NATIONAL: DEFENCE SERVICES: Woman Naval Air Operations Officer Lt Commander Disha Amrith to Lead Indian Navy’s Contingent at 2023 Republic Day Parade

Navy officials said three women and five men Agniveers will also participate in the parade at Kartavya Path.

Lt Commander Disha Amrith, a woman naval air operations official posted at a strategic base, will lead the Indian Navy’s Republic Day contingent of 144 young sailors and its tableau will showcase the ‘Nari Shakti’ in force.

Navy officials said three women and five men Agniveers will also participate in the parade at Kartavya Path.

Besides Amrith, another woman officer — Sub Lt Valli Meena S — will be among the three platoon commanders of the naval contingent.

A Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science from BMS College of Engineering in Karnataka, 29-year-old Amrith was part of the National Cadet Corps’s Republic Day team in 2008 and harboured the dream of being part of the marching contingents of one of the three services at the celebrations in Delhi.

“Since 2008, I was nurturing this dream of being part of the Republic Day contingent of the armed forces. It is an amazing opportunity that the Indian Navy has given me (to lead the naval contingent),” she said.

The officer, who hails from Mangaluru, got into the Navy in 2016 and has been posted at a key naval facility in the Andaman and Nicobar islands after completing her training in 2017.

“I am an aviator for Dornier aircraft and have been carrying out sorties in the plane,” she told PTI.

Last month, Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar said the Navy is looking at opening all its  branches for women from 2023.

Sharing her experience, Amrith said she always wanted to be part of the armed forces and it was partly inspired by her parents as well.

“My father also wanted to be part of the services but could not. I am proud to be part of the Navy and will continue to serve the Navy with full zeal and dedication,” she said.

Asked about the challenges that women face in the forces, Amrith said, “I became stronger physically, emotionally and I am now more self-driven.” The renowned brass band of the Indian Navy of 80 musicians will be led by M Antony Raj, playing the Indian Navy Song ‘Jai Bharti’.

The theme of the naval tableau would be ‘Indian Navy — Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive and Future Proof,’ said Vice Admiral Suraj Berry,  the Controller Personnel Services (CPS).

He said the tableau is designed with an aim to showcase the multi-dimensional capabilities of the Indian Navy as well as highlight key indigenously designed and built platforms.

“The tableau also aims to highlight ‘Nari Shakti’ in the Indian Navy,” he told reporters.

The forward part of the tableau will showcase a woman aircrew of Dornier aircraft (flying overhead), highlighting the all-women crew of a surveillance sortie undertaken last year.

The main section of the tableau will illustrate the ‘Make in India’ initiatives of the Navy and model of the new indigenous Nilgiri class ship with a Dhruv helicopter deploying marine commandos will take the centre-stage.  On the sides of the main section, cut out models of indigenous Kalvari Class submarine will be depicted.

In the rear section of the tableau, three models of autonomous unmanned systems being developed indigenously under IDEX-Sprint Challenge will be displayed.

The Indian Navy aims to induct at least 75 technology/product as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

The sprint initiative was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Naval Innovation and Indignation Organisation Seminar in July last year.

These products are being developed under the innovation for defence excellence scheme of the Ministry of Defence and Technology Development Acceleration Cell of Indian Navy, the official said.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY / MANUFACTURING : Pratt & Whitney opens new India Engineering Center in Bengaluru

The IEC is co-located with Pratt & Whitney’s India Capabilities Center, which was opened in 2022 to provide integrated global supply chain support, and the recently inaugurated Collins Aerospace Engineering and Global Operations Center.

U.S. aerospace manufacturer Pratt & Whitney opened its new India Engineering Center (IEC) in Bengaluru on January 19. At present, the IEC has more than 50 employees while an additional 450 jobs will be filled in the next four years.

According to the aerospace manufacturer, work performed at the IEC will encompass elements such as aero, mechanical and control systems for various products in Pratt & Whitney’s broad portfolio of large and small commercial engines. It will extend across the entire product life cycle from development to field support and sustainment.

