1. President Murmu Awards 36 Peacetime Gallantry Awards in New Delhi Ceremony
Tags: Awards
On July 5, 2024, President Droupadi Murmu conferred 36 Peacetime Gallantry Awards at Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi.
An Overview of the News
The awards included 10 Kirti Chakras, with 7 awarded posthumously, and 26 Shaurya Chakras, with 7 awarded posthumously.
Recipients were personnel from the Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), and State or Union Territory Police.
The awards were for displaying conspicuous gallantry, indomitable courage, and extreme devotion to duty.
List of Recipients of the Kirti Chakra (Posthumous):
Dilip Kumar, COBRA, CRPF
Raj Kumar Yadava, COBRA, CRPF
Bablu Rabha, COBRA, CRPF
Sambhu Roy, COBRA, CRPF
Sepoy Pawan Kumar, The Grenadiers, 55th Battalion The Rashtriya Rifles
Captain Anshuman Singh, The Army Medical Corps, 26th Battalion The Punjab Regiment
Havildar Abdul Majid, 9th Battalion The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces)
List of Recipients of the Kirti Chakra (Non-Posthumous):
Major Digvijay Singh Rawat serves in the 21st Battalion of The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces).
Major Deependra Vikram Basnet is with the 4th Battalion of The Sikh Regiment.
Naib Subedar Pawan Kumar Yadav serves in the 21st Battalion of The Mahar Regiment.
About Kirti Chakra
It is India's second highest peacetime gallantry award, after the Ashoka Chakra.
It is awarded by the President of India, who is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
It is awarded to civilians and military personnel (including posthumously), recognising valour, courageous action or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield.
Originally established in 1952 as the "Ashoka Chakra, Category II", it was renamed and amended in 1967.
The medal is made of standard silver and is circular in shape. Its green ribbon is divided into three equal parts by two vertical orange lines.
List of Recipients of the Shaurya Chakra (Posthumous)
Constable Safiullah Qadri, J&K Police
Major Vikas Bhambhu, Sena Medal, 252 Army Aviation Squadron
Major Mustafa Bohara, 252 Army Aviation Squadron
Rifleman Kulbhushan Manta, J&K Rifles, 52nd Battalion The Rashtriya Rifles
Havildar Vivek Singh Tomar, 5th Battalion The Rajputana Rifles
Rifleman Alok Rao, 18 Assam Rifles
Captain MV Pranjal, Corps of Signals, 63rd Battalion The Rashtriya Rifles
About Shaurya Chakra
It is the 3rd highest Peacetime Gallantry Award in India, after Ashok Chakra and Kirti Chakra.
Awarded for valour, courageous action, or self-sacrifice away from battle; for civilians and military personnel, including posthumous awards.
Initially called "Ashok Chakra, Class III" since 4th January 1952; renamed on 27th January 1967.
Made of bronze, circular, with a green ribbon divided into 4 parts by 3 vertical lines.
2. Capt Anshuman Singh Posthumously Awarded Kirti Chakra
Tags: Awards
Capt Anshuman Singh of the Army Medical Corps was posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra for exceptional bravery.
An Overview of the News
He was awarded for exhibiting exceptional bravery and resolve during a major fire incident.
The award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu during an investiture ceremony.
Capt Singh's wife, Smriti, and his mother, Manju Singh, accepted the award.
Captain Anshuman Singh's Heroic Rescue and Sacrifice
Captain Anshuman Singh was a doctor with the Army Medical Corps, 26TH Battalion Punjab Regiment.
On July 19, 2023, he rushed into a burning structure in the early hours of the morning.
Captain Singh managed to rescue four to five people trapped inside the building.
Unfortunately, he succumbed to the injuries he sustained in the fire.
About Kirti Chakra
It is an Indian military decoration.
It is awarded for valour, courageous action, or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield.
Both civilians and military personnel are eligible, including posthumous awards.
It is the peacetime equivalent of the Maha Vir Chakra.
The Kirti Chakra is the second-highest peacetime gallantry award, after the Ashoka Chakra and before the Shaurya Chakra.
Prior to 1967, it was known as the Ashoka Chakra, Class II.
3. L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Wins Golden Peacock Award for Safety
Tags: Awards
L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Ltd. (L&TMRHL) has been honored with the Golden Peacock Award (GPA) in the Transportation (Railways) category.
An Overview of the News
The award recognizes Excellence in Occupational Health & Safety (GPOHSA).
