AWARDS

Nitin Gadkari Honoured with 43rd Lokmanya Tilak National Award

• On August 1, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari was presented with the 43rd Lokmanya Tilak National Award in Pune.

• This prestigious recognition, given by the Lokmanya Tilak Smarak Trust, celebrates individuals who have made noteworthy contributions to national progress.

• The event took place at Tilak Smarak Mandir, marking the death anniversary of freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak.

• In his speech, Gadkari emphasized the importance of turning Tilak’s dream of Swarajya into Surajya through clean and efficient governance.

• He also highlighted the potential of young professionals and technocrats in helping India emerge as a global leader.

• Established in 1983, the award includes a ₹1 lakh cash prize and a commemorative token of honour.

• Past recipients include eminent figures such as PM Modi, Indira Gandhi, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Dr. Manmohan Singh, and Narayana Murthy.

APPOINTMENTS

Dr. A. Rajarajan Takes Over as VSSC Director

• On August 1, Dr. A. Rajarajan officially assumed leadership of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), following the retirement of Dr. S. Unnikrishnan Nair.

• Before this, he served as the Director of SDSC SHAR, ISRO’s key spaceport.

• With nearly 40 years of experience, Dr. Rajarajan is known for his technical expertise, especially in composite materials used in space missions.

• Under his leadership, SDSC SHAR saw major infrastructure development for programs like Gaganyaan and the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV).

• He has played a critical role in pushing forward ISRO’s Human Spaceflight Programme.

• Dr. Rajarajan has also worked closely with the private sector, enabling start-ups like Skyroot Aerospace and Agnikul Cosmos in their initial launches.

• His appointment signifies a balanced focus on cutting-edge research and private-sector engagement in India’s space journey.

Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan Appointed as Vice Chief of Naval Staff

• Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan took charge as the 47th Vice Chief of the Naval Staff on August 1, 2025.

• He began his military journey on January 1, 1988, after graduating from the 71st NDA course.

• An expert in Gunnery and Missile Systems, he brings over 30 years of operational and leadership experience.

• He notably led the Eastern Fleet in 2020, during heightened maritime tensions following the Galwan conflict.

• In recognition of his distinguished service, he received the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in 2021.

• At the Integrated Defence Staff, he served as Deputy Chief for Operations, and later for Policy and Force Development.

• His new role comes at a time when strategic maritime leadership is vital to India’s regional security goals.

DEFENCE

India and Singapore Deepen Naval Ties Through SIMBEX-25

• INS Satpura is participating in SIMBEX-25, the 32nd edition of the India-Singapore maritime drill, held in Singapore.

• The Harbour Phase features collaborative activities such as expert talks, operational discussions, and ship visits.

• Vessels from both navies, including RSN Vigilant and RSN Supreme, are part of the bilateral engagement.

• The exercise fosters deeper coordination through cross-deck helicopter operations, air defence drills, and precision targeting.

• It reflects growing trust and aligns with India’s ‘MAHASAGAR’ initiative and its broader Act East Policy.

• The Sea Phase emphasizes interoperability through advanced naval maneuvers and VBSS operations.

STATE NEWS

Sikkim Introduces First-Ever Sabbatical Leave Policy for Government Workers

• In a pioneering move, Sikkim launched India’s first Sabbatical Leave Scheme for state government staff in August 2023.

• The policy allows regular employees with at least five years of continuous service to take a career break lasting 1 to 3 years.

• During the sabbatical, employees receive 50% of basic pay, and their seniority remains unaffected.

• The state retains the option to recall employees with a one-month notice, ensuring flexibility.

• Later, the scheme was extended to temporary staff who completed six months of continuous service, under similar conditions.

• In April 2025, the government delegated approval powers—department heads can now approve leave for Group C and D employees.

• Group A and B staff must continue to seek permission from the Department of Personnel Secretary, maintaining administrative oversight.

Ladakh Declares August 12 as Safai Andolan Day for Indus River Protection

• August 12 has been officially marked as Safai Andolan Day in Ladakh to support the conservation of the Indus River.

• A wide-scale clean-up campaign will involve participation from government departments, the military, civil society, and students.

• This is the first formal, government-backed initiative centered solely on Indus River conservation.

• The drive is part of the larger Mission Indus, launched in June, responding to alarming arsenic pollution levels in the river.

• Plans include sewage system upgrades, strict action against illegal dumping, and biodiversity protection measures.

• Public awareness programs are being rolled out in collaboration with faith leaders, village heads, and the Leh Hill Council.

• The campaign showcases a unified effort by local administration, defense forces, and communities to ensure a cleaner, healthier river system.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Professor Michele Dougherty Named UK’s First Female Astronomer Royal

• Michele Dougherty has become the first woman ever to be appointed as the UK’s Astronomer Royal in its 350-year history.

• The position, established in 1675, is an honorary role advising the British monarchy and promoting public engagement in astronomy.

• Dougherty is acclaimed for her work on NASA’s Cassini mission, particularly the discovery of water vapor on Enceladus, Saturn’s moon.

• This breakthrough pointed to the possibility of life-supporting environments beyond Earth.

• The title was originally created alongside the Royal Observatory at Greenwich, with John Flamsteed as the first to hold the post.

• Dougherty now becomes the 16th Astronomer Royal, succeeding Martin Rees, who served from 1995 to 2025.

• Her historic appointment marks a major milestone for gender equality in science, inspiring future generations of women in STEM.