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By admin: Sept. 26, 2023

India won a historic gold medal in the Equestrian Dressage Team event at the Hangzhou Asian Games.

Tags: Sports

On the third day of the 19th Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023, India won a historic gold medal in the Equestrian Dressage Team event, returning to the top position after 41 years by defeating China.

An Overview of the News

• The Indian team of Hriday Chheda, Anush Aggarwal, Divyakriti Singh, and Sudipti Hajela achieved this victory on September 26, 2023.

• India's performance on the third day resulted in a total of one gold, one silver and one bronze medal.

• 17-year-old Neha Thakur won a silver medal in the girls' dinghy - ILCA4 event.

• Ibad Ali won the bronze medal in the Men's Windsurfer – RS:X event.

• India's first gold medal at the 19th Asian Games came from the men's 10m air rifle shooting team, comprising Divyansh Panwar, Rudranksh Patil and Aishwarya Pratap.

• The Indian women's cricket team won the second gold for India.

• By the end of the third day of the competition, India's medal tally stood at 14 medals, including three gold, four silver and seven bronze medals.

Medal status:

• In the total medal count, China continues to top the medal tally with 85 medals including 47 gold, 25 silver and 13 bronze.

• South Korea finished second with a total of 44 medals, including 13 gold, 13 silver and 18 bronze medals.

• India finished sixth in the medal table with a total of 14 medals.

Actress Waheeda Rehman selected for Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award 2021

Tags: Awards

Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur announced the Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award for the year 2021 to actress Waheeda Rehman.

An Overview of the News

• The award will be presented during the 69th National Film Awards ceremony.

• In a career spanning over five decades, Waheeda Rehman has been praised for her extraordinary performances in films like "Pyaasa," "Kaagaz Ke Phool," "Chaudhvi Ka Chand," "Saheb Biwi Aur Ghulam," "Guide," and "Khamoshi." Earned.

• She received several awards, including the Filmfare Best Actress Award for "Guide" and "Neel Kamal" and the National Award for Best Actress for "Reshma Aur Shera".

• He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1972 and the Padma Bhushan in 2011 for his contribution to Indian cinema.

Selection Committee Members:

• The Dadasaheb Phalke Award selection committee included prominent actors like Asha Parekh, Chiranjeevi, Paresh Rawal, Prosenjit Chatterjee and Shekhar Kapur.

Dadasaheb Phalke Award

• The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is named after Indian cinema pioneer Dhundiraj Govind Phalke.

• It is considered the highest honor in the Indian film industry and is awarded for outstanding contributions to the growth and development of Indian cinema.

• The award was instituted by the Government of India in 1969, with Devika Rani Roerich as the first recipient.

• The award consists of a 'Golden Lotus', a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh, a certificate, a silk plaque and a shawl.

Notable former Dadasaheb Phalke Award recipients:

• In 2020, this award was given to actress Asha Parekh.

• Previous recipients include Rajinikanth (2019) and Amitabh Bachchan (2018).

About Dhundiraj Govind 'Dadasaheb' Phalke

• Dhundiraj Govind 'Dadasaheb' Phalke was born in 1870 in Trimbak, Maharashtra.

• He studied engineering and sculpture and became interested in motion pictures after watching the silent film 'The Life of Christ' in 1906.

• In 1913, he scripted, produced, and directed India's first feature film, "Raja Harishchandra", earning him the title of "Father of Indian Cinema".

Italy's Marco Bezzecchi wins Indian MotoGP premiere

Tags: Sports News

Italian motorcycle racer Marco Bezzecchi, representing the Mooney VR46 Racing Team, took victory in the inaugural Indian MotoGP event held at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh on September 23, 2023.

An Overview of the News

• Marco Bezzecchi completed the race in an impressive time of 36 minutes, 59 seconds and 15 microseconds.

• Second place in the race was taken by Spain's Jorge Martin, representing Prime Pramac Racing, while third place was taken by France's Fabio Quartararo, representing Monster Energy Yamaha.

• The coveted winner's trophy was presented to Marco Bezzecchi by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

• The Indian MotoGP event was organized by FairStreet Sports (MotoGP India) under the supervision of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), the international governing body for motorsports.

