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Loving Borgohain Elected Chair of IBA Athletes Committee
Lovlina Borgohain has been elected as chairman and voting member on the Board of Directors for the IBA’s Athletes Committee.
Indian boxer and Tokyo Olympics Bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain had received the highest number of votes during the election held at the 2022 Women’s World Championship and thus has been elected as chair of the board.
Indian boxer Shiva Thapa has also been elected as a member of the IBA Athletes Committee following the election held during the 2021 IBA Men’s World Championships.
Appeal in Supreme Court against Assam Repealing Act converting state-funded madrassas to govt schools
A petition has been filed before the Supreme Court challenging a Gauhati High Court’s order of upholding Assam Repealing Act 2020 which converted state-funded madrassas into regular schools.
The Assam Repealing Act, 2020 repealed Assam Madrassa Education (Provincialisation) Act, 1995 and the Assam Madrassa Education (Provincialisation of Services of Teachers and Reorganisation of Educational Institutions) Act, 2018. The Governor of Assam granted his assent on January 27, 2021.
The plea contended that the Act takes away property coupled with statutory recognition of madrassa education and the impugned order dated February 2, 2021 issued by the Governor disbands the ‘Assam State Madrasa Board’ created in 1954. It amounts to an arbitrary exercise of both legislative and executive powers and amounts to a denial of the petitioner madrassas’ ability to continue as madrassas providing religious instruction coupled with religious education,” the plea added.
The plea contended that Assam Madrassa Education (Provincialisation) Act, 1995 (repealed by the Act of 2020) is only limited to the state undertaking to pay the salaries and provide consequential benefits to the teaching and non-teaching staff employed in madrassas as also the administration, management and control of these madrassa.
Tripura gets first virtual court for traffic e-challan cases
The Chief Justice of Tripura High Court unveiled the first virtual court for traffic e-challan cases.
Justice S Talapatra, Justice T Amarnath Goud, Justice Arindam Lodh, Justice SG Chottapadhyay and senior state government officials also attended the inaugural ceremony.
Justice Mohanty proclaimed the day as ‘another red letter day’, which eliminates the necessity for litigants to appear in court for paying fines. The e-court was introduced in the state so that litigants don’t need to come to the court for justice.
Asserting that litigants are the focus of the judiciary, the chief justice said, Whatever may be we are or working in whatever category – judges, registry and police officers – we all come under the umbrella of the Constitution. Everything we do or don’t do is aimed at serving the people of our country.
Justice Mohanty also lauded the role of the state government for extending fullest support to the High Court. Justice Talapatra while speaking at the programme exhorted the state government to make all out efforts to popularize the virtual court for e-challan cases.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi releases PM CARES for Children Scheme
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi released benefits under PM CARES for Children Scheme via video conference. The scheme was launched by the Prime Minister on 29 May 2021.
The scheme aims to support children who have lost both the parents or legal guardian or adoptive parents or surviving parent to Covid-19 pandemic, during the period from 11 March 2020 to 28 February 2022.
The objective of the Scheme is to ensure comprehensive care and protection of children in a sustained manner by providing them boarding and lodging, empowering them through education and scholarships, equipping them for self-sufficient existence with financial support and ensuring their wellbeing through health insurance.
PM Modi has promised Rs 4,000 a month for basic needs, financial support for schooling, scholarship for higher education, and free treatment upto Rs 5 lakh.
A portal named pmcaresforchildren.in was launched to register the children. The portal is a single window system which facilitates approval process and all other assistance for children.
NTPC releases ‘Biodiversity Policy’ for conservation, restoration of biodiversity.
NTPC Ltd has issued a renewed Biodiversity Policy 2022 to establish a comprehensive vision and guiding principle for conservation, restoration, and enhancement of biodiversity. This Biodiversity Policy is an integral part of NTPC’s Environmental Policy.
The power major aims to mainstream the concept of biodiversity across NTPC’s value chain and adopt a precautionary approach for sustainable management of biodiversity in all the decision-making processes to ensure the Earth’s variety of life in and around the business units of NTPC.
The policy also aims to adopt systematic consideration of local threats to biodiversity beyond the company’s business activities.
NTPC is raising awareness among local communities, employees, and its associates across the supply chain about biodiversity through project-specific and national level trainings in collaboration with experts and also with local communities, organizations, regulatory agencies and research institutes of national/international repute in the field of biodiversity.
NTPC was the first PSU to issue a Biodiversity Policy in 2018. In the same year, NTPC became a member of the India Business & Biodiversity Initiative (IBBI).
Justice PK Mohanty gets additional charge of Lokpal chairperson
Justice Pradip Kumar Mohanty has been given the additional charge of Lokpal chairperson after justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose completed his term as the Lokpal chief.
At present, there are six members in the Lokpal. President Ram Nath Kovind administered the oath of office to justice Ghose as the Lokpal chairperson.
The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act envisages the appointment of a Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas in states to look into cases of corruption against certain categories of public servants, was passed in 2013.
A Lokpal chief and members are appointed for a term of five years or until attaining the age of 70 years. They are appointed by the President after obtaining the recommendations of a selection committee headed by the Prime Minister and comprising the speaker of the Lok Sabha, the Leader of Opposition in the lower house, the Chief Justice of India or a judge of the Supreme Court nominated by him, and an eminent jurist as recommended by the chairperson and members of the selection panel.
Maharashtra sets the highest sugar production in the 2021-22
Maharashtra has recorded an all-time high sugar production of 132 lakh tonnes in the 2021-2022 season, state sugar commissioner Shekhar Gaikwad has claimed.
Maharashtra had a record of all-time high sugar production of 107 lakh tonnes in 2019-20. This year, it has reached nearly 132 lakh tonnes, which is again an all-time high record for the state, while Uttar Pradesh has so far produced 80 lakh tonnes of sugar so far this year,” Gaikwad said.
‘Tomb of Sand’ by Geetanjali Shree becomes first Hindi Novel to win International Booker Prize 2022
Geetanjali Shree’s ‘Tomb of Sand’ has become the first Hindi novel to win the International Booker Prize. ‘Tomb of Sand’ which was originally published in Hindi as Ret Samadhi is translated into English by Daisy Rockwell.
The translated Hindi novel has become the first book written in an Indian language to win the prestigious 2022 International Booker Prize.
The novel ‘Tomb of Sand’, in Hindi titled ‘Ret Samadhi’, was published in Hindi in 2018. The novel narrates the story of an 80-years old woman who experiences a deep depression after the death of her husband.
Eventually, she overcomes the depression and decides to visit Pakistan to finally confront the past that she had left behind during partition.
PARAM ANANTA Supercomputer commissioned at IIT, Gandhinagar
PARAM ANANTA, a state-of the art Supercomputer at IIT Gandhinagar dedicated to the nation under National Supercomputing Mission (NSM).
It is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Department of Science and Technology (DST), which was commissioned. This indigenous software stack is developed by C-DAC and is a Make in India initiative.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between IIT Gandhinagar and Centre for Development in Advanced Computing (C-DAC) to establish this 838 TeraFlops Supercomputing Facility under NSM.
The system is equipped with a mix of CPU nodes, GPU nodes, High Memory nodes, High throughput storage and high performance Infiniband interconnect to cater the computing needs of various scientific and engineering applications.
About thePARAM ANANTA Supercomputer
PARAM ANANTA system is based on Direct Contact Liquid Cooling technology to obtain a high power usage effectiveness and thereby reducing the operational cost.
It will benefit to IIT Gandhinagar to pursue the Research and Development (R&D) activities in multidisciplinary domains of science and technology at the Institute, including, but not limited to, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Data Science; Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD); Bio-engineering for Genome Sequencing and DNA studies
Energy studies which will help in carrying out design simulation and optimization of energy conversion devices at various scales; Fire Dynamics Simulation; Nanotechnology; Robotics; Applied mathematics; Astronomy and Astrophysics; Material Sciences; Quantum Mechanics; Studies on Civil Engineering and structural mechanics to understand the dynamic behaviour of buildings, bridges; and complex structure.
Computational Biology and Bioinformatics used in prediction and detection of gene networks; Atomic & Molecular Sciences that helps in understanding how a drug binds to a particular protein; Climate Change and Environment studies for extreme weather predictions and simulation of models which can predict the onset of a cyclone;
India win bronze at the Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2022
India won bronze after defeating Japan 1-0 in the third-Place match at the Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2022 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
India were down to 10 men in the last minute of the match but they managed to hold on and win their second bronze medal at the Asia Cup. India’s Rajkumar Pal gave the team an early lead in the first quarter of the match itself, which they held on to till the end.
South Korea has lifted the prestigious trophy for the fifth time. They have won the title in 1994, 1999, 2009 and 2013.
Q1. India won how many medals at the Deaflympics 2021?
8
9
13
17
D. 17
2021 Summer Deaflympics medal table
Rank
NDSC
Gold
Silver
Bronze
Total
1
Ukraine (UKR)
62
38
38
138
2
United States (USA)
20
11
24
55
3
Iran (IRI)
14
12
14
40
4
Japan (JPN)
12
8
10
30
5
South Korea (KOR)
11
18
14
43
6
Poland (POL)
8
22
12
42
7
Turkey (TUR)
8
19
17
44
8
France (FRA)
8
3
5
16
9
India (IND)
8
1
8
17
Q2. Which country hosted the Summer Deaflympics 2021?
Spain
Argentina
China
Brazil
D. Brazil
The 2021 Summer Deaflympics, officially known as the XXIV Summer Deaflympic Games, and commonly known as Caxias 2021, was the international multi-sport event held in Caxias do Sul, Brazil, as the main host city from 1 May to 15 May 2022. In addition to Caxias, there are events scheduled for the neighboring cities of Farroupilha and Flores da Cunha. On April 12, 2022, CISS has announced that due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russian and Belarussian athletes were barred from competing in Caxias do Sul, and in the same press release it was also announced that the bowling tournament was scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, during October 20–30, 2022.
Q3. China has reportedly planned a project named Closeby Habitable Exoplanet Survey to hunt habitable exoplanets around sun-like stars?
US
China
UK
Japan
B. China
China is reportedly planning a project named Closeby Habitable Exoplanet Survey to hunt habitable exoplanets around sun-like stars.
Q4. Who is appointed as the new Chief Minister of Tripura?
Manik Saha
Manik Sarkar
Biplab Kumar Deb
S.N. Arya
A. Manik Saha
Q5. Ramgarh Vishdhari Sanctuary was recently declared as India’s 52nd tiger reserve. It is located in which state?
Chhattisgarh
Assam
Rajasthan
Uttar Pradesh
C. Rajasthan
Rajasthan’s Ramgarh Vishdhari Sanctuary is now India’s 52nd tiger reserve. With this new addition, India now has a total of 52 tiger reserves.
Ramgarh Vishdhari Sanctuary is located between Rajasthan’s famous Ranthambore Tiger Reserve and Mukundra Hills Tiger. The area is an important tiger corridor.
The new sanctuary is Rajasthan’s fourth tiger reserve. The three others are Ranthambore, Sariska and Mukundra.
Q6. India recorded how much annual FDI inflow in FY 2021-22?
USD 95.20 billion
USD 85.87 billion
USD 83.57 billion
USD 78.70 billion
C. USD 83.57 billion
India has recorded the highest ever annual FDI inflow of USD 83.57 billion in the Financial Year 2021-22,” it noted. FDI equity inflow in manufacturing sectors has increased by 76 per cent in 2021-22 (USD 21.34 billion) compared to 2020-21 (USD 12.09 billion)
Q7. Which University has been ranked first among all public universities in India by Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2022?
Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru
Jawaharlal Nehru University
Calcutta University
Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
C. Calcutta University
Q8. The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or Quad is a strategic security dialogue between which of the countries?
Australia, India, Japan, and the United States
Australia, UK, Japan, and the United States
India, Japan, UK and the United States
India, China, Japan, and the United States
A. Australia, India, Japan, and the United States
Q9. What is the surplus transfer by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to the Govt for 2021-22?
Rs 25201 crores
Rs 29500 crores
Rs 30307 crores
Rs 38784 crores
C. Rs 30307 crores
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will transfer Rs 30,307 crore as surplus to the government for 2021-22. RBI decided that after maintaining the contingency risk buffer at 5.50 per cent of its balance sheet.
Q10. ‘India Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC)’ is associated with which Ministry of Indian Govt.?
Ministry of Electronics and IT
Ministry of Science and Technology
Ministry of Finance
Ministry of External Affairs
D. Ministry of External Affairs
India Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme is an initiative of the Ministry of External Affairs, wherein participants from ITEC member countries are trained. India increased the ITEC slots from 30 to 60 for Jamaica.
Q11. India’s rank in global production of coal is
Second
Fourth
Fifth
Seventh
A. Second
The top six largest coal-producing countries in the world
China – 3.7 billion tonnes
India – 783 million tonnes
United States – 640 million tonnes
Indonesia – 616 million tonnes
Australia – 550 million tonnes
Russia – 430 million tonnes
Q12. India signed ‘Investment Incentive Agreement (IIA)’ with which country?
Japan
Singapore
Saudi Arabia
USA
D. USA
India and the United States recently signed the Investment Incentive Agreement (IIA) in Tokyo. It is a legal requirement for US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to continue providing investment support in India. This agreement will lead to enhanced investment support from the development finance institution in several sectors.
Q13. Which city hosts the 51st annual summit of the World Economic Forum?
Davos, Switzerland
Geneva, Switzerland
New York, US
London, UK
A. Davos, Switzerland
The World Economic Forum celebrates the 51st edition of its annual meeting in the Swiss city of Davos in May 2022.
Q14. Which country is the top-most investor in India during fiscal year 2021-22?
Singapore
Mauritius
USA
UAE
A. Singapore
India has recorded highest ever annual FDI inflow of USD 83.57 billion in the Financial Year 2021-22. FDI equity inflow in manufacturing sectors has increased by 76 per cent in 2021-22. Singapore was the topmost investor in India last fiscal year, accounting for 27% of the FDI, followed by the US at 18% and Mauritius at 16%. In 2020-21, the inflows were USD 81.97 billion.
