1. Uttar Pradesh Leads India with One Crore ABHA Tokens
Tags: State News
Uttar Pradesh becomes the first state in India to generate one crore tokens through the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) ID.
An Overview of the News
Uttar Pradesh has achieved a total of 1,43,00,000 tokens, setting a record.
Following Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh ranks second with 60,33,104 tokens generated.
Karnataka holds the third position with 42,57,944 tokens.
Other States' Token Generation:
Jammu and Kashmir: 38,87,226 tokens
Delhi: 22,28,079 tokens
Bihar: 15,65,332 tokens
Madhya Pradesh: 12,53,722 tokens
Maharashtra: 7,96,938 tokens
Chhattisgarh: 7,34,781 tokens
Odisha: 5,06,580 tokens
Gujarat: 3,83,789 tokens
ABHA ID:
Initiative by the National Health Authority (NHA) under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).
Features a unique 14-digit identification number linked to Aadhaar or mobile numbers.
Facilitates digital storage and accessibility of health information, consultations, medical records, and prescriptions.
Healthcare Standards and Monitoring
Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS):
Introduced in 2007, updated in 2022.
Sets quality benchmarks for public health facilities from primary to secondary levels.
Monitoring and Dashboard Development:
Health Ministry's dashboard aids national, state, and district health institutions in monitoring compliance with IPHS standards.
Supports quick assessment and actions to improve healthcare service delivery.
2. Telangana Registers First FIR Under New Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at Charminar Police Station
Tags: State News
The first FIR under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS), which replaces the Indian Penal Code (IPC) from July 1, was registered at the Charminar police station in Hyderabad.
An Overview of the News
In a social media post, DGP Ravi Gupta announced that the Telangana police registered the first FIR with a digital signature under the BNS.
Details of the First FIR:
Registered at: Charminar police station of Hyderabad police commissionerate.
Time of registration: 1 a.m.
Charges: Filed under Section 281 of the BNS and Sections 80(a) and 177 of the Motor Vehicles Act for riding with improper number plates.
Second FIR:
Location: Rajendranagar police station.
Time of registration: 2 a.m.
Charges: Filed under Section 104 of the BNS following the death of a driver who crashed into the divider on the PVNR Expressway.
About The Three New Criminal Laws
On June 21, 2024, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (MoPPG&P) had announced the enactment of three new criminal laws effective from July 1, 2024.
Enactment of three new criminal laws effective from 1 July 2024
Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita (BNS2) Act, 2023
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita (BNSS2) Act, 2023
Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Adhiniyam Act, 2023
These new laws replaced British-colonial era laws:
The Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860
The Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), 1973
The Indian Evidence Act (IEA), 1872
President Droupadi Murmu gave assent to these laws on 24th December 2023.
On 19th June 2024, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) proposal for the National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFIES).
The scheme has a budget of over Rs 2200 crore for the period from FY25 (2024-25) to FY29 (2028-29).
Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA):
Union Minister: Amit Shah (Lok Sabha constituency: Gandhinagar, Gujarat)
Minister of State (MoS): Nityanand Rai (Lok Sabha constituency: Ujiarpur, Bihar)
Minister of State (MoS): Bandi Sanjay Kumar (Lok Sabha constituency: Karimnagar, Telangana)
3. India's Largest Leopard Safari Opens at Bannerghatta Biological Park, Bengaluru
Tags: Environment State News
India's largest and third leopard safari has been launched at Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP), located 25 kilometers south of Bengaluru.
An Overview of the News
The safari, inaugurated recently, currently houses eight leopards with plans to increase the number in the future.
Spanning 20 hectares, the safari is secured with railway barricades and enclosed with 4.5-meter-tall chain-link mesh and mild steel sheets to ensure the leopards remain within boundaries.
About Bannerghatta Biological Park
Established in 2004, BBP was carved out of Bannerghatta National Park and is under the administration of the Zoo Authority of Karnataka.
Encompasses 731.88 hectares, featuring a zoo, butterfly park, and rescue center.
Focuses on scientific development, conservation, and breeding of endangered species.
