1. Manipur’s T.G. English School Wins 63rd Subroto Cup Junior Boys Title
Tags: Sports State News
Manipur’s T.G. English School won the Junior Boys title at the 63rd Subroto Cup International Football Tournament.
An Overview of the News
They defeated Meghalaya’s Myngken Christian Higher Secondary School 4-3 in a sudden-death tiebreaker after a 1-1 tie in regulation time.
The final was held at BR Ambedkar Stadium in New Delhi.
This victory marked the third time in history and the first time in 44 years that a team from Manipur has won the prestigious trophy.
Match Highlights
Manipur took the lead with a goal from Namdigong Kamei in the 32nd minute.
Meghalaya equalized with a penalty from Banpliebok Khongjoh in the 64th minute, just before the end of regulation time.
In the sudden-death tiebreaker, Meghalaya’s goalkeeper Wanpli Malang missed his spot-kick.
This miss allowed Manipur to clinch the title.
Tournament Background
The Subroto Cup is one of Asia’s oldest football tournaments.
It aims to promote grassroots football across the country.
2. Manipur Commemorates Patriots' Day
Tags: Important Days
Manipur observed Patriots' Day on August 13 to honor the martyrs of the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891.
An Overview of the News
The day was commemorated across various locations within and outside the state, with district administrations also participating on August 13.
State-Level Ceremony
The state-level ceremony was held at Bir Tikendrajit Park in Imphal.
Manipur Governor Sushri Anusuiya Uikey and Chief Minister N. Biren Singh led the tributes.
A gun salute was performed by a contingent of Manipur Rifles.
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh paid floral tributes at the last rites memorial sites of Yubaraj Tikendrajit and Thangal General, who were executed by the British on August 13, 1891.
About Manipur
Statehood: Became a state in 1972
Capital: Imphal (Executive Branch)
Rajya Sabha: 1 seat
Lok Sabha: 2 seats
Chief Minister: N. Biren Singh
Governor: Lakshman Acharya
3. Scientists Discover Six New Bent-Toed Gecko Species in Northeastern India
Tags: Science and Technology
Researchers have discovered six new species of bent-toed geckos in Northeastern India.
An Overview of the News
This Conducted by scientists from Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment (ATREE), and the Natural History Museum London (NHM).
New Species Locations:
Two species from Arunachal Pradesh (AR)
Two species from Nagaland
One species from Manipur
One species from Mizoram
Bent-Toed Geckos:
Distributed across Peninsular India, Sri Lanka, the Himalayan foothills, Northeast India, Southeast Asia, and the Solomon Islands.
Significant diversity with approximately 346 species identified.
Highlights of New Species Descriptions
Arunachal Pradesh:
Namdapha Bent-Toed Gecko: Found in Namdapha and Kamlang Tiger Reserves; inhabits lowland evergreen forests.
Siang Valley Bent-Toed Gecko: Discovered in the Siang River valley, known for its unique biodiversity.
Mizoram:
Ngengpui Bent-Toed Gecko: Located in Ngengpui Wildlife Sanctuary; characterized by tropical semi-evergreen to moist evergreen vegetation.
Manipur:
Manipur Bent-Toed Gecko: Discovered near Lamdan Kabui village; found on shrubs along the road connecting Leimatak and Charoikhullen.
Nagaland:
Kiphire Bent-Toed Gecko: Found in regenerating jhum land at elevations between 740m and 1,300m above sea level.
Barail Hill Bent-Toed Gecko: Discovered in a reserved forest at similar elevations.
Research and Implications
Survey Duration and Locations:
Surveys conducted from 2018 to 2022 across 22 locations in Northeast India.
New Lineages:
Morphological and scientific tests revealed six previously undescribed lineages.
Species Diversity:
Higher species diversity south of the Brahmaputra River compared to the Himalayan foothills.
Each Northeastern state now has its own endemic bent-toed gecko species.
Biodiversity Significance:
Findings highlight the rich biodiversity and importance of exploring lesser-known areas.
Protected areas and abandoned jhum lands are crucial for documenting undocumented species.
4. Assam Unveils Amrit Brikshya Andolan 2.0 App to Boost 3 Crore Tree Planting Campaign
Tags: State News
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the Amrit Brikshya Andolan 2.0 app on July 19, 2024.
An Overview of the News
The app enables individuals to register or renew their participation in the tree-planting campaign.
The initiative aims to plant 3 crore saplings across Assam from August 1 to 15, 2024.
The state has a total of 4 crore saplings, with 1 crore reserved for replacements.
Implementation and Distribution
4,000 distribution points have been established throughout the state for efficient sapling distribution.
Saplings will be sourced from the State Government's nurseries.
