1. L Murugan becomes 1st Union Minister to visit India’s first village
Tags: State News
Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Fisheries and Animal Husbandry L Murugan on 22nd April became the first central minister to visit India’s first village Avangkhu, a village along the India-Myanmar border in Nagaland’s Phek district.
An overview of the news
The Union Minister visited the International Trade Center at Awangkhu, Phek.
He recalled the Centre’s commitment towards developing the north-east, including the border areas of the region.
Highlighting India’s seriousness towards the Act East Policy, the Minister announced that the two lane road upto Avangkhu border has already been sanctioned and work will start soon.
He hoped that the International Trade Center at Awangkhu would witness an increase in business activities due to increase in trade volume and better connectivity.
On the development of piggery in the state, Dr. Murugan said that the National Livestock Mission (NLM) is supporting the entrepreneurs of the state and strengthening the agriculture infrastructure and technology.
He also announced that a grant of Rs 14.99 lakh has been allocated to Phek district for screening children's films in the district.
About Nagaland
Nagaland is a state located in Northeast India, bordering Myanmar.
Formation - 1 December 1963
Capital - Kohima (Executive Branch)
Language - English
River - Longleng, Peren, Varkha, Kiphire, Mokokchung, Phek, Zunheboto, Kohima, Mon, Tuensang
Festivals - Hornbill Festival, The Motsu Mong Festival
National Park - Intanki National Park
Wildlife Sanctuaries - Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary, Puli Baij Wildlife Sanctuary, Rangapahar Reserve Forest
Chief Minister - Neiphiu Rio
Governor - La Ganesan
Official Bird - Blyth's Tragopan
Official Animal - Gayal
Official Flower - Rhododendron Arboreum
Legislative Assembly - 60 seats
Rajya Sabha - 1 seat
Lok Sabha - 1 seat
Largest city - Dimapur
District - 16
2. Maharashtra government announces 4% reservation for employees with disabilities in promotions
Tags: State News
Maharashtra government announced 4% reservation for employees with disabilities in promotions and this reservation will be applicable to cadres where recruitment through direct service is less than 75%.
An Overview of the News
The dues of non-teaching staff in non-agriculture universities will be paid in five instalments over the next five years as per the 7th Pay Commission.
A Department of Disabilities was set up in December 2022to safeguard the interests and welfare of persons with disabilities, making Maharashtra the first state in the country to have a dedicated department for the purpose.
Women belonging to open and backward categories are not required to produce non-creamy layer certificates for the reserved posts.
Under the Mukhyamantri Saur Krishi Feeder Yojana, 30 percent of agriculture feeders will be covered under solar power and the initiative aims to ensure reliable and sustainable power supply for agriculture pumps.
About Maharashtra
It is a state located in the western part of India and covers a significant part of the Deccan Plateau.
Chief Minister - Eknath Shinde
Governor - Ramesh Bais
Official Animal - Indian giant squirrel
Official Bird - Yellow-footed Green Pigeon
Official Dance - Lavani
3. Karnataka got national award for Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana
Tags: Awards State News
Karnataka received the National Award for Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and the award was accepted by Shivayogi Kalasad, Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Govt.
An Overview of the News
Karnataka was recognized as the leading state in implementing the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) scheme during a national conference in Chhattisgarh.
According to agriculture department officials, an amount of Rs 687.4 crore has been settled for 5.66 lakh farmers with pending claims since 2018.
In Karnataka, the PMFBY scheme is being implemented through a state designed and developed portal called 'SANRAKSHAN' created in collaboration with the National Informatics Center (NIC).
Enrollment of farmers for the PMFBY scheme in Karnataka was 16.15 lakh in 2021, to increase to 23.86 lakh in 2022, showing an increase of 47.74% in enrollment over the previous year.
The increase in enrollment was attributed to the Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaigns conducted across the state.
lakh, which shows an increase of 47.74% in enrollment as compared to the previous year. The increase in enrollment was attributed to the Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaigns conducted across the state.
About Karnataka
It is a state in southwest India and is bordered by Maharashtra to the north, Goa to the northwest, Andhra Pradesh to the east, Tamil Nadu to the southeast, and Kerala to the southwest.
The state has a varied landscape, with the Arabian Sea to its west and the Western Ghatsto its east.
Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka, is known as the "Silicon Valley of India" and is a major centre of technology and innovation.
Chief Minister - Basavaraj Bommai
Governor - Thawar Chand Gehlot
Recent Awards
Maratha Udyog Ratna 2023 Award - Nilesh Sambre
Malcolm Adiseshiah Award 2023 - Utsa Patnaik
Business Leader of the Decade - Kumar Mangalam Birla
Pravasi Bhartiya Samman -Raj Subramaniam
4. NMC approves Nagaland to set up its first medical college
Tags: State News
The National Medical Commission (NMC) approved the setting up of the Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, which will become the first medical college in the northeastern state of Nagaland.
An Overview of the News
The academic session of the medical college will start from 2023-24.
