Prime Minister receives Russia’s highest State Award
?In a special ceremony in St. Andrew Hall in the Kremlin, President of the Russian Federation, H.E. Mr. Vladimir Putin conferred Russia’s highest national award "The Order of St. Andrew the Apostle” on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for his contribution to fostering India-Russia ties. The award was announced in 2019. While accepting the award, Prime Minister dedicated it to the people of India and to the traditional bonds of friendship between India and Russia. He further stated that the recognition illuminates the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries. This award was instituted over 300 years ago. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is the first Indian leader to be conferred with this award.
Prof. (Dr.) Soumya Swaminathan appointed as the Principle Advisor at the Union Ministry of Health
Prof. (Dr.) Soumya Swaminathan has been appointed as the principal advisor at the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare for the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme on a pro bono basis. As the Principal Advisor for the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme, Prof. (Dr.) Soumya Swaminathan will provide technical advice on the overall strategy to achieve program goals, suggest policy directions and necessary course corrections for optimal outcomes, and advise on research strategy. She will also assist in the formation of expert groups with top talent globally. Additionally, she will support the Union Health Ministry, state officials, and development partners in assessing the impact of the programme. Prof. Swaminathan was the former Chief Scientist of the World Health Organization and has also served as the Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) previously.
Finland is the happiest country in the world for the seventh year in a row
For the seventh year in a row, Finland has landed the top spot on the World Happiness Report’s annual ranking of the happiest countries in the world.
Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Israel, Netherlands, Norway, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Australia
Shri Sheel Nagu appointed as Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court
The President of India, in exercise of the powers conferred by the Constitution of India, appointed Shri Sheel Nagu, Judge of the High Court of Madhya Pradesh as the Chief Justice of the High Court of Punjab and Haryana with effect from the date he assumes charge of his office.
Dr. B. N. Gangadhar appointed as Chairperson of the National Medical Commission
The Appointment Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has appointed various individuals to posts of the National Medical Commission and the Autonomous Boards. The appointments are for 4 years, until the appointee attains the age of 70 years, or until further orders, whichever is earliest. The Appointment Committee of the Cabinet has also appointed Dr. Rajendra Achyut Badwe, Professor Emeritus at Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, as a part-time member of the Under-Graduate Medical Education Board for 2 years, until he attains the age of 70 years, or until further orders, whichever is earliest.
Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani has assumed the appointment of the Vice Chief of Army Staff
Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani has assumed the appointment of the Vice Chief of Army Staff. The General Officer was tenanting the appointment of General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Command based at Lucknow.
The General Officer was commissioned into The Garhwal Rifles in Dec 1985. He has graduated from the prestigious National Defence Academy and Indian Military Academy. He is an alumnus of Joint Services Command Staff College, Bracknell (UK), and National Defence College, New Delhi. He holds a Master of Arts Degree from King’s College London and an M Phil in Defence Studies from Madras University. He has in his illustrious career spanning over 37 years served across a wide spectrum of conflict and terrain profiles and has tenanted a host of Command, Staff, and Instructional appointments. The General Officer has insightful knowledge and a deep understanding of operational dynamics on both the Western and Northern Borders. For his distinguished service to the Nation, the General Officer has been awarded Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal.
India Ends 13-Year World Cup Drought Under Sprinkling Skies Of Barbados
India broke their 13-year World Cup drought after defeating first-time finalists South Africa by seven runs in the 2024 T20 World Cup final. Seventeen years after their inaugural T20 World Cup victory in 2007, India lifted their second trophy in a hard-fought contest under the spitting skies of Barbados. India’s historic win rode on a stellar display of death bowling from pace trio Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Hardik Pandya, complemented by mature and calculated innings from Virat Kohli and Axar Patel.
Women Set Record For Most Runs In A Day In Test History
The Women's Cricket team set a new record on Friday in the first day of their one-off test against South Africa, scoring 525 runs for four wickets, the highest total any team has amassed in a single day of Test cricket. The total includes the fastest double hundred by opener Shafali Verma while her partner Smriti Mandhana contributed with a century at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The 354 runs scored by both are also the most by openers in an innings in women’s Tests. Shafali scored the double century off just 194 balls. The 20-year-old surpassed Annabel Sutherland’s earlier performance this year, where the Australian scored a century off 248 balls against the Proteas.