The award was presented at the Institute of Directors' (IOD) 25th International Conference on Environment Management and Climate Change-2024 in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Presentation Ceremony
Recipient: KVB Reddy, Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Ltd. (L&TMRHL)
Presented by:
Uday U. Lalit, Former Chief Justice of India (CJI)
Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, Former Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court
Significance of the Award
Focus: Highlights L&TMRHL's commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment
Adherence: Underscores L&TMRHL's strict compliance with Safety, Health, and Environmental (SHE) standards
Company Background
Parent Company: Larsen & Toubro (L&T)
Project Model: Implementing the Metro Rail Project on a Design, Built, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) basis
4. P. Geetha Receives First Saraswathi Amma Award
Tags: Awards
P. Geetha, writer, critic, and feminist activist, received the first Saraswathi Amma Award.
An Overview of the News
The award was instituted by WINGS (Women’s Integration and Growth Through Sports), Kerala, for feminist studies.
Geetha's work "To Thachukal" (Male Creations) on the scripts of MT Vasudevan Nair won the award.
Presentation of the Award:
This award was presented to Geeta on 29 June.
Writer and social activist Sarah Joseph presented the award.
Saraswathi Amma's Legacy:
Saraswathi Amma was a writer ahead of her time, facing societal intolerance for her genius.
She published her first short story in 1938 and wrote about gender equality when it was an unknown concept in Kerala society.
Her works included short stories, a novel, a play, and essays.
Recognition and Challenges:
Saraswathi Amma was labeled a "man hater" but later hailed as a forerunner of feminist literature.
No writer of her time was willing to write a prologue to her works.
Some of her works questioning patriarchal values were edited and deleted but republished posthumously.
WINGS Organization:
NA Vinaya, Founder of WINGS, chaired the award function.
WINGS aims to make women courageous and independent.
The organization decided to establish the award to honor Saraswathi Amma's bold stance.
5. Itanagar Woman Police Station Achieves ISO 9001:2015 Certification
Tags: Awards State News
The Woman Police Station in Itanagar, under Capital Police, has achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification.
An Overview of the News
This certification is globally recognized for establishing and maintaining a high-quality management system.
It signifies the station's commitment to effectively handling crimes against women and children.
The certification process involved a rigorous evaluation of the station's procedures, policies, and practices.
It confirms that the station not only meets but exceeds required standards in service delivery.
The achievement reflects the dedication of the entire team in ensuring justice and community safety.
About Arunachal Pradesh
It is a state located in the northeastern region of India. It shares its borders with the countries of Bhutan, China and Myanmar.
Establishment:- 20 February 1987
Capital:- Itanagar (Executive Branch)
Chief Minister:- Pema Khandu
Official flower:- Rhynchostylis retusa
Official Animal:- Gayal
6. GRSE wins 'Sustainable Governance Champion Award 2024'
Tags: Awards
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) Ltd. received the "Sustainable Governance Champion Award" at the Outlook Planet Sustainability Summit & Awards 2024.
An Overview of the News
GRSE demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainable practices and governance excellence.
The award acknowledges GRSE's integration of sustainability into core operations.
Innovation and Environmental Stewardship:
GRSE is recognized for driving innovation in sustainable shipbuilding practices.
The company promotes environmental stewardship within the maritime and defense sectors.
Technological Advancements:
GRSE has implemented advanced technologies in its shipbuilding processes.
These technologies focus on eco-friendly measures to minimize environmental impact.
Significance of the Summit:
The Outlook Planet Sustainability Summit & Awards is a prestigious platform for industry leaders and policymakers.
It celebrates and promotes sustainable initiatives across various sectors.
7. Dr. Usha Thakur Awarded 12th Vishwa Hindi Samman
Tags: Awards
Dr. Usha Thakur was awarded the 12th Vishwa Hindi Samman (World Hindi Conference) at a Hindi Samvad event organized by the Embassy of India in Nepal.
An Overview of the News
The award recognized her contributions to the development of Hindi literature.
Dr. Thakur has translated over 40 works into Hindi and Nepali, strengthening the Hindi language.
The award is given by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.
The 12th World Hindi Conference was held in Fiji in 2023.
Dr. Thakur could not attend the conference in Fiji, so she received the award at an event held at Tribhuvan University in Kathmandu.
Vishwa Hindi Samman
The World Hindi Conference is a global event.
It celebrates the Modern Standard Hindi register of the Hindustani language.
The conference gathers Hindi scholars, writers, and laureates from various parts of the world.
Participants contribute to the promotion and development of the Hindi language.
Inauguration - January 10, 1975
About Nepal
The kingdom of Nepal was established by the Shah dynasty.
It is a landlocked country in South Asia.
Prime Minister - Pushpa Kamal Dahal
President - Ram Chandra Paudel
Capital - Kathmandu
Currency - Nepalese Rupee
8. Bilan Media ,Somalia's First and only All-Women News Team Wins 2024 One World Media Press Freedom Award
Tags: Awards
Bilan Media, Somalia's pioneering all-women news team, received the prestigious 2024 One World Media Press Freedom Award.
An Overview of the News
This marks the first time a Somali media organization has been honored with this accolade.
