With sights firmly set on the Indian Air Force's requirement for 40-80 Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA), Tata-Lockheed Martin is expanding their existing collaboration in India. The Indo-American venture has entered into an agreement to establish a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in&nbsp;India&nbsp;to support the Indian Air Force's (IAF) existing C130J fleet comprising 12 aircraft, as well as other global Super Hercules fleets. The C-130 is a versatile tactical airlifter that has been in operation for more than 70 years, fulfilling the roles of transportation of troops, supplies, equipment, and special operations, under challenging scenarios.&nbsp;

Presently, all C130Js are built at the Super Hercules production facility in&nbsp;Marietta,&nbsp;Georgia, USA. Since 2010, the Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Ltd., (TLMAL) joint venture in Hyderabad, Southern India, has been building the tail structures of the C-130Js and is the only global source for this component. To date, TLMAL has manufactured more than 220 C-130J empennages. Further, Tata and Lockheed are looking to carry out&nbsp;manufacturing and assembly of C130Js in&nbsp;India, to produce aircraft for the IAF's Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program, subject to approvals from the US and Indian governments. Lockheed Martin will establish additional production and assembly capacity in&nbsp;India&nbsp;if awarded the MTA contract, the firm said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjQ0pOM0biIAxVZ1jgGHamFDuAQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/probe-ordered-after-iaf-jet-inadvertently-releases-air-store-near-pokhran-752066" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/probe-ordered-after-iaf-jet-inadvertently-releases-air-store-near-pokhran-752066&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjQ0pOM0biIAxVZ1jgGHamFDuAQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">Probe ordered after IAF jet ‘inadvertently’ releases ‘air store’ near Pokhran</a>

"Collaborating with Lockheed Martin on the C-130J platform proposition for IAF's MTA project is a milestone for Tata Advanced Systems," said Sukaran Singh, CEO &amp; MD of Tata Advanced Systems. "The current announcement is also significant as it marks the entry of Tata Advanced Systems into the defence MRO space in&nbsp;India&nbsp;for large aircraft platforms," he added.&nbsp;

Since 2011, the Indian Air Force has been operating the C-130J aircraft, and has carried out landings at the world's highest airfield, Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO), in Ladakh's Depsang Valley, daring night operations in inclement weather. The global C-130J fleet spans 27 operators in 23 nations. These aircraft are used for search and rescue, peacekeeping, combat delivery, maritime patrol, special operations, aerial refueling, commercial cargo transport, medevac and humanitarian response missions.&nbsp;

<h2>Indian Air Force's Requirement for Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA)</h2>

According to the Indian Air Force's Request for Information (RFI), they are looking at an aircraft with 18-27 tons load carrying capacity.&nbsp;The three potential contenders in this contest are the Lockheed Martin C-130J, Embraer C-390 and Airbus A400M. However, each of these aircraft offers different lift capabilities. While the C-130J and A400M are powered by turboprop engines, the C-390 uses jet engines.

In 2023, the IAF began inducting the Airbus C-295MW planes, gradually replacing its fleet of HS-748 Avro aircraft. IAF had placed orders for 56 planes from Airbus, of which, the first 16 are to be fully made abroad. Whereas, the remaining 40 would be made by Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), in Gujarat. While it is common for a force to maintain more aircraft of a similar make, the C-295, with its lifting capacity of 9 tonnes does not qualify for the Medium Transport Aircraft requirement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjQ0pOM0biIAxVZ1jgGHamFDuAQxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-indian-navy-might-end-up-paying-twice-the-amount-iaf-had-paid-for-the-fighter-jets-claims-report-727329" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-indian-navy-might-end-up-paying-twice-the-amount-iaf-had-paid-for-the-fighter-jets-claims-report-727329&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjQ0pOM0biIAxVZ1jgGHamFDuAQxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE">Rafale: Indian Navy might end up paying twice the amount IAF had paid for the fighter jets, claims report</a>

Notably, in recent decades, India has been purchasing a significant number of American Aviation platforms, including Lockheed Martin C-130J planes and MH-60R helicopters, Boeing's C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlifter, Apache attack helicopters, Chinook heavy-lift helicopters, and Poseidon-8I long-range maritime surveillance planes. However, India has never purchased American fighter jets. India's fighter fleet comprises Russian-origin and European-origin jets.&nbsp;

With sights firmly set on the Indian Air Force's requirement for 40-80 Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA), Tata-Lockheed Martin is expanding their existing collaboration in India.

With sights firmly set on the Indian Air Force's requirement for 40-80 Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA), Tata-Lockheed Martin is expanding their existing collaboration in India. The Indo-American venture has entered into an agreement to establish a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India to support the Indian Air Force's (IAF) existing C130J fleet comprising 12 aircraft, as well as other global Super Hercules fleets. The C-130 is a versatile tactical airlifter that has been in operation for more than 70 years, fulfilling the roles of transportation of troops, supplies, equipment, and special operations, under challenging scenarios. Presently, all C130Js are built at the Super Hercules production facility in Marietta, Georgia, USA. Since 2010, the Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Ltd., (TLMAL) joint venture in Hyderabad, Southern India, has been building the tail structures of the C-130Js and is the only global source for this component. To date, TLMAL has manufactured more than 220 C-130J empennages. Further, Tata and Lockheed are looking to carry out manufacturing and assembly of C130Js in India, to produce aircraft for the IAF's Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program, subject to approvals from the US and Indian governments. Lockheed Martin will establish additional production and assembly capacity in India if awarded the MTA contract, the firm said. Also read: Probe ordered after IAF jet ‘inadvertently’ releases ‘air store’ near Pokhran "Collaborating with Lockheed Martin on the C-130J platform proposition for IAF's MTA project is a milestone for Tata Advanced Systems," said Sukaran Singh, CEO & MD of Tata Advanced Systems. "The current announcement is also significant as it marks the entry of Tata Advanced Systems into the defence MRO space in India for large aircraft platforms," he added. Since 2011, the Indian Air Force has been operating the C-130J aircraft, and has carried out landings at the world's highest airfield, Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO), in Ladakh's Depsang Valley, daring night operations in inclement weather. The global C-130J fleet spans 27 operators in 23 nations. These aircraft are used for search and rescue, peacekeeping, combat delivery, maritime patrol, special operations, aerial refueling, commercial cargo transport, medevac and humanitarian response missions. Indian Air Force's Requirement for Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) According to the Indian Air Force's Request for Information (RFI), they are looking at an aircraft with 18-27 tons load carrying capacity. The three potential contenders in this contest are the Lockheed Martin C-130J, Embraer C-390 and Airbus A400M. However, each of these aircraft offers different lift capabilities. While the C-130J and A400M are powered by turboprop engines, the C-390 uses jet engines. In 2023, the IAF began inducting the Airbus C-295MW planes, gradually replacing its fleet of HS-748 Avro aircraft. IAF had placed orders for 56 planes from Airbus, of which, the first 16 are to be fully made abroad. Whereas, the remaining 40 would be made by Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), in Gujarat. While it is common for a force to maintain more aircraft of a similar make, the C-295, with its lifting capacity of 9 tonnes does not qualify for the Medium Transport Aircraft requirement. Also read: Rafale: Indian Navy might end up paying twice the amount IAF had paid for the fighter jets, claims report Notably, in recent decades, India has been purchasing a significant number of American Aviation platforms, including Lockheed Martin C-130J planes and MH-60R helicopters, Boeing's C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlifter, Apache attack helicopters, Chinook heavy-lift helicopters, and Poseidon-8I long-range maritime surveillance planes. However, India has never purchased American fighter jets. India's fighter fleet comprises Russian-origin and European-origin jets.

