1. 'India Smart Cities Conclave 2023' organized in Madhya Pradesh
Tags: State News
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India organized the 'India Smart Cities Conclave 2023' in Indore, Madhya Pradesh on September 26, 2023.
An Overview of the News
The event brought together all 100 smart cities that are leading urban innovation and changing the city development process.
The conclave aims to showcase the excellent work done under the Smart Cities Mission and shape the future of urban transformation in India.
President Draupadi Murmu on September 27, 2023, honored the winners of the India Smart Cities Awards Competition (ISAC) 2022, which has been organized by the ministry since 2018.
Main activities during the Event:
The event was scheduled for two days on September 26 and 27, 2023.
On the first day of the conclave, an exhibition of the award-winning projects of ISAC 2022 was inaugurated.
Attendees had the opportunity to interact with Smart City Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and participate in site visits of notable projects implemented under the Smart City Mission in Indore and Ujjain.
ISAC 2022 awards were distributed on the second day of the conclave. The awards will recognize 5 States/Union Territories (UTs), 31 distinguished cities and 7 partner organizations for their outstanding contributions.
In total, there have been 66 recipients of ISAC awards.
Additionally, several reports will be released during the conclave, including:
ISAC 2022 Awards Collection
UN Habitat report: "Smart Cities Mission – Localization of the Sustainable Development Goals"
A collection of Smart City Mission newsletters
ISAC 2023 Awards Booklet.
Smart City Mission:
The Smart Cities Mission was launched on 25 June 2015 as a centrally sponsored scheme with the goal of transforming 100 cities using "smart solutions".
The mission aims to provide essential infrastructure, a clean and sustainable environment and a high quality of life to the citizens through smart solutions.
Mission Achievements:
More than 6000 projects costing more than Rs 1.1 lakh crore have been completed as part of the Mission, with the remaining projects targeted to be completed by June 30, 2024.
One of the notable achievements was the establishment of Integrated Command and Control Centers (ICCC) in all 100 smart cities, functioning as the city's operational center for urban management.
ICCC has significantly improved various urban services including crime tracking, civil defense, transport management, solid waste management, water supply and disaster management.
Smart cities have launched projects in areas such as mobility, energy, water, sanitation, solid waste management, public space, social infrastructure and smart governance.
2. Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve becomes the 7th tiger reserve of Madhya Pradesh and 55th in India.
Tags: State News
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change declared Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve as the 7th Tiger Reserve of Madhya Pradesh.
An Overview of the News
The primary objective is to ensure better conservation efforts for the wildlife of the area.
There are now a total of 55 designated tiger reserves in India.
Earlier the 54th Tiger Reserve was Dholpur-Karauli Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan.
Madhya Pradesh was already home to six tiger reserves: Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Satpura, Pench, Panna and Sanjay-Dubri.
Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve:
Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve was established as per the conditions laid down by the Central Government while approving the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project.
Madhya Pradesh was entrusted with the task of merging Nauradehi and Durgavati wildlife sanctuaries to create this sanctuary.
In June 2023, the combined area spanning Sagar, Damoh and Narsinghpur districts was officially notified as the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve.
The reserve covers approximately 2,339 square kilometers, comprising 1,414 square kilometers of core area and 925.12 square kilometers of the buffer zone.
Tiger Population in India
India is home to a significant portion, approximately 75%, of the global wild tiger population.
Russia is second only to India in terms of the second-largest population of wild tigers.
Tiger population in states
Madhya Pradesh leads with the largest population of tigers in India with 785 tigers.
Karnataka and Uttarakhand stand second with 563 and 560 tigers respectively.
Maharashtra also plays an important role with 444 tigers.
Tiger population in the reserve
Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve has the highest tiger population with 260 tigers.
Other notable reserves include Bandipur (150), Nagarhole (141), Bandhavgarh (135), Dudhwa (135), Mudumalai (114), Kanha (105), Kaziranga (104), Sunderbans (100), Tadoba (97), Sathyamangalam. (85), and screw (77).
Largest and smallest tiger reserves in India
Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve in Andhra Pradesh is the largest tiger reserve in terms of area.
Bor Tiger Reserve of Maharashtra holds the title of the smallest tiger reserve in terms of area.
About Madhya Pradesh
It is the second largest state of India in terms of area after Rajasthan.
Forests occupy 25.14 percent of its area.
