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Indian Express
4 days ago
- General
- Indian Express
Military Digest: Army Air Defence, which has roots in World War II, gets well-deserved recognition after Operation Sindoor
One of the youngest arms of the Indian Army, the Corps of Army Air Defence (AAD) has been in the news during Operation Sindoor. At the forefront of interdicting Pakistani missiles and drones along with the Indian Air Force's air defence systems, the hitherto lesser-celebrated AAD has finally received its fair share of the limelight, and rightfully so. It was during the Second World War that air defence units were first deployed in India, primarily in Bengal and Assam, to counter the Japanese air threats to major cities and ports, such as Calcutta and Chittagong, from their advanced air bases in Burma. Official government handouts trace the origins of AAD back to 1939. 'In its true sense, the raising of the Corps of Army Air Defence began on 15 Sep 1940 when Number 1 Anti Aircraft Training Centre commenced its raising in Colaba (Mumbai) and was completed by Jan 1941 in Karachi,' a Press Information Bureau statement from January 20, 2023, reads. Initially a part of the Regiment of Artillery, it was carved out as a separate Corps in the mid-90s. According to a website giving out historical military information, the first Indian Anti-Aircraft Brigade was formed in February 1942 to assume command of the anti-aircraft units stationed in the Calcutta area. Its commander was Brigadier G P Thomas. 'On 1 February 1942, the 8th Battalion, 7th Rajput Regiment converted from an infantry role into an anti-aircraft role as was redesignated as the 7th Indian H.A.A. Regiment. The regiment joined this brigade on its formation, but was posted away to come under command of the 9th Anti-Aircraft Brigade in Assam in June 1943. The regiment also later served with the 13th Anti-Aircraft Brigade in the Arakan,' the website states. Another battalion of the Rajputana Rifles, the 9th Battalion of the 6th Rajputana Rifles, converted to the anti-aircraft regiment on May 1, 1942, and joined the second Indian Anti-Aircraft Brigade after completing its training. The second Indian Anti-Aircraft Brigade was formed in May 1942 to assume command of anti-aircraft units stationed in the Calcutta and Bengal areas. Brigadier Henry Herbert Montague Oliver was its commander. This Brigade was deployed to cover Calcutta and the Bengal airfields. 'By December 1944, all the units had been posted from the Brigade, although it remained on the order of battle for India Command until at least March 1945,' says the British military history website. The AAD has come a long way since the first battle inoculations of World War II. It was further blooded in the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan, in which its regiments played a major role in the defence of airfields and vital installations. However, in recent years, adequate attention has been paid to the AAD as an arm. While there has been an upgradation of equipment, the induction of new weapon systems, and a re-visiting of old doctrines of air defence employment, the Corps as a whole has been treated as an adjunct rather than a key enabling element. The appointment of Lt Gen Nav Kumar Khanduri as the first AAD Army Commander a few years ago was a welcome development and was seen as an important step towards encouraging AAD officers to step out of the Corps and join the General Cadre. In the context of Operation Sindoor, Army Air Defence has distinguished itself with honour. In the new age of warfare, where drone attacks and anti-drone measures form a key part, the AAD will play a significant role.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The best sun-protective clothing for your outdoor adventures, according to testers and experts
Whether you're going for a run, playing a game of tennis, hiking with friends or swimming in a lake, taking your workout outside provides many invigorating benefits. However, sun exposure can also result in some serious health consequences, making sun-protective clothing an essential part of any wardrobe. You might think, "Hey, getting a little sun is no big deal," or "It's overcast, so I don't need to protect myself." But ... you'd be wrong. I hate to be a downer, but the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can have very real impacts on health, even on a cloudy day. