1. Indian Scientists Prahlad Chandra Agrawal and Anil Bhardwaj Honored with COSPAR Awards
Tags: Awards
Indian Scientists Prahlad Chandra Agrawal and Anil Bhardwaj Honored with COSPAR Awards at 45th COSPAR Assembly in Busan, July 13-21, 2024.
An Overview of the News
Prahlad Chandra Agrawal received the COSPAR Harrie Massey Award.
Anil Bhardwaj was honored with the Vikram Sarabhai Medal, a joint award from COSPAR and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).
Anil Bhardwaj
He is the Director of the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, since 2017.
His expertise includes planetary space sciences and solar system exploration.
He has significantly contributed to ISRO's missions, including Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, and Aditya-L1.
This is the 2nd time the Vikram Sarabhai Medal has been awarded to an ISRO scientist; (Late) Prof. U. R. Rao received it in 1996.
Prahlad Chandra Agrawal:
Former Senior Professor, Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR).
Awarded a medal, citation, and a minor planet named (20064) Prahladagrawal by IAU.
Noted for contributions to X-ray astronomy and was Principal Investigator for India's AstroSat (2015).
Member of ISRO's Lunar Task Force for the Chandrayaan-1 mission.
COSPAR Harrie Massey Award:
Named after Sir Harrie Stewart Wilson Massey, an Australian mathematical physicist.
Recognizes outstanding contributions and leadership in space research.
About COSPAR Awards:
Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) presents various medals and awards annually, recognizing exceptional contributions to space research across all fields covered by COSPAR.
Some awards are presented jointly with other institutions or space agencies.
Award recipients are honored by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) with the attribution of minor planets designated by the IAU Working Group on Small Bodies Nomenclature.
COSPAR is the world's first scientific body for global cooperation in space research.
Established: 1958
Headquarters: Paris, France
President: Pascale Ehrenfreund
2. Sudarsan Pattnaik Wins Gold Medal at International Sand Sculpture Championship
Renowned Indian sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik won the Golden Sand Master Award and a gold medal at the International Sand Sculpture Championship/Festival.
An Overview of the News
The championship was held in St. Petersburg, Russia, from July 4 to July 12.
Twenty-one master sand sculptors from around the world participated in the event.
The theme for the championship was “History, Mythology, and Fairy Tales.”
Sudarsan Pattnaik was the only participant from India.
Winning Sculpture
Pattnaik created a 12-foot-high sand sculpture of Mahaprabhu Jagannath's chariot, accompanied by his devotee and poet Balaram Das.
Balaram Das, the author of Dandi Ramayan and a great devotee of Lord Jagannath in the 14th century, was known for his devotion.
Historical and Cultural Significance
According to legend, Balaram Das once tried to climb the chariot of Lord Jagannath during the Ratha Yatra but was not allowed by the priests.
In response, he carved statues of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra on the beach and worshiped them.
The devotion of Balaram Das was so profound that the original statues vanished from the chariot and appeared at the place where he was worshiping.
Recognition and Past Achievements
Sudarsan Pattnaik was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India, the fourth highest civilian award in India, in 2014 for his contribution to sand art.
He received the People’s Choice Award at the Sand Sculpting World Cup 2014 in Atlantic City, US.
In 2019, he became the first Indian to win the Italian Sand Art Award at the International Scorrano Sand Nativity event held in Lecce, Italy from November 13 to 17.
3. India’s Jasprit Bumrah and Smriti Mandhana Win ICC Player of the Month Awards for June 2024
Tags: Awards
India’s Jasprit Bumrah and Smriti Mandhana emerged victorious as the ICC Men’s and Women’s Player of the Month for June 2024, respectively.
An Overview of the News
The ICC Men's and Women's Players of the Month for June 2024 were chosen on 9 July following a global vote.
Achievements of Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah was named Player of the Tournament at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, held in the USA and West Indies.
India won the tournament, with Bumrah playing a crucial role.