Q15.Indian Navy recently undertook Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) Exercise with
China
Myanmar
Indonesia
Bangladesh
D. Bangladesh
Karnataka is the top recipient state with 38 per cent share of the total FDI equity inflow reported during the FY 2021-22 followed by Maharashtra (26 per cent) and Delhi (14 per cent)
Q1. Which Indian Bank launched the ‘Open-for-all’ Digital ecosystem for MSMEs?
HDFC Bank
Asix Bank
State Bank of India
ICICI Bank
D. ICICI Bank
ICICI Bank has launched ‘Open-for-all’ Digital ecosystem for MSMEs. The digital service for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) can be used by customers of other banks.
One of the new services it provides is sanction of instant and paperless overdraft facility up to Rs 25 lakh through ‘InstaOD Plus’. The feature enables customers of any bank to avail of an overdraft instantly.
Q2. Which is the first airline in Asia to use the ‘GAGAN’ satellite-based navigation system during landing?
IndiGo
Air India
Air Asia
Vistara Airlines
A. IndiGo
IndiGo became the first airline in Asia to use the indigenously developed satellite-based navigation system ‘GAGAN’ during landing.
The system has been jointly developed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Indian Space Research Organisation. It provides corrections to the global positioning system (GPS) signal to improve air traffic management, with the help of reference and uplink stations.
Q3. World Bee Day is celebrated on
May 20
April 10
May 05
April 09
A. May 20
World Bee Day is celebrated on May 20. On this day Anton Janša, the pioneer of beekeeping, was born in 1734. The purpose of the international day is to acknowledge the role of bees and other pollinators for the ecosystem.
Q4. Atal New India Challenge is a flagship program of Atal Innovation Mission of which institution?
Parliament of India
NASSCOM
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
NITI Aayog
D. NITI Aayog
Q5. Which organisation releases the State of the World’s Forests (SOFO) Report?
Forest Survey of India
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)
Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO)
D. Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO)
Q6. The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) signed an MoU with which major telecom operators for cooperation in the area of IoT/M2M?
Reliance Jio
BSNL
Vodafone India
Airtel
C. Vodafone India
C-DOT and Vodafone Idea Limited sign MoU for cooperation in area of IoT/M2M.
Q7. The ‘Vulture Gene Bank’ is to be set up in which city for conservation of the critically-endangered species?
Jodhpur
Mangaluru
Mysuru
Haridwar
C. Mysuru
Q8. The headquarters of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is located in
Geneva
London
New York
Singapore
A. Geneva
Q9. Who Directed the India – Bangladesh co-production feature film ‘Mujib– The Making of a Nation’?
Rituporno Ghosh
Shyam Benegal
Chashi Nazrul Islam
Humayun Ahmed
B. Shyam Benegal
Mujib: The Making of a Nation is an upcoming Bangladeshi Bengali-language biographical film directed by Shyam Benegal. It stars Arifin Shuvoo as Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the first President of Bangladesh popularly known as Bangabandhu, who lead his country to independence.
Q10. Which is the top ranked Indian firm in the Forbes’ latest Global 2000 list of public companies?
Reliance Industries
Tata Sons
Adani Enterprises
State Bank of India
A. Reliance Industries
Q11. Which state was crowned as the champion of the 12th Hockey India Senior Women National Championship 2022?
Bihar
Karnataka
Jharkhand
Odisha
D. Odisha
Odisha were crowned as the champions of the 12th Hockey India Senior Women National Championship 2022. Odisha clinched a 2-0 victory over Karnataka in the final of the competition, held in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
Jharkhand earned a third-place finish in the competition after defeating Haryana.
Q12. Which is the first state in India to surpass 10 GW of cumulative large-scale solar installations?
Karnataka
Uttar Pradesh
Rajasthan
Gujarat
C. Rajasthan
Rajasthan became the first state in India to surpass 10 GW of cumulative large-scale solar installations, as per Mercom’s India Solar Project Tracker
Q13. Which tennis player won the Italian Open 2022 women’s single title?
Ashleigh Barty
Ankita Raina
Naomi Osaka
Iga Swiatek
D. Iga Swiatek
Q14. Who won a gold medal recently in the 52kg flyweight category at the Women’s World Boxing Championships to become the fifth Indian woman to win a gold medal in a world championship?
Nikhat Zareen
Pinki Jangra
Laishram Sarita Devi
Lovlina Borgohain
A. Nikhat Zareen
A 25-year-old boxer from the southern Indian state of Telangana has become the fifth Indian woman to win a gold medal in a world championship. Nikhat Zareen on Thursday beat Thailand’s Jitpong Jutamas in the 52kg flyweight category at the Women’s World Boxing Championships held at Istanbul, Turkey. 20-05-2022
Q15. Which state was the top recipient of FDI equity inflows in FY 2021-22?
Kerala
Karnataka
Andhra Pradesh
Maharashtra
B. Karnataka
Karnataka is the top recipient state with 38 per cent share of the total FDI equity inflow reported during the FY 2021-22 followed by Maharashtra (26 per cent) and Delhi (14 per cent)
Q1. Which was the top recipient country for remittances in 2021?
China
Bangladesh
India
Russia
C.India
The top five recipient countries for remittances in 2021 were India, Mexico, China, the Philippines, and Egypt.
According to the World Bank’s latest Migration and Development Brief, remittance flows to low- and middle-income countries are expected to increase by 4.2 percent this year to reach USD 630 billion. Remittances to Ukraine, which is the largest recipient in Europe and Central Asia, are expected to rise by over 20 percent in 2022.
Q2. Where is the first Incredible India International Cruise Conference (IIICC) held in 2022?
Ahmedabad
Kolkata
Vishakhapatnam
Mumbai
D. Mumbai
Union Tourism Minister, G. Kishan Reddy inaugurated the first Incredible India International Cruise Conference (IIICC) in Mumbai.
He also invited domestic and international tourists to ‘Come, Cruise in India.’ It was jointly organised by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the Government of India and FICCI. Eight Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during the conference.
Q3. Which institution/organization has launched the ‘National Data & Analytics Platform (NDAP)’?
C-DAC
NIELIT
NITI Aayog
NASSCOM
C. NITI Aayog
NITI Aayog launched the National Data & Analytics Platform (NDAP) for open public use. The platform aims to democratize access to public government data by making data accessible, interactive, and available on a user-friendly platform.
It presents foundational datasets from various government agencies and provides tools for analytics and visualization. This public launch follows a beta release of the platform in August 2021 that had provided access to a limited number of users for testing and feedback.
Q4. What is India’s retail inflation in April 2022, as it touched its highest point in eight years?
11.8 %
7. 85 %
7.50 %
7.79 %
D. 7.79 %
India’s retail inflation in April 2022 surged to 7.79 per cent in April, largely driven by rising fuel and food prices, touching its highest point in last eight years.
The previous high was recorded at 8.33 per cent in May 2014. 6.95 per cent inflation is recorded in the month of March. Food inflation accounted for nearly half the consumer price index (CPI) basket, reached high in April. Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI’s) upper tolerance limit for retail inflation is 6 %.
Q5. The first state in India to offer breakfast in government schools?
Maharashtra
Kerala
Punjab
Tamil Nadu
D. Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu has become the first state in the country to offer breakfast in government schools, along with the mid-day meal.
Chief Minister MK Stalin announced the breakfast scheme for students studying in Classes 1 to 5 in the state. The special nutritional scheme is based on a public health study by the government on the malnourished children in the state. Tamil Nadu was also a pioneer of the midday meal scheme
Q6. Which is the first Indian company to cross USD 100 billion annual revenue?
TCS
Adani Industries
Reliance Industries
Adani Ports Industries
C. Reliance Industries
Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries Ltd first became the first Indian company to cross USD 100 billion annual revenue.
For the fiscal 2021-22, Reliance reported a net profit of ₹60,705 crore on a revenue of ₹7.92 lakh crore (USD 102 billion). The earnings rose due to the high oil refining margins, growth in telecom and digital services and strong retail business. Rise in broadband subscribers, online retail and new energy investment are also the reasons for rise in earnings.
Q7. ‘Tomato Flu’, which is in the news recently, is endemic to which state?
Punjab
Andhra Pradesh
Kerala
Tamil Nadu
C. Kerala
After the recent outbreak of ‘Tomato flu’, which was endemic to Kerala, the neighbouring states are ramping up surveillance to prevent the disease.
The tomato flu is a rare viral disease, which causes fever, skin irritation, rashes and dehydration. It affects children below five years of age and gets its name from the large red-coloured blisters it causes. There is no specific drug and the infected children are to be isolated, as it is contagious like other flu types.
Q8. India’s first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) is being setup between
Delhi and Mumbai
Delhi and Meerut
Mumbai and Pune
Delhi and Noida
B. Delhi and Meerut
Q9. Who received the 2022 World Food Prize from the World Food Prize Foundation?
Cynthia Rosenzweig
Rattan Lal
Fazle Hasan Abed
Sanjaya Rajaram
A. Cynthia Rosenzweig
Cynthia Rosenzweig, a senior research scientist at NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS), received the 2022 World Food Prize from the World Food Prize Foundation.
World Food Prize is a prestigious award conceived as the ‘Nobel Prize for Food and Agriculture’. Rosenzweig was selected for the award for her research to understand the relationship between climate and food systems and forecast how they will change in the future.
Q10.Rakhigarhi is a Harappan site located in which state?
Gujarat
Rajasthan
Haryana
Uttar Pradesh
C. Haryana
As per the Archaeological Survey of India, the latest round of excavations at the Rakhigarhi in Haryana’s Hisar has revealed street system on raised platforms, houses with extensive layouts, and a drainage system.
It is a 5,000-year-old Harappan site and was one of the five iconic sites announced in the 2020 Budget Speech. The site is also considered the biggest Harappan-era site.
Q11. As per the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), what is the new Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in India?
2.5
2.3
2.0
1.8
C. 2.0
The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) which is measured as the average number of children per woman has come down from 2.2 to 2.0 at the national level between NFHS-4 and 5. There are only five states in India, which are above the replacement level of fertility of 2.1. This includes Bihar (2.98), Meghalaya, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Manipur.
Q12. India’s rank in the ‘RSF 2022 World Press Freedom Index’ is
98
107
134
150
D. 150
According to the RSF 2022 World Press Freedom Index, India’s ranking has fallen down to 150th position from last year’s 142nd place.
Norway (1st) Denmark (2nd) and Sweden (3rd) were ranked at the top positions, while North Korea remained at the bottom of the list of 180 countries and territories. Reporters sans frontieres (RSF) or Reporters without Borders, a global media watch-dog releases the report every year.
Q13. India’s first green-field grain-based ethanol plant has been inaugurated in
Uttar Pradesh
Bihar
Chhattisgarh
Gujarat
B. Bihar
India’s first greenfield grain-based ethanol plant is inaugurated in Purnea. The 105-crore plant by Eastern India Biofuels is the first one developed since the Centre gave approval to Bihar’s ethanol production and promotion policy-2021. The state government has proposed opening at least 17 ethanol plants over the next two years.
Q14.Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is a
an initiative to promote an open platform for all aspects of the exchange of goods and services through electronic networks.
an initiative to open e-commerce platforms in India to global players.
an initiative to promote an open platform for all aspects of the exchange of only services through electronic networks.
an initiative to promote similar pricing across ecommerce platforms for all goods and services through electronic networks.
A. an initiative to promote an open platform for all aspects of the exchange of goods and services through electronic networks.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry launched the pilot phase of the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).
It is a first-of-its-kind initiative globally to pave way for democratising digital commerce to enhance the penetration of digital commerce in the country. The initiative aims to promote an open platform for exchange of goods and services through electronic networks. ONDC would standardise operations, promote inclusion of local suppliers and increase efficiencies in logistics.
Q15. First Indian state to set up a Gene Bank Project is
Haryana
Goa
Kerala
Maharashtra
D. Maharashtra
Maharashtra has announced to set up a ‘Gene bank project’, to conserve native and endangered animals, crops, marine and biological species. It will be implemented by the Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board (MSBB) and Rs 172.39 crore has been allocated for the next five years.
The project will work on seven themes — marine, crop, veterinary, freshwater, grassland biodiversity, protection and management of forest right areas, and regeneration of forests. The project will focus on mitigating the impact on the food chain due to climate change.
Swachh Survekshan 2021 Ranking List – Cleanest Cities and States in India, Northeast & Assam
Swachh Survekshan 2021 Ranking List – Cleanest City and State in India
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs Government of India has released the Swachh Survekshan 2021 Result. President Ram Nath Kovind has announced the Cities names and honored the municipal corporations working under the Swachhta Mission (Cleanliness Mission).
The Swachh Sarvekshan (It is the world’s largest urban cleanliness survey) is conducted every year by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, in which the status of sanitation in cities is assessed. In the 2021 edition of Swachh Survekshan, 4320 cities of the country participated.
Cleanest Cities in the Swachh Survekshan 2021 – Ranking List
A total number of 4320 Cities participated in 6th Edition of Swachh Survekshan Survey. Under this survey, 342 Cities have been selected and provided the Ratting Star for the cleanest cities.
Indore city has been declared the cleanest city of India for the 5th time in a row. While Surat (Gujarat) has been ranked second and Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh) has been ranked third and these cities have been given the Swachh Survekshan 2021 award.
Rank
City
1
Indore
2
Surat
3
Vijayawada
4
Navi Mumbai
5
Pune
6
Raipur
7
Bhopal
8
Vadodara
9
Vishakhapatnam
10
Ahmedabad
Swachh Survekshan 2021: Cleanest states rank 2021
Under the Swachh Survekshan 2021, Chhattisgarh has been awarded as the ‘Cleanest State’ of India for the 3rd consecutive year in the ‘more than 100 Urban Local Bodies’. Second position was secured by Maharashtra, followed by Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh.
Jharkhand won the ‘Cleanest State’ of India for the second time in the ‘less than 100 Urban Local Bodies’ category. It is followed by Haryana and Goa.
Karnataka emerged as the ‘Fastest Mover State’ in the ‘more than 100 Urban Local Bodies’ and Mizoram emerged as the ‘Fastest Mover State’ in the ‘less than 100 Urban Local Bodies’.
Cleanest District in India
Surat was ranked the ‘cleanest district’, followed by Indore and New Delhi.
