1. Asia's largest Tulip Garden in Srinagar, J&K now open for public
Tags: State News
Asia's largest Tulip Garden opened for the public in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also attended the inauguration ceremony of this garden.
An Overview of the News
There are 1.6 million tulip flowers in the garden and it is a mesmerising sight to behold.
Last year, an unprecedented 3.60 lakh tourists visited the Tulip Garden.
Tulip Garden is a popular tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir and attracts tourists from all over the world.
About Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir was a state of India until August 2019, which was bifurcated to form 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
2. Amit Shah inaugurated APMC Kisan Bhavan at Krishi Shivir in Junagadh, Gujarat
Tags: State News
Union Home and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah laid the foundation stone of the District Bank Headquarters and inaugurated the APMC Kisan Bhavan at Krishi Shivir in Junagadh, Gujarat on 19 March.
An overview of the news
He said that natural farming is the future of agriculture today. Natural agricultural products will be promoted with the Amul brand, which will benefit the farmers.
The government is planning to expand this network to every district in the coming five years.
Strong cooperative infrastructure is the only solution for the welfare of the farmers in the country.
National level multi-state cooperatives, recently approved by the Union Cabinet to promote organic products and exports, will help farmers multiply their income over the next 10 years.
The farmer of any village of the country can easily sell his produce in the world market through the Multi State Cooperative Export Society and get a fair price for his produce.
Multi-state Cooperative Societies
The Union Cabinet in January 2023 gave its approval for the creation of three new multi-state cooperative societies under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act, 2002. These are-
National multi-state cooperative export society,
National multi-state cooperative organic society
National multi-state cooperative seed society
These societies will act as national nodal points for production, procurement, processing, branding, labelling, packaging, storage, marketing and distribution of quality seeds.
Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act, 2002
Co-operative is a state subject, but there are many societies such as sugar and milk, banks, milk unions etc. whose members and areas of operation are spread over more than one state.
This act was passed to govern the multi state cooperative societies.
For example, the Karnataka-Maharashtra border has most of the sugar mills that procure sugarcane from both the states.
Maharashtra has the highest number of such cooperative societies followed by Uttar Pradesh and New Delhi.
3. India's G-20 Presidency: Startup-20 Group holds second meeting in Sikkim
Tags: Summits State News
The Startup 20 Engagement Group under India's G-20 Presidency began a two-day meeting in Gangtok, Sikkim.
The group aims to bring together the global startup system and give each country the freedom to develop its own unique ecosystem.
An Overview of the News
Chief Minister Tamang also acknowledged the significant scope for aggregators in developing end-to-end chains of organic farm and livestock products as well as medicinal plants and tourism in Sikkim.
The state government has set up an incubation center under the Atal Innovation Mission at Sikkim Manipal University and launched schemes like One Family, One Entrepreneur in Sikkim to address the challenges faced by startups in the state.
Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Som Prakash reiterated the commitment of the Union Government to strengthen the startup ecosystem of the Northeast.
The meetup aims to connect large businesses under B20 with small entrepreneurs from Startup20.
About Sikkim
Located - Eastern part of the country
Establishment - 16 May 1975 as the 22nd state of India
Capital - Gangtok
Chief Minister - PS Tamang
Minister of State for Commerce and Industry - Som Prakash
Borders - China, Bhutan, West Bengal and Tibetan region of Nepal
Highest peak of India and third highest peak of the world - Mount Kanchenjunga is located in Sikkim
Rivers - River Teesta and its tributaries like Rangit, Lhonak, Talung and Lachung
4. Jharkhand govt launches job portal to ensure 75% local quota in pvt sector
Tags: State News
The Jharkhand government on 17 March launched ‘Jharniyojan’ portal where all private establishments have to register themselves.
An overview of the news
Its objective is to fulfill the state government's promise of ensuring 75 percent employment to local candidates in the private sector of the state.
The portal will act as a platform for employers to share information related to occupations and manpower and for candidates looking for jobs.
Employers using the portal will have to comply with the 'Jharkhand State Employment of Local Candidates in Private Sector Act, 2021'.
Local companies and employers are expected to voluntarily comply and provide employment opportunities to local youth/women.
Jharkhand State Employment of Local Candidates in Private Sector Act, 2021
It was passed with the objective to provide employment opportunities to the unemployed youth of the state at the local level.
In 2022, the rules related to the implementation of the Act were notified.
As per the Act, 75% of jobs in the private sector with a salary of up to Rs 40,000 will be reserved for "locals" in the state.
It is applicable to all establishments which are in the private sector and where 10 or more persons are employed.
