Category: India Art & Culture

Assam Current Affairs – September 19-21, 2022

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Assam & NE Current Affairs & GK – September 19-21, 2022

( Covers all important Current Affairs & GK topics for the September 19-21, 2022)

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Assam Current Affairs and GK Quiz – Set 316: July 2022, Week 4 

September 19-21, 2022

Hemkosh becomes first Braille dictionary in South-east Asia

South-East Asia’s first Braille version of the prestigious Assamese dictionary “Hemkosh” was formally launched at a program held at the Vivekananda Kendra in Guwahati. 

The dictionary was launched by the Sadin Pratidin Group to give a new dimension to the Assamese language with an aim to help in improving the educational quality of visually impaired children in the state.

Sarbananda Sonowal, the minister for ports, shipping, and waterways, as well as other officials, were present on this occasion. The dictionary was formally presented to the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. 

The first Assamese language dictionary “Hemkosh” was first published in 1919 by Hem Chandra Baruwa.

Government of Assam will use portable device ‘SAANS’ to prevent neonatal deaths

The Assam government has decided to utilize the air pressure machine ‘SAANS,’ in all of its hospitals to minimize infant mortality 

SAANS’ is a portable neonatal Continuous Positive Air Pressure (CPAP) system built by a Bangalore-based start-up.  

Key Points

  • The machine can provide lifesaving breathing support to infants in hospital settings as well as during travel. 
  • More than 50 SAANS devices have been deployed across medical colleges in Assam to date with more deployments underway to district hospitals. 
  • InnAccel Technologies, incubated at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP), partnered with the SAMRIDH Healthcare Blended Finance Facility to build the equipment to improve respiratory assistance for babies and paediatric populations in Assam.
  • SAMRIDH is a multi-stakeholder innovation and funding platform operated by IPE Global and supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
  • The partnership between InnAccel, C-CAMP, and SAMRIDH, with backing from the National Health Mission, , Assam and the Government of Assam will help deploy 307 units of SAANS in the state. 
  • The distribution of these machines is projected to cover practically all of the state’s current demand for respiratory support technology.

Bhaichung Bhutia becomes new president of Hamro Sikkim Party

Legendary footballer Bhaichung Bhutia has been recently elected as the new president of the Hamro Sikkim Party (HSP). He was elected by party leaders and members at a national conference.

Bhutia pledged to put endless effort to serve the people of Sikkim and represent their hopes and aspirations.

He said “We shall make unending efforts to ensure social equality and justice and provide limitless possibilities for every Sikkimese to realize the full potential of our state,” 

He also expressed gratitude towards the outgoing HSP president Bina Basnett for successfully completing her tenure of three years.

India will host next Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in 2023

The rotational presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has been handed over to India in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The next meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State will be held in India in 2023.

Delhi will hold the presidency of the grouping for a year until September 2023. Next year, India will take over as the next Chair of SCO from Uzbekistan and will also host the summit. 

During the SCO Summit, the Member States noted the various global challenges and threats in the global economy. They expressed deep concern over the security threat posed by terrorism, separatism and extremism and strongly condemned terrorist acts around the world.

They will seek to develop common principles and approaches to form a unified list of terrorist, separatist and extremist organizations whose activities are prohibited on the territories of the SCO member states. 

The Member States also made commitments to build a sustainable economic system by promoting green and environmentally friendly technologies.

In the Samarkand Declaration, the member states supported the efforts of the countries of the region to ensure prosperity, peace and sustainable development. They advocated strengthening the role of SCO in enhancing stability and socio-economic development in the region. 

About Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)

  • Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is an international alliance consists of 8 member states: China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. 
  • The Secretariat of the SCO, headquartered in Beijing, China.
  • The official languages of the SCO are Chinese and Russian.
  • It is governed by the Heads of State Council (HSC), its supreme decision-making body, which meets once a year.

Science magazine ‘Vigyan Pragati’, received the National Rajbhasha Kirti Award

CSIR’s (Council of Scientific & Industrial Research) popular science magazine ‘Vigyan Pragati Received the National Rajbhasha Kirti Award (first position). 

Vigyan Pragati is one of India’s most popular science magazines. It is popular among children, teachers, researchers, and the public across India as well as the world. 

Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) started publishing this magazine in 1952. It carries a legacy of seven decades and over these many years.

This monthly Hindi publication imparts the knowledge of the recent national-international S&T related developments. The magazine contents aim at igniting curiosity about science among the young and strive to develop an interest in them to pursue science. 

Rajbhasha Kirti Award was introduced by the Ministry of Home Affairs. which aims to encourage the implementation of the Official Language Policy. It is given on the day of Hindi Diwas. 

Andaman and Nicobar Islands become India’s first Swachh Sujal Pradesh

Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has declared Andaman and Nicobar Islands as India’s first Swachh Sujal Pradesh.

With this achievement, all the villages in Andaman and Nicobar Islands have received the Har Ghar Jal certification and also have been verified as ODF (open defecation free) and ODF Plus. 

Swachh And Sujal Key Components

Three important components of Sujal and Swachh states are given below

  • Safe and secure drinking water supply and management; 
  • ODF Plus: ODF Sustainability and Solid and Liquid Waste Management (SLWM) 
  • Cross-cutting interventions like convergence, IEC, action planning, etc.

Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – August 2022 

Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – September 2022

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Assam Current Affairs – September 16-18, 2022

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Assam & NE Current Affairs & GK – September 16-18, 2022

( Covers all important Current Affairs & GK topics for the September 16-18, 2022)

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Assam Current Affairs and GK Quiz – Set 316: July 2022, Week 4 

September 16-18, 2022

Government of Sikkim hikes minimum wage by 67%

The Sikkim government hiked the minimum wage for unskilled workers by 67 percent to Rs 500. 

Key Points

  • The daily wage for unskilled laborers was Rs 300 which is now increased to Rs 500 with retrospective effect from 11th July 2022.
  • The daily wage for semi-skilled workers was increased to Rs 520 from Rs 320, while skilled workers will get Rs 535 instead of Rs 335.
  • Highly skilled labor will be paid Rs 565 per day, instead of Rs 365 per day. 
  • These updated wages will be applicable for laborers who are working at altitudes up to 8,000 feet, while 50 percent more wages will be given to those working at altitudes from 8,001 feet to 12,000 feet. 
  • The laborers working in the altitudes of 12,001 feet to 16,000 feet will be paid 75 percent more than the normal wage. The laborers working at places above 16,001 feet will get double the normal wage.
  • The new rates would be effective from July 11, 2022, and the labourers will be given arrears.  

The Kibithu military camp was renamed as Gen Bipin Rawat Military 

Kibithu, A military station on the banks of Arunachal’s Lohit Valley along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) has been renamed as ‘Gen Bipin Rawat military garrison’ in honour of the country’s first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) who was killed in a chopper crash. 

The camp was renamed as Gen Bipin Rawat Military Garrison wherein a grand gate constructed in accordance with the region’s traditional architectural style was inaugurated by the Governor. 

The 22-km road stretch connecting Walong and Kibithu was also named as Gen Bipin Rawat Marg by the Chief Minister. 

India’s First Forest University will be Established in Telangana

India’s First Forest University will be Established in Telangana. The Telangana legislative assembly approved the University of Forestry (UOF) Act 2022.  

Key Points 

  • As per the act, The University of Forestry (UoF) will be India’s first of its kind. It will be the third University of Forestry in the world, following Russia and China.
  • The Telangana Govt decided to expand the Forestry College and Research Institute (FCRI) in Hyderabad.
  • Once the FCRI is upgraded to University, it will have additional programmes including a PhD, diploma, and certificate courses in Urban Forestry, Nursery Management, Agro-Forestry, Tribal livelihood enhancement, Forest entrepreneurship, Climate-smart Forestry & Forest Parks Management. 
  • The University’s goals will be to promote research and development of appropriate methods for propagation of plantation crops to meet industry demand.
  • The university will also work to develop Agro-Forestry models suitable for different Agro-ecological situations to reduce pressure on natural forests, economic upliftment of farming communities, and enhance ecological conditions.
  • Under the flagship program ‘Telangana Ku Haritha Haram,’ the Telangana government has planted 268.83 crore saplings.

Indore will become the first Indian city with ‘Smart Addresses’

Indore will become the country’s first Smart City with ‘Smart Addresses’. The Memorandum of Understanding is signed by Rajat Jain, co-founder of Pataa Navigations, and Rishav Gupta (IAS), CEO of Indore Smart City for implementing a fully digital addressing system.

Key Points

  • Pataa has developed patented technology and is working with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) to develop a digital addressing system for the nation. 
  • Pataa is a brief and distinctive code, comparable to KUMAR100, SINGH221, or other commonly used codes, that will help the user find the specific geotagged location.
  • Users of the Pataa App can upload images of their homes, landmarks, etc., along with their addresses in full text.

About Pataa app

  • Pataa Navigation will integrate with government platforms like those for the departments of electricity, agriculture, excise, women and child welfare, and education. 
  • The Pataa App is a free service and aims to help delivery providers find a specific geotagged location.
  • Government agencies and emergency services including police, fire department, and ambulance will use the Pataa app.
  • This app will help in necessary services like E-KYC and banking geotagging. It can be accessible to everyone at the business.
  • All significant public assets, including bus stops, light poles, public restrooms, and bus stops, should have digital address numbers pasted on them. 
  • This app will also be essential for bringing down Indore’s pollution levels.

World’s largest museum of Harappan culture will be built in Rakhigarhi

The world’s largest museum of Harappan culture will be built in Rakhigarhi, Haryana. Rakhigarhi is a famous archaeological site from the Indus Valley civilisation period.

Key Points

  • The museum on Harappan culture in Rakhigarhi would showcase some 5,000-year-old artefacts belonging to the Indus Valley Civilization. 
  • The museum would give recognition to Rakhigarhi at the international and national levels and increase job opportunities for the local communities. 
  • This world class museum would display photographs depicting Rakhigarhi’s history and would also house an open-air theatre and a library.
  • A special zone is being created in the museum for children to make them aware of the history in a recreational manner. 
  • The village of Rakhigarhi was part of the Indus Valley Civilisation from 2600-1900 BC. The place was one of the largest settlements of the ancient civilisation located in the Ghaggar-Hakra River plain.
  • The two villages Rakhi Khas and Rakhi Sahapur currently host the archeological remains of the Indus Valley site.

