Meet the Kargil War hero commanding INS Tamal, India's last foreign-made warship
With over 26 years of operational, training and staff experience, he brings an illustrious track record to his latest command. Captain Tata has served on 12 different warships, including commanding three of them, and has participated in major operations such as Operation Vijay during the Kargil conflict, Operation Parakram, and anti-piracy missions.He was also the founding member of the Maritime Security Wing of the National Security Council Secretariat under NSA Ajit Doval.Captain Tata leads a crew of over 250 personnel who have undergone extensive and rigorous training in the harsh winter conditions of St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad.advertisementThe warship has successfully completed three months of sea trials in the Baltic Sea, proving all its systems, weapons, and sensors under extreme conditions. The officer's deep family roots in the armed forces-his father and father-in-law served in the Indian Air Force for over 30 years, and his brother and brothers-in-law continue to serve in senior roles-have shaped his path.INS Tamal, the fifth frigate built at the USC shipyard in Kaliningrad for the Indian Navy, is a symbol of Indo-Russian defence cooperation and marks the end of India's reliance on foreign-made warships.With a length of 125 meters and a displacement of 3,900 tonnes, the frigate is packed with cutting-edge weaponry and sensors. The ship features a mix of Indian and Russian technologies, with 26% indigenous components, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system for both anti-ship and land-attack roles.Tamal boasts vertically launched surface-to-air missiles, an improved 100 mm gun, a new-generation EO/IR system, CIWS, heavyweight torpedoes, anti-submarine rockets, advanced radars, and a comprehensive electronic warfare suite.It can host Air Early Warning and Multi-Role helicopters and is equipped for Network Centric Warfare. The warship is designed for top speeds in excess of 30 knots and has a high tonnage-to-firepower ratio, extended endurance, and enhanced stealth features.advertisementThe ship's return journey to India will span two months, during which it will showcase the Indian flag across multiple nations before reaching its homeport at Karwar in Karnataka.The name 'Tamal' refers to the mythical sword used by Indra, King of the gods. Its mascot, inspired by the bear king Jambavant and the Eurasian Brown Bear, represents the Indo-Russian spirit of strength and unity.The crew proudly call themselves 'The Great Bears', and the ship's motto, Sarvada Sarvatra Vijaya (Victorious Always Everytime), encapsulates the Indian Navy's unwavering commitment to excellence.INS Tamal's construction was overseen by the Warship Overseeing Team stationed in Kaliningrad under the aegis of the Embassy of India in Moscow, and the project was managed by the Directorate of Ship Production at Naval Headquarters.The ship features 33 made-in-India systems-more than double its predecessors-and has benefitted from contributions by Indian firms such as BrahMos Aerospace, Bharat Electronics, Keltron, Tata's Nova Integrated Systems, Elcome Marine, and Johnson Controls India.With the commissioning of INS Tamal, Captain Sridhar Tata not only reinforces the Indian Navy's operational prowess but also honours the legacy of Sainik School Korukonda, whose alumni include decorated officers like the late Colonel Santosh Babu, Mahavir Chakra awardee, and Major Rama Gopal Naidu, Kirti Chakra awardee.- Ends(with inputs from Manjeet Negi)
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Time of India
38 minutes ago
- Time of India
Currency conversion made simple: Tricks for students who hate math
Exchange rates shouldn't require a maths degree to understand. Yet most currency conversion methods throw complicated decimal points and constantly changing numbers at students who simply want quick, practical answers. The reality is that perfect precision rarely matters for everyday student decisions. Whether you're comparing international course fees, budgeting for study abroad programmes, or understanding global economic news, rough estimates work perfectly well and they're far easier to calculate. Why traditional methods fall short Most currency conversion approaches focus on precise calculations using exact exchange rates. While accuracy has its place, this method creates unnecessary complexity for everyday situations. Exchange rates fluctuate constantly, sometimes multiple times per day, making it impractical to memorise exact figures. Additionally, trying to perform precise calculations with numbers like 83.47 or 105.23 in your head often leads to frustration and errors. The solution lies in embracing approximation over precision. For most practical purposes, being within 2–5% of the actual value is perfectly adequate. This approach transforms a complex mathematical exercise into a series of simple mental shortcuts that anyone can master. The foundation: Smart rounding technique The core principle behind effortless currency conversion involves rounding exchange rates to "friendly" numbers that work well with mental arithmetic. Instead of wrestling with the actual USD-INR rate of 83.24, simply use 80 or 85. Rather than struggling with EUR-INR at 90.67, stick to 90 or 100. This rounding strategy serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it eliminates the cognitive load of handling decimal places and odd numbers. Secondly, it creates consistent patterns that become automatic with practice. Finally, it provides a buffer that accommodates daily rate fluctuations without requiring constant updates