1. Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma Launches Mizoram's Flagship 'Handholding Scheme
Tags: State News
On September 19, 2024, Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma officially launched Mizoram's new flagship initiative, the Handholding Scheme (Bana Kaih).
An Overview of the News
The launch event took place at Vanapa Hall, Aizawl. The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to entrepreneurs and farmers to promote economic growth and self-sufficiency.
Key Features of the Scheme
The Handholding Scheme includes five key components designed to support progress partners (beneficiaries).
The main feature is a collateral-free and interest-free loan system, offering up to Rs. 50 lakh through partner banks.
The state government will act as a guarantor for the loans, utilizing national credit guarantee schemes.
Beneficiaries who repay consistently may receive up to 100% interest subvention, making it the first scheme of its kind in India.
Additional Financial Support and Market Assistance
The Chief Minister's Special Category Scheme offers a grant-in-aid of up to Rs. 1 lakh for individuals unable to avail loans.
A Minimum Support Price (MSP) has been introduced for four key crops: Ginger, Broom, Turmeric, and Mizo Birdeye Chilli.
Farmers unable to secure market rates higher than the MSP will receive government support to match the declared rate.
A pilot procurement program for Paddy in Kolasib and Mamit districts offers a support rate of Rs. 30 per kg.
Implementation and Pilot Phase
The government of Mizoram has declared the current year as the "Year of Consolidation".
The Handholding Scheme will be implemented as a pilot project during the current financial year.
Market and departmental support will be provided to ensure the effective execution of the scheme.
2. Santosh Kashyap Appointed Head Coach of Indian Women's Football Team
Tags: Sports News
Santosh Kashyap, a former national player, has been named the head coach of the Indian national women’s football team.
An Overview of the News
He was appointed by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and will immediately take charge.
Coaching Experience and Career Highlights
Kashyap, 58, has managed several I-League clubs such as Air India, Mohun Bagan, Aizawl FC, Salgaocar FC, and ONGC.
He has also worked as an assistant coach for Indian Super League teams NorthEast United (2015) and Odisha FC (2023-24).
As a player, he was a Federation Cup runner-up in 1993 with Mahindra United and won a bronze medal at the 1989 South Asian Games with the Indian men’s team.
Support Staff Appointments
Priya P. V., who was the head coach of the India U-17 women’s team (2022), will now serve as the assistant coach for the senior team.
Raghuvir Pravin Khanolkar has been appointed as the goalkeeping coach.
India's Record in SAFF Women's Championship
India has won five of the six editions of the SAFF Women's Championship (2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2019).
The Blue Tigresses were semi-finalists in the last edition, losing to Nepal, the eventual runners-up.
3. First ABDM Microsite Launched in Mizoram
Tags: Science and Technology
National Health Authority (NHA) inaugurated the ABDM microsite in Aizawl, Mizoram as part of the 100 microsites project.
An Overview of the News
The objective of the ABDM microsite is to accelerate the adoption of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) across India.
Mizoram is the lead state operating the ABDM microsite.
The initiative aims to transform health facilities including private clinics, small hospitals, and laboratories into ABDM-enabled establishments that provide digital health services.
Appointment of Interfacing Agency in Mizoram
The implementation of the ABDM microsite in Aizawl has been entrusted to "Youth for Action" appointed as the interfacing agency.
His role includes overseeing the successful execution of the ABDM microsite at Aizawl.
Significance of the 100 Microsites Project
CEO of NHA underlines the paramount importance of the 100 microsites project under ABDM.
This initiative has the potential to revolutionize healthcare digitization and encourage active participation of small and medium-scale healthcare providers.
Enhanced Patient Experience
Patients can seamlessly link their health records with Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA).
Access and sharing of health records is facilitated through ABDM-enabled personal health record (PHR) applications on mobile devices.
Learning from Pilot Projects
Previous pilot projects in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Surat have contributed to shaping the architecture of the wider 100 Microsites project under ABDM.
States like Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh are also making significant progress in implementing ABDM microsites.
4. New species of flying lizard found in Mizoram
Tags: Science and Technology State News
Mizoram's flying lizard species has been officially named as Gecko mizoramensis.
An Overview of the News
The research for this discovery was done through a collaborative effort between Mizoram University and the Max Planck Institute for Biology in Tübingen, Germany.
The study detailing the findings of the research on the gliding gecko species was published in a renowned German journal on herpetology.
Specimens of Gecko mizoramensis were collected from different places of Mizoram.
Collection sites include the Wildlife Sanctuary in Kolasib District, Dampa Tiger Reserve, and Lawngtlai District.
Mizoram:
It is a state located in Northeast India.
The name "Mizoram" is a combination of two words: "Mizo" and "Ram."
"Mizo" refers to the self-described name of the original inhabitants of Mizoram.