HDFC Bank issues first Electronic Bank Guarantee in India

HDFC Bank became the first bank in India to issue an Electronic Bank Guarantee (e-BG) in collaboration with the National E-Governance Services Limited (NeSL).

Key Points

  • Electronic Bank Guarantee (e-BG) has been developed to simplify the process and eliminate the possibility of fraud and manipulation. 
  • e-BG will be issued on the NeSL portal through an API-based digital workflow. 
  • eStamping has replaced physical stamping and with e-BG, the applicant and beneficiary can immediately view a bank guarantee on the NeSL portal. 
  • Paper-based bank guarantees take 3-5days for completing the physical pick process from the bank, courier to the beneficiary, stamp it, and re-verify it. Before e-BG, there was no central repository for bank guarantees. 
  • e-BG offers advanced security, bringing inefficiency of time. The applicant and beneficiary can instantly view a bank guarantee on the NeSL portal.

 

Assam Current Affairs – September 13-15, 2022

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Assam & NE Current Affairs & GK – September 13-15, 2022

( Covers all important Current Affairs & GK topics for the September 13-15, 2022)

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Current Affairs Quiz – Set 321: September 2022, Week 2  

September 13-15, 2022

For the first time Sikkim will host three Ranji trophy matches

Sikkim will host three Ranji trophy matches for the first time in December. The matches will be played at the mining cricket ground near Rangpo in Sikkim.

Key Points

  • The state will welcome three northeast teams: Mizoram, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, at the Mining Cricket Ground near Rangpo. 
  • Along with Ranji Trophy matches, Sikkim will also play two Cooch Behar Trophy matches, and three Col CK Nayudu Trophy matches at Mining. 
  • The Cooch Behar Trophy match on November 12 against Assam will be the first major domestic match in Sikkim. 

Nagaland celebrates the first ever Naga Mircha Festival

Nagaland  celebrates the first-ever ‘Naga Mircha (King Chilli) Festival’ at Seiyhama village in Kohima District. The first Naga Mircha Festival was sponsored by the Department of Horticulture.

Key Points

  • Naga king chilli has been considered as the world’s hottest chilli and is constantly on the top five in the list of the world’s hottest chilies based on the Scoville Heat Units (SHUs).
  • Naga Mircha is also referred to as ‘Raja Mircha’, ‘Bhoot Jolokia’ or ‘Ghost Pepper’.
  • Naga Mircha was the first product to receive a GI tag from Nagaland in 2008. 
  • It is an indigenous crop of Nagaland believed to have originated from Nagaland’s Zeliangrong region; and is extensively grown in Peren, Mon, Kohima and Dimapur.

JIMEX 2022: India-Japan begins joint naval exercise in the Bay of Bengal 

The sixth edition of Japan-India Maritime Exercise 2022 (JIMEX 22), hosted by the Indian Navy, commenced in the Bay of Bengal. 

Key Points 

  • The JIMEX series of exercises began in Japan in 2012. 
  • The JIMEX 22 exercise marks the 10th anniversary of JIMEX and also coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Japan.
  • JIMEX 22 exercise involves two phases that includes one at sea and another is the harbour phase at Visakhapatnam. 
  • This exercise seeks to consolidate the high degree of interoperability that exists between maritime forces of the two countries, through complex exercises in the surface, sub-surface and air domains.
  • The Indian Navy is represented by three indigenously designed and built warships, Sahyadri, a multi-purpose stealth frigate and Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvettes Kadmatt and Kavaratti.
  • Additionally, Guided Missile Destroyer Ranvijay, Fleet Tanker Jyoti, Offshore Patrol Vessel Sukanya, submarines, MIG 29K fighter aircraft, Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft and ship borne helicopters are also participating in the exercise.
  • The 5th edition was conducted in October 2021 in the Arabian Sea.

National Defense MSME Conclave and Exhibition 

The two-day National Defense MSME Conclave and Exhibition began in Kota, Rajasthan. In the exhibition defense equipment including T-90 and BMP-2 tanks, artillery guns, various types of sniper and machine guns and military bridges are being displayed.

Key Points

  • Youth innovating in the defense sector, start-ups and MSMEs are also displaying their products.
  • More than 50 companies, start-ups and MSMEs working in the defense sector are participating in this event.
  • The Drone Light Show and Live Concert will also be the highlight of the programme. 
  • Defense Conclave and Exhibition is being held for the first time in Rajasthan.

Kalinga Institute of Medical Science conferred with the UNESCO International Literacy Prize 2022

Kalinga Institute of Medical Science conferred with the UNESCO International Literacy Prize 2022 at a ceremony organised by UNESCO in Côte d’Ivoire (West Africa).

The award comprises a silver medal, a diploma and a cheque for USD 20,000.

Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences is the fifth recipient from India and the first and only institute from Odisha to receive the highest global recognition on literacy. It is also the third among the Indian non-profit NGOs and the first Indian tribal-based organisation to be conferred with this award.

