1. Tamil Nadu government launches night street racing circuit in Chennai
Tags: State News
Tamil Nadu Government and Racing Promotion Pvt Ltd (RRPL) launched a new street circuit in Chennai.
An Overview of the News
The 3.5 km track around the Island Ground is set to become the first street circuit in India and South Asia to host a night race.
Challenging Circuit Features:
The circuit will have elevation changes and will feature 19 corners, including several straights.
Its location will offer picturesque views of Marina Beach Road and the Bay of Bengal.
Scheduled Programs:
The opening ceremony is planned to be held on December 9-10.
It will showcase two important racing championships: the F4 Indian Championship and the Indian Racing League.
The State Department of Art and Technology (SDAT) is ready to allocate a substantial amount of Rs 42 crore for successfully organizing this event.
Promoting Motorsports:
The opening of this new street circuit marks substantial progress for motorsport in India.
The unique features of the circuit are expected to enhance the prestige of the sport and attract more enthusiasts and sponsors.
About the new circuit:
The circuit will encircle the Island Ground, a sprawling 100-acre area in the heart of Chennai.
The track's design includes significant height variations, reaching heights of up to 10 meters.
2. A special art exhibition titled "Together We Art" begins at Bihar Museum, Patna
Tags: State News
On 7 August 2023, a special art exhibition dedicated to the G-20 member countries in Bihar titled "Together We Art" will open at the Bihar Museum in Patna.
An Overview of the News
The exhibition will run for two months starting today and will end on 7th October 2023.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will inaugurate the exhibition.
The event is organised by the Union Ministry of Art and Culture as part of India's chairmanship of G-20 countries.
A total of 29 countries including India are participating in the exhibition.
To mark the foundation day, the Bihar Museum Biennial 2023 will also begin, which will run for five months.
About the G20
It is an international forum of the world's leading economies established in 1999.
Its primary objective is to promote international financial stability and sustainable economic growth.
The G20 serves as a forum to discuss and coordinate policies related to a wide range of economic and financial issues such as trade, investment, employment, energy and climate change.
Bihar:
Formation - 22 March 1912
Capital - Patna
District - 38
Governor - Rajendra Arlekar
Chief Minister - Nitish Kumar
Deputy Chief Minister - Tejashwi Yadav
Rajya Sabha - 16 seats
Lok Sabha - 40 seats
3. Bihar constitutes 'Rhino Task Force' to revive rhino conservation in Valmiki Tiger Reserve
Tags: State News
The Bihar government will set up a 'Rhino Task Force' to propose measures to restart the rhino conservation plan in 'Valmiki Tiger Reserve' (VTR) located in West Champaran district.
An Overview of the News
The VTR has seen a significant increase in the tiger population, prompting state wildlife officials to focus on reviving the rhino population in the region.
At present, VTR has only one rhino, while Patna Zoo has 14 rhinos. With the formation of a 'rhino task force', officials aim to bring more rhinos back into the reserve.
Valmiki Tiger Reserve selected for National Rhino Conservation Plan:
Valmiki Tiger Reserve has been selected as a potential site under the National Rhino Conservation Plan.
This national level scheme allows rhinos to be introduced into Valmiki Tiger Reserve from other reserves across the country to boost their conservation.
Committee Recommendations Lead to Formation of 'Rhino Task Force':
A committee was set up about two years ago to evaluate the habitat and security conditions in Valmiki Tiger Reserve.
The main objective of the committee was to assess the feasibility and potential challenges of reintroducing rhinos to the reserve.
Based on the recommendations and findings of the report of the committee, a 'Rhino Task Force' is being formed.
The revitalization plan Aims to Expand Rhino-Bearing Areas in VTR:
The reintroduction plan aims to increase the areas within the Valmiki Tiger Reserve where rhinos can thrive.
The goal is to expand rhinoceros-bearing areas by about 5% over the next two years.
