Why in news? The Indian Air Force is celebrating its 91st anniversary on October 9^th 2023

Highlights:

Additional Information ‘

• This is the first Air Force Day Parade to be commanded by a woman officer, Group Captain Shaliza Dhami
• Indian Air Force (IAF) chief Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari unveiled the air force’s new ensign at the 91st IAF Day celebrations at Air Force Station-Bamrauli in Prayagraj.

New Ensign

• The IAF Crest has the national symbol, the Ashoka lion, on the top with the words Satyameva Jayate in Devanagari below it.
• Below the Ashoka lion is a Himalayan eagle with its wings spread, denoting the fighting qualities of the IAF
• A ring in light blue colour encircles the Himalayan eagle with the words ‘Bharatiya Vayu Sena’ and the motto of the IAF is inscribed below Himalayan eagle in golden Devanagari.”
• The IAF motto has been taken from verse 24, Chapter 11 of the Bhagavad Gita and means “Radiant Thou Touchest Heaven” or in other words “Touching the sky with glory”.
• Last year, a new combat uniform for the Indian Air Force was unveiled on the occasion of Indian Air Force Day 2022