The award celebrates outstanding contributions in military reconnaissance, exploration and adventure for the years 2023 and 2024.

Five military personnel were on Wednesday conferred the MacGregor Memorial Medal by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan for outstanding contributions in military reconnaissance, exploration and adventure for the years 2023 and 2024.

The awardees for 2023 included Wing Commander D. Panda from the Air Force and Electrical Artificer (Radio) Rahul Kumar Pandey from the Navy. For 2024, Chief Electrical Aircraft Artificer (Radio) Ram Ratan Jat of the Navy and Sergeant Jhumar Ram Poonia from the Air Force were honoured with the medal. Colonel Ranvir Singh Jamwal, Director of the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports in Arunachal Pradesh, was also awarded. However, the officer was not physically present to receive the award on as he is on a mountaineering expedition to Mt. Kangchenjunga.

The medals were presented to the four personnel at a ceremony held at the United Service Institution of India (USI).

Instituted on July 03, 1888, the MacGregor Memorial Medal commemorates Major General Sir Charles Metcalfe MacGregor, founder of USI (established in 1870). Originally intended to recognise the acts of military reconnaissance and exploratory journeys, the medal’s scope was expanded in 1986, post-Independence, to include military expeditions and adventure activities, the Defence Ministry said in a statement.

“While military reconnaissance and exploration remain the foremost criteria, the medal is open to all ranks (serving and retired) of the Armed Forces, Territorial Army, Reserve Forces, Rashtriya Rifles and Assam Rifles.”

To date, 127 medals have been awarded, including 103 prior to Independence. Among the notable recipients are Captain F.E. Younghusband (1890), Major General Orde Charles Wingate (1943), Major Z.C. Bakshi (1949), Col. Narinder Kumar for Siachen Glacier exploration (1978–81) and Cdr Dilip Donde and Lt. Cdr. Abhilash Tomy for their solo global circumnavigations.

The event also featured the launch of the book Bravest of the Brave, a chronicle of the life and heroic journey of Naib Subedar Chunni Lal, authored by Lt. Gen. Satish Dua (retd.), former Chief of Integrated Defence Staff.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

General Upendra Dwivedi presents awards in Bhopal, recognises veterans’ impact on communities and nation.

General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, Thursday presented the prestigious ‘Veteran Achievers Award’ to five retired servicemen for their exemplary contributions in various fields, including veterans’ welfare, education, social service, and environmental conservation. 

The awards ceremony was held in Bhopal, recognising the enduring impact these veterans have had on their communities. 

The awardees included Brigadier Ramnarayan Vinayak (Retd), Colonel Vaibhav Prakash Tripathi (Retd), Colonel KP Singh (Retd), Naik Anil Verma (Retd), and Lance Dafadar Pradeep Kalaskar (Retd).  

Brigadier Ramnarayan Vinayak (Retd) was acknowledged for his contributions to veterans’ welfare, through his efforts in providing employment to over 300 ex-servicemen via a Directorate General Resettlement (DGR)-sponsored security agency, as well as securing employment opportunities with the Madhya Pradesh government. 

His work in securing healthcare benefits for Veer Naris and restoring the Liberalised Family Pension scheme for veterans has positively impacted the economic stability of many families.

Colonel Vaibhav Prakash Tripathi (Retd), Vice-President of the Madhya Pradesh Ex-Servicemen League, was honoured for his establishment of the ‘Ojas Shikshan Evam Prashikshan Sansthan’ in Betul. 

The institution, managed by veterans, focuses on providing quality education and training to students, from remote and underprivileged areas, and prepares them for careers in the defence forces, contributing to national service.  

Naik Anil Verma (Retd) was recognised for his initiative in converting his ancestral home in Bilaspur into a secure hostel for tribal girls. 

He also founded a school for underprivileged children in 2017, which gained recognition from the Madhya Pradesh Education Board within just two years. 

The school has achieved an impressive pass rate of over 97 per cent in board exams.  

