1. Assam's International Airport Becomes 1st Airport In Northeast India To Launch 'Digi Yatra' Facility
Tags: Latest Popular State News
Guwahati's popular Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LBBI) has become the first airport in Northeast India to launch a 'Digi Yatra' facility.
An Overview of the News
The innovative service aims to enhance the air travel experience in the region by streamlining airport processes.
Cooperation and Objectives:
The 'Digi Yatra' initiative is a collaboration with the Ministry of Civil Aviation with the goal of modernizing and improving air travel.
It aims to revolutionize passenger navigation through airports, making it more intuitive and convenient.
Major Areas of Implementation:
The 'Digi Yatra' service has been implemented in three main areas of the airport: entry points, check-in counters, and boarding zones.
Traditional long queues and delays during check-in and security procedures are expected to come down significantly.
Facial Recognition Technology:
The core of the 'Digi Yatra initiative is the use of facial recognition technology for seamless airport travel.
This eliminates the need for traditional methods of ticket verification and ID checking.
Security and Privacy Measures:
Passenger data is encrypted and stored in the passenger's smartphone wallet, ensuring privacy.
No personally identifiable information (PII) is stored during the process.
Industries and Commerce Minister of Assam - Chandra Mohan Patowary
About Assam:
It is a state located in the northeastern region of India. It is bounded by Bhutan in the north, Arunachal Pradesh in the east, Nagaland in the northeast, Manipur in the southeast, Mizoram in the south, and West Bengal in the west.
Formation (as a state) - 26 January 1950
Capital - Dispur
Chief Minister - Himanta Biswa Sarma
Governor - Gulab Chand Kataria
2. India launches first hydrogen fuel cell bus service in Leh
Tags: State News
India's first hydrogen fuel cell bus service begins in Leh, marking the first commercial trial of this futuristic technology on public roads.
An Overview of the News
Leh, located in the high-altitude cold desert of Ladakh, will host this innovative project.
The venture is being executed by NTPC, India's largest power-generating company.
NTPC is supplying five hydrogen fuel cell buses to Leh Administration for intra-city movement.
The company has set up a fueling station and a 1.7 MW captive solar plant to generate green hydrogen, which will be used to power buses.
7.5 acres of land have been given on lease in Leh for infrastructure development.
Ashok Leyland Participation:
Ashok Leyland is the supplier of the buses, each costing around Rs 2.5 crore.
The purchase was made under a global expression of interest issued in April 2020.
Rent Equity and NTPC's Commitment:
Passenger fares for using the hydrogen fuel cell buses will reflect the cost of travel on the 9-meter diesel buses currently in operation.
According to a statement from a company official, NTPC has promised to meet any financial shortfall in case of losses.
Salient Features of the NTPC Project:
NTPC's project assumes significance for two reasons. Firstly, it marks the debut of commercially deployed hydrogen fuel cell buses on Indian public roads.
Second, it is an unprecedented test of technology at altitudes above 11,500 feet, where the atmosphere is thin and oxygen levels are low.
Funding and Technical Lead:
NTPC is funding the project through its CSR budget.
The driving force behind this initiative is Gurdeep Singh, Chairman, of NTPC, who is committed to keeping NTPC at the forefront of energy transformation by adopting emerging technologies.
3. Srinagar's Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden enters the record books with 1.5 million flowers
Tags: Popular State News
The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, located at the foothills of the beautiful Zabarwan Range, earned recognition in the World Book of Records as the largest and most stunning park of its kind in Asia.
An Overview of the News
The garden features an impressive array of 1.5 million flowers in bloom, a remarkable testament to the beauty and diversity of the natural world.
Recognition by World Book: Santosh Shukla, President & CEO, of World Book officially certified the achievement and presented the recognition to Fayaz Shaikh, Secretary, of Floriculture, Gardens, and Parks.
Diverse Tulip Collection: With a collection of 68 distinct varieties of tulips, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is a spectacle of colors and shapes. Each tulip variety brings its own unique character, with shades ranging from delicate pastels to vibrant, eye-catching colors.
