Tag Archives: World Record India

INDIA: INNOVATION IN SPACE TECHNOLOGY: ‘Mission Rhumi 2024’: India to launch 1st reusable hybrid rocket on August 24

The rocket will be launched from Chennai using a mobile launcher and will carry “3 Cube Satellites and 50 PICO Satellites to a suborbital trajectory.”

India is set to launch its first reusable hybrid rocket – RHUMI 1 – on August 24, developed by the Tamil Nadu-based start-up Space Zone India. The rocket will be launched from Thiruvidandhai in Chennai using a mobile launcher and will carry “3 Cube Satellites and 50 PICO Satellites to a suborbital trajectory.” This launch, scheduled for 7 am on Saturday, is a collaboration between Space Zone India and the Martin Group and is designed to focus on flexibility and reusability.

According to a report by Money Control, the RHUMI series of rockets, which includes RHUMI-1, RHUMI-2, and RHUMI-3, is engineered to reach altitudes ranging from 1 km to 500 km.

This event marks the third collaboration between the Martin Group and Space Zone India. In 2023, as part of the ‘Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Students Satellite Launch – 2023’ mission, over 2,500 students from government, tribal, and public schools across the country collaborated to design and build a student satellite launch vehicle. This mission included a payload of 150 Pico satellite research experiment cubes. In 2021, during the ‘Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Space Research Payload Cubes Challenge 2021,’ 100 FEMTO satellites developed by 1,200 students were successfully launched.

Key features of RHUMI-1

– The rocket’s launch angle can be precisely adjusted between 0 to 120 degrees, allowing accurate trajectory control.

– A cost-effective, innovative, and eco-friendly descent mechanism uses CO2 to ensure the safe recovery of rocket components.

– The rocket’s applications extend beyond space exploration, impacting fields such as agriculture, environmental monitoring, and disaster management.

– The three cube satellites being sent will monitor atmospheric conditions, including cosmic radiation, UV radiation, and air quality, according to the Money Control report.

– Pico satellites will analyse environmental factors like vibration, accelerometer data, altitude, ozone levels, toxic content, and molecular bonding, contributing to a deeper understanding of atmospheric dynamics.

– The rocket utilises a hybrid propulsion system that combines solid fuel with liquid oxidizer technologies to ensure environmental safety.

– Space Zone India Founder and CEO Anand Megalingam highlighted that this system is reusable, offering a more sustainable and cost-effective approach to satellite launches.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)

GLOBAL & NATIONAL: AGRICULTURE & FOOD: India a food surplus country; working to provide solutions for global food security: PM Modi at the 32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists (ICAE)

Addressing a gathering after inaugurating the 32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists (ICAE), which is being organised in India after 65 years, the Prime Minister also said the Union Budget 2024-25 focuses on sustainable agriculture.

Noting that the last time when the conference was hosted here, India had just achieved Independence, and it was a challenging time for the country’s agriculture and food security.

“Now, India is a food surplus country,” he said, adding that the country is the number one producer of milk, pulses and spices in the world.

Also, the country has become the second-largest producer of foodgrains, fruits, vegetables, cotton, sugar and tea.

“There was a time when India’s food security was a concern for the world. Now, India is working to provide solutions for global food security and global nutritional security,” he said at the conference, attended by about 1,000 delegates from around 70 countries.

The triennial conference, organised by the International Association of Agricultural Economists, is being held from August 2 to 7.

The theme for this year’s conference is “Transformation Towards Sustainable Agri-Food Systems”.

The Prime Minister also said India has provided 1,900 new climate-resilient varieties of crops in the last 10 years.

India is promoting chemical-free natural farming, he added.

He said the country is moving towards achieving the 20 per cent ethanol blending target in petrol.

The conference will highlight India’s proactive approach to global agricultural challenges and showcase the nation’s advancements in agricultural research and policy.

The event will provide a platform for young researchers and leading professionals to present their work and network with global peers.

It aims to strengthen partnerships between research institutes and universities, influence policymaking on both national and global scales, and showcase India’s agricultural progress, including advancements in digital agriculture and sustainable agri-food systems.

Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Telegraph Online staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.

source/content: telegraphindia.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: ARTS & CRAFTS: Jammu Kashmir administration celebrates ‘World Craft City’ tag for Srinagar

The recognition would not only provide a new identity to Srinagar in the global market but craftsmanship would re-establish its position as a prestigious occupation, J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said.

Srinagar was the venue of a special function on July 31 to celebrate its recognition as ‘World Craft City’. Sa’ad Hani Al-Qaddumi, president of the World Crafts Council International (WCCI), present on the occasion.

Mr. Al-Qaddumi, who visited a few craft clusters after his arrival in Srinagar, praised local craftsmanship and efforts to preserve old and traditional hand techniques by locals, including women. “I congratulate the J&K government on the recognition of Srinagar as a World Craft City. Srinagar has joined the well-deserved ranks of craft cities across the world,” Mr. Al-Qaddumi said.

Hundreds of artisans and traders attended the function at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre. “In honouring Srinagar city, the World Crafts Council has also honoured the 5,000-year rich Indian civilisation, which kept alive creative traditions and always promoted gifted artisans for their ingenuity and craftsmanship,” J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said.

Srinagar earned the World Craft City tag from the council, which works to empower artisans and safeguard heritage globally, in June this year. Many see the tag as a window for Kashmir to reopen its old linkages with craft centres in Central Asia and Iran.

“We are determined to ensure that their creative products are financially attractive and the work is professionally satisfying. I am sure this recognition as World Craft City will not only provide a new identity to Srinagar in the global market but that craftsmanship will re-establish its position as a prestigious occupation,” Mr. Sinha said.

Srinagar is the fourth city in India to secure the prestigious World Craft City tag. The L-G said J&K was proud to have an inclusive cultural ecosystem, which always inspired weavers and craftspeople. He commended the efforts of the Handloom and Handicrafts Department, and the Industries and Commerce Department for leading the change in a sector that is vital to J&K’s economy.

Saleem Beg, head of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage’s (INTACH) Kashmir chapter said the tag could open a window to trace Kashmir’s journey into the craft sector. “I expect a fillip to Kashmir’s traditional linkages with Central Asia and Iran after this recognition. Fourteen Iranian cities are already listed as craft cities, and I look forward to knowledge exchange too,” Mr. Beg said.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

INDIA: MANUFACTURING: 80% of Indian Steel Producers have Labelled ‘Made-in-India’ on products

The source said that the ‘Made in India’ branding, along with a QR code, provides for labeling of domestic steel products with details of the product. “

Following the Ministry of Steel’s initiative to brand products with ‘Made in India’, Indian steel producers (ISPs) have labelled 80 per cent of their products since November last year, said an official on Monday.

“Ministry of Steel was the first to initiate and complete the branding exercise. The efforts would result in branding of 80 million tonnes of steel out of the production of 125 million tonnes in the first phase,” the official added.

Indian steel producers have finalised common labels across the product categories and allocated size and space for the ‘Made in India’ logo for each label.

“All the ISPs have started roll out of branding with selected categories of steel products in their product portfolio by fixing of new ‘Made in India’ label on their products from November 4, 2023 onwards,” the source said, adding RINL, JSPL and TATA Steel Ltd have covered 100 per cent of their product range, while the rest will complete the branding by the end of June.

Explaining the need of the branding, the source said, “the label will help to create a common brand value for all Made-in-India steel products nationally and internationally and to further encourage manufacturers to maximise their local manufacturing process, thereby giving a much-needed boost to the Indian economy.

In the long run, it will be a key identifier for Indian steel sector markets across the world, further cementing India’s position in global markets. The Made in India Label along with the overall country branding through the Brand India Mission will complement each other and help in achieving the final goal of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ making for India and the world.”

According to sources, the concept was initially suggested by Prime Minister Narendra Modi , which was later conceptualised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and implemented by the Steel Ministry.

The source said that the ‘Made in India’ branding, along with a QR code, provides for labeling of domestic steel products with details of the product. “The vision is to boost credibility of ‘Made in India’ and promotion of domestically-produced steel and to enable the Indian consumers to make an informed choice. ‘Made in India’ Label is intended for both domestic market and also for exports,” the source said.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: SPACE : Indian-Origin Shawna Pandya on Virgin Galactic’s New Space Research Flight

Shawna Pandya, an Indian-origin physician and bioastronautics researcher, will be part of Virgin Galactic’s upcoming space research mission. This mission, a collaboration between Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic and the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences (IIAS), will be conducted aboard the Delta Class spaceship.

