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STATECURRENTAFFAIRS

Himachal Pradesh launches artificial propagation programme of mahseer fishfor conservationMay 21, 2016

Himachal Pradesh fisheries department has started an artificial propagation programme for rehabilitation and conservation of

Golden Mahseer fish.

Under this programme, a hatchery has been set up in the state with an outlay of Rs 6 crore to rear mahseer fish and release its

fingerlings into the wild.

Population Decline

The population of the golden mahseer has seen decline in recent times in rivers of Himachal Pradesh as they are hunted forsport and food.

It also has declined due to various reasons such as construction of dams, barrages, indiscriminate fishing of juvenile andbrood fish, pollution, introduction of exotic species and habitat deterioration.

About Golden mahseer

Golden mahseer is the longest-living freshwater fish. It is also known as the tiger of Indian rivers and belongs to thegenus Tor.

It is native to mountain and sub-mountain regions and is found at altitudes of up to 2,000 metres above sea level.

During the southwest floods it migrates upstream for spawning and after spawning, it returns to the original feeding grounds

International Union of Conservation of Natural Resources (IUCN) has declared itendangered.

West Bengal Assembly Election 2016 ResultsMay 20, 2016

Ruling All India Trinamool Congress Party (TMC) under the leadership of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has emerged

victorious in the 2016 West Bengal Assembly Election.

TMC has won 211 seats i.e. two-third seats of total 295 seats. Coalition of Indian National Congress (INC) and Left combine

has won 76 seats emerging as largest opposition front.

West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC Supremo Mamta Banerjee has won from Bhabanipur Assembly Constituency.

Party wise Result

All India Trinamool Congress (TMC):211 seats.

Indian National Congress (INC):44 seats.

Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M):26 seats.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP):3 seats.

Revolutionary Socialist Party:3 seats.

Gorkha Janmukti Morcha:3 seats.

Communist Party of India (CPI):1 seat.

Independent:1 seat.

BackgroundWest Bengal legislative assembly election was held for the 294 seats (out of 295 seats). The Election Commission of India

had conducted election in six phases between 4 April 2016 and 5 May 2016. The first phase was held in Naxalite-Maoist

affected Red corridor areas with two polling dates, April 4 and April 11, 2016.

Tamil Nadu Assembly Election 2016 ResultsMay 20, 2016

Ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) Party under the leadership of Chief Minister J. Jayalalitha

has emerged victorious in the 2016 Tamil Nadu Assembly Election.

AIADMK Party emerged victorious by winning 134 seats (38.4% votes) out of 234 seats of the Legislative Assembly in thestate. The opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has won 89 seats (35.6% votes) while Indian National Congress

(INC) won 8 seats.

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With this victory, AIADMK Chief J. Jayalalitha became the first Chief Minister in 32 years to be voted back to power. She

won from Dr. RK Nagar constituency in Chennai.

DMK Patriarch M. Karunanidhi has won for a record 13th time (since 1956) from his home turf of Tiruvarur.

Background

The election for fifteenth Assembly of Tamil Nadu was held in single phase on 16 May 2016 for the 234 seats.

Assam Assembly Elect ion 2016 ResultsMay 19, 2016

Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and its alliance partners have won an absolute majority in 2016 Assam state assembly election by

winning 87 seats (16.46% votes) in the 126 member House.

BJP alone has won 60 seats (29.5% votes) on its own, thus making history by winning an Assam assembly election for the

first time.

BJPs ally Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) has won 14 seats (8.1% votes) while another ally Bodoland Peoples Front (BPF) has

bagged 13 seats (3.9% votes).

Indian National Congress (INC) has won 26 seats (31% votes), while its ally All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF)

won 13 seats (13% votes) and one seat was won be an independent candidate.

BJPs Chief Ministerial candidate Sarbananda Sonowal has won from Majuli seat, defeating his nearest rival by more than

18000 votes. Outgoing Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has won in Titabar seat, with a margin of over 17000 votes.

Background

The general election for the 14th Assam legislative assembly was held in two phases on April 4 and 11, 2016 to elect

members of the 126 constituencies in Assam.

The overall voters turnout was 84.72% which is highest in the history of Assam. The turnout saw an increase from the 2011

Assembly election turnout which was 75%.

Election Commission of India (ECI) also conducted trials of 2300 Voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) machines

attached along with EVMs (electronic voting machines) in 10 assembly constituencies in the state.

Kerala Assembly Election 2016 ResultsMay 19, 2016

The coalition of Left Democratic Front (LDF) has won the 2016 Kerala Assembly Election by the absolute majority by

winning 91 seats (44.94% votes) of the total 140 seats.

Among the LDF, Communist Party of India (Marxist)by winning 58 seatshas emerged single largest party. Other LDF

allies have won

Communist Party of India:19 seats.

Janata Dal (Secular):3 seats.

Nationalist Congress Party:2 seats.

Other LDF supporters:9 seats.

The United Democratic Front (UDF) led by outgoing Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has emerged as largest opposition

front. It has won total 47 seats (45.83% votes). Party wise result is as follows

Indian National Congress:22 seats.

Indian Union Muslim League:18 seats.

Kerala Congress (M):6 seats.

Kerala Congress (Jacob):1 seat.

BJP opens account in Kerala

Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) for the first time has managed to open an account in Kerala by winning single seat from the

Nemom constituency, a suburb of state capital Thiruvananthapuram. BJP was able to secure 10.60% votes in this election.

The seat was won by former Union minister O Rajagopal (86) who won by over 8000 votes. He becomes first BJP MLA in

Keralas 140-member assembly history.

Background

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The general election for the 14th Kerala legislative assembly was held on May 16, 2016 in single phase to elect

representatives of the 140 constituencies.

The voter turnout for this assembly election was higher at 77.35 per cent as compared to 75.12 per cent in the previous 2011

general election.

Odisha Government launches Green Passage Scheme for orphan students

May 18, 2016

Odisha Government has decided to launch Green Passage scheme for orphan students to ensure that they get free of cost

higher education in the state.

A proposal of the higher education department in this regard, was approved by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

As per the scheme

Orphan students pursuing higher education (from Plus-II level) to post-graduation level, will no longer have to bear theeducation expenses.

Students pursuing higher education will be exempted of tuition fees, admission fee and laboratory fees for higher studies.

It will be applicable to all government, government aided, private colleges and universities. Students also will be providedfree hostel facilities and food.

These educational institutions have to ensure that the orphan students are not charged in any form.

Worlds largest Single Rooftop Solar Power Plant inaugurated in AmritsarMay 18, 2016

Worlds largest single rooftop solar power plant of 11.5 MegaWatt (MW) capacity was inaugurated at Dera Baba Jaimal

Singh in Beas near Amritsar in Punjab.

This is the largest Solar Power Plant spread over 82 acres of rooftop in single campus on multiple roofs with installed

capacity of 19.5 MW.

Key facts

The plant has been set up with the cost of 139 crore rupees and would generate clean and green energy sufficient to powerapproximately 8,000 homes.

It will also help in abating 4-lakh tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the next 25 years.

The clean power produced from this plant will be purchased by the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) as perthe power purchase agreement signed Dera for 25 years.

The first phase (7.5 MW) of this project was launched in September 2013 and was synchronised with the grid in April 2014.

Later, the second phase (12 MW) was launched in February 2015 and synchronised in December 2015.

Besides, seven rooftop solar power plants of 8MW capacity were also inaugurated in Beas Dera campus. With this it

becomes the highest single campus generating solar power of 19.5 MW at multiple rooftops in the country.

Currently, Punjab is generating 470 MW of solar power and projects of 500 MW capacities are in the pipeline. On

completion of these projects, state would be able to generate solar power of close to 1,000 MW by the end of FY 2016-17.

Delhi Metro conducts trial run of countrys first driverless trainMay 18, 2016

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) conducted the trial run of the countrys first ever Metro train equipped to run in

the driverless mode.

The train was ceremonially flagged off by Union Minister for Urban Development M. Venkaiah Naidu and Delhi Chief

Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

The driverless trains will run on the over 58 km-long Majlish Park-Shiv Vihar (Line 7) and the over 38 km-long Janakpuri

(West)- Botanical Garden (Line 8) corridors of the Phase-III.

Key facts

This new-generation driverless metro train equipped to travel on Unattended Train Operations mode and is also withadvanced features.

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It is suitable to eventually run on UTO mode as the train has extremely high levels of automation. Thus, train operators willnot be required to operate these trains.

The Operations Control Centres (OCC) of the Delhi Metro system will directly regulate the movement of the trains.

The On-board CCTV cameras provides inside and outside view of the train. The images from CCTV can be directly accessedby the control centre in driverless mode.

