Tag Archives: Bharat Records

NATIONAL: DEFENCE & SECURITY: FIRSTs -WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP : Senior IPS Officer Nina Singh takes Charge as CISF’s First Woman Director General

Singh, who served as DG in-charge of CISF after her predecessor Sheel Vardhan Singh retired on August 31, was accorded a guard of honour at the CISF headquarters.

Senior IPS officer Nina Singh on Friday took over as the first woman Director General of CISF, a central force that guards civil airports and other vital installations.

Singh, who served as DG in-charge of CISF after her predecessor Sheel Vardhan Singh retired on August 31, was accorded a guard of honour at the CISF headquarters. Among those present was her husband, IAS officer and Union consumer affairs secretary Rohit Kumar Singh.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) issued an order for her appointment to the post on Thursday. Originally from Bihar, Singh studied at the Patna Women’s College before obtaining Master’s degrees from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Harvard. “She is also trained in the evaluation of social programmes at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA and co-authored research papers with Economics Nobel laureates Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo, both from MIT on evidence-based police reforms initiatives,” CISF chief PRO Shrikant Kishore said.

“She is recipient of the President’s Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 2005, the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service in 2014 and the ‘Ati Utkrisht Seva Medal’ in 2020. She has also been honored with the Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini Award for outstanding contributions and the Nari Shakti Samman. She also earned the title of ‘Champion of Evidence-Based Policing’ from the Cambridge University Police Executive Programme, UK,” he said in a statement.

An MHA official said the decision to appoint Singh as the CISF chief was taken “on the basis of her vast experience” in the force. “She has been working in the CISF since 2021 — first as Additional DG and then as Special DG and DG in-charge since August 31,” the official said. Singh earlier served as Joint Director of CBI during 2013-2018. During her tenure, she

supervised many high profile cases relating to corruption, economic offences, bank frauds and sports integrity. She also headed the investigation of the Sheena Bora murder case.

A 1989-batch officer, Singh was the first woman IPS officer to be allocated the Rajasthan cadre, taking on several important assignments in the state. “With a distinguished career spanning 34 years, she has worked on various assignments across Rajasthan and acquired in-depth knowledge of the police administration, training, criminal investigation and maintenance of public order. She was the Member-Secretary of Rajasthan State Commission for Women,” CISF PRO Kishore said.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: ARTS & CULTURE: AMERICAN BEAUTY PAGEANT: Surgeries to Stilettos: Dr Piyali Roy Wins Mrs Universe USA 2024, Seattle November 2023.

Unapologetic in her evolution Dr Piyali Roy created an inspirational bench mark for other women to emulate from the multitudinal transformation she underwent in different spheres of life which led to her win at the Mrs Universe Curvy USA 2024 pageant, held at Seattle on the November 11, 2023.

Dr Piyali Roy is a beauty queen in its true sense, besides being a New York University trained dental surgeon, an author, international fashion model.

According to Piyali, her infectious smile, confidence and charm forayed her way into the top 3 of Mrs Universe Curvy USA 2024 after leaving everyone in awe of her creativity and reverence that she displayed while walking down the National Costume Round depicting Washington DC’s state flag and emblem displayed on her while she took on the look of the National Flower herself, The American pink rose. Dr Piyali Roy in her electric blue evening gown displayed royalty and looked majestic, as she walked the ramp leaving all the judges and audiences mesmerised by her attractive personality, grace and oozing charm.

Icing on the top was her on point answer to a question based on domestic violence during the interview round and the finale answer which generated loud applause in the audience, demarcating her as the clear winner of the pageant. Piyali was crowned by the reigning queen Mrs Universe 2023 Meranie Gadiana Rahman in Mrs Universe USA Pageant.

As she steps into the limelight after winning Mrs Universe 2024, Dr Piyali Roy is not just a model or a dentist or an actor; she is an inspiration. A beacon of resilience, showcasing that with confidence and determination, one can transcend boundaries, redefine norms, and truly embody the essence of empowerment and grace.