Kalinga Institute of Social Science

  • Kalinga Institute of Social Science (KISS) was founded in 1993.
  • It is an NGO based in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha. 
  • Its aim is to promote inclusive education, women empowerment, tribal uplift and sustainable development. 
  • It has collaboration with various UN bodies and international organisations.

Exercise Parvat Prahar

Parvat Prahar Exercise is an exercise conducted by the Indian Army to undertake disengagement from Patrolling Point 15 in eastern Ladakh. 

Army Chief General Manoj Pande recently visited the Ladakh sector to review Exercise Parvat Prahar. The exercise witnessed the deployment of all new major inductions of the Army.

Key Points

  • The exercise comes as India and China are separating from the Gogra-Hot Springs (PP-15) in eastern Ladakh, as announced on September 8.
  • It is being conducted by the One Strike Corps of the Indian Army. 
  • The exercise was held in the Ladakh plateau at an altitude of 14,000 feet. 
  • This exercise used newly inducted all-terrain vehicles transported by Chinook heavy lift helicopters and K9-Vajra howitzers. 
  • The exercise featured a display of operational capabilities by artillery guns and other key weapon systems. 
  • The exercise involved high-altitude infantry personnel, T-90S and T-72 tanks, mechanized infantry, K-9 Vajra, Bofors and M-777 howitzers, helicopters and aircraft.

Current Affairs Quiz – Set 321: September 2022, Week 2  

Assam Current Affairs – August 28-31, 2022

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Assam & NE Current Affairs & GK – August 28-31, 2022

( Covers all important Current Affairs & GK topics for the August 28-31, 2022)

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Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – July 2022

Assam Current Affairs and GK Quiz – Set 316: July 2022, Week 4 

August 28-31, 2022

All Manipur Shumang Leela Festival 2021-2022 begins

The 50th All Manipur Shumang Leela Festival 2021-2022 began at Iboyama Shumang Leela Shanglen in Palace Compound, Imphal. 

During the festival, the Governor also distributed medals to the winners of 49th All Manipur Shumang Leela Festival 2020-21.

Shumang Leela is a traditional form of theatre in Manipur and the roles of female artists are all played by male actors and male characters are played by female artists in case of female theatre groups.

Shumang Leela Groups of the early stage attempted to preserve and promote humanism, tolerance, confidence, devotion, truth and justice through their performances.

In the present day Shumang Leelas have been trying to focus on the issues of moral values, unity and integrity. It has also been trying to strengthen the bond of brotherhood and friendship among various communities in the State.

IIT Guwahati developed a new method for making sugar substitute “Xylitol”

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have developed an ultrasound-assisted fermentation method to produce a safe sugar substitute called ‘Xylitol’ from sugarcane bagasse (the residue left after crushing of sugarcane). 

This method overcomes the operational limitations of chemical methods of synthesis and the time delays associated with conventional fermentation.

The IIT Guwahati researchers used two approaches to overcome the two problems: 

First, they used sugarcane bagasse, the waste fibrous material produced after extracting juice from sugarcane, as the raw material. This overcomes the cost limitations of current xylitol synthesis methods and provides a method to upcycle a waste product.

Secondly, they used a new type of fermentation process wherein, the microbe-induced synthesis of xylitol is hastened by the application of ultrasound waves.

The use of ultrasound during the fermentation process not only reduced the time of fermentation to 15 hours, but also increased the yield of the product by almost 20%. 

There has been an increase in the use of safe alternative sweeteners as awareness of the negative effects of white sugar (sucrose) on individuals with diabetes and general health has grown. 

A sugar alcohol generated from plants called xylitol may have anti-obesogenic and anti-diabetic properties in addition to being a mild prebiotic and guarding teeth against caries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first earthquake memorial

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has dedicated India’s first earthquake memorial, named Smruti Van at Bhuj in Gujarat. 

Smruti Van is a unique memorial carrying the names of more than 12 thousand people who lost their lives in the devastating earthquake that struck here in January 2001.

The memorial is spread across 470 acres of land and is built atop Bhujiyo hill. It celebrates the spirit of resilience in the wake of the death of nearly 13,000 people during the earthquake on January 26, 2001, which had its epicentre in Bhuj. Bhujio Hill was a military base for former rulers of the Kutch region.

The museum will showcase the Harappan civilisation of this region, scientific information regarding earthquakes, Gujarat’s culture, science behind cyclones and Kutch’s success story after the earthquake. 

Linthoi Chanambam wins gold medal at the World Cadet Judo Championship 

Linthoi Chanambam became the first Indian to win a gold medal at the World Cadet Judo Championship 2022. She won the gold medal in the women’s -57kg category in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

The 16-year-old Linthoi Chanambam is from Manipur. Shedefeated Brazil’s Reis Bianca 1-0 by Waza-ari-a throw to win the gold at the world championships in Sarajevo.

Linthoi’s  coach Mamuka Kizilashvili believes that Linthoi’s gold-winning feat is not only a historic achievement but could be a sign of things to come for the sport of Judo in India.

India successfully test-fires Indian Navy’s VL-SRSAM Missile System

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Navy successfully flight-tested the indigenously designed and developed Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.