The previous record for the most runs scored in a single day was set by England’s Betty Snowball, who amassed 189 runs on the opening day of a test match against New Zealand in 1935.
Shafali is the second Indian woman and the second youngest woman to record a double-century in test matches, following India’s Mithali Raj who was 19 when she scored 214 runs against England in Taunton in 2002.
Paralympic Symbol Unveiled On Arc De Triomphe Ahead Of Games In Paris
Two months before the start of the Paralympic Games, Paris 2024 displayed its symbol, the three-colored Agitos, on its iconic Arc de Triomphe monument. Millions of visitors will descend on Paris for the Summer Olympics in a month to watch the games and enjoy the city’s sights. France’s hexagon-shaped capital, home to 2.1 million inhabitants, breathes history and art across its architectural landscape.
DRDO hands over Medium Range-Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket to Indian Navy
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) handed over the Medium Range-Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket (MR-MOCR) to the Indian Navy at a ceremony held in New Delhi on June 26, 2024. Microwave Obscurant Chaff (MOC), a niche technology developed by DRDO’s Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur, obscures radar signals and creates a microwave shield around platforms and assets, thus reducing radar detection. The special type of fibers, with a diameter of a few microns and unique microwave obscuration properties, have been assembled in the medium-range chaff rocket. The rocket, when fired, forms microwave obscurant clouds in space spreading over a sufficient area, with adequate persistence time, thus creating an effective shield against hostile threats having Radio Frequency seekers.
India hosted 64th ISO Council Meeting from 25th-27th June 2024
India is hosting a global event in the sugar sector ‘ISO Council Meeting’ in New Delhi from 25th to 27th June 2024. Delegates from more than 30 countries and representatives of many international organizations are joining to deliberate on critical issues of the sugar and biofuel sector. As India is the world’s largest consumer and second largest producer of sugar, ISO Council nominated India as the Chair of the organisation for 2024. As part of the meeting, India is starting the series of events with an industrial tour of the international delegates to one grain-based distillery at Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh on 24 June 2024 to showcase India’s adoption of the latest technology in the production of biofuels and other by-products.
Ladakh Achieves Full Functional Literacy
Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Dr. B.D. Mishra, on 24 June 2024 declared Ladakh as the administrative unit to achieve Full Functional Literacy under the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, after having achieved more than 97% literacy. This milestone reflects Ladakh’s commitment to empowering its citizens through Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, and Critical Life Skills for all. Dr. Mishra informed this in a celebration at Sindhu Sanskritik Kendra (SSK), Leh. The declaration was made in the presence of Shri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, Government of India; Smt. Archana Sharma Awasthi, Joint Secretary; Dr. Mohd. Jaffer Akhoon, Chairman, LAHDC, Kargil; Shri Sanjeev Khirwar, Principal Secretary, School Education, Ladakh; and more than 500 new literates and volunteers. The ceremony included the felicitation of neo-literates and volunteer teachers and the launch of the Annual Achievement Report 2023 of the school department. dignitaries visited the ULLAS Mela.
Kozhikode in Kerala Declared India’s First UNESCO ‘City of Literature
Kozhikode in north Kerala, known for its rich cultural heritage, was officially declared as India’s first UNESCO ‘City of Literature’. The state government announced that from the coming year, June 23 will be celebrated as the ‘City of Literature’ Day of Kozhikode, with special awards to be announced in six categories.
World Hydrography Day 2024
On 21 June every year, the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) celebrates World Hydrography Day to raise awareness about hydrography and how it plays a vital role in improving knowledge of the seas and oceans. The theme for 2024 is "Hydrographic Information - Enhancing Safety, Efficiency, and Sustainability in Marine Activities" in consideration of the ongoing transformation in navigation, such as e-navigation, autonomous shipping, and reduction of emissions leading to a profound evolution of hydrographic services.
