1. Amit Shah Unveils e-Sakshya, Nyaya Setu, Nyaya Shruti, and e-Summon Apps in Chandigarh
Tags: State News
Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced the e-Sakshya, Nyaya Setu, Nyaya Shruti, and e-Summon apps in Chandigarh.
An Overview of the News
The Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, Gulab Chand Kataria, and the Union Home Secretary attended the event.
Major Reforms in Criminal Laws
Amit Shah highlighted that the new laws—Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nyaya Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA)—reflect modern Indian values and justice.
The Minister emphasized the need for updating laws that date back 150 years to match contemporary India’s needs.
Technological Integration in Justice System
The new laws aim to create the most advanced and technology-enabled criminal justice system globally.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has established forensic science universities and improved technical capacity, including the appointment of IT specialists and recruitment of new personnel.
Features of New Apps and Systems
e-Sakshya: Saves all evidences including videography and testimonies on an e-evidence server for immediate court access.
e-Summon: Allows electronic delivery of summons from courts to police and individuals.
Nyaya Setu: Integrates police, medical, forensic, prosecution, and prison data on a single dashboard.
Nyaya Shruti: Enables court hearings via video conferencing to expedite case resolution.
2. Jharkhand Launches Mukhyamantri Maiyaan Samman Yojana to Empower Women
Tags: State News
The Mukhyamantri Maiyaan Samman Yojana has been launched by the Hemant Soren government in Jharkhand to provide financial assistance to eligible women.
An Overview of the News
The scheme will be officially launched by Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on 16 August 2024.
The scheme is seen as a pre-election measure before the Jharkhand legislative assembly election in November/December 2024.
Objective
Originally called Jharkhand Behan Beti Swavalamban Protsahan Yojana, the Mukhyamantri Maiyaan Samman Yojana aims to empower women financially.
It also aims to improve education, health, and nutrition for women through financial assistance.
Implementation
Special enrollment camps will be set up in all panchayats and wards across districts from 3-10 August 2024 to ensure eligible women are enrolled.
The scheme operates on a direct benefit transfer (DBT) model, providing Rs 1000 per month to eligible women directly into their bank accounts.
Eligibility and Cost
Women aged 21-50 years with an annual income of less than Rs 8 lakhs are eligible for the scheme.
An estimated 48 lakh women are expected to benefit from the scheme.
The scheme is anticipated to cost the state government around Rs 4000 crore per month.
About Jharkhand
Founded - 15 November 2000
Before was - Part of Bihar
Capital - Ranchi
Chief minister - Hemant Soren
Governor - Santosh Gangwar
Symbols of Jharkhand
Bird - Koel
Flower - Palash
Mammal - Indian elephant
Tree - Sal
3. Karnataka Approves Renaming Ramanagara District to Bengaluru South
Tags: State News
The State government has approved renaming Ramanagara district to Bengaluru South. This move aims to capitalize on the "Brand Bengaluru" image.
An Overview of the News
The Revenue Department will soon issue a notification to formalize the name change.
Proposal and Process
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar proposed the renaming, benefiting his constituency, Kanakapura.
The Cabinet's approval is deemed sufficient for the renaming process, bypassing the need for a separate committee study.
Historical Context
Ramanagara town has had multiple names historically, including Shamserabad and Closepet, before being renamed Ramanagara.
About Karnataka
Capital:- Bengaluru (Executive Branch)
Chief minister:- Siddaramaiah
Governor:- Thawar Chand Gehlot
Bird:- Indian roller
Additional Information:-
Karnataka's Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited (UCSL), a subsidiary of Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), has secured a Rs 1,100 crore international order from Norwegian Firm Wilson ASA.
India's largest and third leopard safari has been launched at Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP), located 25 kilometers south of Bengaluru.
Karnataka Launches 'Digital Nagarik & AR-VR Skills'
4. Goa Launches 'Goem Vinamulya Vij Yevjan'
Tags: State News
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has launched the 'Goem Vinamulya Vij Yevjan' in Goa.
An Overview of the News
'Goem Vinamulya Vij Yevjan' scheme is in alignment with the Prime Minister’s Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
It aims to increase solar rooftop potential and empower residential homes to generate their own electricity.
Budget and Duration:
Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana has a budget of Rs 75,021 crore.
The scheme will run until the fiscal year 2026-27.
Aims to boost solar energy adoption across India and reduce reliance on traditional power sources.
Financial Details:
The Goem Vinamulya Vij Yevjan has an initial investment of Rs 35 crore.
Central Financial Assistance will be provided.
Goa Energy Development Agency will cover the balance cost of rooftop installations up to 5kW.
This support is for consumers who have used 400 or fewer units in the past year.
