backdoor. Today Aam Aadmi Party is choosing a CM who never had any connection with the Anna movement and India Against Corruption. The people of Delhi will never accept a Naxalite Communist Chief Minister. Other Leaders of the BJP also stated against Atishi.

September 18, 2024
Zorawar Tank completed successfully field test.
Zorawar Tank completed successfully the first field test in the desert area of Rajasthan. Moreover, in the very first test conducted in the desert, the tank succeeded in hitting the intended target with accuracy. The trials were conducted by DRDO. With this, India’s search for a fast-armoured fighting light vehicle has now been completed. As a result, now the force of the Zorawar tank will prevail everywhere. Be it the high-altitude war zones in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh adjacent to China or the Rann of Kutch adjacent to Pakistan.

The Zorawar Tank is a light tank developed by India’s Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE). It is designed specifically for use in high-altitude terrains like the northern borders, such as Ladakh. It is named after General Zorawar Singh, a military leader known for his campaigns in the Himalayas during the 19th century.

The Zorawar Tank is intended to strengthen India’s capability in managing the challenges posed by high-altitude conflict zones, particularly with an eye on the China border. Its development is part of India’s broader efforts to modernize its military forces.

Currently, heavy tanks deployed at the Chinese border

Currently, heavy tanks weighing 40-50 tonnes are been deployed at LAC. These tanks are Russian-origin Bhisma T90, Ajay T-72 and the main battle tank Arjun. To reach the high-altitude battle areas of Ladakh, army personnel have to pass through many passes. For that reason, it is very difficult with these heavy tanks.

Now soldiers will be able to move faster with the Zorawar Tank. Since the weight of the Zorawar Tank will be less than 25 Tonnes. Therefore these can be transported very easily at a height of 8 to 10 thousand feet. Furthermore, heavy tanks like T-72 and T-90 found it difficult to reach there.

L&T will manufacture the Zorawar Tank

L&T will manufacture 354 Zorawar tanks in collaboration with DRDO. Additionally, it will be prepared on the chassis of K-9 Vajra Self-Propelled Artie 155 mm. Moreover, the K-9 Vajra tank has also been manufactured at L&T’s plant in Hazira, Gujarat. Numerous Indian industries, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), will play a pivotal role in the development of various sub-systems.

It will take two years to test the indigenous Zoravar Tank. Moreover, the upcoming trials will include missile firing. The army will also test the tank’s performance in summer, winter, and high altitude before it can go into production. After that, it will be included in the army fleet by 2027. All these tanks will be light as well as provide better firepower and protection.

Specifications of the Zorawar Tank

The Zorawar Tank is a high-altitude, light tank developed by India, optimized for mountainous regions like Ladakh, where mobility and agility are crucial. While the full set of specifications might evolve as development progresses, based on available data and expectations, here are some key features:

1. Weight & Mobility of Zorawar Tank
- Weight: Around 25 tons or less, making it much lighter than standard battle tanks.
- Mobility: Designed for high-altitude warfare, ensuring it can operate effectively in challenging terrain and elevations. Thus this includes a focus on agility, with a good power-to-weight ratio and all-terrain mobility.
- Engine: Expected to have a high-powered engine (up to 1,000 hp) to ensure it can manoeuvre in rough terrains. Thus providing excellent speed and climbing ability.
2. Armament of Zorawar Tank
- Primary Weapon: Likely to be a 105mm gun or a 30mm cannon, suitable for engaging light and medium armoured vehicles as well as infantry positions.
- Secondary Armament: Co-axial machine guns, possibly a 7.62mm or 12.7mm machine gun for infantry support.
- Anti-tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs): Provision to fire-guided missiles, extending its effective range and armor-penetration capability.
3. Protection
- Armour: Lightweight composite armour to ensure high mobility without compromising on essential protection. Therefore the armour would likely be modular, allowing upgrades.
- Active Protection Systems (APS): Likely equipped with APS to defend against incoming anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs).
- Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA): Potential to add ERA for additional protection against high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds.
4. Electronics & Communication
- Fire Control System (FCS): A modern FCS with laser rangefinders, thermal imagers, and night-vision capabilities for all-weather, day-night operation.
- Situational Awareness: Sensors and cameras provide 360-degree visibility.
- Battle Management Systems (BMS): Integrated with India’s military communication network to coordinate with other units, drones, and command centres.
5. Operational Altitude
- The tank is specially engineered to operate effectively at altitudes of up to 15,000 feet or more. Thus maintaining performance in low-oxygen environments that is critical for high-altitude warfare.
6. Crew
- Expected to have a crew of 3 or 4 (commander, gunner, driver, loader).
7. Variants
- The Zorawar platform is likely to have multiple variants. That include reconnaissance, anti-aircraft, or command post versions, to support a variety of battlefield roles.
8. Range and Endurance
- Fuel capacity allows for extended operational range to support sustained operations in remote areas.
- High endurance in terms of autonomous operation time.
These specifications aim to make the Zorawar Tank a formidable asset for India’s armed forces in challenging high-altitude scenarios, particularly along the northern borders.
September 14, 2024
Tarang Shakti excercise will be observed today.
Tarang Shakti Exercise is happening at Jodhpur Air Force Station and is now in its final phase. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will reach Jodhpur today on Thursday at 11 am to observe the Tarang Shakti exercise. The Defence Minister will also inaugurate the Defence Aviation Expo organized from 12 to 14 September at Jodhpur Air Force Station.

