1. Pema Khandu Sworn in for Third Term as Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh
Tags: State News
Senior BJP leader Pema Khandu was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh for the third consecutive term.
An Overview of the News
The swearing-in ceremony took place at DK Convention Hall in Itanagar.
Along with Khandu, 11 other cabinet ministers were also sworn in.
The oath of office and secrecy was administered by the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Lt. Gen. KT Parnaik (Retd.).
The other state cabinet ministers include Chowna Mein, Byuram Bage, Nyato Dukam, Gabriel D Wangshu, Wangki Lowang, PD Sona, Mama Natung, Smt. Dasanglu Pul, Balo Raja, Kento Jini, and Ojing Tasing.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Health Minister JP Nadda, Senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad, Chief Ministers of Assam and Sikkim, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, and Arunachal East Parliamentary Constituency MP Tapir Gao attended the event.
In the Legislative Assembly elections, the BJP won 46 out of the total 60 seats.
About Arunachal Pradesh
It is a state located in the northeastern region of India. It shares its borders with the countries of Bhutan, China and Myanmar.
Establishment - 20 February 1987
Capital - Itanagar (Executive Branch)
Chief Minister - Pema Khandu
Official flower - Rhynchostylis retusa
Official Animal - Gayal
2. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav launched PM Shri Tourism Air Service
Tags: State News
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav Tourism launched PM Shri Tourism Air Service on June 13 to improve connectivity of destinations.
An Overview of the News
The Chief Minister inaugurated the first flight from Bhopal to Jabalpur at Raja Bhoj International Airport at 9 am.
The route of the flight was from Bhopal to Jabalpur via Rewa, then landed in Singrauli.
Dr. Yadav also inaugurated the ticket booking counter at Bhopal airport and distributed boarding passes to the passengers.
Eight cities including Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Rewa, Ujjain, Gwalior, Singrauli and Khajuraho are connected by this air service.
PM Shri Tourism Air Service is operated by Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board in a public private partnership with Jetserv Aviation Private Limited.
About Madhya Pradesh
In terms of area, it is the second largest state of India after Rajasthan.
According to the Indian Forest Status Report-2021, Madhya Pradesh has the maximum forest cover in the country in terms of area.
25.14% of its area is covered by forests.
Chief Minister - Dr. Mohan Yadav
Governor - Mangubhai C. Patel
Capital - Bhopal
3. Scientists Discover Rare Blue Ant Species, Paraparatrechina neela, in Eastern Himalayas After 121 Years
Tags: State News
A new species of ant, Paraparatrechina neela, has been discovered in the Siang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh.
An Overview of the News
This remarkable finding was made by a team of entomologists from the University of Florida, USA, and the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), Bengaluru, India.
Background of Discovery
Location: Remote village of Yingku, Eastern Himalayas
Observation: Ant found in a tree hole, 10 feet above ground
Previous Record: Last new species from this genus discovered 121 years ago by a British military mission
Funding: National Geographic Society supported the expedition to document local wildlife and assess environmental changes
Description of Paraparatrechina neela
Size: Less than 2 mm long
Color: Predominantly shiny blue body
Distinct Features:
Subtriangular head
Large eyes
Triangular jaw with five teeth
Significance: First blue-bodied ant among the 16,724 known ant species, marking a significant addition to the genus Paraparatrechina
Scientific Significance of the Discovery
Biodiversity: Highlights the rich biodiversity of the Himalayas
Ecological Insights: Demonstrates the unique ecological niches of ants
Entomological Impact: Reinforces that well-studied areas can still yield new species, enhancing our understanding of biodiversity and ecosystem complexity
Conservation Concerns
Ecosystem Diversity: Siang Valley is home to diverse ecosystems
Threats:
Large-scale infrastructure projects
Climate change
Impact: Adverse effects on local wildlife and millions of people dependent on these environments
Importance of Documentation: Discovering and recording new species like Paraparatrechina neela is crucial for developing informed conservation strategies to protect both human and environmental health
4. Inauguration of India's First 10MW Green Hydrogen Plant in MP
Tags: State News
Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) inaugurated its first Green Hydrogen (GH2) Plant at Vijaipur complex in Madhya Pradesh (MP).
An Overview of the News
The plant has a capacity to produce 4.3 tonnes per day (TPD) of hydrogen through a 10 MegaWatt (MW) Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Electrolyzer.
The PEM Electrolyzer, with a capacity of 10 MW, has been imported from Canada.
Hydrogen Purity and Pressure:
Hydrogen produced at this plant will have a purity of 99.99% by volume.