About Goa
Admission to Union: December 19, 1961
Previous Name: Goa, Daman, and Diu
Capital: Panaji
Official Sport: Football
Official Animal: Gaur
Official Bird: Flame-throated bulbul
Chief Minister: Pramod Sawant
Governor: P.S. Sreedharan Pillai
5. Charaideo Maidam Becomes Northeast India’s First Cultural UNESCO World Heritage Site
Tags: State News National News
The Charaideo Maidam, a 700-year-old mound-burial system of the Ahom dynasty in eastern Assam, has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list under the 'cultural property' category.
An Overview of the News
The decision was made during the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) held in New Delhi.
Charaideo Maidam was India’s nomination for UNESCO’s World Heritage Site status in the cultural category for 2023-2024.
Out of 52 sites, Assam’s Charaideo Maidam was selected by the Government of India.
Announcement and Celebrations
Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat announced the inclusion, sparking celebrations in various parts of Assam.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on July 21 that Charaideo Maidam would be India’s 43rd UNESCO World Heritage Site and the first in the northeast region in the cultural property category.
Significance of Charaideo Maidam
It is the first time a site from the northeast has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage list under the cultural category.
It is Assam’s third World Heritage Site after Kaziranga and Manas National Parks.
The Charaideo Maidams are highly venerated, embodying the unique burial architecture and tradition of the Tai Ahoms.
Nomination Process
On January 16, the Assam government submitted the World Heritage Nomination Dossier for the Maidams to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for UNESCO's evaluation in the 2023 cycle.
Historical Context
Out of 386 Maidams explored, 90 royal burials at Charaideo are the best preserved, representative, and most complete examples of this tradition.
The Maidams enshrine the mortal remains of Ahom royalty.
Initially, deceased Ahoms were buried with their paraphernalia, but after the 18th century, the Ahom rulers adopted the Hindu method of cremation, later entombing the cremated bones and ashes in a Maidam at Charaideo.
400th Birth Anniversary of Lachit Borphukan
During the nation’s celebration of the 400th birth anniversary of Lachit Borphukan, Prime Minister Modi viewed an exhibition showcasing a model of a Maidam, highlighting the unique burial architecture and tradition of the Tai Ahoms.
About UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations (UN).
It is also a member of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UN SDG), a coalition of United Nations agencies and organisations that aims to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Headquarters:- Paris, France
Director General: Audrey Azoulay
Founded: 16 November 1945in London, United Kingdom
The organisation has -193 members and 11 associate members.
About Assam:
Formation (as a state) - 26 January 1950
Language: Assamese
Capital - Dispur
Chief Minister - Himanta Biswa Sarma
Governor - Gulab Chand Kataria
Rajya Sabha - 7seats
Lok Sabha - 14 seats
Official Dance - Bihu Dance
Official river - Brahmaputra
6. PM Modi Launches Construction of World's Highest Tunnel in Ladakh
Tags: State News National News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually initiated the first blast for the Shinkun La Tunnel project in Kargil, Ladakh.
An Overview of the News
The event was held on the occasion of the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas, where Modi also paid tribute to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the 1999 Kargil War by laying a wreath at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass.
Project Details:
The Shinkun La Tunnel is set to provide all-weather connectivity to Leh and is being constructed on the Nimu-Padum-Darcha Road.
The tunnel will be a 4.1 km long Twin-Tube tunnel, constructed at an altitude of around 15,800 feet, making it the highest tunnel in the world.
The construction will include cross-passages every 500 metres and is expected to take at least two years to complete.
Significance and Budget:
The Shinkun La Tunnel will enhance the movement of armed forces and equipment and promote economic and social development in Ladakh.
The project, with a budget of Rs 1,681 crore, was approved by the PM-led cabinet committee on security in February of the previous year.
About Ladakh
Union Territory Since: October 31, 2019
Capitals: Leh and Kargil
Districts: 2
Lieutenant Governor: B. D. Mishra
7. Jharkhand Assembly Disqualifies Two MLAs Under Anti-Defection Law
Tags: State News
On July 25, Jharkhand Assembly Speaker’s Tribunal disqualified two MLAs under the anti-defection law, effective from July 26.
An Overview of the News
The disqualified legislators are Lobin Hembrom from the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and Jai Prakash Bhai Patel from the Congress.
This decision was made just before the Jharkhand Assembly's six-day monsoon session, which starts on July 26.
JMM and BJP initiated the anti-defection proceedings against Hembrom and Patel, respectively.
Hembrom ran independently for the Rajmahal Lok Sabha seat, challenging the JMM's official candidate, Vijay Hansdak.
Patel joined Congress before the Lok Sabha elections and contested from the Hazaribag seat.
Both Hembrom and Patel were defeated in the elections.
The judgment was delivered by Assembly SpeakerRabindra Nath Mahto on July 25.
