Current Affairs January 2020 - Regional

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1 - Ritualistic festival ‘Lai Haraoba’ celebrated in Tripura

Tripura celebrated Lai Haraoba, a ritualistic festival which is observed by Manipuri Meitei communities since ancient times. The five-day long festival was organised by Department of Information and Cultural Affairs, Government of Tripura, Puthiba Lai Haraoba Committee and Puthiba Welfare & Cultural Society, Agartala.

The festival aims to uphold tradition and cultural values of Meitei community. Lai Haraobawas celebrated through oral literature, music, dance and rituals. A cultural troupe from Manipur performed various cultural and traditional musical skits including Manipuri martial arts, folk music and folk dances during the festival.

2 - Maharashtra state launched ‘Cyber Safe Women’ initiative

Maharashtra Government launched a ‘Cyber Safe Women’ initiative under which awareness camps were held across all the districts of the state regarding cyber safety. The initiative will help in educating women about how the web is used by anti-social elements and child predators to commit various types of crimes. The state government will also organise lectures on cybercrime information

The campaign will spread awareness on cybercrimes such as cyberbullying, internet phishing, fraud identity on marriage site, bank fraud, photo shuffling, child pornography, online gaming, false information sites.

3 - Gujarat state launched ‘Study in Gujarat’ campaign

Education department of Gujarat government launched ‘Study in Gujarat’ campaign in order to make Gujarat State an educational hub at national and international level. As a part of this campaign, a high level delegation will hold road shows in western Asian countries and in 10 cities of India including Shrinagar.

22 private and government universities and 4 colleges participated in ‘Study in Gujarat’ campaign. Prominent Universities and educational institutions like CEPT, Gapnat University, IIT-RAM, GNLU, Gujarat Forensic Science University, Gujarat University, PDPU, Gujarat Arts & Science College, LD Engineering, SAL Institute participated.

4 - Government approved Grant-in-Aid of Rs 2.6 cr to J&K Pollution Control Board

Environment and Forests Ministry approved the release of Grant-in-Aid of 2.6 crore rupees to J&K Pollution Control Board. Under this scheme, the JK PCB shall provide financial assistance to 3742 number of Eco Clubs of registered schools in both the regions of J&K along with 96 Eco-Clubs for registered Colleges.

The environment education, awareness and Training scheme of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for National Green Corps (Eco-Clubs) which was closed for over a decade has been revived for J&K.

5 - Gujarat received Rs. 24,012-cr FDI during first half of FY 2019-20

Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry released a report on Foreign Direct Investment. It stated that Gujarat received Rs. 24,012-crore Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) during the first half of FY 2019-20. This is double the amount of Rs. 12,612-crore FDI received during the previous FY 2018-19.

734 major industrial estates had been set up in Gujarat as against 2,574 units in India following the industries friendly policies of the state government. The state earned recognition as Manufacturing and Auto Sector Hubs.

6 - National Green Corps scheme revived in Jammu & Kashmir

The National Green Corps scheme, which was closed for over a decade was revived for Jammu and Kashmir. Under this scheme, the PCB would provide financial assistance to 3,742 Eco Clubs of registered schools in both the regions of the Union Territory along with 96 Eco Clubs of registered colleges.

J&K PCB put efforts for the revival of the scheme in the State Nodal Agency (SNA) meet organised by MoEFCC at Kevadia in Gujarat. Accordingly, the Environment and Forests Ministry approved the release of Grant-in-Aid of 2.60 crore rupees to J&K PCB.

7 - Odisha organised 11-day long ‘Dhanu Jatra’

The famous 11-day long ‘Dhanu Jatra’, considered as the largest open-air theatre of the world was held at Bargarh in western Odisha. Dhanu Jatra is the annual drama-based open-air theatrical performance celebrated in and around Bargarh city. It is considered to be the world’s largest open-air theatrical festival that finds a mention in the Guinness Book of World Records.

The Jatra is based on the mythological story of Lord Krishna and his demon uncle King Kansa. Government of India has accorded National Festival status to Dhanu Jatra in November 2014.

8 - Indore continued to top Swachh Survekshan among cities having ten lakhs plus population

Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Hardeep Singh Puri announced the results of Swachh Survekshan League 2020, for first and second Quarters in New Delhi.

9 - Kerala became first state to pass resolution against CAA

Kerala became the first state to pass a resolution against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) amid widespread protests across the country. Kerala’s Chief Minister Pinarayee Vijayan and Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala unanimously passed the resolution.

Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 gives eligibility for Indian citizenship to illegal migrants who are Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan, and who entered India on or before 31 December 2014. The bill does not mention Muslims.

10 - Uttar Pradesh launched ‘Damini’ helpline service for women

UPSRTC (Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation) launched 'Damini' helpline service considering the safety of the women passengers. It is launched under ‘Nirbhaya Yojana’. A unique number “81142-77777” has been subscribed for this helpline where women passengers can lodge their complaints by calling the helpline number and by using WhatsApp service.

Helpline number “81142-77777 will be functional from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day and will be exclusively handled by women officers at the UPSRTC headquarters and regional offices.

11 - Andhra Pradesh state appointed two ‘Disha Special Officers’

Andhra Pradesh government-appointed Indian Administrative Service (IAS) official Dr Kritika Shukla and Indian Police Service (IPS) official M Deepika as Disha Special officers. Appointment order issued by the Chief Secretary Nilam Sawhney is done under the provisions of Disha Bill (AP Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill 2019).

The Act is intended for speedy trial and faster execution in cases of sexual offences against women in the state and set up of exclusive special courts in all the 13 districts to deal with cases of offences against women and children.

12 - Gujarat to set up Vikram Sarabhai Children Innovation Center in state

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has announced the setting up of the Vikram Sarabhai Children Innovation Center (VSCIC) to identify, nurture and promote children’s innovation in the state. He was speaking during the felicitation ceremony of Children’s Innovation Festival (CIF).

Children’s Innovation Festival - CIF has been organised by Gujarat University Start-ups and Entrepreneurship Council (GUSEC) - an incubation centre set up by Gujarat University in partnership with UNICEF. CIF initiative was conceptualised to identify, nurture and support children’s innovations in the state.

13 - Logo of first ever JK Global Investors Summit unveiled

Commissioner Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Manoj Kumar Dwivedi, unveiled the logo of first-ever JK Global Investors Summit with the tagline 'Explore, Invest, Grow' at Udhyog Bhawan, Jammu. The logo depicts a mix of manufacturing and service sectors of J&K as well as manpower skills, agro and horticulture potential.

The Summit is scheduled to be held in April 2020 with the event focusing on driving investment in potential sectors like Agriculture, Horticulture, Food Processing, Film Industry, Tourism, handicrafts and healthcare from leading national and global companies in order to boost economy and trade as well as employment opportunities of J&K.

14 - HP Assembly ratifies bill to extend quota for SCs, STs

The Himachal Pradesh Assembly in its special one-day session ratified the bill that extends reservation for SCs and STs in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies by another 10 years. The Constitution (126^th) Amendment Bill had already been passed by Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. It was sent to states for ratification as it requires the consent of at least 50% of the state assemblies before implementation.

The quota was included for 70 years since the enactment of the Constitution on January 26, 1950.

15 - 31^st International Kite Festival launched in Ahmedabad

The 31^st International Kite Festival was launched at Sabarmati river front in Ahmedabad. It was held till 14^th January- Makarsankranti - the festival of Kites. The festival was inaugurated by Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.

More than 140 kite flying experts from 40 countries participated in the event. About 800 kite fliers from Gujarat and 200 kite fliers from 12 other states also participated in this unique festival.

16 - Kolkata Police started third edition of 'Sukanya' project

Kolkata Police started the third edition of its 'Sukanya' project to provide girls studying in schools and colleges in the city with self-defence training. It was the third such batch.

Sukanya is an initiative of the Kolkata Police's Community Policing Wing to provide self-defence training to girl students of city-based schools, colleges and universities. The initiative is funded by Women and Child Development and Social Welfare Department of the state government.

17 - Mizoram government organised Zo Kutpui festival

The Mizoram government organised Zo Kutpui festival in 10 states across India and countries such as US, Myanmar and Bangladesh. The first edition of the festival started in Vanghmun in Tripura.

The festival aimed at re-unifying and strengthening brotherhood among different tribes of Mizo living in different parts of the world. The festival witnessed various cultural programmes by different Mizo tribes, besides performance by various artistes belonging to Zo ethnic tribes of Mizoram and the Northeast.

18 - Tamil Nadu celebrated famous chariot festival of Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple

The famous chariot festival of the Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple, the southern most major temple in Tamilnadu, was held with great camaraderie and devotion. The ten-day annual festival is held in the Tamil month falling in December - January.

This 17^th-century temple is famous for its architectural grandeur. The seven-storey white gopuram entrance tower is visible from the distance. Its 40 m facade is covered with sculptures of Hindu deities. The temple is especially significant because it is sacred to both the Shaivite as well as Vashnavite sects.

