1. 16 National e-Governance Awards presented at Mumbai Conference on September 3-4, 2024
Tags: Awards
27th National Conference on e-Governance held on 3rd and 4th September 2024 at Mumbai, Maharashtra.
An Overview of the News
16 National Awards for e-Governance 2024 announced on 23 August 2024 were presented.
List of Key Award-Winning Projects
Poshan Tracker
Organisation: Ministry of Women & Child Development
Project Head: Indevar Pandey, Former Secretary
iGOT
Organisation: Karmayogi Bharat
Project Head: Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary
Area Officer, the Worksite Monitoring and Inspection Management System
Organisation: Department of Rural Development
Project Head: Amit Kataria, Former Joint Secretary, DoRD
Shiksha Setu Axom
Organisation: Samagra Shiksha, Assam
Project Head: Dr. Om Prakash, Mission Director
Rajkisan Saathi Phase - II
Organisation: Department of Information Technology and Communication, Government of Rajasthan
Project Head: Inderjeet Singh, Commissioner and Special Secretary
Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC)
Organisation: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade
Project Head: Sanjiv, Joint Secretary
Use of Teleradiology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Chest Radiograph and Auto Approval for Direct Bank Transfer of Relief to Silicosis Patients
Organisation: Social Justice and Empowerment Department, Government of Rajasthan
Project Head: Dr. Samit Sharma, Secretary to Government of Rajasthan
JHAR - JAL Portal
Organisation: Drinking Water and Sanitation Department, Government of Jharkhand
Project Head: Dr. Manish Ranjan, Former Secretary, Government of Jharkhand
Lab Mitra
Organisation: District Administration, Varanasi, Government of Uttar Pradesh
Project Head: S. Rajalingam, District Magistrate
Wokha SAATHI (Smart AI-based Assistant for Timely Help & Interface) Whatsapp Chatbot
Organisation: District Administration Wokha, Government of Nagaland
Project Head: Ajit Kumar Ranjan, Deputy Commissioner
AI Enabled Adaptive Traffic Control System & Smart Hawking Solution
Organisation: Rajkot Municipal Corporation, Government of Gujarat
Project Head: Devang P. Desai, Municipal Commissioner
PCMC Smart Sarathi Project
Organisation: Pimpri Chinchwad Smart City Limited, Government of Maharashtra
Project Head: Shekhar Singh, Municipal Commissioner
India Hypertension Control Initiative
Organisation: ICMR - National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai
Project Head: Dr. Ganeshkumar Parasuraman, Scientist ‘E’
National Surveillance Programme for Aquatic Animal Diseases
Organisation: Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) – National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow
Project Head: Dr. Uttam Kumar Sarkar, Director
Karnataka GIS
Organisation: Karnataka State Remote Sensing Application Center, Government of Karnataka
Project Head: Dr. D. K. Prabhuraj, Former Director
Use of Barcode in Digitizing Property Registers of Police Station Inventory – e-Malkhana
Organisation: Commissionerate of Police, Chandannagar, Government of West Bengal
Project Head: Amit P. Javalgi, Commissioner of Police.
2. Varanasi’s 'Lab Mitra' Initiative Wins National e-Governance Gold Award
Tags: Awards
The 'Lab Mitra' initiative from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s parliamentary constituency, Varanasi, has been honored with the National e-Governance Gold Award.
An Overview of the News
The award was presented at the National e-Governance Conference 2024 held in Mumbai.
'Lab Mitra' received the award for its contributions to Administrative Reforms and district-level initiatives in e-governance.
Initiative Detail
'Lab Mitra' was launched by the district administration of Varanasi in collaboration with a private bank and an NGO.
Due to its success, the model has been expanded across Uttar Pradesh under the name 'Lab Report.'
The initiative is currently operational in 20 hospitals, including all government hospitals in Varanasi.
Over 2.5 lakh patients have benefited from the 'Lab Mitra' service so far.
Service Functionality
Through the 'Lab Mitra' portal, patients at government hospitals are registered for laboratory tests based on their doctor’s prescription.
The system generates an online report after the test, which is sent as a link via text message to the patient’s phone number.
Patients can access their complete lab test reports after four hours at Community Health Centers (CHCs) and after 12 hours at government hospitals.
3. Hayao Miyazaki Awarded Ramon Magsaysay Award 2024
Tags: Awards
Hayao Miyazaki, renowned film director and co-founder of Studio Ghibli, has been honored with the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award for 2024.
An Overview of the News
This award, often called Asia’s Nobel Prize, recognizes Miyazaki’s substantial contributions to cinema and culture.