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, around 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime and research suggests that having five or more sunburns significantly increases the risk of developing basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer. And then there's your vanity. While lounging under the sun and getting a tan can feel nice in the short term, the same can't be said for long-term effects. "Ultraviolet exposure is the No. 1 cause of premature aging in the form of fine lines [and] wrinkles — that wrinkly, crinkly, dried-out skin appearance you see in people who've had a lot of that exposure," says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban. While sunscreen is an important way to protect skin health, it isn't always applied consistently or effectively. To get the most out of sunscreen, you need to apply and reapply it generously. There's also some debate about whether certain chemicals used in sunscreen might be harmful to human or environmental health. However, the Food and Drug Administration and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) strongly encourage the use of sunscreen, noting that research doesn't indicate that sunscreen ingredients pose a danger to human health. That said, the AAD also notes that sunscreen shouldn't be your only sun protective measure. Instead, the organization also recommends wearing sun-protective clothing and staying in the shade as much as possible. While any clothing can provide a barrier between your skin and the sun, for optimal coverage, it's worth investing in a few pieces of clothing with sun protection built in — also known as UPF-rated apparel. "I don't know about you, but I've gotten sunburned despite applying sunscreen. One reason for that is we often don't apply the amount that's needed to reach the SPF that the bottle says,' says Dr. Teo Soleymani, a double board-certified dermatologist. "With [UPF] clothing, you don't have to worry about that. The clothes will always provide the same degree of UPF that is on the label," he says. So while sunscreen can lose its effectiveness if you get wet, sweat or forget to reapply it, UPF clothing offers more consistent protection. At this point, you may be wondering what the difference is between UPF and SPF. Both are helpful indicators of sun protection, but they have some key differences. SPF (sun protection factor) relates to the effectiveness of sunscreen against UVB rays (the more damaging type of light). UPF (ultraviolet protection factor), on the other hand, is a measure of how much ultraviolet radiation from both UVA and UVB rays can penetrate fabric. The higher the UPF rating, the more protection it offers. "I'm a big fan of UPF clothing," says Shamban. "You can get so greasy putting on sunscreen. It gets in your hair, gets in your eyes, gets sticky. It's imperfect in terms of what you're covering unless you're going to have a bath and go dip yourself in it,' she jokes. And if you think these protective measures are only for blue sky days, think again. "[Ultraviolet light] penetrates through the clouds, which is kind of what happens with clothing too. You might think you're protected wearing your white linen shirt, but you're actually only protected a little bit," says Shamban. On the other hand, UPF 50-rated clothing — the highest UPF rating for apparel — can block 98% of the harmful rays and reduce health risks enormously. Soleymani says that UV-protective clothing is often made with a tighter weave and more reflective material than regular clothing, so it should continue to protect you even after you wash it. Color can also impact UPF, with darker colors typically offering greater protection. Unlike early UPF attire options, today's UPF clothing isn't just functional; it's also fashionable. And it's everywhere. Between popular fitness brands, designer brands and brands specializing in sun protection, there's something for everyone when it comes to UPF athletic wear. Maybe you're concerned about cancer prevention, or perhaps you simply want to avoid painful sunburns. No matter where your al fresco activities take you, we've rounded up a list of the best sun-protective clothing options (all of which are rated UPF 50+) to keep you safe and comfortable while you sweat. UPF activewear doesn't end here! There are polos, athletic dresses, leg sleeves and much more to explore. For the highest amount of protection, always look for UPF 50+ options, or check out the Skin Cancer Foundation's list of recommended brands for more ideas. Also be sure to explore our top picks of the best sport sunglasses and body sunscreens to complete your sun protection routine. Experts: I spoke with two board-certified dermatologists about what features to look for in clothes with sun protection. Reviews: I read through hundreds of online reviews, paying close attention to how each product holds up to different workouts and environmental conditions. I also scanned for notes on fit and durability. Testing: I personally tested several products and relied on experts' insights for products I couldn't try myself. Certifications and endorsements: I prioritized brands that are recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation and looked for products with certified UPF 50+ protection. I also considered third-party certifications related to sustainability and ethical manufacturing processes. Quality: I looked for products made from durable, high-quality materials. For items intended to be used in and out of the water, I favored ones that can hold up to chlorine and saltwater conditions. Value: While not all of our picks are budget-friendly, I selected products based on their overall value. Teo Soleymani, MD, FAAD, FACMS, a double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs micrographic surgeon. Solelymani was previously an associate professor of dermatology and dermatologic surgery, Mohs micrographic and reconstructive surgery at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Ava Shamban, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery and American Academy of Dermatology, serving on the editorial board for the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. Shamban was previously an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
