1. Coca-Cola India and Hockey India form first partnership for National Women's Hockey League
Tags: Sports
Anandana, Coca-Cola India Foundation has announced its first collaboration with Hockey India for the National Women's Hockey League 2024-2025, marking the inaugural edition of the tournament.
An Overview of the News
The partnership aims to grow women's hockey by focusing on key aspects such as providing specialized coaching, training equipment, nutritional support and organizing camps and competitions to facilitate development.
The partnership is in line with Coca-Cola India's #SheTheDifference campaign, which is dedicated to celebrating, empowering, and supporting women.
About National Women's Hockey League 2024–2025:
The first phase of the tournament started on April 30, 2024, and is scheduled to end on May 9, 2024, in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
The league consists of eight teams: Haryana, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Bengal, Mizoram, Manipur, and Odisha.
These teams secured the top eight positions in the 14th Hockey India Senior Women's National Championship 2024, to be held in Pune, Maharashtra, from March 13 to 23, 2024.
2. Indian diplomat Abhay Thakur appointed as the next envoy to Myanmar
Tags: Person in news
Senior Indian diplomat Abhay Thakur has been appointed the next Ambassador to Myanmar and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced the appointment on March 26.
An Overview of the News
Thakur, a 1992-batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), is currently serving as an Officer on Special Duty in the Ministry of External Affairs.
He previously held the position of Sous-Sherpa (deputy representative) for the G20 process during India's chairmanship.
Thakur's appointment underlines India's diplomatic engagement with Myanmar.
Important times for India-Myanmar relations:
Timing of appointment: Given the current circumstances, Thakur's selection as India's envoy to Myanmar is significant.
Political unrest: Mass violent protests are taking place in Myanmar following the military coup on February 1, 2021, advocating for the restoration of democracy.
India's stand: India advocates restoring "inclusive federal democracy" in Myanmar through dialogue and constructive engagement among all stakeholders.
Strategic Neighborhood Bond:
Geographical proximity: Myanmar shares a 1,640-km-long border with several northeastern Indian states, including Nagaland and Manipur.
Strategic Importance: Myanmar holds strategic importance as one of the neighboring countries of India.
Engagement in Global Diplomacy:
Participation: Thakur participated in the G20 Development Working Group meeting in Brasilia as an Officer on Special Duty (G20).
3. Champawat and Pithoragarh districts included in the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme to promote tourism
Tags: Government Schemes
The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has included two frontier districts of Uttarakhand, Champawat, and Pithoragarh, in the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme.
An Overview of the News
The objective of the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme is to promote tourism activities and develop these areas from a tourism point of view, providing basic facilities to visitors.
As part of the Swadesh Darshan scheme, Gunji, a place in Pithoragarh district, is set to take up development work in the tourism sector, with an allocated budget of Rs 75 crore.
Swadesh Darshan Scheme:
Swadesh Darshan Scheme is a central sector scheme launched by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
It aims to develop theme-based tourism circuits while enhancing the potential of India's tourism sector.
The scheme is aligned with other national programs such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Skill India, and Make in India to harness the potential of tourism for employment generation and economic growth.
15 theme-based circuits under Swadesh Darshan:
Buddha Circuit: Covers important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in states like Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh.
Coastal Circuit: It aims to promote India as a "Sun, Sea and Surf" destination covering the states along the coastline.
Desert Circuit: Focuses on showcasing the deserts of India including the Thar Desert, Kutch and areas like Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh.
Eco Circuit: Develops eco-friendly and natural destinations in states like Kerala, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Mizoram and Jharkhand.
Heritage Circuit: Preserves and promotes cultural heritage at UNESCO World Heritage sites in many states.
North East Circuit: Promotes tourism development in the North Eastern states.
Himalayan Circuit: Extends to the northern border states including Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and the North-East region.
Sufi Circuit: Celebrates Sufi practices and cultural heritage.
Krishna Circuit: Focuses on religious tourist destinations.
Ramayana Circuit: Centers around places associated with the stories of Lord Rama, mainly in Uttar Pradesh.
Rural Circuit: It aims to revive rural economies and provide an authentic Indian experience to tourists.
Tirthankara Circuit: Jain Tirthankaras and their teachings are commemorated through various pilgrimage sites across the country.
Wildlife Circuit: Focuses on wildlife tourism, especially in states like Assam and Madhya Pradesh.
