DRDO successfully flight tests Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully demonstrated the hypersonic air-breathing scramjet technology with the flight test of Hypersonic Technology Demonstration Vehicle (HSTDV)from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Launch Complex at Wheeler Island, off the coast of Odisha. The hypersonic cruise vehicle was launched using a proven solid rocket motor, which took it to an altitude of 30 kilometres (km), where the aerodynamic heat shields were separated at hypersonic Mach number. The cruise vehicle separated from the launch vehicle and the air intake opened as planned. The hypersonic combustion sustained and the cruise vehicle continued on its desired flight path at a velocity of six times the speed of sound. The critical events like fuel injection and auto ignition of scramjet demonstrated technological maturity. The scramjet engine performed in a text book manner. The parameters of launch and cruise vehicle, including scramjet engine was monitored by multiple tracking radars, electro-optical systems and Telemetry Stations. The scramjet engine worked at high dynamic pressure and at very high temperature. A Ship was also deployed in the Bay of Bengal to monitor the performance during the cruise phase of hypersonic vehicle. All the performance parameters have indicated a resounding success of the mission.
Sir David Attenborough Gets Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, 2019
Former PM Manmohan Singh felicitated British broadcaster Sir David Attenborough with the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for the year 2019 at a virtual event. David is the brother of eminent actor Richard Attenborough. The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development was instituted in the memory of the former Prime Minister by a trust in her name in 1986. It consists of a monetary award of Rs. 25 lakh along with a citation.
Raj Srivastava was appointed as India’s Ambassador to Republic of Croatia
Raj Kumar Srivastava was appointed on September 4, 2020 as the next ambassador of India to the Republic of Croatia. He is an IFS officer of 1997 batch and is presently serving as the Deputy Chief of Mission in the Embassy of India, Tokyo.
Usha Padhee becomes 1st Woman DG of Bureau of Civil Aviation Security
Usha Padhee has been given additional charge as Director-General of the Bureau of Civil Aviation (BCAS). She is the first woman and third IAS officer to have been appointed to the post. She succeeds Rakesh Asthana (IPS) who was appointed as the Director-General of Border Security Force (BSF).
India ranked in the top 50 nations in the Global Innovation Index
India has climbed 4 spots and has been ranked 48thby the World Intellectual Property Organization in the Global Innovation Index 2020 rankings. In midst of the Covid -19 pandemic, it comes as an uplifting news for India, and is a testament of its robust R&D Ecosystem. India was at the 52nd position in 2019 and was ranked 81st in the year 2015. It is a remarkable achievement to be in a league of highly innovative developed nations all over the globe. The WIPO had also accepted India as one of the leading innovation achievers of 2019 in the central and southern Asian region, as it has shown a consistent improvement in its innovation ranking for the last 5 years.
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Japan for cooperation in the field of good quality textiles
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved for signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Textiles Committee, India and M/s Nissenken Quality Evaluation Centre, Japan for improving quality and testing of Indian textiles and Clothing for the Japanese market. The MoU would enable M/s Nissenken Quality Evaluation Centre, Japan in assigning Textile Committee as their cooperative Testing and Inspection service providers in the Republic of India for Textiles & Apparel products including Technical Textiles and any other products mutually agreed upon at a later date for both domestic and overseas clients/buyers.
Cabinet approves "Mission Karmayogi"- National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB)
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved launching of a National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB)with the following institutional framework:- (i) Prime Minister's Public Human Resources (HR) Council,(ii)Capacity Building Commission.(iii) Special Purpose Vehicle for owning and operating the digital assets and the technological platform for online training,(iv)Coordination Unit headed by the Cabinet Secretary.
NPCSCB has been carefully designed to lay the foundations for capacity building for Civil Servants so that they remain entrenched in Indian Culture and sensibilities and remain connected, with their roots, while they learn from the best institutions and practices across the world. The Programme will be delivered by setting up an Integrated Government Online Training - iGOTKarmayogiPlatform.
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Finland for cooperation in the field of Geology and Mineral Resources
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation in the field of geology and mineral resources between Geological Survey of India, Ministry of Mines, the Government of the Republic of India and Geological Survey of Finland (Geologiantutkimuskeskus), Ministry of Employment and the Economy, the Government of Finland. The MoU facilitates cooperation in the field of geology, training, mineral prognostication and suitability analysis, 3/4D modeling, Seismic and other Geophysical surveys finalised with the intent of reinforcing and strengthening scientific links between the two Organisations. This MoU aims to provide with a framework and a platform to promote and foster cooperation in the fields of geology, and mineral resources between the Participants for mutual economic, social and environmental benefit; and share experiences on geological data management and information dissemination to promote exploration and mining, in the areas of geology and mineral resources.
