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‘Sentinels of the Sea ‘ – SARHAD SE SAMANDAR’ Motorcycle Expedition by Indian Coast Guard

As part of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) 49th Raising Day
celebrations, ICG proudly announces the commencement of the ‘Sentinels of the Sea

  • Sarhad Se Samandar’ motorcycle expedition. The landmark event will be flagged off
    by Inspector General Bhisham Sharma, PTM, TM, Commander Coast Gurad Region
    (West) along with Dr Atul Fulzele, Inspector General, BSF Punjab Frontier at 1330 hrs
    on 22 January 2025, from the Attari Border, Amritsar.

  • This prestigious rally, organized by the ICG Regional Headquarters West in
    collaboration with Triumph Motorcycles Ltd. will span over 10 days, covering a distance
    of 2,300 Kilometers. The route traverses India’s border towns and coastal cities
    including Sri Ganganagar, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Vadodara, Daman
    and concludes at the iconic Gateway of India, Mumbai on 01 Feb 25 (Coast Guard
    Day-25).
  • The expedition is a tribute to the unwavering dedication and valour of the
    ICG in safeguarding the nation’s maritime boundaries. It symbolizes the Coast Guard’s
    critical role in national security, vigilance at sea and highlights India’s proud maritime
    heritage. The rally also fosters the spirit of national unity, environmental
    consciousness and camaraderie, reflecting the collective strength of India’s defence
    forces.

In line with Govt. of India’s vision of Fit India Movement, Beti Bachao – Beti Padhao
and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan will be highlighted during the rally. The expedition
encourages emotional resilience, well-being and teamwork. Through the journey, the
ICG personnel will interact with students at various schools en-route, conducting
awareness drives aimed at inspiring young minds with India’s rich maritime legacy.
This motorcycle rally offers a chance to physically connect with the countrymen
residing in the hinterland of India. The ride through the vast and diverse terrains will
bring ICG closer to the land, the culture, and the people, reminding us that our roots
are firmly planted in the rich soil of India’s history, values, and traditions.

The expedition also reinforces the importance of road safety and responsible driving,
emphasizing the values of teamwork, discipline and adventure. It celebrates the spirit
of exploration while spreading the message of environmental stewardship and
sustainable practices. The ICG remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard the
nation’s maritime interests while promoting awareness and unity through such
meaningful initiatives

source/content: indiancoastguard.gov.in (headline edited)

Kho Kho World Cup: After women, Indian men’s team also crowned champion

The Men in Blue dominated the final against Nepal with captain Pratik Waikar and tournament standout Ramji Kashyap leading from the front.

The Indian men’s team beat Nepal 54-36 in the final to win the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup title in New Delhi on Sunday (January 19, 2025).

The Indian men’s team title came after the women’s side were also crowned the champions after defeating Nepal in the final.

The Men in Blue dominated the final against Nepal with captain Pratik Waikar and tournament standout Ramji Kashyap leading from the front.

Attacking first, an exceptional sky dive by Ramji Kashyap got Nepal’s Suraj Pujara. Suyash Gargate then touched Bharat Sahu to give India a great start with 10 points in just four minutes.

Sky dives were the name of the game for the Men in Blue, and this ensured a bright start for the side in Turn 1, preventing the Dream Run for their opponents. At the end of the turn, the scoreline was 26-0 in favour of the Indians.

In Turn 2, Nepal were not able to match India’s levels but did prevent the home side from going on a single Dream Run.

Aditya Ganpule and skipper Pratik Waikar carried the team through this turn, and despite regular touches from the likes of Janak Chand and Suraj Pujara, India carried a 26-18 lead into the second half of the clash.

India were in their stride in Turn 3, displaying unwavering confidence throughout. Captain Pratik Waikar shone on the mat with multiple sky dives, and with the support of Ramji Kashyap, another star of the tournament.

Aditya Ganpule was also at his finest, and the home team’s collective effort took the score to 54-18 entering the final turn of the match – and the tournament.

Nepal fought hard in Turn 4 in their bid to come back against India. But the defenders, once again led by Pratik Waikar and Sachin Bhargo proved too strong. Mehul and Suman Barman were equally impressive.

India showcased their dominance throughout the tournament, beginning with convincing victories over Brazil, Peru and Bhutan in the group stages. Their momentum continued through the knockout rounds, where they outclassed Bangladesh in the quarterfinals before overcoming a strong South African side in the semifinals.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Kho Kho World Cup: Indian women’s team crowned champion

Indian women’s team wins with a dominant 78-40 victory over Nepal, showcasing speed and skill.