to your mental reference points. Converting rupees to foreign currencies When converting Indian rupees to foreign currencies, the process involves division by your chosen rounded exchange rate. This mental division becomes surprisingly manageable once you've established your reference numbers. Quick reference rates for mental math: US Dollar (USD): Divide by 80 → 1600 INR ÷ 80 = 20 USD Euro (EUR): Divide by 90 → 2700 INR ÷ 90 = 30 EUR British Pound (GBP): Divide by 100 → 2500 INR ÷ 100 = 25 GBP UAE Dirham (AED): Divide by 25 → 2500 INR ÷ 25 = 100 AED Canadian Dollar (CAD): Divide by 60 → 1200 INR ÷ 60 = 20 CAD Australian Dollar (AUD): Divide by 55–60 → 1650 INR ÷ 55 = 30 AUD For US dollars, dividing by 80 provides a reliable baseline that works consistently across different amounts. European euros follow a similar pattern using 90 as your reference point, while British pounds benefit from the convenient divisor of 100, making mental calculations particularly straightforward. Regional currencies popular among Indian students also follow predictable patterns, with UAE dirhams aligning well with 25 as a reference rate and both Canadian and Australian dollars working comfortably with rates around 55–60. Converting foreign currencies to rupees The reverse process requires converting foreign currencies to rupees. This involves multiplication rather than division. This direction often feels more intuitive since multiplication typically seems less daunting than division. Quick multiplication guide: 20 USD → 20 × 80 = 1600 INR 25 EUR → 25 × 90 = 2250 INR 30 GBP → 30 × 100 = 3000 INR 200 AED → 200 × 25 = 5000 INR 15 CAD → 15 × 60 = 900 INR 25 AUD → 25 × 55 = 1375 INR The beauty of this approach lies in its consistency with the division method used for the opposite conversion. US dollars multiply by 80, European euros by 90, and British pounds by the wonderfully convenient multiplier of 100. For students frequently dealing with Middle Eastern opportunities, UAE dirhams maintain their 25-to-1 relationship with simplified rupee amounts. Meanwhile, both Canadian and Australian dollars preserve their 55–60 range, allowing you to choose the multiplier that feels most comfortable for your mental arithmetic style. Handling complex amounts through decomposition Large or awkward numbers needn't intimidate you when using the decomposition technique. This approach breaks complex amounts into simpler components that align with your mental math comfort zone. Consider converting 7350 INR to US dollars. Rather than attempting 7350 ÷ 80 directly, decompose it into 7200 + 150. The first component becomes 7200 ÷ 80 = 90, while the second becomes 150 ÷ 80 ≈ 2. Combined, you get approximately 92 USD. This technique proves especially valuable when dealing with amounts that don't divide evenly. For 3750 INR to euros (÷90), decompose into 3600 + 150. The calculation becomes 3600 ÷ 90 = 40, plus 150 ÷ 90 ≈ 1.7, totalling approximately 41.7 EUR. Fine-tuning with percentage adjustments Once you've mastered basic conversions, percentage adjustments allow for greater precision without sacrificing simplicity. When market conditions push actual rates significantly above or below your reference numbers, apply quick percentage modifications. Common adjustment scenarios: Rate higher than reference: Add 5–10% to your result Rate lower than reference: Subtract 3–8% from your result Volatile periods: Stick to basic estimates and verify when precision matters For example, if your reference rate of 80 for USD-INR seems low during a period when the actual rate hovers around 85, add approximately 6% to your calculations. Conversely, if rates drop to around 78, subtract about 3% from your initial estimate. The beauty of this approach lies in its flexibility. You can apply percentage adjustments selectively by using them for significant transactions while accepting standard approximations for routine estimates. This maintains the system's simplicity while improving accuracy when it truly matters. Special considerations for popular currencies Japanese yen requires a different approach due to its unique structure. Since one yen equals approximately 0.60 INR, the standard division method becomes impractical. Instead, think in terms of doubling or halving. 100 INR roughly equals 170 yen, while 500 yen approximates 300 INR. Swiss francs and other high-value currencies benefit from reference rates similar to euros but adjusted upward. Norwegian and Swedish kronor align well with rates around 8–10 INR per unit, making them suitable for the decomposition technique. Cryptocurrency conversions, while more volatile, can apply similar principles during stable periods. Bitcoin's high value necessitates working with smaller decimal portions, but the mental math principles remain consistent. Building confidence through practical application The transition from theory to intuitive practice requires consistent application across real-world scenarios. Start by converting prices you encounter daily; international course fees, foreign job postings, or global news figures. This regular practice transforms conscious calculation into automatic estimation. Online shopping provides particularly excellent practice opportunities because you can convert prices before checking actual rates, building confidence while receiving immediate feedback on your accuracy. International news featuring economic figures offers chances to practise with larger amounts, while freelance platforms help you understand the real value of global opportunities. Consider keeping a mental log of your estimates versus actual rates when precision matters. This self-monitoring helps identify patterns in your calculations and areas needing adjustment, ultimately improving both speed and accuracy over time. The key lies in consistent practice and accepting that "close enough" often proves perfectly adequate for practical purposes. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
