Shifali Jamwal, who embodies a deep connection to the environment and a commitment to community service, has recently been crowned Mrs. Universe America 2024 at a prestigious event organized by AmPowering.org in Renton, USA. This significant accolade marks a new chapter in her life, allowing her to elevate her advocacy for environmental conservation on a global scale.

Born and raised in Jammu in a military family, Shifali developed resilience and determination from an early age. Reflecting on her upbringing, she recounted the lessons learned from her parents, stating, “Growing up in a military environment, I witnessed my parents tackle challenges with unwavering determination.” This background has shaped her approach to life’s challenges and her commitment to making a difference through her work and passion projects.

Currently residing in Seattle, Shifali balances her professional life as a Senior Product Marketing Manager at Esper.io while also dedicating her efforts towards environmental activism. Describing herself as a “child of the planet,” she emphasizes the importance of nurturing a harmonious relationship with nature. A powerful statement from Shifali that encapsulates her philosophy is, “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.” As a mother to a four-year-old son, she is motivated to ensure that future generations inherit a clean and vibrant planet.

In her pursuit to advocate for environmental issues, Shifali co-founded Live2Serve, a nonprofit organization that focuses on environmental conservation and offers assistance to vulnerable communities, particularly targeting the welfare of children and animals. Her dedication to sustainability was vividly showcased during the pageant, where she donned a stunning green lehenga adorned with intricate motifs of butterflies, flowers, and peacocks, symbolizing the beauty of nature and her pledge to protect it.

With her recent crowning as Mrs. Universe America 2024, Shifali is poised to represent the United States at the upcoming Mrs. Universe pageant in the Philippines next year. She views this opportunity as a significant platform to enhance her advocacy for environmental awareness globally. Shifali stated, “This title allows me to raise greater awareness about the urgent need for environmental consciousness.” She is eager to inspire others to join her mission for a sustainable future, believing that collective action can lead to a significant positive impact, ensuring that children inherit not just a livable world, but one that thrives.

As Shifali embarks on this new journey, her commitment to fostering environmental stewardship and her passion for serving the community continue to resonate, encouraging others to reflect on their role in building a sustainable future.

Shifali Jamwal, the daughter of a retired Army officer, has recently been crowned Mrs Universe America 2024 during an elegant pageant held by AmPowering.org in Renton, US. Hailing from Jammu, Shifali’s upbringing in a military family has instilled in her a profound sense of determination and resilience. Reflecting on her childhood, she stated, “Growing up in a military environment, I witnessed my parents tackle challenges with unwavering determination.”

Currently residing in Seattle, Shifali balances her professional life as a Senior Product Marketing Manager at Esper.io while passionately engaging in environmental conservation and community service. Identifying as a “child of the planet,” she is deeply committed to fostering a harmonious relationship with nature. She passionately shares her belief: “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.” As a mother to a four-year-old son, Shifali aims to ensure that future generations inherit a world characterized by clean air, drinkable water, and a healthy environment.

This commitment to sustainability led her to co-found Live2Serve, a nonprofit organization dedicated to environmental conservation and the welfare of vulnerable communities, including children and animals. Live2Serve focuses on both environmental protection and the upliftment of those in need, showcasing Shifali’s holistic approach to community service.

During the pageant, Shifali captivated the audience while wearing an exquisite green lehenga adorned with intricate motifs of butterflies, flowers, and peacocks—symbols that reflect the beauty and vitality of nature. Her dedication to sustainability resonated with the judges and attendees alike, contributing to her triumph in the competition.

With the title of Mrs Universe America 2024, Shifali is now preparing to represent the United States at the global Mrs Universe pageant scheduled to take place in the Philippines next year. She views this prestigious platform as an opportunity to elevate her advocacy for environmental awareness and inspire a collective movement toward a sustainable future. “This title allows me to raise greater awareness about the urgent need for environmental consciousness,” Shifali expressed. “Together, we can make a significant impact and ensure that our children inherit a world that is not just livable but thriving.”

In a significant demonstration of military collaboration, the high-intensity tri-services exercise known as ‘Poorvi Prahar’ is currently taking place in the forward areas of Arunachal Pradesh. Running from November 10 to November 18, the exercise encompasses a diverse range of advanced military equipment, technologies, and systems.

The Indian Army has stated that the primary goal of this exercise is to enhance the operational capabilities of the three branches of the armed forces—Army, Navy, and Air Force—enabling them to conduct seamless multi-domain operations across land, air, and sea. The exercise comes at a crucial time, highlighting India’s commitment to maintaining a robust and adaptable defense posture along its eastern frontier, particularly in response to the rapidly evolving regional dynamics.

As the armed forces work towards restructuring into unified theater commands, ‘Poorvi Prahar’ plays a pivotal role in improving inter-service coordination and operational preparedness. The exercises are designed to refine combat effectiveness in challenging mountainous terrains, emphasizing the necessity of collaboration between the distinct branches of the military.

