1. Hemant Soren Takes Oath as Jharkhand CM for Third Term
Tags: Person in news State News
Hemant Soren, the Executive President of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), took oath as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand.
An Overview of the News
The oath of office and secrecy was administered by Governor CP Radhakrishnan.
The ceremony took place at a simple function organized at Raj Bhavan.
Background:
Hemant Soren is assuming the role of Chief Minister for the third time.
He was recently released on bail by the high court in an alleged money laundering case.
Political Transition:
Hemant Soren staked his claim before Governor CP Radhakrishnan following Champai Soren’s resignation.
Champai Soren, known as"Jharkhand Tiger," served as the 12th Chief Minister after Hemant Soren's arrest by the Enforcement Directorate on January 31, 2024.
Champai Soren represented the Seraikella assembly constituency.
Historical Context:
Jharkhand has seen seven Chief Ministers since its formation on November 15, 2000.
Babulal Marandi from the BJP Party was the first CM, taking office in November 2000.
Jharkhand has been under President's rule twice for short periods.
The major ruling parties in Jharkhand have been the BJP and the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha Party.
About Jharkhand
Founded - 15 November 2000
Before was - Part of Bihar
Capital - Ranchi
Chief minister - Hemant Soren
Governor - C. P. Radhakrishnan
Symbols of Jharkhand
Bird - Koel
Flower - Palash
Mammal - Indian elephant
Tree - Sal
2. Uttar Pradesh NIRMAN Bill-2024
Tags: State News
The Uttar Pradesh government has passed the draft for the Uttar Pradesh Nodal Investment Region for Manufacturing (Construction) Area Bill (NIRMAN)-2024.
An Overview of the News
Chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, this initiative is part of a strategy to uplift the state’s economy to the one trillion dollar mark.
SIRs will be set up across Uttar Pradesh, spread out evenly across the state’s four geographical zones.
Cluster regions for significant investments are being developed to facilitate business activities.
Power is being decentralized from the state government to regional officials to ease business operations.
Land and Infrastructure:
The plan includes utilizing approximately 20,000 acres of land from the state’s land bank.
A notable example is the 5,000-hectare area allocated by the Bundelkhand Industrial Development Authority for major industrial activities.
Economic Goals:
The bill aims to spur rapid economic growth, legally protect investment zones, streamline business operations, and create numerous jobs.
UP aims to emulate successful investment strategies from states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Karnataka.
Supportive Measures:
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO) and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) has been signed to foster a business-friendly environment.
Large convention centers are being constructed in Lucknow and Varanasi to promote MSME visibility and local output.
Over 2,200 teachers in non-subsidized secondary schools are being reinstated on temporary duty to address educational challenges.
Potential Impact:
Effective implementation of these plans could significantly advance UP’s progress toward becoming a trillion-dollar economy.
The initiative aims to promote long-term growth and job creation.
Special Investment Regions (SIR):
Investment Zones: SIRs are designated areas designed to attract investments by simplifying business operations and enhancing facilities and infrastructure. They often offer tax breaks and other incentives.
Economic Boost: SIRs focus on sectors like technology and industry to boost local economies, create jobs, and drive technological advancement.
Global Examples: Similar concepts include China’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Free Trade Zones (FTZs), although SIRs generally have broader economic goals and cover more land.
3. NIC and Spices Board Sign MoU for AI-Based Cardamom Disease Study in Sikkim
Tags: State News
The National Informatics Centre (NIC) and Spices Board of India signed an MoU to study cardamom diseases in Sikkim using AI.
An Overview of the News
The project is titled "Development and Deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Aided Tools for Detection and Classification of Large Cardamom Diseases."
MoU signed on July 3, 2024.
Signatories and Participants:
An MOU was signed by Sanhita Bhattacharjee, Scientist F and Additional State Informatics Officer of West Bengal, and Dr. A.B. Remashree, Director (Research & Finance) from the Spices Board.
The signing took place in the presence of Dr. L.P. Sharma, State Informatics Officer (Sikkim).
Dr. Sharma was accompanied by his team from NIC Sikkim.
Many other officers from the Spices Board, ICRI, and NIC participated virtually.