Swachh Survekshan 2021: 5-star rated Garbage Free Cities in India
Under the Star Rating Protocol of Garbage Free Cities, 9 cities were certified as 5-star cities while 143 cities were certified as 3-star. The nine cities are Indore, Surat, New Delhi Municipal Council, Navi Mumbai, Ambikapur, Mysuru, Noida, Vijayawada, and Patan.
Varanasi, was adjudged the “cleanest Ganga town” while Bihar’s Munger and Patna clinched second and third spot.
Gujarat’s Ahmedabad was conferred with Swachh Survekshan Awards for being the country’s cleanest cantonment.
New Delhi Municipal Corporation ranked first in the country’s ‘cleanest small city’ category of 1-3 lakh population while Madhya Pradesh’s Hoshangawad achieved the title of country’s ‘Fastest Mover small city’.
Northeast region’s cleanest cities
Among the states with less than 100 urban local bodies in the northeast, Nagaland is the cleanest, ranking 6th.
Meghalaya is ranked at 14.
Mizoram and Manipur are in the to10 occupying 9th and 7th positions respectively.
Northeast Cities in 1 to 10 lakh population category
Out of the 372 cities ranked in this category, Dibrugarh is the cleanest in the region ranking 311 followed by Guwahati (312), Nagaon (334), Silchar (346)
Agartala has been ranked 356, whereas Dimapur is ranked 322.
Shillong’s ranking is 371, Aizawl is at 359 and Imphal is 365.
Northeast Cities with 50,000-1 Lakh population
Tezpur, Assam (Cleanest City)
Lunglei, Mizoram (Best City in Citizens Feedback)
Bongaigaon, Assam (Best City in Innovation & Best Practices)
Jorhat, Assam (Best Self-Sustainable City)
Tinsukia, Assam (Fastest Mover City)
Northeast Cities with 25000-50000 population
Golaghat, Assam (Cleanest City)
Kakching, Manipur (Best City in Citizens Feedback)
Hailakandi, Assam (Best City in Innovation & Best Practices)
Kokrajhar, Assam (Best Self-Sustainable City)
Haflong, Assam (Fastest Mover City)
Northeast Cities with less than 25000 population
Jiribam, Manipur (Cleanest City)
Biate, Mizoram (Best City in Citizens Feedback)
Changlang, Arunachal Pradesh (Best City in Innovation & Best Practices)
Lakhipur, Assam (Best Self-Sustainable City)
Khowai, Tripura (Fastest Mover City)
Assam’s cleanest cities & Towns
Assam’s Tezpur named cleanest city in the northeast in the population category of 50,000 to 1 lakh.
In the 1 to 10 lakh population category, Dibrugarh is the cleanest in the region ranking 311 followed by Guwahati (312), Nagaon (334), Silchar (346).
Nine towns from Assam, viz. Tezpur, Golaghat, Bongaigaon, Kokrajhar, Tinsukia, Hailakandi, Haflong, Jorhat and Lakhipur have been able to secure ranks in the Swachh Survekshan ranking 2021.
Tezpur as the cleanest city, Jorhat as the best self-sustainable city.
Bongaigaon as the best city in innovationand practices in the 50,000 to 1 lakh population group.
Tinsukia as the fastest mover city in NE (50,000 to 1 lakh population).
Golaghat as the cleanest city in the northeast in the 25,000 to 50,000 population.
Haflong as a fastest moving city.
In the 25,000 to 50,000 population category, Hailakandi has been awarded as the best city in innovation and practice.
Lakhipur in Assam’s Cachar District is adjudged as the best self-sustainable city among the towns with below 25,000 population in the northeast.
Nobel Prize Winners 2021 in Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Economics, Peace and Literature
The Nobel Prize in Physics 2021
Syukuro Manabe
“for the physical modelling of Earth’s climate, quantifying variability and reliably predicting global warming”
Klaus Hasselmann
“for the physical modelling of Earth’s climate, quantifying variability and reliably predicting global warming”
Giorgio Parisi
“for the discovery of the interplay of disorder and fluctuations in physical systems from atomic to planetary scales”
The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2021
Benjamin List
“for the development of asymmetric organocatalysis”
David W.C. MacMillan
“for the development of asymmetric organocatalysis”
The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2021
David Julius
“for their discoveries of receptors for temperature and touch”
Ardem Patapoutian
“for their discoveries of receptors for temperature and touch”
The Nobel Prize in Literature 2021
Abdulrazak Gurnah
“for his uncompromising and compassionate penetration of the effects of colonialism and the fate of the refugee in the gulf between cultures and continents”
The Nobel Peace Prize 2021
Maria Ressa
“for their efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace”
Dmitry Andreyevich Muratov
“for their efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace”
The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel 2021
David Card
“for his empirical contributions to labour economics”
Joshua D. Angrist
“for their methodological contributions to the analysis of causal relationships”
Guido W. Imbens
“for their methodological contributions to the analysis of causal relationships”
Cachar Deputy Commissioner Keerthi Jalli received the prestigious National Silver SKOCH award under the health category on the project called ‘Pushti Nirbhor’.
The ‘Pushti Nirbhor’ is a convergence project with transformation and development along with Panchayat and Rural Development Department in one of the” Axom Adarxo Gram yojna” villages name Dinnathpur Bagicha near Indo-Bangladesh Border under Katigorah, Cachar District of Assam.
The main objectives were to train the villagers towards becoming self-reliant especially during the pandemic situation, to explore the household Nutri gardens and earn the marketing value and meet up the nutritional need of the families.
Tripura’s Famous ‘Gandharaj’ Lemon Flies to Germany
After gaining popularity in India, the famous ‘Gandharaj’ lemon of Tripura has now been exported to Germany. Notably, 500 ‘Gandharaj’ lemons have been sent to Germany on an experimental basis.
The 500 ‘Gandharaj’ lemons are accompanied by paper lemons and 1 metric tonne of jackfruit. Those agricultural products from Tripura will go to Germany via Guwahati. If the demand increases, the fortunes of the farmers of Tripura will be escalated.
Earlier, Kazi Nemu,’ the Assamese lemon, which is one of the main food items of every Assamese people, has made its way into the markets of London. This Assamese lemon is exclusively grown and found in Assam.
As the Kazi Nemu consignment came to light, many people from London are excited to buy the Assamese Kazi Nemu/ Assam lemon to taste.
Prior, between December 2020 and January 2021, a massive consignment of ‘Kazi Nemu’ weighing almost 6 MT was exported to the European business sectors. ‘Kazi Nemu’ is utilized for preparing refreshing drinks and pickles as well as garnishing curry and other dishes.
In June 2021, ‘Leteku,’ the Burmese grapes, grown in the Darrang district of Assam, were exported to Dubai.
US Aviation Administration approves Blue Origin for Human Space Travel
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved “Blue Origin license” in order to carry humans on New Shepard launch system into space.
Former Amazon.com Chief Executive, Jeff Bezos, is to fly to space on July 20, 2021 through Blue Origin’s maiden crewed voyage.
Blue Origin is authorized to carry humans while FAA license is valid through August. Blue Origin is approved to conduct these missions from its Launch Site One facility in Texas.
Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin, spaceX firm are working to usher in new era of routine commercial civilian space travel. Space travel has been popularized as “billionaire space race.” Proving rocket travel is safe for public is a significant key of developing a space tourism market which is going to be $3 billion market.
FACTFILE – Space Tourism
Space Tourism is human space travel for recreational purposes. There are different types of space tourism such as orbital, suborbital and lunar space tourism.
Till date, orbital space tourism has been performed only by Roscosmos.
Various agencies like Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic & SpaceX are working to develop suborbital space tourism vehicles.
FACTFILE – Blue Origin
Blue Origin, LLC is an American privately funded aerospace manufacturer and sub-orbital spaceflight services company headquartered in Kent, Washington.
It was founded in 2000 by Jeff Bezos, the founder and executive chairman of Amazon, the company is led by CEO Bob Smith and aims to make access to space cheaper and more reliable through reusable launch vehicles..
Six universities to be set up in Assam under Tejasvi Navadhitamastu Edu-Infra Funds
Six universities are to be set up in Assam under Tejasvi Navadhitamastu Edu-Infra Funds (TNEIF). This scheme was launched in the 2017-18 budget to re-imagine and re-structure higher education in the state.
Each of the six institutions to be established under the Tejasvi Navadhitamastu Edu-Infra Funds (TNEIF) would receive a budget allocation of Rs 8 crore (2021-22), Rs 22 crore (2022-23), and Rs 20 crore (2023-24).
The six universities that are to be established under this scheme are:
1. Majuli University of Culture
2. Rabindranath Tagore University (Hojai)
3. Bhattadev University (Pathsala)
4. Madhabdev University (Narayanpur)
5. Birangana Sati Sadhini State University (Golaghat)
6. Aniruddhadev Sports University (Chabua)
Key Highlights of State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2021 report
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recently published its “State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2021 report” which highlights the a grim scenarios of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Food security.
FAO’s study was conducted in 63 low- and middle-income countries. They covered a population of 3.5 billion on changes in income of people.
Global Food Policy Report 2021 is published by International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). As per report, impacts of rising poverty and reduced livelihoods are reflected in rising food insecurity & decreasing diet quality. This in turn have devastating consequences for health & nutrition in low- and middle-income countries.
Highlights of the Global Food Policy Report 2021
As per study, there is a significant decrease in the affordability of healthy food because of loss in income.
Covid-19 pandemic led to an additional 141 million people being unable to afford healthy diet because of loss of income and rising food price
As the 2020 ended, global consumer food prices were highest in six years which continued to increase in first four months of 2021.
Cost of healthy diet was 60 percent more than diet that meets “requirements for essential nutrients”.
Overall decline in food intake has increased hunger levels in 2020. It thus made primary Sustainable Development Goal of ending hunger by 2030 impossible.
Nepal, India sign deal for Lower Arun Hydropower project
Nepal has inked a USD 1.3 billion deal with Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) of India to develop a 679-megawatt hydropower project in eastern Nepal.
This will be the second mega venture in Nepal, undertaken by India. It is the single largest foreign investment project.
To develop the project, a memorandum of understanding was signed by Chief Executive Officer of Investment Board of Nepal Sushil Bhatta and Chairman & Managing Director of SJVN Nand Lal Sharma in Kathmandu.
The 679-megawatt Hydropower project is the second mega project undertaken by India after USD 1.04 billion 900-MW Arun-3 hydroelectric project in Nepal.
FACTFILE – Arun River
It is the largest trans-Himalayan River that passes through Nepal. River drains into Sapta Kosi river system.
In Tibet, it is known as Men Qu in upper reaches and as Peng Qu for most of its course towards north of Himalayan crests.
Govt launched ‘School Innovation Ambassador Training Program’
Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan and tribal affairs minister Arjun Munda jointly launched ‘School Innovation Ambassador Training Program’ on July 16, 2021.
School Innovation Ambassador Training Programme was designed by the innovation cell of education ministry and All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) for school teachers for first time.
FACTFILE – School Innovation Ambassador Training Program
This Programme will provide training to teachers from Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)- affiliated schools including Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, Kendriya Vidyalayas, and Eklavya Residential Model Schools in India.
Teachers will be trained in online mode only for a duration of two months. Training will be provided in five modules to encourage innovation and creativity among school students.
Five modules include- entrepreneurship, innovation, intellectual property rights, product development, design thinking and idea generation etc.
FACTFILE – All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)
AICTE is a statutory body and a national-level council for technical education. It was established in November 1945 as an advisory body under the Department of Higher Education. In 1987, it was given statutory status by an Act of Parliament.
It is involved in proper planning and coordinated development of technical education & management education systems across India.
Bhutan became the second country to adopt BHIM UPI
Bhutan has become first country to adopt Unified Payment Interface (UPI) standards of India for its quick response (QR) code.
Bhutan after Singapore has become the second country to have BHIM-UPI acceptance at merchant locations.
International wing of the National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI) called NPCI International Payments Ltd. (NIPL) announced partnership with Royal Monetary Authority (RMA) of Bhutan to implement BHIM UPI QR-based payments in Bhutan.
Bhutan will also become the only country to issue & accept RuPay cards and accept BHIM-UPI.
BHIM-UPI is a very important achievement of India in area of fintech. During covid-19 induced lockdown, BHIM-UPI became an effective mechanism of payment. In 2020-21, it processed 22 billion financial transactions of worth rupee 41 lakh crore.
FACTFILE – National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI)
National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI)is an umbrella organisation involved in operation of retail payments and settlement systems in India. It was launched by Reserve Bank of India and Indian Banks’ Association to create a robust payment and settlement infrastructure.
FACTFILE – Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) App
It is an Indian mobile payment App developed by National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). It is based on Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and named after B. R. Ambedkar. It was launched on December 30, 2016.
BHIM app facilitates e-payments directly through banks and supports all Indian banks which use UPI.
FACTFILE – Unified Payments Interface (UPI)
UPI is built over Immediate Payment Service (IMPS) infrastructure that allows user to instantly transfer money in real-time.
It allows users to transfer money in multiple bank accounts without revealing bank account details to other party.
‘RBI Retail Direct’ scheme – Key Highlights
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced the “RBI Retail Direct facility” scheme on July 12, 2021.
RBI’s Retail Direct Scheme is a one-stop solution to facilitate investment in Government Securities (G-Sec) by individual investors.
Under this scheme, retail investors will be provided a facility to open and maintain Retail Direct Gilt Account (RDG Account) with RBI.
This facility was launched as part of continuing efforts towards increasing retail participation in government securities. It was launched to improve ease of access by retail investors by online access to primary as well as secondary government securities market.
Key Features of the ‘RBI Retail Direct’ scheme
Under the scheme, Retail investors (individuals) will have the option to open & maintain ‘Retail Direct Gilt Account’ (RDG Account) with RBI.
RDG Account can be opened using an ‘Online portal’ provided for the purpose of this scheme.
FACTFILE – Government Securities (G-Sec)
G-secs are debt instruments issued by government to borrow money. These instruments are not tax-free. They are the safest form of investment because they are backed by government. They are however, subject to fluctuations in interest rates. It can be issued in-
Short term- such a treasury bills for 91-days, 182-days and 364 days
Long term- with bonds maturity of one year or more.