He showcased excellent control and consistency, taking key wickets and tightening the bowling effort against all opposition.
Notable performances:
Key wickets of Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed in a win over Pakistan.
Three wickets for seven runs against Afghanistan.
Two wickets for 13 runs against Bangladesh.
Two wickets for 12 runs in the semi-final against England.
In the final against South Africa, Bumrah's fast bowling, including the wicket of Marco Jansen, helped India secure victory by seven runs.
Over the tournament, he took 15 wickets at an average of 8.26 and an economy rate of 4.17.
Bumrah expressed delight and gratitude for the award, acknowledging the support of his family, teammates, coaches, and fans, and praised the team’s overall performance.
Achievements of Smriti Mandhana
Mandhana won her first ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for outstanding batting against South Africa.
She scored 117 runs in the first ODI, 136 runs in the second, and 90 runs in the final match.
Accumulated 343 runs at an average of 114.33 and a strike rate over 100.
Earned the Player of the Series award.
Expressed happiness over her and the team’s performances, aiming to continue contributing to India's victories.
Voting Process
The winners were determined through a vote conducted among global fans registered at icc-cricket.com and a specialist panel comprising ICC Hall of Famers, former international players, and media representatives.
Jasprit Bumrah topped the men’s vote, surpassing compatriot Rohit Sharma and Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz.
Smriti Mandhana won the women’s vote, overcoming competition from England’s Maia Bouchier and Sri Lanka’s Vishmi Gunaratne.
Additional Information:-Gudakesh Motie from West Indies and Chamari Athapaththu from Sri Lanka were awarded the ICC Men’s and Women’s Player of the Month awards for May 2024.
4. PM Modi Set to Receive Russia's Highest Civilian Honor for Exceptional Service
Tags: Awards
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will receive the Order of St Andrew the Apostle the First-Called on 9 July at the Moscow Kremlin's St Catherine's Hall.
An Overview of the News
The award, established in 1698 by Tsar Peter the Great, honors exceptional civilian or military service.
It was bestowed upon PM Modi in 2019 for his significant role in enhancing the strategic partnership and friendly relations between Russia and India.
Named after Saint Andrew, the patron saint of Russia, the Order is highly prestigious and recognizes outstanding contributions to bilateral relations.
The Russian Embassy in India announced PM Modi's decoration in 2019, highlighting his efforts in fostering strategic ties.
Prime Minister Modi's Two-Day Visit to Russia
Order of St Andrew Presentation: Formal award ceremony at St Catherine’s Hall.
Annual Summit: 22nd India-Russia summit to enhance bilateral relations.
Tribute Ceremony: Wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Bilateral Discussions: Talks with President Putin on key global and regional issues.
India-Russia Partnership:
Russia has been a longstanding and trusted partner for India, with ties deepening significantly since the 2000 "India-Russia Strategic Partnership" declaration.
The partnership spans various domains, including political, security, defence, trade, technology, and culture, and was elevated to a "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership" in 2010.
Institutionalized dialogues, such as the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission and the 2+2 Dialogue, ensure regular high-level engagement.
Bilateral trade reached an all-time high of $65.70 billion in FY 2023-24, with significant cooperation in defence and technology, including joint projects like the S-400 system and Kudankulam Nuclear Plant.
The relationship remains strong, with both countries committed to expanding cooperation in new areas, supporting a multipolar world order.
5. Maharashtra Wins Best Agriculture State Award 2024
Tags: Awards State News
Maharashtra has been awarded the Best Agriculture State Award for 2024 by the 15th Agriculture Leadership Awards Committee.
An Overview of the News
The announcement was made by the committee chaired by Justice P. Sathasivam, former Chief Justice of India and Governor of Kerala.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will accept the award at a ceremony in New Delhi on July 10, 2024.
The award recognizes Maharashtra's innovative agricultural and rural initiatives.
Initiatives and Policies of Maharashtra :
Maharashtra was acknowledged for its sustainable development policies focusing on environmental protection and food security.
