Novak Djokovic wins elusive Olympic gold

Novak Djokovic emerged victorious in the men’s tennis singles at the Paris Olympics 2024, clinching the gold medal. The 37-year-old Serbian defeated Carlos Alcaraz with scores of 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (7-2) in a gripping final at the Philippe-Chatrier court. This win makes Djokovic the oldest Olympic tennis champion, while Alcaraz, who had the chance of becoming the youngest Olympic tennis winner, fell short. With this historic achievement, Novak has become only the third male player, alongside Rafael Nadal and Andre Agassi, to complete a Career Golden Slam.

Julien Alfred becomes fastest woman in the world

Saint Lucia’s Julien Alfred became the fastest woman on earth after winning the 100-meter race at the ongoing Paris Olympics. Alfred stunned pre-race favorite Sha’Carri Richardson of the United States, who claimed the second spot.

Alfred clocked 10.72 seconds to claim gold in the rain-drenched race at the Stade de France’s running track. Meanwhile, Richardson had to settle for silver after clocking 10.87 seconds. USA’s Melissa Jefferson claimed bronze with a time of 10.92 seconds.

In the final, Richardson’s poor reaction time contributed to her second-place finish. The American had a reaction time of 0.221 seconds, while Alfred had a reaction time of 0.144 seconds. Alfred was too far down the track for Richardson to mount one of her famous comebacks.

PM Modi inaugurates 32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists (ICAE)and said that India is finding solutions for global food and nutrition security. The triennial conference, organised by the International Association of Agricultural Economists, will be held from August 2 to 7, 2024. The theme for this year’s conference is, “Transformation Towards Sustainable Agri-Food Systems.”

It aims to tackle the pressing need for sustainable agriculture in the face of global challenges such as climate change, natural resource degradation, rising production costs and conflicts. The conference will highlight India’s proactive approach to global agricultural challenges and showcase the nation’s advancements in agricultural research and policy.

The ICAE 2024 will serve as a platform for young researchers and leading professionals to present their work and network with global peers. It aims to strengthen partnerships between research institutes and universities, influence policymaking on both national and global scales, and showcase India’s agricultural progress, including advancements in digital agriculture and sustainable agri-food systems. The conference will witness the participation of around 1,000 delegates from around 75 countries.

IAF’s Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla picked as ‘Prime Astronaut’ for Indo-US Mission to Space Station

Indian Air Force Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla has been selected as the prime astronaut for the upcoming Indo-US mission to the International Space Station (ISS), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced. A joint statement signed between India and the US during the official state visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June 2023 envisioned a joint ISRO-NASA effort to the ISS.

Towards the goal of mounting a joint ISRO-NASA effort, the Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) of ISRO has entered into a Space Flight Agreement (SFA) with NASA-identified service provider Axiom Space Inc, USA for its upcoming Axiom-4 mission to the ISS, the Indian space agency said. A National Mission Assignment Board has recommended two Gaganyatris as prime and backup Mission Pilot for this mission. These include Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (Prime) and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair (Backup).

During the mission, the Gaganyatri will undertake selected scientific research and technology demonstration experiments on board the ISS as well as engage in space outreach activities. The experiences gained during this mission will be beneficial for the Indian Human Space Program and it will also strengthen human space flight cooperation between ISRO and NASA.

GENERAL UPENDRA DWIVEDI TAKES OVER AS THE CHIEF OF THE ARMY STAFF

 

General Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM, takes over as the 30th Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) from General Manoj Pande, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC, who superannuated after more than four decades of service to the nation on 30 Jun 2024.

General Upendra Dwivedi is an accomplished military leader, with 40 years of service in the Armed Forces. An alumnus of Sainik School, Rewa (MP), he was commissioned into the Regiment of Jammu & Kashmir Rifles in 1984. The General officer has a unique distinction of balanced command as well as staff exposure across Northern, Eastern, and Western theatres, in varied operational environments.

He takes over as the COAS, at a time when the global geo-strategic environment remains dynamic, with the challenges in the security domain becoming more pronounced due to technological advancements and the ever-changing character of modern warfare. Operational preparedness to counter security threats to a rising nation, therefore would figure prominently, as a key focus area for the COAS. Concurrently, a focused response strategy, to myriad non-traditional security challenges, too shall be a priority, towards augmenting the nation’s defence.

