Category Archives: Amazing Feats

NATIONAL : PATENT RECORD: Indian patent office grants record 1 lakh patents in past year, March 2023 – March 2024

The Patent Office granted over one lakh patents in the last 1 year (15-Mar-2023 to 14-Mar-2024). Every working day, 250 patents were granted, the ministry said.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry said on Saturday (March 16) that the Patent Office has granted an unprecedented one lakh patents within a single year. As per an official release, in the fiscal year 2023-24 alone, the Patent Office received an all-time high of 90,300 patent applications.

The Patent Office granted over one lakh patents in the last 1 year (15-Mar-2023 to 14-Mar-2024). Every working day, 250 patents were granted, the ministry said. Alongside patent grants, there has been a notable surge in GI registrations, demonstrating a threefold increase compared to the previous year. Currently, India boasts 573 registered GIs, with 98 new registrations in the fiscal year 2023-24, according to the release.

Additionally, copyright registrations have reached a record-breaking 36,378, underscoring the vast potential within the creative sector. In the realm of design, the fiscal year 2023-24 witnessed the highest number of registrations to date, totalling 27,819, alongside the final disposal of 30,450 applications.

Noteworthy initiatives such as Toycathon, jointly organized by J&K SCERT and the Indian IP Office, have facilitated the registration of 115 novel designs by J&K school students, according to the release. The Trade Marks Registry has also redoubled its efforts to expedite trademark protection, committing to issuing examination reports within 30 days of receiving trademark applications.

In parallel, the National Intellectual Property Academy (NIPAM) has played a pivotal role in raising IP awareness, offering training to 24 lakh youths, particularly students and teachers, across over 7,000 institutions in the last two years. The announcement coincided with the official notification of the Patent Rules, 2024, which introduces several provisions aimed at simplifying the patent prosecution and maintenance processes.

These rules are poised to streamline the acquisition and management of patents, thereby nurturing an environment conducive to innovation and economic growth. Notable features of the revamped rules include provisions for acknowledging inventors’ contributions through a new ‘Certificate of Inventorship’ and reducing the time limit for filing examination requests to accommodate the fast pace of technological advancements, read the press release.

Highlighting the significance of these developments, government officials emphasized their commitment to enhancing the IP ecosystem and administration in the country. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry is dedicated to creating an environment that fosters innovation and economic development through robust IP protection mechanisms.

The surge in patent grants reflects India’s emergence as a hub for technological innovation, with one technology seeking IP protection every six minutes.

source/content: indiatvnews.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: ARMYs FIRST : First-of-its-kind Skin Bank facility for Armed Forces established

By establishing this facility the Armed Forces are ensuring that those who have sacrificed for our nation have access to the most advanced skin replacement therapies available.

The Armed Forces on Tuesday established a first-of-its-kind skin bank facility at the Army Hospital (Research & Referral) New Delhi. The opening of the state-of-the-art facility within the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) will be dedicated to managing and treating soldiers suffering from burn cases which are mostly combat-related.

It will also cater to other skin-related conditions among service members and their families.

The Army said, “The new skin bank will serve as a centralized hub for the collection, processing, storage, and distribution of skin grafts, providing a critical resource for military medical centres across the country.”

By establishing this facility the Armed Forces are ensuring that those who have sacrificed for our nation have access to the most advanced skin replacement therapies available.

The significance of this step was underlined as it was recently that New Delhi-based premier AIIMS Burns Block and Safdarjung Hospital have both opened skin banks. The people in this field told TNIE that most skin banks are struggling with skin donations.

The military personnel face peculiar burn injuries which can be either combat or non-combat-related. The majority, as told by officers, are sustained directly and indirectly, while handling explosives and ammunition. There are also burns related to chemicals and gases, among others.

“The launch of this skin bank is a testament to our unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of our service members,” said Lt Gen Arindam Chatterjee DGMS (Army) & Col Comdt.

“This facility will not only enhance the quality of care we provide but also strengthen our ability to support those who have been affected by devastating injuries.”