Cachar inaugurated ‘Mamoni Bazar’ exclusively for women
With a vision to explore the power of women, Cachar Deputy Commissioner Keerthi Jalli inaugurated a market shed christened as ‘Mamoni Bazar’ for women at Dinnathpur Bagicha under Katigorah.
The market shed was constructed at a cost of Rs 10 lakh under the DMFT (District Mineral Foundation Trust).
Mentionably, this market shed is the first of its kind in the Barak Valley and it is among the identified ‘Adarsh Villages’ of Cachar District. The scheme has been taken up under a sustainable ‘Convergence’ project that will be carried out under the regular monitoring of the District Heads of Agriculture, Zilla Parishad, Fishery, Handloom & Textile and NRLM among others.
India’s first monk fruit cultivation begins in Kullu, H.P
Cultivation of China’s ‘monk fruit’ from has started in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. The fruit was introduced for field trials in Himachal Pradesh by Palampur-based Council of Scientific Research and Industrial Technology-Institute of Himalayan Bio-resource Technology (CSIR-IHBT).
Monk fruit is known for its properties as non-caloric natural sweetener. Field trials have begun three years after CSIR-IHBT imported its seeds from China and grew it in house. Fifty seedlings of fruit were planted in fields of a farmer from Raison village for field trials and a ‘Material Transfer Agreement’ was signed with the farmer.
Flowering pattern, pollination behaviour and fruit setting time were also documented in order to draw complete life-cycle of monk fruit in agro-climatic conditions of the region.
Monk fruit is “a perennial crop”. It is having a life span of four to five years. Fruiting on this crop starts eight to nine months after germination.
FACTFILE – Monk Fruit
Monk Fruit took its name from Buddhist monks who first used it. During the 20th century, Professor G W Groff had also made an unsuccessful attempt to grow Monk plant because flowers did not appear.
Monk fruit (siraitia grosvenorii), is known for its intensely sweet taste. It is used as a non-caloric natural sweetener. The sweet taste of monk fruit is because of content of group of cucurbitane-type triterpene glycosides called mogrosides.
Integrated Ratings for State Power Distribution Utilities launched
Union Power Minister, R.K. Singh, released 9th Integrated Ratings for State Power Distribution Utilities on the occasion of on the occasion of 36th Foundation Day of Power Finance Corporation (PFC).
While releasing Integrated Ratings for State Power Distribution Utilities, minister underlines that, Annual Integrated Rating exercise for rating period 2019-20 covering 41 State Power Distribution Utilities has been completed with participation of all utilities.
Indian Power sector will benefit from a fair and accurate assessment of true position of distribution sector. It will also help in assessing & improving its performance.
FACTFILE – Power Finance Corporation Ltd.
PFC is an Indian financial institution under Ministry of Power. It was established in 1986. PFC works as the financial backbone of Indian Power Sector. It is also India’s largest infrastructure finance company.
Meghalaya Govt clears State PPP policy to facilitate private investment
The Meghalaya Cabinet cleared the Meghalaya Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Policy 2021 to facilitate more private investment in the state. Meghalaya was one of the three states in the country that don’t have a PPP policy and with this new policy, the state government aims to “promote growth by attracting investments while safeguarding and promoting the interests of the communities.”
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said that one unique aspect incorporated in this policy is Community PPP, whereas in most of the other states, PPP policy mostly deals with large infrastructural projects but we have introduced this concept.
The Community PPP idea is to enable communities to work with private parties in the field of tourism, agriculture, horticulture, veterinary and others. Under the CPPP, the community shall be actively involved and contribute through the entire process.
Various aspects like the Land Transfer Act, land ownership and protection of the people have been taken into consideration while formulating this policy.
Requirement of a PPP Policy in Meghalaya
Meghalaya has a severe deficit of infrastructure, be it roads, telecom or power. Eg. the road density in the State is only 47.8 Km per 100 square km which is way lower than the national average of 180. The per capita annual consumption of electricity in Meghalaya, at 880 kWh, is also much below the national average of 1,200 kWh.
To achieve the vision of being among the Top 10 Indian states within the next 10 years, it would be required to not just deficit these gaps, but surpass the national average on many counts.
All these would require massive investments, estimated at about Rs. 25,000 Cr over the next 10 years. The Government with an annual budget size of approx. 17,000 Cr (of which the development budget is only about Rs. 3,000 Cr) does not have the quantum of resources to undertake all these activities.
The Public-Private Partnership Policy would help the state leverage investments along with sector-specific expertise from the private sector.
Proposed Institutional Framework:
An Empowered Group of Ministers (EGM), headed by the Chief Minister, shall be set up to approve projects greater than Rs. 50 Cr.
An Empowered Committee on Infrastructure (ECI), headed by the Chief Secretary, shall be set up to approve projects up to Rs. 50 Cr.
A State PPP Cell, headed by a senior Secretary from the planning department shall be set up as the nodal agency. It would be housed within Meghalaya Infrastructure Development Finance Corporation (MIDFC) under the Planning Department.
Land belonging to Government Departments or taken on lease from communities/individuals shall be used for the project. And all provisions related to the Meghalaya Land Transfer Act, 1971 will be applicable to ensure that the rights of the communities/individuals are protected.
The government of Tripura has taken initiatives to promote commercial cultivation of Agar trees and has set a target of achieving Rs 2,000 crore business from this sector in the next three years.
Tripura has also plans to export 1,500 kg of Agar oil and 75,000 kg of Agar chips in the year 2021-22.
Tripura government has launched a draft named Tripura Agar Wood Policy 2021 and a target has been set up of doubling the plantation by the year 2025. Presently, there are over 50 lakh agar trees in the state.
Agar (Aquilaria malaccensis) is an evergreen tree that grows in abundance in the state of Tripura. This species has a huge potential of creating an economic revolution in the state after bamboo, rubber and other major forestry crops. Due to low input cost for its growth and management and its intercropping adaptation could make agar a cash crop.
FACTFILE – Agarwood
Agarwood (Aquilaria malaccensis) is a fragrant dark resinous wood used in incense, perfume, and small carvings.
Prior to infection, the heartwood is odourless, relatively light and pale coloured; however, as the infection progresses, the tree produces a dark aromatic resin, called aloes or agar, in response to the attack, which results in a very dense, dark, resin-embedded heartwood.
The resin-embedded wood is valued in Indian-North Eastern culture for its distinctive fragrance, and thus is used for incense and perfumes.
The aromatic qualities of agarwood are influenced by the species, geographic location, its branch, trunk and root origin, length of time since infection, and methods of harvesting and processing.
Indian Govt announces launch of National Logistics Excellence Awards
On July 19, 2021, to turn the spotlight on the logistics sector, the Govt of India announced the launch of a new category of awards named the National Logistics Excellence Awards, to provide due recognition to the various players involved in the logistics supply chain in the country.
The first category of the awards includes service providers and logistics infrastructure and second category will be awarded for the various user industries.
The launch of the National Logistics Excellence Awards will highlight best practices which include process standardisation, consolidation, digital transformations, technological upgrade and sustainable practices in the logistics sector.
Through these awards, the govt aims to turn the spotlight on logistics service providers who have attained adopted digitisation and technology, operational excellence, pursued sustainable practices and improved customer service among the many other achievements.
For the user industries, these awards will showcase efforts towards supplier ecosystem development, supply chain transformation, automation, skill development and other similar endeavours.
IIM Shillong holds Virtual Workshop for Business Incubators of NE India
The ‘Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Centre for Policy Research & Analysis and Incubation and Enterprise Support Centre’ at IIM Shillong hosted a two-day virtual workshop cum roundtable discussion for ‘Business Incubators of North-East India’.
The virtual workshop cum roundtable discussion was attended by representatives of various incubators from the North Eastern (NE) States.
Several topics were covered with such as status of business incubators in NE, managing incubators in Indian context, technology commercialization through incubation, offering specialized services, implementing a mentoring program, raising finance for incubated startups marketing and stakeholder management.
Assam to form ‘Population Army’ to curb Birth Rate
The Assam government is mulling to form a ‘population army’ to spread awareness especially in the Muslim-dominated areas where the state has witnessed a population explosion.
Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma said that a team of around 1000 youngsters will be sent to various areas including the char areas, sandbars, to distribute contraceptives and to talk about the benefits of a small family.
In 2017, Assam had brought in the Population and Women Empowerment Policy or bill in which government employees were asked to strictly follow the two-child norm. The new law may bring loan waiver and other government schemes under this population rule.
India becomes world’s 5th largest Forex reserve holder
Recently, India has surpassed Japan, China, Russia and Switzerland to become the world’s fifth-largest foreign exchange reserve holder with $608 billion.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Govt of India are actively monitoring the country’s external position and accordingly fine-tuning the various policies and regulations so as to ensure strong macroeconomic growth of India.
India’s balance of payments has surplused in both the capital and current accounts in the year 2020-21 which largely contributed to the gains in the foreign exchange reserves of the country.
India’s present foreign exchange reserves are sufficient enough to provide a buffer against unforeseen external shocks and also to cover imports for more than 18 months.
The RBI regularly undertakes various measures to diversify the currency reserves of the country by increasing operations in the Forex swap and repo markets, exploring new markets or products and purchasing of gold.
The RBI’s intervention in the foreign exchange market to smooth out valuation changes due to movement of the US dollar against other international currencies in the reserve basket, exchange rate volatility, movement in gold prices, inflow of aid receipts and interest earnings from the deployment of foreign currency assets are the main causes for the variation in the country’s Forex reserves.
FACTFILE – Forex Reserves
The Forex reserves are assets which are held by the central bank of a country and it mainly comprise of bonds, foreign currencies, gold, bank deposits, financial assets and special drawing rights.
Asian Development Bank has downgraded India’s economic growth forecast
The Asian Development Bank has downgraded India’s economic growth forecast for the current financial year to 10 % from 11% that it had previously projected in April 2021. This downgrade was done taking into account the adverse impact of the second wave of the Coronavirus pandemic.
In the last quarter of fiscal year which ended in March 2021, India’s GDP growth recovered to 1.6%. A second wave of the pandemic induced many state governments to impose strict containment measures hence, the growth projection for FY2021-2, was downgraded to 10% from the previously predicted 11%.
For South Asian countries, ADB said that the economic outlook for this sub region is being hit by the new waves of COVID-19 from the months of March to June 2021. The GDP growth forecast for the South Asian region has been downgraded from 9.5% to 8.9 % for the year 2021-22.
Rs 370 Crores Approved for Brahmaputra River Front Project
In order to move on with the concept of developing Guwahati into a Smart City, a 1.3-kilometer length of the Brahmaputra Riverfront project has been approved at a cost of Rs. 370 crore.
The Riverfront is located on the south bank of the Brahmaputra River and is part of Guwahati’s core business district. Between Rajbhawan (Kharghuli Hill) and Kamakhaya Temple is a six-kilometer-long riverfront (Nilachal Hill).
Visitors and locals of Guwahati will benefit from amenities such as a walkway, a cycle track, and a jogging track, among others.
Viewpoints, Waterstairs, Fountains, Interactive Ponds, Ramps, Stairs, Jetty, Ferry Terminals, Kiosks, Bridges across outflow structures, and other infrastructure improvements are proposed for the Brahmaputra Riverfront.
IOC to build India’s first green hydrogen plant at Mathura
IOC, India’s largest oil firm will build the country’s first ‘green hydrogen’ plant at its refinery in Mathura. This decision has been undertaken with the view of preparing for a future to cater to the growing demands cleaner forms of energy.
Earlier, ‘grey hydrogen’ production projects have been announced making use of fossil fuels such as natural gas. Several hydrogen production units are being planned to be set up by IOC.
Forecasts state that Indian fuel demand will climb to 400-450 million tonnes by 2040 as against 250 million tonnes and hence, it will be important to invest in CNG, LNG, ethanol and biodiesel.
Hydrogen is is a clean fuel but manufacturing it causes carbon by-products and it is energy-intensive. Through the process of coal gasification brown hydrogen is created while this process throws off carbon waste.
The ultimate clean hydrogen resource is green hydrogen production and it uses renewable energy to create the hydrogen fuel.
China rolls out high speed 600km/hr Maglev train
On 20th July, 2021 China rolled out a 600km per hr high-speed magnetic levitation (maglev) train in Qingdao located in the Shandong Province of East China.
Currently, maglev train is the fastest available ground vehicle. Shenzhen to Shanghai trip which took 10 hours will now be shortened to only 2.5 hours.
The new maglev train displays a number of technological advancements which also include a 30% more efficient self-developed brake system.
This project was started in the year 2016 and a prototype vehicle was developed in the year 2019 which made a trail run in June 2020.
Shanghai, the financial hub of China, is currently the only Chinese city which operates a high-speed maglev line. This line is operational since 2003 and the Shanghai maglev train connects the Pudong airport to downtown Shanghai.
China’s High-speed railway network
China has the largest high-speed railway network and covers 95% of its cities. By 2035, China aims to build 4,60,000 kilometres of highways, 25,000 kilometres of high-level sea lanes and 2,00,000 kilometres of railways.
The Shanghai maglev train or Shanghai Transrapid is a maglev train line that operates in Shanghai. It is the oldest commercial maglev still in operation, and the first commercial high-speed maglev with cruising speed of 431 km/h. It is also the fastest commercial electric train in the world.
Assam govt to use only hand-woven gamosa and traditional food items in official events
Assam Govt decided to use only hand-woven gamosa and traditional food items in official events, in an effort to support and promote locally available products.
The move will come as a huge relief to those producing and trading gamosas and traditional delicacies because sales have been hit by the restrictions imposed to check the spread of the Covid-19.
This step will come as a huge relief to those producing and trading gamosas and traditional delicacies because sales have been hit by the restrictions imposed to check the spread of the Covid-19.
State Govt also decided to play the state anthem – O Mur Apunar Dex – at the beginning of all government programmes and the national anthem Jana Gana Mana at the end.
Govt also decided a one-year service extension to best-performing non-gazetted employees.
There are over 4,000 primary weaver cooperative societies in Assam, producing handloom fabrics, including gamosas which earned the geographical indication (GI) tag in 2019. Last year, Assam had tied up with e-commerce firm Flipkart to promote its artefacts and handloom products.
