1. Himachal Pradesh's Kangra tea gets European GI tag
Tags: State News
The European Commission (EC) has recently granted Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status to Kangra tea, aunique variety of tea grown in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh in India.
An Overview of the News
According to the notification issued by the Election Commission on March 22, the PGI status will be effective from April 11, 2023 and will help protect the authenticity and quality of Kangra tea in the European market.
This is a significant achievement for Kangra tea, as it joins the list of other Indian products such as Darjeeling tea, Basmati rice and Pashmina shawls, which have been accorded the same status in the European Union.
About Kangra Tea
It was first introduced in the mid-19th century by Dr. Jameson, a British civil surgeon who sowed tea seeds in the Kangra Valley.
In 1882, the Kangra tea garden won a gold medal at the Calcutta Exhibition, further enhancing its prestige.
A disease known as "orange rust" destroyed many tea gardens in the early 20th century, leading to a decline in the industry.
About the European Commission (EC)
It is the executive branch of the European Union (EU) and serves as its administrative body.
The President of the Commission is elected by the European Parliament and appointed by the European Council.
The Commission is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium and has a staff of approximately 32,000 employees.
The Commission ensures that EU laws and policies are implemented correctly and that Member States follow EU rules.
The Commission cooperates with other EU institutions, such as the European Council and the European Parliament, to shape EU policies and legislation.
The Commission's decisions are subject to oversight by the European Court of Justice, which interprets and applies EU law.
About Himachal Pradesh
Capital- Shimla (Summer), Dharamshala (Winter)
Chief Minister-Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu
Governor- Shiv Pratap Shukla
2. Haryana becomes first state in India to have 100% electrified railway network
Tags: State News
Indian Railways has successfully completed 100% electrification of railway network in the state of Haryana in March 2023 and with this achievement, Haryana has become the first state in India to have 100% electrified railway network.
An Overview of the News
The electrification project covers the existing broad gauge network of 1,701 route kilometres in Haryana.
The completion of this project will reduce the dependence of Indian Railways on imported crude oil and also save foreign exchange.
Electrification of Railways will help reduce carbon emissions and contribute towards the goal of a sustainable and environment-friendly transport system in India.
Indian Railways is working towards achieving 100% electrification of its railway network in the country to increase efficiency, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and promote clean energy sources.
Electrification of the railway network will also significantly reduce air pollution caused by diesel locomotives, thereby improving air quality.
About Indian Railways
It is one of the largest railway networks in the world and was established in 1853 during British colonial rule.
Indian Railways covers a vast network of over 67,000 km, connecting almost every corner of the country.
It operates a variety of trains including local passenger trains, express trains, superfast trains and luxury trains.
3. Srinagar-Leh’s Z-Morh tunnel to be inaugurated in April
Tags: State News
The crucial Z-Morh tunnel that connects Gagangir and Sonamarg on the Srinagar-Leh highway will be inaugurated in April 2023 according to Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari.
An overview of the news
He said nine tunnels were being built between Jammu and Srinagar and Asia's longest tunnel at Zojila would also be ready by 2024.
About Z-Morh tunnel
Zoji-Morh tunnel is an under-construction tunnel located in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.
It is a 6.5 km long tunnel between Gagangir and Sonamarg on the Srinagar-Leh highway.
The tunnel is being constructed at an altitude of 11,578 feet and will provide all-weather connectivity to the Kashmir Valley.
The tunnel will have a two-lane carriageway which is being constructed using the latest tunneling technology.
The project is being implemented by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).
This tunnel will reduce the travel time between Srinagar and Leh by about four hours.
About Zojila Pass
It is a high mountain pass in Jammu and Kashmir, located on National Highway 1.
It connects Srinagar in Kashmir Valley to Leh in Ladakh region.
It has an elevation of about 3,528 metres (11,575 ft), and is the second highest pass on the Srinagar–Leh National Highway after Photu La.
This is known as the 'Icy Storm Pass'.
The Zojila Tunnel project was started in the year 2018. It is the longest and strategic bi-directional tunnel in Asia.
4. World Bank approves $363 million loan for clean drinking water in rural Karnataka
Tags: State News
The World Bank has given a $363 million loan to the state of Karnataka in India, which will help provide clean drinking water to two million rural households.