About VL-SRSAM 

  • The missile has been specially designed by DRDO using four short-span long-chord cruciform wings that offer aerodynamic stability. 
  • The Missile system has been developed as a quick reaction surface-to-air missile for the Indian Navy. 
  • The range of this missile system is capable of hitting targets across 40 to 50 km range at an altitude of about 15 km. 
  • It is a canisterised system and each missile is stored and operated from specific compartments, making its transport and storage easier.
  • The missile can be used for neutralizing various aerial threats at medium and close ranges and are also capable of intercepting sea-skimming fighter jets and missiles that are used to avoid being detected by radar. 
  • The new missile system is being developed to replace the existing Barak 1 surface-to-air missile system which is being used on Naval Ships by the Indian Navy. 

Gautam Adani becomes world’s third-richest person

Gautam Adani has now become the world’s third-richest person. It’s the first time an Asian has broken into the top-3 of the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. 

With a net worth of $137.4 billion, he is now just behind Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos in the global ranking.

Elon Musk has a net worth of $251 billion, while Jeff Bezos has a total worth of $153 billion. Gautam Adani, co-founder and chairman of the Adani Group, has left behind the ranking business magnate Bernard Arnault.

Assam Current Affairs – August 25-27, 2022

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Assam & NE Current Affairs & GK – August 25-27, 2022

( Covers all important Current Affairs & GK topics for the August 25-27, 2022)

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Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – July 2022

Assam Current Affairs and GK Quiz – Set 316: July 2022, Week 4 

August 25-27, 2022

Godrej Agrovet signs MoUs with Assam, Manipur & Tripura for oil palm cultivation

Godrej Agrovet, a diversified agribusiness conglomerate, announced that it has signed an MoU with the governments of Assam, Manipur, and Tripura for the development and promotion of oil palm cultivation in the area under the National Mission on Edible Oils-Oil Palm initiative. 

The partnership will bring new opportunities and growth in building oil palm plantations in these three states and would help provide the required support to the farmers. 

The Agreements are in keeping with Godrej Agrovet’s long-term goal to be the driving force behind India’s oil mission by doubling farmer income and promoting sustainable expansion of oil palm production.

Government of India launched the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEOOP) in August 2021, with a planned outlay of ₹ 11,040 Crore. 

Under this mission, the Government has envisaged raising the area under cultivation of oil palm to 10 Lakh hectares by 2025-26 and 16.7 Lakh hectares by 2029-30 with a special focus on the North East region and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

India-Bangladesh 38th Joint River Commission meeting held in Delhi

The 38th meeting of the India-Bangladesh Joint River Commission (JRC) was held in Delhi. The JRC is headed by Water Resources Ministers of both countries.

Key Points 

  • The meeting discussed several ongoing projects of mutual interest including common river water sharing, sharing of data on flood, countering river pollution, joint survey on sediment management, protection of river banks among others. 
  • Both sides finalised the contents of an MoU on interim water sharing of the Kushiara river. 
  • Both sides also welcomed the finalisation of the design and location of water intake points on Feni river to meet the needs of the people in Sabrum town in India as per the India-Bangladesh MoU signed in 2019.
  • India and Bangladesh share 54 rivers,  of which 7 rivers have been identified earlier for development of the water sharing agreement framework on priority basis. 
  • Sharing of the real time flood data is one of the most important areas of India’s cooperation with Bangladesh. 
  • India recently extended the flood information sharing period beyond October 15 to help Bangladesh deal with the unexpected floods in some areas.

Uday Umesh Lalit appointed as the 49th Chief Justice of India 

Shri Justice Uday Umesh Lalit appointed as the 49th Chief Justice of India with effect from 27th August, 2022. He will succeed incumbent CJI NV Ramana, who demits office on August 26.

Justice Uday Umesh Lalit was appointed as Judge of the Supreme Court of India in August 2014 from the Bar. Justice Lalit will become the second Chief Justice of India to be directly elevated to the Supreme Court from the Bar, after Justice S.M. Sikri, who served as the 13 th CJI in 1971. 

Justice Lalit has served as a Member of Supreme Court Legal Services Committee for two terms. He was designated as a senior advocate by the top court in April 2004. 

In January 1986, he shifted his practice to Delhi. He was appointed a special public prosecutor for the CBI to conduct the trial in the 2G spectrum allocation case.

NITI Aayog declared Haridwar as the best aspirational district in India

NITI Aayog has declared Haridwar city of Uttarakhand as the best aspirational district on the basis of five parameters. 

The district has secured the first rank in basic infrastructure theme and has become entitled to receive an additional allocation of Rs 3 crore.

Parameters for Evaluation

Parameters for Best Aspirational District It envisages rapid development of selected districts on basis of composite index based on five parameters: 

  • Health & Nutrition (30%) 
  • Education (30%) 
  • Agriculture & Water Resources (20%) 
  • Financial Inclusion & Skill Development (10%) 
  • Infrastructure (10%)

Aspirational District Programme 

  • NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Districts Programme launched in January 2018. 
  • The programme aimed at identifying potential districts that can develop into model blocks through socio-economic development. 
  • Under the programme, the central government takes steps to improve the socio-economic condition of identified districts and ensure inclusive and holistic development.
  • The ranking of aspirational districts combines innovative use of data with practical governance, placing the district at the center of inclusive growth. 
  • As per the norms for planning of aspirational districts, each district should prepare an action plan in consultation with the State and Central officers in charge, after which it should be sent to NITI Aayog for final approval of the Empowered Committee of Secretaries constituted for the programme. 