GIS-based India Industrial Land Bank (IILB) gaining popularity
According to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, India Industrial Land Bank will achieve pan-India integration by December 2021. The India Industrial Land Bank system (IILB) has been integrated with industry-based GIS systems of 17 states. System was integrated so that details can be updated on the portal in a real-time basis.
IILB has grown in popularity after its website is registering 30 per cent increase in page views per month since April 2021. It has received 55,000 page views in June 2021 as compared to 44,136 page views in May. United States have maximum number of visitors after India. It is followed by Australia, United Kingdom, Singapore, UAE, Germany, and Indonesia.
FACTFILE – India Industrial Land Bank (IILB)
IILB is a GIS-based portal and acts as one-stop repository of all industrial infrastructure-related information. Land Bank System was developed by Integrating Industrial Information System (IIS) with state GIS (Geographic Information System).
It currently comprises 4,000 industrial parks mapped over an area of 5.5 lakh hectares of land. This portal serves as a decision support system for investors who scout for land remotely.
Information regarding connectivity, infrastructure, natural resources & terrain are shared through this portal. Portal also share plot-level information regarding vacant plots, line of activity, and contact details.
Assam Cabinet has approved bill for protecting cattle
The Assam Cattle Preservation Bill, 2021, will be placed before the State Assembly in the upcoming session. It seeks to replace the existing The Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 1950, that allows the slaughter of cattle above 14 years of age with proper approval by local veterinary officers.
The move aims to stop cattle being smuggled into Bangladesh via the international border. The legislation would prohibit cattle movement from other parts of the country into Assam as well as from the state to the rest of the country.
Cattle Slaughter Laws in India
In 2005, the Supreme Court of India upheld the constitutional validity of anti-cow slaughter laws enacted in different states of India. Around 20 states in India currently have laws to regulate cow slaughter (it includes cattle slaughter as well).
Software Technology Parks of India to launch five Centres of Excellence in 5 NE States
The Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) will soon launch 12 more Centres of Excellence (CoE) in various parts of the country.
The Five CoEs will come up in North East, one each in 5 north-east capital cities — Gangtok (IT Applications in Healthcare and AgriTech), Itanagar (GIS Applications including Drone Tech), Kohima (IT Applications in Graphic Design), Aizawl (Gaming), and Agartala (Data Analytics)
For nurturing start-up ecosystem and to create world class software products by Indian start-ups, STPI has embarked the journey of establishing domain-centric CoEs in various emerging technology areas such as Artificial Intelligence and Computer Vision, Internet of Things (IoT), Fintech, Block chain, Augmented and Virtual Reality, Gaming and Animation etc through collaborative model.
STPI has in the past launched 13 CoEs at Chennai, Bhubaneswar, Mohali, Bengaluru, Pune, New Delhi, Gurugram, Hyderabad, Guwahati, Shillong, Imphal and Lucknow.
STPI under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Indian government, working with the objective of encouraging, promoting, boosting software exports, and nurturing the startup ecosystem in the country.
Fish Farming emerging as “go-to” profession in Assam
Assam has been making steady progress in the fish farming sector since 2016 with fish production of 3.93 lakh metric tonnes in the last six years, informed state’s Fisheries Minister Parimal Suklabaidya.
Exuding optimism that the fish production in the state would increase up to five lakh metric tonnes with the creation of gene bank, the minister informed that the government had spent Rs 10 crore for this purpose.
State Government in Assam has been making concerted efforts to make use of the vast water resources of the state to increase fish production.
Many youths who have come back to the state due to the COVID-induced lockdown have taken up fish farming by constructing individual and community ponds with Government subsidies. Of the 12,000 individual and community ponds, 10,000 ponds have been constructed.
New Department to be created in Assam to protect Indigenous Faith, Culture
The Assam cabinet decided to create a new department to protect the culture and practices of people belonging to tribal and other indigenous communities. The new department would ensure that the state’s indigenous population gets to preserve their faith and traditions, while providing requisite support to them.
The indigenous people of Assam are people belonging to ethnic groups who have been living in this region before colonialism in 1826 (when NE became a part of India) as per the United Nations Indigenous or Native or original inhabitants definition.
The indigenous people of Assam belong to the following ethnic groups:
Khasis, Keot(Kaibarta), Jaintia, Dom/Nadiyal Kaibarta, Koch-Rajbongshis, Bodo, Mising, Rabha, Deori, Tiwa(Lalung), Ahom, Moran, Koch-Rajbongshi, Motok, Dimasa, Karbi, Sutiya, Sonowal Kachari, Thengal Kachari, Sarania Kachari, Mech Kachari, Tai Phake, Tai Khamyang, Tai Aiton, Tai Turung, Tai Khamti, other Tai ethnic groups, various Naga ethnic groups, Mizo, various indigenous Arunachali ethnic groups like Adi, Nyishi, Mishmi, Apatani, Barman Kachari, Tripuri, Kalitas of North and Upper Assam are mostly Mongoloid converts, etc., Assamese Brahmins including Ganaks, Assamese Kayasthas, Kalitas of Lower Assam (not Kalitas of North and Upper Assam as most of them are Mongoloid converts), other indigenous ethnic groups of neighbouring North-East states.
Department of Biotechnology & National Institute of Biomedical Genomics creates world’s 1st database of Oral Cancer variants dbGENVOC
The Department of Biotechnology under the Ministry of Science and Technology & National Institute of Biomedical Genomics (NIBMG) has created a first of its kind database of genomic variation in oral cancer, called dbGENVOC.
FACTFILE – dbGENVOC
It is a free resource and a browsable online database of GENomic Variants of Oral Cancer. First release of dbGENVOC comprises of 24 million somatic and germline variants which have been derived from whole exome sequences of 100 oral cancer patients & whole genome sequences of 5 oral cancer patients.
Somatic variation data from 220 patient samples were collected from USA and analyzed by TCGA-HNSCC project.
dbGENVOC is a catalogue of genomic variants as well as a built-in search engine. It allows a reasonable extent of statistical and bioinformatic analysis to be carried out such as identification of variants in associated altered pathways in oral cancer.
It will be updated annually with variation data of new oral cancer patients from India southeast Asia. It will support advances in oral cancer research.
Assam-origin Indian-American Samir Banerjee wins 2021 Junior Wimbledon title
Indian-American Samir Banerjee, having roots in Assam, won the junior Wimbledon title after defeating Victor Lilov in the boys’ singles final at the All England Club. He became the first American to lift the junior Wimbledon title in six years.
Samir Banerjee is an American tennis player. He has a career high ITF junior combined ranking of 2 achieved on 12 July 2021.
Samir’s grandfather, Hiranmay Banerjee, was a resident of Assam and served as the General Manager at Oil India Limited (OIL), which has its headquarters at Duliajan in Assam’s Dibrugarh district.
Novak Djokovic won Grand Slam Wimbledon Tennis Championship Title 2021
Novak Djokovic has won his 6th Grand Slam Wimbledon Tennis Championship men’s singles title 2021. Wimbledon Championship 2021 was the 134th edition, 53rd Open Era, and the third Grand Slam Tournament of 2021.
Wimbledon Championship 2021 tournament was started on June 28, 2021 for which finals were played in London, England on July 11, 2021. The tournament in 2020 was cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic for the first time since World War II.
Wimbledon Men’s Single Championship 2021 was held at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London, England. Roger Federer, with 8 titles, won maximum number of titles in 2021 tournament.
FACTFILE – Wimbledon Championship
Wimbledon Championship is the oldest tennis tournament worldwide, and is widely regarded as most prestigious championship. It has been held since 1877 at All England Club in Wimbledon, London.
Wimbledon is one among four Grand Slam tennis tournaments. Other tournaments are Australian Open, French Open and US Open.
Wimbledon is the only major tournament which is still played on traditional tennis playing surface, Grass.
BIOGRAPHY – Novak Djokovic
He is a Serbian professional tennis player, ranked as world No. 1 Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP).
He has been No. 1 for record of 334 weeks. He has also finished as year-end No. 1 on Open Era joint record six occasions (shared with Pete Sampras).
As of now, he has won an all-time joint record 20 Grand Slam men’s singles titles (shared with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal) and 85 ATP singles titles.
India’s First Private LNG Facility plant inaugurated at Nagpur
Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, inaugurated India’s first Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facility plant at Nagpur, Maharashtra. Union Minister emphasized on the importance of alternate biofuels and diversification of agriculture towards the energy & power sector.
Union Ministry have also designed a policy that encourages development of imports substitute, cost-effective, pollution-free and indigenous ethanol, LNG, bio CNG and hydrogen fuels. Surplus in rice, corn and sugar can be used as alternative fuel in order to prevent it from going to waste.
FACTFILE – Liquefied natural gas (LNG)
LNG is natural gas, mainly methane (CH4) with some mixture of ethane (C2H6), that has been cooled down to liquid form for easier non-pressurized storage & transport. It takes up around 1/600th of volume of natural gas in gaseous state. It is odorless, colorless, non-toxic and non-corrosive gas.
LNG is produced from hydrocarbon deposits containing a wide range of hydrocarbon products like methane (CH4), ethane (C2H6), propane (C3H8) and butane (C4H10).
Acidic elements like hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and carbon dioxide (CO2) along with oil, mud, water, and mercury, are removed from LNG to deliver clean sweetened stream of gas.
Dibrugarh-Imphal flight becomes operational under UDAN programme
Domestic carrier Indigo started another flight from Dibrugarh to Imphal, under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – UDAN programme of the Government of India. The Indigo flight will now connect Kolkata and Imphal with Dibrugarh on a daily basis, and the flight will take around 1 hour and 15 Minutes to reach Imphal from Dibrugarh.
The RCS- UDAN scheme has added wings to the existing travel experience, especially for first-time travellers. At present, there are nine flights departing from Dibrugarh Airport.
Dibrugarh Airport is now connected to four state capitals of North East India- Guwahati, Agartala, Imphal and Dimapur.
The flights under the RCS- UDAN scheme have connected various remote areas of North-East India, making travelling convenient for the public in the region. This is the third flight under RCS- UDAN scheme to start its operations from Dibrugarh Airport.
FACTFILE – UDAN-RCS
UDAN-RCS, UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) is a regional airport development and “Regional Connectivity Scheme” (RCS) of Government of India, with the objective of “letting the common citizen of the country fly”, aimed at making air travel affordable and widespread, to boost inclusive national economic development, job growth and air transport infrastructure development of all regions and states of India.
At the beginning of the scheme, out of total 486 airports, 406 were participating unserved airports, 27 were well served airports out of 97 non-RCS airports and 12 were operational airports out of 18 participating underserved regional operational airports with regular fixed-wing scheduled flights.
UDAN scheme will add to this number by expediting the development and operationalisation of India’s potential-target of nearly 425 unserved, underserved, and mostly underdeveloped regional airports with regular scheduled flights.
Assam Govt presents deficit budget of Rs 566 crore for Fiscal Year 2021-22
Assam’s first woman Finance Minister Ajanta Neog presented a deficit budget of Rs 566 crore for the Fiscal Year 2021-22.
Minister Neog stated that the aggregate income of the government has been calculated at Rs 2,89,770.68 crore for FY 2021-22, and the total expenditure for the financial year has been estimated at Rs 2,89,367.10 crore.
Key highlights of the Assam Budget 2021-22
The government has allocated Rs 40 crore for aiding the families who lost their loved ones due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The budget promises Rs 1 lakh one-time compensation to the next of the kins of those who have died due to COVID-19.
The budget also promises smartphones to class IX and X students in government schools.
Assam government will recruit 1 lakhs youths for government jobs in the state.
The Budget will provide microfinance loan waivers to economically vulnerable people through incentives.
The government has also proposed to build 1000 KM of embankments and roads so as to make Assam flood-free.
The budget made no new tax proposal, and tax rates remain unchanged.
The budget also allocated funds for 5 new medical colleges at Golaghat, Dhemaji, Morigaon, Bongaigaon and Tamulpur.
Under the poverty alleviation Orunodoi scheme, financial assistance has been increased from Rs 830 to Rs 1,000 per month to ensure support for financially weaker families.
Budget proposed piped gas supply to 2,69,648 families of tea garden workers.
National Dolphin Research Centre to be set up in Patna
The National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC) will be set up in Patna, Bihar. Opening up of the research centre will be a big step towards conservation of endangered Gangetic River dolphins.
To set up the research centre, NDRC is coming up on 4,400 square metre plots of land in premises of Patna University.
Bihar urban development department has already cleared construction of NDRC’s building at a distance of 200 metres from the Ganga.
Dolphin habitat has been threatened and disturbed in River Ganga. Thus, NDRC is now conservation efforts of dolphins. NDRC will provide an opportunity for in-depth research on dolphins including on changing behavior, food habits, survival skills, cause of death and other such aspects.
FACTFILE – Project Dolphin
Project Dolphin was started on the lines of Project Tiger, which has helped in increasing tiger population. This initiative got in-principle approval in December 2019 at first meeting of National Ganga Council (NGC), headed by the Prime Minister.
This is a “Special Conservation program” taken up to save the Gangetic Dolphin. This project will be implemented by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
FACTFILE – Gangetic River dolphin
Gangetic Dolphin is India’s national aquatic animal. It has been listed as Schedule I animal under Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. It has been declared “endangered” by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Gangetic Dolphin is one among four freshwater dolphin species across world. Other three freshwater dolphins are found in Yangtze River in China, Indus River in Pakistan and Amazon River in South America.
Dolphin is found in India, Nepal and Bangladesh. Bihar is home to half of estimated 3,000 Gangetic dolphins in India.
National Asset Reconstruction Company became a legal entity
The National Asset Reconstruction Company (NARC) has finally become a legal entity registered with the Registrar of Companies, Mumbai. NARC is also called as bad bank is finally here in India. It is considered as a one-stop solution for banking systems stressed assets menace.
Under the first phase, 22 stressed accounts amounting to Rs 89,000 crore has been identified to transfer to NARC. With this, Rs 2 lakh crore worth of bad loans accounts will be transferred to the newly incorporated bad bank.
SBI is expected to transfer bad loans worth Rs 20,000cr. PNB will transfer about Rs 8,000cr stressed assets while Union Bank of India will transfer about Rs 7,800cr NPAs to NARCL.