An Overview of the News
It aims to establish piped water connections to households across the state, including construction of drinking water distribution networks and installation of water metres, and the initiative is expected to benefit around 10 million people in all 31 districts of the state.
The loan is part of the Karnataka Sustainable Rural Water Supply programme, which aims to improve the operational efficiency of rural water supply services.
The World Bank loan has a special focus on promoting gender equality, as women typically bear the greatest burden of fetching water.
The program aims to revive 500 rural water reservoirs in seven water-stressed districts, which will help increase water storage capacity and groundwater recharge.
Around 3,000 rural women will receive on-the-job skill training to be employed as plumbers.
The program will strive to demonstrate 24/7 water supply service in at least 500 gram panchayats and enhance the capacity of rural local governments to manage water supply services efficiently.
About the World Bank
It is an international financial institution. It was established in 1944 and is headquartered in Washington, D.C.
The World Bank is made up of two institutions: the IBRD and the IDA.
The Bank provides loans, grants, policy advice and technical assistance to developing countries.
The World Bank Group includes other institutions such as the IFC and MIGA.
The mission of the World Bank is to help countries achieve their development goals and improve the lives of people around the world.
5. Assam's Tapoban NGO honoured with Children's Champion Award
Tags: Awards State News
The Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights conferred the Assam-based Tapoban NGO with the Children's Champion Award 2023 and the award was presented in the Health and Nutrition category.
An Overview of the News
Kumud Kalita, founder-president of Tapoban and a political science teacher at a junior college of the school, received the award from Justice S Muralidhar, Chief Justice of Odisha High Court in New Delhi.
This NGO focuses on supporting children with special needs and autism.
The Children's Champion Award recognizes individuals and organisations for their significant contribution to the welfare of children in areas such as education, justice, health, nutrition, sports and creative arts.
Tapoban has been recognized in the Health and Nutrition category for its remarkable contribution to the welfare of children with special needs and children with autism.
About Tapoban
Tapoban Pathshala, established in 2005, is an NGO based in Assam.
It runs a care home for 18 differently-abled and orphaned children and has helped over 700 children so far.
Chief Minister's Best Community Work Award in 2011 and Mr. Kalita receiving the State Teacher Award in 2021.
6. PM inaugurates Whitefield-KR Puram Metro Line in Karnataka
Tags: State News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 25 March inaugurated the much-awaited Whitefield - KR Puram metro line in Bengaluru.
An overview of the news
With this 13.71 km stretch with 12 stations, Bengaluru Metro has a connectivity of 69.66 km with 63 stations, making it the second largest network in the country after the Delhi Metro.
The Rs 4,249-crore project will reduce travel time between Whitefield and KR Puram by 22 minutes and is expected to increase passenger traffic by 1.5 lakh.
Delhi has 348 km line, Bengaluru has 69 km and Hyderabad 67 km metro network.
The Whitefield-KR Puram Metro Line is an extension of the existing Purple Line (the metro's east-west corridor).
7. Tamil Nadu's 18th wildlife sanctuary opened in Erode
Tags: State News
The Tamil Nadu government declared Thanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary as the 18th wildlife sanctuary in the state.
An Overview of the news
The sanctuary covers an area of 80,567 hectares in Anthiyur and Gobichettipalayam taluks of Erode district and includes reserve forest areas in Anthiyur, Bargur, Thattakarai and Chennampatti.
Thanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to various wild animals including tigers, elephants, leopards, wild boars, gaurs and deer.
The sanctuary will facilitate the placement of additional poaching inspectors and camps, efforts to remove invasive species, reduce conflicts between humans and animals, and promote the conservation of Asian elephants.
About Forest Rights Act (FRA)
It was enacted in India in 2006 to recognize and vest forest rights and forestland tenure in forest-dwelling communities, including Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers.
The FRA recognizes the rights of forest-dwelling communities to access, use and manage forest resources and to protect and conserve forests and wildlife.
The purpose of FRA is to correct the historical injustice caused by the colonisation of their lands by forest-dwelling communities and the subsequent creation of protected areas and forest reserves.