Establishment - 20 February 1987
Capital - Aizawl
Chief Minister - Zoramthanga
Official flower - Renanthera imschootiana
Official Animal - Sumatran Serow
Official Tree - Ceylon Ironwood
5. Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurates Sittwe Port in Myanmar
Tags: International Relations International News
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways and AYUSH Sarbananda Sonowal and Deputy Prime Minister of Myanmar Admiral Tin Aung San jointly inaugurated Sittwe Port in Myanmar on 9 May.
An overview of the news
Admiral Tin Aung San also received the first Indian cargo ship which was flagged off from Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata.
The development of Sittwe port will reduce the cost and time of movement of goods between Kolkata and Agartala and Aizawl by 50 per cent.
It will promote trade links and people-to-people ties between India and Myanmar and the wider region and help boost the economic development of the northeastern states.
About Sittwe port
The project was envisaged to provide alternative connectivity of Mizoram with Haldia, Kolkata or any Indian port through Kaladan River in Myanmar.
Sittwe Port has been developed as a part of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP) funded under grant-in-aid assistance from the Indian government.
Once the waterway and road components of the KMTTP are fully operational, the east coast of India will be connected to the north-eastern states through the Sittwe port.
The commissioning of Sittwe port will increase bilateral and regional trade as well as boost the local economy of Myanmar's Rakhine state.
The greater connectivity provided by the Port will lead to employment opportunities and enhanced growth prospects in the region.
About Myanmar
It is a country located in Southeast Asia and is bordered by India, Bangladesh, China, Laos and Thailand.
The capital city of Myanmar is Naypyidaw, which was officially designated as the capital in 2005.
President - Myint Swe (Acting)
Prime Minister - Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing
Currency - Myanmar kyat
6. India to showcase organic farming of Sikkim at B20 conference in Gangtok
Tags: Summits State News
The vibrant organic farming of Sikkim will be prominently showcased to the world through the 3rd B20 Summit to be held in Gangtok, Sikkim from 15 to 17 March 2023.
An overview of the news
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is organizing four B20 conferences in the North Eastern Region to showcase the untapped potential and opportunities within the region.
Out of which two conferences have already been held in Imphal and Aizawl.
The third and fourth conferences are to be held in Gangtok and Kohima respectively.
The hosting of the B20 summit in Sikkim is important to showcase the vibrant organic farming of the state to the world.
In addition, the B20 event to be held in Gangtok will throw light on organic farming.
G20 Tracks
G20 has two Tracks- Sherpa Track and Finance Track.
Sherpa Track has 13 working groups and 11 engagement groups.
DPIIT is the nodal ministry for two working groups namely Startup 20 and Business 20 (B20).
Working groups consist of non-governmental participants from each G20 member who provide recommendations to G20 leaders and contribute to the policy-making process.
Business 20 (B20)
It was formed in 2010 and is the official G20 dialogue platform with the global business community.
The B20 aims to provide concrete actionable policy recommendations on each Presidency's priorities to drive economic growth and development.
The B20 has scheduled a total of 100 meetings, including 65 in-person meetings and 35 hybrid meetings.
B20 summit to be held in New Delhi from 26 -27 August 2023.
The Startup 20
Startup 20 has been established under the G20 Presidency of India.
It aims to act as a dialogue platform with stakeholders of the global startup ecosystem.
It aims to represent the global startup ecosystem with G20 leaders to raise macroeconomic concerns and challenges faced by entrepreneurs.
A total of 60 meetings of the Start-up 20 Engagement Group will be held, of which 5 are in-person meetings.
The upcoming event is Startup 20 Gangtok, Sikkim on 18-19 March 2023.
The Startup 20 Summit will be held in Gurugram from 2 -4 July 2023.
7. Second Business-20 program organised in Aizawl between March 1-3
Tags: Summits
Aizawl is hosting the second of the four Business-20 (B20) India events scheduled in the Northeast from March 1-3, 2023.
An Overview of the news:
B20 is the official G20 dialogue forum for the global business community.
As one of the G20's most notable cooperation groups, the B20 represents the G20 business community and consolidates the views of global business leaders on global economic and trade governance.
The B20 provides concrete policy suggestions to each rotating presidency to promote economic growth and development.
During the B20 summit, the B20 sends its final recommendations to the G20 Presidency.
The B20 event, scheduled from March 1-3, 2023, will highlight the opportunities for multilateral business partnerships that state delegations can present in urban planning, infrastructure, bamboo, startups, skill development, nursing and paramedics.
Around 500 participants comprising ministers, senior government officials, diplomats and representatives of the business community will participate in the event.
On March 3, the last day of the summit, Chapchar Kut, a spring festival of Mizoram, will be performed before the delegations at AR Ground to conclude the B20 summit in Aizawl.
