Hiroshima Day 2023: Date, Background and Significance
On 6th August 1945, the world witnessed the most devastating events in human history when the United States dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima. This act resulted in the loss of thousands of innocent lives and forever altered the course of humanity. Since, then August 6th has been observed as Hiroshima Day, a solemn occasion to commemorate the victims and reflect on the horrors of nuclear warfare. 6th August 2023, 78th Hiroshima Day, holds a significant position in the history.
History of Hiroshima Day
Hiroshima, a city of cultural significance, was instantly transformed into a haunting landscape of death and destruction in the blink of an eye. The atomic bomb, named ‘Little Boy’, killed an estimated 140,000 people by the end of 1945, either directly or through the subsequent effects of radiation. Most of the people suffered severe injuries and the survivors endured lifelong health issues.
The tragedy of Hiroshima serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked aggression and the devastating potential of nuclear weapons.
Pursuit of Peace
Over the decades, Hiroshima has become a symbol of peace, reconciliation and hope. The city, once a monument of destruction, has risen up from the ashes and rebuilt itself, focusing on fostering peace and understanding among nations.
Significance of Hiroshima Day
Hiroshima Day holds a significant position in the history as it remembers the day when an atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan, in 1945, causing immense destruction and loss of lives. This day reminds us the devastating consequences of war and the need of peace and the nuclear disarmament. This day plays a significant role in promoting understanding, reconciliation and a more peaceful future.
HDFC Bank’s Jagdishan Highest Paid Bank CEO in FY23 with Rs 10.55cr Pay
In the fiscal year 2023, Sashidhar Jagdidhan, the CEO of HDFC Bank has taken the top spot as the highest paid bank CEO. With an overall package of Rs.10.55 crore, Jagdishan’s compensation stands out among his peers in the banking sector.
Jagdishan’s success
Sashidhar Jagdishan took over as CEO of the HDFC Bank in late 2020 and has shown exceptional leadership during his tenure. His contribution to the bank’s growth and profitability has been rewarded with a total remuneration of over Rs.10.55 crore in the FY23 which positions him as the highest-earning bank CEO in the country.
Jagdishan’s package included a basic salary of Rs.2.82 crore, allowances and perquisites of Rs.3.31 crore, provident fund of Rs.33.92 lakh and a performance bonus of Rs.3.63 crore.
Kaizad Bharucha’s Impressive Earning
Kaizad Bharucha, the deputy managing director of the HDFC bank, is another high-earning executive from HDFC Bank with the total earning of Rs.10 crore for FY23. Bharucha is likely the second highest grossing banker in India. His expertise and strategic contribution in the bank’s operations have been duly recognised in his compensation.
Highest Paid Bank CEOs
Among other prominent bank CEOs, Amitabh Chaudhary of Axis Bank ranks high in terms of remuneration. With a payout of Rs.9.75 crore in FY23, he is among the highest-paid bank CEO in the country. Following closely is Sandeep Bakshi of ICICI Bank with the total earning of Rs.9.60 crore for FY23.
Uday Kotak
Uday Kotak, the head of Kotak Mahindra Bank, is known for his symbolic gesture of taking a token of Re 1 as remuneration since the pandemic began. This commitment to a minimal salary continued in FY23, as he received only Re 1 as compensation. This move reflects his dedication his long term vision of success.
Compensation Trends in the Banking Sector
At a time when the baking sector facing challenges related to attrition, Kotak Mahindra Bank stood out on the compensation front, reporting a 16.97% increase in the average remuneration to its staffers excluding the managerial talent.
ICICI and Axis Bank also demonstrated their commitment to employees through moderate pay hikes. ICICI Bank offered an 11% increase while Axis Bank provided a 7.6% average hike, beating inflation rates.
However, HDFC Bank reported a relatively lower average pay hike of 2.51% for its employees in FY23.
India observes 3rd ‘Javelin Throw Day’ on August 07, 2023
On August 7th, a remarkable chapter in Indian athletics history was etched into the annals of time. The Athletics Federation of India, the apex governing body for athletics in the nation, made a resounding decision to mark this day as National Javelin Day. This auspicious occasion is dedicated to celebrating the awe-inspiring achievement of Neeraj Chopra, a true champion who made an indelible mark on the global stage. This year nations observed 3rd Javelin Throw Day.
Why nation celebrates this day?
