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By admin: Sept. 9, 2024

India-US Joint Military Exercise, "YUDH ABHYAS-2024" Begins in Rajasthan

Tags: Defence

The 20th edition of the India-US joint military exercise, "YUDH ABHYAS-2024", began at the Foreign Training Node located at Mahajan Field Firing Range in Bikaner, Rajasthan.

An Overview of the News

• The exercises began with a parade ceremony on 9 September.

• Around 1200 soldiers from the South Western Command of the Indian Army and the US military are participating.

Duration and Activities

• The exercise will last for 15 days.

• Soldiers from both countries will engage in practicing various war strategies.

Key Features

• For the first time, the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) from the US is being demonstrated, with a range of 310 kilometers.

• The exercise will showcase and practice multiple military strategies.

Strategic Importance

• The aim is to enhance the internal capabilities of both armies and improve joint operational potential.

• The exercise is significant for strengthening the growing bilateral defense relations between India and the US.

Indian Navy's New Anti-Submarine Warfare Vessels Launched at Cochin Shipyard

Tags: Defence

Two indigenously designed Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Watercrafts for the Indian Navy were launched at Cochin Shipyard in Kerala.

An Overview of the News

• These are the fourth and fifth vessels of their kind being built for the Navy.

• The vessels will be named INS Malpeand INS Mulki upon commissioning.

Vessel Specifications and Features

• Designed for anti-submarine operations in coastal waters, low-intensity maritime tasks, mine-laying operations, sub-surface surveillance, and search and rescue missions.

• Equipped with lightweight torpedoes, anti-submarine warfare rockets, a close-in weapon system, and remote-controlled guns.

• Specifications: length of 78 meters, breadth of 11 meters, full load displacement of 900 tons, and maximum speed of 25 knots.

Launching Ceremony

• It was attended by Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Southern Naval Command Vice Admiral V Srinivas and CMD Cochin Shipyard Madhu S Nair along with other senior naval officers.

About Kerala

• Capital - Thiruvananthapuram

• Rajya Sabha    - 9 seats

• Lok Sabha - 20 seats

• Governor - Arif Mohammed Khan

• Chief Minister - Pinarayi Vijayan

Uttar Pradesh Government to Host Semicon India 2024 at India Expo Mart

Tags: State News

The Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, will host Semicon India 2024 at the India Expo Mart in Greater Noida from September 11 to 13.

An Overview of the News

• The event is organized in collaboration with SEMI, Messe Muenchen India, and the Electronic Industries Association of India.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the event on September 11, with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also attending.

Significance and Scope:

• Semicon India 2024 will be held alongside Electronica India and Productronica India, the largest electronics fairs in Southeast Asia.

• The event aims to enhance India’s semiconductor sector and establish the country as a significant global player.

• It will unite a wide range of domestic and international companies, offering opportunities to explore India’s growing semiconductor industry and discover new business prospects.

About Uttar Pradesh

• Founded: 24 January 1950

• Capital: Lucknow (Executive Branch)

• Rajya Sabha: 31 Seats

• Lok Sabha: 80 Seats

• Chief minister: Yogi Adityanath

• Governor: Anandiben Patel

Indian Army and Indian Air Force Sign MoU with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya

Tags: National News

Indian Army and Indian Air Force have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya to Boost Logistics Skills.

An Overview of the News

• The MoU was signed in the presence of Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh and Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw on September 9, 2024, in New Delhi.

Key Objectives of the MoU

• Skill Enhancement: Aimed at enhancing the skills of Indian Army and Air Force personnel in logistics operations.

• Capability Building: Focused on developing in-house expertise across various facets of logistics, supporting military efficiency and national development plans.

• Alignment with National Plans: Supports the goals of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan 2021 and the National Logistics Policy 2022.

Importance of Logistics in Defence

• Strategic Role of Logistics: Described by Raksha Mantri as vital for military operations and national security, emphasizing the need for a seamless logistics system to mobilize troops, equipment, and supplies efficiently.

• Innovation & Collaboration: The partnership will utilize knowledge and innovation to meet the dynamic logistics needs of modern warfare.

Educational and Experiential Learning

• Logistics Education and Research: Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya will serve as a critical partner by providing cutting-edge logistics education, research, and innovation.

• Real-World Case Studies: The MoU includes provisions for experiential learning through real-world case studies, which will help develop future logistics experts and managers in the Armed Forces.

Deepali Thapa Becomes First Asian Schoolgirl Champion as India Clinches 7 Titles

Tags: Sports

Deepali Thapa became the first-ever Asian Schoolgirl Champion, securing victory in the 33 kg weight category against Ukraine's Liudmyla Vasylchenko in Al Ain, UAE.

An Overview of the News

• India won a total of seven titles in the schoolgirls category at the Asian Championships.

Victory Breakdown by Weight Category

• 35 kg Category: Bhoomi defeated Kazakhstan’s Assel Jalimbekova to claim India's second title.

• 37 kg Category: Nischal Sharmaemerged victorious over Ukraine’s Maria Matsiura in a closely contested match.

