Its complement of personnel and aircraft assets ranks third amongst the air forces of the world. Its primary mission is to secure Indian airspace and to conduct aerial warfare during armed conflict. It was officially established on 8 October 1932 as an auxiliary air force of the British Empire which honoured India's aviation service during World War II with the prefix Royal. After India gained independence from United Kingdom in 1947, the name Royal Indian Air Force was kept and served in the name of Dominion of India. With the government's transition to a Republic in 1950, the prefix Royal was removed.Since 1950, the IAF has been involved in four wars with neighbouring Pakistan. Other major operations undertaken by the IAF include Operation Vijay, Operation Meghdoot, Operation Cactus and Operation Poomalai. The IAF's mission expands beyond engagement with hostile forces, with the IAF participating in United Nations peacekeeping missions.The President of India holds the rank of Supreme Commander of the IAF. As of 1 July 2017[update], 170,576 personnel are in service with the Indian Air Force. The Chief of the Air Staff, an air chief marshal, is a four-star officer and is responsible for the bulk of operational command of the Air Force. There is never more than one serving ACM at any given time in the IAF. The rank of Marshal of the Air Force has been conferred by the President of India on one occasion in history, to Arjan Singh. On 26 January 2002, Singh became the first and so far, only five-star rank officer of the IAF.
Abstract Introduction: Emerging epidemiological trends indicate a rising prevalence of non-communicable lifestyle-related diseases within military cohorts. Maintaining high levels of combat readiness requires proactive interventions to manage weight and associated metabolic risk factors. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a structured, mission-mode lifestyle intervention programme (SMART Fitness Programme) for weight control and fitness promotion among Armed Forces personnel using an evidence-based, multidisciplinary approach. Methods: This longitudinal observational study tracked 2,280 personnel across selected military units from June 2023 to September 2024. Grounded in evidence supporting a 70:30 diet-to-physical activity ratio, the programme emphasized dietary modification while incorporating structured physical training. Unit medical officers, dieticians, and institutional leadership collaborated to provide personalized dietary advice, customized exercise plans, regular follow-up, and quarterly monitoring. Body weight was the primary outcome variable and body mass index (BMI) the secondary outcome. A BMI target of ≤25.0 kg/m² was adopted to define normal weight. Results: Point prevalence of overweight and obesity decreased significantly from 10.6% at baseline to 8.4% by September 2024. The proportion of participants successfully reducing weight ("improvers") increased from 47.8% to 54.1%, while "worseners" declined substantially from 25.1% to 6.7%. Nearly two-fifths (39.8%) of the cohort transitioned into healthier weight categories, including movement from obesity to overweight and from overweight to normal BMI. The programme achieved a cumulative absolute weight loss of 10,658 kg during the 15-month follow-up. Regression analysis identified age and height as independent predictors of body weight, whereas BMI remained significantly associated with age. Conclusions: The SMART Fitness Programme produced tangible and sustained reductions in body weight and obesity prevalence through integrated leadership, individualized dietary counselling, structured physical activity, and continuous monitoring. The strong institutional integration and evidence-based 70:30 diet-to-activity framework provide a scalable public health model for wider implementation across Armed Forces and comparable institutional settings.
Breast cancer is a complex pathology and treatments nowadays is not a one size fits all. Social media has emerged as a prominent and widely used platform for sharing health-related information and also, one of the main sources for bread treatment information in patients. The objective of this study is to evaluate the role of social media in shaping women's knowledge, trust, and engagement with breast cancer treatment information, and to assess its influence on treatment-related discussions with healthcare providers To evaluate this, a cross-sectional survey was conducted in July of 2025 through an Instagram breast health account using Instagram survey tools. The survey included questions on demographics, engagement with breast cancer treatment-related content, trust in health information shared on social media, and whether any information encountered on social media influenced discussions or decisions made with their doctor regarding treatment. A total of 1026 respondents participated in the survey, all of whom identified as women, with the majority (43%) aged between 41 and 50 years. From this group of patients 94% participants reported searching for breast cancer-related information online, with Instagram identified as the primary source (82%), followed by other internet sites. Trust in online health information varied, largely depending on the credibility of the source (79%) and the platform on which the information was published. Age differences were observed in levels of trust, with younger (20-30 years old) women more likely to trust online information (25%) compared to older age groups. Women who reported higher trust in social media content demonstrated greater engagement with breast cancer treatment-related information and were more likely to report that such information influenced discussions and decision-making with their physicians (17%). Although the majority of women (73%) reported that online information did not alter their treatment plans or decision-making, a subset (10%)—despite not fully trusting all online content—expressed a willingness to discuss the information they encountered with their healthcare providers. In the current digital age, information is increasingly disseminated through non-traditional channels, with social media platforms significantly enhancing patient access to treatment-related content. However, the prevalence of misinformation on these platforms presents a challenge, as regulating the accuracy of shared content remains difficult. This underscores the critical importance of trust in the source of information. Healthcare providers should be aware of this trend and remain open to discussing online information with their patients to support informed decision-making. T. A. Piñeiro, V. Constanzo, A. Nervo, S. García, F. Colo, M. Daniel, L. Cosaka. Exploring the Role of Social Media in Shaping Breast Cancer Treatment Decisions Among Women [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2025; 2025 Dec 9-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2026;32(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS5-10-13
