Air Marshal Tejinder Singh
On 1st September, 2024, Air Marshal Tejinder Singh took over as the Deputy Chief of Air Staff of the Indian Air Force.
- Upon assuming his new role at Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhawan), Air Marshal Singh paid tribute to fallen heroes by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.
- A graduate of the National Defence Academy, Air Marshal Singh was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on June 13, 1987.
- He is a Category ‘A’ Qualified Flying Instructor with over 4,500 hours of flying experience and holds credentials from both the Defence Service Staff College and the National Defence College.
- His leadership roles have included commanding a fighter squadron, a radar station, and a premier fighter base, as well as serving as Air Officer Commanding in Jammu and Kashmir.
- For his distinguished service, Air Marshal Singh was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal in 2007 and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2022 by the President of India.
Eminent Historian Makrand Mehta Passes Away
On 1st September, 2024, Renowned social and business historian Makrand Mehta passed away on in Ahmedabad at the age of 93 due to suspected dengue.
- Makrand Mehta, a professor emeritus at Gujarat University, was active in his research work until his final days, including a project on Ahmedabad’s pols.
- Born into a Nagar Brahmin family in 1931, Mehta revisited his birthplace in Khadia just two weeks before his passing.
- Mehta completed his education at MS University, University of Pennsylvania, and Gujarat University, and served as a visiting professor at Gujarat Vidyapith and the University of Sunderland.
- He held prestigious positions, including the presidency of the Modern India Section of the Indian History Congress and honorary fellowship at The Asiatic Society of Mumbai.
- Author of over 20 scholarly books, Mehta’s latest work, “Business Culture of Gujarat,” was released in December 2023.
- Mehta’s research spanned beyond Gujarat, significantly contributing to historiography and the study of the Gujarati-Indian diaspora.
Gender Equity Policy, 2024
On 1st September, 2024, the Gujarat government launched the ‘State Policy for Gender Equity-2024,’ aiming to ensure inclusive development and empowerment for women and girls across the state.
- The reformulated policy seeks to create an enabling environment that promotes just and equal opportunities for women and girls, eliminating gender discrimination and fostering inclusive development.
- Originally implemented in 2006 as ‘Naari Gaurav Niti’ under then-Chief Minister Narendra Modi, the policy has been revised to address evolving socio-economic conditions and new legal frameworks.
- The updated policy integrates eight focus areas, including education, sports, protection against violence, health, nutrition, and the impact of climate change, among others.
- Each government department has been tasked with specific responsibilities to ensure the policy’s effective implementation within set timelines.
- The policy emphasizes equal rights and opportunities for women in all state development activities and seeks to establish a system based on equality and uniformity.
- New monitoring indicators include reducing maternal mortality rates, improving the sex ratio at birth, and increasing female employment rates, reflecting the policy’s commitment to measurable progress.
- Gender equality considerations are now mandatory in the formulation of new government schemes, with a focus on aligning budget allocations and benefits distribution with gender balance goals.
V Satish Kumar
On 1st September, 2024, V Satish Kumar has been appointed as the chairman of the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), India’s largest oil company, while continuing in his role as Director (Marketing).
- Kumar, who has been serving as Director (Marketing) at IOC since October 2021, was given the additional charge of chairman following delays in appointing a full-time successor.
- With a career spanning 35 years, Kumar has held key positions across various regions in India, contributing significantly to maintaining IOC’s leadership in the petroleum product market.
- From October 2022, he also held the additional charge of Director (Finance) during a period marked by geopolitical tensions due to the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
- Kumar has experience working with multinational oil companies, having served as non-executive chairman of Indian Oil Petronas Pvt Ltd and Indian Oil Mauritius Ltd.
Rear Admiral Anil Jaggi Takes Command as FOMA
On 1st September, 2024, Rear Admiral Anil Jaggi assumed command as the Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra Naval Area (FOMA), one of the most significant positions within the Indian Navy.
- The ceremonial handover took place at INS Kunjali in Colaba, Mumbai, where Rear Admiral Jaggi took over responsibilities from his predecessor, Rear Admiral Manish Chadha.
- Prior to this appointment, Rear Admiral Jaggi served as the Flag Officer Commanding Gujarat Naval Area (FOGNA), overseeing naval operations across Gujarat, Daman, and Diu.
- In his new role as FOMA under the Western Naval Command, he will be responsible for local naval defense operations, administrative duties, infrastructure projects, community engagement, and the coastal security of Maharashtra in collaboration with state and civil agencies.
- Rear Admiral Jaggi is an alumnus of the Indian Naval Academy in Goa and was commissioned into the Indian Navy on January 1, 1993, marking over three decades of distinguished service.
SECI Attains Navratna Status
On 30th August, 2024, Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd (SECI), a leading Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, has awarded Navratna status by the Ministry of Finance.
- SECI, established 13 years ago, plays a crucial role in expanding India’s Renewable Energy (RE) capacity, with a cumulative generation awarded capacity of 69.25 GW.