In addition, a green Receiving Sub Station (RSS) was also inaugurated at Mukundpur. It will help to meet the power

requirements of the Majlis Park Shiv Vihar corridor. The RSS has been designed as a green structure with features such as

solar power plant, rain water harvesting and sewage water treatment facilities.

Justice Deepak Gupta sworn-in as Chief Justice of Chhattisgarh High CourtMay 17, 2016

Justice Deepak Gupta has sworn-in as the new Chief Justice (CJ) of the Chhattisgarh High Court.

He was administered the oath of office as per by Chhattisgarh Governor Balram Das Tandon at Raj Bhawan in Raipur as per

the provisions of the Article 219 of Constitution.

Background

Justice Deepak Gupta was transferred from Tripura High Court by President Pranab Mukherjee as per provisions Article 222

of Constitution. He was transferred by President following recommendation of the Supreme Court collegium headed by Chief Justice of India

(CJI) T.S. Thakur.

Prior to the transfer, Justice Naveen Sinha was Chief Justice of the Chhattisgarh High Court since 2013.

About Justice Deepak Gupta

Born on 7 May 1955 in Nurpur in Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh in a family of lawyers.

He started practicing law in the Himachal Pradesh High Court from 1978 receiving his Law degree from the Delhi Universityafter and continued till 2004.

He was elevated as Judge of Himachal Pradesh High Court in October 2004. He had served twice Acting Chief Justice of theHimachal Pradesh High Court.

Later he was transferred as the first Chief Justice of Tripura High Court in March 2013.

Justice Naveen Sinha sworn-in as Chief Justice of Rajasthan HCMay 14, 2016

Justice Naveen Sinha has sworn in as the 31st Chief Justice of Rajasthan.

He was administered the oath to the office by Governor Kalyan Singh as per the provisions of the Article 219 of

Constitution.

He was transfered by President Pranab Mukherjee as per provisions Article 222 of Constitution after following

recommendation of the Supreme Court collegium headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) T.S. Thakur.

Prior to the transfer, Justice Naveen Sinha was Chief Justice of the Chhattisgarh High Court since July 2014.

About Justice Naveen Sinha

Born on 19 August 1958. He had obtained LL.B. degree after completing a bachelors degree in arts.

He had joined bar in July 1979 and had practised for 23 years primarily at Patna High Court.

He was specialised in civil, constitutional, labour, service, commercial, company, criminal laws.

He was elevated as a judge of Patna High Court and later was made a permanent judge of in February 2004. He wastransferred to Chhattisgarh High Court as Chief Justice in July 2014.

UP Government approves bicycle highway between Taj and lion safariMay 12, 2016

Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has given its approval to develop over 197 km long bicycle highway from Agra up to the lion safariin Etawah to encourage eco-tourism in vicinity of Taj Mahal.

Decision in this regard was taken by State Cabinet meeting presided by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav.

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Key facts

The bicycle highway will not run along the Agra-Etawah main road but will cover various historical and tourism centres.

It will start from eastern gate of the Taj Mahal and will cover other historical areas such as Bateshwarnath Temple, Raja Bhojki Haveli, Mela Kothi Jarar, and Naugava ka Quila and other rural areas to reach lion safari in Etawah.

Other Cabinet Decisions

State Cabinet also approved the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana in the state from the Kharif season2016.

Transfer policy for 2016-17 for employee was approved. Under it Group A and B will be transferred from a district oncompletion of six years and 10 years in a division.

Cabinet also approved the construction cost for an international cricket stadium in Saifai.

Harish Rawat led Congress Government wins the Floor Test in UttarakhandAssemblyMay 11, 2016

Harish Rawat-led Congress Government has won the floor test in the state legislative assembly conducted on 10 May 2016

on the order of the Supreme Court.

In the floor test Harish Rawat Government recieved 33 votes against 28 votes out of 61 qualified members who voted in theassembly.

Based on this, the apex court has allowed Mr Rawat to assume office as Chief Minister after Presidents rule is revoked in the

state.

After the mandate of floor test in Uttarakhand Assembly, the Union Cabinet has taken decision to revoke President Rule in

Uttarakhand.

Background

The Himalayan state had plunged into a political crisis after nine legislators from ruling Congress had revolted against theChief Minister Harish Rawat.

It had brought government into minority in the 70-member state legislature. Since then President Rule under Article 356wasimposed in Uttarakhand in March 2016.

Prior to imposition of President Rule, 9 rebel legislators were disqualified by the speaker under the anti-defection law.

However, Harish Rawat had challenged the President Rule in the Uttarakhand High Court which in its April 21, 2016 orderhad quashed the President Rule.

Later, the Supreme Court on 5 May 2016 ordered to conduct of composite floor test in the Uttarakhand legislative assemblybased on its previous directives in theR. Bommai v. Union of India case.

MP Tourism wins Lonely Planets Best Indian Destination for Wildlife AwardMay 11, 2016

The Madhya Pradesh Tourism (MPT) won the Lonely Planet Groups Best Indian Destination for Wildlife Award.

The award was handed over to MPT at a function in Mumbai by actress Amy Jackson. On behalf of MPT Chairman, the

award was received by his Officer on Special Duty (OSD) Vinod Kumar Amar.

Madhya Pradesh located in Central India has 25 wild life sanctuaries including 9 National Parks. Among them Bandhavgarh,

Kanha and Pench are ideal habitat for tigers.

State Government has launched numerous programmes for the conservation of flora and fauna because of which Pench and

Kanha were regarded as the most beautiful national parks in Asia. While Pench and Bandhavgarh also are known all over

the world because of tiger reserves.

It should be noted that Lonely Planet is worlds largest travel guide book publisher owned by the American billionaire Brad

Kelleys NC2 Media since 2013.

Gujarat Government accords minori ty status to Jain communityMay 8, 2016

The Gujarat Government has accorded minority status to the Jain community in the state.

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In this regard state government has issued a government resolution (GR) giving minority status to the Jain community.

Key facts

The decision has nothing to do with reservations and the new status will benefit the poor among the Jain community.

The poor among the minority community can avail of various scholarships, government welfare schemes.

Jain institutions will also get special status like the one given to Christian and Muslim institutions as per Article 30 of IndianConstitution.

The previous UPA Government at the Centre had conferred the minority status on the Jain community at the national level in

January 2014. Jains were the 6th community to have minority status afterMuslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis.

Under the Constitution, religious and linguistic minorities enjoy special rights. The minority status helps to give

constitutional safeguards to minority communities and make them eligible for welfare programmes of the Union Minority

Affairs Ministry.

Karnataka Government decides to set up Asias first Rice Technology Park inGangavatiMay 8, 2016

Karnataka Government has decided to go ahead with the establishment of Asias first Rice Technology Park at Gangavati in

Koppal district.

Apart from it state government has decided to set upa Maize Technology Park at Ranebennur in Haveri district.

Key facts

Both parks will be established on the public-private participation model as a one-stop solution to all problems of rice andmaize growers.

As a value addition, the rice technology park would have facilities for rice flour, rice bran oil, rice rava, rice-based alcohol,noodles, animal and poultry feed and paddy husk used for power generation and brick-making.

These parks would pave the way for opening new avenues for rice and maize growers.

It will help growers to add value to their produce and get better returns and also enhance quality of the produce.

Andhra Pradesh Hari ta-Priya Agriculture Project wins 2016 WSIS PrizeMay 5, 2016

Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Project has won the prestigious World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) 2016 prize

in the e-Agriculture category.

Harita-Priya (Harmonized Information of Agriculture, Revenue and Irrigation for a Transformation Agenda Precision

Technology for Agriculture) Project is meant to collect very specific climate data from farms and give farmers personalised

information through SMS.

Key facts

The Harita-Priya Project uses wireless sensor networks to collect micro-climatic information from farms.

The data is used to create advisories and alerts on irrigation schedules and pests and plant diseases.

Based on this state agriculture officers disseminate personalised crop advisories in Telugu language to farmers by way ofSMS.

The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) in Hyderabad has developed the project and is having a pilotrun in Anantpur district.

Andhra Pradesh government, Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA), Indian Council of AgriculturalResearch (ICAR) station and Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University also have partnered for the project.

BHEL commissions 600 MW thermal power plant in Madhya PradeshMay 4, 2016

Public Sector Power equipment manufacturer Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has commissioned 600 MW coal-

based thermal power plant in Madhya Pradesh.

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The unit was commissioned at the 1600 MW Jhabua Thermal Power Project (TPP) located in Seoni district in Madhya

Pradesh.

The project has been developed by Jhabua Power Ltd (JPL), a subsidiary of Avantha Power & Infrastructure Limited (APIL).

This is the second project of APIL commissioned by BHEL after the 1600 MW Avantha Bhandar TPP at Raigarh in

Chhattisgarh.

