1. Madhya Pradesh Pioneers India’s First Paperless Election
Tags: State News
Madhya Pradesh State Election Commission (SEC) has conducted India’s first paperless election.
An Overview of the News
The pilot project took place during a Panchayat by-election in Ratua Ratanpur village, Bhopal, for the position of Sarpanch, achieving an 84% voter turnout.
The initiative aims to digitize manual voting processes previously conducted on paper.
Voter identification now utilizes thumb impressions and electronic signatures to ensure authenticity and prevent proxy voting.
Benefits of the Paperless System
The new system generates real-time data and improves accuracy while requiring fewer human resources.
It enhances transparency and facilitates a smoother election process.
Online Monitoring and Communication
Voting percentages and ballot accounting are conducted online, with updates provided every two hours across all platforms.
After polling, accounts of ballot papers are electronically sent to candidates and polling agents via email.
2. Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma Launches Mizoram's Flagship 'Handholding Scheme
Tags: State News
On September 19, 2024, Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma officially launched Mizoram's new flagship initiative, the Handholding Scheme (Bana Kaih).
An Overview of the News
The launch event took place at Vanapa Hall, Aizawl. The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to entrepreneurs and farmers to promote economic growth and self-sufficiency.
Key Features of the Scheme
The Handholding Scheme includes five key components designed to support progress partners (beneficiaries).
The main feature is a collateral-free and interest-free loan system, offering up to Rs. 50 lakh through partner banks.
The state government will act as a guarantor for the loans, utilizing national credit guarantee schemes.
Beneficiaries who repay consistently may receive up to 100% interest subvention, making it the first scheme of its kind in India.
Additional Financial Support and Market Assistance
The Chief Minister's Special Category Scheme offers a grant-in-aid of up to Rs. 1 lakh for individuals unable to avail loans.
A Minimum Support Price (MSP) has been introduced for four key crops: Ginger, Broom, Turmeric, and Mizo Birdeye Chilli.
Farmers unable to secure market rates higher than the MSP will receive government support to match the declared rate.
A pilot procurement program for Paddy in Kolasib and Mamit districts offers a support rate of Rs. 30 per kg.
Implementation and Pilot Phase
The government of Mizoram has declared the current year as the "Year of Consolidation".
The Handholding Scheme will be implemented as a pilot project during the current financial year.
Market and departmental support will be provided to ensure the effective execution of the scheme.
3. Pune Airport to be Renamed Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj Airport
Tags: State News
The Maharashtra government approved the renaming of Pune Airport to Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj Pune International Airport. The decision was taken during a state cabinet meeting.
An Overview of the News
The proposal for renaming was put forward by Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, who is from Pune.
The state cabinet has approved the proposal, which will now be sent to the Centre for final approval.
About Sant Tukaram:
Sant Tukaram was a renowned saint and poet from the Bhakti movement.
He was born in Pune district and is revered for his spiritual contributions.
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 - C. P. Radhakrishnan
Additional Information:-
Maharashtra Adopts 'One Village, One Ganapati' Initiative for Unified Ganeshotsav
President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Vishwashanti Buddha Vihara in Udgir, Latur district, Maharashtra.
Sujata Saunik Appointed Maharashtra's First Woman Chief Secretary.
Maharashtra becomes the first state in the country to approve Good Governance Regulations.
4. Kerala Tops State Food Safety Index 2024 for the Second Consecutive Year
Tags: INDEX State News
Kerala has topped the State Food Safety Index (SFSI) for the second year in a row, as announced in the SFSI 2024 report.
An Overview of the News
The index was released during the Second Edition of Global Food Regulators Summit 2024 by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Previous Rankings:
Kerala first topped the index in 2023.
In 2022, Kerala held the second position, with Gujarat ranking first.
Criteria for Ranking:
The State Food Safety Index measures performance based on five parameters:
Human Resources and Institutional Data
Compliance
Food Testing – Infrastructure and Surveillance
Training & Capacity Building
Consumer Empowerment
Top Ranking States:
Following Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Jammu & Kashmir, and Gujarat secured second, third, and fourth places, respectively.
Special Mention for Nagaland:
Nagaland received special recognition for improving its food safety ecosystem compared to the previous year.
5. Telangana CM Unveils MSME Policy-2024
Tags: State News
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy launched the new MSME Policy-2024.
An Overview of the News
The policy aims to address six key challenges faced by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
It includes a ₹4,000 crore investment over five years.
The launch event took place in Hyderabad, with Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and IT Minister D Sridhar Babu also present.
The policy promotes industrial opportunities for Dalits and women, encouraging their participation in MSMEs.
The government has partnered with TATA to upgrade Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) with an investment of ₹2,400 crore.
About Telangana
It is in south-central India, on the Deccan Plateau.
11th largest Indian state by area.
Formed on June 2, 2014, from Andhra Pradesh.
Borders Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
Capital: Hyderabad
Governor: Jishnu Dev Varma
Chief Minister: Revanth Reddy
Rajya Sabha: 7 seats
Lok Sabha: 17 seats
Additional Information:- Telangana Registers First FIR Under New Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at Charminar Police Station
6. India Conducts First 'Teal Carbon' Study at Keoladeo National Park
Tags: Science and Technology State News
India has conducted its inaugural study on 'teal carbon' at Keoladeo National Park (KNP) in Rajasthan’s Bharatpur district.
An Overview of the News
Teal carbon refers to carbon stored in non-tidal freshwater wetlands, including carbon in vegetation, microbial biomass, and organic matter.
These wetlands serve as natural carbon sinks, crucial for regulating greenhouse gases, but are vulnerable to degradation from pollution, land-use changes, and water extraction.
Study Objectives
Estimate the carbon storage capacity of non-tidal freshwater wetlands in India.