A new freshwater diatom genus discovered from the Eastern and Western Ghats
Researchers have discovered a new genus of the Gomphonemoid diatom found in the clean water river of the Eastern Ghats. The genus which has an interesting suite of features, distinguishing it from the other members in the group Gomphonemoid in terms of valve symmetry and other certain valve features, has been named Indiconema to value its restricted distribution in the country. The research underlines the importance of diatoms in shaping the biodiversity of India's diverse landscapes. Diatoms are microscopic algae that play a crucial role in our everyday lives by producing 25 percent of global oxygen, approximately every fourth breath of oxygen we inhale. They serve as a base of the aquatic food chain. Due to their sensitivity towards any water chemistry changes, they are excellent indicators of aquatic health.
Cabinet approves development of Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the proposal of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for the development of Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi including the Construction of the New Terminal Building, Apron Extension, Runway Extension, Parallel Taxi Track & Allied works. The estimated financial outgo will be Rs. 2869.65 Crore for enhancing the airport's passenger handling capacity to 9.9 million passengers per annum (MPPA) from the existing 3.9 MPPA. The New Terminal Building, which encompasses an area of 75,000 sqm is designed for a capacity of 6 MPPA and for handling 5000 Peak Hour Passengers (PHP). It is designed to offer a glimpse of the vast cultural heritage of the city. The proposal includes extending the runway to 4075m x 45m and constructing a new Apron to park 20 aircraft. Varanasi airport will be developed as a green airport to ensure environmental sustainability through energy optimization, waste recycling, carbon footprint reduction, solar energy utilization, and incorporation of natural daylighting, alongside other sustainable measures throughout the planning, development, and operational stages.
PM inaugurates Nalanda University Campus in Rajgir, Bihar
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the new campus of Nalanda University at Rajgir, Bihar. The University is conceived as a collaboration between India and East Asia Summit(EAS) countries. Several eminent people including the Head of Missions of 17 countries attended the inauguration ceremony. The Prime Minister also planted a sapling.
The Nalanda University Campus has two Academic Blocks with 40 Classrooms having a total seating capacity of around 1900. It has two auditoriums having a capacity of 300 seats each, a student hostel with a capacity of around 550 students, and various other facilities including an International Centre, an Amphitheater that can accommodate up to 2000 individuals, a Faculty Club and a Sports Complex among others.
The Campus is a ‘Net Zero’ Green Campus. It is Self-Sustainable with solar plants, domestic and drinking water treatment plants, a water recycling plant for reusing wastewater, 100 acres of water bodies, and many other environment-friendly facilities.
The University deeply connects with history. The original Nalanda University, established around 1600 years ago, is considered to be amongst the first residential universities in the world. The ruins of Nalanda were declared as a UN Heritage Site in 2016.
Indian Railways enters its name into Limca Book of Records
Indian Railways has entered its name into Prestigious Limca Book of Records for most people at a public service event at multiple venues. Ministry of Railways organized an event on 26 February 2024 which was attended by 40,19,516 people at 2,140 venues. The event was organized for the inauguration of road over / road under railway bridges and for laying the foundation stones of railway stations by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The mammoth effort and mobilization of Indian Railways has been recognized and the same has entered into Prestigious Limca Book of World Records.
WHO Designates CCRAS-NIIMH, Hyderabad as Collaborating Centre for Traditional Medicine Research
The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated the National Institute of Indian Medical Heritage (NIIMH), Hyderabad, a unit under the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Ministry of Ayush as a WHO Collaborating Centre (CC) for "Fundamental and Literary Research in Traditional Medicine" (CC IND-177). This prestigious recognition is granted for a period of four years, starting from June 3, 2024. Established in 1956, NIIMH, Hyderabad, is a unique institution dedicated to documenting and showcasing medico-historical research in Ayurveda, Yoga Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, Homoeopathy, Biomedicine, and other related healthcare disciplines in India. Under the diligent leadership of Prof. Vaidya Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General of CCRAS, NIIMH and Head of the WHO-CC has achieved this remarkable milestone through constant perusal and dedication.
SBI MF becomes first fund house to cross Rs 10 lakh crore in assets
SBI Mutual Fund, India’s biggest assets management company (AMC) in terms of assets under management, has become the first mutual fund house in the country to cross Rs 10 lakh crore in Average Asset Under Management (AAUM) as on June 3. According to the data released by the Association of Mutual Funds of India (AMFI) -- the industry trade body for mutual funds on June 10, the overall assets under management of the mutual fund industry, including open-ended and closed-end funds, stood at Rs 58.91 lakh crore as of May end. The AUM for April was Rs 57.26 lakh crore.
