Latest news with #ArmedForces
Hans India
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Army Training Command in Shimla commemorates Kargil Vijay Diwas with grandeur
New Delhi: The Headquarters of the Army Training Command, located in the picturesque city of Shimla, is celebrating 'Kargil Vijay Diwas' with immense fervour and patriotic zeal from July 25-27, marking 26 years since the momentous victory in the Kargil War. The commemorative events were formally inaugurated in a solemn and dignified ceremony by Lieutenant General Devendra Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Army Training Command. A highlight of the celebrations was the felicitation ceremony for Kargil War veterans. These gallant soldiers were honoured in recognition of their valour and selfless service, inspiring the younger generation to emulate their courage and commitment. A wide array of events and attractions were meticulously organised for the visitors, paying homage to the gallantry and sacrifice of our Armed Forces. The celebrations featured a captivating photo and video exhibition that depicted the valour, heroism and personal stories of the Kargil War heroes. The Multi-purpose Hall at the historic Gaiety Theatre reverberated with the enchanting strains of patriotic music, which enthralled and mesmerised the audience, instilling a deep sense of pride and nationhood. Throughout the event, impactful video clips on Kargil Vijay Diwas and Operation Sindoor were showcased, immersing attendees in the realities, challenges and triumphs of the Nation. These presentations offered a moving tribute to the indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication of our soldiers, keeping the audience engaged and reflective. Senior officials, military veterans, school and college students, NCC Cadets and a large section of the local populace attended the ceremony, demonstrating a shared respect and gratitude towards the Armed Forces. The proceedings served as a poignant reminder of the supreme sacrifice made by our brave soldiers, who, against all odds and in sub-zero temperatures, defended the nation's sovereignty on the daunting heights of Kargil. Kargil Vijay Diwas stands as a testament to the unyielding spirit and patriotism of the Indian Armed Forces. The Headquarters Army Training Command reaffirms its resolve to uphold the honour, bravery, and values exemplified by the heroes of Kargil, as India observes this symbolic day with reverence and pride.
Scotsman
5 hours ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Leading Scottish hotel group honoured with top award for commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community
One of Scotland's leading hotel groups has received a top honour for its work to support members of the Armed Forces community into employment. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels – which has seven hotels across Scotland, including Peebles Hydro and The Park Hotel in Peebles, Ballachulish Hotel, Isles of Glencoe Hotel and Kingshouse Hotel in the West Highlands and Crieff Hydro Hotel and the Murraypark Hotel in Perthshire – has received the Gold Award in the UK Government's Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). The initiative recognises employers who take active steps towards supporting members of the Armed Forces community – including veterans, cadets, reservists and their families – through inclusive employment practices and active partnership. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Gold Award signifies the Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels' growing support and commitment towards supporting people within the armed forces community, having received the Silver Award last year. Stephen Leckie, CEO and Chairman of the Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels The group achieved the accolade after meeting several key criteria, including awareness of Armed Forces-friendly policies among staff, supporting service families with flexibility and engaging directly with Reserve and Cadet units through events and ongoing partnerships. Georgia Robertson, who is part of the team dedicated to supporting members of the Armed Forces community within the Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels, said: 'Achieving the ERS Gold Award is a huge moment for us and something I've been personally proud to work on. 'It reflects not just a formal commitment, but a real and growing culture of respect, inclusion and support for the Armed Forces community. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I've enjoyed attending recent engagement events and speaking directly with cadets and reservists. 'They bring a wide range of skills to the workforce and we're passionate about helping them build fulfilling careers. We look forward to continue growing that support in the years ahead." What's more, as a further demonstration of the Crieff Hydro Family's commitment to the Armed Forces Community, Chairman and CEO Stephen Leckie annually appoints a local cadet to support official public duties in his capacity of Lord-Lieutenant of Perth and Kinross. Not only does this opportunity provide them with valuable career insight, but it also allows them to experience one-on-one mentoring and first-hand hospitality experience in a professional setting. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Stephen Leckie, CEO and Chairman of the Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels, said: "We are incredibly proud to receive the Gold Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. 'This honour reflects not just our commitment, but the passion and dedication of our team in creating a workplace that values and supports those who serve."