Efforts of the Gardeners and Botanists: The careful selection of flowers in the garden highlights the dedicated work of the gardeners and botanists who have worked tirelessly to develop this breathtaking display of nature's wonders.
Inspired by Ghulam Nabi Azad: The origin of the garden is linked to the visionary thoughts of Ghulam Nabi Azad, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. He conceived the idea of a natural haven that would showcase the region's diverse flora. The garden was carefully developed in less than two years, involving many laborers and gardeners.
A Spectrum of Colours: A walk across the vast landscape of the garden offers visitors a stunning display of colors that engages the senses and evokes emotion. The color of the garden ranges from serene white and soft pink to fiery red and passionate purple, providing an intense experience beyond the ordinary.
4. Major decisions of the Maharashtra cabinet meeting on August 18, 2023
Tags: State News
The Maharashtra cabinet launched the Bhagwan Birsa Munda road scheme, repealed the 45-year-old Casino Act, provided a special festive ration, and increased the stipend for ITI trainees.
An Overview of the News
Announcement of the implementation of the Bhagwan Birsa Munda Road Scheme:
The Maharashtra cabinet announced the launch of Bhagwan Birsa Munda Sadak Yojana on August 18, 2023.
The primary objective of the scheme is to increase road connectivity in tribal areas of 17 districts of the state.
The focus has been on connecting remote tribal areas to the main road network, improving accessibility and socio-economic development.
Repeal of the Maharashtra Casinos (Control and Tax) Act, 1976:
The cabinet took a significant decision to repeal the Maharashtra Casino (Control and Tax) Act, 1976, which was in force for 45 years.
The move reflects the state's decision not to allow the establishment of casinos in the future, marking an apparent policy change.
Special ration distribution for festivals under Antyodaya Anna Yojana:
In anticipation of the Ganeshotsav and Diwali festivals, the state cabinet approved special ration distribution through Antyodaya Bhojan Yojana.
Eligible beneficiaries including Antyodaya Food Scheme and family ration card holders will get a package that will include one kilogram of semolina, chana dal, sugar, and one liter of cooking oil.
This festive ration will be available at a nominal price of Rs 100, which will benefit more than 1 crore 65 lakh 60 thousand ration card holders.
Increase in Stipend for Government ITI Trainees:
A remarkable decision to increase the stipend for trainees enrolled in Government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) came to the fore.
There will be a substantial increase in the stipend amount which was fixed at Rs.40 before 1983, which will reach up to Rs.500.
The objective of the adjustment is to assist ITI trainees with educational expenses and other necessary costs and encourage skill development and vocational education.
5. Tamil Nadu government launches night street racing circuit in Chennai
Tags: State News
Tamil Nadu Government and Racing Promotion Pvt Ltd (RRPL) launched a new street circuit in Chennai.
An Overview of the News
The 3.5 km track around the Island Ground is set to become the first street circuit in India and South Asia to host a night race.
Challenging Circuit Features:
The circuit will have elevation changes and will feature 19 corners, including several straights.
Its location will offer picturesque views of Marina Beach Road and the Bay of Bengal.
Scheduled Programs:
The opening ceremony is planned to be held on December 9-10.
It will showcase two important racing championships: the F4 Indian Championship and the Indian Racing League.
The State Department of Art and Technology (SDAT) is ready to allocate a substantial amount of Rs 42 crore for successfully organizing this event.
Promoting Motorsports:
The opening of this new street circuit marks substantial progress for motorsport in India.
The unique features of the circuit are expected to enhance the prestige of the sport and attract more enthusiasts and sponsors.
About the new circuit:
The circuit will encircle the Island Ground, a sprawling 100-acre area in the heart of Chennai.
The track's design includes significant height variations, reaching heights of up to 10 meters.
6. A special art exhibition titled "Together We Art" begins at Bihar Museum, Patna
Tags: State News
On 7 August 2023, a special art exhibition dedicated to the G-20 member countries in Bihar titled "Together We Art" will open at the Bihar Museum in Patna.