Presently, BHEL is also executing two supercritical units of 800 MW for NTPC at Gadarwara in Madhya Pradesh.

BHEL is a power plant equipment manufacturer completely owned by Union Government. It is largest engineering and

manufacturing company of its kind in India. It was established in 1964 and was awarded a Maharatna Company status in

2013.

Andhra Pradesh Government launches Chandranna Bima YojanaMay 3, 2016

Andhra Pradesh Government has launched Chandranna Bima Yojana, an insurance scheme for the working class people.

The scheme was launched by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on the occasion of May Day in Vijayawada.

About Chandranna Bima Yojana

Any insured worker who meets an accidental death and permanent disability will be paid 5 lakh rupees.

Any insured worker who suffers partial disability will be paid 3 lakh rupees.

Under it, about 1.5 crore workers of the state will be covered.

Former J&K Minister Romesh Sharma passes awayMay 3, 2016

Former Jammu and Kashmir Minister and senior Congress leader Romesh Sharma passed away after a prolonged illness in

New Delhi. He was 65.

By profession Mr. Sharma was an Ayurvedic doctor. He had joined politics in 2000 and won the state Assembly elections in

2002 from Nowshera Constituency.He had served as MoS (Minister of State) Commerce and Industries in late Chief Minister Mufti Sayeeds led PDP-Congress

government in 2002. Later he had served as MoS PHE and Flood Irrigation Control in CM Ghulam Nabi Azad led

government till 2008.

Maharashtra Government launches Adi Praman app for caste validitycertificateMay 1, 2016

Maharashtra Government has launched Adi Praman, a web-based application for states tribal population to get the caste

validity certificates online.It was launched along with portal namedetribalvalidity.mahaonline@gov.in by Maharashtra Governor C Vidyasagar Rao.

The application is first of its kind for any state in India.

Key features of Adi Praman

The tribal people from the state can obtain caste validity certificates online using this application.

The validity certificate will be bar-coded with a unique identification number and enable authorities to directly verify thestatus of validity certificate using the unique barcode number.

The web portal will show the real-time status of the applications through email and text messages.

The applicants will also be informed on the status of their application through SMS alert and Email.

The app will make the entire process of securing caste validity certificate easy, fast and transparent and would effectivelycurb the menace of bogus certificates.

It will also help the state government to achieve the goal of inclusion as envisioned under the Digital India programme.

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About Odisha Ski ll Development Author ity

Aims to unify the initiatives on the ground and create momentum for unemployed youth to receive skill-based training tomake them employable in the state.

Functions:It will be overseeing skill development programmes in the state. It will also guide state government to implementand oversee all skill development programmes in the state.

Earlier in January 2016, Odisha Government had roped Sam Pitroda as its technology adviser for development of telecom,

electronics, IT, ITES sectors.

EC launches mobile app e-voter for Kerala assembly pollsApril 29, 2016

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched an innovative mobile application titled e-voterwith comprehensive

details about the forthcoming 2016 Assembly polls in Kerala.

The app is envisaged for voters facilitation for search in electoral roll, information regarding candidates, location of polling

station, affidavit filed by them, filing of complaint and so on.

Key facts

The e-voter app was developed by the state IT Mission. It aims at ensuring great transparency and conduct of free and fairelections.

The app has know your candidate option that would provide constituency wise details of candidates.

It has constituency list option that would give segment wise details of voters (total number of voters, number of male votersand female voters) and total polling stations.

The app will also provide information about previous elections results and names of Chief Ministers.

The e-voter app can be downloaded from the Google Play store and can be installed on any android phone

SC stays Uttarakhand HCs order revoking Presidents rule in UttarakhandApril 22, 2016

The Supreme Court has stayed the judgement of the Uttarakhand High Court quashing the imposition of Presidents rule

imposed under Article 356 in the Constitution till April 27, 2016.

With this President rule has been again restored in Uttarakhand as the High Court judgement will be kept in abeyance till the

next date of hearing of SC.

The apex court stay order came after the Union Government had moved the Court against the Uttarakhand High Court

verdict quashing Presidents rule in the state.

Background

Uttarakhand High Court Order:On 21 April 2016, Uttarakhand HC had quashed the imposition of President Rule in thestate. It also had revived the term of Congress Government headed by Harish Rawat and had asked him to prove his majorityon 29 April 2016.

Political Crisis:The Himalayan had plunged into a political crisis after nine legislators from ruling Congress part includingformer chief minister Vijay Bahuguna had revolted against the Chief Minister Harish Rawat. Since then the state was underthePresidents Rule.

Goa Government appoints Justice PK Mishra as LokayuktaApril 20, 2016

Goa Government has decided to appoint former Chief Justice of Patna High Court Justice P.K.Mishra as Lokayukta of the

state.

It was announced by the Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar after state government obtained the concurrence of the Chief

Justice of Bombay High Court and the Leader of Opposition in the Goa Assembly as stipulated in the Lokayukta Act.

Now the state Cabinet will be recommend name of Justice Mishra to the Governor of Goa for appointment. Justice Mishra

earlier had worked as the Chairman of the Goa State Human Rights Commission.

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The post of the Lokayukta in the state was vacant for the last two years. Goas first Lokayukta Justice (Retd) Sudarshan

Reddy had resigned within seven months of his appointment in October 2013 and since then the post was vacant for more

than two years.

Presidents decision is subject to judicial review: Uttarakhand HCApril 20, 2016

The Uttarakhand High Court has observed that the legitimacy of Presidents decision to suspend the state assembly under

Presidents rule is subject to judicial review.

Observation in this regard was given by a HC bench comprising of Chief Justice K M Joseph and Justice V K Bist. The

bench was hearing arguments on the petition filed by the ousted Chief Minister Harish Rawat challenging imposition of

Presidents rule in Uttarakhand.

HC observed that President can take wrong decisions by referring to Union Governments argument that he took the decision

to impose President Rule under Article 356 of the Constitution in his political wisdom.

It also ruled that legitimacy of inference drawn by President from the material placed before him by Governor is open to

judicial review.

Maharashtra Government to use hologram technique to check spurious liquorApril 19, 2016

Maharashtra Government has decided to make it mandatory to have a hologram on every alcohol bottle manufactured and

sold in the state in order to check sale of spurious liquor.

Henceforth, no liquor bottle will be allowed to be sold in the state without the hologram. The decision was taken keeping in

mind the 2015 tragedy at Malwani where about 100 people died after consuming spurious liquor.

How it will work?

It will be mandatory to paste polyester base track and trace hologram on every alcohol bottle.

It will be supported by a mobile application that will be developed by the Government and will be made available at free ofcost.

When the mobile app is brought in contact with the hologram, it will immediately generate a green or red mark.

The mark generated will indicate the buyer whether the liquor, wine, country made liquor, Indian Made Foreign Liquor(IMFL) is fake or genuine.

Besides, this technique will also help prevent loss of revenue due to cheap liquor being imported into Maharashtra fromneighbouring States.

Maharashtra Government bans digging of bore wells beyond 200 feetApril 19, 2016

Maharashtra Government has banned digging of borewells beyond 200 feet in order to check the steep decline in ground

water level across the state.

It was announced by Water Supply and Sanitation Minister Babanrao Lonikar. State Government has taken this decision in

the wake for severe drought and decreasing ground water level across various regions in the state.

This ban will be implemented under theMaharashtra Groundwater Development and Management Actin order to control

the excess water pumping through borewell. Henceforth, digging of borewell that violates prescribed rules will punishable

offence. The violators of the rule would now face fine or even imprisonment.

Delhi Government launches Phase 2 of odd-even schemeApril 17, 2016

Delhi Government has launched the second phase of odd-even car rationing scheme to check pollution in the national capital.

The second phase will be from 15 April 2016 till 30 April 2016. The scheme aims at curbing vehicular pollution and

reducing traffic congestion on the roads of NCR Delhi.

Key facts Under it, four wheelers with licence plates ending in an odd number will ply on odd dates and those ending with an even

number can run on even dates.

It will be between 8am and 8pm and on Sunday no restrictions are applied. The penalty in case of a violation is Rs. 2,000.

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During this implementation, public transport including buses and the Metro will be run at high frequency. Residents arebeing urged to carpool in order to reduce pressure on public transport.

Exemptions:President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Union Ministers and other VIPs have been exempted. Besidesemergency vehicles, vehicles driven by women, CNG vehicles and cars carrying school children in uniforms will be alsoexempted.

Jharkhand Government launches Bhimrao Ambedkar Awas Yojana for

widowsApril 17, 2016

Jharkhand Government has launched Bhimrao Ambedkar Awas Yojana for widows to create equality and harmony in

society, ensuring all round development enshrined in the Constitution.