This includes strategic relocation of rhinos from congested habitats to identified locations within the reserve, such as Ganauli and Madanpur, to provide more space for breeding and population growth.
India's Vital Role in One-Horned Rhino Conservation:
India plays a critical role in the conservation of the one-horned rhinoceros species.
Approximately 75% of the world's rhino population is found in India.
Notably, over 93% of India's rhino population resides in just one protected area, the Kaziranga National Park in the state of Assam.
This highlights India's significant responsibility in safeguarding and preserving the endangered one-horned rhinoceros for its global conservation efforts.
About Valmiki Tiger Reserve
It is located in the West Champaran district of Bihar and was established in 1990 as the 18th Tiger Reserve. It covers a core area of 909.86 km² within the Valmiki Sanctuary.
Valmiki Tiger Reserve has seen a significant increase in tiger population, which ranks fourth in tiger density. From 31 tigers recorded in 2018, the reserve sees a significant increase to 54 tigers in 2022, representing a 75% increase in numbers.
In the last four years, there has been an impressive addition of 23 tigers to the reserve, further boosting conservation efforts.
The successful increase in the number of tigers in Valmiki Tiger Reserve has prompted the Bihar government to take action. He has initiated the process of developing the 'Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary (KWC)' into another tiger reserve or 'tiger-bearing landscape' within the state.
4. Madhya Pradesh government and UNFPA launch AI-powered chatbot named 'Just Ask'
Tags: State News
The Madhya Pradesh government in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has introduced an AI-powered chatbot named 'Just Ask'.
An Overview of the News
The primary goal of this initiative is to provide accurate and easily accessible information related to social issues and sexual and reproductive health and rights, targeting adolescents and young adults.
The interactive nature of a chatbot allows it to engage users in conversation and provide reliable information at no charge. It is designed to showcase two aspiring role models named Dhruv and Drishti.
The launch event saw the participation of MP Health Minister Prabhuram Chowdhary and UNFPA India representative Andrea M Wojnar.
The 'Just Ask' digital engagement platform aims to cater to user queries on various subjects related to adolescence, such as body changes, menstruation, reproductive health, pregnancy, family planning, gender identity, sexual orientation, and other topics related to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
United Nations Population Fund:
It is a subordinate body of the United Nations General Assembly, tasked to act as the responsible agency for sexual and reproductive health matters. It was created under the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
Initially established as a trust fund in 1967, the United Nations Population Fund began its operations in 1969. Subsequently, in 1987, it was officially renamed as the United Nations Population Fund.
About Madhya Pradesh
It is the second largest state of India by area after Rajasthan.
Forests occupy 25.14 percent of its area.
Governor - Mangubhai Patel
Chief Minister - Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Capital - Bhopal
5. Assam CM launches 'Amrit Brikshya Andolan' app
Tags: State News
The 'Amrit Brikshya Andolan' app and web portal was launched by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
An Overview of the News
'Amrit Brikshya Andolan' app and web portal aims to plant 1 crore saplings in a single day on 17th September 2023, a significant milestone in the state's efforts to boost the green economy and contribute to the fight against global warming.
The primary objective of the project is to significantly increase the forest cover of Assam and encourage collective action in the face of climate change.
On 17th September,around 40 lakh members of women self-help groups will play an important role by planting two commercially viable saplings each, totaling 80 lakh saplings.
The remaining 20 lakh or more saplings will be planted by various groups including Anganwadi workers, tea garden workers, government officials, police and forest battalions and the general public of the state.
To encourage participation, the state government will set up distribution centres to provide saplings in a convenient manner.
Individuals who register on the 'Amrit Brikshya Andolan' app or portal and upload their geo-tagged photographs planting saplings will receive a reward of Rs 100 in their bank account, with an aim to encourage more people to participate in the tree plantation drive. To inspire.
Looking to the future, the state government has set ambitious targets, including planting 5 crore trees by the year 2025, to further strengthen its commitment towards environmental protection and sustainable development.