Eyeing aircraft deal for IAF, Tata-Lockheed to expand India operations

Hundreds of workers at the Samsung India factory at Sriperumbudur, near Chennai city in Southern India, have been protesting for the second day, alleging that their management has refused to recognize their Left-affiliated Workers Union.

The Samsung India facility at the industrial hub of Sriperumbudur is known to assemble televisions, washing machines, refrigerators, and air conditioners, with thousands of units being rolled out every day. Owing to the ongoing protest, production is said to have been impacted.

According to Muthukumar, the Kanchipuram District Secretary of the CITU, a Left-affiliated Trade Union, the protests began on Monday, 9th September, after the Samsung India management allegedly failed to recognize the Left-affiliated Samsung India Workers Union.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/galaxy-ring-to-galaxy-z-fold-6-samsung-launches-seven-new-gadgets-739631">Galaxy Ring to Galaxy Z Fold 6: Samsung launches seven new gadgets</a>

"At Samsung India, the welfare of our employees is our top priority. We actively engage with our workers to address any grievances they may have and comply with all laws and regulations. We will also ensure that there is no disruption to our consumers," said a Samsung India spokesperson.&nbsp;

"A significant portion of the workers at the Samsung facility are affiliated to our Trade Union. Despite that, the management has not recognized it. Samsung management has been employing strong-arm tactics, and threats of termination to those affiliated to the Union. They have even propped up a rival Union to create factionalism among workers," Muthukumar shared his allegations to WION.&nbsp;

Muthukumar, who is a Left-affiliated Trade Union leader representing the Samsung workers, but is not a Samsung employee, alleged that the Samsung management had been forcing Union-linked workers from one production line to another unrelated production line. "When a worker is trained only to assemble ACs, and he is made to assemble Washing machines, there will naturally be errors in his work and it would ruin the product. This is a convenient opportunity for the management to lay off the Unionizing workers," Muthukumar claimed.&nbsp;

The protests at a leading consumer electronics assembly facility are occurring at a time when Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and his industries team are in the US to attract investments to the state.

Over the last ten days, the chief minister has been announcing that MoUs worth millions of dollars have been signed with prospective investors from across sectors, including electronics and electronics component manufacturing. The DMK-led Tamil Nadu Government has maintained that it is working towards tripling its state economy to $1 trillion by 2023.

Hundreds of workers at the Samsung India factory at Sriperumbudur, near Chennai city in Southern India, have been protesting for the second day, alleging that their management has refused to recognize their Left-affiliated Workers Union.

Hundreds of workers at the Samsung India factory at Sriperumbudur, near Chennai city in Southern India, have been protesting for the second day, alleging that their management has refused to recognize their Left-affiliated Workers Union. The Samsung India facility at the industrial hub of Sriperumbudur is known to assemble televisions, washing machines, refrigerators, and air conditioners, with thousands of units being rolled out every day. Owing to the ongoing protest, production is said to have been impacted. According to Muthukumar, the Kanchipuram District Secretary of the CITU, a Left-affiliated Trade Union, the protests began on Monday, 9th September, after the Samsung India management allegedly failed to recognize the Left-affiliated Samsung India Workers Union. Also read | Galaxy Ring to Galaxy Z Fold 6: Samsung launches seven new gadgets "At Samsung India, the welfare of our employees is our top priority. We actively engage with our workers to address any grievances they may have and comply with all laws and regulations. We will also ensure that there is no disruption to our consumers," said a Samsung India spokesperson. "A significant portion of the workers at the Samsung facility are affiliated to our Trade Union. Despite that, the management has not recognized it. Samsung management has been employing strong-arm tactics, and threats of termination to those affiliated to the Union. They have even propped up a rival Union to create factionalism among workers," Muthukumar shared his allegations to WION. Muthukumar, who is a Left-affiliated Trade Union leader representing the Samsung workers, but is not a Samsung employee, alleged that the Samsung management had been forcing Union-linked workers from one production line to another unrelated production line. "When a worker is trained only to assemble ACs, and he is made to assemble Washing machines, there will naturally be errors in his work and it would ruin the product. This is a convenient opportunity for the management to lay off the Unionizing workers," Muthukumar claimed. The protests at a leading consumer electronics assembly facility are occurring at a time when Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and his industries team are in the US to attract investments to the state. Over the last ten days, the chief minister has been announcing that MoUs worth millions of dollars have been signed with prospective investors from across sectors, including electronics and electronics component manufacturing. The DMK-led Tamil Nadu Government has maintained that it is working towards tripling its state economy to $1 trillion by 2023.

Samsung India workers protest for second day, disrupt production

Six officers from the Maldivian Armed Forces are among the batch of 15 foreign military personnel that completed their 11-month training on Saturday (Sep 7), at the Indian Army's Officers Training Academy in the southern Indian city of Chennai.

Six officers from the Maldivian Armed Forces are among the batch of 15 foreign military personnel that completed their 11-month training on Saturday (Sep 7), at the Indian Army's Officers Training Academy in the southern Indian city of Chennai. All 15 foreign personnel were trained along with the Indian Army's 297 officer cadets, which comprised 258 men and 39 women. Following their course completion, all 297 Indian officer cadets were formally commissioned into the Indian Army and earned their Lieutenant rank. This ab initio military training being offered by India is an indication of the ongoing military diplomacy between India and Maldives, despite how bilateral ties have been navigating choppy waters since the new government of President Mohamed Muizzu came to power in the archipelagic nation, in November 2023. Notably, President Muizzu had demanded that the Indian military personnel who were operating two helicopters and an aircraft, provided by the Indian government to the Maldives for maritime surveillance, search-and-rescue, and medical evacuation operations, leave the island nation. India agreed to this demand and by May this year, withdrew its military personnel including aircrew, and technicians, later replacing them with civilians. The decision to replace Indian military personnel with civilians represents a setback to India's endeavours to counteract China's influence in the strategically situated Maldives, which is around 500 km southwest of Kerala's capital Thiruvananthapuram. Since assuming power, Muizzu's government has forged multiple economic agreements with China, sidelining India's role in various developmental projects. Notably, Maldives formalised a military assistance agreement with China in March and permitted a Chinese research vessel to berth at its port. Meanwhile, India has been helping Maldives build 4,000 homes and has extended a $100 million line of credit to finance other infrastructure projects. Both nations have signed agreements for cooperation in cybersecurity, disaster management, and fishing zone forecast. Also read: Maldives Foreign Minister Zameer mindful of concerns over China vessel visit; seeks debt relief from India While Muizzu visited China first after assuming office, he visited India in June, for the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who assumed office for the third consecutive time. During the visit, President Muizzu met Indian President Draupadi Murmu, and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, and discussed the strengthening of bilateral cooperation. Indian Army vice chief reviews passing out parade Addressing the officer cadets following the Passing Out Parade at the OTA Chennai, Lt Gen Raja Subramani, vice chief of the Indian Army, impressed upon them that they must treat their professional and personal challenges as opportunities, and deal with them with confidence, and vigour. He also urged the young men and women to imbibe 'LEAD' - Life-long learning, Empathy, Audacity, and Discipline. The 15 foreign armed forces personnel who completed their training are from Maldives, Seychelles, Uganda, Philippines, Tanzania, Lesotho, and Sierra Leone. Also read: ‘We have a history’: Change of tunes as Maldives urges Indians to visit in ‘large numbers’ Among the Indian officer cadets who formally got commissioned into the army was Lieutenant Ashwini Dhaka, wife of Indian Air Force Squadron Leader Kuldeep Singh, who flew the ill-fated Mi-17V5 helicopter that ferried India's first Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat and others, from Sulur, near Coimbatore, to Wellington, Ooty. Minutes ahead of the scheduled landing at the hilltop landing ground, the chopper had crashed into the treeline by the hillside. This fatal crash in December 2021 ended up claiming the lives of all on board. Yashwini Dhaka is the wife of #IndianAirForce Mi-17V5 Helo pilot Sqn Leader Kuldeep Singh(he flew the ill-fated helo carrying Gen Bipin Rawat & others from Sulur #Coimbatore to DSSC #Nilgiris #TamilNadu) She's completed 11months training, is now a Lieutenant in the #IndianArmy pic.twitter.com/OY7dgycXSN — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) September 7, 2024 × "The journey is very tough- from a housewife to an Army officer. From mental to physical aspects, this academy made me tough. My family, my Late husband's colleagues in the Air Force supported me throughout this journey. I am continuing my life, I want to be happy and make him(Late husband) proud," Yashwini said, following her formal commissioning into the army.

