Himachal pilot Sumangla Sharma recognised for her role in Operation Sindoor
An alumnus of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Shimla, Sqn Ldr Sharma was officially 'Mentioned in Dispatches". The recognition was announced as part of the Independence Day honours.
A trained pilot with specialisation in weapon control systems, she served as the Operations Officer during a high-tension air defence engagement on the night of May 8, 2025, when a hostile Pakistani UAV intruded into Indian airspace.
Leading her combat team, she launched the vintage Pechora surface-to-air missile, which neutralised the threat with precision.
'This commendation is not just an individual honour. It's a milestone for women in uniform," said a senior Air Force officer familiar with the mission. PTI COR RT RT
view comments
First Published:
August 15, 2025, 16:30 IST
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Metro overhead wire tripping cases fall in Delhi
The city has reported a decline in the number of Overhead Equipment (OHE) tripping incidents due to kite flying around Independence Day, with 11 such instances recorded in 2025 -- down from 23 in 2024, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said on Sunday. DMRC said the disruptions occur when metallic-coated manjha becomes entangled with the metro's overhead wires. (HT Archive) DMRC said the decline in numbers was down to preventive measures taken over the years, which included deployment of maintenance teams across all lines, the installation of insulation sleeves on catenary wires and shifting of return conductors, it said. The number of tripping incidents were 102 in 2021, 90 in 2022, 33 in 2023, 23 in 2024 and 11 in 2025. 'DMRC has established a dedicated response system to manage such incidents. Maintenance teams comprising of five to seven members are deployed across all lines during these occasions which immediately rush to any affected location to remove entangled strings, ensuring restoration and maintaining punctuality of metro services,' said Anuj Dayal, Principal Executive Director, Corporate Communications at DMRC. DMRC said the disruptions occur when metallic-coated manjha becomes entangled with the metro's overhead wires, causing tripping and subsequent delays. in services. 'In addition, we have also carried out installation of insulation sleeves on catenary wires at elevated stations with heavy bird and kite activity to prevent short circuits from tangled strings. So far, sleeves have been installed at 20 elevated stations, with further coverage provided beneath portal structures and cantilever locations in Phase-3 stations,' Dayal added.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Delhi zoo receives otters from Surat after two decades of wait
New Delhi: After two decades of wait, the Delhi zoo finally got otters. Two smooth-coated otters arrived on Thursday afternoon from Surat, Gujarat, in a special truck. Along with the otters, the zoo also received 10 star tortoises from Surat, including five females, adding them to the existing group of star tortoises. The animals have been kept in quarantine. The otters are being fed their favourite fishes, and the turtles are being given vegetables. "Otters and star tortoises have been kept under observation. They will be released for public view after a quarantine period of 3-4 weeks," said Dr Sanjeet Kumar, the zoo director. Otters like clear water, and special ponds will be created for this, he added. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi | Gold Rates Today in Delhi | Silver Rates Today in Delhi The otters, approximately 2 years old, reached the zoo around 1 pm after completing a 1,200-km journey across three states — Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan — over two days. The transporting vehicle had water tanks and ample fishes to bring them here without any stress. On its journey back, the truck will carry five Eld's deer, two blue and yellow macaws, and four green-cheeked macaws from the Delhi zoo, under the exchange agreement between National Zoological Garden (the Delhi zoo) and Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Zoological Garden, Surat. Veterinarian Dr Abhijit Bhawal, who went to bring the otters, was accompanied by Dr Rajesh Patil from the Surat zoo for better monitoring of the mammals on their journey. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Could This NEW Collagen Blend Finally Reduce Your Cellulite? Vitauthority Learn More Undo They helped them acclimatise, inspected their new enclosure and gave suggestions for improvement. He said that otters would be able to breed in a year's time. "After two decades, we are getting the otters. These two otters have been separated from their family, so we have to be very careful in their upkeep. Patil's inputs on the newly constructed breeding cell will be helpful in managing the otters. The last otter at the Delhi zoo died in 2004, and we hope to revive its population here in the coming days. Otters love species of fish like Bombay duck fish, mud fish, Indian white mullet and Asian sea bass. During the journey, we examined the animals and gave them rest every 200 km," said Dr Bhawal. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
1.48 crore students across UP schools celebrate Independence Day event
Lucknow: On the occasion of India's 79th Independence Day, over 1.32 lakh council schools and Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) in Uttar Pradesh became vibrant centres of learning and patriotism. Instead of regular classroom lessons, the air was filled with the melodious tunes of the national anthem and Vande Mataram. Nearly 1.48 crore little hands proudly held the tricolour, with eyes reflecting dreams of a bright future for India. Under the shade of the flag, children's cheerful smiles lit up the day, while teachers sowed seeds of national pride in their young hearts. From early hours, primary, upper primary, composite schools and KGBVs across the state were abuzz with celebrations. Flags, creative decorations, and cultural performances painted school campuses in the hues of patriotism. The grand celebrations paid tribute to the martyrs and emerged as a collective pledge to build a strong, self-reliant, and developed India through education, values, and skills. Across all KGBVs, students celebrated Independence Day through patriotic songs, poems, dances, plays and tricolour rallies. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The cultural performances by these girls sent out a clear message: daughters are at the forefront of education and nation-building. In state-run schools, students brought history to life through tricolour rallies, debates, sports competitions and cultural programmes narrating the stories of freedom fighters and India's struggle for independence. The participation of parents and villagers, along with their deep love for the nation, turned the occasion into a grand festival of social unity. The directorate of basic education, SCERT and SIET also celebrated the day with enthusiasm. Basic education director Pratap Singh Baghel hoisted the national flag in front of the main building, paying tribute to the martyrs. In his address, he said, "Education is not only a means of imparting knowledge but also the most powerful tool for nation-building. Every teacher and student must carry this responsibility with pride. " At the State Council of Educational Research and Training campus, director Ganesh Kumar hoisted the national flag and paid homage to the unparalleled contribution of freedom fighters. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