• 43 kg Category: Rakhi used close-range strategies to defeat Ukraine’s Veronika Holub, earning India’s fourth title.

• 52 kg Category: Naitik triumphed over Kazakhstan’s Arina Orazymbet.

• 67 kg Category: Trushana Vinayak Mohite won comfortably against Ukraine’s Anna Hornostal.

Final Title Secured by Gurseerat Kaur

• Gurseerat Kaur capped off the day by winning the last match of the schoolgirls' category, marking India’s seventh title.

Aryna Sabalenka Wins Maiden US Open Title

Tags: Sports

Aryna Sabalenka, the second seed from Belarus, claimed her first US Open title by defeating Jessica Pegula in straight sets, 7-5, 7-5.

An Overview of the News

• This victory marks Sabalenka's third Grand Slam title, adding to her back-to-back Australian Open wins.

• The US Open final took place at Arthur Ashe Stadium and lasted 1 hour and 53 minutes.

• Aryna Sabalenka achieved redemption by winning this year’s title, having previously lost to Coco Gauff in the final last year.

Men’s Doubles Championship

• Australia's Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson won the 2024 US Open men’s doubles title, beating Germany’s Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz in straight sets.

• This win makes them the first all-Australian team to secure the men’s doubles title at Flushing Meadows since Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde in 1996.

India's Final Medals Tally at the Paris 2024 Paralympics

Tags: Sports News

India won 7 gold, 9 silver, and 13 bronzemedals at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.

An Overview of the News

• India secured 18th place in the overall medals tally at the 17th edition of theParalympics, which concluded on September 8, 2024.

• People's Republic of China leads the medal table with a total of 220 medals, including 94 gold, 76 silver, and 50 bronze.

• Great Britain ranks second with a total of 124 medals, consisting of 49 gold, 44 silver, and 31 bronze.

• United States of America is in third place with 105 medals, comprising 36 gold, 42 silver, and 27 bronze.

Indian Medal Winners at Paris 2024 Paralympics List

India’s Record-Breaking Performance at the Paris 2024 Paralympics

Tags: Sports

India won 29 medals – 7 gold, 9 silver, and 13 bronze – surpassing the 19-medal haul from Tokyo 2020, where they had won 5 gold medals.

An Overview of the News

• A record 84 para-athletes represented India, competing in 12 disciplines, including three new sports (para cycling, para rowing, and blind judo).

India's Historic Performances

• Avani Lekhara: Became the first Indian woman to win two Paralympic golds, defending her title in the women's 10m air rifle standing SH1 event with a world record score.

• Dharambir and Parnav Soorma: Achieved India’s first one-two finish in athletics, winning gold and silver, respectively, in the men’s club throw F51 event. Dharambir set a new Asian record with a throw of 34.92m.

• Sumit Antil: Defended his javelin F64 title with a Paralympic record throw of 70.59m, breaking his record three times during the competition.

• Praveen Kumar: Set an Asian record to win gold in the men’s high jump T64, contributing to India’s best-ever gold tally at the Paralympics.

• Mariyappan Thangavelu: Secured bronze in the men’s high jump T42 class, becoming the first Indian to win medals at three consecutive Paralympics (gold in Rio 2016, silver in Tokyo 2020).

Notable Firsts

• Preethi Pal: Won bronze in the women’s 100m T35, marking India’s first-ever medal in a Paralympic track event. She also secured a second bronze in the 200m event.

• Deepthi Jeevanji: Became the first intellectually impaired Indian athlete to win a Paralympic medal, clinching bronze in the women’s 400m T20.

Archery Achievements

• Sheetal Devi: At 17 years old, became India’s youngest Paralympic medallist, winning bronze in the mixed team compound event with Rakesh Kumar. Earlier, she briefly held a world record in the ranking round.

• Harvinder Singh: Became India’s first-ever Paralympic archery champion.

Paris Paralympics End with Spectacular Ceremony

Tags: Sports

The Paris Paralympic Games concluded on 8th September with a grand closing ceremony at the iconic Stade de France.

An Overview of the News

• The ceremony featured vibrant performances, including thematic dances and speeches by dignitaries.

Indian Flag Bearers

• Indian gold medal-winning archer Harvinder Singh and sprinter Preethi Pal served as the country's flag bearers during the ceremony.

Transition to Los Angeles

• After the athlete parade, Paris officially passed the baton to Los Angeles, the host of the 2028 Paralympic Summer Games.

India's Record-Breaking Performance

• India's performance at the Paris Paralympics became a cherished memory as the country recorded its best-ever haul of 7gold, 9 silver, and 13 bronze medals.

Paris 2024: Summer Paralympics

• The 2024 Summer Paralympics, also known as the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, is the 17th edition of the Summer Paralympic Games.

• These games are governed by the International Paralympic Committee.

• The event is being held in Paris, France, from 28 August to 8 September 2024.

• This is the first time Paris is hosting the Summer Paralympics.

• It is the second time France is hosting the Paralympic Games, with the first being the 1992 Winter Paralympics in Tignes and Albertville.