- The company has achieved an annual power trading volume exceeding 42 billion units, positioning itself as the foremost Renewable Energy Implementing Agency (REIA) in India.
- SECI reported a consolidated annual turnover of ₹13,118.68 crore in the Financial Year 2023-24, marking a 20.85% increase over the previous year.
- The company also registered a Profit After Tax (PAT) of ₹510.92 crore, reflecting a growth of 34.89% during the same period.
- Attaining Navratna status grants SECI enhanced autonomy in financial and operational matters, enabling it to accelerate its growth with improved agility, a broader geographical presence, and a focus on advanced technologies.
- This achievement underscores the Indian government’s commitment to transitioning towards sustainable energy sources.
Lancet Study Reveals India’s Alarming Micronutrient Deficiency
A recent study published in the Lancet highlights a concerning trend in India, where people of all age groups are not consuming enough essential micronutrients like iron, calcium, and folate, crucial for maintaining overall health.
Key Points
- Global Micronutrient Deficiency Data: The study provides the first global estimates of insufficient consumption of 15 key micronutrients across 185 countries, based on diets without supplements.
- Role of Iron, Calcium, and Folate: Iron is essential for oxygen transport and energy production, calcium supports bone health and cellular function, while folate is crucial for DNA synthesis and cell division.
- Iron-Rich Food Sources: Heme iron is found in animal products like red meat, poultry, seafood, and organ meats. Non-heme iron sources include legumes, dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and fortified foods.
- Calcium-Rich Food Sources: Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese are rich in calcium. Non-dairy sources include fortified soy products, dark leafy greens, almonds, and fortified plant-based milk.
- Folate-Rich Food Sources: Dark leafy greens, asparagus, and broccoli are excellent vegetable sources of folate. Citrus fruits and avocados provide folate from fruits, while legumes like lentils and chickpeas are also high in folate.
New Spider Species in the Western Ghats
Recently, the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) announced the discovery of two new spider species, Mimetus Spinatus and Mimetus Parvulus, in the Western Ghats, a region known for its rich biodiversity.
Key Points
- Expanding India’s Spider Diversity: These discoveries increase the number of Mimetus species in India to three, all of which have been found in southern India.
- Significance of the Western Ghats: ZSI Director, emphasized the Western Ghats’ critical role in India’s climate and its status as a biodiversity hotspot, urging for ongoing conservation efforts.
- Discovery Details: Mimetus Spinatus was found in Karnataka’s Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, while Mimetus Parvulus was discovered in Kerala’s Ernakulam district.
- Importance of Continued Research: This discovery comes 118 years after the last Mimetus species was identified in India, highlighting the need for more extensive exploration of the country’s spider diversity.
Project NAMAN
On 30th August, 2024, the Indian Army launched the first phase of Project NAMAN, aimed at providing dedicated support to Defence Pensioners, Veterans, and their families, with a focus on the SPARSH digital pension system.
Key Points
- Facilitation Centres Established: 14 Common Service Centres (CSCs) have been established across key locations in India, including New Delhi, Leh, and Bangalore, to provide SPARSH-enabled pension services and other essential support to veterans and their families.
- Nationwide Expansion Plans: The project plans to expand to around 200 centres nationwide over the next 2-3 years, significantly increasing the reach and impact of the initiative.
- Tripartite Collaboration: Project NAMAN is supported by a Memorandum of Understanding between the Indian Army, CSC e-Governance India Limited, and HDFC Bank, which has provided IT infrastructure and financial support for the centres.
- Empowering Veterans and NOKs: VLE Management: Each CSC is managed by a Village Level Entrepreneur (VLE) selected from veterans or Next of Kin (NOKs), providing entrepreneurial opportunities and ensuring localised management.
- Financial Support for VLEs: HDFC Bank supports VLEs with a monthly grant of ₹20,000 for the first 12 months, helping stabilize and sustain the centres.
- Commitment to Welfare: Project NAMAN reflects the Indian Army’s commitment to the welfare of its veterans, extending care and services not only to military personnel but also to the entire resident population of military stations and surrounding areas.
UAE Amnesty Programme
In August, 2024, the Indian Consulate in Dubai implemented several initiatives to help Indian citizens take advantage of the UAE’s two-month amnesty programme, which allows illegally residing foreigners to regularise their status or leave without penalties.
Key Points
- Application Process: Emergency Certificates (EC) for Return: Indians who wish to return to India can apply for an Emergency Certificate (EC) at the Consulate on a Gratis basis (free of charge), with the ECs available for collection the next day after application.
- Short-Validity Passports for Regularisation: Those seeking to regularise their residency status can apply for short-validity passports at BLS centres in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, with no prior appointment required.
- Operational Measures: Facilitation Counters: Special counters will be set up at the Consulate General of India and Awir Immigration Centre in Dubai, starting September 2, to assist applicants.
- Extended Service Hours: BLS centres will remain open on all Sundays from 09:00 to 17:00 during the amnesty period to accommodate applicants, ensuring they have ample opportunity to apply for the required documents.