Total stress in the banking system is more than Rs 15 lakh crore. So, banks burdened with stressed assets and limited capital find it difficult to manage NPAs. Further, Government can only provide a limited capital. Thus, this bad bank model will help both government and banks to manage NPAs.
FACTFILE – National Asset Reconstruction Company (NARC)
NARC was Incorporated on July 7, 2021 and it has an authorised capital of Rs 100 crore and paid-up capital of Rs 74 crore.
Sixteen banks, 12 state-owned and 4 private banks will invest in NARCL. Canara Bank will be the sole sponsor of NARL with 12% stake and SBI is going to be the second-largest shareholder with 9.9%.
Ladakh is 1st UT to achieve 100% first dose coverage
Ladakh has become first Union Territory to vaccinate all residents and guest population; comprising of migrant labourers, hotel workers and Nepalese citizens earning their livelihood in the territory; with first dose of Covid-19 jab.
As per data, total of 89,404 people from all eligible age groups have been administered with first dose of Covid vaccine. Second dose has been administered to 60,936 people.
FACTFILE – Ladakh
Ladakh is a region administered by India as union territory. It comprises of part of larger Kashmir region, which has been a subject of dispute between India, Pakistan, and China.
Ladakh was established as a Union Territory on October 31, 2019 after passing “Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act”.
Ladakh is bordered by Tibet Autonomous Region in east, Himachal Pradesh in south, Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan in west while southwest corner of Xinjiang along the Karakoram Pass in north.
Ladakh extends from Siachen Glacier in Karakoram range in north to main Great Himalayas in south. Eastern end of UT comprises of uninhabited Aksai Chin plains. Aksai Chin is claimed by Indian Government as part of Ladakh, however it is under Chinese control since 1962.
World Population Day 2021 observed on July 11, 2021
World Population Day has observed on July 11 every year and highlights problems of overpopulation. The day also raises awareness about the effects of overpopulation on environment and development.
The year 2021 marked the 32nd world population day. The day is observed every year with a specific theme. Theme for World Population Day 2021 is “Rights and choices are the answer: Whether baby boom or bust, the solution to shifting fertility rates lies in prioritizing the reproductive health and rights of all people.”
Every year events and activities like seminar discussions, educational information sessions etc are organized across schools and colleges to draw attention towards issues of growing population.
To raise people’s awareness on issues related with population like importance of family planning, poverty, gender equality, maternal health and human rights, the day becomes significant.
FACTFILE – World Population Day
First World Population Day was observed on July 11, 1989. This day was established by the Governing Council of United Nations Development Programme in 1989.
This day was suggested by Dr. K. C. Zachariah when population reaches Five Billion. Dr Zachariah was working as Senior Demographer at World Bank then.
Italy has won second European Championship trophy after defeating England by 3-2 in penalty shoot-out in final of Euros 2020 trophy at Wembley Stadium in London.
This is the first major international trophy won by Italy since their 2006 FIFA World Cup win.
FACTFILE – UEFA European Football Championship
It is the primary association football competition among senior men’s national teams of members of Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). Competition has been held every four years since 1960.
Euros 2020 was postponed until 2021 because of COVID-19 pandemic in Europe. It was originally called as “European Nations’ Cup”.
In the tournament, the host nations qualify automatically while other members are required to compete in the qualifying process.
India’s first 5-star Hotel atop Railway Track in Gandhinagar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to inaugurate a newly-built five-star hotel on the top of redeveloped Gandhinagar railway station on July 16, 2021.
This project on redevelopment of Gandhinagar railway station and construction of five-star hotel started by Indian Railway Stations Redevelopment Corporation (IRSDC) in January 2017.
The Luxury hotel atop the railway station is having 318 rooms.Hotel is spread across 7,400 square meters. It was built at a cost of Rs 790 crore.
NTPC to set up India’s largest solar park at Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
Govt owned company NTPC Ltd is to set up India’s largest solar park at Rann of Kutch in Gujarat. The solar park will have the capacity of 4.75 gigawatt.
NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd got the go-ahead from ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE) for this project under “ultra-mega renewable energy power parks (UMREPP) scheme”.
NTPC plans to list NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd. NTPC has also announced its target to reduce net energy intensity by 10% under its energy compact goals.
NTPC has planned to invest ₹1 trillion between 2019 and 2024 in order to become a 130 GW power producer by 2032.
FACTFILE – Green Energy Parks
Under the ultra-mega renewable energy power parks (UMREPP) scheme, several state-run companies including NTPC have planned to build massive green energy parks in wind & solar resource rich states like Jammu & Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Telangana.
In a major boost to harness the export potential of farm and processed food products from the North-eastern states, a shipment of fresh Burmese grapes, locally known as leteku, has been exported to Dubai from Assam’s Darang district. The consignment of leteku, which is enriched with Vitamin C and iron.
Kiega EXIM Pvt Ltd exported the consignment from the LGBI airport, Guwahati, to Dubai.
Role of Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has been carrying out promotional activities to bring the North-eastern states on the agriculture and processed food products export map of India.
It facilitated exports of the first consignment of ‘red rice’ to the USA from Assam. Iron-rich ‘red rice’ is grown in the Brahmaputra valley of Assam, without the use of any chemical fertilisers. The rice variety is referred to as bao-dhaan, which is an integral part of Assamese food.
APEDA has also assisted in exports of Geographical Indications (GI) certified kaji nemu (Assam Lemon) to London.
Mizoram’s Lalremsiami becomes first Mizo female Olympian from state
Hockey India selected a 16-member squad who will be representing the Indian Women’s Hockey Team at the Tokyo Olympics 2020.
Among the eight Olympic debutants, Mizoram’s Lalremsiami became the first female Mizo Olympian from the state to be selected for the coveted games.
Lalremsiami will be playing with the Indian Women’s Hockey team as a forward, Manipur’s Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam will be playing for the team as a midfielder.
She represented the U-18 side at the Asian Youth Olympic Games qualifier. She finished the tournament scoring seven goals in five games.
In 2017, she was included in the senior team that went on to win gold at the Asia Cup.
In the 2018 Asian Champions Trophy, she played a total of 31 minutes on the field across five matches scoring two goals, including an equalizer in a crucial final round-robin match. Consequently, she was also named the tournament’s ‘U-21 rising star award’.
Lalremsiami was included in the 18-member squad for the 2018 World Cup as India’s youngest player at 18.
She scored four goals at the Jakarta Asian Games, and also Lalremsiami became the first sportsperson from Mizoram to win an Asian Games medal.
In the same year, at the Buenos Aires Youth Olympics, she helped India secure a silver medal which was their first in the history of the Games.
Social media app “Bujulo” from Nagaland to launch soon
A multi-messaging-based social media application called “Bujulo,” developed by Hiboka Sumi from Nagaland is expected to be launched next month. Bujulo is a start-up company founded by Hiboka Sumi from Dimapur.
The app allows users to create and share short-form videos and contents and also allows them to spontaneously jump into chat and live stream rooms. Through Bujulo, one can send text messages, voice messages, pictures and videos to one another, and also post stories as pictures, text and videos.
IIT Guwahati and NESAC forge ties to develop NorthEast India
A MoU was signed between Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati and North Eastern Space Application Centre (NESAC), aiming for the development of the northeastern region and creating skilled professionals in the field.
IIT Guwahati to offer internship programmes, joint degree programmes, short-term training programmes, student exchange programmes and joint projects, in collaboration with the North Eastern Space Application Centre (NESAC).
A multidisciplinary approach would be adopted to Northeast India which is prone to disasters like floods, earthquakes, landslides and riverbank erosion which stand as an obstacle to the growth of the region.
Signing of this agreement with IIT Guwahati and specifically with CDMR (Centre for Disaster Management and Risk Reduction) at IIT-G focusing on training and education and Research will further enhance NESAC in strengthening capacity building, training and research in this region.
Assam Forest minister Parimal Suklabaidya inaugurates Dehing Patkai National Park
Assam Forest minister Parimal Suklabaidya inaugurated the Dehing Patkai National Park in Dibrugarh district. Inaugurating the seventh National Park, Assam Minister Suklabaidya said it is a red letter day for Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts including the state of Assam as a whole that Dehing Patkai National Park has come up.
The rich floral and faunal diversity of the park well known for its rainforest will soon attain the stature of one of the best national parks in the country. Assam is blessed with nature’s bounty and lauded the people of the state for taking steps towards the conservation of nature.
The Minister said that the state government would take necessary steps for infrastructure development of the park to attract tourists.
FACTFILE – Dehing Patkai National Park
Dehing Patkai National Park is located in the Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts of Assam.
It covers an area of 231.65 km2 (89.44 sq mi) rainforest.
It was declared a wildlife sanctuary on 13 June 2004, and on 13 December 2020 Government of Assam upgraded it into a national park. On 9 June 2021 Forest Department of Assam officially notified it as a national park.
The Dehing Patkai forms the largest stretch of lowland rainforests in India.
The Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary was declared as Dehing-Patkai Elephant Reserve under Project Elephant.
It is home to elephants, hoolock gibbons, golden cat, clouded leopard and other animals.
Nagaland launches ‘NISHTHA tele-track’ home-based isolation care platform for COVID-19
For the efficient management of COVID-19, Nagaland Health Minister S Pangnyu Phom launched the “NISHTHA Tele-track” platform, a comprehensive tech-enabled home-based isolation care model for monitoring and follow-up of COVID-19 patients in the state.
The NISHTHA Tele-track platform developed with support from United States Agency for International Development (USAID) NISHTHA Jhpiego will have access to report mild symptoms and record vitals at home.
The initiative is being rolled out in two highly affected areas of Nagaland, namely Kohima and Dimapur to contain the spread of COVID-19.
Through teleconsultation, the patients will also have access to their physical and mental well being, with a pool of physicians, diet and mental health counsellors attending to them.
New underground spider species ‘Gravelyia boro’ discovered in Assam
Gravelyia boro is the newly-discovered burrow spider which belongs to the Nemesiidae family comprising 184 species worldwide.
Spiders belonging to two different species have been found in the Jharbari range of western Assam’s Chirang Reserve Forest. One species has burrowing habit and the other species jumps.
Gravelyia boro is the newly-discovered burrow spider. It belongs to the Nemesiidae family comprising 184 species worldwide.
Gravelyia boro spider name has been derived from the Bodo community which is one of the largest ethnolinguistic groups in Assam.
Dexippus kleini, on the other hand, is an oriental jumping spider. This species of spider was discovered by Thorell about 2,600 km away in Sumatra. Dexippus kleini is a member of Salticidae, the largest family of all spiders on earth. Both the species were discovered from Bodoland Territorial Region and have been described in the latest issue of Acta Arachnologica published by the Arachnological Society of Japan.
Historic passenger train trial run from Silchar to Vaingaichunpao completed
The passenger train trial run from Silchar railway station in Assam to Vaingaichunpao in Manipur’s Tamenglong district was successfully completed, marking a new breakthrough for Indian Railways.
N. Biren Singh, Manipur Chief Minister, called the major milestone for Indian Railways a ”historic moment” since it was the first time a direct connecting route to Manipur’s Vaingaichunpao railway station was established.
The passenger train made a brief stop at Jiribam railway station, where officials and citizens honoured the train and hosted the national flag, followed by the national anthem. This accomplishment is expected to benefit the State of Manipur by linking it directly to Assam’s Silchar town and allowing locals to easily go elsewhere.
Indian Railways is on a quest to become ”future ready”, with plans to deliver 58 super-critical and 68 essential projects totaling more than Rs 1,15,000 crore over the next four years.
Over the past year, 29 super-critical projects totaling 1,044 km in length and costing Rs 11,588 crore were completed. The Indian Railways has identified 58 ‘Super Critical Projects’ totalling 3750 km in length and costing Rs 39,663 crore.
A total of 27 of these 58 ‘Super Critical Projects’ will be completed by December 2021, with the remaining two projects is expected to be completed by March 2022.
Sikkim archer Tarundeep Rai to represent India at Tokyo Olympics
37-year old archer from Sikkim, Tarundeep Rai, is all set to represent India at the Tokyo Olympics this year. Rai is the sole sportsmen from the state to represent Sikkim at the international event, and is a great prospect for India in sports like Archery.
The Olympian has already represented India at the 2004 Athens Olympics and 2012 London Olympics, but failed to clinch a medal at both events.
The archer has previously won many medals for India at other international events like the Aian Games and World Archery Championship, however, the Olympics still remains a dream for him.
Rai won a Bronze at the 15th Asian Games in Doha followed by a Silver at the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.
Assam’s Shahil Dey becomes Northeast’s first Chess International Master
Shahil Dey, the 14-year-old boy from Assam, has become Northeast’s first chess International Master. He was granted his first International Master standard at the GM Round Robin Tournament held in Serbia.
The 14-year-old chess ace has addressed India at different competitions. In acknowledgment of his accomplishments in chess, he has likewise been awarded ‘ National Child Award.’
The former Under-7 and Under-9 National champion’s overall performance rating currently remains at 2473. He began to participate in competitions at the age of five in Guwahati.
Mizoram to introduce Hmar language as a medium of instruction at primary school level
Following a High Court order, the Mizoram government has finally decided to implement the Hmar Accord and introduce Hmar language at the primary school level in Mizoram. The High Court directed the Mizoram government to implement the same.
Hmar language would be introduced as a medium of instruction in all primary schools primarily within the Hmar-dominated Sinlung Hills Council (SHC) areas from the next academic session.
The first phase of the workshop for translation of Mizo medium textbooks of class I to V in Hmar Language was held in Aizawl.
Initially, the Hmar medium will be introduced at class-I for the first academic calendar (2022-2023) and up to class-II in the next academic session (2023-2024).
FACTFILE – Hmar language
The Hmar language or Khawsak ṭawng belongs to the Kukish branch of the Sino-Tibetan family of languages.
As per 2011 Census of India figure, there are 29,268 Hmar/Khawsak speakers in Assam, 48,375 in Manipur, 1,700 in Meghalaya, 18,587 in Mizoram.
Hmar/Khawsak is a recognised language in the School curriculum of Assam, Manipur and Mizoram, and also recently recognised as one of the Modern Indian Language (MIL) at Manipur University.
Board of Secondary Education, Assam has also included Hmar(Khawsak dialect) as an MIL in its matriculation syllabus from 2005.