It was launched by Chief Minister Raghubar Das on the occasion of 125th birth anniversary of Dr. B R Ambedkar.

Key facts

The scheme (Yojana) aims at building 11000 units (houses) for widows in 2016-17 financial year with the budgetaryallocation of 80 crore rupees.

Under it, beneficiaries would get an amount of 75000 rupees to build a house in hilly terrains districts and 70000 rupees inplains area.

The amount would be distributed among the beneficiaries in three installments directly in their bank accounts. Under itwidows will also get pension.

Maharashtra becomes first state to pass law against social boycottApril 14, 2016

The Maharashtra legislature has unanimously passed theMaharashtra Prohibition of People from Social Boycott

(Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Bill, 2016 to end the menace social boycott practiced by extra-judicial institutions

like caste and community panchayats.

With this Maharashtra became first state in the country to adopt a comprehensive law to root out oppression carried out by

parallel justice delivery system (kangaroo court) in the name of age old traditions, caste and religion.

Key Features of Bill

The Bill terms social boycott as a crime and says anybody indulging in it would face imprisonment maximum upto threeyears and a fine of 1 lakh rupees or both.

It disallows social boycott of any individual or groups by caste panchayats or groups of individuals or gavki or by itsmembers or by social or economically influential persons.

Persons involved in practice of social boycott for reasons like rituals of worship, inter-caste marriage, any connection tolifestyle, dress or vocation will face stringent punishment.

The offence registered under the act will be congnizable and bailable. It will be tried by a judicial magistrate of the first class.

The victim of social boycott or any member of the victims family can file a complaint either to police or directly to themagistrate.

The bill has indicated speedy trial within six months of filing chargesheet in such cases in order to ensure time-bound results.

Government will recruit social boycott prohibition officers to ensure monitoring and to detect offences and assist the

magistrate and police officers in tackling such cases.Background

In recent times, Maharashtra had witnessed an increasing number of incidents of social boycott and violence at the orders of

caste panchayats. However, existing laws were found to be inadequate in dealing with such practices. For years, number of

activists and academicians in the state were demanding stringent law to root out menace of social boycotts from the state.

Haryana Government decides to rename Gurgaon as GurugramApril 12, 2016

Haryana Government has decided to rename Gurgaon as Gurugram. State government also has renamed Mewat as Nuh. In

this regard, Chief Minister Manohar Lal has approved the proposal to change the names of Gurgaon and Mewat.

Decision to change the name of Gurgaon has been taken on the basis of the representations received at several forums. Since

ancient times, Gurgaon had been a centre of learning where the princes used to get education and known as Gurugram since

the times of Guru Dronacharya.

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The town had derived its name Gurugram from Guru Dronacharya, who was gifted the village as gurudakshina by the

Pandavas, his students. In the course of time got distorted to Gurgaon.

While, Mewat is not a town and in fact it is a geographical and cultural unit spread beyond Haryana in the adjoining States of

Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. The Headquarters of Mewat district is at Nuh town. The elected representatives and the people

of area had been demanding that the name of Mewat be changed as Nuh.

Sajibu Cheiraoba festival celebrated in Manipur with religious fervorApril 9, 2016

The traditional festival of Sajibu Cheiraoba was celebrated in Manipur to mark the beginning of a new year with cultural

gusto and religious fervor.

The festival is mainly observed on the first lunar day of the lunar month Sajibu (March/April) by the Meiteis community, a

majority ethnic group of Manipur.

Celebrations

On the occasion of Sajibu Cheiraoba, People clean and decorate their houses and arrange joint family feast. Traditional

cuisines are offered to local deities at the entrance gates of the houses.

After meals, people start climbing nearby hills in the afternoon to offer prayers. Thabal Chongba, a local folk dance is also

being organized at different locations of Manipur valley.

Rajasthan becomes the first state to pass land tit le BillApril 9, 2016

Rajasthan state assembly passed the Rajasthan Urban Land (Certification of Titles) Bills, 2016 for providing statutory

backing to land records

With this Rajasthan has become the first state to pass land title bill for effectively guaranteeing land and property ownership.

Key provisions of the bill

State residents living in urban areas, which are governed by the municipalities or state development authorities, can seek acertificate of ownership of their lands by paying a nominal fee to the state government.

The state government will set up an authority which will be headed by an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Officer. The authority will seek all the documents from the landowners, and will verify it against records held by the state. It will first

issue a provisional certificate for which the state will not stand guarantee.

If there are no objections or dispute arises, the authority will issue a certificate and a map to the owner with state guarantee.

This Bill is seen as one of the key steps towards land reforms as it will create an efficient and transparent modern land

market, provide certainty of tenure and end litigation that often mires development projects. It will give a clear title to the

owner and will reduce litigations in the courts.

Union Government gives nod to Indias first Metrino Pod Taxi projectApril 9, 2016

The Union Government has approved countrys first Metrino Pod project i.e. personal rapid transit (PRT) network for

Gurgaon, Haryana.

It was announced by Haryana Public Works (Building and Roads) Minister, Rao Narbir Singh. It will be completely private

project and as for financing, the entire investment will be made by the private company that sets up the PRT.

Key facts

The pilot project will span a 13 km stretch from the Gurgaon-Delhi border to Badshapur Mod on Sohna Road.

The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has submitted the feasibility report for this project.

The private company implementing project will recover its investment in 25 years through tickets. The fare of Metrino Podtaxi would be similar to that of Metro.

What is Personal rapid transit (PRT) network?

A PRT network is made up of small automated vehicles (dubbed as pod) running at close intervals on a guideway withdocking stations for passengers to get on and get off.

The pod can accommodate up to five people. The average speed of the pods is 60kmph

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Passengers have an option to hire an entire pod that will take a passenger straight to the destination, skipping the scheduledstops.

Odisha Government launches Adarsh Vidyalaya ProjectApril 7, 2016

Odisha Government has launched Adarsh Vidyalaya (AV) project to provide modern schools facilities on the lines of

Kendriya Vidyalayas in the underdeveloped rural areas of the state.

It was launched by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at Sasan Ambagaon village in his home constituency Hinjli in

Ganjam district.

Key features of the project

Schools under AV project will provide free education to students the classes from VI to XII along with free uniforms andother study materials.

These schools will be affiliated under the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and shall have hostel facility infuture.

Under this project, one Adarsh Vidyalaya will be set up in each of the 314 revenue blocks of the state.

They will be managed by the Odisha Adarsh Vidyalaya Sangathan (AVS) and will be formed on the lines of the KendriyaVidyalaya Sangathan (KVS).

In these schools, English will be the first language and Odia will be the second language as medium of instruction.

The project will be implemented in phases and in the first phase 100 such schools will start functioning on 5 April 2016.

The teacher-pupil ratio of these schools will be 1:25 and classroom-student ratio of 1:40. 50 per cent of total seats will bereserved for the girls and scheduled categories.

Foundation stone for Haryanas first Horticulture University laid in KarnalApril 7, 2016

Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Radha Mohan Singhlaid the foundation stone of Haryana State University

of Horticultural Sciences at Karnal.

It is the first Horticulture University in the state that will cater the needs to support the gap between research, teaching and

extension activities in the state.

Key facts

The Horticulture University will be built on 118 acres to disseminate latest technology and horticulture education to theyoung generation.

It will help in improving productivity levels by promoting adaptation of appropriate crop diversification to suit the agroclimatic conditions of the region.

It will also act as a skill development centre in order to cater the larger demand for skilled (trained) manpower in theproduction, post-harvest and processing industries.

BHEL commissions Andhra Pradeshs first canal top solar plant atBhimavaram

April 7, 2016

Public Sector Power equipment manufacturer Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has commissioned a seasonwise

tiltable canal top solar PV plant at Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh.

It is the first canal top project in Andhra Pradesh and also of its kind project to be executed by BHEL.

Key facts

The project has been developed by New and Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh Ltd(NREDCAP).

Its power generation is about 10 per cent more than a fixed Module Mounting Arrangement (MMA).

It also has movable walkway which provides easy access, facilitating efficient maintenance of the plant.

The plant has elevated control room with bottom cable entry which prevents it from the water during floods.

The Module Mounting Structure (MMS) of the plant has a unique design which incorporates additional functionalities likecable support, lighting and fencing.

Bihar Government imposes complete ban on alcohol

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April 5, 2016

Bihar Government has taken a decision to completely ban on all types of liquor (alcohol) throughout the state including

Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL).

Decision in this regard was taken by the state cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in Patna. Earlier on 1st April

2016, state government had banned country made liquor in the state except IMFL in the first phase.

