1. PM Modi launches 'Urea Gold', a sulphur-coated fertiliser for advanced farming
Tags: Environment place in news
Prime Minister Modi launched a new type of urea called "Urea Gold" during his visit to Rajasthan.
An Overview of the News
Urea Gold is coated with sulphur, which can enhance soil quality and reduce farmers' expenditure.
Urea Gold, also known as Sulphur Coated Urea (SCU), is a new variety of urea that requires less field application and improves crop quality.
The launch aims to address soil fertility issues and lower input costs for farmers, making Urea Gold a more economic and qualitatively better option than the existing neem-coated urea.
Sulphur coated urea releases nitrogen slowly, and adding humic acid extends its shelf life as a fertiliser.
According to a report, using 15 kg of Urea Gold provides benefits equivalent to 20 kg of conventional urea, making it a more efficient and cost-effective option for farmers.
2. Bengaluru becomes the first Indian city to join the World Cities Culture Forum (WCCF)
Tags: place in news International News
Karnataka capital Bengaluru has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Indian city to join the prestigious World Cities Culture Forum (WCCF).
An Overview of the News
The World Cities Culture Forum (WCCF) is a global network of cities that collaboratively research and share intelligence to explore the important role of culture in shaping future prosperity.
Bengaluru is the 41st city to join WCCF, which already includes 40 cities across six continents such as New York, London, Paris, Tokyo and Dubai.
In the past year, the cultural essence of Bengaluru has been showcased through multimedia assets by WCCF as part of a collaborative project called 'Unboxing Bangalore'.
The 'Unboxing BLR Foundation' established in April 2022 played a key role in this achievement. The Foundation is a non-profit initiative, founded by Prashant Prakash, founding partner of Accel India, and Malini Goyal, a philanthropist and journalist.
World Cities Culture Forum (WCCF):
WCCF was established in 2012.
Justin Simmons, the Deputy Mayor of London for Culture and Creative Industries, was instrumental in its setting up.
In 2015, Queen Elizabeth recognized Justin Simmons' significant contribution to culture in London.
As a token of appreciation, Justin Simmons was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE).
About Bengaluru
Known as the 'Silicon Valley of India', Bengaluru has more than 30 government and private museums. Notably, in 2019, India's first interactive music museum was inaugurated, and later in February 2020, the Museum of Art and Photography (MAP) opened, becoming the first major private art museum in South India.
At the core of Bengaluru's vibrant intellectual and cultural exchange is the Bengaluru International Centre, established in 2019 within a 20,000 sq ft renovated industrial warehouse. Another hub of creativity is the Bangalore Creative Circus, which acts as an urban living laboratory.
Bengaluru serves as a major centre for film production, especially hosting the Kannada film industry which produces over 100 films annually. In addition, the city has a rich musical heritage, which includes North Indian (Hindustani) and South Indian (Karnataka) classical music.
Living up to its title as the "Garden City of India", Bengaluru is adorned with many green spaces, notably the nationally acclaimed Botanic Garden, Lal Bagh and Cubbon Park. These green areas add to the natural charm and beauty of the city.
3. 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
4. Italy inaugurates "VC Yashwant Ghadge Sundial Memorial
Tags: place in news International News
Italy inaugurated the "VC Yashwant Ghadege Sundiyal Memorial" in honor of the Indian Army's significant contribution during World War II.
An Overview of the News
The memorial, located in Monton, Perugia, Italy, commemorates the bravery and sacrifice of Naik Yashwant Ghadege, who lost his life in the Upper Tiber Valley.
The monument's motto, "Omines sub - eodem soul," translates to "We all live under the same sun" in Hindi.
The ceremony was attended by India's Ambassador to Italy and Indian Defense Attache, Dr. Nina Malhotra, along with numerous Italian citizens, distinguished guests, and members of the Italian Armed Forces.
Indian troops played a crucial role in the Italian campaign, with over 50,000 soldiers from the 4th, 8th, and 10th divisions participating.
Notably, Indian soldiers were awarded six out of the twenty Victoria Crosses given in Italy for their extraordinary valour.
The Indian soldiers suffered a total of 23,722 casualties during the campaign, and 5,782 of them made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
These brave soldiers are remembered and honoured in 40 Commonwealth War tombs scattered across Italy.
