1. Miraj's Sitar and Tanpura receive coveted GI Tags
Tags: State News
The Geographical Indications Registry awarded GI tags to Miraj town in Maharashtra for its sitars and tanpuras.
An Overview of the News
Craftsmanship and Tradition:
Sitars and tanpuras made in Miraj are known for their craftsmanship and have a tradition dating back more than 300 years.
Over seven generations of craftsmen have contributed to the production of these string instruments.
GI Tag Issuance:
The Miraj Musical Instruments Cluster and Soultune Musical Instrument Producer firm received GI tags for sitars and tanpuras, respectively.
More than 450 craftsmen are involved in manufacturing musical instruments under the Miraj Musical Instruments Cluster.
Raw Materials and Production:
Wood for sitars and tanpuras is sourced from Karnataka forests, while pumpkin gourds are obtained from Maharashtra's Solapur district.
The cluster manufactures around 60 to 70 sitars and 100 tanpuras per month.
Clientele and Recognition:
Well-known classical singers and founders of the Kirana gharana, such as Ustad Abdul Karim Khan Saheb and Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, have used Miraj-made instruments.
Artists from the film industry, including Javed Ali, Hariharan, and A R Rahman, are also patrons.
Historical Origin:
The art of making musical instruments in Miraj dates back to the Adilshahi period when skilled workers transitioned from weapon-making to instrument craftsmanship.
Economic Viability and Recognition:
The GI tag is expected to enhance the global recognition of Miraj-made instruments and benefit craftsmen.
Despite the viability of instrument making, skilled workers often face challenges in receiving adequate returns for their labor.
2. Utkal Diwas: Celebrating Odisha's Cultural Kaleidoscope and Rich Heritage
Tags: State News
In the Indian state of Odisha, Utkal Diwas, also known as Odisha Day or Utkala Dibasa, is a significant yearly event. This day, which falls on April 1st every year, marks the anniversary of the state of Odisha's formation on that date in 1936.
An Overview of the News:
For the people of Odisha, the day represents the turning point in a protracted struggle to be recognized as a separate state from the former British provinces of Orissa and Bihar.
The significance of Utkal Diwas:
For Odisha, Utkal Diwas is more than just a commemoration of statehood; it's also a tribute to the state's vibrant culture and rich history that have endured over time.
The occasion offers a chance to showcase Odisha's unique identity and its people, showcasing their traditions, creative expressions, delectable cuisine, and way of life.
Historical Significance:
The inception of Utkal Diwas dates back to the early 1900s, during which the movement for the creation of an independent state for the Odia-speaking people gained impetus.
Odisha was finally formally created on April 1, 1936, which was a major step toward maintaining Odia culture and customs.
Odisha became the first state to be established on linguistic grounds, having previously been a part of Bihar.
Odisha is a state in eastern India that borders the Bay of Bengal.
Cuttack was the capital city at first, but Bhubaneswar was named the new capital in 1948.
Honoring the Culinary Traditions of Odisha:
On Utkal Diwas, Odisha's abundant culinary legacy is showcased.
The traditional food of the state is well celebrated, having its roots in regional customs and farming methods.
During the celebrations, many people eat popular foods including Pakhala Bhata, Dahi Baigana, Macha Ghanta, Rasabali,Chingudi Jhola,Dalma, Chhencheda, Khira Gaintha, and Badi Chura.
Brilliant Dance Forms:
During Utkal Diwas, Odisha's rich legacy of classical and folk dances is clearly displayed. These dances are a form of cultural preservation as well as entertainment. Important dancing styles include of:
Odissi: A classical dance style that has its roots in the temples of Odisha, it's renowned for its elegant gestures and portrayal of Hindu mythology.
Gotipua: A traditional dance with elements of Odissi that is performed by young boys dressed as women.
Chhau: A type of martial arts dance that combines acrobatics, traditional dance, and martial arts. It frequently represents themes from Hindu epics.
Sambalpuri Folk Dance: Vibrant clothes and rhythmic footwork characterize these colorful folk dances from western Odisha.
Ghumura Dance: A traditional dance from the Kalahandi district, it moves that are synchronised to the beat of portable drums.
3. Kathia Gehu of Bundelkhand received the first GI tag for agricultural produce
Tags: State News
Kathiya Gehu, an indigenous wheat variety from the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh, has been given the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, the first such recognition for an agricultural produce in the region.
An Overview of the News
Certification Process:
Application for GI certification filed by Kathiya Gehu Bangra Producer Company Limited in January 2022 with the support of NABARD and technical guidance of Padma Shri Rajnikant Rai.
After a two-year process, the GI tag was issued with certificate number 585 on 30 March 2024.
Importance of GI Tag:
An important achievement for the Bundelkhand region is to have the first GI tag for any agricultural produce in the region.
The GI tag will promote Kathiya Gehu as an indigenous brand of wheat, known for its protein richness and ability to thrive with minimal irrigation.