Times of Oman
15-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Akashteer: Transforming India's air defence with cutting-edge technology
New Delhi: In a remarkable stride towards modernising India's defence capabilities, the Indian Army has achieved a major milestone through the development and phased induction of Project Akashteer. This ambitious initiative, a key part of the Army's "Decade of Transformation" and "Year of Tech Absorption," aims to provide India with a robust and responsive air defence network, meeting the demands of contemporary aerial threats with agility and precision. Recently, a real-time validation of Project Akashteer was carried out simulating scenarios as expected in future wars. A senior officer from the military hierarchy witnessed the validation appreciated the achievements of the project and commended the team involved in developing the Akashteer. He acknowledged their efforts and mentioned that it has realised a transformative leap in the Indian Army's air defence capabilities. Project Akashteer introduces a fully automated and integrated air defence system, offering unparalleled responsiveness and reliability. Here's a closer look at the groundbreaking features of this transformative initiative: Comprehensive Sensor Fusion: Akashteer has achieved a "bottoms-up" fusion of all air defence sensors, integrating land-based sensors from both the Army Air Defence (AAD) and the Indian Air Force (IAF). This ensures a seamless and unified air picture that is accessible to the lowest operational units of Army AD, enhancing coordination and situational awareness across the force. Automated Operations for Faster Response: In air defence, every second is critical. Akashteer's automation replaces manual data entry, which previously consumed precious time. With no human input required, the system operates at maximum efficiency, allowing timely responses to fast-moving aerial threats. To illustrate, an aircraft at supersonic speeds can travel up to 18 kilometres in a single minute--Akashteer ensures that not a moment is lost in defence readiness. Decentralised Engagement Authority: By decentralising the authority to engage hostile aircraft, Akashteer empowers units on the front lines, enabling rapid engagement decisions while maintaining controlled freedom to prevent friendly-fire incidents. This decentralisation is particularly critical for units stationed along the Northern and Eastern Commands, which are already equipped with Akashteer systems. Advanced Real-Time Air Picture: Akashteer consolidates live data from various sources, including 3D Tactical Radars, Low-Level Lightweight Radars, and the Akash Weapon System, providing a multi-dimensional view of the airspace. This integrated picture is invaluable for both strategic planning and immediate threat response, giving Indian forces an edge in defending India's skies. Built-in Redundancy and Scalability: The system is designed with robust communication redundancy, ensuring connectivity even under adverse conditions. Additionally, Akashteer offers both software and hardware upgrade capabilities, making it a future-proof platform able to adapt to evolving technological and operational needs. Flexible Deployment Across Formations: Recognising the varied operational needs, Akashteer has been tailored to provide mobile, adaptable platforms for strike formations, while pivot formations have been equipped with hardened, land-based systems. This flexibility enables the system to effectively support a range of tactical scenarios, reinforcing India's defence on multiple fronts. Akashteer's phased induction is already underway. Out of a total requirement of 455 systems, 107 have been delivered, with an additional 105 expected by March 2025. The remaining units will be delivered by March 2027, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the Indian Army's defence units and formations. Through Project Akashteer, the Indian Army is positioning itself at the forefront of air defence technology, ensuring a secure and vigilant airspace over India. This significant achievement underscores the commitment of India's defence forces to innovate and enhance capabilities in response to ever-evolving security dynamics.
