1. Allahabad High Court orders carbon dating of ‘Shivling’ at Gyanvapi
Tags: State News
The Allahabad High Court has recently ordered the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to conduct a carbon dating test of a 'Shivling' located inside the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi, India.
An overview of the news
The court order came in response to a petition filed by a group of Hindu activists, which claimed that the mosque was built on the site of a Hindu temple.
Activists argued that the 'Shivling' inside the mosque was proof of the presence of a pre-existing Hindu temple at the site.
The carbon dating test will be carried out by a team of experts from the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
The court has given this order so that it can be determined whether there is any evidence of a pre-existing temple at the site.
Gyanvapi Mosque is a17th-century mosque located in Varanasi, one of the holiest cities in India.
What is Carbon dating?
Carbon dating is a scientific technique used to determine the age of organic materials by measuring the amount of carbon-14 present in a sample.
Carbon-14 is a radioactive isotope of carbon that is produced in the upper atmosphere when cosmic rays interact with nitrogen atoms.
Carbon-14 is absorbed by plants and animals through photosynthesis and consumption, and its concentration in living organisms is nearly constant.
When an organism dies, it stops absorbing carbon-14, and the carbon-14 in its body begins to decay at a predictable rate.
By measuring the amount of carbon-14 remaining in a sample, scientists can calculate how long the organism has been dead.
Carbon dating can be used to determine the age of material approximately 50,000 years old.
Carbon dating is a widely used technique in archaeology, geology and other fields.
Carbon dating is an important tool for understanding the history of life on Earth and the development of human civilizations, and has contributed to important discoveries in fields such as evolutionary biology, paleontology, and anthropology.
2. Bhopal joins global movement on SDGs
Tags: State News
Bhopal becomes the first city in India to adopt the localisation of the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDG).
An overview of the news
India's Bhopal city has conducted India's first city-level Voluntary Local Review (VLR)of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Bhopal has launched 'Agenda for Action: Sustainable Urban Transformation in Bhopal', which was unveiled by Madhya Pradesh Chief MinisterShivraj Singh Chouhan.
In 2015, all 193 UN member states adopted "Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development",which included 17 Sustainable Development Goals and 169 targets, as a plan of action for people, planet and prosperity.
Member countries report on their progress towards achieving the goals through Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) to the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF).
What is VLR?
A Voluntary Local Review (VLR) is a powerful tool that enables cities and regions to localize the SDGs and report their progress towards achieving them.
Bhopal’s VLR
VLR enables cities and regions to localize the Sustainable Development Goals and report on their progress.
Bhopal's VLR is the result of a collective collaboration of Bhopal Municipal Corporation, UN-Habitat and over 23 local stakeholders to demonstrate the city's aspirations for a sustainable and inclusive urban transformation.
Bhopal's VLR incorporated a mix of quantitative and qualitative approaches to the SDG review, including a qualitative mapping of 56 developmental projects across the three pillars of People, Planet and Prosperity, and an in-depth quantitative review of SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
VLRs have emerged as a powerful tool at the forefront of local action.
New York City became the first city in 2018 to submit its voluntary local review to the HLPF of the United Nations.
By 2021, some 33 countries had publicly available 114 VLRs or similar review documents.
United Nations sustainable development goals (SDG)
The United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs) were adopted by all 193 member states in 2015 as a plan of action for people, planet, and prosperity.
There are 17 SDGs and 169 targets, which aim to eradicate poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all.
The SDGs cover a range of areas such as health, education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, sustainable cities and communities, climate action, and more.
The member states report their progress towards the achievement of the SDGs through a Voluntary National Review (VNR) to UN’s High Level Political Forum (HLPF).
Cities and regions have a pivotal role to play in the achievement of Agenda 2030, as at least 60% of the 169 targets could not possibly be achieved without their involvement.
3. Thiruvananthapuram to host fifth Global Ayurveda Festival in December
Tags: Festivals State News
The fifth edition of the Global Ayurveda Festival (GAF 2023) will take place in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala from December 1 to December 5, 2023.
An overview of the news
The event is being organized by the Center for Innovation in Science and Social Action (CISSA) in collaboration with theMinistry of AYUSH, Government of Kerala and several Ayurveda associations.
Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs,V Muraleedharan is thechairman of the organizing committee of the event.
The event will focus on showcasing the potential of Ayurveda in addressing the health challenges of the present day world and setting up a platform for global networking of Ayurveda practitioners and stakeholders.
The theme of GAF 2023 is "Emerging Challenges in Healthcare and a Resurgent Ayurveda".
Top scientists including Nobel laureates and 7,500 delegates from 75 countries are expected to participate in the event.
The event will also explore how to effectively present Ayurveda in the tourism sector, which can contribute immensely to the development of Kerala.
About Global Ayurveda Festival
The Global Ayurveda Festival (GAF) is a biennial event that aims to showcase the potential of Ayurveda as a holistic system of medicine.
The festival provides a platform for global networking of Ayurveda practitioners and stakeholders.
The festival includes presentations of research papers, poster sessions, and exhibitions of Ayurvedic medicines, herbal products, and wellness services.
