INS Tamal Concludes Port Call at Souda Bay Greece

Ministry of Defense//Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav//Posted on Saturday 23rd August 2025 at 1:24 PM by PIB Delhi

On her passage to home base in India

New Delhi: 23rd August 2025: (PIB Delhi//The Seven Seas News Desk)::

INS Tamal, the latest stealth frigate of the Indian Navy, on her passage to home base in India, called at Souda Bay, Greece, 19-22 Aug 2025. The ship’s crew engaged with the Hellenic Navy and NATO functionaries during the port call. This included the Commanding Officer's call on Commodore Dionysios Mantadakis, Base Commander of Souda Bay Naval Base, Captain Kouplakis Iiias, Head of the NATO Maritime Interdiction Operational Training Centre (NMIOTC), and Captain Stephen Steacy, Commanding Officer of Naval Support Activity of US Navy on 19 Aug 2025. The discussions during the meetings focussed on operational matters and maritime cooperation. A cross deck visit for crew of INS Tamal was conducted onboard the multi-role amphibious assault unit ITS Trieste, a Landing Helicopter Dock,of the Italian Navy, at Souda Bay.

India’s Ambassador to Greece, Mr Rudrendra Tandon visited the ship on 20 Aug 2025 and interacted with the crew. During the ship's port call, the crew visited the Souda Naval Base and Armament facility, the NMIOTC and the local maritime museum. The ship’s crew also paid homage at the World War II cemetery in Crete.

INS Tamal sailed out of Souda Bay on 22 Aug 2025, and participated in a Passage Exercise with HS Ritsos, a Roussen class patrol boat of the Hellenic Navy, aimed at validation of interoperability between the Navies.

The port call by INS Tamal reflects the importance India attaches to its relations with Greece and the endeavour to strengthen the growing defence cooperation between the two nations. It has also provided an opportunity for both navies to share best practices and pursue further opportunities for joint engagement.

The ship, enroute to her home base in India, will be visiting ports in friendly foreign countries in Asia furthering maritime diplomacy and strengthening bilateral ties across the spectrum.

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Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh

 Ministry of Science & Technology//Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav//प्रविष्टि तिथि: 28 MAR 2025 at 4:05 PM by PIB Delhi

At a high-level meeting of the Department of Biotechnology

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announces the creation of Regional BIRAC Centers across India, in collaboration with States, to accelerate StartUps and biomanufacturing, and thus harness the biotech potential in different parts of the country

Chairs a high-level review meeting of the Department of Biotechnology

Mapping of States based on their biotech potential and collaborating to set up Bio E3 Cells

"Encourage startups in biomanufacturing and bio foundries, attract FDI, and provide hand holding and incubator support," says Dr. Singh

A tripartite arrangement between research infrastructure, startups, and industrial R&D is the way forward: S&T Minister Dr. Singh

India ranks 3rd globally in biotech publications, with nearly two-thirds of research papers originating from the Department of Biotechnology

New Delhi: 28 March 2025:(PIB Delhi//Seven Seas News Desk)::

At a high-level meeting of the Department of Biotechnology, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the creation of Regional BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council) Centers across India, in collaboration with States, to accelerate StartUps and biomanufacturing, and thus harness the biotech potential in different parts of the country.

Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space emphasized the need for comprehensive mapping of states based on their biotech potential and directed the department to collaborate with them in establishing Bio E3 (Economy, Environment and Employment) Cells highlighting that Assam is the first state to establish a dedicated BIO E3 cell. These specialized cells will provide necessary support for fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and scaling up biotech ventures.

Recognizing the critical role of StartUps in advancing biomanufacturing, Dr. Jitendra Singh called for enhanced handholding and incubator support to encourage new-age biotech entrepreneurs. He highlighted the importance of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in biomanufacturing and bio foundries, ensuring global investment to drive India's biotech revolution.

Dr. Jitendra Singh stressed that the Tripartite arrangement—a synergy between Research Infrastructure, Startups, and Industrial R&D—is the way forward for India’s biotech sector. He directed the department to prioritize setting up Core R&D Facilities equipped with state-of-the-art biomanufacturing capabilities to facilitate pilot validation, upscaling, and commercialization of promising biotech innovations.