Six Maldivians among 15 foreign personnel trained by Indian Army

GOAT or Greatest Of All Time, is Tamil cinema's partial attempt at portraying a Desi Ethan Hunt, the iconic Tom Cruise character from the Mission Impossible franchise. Before we get carried away with the glamorous Ethan Hunt comparison, let's remember that this 'Gandhi', the Desi special agent played by Vijay,&nbsp;has a wife and two kids, and the usual pressures of a family man. This includes the pick-up and drop-off of children at school, jotting down grocery purchase lists, getting sloshed at office parties, and cooking up creative reasons to escape the wrath of the wife.

From the word go, director Venkat Prabhu ensures that there are multiple agents on this violent Gandhi team. Like Ethan Hunt's team, they are with Gandhi, through thick and thin, throughout the plot. These supporting characters are well executed by Jayaram, Prashant, Prabhu Deva, and Ajmal. Most of these supporting characters are granted their individual space and importance in the plot and are not in blink-and-miss roles.&nbsp;

On the action front, there's everything from train chase sequences in an African desert, car chases in Thailand, bike chases in Moscow, and hand-to-hand combat scenes in the familiar coaches of the Chennai metro. In typical Tom Cruise style, Vijay is seen rappelling down a skyscraper, when the need arises, he even jumps off the skyscraper using a parachute, while humming the all-familiar Mission Impossible theme.

As for references to other films, there's plenty. These throwbacks are in the form of dialogues or background songs from yesteryear Vijay films, and other Tamil language films.&nbsp;

On the family front, Sneha plays the lead lady's role. As agent Gandhi's wife, Sneha shares several moments with Vijay throughout the film. They range from playful and joyful to emotional. Notable among them is their supposed 'Honeymoon' in Thailand, where Gandhi takes his family along while he's on a mission. The way events unfold in Thailand sets the tone for the film.&nbsp;

For those who aren't mindful that GOAT is said to be Vijay's penultimate film before his foray into Tamil Nadu politics, there are enough instances of subtle and overt hints at Vijay's next move. Set in a bar, the first song employs wordplay of "Champagne and campaign", of people not leaving the party etc. Later in the film too, amid comedy sequences, Premgi Amaren refers to Vijay's impending political foray and the secrecy around the same.

There's also an AI resurrection of the Late Captain Vijayakanth, the Tamil hero who earned himself a name for portraying the roles of special agents and soldiers. This is perhaps&nbsp;Vijay's way of offering his tribute to the veteran actor with whom Vijay worked in his nascent days.&nbsp;

Ironically, as the plot progresses, it is the much-trolled, de-aged Vijay who takes the lead (the de-aged teen, youth character played by the 50-year-old Vijay was trolled badly following the trailer release). However, the latter half of the film is all about the interplay of Thalapathy (Commander—as Vijay is known among his fans) and Ilaya Thalapathy (Junior Commander). Vijay does a splendid job in playing both of these roles.&nbsp;

At three hours, the film is considerably long amid contemporary standards but doesn't feel cumbersome. Though the plot twists and turns are highly predictable, Director Venkat Prabhu ensures that it is both engaging and entertaining.

In the bygone decade or so, Vijay has played a special agent in three films including GOAT. While the other films (Thuppakki, Beast) were all about Vijay's superstar image, and action sequences, and did not have any memorable side characters, GOAT does better with a good number of characters to carry the film through its three-hour runtime and make it worth a one-time watch.

GOAT has the action and stunt sequences, and mass scenes to placate the core Vijay fans, as well as some emotional plot twists, dance numbers, the odd and unnecessary 'item song' featuring Trisha. Yuvan Shankar Raja's music elevates the scenes at the right moments, there's nothing worthwhile or memorable as far as the songs go. Typically, a Vijay film grants you at least one track that you would hum on your drive back home, but there was nothing remarkable about GOAT's&nbsp;songs, it was as dull as a bleating goat.&nbsp;

PS:&nbsp;The one thing that remains unconvincing in GOAT is the nomenclature of the lead character. Why would anyone name a gun-toting special agent as Gandhi? This Gandhi also gets sloshed at office parties. There were times when Vijay mouthed a supposedly mass dialogue about being "Gandhi- The Father of the Nation", but that only felt drab and cringe. This is the second notable instance where a lead character plays a character named Gandhi while doing all things that one doesn't associate with the Mohandas Karamchand 'Mahatma' Gandhi (In the Vikram-starrer Mahaan, the lead character is a liquor baron named Gandhi).&nbsp;

GOAT or Greatest Of All Time, is Tamil cinema's partial attempt at portraying a Desi Ethan Hunt, the iconic Tom Cruise character from the Mission Impossible franchise.

GOAT or Greatest Of All Time, is Tamil cinema's partial attempt at portraying a Desi Ethan Hunt, the iconic Tom Cruise character from the Mission Impossible franchise. Before we get carried away with the glamorous Ethan Hunt comparison, let's remember that this 'Gandhi', the Desi special agent played by Vijay, has a wife and two kids, and the usual pressures of a family man. This includes the pick-up and drop-off of children at school, jotting down grocery purchase lists, getting sloshed at office parties, and cooking up creative reasons to escape the wrath of the wife. From the word go, director Venkat Prabhu ensures that there are multiple agents on this violent Gandhi team. Like Ethan Hunt's team, they are with Gandhi, through thick and thin, throughout the plot. These supporting characters are well executed by Jayaram, Prashant, Prabhu Deva, and Ajmal. Most of these supporting characters are granted their individual space and importance in the plot and are not in blink-and-miss roles. On the action front, there's everything from train chase sequences in an African desert, car chases in Thailand, bike chases in Moscow, and hand-to-hand combat scenes in the familiar coaches of the Chennai metro. In typical Tom Cruise style, Vijay is seen rappelling down a skyscraper, when the need arises, he even jumps off the skyscraper using a parachute, while humming the all-familiar Mission Impossible theme. As for references to other films, there's plenty. These throwbacks are in the form of dialogues or background songs from yesteryear Vijay films, and other Tamil language films. On the family front, Sneha plays the lead lady's role. As agent Gandhi's wife, Sneha shares several moments with Vijay throughout the film. They range from playful and joyful to emotional. Notable among them is their supposed 'Honeymoon' in Thailand, where Gandhi takes his family along while he's on a mission. The way events unfold in Thailand sets the tone for the film. For those who aren't mindful that GOAT is said to be Vijay's penultimate film before his foray into Tamil Nadu politics, there are enough instances of subtle and overt hints at Vijay's next move. Set in a bar, the first song employs wordplay of "Champagne and campaign", of people not leaving the party etc. Later in the film too, amid comedy sequences, Premgi Amaren refers to Vijay's impending political foray and the secrecy around the same. There's also an AI resurrection of the Late Captain Vijayakanth, the Tamil hero who earned himself a name for portraying the roles of special agents and soldiers. This is perhaps Vijay's way of offering his tribute to the veteran actor with whom Vijay worked in his nascent days. Ironically, as the plot progresses, it is the much-trolled, de-aged Vijay who takes the lead (the de-aged teen, youth character played by the 50-year-old Vijay was trolled badly following the trailer release). However, the latter half of the film is all about the interplay of Thalapathy (Commander—as Vijay is known among his fans) and Ilaya Thalapathy (Junior Commander). Vijay does a splendid job in playing both of these roles. At three hours, the film is considerably long amid contemporary standards but doesn't feel cumbersome. Though the plot twists and turns are highly predictable, Director Venkat Prabhu ensures that it is both engaging and entertaining. In the bygone decade or so, Vijay has played a special agent in three films including GOAT. While the other films (Thuppakki, Beast) were all about Vijay's superstar image, and action sequences, and did not have any memorable side characters, GOAT does better with a good number of characters to carry the film through its three-hour runtime and make it worth a one-time watch. GOAT has the action and stunt sequences, and mass scenes to placate the core Vijay fans, as well as some emotional plot twists, dance numbers, the odd and unnecessary 'item song' featuring Trisha. Yuvan Shankar Raja's music elevates the scenes at the right moments, there's nothing worthwhile or memorable as far as the songs go. Typically, a Vijay film grants you at least one track that you would hum on your drive back home, but there was nothing remarkable about GOAT's songs, it was as dull as a bleating goat. PS: The one thing that remains unconvincing in GOAT is the nomenclature of the lead character. Why would anyone name a gun-toting special agent as Gandhi? This Gandhi also gets sloshed at office parties. There were times when Vijay mouthed a supposedly mass dialogue about being "Gandhi- The Father of the Nation", but that only felt drab and cringe. This is the second notable instance where a lead character plays a character named Gandhi while doing all things that one doesn't associate with the Mohandas Karamchand 'Mahatma' Gandhi (In the Vikram-starrer Mahaan, the lead character is a liquor baron named Gandhi).