Tribal Circuit: Provides insight into the tribal traditions of India, covering states like Chhattisgarh, Nagaland and Telangana.
Spiritual Circuit: Attracts spiritual tourists, focusing on states like Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Bihar, Rajasthan and Puducherry, which are known for their spiritual significance.
4. Assam Governor unveils 'Sarpanch Samvad' mobile app
Tags: State News
Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria unveiled the 'Sarpanch Samvad' mobile application developed by the Quality Council of India (QCI) at Raj Bhavan.
An Overview of the News
QCI launched 'Sarpanch Samvad' as an initiative with the goal of connecting approximately 2.5 lakh Sarpanches (village heads) from across India.
It serves as a comprehensive platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and promoting collaboration among Sarpanches.
This initiative enables Sarpanches to showcase the developmental activities taking place in their respective villages, gain knowledge of best practices, and network with fellow Sarpanches across the country.
About Assam:
Location: It is a state located in the north-eastern region of India. It is bounded by Bhutan in the north, Arunachal Pradesh in the east, Nagaland in the northeast, Manipur in the southeast, Mizoram in the south, and West Bengal in the west.
Wildlife: Includes Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, and Nameri National Park.
Formation (as a state) - 26 January 1950
Capital - Dispur
Official Language - Assamese
Chief Minister - Himanta Biswa Sarma
Governor - Gulab Chand Kataria
Rajya Sabha - 7 seats
Lok Sabha - 14 seats
Official Dance - Bihu Dance
5. Neeraj Mittal appointed as Secretary, Department of Telecommunications (DoT)
Tags: Person in news
Neeraj Mittal was appointed as Secretary in the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
An Overview of the News
Neeraj Mittal is a 1992-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer.
He is currently serving as the Principal Secretary in the Department of Information Technology, Tamil Nadu.
Prior to this, he worked as Senior Advisor in the World Bank Group and as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
He is replacing K Rajaraman, who is now the chairman of the International Financial Services Centers Authority (IFSCA) in Gujarat.
S Krishnan will head the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
S Krishnan, a 1989 batch IAS officer, was appointed as the new Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
Krishnan currently holds the post of Industries Secretary in the Tamil Nadu State Government.
His appointment comes after the retirement of the previous secretary Alkesh Kumar Sharma on August 31.
Important appointments and changes in the Ministries and Departments of the Government of India
VL Kantha Rao, who was earlier holding the post of Additional Secretary in the Department of Telecommunications, has been selected as the Secretary in the Ministry of Mines.
Former Secretary, the Ministry of Mines, Vivek Bhardwaj will now hold the role of Officer on Special Duty in the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
Umang Narula has been designated Secretary in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, bringing his broad administrative experience to this vital portfolio.
Arunish Chawla, a 1992 Bihar cadre IAS officer, is set to take charge as the secretary of the Department of Pharmaceuticals within the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers from November 1, 2023.
Chanchal Kumar of the 1992 batch and Bihar cadre has been appointed as Secretary in the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region.
Vumlunmang Vualnam, a 1992 Manipur cadre IAS officer, has been assigned the role of Secretary in the Ministry of Civil Aviation. He previously served as Additional Secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs under the Ministry of Finance.
6. Vumlunmang Vualnam assumes the role of Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India
Tags: Person in news
Vumlunmang Vualnam officially begins his tenure on September 1, 2023, in the role of Secretary in the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), Government of India.
An Overview of the News
Vualnam takes over the position after the superannuation of Rajeev Bansal, who retired on August 31, 2023.
Vualnam is a distinguished Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1992 batch. He is part of Manipur cadre.
Throughout his career, Wualnam has held various important roles in the Central Government. These include serving as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, and Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Corporate Affairs.
He has also held important roles in the Government of Manipur. These posts include Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare Department and Director of Transport.
Vualnam has also contributed internationally as an advisor to the Executive Director at the World Bank.
About the Ministry of Civil Aviation
It acts as the central authority responsible for the development and regulation of civil aviation in the country.
One of its primary roles is to formulate national policies and programs aimed at guiding the development and management of civil aviation.
Beyond policy formulation, it also oversees various aspects of aviation, including airport facilities, air traffic services, and transportation of passengers and cargo by air.