Recalling the Centre-State Partnership Summit held in Delhi, Dr. Jitendra Singh reiterated the Government's commitment to fostering a biotech revolution across states through collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and technical assistance. He noted that several states have expressed interest in setting up Biotechnology Parks, further strengthening India's bio-economy.

The Science & Technology Minister underscored the significance of regenerative technologies, directing the department to prioritize their promotion within India’s biomanufacturing landscape. He urged officials to partner with industry leaders to replicate the success of India's Space Sector in biotech.

Dr. Jitendra Singh instructed the Department of Biotechnology to establish early industry linkages and work towards a 4P Model (Public-Private-People Partnership) for accelerating biotech growth. He also welcomed proposals to create BIRAC Centers at a global level to attract cutting-edge biomanufacturing technologies and investments.

Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed pride in India’s global standing in biotech research, noting that India ranks 3rd in biotech publications worldwide, with nearly two-thirds of research papers emanating from the Department of Biotechnology. He said “This reflects India’s growing influence and leadership in the international biotech arena.”

With these strategic directives, Dr. Jitendra Singh reinforced the Government’s vision to position India as a global leader in biotechnology, ensuring that biomanufacturing, research, and innovation drive the country’s economic and scientific growth to achieve Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, DBT, DG-BRIC & Chairman, BIRAC, along with Managing Director, BIRAC, Shri Jitendra Kumar, and other senior officials and scientists of the department, were present at the review meeting.

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Thundery showers forecast this weekend

11:03 (UTC+1) on Sat 31 Aug 2024                                                            Saturday 31st August at 16:22

Increasing amounts of cloud will move in across the south of UK

Warm and humid air from the southeast could cause thunderstorms to develop later on Saturday and through Sunday.

After a chilly start, Saturday will be another fine and dry day for most with plenty of sunshine. Increasing amounts of cloud will move in across the south of the UK with the possibility of some showers in the south of England for a time.

A more notable change to our weather moves in overnight on Saturday night and into Sunday. Showers and isolated thunderstorms are forecast to develop across parts of southern England on Saturday night. By Sunday morning, there is an increasing risk of more active and organised heavy showers and thunderstorms moving in to, or developing across, parts of southern England.

Thunderstorm warning issued

A Yellow severe weather warning for thunderstorms on Sunday has been issued for a swathe of England, fringing into eastern Wales. Although most places will miss them, and there remains a possibility that they fail to develop at all, if they do develop within this warning area 30 to 40mm of rain may fall in less than an hour with perhaps over 75mm in one or two places, leading to a chance of flooding and disruption.

Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Harris, said: “Through Saturday night and into Sunday we’ll see a gradual change in our weather across the UK with an increasing chance of heavy thundery showers developing, particularly across central parts of the UK. Should they develop there is the risk of some local disruption from intense rainfall, gusty winds, lightning and possibly hail too. Not everywhere within the warning area will see thunderstorms, and confidence in any individual location being affected remains extremely low at this time.

“The risk of thunderstorms steadily transfers northwards through Sunday afternoon and into the early evening. If you have plans for Sunday, I’d recommend keeping up to date with the Met Office forecast and any updates to the warnings.”

A world filled with wonder, adventure, and endless possibility

Wednesday 13th March 2024 at 12:21 AM

As the CH-47 Chinook helicopter soars through the skies over Hawaii

From CH-47 Chinook on Hawaii:13th March 2024:(Media Link//Seven Seas News Desk)::

This is an special click looks some risky too. Enjoying the View like this we can sea the broad size of the sea. we can feel the touching nature over the sea. In the photo you may see Army Sgt. Shelby Lewis looks out of the rear of a CH-47 Chinook during training over Hawaii on 3rd March 2024. this photo was taken by Army National Guard Sgt. Lianne M. Hirano when he was trying to click the joy of enjoying the View. These moments were clicked at a CH-47 Chinook-a big helicopter. This photo was provided by DoD USA army.