GOAT review: Vijay plays a Desi Ethan Hunt in a predictable entertainer 

Six ships, four of the Indian Coast Guard and two of the Indian Navy, are carrying out a search and rescue operation to locate the captain of a missing Indian Coast Guard helicopter, which hard landed at sea during the late hours of Monday, September 2nd, off the Gujarat Coast. Aircraft have also been deployed as part of this operation. So far, two of the four crew members who flew on the ill-fated mission of the &nbsp;Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) have died, and one has been rescued. The air and sea search operations for the missing captain continue.&nbsp;

The average depth in the search and rescue region is learnt to be 55 metres. The Indian Navy's specialised vessel and clearance diving team are also assisting with this ongoing operation, the efforts to salvage the helicopter that hard-landed at sea.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/telangana-rains-imd-issued-orange-alert-after-brief-respite-from-heavy-rains-756064">Telangana rains: IMD issued orange alert after brief respite from heavy rains</a>

Earlier this week, official communication from the Indian Coast Guard had mentioned that the "wreckage" of the chopper had been spotted, clearly indicating the scale of the tragedy that unfolded at sea. So far, there has been no clarity on the underlying cause.&nbsp;

According to the Indian Coast Guard, the ALH was mission deployed at 11 pm, 2nd September, Monday, in response to a request from a distressed tanker vessel 'Hari Leela' that was 45 km off Porbandar, Gujarat. The Indian vessel's captain had requested the medical evacuation of a seriously injured crew member.&nbsp;

The hard-landing incident happened whilst the rescue helicopter was approaching the vessel for the evacuation. Amid the recent cyclonic weather off Gujarat and the flood-like situation in parts of the state, the same helicopter was deployed and saved 67 lives. While the chopper could not perform the mission, an ICG Ship rescued the injured crew member of the vessel, Hari Leela.&nbsp;

It is notable that the Advanced Light Helicopter comes with floatation devices that can be deployed when the helicopter makes an upright, controlled water landing. In March 2023, an Indian Navy ALH made a controlled water landing, off Mumbai, and deployed its floatation devices. At the time, the chopper experienced a sudden loss of power and a rapid loss of height. However, owing to the controlled and upright water landing, the chopper was in a salvageable condition and all three crew members were safe.

Six ships, four of the Indian Coast Guard and two of the Indian Navy, are carrying out a search and rescue operation to locate the captain of a missing Indian Coast Guard helicopter, which hard landed at sea during the late hours of Monday, September 2nd, off the Gujarat Coast.

Six ships, four of the Indian Coast Guard and two of the Indian Navy, are carrying out a search and rescue operation to locate the captain of a missing Indian Coast Guard helicopter, which hard landed at sea during the late hours of Monday, September 2nd, off the Gujarat Coast. Aircraft have also been deployed as part of this operation. So far, two of the four crew members who flew on the ill-fated mission of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) have died, and one has been rescued. The air and sea search operations for the missing captain continue. The average depth in the search and rescue region is learnt to be 55 metres. The Indian Navy's specialised vessel and clearance diving team are also assisting with this ongoing operation, the efforts to salvage the helicopter that hard-landed at sea. Also read: Telangana rains: IMD issued orange alert after brief respite from heavy rains Earlier this week, official communication from the Indian Coast Guard had mentioned that the "wreckage" of the chopper had been spotted, clearly indicating the scale of the tragedy that unfolded at sea. So far, there has been no clarity on the underlying cause. According to the Indian Coast Guard, the ALH was mission deployed at 11 pm, 2nd September, Monday, in response to a request from a distressed tanker vessel 'Hari Leela' that was 45 km off Porbandar, Gujarat. The Indian vessel's captain had requested the medical evacuation of a seriously injured crew member. The hard-landing incident happened whilst the rescue helicopter was approaching the vessel for the evacuation. Amid the recent cyclonic weather off Gujarat and the flood-like situation in parts of the state, the same helicopter was deployed and saved 67 lives. While the chopper could not perform the mission, an ICG Ship rescued the injured crew member of the vessel, Hari Leela. It is notable that the Advanced Light Helicopter comes with floatation devices that can be deployed when the helicopter makes an upright, controlled water landing. In March 2023, an Indian Navy ALH made a controlled water landing, off Mumbai, and deployed its floatation devices. At the time, the chopper experienced a sudden loss of power and a rapid loss of height. However, owing to the controlled and upright water landing, the chopper was in a salvageable condition and all three crew members were safe.

Indian Coast Guard and Navy assets intensify search for helicopter captain 

The Indian Coast Guard lost two personnel who were onboard the Advanced Light Helicopter that made a hard landing in the late hours of Monday&nbsp;(Sep 2)&nbsp;off the Gujarat coast, amid a medical evacuation operation. While one crew member of that chopper has been rescued, four ships and two aircraft of the ICG are continuing their search for the Captain of the chopper.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-indian-coast-guard-aircrews-missing-after-helicopter-makes-emergency-landing-in-arabian-sea-755411">Three Indian Coast Guard aircrew missing after helicopter makes emergency landing in Arabian Sea</a>

Official communication from the Indian Coast Guard had mentioned that the "wreckage" of the chopper had been spotted, clearly indicating the scale of the tragedy that unfolded at sea. So far, there has been no clarity on what caused this tragedy.

According to the Indian Coast Guard, the ALH was mission deployed at 11 pm, 2nd September, Monday, in response to a request from a distressed tanker vessel 'Hari Leela' that was 45 km off Porbandar, Gujarat. The Indian vessel's Captain had requested for medical evacuation of a seriously injured crew member.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Indian Coast Guard organises 'Day at Sea' showcases operational readiness &amp; capabilities

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The hard landing incident happened whilst the rescue helicopter was approaching the vessel for the evacuation. Amid the recent cyclonic weather off Gujarat and the flood-like situation in parts of the state,&nbsp;the same chopper was deployed and saved 67 lives.&nbsp;

It is notable that the Advanced Light Helicopter comes with floatation devices that can be deployed when the helicopter makes an upright, controlled water landing. In March 2023, an Indian Navy ALH made a controlled water landing, off Mumbai, and deployed its floatation devices.