Economic Times
41 minutes ago
- Economic Times
Indian envoy, Brazil's President discuss deepening bilateral strategic partnership, PM Modi's visit
Dinesh Bhatia met Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to discuss strategic ties. Narendra Modi will visit Brazil for the BRICS Summit in Rio. India will assume the BRICS Chairmanship next year. Modi will also hold bilateral talks with Lula in Brasilia. Agreements on renewable energy and security cooperation are expected. Discussions will cover trade, defence, and technology. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Brasilia: India's Ambassador to Brazil Dinesh Bhatia , presented credentials to Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and discussed deepening of bilateral strategic partnership and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Brazil. PM Modi is travelling to Brazil at the invitation of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. This will be the Prime Minister's fourth visit to Brazil. The 17th BRICS Leaders' Summit will be held in Rio de Janeiro from July 6 to a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Brazil stated, "Amb @dineshbhatia presented credentials to President @LulaOficial and discussed deepening of bilateral Strategic Partnership as well as PM @narendramodi's upcoming participation in BRICS Summit, followed by State Visit to Brazil." Bhatia met Brazil's Minister of Defence, Jose Mucio, and discussed the broadening of bilateral cooperation between the two nations."Amb @dineshbhatia met Jose Mucio, Minister of @DefesaGovBr and discussed broadening of India-Brazil Defence cooperation to realise its untapped potential," the Indian Embassy in Brazil posted on a special briefing on the Prime Minister's visit to Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia, Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (Economic Relations), Dammu Ravi said, "The 17th BRICS Summit is taking place on July 5 and July 6 in Rio, Brazil."India is set to take over the BRICS Chairmanship at the Brazil Summit next year."The theme of the Rio Summit is 'Strengthening Global South Cooperation for Inclusive and Sustainable Governance'... India will be holding the chair of the BRICS next year..." Secretary Ravi said."Our Prime Minister will arrive on the July 5, but the main programme is on July 5. As you know, the format is very clear - there are full members, which are 10; there are about 12 partner countries; there are 8 invitee countries that are heads of state at the government level; seven heads of regional and multilateral bodies," he the Summit, PM Modi will exchange views on key global issues, including reform of global governance, peace and security, strengthening multilateralism, responsible use of artificial intelligence, climate action, global health, and economic and financial the detailed schedule for the Rio summit, MEA Secretary Ravi said the first agenda item for the programme on July 5 includes reform of global governance, where only the full members will participate."Thereafter, there is the second theme on the agenda, which is peace and security -- it is in the working lunch format where the leaders will discuss the agenda item, and all of this will be captured in the leaders' statement, which will be seen as deliverables," he MEA Secretary said, "Post-lunch, the third item on the agenda is strengthening multilateralism, economic and financial affairs, and artificial intelligence. Later that evening will be an official reception, and all the leaders will be participating.""The next day, on July 6, the fourth item of the agenda is environment, COP 30, and global health. As you are aware, Brazil will also be hosting COP 30 later in the year in November, which is why climate and COP issues become very important," he the Summit's expected outcomes, Ravi said, "The BRICS process is led by the chair, and they set the agenda. But the decisions are on a consensus-based format. We are hopeful that there will be four deliverables, although discussions are still continuing: the leaders' declaration, the leaders' statement on global governance and artificial intelligence, the leaders' framework declaration on climate finance, and BRICS participation for the elimination of diseases."He said, "There will also be, in addition, four reports that will be submitted to the leaders."Focusing on the bilateral engagements during the visit of PM Modi, MEA Secretary (East) P Kumaran said, "The BRICS Summit segment of the Prime Minister's visit will be on July 5-6, and the State visit segment will be on July 8... During the State visit, the Prime Minister will hold bilateral talks with President Lula. Bilateral agreements will be signed on renewable energy, agricultural research, and security cooperation. Prime Minister Modi is visiting Argentina on July 4 on an official visit. Both leaders will hold talks on economic and trade interests to further strengthen bilateral relations."In addition to attending the BRICS sessions, the Prime Minister will hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the the State Visit to Brazil, PM Modi will travel to Brasilia, where he will hold bilateral discussions with President Lula on expanding the Strategic Partnership between the two countries in areas of mutual interest, including trade, defence, energy, space, technology, agriculture, health, and people-to-people linkages.