General Dwivedi brings with him, a wealth of experience and a proven track record, of effectively planning and executing for the unexpected. He has tenanted critical appointments and played a pivotal role in combating grey zone manifestations in the national security canvas.

The General officer has a deep understanding of modern and emerging technologies in the security domain and possesses a thoughtful approach to harnessing and integrating cutting-edge technologies into military systems to enhance operational effectiveness. This vision finds congruence with the ongoing pursuit of the Indian Army to fulfill its modernization and capability development needs through Atmanirbharta. His impetus would be to augment the infusion of critical technologies by leveraging the nation’s vibrant, capable, and productive technology ecosystem.

DRDO hands over Medium Range-Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket to Indian Navy

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) handed over the Medium Range-Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket (MR-MOCR) to the Indian Navy at a ceremony held in New Delhi on June 26, 2024. Microwave Obscurant Chaff (MOC), a niche technology developed by DRDO’s Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur, obscures radar signals and creates a microwave shield around platforms and assets, thus reducing radar detection.

A special type of fibres, with a diameter of few microns and unique microwave obscuration properties, have been assembled in the medium-range chaff rocket. The rocket, when fired, forms microwave obscurant cloud in space spreading over a sufficient area, with adequate persistence time, thus creating an effective shield against hostile threats having Radio Frequency seekers.

The Phase-I trials of MR-MOCR were successfully conducted from Indian Navy ships, demonstrating the MOC cloud blooming and being persistent in space. In Phase-II trials, the Radar Cross Section (RCS) reduction of an aerial target to the extent of 90 per cent has been demonstrated and cleared by the Indian Navy. The number of MR-MOCR, meeting all the qualification requirements, have been successfully handed over to the Indian Navy.

World Hydrography Day 2024

On 21 June every year, the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) celebrates World Hydrography Day to raise awareness about hydrography and how it plays a vital role in improving knowledge of the seas and oceans. The theme for 2024 is "Hydrographic Information - Enhancing Safety, Efficiency, and Sustainability in Marine Activities" in consideration of the ongoing transformation in navigation, such as e-navigation, autonomous shipping, and reduction of emissions leading to a profound evolution of hydrographic services.

The Indian Naval Hydrographic Department (INHD) functions under the Indian Navy as the nodal agency for Hydrographic surveys and nautical charting in India. The department has the mandate to undertake hydrographic surveys and publish navigational charts. Till date, more than 650 electronic and paper navigation charts covering the national and international waters have been published for utilisation of merchant mariner and navies of the world. Last year, the department has distributed over 6.5 Lakh Electronic Navigational charts to seafarers operating in these waters and has earned a revenue close to 8000 Lakh rupees to the exchequer which is estimated to grow further in the future.

The department as NAVAREA VIII coordinator, covering an area of 26 Million sq. km of Indian Ocean, shares information concerning the safety of navigation at sea through the web portal "India WINS - Indian Warning Information and Navigation Services". This module provides near-real-time information and since its launch in Dec 2022, it has crossed over 3.5 million views with an average of over 3500 visitors per day in keeping with the Digital India initiative of the Government.

The National Institute of Hydrography (NIH) at Goa is the centre for imparting training in Hydrography and is accredited by International Hydrographic Organisation for National and International Trainees for the award of Cat A and Cat B certificates. Till date, more than 800 trainees from 41 different countries have been trained at NIH.

In line with the Government of India's SAGAR initiative, the survey ships of the Indian Navy have conducted various joint survey operations with friendly foreign nations covering an area of 89000 sq. km in the last five years and have produced 96 charts. The department has also assisted them by capacity building and knowledge sharing. These efforts are undertaken by indigenously built survey ships mapping the vast Indian Ocean Region.

As a part of World Hydrography Day, a maritime workshop was conducted at the National Hydrographic Office on - Hydrographic Information - Enhancing Safety, Efficiency, and Sustainability in Marine Activities on 20 Jun 24. The workshop was attended by guests and dignitaries from over 25 Indian ports and offices. In addition, this office has been conducting Hydrographic Survey Committee meetings in consultation with the Office of Joint Secretary Ports in New Delhi till last year. This year the Hydrographic Survey Committee meeting is being conducted at this office on 21 Jun 24 commemorating World Hydrography Day.