The state launched India’s largest bamboo mission, covering 21 lakh hectares.
Plans were announced in the recent budget for a 1.20 lakh-acre green belt in Nandurbar district in collaboration with the Central and state governments.
Maharashtra aims to enhance irrigation capabilities across approximately 17 lakh hectares through 123 projects.
Agriculture Leadership Award
Established in 2008 by Agricultural Today magazine.
Recognizes leadership in agriculture by government, individuals, and organizations.
Past winners include Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and former Punjab Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal.
About Maharashtra
It is a state located in the western part of India and covers a significant part of the Deccan Plateau.
Chief Minister - Eknath Shinde
Governor - Ramesh Bais
Official Animal - Indian giant squirrel
Official Bird - Yellow-footed Green Pigeon
Official Dance - Lavani
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6. Roshni Nadar Malhotra Receives France's Highest Honor: Knight of the Legion of Honour
Tags: Awards
Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairperson of HCLTech, was honored with the "Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur" (Knight of the Legion of Honour) by H.E. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, at a special ceremony at the Residence of France.
An Overview of the News
Roshni Nadar Malhotra Honored with France's Top Civilian Award for Business, Economic Ties, and Social Commitment.
Leadership and Achievements
Roshni Nadar Malhotra made history as the first woman to lead a listed IT company in India when she assumed the role of Chairperson at HCLTech.
Under her leadership, HCLTech, with a turnover of $13.3 billion and a workforce of over 227,480 professionals across 60 countries, has expanded its global presence and solidified its reputation for excellence in technology and innovation.
HCLTech in France
During the period from 2020 to 2023, HCLTech, supported by Business France and IFCCI, achieved significant growth in France.
The company secured major digital transformation contracts, positioning itself among the top IT service providers in the country.
Social and Environmental Initiatives
Beyond her corporate achievements, Nadar Malhotra is deeply committed to environmental sustainability, wildlife conservation, and social causes.
She established The Habitats Trust in 2018 and drives transformative education initiatives through the Shiv Nadar Foundation.
Since 2020, HCLTech and Apprentis d’Auteuil in France have partnered to enhance middle school coding education.
Over 200 students in Saint-Paul-sur-Isère and Bagneux have learned programming languages through creative, project-based learning.
Additional Information:-
On February 20, 2024, Shashi Tharoor was bestowed with France's highest civilian honor, the "Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur" (Knight of the Legion of Honour), by Gerard Larcher, President of the French Senate. The award ceremony was held at the French Embassy.
7. Tamil writer Sivashankari has been selected to Receive the esteemed 'Viswambhara' National Award
Tags: Awards
Tamil writer Sivashankari selected for the 'Viswambhara' Dr. C Narayana Reddy National Literary Award-2024.
An Overview of the News
The award recognizes her significant contributions to literature. The prize includes Rs. 5 lakh cash, a memento, and a shawl.
To be presented during Dr. C. Narayana Reddy’s 93rd birth anniversary celebrations at Ravindra Bharati, Hyderabad on July 29.
Event Details:
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to preside as chief guest.
Culture Minister Jupalli Krishna Rao and Government whip Adi Srinivas to attend as distinguished guests.
Writer's Achievements:
Sivashankari, based in Chennai, authored 36 novels, 48 mini-novels, 150 stories, 15 travelogues, 7 volumes of essays, 4 research papers, and two biographies in Tamil.
Additional Celebrations:
Dr. C. Narayana Reddy's new book 'Samanvitham', a collection of poems, to be launched on the same day as part of his birthday tradition.
About Dr. C. Narayana Reddy National Literary Award
Named after Dr. C. Narayana Reddy, a renowned Telugu poet and Jnanpith awardee.
Recognizes distinguished contributions to Indian literature.
Award includes a certificate and ₹1 lakh cash prize.
Presented annually by the Cultural and Literary Federation of India.
Inaugural award given in 2017, honoring Dr. Reddy's multifaceted contributions to Telugu literature.
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8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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