• Buddh International Circuit, located in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, is a famous venue which previously hosted three Formula 1 car races between 2011 and 2013.

Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM):

• It is the global authority overseeing motorcycle racing.

• It was originally founded in Paris, France in 1904 as the Fédération Internationale des Clubs Motocyclists (FICM), changing its name to Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme in 1949.

Union Minister Hardeep S Puri flags off India's first green hydrogen fuel cell bus

Tags: Science and Technology

On September 25, 2023, Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri inaugurated India's first green hydrogen fuel cell bus on the 'Kartavya Path' in Delhi.

An Overview of the News

• India's ambition is to become a global hub of hydrogen production and export.

Benefits of hydrogen-powered buses

• Environmental benefits of fuel cell buses: Zero harmful emissions and quick charging.

• The higher energy density of hydrogen than conventional fuels.

• Collaboration between Indian Oil and Tata Motors for indigenous fuel cell technology and infrastructure.

Green Hydrogen Mission and Sustainability Goals

• The Green Hydrogen Mission aims to establish a green hydrogen ecosystem in India.

• Hydrogen has the potential to transform India's energy landscape and reduce carbon emissions.

• IndianOil's commitment to sustainable solutions and the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

The Department of Personnel and Training appointed Amit Khare as advisor to Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Tags: Person in news

Former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Amit Khare was appointed as advisor to Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a second service extension.

An Overview of the News

• The Department of Personnel and Training issued an order saying that the Cabinet Appointments Committee approved the extension of Amit Khare's service beyond October 12, 2023.

• Amit Khare, a 1985 batch IAS officer of Jharkhand cadre, was initially appointed for a two-year tenure in October 2021.

• During his career, Amit Khare has held key positions at the central government level such as Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Ministry of Education as well as in the states of Jharkhand and Bihar.

• Amit Khare, while serving as Education Secretary, played a key role in shaping India's National Education Policy 2020, bringing significant changes in the country's education system.

• He also played a key role in exposing the fodder scam in 1996, which had far-reaching effects on the political landscape of Bihar. Due to this scam, former Chief Minister of Bihar Lalu Prasad Yadav was convicted.

• In a separate decision, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved a two-year extension of service for Rajesh Gokhale, who serves as Secretary, of the Department of Biotechnology, with effect from November 1, 2023.

The world's largest Hindu temple will be inaugurated on October 8 in New Jersey, America.

Tags: International News

The world's largest Hindu temple, BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, will be inaugurated on October 8 in New Jersey, USA.

An Overview of the News

• The temple will be the largest in the United States and the second largest globally after Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

• BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville Township, New Jersey was built with the help of more than 12,500 volunteers from different parts of the US.

• Construction lasted for 12 years from 2011 to 2023.

Temple Dimensions and Design:

• The New Jersey branch of Akshardham is spread over 183 acres and measures 255 feet x 345 feet x 191 feet.

• It was designed according to ancient Hindu scriptures and incorporates elements of Indian culture, including 10,000 statues, sculptures and carvings of Indian musical instruments and dance forms.

Unique Temple Features:

• The temple design consists of a main temple, 12 sub-temples, nine shikharas (spire-like structures), and nine pyramidal pinnacles.

• Akshardham boasts the largest elliptical dome in traditional stone architecture, designed to last for a millennium.

• Four types of stone - limestone, pink sandstone, marble, and granite - were chosen for their ability to withstand extreme temperatures.

• Approximately two million cubic feet of stone was used, which was obtained from various locations around the world, including Bulgaria, Turkey, Greece, Italy, India, and China.

Brahma Kund:

• The temple's Brahma Kund, a traditional Indian stepwell, contains water from over 300 reservoirs around the world, including sacred rivers of India and all 50 states of the US.

• BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham incorporates sustainable practices such as solar panel farms, use of fly ash concrete mix and the planting of over two million trees globally in recent decades.

'India Smart Cities Conclave 2023' organized in Madhya Pradesh

Tags: State News

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India organized the 'India Smart Cities Conclave 2023' in Indore, Madhya Pradesh on September 26, 2023.

An Overview of the News

• The event brought together all 100 smart cities that are leading urban innovation and changing the city development process.