8. Puducherry and Aizawl (Mizoram) adjudged best performing State and District in Social Progress Index
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The Prime Minister Economic Advisory Council (PMEAC) on 20 December 2022 released the Social Progress Index (SPI) for States and Districts prepared by the Institute for Competitiveness and Social Progress Imperative.
The index assesses states and districts based on 12 components across three critical dimensions of social progress - Basic Human Needs, Foundations of Wellbeing, and Opportunity. The index uses an extensive framework comprising 89 indicators at the state level and 49 at the district level.
- Basic Human Needs assess the performance of states and districts in terms of Nutrition and Basic Medical Care, Water and Sanitation, Personal Safety and Shelter.
- Foundations of Wellbeing evaluates the progress made by the country across the components of Access to Basic Knowledge, Access to Information and Communication, Health and Wellness, and Environmental Quality.
- Opportunity focuses on Personal Rights, Personal Freedom and Choice, Inclusiveness, and Access to Advanced Education.
Based on the SPI scores, states and districts have been ranked under six tiers of social progress. The tiers are Tier 1: Very High Social Progress; Tier 2: High Social Progress; Tier 3: Upper Middle Social Progress; Tier 4: Lower Middle Social Progress; Tier 5: Low Social Progress; and Tier 6: Very Low Social Progress.
Top Ranked States/Union Territories
State /Union Territories | SPI | Rank |
Puducherry | 65.99 | 1 |
Lakshadweep | 65.89 | 2 |
Goa | 65.53 | 3 |
Sikkim | 65.10 | 4 |
Mizoram | 64.19 | 5 |
Bottom Ranked State
Jharkhand was ranked at the bottom, 36th with SPI score of 43.95 and Bihar was ranked at 35th with a score of 44.47.
Uttar Pradesh with a SPI score of 49.16 was ranked 31st and was put in the Low Social progress category.
Top performing districts
Aizawl (Mizoram), Solan (Himachal Pradesh), and Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) are the top 3 best-performing districts.
9. Indian Navy and Royal Enfield organises motorcycling expedition across North east India
Tags: place in news National Defence
The Indian Navy Motor Bike team, ‘The Sea Riders, in partnership with Royal Enfield, the world’s oldest motorcycle brand, embarked on an motorcycle expedition, as part of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Celebrations’, commemorating the 75th year of independence, across the seven states of North East India from 25 Nov - 14 Dec 22. Royal Enfield is the owner of the famous brand ‘Bullet’.
The expedition was flagged off by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar, by Video Conferencing from South Point School at Guwahati. Fifteen Sea Riders rode out on Royal Enfield Meteor 350 cc bikes on their journey to cover a total distance of 3500 kms over a period of 24 days across the seven states of NE India.
The expedition is being conducted over two phases across seven states with each phase covering some of the toughest and most breath-taking terrains in North East India. The riders will traverse along the Indo-Bangladesh border, visiting historical Unakoti sculptures, , the only floating national park in the world Keibul Lamjao National Park (Manipur) and witness the famous Hornbill festival (Nagaland). The expedition will pass through Guwahati (Assam), Shillong (Meghalaya), Aizawl (Mizoram), Imphal (Manipur), and Kohima (Nagaland).
North Eastern States
States | Capitals |
Assam | Dispur |
Manipur | Imphal |
Mizoram | |
Meghalaya | |
Sikkim | Gangtok |
Arunachal Pradesh | Itanagar |
Nagaland | Kohima |
Tripura | Agartala |
10. 3-day International Tourism Mart begin in Mizoram
Tags: place in news State News
The three-day International Tourism Mart (ITM) began in Mizoram on November 17, 2022.
Important facts
It is the 10th edition of the International Tourism Mart, jointly organised by the Ministry of Tourism, GOI and the state tourism department.
State Commerce and Industries minister Dr. R Lalthangliana inaugurated the event.
The event will focus on "G20 Priorities for Tourism Track", as India will assume the upcoming G20 Presidency for one year starting from 1st December 2022.
The Mart was inaugurated at R Dengthuama Indoor Stadium in Mualpui, Aizawl in the presence of Minister for Tourism, Culture and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of State for Tourism Ajay Bhatt and Chief Minister Zoramthanga.
On the occasion, a mega exhibition and food court pavilion was inaugurated at the Assam Rifles Ground in Aizawl by State Commerce and Industry Minister Dr. R. Lalthangliana.
The exhibition has hundreds of stalls set up on local food processing, cuisine, handloom and handicrafts and tourism.
It will have business-to-business sessions and panel discussions between buyers, sellers, government agencies and other stakeholders.
About International Tourism Marts
International Tourism Marts are organised on rotation basis in the North-Eastern States.
Mizoram is hosting this Mart for the first time.
The earlier editions of this mart have been held in Guwahati, Tawang, Shillong, Gangtok, Agartala, Imphal and Kohima.
The objective of the event is to showcase the tourism potential of the North-Eastern Region in the domestic and international markets.