An Overview of the News
The exhibition will run for two months starting today and will end on 7th October 2023.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will inaugurate the exhibition.
The event is organised by the Union Ministry of Art and Culture as part of India's chairmanship of G-20 countries.
A total of 29 countries including India are participating in the exhibition.
To mark the foundation day, the Bihar Museum Biennial 2023 will also begin, which will run for five months.
About the G20
It is an international forum of the world's leading economies established in 1999.
Its primary objective is to promote international financial stability and sustainable economic growth.
The G20 serves as a forum to discuss and coordinate policies related to a wide range of economic and financial issues such as trade, investment, employment, energy and climate change.
Bihar:
Formation - 22 March 1912
Capital - Patna
District - 38
Governor - Rajendra Arlekar
Chief Minister - Nitish Kumar
Deputy Chief Minister - Tejashwi Yadav
Rajya Sabha - 16 seats
Lok Sabha - 40 seats
7. Bihar constitutes 'Rhino Task Force' to revive rhino conservation in Valmiki Tiger Reserve
Tags: State News
The Bihar government will set up a 'Rhino Task Force' to propose measures to restart the rhino conservation plan in 'Valmiki Tiger Reserve' (VTR) located in West Champaran district.
An Overview of the News
The VTR has seen a significant increase in the tiger population, prompting state wildlife officials to focus on reviving the rhino population in the region.
At present, VTR has only one rhino, while Patna Zoo has 14 rhinos. With the formation of a 'rhino task force', officials aim to bring more rhinos back into the reserve.
Valmiki Tiger Reserve selected for National Rhino Conservation Plan:
Valmiki Tiger Reserve has been selected as a potential site under the National Rhino Conservation Plan.
This national level scheme allows rhinos to be introduced into Valmiki Tiger Reserve from other reserves across the country to boost their conservation.
Committee Recommendations Lead to Formation of 'Rhino Task Force':
A committee was set up about two years ago to evaluate the habitat and security conditions in Valmiki Tiger Reserve.
The main objective of the committee was to assess the feasibility and potential challenges of reintroducing rhinos to the reserve.
Based on the recommendations and findings of the report of the committee, a 'Rhino Task Force' is being formed.
The revitalization plan Aims to Expand Rhino-Bearing Areas in VTR:
The reintroduction plan aims to increase the areas within the Valmiki Tiger Reserve where rhinos can thrive.
The goal is to expand rhinoceros-bearing areas by about 5% over the next two years.
This includes strategic relocation of rhinos from congested habitats to identified locations within the reserve, such as Ganauli and Madanpur, to provide more space for breeding and population growth.
India's Vital Role in One-Horned Rhino Conservation:
India plays a critical role in the conservation of the one-horned rhinoceros species.
Approximately 75% of the world's rhino population is found in India.
Notably, over 93% of India's rhino population resides in just one protected area, the Kaziranga National Park in the state of Assam.
This highlights India's significant responsibility in safeguarding and preserving the endangered one-horned rhinoceros for its global conservation efforts.
About Valmiki Tiger Reserve
It is located in the West Champaran district of Bihar and was established in 1990 as the 18th Tiger Reserve. It covers a core area of 909.86 km² within the Valmiki Sanctuary.
Valmiki Tiger Reserve has seen a significant increase in tiger population, which ranks fourth in tiger density. From 31 tigers recorded in 2018, the reserve sees a significant increase to 54 tigers in 2022, representing a 75% increase in numbers.
In the last four years, there has been an impressive addition of 23 tigers to the reserve, further boosting conservation efforts.
The successful increase in the number of tigers in Valmiki Tiger Reserve has prompted the Bihar government to take action. He has initiated the process of developing the 'Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary (KWC)' into another tiger reserve or 'tiger-bearing landscape' within the state.
8. Madhya Pradesh government and UNFPA launch AI-powered chatbot named 'Just Ask'
Tags: State News
The Madhya Pradesh government in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has introduced an AI-powered chatbot named 'Just Ask'.
