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GLOBAL: WORLD’s HIGHEST: Ladakh gets world’s highest MACE Observatory, largest imaging Cherenkov telescope in Asia

This observatory underscores India’s advancements in space and cosmic-ray research capabilities.

The Union Territory of Ladakh gets the Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) observatory, the world’s highest imaging Cherenkov telescope, located at an altitude of over 4,300 metres in Hanle.

This observatory underscores India’s advancements in space and cosmic-ray research capabilities.

Dr Ajit Kumar Mohanty, the secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, officially inaugurated the MACE observatory here, an official spokesperson said.

Built indigenously by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) with support from the Electronics Corporation of India Limited and other Indian industry partners, the MACE is the largest imaging Cherenkov telescope in Asia, he said.

The inauguration ceremony, held as part of the DAE’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, included the unveiling of commemorative plaques by Dr Mohanty at the Hanle site.

Addressing the importance of balancing tourism and scientific activities within the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve (HDSR), Additional Secretary Ajay Ramesh Sule encouraged the students to pursue career in science and technology.

BARC’s Physics Group Director, Dr SM Yusuf, underscored the MACE telescope’s significance in advancing India’s capabilities in space and cosmic-ray research.

A pictorial compilation documenting the MACE project journey was released during the ceremony.

Dr Mohanty also felicitated the village leaders, the school headmaster, and the lama of the Hanle Gompa.

The MACE telescope, observing high-energy gamma rays, will contribute to global efforts to study phenomena like supernovae, black holes and gamma-ray bursts, he said

He added it aims to foster international collaborations, bolstering India’s role in multimessenger astronomy.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: SPORTS / SHOOTING: 2024 World Junior Shooting C’ship, Lima, Peru : India win team gold in men’s 50m pistol event

The troika of Deepak Dalal (545), Kamaljeet (543) and Raj Chandra (528) won the men’s 50m pistol team gold medal on the concluding day of the Junior World Shooting Championship at the Peruvian capital of Lima.

Indian shooting team won the yellow metal with a combined tally of 1616 points beating Azerbaijan by a point. Armenia came third.

In all, India’s junior shooters finished the championship on top with a rich haul of 24 medals which included 13 gold, three silver and eight bronze.

Italy finished second with five gold and four silver and bronze medals each while Norway was third with four gold and a total of 10 medals.

On Sunday, Mukesh Nelavalli also won an individual bronze in the event, his sixth medal of the competition, shooting a total of 548 over 60-shots. Azerbaijan’s Imran Garayev won the gold with a score of 552.

In the junior women’s 50m pistol, Parisha Gupta won an individual silver with a score of 540. She could not get past Hungary’s Miriam Jako’s effort of 546, which was a junior world record.

Sejal Kamble (529), Ketan (525) and Kanishka Dagar (513) also combined to win India a team silver in the event, finishing behind Azerbaijan. Divanshi, the fifth Indian in fray, shot 523 to finish eighth.

In the other event of the final day, Shardul Vihan and Sabeera Harris combined to give India a bronze in the junior mixed team trap competition, played over 75 targets each.

Shardul (71) and Sabeera’s (67) shot a total of 138, which was not enough to get past gold winners Czech Republic (141+8) and silver medallist Italy (141+7).

Zuhair Khan and Bhavya Tripathi, the second Indian pair in the event, shot a total of 134 to finish joint sixth.

The ISSF bandwagon will now move to New Delhi for the final stop of its 2024 calendar, the prestigious season-ending ISSF World Cup Final Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun.

PTI SSC SSC KHS KHS

source/content: thebengalurulive.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL:WORLD’S LARGEST / HEALTHCARE: India has launched world’s largest publicly funded health assurance scheme, says Minister J P Nadda

WHO SEARO Regional Director Saima Wazed underlined that the best antidote for crisis is cooperation and underscored the need for collaborative regional action to build on the public health gains and overcome new threats in the region.