Shri Rajiv Kumar takes over as new Election Commissioner
Shri Rajiv Kumar assumed charge as the new Election Commissioner (EC) of India. Sh Kumar joins the Election Commission of India with Chief Election Commissioner Shri Sunil Arora and Election Commissioner Shri Sushil Chandra.
Hemant Khatri is appointed new CMD of Hindustan Shipyard Limited
Hemant Khatri (Retd) has assumed charge as the Chairman and Managing Director of state-owned defense shipbuilder, Hindustan Shipyard Ltd (HSL) at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh on September, 2020. He replaces Rear Admiral LV Sarat Babu (Retd). Previously, Hemant Khatri was serving as the Director of Strategic Projects HSL.
Kamlesh Kumar Pant Appointed as Chairman of National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority
Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) appointed Kamlesh Kumar Pant,1993-batch IAS officer of Himachal Pradesh cadre, as the new chairman of Nation Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) with immediate effect. He replaces the current chairman Shubhra Singh, who has been repatriated to Rajasthan. Kamlesh Kumar has served in various capacities in the Government of Himachal Pradesh including PrincipalSecretary (Revenue), Financial Commissioner (Appeals), and head of the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution control board.NPPA under the Department of Pharmaceuticals(DoP), Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers is an independent regulator for the pricing of drugs.
World Health Organization (WHO) certifies Africa free from Wild Polio
The Africa Regional Certification Commission(ARCC) an independent body set up by World Health Organization (WHO) has certified the African continent free from wild polio. The landmark feat related to public health has been achieved by the continent after decades of work along with international health bodies, national and local governments, community volunteers and survivors.
England's James Anderson becomes first fast bowler to claim 600 wickets in Test Cricket
England's James Anderson scripted history by becoming the first pace bowler of the world to take 600 Test wickets in his career when he dismissed Pakistani captain Azhar Ali
India's Longest River Ropeway inaugurated in Guwahati
Assam's Finance and Health Minister Hemanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated India's longest river ropeway of 1.82 km over the Brahmaputra river in Guwahati, Assam. It will connects Kachari Ghat in Guwahati city at the one end to the Dol Govinda Temple in North Guwahati at the other side.
Central Government constitutes National Council for Transgender Persons
In exercise of the powers conferred by section 16 of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 (40 of 2019), the Central Government has constituted a National Council for Transgender Persons vide notification dated 21st August, 2020. The Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment will be Chairperson (ex-officio) and Union Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment will be Vice-Chairperson (ex-officio). The National Council shall perform the following functions, namely:-
The other members of the Council include representatives of various Ministries/Departments, five representatives of transgender community, representatives of NHRC and NCW, representatives of State Governments and UTs and experts representing NGOs.
World Class State of the Art Honey Testing Lab inaugurated at Anand, Gujarat
Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Narendra Singh Tomar inaugurated the ‘World Class State of Art Honey Testing Laboratory’ established by National Dairy Development Board (NDDB)in Anand(Gujarat) with support of National Bee Board (NBB).
Andhra Pradesh Becomes First State With Three 'Water Plus Certification' Cities
Three cities in Andhra Pradesh were accorded the Water Plus certification out of a total of nine cities across the country, by the Union Ministry of Housing and UrbanAffairs in August 2021 under the Swachh Bharat Mission and Swachh Survekshan assessment. With this, Andhra Pradesh has become the first state to be recognized with more than one 'Water Plus' certified municipal corporation. Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation, Vijayawada Municipal Corporation, and Tirupati Municipal Corporation, the three big urban local bodies in Andhra Pradesh were recognized as the 'Water Plus cities under the Swachh Bharat Mission and SwachhSurvekshan Assessment
DRDO Successfully Test-fires Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile
Defence Research and Development Organisation(DRDO) successfully test-fired the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) early in August 2021, with a new Made-in-India Turbofan Engine Manik from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Odisha. The Manik engine has been designed and developed by DRDO's Gas Turbine Research Establishment in Bengaluru. It will pave the way for the development of different versions of the engine and long-range cruise missiles. Nirbhay is the 1st Subsonic cruise missile, designed and developed by DRDO
Pakistan Successfully Test Launches Indigenously Developed Rocket System Fatah-1
Pakistan on August 24, 2021, successfully test-launched an indigenously developed guided multi-launch rocket system, Fatah-1. "The weapon system will give Pakistan Army the capability of precision target engagement deep in enemy territory", the army said in a statement. The Army said the rocket is capable of delivering conventional warheads.
Army Sports Institute, Pune awarded with Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar 2020
Army Sports Institute, Pune has been identified and awarded with “Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar 2020” by Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Govt of India. Army Sports Institute, Pune was raised as part of Indian Army’s “Mission Olympics” programme on 01 Jul 2001. The aim was to train the vast reservoir of talent in the Army in selected seven disciplines to include Archery, Athletics, Boxing, Diving, Fencing, Weightlifting and Wrestling with an ultimate aim of winning medals at Olympics. The institute draws its sportsmen from the Army as well as from young raw and proven talent in ‘Boys Sports Companies’ (8-14 years age).
