This Children’s Day, the spotlight shines on two talented army kids from Jaipur, Rajasthan, who have displayed extraordinary achievements in the world of sports. Chinmayi Kasodekar and Zara Swittens, daughters of army officers, have overcome challenges and dedicated themselves to their respective sports, emerging as role models for young athletes across India. Their stories reflect the influence of supportive parents, hard work, and passion for excellence.


Chinmayi Kasodekar, daughter of Colonel Ajit Kasodekar, has made waves in lawn tennis since she began playing at the age of eight. With a keen sense of discipline and persistence, Chinmayi has competed in district-level tournaments, securing silver and bronze medals in both 2023 and 2024. Her accomplishments extend beyond sports, as she scored an impressive 90% in her 12th-grade board exams and successfully passed the NIFT entrance exam in the open category, demonstrating her well-rounded abilities. Among her many achievements, the silver medal in a state-level team event and her selection to represent Rajasthan in national tournaments stand out as testaments to her skill and dedication. Colonel Kasodekar is proud of her journey, emphasizing that her commitment inspires army kids nationwide.


Meanwhile, Zara Swittens, guided by her father, Lieutenant Colonel D Swittens of the 61 Cavalry, has shown a natural affinity for equestrian sports, developing a strong bond with horses that has driven her remarkable success. Zara’s journey in show jumping and dressage has been nothing short of impressive; she has earned three national medals and numerous regional awards, including an outstanding second place in the FEI World Children’s Classic Show Jumping. Her hard work has even earned her a spot in the world rankings, and she is set to compete in the Junior Nationals in December 2024. Lt. Col. Swittens, her dedicated coach and father, attributes Zara’s achievements to her determination and natural connection with horses, which fuels her accomplishments in a sport that requires skill, patience, and trust.


The achievements of these young athletes underscore the powerful role of parental guidance and support in fostering talent and resilience in children. Both Colonel Kasodekar and Lt. Col. Swittens believe that their daughters’ successes are grounded in dedication and passion, showing that army kids can excel in both academics and sports with the right encouragement. On this Children’s Day, the inspirational stories of Chinmayi and Zara highlight the potential within every young mind, demonstrating how hard work and perseverance can create bright futures for India’s youth.

A parliamentary committee, led by Congress MP Digvijaya Singh, will convene next week to discuss key topics impacting social and educational policy in India. Scheduled for November 21-22, the panel will address proposals concerning the minimum legal age for marriage and assess aspects of the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, among other education initiatives.

The panel’s agenda includes deliberating on potential changes to marriage age requirements, a significant issue in light of the lapsed Prohibition of Child Marriage (Amendment) Bill, 2021. This bill, which sought to increase the minimum marriage age for females from 18 to 21 years, expired with the dissolution of the 17th Lok Sabha. The panel will engage with representatives from the Ministry of Women and Child Development, along with advocacy groups like the National Coalition Advocating for Adolescent Concerns and the Young Voices Campaign, to discuss the broader implications of adjusting marriage age policies. The discussions aim to address legislative gaps and align marriage laws with gender equality objectives.

On November 21, the panel will examine the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and its impact on school education. Representatives from the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, as well as members from school teacher federations and civil society groups, will provide insights. The committee will assess how NEP 2020, which replaced the 1986 policy, is being implemented at the grassroots level and how it addresses evolving educational needs across the country.

The discussion will also cover pivotal education initiatives, including:

  • Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan: This comprehensive program focuses on elevating school education quality by integrating multiple educational schemes. The panel will assess the program's efficacy and impact on improving learning outcomes.
  • Functioning of Autonomous Bodies: The committee will scrutinise the roles of institutions like the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, which play crucial roles in the delivery of education and the shaping of curriculum and teacher training standards.

These discussions are expected to have lasting impacts on education and marriage policies in India, influencing future legal frameworks and policy directions. The recommendations from this panel could pave the way for aligning marriage laws with societal changes and refining education policies to better serve India’s diverse student population.

President-elect Donald Trump’s vow to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education has stirred speculation over his pick for the next Education Secretary. While some view Trump’s pledge to abolish the department as more rhetorical than realistic, his administration’s potential selection is creating waves in education circles, with top candidates emerging who align with his conservative educational vision.

Several prominent figures are in contention for the role, each bringing a background rooted in conservative education reforms and parental rights advocacy: The former Education Secretary under Trump, DeVos has consistently supported the idea that the Department of Education should be dissolved. Her tenure marked a shift towards school choice and decentralising federal influence in education.

Known for his entrepreneurial background and recent run for the GOP presidential nomination, Ramaswamy is an advocate of reducing federal control in education, making him a strong contender, especially with Trump’s endorsement. A former U.S. Representative from New York, Zeldin has shown alignment with Trump’s education policies, particularly around issues of local control and limiting progressive influences in school curricula.