Germany Launches World’s first Hydrogen-powered Passenger Train

Recently, the world’s first fleet of hydrogen-powered passenger trains was launched by Germany.  The engine of the trains is powered by electricity generated using hydrogen fuel cells. 

The new fleet consists of 14 Coradia iLint hydrogen trains made by the French company Alstom and operated by regional rail company LNVG.

Key Points 

  • The use of hydrogen is a clean alternative to fossil fuels. 
  • Lower Saxony has invested a total of 93 million euros for the first fleet of hydrogen-powered passenger train projects. 
  • This invitation is an excellent example and effort to make the economy of Germany greener.
  • These trains have ranges up to 1000 kilometers and a maximum speed of 140 kph. 
  • After the introduction of the first fleet of hydrogen-powered passenger trains, the hydrogen produced with renewable energy, the trains will save up to 1.6 liters of diesel in a year.

Angela Merkel wins UNESCO Peace Prize 2022

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has been awarded the 2022 UNESCO Peace Prize for her efforts to welcome refugees.

Merkel was awarded the 2022 Félix Houphout-Boigny-UNESCO Peace Prize for her “courageous decision in 2015 to welcome more than 1,2 million refugees, notably from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and Eritrea.

She is best known for her work in North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo where she condemned rape as a “weapon of war”.

About UNESCO Peace Prize 

  • The UNESCO Peace Prize was constituted in 1989 under the United Nations Charter and the UNESCO Constitution. 
  • The prize is awarded to a person, an organization or a private or governmental body for making a significant contribution for “promotion, study, safeguarding, or maintenance of peace.” 
  • The prize has been named after Félix Houphouët-Boigny, the late former president of Côte d’Ivoire. 
  • The prize includes a gold medal and a cheque of USD 150,000 along with a peace diploma. If there are multiple recipients, the cheque is shared equally. 

Assam Current Affairs – August 13-15, 2022

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Assam & NE Current Affairs & GK – August 13-15, 2022

( Covers all important Current Affairs & GK topics for the August 13-15, 2022)

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Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – July 2022

Assam Current Affairs and GK Quiz – Set 316: July 2022, Week 4 

August 13-15, 2022

Meghalaya will host 2nd edition of the North East Olympics

Meghalaya will host the upcoming 2nd edition of the North East Olympics from October 30th to November 6th in Shillong. 

This edition of the Games will be special as Meghalaya is celebrating the 50th year of its Statehood. 

In this edition, about 4,000 participants from eight North Eastern States will be competing in 18 disciplines at 13 venues spread across Shillong. 

Participants will be competing in disciplines, such as archery, athletics, badminton, basketball, boxing, football, judo, karate, shooting, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, wushu, cycling (Mountain Bike), golf, weightlifting and wrestling.

The first edition of the Games was held in Manipur in 2018, with 12 disciplines. 

India adds 11 more wetlands to the list of Ramsar sites

India has added 11 more wetlands to the list of Ramsar sites, taking the total Ramsar sites in India to 75 covering an area of 13,26,677 hectares in the country.

Key Points

  • The 11 new sites include: Four sites in Tamil Nadu, Three in Odisha, Two in Jammu & Kashmir and One each in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. 
  • Designation of these sites would help in the conservation and management of wetlands and wise use of their resources.
  • During 1982 to 2013, a total of 26 sites were added to the list of Ramsar sites, however, during 2014 to 2022, the country has added 49 new wetlands to the list of Ramsar sites.
  • In the year 2022, a total of 28 sites have been declared as Ramsar sites. 
  • Tamil Nadu leads the charge with a total of 14 Ramsar Sites followed by Uttar Pradesh which has 10.

Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launches SMILE-75 initiative

Recently, the Union Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment launched SMILE-75 (Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise).initiative to address the persisting problem of destitution and beggary. 

This initiative has been started as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.

About the SMILE 75-Initiative

  • The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has also allocated a total budget of Rs.100 crore for the SMILE project for the coming years till 2025-26.
  • The objective of SMILE- 75 is to make our cities/towns and municipal areas begging-free and make a strategy for comprehensive rehabilitation of the persons engaged in the act of begging through the coordinated action of various stakeholders.
  • Under this initiative, 75 Municipal Corporations in collaboration with NGOs and other stakeholders will cover several comprehensive welfare measures for persons who are engaged in the act of begging with a focus extensively on rehabilitation, provision of medical facilities, counselling, awareness, education, skill development, economic linkages and convergence with other Government welfare programmes etc.
  • It seeks to develop a support mechanism for holistic rehabilitation of those engaged in the act of begging.

Agasthiyamalai Elephant Reserve became the fifth elephant reserve in Tamil Nadu

Recently, The Tamil Nadu State government notified Agasthiyamalai Elephant Reserve as the fifth elephant reserve at Agathiyamalai in Tirunelveli district.

The Agasthiyamalai Elephant Reserve will be spread across 1,197.48 sq.km of land and will cover Kanyakumari and Tirunelveli areas.