The initiative has been supported and approved by the Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupendra Yadav.
About Assam:
Location: It is a state located in the northeastern region of India. It is bounded by Bhutan to the north, Arunachal Pradesh to the east, Nagaland to the northeast, Manipur to the southeast, Mizoram to the south and West Bengal to the west.
Wildlife: Contains Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park and Nameri National Park.
Language: Assamese is the official language of the state, but several other languages are also spoken, including Bengali, Bodo, and Hindi.
Formation (as a state) - 26 January 1950
Capital - Dispur
Chief Minister - Himanta Biswa Sarma
Governor - Gulab Chand Kataria
Rajya Sabha - 7 seats
Lok Sabha - 14 seats
Official Dance - Bihu Dance
Official river - Brahmaputra
6. J Chief Minister Hemant Soren approved Jharkhand's first hydrogen fuel industry
Tags: State News
On July 29, 2023, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren approved the establishment of the country's first hydrogen fuel-related industry in Jamshedpur.
An Overview of the News
The proposed facility will have a capacity of over 4,000 hydrogen IC engines/fuel agnostic engines and over 10,000 battery systems, which will require an investment of Rs 354.28 crore.
The engine will be developed by TCPL Green Energy Solutions Private Limited (TGESPL), a joint venture between Tata Motors and Cummins, USA.
The Chief Minister agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with TGESPL for the investment proposal.
Final clearance from the Single-Window Clearance Committee and the High-Powered Committee for setting up the unit is still pending.
The investment is aimed at setting up a production facility for advanced chemistry batteries, H2 fuel cells and H2 fuel delivery systems.
The setting up of this unit is expected to generate direct and indirect employment opportunities for more than 310 people.
About Jharkhand
Formation (as a state) - 15 November 2000
Capital - Ranchi
Chief Minister - Hemant Soren
Governor - C. P. Radhakrishna
Rajya Sabha - 6 seats
Lok Sabha - 14 seats
Official Animal - Indian Elephant
Official bird - Asiatic cuckoo
Official Tree - Sal Tree
7. Tamil Nadu's Namkatti, Kanyakumari matty banana and Chedibutta saree get GI tag
Tags: place in news State News
Tamil Nadu's Jaderi 'Namakatti,' Kanyakumari matty banana, and Chedibutta saree received Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the Geographical Indication Registry in Chennai.
An Overview of the News
Tamil Nadu leads the GI chart with 58 products, followed by Uttar Pradesh with more than 50 products and Karnataka with 48 products in third place.
Other products from different regions of India that have been given the GI tag include leather shoes from Agra, Nathdwara Pichhwai paintings from Rajasthan, Mushkabudji rice from Kashmir, Rajouri chicory wood craft from Jammu and Kashmir, Agasechi weyingim (Agasam brinjal) from Goa, and Sat Chiro Bheno (Sat Shirancho Bhendo) also known as Okra of Goa.
Jaderi Namkatti
It is a type of clay made of high silicate minerals, which is used to apply 'namam', the 'U' shaped tilak worn on the forehead of idols, men and temple elephants during worship of Lord Vishnu.
Kanyakumari Matty Banana (Musa sapidisiaca)
It is mainly grown in Agathiswaram, Thovalai and Tiruvattar taluks of Kanyakumari district, which receives a high annual rainfall of about 1,469 mm.
The top of the tangled banana fruit resembles the mouth of a crocodile, and there are different varieties such as Semmati (Red Matti), Than Matti (Honey Matti), and Malai Matti (Hill Matti).
Chedibutta Saree
This is a handloom saree made from art silk and cotton blend fabric, featuring chedibutta design.
The name 'Chedibutta' is derived from two Tamil words - 'chedi' (plant) and 'butta' (repeated motif or design). It is woven using black silk thread and bright coloured cotton thread is used to create the Chedibutta design.