The skin bank will be staffed by a team of highly trained medical professionals, including plastic surgeons, tissue engineers, and specialized technicians. The facility will adhere to the highest standards of quality control and safety, ensuring the integrity and reliability of skin grafts.

“This skin bank represents a significant leap forward in our ability to treat severe burns and other complex skin conditions,” said Lt Gen Ajith Nilakantan Commandant Army Hospital (R&R). “By having a dedicated resource for skin tissue, we can provide our patients with the most effective and personalized treatments, ultimately improving their chances of recovery and rehabilitation,” he added.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

WORLD RECORD: SPORTS: Haryana’s 8 year old weightlifter Arshiya Goswami creates world record

At the age of 8, Arshiya Goswami already has her name in the India Book of Records and the Asia Book by her weightlifting feat. Now, she has managed to break the world records in India’s Got Talent television show.

Eight-year-old Arshiya Goswami from Haryana’s Panchkula district has set a new record by breaking world records in India’s Got Talent show. She achieved the feat of 17 clean-and-jerk movements in 30 seconds by lifting 6 kg ball.

Haryana Assembly Speaker Gyanchand Gupta congratulated Arshia and felicitated her on Friday. Arshiya, a resident of Sector 29 of Panchkula, studies in Bright School in Sector 26.

Arshiya met the Speaker along with her parents and Panchkula district convenor of BJP panchayati cell, Deshraj Poshwal yesterday. The India’s Got Talent show was aired on a private television channel last Sunday. Arshiya broke the previous world record of 16 clean-and jerk movements in 30 seconds. She lifted 62 kg in dead lift, lifted 32 kg in clean-and-jerk, 26 kg in snatch, 47 kg in Scott and 32 in bench press.

The shooting of the show was held in Mumbai on July 5. Arshiya’s father Avnish Kumar Goswami runs a gym in Sector 25 and her mother Hanni Goswami is a homemaker. Arshiya said she wants to make her career in weightlifting and aims to break all the records that have been made so far in this field.

Arshiya has received weightlifting training from her father. At the age of 6, she entered her name in the India Book of Records by lifting a weight of 45 kg. In 2022, she got enlisted in the Asia Book by lifting 35.8 kg.

She said that currently she is getting trained by international weightlifter Gurmel Singh. During training, she lifts deadlift weight of 47 kg, bench press 32 kg and clean-and-jerk 32 and 26 kg.

source/content: etvbharat.com (headline edited)

INDIA: MUSEUMS : Smritivan Earthquake Memorial Museum, shortlisted for Unesco’s Prix Versailles Award 2024?

The Smritivan Earthquake Memorial Museum in Bhuj has been listed among the 7 most beautiful museums in the world under the prestigious Prix Versailles Award.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hailed the inclusion of Gujarat’s Smritivan memorial in the World Selection for the Prix Versailles Museums 2024.

“Smritivan in Kutch is a tribute to those we lost in the tragic Earthquake of 2001. It is a reminder of human resilience and courage as well. Glad that this Museum has found a place on the World Selection for the Prix Versailles Museums 2024,” Modi posted on X.

Smritivan Earthquake Memorial Museum has been shortlisted by Unesco as one of the seven most beautiful museums for the prestigious Prix Versailles Award. Announced each year at Unesco since 2015, the Prix Versailles is a series of architectural competitions that shine a light on the finest contemporary projects worldwide.

Unesco’s Prix Versailles said the seven newly opened or reopened museums simultaneously serve creativity, are the reflection of local heritage and ecological efficiency, and leave extraordinary imprints on their environments. The shortlisted museums will all be competing for three 2024 World Titles – Prix Versailles, Interior and Exterior – whose laureates will be announced at Unesco headquarters by late November, the release added.

It is a matter of pride for Gujarat that an Indian museum has received global recognition for the first time in this manner for its expression of local culture and nature conservation, Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel said in the post.