According to the notification, the forest areas of Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve and Kanniyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary in Agasthyamalai landscape constitute the most important habitats of Asian elephants in the southernmost part of the western ghats.

The declaration of Agasthyamalai region as the 5th Elephant Reserve in the state to put more emphasis on protection and conservation of Elephants within a healthy ecosystem. 

Designation of the area as a dedicated reserve forest will also provide connectivity of the elephant migratory paths in the landscape through proper research and effective management.

Shashi Tharoor has been selected for France’s highest civilian Legion of Honour

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has been selected for France’s highest civilian award Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur.

The French government is honouring him for his writings and speeches and the French Ambassador here Emmanuel Lenain has written to Tharoor informing him about the award. 

In 2010, Tharoor had received a similar honour from the Spanish government, when the King of Spain had bestowed upon him the Encomienda de la Real Order Espanola de Carlos III.

Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur was established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte.

It is the highest French order of merit, both military and civil.

Famous Temples in India (Art & Culture of India) – APSC Exam Notes

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Famous Temples in India – Art & Culture Notes for APSC, UPSC & State Exams

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Famous Temples in India

Temples in India

State

Features/facts

Lord Venkateswara Temple

Andhra Pradesh

The temple on Tirumala hills is also known as Tirupathi Balaji. It is the richest Hindu temple in the world.

The temple is in Dravidian Architecture style.

Mahabodhi Temple

Bihar

It is a Buddhist Stupa, discovered in 260 BC situated in Bodhgaya.

The Central Tower Of Mahabodhi is 180 feet tall i.e. 54 metres.

The brickwork depicts the life of Buddha.

Somnath Temple

Gujarat

Also known as Prabhas Patan and Deo Patan.

It is one of the 12 jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva.

There is no land in between seashores from Somnath temple to Antarctica.

1947 – Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel renovated the temple.

Constructed in Chalukya style

Dwarkadhish Temple

Gujarat

Also known as Jagat Mandir. It is one of the four Hindu pilgrimages (Char Dham). 

The original structure was destroyed by Mahmud Brgada in 1472. 

Presently, in the Chalukya architecture style.

Vaishno Devi Temple

Jammu & Kashmir

5200 feet above sea level atop Trikuta Hills.

It is a Cave temple.

Amarnath Temple

Jammu & Kashmir

A cave temple situated at an altitude of 3888 metres.

One of the 51 Shakti Peeth and Bhrigu Muni was the first to have discovered Amarnath.

Virupaksha Temple

Karnataka

It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Hampi, Bellari district.

Built by Lakkana Dandesha, a chieftain under the ruler Deva Raya II of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Gomateshwara Temple

Karnataka

The tallest monolithic statue in the world carved out of a single block of granite.

It is a Jain temple that is 57 feet high.

One of the largest free-standing statues in the world depicting the prolonged meditation of Bahubali.

Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Kerala

Build in the fusion of Chera and Dravidian style of architecture.

Khajuraho Temple

Madhya Pradesh

They are a group of temples built by the rulers of Chandela Dynasty.

There were 85 temples scattered over an area of 9 square miles, of which only 25 temples are remaining.

Famous for nagara style architecture and known for extensive erotic sculptures.

Sanchi Stupa

Madhya Pradesh

Commissioned by emperor Ashoka, it is the finest example of Mauryan sculpture.

It is the oldest stone structure in India.

The famous Ashoka Pillar i.e. four lions like that of Sarnath is found in Sanchi as well and are constructed in a Greco-Buddhist style.

Symbolises Buddha, i.e. a symbol of his final release from the cycle of birth and rebirth called the Parinirvana or ‘Final Dying.

Siddhivinayak Temple

Maharashtra

The richest Temple in India was constructed by Laxman Vithu & Dubai Patil in 1801.

Konark Sun Temple

Odisha

Build in the 13th century by King Narasimhadeva I (AD 1238-1264) during the Ganga Empire. 

It is conceived as a gigantic chariot of the Sun God built in Kalinga architecture.

 

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Jagannath Temple

Odisha

Called Yamanika Tirtha.

This temple in Puri is famous for its annual chariot festival, Ratha Yatra. 

The first Jagannath temple was commissioned by King Indradyumna.

Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are a trio of deities worshipped at the temple.

Golden Temple

Punjab

Build in the 15th century the temple is also known as Harmindar Sahib.

Temple was plated in Gold in 1980 from the wealth and material donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Ramanathaswamy Temple

Tamil Nadu

One of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples build in the 12th Century.

It has the longest corridor among all Hindu temples in India.

Built in Dravidian Architecture

Creators – Pandyas and Jaffna Kings

There are 64 Tīrthas i.e. holy water bodies in and around the island of Rameswaram.

One of the Char Dhams.

Meenakshi Temple

Tamil Nadu

Built by King Kulasekara Pandya -12-13 Century.

Dravidian Architecture and have over 40 inscriptions.

There are 985 richly carved pillars that depict scenes from the wedding of Meenakshi (Parvati) and Sundareswarar (Shiva).

It is famous for its 3 storied Gopuram at the main entrance. 

Ranganathaswamy Temple

Tamil Nadu

One of the most important of 108 (Divya Desam )Vishnu Temple.

