1. Minister of State for Defence Inaugurates CSD Depot in Ambala
Tags: State News
Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt inaugurated the new premises of the Canteen Store Department (CSD) Depot in Ambala on July 5, 2023.
An Overview of the News
The construction of the premises was carried out by Dedicated Freight Corridor India Limited, a subsidiary of the Railway Ministry.
The land of the old CSD depot was exchanged for the new premises.
Recognition of CSD's Work
CSD provides excellent service to the armed forces, veterans, and their families.
The department was acknowledged for completing 75 years of service to the armed forces and their families.
Role of CSD
Canteen Store Department (CSD) was established in 1948 and operates through 34 regional depots across the country.
CSD ensures the uninterrupted supply of essential commodities to the beneficiaries.
The department's contribution during the pandemic in providing essential commodities was exemplary and commendable.
2. India's First 'Police Drone Unit' Launched in Chennai for Enhanced Aerial Surveillance and Quick Detection of Criminal Activities
Tags: State News
The Greater Chennai City Police (GCP) has introduced the groundbreaking 'Police Drone Unit' to bolster aerial surveillance capabilities and expedite the identification of criminal activities.
An Overview of the News
The initiative, which involves an investment of approximately Rs 3.6 crore, was inaugurated by the outgoing Tamil Nadu Director General of Police (DGP) C Sylendra Babu, in the presence of Chennai Police Commissioner Shankar Jiwal at Besant Avenue, Adyar.
Purpose and Benefits of the Police Drone Unit:
Aims to enhance aerial surveillance over vast areas for improved law enforcement.
Enables quick detection and response to criminal activities.
Provides an additional tool to monitor and secure large areas efficiently.
Assists in identifying potential threats and monitoring crowd gatherings.
Aids in traffic management and control.
Inauguration and Personnel Present:
The launch event was attended by the outgoing Tamil Nadu DGP and Chennai Police Commissioner.
The inauguration took place at Besant Avenue, Adyar.
Drone Categories and Capabilities:
Quick Response Surveillance Drones (6): Designed for swift deployment and real-time monitoring.
Heavy Lift Multirotor Drone (1): Capable of carrying heavier payloads for specialized operations.
Long Range Survey Wing Place (2): Enables extended-range surveillance and reconnaissance.
All drones are equipped with advanced surveillance technology and built-in artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.
Operable from a ground station, with an operational range of 5-10 km.
About Tamil Nadu
The state was formed on 26 January 1950 but its boundaries were redrawn on 14 January 1969.
It is situated at the mouth of the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean.
Tamil Nadu is the largest producer of bananas and flowers, second largest producer of mangoes, rubber, groundnut, coconut and third largest producer of coffee.
Governor - Ravindra Narayan Ravi
Chief Minister - MK Stalin
Assembly seats - 235 seats
Rajya Sabha seats - 18
Lok Sabha seats - 39
3. Gutti Koya tribe
Tags: State News
In the Gutti Koya tribe, stone memorials are erected to honour the passing of their three key figures: the physician, the priest, and the village leader.
An Overview of the News
In the Red Corridor along the A.P.-Chhattisgarh border, the Gutti Koya tribe keeps their customs and memories alive through their traditional practices.
It is the tribespeople’s custom to place a stone in memory of a deceased dignitary of the settlement to express their gratitude for their services.
“They bury the bodies of only three persons in their village - Vejji (physician), poojari (priest) and the community head. When others die, their bodies are cremated in the forest,”
About Gutti Koya tribe:
The Koya population is primarily concentrated in the states of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.
They communicate using the Koya language, which belongs to the Dravidian language family.
The significant festival celebrated by the Koya community is the Sammakka Saralamma Jatra, held once every two years on the full moon day of Magha Masam (January or February) in the village of Medaram, located in Mulug taluk of Warangal district.
The Koya people engage in the Podu form of shifting cultivation, which is a survival-oriented practice adopted by several tribal groups in forest regions.
While they are recognized as Scheduled Tribes (ST) in Chhattisgarh, they have not been granted the same status in the states where they have migrated, such as Telangana.
Their livelihood primarily revolves around animal husbandry and the collection of minor forest produce.
4. PM inaugurates Sai Hira Global Convention Center in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh
Tags: State News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sai Hira Global Convention Center in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh via video conferencing.