Governor - Mangubhai Patel
Chief Minister - Shivraj Singh Chauhan
Capital - Bhopal
Union Cabinet Minister for Labor and Employment, Environment, Forest and Climate Change in the Government of India: Bhupendra Yadav
3. Jammu and Kashmir's first Tata Memorial Cancer Care Center inaugurated in Kathua
Tags: State News National News
On September 24, 2023, Jammu and Kashmir inaugurated its first Tata Memorial Cancer Care Center affiliated with Tata Memorial Cancer Care Center (TMC) Mumbai in the newly constructed block of Government Medical College (GMC) in Kathua.
An Overview of the News
The establishment of the Tata Satellite Cancer Care facility in Kathua addresses the increasing incidence of cancer in the region, which is attributed to factors such as aging, lifestyle changes and environmental impacts.
This healthcare facility in Kathua aims to serve not only Jammu and Kashmir but also the neighboring areas of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, which lack facilities like the Tata Memorial Center (TMC).
The introduction of the day-care chemotherapy unit at GMC Kathua makes cancer treatment more accessible and affordable for the local population, eliminating the inconvenience and high cost associated with travel to TMC Mumbai.
India's Healthcare Vision
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is expanding its healthcare infrastructure, including the establishment of medical colleges, AIIMS institutes and biotech parks. 'Kathua-Udhampur-Doda' parliamentary constituency is moving towards becoming the future 'health circuit' of India.
India's Vision for Bio-economy
India aims to achieve a $150 billion bioeconomy by 2025, with a significant focus on biotechnology and its contribution to vaccine development and cancer treatment.
Leading Cancer Hospital in India
Tata Memorial Hospital is located in Mumbai.
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) is located in New Delhi.
Cancer Institute, located in Chennai.
Apollo Specialty Hospital is located in Chennai.
Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute is located in Ahmedabad.
Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre is located in Delhi.
Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology is located in Bengaluru.
Regional Cancer Centre, located in Thiruvananthapuram.
HCG (Healthcare Global Enterprises), based in Bengaluru.
Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research is located in Chandigarh.
4. Gandhi Vatika inaugurated: Tribute to the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi in Jaipur's Central Park
Tags: State News
On September 23, “Gandhi Vatika”, a museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, was officially opened in Jaipur's Central Park.
An Overview of the News
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot attended the inauguration ceremony.
Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) invested Rs 87 crore in the construction of this museum.
Initiative and Guidance:
The Rajasthan government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, played a key role in initiating and overseeing the construction of the innovative museum named Gandhi Vatika.
The construction of Gandhi Vatika was made possible with the funds allocated in the state government budget for the financial year 2021-22.
Museum Layout:
The museum is built over three floors and includes a basement, with each floor dedicated to highlighting different aspects of Mahatma Gandhi's life and teachings.
The basement section of the museum focuses on major historical events such as the colonial era, the early stages of the freedom struggle, the Rebellion of 1857 and Gandhi's experiences in South Africa.
The ground floor of the museum houses exhibitions related to Gandhi's return to India, his vision for the nation, the various movements he led and the events leading up to his last days.
The first floor of Gandhi Vatika is dedicated to showcasing Gandhi's visits to Rajasthan and his deep impact on the global stage.
About Rajasthan
It is bordered by five other Indian states: Punjab to the north; Haryana and Uttar Pradesh in the northeast; Madhya Pradesh in the southeast; and Gujarat in the southwest.
Rajasthan is also home to three national tiger reserves, Ranthambore National Park in Sawai Madhopur, Sariska Tiger Reserve in Alwar, and Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve in Kota.
Formation - 30 March 1949
Capital - Jaipur
Districts - 33 (7 divisions)
Governor - Kalraj Mishra
Chief Minister - Ashok Gehlot (INC)
Assembly - Rajasthan Legislative Assembly (200 seats)
Rajya Sabha - 10 seats
Lok Sabha - 25 seats
5. Elephant Festival begins in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh
Tags: Festivals National State News
Elephant Mahotsav began in Madhya Pradesh's Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve and will continue for seven days.
An Overview of the News
Elephants play an important role in protecting the tigers in the reserve and keeping out wild elephants.
The Elephant Festival gives villagers and nearby families a chance to interact with elephants.
The primary goal of the festival in 2023 is to educate villagers about elephants and remove misconceptions about the wild animals.