India.com
42 minutes ago
- India.com
Will Pakistan get S-400 air defense system? Turkey made a plan for F-35... what is the Russian connection?
Will Pakistan get S-400 air defense system? Turkey made a plan for F-35... what is the Russian connection? Turkey To Sell S-400 to Pakistan: Geopolitical equations are changing rapidly around the world and another big headache may emerge for India's security policy. The air defense system that protected India from air threats from Pakistan. Now the same S-400 system can go into the hands of India's enemy Pakistan. This claim has been made by a former minister of Turkey. Turkey, which bought this system from Russia for $ 2.5 billion, is now preparing to get rid of this system to build better relations with America. This matter is not just about military technology, but also indicates a new 'cold war' between India and Turkey. The bitterness in India-Turkey relations in the last decade is now openly moving towards confrontation at the level of military strategy. India and Turkey are now seen at two opposite poles of global diplomacy. Recently, when India increased diplomatic and military partnership with Turkey's rivals Cyprus and Greece, it was a clear message that India is not taking Turkey's growing closeness with Pakistan lightly. The visit of the Indian Air Force Chief to Greece and Prime Minister Modi's visit to Cyprus are part of this. At the same time, Turkey has started many military projects in collaboration with Pakistan and has also supported Pakistan on various global forums. Now selling state-of-the-art systems like S-400 to Pakistan can become a new challenge for India. Turkey wants to give up S-400, wants to get F-35 from America Turkey had made a deal for S-400 defense system from Russia in 2017, but due to this it was excluded from America's F-35 fighter jet program and also had to face CAA TSA sanctions. Now Turkey wants to improve relations with America and is developing a new multi-layer air defense system called 'Steel Dome'. 'Steel Dome' will be completely domestic, in which Turkish defense companies ASELSAN, ROKETSAN and MKE are working. Turkey has made it clear that the Russian S-400 will not be included in this system. This is an indication that Turkey is preparing to get rid of the S-400 and is trying to rejoin the F-35 program. Will S-400 be sold to Pakistan? Former Turkish Minister Cavit Caglar created a sensation by saying that Turkey should consider selling S-400 and its potential buyers could be India or Pakistan. Although he gave preference to Pakistan, but this is just speculation, not any official confirmation. The reality is that Turkey has neither been able to fully integrate S-400 into its network, nor has it activated it. In such a situation, it may think of satisfying America by selling this system. How possible is the sale of S-400 to Pakistan? However, technically and diplomatically it is not that easy. Turkey's agreement with Russia makes it clear that it cannot transfer or sell S-400 to any other country without prior permission from Russia. And getting this permission is almost impossible. Russia is not only a strategic partner of India, but it has already given India five squadrons of S-400. Russia would not want India's rival Pakistan to have the same system. Also, Pakistan is not in a financial position to buy an expensive system like the S-400. The cost of one squadron is around $500 million. On the other hand, talks are going on between India and Russia regarding additional batch of S-400 and S-500 systems. India is already the operator of these systems and Russia also trusts India. In such a situation, if Turkey wants to get rid of S-400, then India can become a viable buyer for it. Provided Russia allows it. Currently, both the S-400 units Turkey has are lying dormant and kept at an undisclosed location. Turkey does not want to activate it so that it can maintain better relations with NATO and the US.