The Indian women’s team emerged as champion in the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup with a dominant 78-40 victory in the summit clash against Nepal here on Sunday (January 19, 2025).

On a memorable night at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium here, India produced a masterclass of speed, strategy and skill, dishing out a clinical show.

A brisk start marked Turn 1 as the Indian attackers took charge of the proceedings. Three batches in the Nepal women were out by simple touches on 7 occasions, putting 14 points to India’s kitty.

Skipper Priyanka Ingle was in the best form with multiple touch points to her name, as the hosts started off in an excellent manner. This was enough to take the Women in Blue to 34 points and preventing a single Dream Run for the Nepal team.

Manmati Dhami got Vaishnavi Pawar, and B. Samjhana eliminated Priyanka Ingle, but B. Chaithra took India’s first batch of Turn 2 into the Dream Run.

It wasn’t for long, though, as Dipa completed the ‘All Out’ just moments later. This got the side back into the game, but they only managed to score 24 points at the end of Turn 2, with an 11-point deficit at half time.

India was once again the dominant force in Turn 3, never allowing the Nepal defenders to settle in their stride. B.K. Dipa was a regular for Nepal, but it went in vain throughout, ensuring that the Indians edged closer to the trophy.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Chhattisgarh to develop marine fossil park at 280-million-year-old site

Inspired by the significant findings of marine strata containing fossils, the state government has announced plans to transform the site into a Marine Fossil Park.

Chhattisgarh’s Manendragarh district is poised to attract history enthusiasts and geologists with the discovery of a 280-million-year-old marine fossil site along the Hasdeo River. Inspired by the significant findings of marine strata containing fossils, the state government has announced plans to transform the site into a Marine Fossil Park.

The conspicuousness of this fossil site was first identified by structural geologist Professor S K Ghosh in 1954. Years later, in 2015, experts from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Paleo Sciences, Lucknow, confirmed the importance of the fossils found in this region.

Acknowledging its scientific value, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) designated the site as a National Geological Monument in 1982, recognising its exceptional contribution to understanding the Earth’s ancient history, a state government spokesperson said to TNIE.

“The Chhattisgarh government’s decision to develop this site into a Marine Fossil Park is expected to attract both tourists and scientists from around the world. The Park will serve as a biodiversity heritage site, offering a unique opportunity to explore the story of the Earth’s evolution and the ancient organisms that once lived here”, he added.

The notable park will be of glaring pride not only just for Chhattisgarh state but for the entire Asia, offering a rare glimpse into the Earth’s ancient marine life.

Researchers will have access to the valuable site for scientific studies, while visitors can explore opportunities to learn about the ancient exciting history of marine life. The findings of fossiliferous marine fauna suggest the massive expanse of salt water covering the earth surface in this part of the state.

The Chhattisgarh government, while emphasising the site as meaningful and crucial, is working closely with teams from the Geological Survey of India, Kolkata, and the Birbal Sahni Institute, Lucknow to assess the site’s potential.

Scientists are of the opinion that 280 million years ago, the region where the Hasdeo river is located was covered by a massive glacier.

As geological changes took place, this region became a part of the ‘Tethys Sea’, allowing marine life to enter. While these species eventually became extinct, their preserved fossils continue to provide valuable insights into the history of life on Earth.

The initiative by Chhattisgarh promises to bring the state onto the global map, showcasing the rich natural heritage of the region and offering future generations the occasion to understand the Earth’s ancient past.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

India, U.S. ink pact for cooperation in cybercrime investigations

The signing of the pact comes days before the Biden administration hands over charge to the Trump administration.

India and the U.S. have inked an agreement to enhance cooperation in cybercrime investigations, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

The signing of the pact comes days before the Biden administration hands over charge to the Trump administration.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Washington DC on Friday (January 17, 2025) by Indian Ambassador Vinay Kwatra and Acting U.S. Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) Kristie Canegallo, the MEA said.

It said the agreement allows the respective agencies of the two countries to step up the level of cooperation and training with respect to the use of cyber threat intelligence and digital forensics in criminal investigations.

From India, the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) of the Home Ministry is responsible for the execution of the MoU.

On the U.S. side, the DHS and its constituent agencies U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Homeland Security Investigations Cyber Crimes Center are tasked with implementing the pact.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

MahaKumbh 2025: Over 7 crore pilgrims bathed at Sangam from Jan 11 to 16

Devotees from various states and around the world have been immersing themselves in the spiritual atmosphere of the holy confluence.

More than seven crore pilgrims have taken a dip at the Sangam — the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers — from January 11 to January 16 on the occasion of the Maha Kumbh Mela, according to an official statement.

