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.
Retail Inflation Eases to 4.83% in April, 2024
The annual inflation rate based on all India Consumer Price Index (CPI) numbers is 4.83% (Provisional) for April 2024 (over April 2023). The corresponding inflation rates for rural and urban areas are 5.43% and 4.11%, respectively. CPI for January, February, and March 2024 are 5.10, 5.09, and 4.85 respectively. Among the top five groups, the year-on-year inflation on groups ‘Clothing & Footwear’, ‘Housing’ and ‘Fuel & light’ has decreased since last month.
DRDO celebrates National Technology Day 2024
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) celebrated National Technology Day 2024 by organizing various lectures and orations in its laboratories & establishments on May 10, 2024. On this occasion, the Secretary, of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat presided over a special function organized by Defence Science Forum (DSF), Delhi.
National Technology Day is celebrated on May 11 every year to remember the successful nuclear test conducted by India and recognize & honour the significant contributions of scientists and engineers who have played a crucial role in the country's technological progress. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of science and technology in nation-building.
India's Index of Industrial Production grows by 4.9 % in March 2024
For March 2024, the Quick Estimates of Index of Industrial Production (IIP) with base 2011-12 stands at 159.2. The Indices of Industrial Production for the Mining, Manufacturing, and Electricity sectors for March 2024 stand at 156.1, 155.1, and 204.2 respectively. These Quick Estimates will undergo revision in subsequent releases as per the revision policy of IIP. The Quick Estimates of Index of Industrial Production (IIP) are released on the 12th of every month (or the previous working day if the 12th is a holiday) with a six-week lag and compiled with data received from source agencies, which in turn receive the data from the producing factories/ establishments. The IIP growth rate for March 2024 over the corresponding period of the previous year is 4.9 percent. The growth rates of the three sectors, Mining, Manufacturing, and Electricity for the month of March 2024 over March 2023 are 1.2 percent, 5.2 percent, and 8.6 percent respectively. Within the manufacturing sector, the growth rate of the top three positive contributors to the growth of IIP for the month of March 2024 is – “Manufacture of basic metals” (7.7%), “Manufacture of pharmaceuticals, medicinal chemical, and botanical products” (16.7%), and “Manufacture of other transport equipment” (25.4%).
International Thalassemia Day
Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder that causes a body to have less hemoglobin than normal. Celebrated every year, International Thalassemia Day serves as a crucial platform to emphasize the importance of disease prevention, raise awareness, sensitize stakeholders, promote early detection, and ensure quality care for those affected by thalassemia. This year's theme, "Empowering Lives, Embracing Progress: Equitable and Accessible Thalassemia Treatment for All," encapsulates the collective mission toward universal access to comprehensive Thalassemia care.
BRO celebrates its 65th Raising Day
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is celebrating its 65th Raising Day on May 07, 2024. To mark the day, an event was organised in New Delhi, which was presided over by Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane. In his address, the Defence Secretary lauded the BRO for fulfilling its responsibilities successfully in inhospitable terrain and tough weather conditions. He termed the BRO an extremely crucial organisation which, through its infrastructure projects in border areas, is playing a major role in the security of the country, besides ensuring the socio-economic progress of far-flung areas. The BRO executes road construction and maintenance works at altitude ranging from 9,000 ft up to 19,000 ft along the Northern and Western frontiers, primarily to meet the strategic requirements of the Armed Forces. In over six decades, it has constructed over 62,214 kms of roads, 1,005 bridges, seven tunnels and 21 airfields in adverse climatic and geographical conditions along India's borders as well as in friendly countries, including Bhutan, Myanmar, Afghanistan & Tajikistan, thus contributing towards the nation’s strategic objectives.
Retail Inflation eases to 4.85 per cent in March, 2024
The National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is releasing the All India Consumer Price Index (CPI) on Base 2012=100 and corresponding Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) for Rural (R), Urban (U) and Combined (C) for March 2024 (Provisional) in this press note. CPIs for Sub-Groups and Groups for both All India and all States/UTs are also being released.