Both Assam University, Silchar and Manipur University has permitted Khawsak Hmar language to be studied as Modern Indian Language in the Graduation level.
Sher Bahadur Deuba to be appointed Nepal’s new Prime Minister
Supreme Court of Nepal has passed an order to appoint Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba as prime minister Nepal.
Five-member constitutional bench of supreme court’ order also reinstated the dissolved House of Representatives for second time in five months.
President of Nepal Bidya Devi Bhandari had dissolved the 275-member lower house on May 22, 2021 for the second time in five months on the recommendation of Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli.
President of Nepal has the power to dissolve House of Representatives or Parliament under Article 76 (7) of Constitution of Nepal.
Bidhya Devi Bhandari dissolved parliament after considering claims of support by both sides. KP Sharma Oli had claimed to have support of 153 lawmakers including members of Janata Samajbadi Party, and Nepali Congress President Deuba had the support of 149 parliamentarians.
Assam Assembly passed Assam Ease of Doing Business (Amendment) Bill, 2020
The Assam Legislative Assembly recently passed the Assam Ease of Doing Business (Amendment) Bill, 2020, to make amendments to the Assam Ease Of Doing Business Act, 2016. The amendment will avail 0.25% additional borrowing from the centre. The new bill will simplify procedures and bring transparency and efficiency in the system.
Key points of Assam Ease of Doing Business (Amendment) Bill, 2020 are
Under the new Amendment Bill, the government has committed to create an investor friendly atmosphere in the state of Assam.
The Government of Assam is to do away with all types of renewal certificate, permissions and licences under be Assam is of doing business Amendment Bill . This is being done because a large number of renewable applications are pending at different levels in Assam. This causes unreasonable delay .
A computerized Central random inspection system is to be implemented. Under the system allocation of inspectors will be done centrally at random. The amendment makes sure that the same Inspector is not assigned to the same unit in the subsequent year.
FACTFILE – Assam Ease of Doing Business Act 2016
The Act was enacted in 2016. The Act aimed to streamline the regulatory structures and processes and simplify the procedures related to renew license, certificate, permissions in setting up of Enterprises and industries in the state of Assam.
Under the provisions of the Act, Assam Bureau of Investment Promotion was established to oversee the overall supervision and administration of speedy processing of applications.
January 04, 2021
Asian Development Bank’s $231 mn loan to enhance generation capacity in Assam
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Union Government of India signed a $ 231 million loan to augment electricity generation capacity in the state of Assam through construction of a 120MW hydroelectric power plant that will enhance availability of electricity for households.
This is the third tranche loan for the ongoing Assam Power Sector Investment Programme that was approved by the ADB Board in July 2014. Its two previous tranches, focuses on enhancing capacity and efficiency of the energy generation and distribution systems in Assam to improve electricity service to end users.
The project will add to Assam’s power generation capacity from clean hydroelectric source and improve electricity availability. Increased supply of affordable and clean electricity facilitated through the project will help improve living conditions, promote business expansion, and increase employment opportunities in the state beside reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The proposed hydroelectric project is run-of-the-river project over Kopili river which will help increase electricity supplied from clean energy by 469 gigawatthour (GWh) by 2025 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 360,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually.
A $2 million grant from Japan fund for poverty reduction (JFPR) is also associated with the project to finance equipment and consulting services to improve capacity for resource management and community resilience.
January 07, 2021
Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia Appointed As Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court
Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia was sworn in as the new Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court. Gauhati High Court acting Chief Justice N Kotiswar Singh administered the oath of office to him during a programme in Raj Bhavan.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Law Minister Siddhartha Bhattacharya, Chief Secretary Jishnu Barua, Director General of Police Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta, high court judges and senior officials of the state government.
FACTFILE – Guwahati High Court
The Guwahati High Court was promulgated by the Governor general of India on 1 March 1948 after the Government of India Act 1935 was passed.
The High Court of Assam was established with effect from 5 April 1948, for the then Province of Assam. It was originally known as the High Court of Assam and Nagaland, but was renamed as Gauhati High Court in 1971 by the North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act, 1971.
It’s High Court with largest jurisdiction in terms of states, with its area covering the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Mizoram.
It has Circuit Benches at Kohima, Aizawl and Itanagar.
January 11, 2021
Assam govt to rehabilitate Dibru Saikhowa National Park forest villagers in Tinsukia & Lakhimpur districts
Assam government has decided to rehabilitate the forest villagers of Dibru Saikhowa National Park in Tinsukia and Lakhimpur districts. The villagers of Laika would be rehabilitated in groups in the degraded reserve forest areas of Paharpur, Saleki and Namphai of Digboi forest division in Tinsukia district. And, the villagers of Dadhia will be settled in groups in Adakhana area of Pabha reserve forest in Lakhimpur district.
The State government has constituted a committee headed by state forest minister Parimal Suklabaidya to monitor and support the process of relocation and rehabilitation.
Around 135 hectares of land in Pabha RF would be diverted to settle the inhabitants of Dadhia while 166 hectares in Paharpur RF and 72 hectares in Namphai RF would be diverted to settle people of Laika.
February 02, 2021
Assam launches Pragyan Bharati & Bhasha Gourab Scheme for Authors and Students
Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched Pragyan Bharati & Bhasha Gourab Scheme to provide monetary assistance to college students and literary bodies of the state. The schemes- Pragyan Bharati and Bhasha Gourab awarded Rs 1500 to college students, Rs. 50 thousand to 600 writers and Rs 43 crore to 21 Sahitya Sabhas.
Under Pragyan Bharati scheme, 3,26,046 college students were given Rs 1,500 each for purchasing textbooks. A total of Rs 161 crore was reimbursed for the free admission of 4 lakh eligible students.
Under the Bhasha Gourab second scheme, the state government provided 21 Sahitya Sabhas with a total of Rs 43 crore as a contribution towards their corpus funds. Under this scheme, 600 authors have been provided with an amount of Rs 50,000 each to help in their literary activities.
February 10, 2021
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) Cabinet approves Grant-in-aid of Rs.100 crore to Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited, Assam
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today accorded approval to the proposal of the Department of Fertilizers for Grant-in-aid of Rs.100 crore to Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizers Corporation Limited (BVFCL), Namrup to sustain operations of it’s urea manufacturing units.
Despite being the first gas based urea manufacturing unit in India and having all the infrastructure and feedstock availability, it has been difficult to maintain reasonable production level from the existing units in a cost effective manner because of their old & obsolete technology. In order to ensure the safe, sustainable and economic operation of the plants, certain equipment and machineries need to be replaced/overhauled. The minimum functional repair to be undertaken for smoother operation of the plants with procurement of mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and catalyst items etc. shall attract an estimated expenditure of Rs.100 crores.
The grant in aid of Rs. 100 crore to BVFCL will restore the urea production capacity of 3.90 Lac MT per annum and ensure timely availability of Urea to Tea Industry & Farming Sector in the entire North Eastern region specially Assam.
FACTFILE – Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizers Corporation Limited (BVFCL)
BVFCL, Namrup is a Public Sector Undertaking formed as per Companies Act, under the administrative control of the Department of Fertilizers (DoF), Government of India.
Presently, the Company is operating its two vintage plants viz. Namrup-ll and Namrup-lll in the premises of BVFCL in Namrup.
BVFCL plays an important role of economic growth in the region.
February 12, 2021
Mandarin Duck spoted in Assam after 118 years
The Mandarin duck which is a colourful duck from eastern Asia was spotted in Assam recently after 118 years, by the team of avian specialists in the Maguri-Motapung Beel of Tinsukia district in eastern Assam. Spotting of the Mandarin has raised hopes for the wetland which was affected by a blowout and inferno at a natural gas well in the year 2020.
Mandarin duck is the habitat of eastern China and southern Japan. The duck does not come regularly to India. But some of the ducks may join other migratory birds and follow their migration path.
The spotted duck accompanied a flock of Indian spot-billed duck that was migrated either to China or Japan. The last Mandarin duck was spotted in Assam in the year 1902.
FACTFILE – Mandarin duck
The scientific name of mandarin duck is Aix galericulata. It is a perching duck species which is native to the East Palearctic.
The duck is closely related to North American wood duck.
The ducks were once widespread in East Asia region. But they were exported on large-scale so the population reduced in the eastern Russia and China. Further, the destruction of its forest habitat further accelerated the reduction in population so much so that the population reduced below 1,000 pairs in each of Russia and China. Japan has an estimated population of around 5,000 pairs.
February 18, 2021
Sarbananda Sonowal Inaugurated Centre of Perishable Cargo at LGBI Airport
Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the Centre for Perishable Cargo (CPC) at Lokpriyo Gopinath Bordoloi International (LGBI) Airport. The Chief Minister also ceremonially flagged off an export cargo consignment of 600 kilograms of vegetables on the occasion of the inauguration.
This state-of-the-art facility will go a long way towards boosting exports of perishable produce, empowering farmers to add value to agri-products. The building will also solve infrastructure bottlenecks in exports.
The CPC was constructed with a total project cost of Rs 19 crore 84 lakhs where Rs 50 lakhs was contributed by the State Government and rest was borne by the Central Government.
The Cargo Centre is built with a 1705 square metre area which will contain cargo handling facilities for inbound and outbound cargo, cold storage along other measures to export agricultural perishable goods.
The CPC has been built by Assam Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC).
Airports Authority of India had leased 4050 square metres of land to AIDC for a period of seven years from May 31, 2017, for setting up the CPC at LGBI Airport, Guwahati.
The CPC is set to have the capacity to handle 10000 Metric Tonnes of perishable cargo with a nominal licence fee of Re 1/per annum with no royalty, as per a Union Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India directive with approval of Cabinet.
The cargo centre will consist of a one-stop facilitation centre to process perishable cargo with Customs EDI facility and further Forward and Backward Linkage project under TIES (Trade Infrastructure Export Scheme) by Positioning Airlines, Freight Forwarders, Customs Broker House, FPO’s, banks, plant quarantine etc.
February 19, 2021
PM Modi launches ‘Mahabahu Brahmaputra’ project, lays foundation of 2 bridges in Assam
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on launched the ‘Mahabahu-Brahmaputra’ and also layed the foundation stone of Dhubri Phulbari Bridge via video conferencing. He also performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Majuli Bridge.
The ’Mahabahu-Brahmaputra’ program is aimed at providing seamless connectivity to the Eastern parts of India and includes various development activities for the people living around River Brahmaputra and River Barak.
The launch of Mahabahu-Brahmaputra will be marked by the inauguration of the Ro-Pax vessel operations between Neamati-Majuli Island, North Guwahati-South Guwahati and Dhubri-Hatsingimari.
The Ro-Pax services will help in reducing travel time by providing connectivity between banks and thus reducing the distance to be travelled by road. Ro-Pax operation between Neamati and Majuli will reduce the total distance of 420 km currently being travelled by vehicles to only 12 km, resulting in a substantial impact on logistics of small-scale industries of the region.
The proposed Dhubri Phulbari Bridge will be located on NH-127B, originating from Srirampur on NH-27, and terminating at Nongstoin on NH-106 in Meghalaya. It will connect Dhubri in Assam to Phulbari, Tura, Rongram and Rongjeng in Meghalaya. The bridge, to be built with a total cost of approximately Rs 4,997 crores, will meet the long-standing demand of the people from Assam and Meghalaya. It will reduce the distance of 205 km to be travelled by road to 19 km, which is the total length of the bridge.
A permanent Inland Water Transport Terminal will also be built at Jogighopa under the programme, which will connect with the multi-modal logistics park also coming up there. This terminal will help in reducing traffic on the Siliguri Corridor towards Kolkata and Haldia. It will also facilitate uninterrupted movement of cargo even during the flood season to various North-Eastern states like Meghalaya and Tripura and to Bhutan and Bangladesh as well.
February 25, 2021
AIIB to provide $304 million for Assam Power Transmission Project
The Union Finance Ministry has announced that Indian government has signed a loan agreement with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) for the Assam Power Transmission Project.
The loan agreement was signed worth $304 million, which will be used for strengthening the electricity transmission system in the state of Assam.
Total estimated cost of the Power Transmission project in Assam is $365 million, out of this, $304 million will be provided by AIIB. And the remaining amount will be provided by Assam govt.
This loan from AIIB has a maturity period of 24 years and a grace period of 5 years.
FACTFILE – Assam Power Transmission Project
This power transmission project will build new networks in the state that will ensure the affordable and reliable power supply in the state.
The project will also address the substantial energy deficit that the state of Assam faces because of congestion in transmission networks and electricity distribution.
The project comprises the laying down of a transmission line and construction of 10 transmission substations.
The project also seeks to strengthen the existing intra-state transmission network in the state by connecting it with new networks which will help in achieving the affordable, reliable, secure and efficient power.
March 5, 2021
Assam’s Red rice export to U.S.
The first consignment of Assam’s ‘Red rice’ was flagged off on March 4, 2021 to the United States, by rice exporter ‘LT Foods’.
The ceremony of the flagging-off of the export consignments was carried out by Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) Chairman Dr. M. Angamuthu in Haryana. The APEDA is involved in promoting rice exports with the help of several stakeholders along the value chain. The government had also set up a “Rice Export Promotion Forum (REPF)” under the parent head of APEDA.
Rice Export from India
The non-basmati rice exports of India have increased to Rs 26,058 crore for the months of April-January 2020-21 as compared to the exports of Rs 11,543 crore for the same period in the fiscal year 2019-2020.
FACTFILE – Red Rice
The red rice, also called as the ‘Bao-dhaan’, is rich in Iron and is grown in the Brahmaputra valley of Assam. It is grown without using any chemical fertilisers.
FACTFILE – Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)
APEDA is the Apex-Export Trade Promotion Active government body, came into effect from February 1986.
The body was set up by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It was set up under the APEDA Act 1985.
April 14, 2021
Bohag Bihu Bird Count 2021 begins
On April 14, 2021, the Bohag Bihu Bird count began in Assam. The Bohag Bihu Bird count was launched by Bird Count of India (BCI) for the first time.
Bohag Bihu
Bohag Bihu is the traditional ethnic festival celebrated in Assam. It marks the beginning of Assamese new year.
