- 24th Hornbill Festival 2023 To Kick Off In Nagaland From December 1 –
- Hornbill Festival 2023 will start on December 1 and conclude on December 10, promising ten days of cultural immersion and spectacle. The Hornbill Festival stands out as one of the most anticipated and celebrated events of the year. This colorful festival not only showcases the rich cultural heritage of Nagaland but also draws thousands of curious travelers from around the world to partake in its festivities.
- Nagaland, often referred to as the ‘Land of Festivals,’ lives up to its name with a diverse array of celebrations held throughout the year. These festivals are a testament to the state’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. The Hornbill Festival, organized by the State Tourism of Arts and Culture Department under the Government of Nagaland, is a grand celebration that encapsulates the spirit of the Naga people.
- The festival is aptly named after a bird, the hornbill, which holds special significance in the Naga culture. The hornbill is revered and respected among the Naga tribe and is considered a symbol of integrity and tradition. The Hornbill Festival is a tribute to this bird and the values it embodies.
- Hornbill is often referred to as the ‘Festival of Festivals‘ because it brings together a traditional cluster of 17 Naga tribes. These tribes unite during the festival to promote intercultural harmony and showcase their unique customs, traditions, and art forms. The Hornbill Festival offers a vivid and captivating glimpse into the age-old traditions and celebrations of the Naga tribes, making it a perfect opportunity for those interested in immersing themselves in a rich cultural experience.
- Visitors to the Hornbill Festival have the chance to explore the authentic structures of tribal huts, allowing them to step back in time and witness the way of life of Naga tribes. These huts serve as living museums, displaying traditional artifacts, including drums, gongs, costumes, and wooden carvings, all of which are integral to Naga culture. The festival is a gateway to understanding the heritage and customs of these tribes.
- First Vertical Wind Tunnel Installed at Indian Army’s Special Forces Training School in Himachal Pradesh –
- The Indian Army inaugurated its first Vertical Wind Tunnel (VWT) at the Special Forces Training School (SFTS) in Himachal Pradesh. This cutting-edge facility provides military trainees with a controlled environment to enhance their Combat Free Fall (CFF) skills by simulating real-life free fall conditions.
- The Indian Army Chief, Gen Manoj Pande, virtually inaugurated the Vertical Wind Tunnel (VWT) at the Special Forces Training School (SFTS) in Himachal Pradesh.
- This advanced wind tunnel is the first of its kind in the Indian Army and aims to revolutionize military training methods.
- The Vertical Wind Tunnel (VWT) functions as a free fall simulator, creating a column of air at specific speeds to simulate various Combat Free Fall (CFF) conditions.
- This controlled environment allows trainees to refine their skills and assess their reactions to different free fall scenarios.
- Benefits of the VWT-
- Enhanced Skills- Trainees can enhance their combat free fall skills by practicing in a simulated real-life environment, ensuring they are better prepared for airborne operations.
- Stability and Safety- The VWT reduces potential instability during free fall and parachute deployment, providing a safer training experience for military personnel.
- Versatile Training- Not limited to beginners, the VWT is a valuable resource for advanced training, catering to both seasoned free-fallers and CFF instructors.
- India Ranks Third In Fintech Unicorns, With United States At The Top –
- According to global research firm Statista, India has secured the third position worldwide in the number of financial technology (fintech) unicorns. The United States and the United Kingdom continue to dominate the field, holding the first and second positions, respectively, both in terms of quantity and overall value.
- In 2023, India has secured the third position in the global fintech landscape with 17 fintech unicorns. This significant achievement underscores the country’s growing influence in the world of finance and technology. India’s top profitable companies include Zerodha, Billdesk, Paytm, and others. Fintech giants like Paytm have exhibited impressive financial growth, with Paytm recording a 32 percent growth in revenue during the second quarter of fiscal year 2023-24. In the world of fintech, the United States and the United Kingdom maintain their supremacy in terms of both quantity and value. The US is home to an impressive 134 fintech unicorns, producing the highest value in the industry. Visa, Paypal, and Mastercard are among the dominant players, collectively contributing to a market capitalization of $1.2 trillion. Meanwhile, the UK ranks second with 27 fintech unicorns, making a substantial mark on the global fintech stage.
- China, despite having only eight fintech unicorns, has secured the fourth position. Giants like Tencent and Ant Financial have played a pivotal role in elevating China’s overall financial market capitalization to $338.92 billion. These companies have introduced innovative financial solutions, contributing to China’s impressive fintech market presence.