4. Millet Festival in Dehradun
Tags: Festivals State News
In Uttarakhand, a four-day millet festival (Shri Anna Mahotsav) began on May 13 in Dehradun to create public awareness about the health benefits of millets and deliberate on the state's potential to grow crops in this category.
An overview of the news
Agriculture ministers, scientists and farmers of other states including Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Tomar participated in the Anna Mahotsav.
The four-day deliberations aimed at attracting more and more people towards millet production, which has been set to double by 2025.
The produce of millet will be discussed in the festival and through this festival the farmers of the state will be encouraged to cultivate millet.
The Uttarakhand state government has made a provision of Rs 73 crore for the promotion of millets in this financial year.
The aim of the government is that farmers produce more coarse grains so that their economy can be strengthened.
On this occasion, 134 stalls will be set up under the Mahotsav by the Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Universities and other institutions related to agricultural research.
International Year of Millet (IYOM)-2023
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted India's resolution and declared 2023 as the International Year of millets in March 2021.
India's proposal received the support of 72 countries.
In 2021, NITI Aayog signed a letter of intent with the United Nations World Food Program (WFP).
The partnership focuses on mainstreaming millets and helping India take a global lead in promoting its health benefits.
The objective of this partnership is to build resilient livelihoods for smallholder farmers and to build adaptability to climate change and changing food systems.
5. Supreme Court rules in favour of Delhi Govt in tussle with Centre
Tags: State News
The Supreme Court on May 11 ruled unanimously in favour of the Delhi government on the issue of who controls the bureaucracy in the national capital.
An overview of the news
A 5-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud held that in Delhi (National Capital Territory), all powers relating to services and administration, except in areas outside the legislative powers, would rest with the elected government.
However, the authority of police, public order and land will remain with the Centre.
The court said that this decision would uphold the basic structure of federalism and democracy.
Background of the case
A five-judge constitution bench of the Supreme Court was hearing the dispute between theDelhi government and the central government.
The dispute was over matters relating totransfer and control over the overall functioning of administrative services in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi.
Administrative services include appointments and transfers in the national capital.
In 2018, a five-judge constitution bench headed by then Chief Justice Dipak Misra laid down broad principles governing relations between Delhi and the Center and ruled in favor of the Delhi government on most issues.
However, the important issue of service was left unresolved after two judges gave a split verdict in 2019.
After this the issue was referred to a three-judge constitution bench and then to a five-judge constitution bench, which has now settled it.
Highlights of the court verdict
A five-judge Supreme Court bench unanimously ruled in favor of the Delhi governmenton the issue of who has control over the bureaucracy in the national capital.
Earlier, the bureaucracy was controlled by the Lieutenant Governor, the Chief Secretary and the Secretary of the Services Department.
The Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the LG cannot have comprehensive administrative powers on all issues related to Delhi.
The LG's powers do not give him the right to interfere with the legislative powers of the Delhi Assembly and the elected government.
The posting and transfer of officers will be with the Delhi government.
Theelected government should have the right to administrative service.
The Lieutenant Governor will have to follow the advice of the government.
The authority of police, public order and land will remain with the center.
6. Telangana Government Launches First-of-its-Kind State Robotics Framework
Tags: State News
Telangana government launches State Robotics Framework to establish self-sustaining robotics ecosystem and position the state as a leader in robotics in India
An Overview Of the News
This includes setting up a Robo Park with testing facilities and co-working spaces as well as a world-class robotics accelerator for startups.
It aims to support research and development, promote collaboration between academia and industry, and promote the adoption of robotics technology.
The framework focuses on leveraging robotics in agriculture, healthcare, industrial automation and consumer roboticsto drive growth and development.
About Telangana
It is a state located in south-central India on the high Deccan Plateau.
It is theeleventh largest state of India by area.
Telangana was carved out of the northwestern part of Andhra Pradesh on 2 June 2014 and became the newly formed state of Telangana with Hyderabad as the capital.
Telangana is bordered by Maharashtra to the north, Chhattisgarh to the northeast, Karnataka to the west, and Andhra Pradesh to the east and south.
As of 2019, the state of Telangana is divided into 33 districts.
Formed (by split) - 2 June 2014
Capital - Hyderabad
District - 33
Governor -Tamilisai Soundararajan
Chief Minister – K Chandrasekhar Rao (BRS)
State Legislature - Bicameral
Council - (40 seats)
Legislative Assembly - (119 seats)
Rajya Sabha - 7 seats
Lok Sabha - 17 seats
High Court -Telangana High Court
7. After J&K, lithium reserves found in Rajasthan
Tags: State News
After discovering lithium deposits in Jammu and Kashmir, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has discovered another deposit of the important mineral at Degana in Rajasthan's Nagaur district.
An overview of the news
It is believed that these reserves are much bigger in quantity than the one found in the Union Territory and can meet 80% of the total country's demand.
Currently, India is dependent on imports for several minerals such as lithium, nickel and cobalt.
Lithium deposits were found for the first time in Reasi in Jammu and Kashmir in February this year.
This was the first significant lithium mineral discovery in India, as earlier only a small deposit had been discovered in Karnataka.