It will be generated at a pressure of 30 kilograms per square centimeter (kg/cm2).
Investment and Goals:
The 10 MW plant was built with an investment of Rs 231 crore.
This initiative aligns with GAIL's target of achieving net-zero status by 2040 and the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM)'s goal of reaching 5 million tons of annual green hydrogen production capacity for India by 2030.
Green Power Requirement:
GAIL is also establishing around 20 MW solar power plants at Vijaipur, including both ground-mounted and floating installations, to fulfill the green power requirement for the 10 MW PEM Electrolyzer.
Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL):
It is a government-owned energy company.
It focuses on natural gas trading, transmission and distribution.
GAIL is involved in solar and wind energy, telecommunications (GAILTEL) and power generation.
Founded-1984
Headquarters - GAIL Bhawan, New Delhi, Delhi, India
Chairman & MD - Sandeep Kumar Gupta
5. Pune's Army Sports Institute Inaugurated Khelo India Hostel & Army Girls Sports Company
Tags: Defence State News
The Khelo India Sports Hostel and Army Girls Sports Company's first batch were inaugurated at the Army Sports Institute in Pune.
An Overview of the News
Key dignitaries present included Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pandey, Director General of Sports Authority of India Sandeep Pradhan, and celebrated athlete Ms. Anju Bobby George.
Khelo India Sports Hostel Integration:
The Khelo India Sports Hostel, funded by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, is now part of the Army Sports Institute.
This initiative aims to provide top-notch facilities and training opportunities to Khelo India athletes, enhancing their performance at national and international levels.
Army Girls Sports Company Establishment:
The Army Girls Sports Company has been established, focusing on four key sports disciplines: boxing, weightlifting, archery, and athletics.
This initiative represents a significant commitment to nurturing female sports talent across India.
Recruitment Process:
Over 1000 young girls from various parts of the country participated in national-level trials for the Army Girls Sports Company.
Following a rigorous talent identification process, 24 exceptional candidates were selected for the inaugural batch.
6. Thiruvananthapuram Airport Earns India's First Zero Waste to Landfill Accolade
Tags: State News
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, situated in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, has attained the distinction of being the inaugural airport in India to earn the Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWL) recognition bestowed by the CII-ITC CESD (Centre for Excellence for Sustainable Development).
An Overview of the News
This recognition underscores the airport's dedication to sustainable waste management practices.
The ZWL assessment revealed that the airport has effectively implemented leading waste management practices, achieving a remarkable 99.50% waste diversion from landfills.
Notably, the airport has diverted 100% of its plastic waste and 100% of its Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), encompassing both wet and dry waste, away from landfills.
Implementation Strategies:
By embracing the 5R principles -Reduce, Reuse, Reprocess, Recycle, and Recover - of Sustainable Waste Management, the airport has achieved a 99.5% waste diversion rate.
This success is attributed to the integration of a robust value chain system, emphasizing the reduction of waste production while maximizing recycling and recovery efforts.
Sophisticated Waste Management System:
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport has established a sophisticated waste management system aligned with ISO 14001:2015 standards.
This system encompasses comprehensive waste segregation, recycling, monitoring, and reduction processes, all operating under a cradle-to-cradle principle to ensure sustainable waste management practices.
Sustainable Waste Management Goals:
The ZWL initiative aims to divert a minimumof99% of generated waste from landfills, prioritizing the reduction of overall waste production.
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport's achievement serves as a model for other airports and industries, highlighting the feasibility and benefits of adopting sustainable waste management strategies.
7. IAF Chief Inaugurates First-Ever EMRS in Karnataka
Tags: Defence State News
Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) of Indian Air Force (IAF), has inaugurated the inaugural Emergency Medical Response System (EMRS) at Command Hospital Air Force (CHAF) in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
An Overview of the News
The EMRS functions as a 24/7 telephonic medical helpline dedicated to serving IAF personnel and their families nationwide.
It aims to ensure timely response by a specialized team of medical and paramedical professionals to any emergency situation encountered by callers anywhere in India.
Objectives:
The primary goal of this system is to provide prompt and efficient healthcare assistance during critical moments.
It reflects the IAF's commitment to leveraging technology for delivering high-quality healthcare services, particularly in emergency scenarios.