The award acknowledges Bilan's fearless journalism over the past two years, which has tackled sensitive topics and empowered female journalists in Somalia.
About Bilan Media
Established in 2021 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Bilan Media has been supported by the European Union (EU) through UNDP funding since 2024.
It operates under the auspices of the Dalsan Media Group from its headquarters in Mogadishu, Somalia.
The team, comprising solely women, operates with complete editorial independence.
Journalistic Impact: Bilan Media has covered a wide array of critical issues, including the plight of albino communities and the abuse of female orphans, shedding light on otherwise marginalized topics.
One World Media Press Freedom Award
The award, formerly known as the Special Award, honors independent media organizations from the global south that utilize media to address social, cultural, political, and economic challenges.
It celebrates exceptional reporting that informs the public, amplifies local voices, facilitates critical information dissemination, and holds authority figures accountable.
Climate and Labour Film Grant
Grant Launch: At the ceremony, Vivienne Francis, Director of One World Media, announced a new grant initiative.
Purpose: The grant, valued at up to £20,000, aims to fund a documentary produced by a filmmaker from the global south.
Theme: The documentary will focus on the impacts of climate change on people's lives and labor.
Partnership: This initiative is a collaboration between One World Media, the Financial Times (FT), and the Pulitzer Center.
Project Requirements: The film should be 25 minutes or less and must be completed by June 2025.
9. Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank (KVGB) Honored with National Award for Atal Pension Yojana Enrolment Excellence
Tags: Awards
Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank (KVGB), sponsored by Canara Bank, received the National Award from the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) for highest enrolment under Atal Pension Yojana (APY).
An Overview of the News
The award ceremony took place on 21st June, 2024 in New Delhi, Delhi, jointly presented by Vivek Joshi, Secretary, Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, Government of India, and Deepank Mohanty, Chairman, PFRDA.
Shreekant M Bhandiwad, Chairman of KVGB, accepted the award on behalf of the bank.
Enrolment Achievements:
KVGB has opened over 4.27 lakh accounts under APY.
During FY 24 (2023-24), KVGB enrolled 86,350 accounts, surpassing the target of 67,932 set by PFRDA.
KVGB achieved an average of 137 accounts per branch, exceeding the PFRDA's target of 100 accounts per branch, the highest among all banks in South India.
About Atal Pension Yojana (APY):
APY is a voluntary old-age income security scheme aimed at addressing longevity risks among workers in the unorganized sector.
Implemented by PFRDA under the National Pension System (NPS) framework.
Minimum age for enrolment is 18 years, maximum age is 40 years, and the age of pension commencement is 60 years.
Beneficiaries receive a guaranteed minimum monthly pension ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 based on their contributions.
About Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank (KVGB):
Formed by the merger of four Regional Rural Banks (RRBs): Malaprabha Grameena Bank, Bijapur Grameena Bank, Varada Grameena Bank, and Netravathi Grameena Bank.
Sponsored by Canara Bank with share capital contributions from the Government of India (50%), Government of Karnataka (15%), and Canara Bank (35%).
Headquarters located in Dharwad, Karnataka.
Established on 12th September 2005.
Current Chairman: Shreekant M Bhandiwad.
10. Indian Documentary 'The Golden Thread' Wins Prestigious Golden Conch Award
Tags: Awards
The Indian documentary 'The Golden Thread' won the Best Documentary in the international category with the Golden Conch Award at the 18th Mumbai International Film Festival.
An Overview of the News
Actress Poonam Dhillon presented the award to director Nishita Jain during the closing ceremony in Mumbai.
Festival Director Prithul Kumar highlighted the record number of delegates and film registrations at this year's festival.
He expressed gratitude to the film fraternity, Jury, Government of India, and Government of Maharashtra for their support.
In the special category of ‘India in Amrit Kaal’, director Edmond Ranson received the Best Short Film awardfor ‘Life In Loom’.
Sreemoyi Singh won the Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari Award for Best Debut Director for her film ‘And, Towards Happy Alleys’.
National Competition Category:
Best Documentary: '6-A Akash Ganga' received the Silver Conch Award.
Best Short Fiction: 'Salt' won the Silver Conch Award.
Best Animation: 'Nirjara' from NID Ahmedabad received the Silver Conch Award.
International Competition Category:
Best Animation: 'Zima' from Poland won the Silver Conch Award.
Best Short Fiction: 'Sour Milk' from Estonia received the Silver Conch Award.
Festival Details:
The 18th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) saw the highest number of delegates and film registrations.
Festival Director Prithul Kumar thanked the film fraternity, the Jury, the Government of India, and the Government of Maharashtra for their support.
Closing Ceremony:
The ceremony featured Maharashtra’s Cultural Affairs Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar as the chief guest.
Celebrities such as Shekhar Suman, Emmi Barua, and Chaya Kadam were present.