Since lithium is a major component of batteries used in electric vehicles, the government is exploring deposits of the rare metal within and outside the country.
Lithium reserves are concentrated in the Lithium Triangle in South America - Argentina, Bolivia and Chile, with 50% of deposits concentrated in these regions.
China is ahead of other countries and it controls 75% of lithium refining.
About Lithium
It is a chemical element with the symbol (Li).
It is a soft and silvery white metal.
It is the lightest metal and the lightest solid element at standard conditions.
It is alkaline and a rare metal.
Lithium has an atomic number of 3 and an atomic mass of 6.941u.
Lithium is one of the key components of rechargeable batteries for mobile phones, laptops, digital cameras and electric vehicles.
It is also used in some non-rechargeable batteries for things like heart pacemakers, toys, and watches.
Countries with the largest reserves: Chile > Australia > Argentina
8. First Pharma Park to be built in Uttar Pradesh
Tags: State News
The state government has given green signal to the project of setting up a state's first Pharma Park in Lalitpur district of Bundelkhand.
An overview of the news
For this, the state government will transfer 1500 hectares of land in Lalitpur district to the Animal Husbandry Department.
The state government will spend Rs 1560 crore for development works and providing necessary facilities to the investors in Lalitpur Pharma Park.
A proposal has been prepared to transfer the vacant land of the Animal Husbandry Department in Lalitpur to the Industrial Development Department.
The Detail Project Report (DPR) will be prepared soon after selecting a consultant for the development of the Pharma Park.
Entrepreneurs setting up units in Pharma Park will be given 100% exemption in stamp duty on land purchase, capital subsidy, construction of houses for laborers, employment generation etc. by the government.
First Medical Device Park in Gautam Buddha Nagar
The Uttar Pradesh government is setting up a medical device park on 350 acres of land at the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YIDA) in Gautam Buddha Nagar.
The park is being set up in Sector 28 of Yeida where plots have been allotted to 50 entrepreneurs so far.
There is complete preparation to connect this park with metro, expressway, transport city and bullet train.
A flatted factory with a common hydrant facility will also be constructed in the Medical Device Park.
There is also a proposal to set up a police station here to help entrepreneurs.
Uttar Pradesh has received investment proposals worth Rs 16,420 crore in the medical devices manufacturing sector at the Global Investors Summit (GIS) held in February this year.
A total of 175 MoUs have been signed in this area. Most of these investors have expressed their willingness to set up their units in Medical Device Park and Pharma Park.
9. Kiren Rijiju launched the trailer of the first Tagine language film
Tags: State News
The trailer of 'Love in 90s', the first film made in Tagin language of Arunachal Pradesh, was launched by Union Law and Justice Minister Kiren Rijiju on 6th May in New Delhi.
An overview of the news
The film depicts the vibrant and colorful world of the 90s, based on the Tagin community in Upper Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh and the first film made entirely in Tagin language.
Directed by Tapen Natam, the film brings to the national platform the rich culture, tradition and local filmmaking initiatives of Arunachal Pradesh.
The film highlights the love story of two youths amidst the challenges faced by this community in Arunachal Pradesh during the 1990s.
The film not only celebrates local talent and filmmaking initiatives, but also offers a unique perspective on the struggles and triumphs of the Tagin community.
Through this film, viewers can witness the beauty and rich heritage of Tagine culture and traditions.
About Tagine Community
Tagin or Ghasi Miri tribe is one of the prominent tribe of Arunachal Pradesh, members of the Tani tribe descended from Abu Tani.
Most tagines are in Upper Subansiri district, but are also found in surrounding districts, especially in West Siang and Papum Pare.
The most important festival of the Tagins is the Si-Doni Festival, in which the Earth (Si) and the Sun (Doni) are worshiped.
The notable personality of this community is Tapi Mra (1st Everest Climber).
10. Uttar Pradesh government plans to develop a theme park on the lines of Disneyland
Tags: Government Schemes State News
The Uttar Pradesh government plans to develop a theme park named 'Ramland' in Ayodhya on the lines of Disneyland to showcase the story of Lord Ram and attract tourists.
An Overview of the News
The park aims to provide visitors a unique learning experience with entertainment, catering to both children and adults.
The development of Ayodhya as a global tourism hotspot is part of the 'Ayodhya Vision 2047' initiative, which includes around 260 projects covering various sectors such as tourism, infrastructure, housing, medicine, energy, culture, urban development and transport.
Around Rs 30,000 crore is expected to be spent on the rejuvenation of Ayodhya, and this expenditure will be borne by the Center and the UP government.
Some of the projects under the initiative include Smart City Mission, modernization of bus terminals, widening of roads, cleaning of overhead power supply cables, beautification of ghats and setting up of cultural centres.
About Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh is a state located in the northern part of India.
It is the most populous state in India as well as the most populous subdivision in the world.
The state was officially established in 1950.
Chief Minister - Yogi Adityanath
Capital - Lucknow (Executive Branch)
Governor - Anandiben Patel
Rajya Sabha - 31 seats
Lok Sabha - 80 seats
