1. UNESCO Designates 11 New Biosphere Reserves
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UNESCO has designated 11 new Biosphere Reserves (BR) in 11 countries, which includes 2 transboundary biosphere reserves.
An Overview of the News
Belgium and Gambia have, for the first time, had their biosphere reserves included in UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
The World Network of Biosphere Reserves now includes 759 sites across 136 countries, with 24 of these being transboundary sites.
Approval and Meeting Details
The 11 new BRs were approved during the36th session of the International Coordinating Council (ICC) of UNESCO's Man and Biosphere (MAB) programme, which took place in Agadir, Morocco, from 2nd to 5th July, 2024.
Newly Approved Biosphere Reserves
The newly approved biosphere reserves cover a combined area of 37,400 square kilometers, approximately the size of the Netherlands.
The Kempen-Broek transboundary BR (shared by Belgium and the Kingdom of the Netherlands) and the Julian Alps transboundary BR (shared by Italy and Slovenia) are the two transboundary BRs among the 11 new designations.
In addition to Belgiumand Gambia, the other new biosphere reserves are located in Colombia, Dominican Republic, Italy, Mongolia, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Philippines, Republic of Korea, Slovenia, and Spain.
Note: 12 biosphere reserves from India have been internationally recognized under the MAB Programme.
2. 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
3. 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.
4. Hoysala Empire temples in Karnataka added to UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites
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On September 18, the temples of the Hoysala Empire in Karnataka, India were officially added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites, marking India's 42nd addition to the prestigious heritage list.
An Overview of the News
This decision was taken during the 45th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Several countries, including Japan, Nigeria, Oman, Greece, Italy, Russia, Ethiopia, Zambia, South Africa, Qatar, Mali, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Belgium, Argentina, Mexico, Saudi Arabia and Thailand, supported India's bid for UNESCO recognition.
These temples received UNESCO World Heritage status on September 18, a day after Shantiniketan in West Bengal received the same recognition on September 17.
Hoysala Empire:
This empire, which existed from the 10th to the 14th century, left an important cultural and historical legacy in southern India.
King Nripa Kama founded the Hoysala dynasty in the 10th century, coinciding with a period of cultural revival in southern India.
The Hoysalas were known for their contributions to art, architecture, and culture with a focus on temple building.
His architectural achievements, especially in temple construction, reflect a harmonious blend of various South Indian architectural influences.
About UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN).
It is also a member of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UN SDGs), a coalition of United Nations agencies and organizations that aims to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Headquarters:- Paris, France
Director General:- Audrey Azoulay
Founded:- 16 November 1945 in London, United Kingdom
The organization has 193 members and 11 associate members.
Key Points: Karnataka already boasts several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Hampi ruins, Pattadakal monuments, and the Western Ghats.
5. India's historic Santiniketan received World Heritage status by UNESCO
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Santiniketan, located in West Bengal, India, has achieved the prestigious status of being recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
An Overview of the News
This significant achievement was officially confirmed during the 45th World Heritage Committee meeting held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking Santiniketan as the 41st World Heritage Property in India.
Historical Background:
Shantiniketan was founded as an ashram by Rabindranath Tagore in 1863.
In 1901, Rabindranath Tagore converted it into a school and art centre, following the traditional Gurukul system of education.
UNESCO Nomination:
Shantiniketan has been part of the UNESCO tentative list since 2010, reflecting its potential cultural and historical importance.
The official nomination document for UNESCO inscription was submitted to the World Heritage Center in January 2021.
Rabindranath Tagore's vision:
Shantiniketan is a symbol of the visionary work of Rabindranath Tagore.
Tagore's vision, known as 'Visva Bharati', aimed to promote global unity by incorporating elements of ancient, medieval and folk traditions.
About Rabindranath Tagore
He was an Indian poet, writer, playwright, musician, philosopher, social reformer and painter.
He reshaped Bengali literature, music and Indian art with contemporary modernism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Tagore won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913, becoming the first non-European and the first lyricist to win the honour.
His notable works include "Gitanjali," "Ghare-Baire," "Bharto Bhagyo Bidhata," "Gora," "Jana Gana Mana," "Ravindra Sangeet," and "Amar Shonar Bangla."
He was often called the "Bard of Bengal" and was known by nicknames such as Gurudeb, Kobiguru and Biswokobi.
About UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN).
It is also a member of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UN SDGs), a coalition of United Nations agencies and organizations that aims to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Headquarters:- Paris, France
Director General:- Audrey Azoulay
Founded:- 16 November 1945 in London, United Kingdom
The organization has:- 193 members and 11 associate members.
6. President unveiled the statue of Mahatma Gandhi and 'Gandhi Vatika' in New Delhi
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President Draupadi Murmu unveiled a 12-foot tall statue of Mahatma Gandhi and 'Gandhi Vatika' at the Gandhi Darshan near Rajghat in New Delhi.
An Overview of the News
To enhance the visitor experience, a selfie point has been set up within Gandhi Vatika, which houses several statues of Mahatma Gandhi in different poses.
Lieutenant Governor of Delhi VK Saxena and Vice President of Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Committee Vijay were present in this program.
About Mahatma Gandhi:
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869. He was born in a Gujarati Hindu Modh Bania family.
His birthplace was Porbandar, also known as Sudamapuri. Porbandar is a coastal city located on the KathiawarPeninsula.
Raised in Gujarat, India, he trained as a lawyer in London and led nonviolent resistance in South Africa before returning to India in 1915.
He organized important movements like the Dandi Salt March in 1930 and the Quit India Movement in 1942, advocating British withdrawal from India.
