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GS-1 | Sirarakhong Chilli Festival to Return After Four Years | The Sirarakhong Chilli (Hathei) Festival will take place on August 29 and 30 in Sirarakhong village, Ukhrul district, after a four-year hiatus due to COVID-19. The village expects to produce around 25 tonnes of the indigenous GI-tagged Sirarakhong chilli, which has gained popularity beyond Manipur. Over 80% of the 300 households in Sirarakhong cultivate this chilli as a primary income source, with demand surpassing supply. The chilli is known for its rich flavour and unique characteristics; dried chillies will be sold at Rs 1,000 per kg, while fresh ones will cost Rs 200 per kg. The festival has been celebrated annually for the last 14 years, highlighting the importance of chilli in local cuisine, particularly in pork curry dishes. US Vice President Kamala Harris has praised the unique taste of Sirarakhong chilli, further enhancing its reputation.
Source: The Assam Tribune |
GS-2 | SC Forms Task Force Amid Protests Over Doctor's Murder in Kolkata | Supreme Court forms a 10-member NTF to ensure safety for doctors and healthcare workers after the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata. Criticised West Bengal government for delayed FIR and handling of protests. CBI and CISF involved in investigation and hospital security. Expressed concern over unsafe working conditions in public hospitals.
Source: The Assam Tribune, PTI |
GS-2 | UPSC Cancels Lateral Entry Recruitment Amid Reservation Controversy | UPSC cancels its latest advertisement for lateral entry recruitment after concerns over the lack of reservation for marginalised communities. The decision followed a letter from Union Minister Jitendra Singh, urging cancellation to ensure rightful representation. The recruitment of 45 key posts was criticised for undermining OBC, SC, and ST reservation rights. The government will review the lateral-entry process concerning reservation applicability.
Source: The Assam Tribune, PTI |
GS-2 | India-Japan '2+2' Dialogue Reinforces Strategic Partnership Amid Indo-Pacific Tensions | India-Japan partnership strengthens within the context of a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. Talks in Delhi led by India's S Jaishankar and Rajnath Singh, with Japan's Yoko Kamikawa and Kihara Minoru. Jaishankar highlighted the partnership's evolution into a strategic and global alliance. Singh emphasised collaboration in defence to achieve India's 2047 development goals.
Source: The Assam Tribune, PTI |
GS-3 | India Handloom Brand Update | The Indian government issued nearly 2,000 registrations under the 'India Handloom' brand. The initiative promotes high-quality, environmentally sustainable handloom products. The Ministry of Textiles is providing financial support for the handloom sector. The program aims to improve worker welfare since its launch in 2015.
Source: The Assam Tribune, PTI |
GS-3 | India’s Path to Limiting Coal Capacity | A report suggests India may avoid new coal plants and limit coal capacity to planned levels by 2032 if battery-storage costs drop by 15% annually. Currently, coal generates nearly 75% of India's electricity; reducing dependence on coal is vital for achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. Energy-storage systems are needed to manage intermittent renewable energy sources like solar and wind. If battery energy storage system (BESS) costs decline at 7% per year, coal generation may plateau, but additional coal capacity may still be required. Faster BESS cost reductions could enable India to meet 83% of daytime electricity demand with renewables by 2032. New coal capacity poses risks of underutilization and lock-in if storage costs decrease significantly. Accelerated growth in renewables and cost-competitive low-carbon technologies are essential to avoid new coal capacity.
Source: PTI, The Assam Tribune |
GS-3 | Recommendations for Tea Pricing Reforms | A study suggests scrapping the current price-sharing formula and district-wise Minimum Benchmark Price (MBP) for tea. The advisory firm found that auctions are not optimal for price discovery, advocating for private sales and auction prices in price determination. Only 37% of tea is sold through auctions, leading to inconsistencies in MBP application. The study highlights governance issues, noting that price realisation for Small Tea Growers (STGs) is adversely affected by inadequate monitoring and committee functionality. Leaf agents charge STGs for services, reducing their income due to a lack of regulation. The Tea Board is considering these findings to develop a new pricing mechanism.
Source: PTI |
GS-3 | ISRO Completes Design for Chandrayaan-4 and 5 Missions | Chandrayaan-4 aims to return Moon rocks and soil, perform a soft landing, launch a spacecraft from the Moon, and conduct a space docking experiment. Targeted launch for Chandrayaan-4 is set for 2028. ISRO plans to launch 70 satellites in the next five years, including satellites for the NAVIC navigation system, weather monitoring, and remote sensing. The agency is developing Oceansat satellites, electric propulsion systems, and data relay satellites for the Gaganyaan mission. The first unmanned Gaganyaan mission is scheduled for December, with all rocket stages and Crew Module preparations underway. The Venus mission is currently being re-evaluated.
Source: PTI |
GS-3 | India and Malaysia Elevate Ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership | Key agreements include promoting Indian worker recruitment in Malaysia and defence cooperation. Malaysia supports India's bid for permanent UN Security Council membership. The two sides discuss expanding bilateral trade, including transactions in local currencies.
Source: The Assam Tribune, PTI |
GS-3 | South Africa Committed to Trade with India | South Africa's Trade Minister Parks Tau launched the India-SA Chamber of Commerce. The goal is to enhance bilateral trade, which has increased to $13 billion. Tau stressed the importance of value-added exports. India is becoming a significant player in South Africa's economy.
Source: PTI, The Assam Tribune |
GS-5 | Non-Assamese Traders Apologise for Assault on Local Girl in Sivasagar | Source: The Assam Tribune |
GS-5 | Assam Police Apprehend and Push Back Bangladeshi Infiltrators | Source: The Assam Tribune |
Others | World's Oldest Person, MarĂa Branyas, Dies at 117 | Source: The Assam Tribune, AP |
SPORTS | Women’s T20 World Cup Moves from Bangladesh to UAE | Reason: due to travel advisories against visiting the unrest-hit nation. The tournament will now take place from October 3 to 20 in Dubai and Sharjah, while Bangladesh retains hosting rights for revenue sharing.
Source: PTI |
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