Colonel KP Singh (Retd) was honoured for his continued efforts in supporting veterans and their families, including resolving pension issues and assisting with life certificates. 

Colonel Singh has been instrumental in providing free coaching and guidance to serving personnel and veterans preparing for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interviews. 

He is also known for his regular visits to old-age homes and ashrams for polio-affected children, where he donates essential supplies and offers moral support.  

Lance Dafadar Pradeep Kalaskar (Retd) was celebrated for his dedication to supporting veterans and their families, particularly in addressing pension-related and financial issues. 

Kalaskar, who sustained 40 per cent burns while rescuing five individuals from an LPG-induced fire, has continued to serve his community, said the Army in a post on X.

He was also recognised for his environmental efforts, planting over 1,000 saplings, and was honoured with the title of ‘Vrikshamitra’ by the Chhindwara District Administration.  

source/content: telegraphindia.com (headline edited)

The Archaeological Survey of India discovered the chariot in Sinauli village of Baghpat in April 2018 during excavations.

The National Museum in the national capital will have two added attractions — bronze-age solid-disk wheel carts (chariot) discovered from the Sinauli archaeological site in Uttar Pradesh and a permanent exhibition of epigraphs — on display to enthrall the heritage enthusiasts. For the first time, the 4000-year-old horse-driven chariot will be available for public viewing in the museum. It will be part of the exhibits in the Harappan Gallery.

The exhibition of epigraphs will be inaugurated on Wednesday. On the occasion, the secretary of the Culture Ministry, Arunish Chawla, will also formally unveil the chariot.

The chariot was earlier exhibited briefly as part of the temporary exhibition Roots and Routes, which was hosted during the G20 summit at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) in New Delhi.

The Archaeological Survey of India discovered the chariot in Sinauli village of Baghpat in April 2018 during excavations. It was part of a larger find that included royal burials, weapons, and other artefacts.

The museum boasts a rich collection of Indian epigraphy—from early graffiti to the seals of the Harappan civilisation, representing the earliest forms of written communication—to early historic, medieval, and modern period stone, as well as copper plate inscriptions detailing donations, royal decrees, and land grants.

This prestigious collection has remained in the reserve section for the longest time and is now being displayed at the permanent exhibition in the Inscriptions Gallery.

“The exhibition brings to the forefront a curated selection of exceptional epigraphs that span the breadth of India’s historical narrative. These inscriptions, etched on stone, bricks, and other materials, are vital records of ancient India’s political, religious, and cultural life,” said officials.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

Realme is also accelerating efforts to source a majority of critical components, such as PCBAs, batteries, mechanics, cables and chargers, from within India.

Chinese mobile maker Realme has announced a partnership with Optiemus Electronics Ltd. (OEL) to manufacture AIoT products including earphones, smartwatches and tablets. The company is also evaluating opportunities to export Made-in-India AIoT products to global markets. Realme and OEL aim to manufacture 5 million AIoT devices annually, and through this collaboration, the company expects to generate over 2,000 new employment opportunities in India.

“We are excited to partner with Optiemus Electronics Ltd. (OEL) to bring the manufacturing of all our high-performance and value for money AIoT devices to India. This collaboration will enable us to expand our manufacturing base to cater to domestic demand, while also reinforcing our commitment to the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative,” said a Realme spokesperson.

The manufacturing will start with products such as the Realme Buds T200 series, Realme Buds Wireless series, and Realme Buds Air series. Realme is also accelerating efforts to source a majority of critical components, such as PCBAs, batteries, mechanics, cables and chargers, from within India.

The collaboration has already begun with the commencement of production for the Realme Buds T200 Lite, an advanced earbud that delivers crystal-clear calling via Dual Mic AI Deep Call Noise Cancellation powered by DNN voice recognition technology.

“The fusion of AI and IoT is making hearable-wearable products and power devices smarter, more efficient and thus deliver a great value. We are thoroughly delighted to be an eminent part of this AI-based product evolution. OEL will continue to play its role in shaping electronics manufacturing in India, generate more employment opportunities, and forge the path ahead to become Atmanirbhar Bharat,” said Ashok Gupta, Chairman, Optiemus Group.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

The Golconda Blue holds deep historical significance for India due to its origins in the famed Golconda mines of present-day Telangana and its association with the royal houses of Indore and Baroda.