CBC
21 hours ago
- Climate
- CBC
Canadian Armed Forces firefighting crews to arrive in Sask. by Saturday
Roughly 300 personnel from the Canadian Armed Forces are set to arrive in the province by Saturday to assist with wildfire operations, Saskatchewan's Public Safety Agency has confirmed. During a provincial update on Thursday, Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) President Marlo Pritchard said the Type 3 fire personnel will be deployed to a number of different fires across the province, freeing up Type 1 and Type 2 personnel for more serious fire areas. "We understand they will be arriving within 36 to 48 hours," Pritchard said. An advance team from the Armed Forces are already in Prince Albert planning where the contingent will be sent. The news came shortly before the province issued a wildfire evacuation notice for Ramsey Bay Northern Resort Subdivision and Ramsey Bay Campground, which are on Weyakwin Lake, about 140 km north of Prince Albert. A fast-moving wildfire is threatening the community and residents are being asked to start evacuation immediately. The province says individuals who can self-evacuate and find their own accommodations should use Highway 2 and register with the province. Individuals who require accommodations are being directed to room 106 at the Days Inn in Prince Albert. More resources arriving soon Public Safety Minister Tim McLeod formally requested assistance from the federal government on Wednesday. Type 3 firefighters are hired on an emergency basis and generally work in less intense conditions, when a wildfire has already been contained or is under control, according to the SPSA. Type 2 fire crews provide firefighting and response services in Northern Communities or First Nations while Type 1 fire crews are trained and experienced staff familiar with wildland firefighting tactics. Pritchard confirmed Canadian Armed Forces personnel would be used for with wildfire mop-up operations, related logistical support for the new fire crews, and helicopters for bucketing and crew movement. McLeod had also requested water haulers to help with wildfire mop-up and fire mitigation and protection kits containing sprinklers and hoses to help protect structures in various communities. Those are not going to be provided by the federal government, Pritchard confirmed. Federal Emergency Management Minister Eleanor Olszewski has confirmed helicopters are being sent along with the Armed Forces personnel. The SPSA has faced criticism from wildfire-affected communities for not requesting federal assistance sooner. On Thursday, Pritchard defended that decision, saying it was about getting the "right resources at the right time." "Over the last number of weeks we have seen significant work done by our Type 1s and Type 2s, we've seen cooler weather, so our fire activity is less," Pritchard said. Those factors mean its now safe to deploy Type 3 fire crews, such as the incoming military personnel, Pritchard explained. Along with the Armed Forces personnel, various countries and other Canadian provinces have provided Saskatchewan with Type 1 fire personnel and Type 2 fire personnel. Pritchard said New Brunswick has recently deployed 22 Type 1 fire personnel to Saskatchewan. They joined 41 firefighters from Mexico, 41 firefighters from Australia, 22 firefighters from Nova Scotia and 12 personnel from Ontario that were already in the province. Pritchard said an additional 41 firefighters are expected from Quebec late on Thursday or on Friday. Métis Nation-Saskatchewan welcomes federal support On Wednesday, Métis Nation-Saskatchewan (MN-S) announced that it had declared a state of emergency in the province's northwest as a result of the wildfires. Northern Region 3 includes Green Lake, Pinehouse, Île-à-la-Crosse, Beauval, Jans Bay, Cole Bay, Dore/Sled Lake, Patuanak, Canoe River, and Sapawgamik. MN-S and its members are concerned about the province's response to the wildfires, Brennan Merasty, a regional representative for the MN-S region told CBC on Thursday. Local leadership "would like to be invited to the space with the province to have a conversation on the approach, their methods and how do we bring our traditional knowledge to the forefront," Merasty said. He also said that MN-S is ready to host evacuees in Batoche, Sask., a community much more familiar to evacuees than where they may be currently staying. Merasty said they have hosted wildfire evacuees before and are capable of doing it again but need to have access to funding from the SPSA. Merasty welcomed the news that federal assistance had been requested and will soon be deployed but said MN-S needs to be part of the conversation. "The province can't do this alone, just like we can't as a Métis nation. We have to all come together, join forces, strengthen our position and do it together," Merasty said. Pritchard said he had not met with MN-S officials recently but is "always" open to having those conversations." State of wildfires in Saskatchewan As of 2:30 p.m. CST, there are 10 communities in the province under an evacuation order. There are 55 active wildfires with five categorized as being contained, 14 not contained, 18 ongoing assessment and 18 protecting values. The latest figures mean there have been 392 wildfires in Saskatchewan in this year to date. That's well above the five-year average of 319 to date. Ten communities remain under evacuation at this point, with Pritchard confirming approximately 3,000 people remain evacuated at this time. Approximately 1.8 million hectares of land in Saskatchewan has burned as a result of wildfires this year.