Today Dr Piyali Roy stands as an example as to how versatility can shape one’s journey. She is testament to the magic that happens when grace meets tenacity, and when confidence becomes one’s guiding light.

Her time at New York University, where she honed her skills as a dentist, gave her insights into the intricacies of human aesthetics. This foundation, perhaps unexpectedly, served as a springboard into the world of fashion. As she transitioned to the runway, the parallels became evident. Just as she would sculpt and perfect a smile in her clinic, she sculpted her presence and poise on the runway. Every detail, from her posture to her gaze, became an expression of her artistry.

The New York Fashion Week runway became a platform where Dr Roy communicated a narrative – of reinvention, courage, and limitless potential. This narrative was further enriched as she collaborated with global fashion stalwarts, from Mumbai’s Rohit Verma to visionary African designers from Paris. Each collaboration, each walk, became a testament to her versatility.

Her win at Mrs Bharat (India) DMV 2023 in Washington DC, USA wasn’t just a title; it was a recognition of her ability to captivate and inspire. That’s not it, Dr Piyali Roy was also the winner of Mrs Universal Petite 2023 Audience Choice Crown in Mexico.

With her spirit and talents, Dr Piyali Roy is exemplifying how one can craft a rich tapestry of diverse yet harmonious paths, leaving an indelible mark of grace, strength, and confidence in every stride.

Dr Piyali Roy’s achievements are testament of her skills, talent and above all her dedication. We are certain that she will continue to soar, while she celebrates this milestone.

source/content: timesofindia.indiatimes.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: NATIONAL: AWARDS IN CHEMISTRY: Mumbai Professor and Dean Savita Ladage Wins Prestigious Royal Society of Chemistry’s (RSC) Nyholm Prize

Professor Savita Ladage, who lives in Mumbai, has been named winner of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Nyholm Prize for Education in recognition of contributions to chemistry education.

Based at Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Professor Ladage won the prize for enthusiastically advocating the importance of chemical education, through mentoring chemistry educators and initiating teacher and student programs that promote chemistry education in India.

All the winners join a prestigious list of past winners in the RSC’s prize portfolio, 60 of whom have gone on to win Nobel Prizes for their work, including 2022 Nobel Laureate Carolyn Bertozzi and 2019 Nobel laureate John B Goodenough.

Professor Ladage also receives £5000, a medal and a certificate.

After receiving the prize, Professor Ladage said: “I feel deeply honoured to receive this prize and recognition in the community of individuals who are doing work in the area of chemistry education. I am thankful to the RSC for the same. The award and recognition has motivated me further to continue my work with greater zeal and enthusiasm. I am passionate about chemistry education in general.”

Ladage is passionate about teaching and learning chemistry. She interacts with chemistry students and teachers, especially at undergraduate level. One of her main interests has been chemistry lab education and helping students to make observations more carefully and critically. She designs experiments and highlights the associated procedures, difficulties and errors involved, and the data. Savita wants to change the perception of students and teachers of chemistry lab education.

When she’s not teaching, Ladage loves writing articles about different topics in chemistry, particularly the periodic table and the challenges involved in teaching and learning chemistry.

Dr Helen Pain, Chief Executive of the Royal Society of Chemistry, said: “The chemical sciences are at the forefront of tackling a range of challenges facing our world. From fundamental chemistry to cutting-edge innovations, the work that chemical scientists do has an important role to play in building our future.

“The inspiration, innovation and dedication of those who work in education is fundamental to the progress of the chemical sciences – shaping the future and setting our young people up to tackle the challenges and the opportunities facing our society and our planet.

“Professor Ladage’s work demonstrates an outstanding commitment to chemistry education, and it is our honour to celebrate their considerable contribution.”

The Excellence in Education Prizes celebrate inspirational, innovative, and dedicated people working in primary, secondary, further education and higher education – including teachers, technicians and more. These prizes recognise a wide range of skills – from curriculum design to effective teaching, and from personal development to working culture. This category includes specific prizes for teams and for those in the early stages of their career.

source/content: timesofindia.indiatimes.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: BEAUTY : Indian American medical student Rijul Maini from Michigan crowned Miss India USA 2023

Rijul Maini, a medical student from Michigan, has been crowned Miss India USA 2023 at the annual pageant held in New Jersey.

