Latest news with #AVSM


News18
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Whisky 2.0: How Digital Touchpoints Are Shaping the Tastes of Young Consumers
Gone are the days when whisky appreciation was reserved for quiet lounges, private clubs, or leather-bound connoisseurs debating age statements. Today, a fresh breeze is blowing through India's whisky landscape and it smells like innovation. At the heart of this evolution? A new generation of whisky drinkers, millennials and Gen Z, who are defining whisky not just by its age or origin, but by the experience it offers. And that experience, more often than not, begins online. 'Whisky has evolved with time and India's single malt whisky scene is undergoing a remarkable transformation led by youngsters with a digital-first mindset," says Major General (Dr) Rajesh Chopra, AVSM (Retd), Founder & Director General, Indian Malt Whisky Association. 'Today, consumers are not only adventurous in their palates but also engaged in storytelling. With the transformation in the alco-bev industry, whisky tasting is no longer confined to tasting rooms, it now happens across digital platforms, where reels, reviews, and virtual tastings are shaping perceptions and building communities."


The Print
5 days ago
- General
- The Print
Ati Vishisht Seva Medal recipient Air Marshal Manish Khanna assumes charge of Southern Air Command
'Air Marshal Manish Khanna Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), Vayu Sena Medal (VM), assumed command of the Southern Air Command (SAC) as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief on June 1, 2025 at Thiruvananthapuram,' it said. He was commissioned in the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on December 6, 1986, the government said in a statement. New Delhi: Air Marshal Manish Khanna, an accomplished officer with over 4,000 hours of flying experience on various fighter and trainer aircraft, on Sunday assumed the charge of the Southern Air Command. The air officer is a category 'A' Qualified Flying Instructor and an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, College of Air Warfare and National Defence College. 'The air officer has over 4,000 hours of flying experience on various fighter and trainer aircraft,' it said. Apart from his rich operational experience in air defence, ground attack, strategic reconnaissance and electronic warfare, the air marshal has wide ranging experience in the training domain, including an international assignment as the Chief Flying Instructor with the Botswana Defence Forces, it added. In his illustrious career spanning almost four decades, he has served as commanding officer of the fighter squadron, air crew examining board, a major flying base, advance headquarters, the Western Air Command and Commandant at College of Air Warfare (CAW) among others. The air marshal was Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) at South Western Command (SWAC) prior to taking over the present appointment. In another announcement, the defence ministry on Sunday said Air Marshal Jasvir Singh Mann took over as Senior Air Staff Officer of the IAF's Western Air Command (WAC) on June 1. The air marshal is an alumni of the National Defence Academy and was commissioned as a fighter pilot in the IAF on December 16, 1989, it said in a statement. He has flown over 3,000 hours primarily on various types of fighter aircraft. He is a pilot attack instructor and in his operational career, he has commanded a fighter squadron, been Chief Operations Officer of a forward base and Air Officer Commanding of a premium fighter base, the ministry said. PTI KND DV DV This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.


The Hindu
01-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Air Marshal Khanna assumes charge as AOC-in-C of Southern Air Command
Air Marshal Manish Khanna, an accomplished officer with over 4,000 hours of flying experience on various fighter and trainer aircraft, on Sunday (June 1, 2025) assumed the charge of the Southern Air Command. He was commissioned in the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on December 6, 1986, the Government said in a statement. 'Air Marshal Manish Khanna Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), Vayu Sena Medal (VM), assumed command of the Southern Air Command (SAC) as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief on June 1, 2025 at Thiruvananthapuram,' it said. The air officer is a category 'A' Qualified Flying Instructor and an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, College of Air Warfare and National Defence College. 'The air officer has over 4,000 hours of flying experience on various fighter and trainer aircraft,' it said. Apart from his rich operational experience in air defence, ground attack, strategic reconnaissance and electronic warfare, the Air Marshal has wide-ranging experience in the training domain, including an international assignment as the Chief Flying Instructor with the Botswana Defence Forces, it added. In his illustrious career spanning almost four decades, he has served as commanding officer of the fighter squadron, air crew examining board, a major flying base, advance headquarters, the Western Air Command and Commandant at College of Air Warfare (CAW) among others. The Air Marshal was Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) at South Western Command (SWAC) prior to taking over the present appointment. In another announcement, the defence ministry on Sunday (June 1, 2025) said Air Marshal Jasvir Singh Mann took over as Senior Air Staff Officer of the IAF's Western Air Command (WAC) on June 1, 2025. The Air Marshal is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy and was commissioned as a fighter pilot in the IAF on December 16, 1989, it said in a statement. He has flown over 3,000 hours, primarily on various types of fighter aircraft. He is a pilot attack instructor and in his operational career, he has commanded a fighter squadron, been Chief Operations Officer of a forward base and Air Officer Commanding of a premium fighter base, the Ministry said.