Build in Dravidian Style, constructed in Vijayanagar Period. 

Located on the island formed by twin river- Cauvery & Coleroon

1st temple to be awarded by the UN Body for protecting and conserving cultural heritage.

Its Gopuram is the biggest Gopuram in Asia.

Brihadeeswara Temple

Tamil Nadu

Also known as Raja Rajeswara Temple located at Thanjavur.

This Dravidian style temple was built by the Chola emperor Raja Raja Chola I.

One of the tallest temples in India that is completely made of Granite.

It is one of the Great Living Chola Temples, along with Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple and Airavatesvara temple.

It is also called Dakshin Meru and is situated on the bank of Cauvery river.

Rajagopalaswamy Temple

Tamil Nadu

Created in Dravidian style, it is also called Dakshina Dwaraka.

It has one of the largest Temple tanks in India called Haridra Nadhi.

Nataraja Temple

Tamil Nadu

The temple wall carvings display all the 108 karanas from the Natya Shastra by Bharata Muni; these postures form the foundation of Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance.

Build in the 10th century when Chidambaram was the capital of the Chola dynasty.

It is one of the oldest surviving active temple complexes in South India

Vishwanath Temple

Uttar Pradesh

The original Vishwanath temple was destroyed by the army of Qutb-Uddin Aibak in 1194 CE when he defeated the Raja of Kannauj.

There is a small well in the temple called the Jnana Vapi also spelt as Gyaan Vapi

In 1669 CE, Emperor Aurangzeb destroyed the temple and built the Gyanvapi Mosque in its place.

In 1780, Malhar Rao’s daughter-in-law Ahilyabai Holkar constructed the present temple adjacent to the mosque

One of the 12 Jyotirlingas.

Badrinath Temple

Uttarakhand

Located in Garhwal hill along the banks of Alaknanda River, it is at an elevation of 3,133 metres i.e. 10,279 ft above the mean sea level.

The temple is mentioned in ancient religious texts like Vishnu Purana and Skanda Purana.

Yamunotri Temple

Uttarakhand

Situated at an altitude of 3,291 metres i.e. 10,797 ft.

It is located on the backdrop of Bandarpunch

Dedicated to goddess Yamuna

Paintings of India (Art & Culture of India) – APSC Notes

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Paintings of India – Art & Culture Notes for APSC, UPSC & State Exams

 

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The tradition of paintings has been carried on in the Indian subcontinent since the ancient times. With time, Indian classical paintings evolved to become a sort of blend of the various traditions influencing them.

In the beginning Indian painting was essentially religious in purpose. As time passed by Indian painting became a fusion of various culture and traditions. During the colonial era, Western influences started to make an impact on Indian art.

 

INDIAN PAINTING GENRES

Cave Painting : Cave paintings date back to the prehistoric times. The finest examples of these paintings comprise of the murals of Ajanta, Ellora, Bagh, Sittanavasal etc. It reflect an emphasis on naturalism.

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Madubani Painting : Madhubani painting originated in a small village known as Maithili of Bihar. Initially, the women folk of the village drew the paintings on the walls of their home, as an illustration of their thoughts, hopes and dreams.

Miniature Painting : Miniature paintings are handmade paintings, which are quite colourful, but small in size.   The peculiarity of these paintings is the intricate and delicate brush work, which lends them a unique identity.

Mughal Painting : Mughal painting is a particular style of Indian painting, generally confined to illustrations on the book and done in miniatures. It emerged, developed and took shape during the period of the Mughal Empire. Mughal painting reflects an exclusive combination of Indian, Persian and Islamic styles. 

Mysore Painting : Mysore painting is a form of  classical South Indian painting, which evolved in the Mysore city of   Karnataka. These paintings are known for their elegance, muted colours, and attention to detail. The Themes for most of these paintings are Hindu Gods and Goddesses and scenes from Hindu mythology.

Rajput Painting : Rajput painting originated in the royal states of Rajasthan. Each Rajput Kingdom evolved a distinct style, but with certain common features, Rajput paintings depict a number of themes, events of epics like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, Krishna’s life, beautiful landscapes, and humans. Miniatures were the preferred medium of Rajput painting.

Tanjore Painting : Tanjore Painting is one of the most popular forms of classical South Indian Paintings. It is the native art form of Thanjavur (also known as Tanjore) city of Tamil-Nadu. These dense composition, surface richness and vibrant colours of Indian Thanjavur paintings distinguish them from the other types of   paintings.   The themes for most of these paintings are Hindu Gods and Goddesses and scenes from Hindu mythology.

Pattachitra : Pattachitra refers to the folk painting of the state of Orissa, in the eastern region of India.‘Patta’ in Sanskrit means ‘Vastra’ or   ‘Clothings’ and ‘Chitra’ means paintings. The tradition of Pattachitra is closely linked with the worship of Lord Jagannath. The painters use vegetable and mineral colours without going for factory made poster colours. They prepare their own colours.

Bengal schools of painting : The Bengal School of Art was an influential style of art that flourished in India during the British Raj in the early 20th Century. It was associated with Indian   nationalism, but was  also supported and promoted by many British art administrators. The Bengal School’s influence in India declined with the spread of modernist ideas in the 1920s.