Additionally, the ministry is tasked with administering and enforcing the provisions set forth in the Aircraft Act of 1934 and the Aircraft Rules of 1937.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation is also responsible for the administrative oversight of the Commission of Railway Safety.
7. Assam's International Airport Becomes 1st Airport In Northeast India To Launch 'Digi Yatra' Facility
Tags: Latest Popular State News
Guwahati's popular Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LBBI) has become the first airport in Northeast India to launch a 'Digi Yatra' facility.
An Overview of the News
The innovative service aims to enhance the air travel experience in the region by streamlining airport processes.
Cooperation and Objectives:
The 'Digi Yatra' initiative is a collaboration with the Ministry of Civil Aviation with the goal of modernizing and improving air travel.
It aims to revolutionize passenger navigation through airports, making it more intuitive and convenient.
Major Areas of Implementation:
The 'Digi Yatra' service has been implemented in three main areas of the airport: entry points, check-in counters, and boarding zones.
Traditional long queues and delays during check-in and security procedures are expected to come down significantly.
Facial Recognition Technology:
The core of the 'Digi Yatra initiative is the use of facial recognition technology for seamless airport travel.
This eliminates the need for traditional methods of ticket verification and ID checking.
Security and Privacy Measures:
Passenger data is encrypted and stored in the passenger's smartphone wallet, ensuring privacy.
No personally identifiable information (PII) is stored during the process.
Industries and Commerce Minister of Assam - Chandra Mohan Patowary
About Assam:
It is a state located in the northeastern region of India. It is bounded by Bhutan in the north, Arunachal Pradesh in the east, Nagaland in the northeast, Manipur in the southeast, Mizoram in the south, and West Bengal in the west.
Formation (as a state) - 26 January 1950
Capital - Dispur
Chief Minister - Himanta Biswa Sarma
Governor - Gulab Chand Kataria
8. 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
9. India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway
Tags: International News
The India-Myanmar-Thailand (IMT) Highway is a regional connectivity project covering approximately 1,360 km (845 mi) that aims to connect India, Myanmar and Thailand.
An Overview of the News
The project was proposed by former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and approved in 2002. Its construction began in 2012 and is being implemented in several phases.
The Ministry of External Affairs in India, in collaboration with Myanmar and Thailand, is responsible for project implementation, with funds allocated from the Ministry of Finance.
The highway starts from Moreh in Manipur, India, passes through Myanmar and ends at Mae Sot in Thailand. The India-Myanmar Friendship Road is the first section connecting Tamu/Moreh to Kalemyo and Kalewa.
India's contribution to the project includes the construction of 69 bridges along with access roads on the 74-km Kalewa-Yagyi road section and the 70-km Tamu-Kyygon-Kalewa (TKK) road section in Myanmar.
About Thailand
It is officially known as the Kingdom of Thailand and historically known as Siam, located on the Indochinese peninsula in Southeast Asia.
It is bordered by Myanmar and Laos to the north, Laos and Cambodia to the east, and Malaysia and the Gulf of Thailand to the south.
On the western side, it is bordered by the Andaman Sea, and also has maritime borders with Vietnam to the southeast and Indonesia and India to the southwest.
Capital- Bangkok
Official language - Thai
Emperor - Vajiralongkorn (Rama X)
Prime Minister - Prayut Chan-o-cha
About Myanmar
Capital - Naypyidaw
Official Language - Burmese
President - Myint Swe (Acting)
SAC President and Prime Minister - Min Aung Hlaing
SAC Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister – Soe Win
10. Assam government launched "Gajah Kotha" campaign
Tags: Government Schemes
Assam launched "Gajah Kotha" campaign to address the growing problem of Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC).
An Overview of the News
The "Gajah Kotha" campaign involves over 1,200 participants and aims to promote coexistence between humans and elephants.
The focus of the campaign is on HEC affected villages in Eastern Assam.
The main objective is to educate the residents about elephant behaviour, ecology and the cultural importance of elephants in the region.
The campaign emphasizes the importance of conservation efforts in reducing HEC.
Aranyak, a renowned wildlife NGO based in Guwahati is leading the campaign.
The British Asian Trust and the Assam Forest Department are collaborating on this initiative.
The Darwin Initiative is providing support for the expedition.
The launch of the "Gajah Kotha" campaign reflects Assam's commitment to promote harmonious co-existence between humans and elephants.
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: 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