India has launched the world’s largest publicly funded health assurance scheme, the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri – Jan Arogya Yojana, which covers over 120 million families, providing an annual hospitalization benefit of USD 6,000 per family, said Union Health Minister J P Nadda on Monday.

“This expansion will benefit around 45 million families, including 60 million elderly population, by providing them free health insurance coverage. It underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring universal and inclusive healthcare for India’s growing elderly demographic,” said Nadda at the 77th session of the Regional Commission of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Southeast Asia Region, which kicked off here.  

Nadda, who was elected as the chairperson of the session, highlighted that the government has recently expanded the scheme to all citizens aged 70 years and above.   

Recognizing the growing public health challenges posed by non-communicable diseases (NCDs), the Union Health Minister said “India is implementing the National Programme for Prevention and Control of NCDs since 2010 to address conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. This initiative has led to the establishment of 753 NCD clinics, 356 Day Care Centers, and 6,238 Community Health Centers to focus on preventive measures at an early stage.”  

India as a lighthouse country in the digital health arena, is poised to share its Digital Public Infrastructure (DPIs) such as Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, e-Sanjeevani, Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP), SAKSHAM, etc. by providing technical and financial support through the Global Initiative on Digital Health – a WHO-managed network, launched during India’s G20 Presidency, he said.  

“Following the remarkable success of the CoWIN digital platform during the COVID-19 pandemic, India has conceptualized the online digital platform-UWIN, for the Universal Immunization Programme. The portal will register, track, and monitor all vaccination events,” he added at the three-day event.  

Understanding the important role that traditional and complementary medicine plays across numerous Southeast Asian member states, Nadda emphasized that India has backed the WHO in creating the Global Traditional Medicine Centre, aimed at promoting these systems on a global scale. 

“India’s experience in integrating this system with the conventional system of medicine has led to the provision of holistic healthcare, promoting overall well-being and expanding the range of healthcare services,” he added.  “Our Ayushman Aarogya Mandirs that are community Health & Wellness Centres are significant in providing comprehensive healthcare through both traditional and conventional systems of medicines, ensuring the physical and mental well-being of our citizens,” Nadda said. 

“We believe that collective experiences can drive transformative actions across countries. Health transcends borders, necessitating a holistic and collaborative approach. By learning from each other’s successes and challenges, we can enhance the resilience of health systems,” he said at the annual governing body meeting of WHO in the Region, which was attended by the member nations including Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Indonesia, the Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Timor-Leste. The SEARO region has 11 member nations, including India.  

He emphasized unity in addressing global challenges, fostering inclusive, human-centric growth, building trust by acknowledging aspirations, and harnessing each nation’s strengths for the global good.  

WHO SEARO Regional Director Saima Wazed underlined that the best antidote for crisis is cooperation and underscored the need for collaborative regional action to build on the public health gains and overcome new threats in the region. 

“In 1948, when the first Regional Committee for South-East Asia was formed, the infant mortality rate globally was around 147. Today it is 25. Then, the antibiotic age had just begun. Today, we are faced with antimicrobial resistance. Think of how far we have come, and how far we still have to go. And so, as we conquer old threats, we are faced with new ones. It is upon us to confront the perils of today, with the collective wisdom of all who came before us – and with the tools of the 21st century. This is why we are here today,” she said.  

In his message to the Regional Committee, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus lauded the Region for its many achievements in disease elimination and reiterated WHO continued support to Member States on addressing the challenges.  

“Notwithstanding your many successes, the region faces many challenges, as you know: the growing burden of non-communicable diseases and mental health; the unfinished business of reducing neonatal and under-5 mortality; the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance; inequitable access to health services and essential medicines; the continuing burden of tuberculosis,” he said.  

Ministers of Health, senior health officials, public health experts, and representatives from non-governmental organizations are attending the annual governing body meeting being held in New Delhi from October 7-9. 

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: NATIONAL: LEADERSHIP AWARD: Nagaland IPS officer Pritpal Kaur wins ‘2024 IACP 40 Under 40’ awardee in the US-based International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) award for exemplary leadership

Achieving laurels for the country, Pritpal Kaur, Superintendent of Police of Phek district in Nagaland, has been selected as the ‘2024 IACP 40 Under 40’ awardee by the prestigious US-based International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP).