At the time, the chopper experienced a sudden loss of power and a rapid loss of height. However, owing to the controlled and upright water landing, the chopper was in a salvageable condition and all three crew were safe.

The Indian Coast Guard lost two personnel who were onboard the Advanced Light Helicopter that made a hard landing in the late hours of Monday (Sep 2) off the Gujarat coast, amid a medical evacuation operation.

The Indian Coast Guard lost two personnel who were onboard the Advanced Light Helicopter that made a hard landing in the late hours of Monday (Sep 2) off the Gujarat coast, amid a medical evacuation operation. While one crew member of that chopper has been rescued, four ships and two aircraft of the ICG are continuing their search for the Captain of the chopper. Also read | Three Indian Coast Guard aircrew missing after helicopter makes emergency landing in Arabian Sea Official communication from the Indian Coast Guard had mentioned that the "wreckage" of the chopper had been spotted, clearly indicating the scale of the tragedy that unfolded at sea. So far, there has been no clarity on what caused this tragedy. According to the Indian Coast Guard, the ALH was mission deployed at 11 pm, 2nd September, Monday, in response to a request from a distressed tanker vessel 'Hari Leela' that was 45 km off Porbandar, Gujarat. The Indian vessel's Captain had requested for medical evacuation of a seriously injured crew member. Also watch | Indian Coast Guard organises 'Day at Sea' showcases operational readiness & capabilities × The hard landing incident happened whilst the rescue helicopter was approaching the vessel for the evacuation. Amid the recent cyclonic weather off Gujarat and the flood-like situation in parts of the state, the same chopper was deployed and saved 67 lives. It is notable that the Advanced Light Helicopter comes with floatation devices that can be deployed when the helicopter makes an upright, controlled water landing. In March 2023, an Indian Navy ALH made a controlled water landing, off Mumbai, and deployed its floatation devices. At the time, the chopper experienced a sudden loss of power and a rapid loss of height. However, owing to the controlled and upright water landing, the chopper was in a salvageable condition and all three crew were safe.

Gujarat ICG chopper mishap: 2 dead, 1 rescued; search on for captain

Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Offshore Patrol Vessel Sujay made a port call at Incheon, South Korea on Wednesday, (September 4) as part of its ongoing overseas deployment to East Asia.&nbsp;

During the four-day visit, the crew of ICG ship Sujay will engage in professional interactions focusing on Marine Pollution Response (MPR), Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR), and Maritime Law Enforcement.

<h2>Indian Coast Guard to conduct joint exercises, interactions with Korea Coast Guard&nbsp;</h2>

The ship's crew will further conduct professional interactions with the Korea Coast Guard (KCG), cross-deck training, joint yoga sessions, and friendly sports events.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-coast-guard-ship-sujay-on-deployment-to-east-asia-752837">Also read:&nbsp;Indian Coast Guard ship Sujay on deployment to East Asia</a>

Following these engagements, Indian and Korean Coast Guard vessels will also take part in a Passage Exercise.&nbsp;

The visit aims not only to strengthen ties between the ICG and their Korean counterparts but also to showcase India's shipbuilding capabilities, and support the concept of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).”&nbsp;

The visit comes at a time when the 20th Head of Coast Guard Agency Meeting (HACGAM) is underway at Incheon. Moreover, it highlights ICG's commitment to addressing contemporary maritime challenges for the common global good.

Watch |&nbsp;26/11 anniversary: Indian Coast Guard Chief Rakesh Pal speaks to WION

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Additionally, the 10 National Cadet Corps (NCC) aboard ICG Ship Sujay will participate in an Environment Protection Walkathon towards sensitising the local community on marine plastic pollution, contributing to the Indian government's “Puneet Sagar Abhiyan (Clean Ocean Initiative)” and enhancing international outreach.

In March 2006, the ICG signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with KCG, towards enhanced maritime cooperation and cooperative engagements.&nbsp;

The overseas deployment is in line with the ICG commitment towards fostering bilateral relationships under the ambit of the MoU and holds significance in reinforcing bilateral relationships with key maritime agencies, crucial for ensuring the safety, security, and environmental sustainability of the seas in the region.&nbsp;

Prior to this visit, ICG ship Sujay had made port calls to Indonesia, demonstrating a seamless continuation of diplomatic maritime engagements in the region.&nbsp;

ICG ship Sujay’s deployment to East Asia reflects India's commitment to fostering warm relations with Indo-Pacific nations, promoting friendly relations through maritime cooperation, aligned with India's maritime vision encapsulated in "SAGAR - Security and Growth for All in the Region" and the Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiatives (IPOI).&nbsp;

Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Offshore Patrol Vessel Sujay made a port call at Incheon, South Korea on Wednesday, (September 4) as part of its ongoing overseas deployment to East Asia.

Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Offshore Patrol Vessel Sujay made a port call at Incheon, South Korea on Wednesday, (September 4) as part of its ongoing overseas deployment to East Asia. During the four-day visit, the crew of ICG ship Sujay will engage in professional interactions focusing on Marine Pollution Response (MPR), Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR), and Maritime Law Enforcement. Indian Coast Guard to conduct joint exercises, interactions with Korea Coast Guard The ship's crew will further conduct professional interactions with the Korea Coast Guard (KCG), cross-deck training, joint yoga sessions, and friendly sports events. Also read: Indian Coast Guard ship Sujay on deployment to East Asia Following these engagements, Indian and Korean Coast Guard vessels will also take part in a Passage Exercise. The visit aims not only to strengthen ties between the ICG and their Korean counterparts but also to showcase India's shipbuilding capabilities, and support the concept of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).” The visit comes at a time when the 20th Head of Coast Guard Agency Meeting (HACGAM) is underway at Incheon. Moreover, it highlights ICG's commitment to addressing contemporary maritime challenges for the common global good. Watch | 26/11 anniversary: Indian Coast Guard Chief Rakesh Pal speaks to WION × Additionally, the 10 National Cadet Corps (NCC) aboard ICG Ship Sujay will participate in an Environment Protection Walkathon towards sensitising the local community on marine plastic pollution, contributing to the Indian government's “Puneet Sagar Abhiyan (Clean Ocean Initiative)” and enhancing international outreach. In March 2006, the ICG signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with KCG, towards enhanced maritime cooperation and cooperative engagements. The overseas deployment is in line with the ICG commitment towards fostering bilateral relationships under the ambit of the MoU and holds significance in reinforcing bilateral relationships with key maritime agencies, crucial for ensuring the safety, security, and environmental sustainability of the seas in the region. Prior to this visit, ICG ship Sujay had made port calls to Indonesia, demonstrating a seamless continuation of diplomatic maritime engagements in the region. ICG ship Sujay’s deployment to East Asia reflects India's commitment to fostering warm relations with Indo-Pacific nations, promoting friendly relations through maritime cooperation, aligned with India's maritime vision encapsulated in "SAGAR - Security and Growth for All in the Region" and the Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiatives (IPOI).

Indian Coast Guard vessel Sujay makes port call in South Korea

<h3>Trigger warning: Some readers may find the details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised</h3>

In a rare instance, surgeons in Puducherry, southern India, have removed a ball of human hair from a teenage girl's stomach. The surgically removed ball of hair was 35 cm&nbsp;in length and 1.5 kg in weight.&nbsp;

The 17-year-old girl was suffering from 'Trichotillomania', a&nbsp;mental health condition where an individual compulsively pulls out their hair. In this particular case, the 12th-grade student had also been ingesting the hair, which is an extreme condition known as 'Trichophagia'. When a patient suffers from both these conditions, it often has severe negative effects on mental health and well-being.