In case local companies face problems in getting skilled manpower locally, a provision has been made under the Act to provide necessary training to eligible youth.
Central or state government undertakings will not be covered under the Act.
However, the provisions of the Act shall apply to all organizations outsourcing services to Central Government or State Government establishments/undertakings.
5. Pennaiyar River Dispute
Tags: State News
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As the three-month deadline set by the Supreme Court for setting up an Inter-State River Water Disputes Tribunal for the Pennaiyar river has expired, Tamil Nadu is awaiting further action from the Centre.
An overview of the news
The Supreme Court in December directed the Center to set up a Pennaiyar River Water Disputes Tribunal within three months to resolve the dispute over sharing of water between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
In 2018, Tamil Nadu filed a lawsuit against Karnataka for building check-dams and diversion structures on the river.
On November 30, 2019, Tamil Nadu formally requested the central government to set up a tribunal to settle disputes over the waters of the river.
In mid-December 2022, the Supreme Court gave the Center three months to set up a tribunal to resolve the dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
Interstate River Water Dispute
Interstate river water disputes are currently one of the most contentious issues in Indian federalism.
The Cauvery water dispute and Sutlej-Yamuna link canal cases are some examples.
Various Inter-State Water Disputes Tribunals have been constituted so far.
According to Article 131 of the Constitution, the Supreme Court, in its original jurisdiction, decides a dispute between the Government of India and one or more States or between the Government of India and any State or States or between two or more States on river water disputes.
About Pennaiyar River
It originates in the Nandi Hills in Chikkaballapura district of Karnataka and flows through Tamil Nadu before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
The major tributaries are Chinnar, Markanda, Vaniyar and Pamban.
It is the second longest river in Tamil Nadu after Cauvery with a length of 497 km.
It is the second largest interstate east-flowing river basin among the 12 basins located between the Pennar and Cauvery basins.
It covers a large area in the state of Tamil Nadu apart from areas included in the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
Important cities on the banks of Pennaiyar River – Bangalore, Hosur, Tiruvannamalai and Cuddalore South.
6. Narender Singh Tomar inaugurates “AgriUnifest” in Bengaluru
Tags: State News
Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar on 15 March inaugurated a 5-day cultural program "AgriUnifest" in Bengaluru.
An overview of the news
It was organized by Bangalore Agricultural University in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
More than 2500 meritorious students from 60 State Agricultural Universities/Deemed Universities/Central Universities participated in it.
Students showcase their skills in 18 events under 5 disciplines (Music, Dance, Literature, Theatre, Fine Arts).
The All India Inter Agricultural University Youth Festival was conceptualized and initiated by ICAR during 1999-2000 with the objective of integrating Indian agriculture by connecting various Indian cultures.
Its objective was to nurture the talent of the youth of the Agricultural Universities and represent Indian culture.
Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shobha Karandlaje, Karnataka Agriculture Minister B C Patil and ICAR Deputy Director General (Education) Dr R C Aggarwal were present on the occasion.
About Indian Council of Agricultural Research
It is an autonomous body formerly known as the Imperial Council of Agricultural Research.
Headquarters - New Delhi
Established - 1929
The Union Minister of Agriculture serves as its president. Presently its president is Narendra Singh Tomar.
ICAR is the largest network of agricultural research and education institutes in the world.
7. India to showcase organic farming of Sikkim at B20 conference in Gangtok
Tags: Summits State News
The vibrant organic farming of Sikkim will be prominently showcased to the world through the 3rd B20 Summit to be held in Gangtok, Sikkim from 15 to 17 March 2023.
An overview of the news
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is organizing four B20 conferences in the North Eastern Region to showcase the untapped potential and opportunities within the region.
Out of which two conferences have already been held in Imphal and Aizawl.
The third and fourth conferences are to be held in Gangtok and Kohima respectively.
The hosting of the B20 summit in Sikkim is important to showcase the vibrant organic farming of the state to the world.
In addition, the B20 event to be held in Gangtok will throw light on organic farming.
G20 Tracks
G20 has two Tracks- Sherpa Track and Finance Track.
Sherpa Track has 13 working groups and 11 engagement groups.
DPIIT is the nodal ministry for two working groups namely Startup 20 and Business 20 (B20).
Working groups consist of non-governmental participants from each G20 member who provide recommendations to G20 leaders and contribute to the policy-making process.
Business 20 (B20)
It was formed in 2010 and is the official G20 dialogue platform with the global business community.
The B20 aims to provide concrete actionable policy recommendations on each Presidency's priorities to drive economic growth and development.