NIC's Role:
NIC, under the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India.
Created the Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence (CoE-AI) at NIC Kolkata.
Developed a proof of concept for detecting various cardamom leaf diseases using AI models.
Spices Board's Role:
Spices Board, under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India.
Provides images of disease-free and diseased cardamom leaves to NIC.
AI Tools Development:
Images processed in NIC’s AI lab in Kolkata.
AI tools trained to identify diseased cardamom leaves using the extracted information.
Project Patronage and Discussions:
Initiated under the patronage of Shermishta Sengupta, Deputy Director General of NIC.
Discussions between NIC Sikkim, Spices Board, and NIC Kolkata for the last three months finalized the MoU.
About Sikkim
It is a state in northeast India.
Bordered by Bhutan, Tibet, and Nepal.
Part of the Himalayas with a dramatic landscape.
Home to India’s highest mountain, 8,586m Kangchenjunga.
Features glaciers, alpine meadows, and thousands of wildflower varieties.
Steep paths lead to hilltop Buddhist monasteries like Pemayangtse, dating to the early 1700s.
Founded - 16 May 1975
Capital - Gangtok
Governor - Lakshman Acharya
Chief minister - Prem Singh Tamang (SKM)
4. Sujata Saunik Appointed Maharashtra's First Woman Chief Secretary
Tags: Person in news State News
Sujata Saunik, a 1987 batch IAS officer of the Maharashtra cadre, has been appointed as the first woman Chief Secretary (CS) of Maharashtra, effective from June 30, 2024.
An Overview of the News
The appointment of Sujata Saunik comes after the retirement of Nitin Kareer, who had served as the CS of Maharashtra since January 2024.
Saunik will serve a one-year term, retiring in June 2025.
She becomes the 45th CS of Maharashtra since the state's establishment in 1960.
Before this role, she held positions including Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department and ACS in the General Administration Department.
She also served as ACS of the Skill Development, Employment, and Entrepreneurship Department (SDEED), and as Principal Secretary of Public Health and Financial Reform.
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 - Ramesh Bais
Official Animal - Indian giant squirrel
Official Bird - Yellow-footed Green Pigeon
Official Dance - Lavani
Additional Information:-
Maharashtra becomes the first state in the country to approve Good Governance Regulations
Ramesh Bais, Governor of Maharashtra, launched a book titled 'Gateways to the Sea: Historic Ports and Docks of Mumbai Region' at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai.
On June 28, 2024, Maharashtra Government Launches Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana.
5. Maharashtra CM Extends Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana Age Limit to 65 Years
Tags: State News
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has extended the age limit for the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana to 65 years.
An Overview of the News
The requirement for women from families owning government land has been removed.
Implementation Details:
Eligible beneficiaries to receive ₹1500 monthly aid starting from July.
Chief Minister warns against bribery for scheme registration, ensures transparency.
Officials caught demanding bribes will face suspension.
Government's Two-Year Achievements:
Mahayuti government completes successful two years.
Emphasizes treating entire Maharashtra as family.
Focus on hassle-free distribution of scheme benefits to eligible citizens.
Budgetary Allocations and Welfare Measures:
State budget allocates substantial funds for welfare schemes.
Over ₹1 lakh crore earmarked for distribution among beneficiaries.
Commitment to benefit all sections of society with citizen-friendly decisions.
Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana
Eligible women aged 21 to 65 years will receive a monthly allowance of Rs 1,500 under this scheme.
The scheme aims to provide financial relief and empower women by supporting their health, nutrition, and overall well-being.
The program is set to kick off in July, strategically timed four months before the state elections scheduled for October.
This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to supporting women and fostering self-reliance.
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 - Ramesh Bais
Official Animal - Indian giant squirrel
Official Bird - Yellow-footed Green Pigeon
Official Dance - Lavani
Additional Information:-
Maharashtra becomes the first state in the country to approve Good Governance Regulations
Ramesh Bais, Governor of Maharashtra, launched a book titled 'Gateways to the Sea: Historic Ports and Docks of Mumbai Region' at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai.
