The acclaimed computer scientist, Dr. Hari Balakrishnan, has recently been honored with the prestigious 2023 Marconi Prize for his remarkable contributions to the field of computer science. Alongside, Indian Air Force (IAF) is all set to participate in the multilateral air exercise ‘Exercise Cobra Warrior’ led by the Royal Air Force (RAF) in the United Kingdom in March 2023. Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General will attend the longest-ever session of the UN’s Human Rights Council (UNHRC) with Iran’s foreign minister. In another significant development, India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas is preparing for its debut in an international multilateral air exercise — Exercise Desert Flag VIII in the UAE.
The 2023 Marconi Prize: Honouring Dr. Hari Balakrishnan
Dr. Hari Balakrishnan’s fundamental contributions to wired and wireless networking, mobile sensing, and distributed systems have won him the esteemed Marconi Prize. The Marconi Prize, awarded by the US-based Marconi Foundation, is a high recognition for computer scientists, intended for those who significantly advance digital inclusivity through innovative information and communications technology. The selection for the prize is overseen by an independent committee and approved by the Marconi Society Board.
Exercise Cobra Warrior: India’s Participation
Indian Air Force (IAF) will be participating in the multilateral air exercise ‘Exercise Cobra Warrior’ at the Royal Air Force’s (RAF) in the United Kingdom from March 6 to 24, 2023. This multilateral Air exercise is expected to see participation from air forces from Finland, Sweden, South Africa, the United States of America, and Singapore, along with RAF and IAF. The exercise aims to facilitate fighter aircraft engagements and learn from the best practices of various air forces. Other exercises held between the two countries include Ajeya Warrior (Military), Konkan (Navy), Indradhanush (Air Force) and Konkan Shakti (First ever tri-service joint exercise).
United Nations Human Rights Council’s Historic Session
The UN Secretary-General is set to attend the longest-ever session of the UN’s Human Rights Council (UNHRC) with Iran’s foreign minister. The Human Rights Council, established in 2006, is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system dedicated to strengthening human rights promotion and protection worldwide. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) serves as the Secretariat of the Human Rights Council. Comprising 47 United Nations Member States elected by the UNGA, Council members serve for three years and cannot be immediately re-elected after serving two consecutive terms.
India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas: Debut International Participation
India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas is set to participate in the international multilateral air exercise — Exercise Desert Flag VIII in the UAE for the first time. The exercise will be held from 27 February to 17 March, 2023. The Government of India launched the LCA programme in 1984, which led to the establishment of the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) to manage it. The LCA Programme culminated in producing Tejas, which replaced the ageing Mig 21 fighter planes. According to the IAF, Exercise Desert Flag is a multilateral air exercise involving air forces from various countries like UAE, France, Kuwait, Australia, the UK, Bahrain, Morocco, Spain, the Republic of Korea, and the US. ‘Desert Eagle II’, a joint air combat exercise between the air forces of India and UAE, is also noteworthy.