Pandya, a prominent figure in space medicine and Director of IIAS’ Space Medicine Group, joins a distinguished crew for this second research mission. The team includes Kellie Gerardi, Director of Human Spaceflight Operations at IIAS, and Norah Patten, an aeronautical engineer from Ireland. The mission follows the success of the ‘Galactic 05’ mission in November 2023, which tested novel healthcare technologies and analyzed fluid dynamics in microgravity to aid the design of future medical technologies and life-support systems.

Pandya, who has extensive experience in space research, was part of the first crew to test a commercial spacesuit in zero gravity in 2015. Her impressive record includes flying in 10 parabolic flight campaigns, amassing over 160 parabolas in micro- and reduced gravity conditions.

“We were thrilled with the results from our fluid cell experiment on ‘Galactic 05’, which demonstrated our ability to accurately predict fluid behavior in a weightless environment”, said Gerardi, reflecting on the mission’s success.

Sirisha Bandla, Virgin Galactic’s Vice President of Government Affairs and Research, emphasized the ongoing collaboration with IIAS. “We’re excited to continue our partnership with IIAS in an expanded capacity”, said Bandla, who flew on the ‘Unity 22’ spaceflight, becoming the second Indian-born woman to travel to space.

This mission highlights the growing role of Indian-origin researchers in advancing space science and technology, further solidifying international collaborations in space exploration.

source/content: siliconindia.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: MEDIA : Annurag Batra Founder of exchange4media elected to International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences

Annurag Batra is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of exchange4media, which manages several major media brands.

In Short

  • Annurag Batra elected to International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
  • He founded exchange4media and chairs BW Businessworld
  • The academy has over 900 members from 60 plus countries

Annurag Batra, Founder of exchange4media and Chairman of BW Businessworld, has been elected as a Member of the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

The prestigious academy consists of over 900 members from more than 60 countries, representing the world’s leading television and media companies.

Annurag Batra is well-known in the media and television industry. He set up exchange4media, creating a new platform for media and television and has made a big impact on the digital media industry.

Batra has created a new sector that others in the field respect and follow. He is a serial entrepreneur, author, angel investor, TV show host, and a believer in the power of dreams.

He is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of exchange4media, which manages several major media brands. He is also the Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of BW Businessworld Media Group.

Since acquiring BW Businessworld in late 2013, he has transformed it into a modern media conglomerate.

Batra has also served on the Board of Governors at the Management Development Institute in Gurgaon, his alma mater. He was the first graduate of MDI’s flagship program to serve on its Board of Governors from January 2020 to June 2023.

As the founder of exchange4media, he has spent over 24 years engaging with leading media owners, editors, journalists, and news media professionals.

He has built several media brands and large-scale events under exchange4media and is an accepted authority in media and television and has written extensively on these subjects. He is set to release his book in 2025 titled “Media Moguls of India.”

He is expanding his initiatives to the UAE and the MENA region. He is also investing in many media tech startups that are shaping the Indian digital media landscape.

Annurag Batra’s election to the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences is a testament to his influence and contributions to the media industry.

source/content: indiatoday.in (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:

  1. 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.
  2. The Memorial, includes the names of those who perished in the disaster, was inaugrated by PM Modi in August 2022.
  3. The state-of-the-art Smritivan Earthquake Museum is organised into seven thematic blocks: Rebirth, Rediscover, Restore, Rebuild, Rethink, Relive, and Renew.
  4. Rebirth: This block illustrates Earth’s evolution and its capacity to overcome challenges.
  5. Rediscover: Showcases Gujarat’s topography and the various natural disasters the state is prone to.
  6. Restore: Takes visitors back to the immediate aftermath of the 2001 earthquake, highlighting the extensive relief efforts by individuals and organisations.
  7. Rebuild: Highlights Gujarat’s rebuilding initiatives and success stories following the earthquake.
  8. Rethink: Encourages visitors to understand different types of disasters and emphasises the importance of future preparedness.
  9. Relive: Offers an earthquake simulation experience in a 5D simulator, giving visitors a realistic sense of such an event.
  10. 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)

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)