After India gained independence in 1947, it was divided into India and Pakistan, leading to religious violence and displacement.
On January 30, 1948, Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist.
His birthday, 2 October, is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti in India and is recognized internationally as the International Day of Non-Violence. He is commonly referred to as "Bapu", meaning "father."
7. CM MK Stalin launches construction of South East Asia's largest desalination plant at Perur, Chennai
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Chief Minister MK Stalin inaugurated the Rs 4,276.44 crore desalination plant at Perur on 21 August 2023.
An Overview of the News
Development of Southeast Asia's largest desalination plant begins.
Funding is provided by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The project covers 85.51 acres of land, which is targeted to be completed by 2026.
Innovative Water Treatment Technologies:
Advanced Methods: Dissolved Air Flotation and Dual Media Filtration.
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipelines extend up to 1,150 meters into the sea.
59 km long drinking water pipeline up to Porur area.
Augmentation of water supply and distribution:
Enhanced supply: 400 MLD additional water after completion of the plant.
To meet the water needs of: 22.67 lakh people in Chennai and surrounding areas.
Beneficiary Areas: Chennai, Tambaram, Kovilanchery, Perumbakkam, Kolappakkam, Vandalur.
Desalination Plant Network of Chennai:
Fourth desalination facility for the water demands of Chennai.
Inaugurated Plant: 100 MLD Capacity, Minjur, July 31, 2010.
Nemmeli Desalination Plant: 100 MLD, foundation stone laid on 23 February 2010.
Ongoing construction: 150 MLD desalination plant at Nemmeli.
Publicity and Communication:
CMWSSB made a video to highlight the characteristics of plants.
Video shared with a wide consumer base for information dissemination.
8. NGT action regarding Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary: Unauthorized mining
Tags: Environment place in news
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) intervened to address unauthorized mining in Odisha's Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary.
An Overview of the News
A complaint of unauthorized mining was raised in the eco-sensitive area of Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary.
97 sand mining sites were given on lease near Similipal-Hadgarh-Kuldiha-Conservation Reserve, especially Sukhuapata Reserve Forest Area.
These mining activities violate the Forest (Conservation) Act, of 1980, and may harm the ecosystem and wildlife.
Reference was made to the Supreme Court judgment (Binay Kumar Dalai and others v. State of Odisha and others) which indicated that mining should take place only after implementing a comprehensive wildlife management plan and preserving the traditional elephant corridor.
Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary:
Located in northeastern Odisha, adjacent to the Simlipal National Park.
Spread over 272.75 sq km, part of the moist deciduous forest region of the Eastern Highlands.
Connected to Simlipal National Park through Sukhupada and Nato hill ranges.
Sal trees dominate the mixed deciduous forests.
These include tigers, leopards, elephants, gaurs, sambars, giant squirrels, hill mynas, peacocks, hornbills, migratory birds, and reptiles.
Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve:
Part of Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve along with Simlipal and Hadgarh Wildlife Sanctuaries.
Local name: Tenda Elephant Reserve, provides protection to elephants.
9. Tamil Nadu's Namkatti, Kanyakumari matty banana and Chedibutta saree get GI tag
Tags: place in news State News
Tamil Nadu's Jaderi 'Namakatti,' Kanyakumari matty banana, and Chedibutta saree received Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the Geographical Indication Registry in Chennai.
An Overview of the News
Tamil Nadu leads the GI chart with 58 products, followed by Uttar Pradesh with more than 50 products and Karnataka with 48 products in third place.
Other products from different regions of India that have been given the GI tag include leather shoes from Agra, Nathdwara Pichhwai paintings from Rajasthan, Mushkabudji rice from Kashmir, Rajouri chicory wood craft from Jammu and Kashmir, Agasechi weyingim (Agasam brinjal) from Goa, and Sat Chiro Bheno (Sat Shirancho Bhendo) also known as Okra of Goa.
Jaderi Namkatti
It is a type of clay made of high silicate minerals, which is used to apply 'namam', the 'U' shaped tilak worn on the forehead of idols, men and temple elephants during worship of Lord Vishnu.
Kanyakumari Matty Banana (Musa sapidisiaca)
It is mainly grown in Agathiswaram, Thovalai and Tiruvattar taluks of Kanyakumari district, which receives a high annual rainfall of about 1,469 mm.
The top of the tangled banana fruit resembles the mouth of a crocodile, and there are different varieties such as Semmati (Red Matti), Than Matti (Honey Matti), and Malai Matti (Hill Matti).
Chedibutta Saree
This is a handloom saree made from art silk and cotton blend fabric, featuring chedibutta design.
The name 'Chedibutta' is derived from two Tamil words - 'chedi' (plant) and 'butta' (repeated motif or design). It is woven using black silk thread and bright coloured cotton thread is used to create the Chedibutta design.
10. PM Modi launches 'Urea Gold', a sulphur-coated fertiliser for advanced farming
Tags: Environment place in news
Prime Minister Modi launched a new type of urea called "Urea Gold" during his visit to Rajasthan.
An Overview of the News
Urea Gold is coated with sulphur, which can enhance soil quality and reduce farmers' expenditure.
Urea Gold, also known as Sulphur Coated Urea (SCU), is a new variety of urea that requires less field application and improves crop quality.
The launch aims to address soil fertility issues and lower input costs for farmers, making Urea Gold a more economic and qualitatively better option than the existing neem-coated urea.
Sulphur coated urea releases nitrogen slowly, and adding humic acid extends its shelf life as a fertiliser.
According to a report, using 15 kg of Urea Gold provides benefits equivalent to 20 kg of conventional urea, making it a more efficient and cost-effective option for farmers.