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Night before announcement of ceasefire, Pakistan blitz meets Indian firewall
Amritsar: India thwarted a series of drone and missile attacks launched from Pakistan on Friday night and early Saturday, neutralising multiple aerial threats to key military installations and civilian areas across Punjab's border districts of Amritsar and thwarted the attacks just hours before a truce was reached between the two countries. However, it was short lived, as the neighbouring country violated it again in Army said Pakistan had made several attempts to target Pathankot's Air Force Station along with its surrounding military installations and civilian areas. The first wave around 8pm on Friday triggered a quick red alert and blackout across Amritsar city. Air defence units spotted and destroyed drones over the Khasa region, halting Pakistan's offensive within 30 minutes.A second strike was reported on Friday night at Bamiyal village near the border. Again, Indian defences responded promptly, shooting down incoming drones and missiles. At about 4.30am on Saturday, the enemy made a third attempt to strike Pathankot using a mix of drones and missiles. Defence sources have said the airbase and other installations were the intended targets, but no damage was reported. Debris from intercepted drones and rockets was recovered from Amritsar's Rajasanasi area villages, including Magulani Kot and in Amritsaralso targetedThe Beas region of Amritsar was also targeted on Friday night, but all hostile drones were intercepted. One of the drones crashed at Jallupur Khera, home village of jailed MP Amritpal Singh, without causing any damage. In the wee hours of Saturday, another coordinated drone assault was launched over Khasa, which was intercepted successfully yet again. Explosions from defence responses ceased around district also came under attack, with multiple drones detected near the Tibri Cantonment area. Air defence systems neutralised three drones mid-air. Around 11pm on Friday, additional drones tried to target the Kartarpur Corridor near Dera Baba Nanak, while a rocket launcher was fired at a village near Dinanagar. A missile also struck Raju Bela village in Kahnuwan block, creating a large crater. No casualties or significant damage were reported in any of the Army issued an official statement to report that Pakistan had used Turkish Byker YIHA III kamikaze drones to target densely populated areas. The statement adds: "Thanks to the vigilance and rapid response of the Army's Air Defence (AAD) network, the hostile drones were detected, tracked and engaged within seconds of breaching Indian airspace." Quick-reaction air-defence guns deployed along the border intercepted and neutralised the drones in mid-air, preventing debris from falling on civilian areas.
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Pakistani drone & missile blitz meets Indian firewall; air defence grounds Kamikaze swarm over Asr, Gurdaspur in Punjab.
Amritsar: India thwarted a series of drone and missile attacks launched from Pakistan on Friday night and early Saturday, neutralising multiple aerial threats to key military installations and civilian areas across Punjab's border districts of Amritsar and Army said Pakistan had made several attempts to target Pathankot's Air Force Station along with its surrounding military installations and civilian areas. The first wave around 8pm on Friday triggered a quick red alert and blackout across Amritsar city. Air defence units spotted and destroyed drones over the Khasa region, halting Pakistan's offensive within 30 minutes.A second strike was reported on Friday night at Bamiyal village near the border. Again, Indian defences responded promptly, shooting down incoming drones and missiles. At about 4.30am on Saturday, the enemy made a third attempt to strike Pathankot using a mix of drones and missiles. Defence sources have said the airbase and other installations were the intended targets, but no damage was reported. Debris from intercepted drones and rockets was recovered from Amritsar's Rajasanasi area villages, including Magulani Kot and Beas region of Amritsar was also targeted on Friday night, but all hostile drones were intercepted. One of the drones crashed at Jallupur Khera, home village of jailed MP Amritpal Singh, without causing any damage. In the wee hours of Saturday, another coordinated drone assault was launched over Khasa, which was intercepted successfully yet again. Explosions from defence responses ceased around district also came under attack, with multiple drones detected near the Tibri Cantonment area. Air defence systems neutralised three drones mid-air. Around 11pm on Friday, additional drones tried to target the Kartarpur Corridor near Dera Baba Nanak, while a rocket launcher was fired at a village near Dinanagar. A missile also struck Raju Bela village in Kahnuwan block, creating a large crater. No casualties or significant damage were reported in any of the Army issued an official statement to report that Pakistan had used Turkish Byker YIHA III kamikaze drones to target densely populated areas. The statement adds: "Thanks to the vigilance and rapid response of the Army's Air Defence (AAD) network, the hostile drones were detected, tracked and engaged within seconds of breaching Indian airspace." Quick-reaction air-defence guns deployed along the border intercepted and neutralised the drones in mid-air, preventing debris from falling on civilian areas. The drones were reportedly armed with high-explosive payloads intended for maximum civilian marked a dangerous escalation in Pakistan's cross-border hostilities, the Army Alerts Responses8.20pm Friday | Sirens sounded; citywide blackout enforced in Amritsar.1.47am Saturday | Public alert: "We are under red alert. Don't panic. Power will resume when safe."1.48am Saturday | Helplines issued; residents advised to stay indoors.4.47am Saturday | "Still under red alert. Await further updates."6.04am Saturday | Green signal received; normal activity permitted.7.54am Saturday | Another red alert siren sounded; public asked to remain 121058002 413 |