• The conclave aims to showcase the excellent work done under the Smart Cities Mission and shape the future of urban transformation in India.

• President Draupadi Murmu on September 27, 2023, honored the winners of the India Smart Cities Awards Competition (ISAC) 2022, which has been organized by the ministry since 2018.

Main activities during the Event:

• The event was scheduled for two days on September 26 and 27, 2023.

• On the first day of the conclave, an exhibition of the award-winning projects of ISAC 2022 was inaugurated.

• Attendees had the opportunity to interact with Smart City Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and participate in site visits of notable projects implemented under the Smart City Mission in Indore and Ujjain.

• ISAC 2022 awards were distributed on the second day of the conclave. The awards will recognize 5 States/Union Territories (UTs), 31 distinguished cities and 7 partner organizations for their outstanding contributions.

• In total, there have been 66 recipients of ISAC awards.

• Additionally, several reports will be released during the conclave, including:

  • ISAC 2022 Awards Collection

  • UN Habitat report: "Smart Cities Mission – Localization of the Sustainable Development Goals"

  • A collection of Smart City Mission newsletters

  • ISAC 2023 Awards Booklet.

Smart City Mission:

• The Smart Cities Mission was launched on 25 June 2015 as a centrally sponsored scheme with the goal of transforming 100 cities using "smart solutions".

• The mission aims to provide essential infrastructure, a clean and sustainable environment and a high quality of life to the citizens through smart solutions.

Mission Achievements:

• More than 6000 projects costing more than Rs 1.1 lakh crore have been completed as part of the Mission, with the remaining projects targeted to be completed by June 30, 2024.

• One of the notable achievements was the establishment of Integrated Command and Control Centers (ICCC) in all 100 smart cities, functioning as the city's operational center for urban management.

• ICCC has significantly improved various urban services including crime tracking, civil defense, transport management, solid waste management, water supply and disaster management.

• Smart cities have launched projects in areas such as mobility, energy, water, sanitation, solid waste management, public space, social infrastructure and smart governance.

Indian Navy Chief R Hari Kumar participates in the 25th ISS in the US

Tags: Defence

Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) of the Indian Navy participated in the 25th International Sea Power Symposium (ISS) in the United States of America.

An Overview of the News

• The event was organized by the US Navy and was held at the US Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island from September 19 to 22, 2023.

• CNS R Hari Kumar participated in bilateral talks with naval counterparts from several countries including the United States, Australia, Egypt, Fiji, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Peru, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and the UK.

Operating Partnerships and Exercises

• It emphasized the Indian Navy's commitment to enhance operational partnership with the United States Navy in various exercises including MALABAR, RIMPAC, Sea Dragon and Tiger Triumph.

• Detailed discussions took place regarding human resource management in the context of ISS, with a focus on recruitment, retention and gender equality within the Indian Navy.

Strengthening Defense Relations

• The visit of CNS Admiral R Hari Kumar further strengthened defense ties between India and the United States.

• The visit provided valuable opportunities for high-level naval engagement with diverse partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

Military Exercises

Army Exercises:

• Yudh Abhyas: Held at both brigade and battalion levels, around 250 soldiers from each army participate.

• Vajra Prahar (Army Special Forces): A special forces exercise between American and Indian squads.

Air Force Exercise:

• Cope India: Aerial exercise conducted at various Indian Air Force stations.

Tri-Service Exercises:

• Tiger Triumph (TRIUMPH): A tri-service amphibious exercise involving the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force as well as the US Navy and Marine Corps.

Multilateral Exercises:

• Malabar Naval Exercise: It involves India, the US, Australia, and Japan. Australia and Japan joined in recent years, with the latest edition being held in Australia in August 2023.

• RIMPAC Naval Exercise: The world's largest naval exercise conducted by the US Navy, with India's participation in the 22nd edition in 2022.

Special Exercises between India and America:

• Exercise Sangam: A joint Naval Special Forces exercise involving India's MARCOS and US Navy SEALs.

• Exercise Tarkash: A joint exercise between elite counter-terrorism forces of the two countries, including India's National Security Guard and US special forces.

Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve becomes the 7th tiger reserve of Madhya Pradesh and 55th in India.