An Overview of the News
Sai Hira Global Convention Center will become the focal point for discussions on spirituality and educational programs involving scholars and experts.
The leaders' conference of the Sri Sathya Sai Global Council coincides with the dedication of the convention centre.
The theme of the program is 'Exercise and Motivation'.
The era leading up to the centenary of India's independence has been named the 'Kartavya Kaal', which encompasses both development and heritage.
Born in Puttaparthi, Sri Sathya Sai Baba has followers all over the world and his institutions and ashrams are present in every state of India.
About Andhra Pradesh
Historically, Andhra Pradesh is known as the "Rice Bowl of India".
Kuchipudi is the most famous classical dance of the state.
Formation - 1 November 1956.
Capital- Amaravati
Official Language - Telugu
Governor - S Abdul Nazeer
Chief Minister - Jagan Mohan Reddy (Congress)
Legislative Assembly Seats - 175
Rajya Sabha seats - 11
Lok Sabha seats - 25
5. GSI discovers India's largest natural arch in Odisha
Tags: Science and Technology State News
The Geological Survey of India (GSI) discovered a "Natural Arch" in Odisha's Sundergarh Forest Division.
An Overview of the News
This natural arch originated approximately 184 million years ago during the Lower to Middle Jurassic period.
The GSI has proposed a Geo Heritage tag for the arch, which aims to become the largest natural arch in India with this recognition.
Description:
This oval shaped arch has a base length of 30 meters and a height of 12 metres.
The maximum height and width of the natural arch are 7 meters and 15 meters respectively.
Protection of Geo-Heritage Sites:
The conservation of geo-heritage sites including Sundergarh Natural Arch requires special attention and protection.
GSI declares these sites as National Geological Monuments and protects them.
Collaboration with State Governments to implement necessary measures for safety and maintenance.
Geo-Heritage Sites:
Geo-Heritage Sites (GHS) have rare and exceptional geological, geomorphological, mineralogical, petrological and paleontological features.
Landmarks may include natural rock formations, caves, and other significant geological formations.
GSI plays a key role in identification, declaration and protection of GHS in collaboration with State Governments.
About Geological Survey of India (GSI)
It is a scientific agency of India.
Its parent organization is the Ministry of Mines with Pralhad Joshi as its Union Minister.
Establishment - 1851
Headquarters - Kolkata, West Bengal
6. Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the best tourism facilities in the historical lighthouses of Gujarat
Tags: State News
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways and AYUSH Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated tourism facilities at the historic lighthouses of Dwarka, Gopnath and Veraval in Gujarat on 1 July 2023.
An Overview of the News
The initiative is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of turning India's lighthouses into captivating heritage tourist destinations.
During the 75th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat', the Prime Minister highlighted the unique appeal of lighthouses as tourist attractions and identified 72 more lighthouses to promote tourism.
The objective of the inauguration is to showcase the rich culture, importance and charm of these lighthouses while attracting tourists from all over the world.
The tourist facilities combine historical charm with modern conveniences, providing visitors with an exceptional experience.
About Gujarat
It is a state situated on the west coast of India.
Its coastline is the longest in the country, extending for about 1,600 km (990 mi) along the Kathiawar Peninsula.
The area of Gujarat is approximately 196,024 km (75,685 sq mi), making it the fifth largest state in India.
Gujarat is bordered by Rajasthan, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and the Arabian Sea and Pakistani Sindh province.
Formation - 1 May 1960
Capital - Gandhinagar
Governor - Acharya Devvrat
Chief Minister - Bhupendra Bhai Patel
Rajya Sabha - 11 seats
Lok Sabha - 26 seats
7. Gujarat government signs MoU with Micron Technology for semiconductor assembly and test facility
Tags: State News
Gujarat government signs MoU with US chip maker firm Micron Technology for semiconductor assembly and testing facility in Ahmedabad
An Overview of the News
The MoU was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnav.
The semiconductor assembly and testing facility will be located at Sanand in Ahmedabad district.
The Central Government will provide 50 per cent financial assistance towards the total project cost.
The State Government of Gujarat will provide an incentive of 20 per cent of the total project cost.
The Semiconductor Assembly and Test Plant will generate 5,000 direct employment opportunities.
Micron Technology:
Micron Technology, Inc. is an American manufacturer of computer memory and computer data storage.
