1. Kozhikode Named India's First UNESCO 'City of Literature'
Tags: State News National News
On 23rd June 2024, Kozhikode in north Kerala became India's first UNESCO "City of Literature."
An Overview of the News
PA Mohammed Riyas, Kerala's Tourism Minister, unveiled the UNESCO "City of Literature" logo.
The "City of Literature" Day of Kozhikode was declared, starting from 2024, to be celebrated annually on 23rd June across Kerala.
MB Rajesh, from the State Local Self Government Department (LSGD), made this announcement during an official event in Kozhikode.
Background and UNESCO Creative Cities Network:
On 31st October 2023, Kozhikode and Gwalior were the only Indian cities among 55 cities globally designated in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN).
Kozhikode was named UNESCO "City of Literature," while Gwalior was designated UNESCO "City of Music."
UCCN includes 350 cities from over 100 countries across seven creative fields, including Literature.
About Kozhikode:
Formerly known as Calicut during British rule, Kozhikode is historically significant as the city of Zamorins.
It served as a crucial gateway to India for foreigners, including Persians, Arabs, Chinese, and Europeans, notably Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in 1498.
Kozhikode boasts over 500 functioning libraries and has been a hub for literary activities, home to renowned Malayalam writer MT Vasudevan Nair.
About UNESCO:
Director General (DG):- Audrey Azoulay
Headquarters:- Paris, France
Established:-1945
2. Manipur Pledges to Combat Drug Menace on International Drug Day
Tags: State News Important Days
The International Day against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking was observed across Manipur.
An Overview of the News
Theme:“The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention.”
Manipur, bordering Myanmar, has struggled with drug abuse for many years.
A pledge to eradicate the drug menace was made during the observance.
State Government and Police Actions:
Report by J.J. Thokchom highlights the state government's observance in Imphal.
Manipur Police marked the day with a bike rally in Imphal City.
The rally was flagged off by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.
Chief Minister linked the current crisis in Manipur to the BJP-led State Government’s anti-drug campaign.
297 persons involved in drug use have been arrested since the campaign's launch in 2018.
Chief Minister emphasized the government's commitment to continuing the campaign against drugs.
State Narcotics and Affairs of Border Report:
18,664 acres of poppy fields destroyed in the last seven years as part of the anti-drug campaign.
Poppy seeds contain opium, which is a key source for many narcotics.
3. UP to Establish World's First Asian King Vulture Conservation and Breeding Centre
Tags: State News
Uttar Pradesh (UP) is establishing the 'Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre,' the world's first conservation and breeding centre for Asian king vultures (also known as red-headed vultures or Pondicherry vultures) in Maharajganj, UP.
An Overview of the News
This initiative aims to improve the population of the Asian king vultures, which have been listed as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)'s red list since 2007.
Asian king vultures are endangered due to habitat degradation and the overuse of diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used in domestic animals, which becomes poisonous for vultures.
The centre aims to ensure the good health of growing vultures and provide them with a pair. After the female lays an egg, the pair will be released into their natural environment.
The enclosure is accessible only to the keeper and is monitored 24x7 by Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras.
Note: The Asian King Vulture is one of the 9 species of vultures found in India.
First in the state
The first Chief Minister of the state – Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant
First Deputy Chief Minister of the state - Chaudhary Narayan Singh
The first woman Chief Minister of the state and the country - Sucheta Kriplani
The first woman governor of the state and the country - Sarojini Naidu
4. Discovery of New Snake Eel Species: Ophichthus Suryai Off Odisha Coast
Tags: Science and Technology State News
Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India's (ZSI) regional center in Gopalpur, Odisha, have identified a new species of snake eel, Ophichthus suryai, along the Odisha coast.
An Overview of the News
This discovery honors Surya Kumar Mohanty, former joint director of Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Department of the Odisha government.
Specimen Collection
Locations: Specimens collected from:
Subarnarekha estuary
Bahuda estuary
Additional Collection Site: Coastal fishers at Paradip Fish Landing Centre
Publication: Findings published in the Bulletin of Marine Science by Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science, University of Miami
Distinct Features of Ophichthus Suryai
Dorsal Fin Origin (DFO)
Located just above or slightly anterior to the gill opening
Unique Vertebral Count and Teeth Patterns
Differentiates it from other species within the Ophichthus genus
Pectoral Fin Characteristics
Small, rounded, and white in color
No dark blotch on the anterior lobe of the dorsal fin
About Odisha
Formation - 1 April 1936
Capital - Bhubaneswar
Governor - Raghubar Das
Chief Minister - Mohan Charan Majhi
Rajya Sabha - 10 seats
Lok Sabha - 21 seats
There are a total of 147 seats in Odisha Assembly.
5. Assam Secretariat Becomes India's First Eco-Friendly State HQ
Tags: State News
The Assam secretariat has made history as India's first eco-friendly state government headquarters, inaugurating a 2.5 Megawatt (MW) solar power project on the Janata Bhawan campus in Dispur, Guwahati, Assam.
An Overview of the News
Costing Rs 12.5 crore, this grid-connected rooftop solar plant enables the entire complex to operate solely on solar energy.
Financial and Environmental Impact
Implementation of the solar power project is projected to save Rs 30 lakh per month in electricity costs.
This initiative underscores Assam's commitment to sustainable practices and reducing carbon footprint.
Energy Efficiency Measures
Automatic disconnection facilities for power are scheduled from 8-9 pm, with exceptions for critical areas like the home, finance, and Chief Minister's secretariat.
This measure aims to optimize energy usage and promote responsible electricity consumption.
Policy Changes
Effective July 2024, ministers and officials residing in official quarters will assume responsibility for their electricity bills, ending a long-standing practice.