Features of Kathiya Gehu:
Kathiya Gehu, also known as durum wheat, is prevalent in this region.
Nutrition-rich and gluten-free, making it a healthy option.
Adaptable to harsh climatic conditions and requires minimum water for cultivation.
Impact on farmers:
Confirmation of GI tag will increase the brand value of Kathia wheat, which will benefit the farmers of the area.
The collaboration between RLBCAU and ICARDA aims to research and develop improved seed varieties for improving Kathiya wheat production.
4. Rajasthan celebrated its 75th anniversary on 30 March 2024
Tags: State News
On March 30, Rajasthan celebrated the 75th anniversary of its formation in 1949 by merging 19 princely states and 3 states. This momentous occasion marked the end of an eight-and-a-half-year process.
An Overview of the News:
Before 1949, the region was known as 'Rajputana'.
After the princely states were merged, the territory was renamed "Rajasthan," which is currently acknowledged as the largest state in terms of area in India and is well-known for its rich historical background.
The day's historical context:
On January 14, 1949, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel declared the union of princely states, which included Jaipur, Bikaner, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer.
On March 30, 1949, Rajasthan Day was established and Greater Rajasthan was formally inaugurated in Jaipur.
Historians believe Colonel James Tod was the one who first named the region "Rajasthan," but George Thomas claimed the name Rajputana in 1800 AD.
The province where kings lived was referred to in the local literary language as "Rajasthan."
Princely States and Mergers: When Rajasthan gained its independence, it was divided into 22 princely states, 19 of which were headed by monarchs and 3 by chiefs.
In addition, British rule extended to the province of Ajmer-Merwara. From March 18, 1948, until November 1, 1956, there were seven phases to the merger process.
Government Intervention:
On November 1, 1956, the States Reorganization Commission, led by Afzal Ali, recommended that the provinces of Ajmer and Merwara be merged with Rajasthan.
Capital Designation: On September 7, 1949, the Government of India named Jaipur the capital of Rajasthan, on the recommendation of the Satyanarayana Rao Committee.
Territorial Changes: As a result of the merger, Sironj village in the Jhalawar district was absorbed into Madhya Pradesh, and Suneltappa village in the Mandsaur tehsil of Madhya Pradesh became a part of Rajasthan.
5. World's first Om-shaped Temple Inaugurated in Rajasthan
Tags: Popular State News
The world's first temple in the shape of the iconic Om symbol was inaugurated in Jadan village of Pali district of Rajasthan.
An Overview of the News
The construction of this temple started about thirty years ago, the foundation stone of which was laid in 1995.
The shape of the temple mimics the sacred Om symbol, the first of its kind globally.
Structural Features
More than 400 people are working on this project spread over 250 acres.
It has 1,008 idols of Lord Mahadev and 12 Jyotirlingas.
It is supported by 2,000 pillars at a height of 135 feet.
Its complex comprises 108 rooms.
The central center is the Samadhi of Guru Madhavanand Ji.
At the apex of the temple lies a sanctum embellished with a shivling made from a rhinestone obtained from the Bansi hill of Dholpur.
A huge tank with a capacity of 2 lakh tonnes has been built beneath the temple complex.
Accessibility
Jadan village is located on National Highway 62, about 71 km from Jodhpur Airport.
For easy accessibility, travelers can reach Marwar Junction via trains from Delhi to Ahmedabad.
Architectural Style
Follows the Nagar style prevalent in North India.
A huge layout with the Om symbol is spread over a radius of about half a kilometer.
About Rajasthan
Chief Minister - Bhajan Lal Sharma
Capital - Jaipur (Executive Branch)
Governor - Kalraj Mishra
6. Election Commission launches 'Mission 414' in Himachal Pradesh
Tags: State News
The Election Commission launched "Mission 414" to increase the voting percentage at 414 polling stations in Himachal Pradesh.
An Overview of the News
A special campaign "Mission 414" was launched by the Election Commission to increase the voting percentage in 414 polling stations which had less than 60% voting during the last Lok Sabha elections in Himachal Pradesh.
Objectives and Strategies:
Organizing awareness campaigns and cultural programs.
Designating the identified centers as model polling centers.
Including booth youth icons and distributing special invitation cards to prospective voters.
Targeted Intervention:
Initiative to increase voting in 22 assembly constituencies with less than 70% voting.
To implement door-to-door outreach programs to motivate voters.
Focus on women voters:
To appoint 'Women Motivators' in Gram Panchayats to encourage women to vote.
To involve women icons and campus ambassadors to reach out to working women and housewives.
Election Management Measures:
Enhanced Polling Station Observation:
The number of polling stations has been increased to 7,990, of which 150 will be exclusively monitored by women officers.
Allotting 54 stations to young officers and 29 stations to disabled officers.
Special Voter Features:
To provide home voting facilities for PwD voters and people above 85 years of age.