19 - Jharkhand Assembly passed Rs 4,185 Cr supplementary budget

Assembly Session of Jharkhand passed a supplementary budget of Rs. 4,185 crores. Rural Development department received the highest share of the supplementary budget followed by Women and Child Development department and Home and Disaster Management department.

The budget was committed towards effective implementation of the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act (CNT Act) and Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act (SPT Act) across the state.

20 - J&K registered highest IPD care in the country

National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHSRC) report unveiled that Jammu and Kashmir has registered the highest Inpatient Department, IPD care in the country. In 2016, Jammu and Kashmir had surpassed Kerala as the state with the highest life expectancy in India for all ages, barring life expectancy at birth.

Key findings

• Overall all women in J&K are availing Antenatal Care (ANC) services.

• 96% IPD care in rural areas of J&K is provided by Public Health Facilities.

• This facility is highest against the country’s average of 85%.

21 - Himachal Pradesh launched “Himachal MyGov” portal & “CM App”

The Himachal Pradesh Government has launched Himachal MyGov portal with a view to strengthen public participation in the governance process. The portal will help people of the state to communicate their views, suggestions, feedback as well discontentment, if any. Through this App, people of the state would be able to write directly to the Chief Minister regarding their grievances.

MyGov is an innovative platform to build a partnership between citizens and government with the help of technology for growth and development of India. This unique platform aims to enhance citizen partnership with the State Government and vice-versa.

22 - 4^th ‘Buxa Bird Festival’ kicks off in West Bengal

The 4^th edition of 'Buxa Bird Festival' was held in Buxa National Park in West Bengal's, district Alipurduar. Over 50 birdwatchers from across the country and abroad participated in the festival. Visitors witnessed more than 300 rare species including the Great Hornbill, Sultan Tit and Greater Spotted Eagle during festival.

Bird enthusiasts visited and clicked photographs of the migratory birds that come from colder regions in the northern hemisphere.

23 - Maharashtra state organised “Advantage Maharashtra expo 2020”

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray inaugurated "Advantage Maharashtra expo 2020" in Aurangabad. The exhibition organised by the Marathwada Association of Small Scale Industries and Agriculture, displayed the growth of Marathwada industries in technology and innovation and the products produced and exported from the region.

The exhibition was organised with an aim to provide an opportunity for businesses and serve the platform for small entrepreneurs. It was announced in the exhibition that a food processing industry park will be set up in Bidkin (Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor) on 500-acre land.

24 - Amma Vodi scheme launched in Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy launched “Amma Vodi scheme” for mothers. The scheme will be implemented from 26^th of January 2020 (Republic day). Amma Vodi scheme will support lakhs of poor and needy mothers to educate their children.

• 43 lakh mothers received Rs 15,000 each annual financial assistance for the benefit of 82 lakh children.

• Total Rs 6,318 crore was released for scheme.

• Amma Vodi scheme is a first of its kind government sector plan to bring about historical changes in the education system of the state.

25 - AP-Germany signed MoU on Zero Budget Natural Farming

Andhra Pradesh Government signed MoU with a German firm to implement Zero Budget Natural Farming. Andhra Pradesh state will spend Rs 1,015 crore on the climate-resilient, Zero Budget Natural Farming project.

Out of 1,015 crore, state government has taken finance of Rs 711 crores. Rs 304 crore is spent by Andhra Pradesh government on the project, which is aimed to cover 2.39 lakh farmers in around 600 village panchayats and promote natural farming. The state government has assured to the farmers that the government will pay compensation to them in case of any loss.

26 - The Pulses Conclave 2020 was held in Maharashtra

'The Pulses Conclave', the biennial global pulses conference, was held in Maharashtra. The key pulses exporting countries like the USA, Australia, Canada, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique, Malawi, etc. participated in the conclave. Conclave discussed increasing domestic production and consumption, trade like improving processing efficiencies, increasing consumption, exports, value addition, protein extraction, post-harvest crop management, etc.

The conclave will help Indian pulses trade to contribute in making India a $ 5 trillion economies through retail sale of pulses, processed pulses, pulse derivates, and value additions.

27 - Fresh investment proposals worth Rs 6,608 cr approved in Tamil Nadu

The Tamil Nadu state government has approved fresh investment proposals worth 6608 crore rupees. They have been cleared by the higher-level committee on industrial guidance and single window system, led by the state Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswamy.