Mohan Charan Majhi takes oath as Odisha CM
BJP leader Mohan Charan Majhi was sworn in as the chief minister of Odisha at a grand ceremony attended by several high-profile leaders. Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Pravati Parida were sworn in as Majhi's deputies. Governor Rabghubar Das administered the oath of secrecy and office to Majhi and other members of his council of ministers at Janata Maidan.
Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi appointed as next Chief of the Army Staff
The Government has appointed Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM, presently serving as Vice Chief of the Army Staff, as the next Chief of the Army Staff with effect from the afternoon of June 30, 2024. The present Chief of the Army Staff Gen Manoj C Pande, PVSM, AVSM, VSM demits office on June 30, 2024.
WIPO Treaty, a big win for India and Global South
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) treaty on intellectual property, Genetic resources, and associated traditional knowledge is a significant win for countries of the global South and for India, a mega biodiversity hotspot with abundant traditional knowledge and wisdom. For the first time, the knowledge and wisdom system that has supported economies, societies, and cultures for centuries is now inscribed into the global IP system. The connection between local communities and their GRs and ATK is recognized in the global IP community for the first time. These are historic achievements long championed by India as a provider of traditional knowledge and wisdom and a repository of biodiversity. The treaty will safeguard and protect biodiversity, increase transparency in the patent system, and strengthen innovation. Through this, the IP system can continue to incentivize innovation while evolving more inclusively, responding to the needs of all countries and their communities.
JSSPS Cadet Secures Two Bronze Medals at IWF World Youth Weightlifting Championship in Lima
Babulal Hembrom, a Jharkhand State Sports Promotion Society (JSSPS) cadet, secured two bronze medals at IWF World Youth Weightlifting Championship. Babulal clinched third place in 49 kg Snatch and Clean & Jerk categories at the championship ongoing in Lima, Peru. Jharkhand State Sports Promotion Society (JSSPS) is supported by Central Coal Fields Ltd, in its endeavour to promote sports facilities in coal bearing states. Around 500 sports persons are getting trained along with formal education in this prestigious campus at Ranchi. This achievement of Babulal is an endorsement to the efforts of CCL and the coal ministry for promoting sports culture in coal bearing states.
NHPC conferred with ‘The Economic Times HR World Future Ready Organization Award 2024-25’
NHPC, India’s premier hydropower company, has been conferred with the prestigious ‘The Economic Times HR World Future Ready Organization Award 2024-25’. The Award has been given to NHPC in recognition of its preparedness in the areas of upskilling of employees, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) interventions, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) initiatives, constant technological upgradations, Employee Engagement processes, robust Corporate Governance strategies etc. which establish it as a trusted brand amongst all its stakeholders.
3rd Session of India-Zimbabwe Joint Trade Committee held in New Delhi
Third Session of India-Zimbabwe Joint Trade Committee (JTC) was held in New Delhi from 13.05.2024 to 14.05.2024 under the co-chairpersonship of Economic Adviser, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, Ms. Priya P. Nair and Chief Director, Economic Cooperation, International Trade and Diaspora, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Ms. Rudo. M. Faranisi. Charge d'Affaires, Embassy of Zimbabwe, Mr. Peter Hobwani along with over 15 delegates from relevant Ministries accompanied the Zimbabwean delegation. The discussions were held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere. There was an enthusiastic response towards greater cooperation, addressing pending issues, boosting trade and investment and greater people to people contacts.
First set of citizenship certificates after notification of Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024 issued
The first set of citizenship certificates after notification of Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024 were issued today. Union Home Secretary Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla handed over citizenship certificates to some applicants in New Delhi today. The Home Secretary congratulated the applicants and highlighted salient features of the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024. Secretary Posts, Director (IB), Registrar General of India, and senior officers were also present during the interactive session.