6. Uttar Pradesh Leads India with One Crore ABHA Tokens
Tags: State News
Uttar Pradesh becomes the first state in India to generate one crore tokens through the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) ID.
An Overview of the News
Uttar Pradesh has achieved a total of 1,43,00,000 tokens, setting a record.
Following Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh ranks second with 60,33,104 tokens generated.
Karnataka holds the third position with 42,57,944 tokens.
Other States' Token Generation:
Jammu and Kashmir: 38,87,226 tokens
Delhi: 22,28,079 tokens
Bihar: 15,65,332 tokens
Madhya Pradesh: 12,53,722 tokens
Maharashtra: 7,96,938 tokens
Chhattisgarh: 7,34,781 tokens
Odisha: 5,06,580 tokens
Gujarat: 3,83,789 tokens
ABHA ID:
Initiative by the National Health Authority (NHA) under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).
Features a unique 14-digit identification number linked to Aadhaar or mobile numbers.
Facilitates digital storage and accessibility of health information, consultations, medical records, and prescriptions.
Healthcare Standards and Monitoring
Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS):
Introduced in 2007, updated in 2022.
Sets quality benchmarks for public health facilities from primary to secondary levels.
Monitoring and Dashboard Development:
Health Ministry's dashboard aids national, state, and district health institutions in monitoring compliance with IPHS standards.
Supports quick assessment and actions to improve healthcare service delivery.
7. Telangana Registers First FIR Under New Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at Charminar Police Station
Tags: State News
The first FIR under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS), which replaces the Indian Penal Code (IPC) from July 1, was registered at the Charminar police station in Hyderabad.
An Overview of the News
In a social media post, DGP Ravi Gupta announced that the Telangana police registered the first FIR with a digital signature under the BNS.
Details of the First FIR:
Registered at: Charminar police station of Hyderabad police commissionerate.
Time of registration: 1 a.m.
Charges: Filed under Section 281 of the BNS and Sections 80(a) and 177 of the Motor Vehicles Act for riding with improper number plates.
Second FIR:
Location: Rajendranagar police station.
Time of registration: 2 a.m.
Charges: Filed under Section 104 of the BNS following the death of a driver who crashed into the divider on the PVNR Expressway.
About The Three New Criminal Laws
On June 21, 2024, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (MoPPG&P) had announced the enactment of three new criminal laws effective from July 1, 2024.
Enactment of three new criminal laws effective from 1 July 2024
Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita (BNS2) Act, 2023
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita (BNSS2) Act, 2023
Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Adhiniyam Act, 2023
These new laws replaced British-colonial era laws:
The Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860
The Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), 1973
The Indian Evidence Act (IEA), 1872
President Droupadi Murmu gave assent to these laws on 24th December 2023.
On 19th June 2024, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) proposal for the National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFIES).
The scheme has a budget of over Rs 2200 crore for the period from FY25 (2024-25) to FY29 (2028-29).
Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA):
Union Minister: Amit Shah (Lok Sabha constituency: Gandhinagar, Gujarat)
Minister of State (MoS): Nityanand Rai (Lok Sabha constituency: Ujiarpur, Bihar)
Minister of State (MoS): Bandi Sanjay Kumar (Lok Sabha constituency: Karimnagar, Telangana)
8. India's Largest Leopard Safari Opens at Bannerghatta Biological Park, Bengaluru
Tags: Environment State News
India's largest and third leopard safari has been launched at Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP), located 25 kilometers south of Bengaluru.
An Overview of the News
The safari, inaugurated recently, currently houses eight leopards with plans to increase the number in the future.
Spanning 20 hectares, the safari is secured with railway barricades and enclosed with 4.5-meter-tall chain-link mesh and mild steel sheets to ensure the leopards remain within boundaries.
About Bannerghatta Biological Park
Established in 2004, BBP was carved out of Bannerghatta National Park and is under the administration of the Zoo Authority of Karnataka.
Encompasses 731.88 hectares, featuring a zoo, butterfly park, and rescue center.
Focuses on scientific development, conservation, and breeding of endangered species.
Offers safaris for tigers, lions, bears, and herbivores, alongside facilities for bird, reptile, and mammal enclosures.