About Tamil Nadu
Chief Minister - M.K. stalin
Capital - Chennai
Governor - R. N. Ravi
8. Mata Sharda Devi Temple inaugurated near Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir
Tags: State News
On March 22, Home Minister Amit Shah e-inaugurated the Mata Sharda Devi Temple near the Line of Control in Karnah sector of Jammu and Kashmir.
An Overview of the News
The architecture and construction of the temple is done according to Hindu scriptures under the aegis of Sharda Peeth, and the idol of Sharda Maa donated by Sringeri Math is installed.
About Maa Sharda Devi Temple:
Location: Maa Sharda Devi Temple is located in Teetwal village of Karnah tehsil of Kupwara district in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It is located near the Line of Control (LoC) that separates India and Pakistan.
History: The temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Maa Sharda, who is believed to be an incarnation of Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and wisdom. According to legend, the temple was built by the Pandavas during their exile. It is believed that the temple was later renovated by King Lalitaditya Muktapida, who ruled the region in the 8th century.
Significance: Maa Sharda Devi Temple is considered a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus, especially those from the Kashmiri Pandit community. The temple attracts devotees from all over India, who come here to seek blessings and worship the Goddess.
Architecture: The temple has a typical Kashmiri style of architecture, with wooden pillars and intricate carvings. The inner sanctum sanctorum of the temple houses the idol of Maa Sharda, which is made of black stone.
Festivals: The temple is especially popular during the Navratri festival, which is celebrated twice a year in the months of March–April and October–November. During this time, the temple is decorated with flowers and lights and special prayers and rituals are performed in honour of the Goddess.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha
9. Tamil Nadu assembly readopts bill against online gambling
Tags: State News
The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly unanimously re-passed the online gambling ban bill on March 23.
An overview of the news
The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly has re-adopted the Prohibition of Online Gambling and Regulation of Online Games Bill, 2022.
Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi had earlier returned it saying it was against the decisions of the courts.
The bill was adopted in the assembly for the first time after the government commissioned a survey of the school education department in 2022 to find out the impact of online games on students.
What is Online Gambling?
Online gambling refers to participating in gambling activities over the Internet.
It can be played on a variety of devices including computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones and involves the use of virtual chips or digital currencies instead of cash.
The global online gambling market size in 2022 is estimated to be US$63.53 billion.
The Asia-Pacific region is the largest online gambling market, with China and Japan accounting for the largest share.
Online gambling is regulated with varying degrees of restrictions and laws in most countries including India.
Types of online games
Casino games, Sports betting, Poker,Lottery.
10. Tamil Nadu govt to launch five-year Tamil Nadu Millet Mission
Tags: State News
Presenting the state’s Agriculture Budget for FY24 in the Assembly on 21 March, Tamil Nadu Minister for Agriculture MRK Panneerselvam said the state government will implement the Tamil Nadu Millet Mission for five years.
An overview of the news
The government has decided to take up millet cultivation in 50,000 acres of fallow land under its Tamil Nadu Millet Mission and provide subsidy for crop diversification into millets.
By bringing millet farmers together, 100 groups of millet producers will be formed and training programs will be run for them.
Subsidy will be provided for setting up sprinkler irrigation system in 12,500 acres.
Subsidy assistance will be provided to farmer producer groups for setting up millet processing centers to sell value-added millets.
To create awareness about the goodness of millets, the government will celebrate 'Bajra Utsav'.
To increase the production and consumption of millet, direct procurement of ragi and millet will be done and availability of millet will be ensured at fair price shops.
Millet-based food will be included in hostels of government institutions and educational institutions.
About Tamil Nadu State
The state was formed on 26 January 1950 but its boundaries were redrawn on 14 January 1969.
Tamil Nadu is located at the mouth of the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean.
Bharatanatyam is a very popular and famous dance form of Tamil Nadu.
Tamil Nadu is the largest producer of bananas and flowers, the second largest producer of mango, rubber, groundnut, coconut and the third largest producer of coffee.
Governor- Ravindra Narayan Ravi
Chief Minister- M.K.Stalin
Assembly seats 235 seats
Rajya Sabha Seats - 18
Lok Sabha seats- 39
