International Albinism Awareness Day 2025: Advocating for Equality
June 13 marks International Albinism Awareness Day, dedicated to promoting the rights and dignity of people with albinism worldwide. The 2025 theme, “Shining Through Inclusion,” focuses on combating stigma and promoting social inclusion in education, healthcare, and employment. People with albinism often face discrimination due to myths, lack of awareness, and visibility challenges caused by their unique condition. Events across the globe aim to spread understanding and encourage policies that ensure equal opportunities. Advocacy groups continue to push for better representation and protection, especially in regions where individuals with albinism are at greater risk of violence.
India and US Wrap Up First Special Forces Drill: ‘Tiger Claw’
In a milestone for bilateral defense ties, India and the U.S. concluded their first joint special forces exercise, ‘Tiger Claw’. Held at an undisclosed location, the drill focused on high-altitude warfare, counterterrorism, and aerial operations. Elite commandos from both nations trained together in simulated combat scenarios, enhancing coordination and interoperability. The exercise reflects growing strategic cooperation between the two democracies and aims to boost preparedness against emerging global threats. Defense officials hailed it as a major step in deepening military engagement and trust between the Indian Air Force’s Garud unit and U.S. Air Force Special Tactics teams.
Kashmiri Music Icon Ustad Ghulam Nabi Shah Dies at 87
Kashmir mourns the loss of its folk music legend, Ustad Ghulam Nabi Shah, lovingly known as ‘Hamle Bulbul’. At 87, he passed away after a lifetime dedicated to preserving Kashmiri musical heritage. Known for his soulful voice and mastery of traditional instruments, Shah’s contributions made him a cultural icon. His songs captured the essence of Kashmir’s natural beauty and emotional depth. Over decades, he trained countless disciples and inspired a generation of musicians. With his passing, Kashmir loses a voice that echoed its soul. Tributes are pouring in from across the valley and India’s arts community.
Air India vs. IndiGo: Who Flies Safer?
When it comes to air travel in India, safety is a top concern. Air India and IndiGo, two of the country’s largest carriers, are frequently compared. Data over recent years shows IndiGo has had fewer incidents per million flights than Air India, thanks to its newer fleet and strong operational protocols. However, both airlines meet global safety standards. Experts say differences in incident rates often reflect fleet size, aircraft age, and training programs. Passengers can feel reassured flying with either, but IndiGo currently edges ahead in terms of consistent safety performance and punctuality.
Boeing vs. Airbus: Accident Trends in Indian Skies
India’s aviation industry is booming, but safety remains a critical concern. Boeing and Airbus dominate Indian skies, but which has a better track record? Recent data shows both manufacturers have experienced incidents, but Airbus aircraft have seen slightly fewer accidents in Indian airspace in the last five years. Most mishaps are minor, often related to technical issues or operational lapses, not manufacturing faults. Experts emphasize that airline maintenance, pilot training, and regulatory oversight play a bigger role in safety than the aircraft brand itself. Still, statistics are closely watched by travelers and regulators for patterns and preventive actions.
RBI Updates KYC Rules: Video Calls and BCs Make Banking Easier
In a major push for financial inclusion, the RBI has simplified KYC (Know Your Customer) norms. Customers can now update their KYC through Business Correspondents (BCs), live video calls (V-CIP), or in-branch visits. This makes banking more accessible, especially in rural areas. Multiple modes of verification—face-to-face, remote, and video—are now officially recognized. Dormant accounts can also be reactivated easily using these methods. For low-risk customers, the KYC update deadline has been extended to June 30, 2026, allowing uninterrupted service. These changes aim to make banking faster, more convenient, and inclusive for everyone.