The IEC is co-located with Pratt & Whitney’s India Capabilities Center, which was opened in 2022 to provide integrated global supply chain support, and the recently inaugurated Collins Aerospace Engineering and Global Operations Center.

Geoff Hunt, senior vice-president, Engineering, Pratt & Whitney said that the work conducted by the IEC will support cutting edge technology. “The Indian aviation market is growing at a rapid pace, and Bengaluru is a hub for that growth. The work conducted at the IEC by some of India’s best and brightest minds will support cutting edge technology that will drive the future of flight,” he said.

Paul Weedon, vice-president, Engine Development, Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp., said that the IEC will fully integrate with the company’s existing global engineering footprint across Canada, Puerto Rico and Poland to advance technology such as turbofan and other sustainable propulsion solutions.

Pratt & Whitney has one of the largest footprints for any engine manufacturer in India with more than 1,500 engines and auxiliary power units in service.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: AIRPORTS & AVIATION / TRAVEL & TOURISM: Kempegowda International Airport Terminal 2 Starts Operations

Star Air was the first airline to begin flights from T2. Other domestic and international airlines are expected to start their services to and from the new terminal in a phased manner.

The Terminal 2 (T2) of Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) started domestic operations on Sunday, with Star Air being the first airline to begin flights from the new terminal.

The inaugural Star Air flight to Kalburgi took off from T2 at 8.40 a.m., and the turnaround flight from Kalburgi landed at 11.25 a.m.

Other domestic airlines are expected to start their services to and from T2, followed by international airlines, in a phased manner over the next few months, BIAL said.

“We welcomed customers of Star Air at KIA’s new terminal T2, today. The terminal will soon welcome passengers of other airlines as well. This will be done in a phased manner when the facilities and processes for the smooth transition of airlines from T1 to T2 are completed. The opening of T2 has been much awaited not just for us at the airport, but also for Bengalureans and passengers travelling from different cities. We want to make passenger journeys truly memorable by offering the best experience to them,” said Hari Marar, MD & CEO of Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) which operates the airport.

Access to T2

Air passengers at the Terminal 2 (T2) of Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) which began domestic operations in Bengaluru on January 15, 2023. | Photo

The KIA expansion plan included the construction of T2 and the associated infrastructure such as access roads and utilities. To provide easy accessibility to T2, a 4.4 km-long additional access road called the Terminal Boulevard was inaugurated earlier this week.

It connects to T2 departures and also leads to T2 arrivals, allowing for a comfortable drive without any traffic signals. Passengers arriving at T2 can be picked up by their cars at the parking area. Complimentary shuttle services are also available between T1 and T2 at regular intervals.

Referred to as the Terminal in a Garden, T2 is a tribute to the Garden City of Bengaluru. BIAL said that the terminal is meant to be a “walk in the garden”, with passengers travelling through 10,000+ square metres of green walls, hanging gardens, and outdoor gardens built through indigenous technology. Located on the north-eastern side of Terminal-1, T2 spans 255,661 square meters of area and is equipped to handle 25 million passengers annually.

Staff at Terminal 2 (T2) of Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), which began domestic operations, welcome air passengers in Bengaluru on January 15, 2023. |

“T2 promises to provide travellers with a unique terminal experience, offering them the highest level of comfort and enjoyment. These facets make the newly inaugurated terminal a valuable addition to the airport, not only as a transit hub but also as a memorable destination in itself,” BIAL said.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: DEFENCE SERVICES: January 15th – Army Day Parade with 8 Marching Contingents in Bengaluru, Karnataka. First Time Conducted out of Delhi, the National Capital

Army Day is being conducted out of the national capital for the first time.

Eight marching contingents including a horse-mounted contingent from the Army Service Corps (ASC) and a military band comprising five regimental brass bands will be part of the 75th Army Day parade which is being held for the first time in Bengaluru on January 15.

The marching contingents are from Madras Engineering Group, Bombay Sappers, Regiment of Artillery, Mahar Regiment, Parachute Regiment and the Madras Regiment.

Unique traditions

The marching contingents are from Madras Engineering Group, Bombay Sappers, Regiment of Artillery, Mahar Regiment, Parachute Regiment and the Madras Regiment.

