ICC Unveils Male and Female Mascots For Cricket World Cup 2023
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has enthusiastically introduced a captivating pair of brand mascots for the upcoming World Cups. These mascots, unveiled at an event in Gurugram, India, in the presence of U19 World Cup Champions’ captains Yash Dhull and Shafali Verma, embody the unity and spirit that cricket promotes worldwide. Representing gender equality and diversity, the mascots, a male and a female, originate from a distant cricket paradise called the Crictoverse.
Notably: The male and female mascots from the Crictoverse symbolize unique traits that stand for gender equality and diversity. The ICC has also launched a naming competition for the mascots, allowing fans to leave their mark on the World Cup until August 27.
ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Female Mascot
The female character possesses a turbo-powered arm that hurls fireballs at incredible speeds. Her remarkable precision astonishes even the most daring batters. With unmatched reflexes, fierce flexibility, and unwavering determination, she embodies an exceptional fast bowling prowess. Wearing a belt adorned with six cricket orbs, each strategically prepared for game-changing tactics, she stands ready to make an impact.
ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Male Mascot
The male character emanates a captivating blend of icy coolness and explosive batting skills. Every shot he takes, whether it’s a cunning finesse or a powerful six, carries an electrifying force that captivates audiences. His electromagnetic bat and versatile array of shots amplify the excitement, igniting the field and thrilling the crowd with each stroke.
Operation Jericho: How Air Force Operations Quelled the Mizoram Insurgency of 1966
The historical use of air power in Mizoram during the 1966 insurgency has recently gained attention due to its mention by Prime Minister Modi in response to a no-confidence motion. This article delves into the events surrounding the Mizoram insurgency of 1966, the government’s response, the involvement of the Indian Air Force (IAF), and the aftermath of Operation Jericho.
Mizoram of 1966: A Rising Insurgency:
Operation Jericho: How Air Force Operations Quelled the Mizoram Insurgency of 1966
The 1960s witnessed a period of protests and insurgency in the Mizo Hills, now known as Mizoram.
The Mizo National Front (MNF), seeking independence from India, spearheaded a separatist movement.
The central government’s decision to station additional Assam Rifles battalions in the region sparked outrage and led to the launch of ‘Operation Jericho’ by MNF.
Operation Jericho aimed to seize control of Aizawl, resulting in its successful occupation in late February.
Notably, this operation was characterized by meticulous planning and confidence rarely seen in the Indian subcontinent.
Many armed volunteers were ex-servicemen or former Assam Regiment personnel dismissed for disciplinary issues.
The rebels besieged the headquarters of 1 Assam Rifles, released prisoners, looted arms and funds, and declared independence.
Government’s Response: Overcoming Resistance:
Brigadier Rustom Zal Kabraji led ground operations to clear rebel-held positions. He commanded the 61 Mountain Brigade based in Agartala.
Despite efforts to resupply the Assam Rifles battalion via helicopters, rebel resistance led to the shooting down of some supply missions.
The ground operations faced formidable opposition, requiring several days to reach Aizawl.
IAF’s Role in the Conflict: Air Power Takes Center Stage:
The Indian Air Force (IAF) was called upon as the Army struggled against the rebels.
Initially, the IAF focused on re-supplying army installations using Dakotas and Caribou transport aircraft from Guwahati and Jorhat.
During one such mission, a Dakota aircraft sustained 21 bullet holes but managed to land at Kumbhigram air base near Silchar.
This incident triggered offensive air operations.
The 29 Squadron operated the Toofani (Dassault Ouragan), stationed at Bagdogra, while the 14 Squadron flew Hunters from Jorhat.
Actual air missions commenced on March 5, contributing significantly to regaining control over previously independent territories.
Aftermath and Transformation: From Insurgency to Statehood:
After regaining control through a combination of ground and air operations, Brigadier Kabraji’s Brigade restored order in Mizoram.
Mizoram, like other northeastern states, was initially part of Assam.
In 1971, the region was designated a Union Territory (UT) and officially became the UT of Mizoram in 1972.
The Mizoram Peace Accord of 1986, between the government and MNF, paved the way for constitutional changes.
The Indian Parliament’s 53rd amendment in 1986 enabled the formation of Mizoram as India’s 23rd state.
This marked the transformation of a region once embroiled in insurgency into a peaceful and recognized Indian state.
Trinidad And Tobago Inks Pact For Sharing Indian Technology Stack
India and Trinidad and Tobago have recently entered into a significant partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to share the renowned INDIA STACK technology. This collection of open APIs and digital public goods, pioneered by India, is designed to enhance identity, data, and payment services on a large scale. This move reflects India’s commitment to aiding the digital transformation of nations through collaboration and technology sharing.
The Essence of INDIA STACK:
INDIA STACK is an innovative assortment of technologies that encompass open APIs and digital public goods. Originating from India’s own successful experiences, this collection is tailored to facilitate identity verification, data management, and payment services. Its proven effectiveness in serving India’s massive population of over 1.4 billion makes it a suitable solution for nations seeking to enhance their own government digital services.