Sarang Joined Tarang Shakti

On the other hand, Indian Air Force’s helicopter aerobatic team Sarang reached Jodhpur directly from Egypt on Wednesday. Sarang’s 5 helicopters have arrived. Sarang team had gone to Egypt to participate in the International Air Show from 3 to 5 September. Because of this, Sarang could not attend the open day of the exercise in Jodhpur on 7th September.

Moreover, Sarang will be performed with the Suryakiran team on Thursday. Suryakiran, Sarang, indigenous Tejas fighter aircraft and Sukhoi-30 will perform in front of the Defence Minister, the three Chiefs of Army Staff of India and the Chiefs of Foreign Air Forces.

People of Jodhpur will also be able to watch the big aerobatic Tarang Shakti exercise from the rooftops of their homes at 11 am.

The foreign Air Force Chiefs will also reach Jodhpur.

Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari will arrive in Jodhpur on Thursday morning. Moreover, the air force chiefs of the seven major countries participating in the exercise are likely to visit Jodhpur. Air Force teams from America, Japan, Australia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, UAE and Greece are participating in Tarang Shakti.

The US Air Force Chief will fly India’s indigenous fighter aircraft Tejas. Furthermore, Chiefs of other countries will also fly with Tejas. Moreover,16 countries are participating in the exercise as observers. Air Force Chiefs of some of these 16 countries may also attend on Thursday.

DRDO’s power in Defense Expo

A glimpse of self-reliant India will be seen at the Defense Aviation Expo. It will showcase technology developed by Defense Laboratories (DRDO), the country’s MSME sector and start-ups. Key startups will showcase technologies like RF guns, high-altitude pseudo satellites, loitering ammunition, air-launched flexible assets, AR and VR for training, and smart glasses to counter unmanned aerial threats.

What is the Tarang Shakti exercise?

Tarang Shakti is a large-scale multinational air exercise hosted by the Indian Air Force. The exercise involves various aerial combat scenarios, including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, and search and rescue operations. Moreover, Tarang Shakti exercise is designed to enhance interoperability, cooperation, and understanding among participating nations.

Key features of Tarang Shakti:

Multinational participation: Air forces from several countries participate in the Tarang Shakti exercise. Thus it is for showcasing their capabilities and fostering international collaboration.

Advanced aircraft and weaponry: The exercise features a wide range of modern fighter jets, bombers, transport aircraft, and aerial refuelling tankers.

Complex scenarios: Participants engage in realistic combat simulations to test their skills and tactics in challenging environments.

Knowledge exchange: The exercise provides an opportunity for air forces to learn from each other, share best practices, and improve their capabilities.

Tarang Shakti is a significant event in the Indian Air Force’s calendar, demonstrating India’s commitment to regional and global security.

What is the purpose of the Tarang Shakti exercise?

The Tarang Shakti exercise serves several key purposes:
1. Enhance Interoperability: It aims to improve coordination and cooperation among participating air forces, ensuring that they can work effectively together in multinational operations.
2. Foster Regional Security: The exercise helps to strengthen regional security by demonstrating the capabilities and commitment of participating nations to maintaining peace and stability.
3. Showcase Military Prowess: It provides a platform for participating air forces to showcase their advanced aircraft, weaponry, and combat skills.
4. Promote International Relations: The exercise fosters diplomatic ties and strengthens relationships between participating countries.
5. Train for Real-World Scenarios: By simulating complex combat scenarios, the exercise prepares air forces for potential real-world threats and challenges.
Overall, Tarang Shakti is a valuable tool for enhancing military capabilities, promoting regional cooperation, and maintaining peace and security.
September 12, 2024
Terrorists caught in Rajasthan

Terrorists inspired by Al-Qaeda have been caught in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan by the Special Cell of Delhi Police and Bhiwadi Police. The joint team has arrested six terrorists from the Sarekalan village of Chaupanki police station area.

The arrested terrorists are not local. They were being brought here from other states of the country and given training in using arms and ammunition. The forest of Sareklan village was being used as a terrorist training centre. The news of a terrorist training centre running in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan created a sensation. A large quantity of weapons and other explosive materials have been recovered from the terrorists.

Bhiwadi seemed suitable for terrorists

The forests of Sarekalan village were considered suitable for terrorist training. This village is the last village situated on Ajmeri Naka of Rajasthan. The border of Haryana starts from here. Besides, there are inaccessible forests and hilly areas all around. Here there is no movement of common people and security forces coming from outside.

In the past too, there have been cases of bike theft and cow slaughter from here. Here, criminals escape by taking advantage of the borders of two states, but this time the matter is very big and serious.