During the event, Sneha Nambiar from Massachusetts was declared as Mrs India USA and Saloni Rammohan from Pennsylvania won the title of Miss Teen India USA.

This year marks the 41st anniversary of the pageant which is the longest running Indian pageant outside of India.

It was started by New York-based Indian Americans Dharmatma and Neelam Saran under the banner of ‘Worldwide Pageants’.

Maini, a 24-year-old Indian American, is a medical student and model. She aspires to be a surgeon and hopes to serve as a role model to women everywhere, a press release said.

Greeshma Bhat of Virginia was declared first runner-up and Ishita Pai Raikar of North Carolina was the second runner-up.

According to the organisers, 57 contestants from over 25 states participated in three different pageants – Miss India USA, Mrs. India USA and Miss Teen India USA.

Winners of all three categories will be getting complimentary air tickets to take part in Miss- Mrs.-Teen India Worldwide organised by the same group.

“I am very much thankful to Indian community around the world for their support over the years,” said Dharmatma Saran, founder and chairman of ‘Worldwide Pageants’.

source/content: millenniumpost.in (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY: RESEARCH – CANCER: Berhampore boy Anirudha Chatterjee runs a lab finding Solutions to Cancer in New Zealand

An awardee of the prestigious Rutherford Discovery Fellowship, the epigenetics expert aims to spread his research for the welfare of cancer patients

When Aniruddha Chatterjee, assistant professor at the University of Otago, Dunedin, was named as one of the 10 recipients to be awarded a 2017 Rutherford Discovery Fellowship, the first thought was to help cancer patients across the globe including his home country India.

Aniruddha has been working on the Methylation of DNA, which can control the behaviour of DNA code in a cell, crucial for cancer treatment. For someone dreaming of research to support the medical fraternity, the breakthrough in research is no mean feat.

As a 25-year-old intern at an IT (Information Technology) company in Coimbatore, Aniruddha realised his heart lies in research. Not satisfied with the routine IT job, Aniruddha started to explore opportunities in research, with multiple offers pouring in from Europe. The volume of research conducted at the University of Otago and the attractive scholarship prompted him to work in serene Dunedin for his PhD in 2009. “Prof Ian Morrison was the main reason to finalise my decision. He was reassuring and showed complete faith in me. I was allowed to do clinically relevant human projects,” Aniruddha tells Education Times.

The combination of Informatics computers which was new back then was exciting, he says. Furthermore, a scholarship to work with Prof Mike Nicholas and at the New Zealand Cancer Institute were irresistible offers that followed.

For a boy born in a family with modest means in Berhampore, West Bengal, who studied in Bengali-medium government schools, the journey was glorious. Aniruddha’s father, a government school headmaster, ensured a strong academic environment in the house, resulting in brilliant academic achievements of his children.

Aniruddh worked on a few projects after completing his BTech (Biotechnology) from Osmania University, and master’s from VIT (Vellore Institute of Technology), Vellore. After facing the initial struggles involving adjustment to the local culture, battling homesickness, and embracing the research process, Aniruddha went on to achieve Rutherford Discovery Fellowships administered by Royal Society Te Aparangi in 2017, which offered funding of $800,000 to be used for research for five years.

The fellowship fund helped him set up the Chatterjee labs at the University, which is now a platform focusing on epigenetic alterations in cancer metastasis. The lab consists of 15 researchers from India, Iran, and Nigeria, working on tackling bowel cancer which is a dreaded disease not only in New Zealand but also all over the world. Aniruddha along with Dr Euan Rodger and Dr Rachel Purcell had their findings published in iScience, which explains the research that identified a feature that allows bowel cancer to spread to the liver.