8. Amazon India launches first floating store on Dal Lake in Srinagar
Tags: State News
Amazon India recently launched its first floating store on Dal Lake in Srinagar, Kashmir. This is in line with the company's dedication to providing reliable and convenient delivery services to customers and helping small businesses take advantage of profitable earning opportunities.
An Overview of the News
The store is an integral part of Amazon India's 'I Have Space' delivery programme, which facilitates the delivery of packages to customers living in remote areas using local stores and partners.
The 'I Have Space' store serves as a one-stop solution for many customers living and operating businesses around Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake in Srinagar, giving them better access to Amazon's products and services .
About 'I Have Space'
Amazon India's last-mile delivery program, which partners with local store and business owners to facilitate efficient product delivery within 2 to 4 km radius of their stores.
The program was launched in 2015 and has since established a vast network comprising over 28,000 neighbourhood and grocery partners.
These partners are located in around 420 towns and cities across India, making the program widely accessible and impactful.
Through this collaboration, local stores and business owners have the opportunity to generate supplemental income by providing delivery services for Amazon's products.
The program's focus on last-mile delivery enables quicker and more convenient delivery to customers living close to these partner stores.
About Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir was a state of India until August 2019, which was bifurcated as two union territories namely Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on 31 August 2019.
Capital- Srinagar (May-October), Jammu (November-April)
Lieutenant Governor - Manoj Sinha
Legislative Council - 36 seats
Legislative Assembly - 89 seats
9. President lays foundation stone of 'Divine Light House' at Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya in Odisha
Tags: State News
President Draupadi Murmu on 27 July 2023 laid the foundation stone of 'Divine Light House' at Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya at Dasabatia, Tamando near the Odisha capital.
An Overview of the News
The occasion marked the launch of the theme for the year "Year of Positive Change", reflecting the emphasis on driving positive change.
Recognizing the role of technology as a catalyst of change, President Murmu stressed the importance of both material and spiritual development for the betterment of humanity.
Acknowledging the important role of Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwavidyalaya in promoting spirituality through meditation and disciplined lifestyle, leading to inner peace.
The Divine Light House project and focus on positive change exemplify the commitment to promote holistic development and well-being within society.
Prajapita Brahmakumaris Ishwariya Vishwavidyalaya stands out not only as an organisation but also as a powerful social and spiritual movement led by women.
About Odisha
Formation - 1 April 1936
Capital- Bhubaneswar
Governor - Ganeshi Lal
Chief Minister - Naveen Patnaik
Rajya Sabha - 10 seats
Lok Sabha - 21 seats
10. Kerala to set up India's first fisheries Atal Incubation Centre
Tags: place in news Latest Popular State News
After receiving a grant of ₹10 crore from NITI Aayog, the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) will set up India's first Atal Incubation Center (AIC) in fisheries.
An Overview of the News
NITI Aayog, as the premier policy think tank of the Government of India, provided a grant to KUFOS to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the fisheries sector.
The AIC initiative is part of the Atal Innovation Mission, which aims to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across various industries in the country.
Fisheries Atal Incubation Centre:
Fisheries Atal Incubation Centre will act as a focal point to foster innovation and inspire young individuals to create advanced technologies and solutions that will address challenges faced by our marine ecosystem and fishing communities .
Its primary objective is to promote progress in the fisheries industry by providing a supportive and encouraging environment for startups and innovative initiatives within the sector.
The centre will play a key role in creating employment opportunities, creating a conducive environment for startups and entrepreneurs to flourish and succeed.
Vice Chancellor of KUFOS - T. Pradeepkumar
About Kerala
Capital - Thiruvananthapuram
Official Bird - Great Hornbill
Governor - Arif Mohammad Khan
Chief Minister - Pinarayi Vijayan
Origin of rivers in Kerala
Periyar River
Bharathapuzha River
Pamba River
Chaliyar River
Chalakudy River
India's longest lake - Vembanad, Kerala