A wide array of cutting-edge military hardware is being utilized in this exercise, including advanced fighter jets, reconnaissance platforms, and helicopters such as the Chinook and the Advanced Light Helicopter Rudra. The newly-inducted M777 Ultra-Light Howitzers also feature prominently in the operations.

One of the standout aspects of ‘Poorvi Prahar’ is the emphasis on the integration of innovative technologies that are poised to redefine contemporary military operations. Troops are actively engaging with swarm drones, First Person View (FPV) drones, and loitering munitions—technologies that offer significant advancements in situational awareness, precision strikes, and operational flexibility.

A core element of the exercise focuses on creating a Common Operating Picture, achieved through joint control structures designed to optimize coordination among ground, air, and naval forces. The Army noted that real-time information is being shared seamlessly via satellite communication systems, supported by AI-driven analytics. This integration allows for more informed decision-making and quicker response times during operations.

Overall, ‘Poorvi Prahar’ not only acts as a critical training ground for the armed forces but also serves as a platform for further assimilation and integration of advanced technologies and joint command structures, underscoring India’s strategic focus on enhancing its military capabilities in the face of emerging challenges.

In a climate marked by rising geopolitical competition and shifting power dynamics, India is positioning itself as a stabilizing force in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and West Asia. The Indian Navy, which historically focused primarily on coastal defense, has now assumed a significant role in shaping regional security and partnerships, becoming a cornerstone of India’s foreign policy. The nation’s maritime strategy, which aligns with its “Security and Growth for All in the Region” (SAGAR) initiative, emphasizes a balanced approach that seeks to foster collaboration while also protecting its strategic interests.

India’s maritime outreach is multifaceted, combining cooperative alliances, humanitarian efforts, and a careful counterbalance to China’s growing influence. This strategy aims to cultivate an environment of shared security, positioning India as a reliable and proactive regional power. The evolving dimensions of India’s maritime strategy demonstrate its commitment to regional stability and a multipolar world amidst increasing tensions in international waters.

As part of its efforts to enhance regional security, India has recently delivered Fast Interceptor Craft (FICs) to Mozambique, strengthening the country’s capabilities to combat threats like maritime terrorism and piracy. This provision of naval support is not an isolated initiative; it builds on India’s previous assistance to Mozambique, underlining its long-term commitment to bolstering maritime security in the region.

India’s regional engagement is further exemplified through its cooperation with Sri Lanka, where the visit of the Indian Navy’s INS Vela to Colombo illustrates deeper ties under the SAGAR initiative. Joint exercises and the sharing of information have fortified operational coordination between the two nations, enhancing their preparedness against common security threats such as piracy and human trafficking. India’s approach is characterized by mutual respect and support, distinguishing it from China’s infrastructure-driven engagements, which can lead to debt dependency.

China’s expanding presence and assertiveness in the IOR have raised significant concerns about hegemonic aspirations. In response, India has adopted a strategy that empowers its neighbors to independently secure their waters, promoting a cooperative security framework rather than a confrontational one. This “soft power” approach, evident in joint military exercises and shared security responsibilities, stands in contrast to China’s more coercive tactics, allowing neighboring nations to enhance their maritime security without the burden of debilitating debt.

Beyond the Indian Ocean, India has sought to reinforce its maritime influence in West Asia, recognizing the strategic importance of the region for its energy security and economic interests. The Indian Navy’s increased presence through high-profile port calls and collaborative exercises with Gulf Cooperation Council nations and Iran signifies India’s intent to establish itself as a responsible security partner in a historically complex geopolitical landscape.

In 2024, operations by India’s First Training Squadron across the Gulf highlighted a commitment to shared maritime security challenges, such as smuggling and piracy. The exercises in the UAE and Oman, as well as cautious engagements with Iran, reflect India’s balanced diplomatic efforts to maintain partnerships across West Asia, thus reinforcing its strategic interests while navigating regional complexities.

The economic imperatives tied to maritime security are evident, as a significant portion of India’s energy supplies traverse the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea. India’s naval strategy not only aims at protecting these crucial trade routes but also seeks to create a conducive environment for economic growth through strengthened maritime collaborations. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the UAE, which drove a remarkable increase in bilateral trade, exemplifies the intertwined nature of security and economic interests.

In addition to strategic and economic aspects, India’s maritime initiatives are underscored by humanitarian outreach, enhancing its image as a compassionate and reliable ally. Following natural disasters, India has provided aid to affected countries like Turkey and Syria, further fostering goodwill in the region. Cultural exchanges, community engagement, and Indian cultural exports help reinforce ties, showcasing India as a culturally resonant and approachable regional power.

As West Asia increasingly embraces a multipolar landscape with various global players, India’s expanding maritime presence aids in promoting a diversified partnership paradigm. This balanced approach encourages regional states to forge relationships beyond narrow dependencies, particularly as India emphasizes collective maritime security in the region.