“It is a very promising area to work on as it tackles cancer in many ways. I am happy that the research is of great significance in India and other parts of the world,” says Aniruddha. Population-specific epigenetic data is very limited and the more we generate, the more we can understand disease (cancer in this case). The research is of significance as it will help the patients in early detection, monitoring and timely treatment, adds Aniruddha.

“Our lab combines cutting-edge next-generation sequencing, computational analysis, and experimental work to decipher the role of epigenetic code in cancer, focusing on DNA methylation,” says Aniruddh.

Chatterjee lab is studying DNA methylation levels in cancer cells and patient tumour samples and it has the potential to understand the aggressive nature of cancer and utilise the knowledge for patient benefit. The researchers are working to assign function to every single methylation change that could occur in a cancer cell so that ultimately epigenetic changes could be used to predict and prevent disease. “Our work will contribute to detecting cancer early, predicting treatment response and providing new ways of treating cancer to improve patient outcome,” says Aniruddha, who aims to expand his work by collaborating with Indian researchers.

source/content: timesofindia.indiatimes.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: UN COP28: Two Indian Women Sangitaben Rathod and Jasumatiben Jethabai Parma Illuminate at Global Climate Talks in Dubai with Traditional Solutions to Fight Climate Change

Wearing desi clothes, Sangitaben Rathod and Jasumatiben Jethabai Parmar have boldly stepped into the limelight at the global climate talks here, bringing with them potent traditional solutions to tackle climate change.

The two women — Rathod, from Naganamoth, and Parmar from Simej, both in Gujarat – who had never ventured beyond their home state before, showcased practical climate resilience solutions that are making waves on the international stage.

heir traditional wisdom involves using neem leaves and cow urine to create organic fertilizers and insecticides – an innovative practice that has not only sustained their crops for years but is now being adopted by women farmers across India, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers.

“I decided to look for local solutions after incurring huge losses due to climate change. I lost over Rs 1.5 lakh in wheat crops in 2019. After that, we started looking at the problem and we realised pest attacks had considerably increased due to the changing climate and commercial insecticides were failing. It was then that we thought of turning to the traditional solutions our forefathers used – neem leaves and cow urine,” Rathod, 28 said.

“Then the solution we shared with the Self Employed Women’s Association and they empowered us to train communities based on our solution,” Parmar, 63, added.

On what they wish to expect on the global platform, Rathod said she hopes the solutions they have implemented can be shared with a wider audience and also make the negotiators realise the impact women in India are bearing due to climate change and how we need help.

Alongside her, Jasumatiben said, “Our seemingly simple traditions hold the key to a sustainable future.”

Amidst the formal suits of international bureaucrats, Sangitaben and Jasumatiben actively participated, and passionately advocated for reduced insecticide and pesticide usage by integrating cow urine and neem leaves into farming practices during the gender-themed discussion that took place during the UN COP28 on Monday.

Sangitaben and Jasumatiben also shared their insights with former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, shedding light on the challenges faced by Indian women workers due to climate shocks.

Reema Nanavaty, Director of Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), highlighted the challenges faced by Indian women workers due to climate shocks.

Nanavaty elaborated on the difficulties encountered by those involved in street vending, construction, and other labour-intensive occupations.

“I think there’s an urgent need for this Global Climate Resilience Fund for women, especially in India. This will be the first of its kind, a fund for the Global South, and this is a bottom-up fund,” Nanavaty emphasised, aligning with Clinton’s call for a targeted and comprehensive initiative to address the impact of extreme heat on women workers in India.

Nanavaty pointed out the urgent need for actionable solutions and advocated for a unified appeal for global collaboration to create a sustainable and resilient future for women in India and beyond.

The global climate talks are taking place in Dubai and have seen participation from over 100,000 people from 198 countries. PTI UZM NSA AKJ

(This story was produced as part of the 2023 Climate Change Media Partnership, a journalism fellowship organized by Internews’ Earth Journalism Network and the Stanley Center for Peace and Security.) NSA

source/content: ptinews.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL / NATIONAL: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY: Scientist Prof Urbasi Singh, 1st Indian Scientist to get Canadian Excellence Research Chair (CERC) Award, Wins USD 8 million grant

Prof Urbasi specialises in quantum science and her research interests span cutting-edge topical areas such as quantum communication, quantum computation, quantum optics and quantum fundamentals.