Abstract Background: Spatial disorientation (SD) remains a critical safety concern in aviation, particularly for military fighter pilots operating in high-performance environments. While effective aeromedical training is essential to mitigate SD incidents, research quantifying the efficacy of simulator-based programs using advanced analytical methods remains limited within the Indian military context. Aims & Objectives: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a 1-day simulator-based SD training program for Indian military fighter pilots. The primary objectives were to assess improvements in illusion awareness, identify predictors of successful learning using statistical analysis and machine learning (Random Forest) techniques, and explore how these insights can optimize future training protocols. Materials & Methods: A mixed-methods, observational cohort design involved 303 active-duty fighter pilots (aged 20–50). Participants underwent a standardized, high-fidelity simulator-based training program replicating common in-flight illusions. Pre- and post-intervention Illusion Awareness Scores (IAS) were measured. Data analysis utilized Pearson’s Chi-square tests, ANOVA, ANCOVA, and Random Forest classification to assess training effectiveness and isolate predictive factors. Results: The intervention significantly enhanced illusion awareness across all participants. Baseline IAS was a critical determinant; “SD susceptible” pilots (IAS <30) demonstrated substantially higher mean IAS gain (54.39%) compared to “well-aware” pilots (16.24%; P < 0.001). Perceived simulator realism and prior experience with illusions were significantly associated with positive outcomes. The machine learning model achieved high predictive accuracy (correlation coefficient 0.9569), confirming baseline awareness, simulator fidelity, and prior exposure as the most influential predictors of success. Conclusion: A single-day simulator-based SD training program effectively improves illusion awareness, particularly among pilots with lower initial knowledge. The study confirms that training success depends heavily on baseline knowledge, simulator fidelity, and prior illusion experience. These findings underscore the necessity for realistic simulation environments and personalized strategies—enhanced by AI-driven insights—to improve flight safety and reduce dangerous SD-related accidents.
Advanced knowledge of weather systems is essential for various routine activities, as sudden precipitation events can disrupt social life and affect multiple sectors. Weather radar, which provides detailed spatial and temporal variations of cloud systems, is a crucial tool for weather prediction models. Radar reflectivity data from radar can be converted into precipitation rates, offering prior information useful for hazard mitigation. This capability is vital for mitigating hazards associated with severe weather events such as floods, thunderstorms, and hailstorms. A reliable nowcasting system that captures the nonlinear and rapidly evolving nature of weather systems can significantly reduce damages and losses caused by severe weather. In this study, we present an indigenously developed radar-based nowcasting system utilizing the python framework for short term ensemble prediction (PySTEPS), applied over the Trivandrum region in India. This model generates nowcasts from radar reflectivity data obtained from the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station’s (TERLS) C-band radar, which is preprocessed using a tailored clutter-filtering approach to mitigate site specific artifacts. It employs optical flow techniques and cascade decomposition to accurately depict the spatial and temporal evolution of cloud systems. To address uncertainties in precipitation forecasting, the system generates 15-minutes ensemble forecasts for a lead time of up to 90 min. To determine the accuracy of our nowcasts, we validated three months of nowcast data (June, July, and August) against observations. Validation metrics included the confusion matrix and skill scores such as Fractional Skill Score (FSS), Heidke Skill Score (HSS), Probability of Detection (POD), False Alarm Ratio (FAR), and Critical Success Index (CSI). Additionally, we present case studies demonstrating the model’s operational nowcasting capabilities. The results indicate that our model shows promising potential for operational precipitation nowcasting.
Background and aim Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXS) substantially elevates the technical complexity of cataract surgery through its twin mechanisms of restricted pupillary dilation and progressive zonular weakness. This study aimed to document the intraoperative complication spectrum and postoperative visual rehabilitation following small incision cataract surgery (SICS) with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in eyes with concurrent PXS and to identify preoperative predictors of adverse surgical outcomes. Methods This prospective observational study enrolled 50 consecutive eyes of 50 patients with coexisting visually significant cataract and PXS at a tertiary ophthalmology center in Bihar, India. All patients underwent manual SICS with primary polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) IOL implantation by a single surgeon, and outcomes were evaluated at three months. Preoperative pupillary dilation category was assessed as the primary predictor of intraoperative complications. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was recorded at baseline and at the three-month follow-up visit. Statistical associations were evaluated using chi-square and nonparametric tests, and a p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results The cohort was predominantly male (31 (62%)) and elderly (29 (58%) aged above 70 years; mean age, 70.4 ± 8.6 years). Poor pharmacological mydriasis (pupil 3-5 mm) was recorded in 13 (26%) eyes. Intraoperative complications included difficulty with anterior capsulotomy in nine (18%) eyes, posterior capsular rent in five (10%), zonular dehiscence in four (8%), and vitreous loss in four (8%). All complication rates correlated significantly with inadequate pupillary dilation (p < 0.05). Postoperatively, 36 (72%) eyes attained a BCVA ≥ 6/18, representing a statistically significant improvement over the preoperative distribution (p < 0.001). Posterior capsular opacification in nine (18%) and cystoid macular edema in four (8%) were the leading causes of suboptimal visual rehabilitation. Conclusions Although PXS significantly amplifies surgical risk relative to routine cataract cases, structured preoperative planning, maximal pupillary dilation, and appropriate intraoperative adjuncts consistently yield visual outcomes comparable with published benchmarks. Preoperative pupillary dilation status is a robust, statistically significant predictor of intraoperative morbidity and should guide surgical strategy.
