Author: Sharad Natani
As India celebrates 79 years of independence, the nation’s defense strength is evolving like never before. The Indian Army’s ‘Decade of Transformation’ (2023–2032) is reshaping its forces to combine traditional valor with modern technology, ensuring India remains secure in a rapidly changing global landscape. Key innovations include Rudra Brigades, which integrate infantry, artillery, and armored units into powerful all-arms formations ready for rapid deployment, and Bhairav Battalions, elite shock troops bridging special forces with regular infantry to deliver precise, high-impact strikes. The transformation goes beyond manpower. Every infantry battalion now houses drone platoons, while artillery regiments are enhanced with Divyastra…
Every year, on August 15, India celebrates its hard-won freedom. But have you ever wondered why the historic transfer of power happened at midnight, rather than during the day? The story of “Freedom at Midnight” is a fascinating tale of history, colonial whims, and ancient tradition. The choice of August 15, 1947, was originally Mountbatten’s idea. The last Viceroy of India, Lord Louis Mountbatten, selected the date because it marked the second anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II. It was meant to be symbolic, but there was one problem: Indian astrologers considered the day highly inauspicious. The 15th…
In a life-or-death race against time, doctors at the Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital, Campus-2, performed a rare, high-risk airway surgery that restored the breath — and life — of a 40-year-old cancer survivor from Niali, Cuttack. The patient, who had bravely fought cancer of the tongue with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation in 2024, began facing a new battle just two months ago. Gradually worsening breathlessness and severe cough led to a crisis: by August 1, his oxygen levels had plummeted to 84% on room air. A Critical Diagnosis A CT scan revealed bilateral hilar lung masses. A…
For nearly a decade, 76-year-old businessman Bipin Poddar from Patna lived with a silent, worsening enemy—an infection caused by a fragment of an old pacemaker lead left inside his chest. After years of intermittent fever, weakness, and multiple failed surgeries, his life was turned around at Manipal Hospital, EM Bypass, thanks to a complex and rare procedure led by Dr. Dilip Kumar, Director, Cath Lab and Senior Interventional Cardiologist. The trouble began in 2015, when Mr. Poddar had his first pacemaker implanted on the right side of his chest. In 2018, it was moved to the left side—but a portion…
For 61-year-old farmer Akbar Kathat from Rajasthan’s Pali district, the world had been nothing but darkness for the last three and a half decades. Struggling with chronic uveitis—a rare and stubborn eye condition that damages the middle layer of the eye—Akbar had long accepted that he would never see again. But fate had a different plan. On August 5, doctors at JLN Hospital, Ajmer, performed a rare and complex surgery that not only restored vision to one eye but gave Akbar something far more precious—a first glimpse of his grandson. A Miracle After Years of Rejection For years, Akbar had…
Passengers across India can now enjoy seamless, high-speed internet while waiting for their trains, as Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announces that free Wi-Fi services are now available at 6,115 railway stations nationwide. The move aims to enhance travel comfort and keep commuters connected, whether for work, entertainment, or staying in touch with loved ones. In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Minister Vaishnaw revealed that almost all Indian Railways stations already enjoy 4G/5G mobile network coverage from telecom providers, ensuring robust connectivity. The newly expanded Wi-Fi service, powered by RailTel’s ‘RailWire’ brand, adds another layer of convenience for passengers.…