India is a country of multitudes – diverse in its cultures, traditions, and history. One such aspect of India’s rich history is its military prowess, particularly the Indian Air Force (IAF), which celebrates its establishment on October 8 every year. Known as Indian Air Force Day, this occasion commemorates the formation of the Royal Indian Air Force on this day in 1932. Alongside, the scientific community unravels new discoveries, such as the existence of a sixth basic taste, and awareness days like World Dyslexia Day and World Cerebral Palsy Day shed light on important issues that affect many individuals around the world.
Airpower Beyond Boundaries: Indian Air Force Day 2023
The IAF unveiled a novel ensign during the 2013 Indian Air Force Day celebrations, boasting the IAF crest and the national flag in the top corners and the IAF’s tri-colour roundel at the lower right. This design was officially recognized in 1951. The forthcoming Indian Air Force Day in 2023 bears the theme “IAF – Airpower Beyond Boundaries.”
The motto of the IAF, “Touch the sky with Glory,” originates from the eleventh chapter of the Bhagavad Gita. So far, the IAF has demonstrated its prowess in various conflicts, including four with Pakistan from 1947 to 1999 and Operation Meghdoot.
Unveiling a Sixth Taste Sensation
In the sphere of human taste sensations, five basic tastes – sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami – have been the bedrock of our understanding. Yet, recent scientific advancements have indicated the existence of a sixth basic taste.
Research published in Nature Communications suggests the activation of this new taste by ammonium chloride, which in turn stimulates the protein receptor responsible for signaling sour taste. This protein, known as OTOP1, is located within cell membranes and forms a channel for hydrogen ions moving into the cell. Experiments on genetically engineered mice confirmed this finding, verifying the role of OTOP1 in detecting this new taste sensation.
World Dyslexia Day: Shining Light on Learning Challenges
World Dyslexia Day, observed every year on October 8th, aims to increase understanding about the difficulties faced by individuals with dyslexia. Dyslexia, a specific learning disorder, primarily affects a person’s ability to read, write, and spell accurately. Despite the common misconceptions, it bears no correlation to intelligence. The theme for World Dyslexia Day 2023 is “Uniquely You.”
World Cerebral Palsy Day: Advocating for Greater Understanding
World Cerebral Palsy Day, celebrated annually on the 6th of October, provides a platform to raise consciousness about cerebral palsy (CP), a group of neurological disorders affecting movement, muscle tone, and coordination. It is caused by damage to the developing brain, either before, during, or soon after birth, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. In India, it is recognized as a disability under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. The theme for World Cerebral Palsy Day 2023 is “Together Stronger.”