The dentist (Goldmetalist)-turned-IPS officer Kaur, is among 40 police officers selected from around the world for the award and the lone winner of the ‘2024 IACP 40 Under 40’ award from India this year.

IACP President (Chief Wade Carpenter) in a letter to 29-year-old Kaur, a native of Haryana, said: “You are part of an incredibly talented, accomplished, and dedicated group of individuals who demonstrate leadership and exemplify a deep commitment to the profession.”

The IACP, a not-for-profit organisation, headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, has invited Kaur, a 2016 batch IPS officer, to the 2024 IACP Annual Conference and Exposition in Boston, Massachusetts, to receive the prestigious award on October 22.

The awardees of the IACP signify the top rising leaders, exemplifying leadership, commitment and service to their communities and the law enforcement profession.

Sharing Kaur’s profile, the IACP wrote: “Since childhood, she has carried a passion for spreading education, and throughout her career, she has helped resolve conflicts and strengthen communities across India.”

“Kaur’s passion for policing began in her childhood when she served as the captain of her school sports team. As a doctor, she participated in many police-community projects, which took her to remote areas needing help from the police and gave Kaur great satisfaction and encouragement from helping people.”

The IACP said that she served as the first SP for a newly created border district, and she brought progress and peace to international borders, using her negotiation skills to avert border clashes and land disputes, and assisted in anti-drug efforts, providing treatment, counselling, rehabilitation, and livelihood to hundreds of people struggling with drug addiction.

“Kaur has dedicated her career to strengthening communities through innovative projects such as Fighting Drugs with Education and Livelihood and Not Guns but Machines, which teaches people how to apply their skills into making machines such as electric bicycles, dryers, and other low-cost machines,” the international body said.

According to IACP, Kaur attributes her enthusiasm for education and service to her mother, who believed that education is not just for making money, but for teaching and helping others.

“She carries this philosophy with her today as she teaches communities how to enhance their livelihood.”

The young IPS officer has earlier received several awards, including the International Inspiration Women Award 2023, Skoch Gold Award 2023, DGP Disc Award, Women Power India Award 2023, and Global Women Leader Award 2024 by World Women Leadership Congress 2024.

“One of her greatest honours was the granting of a tribal name during her work with tribal groups in Nagaland. Currently, she serves as an SP in the Indo-Myanmar border district of Phek.

“The virtue of keeping society always in order, more peaceful, and progressive made me choose the law enforcement career,” Kaur said.

She described the people of Nagaland as loving and loved to work with them.

“Nagas are self-sufficient tribes and very talented in all fields, I am just helping them to polish their own talent. They are so rich in culture and traditions. We just admire them,” she told the media, adding that the only thing the people lacked behind was a lack of opportunities in a few domains.

A senior Nagaland Police officer said that apart from performing her duty as a police officer, Kaur has taken up many social and welfare activities for the local populace in those districts whenever she was posted.

Earlier the IPS officer was posted as Superintendent of Police of the Longleng district in Nagaland.

According to the police officer, the activities she undertook, include, free coaching classes, livelihood training for drug addicts and counselling, career guidance to students, training in farming, biodiversity and environment protection, the war against drugs, formation of Self Help Groups (SHGs), education at all the levels, promotion of sports among others.

(Sujit Chakraborty can be contacted at sujitchakrabortyne@gmail.com)

–IANS

source/content: bhaskarlive.in (headline edited)

ASIA: NATIONAL: 1962 war: 62nd Walong Day celebrations in Arunachal set to unfold with grandeur and reverence

The Indian Army is all set to commemorate the 62nd Walong Day with a series of grand events, paying homage to the indomitable courage and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought valiantly during the Battle of Walong in the 1962 India-China war, officials said on Friday.