Now in the second phase, foreign liquor (IMFL) will also be banned with immediate effect. The production, sale and

business of all types of liquor have been banned in the state.Henceforth person found indulging in manufacturing trade, transportation, sale and consumption of liquor across the state

will be punished under the stringent provisions of the Bihar Excise (Amendment) Act, 2016.

The Act has various stringent provisions including awarding capital punishment for those who manufacture and sell illicit

liquor that causes death.

Alcohol prohibition in India is in force:Gujarat, Nagaland, Lakshadweep (UT) and parts of Manipur.Since

2014, Keralahas been implementing prohibition in a phased manner.

Worlds first White Tiger Safari opens in Madhya PradeshApril 5, 2016

Worlds first White Tiger Safari was inaugurated at Mukundpur in Satna district of Madhya Pradesh.

It was inaugurated and opened to public by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

The first of its kind safari is situated adjacent to the Mukundpur Zoological Park. It is spread over an area of 25 hectares and

has been built at cost of 50 crore rupees.

The safari houses three white tigers, including two females named Vindhya and Radha and one male named Raghu.

Background

The first white tiger in Madhya Pradeshs was spotted in Vindhya region in 1915. However, the rare breed of the big cat

spotted for first time died in 1920.

In 1951, a white tiger cub named Mohan was captured by Rewa Maharaja Martand Singh. Later the cub later became the

progenitor of all known white tigers in the world after the Maharaja arranged for its breeding.

White Tigers in India: It is a pigmentation variant of the Bengal tiger. They have been reported in the wild from time to

time in the Indian states of Assam, West Bengal, Bihar.

These tigers have white fur because lack of the pigment pheomelanin, which is found in Bengal tigers with orange colour

fur.

Mehbooba Mufti sworn in as first woman Chief Minister of Jammu & KashmirApril 4, 2016

Mehbooba Mufti Sayeed (56) took oath as the first woman Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, bringing to an end the

three-month Governors Rule in the state.

She was administered oath to the office by Governor NN Vohra at Raj Bhawan in the winter capital city of Jammu. Along

with her 22 member council of ministers from BJP-PDP alliance also took oath. BJP leader Nirmal Singh took oath as

Deputy Chief Minister of the state.

Mehbooba Mufti succeeds her father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in the role who had died in January 2016.

She is also second Muslim woman to become the Chief Minister of a state in India after Syeda Anwara Taimur who had

served as the first Muslim woman CM of Assam from 1980 to 1981.

About Mehbooba Mufti Sayeed

Born on 22 May 1959 in Akhran Nowpora, Jammu and Kashmir.

She is the president of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

She is currently a Member of Parliament, representing Anantnag constituency in the 16th Lok Sabha and shall vacate thisrole in light of her Chief Ministership.

Previously, she also had represented Anantnag constituency in the 14th Lok Sabha (2004-09).

Background

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After the death of then CM Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on 7 January 2016 due to ill health, the state government of J&K had

lapsed. Since then it was under the Governors rule.

The PDP-BJP coalition has 56 MLAs in the 87-member J&K Assembly. The PDP have 27 members while BJP have 25.

Indian Scientists develop biopolymer for water puri ficationApril 4, 2016

Indian scientists have developed an eco-friendly biopolymer using nanotechnology for water-softening and water purificationapplications.

It was developed by the team of scientists from Guwahati (Assam) based Institute of Advance Study in Science &

Technology (IASST).

Key highlights of research

The eco-friendly biopolymer has been created using a naturally occurring substance, called chitosan.

The chitosan has been obtained naturally from the hard outer skeleton of shellfish including crab, lobster, and shrimp as abackbone for the carbon nanoparticles to sit on.

In this biopolymer, nanoparticles are the functional parts of the technology as they remove calcium and magnesiumcomponents of water through ion exchange. Thus, it shows the same process that is used by common water purifiers.

Significance:This natural material is the first of its kind with potential to act as a biodegradable and green material for

water-softening applications. Potential Applications:This eco-friendly biodegradable biopolymer can be used in civic water treatment plants for

generating potable water.

It will reduce dependency on conventional water-softening techniques that uses synthetic resins as they do not have veryeffective water-softening methods and produced very crude treated water.

Germanys Development Bank KfW to provide loan assistance to metrosystem for NagpurApril 2, 2016

Germanys Development Bank KfW will provide loan assistance of 3750 crore rupees for the modern and sustainable metro

system for Nagpur city.

In this regard, a loan agreement was signed by Joint Secretary in Department of Economic Affairs S Selvaraj and Director

General of KfW Roland Siller in New Delhi.

The loan period is 20 years with a moratorium of 5 years and disbursal will be based on the progress of the project over three

years.

With this Nagpur metro project becomes first metro to be financed under the Indo-German partnership for clean, socially

inclusive and climate friendly mobility for people in cities.

The project is being executed by Nagpur Metro Rail Corporation Limited and its total costing is of 8,680 crore rupees.

Kachhabali becomes first l iquor-free village in RajasthanApril 1, 2016

Kachhabali village in Bhim tehsil of Rajsamand district has become the first in Rajasthan to liquor-free village.

The village achieved this feat after villagers voted to close down its lone liquor shop to stop alcohol sale in village in the

referendum by 67.11%.

The referendum was conducted by the excise department of the state. It is for the first time the provision of the Rajasthan

Excise Act, 1975, that provides for the closure of a country liquor shop, was invoked.

Under this provision of the Act, 51% of all registered voters not just those present and voting should opt to close down the

shop.

Prior to conducting the poll, at least 20% of the voters of the Gram Panchayat or municipal Ward must seek a referendum on

the issue in a letter to the district collector.

Bihar Government partially bans sale of country-made and spiced liquorApril 1, 2016

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Bihar Government has banned the sale of country-made liquor and spiced liquor throughout the state in the first phase.

Person found indulging in manufacturing trade, transportation, sale and consumption of country-made and spiced liquor

across the state will be punished under the stringent provisions of theBihar Excise (Amendment) Act, 2016.

The Act has various stringent provisions including awarding capital punishment for those who manufacture and sell illicit

liquor that causes death.

However this ban will be not valid to Indian Manufactured Foreign Liquor (IMFL) sold in Municipal and Town Council

areas through retail outlets of the Bihar State Beverage Corporation Limited. However state government is also planning to

ban the sale of foreign liquor in the second phase.

SHOs across the State would be only responsible for ensuring total ban on production, sale and consumption of country-

made liquors. In case of violation, SHOs would be immediately suspended and even its revocation may not guarantee

posting on the same job for six months.

Telangana Government launches M-Wallet Mobile AppMarch 31, 2016

Telangana Government has launched M-Wallet, new mobile app to facilitate citizens to get digital copies of documents like

driving licence and registration certificate.

It was launched by Telangana IT minister KT Rama Rao and Transport Minister P Mahender Reddy in Hyderabad. It is first

of its kind application to be launched in any state of India.

Key features of M-Wallet

M-wallet mobile application has been developed by Telangana Road Transport Authority for the Transport Department of theTelangana Government.

It helps user to download digital copies of documents like driving licence and registration certificate.

These digital documents could be produced by the users before the police and RTA authorities when demanded.

The application lets user to auto-fetch documents and also share documents. It also allows user to have all the documents onone single screen.

The documents downloaded once using application will be saved for future use in it. Using this application user can addmultiple vehicles owned by him.

Haryana becomes first to launch in jectable contraceptiveMarch 29, 2016

Haryana became the first state in the country to implement the use of injectable contraceptives as a family planning measure.

In this regard, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has launchedProject Salamatiin assistance of Pathfinder International.

Key facts

Under the Project Salamati, injectable contraceptives would be available free of cost at all primary health centres, communityhealth centres, sub divisional and district hospitals.

The sole aim of the project is to maintain healthy gap between the births of children by using injectable contraceptive.

It is being implemented by state health department and will be initially implemented in nine health blocks of four districts ofthe state.

These four health blocks are in district Palwal, 3 in district Mewat, Kurali block in district Faridabad and Khor block indistrict Rewari.

These districts have been chosen as a pilot project, as mother and infant mortality rate in these districts are more as comparedto other districts.

After the success of this project in these selected districts, it would be implemented throughout the state.

Pathfinder International: It is a global non-profit organization that focuses on reproductive health, family planning,

HIV/AIDS prevention and care, and maternal health.

BHEL commissions 40 MW hydropower plant in West BengalMarch 29, 2016

Public Sector Power equipment manufacturer Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has commissioned the second 40MW hydropower generating unit at the Teesta low dam hydroelectric project (HEP) stage IV in West Bengal.

The hydropower generating unit was successfully installed at the Teesta low dam HEP, a run-of-the-river greenfield project,

located in Darjeeling district of the West Bengal.

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Key facts

Teesta low dam HEP is being set up by National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC).