India’s Altruistic Global Initiative:
Recognizing the potential of INDIA STACK to empower other countries, India launched an initiative in May 2022 to share this technology with the world. Beyond altruism, this endeavor aligns with India’s strategy to extend its influence through technology and digital diplomacy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been a proponent of extending the benefits of India Stack to nations striving to accelerate their digitalization efforts.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Adoption:
Trinidad and Tobago has emerged as the latest participant in this global initiative. By signing the MoU to adopt India Stack, the Caribbean nation seeks to leverage this technology to bolster its own digital transformation endeavors. This collaboration entails various dimensions, including capacity building, training programs, exchange of best practices, and even the exchange of public officials and experts.
Growing Global Interest:
Trinidad and Tobago’s commitment to India Stack underscores the increasing interest shown by numerous countries. Nations like Mauritius and Saudi Arabia are in advanced stages of finalizing their cooperation with India to adopt this technology. Several countries, including Armenia, Sierra Leone, Suriname, Antigua & Barbuda, and Papua New Guinea, have already become part of this innovative ecosystem.
Wide-reaching Impact:
The adoption of India Stack not only enables countries to enhance their digitalization efforts but also empowers them to transform their economies and governance rapidly. The technology’s versatility is reflected in its ability to cater to various aspects, such as electronic payments and banking services through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
Global Reach and Acceptance:
The influence of India Stack extends beyond technology sharing. Countries such as France, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, and Sri Lanka have also embraced aspects of this technology, including the acceptance of payments made with the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). This underscores the widespread recognition of the effectiveness and relevance of India Stack’s offerings.
Continued Momentum:
With Trinidad and Tobago’s inclusion, the count of nations benefiting from India Stack has reached ten. This global momentum highlights India’s unwavering commitment to advancing digital diplomacy efforts. The initiative’s ongoing expansion emphasizes India’s dedication to fostering global digital transformation through the power of technology sharing.
Russian e-visa facility for Indians: How to apply, and other key details
Russia has launched an e-visa facility for Indians from August 1, allowing travellers to the country to surpass the hassles of obtaining a regular visa. The e-visa facility, also available for travellers from 54 other countries, does not require a visit to consulates or embassies.
Here are the key points to note while applying for an e-visa for Russia from India:
You can apply for an e-visa online through the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia.
The application must be submitted at least 40 days and no later than 4 days before the planned trip.
You will need to provide a digital photo and a scan of the information page of your passport.
The e-visa is valid for 60 days from the date of issue and allows you to stay in Russia for up to 16 days.
The cost of the e-visa is 35 USD.
You can extend the e-visa for a maximum of 10 days by applying to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia.
The status of your application will be displayed on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia. The possible statuses are:
Draft: The application has been partially completed or has not yet been sent for processing.
Awaiting payment: The payment of the consular fee has not been made or has not yet gone through.
Accepted for processing: The application is being processed.
Returned for editing: Incorrect information was found during the processing of the application. You need to make corrections and then resubmit the application for processing.
Processing completed: A decision has been made on your application.
If your application is approved, you will receive an email with a link to download your e-visa. You will need to print out the e-visa and present it to immigration officials upon arrival in Russia.
AICTE and Jio Institute FDP on Artificial Intelligence & Data Science
The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has taken a significant step towards advancing the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Science (DS) within the realm of education.
Partnering with the renowned Jio Institute, AICTE has unveiled a comprehensive faculty development programme aimed at equipping academic leaders and senior faculty members with an in-depth understanding of AI and DS. With the programme set to commence on August 21, 2023, this collaboration holds the potential to reshape the educational landscape in India and beyond.
Hosted by Jio Institute: A Five-Day Residential Programme
At the forefront of this innovative initiative is the Jio Institute, acclaimed for its pioneering efforts in AI and DS (Data Science) education.
The institute will serve as the host for a five-day residential faculty development programme that promises to immerse participants in the intricacies of AI and DS.
Through an intensive curriculum and hands-on experiences, the programme aspires to empower educators with the knowledge and tools necessary to leverage AI for immersive and effective learning.
A Holistic Approach: Beyond Technology to Ethics
The faculty development programme extends beyond technical knowledge to include a strong emphasis on ethical considerations.
While AI tools offer unparalleled opportunities for enhanced learning experiences, ethical implications and associated risks must be carefully navigated.
The programme is designed to facilitate discussions on these critical aspects, ensuring that educators are not only well-versed in AI technologies but also equipped to handle their ethical dimensions responsibly.
Curriculum Highlights: A Multifaceted Learning Experience
With a diverse range of topics, the curriculum promises to provide a well-rounded understanding of AI and DS.
Encompassing areas such as Data Visualization, Natural Language Processing, Time Series Analysis, Optimization Techniques, Applications, Generative AI, and Large Language Models, participants can anticipate an exploration of AI’s far-reaching impact on sectors like science, engineering, healthcare, and liberal arts.
This comprehensive approach ensures that educators are primed to apply AI principles across various domains.
Anticipating Emerging Opportunities
The faculty development programme is not limited to established concepts but is also geared towards exploring the horizon of emerging opportunities.