Defence Spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Amit Shukla said that the celebrations are set to begin on October 17 with a solemn opening ceremony and wreath-laying at the Walong War Memorial in the Anjaw district in easternmost part of Arunachal Pradesh, the place of remembrance of the bravehearts who laid down their lives defending the country.

He added that the 62nd Walong Day would be a tribute to the past and a vibrant celebration of the gallant spirit of the Indian Army.

The meticulously planned month-long events are designed to commemorate the past, engage local communities and promote nation building, Lt. Colonel Shukla said.

According to the Defence Spokesman, the celebrations include battlefield treks, car rally, medical and veterinary camps, adventure treks, cycle and motorcycle expedition and a ‘Half Marathon’ finishing at Walong.

Each event symbolises the indomitable spirit of the Indian Army and its dedication to keep the memory of the fallen heroes alive, he said.

The Battle of Walong stands as a testament to the sheer bravery, dedication and an unwavering spirit of the Indian Army soldiers.

Facing severe logistical challenges in the harsh terrains of Arunachal Pradesh, soldiers of the 6 Kumaon, 4 Dogra, 4 Sikh regiments, 2nd battalion of 8th Gorkha Rifles, 3rd battalion 3 Gorkha Rifles and fought with unparalleled gallantry, making the enemy pay dearly for every inch of ground.

Their courage, even in the face of overwhelming odds, remains etched in the annals of Indian military history.

The Defence Public Relations Officer said that the upcoming events reflect the commitment of the Army to remember the sacrifices of the past and also to engage with the local communities, fostering a spirit of unity, resilience, and patriotism.

As the celebrations unfold, the Army invites everyone to gear up and join them with renewed ‘josh’ to celebrate and honour the legacy of those who made the supreme sacrifice.

The 62nd Walong Day promises to be a heartfelt tribute to the heroes of Walong, ensuring that their stories of bravery continue to inspire the nation, Lieutenant Colonel Shukla added.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: GI TAGS: Bodo Tribe’s Eight Products, Including ‘Aronai’, Secure GI Tags In Assam

In a major step towards preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Assam, eight products of the Bodo tribe, including the iconic ‘Aronai’, have secured Geographical Indication (GI) tags. This development not only acknowledges the unique craftsmanship of the Bodo community but also provides a boost to the local economy by safeguarding these products’ authenticity on a global platform.

The Bodo tribe, one of the largest indigenous groups in Northeast India, has a rich tradition of weaving and handicrafts. The GI tag will protect the intellectual property rights of these products, preventing unauthorized use and imitation, while also promoting the Bodo culture and heritage globally.

What is a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag?

A Geographical Indication (GI) tag is a certification provided to products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. This certification ensures that only products produced in a specific region can be marketed using that name, thereby protecting the authenticity and traditional knowledge associated with the product.

For the Bodo tribe, receiving GI tags for these eight products is a recognition of their centuries-old craftsmanship, which has been passed down through generations. This certification not only adds economic value but also helps preserve the traditional techniques and cultural practices unique to the Bodo community.

The Eight Bodo Products That Secured GI Tags

The eight products from the Bodo community that have been awarded GI tags include:

  1. Aronai: The most iconic product of the Bodo tribe, Aronai is a traditional scarf or shawl that is an integral part of Bodo culture. It is worn during important ceremonies, festivals, and even as a daily accessory. Made from high-quality silk or cotton, the intricate weaving patterns and vibrant colors of Aronai symbolize the identity and pride of the Bodo people.
  2. Dokhona: A traditional attire worn by Bodo women, Dokhona is a long wrap-around dress made from woven silk or cotton. It is often adorned with colorful patterns and is considered an essential part of Bodo cultural festivals and ceremonies.
  3. Gamsa: A handwoven fabric used as a towel or wrap, Gamsa is a versatile product that reflects the Bodo tribe’s skilled weaving techniques. Known for its durability and fine craftsmanship, it is often used in everyday life and during cultural rituals.
  4. Bodo Mekhela: Mekhela, another traditional attire for women, consists of two pieces of cloth draped around the body. The Bodo version of Mekhela is known for its unique designs, rich fabric, and vibrant colors, making it a staple in Bodo women’s wardrobes during cultural celebrations.
  5. Jwmgra (Traditional Shawl): This traditional shawl is another product of Bodo weaving craftsmanship, often made from cotton or silk and used during formal and cultural events.
  6. Silk Shawls: Bodo silk shawls are renowned for their softness and intricate patterns. These shawls are often made from Assam silk, a high-quality material, and are worn on special occasions.
  7. Endi Shawls: Endi, or eri silk, is produced in Assam and is known for its eco-friendly production process. Bodo artisans weave this silk into beautiful shawls that are highly sought after for their warmth and comfort.
  8. Bodo Handloom Textiles: This includes a variety of fabrics woven by the Bodo community, showcasing their rich tradition of handloom weaving. These textiles are used to create traditional attire, accessories, and home décor items.