According to it, more than 30 lakh devotees bathed in the sacred waters on Thursday alone, seeking virtue and divine blessings.

The state government had anticipated that over 45 crore people will attend the Maha Kumbh this time. The early figure of 7 crore pilgrims in the initial days of the religious congregation strongly indicates this projection to be true, the statement said.

Devotees from various states and around the world have been immersing themselves in the spiritual atmosphere of the holy confluence.

The statement said that before the start of the Maha Kumbh, approximately 45 lakh people bathed in the sangam on January 11 while January 12 saw a record 65 lakh devotees.

On the first day of the Maha Kumbh, a record 1.70 crore pilgrims took the holy dip and on January 14, around 3.50 crore people bathed in the Sangam. In the first two days of Mahakumbh alone, more than 5.20 crore devotees took the holy dip, it said.

On Wednesday, a 21-member delegation from 10 countries arrived at Arail Tent City in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj to take a holy dip at Triveni Sangam.

The delegation, invited by the External Publicity and Public Diplomacy Division of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, will take a sacred dip at Triveni Sangam on Thursday.

Speaking to ANI, Denesh Persaud from Guyana, expressed his joy and fulfilment after taking a holy dip in the River Ganges.”It’s a dream come true. I always wanted to come here and take a holy dip in the River Ganges. I have fulfilled that wish,” Persaud said.

Sally El Azab from United Arab Emirates, is among the many international pilgrims who have travelled to Prayagraj, to experience the Kumbh Mela, the largest religious gathering in the world.

The visiting group included representatives from Fiji, Finland, Guyana, Malaysia, Mauritius, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This showcases the global interest in this spiritual event.

The statement noted that the Mahakumbh, organised under the leadership of the Yogi government, has drawn global attention this year. Their accommodations were arranged at the Tent City in Arail, an initiative by the Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation.

Maha Kumbh, which began on January 13, will continue until February 26. The next key bathing dates include January 29 (Mauni Amavasya—Second Shahi Snan), February 3 (Basant Panchami—Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri).

(With inputs from PTI and ANI)

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

Indigenous Anti-Tank Guided Missile ‘Nag Mk 2’ ready for induction: DRDO

“During the three field trials, the missile systems destroyed precisely all the targets”.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Monday (January 13, 2024) announced that the indigenously-developed third-generation fire-and-forget Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) ‘Nag Mk 2’ and the entire system was ready for induction into the Army following successful field firing trials.

Field evaluation trials of Nag-Mk 2 were successfully conducted recently at Pokhran Field Range in the presence of senior officers of the Army, a statement from the DRDO said. “During the three field trials, the missile systems destroyed precisely all the targets – maximum and minimum range, thus validating its firing range.”

Stating that the Nag Missile Carrier version-2 was also field evaluated, the DRDO announced, “With this, the entire weapon system is now ready for induction into the Indian Army.”

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took to social media to congratulate the Army and the industry on the successful field evaluation trials.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)
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ISRO achieves first space docking with SpaDeX mission, fourth country to reach major milestone

The docking involved two satellites, SDX01 and SDX02, launched aboard the PSLV-C60 rocket on December 30, 2024.

In a landmark achievement, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully completed the nation’s first satellite docking experiment under the SpaDeX mission.

The docking involved two satellites, SDX01 and SDX02, launched aboard the PSLV-C60 rocket on December 30, 2024. After multiple attempts and close manoeuvres on Sunday, the satellites were successfully docked, marking a historic milestone for India’s space program.

ISRO announced the success of the docking experiment on the social media platform X, stating, “Spacecraft docking successfully completed! A historic moment.”

The announcement detailed the precise manoeuvring process, which included moving the satellites from a 15-meter distance to a 3-meter hold point, initiating docking, and achieving spacecraft capture. The retraction process was completed smoothly, followed by rigidisation to ensure stability.

Following the successful docking, ISRO’s new chairman, V Narayanan, who was in Delhi at the time, congratulated the entire team for their efforts. In its social media post, ISRO confirmed that the satellites were now operating as a single entity and mentioned that undocking and power transfer checks would follow in the coming days.

“Post docking, control of two satellites as a single object is successful. Undocking and power transfer checks to follow in coming days,” ISRO said in a post on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a post on X greeted the scientists for the achievement.

He said: “Congratulations to our scientists at @isro and the entire space fraternity for the successful demonstration of space docking of satellites. It is a significant stepping stone for India’s ambitious space missions in the years to come.”

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also greeted ISRO for achieving the feat.

