PIB Summary- 2nd May, 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Vice Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi Appointed as Next Chief of the Naval Staff

Context

Vice Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi has been appointed as the next Chief of the Naval Staff by the government. Prior to this appointment, he served as the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, bringing extensive experience and leadership to his new role.

Profile of Vice Admiral Tripathi

• Assumed charge after Admiral R Hari Kumar’s retirement on April 30, 2024.

Service Years:

• Nearly 39 years of service in the Indian Navy.
• Commissioned into the Executive Branch on July 1, 1985.

Previous Commands and Roles:

• Served as the Flag Officer, Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command.
• Specializes in Communication and Electronic Warfare.
• Commanded Indian Naval Ships Vinash, Kirch, and Trishul.
• Held various operational and staff appointments, including Fleet Operations Officer of the Western Fleet, Director of Naval Operations, and Principal Director, Naval Plans at New Delhi.
• Appointed as Commandant of the prestigious Indian Naval Academy at Ezhimala, Kerala.

Education:

• Alumni of Sainik School Rewa.
• Graduated from the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla.

Padma Awards

Context:

Online nominations/recommendations for the Padma Awards 2025 to be announced on the occasion of Republic Day, 2025 have begun from today. The last date for nominations for Padma Awards is 15th September, 2024.

The Padma Awards

• The Padma Awards are announced annually on the eve of Republic Day (26th January).
• There are 3 Padma Awards:
  • Padma Vibhushan (for exceptional and distinguished service),
  • Padma Bhushan (distinguished service of higher-order) and
  • Padma Shri (distinguished service).
• The Awards are given in various disciplines/ fields of activities, viz.- art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc.
• The Awards are conferred on the recommendations made by the Padma Awards Committee, which is constituted by the Prime Minister every year.
• The total number of awards to be given in a year (excluding posthumous awards and to NRI/foreigners/OCIs) should not be more than 120.

Is it a title?

• The award does not amount to a title and cannot be used as a suffix or prefix to the awardees’ name.
• Article 18 clause 1- Abolishes titles and makes four provisions in that regard: It prohibits the state from conferring any title (except a military or academic distinction) on anybody, whether a citizen or a foreigner.

About Bharat Ratna

• Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award of the country.
• Bharat Ratna is awarded in recognition of exceptional service/performance of the highest order in any field of human endeavour.
• Recommendations for Bharat Ratna are made by the Prime Minister to the President of India.
• Only 3 Bharat Ratna Awards can be given in a year.

Therefore:

• Bharat Ratna- 1st degree of honour
• Padma Vibhushan- 2nd degree of honour
• Padma Bhushan- 3rd degree of honour
• Padma Shri- 4th degree of honour