Rongali Bihu
During Rongali Bihu, many migratory species of birds that visited Assam and its surrounding regions during winter start flying back to their homes.
According to State of India’s Birds, 2020, the loss of habitat is mainly due to human activities, toxins, hunting and trapping for pet trade.
Highlights of State of Birds report, 2020
50% of 867 bird species in India are exhibiting population decline.
The number of birds in Western Ghats have declined by 75% since 2000.
Around 101 bird species in India have been placed under “high concern” category, 442 in “low concern category” and 319 in “moderate concern” category.
The population of House Sparrow was stable, however, their population was declining in major cities.
All the four Bustards namely the Great Indian Bustard, Lesser Florican, Macqueen’s Bustard and Bengal Florican are suffering from population decline.
The House Sparrow has been declared as the “State Bird of Delhi”.
May 4, 2021
Putola Nach- Puppetry Art-form of Assam
In collaboration with the UNICEF, a trust based in Assam recently made videos using the traditional art called “Putola Nach”. The art form was used to take the messages related to COVID-19 to the public through social media.
The videos named COVID Shatru (enemy), COVID Bibharat (confusion) were released in Assamese. Mama ro Mina ko COVID Katha (COVID Tale of Mama and Mina) was released in Nepali language.
FACTFILE – Putola Nach
It is a traditional string puppet theatre from Assam in North East India. It is also called putala bhaona.
These dolls are 1.5 metres tall and are made of hollow wood or bamboo and their heads are made of terracotta.
Musical Instruments used in performing the art are dhol, harmonium, kansi, double reed wind instrument and a bell metal plate beaten with a stick.
There were three different styles of string puppetry in Assam, viz. Kalaigaon, Barpeta-Nalbari and Majuli island.
May 09, 2021
Himanta Biswa Sarma to take over as Assam Chief Minister
Himanta Biswa Sarma, the face of the BJP in Northeast India, will be sworn in as the 15th Chief Minister of Assam. Himanta Biswa Sarma and the outgoing Chief Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal, met Governor Jagdish Mukhi and put forward the BJP’s claim to form the government.
Earlier, Mr. Sonowal submitted his resignation to the Governor, paving the way for Sarma to succeed him.
The BJP won 60 of the 126 seats in the Assam Assembly election. Its allies, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL), won nine and six seats, respectively.
Dr. Sarma was likely to keep the Finance, Health and Home portfolios with him. He handled Finance and Health in the Sonowal government as also in the Tarun Gogoi-led Congress government earlier.
May 11, 2021
Assam become first Indian state to have a digital flood reporting system
With the launch of Flood Reporting and Information Management System (FIRMS), Assam becomes the first state in India to have an real-time digital flood reporting system. Jishnu Barua, Chief Secretary, Assam, launched a digital real-time Flood Reporting and Information Management System (FIRMS) in the state of Assam.
With the river Brahmaputra flowing at the crux, Assam is prone to severe floods and erosion every year. Assam has a mandatory flood reporting protocol in place every year from May 15 to October 15.
FRIMS, a digital real-time flood reporting system, has been developed jointly by Assam State Disaster Management Agency (ASDMA) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Tom White, UNICEF India Chief, Emergency and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) congratulated the Assam Government for becoming the first state to have a digital flood reporting system. “Such a system will go a long way in measuring the impact of disaster risk reduction interventions,” he added.
FACTFILE – Flood Reporting and Information Management System (FRIMS)
The Flood Reporting and Information Management System (FRIMS) is a digital real-time flood reporting system launched in Assam.
Assam is the first Indian state to adopt a digital flood reporting system that will replace the existing system of manual flood reporting.
FRIMS has been developed jointly by Assam State Disaster Management Agency (ASDMA) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
May 16, 2021
NABARD provided Rs 1,236 crores Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) to Assam in 2020-21
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) recently announced that it provided Rs 1,236 crores to Assam in 2020-21 from its Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF).
Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) was created in 1995-96 with an initial corpus of Rs 2,000 crores. In 2020-21, Rs 29,848 crores was allocated to RIDF.
The fund shall be used for 37 eligible activities as approved by the Govt of India. These eligible activities are classified under the three broad categories, namely, (i) social sector, (ii) agriculture and related sector; and (iii) rural connectivity.
Social Sectors
Solid Waste Management
Construction of Anganwadis
Setting of KVIC centres
Pay and Use toilets
Infrastructure for Rural Education Institutions
Drinking water
Public Health Institutions
Agriculture and Related Sectors
Mechanisation of farm operations
Dedicated Rural Industry estates
Separate Feeder lines
Solar Photovoltaic power plants
Infrastructure works related to solar energy, energy conservation, wind energy.
Desalination plants in coastal areas
Infrastructure for Information Technology in rural areas
Cold storage, Public/ Joint sector cold storage at various exit points
Drainage
Flood Protection
Forest Development
Watershed Development
Soil Conservation
Minor Irrigation Projects
Rural Connectivity
Rural bridges and Rural Roads
Institutions which are eligible for funds from RIDF
State Governments and Union Territories
State Government sponsored and supported organisations
State owned corporations and state government undertakings
Panchayat Raj institutions and Self-Help Groups
May 26, 2021
Shiva Thapa secures 5th successive medal at Asian Boxing Championships
Assam pugilist Shiva Thapa put up a fabulous performance to defeat Nader Odah in the men’s 64kg quarter-finals at the 2021 ASBC Asian Boxing Championships in Dubai.
With a comprehensive 5-0 victory against Kuwait’s Odah, Thapa progressed into the semi-finals and also confirmed his fifth back-to-back medal at the Asian Championships.
BIOGRAPHY – Shiva Thapa
Shiva Thapa is an Indian boxer.
Shiva Thapa participated in the 2012 London Olympics, and was the youngest Indian boxer to qualify for the Olympics.
Shiva Thapa is ranked 3rd in the bantamweight category in the AIBA Men’s World Ranking.
He is the third Indian to clinch Gold at the Asian Games.
May 27, 2021
Assam govt gives OIL Rs 500 crore to increase stake in Numaligarh Refinery Limited
Assam government will raise its stake in Numaligrah Refinery Limited (NRL) to 26% from the initial level of 12.35%.
Govt of Assam raised its stake in NRL to 18.59%; another 7.41% shall be acquired. Total investment of Rs 2,187 crore, will be the highest ever investment by Govt of Assam in any PSU.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the Numaligarh Refinery (NRL) would increase its capacity from the existing 3 million metric tonnes (MMT) to 9 MMT, besides bringing 6 MMT crude oil to Assam from Odisha.
FACTFILE – Numaligarh Refinery (NRL)
Numaligarh Refinery is the largest among the four refineries operating in Assam. The refinery was set up as per Clause 7 of Assam Accord signed in 1985.
The refinery was commissioned in the year 2000 and since then has consistently excelled in physical and financial performance.
With the decision of the centre to privatize BPCL, NRL’s status as a Public Sector Enterprise was slated to be lost. To retain the public sector characteristics of the NRL, the Assam government accordingly took up the matter with the centre and decided to raise its stake in NRL to 26% from the initial level of 12.35%.
May 29, 2021
Assam hikes daily wages of Tea Garden Workers
The Assam government decided to hike wages of tea garden workers by Rs 38.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, held a meeting with representatives of Assam Chah Mazdoor Sangha and other tea bodies to discuss issues pertaining of wage fixation.
With this hike, the tea workers in Brahmaputra valley would get Rs 205 from the existing Rs 167 and tea workers of Barak valley would get Rs 183 from the existing Rs 145.
FACTFILE – Tea Industry of Assam
Assam tea industry is India’s largest tea industry and second largest tea production region in the world after China.
Assam produces more than 50 % of the tea produced in India and about 1/6th of the tea produced in the world.
Tea industry has contributed substantially to the economy of Assam.
About 17 percent of the workers of Assam are engaged in the tea industry.
June 05, 2021
Raimona National Park becomes Assam’s sixth national park
Raimona National Park in Kokrajhar district within the Bodoland Territorial Region has become Assam’s sixth national park. The 422 sq ft wildlife habitat in Kokrajhar district adjoins western-most buffer to Manas Tiger Reserve.
Assam’s Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary, under stress for unregulated coal mining in the vicinity is also in the process of being declared as the seventh national park.
Assam already has the five national parks which are Kaziranga, Manas, Nameri, Orang and Dibru-Saikhowa.
Upgrading Dehing Patkai has been a long-felt need for the conservation of rainforest and elephant habitats. The area of the park includes the northern part of the notified Ripu Reserve Forest (508.62 sq. km), which forms the western-most buffer to the Manas National Park that straddles the India-Bhutan border.
Raimona also shares contiguous forest patches of the Phipsoo Wildlife Sanctuary and the Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park in Bhutan (total area of 1,999 sq. km) creating a transboundary conservation landscape of more than 2,400 sq. km.
June 10, 2021
Assam gets Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary as its seventh national park
The Assam Government has decided in its recent cabinet meeting to declare Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary as the 7th National Park of the state. The newest national park, also known as Dehing Patkai Rain Forest, has unique floral and faunal diversity, which was recognized by the state government in 2004 when 111.19 square kilometres of the area was notified as Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary.
Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary is home to hoolock gibbon, elephant, slow loris, tiger, leopard, clouded leopard, golden cat, fishing cat, marble cat, sambar, hog deer, sloth bear, and several bird species including the endangered state bird, the white-winged wood duck.
With the addition big the two new national parks, Dehing Patkai and Raimona, Assam’s total national park goes to seven.
Assam now is the state with the second highest number of national parks in the country, after Madhya Pradesh’s 11. The Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar has nine national parks.
June 10, 2021
Assam’s Lovlina Borgohain becomes the first female pugilist from the state to qualify for Tokyo Olympics 2020
Assam’s Lovlina Borgohain becomes the first female pugilist from the state to qualify for Tokyo Olympics 2020. The young athlete Lovlina would be seen fighting it out in the Women’s 69 kg Welterweight category at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She is the first lady from Assam to represent India at the Olympics.
BIOGRAPHY – Lovlina Borgohain
Lovlina was born on 2 October 1997, and hails from the Golaghat district of Assam.
Lovlina’s career’s biggest break came when she was selected to participate in the 2018 Commonwealth Games welterweight boxing category, where she won a gold medal in the welterweight category.
She had also won the bronze medal at the Asian Boxing Championships in Vietnam in November 2017 and the bronze medal at the President’s Cup held in Astana in June 2017.
Lovlina later won a silver medal at the Ulaanbaatar Cup in Mongolia in June 2018 and a bronze medal at the 13th International Silesian Championship in Poland in September 2018.
June 11, 2021
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarmalaunches Sishu Seva Achoni for COVID-19 Orphans
Assam CM Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma has dedicated Chief Minister Sishu Seva Scheme to the service of the beneficiaries and handed over the cheques of financial assistance to few beneficiaries who lost both their parents due to COVID.
As per the scheme, an amount to the tune of Rs. 7,81,200 would be parked in the bank as fixed deposit in the name of each beneficiary.
Monthly financial assistance of Rs. 3500 which will be realised from the fixed deposit will be given to the beneficiaries till they attain 24 years of age.
On completion of 24 years of age, the principal amount parked as a fixed deposit against each beneficiary would be credited to their bank accounts.
Orphaned adolescent girls will be given accommodation in suitable and reputed institutions like Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya residential schools, to ensure their sensitive care and proper protection.
June 15, 2021
Assam’s Shahil Dey is Northeast’s first Chess International Master
Shahil Dey from Assam becomes first International Master from Northeast India. The 13-year-old chess player achieved the feat by achieving his third International Master norm at the First Saturday GM held from June 5-14, 2021 at Budapest in Hungary.
Shahil originally from Assam, now lives in Kolkata in order to receive better training facilities. He is coached by IM Roktim Bandyopadhyay.
FACTFILE – Grand Master Title
Grand Master is the highest title a chess player can attain in their entire chess career. This title is given by the highest governing body of chess i.e. FIDE. If the title of Grandmaster once achieved, it can be held for life. However, the “World Chess Federation” has made some rules for it, if a player is found guilty of “cheating and corruption”, then the title can be snatched from him.
June 22, 2021
Assam govt signs MoU with Survey of India for implementation of SVAMITVA scheme in Assam
Assam government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Survey of India for implementing the Svamitva scheme in the state, to provide an integrated property validation solution for rural areas. The MoU was signed between Assam, Director of Land Records and Surveys, Shantanu P Gotmare and Director Assam and Nagaland, Survey of India. It is expected to reduce property related disputes in rural areas and legal cases.
Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj and Assam Government’s Department of Revenue and Disaster Management will implement the scheme with the support of the Panchayat and Rural Development.
Survey of India will take steps for survey of inhabited rural land by drone as well as establishment of ground based control stations to enable a detailed spatial database of properties in rural areas.
FACTFILE – SVAMITVA scheme
The SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) scheme was launched on the National Panchayati Raj Day i.e. April 24, 2020.
The scheme is a collaborative effort of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, State Panchayati Raj Departments, State Revenue Departments and Survey of India.
It aims to provide an integrated property validation solution for rural India.
It is a scheme for mapping the land parcels in rural inhabited areas using drone technology and Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS).
The mapping will be done across the country in a phase-wise manner over a period of four years – from 2020 to 2024.
June 24, 2021
World’s first genetically modified rubber plant planted in Assam
The world’s first genetically modified (GM) rubber plant was planted on the outskirts of Guwahati. Chairman and Executive Director of the Rubber Board, K.N. Raghavan planted the saplings at the Rubber Board’s Sarutari research farm near Guwahati.
The GM rubber plant was developed at the Kerala-based Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII) through long years of research at its biotechnology laboratory.
Benefits of genetically modified rubber plant
The GM rubber plant would be a game-changer in natural rubber cultivation in India, with additional copies of the gene MnSOD (manganese-containing superoxide dismutase) inserted in it.
The GM rubber plant is expected to tide over the severe cold conditions during winter, which is a major factor affecting the growth of young rubber plants. Natural rubber is a native of warm humid Amazon forests and it is not naturally suited for the cold conditions in this part of the country.
FACTFILE – Rubber Board of India
The Rubber Board is a statutory body constituted by the Government of India, under the Rubber Act 1947, for the overall development of the rubber industry in the country.
