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India’s third lunar exploration mission, Chandrayaan-3, successfully lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, according to the predetermined launch schedule. This mission aims to establish India as the fourth country to achieve a spacecraft landing on the moon, showcasing the nation’s capability for a safe and gentle touchdown on the lunar surface. LVM3 M4/Chandrayaan-3 Mission:LVM3 M4 vehicle🚀 successfully launched Chandrayaan-3🛰️ into orbit. — ISRO (@isro) July 14, 2023 The GSLV Mark 3 (LVM 3) heavy-lift launch vehicle was employed to launch the spacecraft. It is estimated that the journey from Earth to the moon will take approximately a month, with the anticipated landing date set for August 23. Following the landing, the spacecraft will operate for one lunar day, equivalent to about 14 Earth days. Chandrayaan-3 serves as the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) subsequent endeavor following the challenges encountered during the soft landing phase of the Chandrayaan-2 mission in 2019.

G20’s Culture Working Group (CWG) held its inaugural session today in Hampi, Karnataka, focusing on the significance of culture. Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs & Coal and Mines, delivered a speech at the event. He highlighted the transition from identifying priorities to reaching consensus on actionable recommendations, which would play a crucial role in integrating culture into policymaking. The four priority areas discussed are: safeguarding and restoring cultural property, utilizing living heritage for a sustainable future, promoting cultural and creative industries, and leveraging digital technologies for culture’s protection and promotion. Joshi emphasized that the goal is to build consensus on a ministerial declaration that encompasses these priorities, fostering an inclusive and sustainable future. Joshi acknowledged the valuable contributions of G20 member countries in shaping the shared vision, stating that cultural heritage serves as a unifying thread in our diverse world. He stressed that culture bridges gaps, encourages understanding, and enables appreciation of our shared human journey. He urged participants to recognize the power of unity, the beauty of diversity, and the immense potential culture holds for human development, social inclusion, and global harmony. As part of the CWG’s cultural endeavors, an attempt is being made to enter the Guinness Book of World Records by creating the largest display of lambani embroidery patches. This initiative involves over 450 women artisans from the lambani community associated with Sandur Kushala Kala Kendra, showcasing around 1300 lambani embroidery patch works at the G20 event. Delegates are also being immersed in India’s rich cultural heritage through visits to significant sites like the Vijaya Vittala Temple, the Royal Enclosure, and the Yeduru Basavanna complex of the Hampi Group of Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Additionally, they will enjoy a coracle ride on the Tungabhadra River and participate in a yoga session at the Shri Pattabhirama Swamy Temple.  

The Ministry of Home Affairs has introduced a new scheme aimed at enhancing and modernizing fire services in various states across India. This initiative falls under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and has been allocated a total budget of Rs 5,000 crore. Out of this amount, Rs 500 crore will be designated for incentivizing states based on their legal and infrastructure reforms. The Home Ministry has sent a letter to the Chief Secretaries and heads of Fire Services of all states to inform them about this scheme. The scheme was announced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during a meeting with Disaster Management ministers from states and Union Territories in New Delhi on June 13. The primary objective of the scheme is to expand and modernize fire services in states by utilizing the preparedness and capacity-building component of the NDRF. This is part of the government’s efforts to strengthen India’s disaster risk reduction system and ensure minimal loss of life and property during emergencies. To seek funding under this scheme, state governments will be required to contribute 25% of the total project cost from their own budgets, except for the North-Eastern and Himalayan states, which will contribute 10%. The scheme originates from the recommendation of the Fifteenth Finance Commission, which allows for an allocation of 12.5% of the NDRF and State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for the funding window of preparedness and capacity building. The ministry emphasized that there will be no spill-over of liabilities for projects sanctioned beyond the award period specified. For further details about the scheme, interested parties can download the information from the website of the Disaster Management Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India (https://ndmindia.mha.gov.in).