This policy shift aligns with efforts to enhance fiscal discipline and promote accountability in energy consumption.
Consumer Benefits
The Assam Power Distribution Company Ltd (APDCL) plans to reduce power tariffs by Re 1 per unit starting April 1, 2025.
This reduction is expected to benefit consumers across the state, making electricity more affordable and accessible.
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
6. PM Modi unveils 1,500 crore Multiple Development Projects in J&K during visit
Tags: State News National News
PM Modi launched development projects worth Rs 1,500 crore in Jammu and Kashmir during his two-day visit.
An Overview of the News
He laid the foundation stone and inaugurated 84 major developmental projects in the Union Territory, worth over 1,500 crore rupees.
PM Modi attended the "Empowering Youth, Transforming J&K" event in Srinagar on 20 June.
During the event, he distributed appointment letters to over 2,000 newly appointed government employees.
He also launched the Competitiveness Improvement in Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project, valued at 1,800 crore rupees.
On 21 June, PM Modi will lead the tenth International Yoga Day celebration in Srinagar, participating in a yoga session and addressing the gathering.
About Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir was a state of India till August 2019, which was bifurcated on 31 August 2019 to form two union territories named Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
Capital- Srinagar (May–October), Jammu (November–April)
Lieutenant Governor - Manoj Sinha
Legislative Council - 36 seats
Legislative Assembly - 89 seats
7. PM Modi Inaugurates New Nalanda University Campus
Tags: State News National News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the newly built campus of Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar.
An Overview of the News
The event was held at Sushma Swaraj Auditorium at Nalanda University.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Bihar Governor Rajendra Arlekar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Sinha, along with other delegates, were present at the new campus of Nalanda University. The event was also attended by ambassadors from 17 countries.
Prime Minister Modi's Address
PM Modi emphasized the role of knowledge in making India developed by 2047.
Stressed that strengthening education and knowledge systems can help India achieve superpower status.
Mentioned the International Solar Alliance as an example of such initiatives.
The government aims to re-establish India as a major knowledge centre with a new identity in the education sector.
Remarks by Other Leaders
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar:
Spoke on the revival of Nalanda as a global bridge of learning.
Highlighted education, training, and capacity building as effective ways to promote international understanding.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar:
Praised the glorious history of ancient Nalanda University.
Acknowledged the ruins of ancient Nalanda University as a World Heritage site.
Historical Significance of Nalanda
Nalanda University, founded in Rajagriha (now Rajgir) in Bihar in the 5th century BC by Kumararagupta of the Gupta Dynasty, was among the earliest educational institutions globally.
It thrived under Gupta kings like Kumaragupta, Emperor Harsha of Kannauj, and later under the Pala empire.
Nalanda functioned not only as a university but also as a Buddhist monastery.
According to Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang, the university housed 10,000 monks and 2,000 teachers.
Aryabhata, the renowned mathematician and astronomer, led Nalanda University.
Prominent figures such as Harshavardhana, Nagarjuna, and Vasubandhu were among its notable students.
Nalanda boasted an illustrious 800-year tradition as a center of learning.
UNESCO recognizes two world heritage sites in Bihar: the Mahabodhi Mahavihara in Bodh Gaya and the remnants of the ancient Nalanda University.
8. Assam CM Inaugurates Janata Bhawan Solar Project
Tags: State News
On 16 June, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the Janata Bhawan Solar Project in Guwahati.
An Overview of the News
This project features a 2.5-MW power generation capacity with a grid-connected rooftop and ground-mounted solar PV system.
Financial and Energy Details
Electricity Generation: The system is expected to yield an average of 3 lakh units of electricity monthly.
Investment: The project required an investment of 12.56 crore rupees.
Payback Period: The investment is projected to be recovered within 4 years.
Savings: Monthly savings are estimated at approximately 30 lakh rupees.
Environmental Impact
Carbon Emissions: The solar plant will reduce carbon emissions by 3,060 metric tonnes annually.
Lifespan: The solar plant has a lifespan of 25 years.
Significance
First in India: The Assam Secretariat Complex becomes the first-ever civil secretariat in the country to rely entirely on solar-generated electricity.
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: Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park and Nameri National Park
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
9. Tesam Pongte Unanimously Elected as Speaker of Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly
Tags: Person in news State News
Tesam Pongte, MLA from Changlang North, has been elected unanimously as the Speaker of the 8th Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly.
An Overview of the News
The special session of the Assembly commenced with the election of the Speaker.
Pro-tem speaker Ninong Ering announced Tesam Pongte's election as Speaker, as no other nominations were received.
Kardo Nyigyor, MLA from Likabali, was also elected unopposed as the Deputy Speaker of the 8th State Legislative Assembly.
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. Mohan Charan Majhi Sworn in as Odisha's First BJP Chief Minister
Tags: Person in news State News
Mohan Charan Majhi was sworn in as the first BJP Chief Minister of Odisha in a grand ceremony in Bhubaneswar.
An Overview of the News
Alongside Majhi, two Deputy Chief Ministers, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, also took the oath.
Thirteen ministers were sworn in as part of the new government.
The oath was administered by Odisha Governor Raghubar Das.
The ceremony was attended by notable dignitaries including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers Amit Shah, JP Nadda, Nitin Gadkari, Jual Oram, Dharmendra Pradhan, and Bhupinder Yadav.
Many chief ministers from BJP-ruled states, BJD supremo and former chief minister Naveen Patnaik, and other dignitaries were also present.
About Odisha
Formation - 1 April 1936
Capital - Bhubaneswar
Governor - Raghubar Das
Chief minister - Mohan Charan Majhi
Rajya Sabha - 10 seats
Lok Sabha - 21 seats