Here’s all you need to know about Smritivan:

Covering approximately 470 acres, Smriti Van celebrates the resilience of the people who endured the 2001 earthquake, which had its epicenter in Bhuj and claimed around 13,000 lives.
The Memorial, includes the names of those who perished in the disaster, was inaugrated by PM Modi in August 2022.
The state-of-the-art Smritivan Earthquake Museum is organised into seven thematic blocks: Rebirth, Rediscover, Restore, Rebuild, Rethink, Relive, and Renew.
Rebirth: This block illustrates Earth’s evolution and its capacity to overcome challenges.
Rediscover: Showcases Gujarat’s topography and the various natural disasters the state is prone to.
Restore: Takes visitors back to the immediate aftermath of the 2001 earthquake, highlighting the extensive relief efforts by individuals and organisations.
Rebuild: Highlights Gujarat’s rebuilding initiatives and success stories following the earthquake.
Rethink: Encourages visitors to understand different types of disasters and emphasises the importance of future preparedness.
Relive: Offers an earthquake simulation experience in a 5D simulator, giving visitors a realistic sense of such an event.
Renew: Provides a space for remembrance, allowing visitors to pay homage to the lost souls.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)

“World Record”: INDIAN ELECTIONS 2024: WORLD’S LARGEST ELECTORAL EXERCISE: Poll Body Says Over 64 Crore People Voted In 2024 Lok Sabha Elections

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: The Election Commission said that over 68,000 monitoring teams and 1.5 crore polling and security personnel were involved in the world’s largest electoral exercise.

India created a world record with 64.2 crore voters, including 31.2 crore women, participating in the Lok Sabha elections this year, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said on Monday.

Addressing a press briefing, he said over 68,000 monitoring teams and 1.5 crore polling and security personnel were involved in the world’s largest electoral exercise.

“India created a world record with 64.2 crore voters, including 31.2 crore women, participating in the Lok Sabha elections this year,” said Mr Kumar.

On social media memes calling election commissioners ‘Laapataa Gentlemen’, Mr Kumar said, “We were always here, never went missing.” “Now memes can say the ‘Laapataa Gentlemen’ are back,” he said.

Mr Kumar said that nearly four lakh vehicles, 135 special trains and 1,692 air sorties were used for conducting the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

“Only 39 repolls took place in the 2024 general elections as against 540 repolls in 2019,” he said.

The CEC further said that Jammu and Kashmir recorded its highest turnout in four decades at 58.58 per cent overall and 51.05 per cent in the Valley.

“Seizures of ₹ 10,000 crore, including cash, freebies, drugs and liquor, were made during the 2024 polls as compared to ₹ 3,500 crore in 2019,” he said

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

source/content: ndtv.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: SPORTS / FIRST INDIAN: Find out about Puja ‘The Cyclone’ Tomar , the MMA Fighter who became the ‘First Indian to win a UFC bout’

The 28-year-old MMA fighter has been an advocate for women in sports.

The MMA contest between Puja Tomar of India and Rayanne Amanda dos Santos of Brazil at the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) on Sunday morning was all about jabs, crosses and kicks. Tomar made history, becoming the first Indian to win a UFC match.

Fans tuned in to see Tomar, who has earned herself the title of “Cyclone”, compete in her debut UFC match at 2.30am India time.

While it did seem like the 28-year-old from Budhana, Uttar Pradesh, was being cornered, her adrenaline got the better of her as she went into the last round screaming, “Come on, come on!” and throwing kicks at her opponent. The nerve-wracking three rounds and 15 minutes ended in a split-decision win for Tomar. The scorecard: 30-27, 27-30, 29-28.

My Kolkata lists a few milestones in Cyclone Tomar’s path to the UFC win:

National Wushu Champion

Puja began her combat sports career with wushu, where she excelled and won five national titles. Her success in wushu provided a strong foundation in striking and agility — skills she now uses in her MMA career.