The Government of India had notified Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024 on 11th March 2024. The Rules envisage the manner of application form, the procedure for processing applications by the District Level Committee (DLC), and the scrutiny and grant of citizenship by the State Level Empowered Committee (EC). In pursuance of these rules, applications have been received from persons belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Parsi, and Christian communities from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who have entered India up to 31.12.2014 on account of persecution on grounds of religion or fear of such persecution.
The District Level Committees (DLCs) chaired by Senior Superintendents of Post/Superintendents of Post as designated officers, on successful verification of documents, have administered oath of allegiance to the applicants. After processing as per rules, DLCs have forwarded the applications to the State Level Empowered Committee headed by the Director (Census operation). Processing of applications is completely done through the online portal.
Maiden India Pavilion at World Hydrogen Summit 2024, Netherlands showcases National Green Hydrogen Mission
For the first time, India has set up its pavilion, at the World Hydrogen Summit 2024, being held in Rotterdam, Netherlands, during May 13 – 15, 2024. The India Pavilion, set up by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Government of India, is one of the largest pavilions at the Summit and was inaugurated by Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Shri Bhupinder S. Bhalla on May 12, 2024.
The World Hydrogen Summit is a prestigious event in the global green hydrogen ecosystem. Around 15,000 delegates from around the world are expected to attend the Summit. The India Pavilion at the conference provides India an opportunity to showcase to the world the progress made by the country in the field of Green Hydrogen.
India launched its National Green Hydrogen Mission in January 2023 with an overall outlay of Rs. 19,744 crores. India has set an ambitious target to achieve a green hydrogen production capacity of 5 MMT (Million Metric Tonnes) by the end of the year 2030. As on date, the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy has awarded tenders for setting up of 412,000 tonnes of Green Hydrogen production capacity and 1,500 MW of electrolyzer manufacturing capacity. India has also notified scheme guidelines for the use of Green Hydrogen in steel, transport/mobility, and shipping sectors. The Department of Science and Technology has initiated Hydrogen Valley Innovation Clusters to foster innovation and promote the Green Hydrogen ecosystem in India.
India- France Joint Military Exercise SHAKTI
The 7th edition of India- France Joint Military Exercise SHAKTI commenced today, at Umroi, in a fully developed and modern Foreign Training Node in Meghalaya. The Exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 13th to 26th May 2024. The Opening Ceremony of the joint exercise was attended by H.E. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, and Major General Prasanna Sudhakar Joshi, General Officer Commanding 51 Sub Area. Exercise SHAKTI is a biennial training event conducted alternatively in India and France. The last edition was conducted in France in November 2021. Indian contingent comprising 90 personnel is being represented primarily by a Battalion of the RAJPUT Regiment besides personnel from other arms and services. Observers from the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force will also form part of the exercise. The French contingent comprising 90 personnel will be represented mainly by personnel from the 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade (13th DBLE). Exercise SHAKTI aims to enhance the joint military capability of both sides to undertake multi-domain operations in a sub-conventional scenario under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate. The joint exercise will focus on operations in the semi-urban and mountainous terrain. Objectives to be achieved from the joint training are a high degree of physical fitness, rehearsing and refining drills for operations at the tactical level, and sharing of best practices.
Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, and Sah?dayaloka-Locana enter ‘UNESCO's Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register’
The Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, and Sah?dayaloka-Locana have been included in ‘UNESCO's Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register’. This inclusion is a proud moment for India, confirming the country's rich literary heritage and cultural legacy. It signifies a step forward in global cultural preservation efforts, highlighting the importance of recognizing and safeguarding the diverse narratives and artistic expressions that shape our shared humanity. By honoring these literary masterpieces, society not only pays homage to the creative genius of their creators but also ensures that their profound wisdom and timeless teachings continue to inspire and enlighten future generations.
The 'Ramcharitmanas', 'Panchatantra', and 'Sah?dayaloka-Locana' are such timeless works that have deeply influenced Indian literature and culture, shaping the nation's moral fabric and artistic expressions. These literary works have transcended time and place, leaving an indelible mark on readers and artists both within and outside India. It is noteworthy that ‘Sah?dayaloka-Locana’, ‘Panchatantra’, and ‘Ramcharitmanas’ were authored by Acharya Anandvardhan, Pt. Vishnu Sharma, and Goswami Tulsidas, respectively.