The medical college will have a capacity of 100 seats for MBBS students and 85 seats will be reserved for Nagaland origin students, while the remaining 15 seats will be open for applicants from other states.
Minister of Health and Family Welfare - P. Paiwang Konyak
Health and Family Welfare Commissioner and Secretary - Y Kikheto Sema
About Nagaland
Nagaland is a state located in Northeast India, bordering Myanmar.
Formation - 1 December 1963
Capital - Kohima (Executive Branch)
Language - English
River - Longleng, Peren, Varkha, Kiphire, Mokokchung, Phek, Zunheboto, Kohima, Mon, Tuensang
Festivals - Hornbill Festival, The Motsu Mong Festival
National Park - Intanki National Park
Wildlife Sanctuaries - Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary, Puli Baij Wildlife Sanctuary, Rangapahar Reserve Forest
Chief Minister - Neiphiu Rio
Governor - La Ganesan
Official Bird - Blyth's Tragopan
Official Animal - Gayal
Official Flower - Rhododendron Arboreum
Legislative Assembly - 60 seats
Rajya Sabha - 1 seat
Lok Sabha - 1 seat
Largest city - Dimapur
District - 16
5. Construction of multi-purpose indoor stadium started in Shillong
Tags: Sports State News Sports News
Presently the construction of Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at Polo in Shillong started and it is the largest stadium of its kind in the North Eastern region.
An Overview of the News
It will be a multi-purpose indoor stadium which will provide state-of-the-art facilities for various disciplines such as basketball, squash, badminton, table tennis, volleyball and many more.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at Polo Ground in Shillong is being renovated, upgraded and expanded to include a football field with natural grass turf and a state-of-the-art facility to host track and field events.
The stadium is being constructed to high-quality standards, ensuring it will be fit to host international sporting events.
About Meghalaya
It is a state located in Northeast India.
It was formed on January 21, 1972 by carving out two districts from the state of Assam: United Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills and Garo Hills.
Shillong is the capital and largest city of Meghalaya.
Meghalaya is home to several indigenous tribes including the Khasis, Garos and Jaintias, each with their own distinct culture, traditions and languages.
Governor - Fagu Chauhan
Chief Minister - Conrad Sangma (NPP)
Official language - English
Legislative Assembly - Meghalaya Legislative Assembly (60 seats)
Rajya Sabha - 1 seat
Lok Sabha - 2 seats
Lake - Umiam Lake
River - Kopili
Festival - Nongkrem Dance, Wangala Festival, Ahiya
National Parks - Balpakram National Park, Nokrek National Park
Wildlife Sanctuaries - Baghmara Pitcher Plant Wildlife Sanctuary, Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary, Siju Bird Sanctuary
6. Assam and Arunachal Pradesh sign agreement to settle boundary dispute
Tags: State News
The governments of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh have signed an agreement for the settlement of an inter-state boundary dispute between the two States on 21 April.
An overview of the news
This agreement was signed by the Chief Minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma and Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu in presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi.
The agreement between the two states will end the dispute over 123 villages along the border.
The settlement has been done keeping in mind the historical perspective, demographic profile, administrative convenience, proximity to the border and aspirations of the residents.
Both the state governments have agreed that this settlement will be final in respect of these disputed villages and in future neither state will make any new claim related to any area or village.
After the agreement, a detailed survey will be conducted by the Survey of India to determine the boundaries of the two states.
What is Assam and Arunachal Pradesh boundary dispute?
Assam shares an interstate border of 804.10 km with Arunachal Pradesh.
The state of Arunachal Pradesh, created in 1987, claims that some of its residents' land has been given to Assam.
Arunachal Pradesh has raised concerns from time to time that several forest areas in the plains that traditionally belonged to hill tribal communities were unilaterally transferred to Assam.
A tripartite committee recommended that some areas be transferred from Assam to Arunachal.
Assam contested this and the matter is in the Supreme Court.
7. Kerala becomes the first state to adopt "Water Budget"
Tags: State News
Kerala has adopted a water budget, the first of its kind in the country, to deal with the problem of water scarcity in summer.
An Overview of the news
Despite the abundance of rivers, streams, backwaters and rainfall, many parts of Kerala face severe water scarcity during summer.
The water budget will help the state to ascertain the demand and supply of water resources and apportion it accordingly.
The first phase of the water budget covers 94 gram panchayats in 15 block panchayats, and the details were unveiled by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
Volunteers, resource persons and technical committee members have considered all water sources in each panchayat, including rainfall, wetlands, canals and other water bodies, and also calculated the demand from humans and animals, agriculture and industries.
The water budget will be prepared by a committee of various experts along with officials from the Center for Water Resources Development and Management and the State Water Resources Department.
Rehabilitation of the irrigation network is also underway in the Western Ghats, with about 7,290 km of irrigation network already rejuvenated under Phase I and II of the project.