Cultural and Economic Impact of GI Tags

The GI tagging of these eight products is a momentous achievement for the Bodo community and the state of Assam. It not only provides legal protection to the products but also elevates the status of traditional Bodo crafts on the global stage. With this recognition, these products can now be marketed more effectively, both in India and internationally, which will boost tourism and economic opportunities for local artisans.

The Bodo tribe has long been recognized for their skilled weaving techniques, which are deeply embedded in their cultural identity. The GI tag helps in preserving these traditional crafts, encouraging younger generations to continue the legacy of their ancestors.

Boost to Assam’s Handloom and Handicraft Industry

The handloom and handicraft industry in Assam is a significant contributor to the state’s economy, employing thousands of artisans, particularly women. With the GI tagging of these products, the Bodo tribe’s artisans can now sell their crafts at premium prices, increasing their income and improving their livelihood. This recognition also opens doors for export opportunities, enabling these products to reach a broader audience worldwide.

The GI tags will also promote sustainable tourism in the region, as visitors are likely to be drawn to the rich cultural heritage and unique crafts of the Bodo tribe. Tourists who visit Assam for its natural beauty and wildlife will now have an added reason to explore the traditional Bodo textiles and handicrafts, further boosting the local economy.

While the GI tags are a significant achievement, there are challenges in ensuring that the benefits reach the artisans at the grassroots level. Efforts must be made to establish strong supply chains, promote these products in international markets, and provide artisans with the necessary training to maintain quality standards.

The government, along with local organizations, must work together to create marketing platforms and digital avenues for promoting these products globally. E-commerce platforms and artisanal fairs can be valuable tools in reaching a broader audience and ensuring that the GI-tagged products achieve their full potential.

The GI tagging of eight traditional products from the Bodo tribe of Assam, including the beloved Aronai, is a proud moment for the community and the entire state. It is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Bodo people and their contribution to India’s vibrant handloom and handicraft traditions. As these products gain international recognition, they will not only boost the local economy but also serve as symbols of pride and identity for the Bodo community.

source/content: boroktimes.com (headline edited)

GLOBAL: SPORTS / CHESS: Two Indians in World Top five for the first time ever – Arjun Erigaisi World #3, Gukesh #5

India’s historic performance at the 45th Chess Olympiad 2024 caused a lot of huge changes in the rating list. Arjun Erigaisi is now World no.3. He gained 19.2 Elo rating points for his stellar performance on Board no.3. The World Championship Challenger, D Gukesh is now World no.5. He gained a whopping 30.1 Elo rating points. Both Arjun and Gukesh won double Gold. Vidit Gujrathi gained 6 rating points, Harikrishna 2.1. Currently, there are four Indians in top 12, five in top 22, six in top 33, seven in top 42 and eleven in top 98. Among the Women, four Indians maintain their top 15 places. IM Divya Deshmukh moved up to World no.11 and India no.2 among women after her fantastic double Gold medal winning run at the Olympiad. She crossed 2500 and her rating is now 2501. Another double Gold winning – IM Vantika Agrawal gained 22.1 and IM Tania Sachdev increased her rating by 10.2 points.

