Tag Archives: Bharat Records

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: 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)

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: 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)

GLOBAL: NATIONAL: INTERNATIONAL TRADE: India-UAE bilateral trade set to surpass $100 billion target before 2030. UAE remains India’s 03rd Largest Trade Partner and 02nd Largest Export Destination

The bilateral trade between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is on track to surpass the $100 billion target well before 2030, underscored by a notable 12.7 per cent (year-on-year) increase, according to a report on Tuesday.

The UAE remains India’s third-largest trading partner and second-largest export destination (FY2022-23).

According to a report by Primus Partners, Bilateral trade reached $85 billion in FY 2022-23 and is expected to cross the 2030 target of $100 billion well before the expected timeline.

The India-UAE economic relationship strengthened with the recent visit of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, to India. The two countries signed five MoUs, following the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Crown Prince.

The India-UAE trade relations are entering a new era, driven by structural reforms like 2022 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) that have dismantled long-standing barriers.

“This shows how this trade growth is not only strengthening existing sectors like gems, jewellery, and IT but is also paving the way for emerging industries such as green energy and food security,” said Nilaya Varma, CEO and Co-founder of Primus Partners.

Both countries lead the path for key collaborative ventures, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) as well as the India-Israel-UAE-US (I2U2) coalition.

The India-UAE economic relationship is set to be further cemented with initiatives like the implementation of a master dashboard to oversee critical infrastructure projects; establishment of a bilateral e-commerce marketplace for goods and services, potentially leveraging India’s Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) model and creation of an online digital repository highlighting investable projects in identified strategic sectors,

Nader Haffar, Director of Primus Partners UAE, said that the bilateral relationship has evolved into a multifaceted partnership that is reshaping the future of regional and global trade.

“This synergy between two of the world’s fastest-growing economies is creating new opportunities, fostering innovation, and building a foundation for long-term prosperity that could serve as a global model for emerging market partnerships,” Haffar added.

Gems and jewellery, traditionally a cornerstone of trade, have seen increased activity under the CEPA. The metals, stones, gems, and jewellery sector is among India’s key exports to the UAE.

Additionally, India’s agricultural exports to the UAE, including cereals, sugar, fruits, vegetables, and tea, contribute significantly to the trade basket, helping to address the UAE’s food security objectives.

–IANS

source/content: in.investing.com (headline edited)

GLOBAL: NATIONAL: RANKING: India Ranks as Third Most Powerful Nation in Asia, Surpassing Japan in Asia Power Index

India has become the third most powerful nation in Asia, surpassing Japan in the Asia Power Index. The Asia Power Index report for 2024 indicated that strong post-COVID economic growth has led India to increase its economic capability by 4.2 points. The report also highlights that India performed well across all other resource measures, especially in future resources, where its score rose by 8.2 points. This growth suggests that India’s youthful population may deliver a demographic dividend in the decades to come, unlike many other countries in Asia.

India’s Diplomatic Influence has also risen in the Asia Power Index. In 2023, India increased its tempo of diplomatic activity, participating in the sixth-highest number of dialogues with countries included in the Asia Power Index. This helped India surpass Japan, reinforcing its status as the third-largest power in the index and reflecting its increasing geopolitical stature.

The Asia Power Index ranks 27 countries and territories based on their capacity to shape their external environment, with its scope reaching as far west as Pakistan, as far north as Russia, and as far into the Pacific as Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.

source/content: newsonair.gov.in (headline edited)

GLOBAL: NATIONAL: TREATIES: India signs High Seas Treaty for fair, equitable sharing of benefits (BBNJ) Agreement

The treaty follows an inclusive, integrated, ecosystem-centric approach based on the precautionary principle and promotes best available scientific knowledge.

India has signed the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, which seeks to promote the conservation of marine genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits.

“India is proud to join the BBNJ Agreement, an important step towards ensuring that our oceans remain healthy and resilient,” external affairs minister S Jaishankar said in a post on X after singing the treaty at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Wednesday.

The agreement, or the High Seas Treaty, is an international accord under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The high seas cover areas nearly two-thirds (64%) of the ocean – almost half the planet’s surface. It includes some of the most ecologically vital, but critically threatened and least protected areas on earth; less than 1% of what is fully or highly protected.

The treaty aims to address the growing concerns over the long-term protection of marine biodiversity in the high seas. It sets precise mechanisms for the sustainable use of marine biological diversity through international cooperation and coordination. Parties cannot claim or exercise sovereign rights over marine resources derived from the high seas and ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits.

The treaty follows an inclusive, integrated, ecosystem-centric approach based on the precautionary principle and promotes using traditional knowledge and the best available scientific knowledge. It seeks to minimise impacts on the marine environment through area-based management tools and establishes rules for conducting environmental impact assessments.

In March 2023, after five years of negotiations, the world reached a significant milestone in efforts to stem global biodiversity decline when nations agreed to the new High Seas Treaty to protect ocean life. Once it has been ratified by at least 60 countries, the treaty will provide the legal framework to address many of the governance gaps that have plagued the ocean and provide a roadmap to conserve biodiversity areas beyond national jurisdictions.

According to the High Seas Alliance, following two decades of discussions, the implementing agreement to UNCLOS on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction – or High Seas Treaty – is the world’s first cohesive, international and legally binding framework to specifically protect high seas biodiversity.

At a workshop on the BBNJ in Chennai last month, PK Srivastava, an advisor to the Union earth sciences ministry, said the ministry will establish a dedicated institutional mechanism to oversee the developments regarding the agreement. “This authority will deal with the necessary regulations, studies, and other activities related to the treaty,” Srivastava said.

He emphasised the need for detailed discussions and modifications to existing legislation to ensure compatibility with the requirements for the effective implementation of the treaty. Srivastava said the Environment Protection Act could be used for the environmental impact assessment of the BBNJ Agreement.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: IT & MANUFATURING / MADE IN INDIA : PM Modi launches indigenously developed Param Rudra Supercomputers

Showcasing India’s technological prowess, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched three Param Rudra supercomputers worth Rs 130 crore and developed indigenously as part of the National Supercomputing Mission.

The three supercomputers have been deployed in Pune, Delhi, and Kolkata to support cutting-edge scientific research.

“With Param Rudra Supercomputers and HPC system, India takes significant steps towards self-reliance in computing and driving innovation in science and technology,” PM Modi said while launching the supercomputers via video conferencing.

The Prime Minister also launched a High-Performance Computing (HPC) system for the fields of weather and climate.

Addressing the scientific community, PM Modi said there is no sector or industry which does not rely on technology and high-computing capability. He added that in this sphere, India’s share “should not be in bits and bytes but in terabytes and petabytes”.

“Therefore, this achievement proves that we are moving in the right direction at the right pace,” said the Prime Minister.

With the PARAM supercomputer, the Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC) will boost research in material science and atomic physics in New Delhi while the S.N. Bose Centre in Kolkata will focus on areas including physics, cosmology, and earth sciences.

Meanwhile, the Giant Metre Radio Telescope (GMRT) in Pune will use the supercomputer to explore astronomical phenomena such as Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs).

According to the government, the Param Rudra supercomputer incorporates the latest cutting-edge hardware and software technologies. A significant portion of its components were manufactured and assembled in India.

Param Rudra is capable of handling complex calculations and simulations at a very high speed. These homegrown and developed supercomputers are prime examples of India’s technological advancements. These are used for research in fields such as weather forecasting, climate modelling, drug discovery, materials science, and artificial intelligence (AI).

The country’s National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) has been set up to provide the country with supercomputing infrastructure to meet the increasing computational demands of academia, researchers, MSMEs, and startups.