- Padma Awards: The Padma Awards namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, are amongst the highest civilian awards of the country.These Awards were instituted in 1954 and they are announced every year on the occasion of Republic Day.
The award seeks to recognize ‘work of distinction’ and is given for distinguished and exceptional achievements/service in all fields/disciplines, such as- Art, Literature and Education, Sports, Medicine, Social Work etc. Eligibility for the nomination- All persons without distinction of race, occupation, position, or sex are eligible for these Awards. Government servants including those working with PSUs, except Doctors and Scientists, are not eligible for Padma Awards. Awardees receive a Sanad (Certificate) and Medallion, a small size replica (miniature) of the main medal is separately handed over to the recipient but no monetary grant is attached to these Awards. All nominations received for Padma Awards are placed before the Padma Awards Committee, which is constituted by the Prime Minister every year. The Padma Awards Committee is headed by the Cabinet Secretary and includes Home Secretary, Secretary to the President and four to six eminent persons as members. The Prime Minister and the President of India finally review and approve the recommendations.The result will be announced on the occasion of Republic Day to recognize the ‘work of distinction’ of the people for their distinguished and exceptional achievements/service in all fields/disciplines.
- Buland Bharat Exercise: It is an integrated surveillance and firepower training exercise conducted by the Indian Army.It was conducted in the operationalised longest High Altitude Artillery Ranges of Eastern Theatre located in Arunachal Pradesh.The exercise involved the synergised application of surveillance and firepower capabilities of the Artillery and the Infantry in close coordination with Special Forces, Aviation, and Central Armed Police Forces deployed in West Kameng and Tawang districts of Arunachal Pradesh.The exercise validated plans for bringing down integrated firepower by orchestrating synchronised firing by artillery guns and fire support components of the Infantry aimed toward the destruction of designated targets.The month-long training culminated in the test exercise in which troops and equipment were tested in simulated war conditions in the high-altitude area and extreme weather conditions.Synergised surveillance and firepower from Infantry and Artillery radars, weapon systems and direction of fire from the air were practised during the exercise.Uninterrupted communication on multiple media was also tested at long distances.
- Yoga Mahotsav: The Yoga Mahotsav was a celebration to commemorate 50 days to upcoming International Day of Yoga, 2023. The participants performed Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) in complete rhythm and harmony with a mesmerising outcome. The Ministry of Ayush, is organising the “Yoga Mahotsav”.
International Day of Yoga: The United Nations declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in 2014 after PM Modi called for the day to be adopted as a global celebration of yoga.The date of 21 June was suggested as it is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and shares a special significance in many parts of the world.The first International Yoga Day celebration was organised at Rajpath in New Delhi on June 21, 2015.The World Health Organization (WHO) mentions yoga as a means to improve health in its Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018–2030: More active people for a healthier world.