Their product portfolio includes dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), flash memory, and USB flash drives.
Micron markets its consumer products, such as memory modules, under the Crucial brand.
Micron and Intel collaborated to form IM Flash Technologies, which focused on the production of NAND flash memory.
Micron owned Lexar between 2006 and 2017, further expanding its presence in the flash memory market.
Establishment - October 5, 1978
Founders - Ward Parkinson, Joe Parkinson, Dennis Wilson and Doug Pittman
Headquarters - Boise Idaho
About Gujarat
Capital - Gandhinagar
Chief Minister - Bhupendra Bhai Patel
Governor - Acharya Devvrat
8. India's first hydrogen powered train will run from Jind district of Haryana
Tags: State News
India's first hydrogen-powered train will start its journey from Jind district of Haryana.
An Overview of the News
Hydrogen trains use fuel cells to convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity.
They offer a clean and eco-friendly alternative to diesel trains.
The initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions and tackle pollution.
Hydrogen-powered trains produce zero direct emissions, with water vapour being the only byproduct.
About Haryana
It is a state located in North India, which is bordered by New Delhi on three sides.
The eastern boundary of Haryana is formed by the Yamuna River, which separates it from the state of Uttar Pradesh.
It shares its western border with the state of Punjab.
Haryana has Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, which is located in Chandigarh.
Rock Garden is located in Chandigarh, which displays sculptures made using recycled materials.
Capital - Chandigarh
Governor - Bandaru Dattatreya
Chief Minister - Manohar Lal Khattar
Important Points
General Manager of Indian Railways - Shobhan Choudhary
Germany's 'Coradia iLint' is the world's first passenger train powered by a hydrogen fuel cell.
India's first green hydrogen plant has been commissioned by Oil India Limited (OIL) at Jorhat Pump Station in Assam.
9. Divya Kala Mela will be organised at Jaipur
Tags: Festivals State News
The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) is organizing a special event called 'Divya Kala Mela' from June 29, 2023, to July 5, 2023, at Jawahar Kala Kendra in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
An overview of the news
This event aims to showcase the products and craftsmanship of entrepreneurs and artisans with disabilities from across the country.
The 'Divya Kala Mela' will offer visitors an exciting and vibrant experience with a wide range of products from different parts of the country.
These products will include handicrafts, handlooms, embroidery works, packaged food, and more.
The event provides a unique platform for marketing and showcasing the skills and products of individuals with disabilities.
This initiative by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities is part of their efforts towards the economic empowerment of people with disabilities.
The 'Divya Kala Mela' in Jaipur, Rajasthan, is the sixth event in a series that started in 2022, with previous editions held in Delhi, Mumbai, Bhopal, Guwahati, and Indore.
Around 100 artisans, artists, and entrepreneurs with disabilities from approximately 20 states and Union Territories will participate in the event, presenting their products and skills.
The products will fall under various categories such as home decor and lifestyle, clothing, stationery and eco-friendly products, packaged food and organic products, toys and gifts, and personal accessories like jewelry and clutch bags.
10. Yogi Adityanath launched "Operation Conviction" in Uttar Pradesh
Tags: State News
Yogi Adityanath launches 'Operation Conviction' for cow slaughter in Uttar Pradesh
An Overview of the News
The program aims to convict 20 cases in each district within 30 days of framing of charges.
It focuses on crimes such as rape, murder, cow slaughter, religious conversion and offenses under the POCSO Act.
The initiative is aimed at expediting the conviction process and ensuring speedy punishment for criminals.
The emphasis is on immediate arrest to prevent suspects from evading legal process.
Strong evidence collection is a priority to strengthen the prosecution's case.
A thorough investigation will be conducted, including the examination of witnesses and the uncovering of organized crime networks.
Effective representation in courts for cases related to cow slaughter will be ensured.
POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses) Act:
This act was implemented in 2012.
This act has been mentioned in Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
About Uttar Pradesh
It is a state located in the northern part of India.
It has a population of over 240 million, making it the most populous state in India as well as the most populous subdivision in the world.
The state was officially established in 1950.
Chief Minister - Yogi Adityanath
Capital - Lucknow (Executive Branch)
Governor - Anandiben Patel
Director General of Police, Uttar Pradesh - Vijay Kumar