The Verge
a day ago
- Business
- The Verge
Trump unveils his plan to put AI in everything
Ensuring AI reflects 'objective truth,' slashing onerous regulations, disseminating US AI tools around the world, and fast-tracking AI infrastructure: this is all part of President Donald Trump's vision for AI policy. The White House unveiled its 'AI Action Plan' Wednesday ahead of a scheduled appearance by the president at an event in Washington, DC. The 28-page document lays out three pillars of US AI policy in the Trump era: accelerating AI innovation, building American AI infrastructure, and leading international diplomacy and security around AI. Trump is expected to sign a series of related executive orders this week to help implement the plan. He's slated to appear at an event Wednesday evening hosted by the Hill and Valley Forum and the All-In Podcast, which is co-hosted by tech investor-turned-White House AI and crypto czar David Sacks. Large chunks of the plan echo bipartisan rhetoric about ensuring the US maintains a leading role in the AI race and integrates the tech into its economy. But other aspects reflect the Trump administration's push to root out diversity efforts and climate initiatives, as well as a Republican-led attempt to ban states from regulating AI. The plan recommends deleting 'references to misinformation, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and climate change' in federal risk management guidance and prohibiting the federal government from contracting with large language model (LLM) developers unless they 'ensure that their systems are objective and free from top-down ideological bias' — a standard it hasn't yet clearly defined. It says the US must 'reject radical climate dogma and bureaucratic red tape' to win the AI race. The Trump administration wants to create a ''try-first' culture for AI' It also seeks to remove state and federal regulatory hurdles for AI development, including by denying states AI-related funding if their rules 'hinder the effectiveness of that funding or award,' effectively resurrecting a failed congressional AI law moratorium. The plan also suggests cutting rules that slow building data centers and semiconductor manufacturing facilities, and expanding the power grid to support 'energy-intensive industries of the future.' The Trump administration wants to create a ''try-first' culture for AI across American industry,' to encourage greater uptake of AI tools. It encourages the government itself to adopt AI tools, including doing so 'aggressively' within the Armed Forces. As AI alters workforce demands, it seeks to 'rapidly retrain and help workers thrive in an AI-driven economy.' The administration recently lifted restrictions on Nvidia from selling some of its advanced AI chips to companies in China. But the AI Action Plan suggests it's still contemplating some restrictions on selling US technology to foreign adversaries, by recommending the government 'address gaps in semiconductor manufacturing export controls.' The plan also discusses fostering science and research around AI development, investing in biosecurity as AI is used to find new cures for diseases, and creating the necessary legal framework to combat deepfakes. Implementing this plan and 'Winning the AI race' will ensure the country's security, competitiveness, and economic wellbeing, according to an intro by Sacks, the president's science and technology advisor Michael Kratsios, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. 'The opportunity that stands before us is both inspiring and humbling,' they write. 'And it is ours to seize, or to lose.' Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All by Lauren Feiner Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All AI Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All News Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Policy Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Politics Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Regulation
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Carlisle United community trust receive gold award for Armed Forces work
Carlisle United's Community Sports Trust have received top recognition from the Ministry of Defence. The CST have been awarded the MoD's Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award. It is the highest accolade for employers supporting the Armed Forces Community, and sees the Community Sports Trust at Brunton Park receive the gold award for the first time, having been awarded bronze in 2018 and then silver last year. The award recognises the CST's work with events such as their weekly sessions for veterans, and their involvement in this summer's Armed Forces Day at Brunton Park. James Tose, the Community Sports Trust's chief executive, said: 'Everyone at Carlisle United Community Sports Trust is delighted to receive the Ministry of Defence Gold Employer Scheme Award in recognition of the services and support we offer veterans in our community. "I am immensely proud that Teresa Mulholland and Ryan Godderidge are getting the reward for their hard work, having created a safe space for our service veterans here at Carlisle United." Teresa Mulholland, the CST's director of governance, safeguarding, EDI and veterans co-ordinator, added: 'This accolade reflects the dedication of our team, partners, and especially the veterans we support. From Bronze in 2018, to Silver in 2024, and now Gold in 2025, it's been an incredible journey. "Our weekly veteran sessions, monthly breakfasts, and collaboration on Armed Forces Day 2025 all demonstrate the strength of our provision. Thank you to the Ministry of Defence for recognising our commitment." The CST hold sessions for veterans on Wednesdays mornings and Thursday evenings, offering exercise and social opportunities, as well as monthly breakfast meetings on Wednesdays. 'These initiatives help to assist veterans in transitioning to civilian life and foster community connections,' the CST say.