5. Lavasa, India's first private hill station, sold to Darwin Platform Infrastructure for Rs 1.8 thousand crore
Tags: place in news State News
India's first private hill station Lavasa was sold to Darwin Platform Infrastructure for Rs 1.8 thousand crore after the approval of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).
An Overview of the News
The resolution plan of Darwin Platform Infrastructure has been accepted by the NCLT and includes payment of Rs 1,814 crore.
This payment includes Rs 929 crore to be paid to lenders and Rs 438 crore allocated to provide fully constructed houses to 837 approved home owners.
The primary objective of Darwin Platform Infrastructure's resolution plan is to address claims of home buyers and ensure delivery of completed homes within five years, subject to obtaining environment clearance, with a total claim amount of Rs 6,642 crore.
The resolution plan for Lavasa aims to reduce the concerns and uncertainties that have arisen among various stakeholders associated with the Lavasa project.
As per the approved resolution plan, home buyers will be required to bear the actual future construction cost payable to Darwin Platform Infrastructure, while ensuring transparency and accountability in the process of receiving fully constructed properties.
Lavasa Hill Station:
It is situated in the picturesque Mulshi Valley within the Western Ghats near Pune.
It was established in 2000 by the Hindustan Construction Company, becoming India's first private hill town.
Some of the prominent financial lenders in Lavasa include Union Bank of India, L&T Finance, Arcil, Bank of India and Axis Bank.
Covering an extensive area of 25,000 acres, Lavasa displays impressive infrastructure and mesmerising natural beauty.
Lavasa Corporation obtained permission to build a dam on the Varasgaon River and develop the necessary infrastructure to facilitate the city's growth.
Darwin Platform Infrastructure:
It is a Mumbai based company belonging to Darwin Group, which has interests in various sectors like retail, realty, infrastructure and other businesses.
Ajay Harinath Singh is the Chairman of Darwin Group.
Lavasa faced financial troubles, as a result of which it failed to meet payment obligations to its creditors, including Raj Infrastructure Development India.
As a result of Lavasa's inability to meet its payment obligations, Raj Infrastructure Development India filed a litigation against the company, which was later approved in 2018.
6. DPIIT and Government of Gujarat jointly launch 'One District One Product' wall
Tags: place in news
One District One Product (ODOP) programme, an initiative of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry collaborated with the Government of Gujarat to promote indigenous crafts and artisans of the state.
An Overview of the News
The ODOP Wall was jointly inaugurated on 20 July 2023 by Manmeet Nanda, Joint Secretary, DPIIT and Aarti Kanwar, Resident Commissioner and Secretary (Economic Affairs), Government of Gujarat, at Garvi Gujarat Bhawan, New Delhi.
Gujarat, with its 33 districts, offers a wide range of unique products, including traditional crafts such as Gamathi block prints and Mata-ni-Pachedi, as well as agricultural goods such as groundnut and cumin.
The collaboration between ODOP and the Government of Gujarat includes product tagging and story cards to enhance the promotion and recognition of Gujarat's unique products.
The partnership aims to increase the visibility of Gujarat products at the national level and drive consumers towards the emporia, thereby boosting sales.
Specific interventions have been made to enhance the market presence of certain products in Gujarat. For example, Sujani Handloom, Jamnagari Bandhini, and Patan Patola have been onboarded on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), and support from the National Institute of Design (NID) workshop has been provided for Agate Stone in Khambat district and Sujani from Bharuch district.
About Gujarat
Formation - 1 May 1960
Capital - Gandhinagar
Chief Minister - Bhupendra Bhai Patel
Governor - Acharya Devvrat
District - 33
Rajya Sabha - 11 seats
Lok Sabha - 26 seats
7. Birth of three tiger cubs for the first time in Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve (RVTR)
Tags: Environment place in news
For the first time, three tiger cubs were born at Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve (RVTR) in Bundi, Rajasthan.
An Overview of the News
This significant event happened a year after a tigress named T-102 was transferred to the park.
The number of tigers in the reserve has now increased to five, including a male tiger named T-115 and a tigress named T-102, who is the daughter of Ranthambore tigress T-73.