ARCI scientists convert tamarind waste & cotton waste to supercapacitor electrodes
Tamarind seeds and cotton waste may soon be used to make low-cost supercapacitors for energy storage – thanks to the efforts of a group of Indian scientists who have used such waste biomass to develop materials for making cost-effective supercapacitor devices. This can pave the way towards affordable electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles which bank on supercapacitors significantly for their application in braking systems and start-stop cycles. Responding to the intense hunt for supercapacitor materials to meet the widespread demand for supercapacitors, Scientists at the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy & New Materials (ARCI), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Govt. of India, have developed a couple of cost-effective electrode material for making affordable supercapacitor devices, from waste biomass like tamarind seeds and industrial cotton waste. They have converted the waste materials into highly porous carbon fibres by activation process and then utilised the porous carbon fibres to make high-performance supercapacitor electrodes. The findings of their recent work have been published in the ‘Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics.’ The electrode materials made from the biomass waste has been tested with the help of a rapid testing protocol developed by Scientists at Centre for Fuel Cell Technology, ARCI-Chennai to evaluate different porous electrode materials for their suitability in supercapacitors. The protocol involves Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and records the impedance ( a parameter used to measure the opposition that a circuit presents to a current when a voltage is applied) offered by a material under a small perturbation and the capacitance (ratio of the change in electric charge of a system to the corresponding change in its electric potential) formed by the arrangement of electrolyte ions over the electrode surface, which is called as double-layer capacitance. The ARCI scientists used it to test the pore characteristics and stability of the activated carbon material prepared from tamarind seed and its suitability for supercapacitor application.
Rajiv Kumar appointed as Election commissioner
Former Finance secretary Rajiv Kumar was appointed as the Election commissioner with effect rom 31st August, 2020. He succeeds Ashok Lavasa who resigned the position to join as Vice-President of Asian Development Bank.
India and East African Community (EAC) Sign Action Plan to Boost Trade
A Joint Action Plan was signed in mid-August 2021 between India and East African Community (EAC) to boost trade activities and faster clearance of goods of both parties. It was signed during a virtual ceremony. The East African Community (EAC) is an intergovernmental organization of 6 countries, named Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. It is headquartered in Arusha, Tanzania.
NTPC Launches India's Largest Floating Solar PV Project in Simhadri
India's largest Power Producer, NTPC Ltd. launched India's largest Floating Solar PV (Photovoltaic) project with the capacity of 25 MW on the reservoir of its Simhadri Thermal Station in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
Cabinet approves proposal for leasing out three airports - Jaipur, Guwahati and Thiruvananthapuram
The Union Cabinet accorded its approval for leasing of three AAI airports namely, Jaipur, Guwahati and Thiruvananthapuram for Operation, Management and Development to M/s Adani Enterprises Ltd, who is declared as the successful bidder in a Global Competitive Bidding conducted by the Airports Authority of India, for a period of fifty years. These projects will bring efficiency in service delivery, expertise, enterprise and professionalism apart from harnessing the needed investments in the public sector.
Cabinet approves setting up of National Recruitment Agency to conduct Common Eligibility Test
Cabinet approves creation of National Recruitment Agency (NRA), paving the way for a transformational reform in the recruitment process for central government jobs. A multi-agency body called the National Recruitment Agency (NRA) will conduct a Common Eligibility Test (CET) to screen/shortlist candidates for the Group B and C (non-technical) posts. NRA will have representatives of Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Finance/Department of Financial Services, the SSC, RRB & IBPS. It is envisioned that the NRA would be a specialist body bringing the state-of-the-art technology and best practices to the field of Central Government recruitment.
Shri. Kishor Rungta has assumed charge as Chairman of Fertilisers Association of India, Southern Region
Shri. Kishor Rungta, CMD, The Fertilizers and Chemicals Travancore Ltd(FACT) has assumed charge as Chairman of Fertilisers Association of India, Southern Region (FAI SR).
Rakesh Asthana appointed as Director General of BSF
The appointments Committee of the Cabinet headed by PM Modi approved the appointment of Rakesh Asthana as the Director General o the Border Security Force (BSF).
Walter Roger Martos Ruiz becomes new President of Peru
The former defence minister and retired army general Walter Roger Martos Ruiz becomes the new president of Peru.
Russia becomes first country to approve a COVID-19 vaccine
Russia had become the first country in the world to grant regulatory approval to a COVID-19 vaccine after less than two months of human testing, a move hailed by Moscow as evidence of its scientific prowess.