1. Assam's Chokuwa rice gets GI tag
Tags: State News
Chokuwa rice, popularly known as "magic rice", received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
An Overview of the News
The GI tag recognizes its exceptional qualities and heritage.
Chokuwa rice is closely linked to the history of Assam and has a historical connection with the Ahom dynasty.
This variety of rice is specially cultivated in the Brahmaputra river region.
Cultivation areas include Tinsukia, Dhemaji, and Dibrugarh in Assam.
Geographical Indication (GI) Tag:
Geographical Indication (GI) is a label given to products from a specific geographical area.
GIs confirm that products have unique properties or have been produced using traditional methods because of their geographical origin.
Applicable to various products such as food, handicrafts, and industrial goods.
GI tags ensure that only authorized producers can use the product name.
Who awards and regulates geographical indications?
Geographical indications are a form of intellectual property rights (IPR) 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) establishes an international framework for GI protection.
In India, GI registration and protection of goods is governed by the Geographical Indications (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
This act came into effect in September 2003.
About Assam
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
2. Bhaderwah Rajma and Ramban Sulai honey get GI tag in Jammu and Kashmir
Tags: State News
Bhaderwah Rajma and Ramban Sulai honey of Jammu and Kashmir were granted Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
An Overview of the News
Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Jammu started the GI tagging process for these products.
GI tag provides exclusive use rights to authorized users while preventing unauthorized exploitation.
This recognition is expected to increase exports, increase brand presence internationally and prevent misuse.
The GI tag is set to benefit local economies and promote socioeconomic development for producers.
What is GI Tag?
A geographical indication (GI) is a name or sign given to products coming from a specific geographical location.
GIs certify that products are made using traditional methods or have specific qualities due to their origin.
It is used for food, handicrafts and industrial products.
The GI tag ensures that only authorized users can use the product name.
Who grants and regulates Geographical Indications?
These are a type of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) recognized and protected under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.
The World Trade Organization (WTO)'s Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) provides a framework for the protection of GIs at the international level.
In India, registration and protection of GIs is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, which came into effect in September 2003.
About Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir was a state of India until August 2019, when it was bifurcated as two union territories named 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
3. Kolkata becomes the third Indian city to adopt an Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS)
Tags: Environment State News
Kolkata became the third Indian city to adopt the Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) to combat rising air pollution.
An Overview of the News
The system, developed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune, aims to address rising air pollution levels in urban areas.
AQEWS in Kolkata uses an advanced sensor network to provide real-time monitoring of the Air Quality Index (AQI).
AQI is a standardized measure of the level of air pollution, with a value ranging from 0 to 500.
The system focuses on PM2.5 (particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller) levels, which is a major contributor to health problems due to its ability to enter the lungs.
Air pollution status in Kolkata:
Kolkata is facing severe air pollution, which is mainly driven by pollutants like PM2.5.
Recent AQEWS measurements show that the AQI is 74, which is expected to rise above 170 by 30 August.
These forecasts highlight the urgency of tackling air pollution and emphasize the role of early warning systems.
Data Integration and Accuracy:
AQEWS integrates data from the National Air Quality Network and satellite sources to generate accurate air pollution forecasts.
The accuracy of the system was proved during the experimental phase that started in September 2022.
The inclusion of data from 420 air quality monitoring stations across India ensures a comprehensive approach to the assessment of air quality.
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change - Bhupendra Yadav
4. Assam enforces ban on plastic water bottles of less than 1000ml
Tags: State News
The Assam government implemented a ban on plastic water bottles of less than 1000 ml capacity with effect from October 2.
An Overview of the News
The Environment and Forest Department of Assam has issued this notification to address environmental concerns.
Aims to ban plastic water bottles of less than 1000 ml capacity.
The primary goal is to tackle the problem of plastic pollution and promote sustainable behavior.
This initiative demonstrates Assam's commitment to protecting the state's natural resources and diverse ecosystems.
Minister of Environment and Forests of Assam - Chandra Mohan Patowary
Special attention on PET bottles:
Assam had earlier expressed its intention to ban polyethylene terephthalate (PET) water bottles of less than 1000 ml.
Formal implementation took place through a firm notification issued by the Assam Environment and Forest Department on 23 August.
The ban covers various aspects including the manufacture, import, storage, distribution, and sale of plastic water bottles falling under the specified capacity.
Legal authorization and implementation of the plastic water bottle ban:
Scope of the ban: Ban on plastic water bottles of less than 1000 ml capacity.
Legal Basis: Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Source of Authority: Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India under section 23 of the Act.
Effective date: The ban will be effective from October 2.
About Assam
Formation (as a state) - 26 January 1950
Capital - Dispur
Language - Assamese
Chief Minister - Himanta Biswa Sarma
Governor - Gulab Chand Kataria
Rajya Sabha - 7 seats
Lok Sabha - 14 seats
5. 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
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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