The festivities will end on September 26, after which the elephants will return to their patrolling camps.
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve:
Located in the Eastern Satpura hill range of Umaria and Katni districts in Madhya Pradesh.
Boasts a healthy population of tigers and a diverse range of herbivorous animals.
It has diverse topography, including hills, valleys, rivers, swamps and grasslands supporting diverse vegetation.
Other tiger reserves in Madhya Pradesh:
1. Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve:
Located in the Sidhi district of Madhya Pradesh.
Established in 1975
Known for saving the world-famous white tiger "Mohan".
Forms a wildlife corridor connecting Bandhavgarh and Palamu Tiger Reserve.
Sometimes wild elephants keep coming from the neighboring Chhattisgarh region.
2. Panna Tiger Reserve:
Located in the Vindhya hill region of northern Madhya Pradesh.
Characterized by dry deciduous forests, plateaus, and valleys.
The Ken River flows through the reserve.
It is surrounded by teak forests in the north and teak-Kardhai mixed forests in the east.
The Vindhya hill ranges connect wildlife populations in the east and west.
3. Pench Tiger Reserve:
Inspiration for Rudyard Kipling's "The Jungle Book".
Known for natural beauty and historical importance.
Awarded the "Best Maintained Tourist Friendly National Park" award in 2006-07.
4. Kanha Tiger Reserve:
Home to the hard ground Barasingha, the state animal of Madhya Pradesh.
Conservation efforts have led to an increase in the population of this emblematic deer.
The forests are mainly composed of Sal (Shorea robusta) and mixed forest trees.
5. Satpura Tiger Reserve:
Home to arboreal mammals such as flying squirrels, Indian giant squirrels, and leaf-nosed bats.
The Eurasian otter and smooth-coated otter are also found here.
Allows pollution-free activities like cycling, canoeing, and trekking.
6. Pramila Malik becomes the first woman Speaker of Odisha Assembly
Tags: State News
Biju Janata Dal (BJD) party member Pramila Malik became the first woman Speaker of the Odisha Assembly.
An Overview of the News
The election of Pramila Malik as the Speaker of the Odisha Legislative Assembly took place on September 22, 2023, and she was elected unopposed.
The post became vacant due to the resignation of Bikram Keshari Arukha in May 2023.
The political background of Pramila Malik:
Pramila Malik has been a six-time MLA from the Binjharpur assembly seat in Jajpur district of Odisha. This seat is reserved for the Scheduled Caste community.
She initially became an MLA in 1990 as a member of the Janata Dal and later joined the BJD party led by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
Before his role as Speaker, he held the post of Minister of Revenue and Disaster Management in the BJD government.
Notable firsts in Indian politics:
Amrit Kaur was the first woman cabinet minister of India, responsible for health in the Nehru government from August 16, 1947 to 1957.
Sarojini Naidu was the first woman Governor of India, serving the United Province (now Uttar Pradesh) from August 15, 1947 to March 2, 1949.
The first female Chief Minister of India was Sucheta Kripalani, who led Uttar Pradesh from 1963 to 1967.
Shanno Devi was the first woman Speaker of a state legislative assembly in India, serving in Haryana from December 6, 1966 to March 17, 1967.
In 1966, Indira Gandhi became the first female Prime Minister of India.
Pratibha Patil Singh was the first woman President of India, who served from 2007 to 2012.
Meira Kumar was the first woman Speaker of the Lok Sabha, who held the post from 4 June 2009 to 5 June 2014.
About Odisha
Formation - 1 April 1936
Capital - Bhubaneswar
Governor - Ganeshi Lal
Chief Minister - Naveen Patnaik
Rajya Sabha - 10 seats
Lok Sabha - 21 seats
There are a total of 147 seats in Odisha Assembly.
7. The Prime Minister will inaugurate 16 Atal Awasiya Vidyalayas in Uttar Pradesh
Tags: State News National News
16 Atal Awasiya Vidyalayas in Uttar Pradesh will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Varanasi.
An Overview of the News
Built at a cost of over Rs 1,100 crore, these schools aim to provide quality education to laborers, children of construction workers, and orphans affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Each school is spread over 10 to 15 acres and has classrooms, sports facilities, recreational areas, a mini auditorium, hostels, mess halls, and staff accommodation.
The ultimate goal of each of these Awasiya Vidyalayas is to accommodate 1,000 students.