A fantastic month for the Indians, Divya Deshmukh crosses 2500, now India #2 among Women

September 2024 has been a fantastic month for the Indians. D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, Vidit Gujrathi, Pentala Harikrishna, Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Agrawal and Tania Sachdev are the rating gainers. The highest gainer is Gukesh. Arjun Erigaisi climbed to World no.3. Two Indians in World Top five for the first time ever. Divya claiming the India no.2 spot among Women. Gukesh, Arjun, Divya and Vantika also won a double Gold at the 45th Chess Olympiad 2024.

Arjun Erigaisi, D Gukesh, Vishy Anand and R Praggnanandhaa stay in World top 12 | Source: FIDE

There are still eleven Indians in World Top 100 | Source: FIDE

Women: Four Indians stay in Top 15, Divya Deshmukh World no.11 and India no.2

Four Indian women maintain their place in top 15. IM Divya Deshmukh gained 17.5 Elo rating points at 45th Chess Olympiad 2024. Her stellar performance earned her an individual Gold on Board no.3. She also crossed 2500 and now has a rating of 2501. Her rank is now World no.11 and India no.2 among Women. IM Vantika Agrawal also won a double Gold at the 45th Olympiad. Her fantastic performance earned her an individual Gold on Board no.4 and she increased her Elo rating 22.1 points. Currently, there are nine Indians among the top 100 women.

Four Indians in World Top 15 among Women | Source: FIDE

Nine Indians are among World Top 100 Women | Source: FIDE

Countries

India is still no.2 in October FIDE Rating list in terms of average rating of top ten players, 13 Elo rating points behind the USA. The gap between USA and India got reduced from 19 to 11 from September to October.


Four Indians in World Top 15 among Women | Source: FIDE

source/content: chessbase.in (headline edited)

NATIONAL: FIRST WOMAN CHIEF: Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin is first woman to be India’s top military doctor

The appointment comes two months after Lt Gen Sadhna Saxena Nair took over as the Director General Medical Services (Army), the first woman officer to be appointed to the post.

Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin on Tuesday took over as the director general of the Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), the first woman doctor to hold the position.

She has had 45 predecessors, all men.

“She has been at the forefront of motivating young women to join the armed forces and is a shining icon for the Nari Shakti initiative of the government,” the defence ministry said.

Sarin is 60 and will head AFMS for two years.

DGAFMS functions directly under the defence ministry and is responsible for medical policy matters related to the military. Before being appointed to the top position, Sarin was heading the navy’s medical services directorate. She has previously also served as DG Medical Services (Air) and director and commandant of the Pune-based Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC).

The development comes two months after Lieutenant General Sadhna Saxena Nair took over as the Director General Medical Services (Army), the first woman officer to be appointed to the position.

Sarin was commissioned into service in December 1985 after she graduated from AFMC. She is an MD in radiodiagnosis from AFMC, Diplomate National Board in radiation oncology from Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, and has trained in Gamma Knife surgery (noninvasive radiation therapy) from the University of Pittsburgh in the US.

“In a career spanning 38 years, the Flag Officer has held prestigious academic and administrative appointments including professor and head, radiation oncology, Army Hospital (Research & Referral) and Command Hospital (Southern Command)/AFMC Pune, commanding officer, INHS Asvini, and command medical officer in the Indian Navy’s southern and western naval commands,” the defence ministry said in a statement.

She has the rare distinction of serving in all three branches of the armed forces — lieutenant to captain in the army, surgeon vice admiral in the navy and as an air marshal in the Indian Air Force. To be sure, military doctors can be posted from one service to another.

Sarin was recently appointed as a member of the national task force constituted on the Supreme Court’s directions to formulate safe working conditions and protocols for medical professionals.

The 10-member task force was constituted in August after the apex court took suo motu cognisance of the alleged rape and murder of a female resident doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, an incident that triggered nationwide protests with resident doctors in most government-run hospitals then going on strike.