BHELs Bhopal, Jhansi, Rudrapur, Mumbai and Bengaluru facilities had supplied equipment for the project and execution ofwork was undertaken on site is being.

The estimated annual energy (power) generation from the project is around 720 million units.

It is expected to reduce green-house gas (GHGs) emissions and will help in achieving a low carbon development path for thestate as well as the nation.

So far, BHEL has commissioned nearly 400 hydro generating sets of various ratings with a cumulative capacity of around

20,000 MW in the country.

Presidents Rule imposed in UttarakhandMarch 28, 2016

President Pranab Mukherjee has imposed Presents Rule (State Emergency) in the state of Uttarakhand in the wake of

constitutional breakdown under Article 356of Constitution.

In this regard, President has signed the proclamation state Emergency based on the recommendation of the Union Cabinet.

With this proclamation, Congress Government headed by Chief Minister Harish Rawat ceased to function and the state

Assembly has been suspended.

Background

The constitutional breakdown in state was due rebellion in the ruling Congress Government after its nine rebel MLAsrebelled, bringing government in minority in the state legislature.

These 9 rebel MLAs were disqualified by the speaker under the anti-defection law. This disqualification had reduced thestrength of the 70-member house to 61. So the final tally of Congress MLAs was 27 and BJP had 28 MLAs.

About President s Rule

Article 356 empowers the President to issue a proclamation of Presents Rule (State Emergency), if he is satisfied that

situation has arisen in which government of a state cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the

Constitution. Notably, he can act accordance with the report of the Governor or without it.

Andhra Pradesh Government inaugurates countrys f irst lif t i rrigation projectMarch 26, 2016

Andhra Pradesh government inaugurated Indias first river linking project viz. Pattiseema lift irrigation project connecting

Godavari River with Krishna River from the ongoing Polavaram Multi-purpose Irrigation Project.

The project has been completed in a record time of one year by the Hyderabad-based Megha Engineering and Infrastructure

Limited (MEIL).

Key facts

The project has capactiry to lift 80 tmc (trillion metric cubic feet) of flood water from Godavari River in a span of 110 daysduring the flooding season between July and October.

Water is pumped up to a nearby point and discharged into Polavaram Right Main Canal that flows under gravity to a

tributary of River Krishna about 170 km.

The project contains 24 pumps and 24 motors of 5,300 HP and 6,300 HP respectively with a combined capacity to discharge8,500 cusecs of water.

The project requires 113 mw of power to run all the 24 pumps as each motor require 4.7 mw of power to lift the water.

The first pump of this Godavari-Krishna linking project was installed and switched on in September 2015. It will benefit the

people especially farmers in the Krishna delta in terms of timely availability and adequate quantities of water.

Polavarm project: It was declared as a national project under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 and was being

funded by the Union Government. It is being built on Godavari River.

Mizoram Government, JICA ink MoU for promoting Sustainable Agriculture

March 26, 2016Mizoram government and Japanese International Cooperative Agency (JICA) have signed Memorandum of Understanding

(MoU) on Capacity Enhancement for Sustainable Agriculture and Irrigation Development.

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It was signed by the State government officials of Agriculture, Minor Irrigation, Horticulture and Soil and Water

Conservation departments.

The MoU will pave way for experts of the Japanese company to undertake technical cooperation project on the companys

expense in four rural development blocks in Aizawl, Serchhip, Kolasib and Champhai districts.

The project will be undertaken based on the development study conducted by JICAduring 2013 and 201. Based on this study,

it had formulated a master plan covering 20 years and the technical cooperation project would commence from October 2016

till September 2021.

Under it training programmes would be conducted in Japan both for farmers and officials from Mizoram for three times and

the expenses would be borne by the Japanese government.

Goa Government accords heritage spir it status to country liquor FeniMarch 18, 2016

Goa government has classified Feni, country liquor as the heritage spirit of the state.

In this regard, state government has opined not categorise it as country liquor as it is presently defined under the Goa Excise

Duty Act, 1964. State government also has proposed to bring an amendment to the Act to change the status.

Key facts

Feni is a form of spirit produced exclusively in the coastal state of Goa. It is a distilled brew made from coconut or cashewfruits.

It was accorded Geographical indication (GI) tag in 2000. It was the first liquor product in the country to obtain this status.

It is synonymous with the state ethos and identity and is used in various cultural traditions, cuisines as well as known for itsmedicinal value also.

Punjab Government notifies swine flu under Epidemic Disease ActMarch 18, 2016

Punjab Government has notified swine flu (H1N1) under the Epidemic Disease Act to prevent the spread of disease in the

state.

In the regard, Health and Family Welfare Department of state has issued notification based on recommendations of state

advisory committee headed by Dr. D Behera.

Key highlights of notification

All government and private hospitals in state will have to inform the Health Department about a case of ILI (Influenza likeIllness) having chronic diseases.

Such medical cases should be treated as early as possible and proper guidelines of the government should be followed.

All hospitals within state will have to keep suspected as well as confirmed cases (patients) of swine flu in isolation in order tocontain the spread of the disease.

It will be mandatory for all hospitals to inform the Health department in case a suspected or confirmed case of swine flu isreported.

For all the patients infected by swine flu, treatment will be provided free of cost as recommended by the Government.

Background

Dr. D Behera advisory committee had observed that swine flu (H1N1) patients in state who have suffered from other chronic

diseases had a high mortality rate as compared to patients who did not have chronic diseases. It also had mentioned that

patients who were treated by private doctors were referred to higher centres only after they became critical, which had

increased the death rate.

Swine flu (swine influenza):

It is a respiratory disease caused by viruses (influenza viruses) that infect the respiratory tract of pigs.

H1N1 (Hemagglutinin Type 1 and Neuraminidase Type 1) is the subtype of influenza A virus that was the most commoncause of human influenza (flu).

Its common symptoms are nasal secretions, a barking cough, decreased appetite and listless behaviour.

Al lahabad High Court celebrates 150th foundat ion yearMarch 14, 2016

The Allahabad High Court celebrated its 150th foundation day on 14th March 2016.

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President Pranab Mukherjee was the Chief Guest of the celebrations. Chief Justice of India (CJI) TS Thakur and Union Law

Minister DV Sadananda Gowda were some of the dignitaries who attended the function.

On this occasion, CJI Justice Thakur dedicated digitization centre of Allahabad High court. Reserve bank of India (RBI) also

released a 10 rupees coin. Postal department released a postage stamp and a Souvenir of the High court.

About Al lahabad High Court

Allahabad High Court was established in 1866 after seat was shifted from Agra to Allahabad in 1869. It had replaced the old

Sadr Diwani Adalat. At that time, it was known as the High Court of Judicature for the North-Western Provinces and was renamed as Allahabad

High Court in 1919.

It is one of the first high courts to be established in India. It is fourth-oldest High Court in India after Calcutta, Madras andBombay established underIndian High Courts Act 1861.

Currently it is the highest judicial body of Uttar Pradesh and it has also a bench in Lucknow. Several political and legalluminaries were part of this historic court.

PM Narendra Modi inaugurates three major railway projects in BiharMarch 14, 2016

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated three major railway projects in Bihar at an estimated cost of 7000 crore rupees.

Three projects are

Rail-cum-road bridge at Patna over the River Ganga: It is 4.56 km long.

Rail-cum-road bridge at Munger.

Additional bridge at Mokama over the River Ganga: It is double line Railway Bridge.

These three bridges will provide connectivity to north and south Bihar and further help in development of North Bihar.

Currently there are three bridges over the entire 460 km length of the river Ganga in Bihar. They are road bridge at

Naugachia, a rail-cum-road bridge at Mokama and road bridge Mahatma Gandhi Setu at Patna.

The inadequate number of bridges had become one of the reasons hindering the development of Bihar which is one of the

most populous state in the country.

Karnataka launches Mukhyamantri Santwana Harish Yojana for free treatmentto accident victimsMarch 9, 2016

Karnataka government has launched Mukhyamantri Santwana Harish Yojana to provide free medical treatment to road

accident victims for the first 48 hours (2 days) in the nearest government or private hospital.

The scheme has been named after Harish Nanjappa who had donated his eyes moments before his death. He had died as no

help was provided to him after he was severely injured in mishap in February 2016 .

Under the scheme

Immediate medical relief would be provided to the victim during the Golden Hour with financial aid up to Rs 25,000 duringthe first 48 hours of treatment.

Financial assistance to victims of road accidents will be provided across the state irrespective of their financial status ornationality.

All hospitals would be directed not to reject accident victims and they shall be provided proper medical care for first 48 hoursand get treatment at any hospital.