Offers safaris for tigers, lions, bears, and herbivores, alongside facilities for bird, reptile, and mammal enclosures.
List of National Parks in Karnataka:
Nagarhole National Park
Located in Karnataka's Kodagu district.
Known for its lush woods, streams, hills, and waterfalls.
Home to tigers, Gaur, elephants, Indian leopards, sloth bears, striped hyenas, and deer.
Bandipur National Park
Established in 1974 as a Tiger Reserve.
Significant habitat for wild elephants.
Anshi National Park
Created in 1987 from Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary.
Part of Project Tiger since 2007.
Located adjacent to Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary.
Kudremukh National Park
Known for dense forests and scenic waterfalls like Kadambi and Hanumangundi.
Diverse fauna includes lion-tailed macaque, tiger, leopard, wild dog, Malabar giant squirrel, common langur, and sloth bear.
Mudumalai National Park
Shares boundaries with Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Noted for its elephant and tiger populations.
Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated around 245 kilometers from Bangalore.
About Karnataka
Capital:- Bengaluru (Executive Branch)
Chief minister:- Siddaramaiah
Governor:- Thawar Chand Gehlot
Bird:- Indian roller
4. Itanagar Woman Police Station Achieves ISO 9001:2015 Certification
Tags: Awards State News
The Woman Police Station in Itanagar, under Capital Police, has achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification.
An Overview of the News
This certification is globally recognized for establishing and maintaining a high-quality management system.
It signifies the station's commitment to effectively handling crimes against women and children.
The certification process involved a rigorous evaluation of the station's procedures, policies, and practices.
It confirms that the station not only meets but exceeds required standards in service delivery.
The achievement reflects the dedication of the entire team in ensuring justice and community safety.
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
5. Karnataka's Udupi Cochin Shipyard bags Rs 1,100 crore order from Norwegian firm
Tags: State News
Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited (UCSL), a subsidiary of Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), has secured a Rs 1,100 crore international order from Norwegian Firm Wilson ASA.
An Overview of the News
The order has been received by UCSL from Wilson ASA, Norway for the design and construction of eight 6300 TDW dry cargo vessels.
Initially, four 6300 TDW vessels are contracted, with an agreement for an additional four vessels to be contracted by September 19, 2024.
Previous Contracts
This new order follows a previous contract awarded in June 2023 for six 3800 TDW dry cargo vessels, currently under construction at UCSL in Udupi, Karnataka.
Vessel Specifications
The vessels will be 100 meters in length with a deadweight of 6300 metric tonnes at a design draft of 6.5 meters.
They will be designed by Conoship International, Netherlands, and will be environment-friendly diesel-electric ships intended for general cargo transport in European coastal waters.
Project Value and Timeline
The total project of eight vessels is valued at approximately Rs 1,100 crore and is set to be completed by September 2028.
About Wilson ASA
Wilson ASA, based in Bergen, Norway, is a leading short-sea fleet operator in Europe, transporting about 15 million tonnes of dry cargo annually with a fleet of around 130 vessels.
UCSL's Recent Deliveries
Since UCSL's takeover by CSL, it has delivered two 62T Bollard Pull Tugs to Ocean Sparkle Limited and one 70T Bollard Pull Tug to Polestar Maritime Limited.
UCSL has also received orders for four more 70T Bollard Pull Tugs, with three for Ocean Sparkle Limited and one for Polestar Maritime Limited.
About UCSL
It was originally incorporated as ‘Tebma Engineering Private Limited’ on July 09, 1984.
It later became public and changed its name to‘Tebma Shipyards Limited’.
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) acquired the company through an NCLT order in Chennai and took over management in September 2020.
This acquisition made the company a wholly owned subsidiary of CSL and a Government Company under the Companies Act, 2013.
The name was changed to Udupi Cochin ShipyardLimited on April 22, 2022.
About Karnataka
Capital:- Bengaluru (Executive Branch)
Chief minister:- Siddaramaiah
Governor:- Thawar Chand Gehlot
Bird:- Indian roller
6. 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
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. 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
9. 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.
10. 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