The parade will be supported by a fly-past of Army Aviation Dhruv and Rudra helicopters. | Photo Credit: PTI

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, General Officer Commanding, Karnataka and Kerala sub-area, Major General Ravi Murugan said each of these contingents represent regiments with glorious histories and unique traditions.

The parade will be supported by a fly-past of Army Aviation Dhruv and Rudra helicopters.

Besides, various weapon systems of the Indian Army like the K9 Vajra Self Propelled Guns, Pinaka Rockets, T-90 Tanks, BMP-2 Infantry Fighting Vehicle, Tunguska Air Defence System, 155 mm Bofors Guns, Light Strike Vehicles, Swathi Radar and different assaults bridges will also be on static display.

Major General Murugan said the Army Day is being conducted out of the national capital for the first time as part of the Government of India’s initiative to take major events away from the National Capital Region to different parts of the country.

“This will lead to greater visibility for these events and larger involvement of the local citizens,” Major General Murugan said.

Increasing awareness

The army has reached out to the general public to increase awareness about the army and the significance of the Army Day.

The Army Day is being conducted out of the national capital for the first time as part of the Government of India’s initiative to take major events away from the National Capital Region to different parts of the country.

He added that towards fulfilling the aim of the event being conducted here in Bengaluru, the army has reached out to the general public to increase awareness about the army and the significance of the Army Day.

“We have invited people from all walks of life including students from schools (especially government schools), colleges, NCC candidates, children from orphanages to name a few. The response has been overwhelming. More than 11,000 local civilians have witnessed the parade during the pre-event displays thus far. We view this as a major achievement,” he said.

The Army Day parade will commence with a wreath laying ceremony at the Madras Engineering Group (MEG) war memorial by Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande, to pay homage to all personnel who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.

Gallantry awards

The Army Chief will then review the parade at the MEG & Centre parade ground and award gallantry awards for individual acts of bravery and sacrifice. In addition, Chief of the Army Staff Unit Citations will also be awarded to units for their exceptional performance under active operational circumstances.

A Military Tattoo is also organised on the evening of January 15, which will be attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: EXHIBITIONS & TRADE FAIRS: Army Stalls, Adventure Sports attract huge crowds at the ’26th National Youth Festival’, Hubballi

The army has set up two stalls, one to provide information on various employment opportunities for the youths in the armed forces and the other one is where a few of the arms and ammunitions used by the armed forces are on display.

Army stalls, adventure sports, water sports and various food stalls at the 26th National Youth Festival have drawn the attention of visitors.

The army has set up two stalls, one to provide information on various employment opportunities for the youths in the armed forces and the other one is where a few of the arms and ammunitions used by the armed forces are on display.

At the ‘Know your Army’ stall set up on the campus of Karnatak College in Dharwad, a team of army personnel are providing information on all the recruitment opportunities including the newly launched ‘Agniveer’ scheme.

In the second stall, various arms and ammunitions including few used during the ‘Kargil War’ are on display. On Saturday, January 14, Havaldar Ravindra Pal Singh of Rajputana Rifles and others were seen enthusiastically explaining about various arms, their range, firing capacity and damage that they could cause to the enemy camp. They were assisted by Havaldar Sanjiv Kumar from Madras Regiment (a native of Bidar), who explained the visitors the same in Kannada.

Those on display include A.K. 47 rifle, Single Assault Rifle 7.62 mm, M.M.G. Rocket Launcher, Sniper DSR and others. Equipments and gadgets used for surveillance during night are also on display.

Adventure Sports

Adventure sports have also drawn attention of the crowd. Keerti Pais, Advisor to the Commissioner of Sports and Youth Empowerment said that for the first time at the National Youth Festival, crash courses were being conducted in association with General. Thimayya National Academy of Adventure. He said these crash courses were for registered NYF participants and had seen good response.

Mr. Keerti said that the adventure sports like rock climbing and water sports were open to the public during afternoon and evening hours, while it was restricted to NYF participants in the morning.