As AI and DS continue to evolve, new avenues and applications emerge within the technological landscape.
This programme seeks to empower educators with the knowledge and insight to recognize and capitalize on these emerging prospects, fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability.
Education in the Era of Technological Reshaping: Embracing AI and DS Integration
As technology reshapes industries and employment prospects, education stands at the forefront of transformation.
The integration of AI and DS is set to redefine the roles of educators, students, and administrative staff.
Intelligent tutors in the form of Generative AI and Chatbots are poised to revolutionize teaching and learning experiences.
CWC Launches ‘Floodwatch’ To Provide Real-Time Flood Forecasts To Public
The Chairman, Central Water Commission (CWC), Shri Kushvinder Vohra, has taken a groundbreaking step towards enhancing flood preparedness and response by unveiling the “FloodWatch” mobile application.
This revolutionary app is designed to harness the power of mobile phones to disseminate real-time flood-related information and forecasts to the public, up to 7 days in advance. The app, which offers both readable and audio broadcasts, is available in two languages, English and Hindi, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Real-Time Flood Monitoring: Keeping Citizens Informed
The core functionality of the “FloodWatch” app revolves around providing real-time flood monitoring. Users can conveniently access up-to-date flood situation reports from across the country. Drawing from near real-time river flow data from various reliable sources, the app empowers users with accurate and current flood-related information.
Flood Forecasts at Your Fingertips
One of the key features that set the “FloodWatch” app apart is its flood forecasting capabilities. Users can receive flood fosrecast for their nearest locations, enabling them to stay informed about potential flood threats. The app’s Home Page offers easy access to flood advisories at the station closest to the user, simplifying the process of obtaining crucial information.
Interactive Map for Enhanced User Experience
The app takes advantage of an interactive map, adding an extra layer of convenience for users. By using this map, individuals can access CWC Flood Forecasts for the next 24 hours or Flood Advisories for up to 7 days. Users have the option to either directly select a station from the map or search for specific station names using the search box. The map functionality also allows for zooming in on the selected station, enhancing the precision of the information.
State-wise and Basin-wise Insights
The “FloodWatch” app offers users the ability to access flood forecasts and advisories based on state-wise or basin-wise categorization. This flexible feature allows users to retrieve flood-related information for their chosen location, ensuring that they receive tailored insights that matter to them.
Global Accessibility: Android and iOS Compatibility
The user-friendly “FloodWatch” app is available for download on Android devices, making it accessible to a global audience. With its widespread availability on the Google Play Store, the app brings the power of flood monitoring and forecasting to countless individuals, helping them make informed decisions during flood events. Furthermore, the app is set to expand its reach by becoming available on Apple iOS devices in the near future.
Technology Behind the Scenes
“FloodWatch” app stands out not only for its user-friendly interface but also for its advanced technological underpinnings. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as satellite data analysis, mathematical modeling, and real-time monitoring, the app delivers accurate and timely flood forecasts. This robust technological foundation ensures that users receive reliable and essential information regarding flood situations in the country.
Empowering Citizens, Minimizing Risk
With the introduction of the “FloodWatch” app, the Central Water Commission have taken a significant stride toward empowering citizens with vital flood-related information. The user-friendly interface of the app makes it accessible to individuals from all walks of life, ensuring that everyone can stay informed and take appropriate actions to minimize risks during flood events. As we move forward, this innovative app is poised to play a pivotal role in enhancing flood preparedness and response on a national scale.
India’s First 3D-Printed Post Office Inaugurated In Bengaluru
Bengaluru, often hailed as nation’s tech capital, has welcomed the India’s first 3D-printed post office. Located in Cambridge Layout near Ulsoor, this post office has set a new benchmark for efficiency, sustainability, and design.
Union Minister Unveils Bengaluru’s Remarkable 3D-Printed Post Office
Inaugurating the post office, Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union Minister for Railways, Communications, Electronics & Information Technology, commended Bengaluru’s innovative spirit. The post office, encompassing an area of 1,021 square feet, was swiftly completed in just 43 days – a remarkable departure from the conventional construction period of around 10 months.
Pioneering Construction: Contour Crafting Unleashes Intricate Design with Robotic Precision
Employing quick-setting materials and a specially engineered robotic arm extruder, the technique known as contour crafting was utilized to construct the building’s intricate design. This method allowed for precise layering, resulting in a unique and visually captivating structure.
Collaborative Triumph: Larsen and Toubro, IIT Madras Propel Architectural Marvel to Reality
This architectural marvel was brought to life through a collaboration between Larsen and Toubro, a prominent construction company, and technical guidance from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras. The project, originally slated for completion in September of the previous year, saw its culmination in May 2023 at a cost of Rs 23 lakh.
Revolutionizing Construction Economics: 3D Printing’s 30% Cost Savings and Time Efficiency
The decision to employ 3D printing technology was underpinned by its potential to save costs by up to 30% and drastically reduce construction time. Unlike traditional methods, the layer-by-layer approach allowed for a more streamlined and efficient process, leading to substantial economic benefits. This technique significantly reduced construction time and costs, marking a departure from conventional construction techniques.
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