Long-Term Goals
The state government plans to plant 10 crore saplings in the coming years.
The initiative highlights Assam’s commitment to environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation.
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
5. Nagaland Madrigal Singers Win Two Gold at World Choir Games 2024 in New Zealand
Tags: Sports
The Nagaland Madrigal Singers, representing India, won two Gold Medals at the World Choir Games 2024 held in Auckland, New Zealand.
An Overview of the News
The event, the largest choral competition globally, took place from July 10 and saw participation from over 11,000 singers across 42 countries.
Under the leadership of Hito Kiho, the Nagaland Madrigal Singers competed in two categories: Contemporary Music Mixed Voices and Mixed Chamber Choir.
The group secured gold medals in both categories.
The Nagaland Madrigal Singers were founded by Hito Kiho in September 2023.
About World Choir Games
The World Choir Games (formerly Choir Olympics) is the largest global choral festival and competition.
Organized by the Interkultur Foundation, it welcomes choirs of all backgrounds and genres.
Motto: "Singing together brings nations together."
Inaugurated - 7 July 2000
First held: 2000 in Linz, Austria
12th held: 2023 in Gangneung, South Korea
13th held: 2024 in Auckland, New Zealand
About Nagaland
Statehood: Nagaland became a state on December 1, 1963, with Kohima as the capital.
Before was: Part of Assam
Boundaries: Bordered by Arunachal Pradesh (northeast), Manipur (south), Assam (west and northwest), and Myanmar (east).
State Animal: Mithun (Gyal).
State Bird: Blyth's Tragopan.
Major Tribes: Konyak (largest), Ao, Tangkhul, Sema, and Angami.
Other Tribes: Lotha, Sangtam, Phom, Chang, Khim Hungama, Yimchungar, Zeliang, Chakhesang (Chokri), and Rengma.
Chief Minister: Neiphiu Rio
Governor: La Ganesan
About New Zealand
Capital - Wellington
Continent - Oceania
Currency - New Zealand Dollar
Emperor - Charles III
Governor General - Cindy Kiro
Prime Minister - Christopher Luxon
6. Supreme Court Appoints Justice N Kotiswar Singh, First Judge from Manipur
Tags: Person in news
The Supreme Court of India is set to appoint two new judges: Justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh and Justice R Mahadevan.
An Overview of the News
The SC Collegium recommended their elevation on July 1, highlighting the importance of diversity on the bench.
The Centre approved their elevation on July 16.
Justice N Kotiswar Singh:
Currently the Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Originally from Manipur, he will be the first Supreme Court judge from Manipur.
He was set to retire on February 28, 2025, but will now serve in the Supreme Court until February 28, 2028 (retirement age is 65 for SC judges).
Oversaw key cases in Manipur, including intervention in the functioning of Manipur University during 2018 protests.
Justice R Mahadevan:
Justice R. Mahadevan, currently serving as a Judge at the Madras High Court, will assume office as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India upon assuming charge.
Judge at the Madras High Court since 2013 and currently its Acting Chief Justice.
Belongs to a backward community from Tamil Nadu.
This will be his first position outside the Madras High Court.
Part of a bench that set aside conditions on the RSS’ proposed statewide march in February 2023.
Once both Justices assume office, the Supreme Court will be at full strength with 34 judges.
7. 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.
8. Annual Ambubachi Mela Celebrates at Kamakhya Temple in Assam
Tags: Festivals
The Ambubachi Mela, renowned in Assam, commenced today at Kamakhya temple. It will continue until the 26th of this month.
An Overview of the News
Thousands of devotees have gathered to participate in this significant event.
The festival honors the annual menstruation of goddess Kamakhya, symbolizing fertility and womanhood.
During the Ambubachi Mela, the gates of Kamakhya Temple remain closed.
The temple gates are scheduled to reopen at 9:08 p.m. on the 25th of this month.
Elaborate arrangements have been made by the Kamrup Metro District administration for the devotees.
Other Festivals of Assam
Bihu Festival:
Significance: Most important festival of Assam celebrated by all Assamese.
Types: Bohag Bihu (spring festival), Kaati Bihu (crop festival), Magh Bihu (harvest festival).
Me-Dum-Me-Phi Festival:
Importance: Ahom festival for ancestor worship.
Date: Annually on January 31st.
Customs: Includes colorful processions and traditional attire.
Belief: Essential for social harmony and preventing crises in Assam.
Baishagu Festival:
Celebrated by: Boro Kacharis tribe in Assam.
Date: Mid-April, marking the Bodo New Year.
Features: Colorful celebrations, traditional musical instruments like Khawbang, Jotha, Gogona.
Conclusion: Culminates in community prayer called "Garjasali."
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 river - Brahmaputra
9. 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
10. 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