Identify critical threats to these wetland ecosystems and their carbon sequestration potential.
Provide recommendations for wetland conservation and restoration.
Raise public awareness about the role of wetlands in climate change mitigation.
Importance of Wetlands
Wetlands offer essential ecosystem services such as water purification, flood control, and wildlife habitat.
Their carbon sequestration potential is significant, making their conservation vital for ecological balance and climate resilience.
Threats and Challenges
Wetlands face threats from urbanization, agricultural expansion, and pollution.
Addressing these threats requires a multi-pronged approach, including scientific research, policy interventions, and community engagement.
Keoladeo National Park
Location: Rajasthan
National Park Status: Declared in 1982
UNESCO World Heritage Site: Designated in 1985
7. Manipur’s T.G. English School Wins 63rd Subroto Cup Junior Boys Title
Tags: Sports State News
Manipur’s T.G. English School won the Junior Boys title at the 63rd Subroto Cup International Football Tournament.
An Overview of the News
They defeated Meghalaya’s Myngken Christian Higher Secondary School 4-3 in a sudden-death tiebreaker after a 1-1 tie in regulation time.
The final was held at BR Ambedkar Stadium in New Delhi.
This victory marked the third time in history and the first time in 44 years that a team from Manipur has won the prestigious trophy.
Match Highlights
Manipur took the lead with a goal from Namdigong Kamei in the 32nd minute.
Meghalaya equalized with a penalty from Banpliebok Khongjoh in the 64th minute, just before the end of regulation time.
In the sudden-death tiebreaker, Meghalaya’s goalkeeper Wanpli Malang missed his spot-kick.
This miss allowed Manipur to clinch the title.
Tournament Background
The Subroto Cup is one of Asia’s oldest football tournaments.
It aims to promote grassroots football across the country.
8. State Cabinet Approves Five Additional POCSO Fast-Track Courts in West Bengal
Tags: State News
West Bengal will establish five new POCSO fast-track courts, Bringing Total to 67.
An Overview of the News
The state currently has 62 POCSO courts and 6 e-POCSO courts.
Minister of State (Independent Charge) Chandrima Bhattacharya announced the decision at a press conference.
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO) aims to ensure speedy justice for sexual offences against children.
The proposal for the new courts was previously submitted by the judicial department and has now been approved by the state cabinet.
After this addition, there will be a total of 67 POCSO fast-track courts and 6 e-POCSO courts in West Bengal.
About West Bengal
Neighbouring Countries - Bangladesh borders it in the east, Nepal, and Bhutan in the north.
Neighbouring States - Assam, Jharkhand, Bihar, Sikkim, and Odisha are joined by its border.
Capital- Kolkata
Governor- C. V. Ananda Bose
Chief Minister- Mamata Banerjee
Lok Sabha seats- 42
Rajya Sabha seats- 16
9. Maharashtra Adopts 'One Village, One Ganapati'Initiative for Unified Ganeshotsav
Tags: State News
The 'One Village, One Ganapati' initiative is being widely adopted across Maharashtra for this year's Ganeshotsav to promote unity and streamline celebrations.
An Overview of the News
The festival was initiated by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak to unite people and support India's independence.
The 'One Village, One Ganapati' initiative is being embraced by numerous villages in Maharashtra, reflecting the festival's spirit of unity.
In Palghar’s Urse, the initiative has been in place since 1973, uniting local communities with a single communal idol and creating a Dekhava to celebrate major events.
The scheme is gaining traction in Hingoli (305 villages), Nashik (804 villages), Washim (225 villages), and Satara (571 villages), demonstrating a strong response to celebrating Ganpati Bappa together.
Nashik District
In Nashik, 804 villages are participating in the initiative, maintaining the same number as last year.
The local police, led by Additional SP Aditya Mirkhelkar, support this approach to prevent competition and foster social integration.
Kolhapur District
Kolhapur has 289 villages following the 'One Village, One Ganpati' model.
Superintendent of Police Mahendra Pandit emphasized strict arrangements and enforcement of High Court orders regarding sound levels.
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 - C. P. Radhakrishnan
Official Animal - Indian giant squirrel
Official Bird - Yellow-footed Green Pigeon
Official Dance - Lavani
Additional Information:-
President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Vishwashanti Buddha Vihara in Udgir, Latur district, Maharashtra.
Sujata Saunik Appointed Maharashtra's First Woman Chief Secretary.
Maharashtra becomes the first state in the country to approve Good Governance Regulations.
Maharashtra was awarded Best Agriculture State for 2024 by the 15th Agriculture Leadership Awards Committee.
10. Sonbhadra Police Line Becomes First in Purvanchal to Receive ISO-9001:2015 Certification
Tags: State News
Sonbhadra Police Line becomes the first in Purvanchal (eastern Uttar Pradesh) to achieve ISO-9001:2015 certification.
An Overview of the News
The certification recognizes excellence in management, training, services, and facilities.
Awarded by the International Organisation for Standardization (ISO).
Significance of ISO-9001:2015 Certification
The certification underscores the implementation of international standards.
Focuses on enhancing police efficiency, human resource management, and workplace conditions.
Marks a step toward delivering better services to police personnel and officers.
Precedent Set by Gautam Buddha Nagar
The Gautam Buddha Nagar (Noida) Commissionerate was the first in Uttar Pradesh to achieve ISO-9001:2015 certification.
The success of this model laid the groundwork for other police lines to follow suit.
About Uttar Pradesh
Founded: 24 January 1950
Capital: Lucknow (Executive Branch)
Rajya Sabha: 31 Seats
Lok Sabha: 80 Seats
Chief minister: Yogi Adityanath
Governor: Anandiben Patel
Additional Information:-Uttar Pradesh Unveils World's First Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre.
