Communication satellite GSAT-17 launched from French Guiana

India's latest communication satellite GSAT-17 was successfully launched by a heavy duty rocket of Arianespace from the spaceport of Kourou in French Guiana. Configured around I-3K extended bus, GSAT-17 with a lift-off mass of about 3,477 kg carries payloads in Normal C- band, Extended C-band and S-band to provide various communication services.It also carries equipment for meteorological data relay and satellite based search and rescue services being provided by earlier INSAT satellites.

UN honours Bengal CM with highest public service award

The West Bengal government is among the winners to receive the prestigious UN Public Service Award for its initiative to combat child marriage and ensure education to the girl child in the state. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee received the 2017 UN Public Service Award at a ceremony held in The Hague, Netherlands on behalf of her government for the 'Kanyashree Prakalpa' initiative that sought to reduce the high child marriage rates and low female education rates in the state. The UN Public Service Awards are given by the world body to institutions from across the world for their innovation and excellence in providing public services. It highlights the pivotal role of public services in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Neeru Chadha becomes 1st Indian woman as member of ITLOS

International law expert Neeru Chadha has won a crucial election to a top UN judicial body that deals with disputes related to the law of the sea, becoming the first Indian woman to be appointed as a judge at the tribunal. Ms. Chadha, an eminent lawyer and the first Indian woman to become the chief legal adviser in the ministry of external affairs, won the election to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for a nine-year term from 2017 to 2026.

Rafael Nadal creates history with 10th French Open title

Rafael Nadal win his tenth French Open title and add his name to history books. In the process, he continued his winning streak in French Open finals to ten.  With the win, Nadal has now moved to World No 2 behind Andy Murray while Wawrinka moves to No 3 in the world.

Jelena Ostapenko wins Women French Open 2017

Jelena Ostapenko stormed to a maiden Grand Slam title. The Latvian, who turned 20 just two days ago, beat Simona Halep 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 to clinch the title. She came into the tournament unseeded, and all the way through to the title itself. In the process, she has become the first to do so since 1933.

Rohan Bopanna becomes the fourth Indian to win a Grand Slam

Rohan Bopanna becomes the fourth Indian to win a Grand Slam with mixed doubles French Open victory by teaming up with Canada’s Gabriela Dabrowski.

#Bopanna #Dabrowski

India unanimously elected to head UN-Habitat, the United Nations’ Human Settlements Programme

India has been unanimously elected as the President of the UN-Habitat, an organ of the United Nations’ Organisation (UNO) that promotes socially and environmentally sustainable human settlements across the world, after 10 years. UN-Habitat reports to the United Nations General Assembly.