The B20 has scheduled a total of 100 meetings, including 65 in-person meetings and 35 hybrid meetings.
B20 summit to be held in New Delhi from 26 -27 August 2023.
The Startup 20
Startup 20 has been established under the G20 Presidency of India.
It aims to act as a dialogue platform with stakeholders of the global startup ecosystem.
It aims to represent the global startup ecosystem with G20 leaders to raise macroeconomic concerns and challenges faced by entrepreneurs.
A total of 60 meetings of the Start-up 20 Engagement Group will be held, of which 5 are in-person meetings.
The upcoming event is Startup 20 Gangtok, Sikkim on 18-19 March 2023.
The Startup 20 Summit will be held in Gurugram from 2 -4 July 2023.
8. Uttarakhand govt approves 10 % horizontal reservation for statehood activists in state govt jobs
Tags: State News
In the state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the proposal to give 10 percent horizontal reservation in government jobs to the state agitators and their dependents was approved.
An overview of the news
For the last 12 years, the workers agitating for the formation of the state are not getting the benefit of reservation in government jobs.
Along with this, it was decided to increase the MLA Area Development Fund from Rs.3.75 crore to Rs.5 crore.
Uttarakhand was formed in November 2000, before that there were agitations regarding its formation.
Apart from this, a decision was also taken in the meeting to give Rs 40 lakh instead of Rs 25 lakh to Mahila Mangal Dals consisting of local women working as sports coaches.
The cabinet also approved the new solar energy policy of the state.
It also approved the setting up of an Authority on Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement in each district headed by a District Judge or an Additional District Judge.
About Uttarakhand
location - Northwestern part of the country
Capital - Dehradun
Formation - November 9, 2000 as 27th state of India
Chief Minister - Pushkar Singh Dhami
Governor -Gurmit Singh
State Animal - Alpine Musk Deer
State Bird - Himalayan Monal
State Flower - Brahma Kamal
Districts - 13
9. PM Modi dedicates to nation Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway in Karnataka
Tags: State News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway in Karnataka on 12 March.
An overview of the news
Built at a cost of over Rs 8400 crore, the 10-lane Bengaluru Mysuru Expressway will boost connectivity and socio-economic development in Karnataka.
The 118 km long Bengaluru-Mysore Expressway will reduce the travel time between Bengaluru and Mysuru from three hours to about 75 minutes.
Other Projects
Mysuru-Kushalnagar Highway - The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of the Mysuru-Kushalnagar Highway.
New campus of IIT Dharwad - The Prime Minister also dedicated to the nation the new campus of IIT Dharwad, developed at a cost of Rs 850 crore.
World's longest railway platform- He also inaugurated the world's longest railway platform at Hubli station.
Electrification of Hosapete-Hubli-Tinaghat section - Electrification of Hosapete-Hubli-Tinaghat section and upgraded Hosapete station projects were also dedicated to the nation by the Prime Minister.
Jaidev Hospital and Research Center- He laid the foundation stone of Jaidev Hospital and Research Center in Hubli.
Smart City program of Hubli-Dharwad - Various projects worth Rs 520 crore were inaugurated and commissioned under the Smart City program in the twin cities of Hubli-Dharwad.
Dharwad Multi Village Water Supply Scheme: To augment water supply in the region, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of the Dharwad Multi Village Water Supply Scheme, which will be developed at a cost of over Rs 1,040 crore.
Tupparihalla Flood Damage Control Project: He also laid the foundation stone of Tupparihalla Flood Damage Control Project, which will be developed at a cost of around 150 crores.
10. Army unfurls 100-ft-high national flag in J-K’s Doda
Tags: State News
The Indian Army installed a 100-foot-high national flag in the mountainous Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir on 9 March.
An overview of the news
The effort is aimed at paying a befitting tribute to the innumerable soldiers who laid down their lives for the country.
This is the second such high-mast flag hoisted by the Army in the Chenab Valley region, which was a militancy hotbed a decade ago.
In July 2022 a 100-foot-high national flag was installed in the nearby Kishtwar town.
Major General Ajay Kumar, General Officer Commanding of the Army's Delta Force, unfurled the tallest flag at the Doda Sports Stadium in Sector 9.
The national flag, which can be seen from a distance, will make every citizen feel proud for the country.
On June 24, 2007, Naib Subedar Lal, who was posthumously awarded Ashok Chakra, Vir Chakra and Sena Medal, laid down his life fighting a group of terrorists trying to infiltrate through the Line of Control (LoC) in Kupwara.