The foundation stone of the International Cricket Stadium:
The Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of the international cricket stadium in Varanasi.
Located in Ganjri, Rajatalab, Varanasi, this cricket stadium will cover a vast area of 30 acres and is estimated to cost around Rs 450 crore.
It is designed to seat 30,000 spectators.
Closing Ceremony of Kashi Sansad Cultural Mahotsav 2023:
The Prime Minister will also attend the closing ceremony of the Kashi Sansad Cultural Festival 2023.
This cultural festival saw the participation of over 37,000 persons representing 17 different disciplines including singing, musical instrument playing, street theater (nukkad natak), and various dance forms.
8. President inaugurates first Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show
Tags: Economics/Business State News
President Draupadi Murmu inaugurated the first Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show at the India Expo Center and Mart in Greater Noida on September 21, 2023.
An Overview of the News
Prominent personalities including Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Industries Minister Nand Gopal Nandi attended the inauguration ceremony.
The trade show will run from September 21 to 25 and will include over 2000 exhibitors from various sectors such as automobile, handicrafts, healthcare, food processing, pharmaceuticals, dairy, electronics and e-commerce.
State government departments, institutions, and Mumbai Dabbawala Services will organize informative sessions on business activities.
The event will showcase 108 new startups.
It is expected to attract more than five lakh visitors, including international attendees.
Event location and global participation:
The trade show will be held at India Expo Mart in Knowledge Park, Greater Noida.
The event aims to provide a platform to showcase the products, specialties, cuisine, and culture of Uttar Pradesh to gain international exposure and explore market opportunities.
Over 400 participants from over 60 countries have registered for the event, highlighting its international appeal. EEntry to the show is free for the general public.
9. Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur railway station officially named 'Captain Tushar Mahajan Railway Station'
Tags: place in news State News
The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir formally renamed Udhampur railway station after local hero martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan.
An Overview of the News
The naming ceremony took place at Udhampur railway station, in which Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh participated.
This station is now officially known as "Captain Tushar Mahajan Railway Station".
Parents of martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan, local dignitaries, army officers, and BJP members were present at the event.
Captain Tushar Mahajan, a native of Udhampur, served in 9 PARA, a special forces unit of the Indian Army. He sacrificed his life while protecting the country during the terrorist attack on the Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute building in the Pulwama district of South Kashmir in February 2016.
About Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir was a state of India until August 2019, which was divided into two union territories named Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on 31 October 2019.
Capital- Srinagar (May-October), Jammu (November-April)
Lieutenant Governor - Manoj Sinha
Legislative Council - 36 seats
Legislative Assembly - 89 seats
10. Andhra Pradesh's 'Atreyapuram Putharekula' receives coveted Geographical Indication (GI) tag for traditional sweet
Tags: place in news State News
Geographical Indication Registry (GIR) has awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag to 'Atreyapuram Putharekula', a sweet made from rice and jaggery originating from Atreyapuram village in Konaseema district of Andhra Pradesh.
An Overview of the News
'Atreyapuram Putharekula' sweets GI registration comes under the 'Food Ingredients' category.
The official GI certificate handover ceremony took place at Damodaram Sanjeevayya National Law University (DSNLU) in Visakhapatnam.
The event coincides with the National Workshop on “Geographical Indications and GI Certificate Handover Ceremony for Atreyapuram Putharekula”.
The event was organized by the Center for Intellectual Property Rights and Technology Group and brought together experts and dignitaries from the field.
The GI tag was awarded to Sir Arthur Cotton Atreyapuram Putharekula Manufacturers Welfare Association, and it is valid from June 14, 2023, to December 12, 2031.
GIR, headquartered in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, functions under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), part of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI).
About Putharekula:
Putharekula is a sweet dish made of a paper-thin layer of paper-like rice starch and filled with a mixture of sugar, dried fruits, and nuts.
The name "Putharekula" is derived from Telugu, where "putha" means "coating" and "reku" (plural "rekulu") means "sheet".
Local sweet makers usually use the MTU-3626 paddy variety, locally known as "Bondalu", which is extensively cultivated in the Konaseema region, to prepare this sweet.
About GI Tag:
The Geographical Indication (GI) mark is a certification that ensures the quality and uniqueness of products primarily linked to their place of origin.
As a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), India enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act in 1999, which came into effect on September 15, 2003.