The patient is recovering and healthy, after undergoing surgery.&nbsp;

In recent weeks, the high school student had been experiencing severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which led the family to seek medical help.

The initial diagnosis revealed a large mass within the stomach. Later, it was identified to be an extensive hairball or trichobezoar, which is a serious gastrointestinal obstruction caused by the ingestion of hair.&nbsp;

According to the lead surgeon Dr&nbsp;K Sasikumar, a Surgical Gastroenterologist at GEM Hospital, the teenage girl had been ingesting her hair for more than a year, without her own knowledge.

"In such cases, they pluck and ingest hair, as a means of reducing their stress or alleviating some mental pressure. The ingested hair had occupied 90 per cent of the stomach's volume and started to cause immense pain and discomfort, which is what led to the identification of the condition. If small quantities of hair are ingested, it might not be so easy to know," he told WION.

The 90-minute-long surgical procedure involved removing the ball of hair from the stomach while ensuring that the surrounding tissues don't get affected.&nbsp;

Long hair has a smooth surface that’s often hard for the stomach to break down and digest. Hair also doesn’t move well through the human digestive tract as it contracts and relaxes, a process to move foods and liquids through the digestive tract. As the hairball starts to grow in weight and size, it may start to jut out through the stomach opening and grow into the small intestine, leading to further complications.&nbsp;

Dr&nbsp;Sasikumar cautioned that this condition is seen more often among women below the age of 30, especially adolescents. He said that parents can identify and prevent such conditions from deteriorating, if they seek medical help on spotting unusual bald spots or hair loss among teens, or observe teens having hair of differing length.

Following proper medical intervention, this condition can be treated through counselling sessions and behavioural therapy.

Trigger warning: Some readers may find the details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised In a rare instance, surgeons in Puducherry, southern India, have removed a ball of human hair from a teenage girl's stomach.

Trigger warning: Some readers may find the details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised In a rare instance, surgeons in Puducherry, southern India, have removed a ball of human hair from a teenage girl's stomach. The surgically removed ball of hair was 35 cm in length and 1.5 kg in weight. The 17-year-old girl was suffering from 'Trichotillomania', a mental health condition where an individual compulsively pulls out their hair. In this particular case, the 12th-grade student had also been ingesting the hair, which is an extreme condition known as 'Trichophagia'. When a patient suffers from both these conditions, it often has severe negative effects on mental health and well-being. The patient is recovering and healthy, after undergoing surgery. In recent weeks, the high school student had been experiencing severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which led the family to seek medical help. The initial diagnosis revealed a large mass within the stomach. Later, it was identified to be an extensive hairball or trichobezoar, which is a serious gastrointestinal obstruction caused by the ingestion of hair. According to the lead surgeon Dr K Sasikumar, a Surgical Gastroenterologist at GEM Hospital, the teenage girl had been ingesting her hair for more than a year, without her own knowledge. "In such cases, they pluck and ingest hair, as a means of reducing their stress or alleviating some mental pressure. The ingested hair had occupied 90 per cent of the stomach's volume and started to cause immense pain and discomfort, which is what led to the identification of the condition. If small quantities of hair are ingested, it might not be so easy to know," he told WION. The 90-minute-long surgical procedure involved removing the ball of hair from the stomach while ensuring that the surrounding tissues don't get affected. Long hair has a smooth surface that’s often hard for the stomach to break down and digest. Hair also doesn’t move well through the human digestive tract as it contracts and relaxes, a process to move foods and liquids through the digestive tract. As the hairball starts to grow in weight and size, it may start to jut out through the stomach opening and grow into the small intestine, leading to further complications. Dr Sasikumar cautioned that this condition is seen more often among women below the age of 30, especially adolescents. He said that parents can identify and prevent such conditions from deteriorating, if they seek medical help on spotting unusual bald spots or hair loss among teens, or observe teens having hair of differing length. Following proper medical intervention, this condition can be treated through counselling sessions and behavioural therapy.

Surgeons remove 1.5 kg hair from teen's stomach in India's Puducherry

The problematic Boeing Starliner craft, supposed to return to Earth this weekend, has started emitting 'strange noises' while in space. This supposed anomaly was observed and notified by veteran NASA Astronaut and Starliner crew member Butch Wilmore, who flew on the craft along with Sunita Williams.

The problematic Boeing Starliner craft, supposed to return to Earth this weekend, has started emitting 'strange noises' while in space. This supposed anomaly was observed and notified by veteran NASA Astronaut and Starliner crew member Butch Wilmore, who flew on the craft along with Sunita Williams. Starliner, Boeing's under-development astronaut ferry, has been plagued with multiple issues. Owing to the risks involved, this very craft which ferried Williams and Wilmore, would be returning to earth on auto-pilot, without the duo. The American astronaut duo are to return on a SpaceX Crew Dragon Craft, sometime in February 2025, thereby extending their eight-day mission to eight months. Is #Boeing #Starliner haunted? Or is someone banging its door with a metal plate & trying to enter? What's this weird noise that #NASA astronaut #ButchWilmore has been hearing from Starliner's speaker? Electronic/RF Interference? Listen carefully...☠️👇#space #science #tech pic.twitter.com/JQGBenWZOc — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) September 1, 2024 × This noise, which emanated from Starliner's speakers has given rise to wild speculations and technical debates on the likely causes. From alien theories to ghost stories, sarcastic comments at Boeing, a few technical explanations, and a whole lot of theories are doing the rounds on social media. What's the Starliner 'noise' all about? Over the last three months, there's been a lot of trouble with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft and it's been creating a buzz on the news and social media. However, what's cropped up now is literally 'noise'. This weekend, from aboard the Starliner that's docked to the International Space Station, Butch Wilmore radioed the Mission Control at NASA"s Johnson Space Center, Houston: "I've got a question about Starliner. There's a strange noise coming through the speaker. I don't know what's making it." Wilmore, while aboard the Starliner, is known to have made three attempts to relay the 'strange audio' to his ground controllers. The pinging noise was clearly captured on two of those attempts and the ground teams were heard acknowledging the same over the radio. A short audio clip of this conversation between Wilmore and Mission Control was made available online by Rob Dale, a Michigan-based meteorologist. "Alright Butch, that one came through..." Mission control can be heard telling Wilmore. "It was kind of like a pulsing noise, almost like a sonar ping," they added. Some social media users pointed out that the sound resembled that of banging against a metallic surface. Also read | Stuck in space: Astronaut reports 'strange noises' from Starliner that took Sunita Williams to space Are such 'strange noises' unprecedented ? More than two decades ago, during China's maiden astronaut mission, lone Taikonaut Yang Liwei heard strange sounds while in his spacecraft. "Knocking an iron bucket with a wooden hammer," that's how he had described his experience from the year 2003. It was later learnt that the sound comes from tiny deformations in the space capsule's inner wall materials due to changes in pressure. "A change of capsule temperature would cause a change in air pressure, and the difference in pressure between the inner and outer walls of the capsule caused tiny deformations of the wall materials, producing the sound Dong! Dong! Dong!," it was revealed by Chinese researchers and spacecraft designers. How dangerous and worrisome are these noises? Unlike the Chinese mission, the Starliner's 'strange noise' phenomenon is known to be emanating from the speakers, and not the spacecraft's body. Therefore, on the face of it, it appears not so worrisome. However, given the poor track record of Starliner and the saga that has been dragging on, anything is possible! "There are several noises I'd prefer not to hear inside my spaceship, including this one that @Boeing Starliner is now making," veteran Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield said in a social media post. This further adds to the reputational damage that Boeing has been suffering - for its vehicles that ply on earth and outside of earth. Radio Frequency Interference or Audio Feedback Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) is a type of electromagnetic interference (EMI) that occurs when unwanted radio frequency signals disrupt the normal operation of electronic devices. This interference can be caused by various sources, both natural and human-made. Mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, microwave ovens, Wi-fi routers, and a plethora of other devices can cause some kind of RFI. At the 400 km height at which the Space Station and the Starliner orbits, there are several satellites above and below, and there are multiple ground-based antennae sending signals to space. Radio frequency interference is among the likely scenarios when considering that the 'strange audio' has emanated from a speaker. Audio feedback, often heard as a high-pitched screeching sound, occurs when a microphone picks up sound from a speaker and re-amplifies it, creating a continuous and disturbing loop. This could be caused when a microphone is placed too close to a speaker when there are reflective surfaces that bounce sound back into the mic, or even when the mic and speaker are at high volume.