The price data are collected from selected 1114 urban markets and 1181 villages covering all States/UTs through personal visits by field staff of the Field Operations Division of NSO, MoSPI on a weekly roster. During March 2024, NSO collected prices from 99.8% of villages and 98.5% of urban markets while the market-wise prices reported therein were 89.6% for rural and 93.2% for urban.
Smt Droupadi Murmu launched India’s first home-grown gene therapy for cancer at IIT Bombay
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu launched India’s first home-grown gene therapy for cancer at IIT Bombay. In the development of CAR-T cell therapy, technology is not only being put in the service of humanity, but partnerships have been with eminent institutions from other fields as well as with industry. This has been made possible by the focus IIT, Bombay has placed on research and development over the last three decades.
New Generation Ballistic Missile Agni-Prime successfully flight-tested
Strategic Forces Command (SFC), along with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), conducted the successful flight test of New Generation Ballistic Missile Agni-Prime from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha. The test met all the trial objectives validating its reliable performance, as confirmed by the data captured by several range sensors deployed at different locations, including two downrange ships placed at the terminal point. The launch was witnessed by the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Strategic Forces Command, and senior officials from DRDO & the Indian Army.
Ms Sheyphali Sharan takes charge as Principal Director General, Press Information Bureau
Ms. Sheyphali B. Sharan has today assumed charge as the Principal Director General, Press Information Bureau upon the superannuation of Shri Manish Desai yesterday. Ms. Sharan is an officer of the 1990 batch of Indian Information Service.
During an illustrious career spanning over three decades, she has held cadre portfolios of largely looking after media publicity work as a Press Information Bureau officer for Ministries such as Finance, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. She has also served as the Spokesperson for the Election Commission of India.
REC wins SKOCH ESG Award 2024 in Renewable Energy Financing Category
REC Limited, a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power and a leading NBFC, has been bestowed with the SKOCH ESG Award 2024 in the 'Renewable Energy Financing' category. The award underscores REC's dedication to sustainable financing, paving the way for a greener future and accelerating the transition to renewable energy. Executive Director, REC Limited, Shri T.S.C. Bosh received the award in New Delhi.
REC has emerged as a significant player in India's clean energy transition, actively contributing to the nation's sustainable future. Through various initiatives and achievements, REC has committed to numerous sustainable projects and signed various MOUs for green projects.
Furthermore, REC has engaged in one-on-one discussions with various developers of green projects, spanning sectors such as solar, wind, Pumped Storage Projects, E-mobility, RE manufacturing, green ammonia and green hydrogen, and battery storage.
Looking ahead, REC anticipates a significant expansion in its renewable energy portfolio, with projections indicating growth to 10 times its present value, reaching more than Rs. 3 lakh crores by 2030, representing approximately 30% of its Assets Under Management.
The SKOCH ESG Awards recognize organizations that demonstrate outstanding performance in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. The SKOCH ESG Award and Assessment serve as an important benchmark for evaluating organizations' commitment to India 2047. It focuses on the interplay between sustainable investments and processes in shaping a sustainable and growing business future.
Sweden becomes 32nd NATO member at ceremony in Washington
Sweden became the 32nd member of NATO with the handover of documents at a ceremony in Washington, a historic move that Secretary of State Antony Blinken said marked a "strategic debacle" by Russia.
President Of India Presents Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships And Awards For The Year 2022 & 2023
President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu conferred Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards (AkademiPuraskar) for the years 2022 and 2023 to 91 eminent artists (two joint award) in the field of performing arts in the special investiture ceremony held today, i.e., 6th March 2024 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Out of 94 artists selected for Akademi Awards, three (3) artists could not attend the award ceremony due to ailing health. However, Akademi will arrange to deliver their plaque and other award material to them in the coming days. The Akademi Awards have been conferred since 1952. These honours not only symbolize the highest standard of excellence and achievement but also recognize sustained individual work and contribution. The honour of Akademi Fellow carries a purse money of Rs.3, 00, 000/- (Rupees three lakhs) while the Akademi Award carries a purse money of Rs.1,00,000/- (Rupees one lakh), besides a Tamrapatra and Angavastram.
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