A rare 23.24-carat vivid blue diamond, known as The Golconda Blue and once owned by Indian royalty, is set to go under the hammer at Christie’s Magnificent Jewels sale in Geneva, Switzerland. Mounted in a contemporary ring by acclaimed Parisian designer JAR, the gem is expected to fetch between USD 35 and 50 million (approximately Rs 300–430 crore).

“Exceptional noble gems of this caliber come to market once in a lifetime,” said Rahul Kadakia, Christie’s International Head of Jewelry. He underscored the diamond’s prestigious provenance, placing it in the league of legendary Golconda gems like the Archduke Joseph and the Princie.

“With its royal heritage, extraordinary color, and exceptional size, The Golconda Blue is truly one of the rarest blue diamonds in the world,” Kadakia added.

For Indians, The Golconda Blue holds deep historical significance due to its origins in the famed Golconda mines of present-day Telangana and its association with the royal houses of Indore and Baroda.

The diamond’s documented journey begins with Maharaja Yeshwant Rao Holkar II of Indore—an influential modernist ruler known for his refined aesthetic and cosmopolitan lifestyle during the 1920s and 1930s. In 1923, his father commissioned a bracelet featuring the blue diamond from French jeweler Chaumet, following the acquisition of the iconic Indore Pears.

In the 1930s, royal jeweler Mauboussin reimagined the piece, setting The Golconda Blue into a necklace famously worn by the Maharani of Indore and immortalised in a portrait by French artist Bernard Boutet de Monvel.

Post India’s independence in 1947, the diamond was acquired by renowned New York jeweler Harry Winston, who mounted it in a brooch alongside a matching white diamond. The piece later made its way to the Maharaja of Baroda before entering private ownership.

The upcoming live auction will take place at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Geneva, marking the first time The Golconda Blue will be available to collectors and the public through open bidding.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

In July 2023, the defence ministry approved the purchase of 26 Rafale (marine) jets from France, primarily for deployment on board the indigenously built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday cleared a proposal to procure 26 naval variants of Rafale fighter jets from France at a cost of around `64,000 crore for deployment on board aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, sources in the defence establishment said.

The delivery of the jets will begin around five years after the signing of the contract under an inter-governmental framework between India and France.

In July 2023, the defence ministry accorded the initial approval for the mega acquisition following a series of deliberations and evaluation tests of the platform.

Under the deal, the Indian Navy will also get associated ancillary equipment including weapon systems and spares from Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of Rafale (Marine) jets.

The Indian Air Force bought 36 Rafale fighter aircraft in fly-away condition.

There is a thinking in the IAF that it should go for at least two more squadrons of Rafale jets.

The defence and strategic ties between India and France have been on an upswing in the last few years.

In July 2023, India and France announced a raft of ground-breaking defence cooperation projects including the joint development of jet and helicopter engines. The two strategic partners also had expressed commitment to cooperate in the co-development and co-production of advanced defence technologies, including for the benefit of third countries.

The Defence Ministry also approved a proposal nearly two years back to procure three Scorpene submarines to further crank up India’s naval prowess.

However, the CCS is yet to approve it. Under Navy’s Project 75, six Scorpene submarines have already been constructed in India by Mazagon Dock Ltd in cooperation with Naval Group of France.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of UAE will be on a two-day visit to India starting Tuesday ​at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced Monday.

This would be Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum’s first official visit to India as the Crown Prince of Dubai and he will be accompanied by several ministers, senior government officials and a high-level business delegation.

Prime Minister Modi will host a working lunch for the visiting dignitary on Tuesday and the Crown Prince is also scheduled to hold meetings with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

After Delhi, the Crown Prince will visit Mumbai and will also participate in a business roundtable with prominent business leaders from both sides. The interaction will strengthen India–UAE economic and commercial cooperation across traditional and futuristic areas.