Prof Urbasi Singh from the Quantum Information and Computing (QuIC) laboratory at the Raman Research Institute (RRI), Bengaluru, is the first Indian scientist to be awarded Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Photonic Quantum Science and Technologies.

She won a grant worth $8 million, opening possibilities for international interactions in academia, industry and other sectors developing lab-to-market innovative models — for building a future ecosystem based on quantum technologies.

Prof Urbasi specialises in quantum science and her research interests span cutting-edge topical areas such as quantum communication, quantum computation, quantum optics and quantum fundamentals and information processing.

Her lab is one of the first in India to manufacture and establish the usage of heralded and entangled photon sources towards various applications in quantum technologies. 

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: ARTS & CRAFTS / CINEMA: FIRST INDIAN: Ektaa R Kapoor Creates History, set to become 1st Indian Filmmaker to Receive International Emmys Directorate Award

Indian producer Ektaa R Kapoor is poised to make history as the first Indian filmmaker to secure the International Emmys Directorate award at the upcoming 51st Emmys. Kapoor’s name resonates strongly in the entertainment industry, where she is hailed as a Content Czarina, demonstrating her prowess across television, films, and OTT platforms. Boasting an insightful and targeted understanding of audience preferences, Kapoor has reigned over the industry for over a decade, amassing a myriad of accolades. This year, her exceptional win at the Emmys serves as a crowning achievement, elevating the jubilation surrounding her remarkable career.

Known for her versatile contributions to entertainment, Kapoor’s influence extends seamlessly across diverse platforms. From shaping compelling narratives on television to producing impactful films and embracing the digital realm with OTT endeavors, she has become a stalwart force in the industry.

Ektaa R Kapoor’s ability to connect with audiences on a profound level has been a cornerstone of her success, culminating in this groundbreaking recognition on the global stage. As the anticipation builds for the 51st Emmys, the industry awaits with bated breath to witness Ektaa R Kapoor etch her name in history as she claims the International Emmys Directorate award.

On the professional front, Ektaa is gearing up for the release of The Buckingham Murders, which is directed by Hansal Mehta and features Kareena Kapoor Khan in a lead role. She last bankrolled Thank You For Coming, which garnered critical acclaim for its bold content. It featured Bhumi Pednekar, Shehnaaz Kaur Gill and others in prominent roles.

source/content: firstpost.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: WOMEN LEADERSHIP : Nita Ambani Honoured with The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF)’s ‘2023 Global Leadership Award for Philanthropy and Corporate Social Responsibility’

The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) on Sunday honoured Nita Ambani , Founder and Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, with the 2023 Global Leadership Award for Philanthropy and Corporate Social Responsibility.

Dr Mukesh Aghi, USISPF President and CEO, in his statement on X, said: “We are delighted to award Nita M. Ambani for her tireless efforts to enrich the lives of many Indians. Nita M. Ambani is someone who believes that the work is never done and that there is so much more left to accomplish…”

“At a time of hard power globally, she has shown us the reach and impact of soft power, especially in preserving and promoting India’s rich tapestry of arts and showing us that sports is a vital tool in nation-building,” he added.

Nita Ambani is a champion for women’s rights in India and is the founder of one of the largest philanthropy foundations in the country, Reliance Foundation. She also plays a key role in organisations ranging from sports to arts.

The foundation has helped 70 million people, focuses extensively on providing better health care to women , improving digital literacy, and educating them with skills to improve employability.

In August, Reliance Foundation partnered with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to ensure that women in farm and non-farm jobs will receive an annual salary of at least $1,200 for the next three years.

Nita Ambani in 2021 also founded Her Circle , a digital app and social networking site that discusses a range of topics from lifestyle trends to women’s health, including promoting diversity of women’s appearances and body sizes.

