"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."

- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

#SHIELD

Good News

DRDO’s SHIELD: India Explores a New Way to Take on Drones Without Bullets or Missiles

What if a drone could be stopped without firing a missile or bullet?India is exploring that possibility through a new technology-development programme by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).Called SHIELD, the proposed system will focus on high-power microwave (HPM) and directed-energy technology. DRDO has recently issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) under its Technology Development Fund (TDF), inviting Indian private companies, including start-ups and MSMEs, to participate in its development.How Could Microwave Energy Stop a Drone?Unlike conventional weapons, high-power microwave technology does not physically strike its target. Instead, intense electromagnetic energy can be directed towards electronic systems. At sufficiently high energy levels, such exposure can potentially trigger temporary malfunctions, disrupt electronic operations or damage sensitive components.For drones, which depend heavily on onboard electronics, communication systems, sensors and processors, this technology could become an important area of future counter-drone research.SHIELD will be designed to help researchers measure and assess how electronic equipment responds to high-intensity microwave radiation in controlled conditions.The Technology Behind SHIELDAccording to a report in The Times of India, a key part of the proposed system will be Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based Solid State Power Amplifiers (SSPAs).GaN is increasingly used in high-frequency and high-power electronics because of its efficiency and ability to handle high power densities. The planned evaluation platform will bring together several advanced technologies, including high-frequency power electronics, digital signal control, automated testing, high-voltage power distribution and thermal management.The goal is to create a turnkey system capable of evaluating the vulnerability of electronic equipment to HPM radiation.Why It MattersThe rise of drones and drone swarms has created new challenges for modern militaries. From surveillance to battlefield operations, unmanned systems increasingly depend on sophisticated electronics. This has pushed countries to explore counter-drone solutions beyond conventional missiles and ammunition.SHIELD could help India build the knowledge and testing capabilities needed to develop future directed-energy and electronic-warfare systems.A Step Towards Indigenous CapabilityBy bringing private companies into the project through the Technology Development Fund, DRDO is also seeking to strengthen India’s domestic expertise in advanced defence technologies.For now, SHIELD remains a proposed evaluation platform rather than a deployed weapon. But if successfully developed, it could provide an important foundation for India’s future work in high-power microwave and directed-energy technologies.

8 Sep 2026
Good News

Honoring a Digital Defender: Tejasvi Manoj Wins TIME’s Kid of the Year

Every year, TIME and TIME for Kids honor young changemakers with the title Kid of the Year, spotlighting those who use their creativity and courage to bring positive change. In 2025, that honor went to Tejasvi Manoj, a 17-year-old Indian-American teenager from Frisco, Texas. Her achievement is not just about technological innovation; it is a story of empathy, resilience, and the power of bridging generations in the digital age.Inspiration Born from Personal LossFor Tejasvi, the journey began close to home. Her grandfather was once targeted by an online scam, an experience that left her shaken but determined. Instead of simply lamenting the dangers of the digital world, she decided to act. Out of that resolve came Shield Seniors, a platform designed to educate older adults about online fraud and arm them with tools to protect themselves.Building Shield Seniors: Where Tech Meets EmpathyCreating Shield Seniors was no easy feat, as seniors often find technology intimidating while cybercrime continues to evolve rapidly. Tejasvi embraced these challenges head-on by combining her coding skills with user-centered design. The platform integrates AI-powered assistance to analyze suspicious messages or emails, step-by-step safety guides written in simple and accessible language, and a friendly chatbot where seniors can ask questions without hesitation. To ensure comfort and ease, she also focused on visual redesigns, making navigation smooth for older adults who may struggle with complicated layouts. Tejasvi constantly tested the app with seniors, gathering their feedback and redesigning it multiple times to make it truly senior-friendly. Learning on the Go: From Coding to Generative AIWhat makes Tejasvi’s journey even more inspiring is that she learned many skills as she built the platform. She had to teach herself generative AI applications, entrepreneurial planning, and public speaking all while balancing schoolwork. Her persistence was recognized when she received an honorable mention in the 2024 Congressional App Challenge. Beyond competitions, she also gave talks in places like Plano, Texas, to encourage more conversations about digital bridges between generations. While technology is at the core of Tejasvi’s project, its heart lies in human connection. She admits to feeling nervous before her first seminar, worrying that no one would show up. Instead, the room filled with eager seniors scribbling notes, asking questions, and expressing gratitude. That moment cemented her belief in the value of intergenerational learning. It is not just about cybercrime prevention; it is about seniors feeling respected, included, and capable in a world that often overlooks them.Balancing Cultures, Carrying ValuesAs a second-generation immigrant, Tejasvi straddles two worlds: her Indian heritage and American upbringing. She sees this dual identity not as a challenge but as a strength. Her parents encouraged her to believe in herself, reminding her that her actions could make a difference both in the U.S. and India. This cultural balance shapes her vision: building tools that can protect not just American seniors but also vulnerable populations worldwide, especially in countries like India where digital scams are rampant. Currently, Shield Seniors is in private preview mode, but its potential is vast. By combining artificial intelligence with human empathy, Tejasvi’s work could scale to protect millions of seniors worldwide. As cybercrime grows more sophisticated, her initiative is a reminder that digital literacy is as essential as reading and writing in today’s world. 