“We are extremely proud of the exceptional work of the scientists and space engineers at @isro as they successfully achieved the satellite docking as part of the SpaDex Mission,” Kharge said in a post on X.

He said this significant milestone marks a pivotal step for the future of India’s space programme, which has been built over years, and is a collective achievement for the nation.

The docking, initially scheduled for January 7, faced postponements as the distance between the satellites was reduced from 500 meters to 225 meters. On Sunday, after bringing the satellites to a 3-meter distance, the teams conducted a separation to ensure safety before the final docking maneuver.

The SpaDeX docking experiment, executed at a cost of Rs 370 crore, has positioned India as the fourth country in the world to achieve this critical space capability. The accomplishment has brought widespread acclaim among space science enthusiasts and bolstered the nation’s ambitions in space exploration.

The docking technology is vital for upcoming missions like Gaganyaan and the Bharatiya Antariksh Missions. Successful spacecraft docking facilitates the transfer of supplies, equipment, and potentially astronauts, paving the way for advanced human spaceflight and interplanetary missions.

Congratulatory tweets

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, in his congratulatory message said: “This milestone marks a significant leap in India’s capabilities, paving the way for greater space programmes and missions. Your dedication and innovation continue to inspire the world and make every Indian proud.”

Union Minister of State for Science, Technology and Space, Jitendra Singh posted: “Congrats #ISRO. Finally made it. SpaDeX has accomplished the unbelievable’ docking complete’ and it is all indigenous ‘Bharatiya Docking System’.”

AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge posted on ‘X’: “We are extremely proud of the exceptional work of the scientists and space engineers at @isro as they successfully achieved the satellite docking as part of the SpaDex Mission.”

A Stepping stone: PM MOdi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X to congratulate the ISRO team. “Congratulations to our scientists at

@ISRO. This is a significant stepping stone…” he said

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited0

Dr Aseem Malhotra, British-Indian Trump doctor spills diet secrets that reverse prediabetes, lower BP in days

Dr Aseem Malhotra, British-Indian cardiologist, with close ties to RFK Jr and a Trump admin connection, doubles down on an ingredient-focussed diet plan.

British-Indian Dr Aseem Malhotra has a close rapport with Robert F Kennedy Jr and has appeared on podcasts with Joe Rogan and Tucker Carlson. According to the Daily Mail’s insight, the cardiologist could potentially land a key role in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under Donald Trump’s new administration.

Unpacking his five-ingredient Metabolic Reset diet, the British doctor has devised a no-calorie counting way to counter health problems that have collectively affected 140 million Americans and Britons. His new diet is expected to tackle diabetes and high blood pressure just within days. Now, his secret is ours.

Trump doctor’s five-ingredient diet plan to counter diabetes and high blood pressure

“If an item comes out of a packet and it contains five or more ingredients then it is not allowed,” said Dr Malhotra. For reasons yet to be explained, the longer an ingredient list is, the more it is believed to have been through processing. In turn, the more processed the diet is, the higher the vulnerability to diabetes and high blood pressure.

His formulation has proved helpful in reversing his patients’ prediabetes and lowering their blood pressure in 28 days. The best part of the diet, which was worked out alongside London -based nutritionist Kim Pearson, is that it is not required to be followed forever. The cardiologist recommended following the diet plan for a month or so. Thereafter, carbs can be gradually introduced to the meal plan on the weekends.

Dr Malhotra graduated from the University of Edinburgh with a degree in medicine in 2001. His areas of expertise include evidence-based medicine, obesity, coronary artery disease, and preventive cardiology. Meanwhile, Pearson is also a clinical director and wellness editor. She specialises in weight loss, metabolic health, and longevity.

Do’s and don’ts prescribed by British-Indian doctor – tapped by Donald Trump

As diets have often been synonymously equated with making one feel hungry, Dr Aseem Malhotra’s plan goes the other way. “We don’t want people to feel hungry,” he pointed out. However, he does ban a certain group of foods. All sugary foods minus fibre, such as white bread, rice and pasta, packaged food with a long list of ingredients, diet sodas and ‘fake sugars’ are completely off the table.

The main agenda here is to “snap out of” one’s addiction to junk food and “reset” metabolic health. The primary takeaway is to eat three meals a day, leaving four to five hours between each. Moreover, the fasting window overnight should last between 14 to 16 hours. It helps “reset the digestive system.” Intake of at least five vegetables or pieces of fruit is recommended per day. These should be included in at least two meals.

The 47-year-old doctor’s diet is based on the Mediterranean Diet, which emphasises consuming plant-based foods and healthy fats like olive oil and raw nuts. Such options are believed to help remove excess cholesterol from arteries, keeping blood vessels open.

