Tashi Namgyal, the Ladakhi shepherd who played a pivotal role in alerting the Indian Army about Pakistan's intrusion during the 1999 Kargil War, has passed away at the age of 58 in Aryan Valley, Ladakh. Known for his vigilance, Namgyal spotted Pakistani soldiers digging bunkers on the Batalik mountain range and swiftly informed the Indian Army, a timely warning that shaped the military response during the conflict. His actions were instrumental in India’s victory, earning him recognition as a national hero. The Fire and Fury Corps and the Army have paid tribute to his invaluable contribution, with his legacy etched in history.
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh criticized the Narendra Modi government over the complexity of the GST system, particularly the "absurdity" of having three different tax slabs for popcorn. He called for a complete overhaul of the system, highlighting how its growing intricacies were facilitating tax evasion, input tax credit fraud, and the establishment of bogus companies. Ramesh also pointed to the recent revelation by the Directorate General of GST Intelligence, which reported a staggering ₹2.01 lakh crore in GST evasion for FY24. As the Union Budget approaches, Ramesh urged the Prime Minister and Finance Minister to launch a GST 2.0 to address these issues.
On December 5, 2024, ISRO successfully launched the PSLV-C59 mission from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, deploying two Proba-3 satellites from the European Space Agency (ESA). The mission, aimed at advancing solar research, saw the Coronagraph and Occulter satellites separated into their intended orbits. The Proba-3 satellites will work in tandem to study the Sun's corona, with the Occulter blocking the Sun's bright disk and allowing the Coronagraph to focus on the surrounding solar atmosphere. This mission follows ISRO's success with the Aditya-L1 mission, enhancing its role in global solar research.
Uber has launched Asia’s first water transport service, "Uber Shikara," in Srinagar's Dal Lake, allowing tourists to book traditional shikara rides through the Uber app. The service, introduced by Uber India and South Asia President Prabhjeet Singh, combines modern technology with Kashmir's cultural heritage, offering a hassle-free travel experience. Initially partnering with seven local shikara owners, Uber aims to expand based on demand. The rides are available at government-regulated rates, ensuring fair pricing, and each shikara can accommodate up to four passengers. The service operates daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with bookings available up to 15 days in advance.
SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched ISRO's GSAT-20 communications satellite from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Tuesday. Weighing 4,700 kg, GSAT-20 is designed to enhance India’s communication infrastructure, offering improved internet connectivity for remote areas and in-flight services. This launch marks the first commercial collaboration between ISRO and SpaceX, as the satellite's weight exceeded the capacity of ISRO’s own rockets. The partnership comes amid geopolitical tensions and operational challenges faced by other global launch providers, making SpaceX the preferred choice for India’s heavy satellite launches.
On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez inaugurated the Tata Aircraft Complex in Vadodara, which will manufacture Airbus’ C-295 military aircraft for the Indian Air Force. This facility marks the first dedicated military aircraft manufacturing unit in India and represents a $2.5 billion investment. Modi emphasized that the plant will not only create thousands of jobs but also position India as an export hub for these aircraft. The project aims to bolster India-Spain relations and enhance the country’s aerospace capabilities, with plans for a significant portion of the aircraft components to be produced domestically.
In today’s world, many of us can’t imagine life without wireless earbuds. They play a crucial role in our daily routines, whether for music, podcasts, or calls. With a vast range of options available—from budget models under ₹2,000 to premium ones costing over ₹25,000—deciding which to buy can be overwhelming. For casual listeners, budget earbuds can provide decent sound quality and essential features without breaking the bank. Brands like boAt, Realme, and JBL offer good options for everyday use. However, if you prioritize superior sound quality, advanced features like Active Noise Cancellation, and comfort for extended use, investing in premium models from brands like Sony or Bose may be worthwhile.
Ultimately, your choice should align with your specific needs and lifestyle, whether you opt for budget-friendly models or decide to splurge on high-end options.