The genesis of National Javelin Day finds its roots in the extraordinary feat accomplished by Neeraj Chopra during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. On that fateful day, August 7th, he propelled a javelin through the air with incredible precision and power, covering a staggering distance of 87.58 meters. With this astounding throw, Chopra secured the gold medal in the men’s Javelin Throw final, etching his name into the echelons of Indian sporting history.
Chopra’s triumph was more than just a victory; it was a testament to unwavering dedication, relentless training, and an unyielding spirit. Not only did he capture the gold, but he also achieved another remarkable milestone – securing India’s first-ever gold medal in Track and Field events at the Olympics. This achievement radiated pride and jubilation throughout the nation, resonating with every Indian who watched in awe as Chopra’s javelin soared through the sky.
Neeraj Chopra’s journey did not culminate at Tokyo’s Olympic stadium. In the year that followed, he etched his name in gold once again, not just once, but twice. In July 2022, Chopra’s relentless pursuit of excellence led him to clinch a silver medal at the World Athletics Championships. His throw of 88.13 meters was not just a silver, but a testament to his perseverance and unyielding spirit.
After Olympic medal journey
As the pages of the calendar turned, Neeraj Chopra continued to illuminate the world of athletics. The prestigious Diamond League Final in Zurich witnessed yet another awe-inspiring moment as he claimed victory with a monumental throw of 89.09 meters. This triumph marked the pinnacle of his journey, making him the first Indian to seize the coveted Diamond League title.
The story of Neeraj Chopra is a tale of triumph over adversity, dedication over hesitation, and inspiration over limitation. As the young champion prepares to scale new heights at this year’s World Athletics Championships and the Asian Games, his spirit reverberates with a message of hope and resilience for aspiring athletes across the nation.
National Javelin Day stands as a reminder that greatness knows no bounds, and Neeraj Chopra’s legacy serves as a guiding light, illuminating the path to excellence for generations to come. As we celebrate this day, let us pay homage to the hero who raised our tricolor high and filled our hearts with pride, igniting a fervor for athleticism that burns brighter than ever before.
Chandrayaan-3 Successfully inserted into Lunar Orbit
Chandrayaan-3, the country’s lunar mission, has successfully entered the lunar orbit after a journey of twenty-three days. This milestone marks a significant step in India’s endeavor to become the first nation to achieve a soft landing on the moon.
In this article you will get to know about the recent developments of Chandrayaan-3 and it’s exciting journey.
The Journey towards the Chandrayaan-3
Twenty-three days ago, Chandrayaan-3 started its exciting journey from Earth towards the Moon. For the last five days, the spacecraft has been steadily moving closer to the moon, carefully adjusting its path to enter the moon’s orbit.
The Entry into Lunar Orbit
On Saturday’s evening, Chandrayaan-3 successfully entered into the lunar orbit, making a significant milestone in the mission’s journey. As the spacecraft started circling the moon, it began transmitting signals to the Mission Operators Complex (MOX) at the ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Netwrok (ISTRAC). The successful entry of spacecraft shows its readiness for further maneuvers and operations in the lunar orbit.
Current Status of Chandrayaan-3
As of now, Chandrayaan-3 is in an elliptical orbit around the moon, situated approximately 18,074 km from the lunar surface at its farthest point and 164 km at its nearest. However, this elliptical orbit is not the final configuration. Over the next few days, the spacecraft’s altitude will be progressively lowered. The mission aims to achieve a circular orbit, with an altitude of 100 km x 100km above the moon’s surface.
The Path Ahead of Chandrayaan-3
ISRO engineers and scientists are gearing up for a crucial series of altitude reduction maneuvers, this will bring Chandrayaan-3 closer to the moon’s surface, preparing it for the final destination.
Prime Minister launches Amrit Bharat Station Scheme in 13 railway stations
On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) via video link to initiate the rejuvenation of 13 railway stations across the country.
The Ambitious Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS): Transforming 1,309 Railway Stations
The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) aims to transform and revitalize 1,309 railway stations across the nation, enhancing the overall passenger experience and making them world-class travel hubs.
As part of this initiative, work on 508 stations in various States commenced, with an investment of ₹25,000 crore. In the State, 13 railway stations will receive a modern makeover with an investment of ₹303 crore.