As co-founder of Moms for Liberty, a parents’ rights organisation, Justice has championed parental involvement in education. Her organisation’s stance against perceived progressive agendas in schools resonates with Trump’s educational direction. Louisiana’s state superintendent of education, Brumley has taken a firm stance against progressive agendas, advocating for policies that promote traditional values in education.

Oklahoma’s state superintendent of public instruction, Walters has also been a vocal critic of progressive education policies, aligning closely with conservative educational reform initiatives.

The former Indiana governor and Purdue University president, Daniels has an extensive record in higher education reform, giving him an edge with his deep understanding of the education sector.

The current governor of Florida has made waves with his conservative stance on education, focusing on issues like critical race theory and parental rights, which could align with Trump’s agenda.

As Virginia’s governor, Youngkin has emphasised parental rights and conservative educational policies, bringing him into the mix as a potential choice.

Whomever Trump selects will face significant challenges. Among these are addressing the growing student debt crisis, managing campus unrest, and restoring public trust in higher education institutions. Experts predict that Trump’s pick will likely have experience in higher education or a strong track record of waging culture wars that align with his administration’s approach.

The selection of the next Education Secretary is expected to signal Trump’s commitment to reshaping education policy, likely prioritising parental rights, reducing federal influence, and combatting progressive ideologies within the education system.

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) is poised to release the much-anticipated Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Tier 1 result for 2024. Candidates who participated in the SSC CGL Tier 1 examination will soon be able to view their results on the official SSC website, [ssc.gov.in](http://ssc.gov.in).

Result Declaration Date: Expected soon (stay tuned for updates).

- Examination Date: Conducted previously; dates vary by region.
-Tier 2 Exam Date: To be announced later by SSC.

Steps to Check SSC CGL Tier 1 Result 2024

To ensure a smooth and quick result-checking process, candidates can follow these simple steps:
1. Go to the official SSC website: [ssc.gov.in](http://ssc.gov.in).
2. Click on the “Results” tab on the homepage.
3. From the dropdown, select “CGL” to navigate to Combined Graduate Level results.
4. Locate and click on “Combined Graduate Level Examination 2024 - Tier 1 Result.”
5. Enter your roll number, registration number, and date of birth.
6. Click “Submit” to view and download your result for future reference.

Those who successfully pass the Tier 1 exam will advance to the Tier 2 stage, followed by Tier 3 (descriptive test) and Tier 4 (skill test/ document verification). Each stage in the SSC CGL examination is crucial for candidates aspiring to secure Group B and Group C government posts. These roles span various ministries, departments, and organisations, offering candidates a rewarding career in public service.

SSC advises all candidates to regularly monitor the official SSC website for the latest updates, including announcements on result release dates and detailed instructions for upcoming Tier 2 exams. Candidates should also keep their login credentials handy, as these will be required for checking results and downloading necessary documents.

For ease of access, SSC will provide a direct link to the result page upon release. Those awaiting results can expect the website to experience high traffic on the day of release, so checking during off-peak hours may help avoid delays.

The SSC CGL examination remains one of the most sought-after government exams, providing thousands of candidates with the opportunity to join esteemed government sectors.

The Authority Holding Sealed Particulars (AHSP) for the advanced P-7 Parachute System has been formally transferred to the Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA) by the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) of Agra, a premier laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The handover ceremony took place on November 11, 2024, at DRDO Bhawan in New Delhi, where Secretary of the Department of Defence Research & Development and Chairman of DRDO, Dr. Samir V Kamat, presided over the event.

The P-7 Parachute System, which has been meticulously designed, developed, and validated by ADRDE, is set to bolster the operational capabilities of the Indian Army. Manufactured by Gliders India Limited (Ordnance Parachute Factory), Kanpur, the P-7 system enables safe airdropping of payloads up to 9.5 tons from IL-76 aircraft at altitudes reaching four kilometres. The parachute’s deployment mechanism and robust design ensure secure drops for heavy cargo, including essential military vehicles and artillery.

The newly inducted system addresses a critical need for rapid deployment of the Army’s Light Field Guns and transport Jeeps, facilitating faster mobilisation to border regions and conflict zones. With its operational efficiency validated through comprehensive trials, the P-7 Parachute System successfully passed the General Staff Evaluation, meeting stringent Army standards. This success has led to the Army placing an order for 146 units of the heavy-duty parachute system with Gliders India Limited (Ordnance Parachute Factory), Kanpur.

The transfer of AHSP to DGQA marks a pivotal milestone, as it signifies the completion of developmental phases and readiness for mass production and deployment. This move aligns with India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) vision, showcasing indigenous technological advancements in defence manufacturing. The P-7 Parachute System’s induction into the armed forces is expected to enhance India’s strategic positioning and logistical efficiency in sensitive regions, where swift response and deployment are imperative.

With ADRDE’s successful innovation and DRDO’s strategic leadership, India continues to strengthen its defence preparedness through home-grown solutions, reinforcing its commitment to both national security and indigenous technological progress.

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