As the CH-47 Chinook helicopter soars through the skies over Hawaii, carrying soldiers on a training mission, there exists a moment of unparalleled wonder and exhilaration for those fortunate enough to gaze out of the rear. The feeling is akin to being suspended between earth and sky, with the lush greenery of the Hawaiian landscape sprawling below like a vibrant patchwork quilt.

As the wind rushes past and the rotor blades slice through the air, there's a sense of freedom unlike any other. With every twist and turn of the helicopter, the view morphs into a breathtaking panorama, revealing hidden valleys, towering peaks, and pristine beaches lapped by azure waters. It's a sight that evokes a profound sense of awe and gratitude, reminding soldiers of the vast beauty that exists beyond the confines of their military duties.

In this moment, as they peer out of the rear of the Chinook, the stresses and pressures of army life momentarily fade away, replaced by a sense of peace and tranquility. Surrounded by the camaraderie of their fellow soldiers, they find solace in the knowledge that they are part of something greater than themselves, bound by a shared sense of purpose and duty.

But amidst the serenity of the view lies an undercurrent of excitement and anticipation. For soldiers, even in moments of leisure, there is always the awareness of the training mission at hand, the need to remain vigilant and prepared for whatever challenges may arise. It's a reminder that even in the midst of beauty, the call of duty is ever-present.

Yet, despite the demands of their service, there's a profound appreciation for the opportunity to experience such moments of respite and reflection. For in the rear of a CH-47 Chinook over Hawaii, amidst the splendor of the landscape, soldiers find a fleeting glimpse of the world beyond their military obligations—a world filled with wonder, adventure, and endless possibility. And in that moment, they are reminded of the privilege and honor it is to serve their country, both in times of peace and in times of conflict.

Creature Comfort at Sea

Specially trained to help sailors cope with stress associated with deployment

June 23, 2023 |DOD News |   

When the Navy's newest and most advanced aircraft carrier set off last month on its second deployment, it carried something both familiar and entirely novel:

Meet Sage, the USS Gerald R. Ford's facility dog. Under a pilot program, she is the first "expanded operational stress control canine" that will be part of the crew of a Navy ship throughout a deployment.

The 3-year-old Labrador retriever has been specially trained to help sailors cope with stress associated with deployment, providing comfort and morale boosts as part of the ship's warfighter toughness mental health and resiliency team. 

A seated dog stares up at a person holding her leash.

A dog sits in front of four smiling, standing sailors in a room.

Recently, Sage and her handlers visited sailors aboard the USS Normandy, another ship in the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, in the Mediterranean Sea. From the looks of it, things went swimmingly. 

Young people from G7 countries call on leaders

Thursday 27th April 27 2023 at 1:29 PM

Honour commitment to nuclear disarmament 

Hiroshima: 27th April 2023: (Seven Seas News Bureau)::

Youth delegates from G7 countries, meeting in Hiroshima, are calling on  G7 leaders to seize the opportunity presented by their upcoming Summit and take action on nuclear disarmament, reminding them “possession or use of nuclear weapons is illegitimate as recognized by the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) and our future security cannot be dependent on distrust”. 

Meeting in the city that symbolises the devastating humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons, the 50 delegates issued a statement calling on the leaders of the G7 to listen to the survivors of the nuclear attack on the Hiroshima in 1945, known as hibakusha, and recognise the moral imperative of nuclear disarmament. 

The statement says: “We urgently demand action on nuclear weapons to honour the lived experiences of the hibakusha and other communities affected by nuclear weapons, and to secure a safer world free from weapons of mass destruction for generations to come.”

The delegates went on to urge the leaders to follow the framework of the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) as the best way to achieve disarmament: “Given the conflicts and crises we face today, we believe that the time for action against nuclear weapons is now. As young people, we champion the TPNW as the most effective path to eliminating nuclear weapons.”

The ICAN Hiroshima G7 Youth Summit took place from 25-27 April and was organised by the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) and hosted by The Center for Peace, Hiroshima University (CPHU). It brought students and youth activists from 19 countries, including all G7 countries to the city to learn about the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons from atomic bomb survivors and other experts, and to discuss actions to realise a world free of nuclear weapons.