In summary, India’s maritime strategy is characterized by its multifaceted approach to ensuring regional stability, grounded in strategic collaborations, humanitarian outreach, and cooperative security measures. As the dynamics of the IOR and West Asia evolve, India’s role as a stabilizing power, driven by a commitment to regional peace and prosperity, will play a crucial part in shaping a secure and interconnected maritime future. By effectively blending hard and soft power strategies, the Indian Navy is not only a source of regional stability but also a catalyst for shared growth among its maritime partners.

In a remarkable milestone for the Indian Navy, Commander Prerna Deosthalee and her brother Commander Ishan Deosthalee are simultaneously leading two warships, marking the first time a brother-sister duo has held command of naval vessels at the same time. Commander Prerna is at the helm of the fast attack craft INS Trinkat, while Commander Ishan commands INS Vibhuti, a Veer-class missile ship.

This achievement is particularly significant as Commander Prerna made history last year by becoming the first woman officer to command a naval ship. Her brother Ishan has taken command of INS Vibhuti only recently, further accentuating this historic familial accomplishment within the Indian Navy.

Both commanders operate their vessels under the Western Command, highlighting their strategic importance in the maritime domain. Recently, the INS Vibhuti participated in a traditional steam-past event before President Droupadi Murmu, underscoring the ship’s operational readiness and the Navy’s commitment to its duties.

During her address at the event, President Murmu commended the capabilities of the Indian Navy, stating, “The Indian Navy units are deployed across vast areas for extended durations, showcasing their capabilities and strategic influence.” She went on to laud the efforts of the Navy in saving lives at sea, recalling a notable incident where the Navy rescued the Bulgarian crew from a hijacked vessel earlier this year. The President’s remarks emphasized the Navy’s role not only in national defense but also in humanitarian missions, reinforcing its reputation as a critical maritime force in the region.

This alignment of family legacy and service highlights not only the growing inclusivity within the Indian armed forces but also the commitment of the Deosthalee siblings to their duties. As they lead their respective commands, both commanders are set to play significant roles in enhancing operational effectiveness and naval readiness in the challenging maritime environment.

In a significant incident highlighting issues of land encroachment, the Indian Army has formally registered a complaint with the Neamatpur Police Outpost regarding an alleged encroachment on a parcel of defense land in the Rahaman Para area of West Burdwan district. This situation escalated recently when local residents attempted to construct a boundary wall on the contested land, leading to a confrontation between opposing groups.

The tensions rose when one group of locals began the wall construction, prompting another group to intervene and oppose the activity. The altercation necessitated a prompt response from the police, as officers from the Neamatpur police station, along with additional personnel from the Kulti police, hurried to the scene in an effort to diffuse the situation and halt the ongoing construction.

Upon their arrival, the police conducted an inspection that revealed the ownership of the land in question belonged to the Indian Army. This crucial information led to immediate communication with the Panagarh camp of the Indian Army, who dispatched a team of officials to the location to assess the situation further. The army personnel, after reviewing the relevant documentation and conducting measurements of the land, confirmed that it rightfully belonged to the military.

In a coordinated effort, army officials and police conducted a detailed inspection of the site on Tuesday afternoon. They collected pertinent evidence, including photocopies of the land map and deed, to support the complaint. In light of these developments, the Indian Army lodged a written complaint with the Neamatpur police station, formally initiating legal proceedings concerning the encroachment.

To ensure security and prevent further disputes, police presence has been increased in the area. Sandip Karra, the Assistant Deputy Commissioner of Police for West, confirmed that a case has been initiated by the Neamatpur police outpost, and investigations are currently underway following the receipt of the army’s complaint. This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges related to land ownership and encroachment issues in the region.

An Indian Army Major and his fiancée made their appearance before a judicial commission on Thursday as part of an investigation into alleged custodial torture at the Bharatpur police station in Bhubaneswar. The proceedings saw the absence of the accused, suspended Inspector In-Charge (IIC) Dinakrushna Mishra, along with four other police personnel who were implicated in the case. Instead of appearing in person, their legal representatives attended the hearing on their behalf.

The judicial commission, chaired by Justice Chittaranjan Das, had previously mandated that all parties involved must present themselves on this day. The lawyers representing the youths alleged to have harassed the Major and his fiancée also participated in the proceedings, further contributing to the complexities of the case. A total of 16 individuals were summoned to the commission, with the expectation that they would either attend personally or be represented by their legal counsel.

In light of the serious allegations, the Odisha government initiated an inquiry through a judicial commission into the incidents of violence reportedly experienced by the Army Major and his fiancée while in police custody. The couple had approached the police station intending to report a separate incident of road rage, during which they claimed to have been harassed by a group of youths. However, instead of receiving the assistance they sought, they alleged that the police turned on them, subjecting them to physical and psychological torture. Disturbingly, the police also purportedly took the fiancée into custody, sending her to jail without proper justification, raising serious concerns about the conduct and integrity of the law enforcement involved.

The case has attracted significant public and media attention, highlighting issues related to police accountability and the treatment of individuals in custody. As the judicial commission’s inquiry progresses, the outcome may have broader implications for police practices in the state and reinforce the need for reforms in handling complaints made by citizens, especially those involving vulnerable individuals.