About Hayao Miyazaki
Co-founder of Studio Ghibli, known for classics like Spirited Away.
Prefers traditional hand-drawn animation over computer-generated imagery, contributing to the unique and timeless quality of his films.
Notable works include Princess Mononoke, which made a significant impact at the box office.
Passionate about aviation, a theme reflected in many of his films.
Despite multiple retirement announcements, his commitment to storytelling has led him back to filmmaking.
Studio Ghibli's Achievements
Under Miyazaki's leadership, Studio Ghibli has become one of the world’s most respected animation studios.
The studio recently made history by receiving the honorary Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
Miyazaki came out of retirement to direct The Boy and the Heron, which won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
About the Ramon Magsaysay Award
Established in 1957 to honor outstanding work in Asia, named after a former president of the Philippines.
Recognizes achievements in community leadership, government service, and journalism.
Known as “Asia’s Nobel Prize,” it has been awarded to over 300 individuals, including A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Mother Teresa.
The award process maintains fairness with secret nominations and emphasizes social justice, honesty, and good citizenship.
On August 31, the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation announced its annual prize recipients:
Farwiza from Indonesia
Nguyen Thi Ngoc Phuong from Vietnam
Miyazaki Hayao from Japan
Karma Phuntsho from Bhutan
Rural Doctors Movement (RDM) from Thailand
4. French President Emmanuel Macron Receives Olympic Order Award
Tags: Awards
Emmanuel Macron was awarded the Olympic Order in gold for his unwavering support for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and his dedication to the Olympic ideals.
An Overview of the News
This honor celebrates his significant contribution to making the Paris Games a memorable event and a symbol of global unity.
Support and Vision for Paris 2024:
Upon his election in 2017, Macron fully supported Paris’s bid to host the 2024 Games.
During his visit to the IOC in Lausanne, he showcased his deep understanding and unique vision for the Olympic project.
Olympic Order Award
Established in 1975, replacing the Olympic Diploma of Merit.
Awarded to individuals who significantly contribute to the Olympic movement.
Recipients are chosen by the IOC's Executive Board.
International Olympic Committee (IOC)
Founded on23 June 1894, as a not-for-profit organization.
Founders - Pierre de Coubertin, Demetrios Vikelas
President: Thomas Bach.
Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland.
Additional Information:-
Abhinav Bindra, India's first individual Olympic Gold medalist, received the prestigious Olympic Order from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
5. Ram Charan Honored as 'Ambassador of Indian Arts and Culture' at IFFM 2024
Tags: Awards
Ram Charan Teja, a prominent Telugu cinema actor, was awarded the title of "Ambassador of Indian Arts and Culture" at the 15th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM 2024).
An Overview of the News
The festival took place from August 15 to 25, 2024, at the Palais Theatre in St. Kilda, Melbourne, Australia, and was backed by the Victorian Government.
As the Guest of Honour, Ram Charan also hoisted the Indian national flag at Melbourne's Federation Square during the festival.
Established in 2010, IFFM celebrates the diversity and creativity of Indian cinema, showcasing films from Bollywood and regional languages.
2024 IFFM award winners:
Best Film: 12th Fail
Best Director: Kabir Khan (Chandu Champion) & Nithilan Saminathan (Maharaja)
Best Actor: Kartik Aaryan (Chandu Champion)
Best Actress: Parvathy Thiruvothu (Ullozhukku)
Best Film (Critics' Choice): Laapataa Ladies
Best Director (Critics' Choice): Dominic Sangma (Rimdogittanga)
Best Performance of the Year (Critics' Choice): Vikrant Massey (12th Fail)
Breakout Film of the Year: Amar Singh Chamkila
Best Series: Kohrra
Best Actor in a Series: Arjun Mathur (Made in Heaven Season 2)
Best Actress in a Series: Nimisha Sajayan (Poacher)
Best Documentary: Trolley Times
Best Short Film: The Vegemite Sandwich
Best Short Film (Special Mention): Sandeep Raj (Echo)
Best Film from the Subcontinent: The Red Suitcase (Nepal)
Honorary Awards:
People's Choice Award: Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani
Equality in Cinema Award: Dunki
Excellence in Cinema: A. R. Rahman
Ambassador of Indian Art & Culture: Ram Charan
Diversity Champion: Rasika Dugal
Disruptor in Cinema: Adarsh Gourav
6. President Droupadi Murmu Presents Inaugural Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar-2024
Tags: Awards
The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, presented the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar-2024 at an award ceremony held at Gantantra Mandap, Rashtrapati Bhavan, on August 22, 2024.
An Overview of the News
This was the inaugural edition of the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar, where 33 awards were presented to distinguished scientists across four categories.