There is a possibility of collusion at the local level in this matter also. Nearby villagers go to the forest to graze their animals. Hence the possibility is that everyone is aware if someone suspicious comes from outside in a rural area. How can the local people remain unaware of the firing that takes place during weapons training? At the same time, it is difficult to operate such a big centre of terrorism without local cooperation. In this way, the police are trying to connect to the local network.

Inspired by Al Queda terrorists

The intentions of the terrorist module inspired by the dreaded terrorist organization Al Qaeda, which was exposed by the Special Cell of Delhi Police, were very heart-wrenching. Most of the youth of this module were planning to go to Al Qaeda camps in Pakistan, Afghanistan and other countries for dangerous terrorist training.

According to Delhi Police officials, initial investigation has revealed that there are 25 to 30 youths in this module and all the youths have taken training in terrorist activities here. Some alleged terrorists of this module have done reiki in Delhi. So far 14 suspects have been detained. Eight terrorists were caught in Rajasthan and six from Jharkhand. According to the officers, there is every possibility that some more youth in the module will be caught soon.

Head of terrorists caught in Jharkhand

Raids have also been conducted in UP and Jharkhand to catch terrorists. 130 to 150 police officers and soldiers of the special cell were engaged in raids across the country till late Monday night. They caught Ishtiaq who is a doctor by profession. He is a famous radiologist from Ranchi. Moreover, he is the kingpin of this terrorist module.

It is being told that module leader Dr Ishtiaq was influenced by Al Qaeda for a long time. He was in contact with some bosses of Al Qaeda. It is being told that a few years ago he had come in contact with an Al Qaeda terrorist. After this, he started on the path of terrorism. Furthermore, his objective was to mislead as many youths as possible into terrorists so that they could destroy on a large scale in the country.

Ishtiaq also ran a madrasa in Ranchi. In this Madrasa, he was also engaged in misleading the youth and diverting them to the path of terrorism. The doctor misled the youth in the Madrasa in the name of religion and he set up a module by pushing the youths on the path of terrorism. 25 to 30 youths have been identified in this entire module. However, the identity of the captured terrorists has been hidden.

Most of the youth arrested/detained and associated with this entire terrorist module linked to Al Qaeda are residents of Ranchi. Due to this, the module quickly came in contact with the kingpin. None of the arrested accused youths are highly educated. Some of them run a shop and some do small jobs.

IG took a meeting

The Special Cell of Delhi Police seized the captured terrorists, weapons and other important materials and took them with them. Information regarding how long the training centre was running in the area is unavailable. Since the matter is related to terrorism, even senior police officials are avoiding telling much about the said module.

After such a big module of terrorism was caught in the area, IG Anil Kumar Tank took a meeting. Took information about this from SP Jyestha Maitreyi and other senior officials. Instructed to strengthen the security arrangements in the area and keep an eye on suspicious activities.

August 23, 2024
College students can win 10 lakhs from RBI Quiz 90

College students have a chance to win up to ten lakhs by winning RBI Quiz 90. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced the launch of ‘RBI Quiz 90’. It is a national-level quiz competition for undergraduate students. Furthermore, this competition is being organized to commemorate the completion of 90 years of the Reserve Bank of India.

Questions related to General Knowledge will be asked in the competition and it will be organized in several stages. There will be an online preliminary phase first. It will be followed by local and state-level tests. Finally, a national-level final among the state winners.

RBI Governor launched this quiz for college students

RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das launched the RBI90Quiz online platform on August 20, 2024. He expressed confidence that the quiz will prove helpful in creating greater awareness among college students about the Reserve Bank and the financial ecosystem. Das also said that the banking regulator through its public awareness campaigns is encouraging the youth. Moreover, it is to develop responsible financial behaviour. Furthermore, it will develop the habit of safe and secure use of digital financial products.

College students participating in the RBI Quiz 90 competition program will get a chance to win prizes at multiple levels.

Chance to win up to Rs 10 lakh

In the RBI 90 competition program, the first prize is Rs 10 lakh, followed by a second prize of Rs 8 lakh and a third prize of Rs 6 lakh. At the same time, the first prize in the zonal is Rs 5 lakh, followed by the second prize of Rs 4 lakh and the third prize of Rs 3 lakh. If we do a state-level quiz, the first prize is Rs 2 lakh, then the second prize is Rs 1.5 lakh and the third prize is Rs 1 lakh.

Who can participate in the quiz?

RBI Quiz 90 is open to undergraduate college students. The age limit is 25 years of age as of September 1, 2024, i.e. born on or after September 01, 1999. Only those college students can participate who are pursuing their bachelor’s degree in any stream of study through colleges located in India. Please note that no fee of any kind is being charged for participating in this.

Registration to participate in this quiz started on 20th August and will end on 17th September. Moreover, the date of the quiz examination has not been announced yet. RBI Quiz 90 may have questions related to current affairs, history, literature, sports, economy, finance and general knowledge.

August 22, 2024

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