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By admin: July 26, 2024

Charaideo Maidam Becomes Northeast India’s First Cultural UNESCO World Heritage Site

Tags: State News National News

The Charaideo Maidam, a 700-year-old mound-burial system of the Ahom dynasty in eastern Assam, has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list under the 'cultural property' category.

An Overview of the News

• The decision was made during the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) held in New Delhi.

• Charaideo Maidam was India’s nomination for UNESCO’s World Heritage Site status in the cultural category for 2023-2024.

• Out of 52 sites, Assam’s Charaideo Maidam was selected by the Government of India.

Announcement and Celebrations

• Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat announced the inclusion, sparking celebrations in various parts of Assam.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on July 21 that Charaideo Maidam would be India’s 43rd UNESCO World Heritage Site and the first in the northeast region in the cultural property category.

Significance of Charaideo Maidam

• It is the first time a site from the northeast has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage list under the cultural category.

• It is Assam’s third World Heritage Site after Kaziranga and Manas National Parks.

• The Charaideo Maidams are highly venerated, embodying the unique burial architecture and tradition of the Tai Ahoms.

Nomination Process

• On January 16, the Assam government submitted the World Heritage Nomination Dossier for the Maidams to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for UNESCO's evaluation in the 2023 cycle.

Historical Context

• Out of 386 Maidams explored, 90 royal burials at Charaideo are the best preserved, representative, and most complete examples of this tradition.

• The Maidams enshrine the mortal remains of Ahom royalty.

• Initially, deceased Ahoms were buried with their paraphernalia, but after the 18th century, the Ahom rulers adopted the Hindu method of cremation, later entombing the cremated bones and ashes in a Maidam at Charaideo.

400th Birth Anniversary of Lachit Borphukan

• During the nation’s celebration of the 400th birth anniversary of Lachit Borphukan, Prime Minister Modi viewed an exhibition showcasing a model of a Maidam, highlighting the unique burial architecture and tradition of the Tai Ahoms.

About UNESCO

• The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations (UN).

• It is also a member of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UN SDG), a coalition of United Nations agencies and organisations that aims to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

  • Headquarters:- Paris, France

  • Director General: Audrey Azoulay

  • Founded: 16 November 1945in London, United Kingdom

  • The organisation has -193 members and 11 associate members.

About Assam:

• Formation (as a state) - 26 January 1950

• Language: Assamese

• Capital - Dispur

• Chief Minister - Himanta Biswa Sarma

• Governor - Gulab Chand Kataria

• Rajya Sabha - 7seats

• Lok Sabha - 14 seats

• Official Dance - Bihu Dance

• Official river - Brahmaputra

PM Modi Launches Construction of World's Highest Tunnel in Ladakh

Tags: State News National News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually initiated the first blast for the Shinkun La Tunnel project in Kargil, Ladakh.

An Overview of the News

• The event was held on the occasion of the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas, where Modi also paid tribute to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the 1999 Kargil War by laying a wreath at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass.

Project Details:

• The Shinkun La Tunnel is set to provide all-weather connectivity to Leh and is being constructed on the Nimu-Padum-Darcha Road.

• The tunnel will be a 4.1 km long Twin-Tube tunnel, constructed at an altitude of around 15,800 feet, making it the highest tunnel in the world.

• The construction will include cross-passages every 500 metres and is expected to take at least two years to complete.

Significance and Budget:

• The Shinkun La Tunnel will enhance the movement of armed forces and equipment and promote economic and social development in Ladakh.

• The project, with a budget of Rs 1,681 crore, was approved by the PM-led cabinet committee on security in February of the previous year.

About Ladakh

• Union Territory Since: October 31, 2019

• Capitals: Leh and Kargil

• Districts: 2

• Lieutenant Governor: B. D. Mishra

Jharkhand Assembly Disqualifies Two MLAs Under Anti-Defection Law

Tags: State News

On July 25, Jharkhand Assembly Speaker’s Tribunal disqualified two MLAs under the anti-defection law, effective from July 26.

An Overview of the News

• The disqualified legislators are Lobin Hembrom from the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and Jai Prakash Bhai Patel from the Congress.

• This decision was made just before the Jharkhand Assembly's six-day monsoon session, which starts on July 26.

• JMM and BJP initiated the anti-defection proceedings against Hembrom and Patel, respectively.

• Hembrom ran independently for the Rajmahal Lok Sabha seat, challenging the JMM's official candidate, Vijay Hansdak.

• Patel joined Congress before the Lok Sabha elections and contested from the Hazaribag seat.

• Both Hembrom and Patel were defeated in the elections.

• The judgment was delivered by Assembly SpeakerRabindra Nath Mahto on July 25.

Anti-Defection Law (ADL)

• ADL was introduced in 1985 as the 52nd Amendment to the Constitution, aiming to prevent legislators from frequently switching parties or voting against party directives.

• Elected members can be disqualified for voting against their party or making antagonistic decisions.

• Strengthening:

  • In 2003, the 91st Amendment added provisions to disqualify defectors and bar them from ministerial positions for a period.

Nita Ambani Re-elected as International Olympic Committee Member in Paris

Tags: Person in news Sports News

Nita Ambani has been unanimously re-elected as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) from India at the 142nd IOC session in Paris.

An Overview of the News

• Nita Ambani was first elected to the IOC in 2016during the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games.

• Pioneering Role: As the first Indian woman to join the IOC, she has significantly contributed to promoting India's Olympic vision.

Contributions and Achievements

• Hosting IOC Session: Played a pivotal role in India hosting its first IOC session in Mumbai in over 40 years, highlighting India's global sporting ambitions.

• Future Ambitions: India is planning to bid for hosting the 2036 Olympics.