“Traditionally, Dubai has played an important role in India’s commercial, cultural and people-to-people exchanges with the UAE. Majority of India’s around 4.3 million diaspora in UAE reside and work in Dubai. The visit of His Highness the Crown Prince will further solidify the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and strengthen our multifaceted ties with Dubai,” read a statement issued by the MEA.

EAM Jaishankar had extended Prime Minister’s invitation to the Crown Prince to visit India at an early date during his visit to the United Arab Emirates on January 27-29, this year.

“Delighted to meet Crown Prince of Dubai and DPM and Minister of Defence of UAE HH Hamdan Mohammed. A warm conversation on our deep bonds of friendship and taking them forward for the good of our people,” the EAM had posted on X after the meeting which strengthened further India’s strong and ever-growing economic and people-to-people ties with Dubai.

source/content: ianslive.in (headline edited)

Smartphones have now become India’s single largest export commodity, crossing an all-time high of Rs 2,00,000 crore in FY25 which is a staggering 55 per cent annual growth, the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) said on Friday.

India’s total mobile phone production is also estimated to have reached Rs 5,25,000 crore in FY25, up significantly from Rs 4,22,000 crore in the previous fiscal year, thus signalling an unprecedented ‘Make in India’ success.

“This reflects the growing strength and maturity of India’s electronics sector. The production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme has played a central role in this transformation. It has helped build scale, attract leading global investments, and position India as a competitive and reliable manufacturing base for the world,” said Pankaj Mohindroo, Chairman, ICEA.

The phenomenal surge in exports is driven primarily by the strategic implementation of the PLI scheme, which has transformed India into one of the world’s fastest-growing mobile manufacturing hubs.

The scheme has attracted substantial global investments, enhancing India’s competitiveness, scale, and capability to integrate deeply into Global Value Chains (GVCs).

The export momentum is led by global companies such as Apple and Samsung, which have scaled their manufacturing operations significantly in India.

“Our foremost priority is to nurture scale in mobile phone manufacturing, drive export-led growth, enhance competitiveness, expand into new markets, and address existing cost and operational disabilities,” said Mohindroo.

With mobile phone production now reaching a substantive scale of Rs. 5,25,000 crore per annum, this momentum will provide the thrust needed to build capacities and capabilities in the domestic component ecosystem.

“We now need to double down on our efforts to create a sustainable, long-term ecosystem that can anchor India’s leadership in the global electronics value chain,” he mentioned.

The recent shifts in global trade dynamics, particularly the reciprocal tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump, have opened strategic opportunities for Indian electronics in the US market.

“Our vision is to position India as the principal manufacturing partner and preferred supplier for all major global markets. The world must see India as a natural and strategic choice in electronics manufacturing,” Mohindroo added.

source/content: ianslive.in (headline edited)

European aerospace manufacturer Airbus on Wednesday announced that it has awarded a contract for manufacturing the main fuselage assembly of the H130 helicopter to Mahindra Aerostructures Pvt. Ltd. in India.

Mahindra will produce the H130’s main fuselage assembly, which will then be shipped to Airbus Helicopters’ facilities in Europe. The manufacturing will commence immediately, with the first cabin assembly scheduled for delivery by March 2027.

“We have a strategic plan for India and we are implementing it to develop a holistic aerospace ecosystem across all dimensions: assembly, manufacturing, engineering, innovation, digital and training,” said Rémi Maillard, President and Managing Director Airbus India and South Asia.

“The H130 fuselage manufacturing contract underscores Airbus’ confidence in the growing industrial excellence of the Indian supply chain, which offers the right mix of competencies and competitiveness. We are glad to extend this bond with India through our latest association with our partner Mahindra Aerostructures,” Maillard added.

Mahindra already supplies a variety of parts and sub-assemblies for Airbus’ commercial aircraft programmes and the latest contract is a continuous expansion of its portfolio of capabilities that now includes larger and more complex aerostructures.