Time of India
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Shirui Lily Festival ends with vibrant cultural shows and music, celebrating Manipur's iconic bloom
The fifth and final day of the 5th State-Level Shirui Lily Festival concluded on a vibrant note, showcasing Manipur 's rich cultural tapestry, traditional heritage, and musical talent. Held in the Ukhrul district, the grand finale wrapped up a five-day celebration marking the 75th anniversary of the discovery of the rare and iconic Shirui Lily — Lilium Mackliniae, the state flower of Manipur. The day began at Bakshi Ground with the official closing ceremony featuring Shri Suman Billa, IAS, Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, as the Chief Guest and Lt Gen Abhijit S Pendharkar, AVSM, YSM, GOC 3 Corps, as Guest of Honour. The event included a choreography performance by Zaishin Dance Studio, a special song by Pam's Kindergarten, worship songs by the Jesus Heart Team, and speeches from dignitaries. The evening came alive with SHiROCK performances at Heritage Ground in Shirui Village, headlined by Bombay Vikings, along with local bands Featherheads and Not Funny from Ukhrul. Acoustic evenings, tribal cuisine, traditional games, and adventure sports like ziplining and ATV biking added more excitement. Highlights from the week-long festival Day 1 (May 20): The festival kicked off at Shirui Village with an inaugural ceremony showcasing Tangkhul Naga customs. Cultural performances, indigenous crafts, and a message of ecological awareness around the endangered lily set the tone. Day 2 (May 21): The 75th Anniversary Memorial structure was unveiled, and Shirui Gospel Rock took center stage. Round 1 of SheChef (a culinary contest) and traditional games added energy, along with the start of a movie screening series and live music. Day 3 (May 22): The day featured a Bike Peace Rally, Round 2 of SheChef focused on vegetarian cuisine, and a bonfire concert. SHiROCK performances continued to draw large crowds with artists from across India. Day 4 (May 23): Highlights included a mini-marathon, tug-of-war, and wrestling competitions, as well as Round 3 of SheChef, which showcased dishes inspired by childhood memories. The glamorous Miss Shirui Lily 2025 pageant was also held. Day 5 (May 24): Besides the official closing ceremony, the final round of SheChef brought the culinary contest to a climax, while SHiROCK artists rocked the night with powerful music performances. Adventure activities, traditional games, food stalls, and tribal exhibitions continued throughout the day. Native only to the Shirui Hills of Ukhrul, the Shirui Lily blooms between April and June. Discovered in 1946 by British botanist Dr Frank Kingdon Ward and named after his wife Jean Macklin, the flower earned global acclaim when it won a prestigious award at the 1950 London Flower Show. The plant's rarity and fragile habitat have made it a symbol of conservation and cultural pride in Manipur. Organised by the Department of Tourism, Manipur, the festival not only promotes eco-tourism and local heritage but also offers a platform for unity among the diverse communities of the region. From traditional Tangkhul Naga culture to global rock bands, the Shirui Lily Festival blended the ancient with the contemporary, drawing visitors from across India and beyond.


Time of India
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Veterans' thinktank STRIVE holds Late Gen Bipin Rawat memorial lecture
Veterans' thinktank STRIVE organised the 4th Late General Bipin Rawat Memorial Lecture, a tribute to India's first Chief of Defence Staff and a distinguished strategic mind. Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta , PVSM, UYSM AVSM, YSM, general officer commanding-in-chief, Central Command, delivered a lecture focusing on the critical theme of ' India-China Relations : Challenges and Opportunities'. Lt Gen Sengupta offered a comprehensive analysis of the dynamic landscape of India-China relations. He explored the historical and cultural connections, the enduring influence of colonial history, and the geographical factors that continue to define strategic approaches. Highlighting a potential shift in the bilateral dynamic, Lt Gen Sengupta pointed to recent diplomatic interactions and public pronouncements as indicators of a possible recalibration. He cautioned the strategic community to approach this development with pragmatic awareness, emphasizing preparedness and clear strategic thinking. He spoke about a future built upon strategic autonomy , strengthened defence capabilities, modernised infrastructure, and economic self-reliance through the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Co-Founder of Google Brain, Andrew Ng, Is Reported To Have Read Every... Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo He lauded the STRIVE members impactful work in nation building and national security. During the event, he launched the STRIVE tie, which features the colour red signifying valour and a logo that combines the intellect of an owl with the experience of veterans, represented by a soldier's sword evolving into a pen. The lecture, attended by the guest of honour Lt Gen Yogendra Dimri, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, Vice Chairman UP SDMA, with prominent gathering of active and retired military personnel and STRIVE members, was widely praised for its realistic assessment, intellectual clarity, and practical recommendations.