Reliance Foundation and Sports Initiatives

• Foundation Leadership: As the founder and chairperson of Reliance Foundation, Nita Ambani focuses on empowering Indians through sports, education, health, art, and culture.

• Impact: Reliance Foundation’s sports programs have reached over 22.9 million children and youth in India.

India House at Paris 2024

• India House Initiative: Reliance Foundation is opening India House at the Paris Olympics 2024.

• Purpose: India House will act as a "home away from home" for athletes, celebrate their achievements, and share India’s Olympic journey with the world.

International Olympic Day

• International Olympic Day is celebrated annually on June 23.

• The themefor Olympic Day 2024is 'Let's Move and Celebrate'.

• This theme aims to inspire people worldwide to engage in daily physical activity and embrace the joy of movement.

International Olympic Committee (IOC)

• Non-governmental sports organization

• Based in Lausanne, Switzerland.

• Governs National Olympic Committees (NOCs).

• Oversees the worldwide Olympic Movement.

  • Formation - 23 June 1894

  • Founders - Pierre de Coubertin, Demetrios Vikelas

  • Headquarters - Olympic House, Lausanne, Switzerland

  • President - Thomas Bach

India Unveils SIMS 2.0 to Enhance Steel Import Monitoring and Boost Domestic Industry

Tags: National News

Union Minister of Steel and Heavy Industries, H.D. Kumaraswamy, introduced the upgraded Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS 2.0).

An Overview of the News

• The launch event was attended by Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma (Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries), Nagendra Nath Sinha (Secretary, Ministry of Steel), and other senior officials.

Purpose and Significance of SIMS 2.0:

• SIMS was originally introduced in 2019 to provide detailed steel import data.

• SIMS 2.0 is an upgraded version aimed at improving monitoring of steel imports and fostering domestic steel industry growth.

• Enhanced data availability supports policy-making and identifies production growth areas for the domestic industry.

Key Features of SIMS 2.0:

• API Integration: Connects with multiple government portals for better quality control and efficiency.

• Robust Data System: Ensures accurate and consistent data entry, promoting transparency.

• Risk Management: Helps in identifying risks and managing imports, e.g., non-BIS licensed sources.

• Development and Collaboration:

• Developed with contributions from DGFT, BIS, and MSTC Ltd. (a CPSE under the Ministry of Steel).

Additional Release:

• H.D. Kumaraswamy also released the second volume of “Safety Guidelines for Iron and Steel Sector.”

• The new volume includes guidelines for 16 different processes, building on the 25 guidelines published in 2020.

Dr. Sanjay Kapoor Unanimously Elected as FIDE India Zone President

Tags: Person in news

Dr. Sanjay Kapoor, former All India Chess Federation (AICF) President, has been unanimously elected as FIDE India Zone President (3.7).

An Overview of the News

• The election took place during the AICF annual general meeting (AGM) in Ahmedabad.

• Kapoor will serve as the Zone President for a 4-year term.

• Dr. Kapoor's new role involves overseeing the growth and development of chess globally.

Background and Experience:

• Dr. Kapoor played a key role in staging the 44th Chess Olympiad in India.

• His experience with the Olympiad highlights his dedication to promoting chess.

International Chess Day (July 20):

• World Chess Day (also known as International Chess Day) is celebrated globally on July 20 each year.

• The day honors Chess, a game celebrated for its intellectual and cultural significance, and promotes fairness, inclusion, and mutual respect.

• FIDE launched a Guinness World Record attempt for the most games played online and over-the-board in 24 hours.

• Over 109 national federations and major online chess platforms participated in nearly 350 global events.

FIDE Centennial Celebration:

• FIDE's 100th anniversary was celebrated with a central ceremony in Paris.

• Attendees included FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, former world champions Viswanathan Anand, Zhu Chen, Alexandra Kosteniuk, and other notable players and officials.

About FIDE

• Name: International Chess Federation (FIDE)

• Abbreviation: FIDE (French acronym)

• Role: Governs international chess competitions

• Founded: 20 July 1924, Paris, France

• Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland

• President: Arkady Dvorkovich

Shah Rukh Khan Becomes First Indian Actor to Receive Gold Coin from Grevin Museum

Tags: Awards Person in news

Shah Rukh Khan is the first Indian actor to be honoured with a customised gold coin by the Grévin Museum in Paris.

An Overview of the News

• The Grevin Museum is located on the Grands Boulevards on the right bank of the Seine River in Paris. It is renowned for its wax statues of famous personalities from around the world.

• The museum is a cultural landmark in Paris, attracting visitors who are keen to see lifelike representations of celebrities. 

• Shah Rukh Khan's inclusion in the museum with customized gold coins underscores his international impact.

Shah Rukh Khan’s Five Groundbreaking Accolades

• UNESCO's Pyramide con Marni Award (2011):

  • He is the First Indian actor to receive UNESCO's Pyramide con Marni Award (2011) for philanthropic efforts in children's education.

• Display on the Burj Khalifa:

  • Only actor to have trailers of his films ("Jawan," "Pathaan," and "Dunki" in 2023) displayed on the Burj Khalifa.

  • Featured on the Burj Khalifa after Kolkata Knight Riders, his IPL team, won the 2024 IPL.

• Career Achievement Honour at the Locarno International Film Festival:

  • First Indian personality to receive the Pardo alla Carriere Ascona-Locarno Tourism at the Locarno International Film Festival in Switzerland.

  • His film "Devdas" (2002) was also screened during the festival.

• The Yale Chubb Fellowship:

  • Awarded one of Yale's highest honours, the Chubb Fellowship, recognizing his impact through films and philanthropy.

• Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres:
  

  • One of the few Indian actors to receive this French government award for significant contributions to French cultural heritage.