Tags: State News

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change declared Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve as the 7th Tiger Reserve of Madhya Pradesh.

An Overview of the News

• The primary objective is to ensure better conservation efforts for the wildlife of the area.

• There are now a total of 55 designated tiger reserves in India.

• Earlier the 54th Tiger Reserve was Dholpur-Karauli Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan.

• Madhya Pradesh was already home to six tiger reserves: Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Satpura, Pench, Panna and Sanjay-Dubri.

Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve:

• Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve was established as per the conditions laid down by the Central Government while approving the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project.

• Madhya Pradesh was entrusted with the task of merging Nauradehi and Durgavati wildlife sanctuaries to create this sanctuary.

• In June 2023, the combined area spanning Sagar, Damoh and Narsinghpur districts was officially notified as the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve.

• The reserve covers approximately 2,339 square kilometers, comprising 1,414 square kilometers of core area and 925.12 square kilometers of the buffer zone.

Tiger Population in India

• India is home to a significant portion, approximately 75%, of the global wild tiger population.

• Russia is second only to India in terms of the second-largest population of wild tigers.

Tiger population in states

• Madhya Pradesh leads with the largest population of tigers in India with 785 tigers.

• Karnataka and Uttarakhand stand second with 563 and 560 tigers respectively.

• Maharashtra also plays an important role with 444 tigers.

Tiger population in the reserve

• Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve has the highest tiger population with 260 tigers.

• Other notable reserves include Bandipur (150), Nagarhole (141), Bandhavgarh (135), Dudhwa (135), Mudumalai (114), Kanha (105), Kaziranga (104), Sunderbans (100), Tadoba (97), Sathyamangalam. (85), and screw (77).

Largest and smallest tiger reserves in India

• Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve in Andhra Pradesh is the largest tiger reserve in terms of area.

• Bor Tiger Reserve of Maharashtra holds the title of the smallest tiger reserve in terms of area.

About Madhya Pradesh

• It is the second largest state of India in terms of area after Rajasthan.

• Forests occupy 25.14 percent of its area.

• Governor - Mangubhai Patel

• Chief Minister - Shivraj Singh Chauhan

• Capital - Bhopal

• Union Cabinet Minister for Labor and Employment, Environment, Forest and Climate Change in the Government of India: Bhupendra Yadav

Jammu and Kashmir's first Tata Memorial Cancer Care Center inaugurated in Kathua

Tags: State News National News

On September 24, 2023, Jammu and Kashmir inaugurated its first Tata Memorial Cancer Care Center affiliated with Tata Memorial Cancer Care Center (TMC) Mumbai in the newly constructed block of Government Medical College (GMC) in Kathua.

An Overview of the News

• The establishment of the Tata Satellite Cancer Care facility in Kathua addresses the increasing incidence of cancer in the region, which is attributed to factors such as aging, lifestyle changes and environmental impacts.

• This healthcare facility in Kathua aims to serve not only Jammu and Kashmir but also the neighboring areas of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, which lack facilities like the Tata Memorial Center (TMC).

• The introduction of the day-care chemotherapy unit at GMC Kathua makes cancer treatment more accessible and affordable for the local population, eliminating the inconvenience and high cost associated with travel to TMC Mumbai.

India's Healthcare Vision

• Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is expanding its healthcare infrastructure, including the establishment of medical colleges, AIIMS institutes and biotech parks. 'Kathua-Udhampur-Doda' parliamentary constituency is moving towards becoming the future 'health circuit' of India.

India's Vision for Bio-economy

• India aims to achieve a $150 billion bioeconomy by 2025, with a significant focus on biotechnology and its contribution to vaccine development and cancer treatment.

Leading Cancer Hospital in India

• Tata Memorial Hospital is located in Mumbai.

• All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) is located in New Delhi.

• Cancer Institute, located in Chennai.

• Apollo Specialty Hospital is located in Chennai.

• Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute is located in Ahmedabad.

• Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre is located in Delhi.

• Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology is located in Bengaluru.

• Regional Cancer Centre, located in Thiruvananthapuram.

• HCG (Healthcare Global Enterprises), based in Bengaluru.

• Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research is located in Chandigarh.