Transition to MM

In 2012, Puja switched to mixed martial arts, debuting with the now-defunct Super Fight League (SFL) in India. She made an impactful start, securing a victory in her first fight, which marked the beginning of her successful career in MMA. She participated in other championships, including Matrix Fight Night and ONE Championship.

Matrix Fight Night Success

After facing four consecutive losses in ONE Championship, Puja joined Matrix Fight Night (MFN) in 2021. She won four bouts in MFN, including a title defence against Russia’s Anastasia Feofanova in July. Her resilience and performance in MFN revitalised her career.

First Indian Woman in UFC

In 2023, Puja became the first Indian woman to land a contract with UFC, the biggest MMA promotion in the world. Her win makes her the first Indian to win a UFC fight, marking a significant achievement for Indian MMA.

Advocate for women in sports

Beyond her achievements in the octagon, Tomar is a vocal advocate for women in sports. She uses her platform to inspire and encourage young girls in India to pursue their dreams in martial arts. She also takes a stand for Indians in martial arts. “I want to show the world that Indian fighters are not losers. We are going all the way up. We are not going to stop. We’ll become UFC Champion soon,” she had said in the Octagon interview.

source/content: telegraphindia.com (headline edited)

GLOBAL: NATIONAL: AEROSPACE / MANY FIRSTS : World’s First Rocket with Single Piece 3D Printed Engine launched from Sriharikota

The feat has been achieved entirely through indigenous design and development.

The world’s first rocket with a single piece 3D printed engine was launched from Sriharikota on Thursday by Agnikul Cosmos, the IITMadras-incubated start-up.

The launch was witnessed by various luminaries including Dr S Somanath, Chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Dr Pawan Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe, Rajeev Jyoti, Director (Technical), IN-SPACe, and A Raj Rajan, Director SHAR.

The ISRO chairman said that the success involving many firsts, including the 3D printed semi-cryogenic engine, flight control systems etc. demonstrate the prowess of indigenous design and innovation. “It motivates ISRO to support the Space startups and non-governmental entities for innovation and Atmanirbharata to create a vibrant space ecosystem in the country,” he said.

The feat has been achieved entirely through indigenous design and development after the launch was postponed many a times. ‘Agnibaan – SOrTeD’ Sub-Orbital Technology Demonstrator also has the unique distinction of having been launched from India’s first private launch pad called ‘Dhanush’ established by Agnikul. It is also India’s first semi-cryogenic engine-powered rocket launch.

“The key purpose of this mission, which is also Agnikul’s first flight, is to serve as a test flight, to demonstrate the in-house and home grown technologies, gather crucial flight data and ensure optimal functioning of systems for Agnikul’s orbital launch vehicle, the ‘Agnibaan’,” a statement issued by the company said.

The Agnibaan SOrTeD is powered by a semi-cryogenic engine that uses commercially available aviation turbine fuel or essentially kerosene and medical grade liquid oxygen, according to the company. Agnikul follows up on the first launch made by an Indian space company which was Skyroot Aerospace Private Limited which in 2022 flew a solid fuelled sounding rocket from Sriharikota.

Speaking about the next steps, Prof Satyanarayanan R Chakravarthy, founding advisor, Agnikul Cosmos and also the Head of National Centre for Combustion Research and Development (NCCRD), IIT Madras, said, “We are proud to present India’s first Semi-cryo rocket engine, which is also the world’s most integrated single shot 3D printed piece. It signals the ability to rapidly assemble rockets that is unparalleled.”

The Agnikul team consists of over 200 engineers and is associated with NCCRD at IIT Madras. Additionally, the team is guided by 45 former scientists from ISRO who bring invaluable expertise to the endeavour of democratising access to space, a statement said.

The flagship launch vehicle, ‘Agnibaan’, is designed to be compatible with the mobile launchpad called ‘Dhanush,’ allowing for launch flexibility regardless of location. Agnibaan can be configured to accommodate payloads ranging from 30 kg to 300 kg, ensuring versatility across a wide range of mission requirements, the statement added. The startup is aiming to fly an orbital mission towards the end 2024-2025.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: MIDDLE EAST: Centuries-old documents from Indian community in Oman digitised for posterity

The Embassy of India, in collaboration with the National Archives of India (NAI), has completed a special digitisation project for the protection and compilation of age-old documents that give us a peek into individual anecdotes of the people of Oman and India.