Nita Ambani  is also the co-owner of five-time Indian Premier League winner Mumbai Indians and the founder of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre .

source/content: news18.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIOAL: SPORTS : Indian Para Athletes Create History, Bag 111 Medals in 2023 Hangzhou Asian Para Games, making it the Biggest Ever Haul in its History

Paralympic Committee of India president Deepa Malik says ‘..our para athletes have done the country proud. We will win more medals in the Paris Paralympics than in Tokyo”

Indian para athletes created history on Saturday, October 28, 2023, as they ended their Hangzhou Asian Para Games campaign with an unprecedented 111 medals, the biggest haul for the country in any major international multi-sport event.

With 29 gold, 31 silver and 51 bronze in their kitty, the Indian para athletes won four medals more than the record tally of 107 won by the able-bodied athletes in the Hangzhou Asian Games held from September 23 to October 8.

India ended at fifth place in the medals tally, a remarkable achievement in itself, below China (521 medals: 214 gold, 167 silver, 140 bronze), Iran (44 gold, 46 silver, 41 bronze), Japan (42, 49, 59) and Korea (30, 33, 40).

The first Para Asian Games was held in 2010 in Guangzhou, China, where India had finished 15th with 14 medals, including one gold.

In the 2014 and 2018 editions, India had finished 15th and ninth respectively.

The only instance India had crossed the 100-medal mark in a major international multi-sport event (Olympics, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games) was the 101 won during the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games.

“We have made history, our para athletes have done the country proud. We will win more medals in the Paris Paralympics than in Tokyo,” Paralympic Committee of India president Deepa Malik told PTI.

“However, it is not a surprise for us. We have expected between 110 to 115 medals and we ended at 111, the auspicious number (Angel Number),” she added.

On Thursday, India had gone past the earlier highest Asian Para Games tally of 72 medals (15 gold, 24 silver, 33 bronze) achieved in the 2018 edition.

India won 39 more medals than the 2018 edition with athletics contributing 55 (18 gold, 17 silver, 20) out of India’s total of 111.

Shuttlers shine well

Indian shuttlers contributed the second most medal with 21, including four gold. Chess and archery gave eight and seven medals respectively while shooting contributed six.

On the concluding day on Saturday, India added 12 medals, including four gold. Seven medals came from chess, four from athletics and one from rowing.

Neeraj Yadav began the day for India with a gold in men’s javelin throw F55 with a Games record of 33.69m. Compatriot Tek Chand clinched a bronze with a personal best of 30.36m in the same event.

Dilip Mahadu Gaviot added another athletics gold by winning the men’s 400m T47 race with a time of 49.48 seconds.

Pooja then picked up the last athletics medal by bagging a bronze in women’s 1500m T20 race with a time of 5:38.81s.

Chess players saved the best for the last with a seven-medal rush, including two gold, on the final day.

India swept all the three medals in men’s individual rapid VI-B1 event with Satish Inani Darpan winning gold while Pradhan Kumar Soundarya and Ashwinbhai Kanchanbhai Makwana bagged silver and bronze respectively. The trio also bagged the team gold.

Kishan Gangoli won a bronze in men’s individual rapid VI-B2/B3 event. Gangoli, Somendra and Aryan Balchandra Joshi won a team bronze in the same event.

The trio of Vruthi Saganlal Jain, Himanshi Bhaveshkumar Rathi and Sanskruti Vikas More won a bronze in women’s rapid VI-B1 team event.

On Saturday, India also won the lone medal in rowing with Anita and Konganapalle Narayana picking up a silver in PR3 mixed double sculls event.

India had sent 313 athletes at the Hangzhou Para Asian Games, the biggest in any edition with 51 Tokyo Paralympians in the team.

India competed in 17 out of 22 sports, with the country fielding athletes for the first time in rowing, canoeing, lawn bowl, taekwondo and blind football.

Nearly 4,000 athletes from 43 countries are competing across 22 sports in 566 gold-medal events in the Hangzhou Asian Para Games.

The Hangzhou Asian Para Games were originally scheduled to take place from October 9-15, 2022 but were postponed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)