National
‘SAGAR SAMPARK’ Differential Global Navigation Satellite System to Strengthen Maritime sector
⇒ The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is committed towards innovation, building best infrastructure, and strengthening the Indian Maritime sector.
To further the digital initiative in maritime sector the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the indigenous Differential Global Navigation Satellite System (DGNSS) ‘SAGAR SAMPARK’ on 12 July 2023.
Key Points:
- DGNSS is a terrestrial based enhancement system which corrects the errors and inaccuracies in the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) allowing for more accurate positioning information.
- The latest DGNSS system is now able to transmit corrections of GPS and GLONASS.
- The DGNSS significantly improves the accuracy of GPS positioning, reducing errors caused by the atmospheric inferences, satellite clock drift and other factors. This is achieved with the help of modern state of art technology receivers and latest software.
- The error correction accuracy has been improved from 5 to 10 meters to less than 5 meters for 100 Nautical Miles from Indian coastlines.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, the launch of ‘Sagar Sampark – Differential Global Navigation Satellite System (DGNSS)’ at 06 locations under DGLL, will definitely enhance the capability of the DGLL in the field of the Radio Aids to Marine Navigation.’
- The DGNSS service will help mariners in safe navigation and will reduce the risk of collisions, groundings, and accidents in the port and harbour areas. This will lead to safe & efficient movement of vessels.
MoU signed between MoD and FSSAI
⇒ A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to promote use of millets and healthy eating practices among the Armed Forces and ensure availability of safe & nutritious food.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Minister of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) Dr Mansukh Mandaviya in New Delhi on July 13, 2023.
Key Points:
- It aims to create awareness about the nutritional benefits of diet diversity and millet-based food products among the personnel.
- The MoU will also pave the way for the introduction of millet-based menus in mess, canteens and other food outlets under the MoD.
- This collaboration will also ensure training of food handlers & chefs of mess, canteens of the Armed Forces and other food outlets on food safety and hygiene as per the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006.
- The MoU will also encourage the families of the Armed Forces and the community at large to adopt nutritious diets, make healthy food choices and maintain food safety.
» Both Ministers also unveiled a book titled ‘Healthy Recipes for Defence’ to promote the consumption of Shree Anna (millets) and its health benefits.
- The book ‘Healthy Recipes for Defence’, developed by FSSAI, includes a range of millet-based dishes.
- It will serve as a valuable resource for different canteens and food outlets under the MoD.
International
Prime Minister conferred with the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour
⇒ Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was conferred with the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, France’s highest award by Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President of the Republic of France on 13 July 2023. The award ceremony took place at the Elysee Palace in Paris.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first Indian premiere to receive this honour.
- The Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour is yet another one in a series of top international awards and honours bestowed by various countries on PM Modi.
Key Points:
- The Legion of Honour is the highest French decoration given to the most deserving citizens in all fields of activity. It has been conferred to prominent personalities for two centuries.
- Established by former French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, the Legion of Honour is divided into five degrees (lower to higher) – Knight, Officer, Commander, Grand Officer and Grand Cross. The PM Modi was awarded the fifth honour.
- The color of the ribbon is red and the badge is a five-armed Maltese asterisk hung on an oak and laurel wreath. On the obverse is the effigy of the Republic and on the reverse two tricolor flags surrounded by the motto ‘Honor and Fatherland’ written in French.
- Other personalities who received this honour include former South African President Nelson Mandela, King Charles – the then Prince of Wales, Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and Former United Nations Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali, and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
» Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi also met Ms. Elisabeth Borne, Prime Minister of France on 13 July 2023.
- The leaders discussed furthering cooperation in various areas such as economic and trade, energy, environment, education, mobility, railways, digital public infrastructure, museology and people to people ties.
Background:
Prime Minister paid an official visit to Paris from 13-14 July 2023 at the invitation of Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President of France.
- Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi attended Bastille Day Parade as Guest of Honour at the invitation of Mr Emmanuel Macron, President of France.
- The visit also marks the celebration of 25th anniversary of India-France Strategic Partnership.
CMF EX 'OP SOUTHERN READINESS - 2023'
⇒ INS Sunayna was at Seychelles from 10-12 July 2023 to participate in Op Southern Readiness 2023 conducted by Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).
Aim:
The visit was aimed at strengthening multilateral ties and enhancing cooperation through CMF exercise which is a multinational initiative aimed at enhancing maritime security, countering piracy to ensure safety and freedom of navigation in the region.
During the visit, personnel of participating Navies from USA, Italy, UK, Seychelles Defence Forces & Marine Police, member nations of EUNAVFOR were engaged in wide range of professional interactions, subject matter expert exchanges and visits.
- The ship conducted lecture and practical demonstrations on varied aspects of Navigation, VBSS (Basic and Advanced training), Maritime Domain Awareness and mass casualty evacuation drills.
- A delegation of CMF from Bahrain headed by Cmde Oliver, Commander of CTF56 witnessed the training exercises onboard.
Important Day
Sushruta Jayanti 2023
⇒ Sushruta Jayanti is celebrated every year on 15th July to honour the legendary Sushruta, hailed as the father of surgery.
Events on the occasion of Sushruta Jayanti 2023:
- The All-India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) organized a three days seminar from 13-15 July 2023 on the auspicious occasion of Sushruta Jayanti-2023.
- To commemorate this remarkable figure and his invaluable contributions to the field of surgery, the AIIA’s Department of Shalyatantra organised a prestigious event called “Shalyacon”.
- The National Seminar on Shalya Tantra and Sangyaharan, organized in association with AAIM (Bharatiya Sangyaharak Association, Varanasi).
- During the seminar live surgical demonstration was performed on 13 and 14th July.