Among the summit’s other recommendations to the G7 leaders are the promotion of research into the impact of nuclear weapons on communities, particularly marginalised communities, in order to support victim assistance and environmental remediation; involve marginalised communities in decisions on nuclear policies; and to shift funding from nuclear weapons to sustainable investments in mitigating the effects of climate change, programmes for education, and peacebuilding.

National Tourism Awards on World Tourism Day

Entry Date: 27th September 2022 at 6:55 PM by PIB Delhi

81 awards given by Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar 

*Awards given this year highlighting the achievements of the industry in 2018-19

*Explore domestic tourist destinations first before looking at international travel:Dhankhar

*India’s Tourism sector is moving towards creative, responsible and inclusive growth: Reddy

New Delhi: 27th September 2022: (PIB//Seven Seas News)::

Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar presented the National Tourism Awards to awardees today at the programme organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, to mark the World Tourism Day, 2022. Union Minister of Tourism Shri G. Kishan Reddy and MoS Tourism Shri Ajay Bhatt also graced the ceremony. Secretary Tourism Shri Arvind Singh and other senior officers of the Ministry were also present on this occasion. A total of 81 awards were given away this year highlighting the achievements of the industry in 2018-19. Vice President also released India Tourism Statistics 2022, New Incredible India Global Promotional Films, and “GoBeyond:75 Experiences of North India” e-book on this occasion.

During his keynote address Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar described India as “heaven for tourism” and asked the Indians to explore domestic tourist destinations first before looking at international travel. Referring to Bharat’s long civilizational history and rich cultural heritage, he underlined that most of the tourist places in the country have a deep connect with our history, folk arts and ancient texts.

Vice President termed tourism a key driver of economic growth and employment generation in the country. Referring to multiple dimensions to the tourism, the Vice President stressed the need for fully leveraging the India’s immense potential in the field of medical tourism as well as the growing global interest in our ancient practices of healing such as Ayurveda and Yoga.

Appreciating the Government’s efforts for the development of the tourism sector in the country, Shri Dhankhar said that the development of tourism infrastructure has been accompanied with innovative initiatives such as Dekho Apna Desh and Utsav Portal.

Speaking on the occasion Shri G. Kishan Reddy said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India’s Tourism sector is moving towards creative, responsible and inclusive growth. Ministry of Tourism is working with 360-degree perspective and whole of government approach for the development of tourism sector. Along with Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Commerce are also working for the development of this sector, which will help in establishing better synergy and convergence leading to sustainable and world class infrastructure development.

Shri Reddy further highlighted that India plans to position itself as a major tourism destination during its presidency of G20 for 2023. During the presidency we aim to showcase India as a ‘must visit’ destination at a global level. 3600 railway coaches have been allocated for tourism purpose for Circuit specific trains. Such trains have already started for Ramayana and Buddhist Circuits while the one for Krishna Circuit will start soon. Our aim is to make India one of the most prominent destinations of the world. Union Minister added that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is working as brand ambassador of Indian tourism.

MoS Tourism Shri Ajay Bhatt congratulated all the award winners and said that Ministry of Tourism has prepared a draft National Tourism Policy 2022 as part of the vision of New India on high trajectory of growth and prosperity. The Policy aims at Improving framework conditions for tourism development in the country, supporting tourism industries, strengthening tourism support functions and developing tourism sub sectors.

During his welcome speech Secretary Tourism Shri Arvind Singh said that this kind of award motivates the travel and tourism sector. Travel & Tourism is one of the world’s largest economic sector, creating export and prosperity around the world. Indian Tourism sector has emerged as one of the key drivers of growth for Indian economy post covid, he said.

As India celebrates 75 years of independence, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, commences its Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) iconic week on 27th September 2022 by recognizing the efforts of industry stakeholders and conferring the National Tourism Awards. Due to Covid, the Awards could not be organised during the last 2 years.

The National Tourism Awards are presented to various segments of the travel, tourism and hospitality industry, including State Governments in recognition of their performance in their respective fields and also to encourage healthy competition with an aim to promote tourism. These Awards have over the years emerged as a prestigious recognition of achievements in the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors.

Kindly click for the details of awardees

Kindly click for the India Tourism Statistics 2022

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