Anti-Defection Law (ADL)
ADL was introduced in 1985 as the 52nd Amendment to the Constitution, aiming to prevent legislators from frequently switching parties or voting against party directives.
Elected members can be disqualified for voting against their party or making antagonistic decisions.
Strengthening:
In 2003, the 91st Amendment added provisions to disqualify defectors and bar them from ministerial positions for a period.
8. Assam Unveils Amrit Brikshya Andolan 2.0 App to Boost 3 Crore Tree Planting Campaign
Tags: State News
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the Amrit Brikshya Andolan 2.0 app on July 19, 2024.
An Overview of the News
The app enables individuals to register or renew their participation in the tree-planting campaign.
The initiative aims to plant 3 crore saplings across Assam from August 1 to 15, 2024.
The state has a total of 4 crore saplings, with 1 crore reserved for replacements.
Implementation and Distribution
4,000 distribution points have been established throughout the state for efficient sapling distribution.
Saplings will be sourced from the State Government's nurseries.
Long-Term Goals
The state government plans to plant 10 crore saplings in the coming years.
The initiative highlights Assam’s commitment to environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation.
About Assam:
It is a state located in the northeastern region of India.
It is bounded by Bhutan to the north, Arunachal Pradesh to the east, Nagaland to the northeast, Manipur to the southeast, Mizoram to the south and West Bengal to the west.
Wildlife: Contains Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park and Nameri National Park.
Language: Assamese
Formation (as a state) - 26 January 1950
Capital - Dispur
Chief Minister - Himanta Biswa Sarma
Governor - Gulab Chand Kataria
Rajya Sabha - 7 seats
Lok Sabha - 14 seats
Official Dance - Bihu Dance
Official river - Brahmaputra
9. Telangana CM Launches 'Rajiv Gandhi Civils Abhayahastam' Scheme
Tags: State News
On July 20, 2024, Anumula Revanth Reddy, the Chief Minister (CM) of Telangana, launched the 'Rajiv Gandhi Civils Abhayahastam' scheme.
An Overview of the News
'Rajiv Gandhi Civils Abhayahastam' Scheme launch took place at the Praja Bhavan in Hyderabad, Telangana.
Under this scheme, financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh will be provided to Telangana's Civil Services aspirants who have qualified for the Mains exams of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
This is the first time in the state's history that the government has provided financial support for UPSC Mains preparation.
'Rajiv Gandhi Civils Abhayahastam' Scheme:
Objective: Break down financial barriers for aspiring civil servants from Telangana.
Beneficiaries: Around 400 aspirants from the Telangana region who qualify for the Mains every year.
Financial Support: Can be availed only once in their attempt to clear the civil services exam.
Financial Support Provider
Organization: Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL)
Initiative Name: Noble Initiative for Rewarding Mains Aspirants of the National Civil Services Examination (NIRMAN)
Eligibility Criteria
Residency Requirement: Candidates must be permanent residents of Telangana.
Eligible Categories: SC, ST, OBC, Women, and EWS.
Income Limit: Family annual income must be less than Rs 8 lakh.
About Telangana
It is a state located in south-central India on the high Deccan Plateau.
It is the eleventh largest state in India by area.
Telangana was carved out of the northwestern part of Andhra Pradesh on June 2, 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.
Capital - Hyderabad
Governor - C. P. Radhakrishnan
Chief Minister - Revanth Reddy
Rajya Sabha - 7 seats
Lok Sabha - 17 seats
10. Gujarat CM Launches 'Shramik Basera' Scheme
Tags: State News
Bhupendra Rajnikant Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat, launched the 'Shramik Basera' scheme.
An Overview of the News
The scheme aims to provide temporary accommodation for around 15,000 construction workers at a daily rent of Rs 5.
The ground-breaking ceremony was held for 17 dwelling structures in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Vadodara, and Rajkot as part of the first phase.
Patel attended the 'Khatamuhurt' (foundation stone-laying) event at Jagatpur, Ahmedabad.
A portal was also launched for workers to register and avail the Shramik Basera scheme.
'Shramik Basera' Scheme Highlights:
Aim: Improve the living standards of unorganised sector and construction workers with amenities like clean water, kitchen, electricity, CCTV, toilets, street lights, security, and sanitation.
Free for Children: Accommodation is free for the children of labourers up to 6 years old.
Additional Benefits: Food provided under 'Shramik Annapurna Yojana' and free health check-ups.
Budget and Duration: The Rs 1,500 crore project aims to benefit around 3 lakh construction workers over the next three years.
About Gujarat
Founded: May 1, 1960
Previous State: Bombay State
Capital: Gandhinagar
Official Bird: Greater flamingo
Chief Minister: Bhupendrabhai Patel
Governor: Acharya Devvrat