Award Categories: Vigyan Ratna, Vigyan Shri, Vigyan Yuva and Vigyan Team
Vigyan Ratna Award: Presented to Prof. Govindarajan Padmanabhan for his lifetime contributions in molecular biology and biotechnology research in India.
Vigyan Shri Awards: Given to 13 scientists for their distinguished contributions to Science and Technology through path-breaking research.
Vigyan Yuva-SSB Award: Awarded to 18 scientists for their exceptional contributions in various fields, including:
Study on the warming of the Indian Ocean and its consequences.
Development of indigenous 5G base station and communication.
Precision tests of quantum mechanics.
Vigyan Team Award: Presented to the Chandrayaan-3 team for the successful landing of the Chandrayaan-3 lander near the south pole of the moon.
7. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport Hyderabad Clinches Best Airport Award
Tags: Awards
Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) has won the Best Airport title at the India Travel Awards.
An Overview of the News
This marks Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA)’s third consecutive win in this category.
The recognition acknowledges RGIA’s dedication to enhancing traveler experiences through creative social media engagement and exceptional airline support.
The airport’s focus is on improving both domestic and international journeys for all passengers.
Previous Achievements
Last year, RGIA was honored with the Skytrax ‘Best Airport Staff in India & South Asia 2024’ award in Frankfurt, Germany.
About Telangana
It is in south-central India, on the Deccan Plateau.
11th largest Indian state by area.
Formed on June 2, 2014, from Andhra Pradesh.
Borders Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
33 districts as of 2019.
Capital: Hyderabad
Governor: Jishnu Dev Varma
Chief Minister: Revanth Reddy
Rajya Sabha: 7 seats
Lok Sabha: 17 seats
8. Dr. Jitendra Singh Honored with 'Distinguished Mentor of the Year' Award by ACP
Tags: Awards
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister and Professor of Medicine and Diabetes, received the prestigious "Distinguished Mentor of the Year" award from the American College of Physicians (ACP).
An Overview of the News
The award was presented during the 9th Annual International Conference of ACP - India Chapter by Dr. Elisa I. Choi, a distinguished international figure.
India's Leadership in Global Health Research:
In his address at the conference, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that India is now recognized as a global leader in health research.
He highlighted the country's significant contributions to medical health, research, and education.
About American College of Physicians (ACP)
Focus: National organization of internal medicine physicians specializing in adult care
Membership: 161,000 members
Size: Largest medical-specialty organization; second-largest physician group in the U.S.
Founded: January 8, 1915, by Heinrich Stern
Headquarters: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
President: Isaac O. Opole
9. Top Honors at 70th National Film Awards
Tags: Awards
The 70th National Film Awards were announced on 16 August 2024.
An Overview of the News
The ceremony to felicitate the winners, including the Dadasaheb Phalke Award recipient, will be held in October 2024 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, with President Droupadi Murmu presiding.
The awards ceremony was initially scheduled for 3 May 2023 but was postponed to October 2024 due to delays following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Selection Process
Eligibility: Films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022 were eligible. This includes feature films, non-feature films, and documentaries.
Submission Details: Online entries were invited, with the deadline for submissions being 30 January 2024. Eligible entries include works in any Indian language and formats like 16 mm, 35 mm, or digital.
Award Winners
Best Director: Sooraj Barjatya for Uunchai
Best Film: Aattam (Malayalam)
Best Film in AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics): Brahmastra
Best Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: Kantara
Best Debut Film: Fouja (Haryanvi)
Best Action Direction: Anbariv for KGF Chapter 2
Best Actor: Rishab Shetty for Kantara (Kannada)
Best Actress: Manasi Parekh for Kutch Express (Gujarati)
10. Thiruvananthapuram International Airport Limited (TIAL) Receives Greentech Award
Tags: Awards State News
TIAL has been honored with the Pollution Control Waste Management & Recycling (PCWR) Award 2024 by Greentech Foundation.
An Overview of the News
The award was presented at the Greentech PCWR 2024 Summit, Awards, and Expo held in Guwahati, Assam.
The award recognizes TIAL's excellence in achieving a 'zero waste to landfill' status.
The airport has achieved a landfill diversion rate of 99.50% through sustainable waste management practices.
Waste Management Practices
TIAL's waste management follows the cradle-to-cradle concept, emphasizing waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and recovery.
The airport processes 100% of its plastic and solid waste.
Certification and Systems
The waste management system at TIAL is certified under ISO 14001:2015.
It includes innovative mechanisms for collecting separated waste and transporting it to the recycling yard.
TIAL is managed by Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises, and is located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