List of National Parks in Karnataka:
Nagarhole National Park
Located in Karnataka's Kodagu district.
Known for its lush woods, streams, hills, and waterfalls.
Home to tigers, Gaur, elephants, Indian leopards, sloth bears, striped hyenas, and deer.
Bandipur National Park
Established in 1974 as a Tiger Reserve.
Significant habitat for wild elephants.
Anshi National Park
Created in 1987 from Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary.
Part of Project Tiger since 2007.
Located adjacent to Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary.
Kudremukh National Park
Known for dense forests and scenic waterfalls like Kadambi and Hanumangundi.
Diverse fauna includes lion-tailed macaque, tiger, leopard, wild dog, Malabar giant squirrel, common langur, and sloth bear.
Mudumalai National Park
Shares boundaries with Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Noted for its elephant and tiger populations.
Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated around 245 kilometers from Bangalore.
About Karnataka
Capital:- Bengaluru (Executive Branch)
Chief minister:- Siddaramaiah
Governor:- Thawar Chand Gehlot
Bird:- Indian roller
9. Itanagar Woman Police Station Achieves ISO 9001:2015 Certification
Tags: Awards State News
The Woman Police Station in Itanagar, under Capital Police, has achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification.
An Overview of the News
This certification is globally recognized for establishing and maintaining a high-quality management system.
It signifies the station's commitment to effectively handling crimes against women and children.
The certification process involved a rigorous evaluation of the station's procedures, policies, and practices.
It confirms that the station not only meets but exceeds required standards in service delivery.
The achievement reflects the dedication of the entire team in ensuring justice and community safety.
About Arunachal Pradesh
It is a state located in the northeastern region of India. It shares its borders with the countries of Bhutan, China and Myanmar.
Establishment:- 20 February 1987
Capital:- Itanagar (Executive Branch)
Chief Minister:- Pema Khandu
Official flower:- Rhynchostylis retusa
Official Animal:- Gayal
10. Karnataka's Udupi Cochin Shipyard bags Rs 1,100 crore order from Norwegian firm
Tags: State News
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.
An Overview of the News
The order has been received by UCSL from Wilson ASA, Norway for the design and construction of eight 6300 TDW dry cargo vessels.
Initially, four 6300 TDW vessels are contracted, with an agreement for an additional four vessels to be contracted by September 19, 2024.
Previous Contracts
This new order follows a previous contract awarded in June 2023 for six 3800 TDW dry cargo vessels, currently under construction at UCSL in Udupi, Karnataka.
Vessel Specifications
The vessels will be 100 meters in length with a deadweight of 6300 metric tonnes at a design draft of 6.5 meters.
They will be designed by Conoship International, Netherlands, and will be environment-friendly diesel-electric ships intended for general cargo transport in European coastal waters.
Project Value and Timeline
The total project of eight vessels is valued at approximately Rs 1,100 crore and is set to be completed by September 2028.
About Wilson ASA
Wilson ASA, based in Bergen, Norway, is a leading short-sea fleet operator in Europe, transporting about 15 million tonnes of dry cargo annually with a fleet of around 130 vessels.
UCSL's Recent Deliveries
Since UCSL's takeover by CSL, it has delivered two 62T Bollard Pull Tugs to Ocean Sparkle Limited and one 70T Bollard Pull Tug to Polestar Maritime Limited.
UCSL has also received orders for four more 70T Bollard Pull Tugs, with three for Ocean Sparkle Limited and one for Polestar Maritime Limited.
About UCSL
It was originally incorporated as ‘Tebma Engineering Private Limited’ on July 09, 1984.
It later became public and changed its name to‘Tebma Shipyards Limited’.
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) acquired the company through an NCLT order in Chennai and took over management in September 2020.
This acquisition made the company a wholly owned subsidiary of CSL and a Government Company under the Companies Act, 2013.
The name was changed to Udupi Cochin ShipyardLimited on April 22, 2022.
About Karnataka
Capital:- Bengaluru (Executive Branch)
Chief minister:- Siddaramaiah
Governor:- Thawar Chand Gehlot
Bird:- Indian roller
