The Indian Army has recently seen an upgrade in their Special Forces Training School (SFTS) located in Himachal Pradesh, with the introduction of the army’s first Vertical Wind Tunnel (VWT). This addition is a major enhancement to the training infrastructure available for special forces and combat free fallers.
Boosting Combat Free Fall Skills with the Vertical Wind Tunnel
The VWT is specifically designed to improve the Combat Free Fall (CFF) skills among armed forces personnel. It provides a controlled environment that mirrors real-life freefall conditions. The tunnel works by generating specific air velocities that imitate different CFF conditions. This simulation assists both novices and experienced free-fallers alike, as well as CFF instructors. It exposes them to a wide variety of free fall scenarios thus enabling accurate assessment of individual reactions in an airborne operating environment.
Increasing Tensions Between Kosovo and Serbia
In international news, escalating tensions between Kosovo and Serbia are causing concern. Multiple external entities such as the European Union (EU), the US, and diplomats from Germany, France, and Italy, have been urging the two nations to recommence dialogue, in an attempt to reduce the rising hostilities. Both Kosovo and Serbia wish to become members of the EU, however they have been advised to first settle their differences before their aspirations can be considered. Western powers are advocating for the execution of a 10-point plan proposed by the EU to diffuse political crises.
RISUG: A New Male Contraceptive
In the field of medical research, The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has finalized a seven-year comprehensive study on the male contraceptive Reversible Inhibition of Sperm Under Guidance (RISUG). The results found that RISUG is an effective and safe non-hormonal injectable contraceptive. Its longevity combined with the potential for complete reversal make it a breakthrough in contraception.
The Indian Economy Forecasted to Surpass Japan by 2030
S&P Global Market Intelligence suggests that the Indian economy will overtake economies of Japan and Germany by 2030. Estimations predict an increase in India’s GDP from USD 3.5 trillion in 2022 to USD 7.3 trillion in 2030. This growth will propel India to the second-largest economy in the Asia-Pacific region. Factors contributing to this growth include India’s youthful demographic profile, rising urban household incomes, and a rapidly growing domestic consumer market and industrial sector.
Unearthing Antarctica’s Ancient Landscape
In a significant discovery, scientists have uncovered an ancient landscape below Antarctica’s icy surface. The East Antarctica’s Wilkes Land region revealed valleys and ridges that were formed by ancient rivers. This discovery suggests that the continent once had a much warmer climate, possibly even supporting a diverse range of wildlife. Before succumbing to a deep freeze, Antarctica was a part of the Gondwana supercontinent and its landscape and flora is believed to have resembled the temperate rainforests we see today.