10 Sep 2025
Good News

"Look Who's Back!": 5 Endangered Animals That Are Thriving Again

Nature’s got this superpower, when we give it a chance, it bounces back stronger than ever. Around the globe, conservationists, eco-warriors, local heroes, and even entire governments are teaming up to save wildlife that was once so close to disappearing forever. It’s like watching nature get its groove back, and trust us, it's totally worth celebrating. Let’s explore five animals that went from "oops, they're almost extinct" to "look at them now!" and left us all in awe of what a little love and care can do.1. The Giant Panda: The Ultimate Comeback KidAlright, who doesn't love a panda? These adorable fluffballs were this close to becoming history. Native to China, pandas were suffering from habitat loss, low birth rates, and the classic "whoops, we've almost destroyed everything" situation. But hold up, thanks to some serious panda power moves (we’re talking about reforestation, creating panda sanctuaries, and breeding programs), their numbers have started climbing again! In 2016, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) was like, “Hey, pandas aren’t endangered anymore, they're just ‘vulnerable.” That’s progress, people! Now with over 1,800 pandas chilling in the wild, things are looking good for these cuddly, bamboo-munching celebs.2. The Bald Eagle: Soaring High (and we mean high)The Bald Eagle, America’s symbol of freedom, was seriously on the ropes. Habitat destruction, illegal hunting, and a major battle with DDT pesticides nearly wiped out this majestic bird. At one point, there were fewer than 500 nesting pairs in the U.S. But then, the government stepped in, banning DDT, and conservationists went full throttle with breeding programs and legal protections. By 2007, Bald Eagles had made such a dramatic comeback that they were removed from the Endangered Species List. Now? There are over 300,000 Bald Eagles flying around like they own the sky. 3. The Humpback Whale: The Ocean’s Ultimate SurvivorThese big, beautiful whales were nearly hunted out of existence. Thanks to whaling, Humpback Whales saw their numbers drop by a jaw-dropping 90%. But there’s a twist in this ocean drama: after the 1986 global ban on commercial whaling and new conservation rules (think: safer shipping routes and protected marine zones), these whales made one heck of a recovery. Today, there are more than 80,000 Humpback Whales swimming in our oceans, hello, comeback king! Every time you see a humpback breech out of the water, know it’s a victory for marine conservation.4. The Black Rhino: Tougher Than EverThe Black Rhino has been through some serious struggles. Poaching for their horns nearly drove them into extinction, and by the 1990s, only about 2,500 rhinos were left in the wild. Cue the dramatic rescue: conservationists got to work with anti-poaching squads, stricter laws, and safe havens where rhinos could chill in peace. They even relocated rhinos to protected areas to keep them safe from the bad guys. Fast-forward to today, and Black Rhino numbers have climbed to over 5,500. It's a solid comeback, but there’s still work to be done. Poaching's got nothing on these tough, thick-skinned warriors.5. The Green Sea Turtle: Shelled SurvivorsThese ancient reptiles were once swimming through a nightmare of illegal poaching, fishing gear entanglements, and plastic pollution. They were struggling to keep their numbers up, but then the tide turned! Thanks to programs like Project AWARE and Sea Turtle Conservancy, folks around the world started protecting nesting sites, rescuing injured turtles, and raising awareness about marine pollution. Add in some strict fishing regulations, and boom, Green Sea Turtle populations are climbing! While they’re still on the endangered list, their recovery is a shining example of how we can make waves for marine life.Let’s Co-exist: Nature’s Got This!From pandas to turtles, these wildlife wins show us that when we get together and push for change, nature can work some serious magic. Sure, conservation isn’t a quick fix, but these epic comebacks remind us that every little action, whether it's planting trees, supporting conservation organizations, or simply spreading the word counts.So, let's keep the momentum going and make sure future generations get to experience these incredible creatures in the wild. Because when we protect nature, nature’s got our back in return. The world belongs to them as much as it does to us, why not Co-Exist?  

26 Mar 2025
Good News

Global Inspirations

This Marine Gave Up His Job to Fight Poaching

Ryan Tate is a Marine Corps Veteran who had learned some valuable and tough lessons in life at a young age. After serving in the Marine Corps, he worked for the US Department of State, but there was no job satisfaction. Tate realized what he wanted to do in life when he saw a wildlife documentary on CNN. It was about poaching in Africa and how it provides revenue for crime syndicates and violent extremists. The documentary showed images of elephants and rhinos with their faces cut off by poachers to procure tusks and horns. The barbarity of the practice hurt him very badly and he took up the mission to fight poaching. Tate gave up his job in the U.S. Department of State and started his non-profit called Veterans Empowered to Protect African Wildlife( VETPAW). Training Rangers The goal of Tate and his team was to pass along skills to improve the safety of rangers and conservationists and to increase the survival rate of wildlife in Africa. They train the rangers in battlefield medical skills, night operations, leadership skills, and marksmanship. VETPAW also employs techniques like behaviour pattern recognition, which teaches rangers how to think like a criminal or a poacher. After the first training session itself, the rangers were able to recognize and apprehend eight poachers. Missions VETPAW has undertaken several missions like Operation Tanzania which Tanzanian government develop an intelligence-based task force to combat poaching. Then there was Operation Rhino Shield which aimed to repopulate Limpopo province in South Africa which didn’t have black rhinos for the past 200 years. Now, there is a growing population of both black and white rhinos. Thanks to the efforts of Ryan Tate and his team, incidents of poaching has considerably come down and led to the conservation of wildlife in Africa.

27 Aug 2019
Global Inspirations

Archives