PIB Summary- 23th April, 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

President of India Presents Padma Awards 2024

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The news highlights the presentation of Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri Awards for 2024 by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Additional information on this news:

• President Droupadi Murmu conferred Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri Awards for 2024.
• The awards were presented at the Civil Investiture Ceremony-I at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
• Vice President, Prime Minister, Union Minister for Home Affairs, and other dignitaries attended the ceremony.
• The event recognized exceptional contributions across various fields, honouring individuals for their outstanding achievements and service to the nation.
• Padma Awards signify the highest civilian honours in India, celebrating excellence and dedication in diverse spheres of human endeavour.

More Information About  Padma Awards

• Padma Vibhushan is the second-highest civilian award in India.
• It is conferred for exceptional and distinguished service in any field, including government service, science, arts, literature, sports, and public affairs.
• Recipients include eminent personalities who have made significant contributions to society and the nation’s advancement.
• The award recognizes outstanding achievements and is a symbol of the highest honour and recognition bestowed by the Government of India.

Padma Bhushan:

• Padma Bhushan is the third-highest civilian award in India.
• It is conferred for distinguished service of a high order in any field, excluding public service.
• Recipients are honoured for their notable contributions to various domains such as art, science, literature, social work, and sports.

Padma Shri:

• Padma Shri is the fourth-highest civilian award in India.
• It is conferred for distinguished service in various fields, including art, literature, education, medicine, social work, and public affairs.
• Recipients are honoured for their outstanding achievements and contributions at the national or international level.

Bharat Ratna award

• Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award in India, conferred for exceptional service of the highest order to the nation.
• Established in 1954, it recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions in various fields such as arts, literature, science, public service, and sports.
• Recipients include eminent personalities who have left an indelible mark on Indian society and have significantly contributed to its progress and advancement.
• The award is a symbol of the highest honour and recognition bestowed by the Government of India, reflecting the nation’s gratitude and appreciation for exemplary achievements.
• Bharat Ratna recipients are celebrated as role models and inspirations, embodying the spirit of excellence and dedication to the nation’s welfare.

INSV Tarini Returns Triumphant After Historic Transoceanic Expedition by Indian Navy's Women Officers

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The news highlights the successful return of INSV Tarini, with two women officers, after a historic transoceanic expedition, showcasing Indian Navy’s commitment to gender equality.

Additional information on this news:

• The Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini returned to its base port in Goa after a historic transoceanic expedition of nearly two months.
• Two women officers of the Indian Navy, Lieutenant Commander Dilna K. and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A., accomplished this feat, the first from India to do so.
• The expedition was flagged off from Goa by renowned circumnavigator and mentor Commander Abhilash Tomy (Retd) on February 28.
• After 22 days of navigating through the Indian Ocean, INSV Tarini arrived at Port Louis, Mauritius, on March 21, fostering goodwill between India and Mauritius.
• The officers departed from Port Louis on March 30, facing challenges like heavy winds and rough seas during their return trip.
• Their achievements highlight the Indian Navy’s commitment to gender equality and empowering women in the maritime domain.
• The officers are preparing for their next expedition, a circumnavigation of the globe, the Sagar Parikrama-IV expedition, scheduled to commence in September.
• INSV Tarini was welcomed back by naval personnel and families at INS Mandovi in Goa on Sunday.

Other steps taken by Indian armed forces for gender equality

• Permanent Commission: The armed forces are offering permanent commission (PC) to women officers in more areas, allowing them to serve full careers.
• New Entry Avenues: Women can now enter the National Defence Academy (NDA) after high school and join the military police (Army). The Air Force allows women in all branches.
• Combat Roles: While some restrictions remain, the path is opening for women in fighter pilot roles (Air Force) and some combat positions.
• Supportive Policies: Initiatives like ‘DISHA’ cell (Air Force) encourage women to join, and policies like spouse co-location postings (Navy) help with work-life balance.
• Infrastructure Upgrades: Facilities are being modernised to create a more inclusive environment for the growing number of women in the forces.
• Anti-Sexual Harassment Policies: Stringent measures are in place to address sexual harassment and misconduct within the armed forces, with policies and mechanisms for reporting and redressal.