For the preservation of the rich history of the Indian community in Oman, this initiative aims to collate and safeguard valuable historical documents held by the Indian diaspora in Oman, many of whom have been residing in the country for generations.

A two-member expert team from the NAI finished the daunting task on Monday in just over a week starting from May 19.

The event concluded at the embassy premises with a successful digitisation of over 7,000 documents.

Digitised contents include pictures, receipts, letters, certificates, passports, invoices and notes. These records, sourced from 30 families across Oman, trace back as far as 250 years, providing a unique window into the historical presence and contributions of the Indian community in the region.

Speaking at the event, H E Amit Narang, the Ambassador of India to Oman, said, “Our aim was to compile historical documents so that we can have a databank on the centuries-old relationship that the people of the two countries enjoyed.”

The documents also showcase how Indians were at the centre of trade among the Arab and African countries. Digitised documents adequately prove how Muscat was always a trade hub for so many countries.

“They reveal a web of historical interactions and economic exchanges, illustrating the pivotal role the Indian community played in the trade networks linking Oman, Arabia and Africa. By preserving these records, the project ensures that future generations can access and learn from this rich heritage.”

A notable aspect of the project was the creation of an oral archive, a first for the NAI.

Kalpana Shukla, an NAI representative, conducted long interviews with senior members of the community, some as old as 80 years. “This is the first time ever that the NAI has done this type of digitisation. Soon, all these records from Oman will be available for people to see. This digitisation is not only for preservation but also for research,” Kaplana said.

She added that as these digital archives become accessible, they will serve as a valuable resource for historians, researchers and the general public, fostering a deeper understanding of the contributions of the Indian community to Oman’s development.

source/content: muscatdaily.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: FASHION : Meet Santanu Das, the Kolkata-based fashion designer who crafted Payal Kapadia’s Cannes 2024 outfit

Payal, who won the Grand Prix Award for her film All We Imagine As Light at Cannes, ordered her outfit for the festival from Santanu’s artisanal clothing brand Maku Textiles.

Filmmaker Payal Kapadia carried a piece of Kolkata with her when she walked onto the stage at Cannes 2024 to receive the Grand Prix Award for All We Imagine As Light on May 25. She was wearing an outfit that was exclusively crafted for her by Kolkata-based artisanal clothing brand Maku Textiles in less than a week.

The Telegraph Online recently caught up with Maku Textiles founder-director Santanu Das, an alumni of National Institute of Design, to know the thoughts and craftsmanship that went into Payal’s outfit.

The Telegraph Online: What was your first thought when you came to know that Payal Kapadia wore an outfit designed by you to receive her Grand Prix Award at the Cannes 2024?

Santanu Das: We are part of history now. It was a very special moment. We understood her achievement is going to live forever and with that we will also be attached to her. I wrote to Payal just after I got to know about her Cannes win. It’s wonderful.

Did you know Payal Kapadia before she ordered the outfit from you? How did she come to know about Maku Textiles?

Santanu Das: No, I didn’t know her before that. Maybe that’s because I am not very social and prefer to live in a cocoon.

I don’t know how her team got in touch with me. Things happened very fast. We had to finish the outfit and deliver it in less than a week. I had to send it to Mumbai, and the last person from her team travelling to Cannes hand-carried the outfit.

Could you decode Payal’s Cannes outfit for us.

Santanu Das: We had two pieces — a jacket and a sleeveless silk dress. She wore the jacket at the screening, but it was designed in such a way that you could see the dress from the front. While collecting the award, Payal wanted to open the jacket.