Desi games

Manjunath M.R., Advisor to Thimmaiah Academy said that the ‘desi games’ at RN Shetty stadium had evoked great interest among the visitors to NYF. So far around 1,200 participants had taken part in the desi games and they were assisted by 60 volunteers of ‘Kreeda Bharati’ organisation. Along with these, eight teams among the NYF participants would be displaying their native games at the youth festival, he said.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: LEADERS / FAMOUS PERSONALITIES : 4 Eminent Personalities of Udupi to be Honoured at ‘New Year Awards 2023’

Academy of General Education (AGE), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal Education and Medical Group (MEMG), Manipal Media Network Ltd & Dr. TMA Pai Foundation Manipal, will honour eminent personalities from different fields for their distinguished services during the ‘New Year Award 2023’ function. 

Mahabaleshwara M S, managing director & CEO Karnataka Bank, Mangaluru, Dr Pushpa G Kini, professor. department of Paediatrics, KMC, Manipal & former director-Student Affaires MAHE, Manipal, Dr Pangal Sripathi Rao, former dean & professor of Orthopaedics Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, and Amai Mahalinga Naik, a well-known farmer, Kepu Adyanadka are the four eminent personalities. 

All the renowned personalities will be conferred during the award ceremony scheduled on Saturday, January 14 at Manipal. The award is being given every year to eminent personalities from different fields for their distinguished services and immense contributions to society.

Dr Ranjan R Pai – chairman-MEMG, president – MAHE, registrar- AGE & Dr H S Ballal, pro chancellor – MAHE & president – AGE; T Sathish U Pai – executive chairman – Manipal Media Network Ltd. & vice president-AGE, T Ashok Pai, president, Dr TMA Pai Foundation, Manipal will grace the occasion. 

The award ceremony will be broadcast live on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJUzepGvfpo

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: SPORTS / MARTIAL ARTS: Mysuru City MMA Athletes Win Medals At India Open Championships

Nine MMA athletes, aged between 13 and 28 years of Academy of Martial Science (AMS), won 4 gold, 1 silver and 4 bronze medals for the State at the MMA India Open Championships held in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, in December last.

The event was hosted by Sports Association of Mixed Martial Arts of MP and sanctioned by MMA INDIA. More than 250 participants from across India participated in the Championship. They are all trained at the AMS by Kru Vikram and coaches Kavya, Samarth and Kiran.

Results

1. H.R. Theeksha Bharuni – Gold medal, 51 kgs, Youth C Div.

2. J. Ashwin – Gold, 65 kgs, Youth C Div.

3. Praful Raghavendra – Gold, 85 kgs, Youth C Div.

4. N. Aryan Raj – Bronze, 57 kgs, Youth B Div.

5. Samarth Vikram – Bronze, Bantam weight, Juniors (18-21 yrs).

6. U.K. Skandan Bangar – Bronze, Feather weight, Juniors (18-21yrs).

7. Zaid Mohammed – Gold, Welter weight, Juniors (18-21yrs).

8. B. Akshatha Shanbhogue – Gold Medal, Atom weight, Seniors (21yrs and above).

9. G.R. Sridhar – Bronze, Bantam weight, Seniors (21yrs and above).

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY / ENGINEERING : INVENTIONS: Yashwanth, a student of Kadheshwalya Govt High School’s Multipurpose Agricultural Invention Model Selected for South India Science Exhibition

Yashwanth, a student of Kadeshwalya government high school has developed a multi-purpose agricultural machine that has been selected for a south-India science exhibition besides winning all-round praise for developing the model.

Recently, Yashwanth’s invention of the multi-purpose agricultural machine had won a prize at the state-level exhibition held at Dharwad.

He will now be participating in the South Indian-level science exhibition to be held at Thrissur in Kerala from January 27 to 31.

A total of 20 models have been selected from Karnataka for the Thrissur science exhibition and Yashwanth’s machine is one of the models selected from Dakshina Kannada district in the personal segment of the exhibition.

Yashwanth is the son of Lokesh and Pavithra who hail from Kemmannu.

Yashwanth was guided in developing the model by his maths teacher Geetha Kumari. Yashwanth’s model has already bagged first place at the taluk and district-level science exhibitions.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)