Last October, Airbus’ inaugurated its Final Assembly Line for the C295 military aircraft in Vadodara. It has also announced a Final Assembly Line for the H125 helicopter but the location is yet to be announced.

The H130 is an intermediate single-engine helicopter used for passenger transport, tourism and private and business aviation, as well as medical airlift and surveillance missions.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol’s Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge becomes the first Indian film to be honored at London’s ‘Scenes in the Square’ movie trail in London.

Iconic Bollywood on-screen couple Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol will soon be immortalised in bronze, as their classic film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) becomes the first Indian film to be honoured at London’s celebrated Scenes in the Square movie trail in Leicester Square.

A statue to celebrate DDLJ

According to Yash Raj Films, the Heart of London Business Alliance has announced a new statue will be joining the exciting ‘Scenes in the Square’ movie trail in Leicester Square, with historic blockbuster Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) erected statue in London.

This will mark the start of 30-year celebrations of DDLJ, one of the most loved blockbuster Hindi films of all time, the timeless and multi-award-winning rom-com which also marked the directorial debut of Aditya Chopra.

The bronze statue will depict the two Bollywood megastars, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, in an iconic DDLJ pose. Set to be unveiled in Spring this year, the latest announcement signifies how the film is loved by the over five million strong British South Asian community as per YRF.

About DDLJ

DDLJ follows two non-resident Indians, Raj and Simran, and their star-crossed love story across Europe and India, beginning on a train from King’s Cross Station.

The location couldn’t be more fitting, with Leicester Square featuring in DDLJ in a scene when Raj and Simran first cross paths, unknown to one another, before setting off on their memorable European adventure.

The scene on which a statue will be erected features Raj(Shah Rukh Khan) in front of the Vue Cinema and Simran (Kajol) walking past the Odeon Leicester Square.

As per YRF, the new statue will be positioned along the eastern terrace outside the Odeon Cinema to honour this scene.

With this, the DDLJ stars Shah Rukh Khan & Kajol join the who’s who of international cinema at Scenes in the Square, alongside ten other film icons from the past 100 years.

DDLJ will be next to iconic film characters like Harry Potter, Laurel & Hardy, Bugs Bunny, Gene Kelly in Singin’ in the Rain, Mary Poppins, Mr. Bean, Paddington and DC Super-Heroes Batman and Wonder Woman.

Mark Williams, Deputy Chief Executive at Heart of London Business Alliance, expressed his happiness at including Shah Rukh and Kajol’s statues in the trail alongside other renowned artists from international cinema.

He called it a “fitting tribute to Bollywood’s global popularity and a celebration of London’s rich diversity.”

“It’s fantastic to have the opportunity to add to our trail Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, who are such titans of international cinema. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge is one of the most successful and important Bollywood films of all time, and we’re excited by the prospect of bringing to the trail the first film that actually features Leicester Square as a location. The statue is a fitting tribute to the global popularity of Bollywood and a celebration of London’s rich diversity. We’re in no doubt it will attract fans from all around the world to Leicester Square, the home of film and entertainment,” said Mark Williams, as quoted by YRF press note.

Akshaye Widhani, CEO of Yash Raj Films, is thrilled that DDLJ has become the first Indian film to be represented in the ‘Scenes of Square’.

“When Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) was released 30 years ago, the film became a defining moment for Indian cinema and changed the face of the industry, capturing the hearts of everyone who saw it all over the globe. We’re thrilled to be the first Indian film to be represented in ‘Scenes in the Square’. It also marks 30 years of DDLJ, a film that has spread love and joy globally and shows the cultural impact it has had in the UK.”

He continued, “We are honoured that our superstars and our film are being recognised on the world stage alongside the Hollywood elite, from Gene Kelly to Laurel & Hardy to Harry Potter. This statue will be a great way to express the international appeal of Indian movies and build bridges amongst communities through cinema.”DDLJ was released in 1995. Apart from the lead actors, the film also starred Amrish Puri and Anupam Kher in the lead roles.

(Via inputs from ANI)

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)