List of Stations Under ABSS in the State
The 13 railway stations selected for the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme are as follows:
S. No.Railway Stations1.Ballari2.Ghatprabha3.Gokak Road4.Bidar5.Alnavar6.Gadag7.Koppal8.Harihar9.Arsikere10.Mangaluru Jn.11.Wadi12.Kalaburagi Jn. (Gulbarga)13.Shahabad
Features of Rejuvenated Stations
The rejuvenated railway stations under the ABSS will offer world-class amenities and facilities. Some of the features that these stations will incorporate include:
Roof plaza
Shopping zone
Food court
Children’s play area
Segregated entry and exit gates
Multi-level parking
Lifts and escalators
Executive lounge
Waiting area
Travellator
Physically challenged-friendly facilities
With such amenities in place, these railway stations will not only enhance the passenger experience but also become iconic landmarks in the cities they serve. The integration of multi-modal connectivity will further transform these stations into centers of socio-economic activities in their respective regions.
The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS): Revolutionizing Railway Stations and Ushering in a New Era of Modern Transportation Facilities
The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) is set to revolutionize railway stations across India, making them world-class travel hubs with state-of-the-art amenities ushering in a new era of modern and efficient transportation facilities.
With the inauguration of the ABSS, the Prime Minister has taken a significant step towards transforming the railway infrastructure and improving the overall passenger experience in the country.
Bihar to Constitute ‘Rhino Task Force’ for Reintroduction of Rhino Conservation Scheme
The Bihar government to constitute ‘Rhino Task Force’ for suggesting measures for the reintroduction of rhino conservation scheme in ‘Valmiki Tiger Reserve’ in West Champaran district. The state’s wildlife authorities have observed a substantial increase in the tiger population in VTR, prompting them to focus on reviving the rhino population in the region. Currently, there is only one rhino in VTR and 14 in Patna Zoo, but with the establishment of the ‘Rhino Task Force’, the authorities aim to bring back more rhino to the reserve.
The Rhino Conservation Scheme
The Valmiki Tiger Reserve has been selected as a potential site under the National Rhino Conservation Scheme, where rhino from other reserves across the country may be brought in. A committee was set up about two years back to assess the habitat and security conditions in VTR and to suggest measures for the reintroduction of rhinos.
Reintroduction Plan
The committee set up two years back, recently submitted its report and on the basis of the recommendations of the committee, the state government of Bihar constitute the ‘Rhino Task Force’ which will be responsible for suggesting measures to implement the reintroduction scheme successfully.
The plan aims to increase the rhino-bearing areas in VTR by 5% over the next two years. This will involve shifting of rhinos from crowded habitat to identified areas in the reserve, such as Ganauli and Madanpur, to provide more space for breeding and multiplication.
India’s role in Rhino Conservation
India plays a crucial role in the conservation of one-horned rhinoceros, with approximately 75% of the world population of rhino resides in India and more than 93% of the Indian rhino population lives in just one protected area in Assam- The Kaziranga National Park.
About Valmiki Tiger Reserve
Valimik Tiger Reserve, located in the West Champaran district of Bihar, was established as the 18th tiger reserve in 1990 and ranked 4th in the density of the tiger population. The VTR occupies a core area of 909.86 sq.km of the Valimiki Sanctuary.
VTR recently recorded a 75% increase in tiger numbers from 31 in 2018 to 54 in 2022. There has been increase of 23 tigers in the last four years. Enthused by the sharp increase in tiger population at VTR, the Bihar government has also initiated the process of developing the ‘Kaimur wildlife sanctuary (KWC)’ into another tiger reserve or ‘tiger bearing landscape’ in the state.
Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba gets one-year extension
Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba has been officially granted a one-year extension by the Central government, making him the longest-serving cabinet secretary in India’s history. The decision was made by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC). This extension comes as a result of the relaxation of important rules, allowing him to continue in his position beyond August 30, 2023.
The Rules of Extension
The Central government has the authority to grant an extension in service to the cabinet secretary in the public interest. However, this extension cannot exceed four years in total.
By relaxing the All India Services (Death-Cum-Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958, and Rule 56(d) of the Fundamental Rules, Rajiv Gauba’s extension has been made possible.
Rajiv Gauba: The Longest-Serving Cabinet Secretary in India’s Bureaucratic History
Rajiv Gauba is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the 1982 batch who assumed the position of Cabinet Secretary in 2019.
Initially appointed for a two-year tenure, he has now received extensions twice, first in 2021 and now, beyond August 2023.
With this latest extension, his tenure will surpass that of BD Pande, who held the position from November 2, 1972, to March 31, 1977, making Rajiv Gauba the longest-serving cabinet secretary in India’s bureaucratic history.