An Overview of the News
The primary goal of this initiative is to provide accurate and easily accessible information related to social issues and sexual and reproductive health and rights, targeting adolescents and young adults.
The interactive nature of a chatbot allows it to engage users in conversation and provide reliable information at no charge. It is designed to showcase two aspiring role models named Dhruv and Drishti.
The launch event saw the participation of MP Health Minister Prabhuram Chowdhary and UNFPA India representative Andrea M Wojnar.
The 'Just Ask' digital engagement platform aims to cater to user queries on various subjects related to adolescence, such as body changes, menstruation, reproductive health, pregnancy, family planning, gender identity, sexual orientation, and other topics related to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
United Nations Population Fund:
It is a subordinate body of the United Nations General Assembly, tasked to act as the responsible agency for sexual and reproductive health matters. It was created under the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
Initially established as a trust fund in 1967, the United Nations Population Fund began its operations in 1969. Subsequently, in 1987, it was officially renamed as the United Nations Population Fund.
About Madhya Pradesh
It is the second largest state of India by area after Rajasthan.
Forests occupy 25.14 percent of its area.
Governor - Mangubhai Patel
Chief Minister - Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Capital - Bhopal
9. Assam CM launches 'Amrit Brikshya Andolan' app
Tags: State News
The 'Amrit Brikshya Andolan' app and web portal was launched by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
An Overview of the News
'Amrit Brikshya Andolan' app and web portal aims to plant 1 crore saplings in a single day on 17th September 2023, a significant milestone in the state's efforts to boost the green economy and contribute to the fight against global warming.
The primary objective of the project is to significantly increase the forest cover of Assam and encourage collective action in the face of climate change.
On 17th September,around 40 lakh members of women self-help groups will play an important role by planting two commercially viable saplings each, totaling 80 lakh saplings.
The remaining 20 lakh or more saplings will be planted by various groups including Anganwadi workers, tea garden workers, government officials, police and forest battalions and the general public of the state.
To encourage participation, the state government will set up distribution centres to provide saplings in a convenient manner.
Individuals who register on the 'Amrit Brikshya Andolan' app or portal and upload their geo-tagged photographs planting saplings will receive a reward of Rs 100 in their bank account, with an aim to encourage more people to participate in the tree plantation drive. To inspire.
Looking to the future, the state government has set ambitious targets, including planting 5 crore trees by the year 2025, to further strengthen its commitment towards environmental protection and sustainable development.
The initiative has been supported and approved by the Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupendra Yadav.
About Assam:
Location: 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 is the official language of the state, but several other languages are also spoken, including Bengali, Bodo, and Hindi.
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
10. J Chief Minister Hemant Soren approved Jharkhand's first hydrogen fuel industry
Tags: State News
On July 29, 2023, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren approved the establishment of the country's first hydrogen fuel-related industry in Jamshedpur.
An Overview of the News
The proposed facility will have a capacity of over 4,000 hydrogen IC engines/fuel agnostic engines and over 10,000 battery systems, which will require an investment of Rs 354.28 crore.
The engine will be developed by TCPL Green Energy Solutions Private Limited (TGESPL), a joint venture between Tata Motors and Cummins, USA.
The Chief Minister agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with TGESPL for the investment proposal.
Final clearance from the Single-Window Clearance Committee and the High-Powered Committee for setting up the unit is still pending.
The investment is aimed at setting up a production facility for advanced chemistry batteries, H2 fuel cells and H2 fuel delivery systems.
The setting up of this unit is expected to generate direct and indirect employment opportunities for more than 310 people.
About Jharkhand
Formation (as a state) - 15 November 2000
Capital - Ranchi
Chief Minister - Hemant Soren
Governor - C. P. Radhakrishna
Rajya Sabha - 6 seats
Lok Sabha - 14 seats
Official Animal - Indian Elephant
Official bird - Asiatic cuckoo
Official Tree - Sal Tree