Breakfast-lunch-dinner options

Another good source of fibre is berries, which are nutrient-heavy. The filling antioxidants low in calories help with digestion, slowing down food’s passage through the digestive tract. As a result, a berry smoothie (rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, B vitamins and magnesium) emerges as a viable breakfast option. A vegetable omelette is another one.

For lunch, he and Pearson recommend a protein salad – red meat is allowed. The night options are a stir fry with fibre-rich Japanese noodles or meatballs with vegetable spaghetti.

What about beverage consumption?

Dr Malhotra greenlights only zero calories coffee, water and tea on the drinks side. Although he doesn’t outrightly ban alcohol to ensure the plan’s long term sustainability. Therefore, moderation suggestions amount to three small (175 ml) glasses of dry wine or seven single (25 ml) measures of white spirit.

To “make goals more digestible,” he also introduces a “simple switch”—though not part of his diet plan—eating McDonald’s burgers without the buns. His investigation revealed that the bread itself contains 50 additives. Conversely, the patties alone with toppings are a better option.

80/20 rule leaves room for occasional cheat days

Further making the diet more accessible and easy to follow, he shared the ‘80/20’ rule, which gives people room to cheat occasionally, either on the weekend or at social events where recommended options are nowhere to be found. Sticking to the diet 80% of the time also goes a long way in adopting healthy habits.

The Daily Mail reported that the Metabolic Reset diet, set to launch on February 10, will be available on metabolicreset.co

* The official website clearly establishes that the diet plan is “For educational and informational purposes. Dr Malhotra and Kim are not able to advise you on your individual circumstances.”

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)

India-U.S. joint Sonobuoy production line expected to be ready by 2027

India and the U.S. had last week announced the ‘first-of-its-kind partnership on co-production’ of U.S. sonobuoys for Undersea Domain Awareness for the Indian Navy.

The final assembly of sonobuoys from the U.S., meant for detecting submarines underwater, will be done in India and an operational production line is expected to be ready in 2027, according to the U.S. company Ultra Maritime (UM). The systems will be co-produced in India in partnership with defence public sector undertaking Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).

In a significant development, India and the U.S. last week announced the “first-of-its-kind partnership on co-production” of U.S. sonobuoys for Undersea Domain Awareness for the Indian Navy, a high-end technology that allows tracking of submarines in the deep seas and oceans. The announcement was made in the fact sheet issued at the end of U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s visit to India last week.

“Workshare will be in line with the principles of Make in India. Final assembly will be done in India. Our goal is to have an operational production line in 2027,” Ultra Maritime said in response to questions from The Hindu sent on email. “These will be U.S.-specification sonobuoys equivalent to those used on the P-8 aircraft.”

Chairman of BDL, Commodore A. Madhavarao (retd.), had stated that they are looking to set up joint production with Ultra Maritime in Vishakhapatnam.

The U.S.-based company, a world-leader in the design and production of undersea warfare capabilities, has already stated that in line with the U.S.-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (ICET) launched in May 2022, they will also pursue new sonobuoy technologies with BDL teams to optimise their acoustic performance in the unique environment of the Indian Ocean, enabling wide area search through bespoke multi-static active solutions. To a question, the company clarified that this was in addition to the initial production already envisaged.

On the future outlook, Ultra Maritime said it was working with BDL to identify opportunities for Indian suppliers to enter its global supply chain.

An Ultra Maritime statement issued last week had stated that the UM sonobuoys co-produced in India are interchangeable and interoperable between the U.S. Navy, Indian Navy and allied P-8, MH-60R and the MQ-9B Sea Guardian aircraft.

The development is of particular significance as India has over the years acquired a series of military platforms from the U.S. that are also operated by other countries in the region, especially Australia and Japan, which too are part of the Quad grouping and also hold the Malabar naval exercise. These sonobuoys are dropped from aircraft and helicopters. India is also pursuing another technology – sensors embedded on the ocean bed – and recently some progress has been made as a few Indian start-ups showcased the technology that is now undergoing trials.

As China undertakes massive expansion of its navy and also its presence in the Indian Ocean, undersea domain awareness has become critical and Indian Navy has been collaborating with countries on the region, especially the Quad group.

Indian Navy operates the P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft, is inducting the MH-60R multi-role helicopters and has two MQ-9A armed High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems on lease. It signed a $3.5 billion contract in October 2024 for 31 MQ-9B–15 Sea Guardians for the Indian Navy and 16 Sky Guardians, eight each for the Army and Air Force, with deliveries to begin from January 2029.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)