Telangana, Maharashtra ink MoU for five irrigation projectsMarch 8, 2016

Telangana and Maharashtra Governments have signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) to set up an inter-state water

board construct 5 barrages across Godavari and Pen Ganga rivers.

The MoU was signed at a high level meeting held in Mumbai in which Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhara Rao and

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis took part.

Key facts

Setting up of an inter-state water board on Godavari projects will end decades of discord between the two States onutilisation of water in the river Godavari and its tributaries.

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Both states already have expressed mutual consent to construct barrages at various points on these rivers to benefit farmers inboth states.

Of the five barrages, Maharashtra Government will take up construction of Penpahad and Rajapet barrages while Telanganawill take up Chanak-Korata across Penganga River.

Telangana will also construct Thammidihatti barrage (148 meters height) in Adilabad district across Pranahita a tributary toGodavari and Medigadda barrage (102 meters) in Karimnagar district across Godavari.

On completion of all these projects, over 18 lakh acres will get irrigation facility in the two states and play key role inresolving the inter-state dispute over irrigation projects.

Haryana signs 11 MoUs on opening day of Global Investors SummitMarch 8, 2016

Haryana Government has signed 11 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) involving a total investment of Rs 18,159 crores

with different companies.

These MoUs were signed in the presence of Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal on the first day of the two-day Happening

Haryana Global Investors Summit-2016 held in Gurgaon.

Singed MoUs are

MoU of Rs 15,000 crores investment with ICICI Bank for financial services.

MoU of Rs 2,000 crore investment with Bharti Airtel for Electronics, Information Technology and Information TechnologyEnabled Services (ITeS).

MoU of Rs 283 crores investment with Star Wire (India) Limited for manufacturing special and critical steel adopting high-tech technologies.

Rs 200 crores investment MoU with Minda Kosei Aluminium Wheel Private Limited for automobile parts, alloy wheels.

Rs 150 crores investment MoU with Plasser India Private Limited for manufacturing unit for track maintenance machines.

Rs 190 crore investment MoU with Honda for worker housing.

MoUs of Rs 100 crores each were signed with Minda Industries Limited and Mindarika Private Limited for automobile partsswitches.

Rs 80 crores investment MoU was signed with T.G. Minda Private Limited for automobile parts rubber hoses.

Uttar Pradesh Assembly passes UP Revenue Code (Amendment) Bil l, 2016March 5, 2016

Uttar Pradesh Assembly passed the UP Revenue Code (Amendment) Bill 2016 replacing an ordinance issued by the

Governor Ram Naik.

The Bill allows Dalits of the state to sell their land to non-Dalits in the state without approval of the administration even if

their remaining holding is less than 3.5 acres.

Key facts

The bill seeks to bring changes existing revenue laws dating to the British era by further speeding up disposal of litigationsover land ownership in rural areas.

It also provision that allows land owners lease out their land for share-cropping purpose without the fear of losing it after 12years.

Ensures that wife gets equal rights on the gram samaj land given out on a lease signifying step towards empowerment of ruralwomen.

The bill has provisions for setting up of a new judicial cadre that will look after land revenue disputes in order to end disputesespecially in cases of partnership.

Delhi launches countrys first HPV vaccine as public health programme inschoolsMarch 4, 2016

Delhi has become the first state (UT) in the country to launch the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine as a public health

programme for school children.

The vaccination programme will be completed in the current academic year 2015-16 over two phases. In the first year, girlsstudying in Class VI in government schools will be targeted and in the next year girls between the age of 9 and 13 will be

targeted.

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In the first phase of the vaccination programme, 1 to 1.5 lakh school girls will be targeted and later this initiative will be

expanded to the private schools.

About Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV is a DNA virus from the papillomavirus family which is mainly a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that causes

genital warts and cervical cancer. The infection can be prevented through routine screening and vaccines that are safe and

effective.

Haryana Government renames Mustafabad Village as Saraswati NagarMarch 2, 2016

Haryana Government has changed the name of Mustafabad village in Yamuna Nagar district of state to Saraswati Nagar

derived from mythological Saraswati River.

In this regard, Haryana Revenue and Disaster Management Department has issued an official notification to this effect.

The village is located about 20 kms from the Yamuna Nagar district headquarters. The revenue records of state government

claimed the old dried-up riverbed of mythological Saraswati River exists near the village.

Saraswati River is considered sacred in Hindu religion and has been mention in ancient Hindu scriptures like the Rig Veda,

Ramayana, Mahabharata and others giving credence that it existed during those times.

Background

Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar government in 2015 had decided to restore Saraswati creek from Adi Badri (SaraswatiUdgam Sthal ) to Mustafabad in Yamunanagar district.

It also had decided to set up Adi Badri Heritage Board and Haryana Saraswati Heritage Development Board (HSHDB) toinitiate, promote and support research of Saraswati heritage.

In May 2015, aquifers were discovered during the excavation of the alignment of the underground paleo channel inMuglawali village of the Saraswati River.

East coast of India to get sixth Doppler Radar for weather forecastingFebruary 29, 2016

The cycloneprone eastern coast of India will get a new doppler radar to boost the weather forecasting system.

It will be commissioned by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Gopalpur in Odisha which had faced the severe

cyclonic storm Phailin in October 2013.

It will be the sixth such radar on the countrys east coast and the other such 5 radars are located in Kolkata, Chennai,

Visakhapatnam, Machilipatnam and Paradip.

The move to set up additional radar assumes significance as it will help authorities in taking timely action against cyclones

prone to the eastern coast and also help better forecast

Earlier in November 2015, the IMD had installed a doppler radar in Paradip which is another coastal district in Odisha that

was ravaged by a super cyclone in 1999.

Doppler radar

It is an observational tool for monitoring and predicting severe weather events such as hailstorms, thunder storms, cyclonesand tornados within a radius of 300 km.

It uses the Doppler effectby bouncing a microwave signal off a desired target to produce velocity data.

This data inturn helps in analyzing objects motion by altered the frequency of the returned signal. It mainly givesinformation about wind velocity and also about precipitation.

President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurates Kerala Tourisms Muziris HeritageProjectFebruary 29, 2016

President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the first phase Kerala Tourisms Muziris Heritage Project (MHP) at Trissur in

Kerala to reinstate the historical and cultural significance Muziris.

The project is Kerala Governments first green Project and Indias largest heritage conservation project. President also

launched the website of the MHP.

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MHP is supported by the Union Government and seeks to conserve ancient seaport of Muziris and showcase its culture of

3000 years.

The project also will play important role in the Spice Route initiative launched by Kerala Tourism with the help of UNESCO

to revive states historic trade ties with 41 countries of the world.

About Ancient Muziris

Muziris was an ancient seaport and urban centre which dates from at least the 1st century BC and located at the mouth of the

Periyar River in Kerala. It was a key centre for trade and hub of the spice route in ancient times between southern India on one side and Egyptians,

Phoenicians, Greeks and Roman Empire on the other side.

Its historic importance has been mentioned in the bardic Sangam literature and a number of classical European historicalsources.

President Pranab Mukherjee declares Kerala as first digital stateFebruary 27, 2016

President Pranab Mukherjee has formally declared Kerala as the countrys first digital state.

It was announced by President after launching a digital empowerment campaign of state at a function to be held in

Kozhikkode. The campaign aims at bridging the digital divide by 2020.

This declaration was made considering the rapid digital strides of the state which has achieved 100 percent mobile

connectivity, 75 percent e-literacy, maximum digital banking, broadband connectivity upto the Panchayat level, linking bank

accounts with Aadhar cards and e-district plan in all districts.

Key facts

Kerala was able to achieve this feat due to the combined efforts of the government and various social organizations in thestate

State has successfully linked all villages in the state with broadband connectivity under the National Optical Fibre Network(NOFN) project. It is first state in country to do so.

The broadband connectivity has helped to provide high-speed internet in all gram panchayats and remote areas of the state.

Apart from NOFN it, two projects started by the government in 2002 viz. Akshaya andIT@School also has helped it toattain high e literacy.

Under these projects over 2,500 Akshaya service centres functioning in rural and urban areas have helped generate awarenessin e-governance.

State also has over 600 e-governance applications covering almost all departments of state that play pioneering role indelivering e-services to citizens.

As a digital state, Kerala has a mobile tele-density of 95% and Internet access covering over 60 % of the population.

President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurates Indias first Gender Park atKozhikodeFebruary 27, 2016

President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated Indias first Gender Park at Kozhikode district of Kerala. It is also the first of its

kind gender equality convergence centre in Asia.

The park is an initiative of the Social Justice Department of the Kerala Government to promote research and other initiatives

to enable total gender equality.

Key facts

The Gender Park seeks to encourage women to take part in developmental and decision making process.