During the previous birth, the tigress gave birth to four cubs in November 2020, but they were killed by male tiger T-115 or other wild animals.
To ensure the safety and survival of the newborn cubs, plans are underway to relocate the tigress from the area, as the male tiger poses a threat to them.
Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve:
Ramgarh Vishdhari Wildlife Sanctuary was designated a tiger reserve on 5 July 2021 as it was given in-principle approval by the NTCA.
It was given the status of a wildlife sanctuary in 1982 under a state act called the Rajasthan Wild Animals and Birds Protection Act, 1951.
It is located in the Bundi district of Rajasthan.
Its core area is 481.9 sq km and buffer area is 1019.98 sq km.
Mez river passes through this tiger reserve which is a tributary of Chambal river.
The total population of tigers in this reserve is five which includes one male tiger, one tigress and three newborn cubs.
8. Rare bird 'Jerdon's Babbler' spotted in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, Uttar Pradesh
Tags: Environment place in news
A rare and globally endangered bird species called 'Jerdon's Babbler' was recently spotted in the grasslands of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR) in Uttar Pradesh.
An Overview of the News
According to surveyors, more than 95% of 'Jerdon's Babbler' in India are from Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
The Jordanian babbler lives in pairs in small flocks in tall grasslands.
This globally threatened bird has been listed as 'vulnerable' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) since 1994.
Distribution and Conservation Efforts
Earlier, the Jordan Babbler was found along the Sutlej River in Haryana and Punjab. However, due to habitat loss, this species is now mainly found in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
Noida-based Habitats Trust works towards protecting the grasslands in the area to support the bio-diverse bird population.
Their efforts are aimed at restoring ecological functionality and promoting the well-being of both species and humans.
About 30% of the global population of the Jordanian babbler is found in India.
About 'Jerdon's Babbler':
It is a passerine bird native to the wetlands and grasslands of the Indian subcontinent.
Its scientific name is Chrysomma altirostre.
It is a member of the genus Chrysomma of the family Paradoxornithidae.
It is found in Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan.
It lives throughout the year near river channels, where it inhabits dense reeds and tall grasslands.
9. India to open consulate in southern French city of Marseille
Tags: place in news
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on 14 July 2023 that India will open a consulate in the southern city of Marseille, France.
An Overview of the news:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Indian community at La Seine Musicale in Paris during his visit to France.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the highest French award 'Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour' by the President of the Republic of France, Emmanuel Macron on 13 July 2023.
- Prime Minister Modi is on an official visit to France and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 13 to 15 July 2023. This is the sixth visit of Prime Minister Modi to France.
- The Prime Minister was the chief guest at the Bastille Day Parade on 14 July 2023, in which a contingent of the Indian Armed Forces from the three services also participated.
- This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership and the Prime Minister's visit will provide an opportunity to chart out a roadmap for the future of the partnership in various areas such as strategic, cultural, scientific, educational and economic cooperation.
France:
- Capital: Paris
- Currency: Euro
- President: Emmanuel Macron
- Prime Minister: Elizabeth Bourne
10. 3,000-Year-Old "Condor's Passageway" Discovered at Peru Temple Site
Tags: place in news
Archaeologists in Peru have discovered a 3,000-year-old sealed passageway, dubbed the "Condor's Passageway", at a temple site associated with the ancient Chavín culture.
An Overview of the News
This corridor is believed to lead to additional chambers within the vast temple complex.
The Chavín culture is renowned for its impressive artistic achievements, often representing birds and cats in its artwork.
Chavin de Huantar:
Chavin de Huantar is an archaeological site located approximately 190 miles (306 km) northeast of Lima, Peru.
The site was an important centre of the Chavín culture, which flourished around 1,500–550 BCE.
Chavín de Huantar is one of the oldest and best-known pre-Columbian sites, predating the rise of the Inca Empire by more than 2,000 years.
It served as the centre of social, political and religious activities in the Andean highlands.
The Chavín people developed a sophisticated society with a complex religious hierarchy and an extensive trading network.
Chavín de Huantar's impressive stone buildings, terraces and plazas showcase intricate anthropomorphic and zoomorphic bas-relief carvings.
In recognition of its cultural importance, Chavín de Huantar was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