Explained: How dangerous is the 'strange noise' from Starliner?

The Indian space agency, ISRO, has successfully demonstrated a technique to capture data on soil moisture, surface inundation, and ocean surface wind and wave measurements, using a satellite-based sensor that is 475 km above the earth. This novel method is known as GNSS-Reflectometry (GNSS-R). An instrument capable of performing this role was mounted on ISRO's EOS-08 satellite that was launched on August 16, and it began operations two days later.&nbsp;

GNSS-R is a new method of remote sensing. Simply put, remote sensing is the process of acquiring information about objects or places from a distance, typically using aircraft, satellites, or drones equipped with sensors. These sensors collect data by detecting the energy that is reflected from Earth.&nbsp;

There are dozens of satellites circling the Earth to&nbsp;specifically provide&nbsp;us with position, navigation and timing services. India has the NavIC constellation of satellites, the United States&nbsp;has the GPS, Europe has the Galileo, China has BeiDou, and Russia has GLONASS. All these satellites which are part of such constellations are constantly emitting signals towards the Earth. As these signals hit different geographical features on Earth, such as oceans, agricultural land, freshwater bodies, these signals are reflected back to space.&nbsp;

Aboard its 175kg EOS-08 satellite, ISRO has placed a small-sized, lightweight, low-power precision receiver that can collect these reflected signals. This GNSS-R instrument is developed by ISRO's Space Applications Centre, and it is India’s first space-borne precision receiver.&nbsp;

This receiver measures the power and other characteristics of the reflected signal that it receives. Based on the characteristics of the signal, the sensor can offer raw data, which can be processed to derive specific scientific information about the regions covered by the receiver, including soil moisture, surface inundation, and ocean surface wind and wave measurements.&nbsp;

<h2>The observations made so far</h2>

As the EOS-08 satellite circles 475 km above the Earth, it gets to fly over different regions. Therefore, the GNSS-R instrument can capture a wide range of data from various sources and generate the corresponding raw data.&nbsp;

For instance, during the bygone week, the GNSS-R instrument collected its first land data, as it flew over the Sahara Desert (North Africa). This data was processed to retrieve soil moisture. Likewise, when the satellite flew over a part of the Pacific Ocean, the data it captured was processed to derive the wind speed and wave height.&nbsp;

All the science data products are generated at SAC-ISRO using algorithms developed in-house. Given that the GNSS-R sensors are small and lightweight, and consume less power, such sensors can be mounted on multiple satellites to gather global data at a greater frequency and therefore they could help in monitoring several natural phenomena, evolving weather patterns, climatic conditions etc.&nbsp;

The Indian space agency, ISRO, has successfully demonstrated a technique to capture data on soil moisture, surface inundation, and ocean surface wind and wave measurements, using a satellite-based sensor that is 475 km above the earth.

The Indian space agency, ISRO, has successfully demonstrated a technique to capture data on soil moisture, surface inundation, and ocean surface wind and wave measurements, using a satellite-based sensor that is 475 km above the earth. This novel method is known as GNSS-Reflectometry (GNSS-R). An instrument capable of performing this role was mounted on ISRO's EOS-08 satellite that was launched on August 16, and it began operations two days later. GNSS-R is a new method of remote sensing. Simply put, remote sensing is the process of acquiring information about objects or places from a distance, typically using aircraft, satellites, or drones equipped with sensors. These sensors collect data by detecting the energy that is reflected from Earth. There are dozens of satellites circling the Earth to specifically provide us with position, navigation and timing services. India has the NavIC constellation of satellites, the United States has the GPS, Europe has the Galileo, China has BeiDou, and Russia has GLONASS. All these satellites which are part of such constellations are constantly emitting signals towards the Earth. As these signals hit different geographical features on Earth, such as oceans, agricultural land, freshwater bodies, these signals are reflected back to space. Aboard its 175kg EOS-08 satellite, ISRO has placed a small-sized, lightweight, low-power precision receiver that can collect these reflected signals. This GNSS-R instrument is developed by ISRO's Space Applications Centre, and it is India’s first space-borne precision receiver. This receiver measures the power and other characteristics of the reflected signal that it receives. Based on the characteristics of the signal, the sensor can offer raw data, which can be processed to derive specific scientific information about the regions covered by the receiver, including soil moisture, surface inundation, and ocean surface wind and wave measurements. The observations made so far As the EOS-08 satellite circles 475 km above the Earth, it gets to fly over different regions. Therefore, the GNSS-R instrument can capture a wide range of data from various sources and generate the corresponding raw data. For instance, during the bygone week, the GNSS-R instrument collected its first land data, as it flew over the Sahara Desert (North Africa). This data was processed to retrieve soil moisture. Likewise, when the satellite flew over a part of the Pacific Ocean, the data it captured was processed to derive the wind speed and wave height. All the science data products are generated at SAC-ISRO using algorithms developed in-house. Given that the GNSS-R sensors are small and lightweight, and consume less power, such sensors can be mounted on multiple satellites to gather global data at a greater frequency and therefore they could help in monitoring several natural phenomena, evolving weather patterns, climatic conditions etc.

ISRO successfully demonstrates satellite tech to study ocean, and soil parameters

A delegation led by the chief of the United Nations' International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspected Russia's Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, which Russia&nbsp;has accused Ukraine of targeting, in an act of "nuclear terrorism". In recent weeks, fighting has been raging at regions that are 30 km from the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in Western Russia, after Ukraine made a surprise offensive and incursion. The Kursk nuclear power generation facility is among the largest in Russia, with more units under construction at the same location.

On Thursday, August 27, the IAEA delegation headed by Director General Rafael Grossi visited the sites of the Kursk NPP and the Kursk II Nuclear Power Plant, and the nearby town of Kurchatov. The visit was organised at the invitation of the Chief of Russia's Nuclear Power agency Rosatom Alexey Likhachev.

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"The IAEA delegation visited the site of the first and the second phases of the NPP and assessed the plant’s operation against the background of relentless Ukrainian provocations," Rosatom said.&nbsp;

In recent weeks, Russia has been making allegations regarding Ukraine's attempts to target the nuclear power generation facility. There are unconfirmed reports from last week&nbsp;of Russian air defence systems shooting down Ukrainian drones in the Kursk region, some of which are said to have been near spent nuclear fuel storage facilities. Russian President Putin had also reportedly mentioned Ukraine attempting a nighttime strike at the Kursk Nuclear power plant.

"The IAEA Director General could witness the impact of the strikes launched by Ukraine against the industrial site of the Kursk NPP and had an opportunity to assess the nuclear safety risks posed by attacks on the facility," added the Russian nuclear power agency. 
 