When we were talking about the outfit, Payal wanted something blue and I had something black — but not very black, black. Our signature colour is indigo, so we created a different tonality of black indigo. We also considered that it could be an emotional as well as a vulnerable moment for her and that’s why I wanted her to feel guarded in our design. We talked about how the design needs to be ironed and what earrings would go with it.

Did you speak to Payal to understand how she actually wanted to present herself on the big stage?

Santanu Das: Oh, yeah, we talked a couple of times. We had a long call where we discussed how to go about the styling. We tried to understand what she generally wears and what she would feel comfortable in as we didn’t want to impose anything on her. We were very aware that she is a film director. She is from the creative world, so anything she wears must match her personality.

You are into artisanal fashion. How do you elaborate on it?

Santanu Das: It’s a segment, which isn’t open and big. This specific segment has only a handful of people coming up with handmade signature designs but in a small batch. We do everything by our hand, making it part of a sustainable network. We mix our identity with the neutral cloth to add character to it.

Your label is made in Kolkata and was founded in 2012 but your focus has always been international…

Santanu Das: Our focus has always been on international sales and curation. We want to invest in developing new things. We are present in Japan, China, Taiwan, South Korea, the US, Europe, France, the UK, the Netherlands, Spain and Italy. Stores buy our clothes and then sell them.

In Kolkata, we have an atelier-cum-factory for people who are too keen to visit. We invite them by appointment. Our team comprises 60 people. We have 200 weavers from West Bengal, and our fabric is handwoven. We do everything such as fabrication, stitching and merchandising in Kolkata.

But some people love your work in India…

Santanu Das: I don’t know if anyone in Kolkata knows about Maku Textiles. A few people in Mumbai and Delhi know about us. More than actresses, we get filmmakers, cinematographers and art directors as clients. Anvita Dutt (creator of Bulbbul, Qala) has all my saris. Meenal Agarwal (production director), Konkona Sen Sharma, Tillotama Shome and Dia Mirza wear Maku Textiles. Anushka Sharma also visited our Kolkata studio while shooting for Pari. Both Anvita and Anushka came to know about us from Meenal.

source/content: telegraphindia.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: PEACEKEEPERS: Indian Woman Peacekeeper Major Radhika Sen to receive ‘UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award’ . Who is she?

Radhika Sen served with the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo from March 2023 to April 2024.

Indian woman peacekeeper Major Radhika Sen, who served with the UN mission in Congo, will be honoured with the prestigious military gender advocate award by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on May 30 (Thursday), marking the International Day of UN Peacekeepers.

Who is Major Radhika Sen?

Radhika Sen served with the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) from March 2023 to April 2024 as the Commander of MONUSCO’s engagement platoon for the Indian rapid deployment battalion (INDRDB).
Major Radhika Sen joined the Indian Army eight years ago. She graduated with a degree in biotechnology engineering and was pursuing her Master’s degree at IIT Bombay when she decided to join the armed forces.
Sen was deployed to MONUSCO in March 2023 as the engagement platoon commander with the Indian rapid deployment battalion. She completed her tenure in April 2024. Sen is the second Indian peacekeeper to receive this prestigious award, following Major Suman Gawani, who served with the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and was honoured with the United Nations military gender advocate of the year award in 2019.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres lauded Major Sen for her service and said she was a true leader and role model. “Her service was a true credit to the United Nations as a whole,” Guterres said.
Reacting to the development, Major Sen said, “This award is special to me as it gives recognition to the hard work put in by all the peacekeepers working in the challenging environment of DRC and giving their best to bring a positive change in the society.”

“Gender-sensitive peacekeeping is everybody’s business – not just us, women. Peace begins with all of us in our beautiful diversity!” she added.

Created by the office of military affairs within the department for peace operations (DPO) of the UN in 2016, the United Nations military gender advocate of the year award acknowledges the dedication and efforts of an individual military peacekeeper in promoting the principles of UN Security Council resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security.

The awardee is selected from among candidates nominated by force commanders and heads of mission from all peace operations. India currently ranks as the 11th largest contributor of women military peacekeepers to the United Nations.

(With inputs from PTI)