It has been launched as part of supporting the efforts of the State and Central governments in ensuring an inclusive,discrimination free society.

It covers issues pertaining to all three genders and in accordance with the 2015 gender and transgender policies of the stategovernment.

The Gender Institute at the park will mainly focus on learning, research and capacity development.

It seeks to bring together the state, civil society and academia on a common platform to promote studies and research ongender issues to address the gender issues.

This platform seeks to create an environment to share global knowledge and experiences in reducing gender inequalities.

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It also seeks to create awareness of the critical linkages between gender equality, economic growth and poverty reduction toeffectively address gender related issues in national development processes.

State Government under its Gender Policy is planning to roll out She Taxithat aims solely at empowering women. Earlier

in 2016, State government had launch Gender Taxi that is owned and operated by transgenders under its Transgender

Policy (first such policy in the country).

Bihar becomes sixth state to join UDAY SchemeFebruary 23, 2016Bihar became the sixth state to join Union Governments UDAY (Ujwal Discom Assurance Yojana) Scheme for financial

restructuring of debt of power distribution companies.

In this regard, tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Bihar government, State Power

Distribution companies (DISCOMs) and Union Power ministry.

Note:Bihar is the 6th state after Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat to become part of the

scheme. It is second Non-NDA state after Uttar Pradesh to join the scheme.

Under the scheme,

Bihar government would take over 75% or 2,332 crore rupees of the state DISCOMs total debt of 3,110 crore rupees as ofSeptember 2015.

The balance 778 crore rupees outstanding debt will be re-priced or issued as state guaranteed DISCOM bonds at coupon ratesof around 3%.

The debt restructuring of state DISCOMs will lead to annual saving in interest cost to the tune of around Rs 117 crore.

The financial restructuring of debt under this scheme will help Bihar to speedily provide power to around 160.60 lakh

households in 1,152 villages that are still without electricity.

Swachh Himachal Padhai bhi, Safai bhi campaign launchedFebruary 20, 2016

Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) has launched Swachh Himachal Padhai bhi, Safai bhi campaign in

Dharamsala.

With this unique campaign, HPCA became the first cricket association in the country to work towards Swatch Bharat

Abhiyan initiated by the Union Government.

Key facts

The campaign aims at involving youth to promote good health and sanitation in urban and rural areas in the Himalayan state.

Its objective is to showcase Himachals beauty as Indias cleanest and greenest state.

Under it, the sport of cricket will be linked with Swatch Bharat Abhiyan and youths will be termed as Swatch Captain andteachers as Swatch Coach.

They will start cleanliness drive with the help of students from universities, educational institutes and then in their localneighbourhood.

Jharkhand gets first Mega Food Park at RanchiFebruary 17, 2016

Jharkhands first mega food park was inaugurated by Union Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal at village

Getalsud in Ranchi district of state.

This park is promoted by Jharkhand Mega Food Park Pvt. Ltd and seeks to give an impetus to the growth of the food

processing sector in the state.

Key facts

The mega food park has been set up with the project cost of 114.73 crore rupees in an area of 51.50 acres.

It will have facilities of multi chamber cold storage, vegetable dehydration line and dry warehouse.

It will also have facilities like modern quality control and testing laboratory and other processing facilities for fruits &

vegetables. This park has a central processing centre (CPC) located at Ranchi and 6 primary processing centres (PPCs) at Lohardaga,

Hazaribagh, Gumla, Belchampa, Domchach and Patratu to provide strong backward linkages.

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It will help in providing better prices to farmers, add value to agricultural produce, reduce wastage of perishables and createhuge opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship for the youth in the state.

The mega food park is expected to provide direct and indirect employment to about six thousand people and will benefitabout 25,000-30,000 farmers in its catchment area.

Haryana, South Korea to collaborate on technology, developmentFebruary 17, 2016

Haryana and South Korean state of Chungcheongbuk have agreed to enter into a sister-statehood relationship for

development.

In this regard, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar accepted the proposal for such a relationship made by a visiting

South Korean delegation.

South Korean state is also looking to have a close relationship with Haryana in the field of technology. Besides, Haryana

government also invited South Korean investors and businesses to the 2016 Happening Haryana Global Investors Summit

scheduled to be held in Gurgaon in March 2016.

Chhattisgarh inks MoU with Indian Railways to form Joint Venture CompanyFebruary 11, 2016

Chhattisgarh Government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Ministry of Railway to form a joint

venture (JV) company for the expansion of railway tracks in the state.

With this Chhattisgarh became 5th state to join hands with the Indian Railways for speedy execution of rail projects through

JV route.

Key facts

Under the MoU, state government will have 51% share and Indian Railways will have remaining 49% share in the JVcompany.

The proposed company will identify viable rail projects in the state and implement them. It will help state to meet is needs ofconnectivity and infrastructure development.

This company is free to raise capital from the market to fund the works.

Background This MoU was signed as part of the rail infrastructure development plan of Indian Railways and shall lay around 762 km-

long rail line in the state.

Presently, Chhattisgarh has 1,187-km long railway line network which is less than half of the national average of rail density.

So far, 17 state governments have consented to formation of joint venture companies with Indian Railways for developmentof rail infrastructure.

Indias first Aviation Park to come up in GujaratFebruary 10, 2016

Gujarat state government has decided to set up Indias first aviation park near Bagodara village in Ahmedabad district to

strengthen the aviation sector.

In this regard, state government has given this task to Gujarat State Aviation Infrastructure Company Ltd (GUJSAIL) to

carry out the project.

Key facts

It is an integrated aviation park that aims to provide a single platform for manufacturing activities and human resourcesrelated to the aviation sector.

GUJSAI is planning to develop this park on Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.

It will one-stop destination in the avenues of research, aerospace training, recreation and manufacturing.

This aviation park will have slew of facilities including an airstrip, helipad, training school and space for setting up smallmanufacturing units among others.

It has immense potential to create direct and indirect employment for highly-skilled resources in the area of aerospace andavionics.

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Union Government to set up National Organic Farming Research Institute inSikkimFebruary 6, 2016

The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has decided to set up the National Organic Farming Research

Institute (NOFRI) in Sikkim.

Decision in this regard was taken by Union Agriculture Minister Radhamohan Singh after he met Sikkim AgricultureMinister Som Nath Paudyal in New Delhi.

The NOFRI will be established by upgrading the existing Gangtok based Regional Centre of the Indian Council of

Agricultural Research (ICAR).

Apart from this, Union Government also has assured State Government to help in sustaining the organic farming and also in

marketing of the States organic products.

Background

In January 2016, Sikkim was officially declared as first fully organic state in India by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The

state has achieved this feat by converting around 75000 hectares of land into certified organic farms by following the

guidelines prescribed by National Programme for Organic Production.

Maharashtra rolls out Deradicalisation Programme in wake of IS threatFebruary 4, 2016

Maharashtra Government has rolled out Deradicalisation Programmefor the minority community to counter both home-

grown extremism and the global Islamic State (IS) threat.

The plan has been chalked out by the State Home Department that includes a 50-point socio-economic strategy.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has approved the proposal in this regard and also has passed a government resolution on

it.

Key features of Programme

Aims to bringing youth especially from the minority community into the mainstream and make coordinated efforts andpolicies in different 13 sectors for their empowerment.

It also seeks to create an environment of solidarity and trust among the minority community and envisages that variousgovernment schemes to reach out to them.

It includes opening of vyayam shalas in minority areas, making National Cadet Corps (NCC), Bharat Scouts and Guides(BSG) compulsory in minority schools.

It also has provisions for setting up an independent media outlet in order to deliver mainstream thoughts and values to theminority youth.

Plans to teach religious texts from all sects in minority schools and teaching merits of democratic states and demerits ofdictatorships as a separate chapter in the Urdu textbooks.

Under it, Urdu language will be taught in 300 Marathi schools. 5 minority areas will be also developed as urban smartclusters.

Maharashtra announces Babasaheb Ambedkar Special Group IncentivesSchemeFebruary 3, 2016

Maharashtra government has announced Bharatratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Special Collective Incentive Scheme for the

economically backward Dalit entrepreneurs.

Decision in this regard was taken by state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai.

Key features of Scheme

Under it, special facilities will be given to Dalit entrepreneurs besides the present Collective Incentive Scheme 2013.

20% plots for small and medium scale industries will be reserved for the Dalits within Maharashtra Industrial DevelopmentCorporation (MIDC).

The plots in MIDC area will be made available at 30% concessional rate whereas plots in other areas will be available at 20%concessional rate.

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Businessmen in Service and Commodities sector would be able to avail the benefits of this scheme.

It will be limited for only those industries where people from Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) have100% investment.

Only one person from each family will be entitled to benefits under the scheme and there will be