Serving 56,320 disabled voters and 60,995 voters above 85 years of age in the state.
Voter Demographics and Projections:
Demographic statistics:
Total eligible voters: 56,38,422, including men, women and persons of third gender.
Notable demographics include 1,38,918 first-time voters and 10,40,756 voters in the 20-29 age group.
Expected increase in young voters:
An increase in young voters is expected as advance applications are being received from 17-year-olds up to 18-year-olds.
Electoral Rules:
Expenditure Limits:
Rs 95 lakh for Lok Sabha elections and Rs 40 lakh for assembly by-elections.
Unique Polling Station:
Extreme Location:
Tashigang polling station in Lahaul and Spiti, situated at an altitude of 15,256 feet, is the highest in the country.
Voter Distribution:
Dalhousie's Manola polling station has the highest number of voters (1,410), while Kinnaur's Kaa polling station has the least (16 voters).
7. Uttar Pradesh Police Unveils Trinetra App 2.0 for Enhanced Crime Investigation
Tags: State News
In March 2024, Uttar Pradesh Police introduced the advanced digital platform Trinetra App 2.0 to enhance crime investigation and tackle criminal activities.
An Overview of the News
Trinetra App 2.0, aimed at crime prevention and investigation, was officially launched by Uttar Pradesh DGP Prashant Kumar and ADG Law and Order Amitabh Yash at the DGP Headquarters.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions company Stack Technologies, in collaboration with UP Government and Special Task Force, unveiled AI-powered Crime GPT Trinetra 2.0.
The primary objective behind the launch of Trinetra 2.0 Crime GPT is to strengthen security measures and facilitate cracking down on criminals by leveraging AI solutions.
Trinetra 2.0:
Crime GPT Trinetra 2.0 uses both written and audio input to extract criminal databases and generate results accordingly, enabling quick access to critical information.
The application includes functionalities like criminal gang analysis, voice recognition, facial recognition, etc. which streamline the process of tracking criminals.
Trinetra 2.0 Crime GPT significantly contributes to strengthening the security infrastructure and assists in the creation of the digital criminal database.
Co-founder and CEO of Stack Technology - Atul Rai
8. Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan assumes charge as Governor of Telangana
Tags: Person in news State News National News
Jharkhand Governor C P Radhakrishnan takes charge as the Governor of Telangana.
An Overview of the News
After the resignation of Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan, President Draupadi Murmu has handed over the additional responsibility of looking after Telangana to Governor Radhakrishnan.
Additionally, Governor Radhakrishnan has been assigned the task of acting as the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry.
The official swearing-in ceremony took place at the Raj Bhavan in Hyderabad, with Chief Justice of the State High Court, Justice Alok Aradhe administering the oath.
About Telangana
Capital - Hyderabad
Chief Minister - Revanth Reddy
Established - 2 June 2014
9. Prime Minister to inaugurate 511 Pramod Mahajan Rural Skill Development Centers in Maharashtra
Tags: State News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch 511 Pramod Mahajan Rural Skill Development Centers in Maharashtra.
An Overview of the News
These centers will be established in 34 rural districts of the state.
The main objective of these centers is to provide skill development training programmes.
The objective of these programs is to create employment opportunities for rural youth.
Each center will be capable of training approximately 100 youth.
Participants in these programs must undergo training in at least two vocational courses.
The training is imparted by industry partners and agencies approved by the National Skill Development Council.
The establishment of these centers is expected to enhance the workforce of the region by developing more skilled and competent individuals.
10. Rajasthan Chief Minister announced the formation of three new districts Malpura, Sujangarh and Kuchaman City
Tags: State News
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot announced the formation of three new districts Malpura, Sujangarh and Kuchaman City in Rajasthan.
An Overview of the News
This announcement was made during the Gau Seva Sammelan in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
The decision to establish these new districts was based on both public demand and recommendations provided by a high-level committee.
The objective of creating New Districts:
The primary objective of creating these new districts is to increase administrative efficiency and strengthen law and order in the area.
The move aims to bring government services closer to the people of these areas, which will result in a positive impact on the lives of local citizens.
Details of three New Districts:
Kuchaman City, which was earlier part of Nagaur district, has been designated as a separate district. It was initially included in the 19 districts declared under the name Didwana-Kuchaman in March 2023.
Sujangarh, which is currently under Churu district, and Malpura, which is under Tonk district, will also become new districts.
Installation Process:
The demarcation and establishment of these new districts will be a collaborative effort between the Ramlubhaya Committee, which recommended their formation, and the Revenue Department.
Ramlubhaya Committee was constituted on 21 March 2022 to study the feasibility of creating new districts.
About Rajasthan
It is a state in northern India and is the largest Indian state by area and the seventh largest state by population.
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)
Rajya Sabha - 10 seats
Lok Sabha - 25 seats
Airports - Jodhpur Airport and Jaisalmer Airport