IAEA chief Rafael Grossi was able to see that the Kursk NPP Unit 3 continues to operate at its installed capacity, and Unit 4 has been on scheduled preventive maintenance. The design features of RBMK-type reactors were demonstrated to the IAEA director general. The IAEA delegation also observed the progress of the Kursk II NPP construction, which is proceeding as planned, Rosatom said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-test-fired-first-domestically-produced-ballistic-missile-president-zelensky-753770">Ukraine test-fired first domestically-produced ballistic missile: President Zelensky</a>

"The safety and security of all nuclear power plants is of central and fundamental concern to the IAEA. Since new developments and increased levels of military activity in the vicinity of the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, I have been closely following developments on the ground, especially with respect to the plant," Grossi had said, before his visit to the Kursk facility.

The results of the IAEA delegation's visit are to be discussed by the chiefs of Rosatom and IAEA in Kaliningrad, Russia.&nbsp;

A delegation led by the chief of the United Nations' International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspected Russia's Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, which Russia has accused Ukraine of targeting, in an act of "nuclear terrorism".

A delegation led by the chief of the United Nations' International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspected Russia's Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, which Russia has accused Ukraine of targeting, in an act of "nuclear terrorism". In recent weeks, fighting has been raging at regions that are 30 km from the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in Western Russia, after Ukraine made a surprise offensive and incursion. The Kursk nuclear power generation facility is among the largest in Russia, with more units under construction at the same location. On Thursday, August 27, the IAEA delegation headed by Director General Rafael Grossi visited the sites of the Kursk NPP and the Kursk II Nuclear Power Plant, and the nearby town of Kurchatov. The visit was organised at the invitation of the Chief of Russia's Nuclear Power agency Rosatom Alexey Likhachev. Also read | Russia warns France against intimidating Pavel Durov; Telegram CEO's custody extended till Aug 28 "The IAEA delegation visited the site of the first and the second phases of the NPP and assessed the plant’s operation against the background of relentless Ukrainian provocations," Rosatom said. In recent weeks, Russia has been making allegations regarding Ukraine's attempts to target the nuclear power generation facility. There are unconfirmed reports from last week of Russian air defence systems shooting down Ukrainian drones in the Kursk region, some of which are said to have been near spent nuclear fuel storage facilities. Russian President Putin had also reportedly mentioned Ukraine attempting a nighttime strike at the Kursk Nuclear power plant. "The IAEA Director General could witness the impact of the strikes launched by Ukraine against the industrial site of the Kursk NPP and had an opportunity to assess the nuclear safety risks posed by attacks on the facility," added the Russian nuclear power agency. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi was able to see that the Kursk NPP Unit 3 continues to operate at its installed capacity, and Unit 4 has been on scheduled preventive maintenance. The design features of RBMK-type reactors were demonstrated to the IAEA director general. The IAEA delegation also observed the progress of the Kursk II NPP construction, which is proceeding as planned, Rosatom said. Also read | Ukraine test-fired first domestically-produced ballistic missile: President Zelensky "The safety and security of all nuclear power plants is of central and fundamental concern to the IAEA. Since new developments and increased levels of military activity in the vicinity of the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, I have been closely following developments on the ground, especially with respect to the plant," Grossi had said, before his visit to the Kursk facility. The results of the IAEA delegation's visit are to be discussed by the chiefs of Rosatom and IAEA in Kaliningrad, Russia.

Inspection at Russia's Kursk nuclear plant amid allegations of Ukrainian strike

Two ships and an aircraft of the Indian Coast Guard(ICG) have rescued 11 crew members of the cargo ship ITT Puma, a Mumbai-registered general cargo vessel, that sank off India's&nbsp; Eastern State West Bengal, while sailing from Kolkata to Port Blair. The search operation that commenced around 7 pm IST, Sunday, 25th&nbsp;August, is still underway amid harsh weather, as three crew remain missing.&nbsp;

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Heroic search &amp; rescue op by <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaCoastGuard?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaCoastGuard</a>, off <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WestBengal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WestBengal</a>, amid harsh <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/weather?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#weather</a> 
 
Responding to a distress call from a sinking cargo ship, ICG MRCC <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chennai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chennai</a> deployed 1x Dornier plane, 2xships-Sarang&amp; Amogh 
 
Plane spotted life rafts, ships rescued 11 crew, search on for 3more <a href="https://t.co/e5EKaKUnSH">pic.twitter.com/e5EKaKUnSH</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1827962136162660578?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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On Sunday afternoon (Aug 25), the Indian Coast Guard's Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Chennai received a distress email from the MV ITT Puma at 4:25 PM. In response to the evolving situation, ICG Regional Headquarters (North East), Kolkata mobilized ICG vessels Sarang, Amogh, and a Dornier maritime patrol aircraft for the search and rescue operations.

The Dornier aircraft, equipped with advanced night-capable sensors reached the area around 7:50 pm and commenced the search for the missing crew. Within 25 minutes, the aircraft detected adrift life rafts and spotted distressed crew firing red flares to indicate their position.&nbsp;

With visual contact established, the aircraft directed the ICG ships toward the location of the survivors. On reaching the area, ICG ships identified two life rafts with orange canopies tied together. The survivors were seen signaling with whistles. This led to an unprecedented and extensive sea-air coordinated night Search and Rescue (SAR) operation, resulting in the rescue of eleven crew members during the late hours of Sunday and early hours of Monday.

While sailing from Kolkata to Port Blair, the cargo vessel MV ITT Puma is said to have sunken 90 nautical miles south of Sagar Island, off West Bengal.

Two ships and an aircraft of the Indian Coast Guard(ICG) have rescued 11 crew members of the cargo ship ITT Puma, a Mumbai-registered general cargo vessel, that sank off India's Eastern State West Bengal, while sailing from Kolkata to Port Blair.

Two ships and an aircraft of the Indian Coast Guard(ICG) have rescued 11 crew members of the cargo ship ITT Puma, a Mumbai-registered general cargo vessel, that sank off India's Eastern State West Bengal, while sailing from Kolkata to Port Blair. The search operation that commenced around 7 pm IST, Sunday, 25th August, is still underway amid harsh weather, as three crew remain missing. Heroic search & rescue op by @IndiaCoastGuard, off #WestBengal, amid harsh #weather Responding to a distress call from a sinking cargo ship, ICG MRCC #Chennai deployed 1x Dornier plane, 2xships-Sarang& Amogh Plane spotted life rafts, ships rescued 11 crew, search on for 3more pic.twitter.com/e5EKaKUnSH — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) August 26, 2024 × On Sunday afternoon (Aug 25), the Indian Coast Guard's Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Chennai received a distress email from the MV ITT Puma at 4:25 PM. In response to the evolving situation, ICG Regional Headquarters (North East), Kolkata mobilized ICG vessels Sarang, Amogh, and a Dornier maritime patrol aircraft for the search and rescue operations. The Dornier aircraft, equipped with advanced night-capable sensors reached the area around 7:50 pm and commenced the search for the missing crew. Within 25 minutes, the aircraft detected adrift life rafts and spotted distressed crew firing red flares to indicate their position. With visual contact established, the aircraft directed the ICG ships toward the location of the survivors. On reaching the area, ICG ships identified two life rafts with orange canopies tied together. The survivors were seen signaling with whistles. This led to an unprecedented and extensive sea-air coordinated night Search and Rescue (SAR) operation, resulting in the rescue of eleven crew members during the late hours of Sunday and early hours of Monday. While sailing from Kolkata to Port Blair, the cargo vessel MV ITT Puma is said to have sunken 90 nautical miles south of Sagar Island, off West Bengal.

Indian Coast Guard rescues 11 crew of sunken cargo ship, search on for 3 more

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