About Indian Air Force
Founded:- 8 October 1932
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS):- General Anil Chauhan
Headquarters:- New Delhi
Fighter:- Su-30MKI, Rafale, Tejas, MiG-29, Mirage 2000, MiG-21 HAL Tejas Mk2, HAL AMCA
Helicopter:- CH-47 Chinook, Dhruv, Chetak, Cheetah, Mi-8, Mi-17, Mi-26, HAL IMRH
About Karnataka
Capital:- Bengaluru (Executive Branch)
Chief minister:- Siddaramaiah
Governor:- Thawar Chand Gehlot
Bird:- Indian roller
8. IAF Joins Forces with Uttarakhand Government for Bambi Bucket Operations
Tags: National State News
The Indian Air Force (IAF) collaborated with the Uttarakhand government to conduct Bambi Bucket operations.
An Overview of the News
Utilizing the Mi-17 V5 helicopter, the IAF engaged in combating forest fires in Nainital, Uttarakhand.
A total of 23 sorties were conducted, amounting to 11 and a half hours of operation.
Approximately 44,600 liters of water were utilized by the IAF in their efforts to extinguish the blazing fires in the mountains.
Bambi Bucket: A Revolutionary Tool
Inception: Introduced in 1983.
Inventor: Canadian Don Arney.
Functionality: Facilitates helicopters in transporting large water volumes beneath the aircraft.
Impact: Enables swift extinguishing of wildfires from the air.
Uttarakhand's 'Pirul Lao-Paise Pao' Campaign
Launch: Inaugurated on May 8, 2024, by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
Campaign Oversight: Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board appointed to supervise.
Objective: Combating forest fires and forest devastation.
Operational Procedure:
Locals and youth collect dry pirul (pine tree leaves) from the forest.
Transport to designated collection centers.
Reward: Rs 50 per kilogram (kg) directly deposited into their bank accounts.
Purpose: Mitigating fire risk posed by pirul in Pine forests and utilizing them for productive purposes like electricity generation.
About Uttarakhand
Chief Minister: Pushkar Singh Dhami
Governor: Gurmit Singh
Capital: Dehradun
Wildlife Sanctuaries:
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
Benog Wildlife Sanctuary
Festivals:
Kangdali Festival
Uttarayani Mela or Uttarayani Fair
9. CCI Approves Greenko Energies' Stake Increase in Sikkim Urja
Tags: State News
Greenko Energies Private Limited's acquisition of additional shares in Sikkim Urja Limited (formerly Teesta Urja Limited) received approval from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) on May 7th, 2024.
An Overview of the News
Sikkim Urja Limited was established to execute a 1200 MegaWatt hydro power project, comprising 6 units of 200 MW each, in North Sikkim, India.
Acquisition Details:
Greenko Energies Private Limited, a subsidiary of Greenko Mauritius, received approval to acquire additional shares in Sikkim Urja Limited.
Strategic Implications:
The approval from CCI allows Greenko Energies to increase its stake in Sikkim Urja Limited.
This acquisition strengthens Greenko Energies' presence and influence in India's renewable energy sector.
About Sikkim
Capital: Gangtok
Admission to union: 16 May 1975
Bird: Blood pheasant
10. Iron Age Megalithic Site and Mesolithic Rock Art Discovered in Telangana
Tags: State News
Archaeologists unearth a unique Iron Age Megalithic site at Ooragutta near Bandala village in SS Tadvai mandal of Mulugu district, Telangana.
An Overview of the News
Additionally, the team uncovers two new rock art sites at Damaratogu Gundala mandal of Bhadradri Kothagudem district, Telangana.
One of these sites, dubbed "Devarlabanda Mula," exclusively features depictions of animals without any human figures. Experts speculate that the paintings date back to the Mesolithic age (between 8000-3000 BCE) due to the absence of weaponry or domesticated animals in the artwork.
Iron Age Megalithic site:
Newly discovered Iron Age megalithic sites in India boast unprecedented monument types unseen elsewhere.
At the Ooragutta archaeological site, distinct features defy the conventional 'Dolmenoid Cists' prevalent in the area.
The arrangement of side slabs conforms to the cap-stone shape, resulting in a unique configuration for the dolmenoid cist.
These monuments are estimated to originate around 1,000 BCE.
Notably, the majority of monuments in this region typically exhibit square or rectangular forms.
Archaeologists Team:
K.P. Rao: History Professor at the University of Hyderabad
Ch Praveen Raju: Research Scholar at Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa (Andhra Pradesh)
Telangana:
Chief Minister: Anumula Revanth Reddy
Governor: C.P. Radhakrishnan
Zoological Parks:
Nehru Zoological Park
Vana Vigyan Kendra Mini Zoo (Kakatiya Zoological Park)
Airports:
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport
Begumpet Airport