About Kerala
Capital - Thiruvananthapuram
Official Bird - Great Hornbill
Governor - Arif Mohammad Khan
Chief Minister - Pinarayi Vijayan
India's longest lake - Vembanad, Kerala
Origin of rivers in Kerala
Periyar River
Bharathapuzha River
Pamba River
Chaliyar River
Chalakudy River
8. Thawe Festival organised in Bihar
Tags: Festivals State News
The Thawe Festival took place on 15th and 16th April in Gopalganj, Biharand the festival was jointly organised by the Department of Tourism and the Department of Art and Culture.
An Overview of the News
The objective of the festival is to promote tourism in Gopalganj and invite visitors to Thawe Durga Temple.
Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar Tejashwi Yadav inaugurated the festival.
Bollywood singer Himesh Reshammiyaparticipated in the second day of the festival.
This year the 11th Annual Thave Festival was celebrated.
The festival has been organised since 2012 at the Home Guard Ground near Thawe Durga Temple.
List of famous fairs and festivals of Bihar-
Chhath Puja: It is one of the most important festivals in Bihar and is celebrated to worship the Sun God.
Makar-Sankranti: It is celebrated every year on January 14, and marks the beginning of the harvest season.
Buddha Jayanti: Celebrated on the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha, considered the founder of Buddhism.
Sonepur Pashu Fair: It is one of the biggest cattle fairs in Asia and is organised every year in the month of November.
Rajgir Festival: It is celebrated every year in the month of October and is a three-day festival which showcases the cultural heritage of Bihar.
Sama-Chakeva Bihula: This is one such festival which is celebrated every year in the month of November.
Madhushravani: It is a festival celebrated every year in the month of August, and is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Ganga.
Pitru Paksha Mela: It is held every year in the month of September, and is dedicated to ancestor worship.
Malmas Fair: It is held every three years in Bihar, and is considered to be one of the biggest fairs in the state.
9. Mangrove Pitta bird found in Odisha
Tags: State News
Mangrove Pitta birds were counted in two coastal districts of Odisha, Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur, in which 179 birds were found.
An Overview of the News
Mangrove pitta (Pitta Megharencha) birds are near threatened and are found in parts of eastern India.
179 different mangrove pitta birds were counted in the mangroves near the mouth of the Mahipura River inside the Bhitarkanika National Park.
Birds were counted by sight and by their chirping.
1,39,959 birds of 140 species arrived in Bhitarkanika National Park in January this year.
Bhitarkanika National Park
It is a protected area located in the Kendrapara district of Odisha in eastern India.
It covers an area of 145 square kilometres and was established as a national park on September 16, 1998.
Bhitarkanika National Park, also recognized as a Ramsar site on 19 August 2002, is a wetland of international importance.
It also has a rich mangrove ecosystem that supports a wide variety of plant and animal life.
About Odisha
It is an eastern Indian state situated on the Bay of Bengal.
It is bounded by Jharkhand in the north, West Bengal region in the north east and Chhattisgarh in the south and Bay of Bengal in the east.
Formation - 1 April 1936
Capital - Bhubaneswar
District - 30 (3 Divisions)
Governor - Ganeshi Lal
Chief Minister - Naveen Patnaik
State Legislature - Unicameral
Legislative Assembly - Odisha Legislative Assembly (147 seats)
Rajya Sabha - 10 seats
Lok Sabha - 21 seats
10. 'Kambam Angoor' gets GI tag
Tags: State News
The GI tag was granted to Tamil Nadu's famous Cumbum Paneer Thirachai, also known as Cumbum Grapes.
An Overview of the News
The Cumbum Valley on the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu is known as the 'Grape City of South India', where Paneer Thirachai is cultivated.
Theni district Paneer Thirachai is one of the highest grape growing regions. However, the 'Paneer' variety is mainly associated with the Cumbum Valley, where the area under cultivation is spread over about 2,000 acres in 10 villages.
This variety, also known as Muscat Hamburg, is known for its rapid growth and early maturity.
Paneer grapes were first introduced to Tamil Nadu in 1832 by a French priest. These grapes are rich in vitamins, tartaric acid and antioxidants, and they also help reduce the risk of some chronic diseases.
What is a GI Tag?
A Geographical Indication (GI) is a name or sign given to products that come from a specific geographical location.
GIs certify that products have been made using traditional methods or have specific qualities due to their origin.
It is used for food, handicrafts and industrial products.
GI tag ensures that only authorised users can use the name of the product.
Who grants and regulates Geographical Indications?
It is a type of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) recognized and protected under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.
The World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) provides a framework for the protection of GIs at the international level.
In India, the registration and protection of GI is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, which came into effect in September 2003.
About Tamil Nadu
The state was formed on 26 January 1950 but its boundaries were redrawn on 14 January 1969.
It is situated at the mouth of the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean.
Tamil Nadu is the largest producer of bananas and flowers, second largest producer of mangoes, rubber, groundnut, coconut and third largest producer of coffee.
Governor - Ravindra Narayan Ravi
Chief Minister - MK Stalin
Assembly seats - 235 seats
Rajya Sabha seats - 18
Lok Sabha seats - 39
