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India Today
3 days ago
- General
- India Today
Operation Sindoor is a symbol of power: PM Modi's strong rebuke to terrorists
2:33 Lt Commanders Dilna K and Roopa Alagirisamy of the Indian Navy completed Navika Sagar Parikrama II, a daring, eight-month circumnavigation aboard INSV Tarini.


Hans India
4 days ago
- Health
- Hans India
MyVoice: Views of our readers 31st May 2025
A 'World No Tobacco Day' resolve May 31 is observed as World No Tobacco Day by the World Health Organization every year. The theme for 2025 is 'Burning products, exposing bad intentions,' which primarily aims to make people aware of the harmful impacts of tobacco consumption and its various other products on our health, including increasing the risk of cancer, respiratory diseases and heart-related illnesses. According to a survey, 42 per cent of men and 14 per cent of women in India consume tobacco. Products like bidis or plain tobacco are so inexpensive that the poor and labour class easily fall into the vicious trap of addiction. India has the highest number of cancer patients among men. While, globally, lung cancer is the most common cancer among men, in our country, oral cancer, also caused by tobacco consumption, takes a heavier toll among men due. We must take immediate steps—especially through various community groups, NGOs, and government initiatives—to reduce tobacco consumption. Only then can we save our country's poor and youth from this grave threat. Dr. Jitesh Mori Kutch, Gujarat Two women from Indian Navy create history Two women from the Indian Navy's sailing team aboard INSV Tarini returned after completing their mission, Navika Sagar Parikrama II. Commander Dilna K and Lt Commander Roopa A created history by becoming the first Indian women to circumnavigate the globe in a sailing vessel in double-handed mode—relying solely on each other, sails, and wind power. They also created several other records-their yacht Tarini becoming the first Indian sailing vessel to cross Point Nemo, the oceanic pole of inaccessibility; the crew also crossed the Roaring Forties, Prime Meridian, and the Cape of Good Hope, enduring some of the toughest sailing conditions on Earth. They have demonstrated that Indian women are ready to take up any ventures and prove their mettle. Indian women are gradually moving from a conservative nutshell into a progressive and liberal one, which augurs well for a fast-changing society. By defying all accompanying odds, Commander Dilna and Lt Commander Roopa have become role-models for the younger generation, especially our girls. M Pradyu, Kannur Kudos to first NDA women batch The first batch of women from the NDA has proven that they are second to none. Their achievements inspire countless others, embodying resilience and dedication. They've made our nation proud, ensuring that the tricolour continues to soar high. Hope more girls take up this wonderful career in the future. TS Karthik, Kilpauk, Chennai-10 RBI surplus: What's there for the people? The RBI's record surplus transfer of ₹2.11 lakh crore to the government has made the headlines — but will it reach household kitchens is the million-dollar question. In times of high inflation, job insecurity, and falling savings, numbers alone don't inspire hope. Unless this fiscal windfall is directed towards public welfare, employment generation, and economic revival, it's just ink on a ledger. Real growth isn't measured in reserves but in relief. Before the government pats itself on the back, it must answer: how does this gain benefit the struggling citizen? After all, surplus without support is a hollow celebration. Hasnain, MMERC, Mumbai 50% of IPL earning should go to defence fund We suggest that 50 per cent of the IPL earnings should go to the Union Government's, or PMO's 'Border-defence expenditure Fund'. This money should exclusively be used to e-monitor the border like installing CCTV cameras, drones, satellites; fencing walls wherever feasible around Pakistan and Bangladesh and to cover other military-related expenses. However, the priority should be 'peace talks' with Pakistan and put an end to all terrorist camps in Pakistan. In addition, every citizen of India (143 crore population) should pay at least one rupee to the defence fund. The revenue so generated can go a long way in becoming self-reliant. Sreelekha PS, Boudhnagar, Secunderabad-61


India Gazette
5 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Symbol of Nari Shakti": First batch of women cadets graduates from NDA, Gen VK Singh calls it "historic"
Pune (Maharashtra) [India], May 30 (ANI): The National Defence Academy (NDA) on Friday marked a 'historic' moment during its 148th passing out parade, as the first group of women cadets officially graduated. This marks a big step towards including more women in India's armed forces. The event was held at the NDA campus in Khadakwasla, Pune, and reviewed by General Vijay Kumar Singh (Retd), the current Governor of Mizoram and a former Chief of the Army Staff (COAS). The ceremony brought together cadets, proud parents, military officials, and dignitaries from across the country to witness the event. The event, held at Khadakwasla in Pune, brought together cadets, parents, military officials, and dignitaries from across the country. Calling it a 'significant and historic' event, General VK Singh praised the achievement of the graduating women cadets. 'Today is also a unique significant day in the history of the academy. The first batch of women cadets will pass out today. This marks a historic milestone in our collective journey of our greatest inclusivity and empowerment. These women are a symbol of Nari Shakti. It's embodied not just in women's development but in women-led development,' the former COAS said. On Thursday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the important role played by women in India's armed forces, especially during recent military actions like Operation Sindoor. He was speaking at the flag-in ceremony of the Indian Navy sailing vessel INSV Tarini in Goa. The Union Minister said women had made significant contributions to India's fight against terrorism in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). 'Women pilots and other female soldiers played a crucial role in the effective action taken by India against terrorism in Pakistan and PoK during Operation Sindoor,' Singh said. He was speaking at the event held to welcome back Navy officers, Lt Commander Dilna K and Lt Commander Roopa. The two women successfully completed a circumnavigation of the globe in INSV Tarini under the 'Navika Sagar Parikrama II' mission. They became the first Indian women to complete the journey in double-handed mode (with only two crew members). 'From the heights of Siachen to the depths of the ocean, Indian women are fulfilling many responsibilities, which has further bolstered the security circle of the country. Today, the doors of Sainik Schools are open for girls, and 17 women are passing out from the National Defence Academy this month. Operation Sindoor witnessed active and effective participation of women in every branch of the Indian Armed Forces,' the Defence Minister added. Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in response to the April 22 'barbaric' Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people and injured several others. The forces targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), resulting in over 100 deaths of terrorists affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. (ANI)


Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Defence minister Rajnath Singh boards INS Vikrant, meets Indian Navy troops in Goa
Defence minister Rajnath Singh met with Indian Navy personnel aboard INS Vikrant on Friday during his visit to Goa, amid heightened tensions with Pakistan. INS Vikrant is the fourth aircraft carrier operated by the Indian Navy, following the first British-origin INS Vikrant (1961–1997), INS Viraat (1987–2016), and the Russian-origin INS Vikramaditya (2013–present). The carrier is named after India's first aircraft carrier. Commissioned into service two years ago by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, INS Vikrant was built over 13 years at a cost of ₹20,000 crore. The 45,000-tonne vessel boasts 76% indigenous content, is 262 metres long, and includes 15 decks and 2,300 compartments. It can carry up to 30 aircraft, accommodates a crew of 1,600, and has a range of 7,500 nautical miles, according to a previous report by Hindustan Times. On Thursday, Rajnath Singh lauded two Indian Navy officers for overcoming significant physical and mental challenges during their journey aboard INSV Tarini, which began on October 2, 2024. Two women officers, Lt Commander Dilna K and Lt Commander Roopa A, successfully completed a double-handed circumnavigation of the globe, anchoring at Goa's Mormugao Port on Thursday. The feat took just over eight months. 'Yes, we made it,' said the two officers as their yacht, INSV Tarini, reached the port for the flag-in ceremony, which was attended by Rajnath Singh. Throughout their journey, the duo covered 25,400 nautical miles (around 50,000 km), crossing four continents, three oceans, and three Great Capes, while facing extreme weather conditions.


Indian Express
5 days ago
- Indian Express
‘7 lives in 8 months': Two women Navy officers brave navigation blackout, 20-foot waves, unforgiving cold in historic voyage around globe
'Yes, we made it,' beamed Lieutenant Commander Dilna K. 'I feel I have lived all my seven lives in these eight months,' said her fellow crew member, Lieutenant Commander Roopa A. With these words, the two women officers of the Indian Navy sailed into Goa's Mormugao port aboard INSV Tarini on Thursday evening, etching their names in history. After sailing for 239 days and covering 25,600 nautical miles across four continents, three oceans and three Great Capes, the sailors have become the first Indian duo to circumnavigate the globe without external assistance and relying solely on wind power. 'On October 2, we left Goa with a lot of hope and courage. Today, we stand here alive and strong together,' said Lt Cdr Dilna. The expedition was a promise she made to her father. 'He is no more with me, but his presence was felt throughout the journey,' she said. The officers recalled how, 'in the dead of a night', when they were trying to steer clear of a cyclone, they had a 'complete navigation panel blackout' in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. 'We lost the GPS, boat heading, wind instrument, autopilot… It took us three hours, but it felt like an eternity to get the systems back under control,' said Lt Cdr Roopa. 'We saw the ocean and waves raging in anger on some days, with waves as high as 20 feet tall hitting us like a wall. But we also had days when the sea was as calm as a mirror… And we lived through all of this in unforgiving cold, which almost froze us. The world of the sea… it's the same planet, but a whole different world out there. I have seen the sea glow at night, the sky filled with galaxies, shooting stars and sheer darkness that brings the mind and body to peace,' she said. During the voyage, the crew recounted facing winds up to 50 knots and stormy weather as they navigated through the treacherous Drake Passage and rounded Cape Horn. The third leg of the journey from Lyttleton to Port Stanley was especially arduous. 'There are rarely any records of someone being at the exact coordinates of Point Nemo — the ocean's remotest location from any land, where the closest humans are in the space station. Well, it's not so remote anymore for us Indians. Then, there was Drake Passage and rounding Cape Horn — the Everest of every sailor, and also their nightmare. Halfway around the world, the sea humbled us and made us students again,' said Dilna. Speaking at the flag-in ceremony of INSV Tarini, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the two officers for their courage, commitment and endurance in completing the historic circumnavigation expedition, and termed their voyage the epitome of nari shakti. Singh also mentioned Operation Sindoor. 'The women pilots and other women soldiers played a crucial role in the effective action taken by India against terrorism in Pakistan and PoK during Operation Sindoor,' he said. The Defence Minister said that ever since the participation of women in the armed forces has increased, they have performed exceptionally well in every role and fulfilled every responsibility. 'From the heights of Siachen to the depths of the ocean, Indian women are fulfilling many responsibilities, which has further bolstered the security circle of the country. Today, the doors of Sainik Schools are open for girls, and 17 women are passing out from the National Defence Academy this month,' Singh said. The expedition was flagged off from INS Mandovi in Goa on October 2, 2024, as part of the second edition of Navika Sagar Parikrama.