According to the terms of reference, the task force will prepare an action plan categorised under two heads: a) prevention of violence against medical professionals and providing safe working conditions; b) providing an enforceable national protocol for dignified and safe working conditions for interns, residents, senior residents, doctors, nurses, and all medical professionals.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: GANDHI IN EGYPT: Cairo to host international caricature exhibition celebrating Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary, October 01- 07th 2024

The Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture, part of the Embassy of India in Cairo, is set to host a “Caricature Exhibition on Mahatma Gandhi” in collaboration with the Fayoum Caricature Museum and the Egypt Cartoon Platform. This event, scheduled for October 1, 2024, aims to honour Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary while promoting his message of “Swachhta Hi Seva” (Cleanliness is Service).

The exhibition will feature an impressive collection of 40 caricatures of Gandhi created by artists from 12 different countries, including India, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Romania, Indonesia, Colombia, Cyprus, Poland, Cuba, Spain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Egypt.

Artist Fawzy Morsy is overseeing the coordination of this exhibition, which showcases the work of several talented Egyptian caricature artists, such as Ahmed Alawi, Farouk Moussa, Adham Lotfy, and many others who have crafted unique interpretations of Gandhi.

The exhibition will be inaugurated by the Indian Ambassador to Cairo, Ajit Gupte, at the MACIC premises in Zamalek, beginning at 5:00 PM on 1 October, and will last a week.

source/content: dailynewsegypt.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: BEAUTY PAGEANT : Meet Dhruvi Patel, Miss India Worldwide 2024, a Gujarati NRI, techie, founder of…

This techie from Gujarat has been crowned as the Miss India Worldwide 2024.

Dhruvi Patel has been crowned as Miss India Worldwide 2024, the longest running Indian pageant outside of India. An NRI techie, Dhruvi has carved out her niche in the pageantry world and this is not the first time when she won a pageant. She has a hall of fame that speaks of the many titles she won and events she participated in. This techie turned pageant winner, started young and has bigger aspirations to complete.

“Winning Miss India Worldwide is such an incredible honour. It’s more than a crown – it represents my heritage, my values, and the opportunity to inspire others on a global scale,” Dhruvi said after her crowning in Edison, New Jersey.

Who is Dhruvi Patel, NRI techie with big dreams

Dhruvi has always been fascinated with world of fashion. Since the age of 8, Dhruvi was inclined towards the glitz and glamour for the pageantry realm. In an interview she mentioned, “Unfortunately, school commitments took precedence, and I couldn’t pursue my interest back then. Now, with a renewed passion, I am eager to balance academics and aspirations as I embark on my journey into the world of pageantry.”

In 2023, she was crowned Miss India New England. She has also won Miss Rhode Island and was a contestant in the Miss World America Pageant.

Patel’s roots speak of rich and vibrant culture of Gujarat. Currently, she resides in Hamden, Connecticut, with her parents and siblings. In a bid to pursue her passion in the field of IT, she joined Dhruvi joined Quinnipiac University in 2021 as Computer Information System student.

Well, Dhruvi is not just another engineer who won a title. The Indian origin techie aspires to one day become UNICEF brand ambassador and also make her debut in Bollywood! She runs a home-based nonprofit called 3D Charities. She runs the organisation along with her siblings Darsh and Dhriti.

Apart from preparing for pageants, working up as Computer Science professional, Patel also enjoys the realm of sports as per report.

About Miss India Worldwide 2024

Lisa Abdoelhak from Suriname was declared the first runner-up, while Malvika Sharma from the Netherlands was adjudged the second runner-up in the same race, as reported by PTI. In the Mrs category, SuAnn Mouttet from Trinidad and Tobago was the winner, with Sneha Nambiar the first and Pawandip Kaur from the United Kingdom the second-runner up.

In the Teen category, Sierra Suret from Guadeloupe was crowned Miss Teen India Worldwide. Shreya Singh from the Netherlands and Shradha Tedjoe from Suriname were declared the first and second runners-up. The beauty pageant is organised by New York-based India Festival Committee and is headed by Indian-Americans Neelam and Dharmatma Saran.

The crown is celebrating its 31st anniversary this year.

source/content: india.com (headline edited)