The committee has given nod to fifteen new investments, with the potential of generating 6763 direct employment. Many of the industries are coming up in districts like Tuticorin, Trichy, Perambalur, Krishnagiri and Vellore, besides the traditional industrial hubs of Chennai’s adjoining districts of Kanchipuram and Tiruvallur.

28 - Lucknow, NOIDA to have Police Commissioners under Commissionerate system

The Uttar Pradesh state government cabinet has approved the Police Commissionerate system proposal in Lucknow and Noida cities. The police commissionerate system, when implemented, will leave the district magistrates with only revenue related work and all decisions regarding law and order will be taken by the police commissioners.

ADG level police officer will be posted as Police Commissioner. A woman police officer of SP rank will also be appointed for the security of women in the city.

29 - IIFPT Bathinda signed MoU with 8 different reputed Institutes of India

The Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology (IIFPT), Liaison Office, Bathinda signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 8 different reputed institutes of the region in the states of Punjab and Haryana. The MoU are intended to facilitate a collaborative programme of research, skill development, consultancy, institutional development, information dissemination and student’s in-plant training.

The 8 Institutes are −

• Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana

• Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University (MRSPTU), Bathinda

• Central Institute of Post-Harvest Engg. & Technology (CIPHET), Ludhiana

• National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal

• Indian Institute of Wheat & Barley Research (IIWBR), Karnal

• Sant Longowal Institute of Engg. & Tech. (SLIET), Sangrur

• National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI), Mohali

• Guru Nanak College, Budhlada

30 - Smriti Irani launched 3 welfare schemes in Goa

Union minister for women and child development, Smriti Irani launched 3 welfare schemes for women in Goa. The schemes are Yashaswini Scheme for Women Entrepreneurship, Swasthya Sahayak Project and breast cancer screening handheld device facilitating detection of cancer.

Under Yashaswini scheme, women self-help groups will be given interest free loans of up to Rs. Five lakh for business. Under the Swasthya Sahayak scheme, primary healthcare workers and Anganwadi workers will be given a diagnostic kit, to improve maternal and child health at the primary level.

31 - National Youth Festival 2020 held in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

On the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, 23^rd National Youth Festival 2020 was organised in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The theme of the 23^rd National Youth Festival 2020 was FIT YOUTH FIT INDIA. Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the State Government of Uttar Pradesh jointly organised the festival. Youths from all over the country gathered and showcased their talent in different competitions.

The government has been organising NYF since 1995 with an objective to provide a platform to the youth of the country and provide them with an opportunity to showcase their talents in various activities.

32 - Ladakh hosted first ever Food Processing Summit to attract investors

Union Territory Ladakh hosted the first ever Food Processing Summit to attract investors to the region. Ladakh region has vast scope for investment in food Processing industries in horticulture products like Apricot, SeabuckThorn, Apple and agricultural produce like buckwheat and barley. Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, the UT Administration of Ladakh organised the Summit.

Over hundred entrepreneurs from Leh and Kargil participated in the Summit. The event was aimed at encouraging the entrepreneurs to begin a StartUp to tap the potential in the Food Processing Industries in Ladakh.

33 - First edition of Krishi Manthan held in Ahmedabad

The first edition of Krishi Manthan - the largest Food, Agri-business and Rural Development Summit of Asia was organised in Gujarat by Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad. More than 1,500 delegates including students and academicians participated in the two-day event organised by the Food and Agribusiness Committee of IIMA.

The students along with working professionals from Food, Agriculture and allied sectors were benefited from the workshops during this summit. Eminent speakers like the founder of Honey Bee Network, SRISTI, NIF and GIAN Padma Prof. Anil Gupta attended the summit.

34 - MoU signed between NITI Aayog and Union Territory of Ladakh for infrastructure projects

In an initiative to promote the development of infrastructure sectors in the newly constituted Union Territory of Ladakh, NITI Aayog entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the UT’s administration. Under this MoU, NITI Aayog will be supporting the UT’s administration through its key initiative ‘Development Support Services to States for Infrastructure Projects (D3S-i)’.

The partnership lays thrust on the identification of priority projects, expedited project implementation and creating unique models of development for the Union Territory of Ladakh. NITI Aayog has committed to assist the UT’s administration in creating a strategic plan for identifying prioritised infrastructure projects.

35 - World Bank and Government of India signed $88 million loan agreement

Assam and the World Bank signed a loan agreement of $88 million to help modernise Assam’s passenger ferry sector that runs on its rivers like Brahmaputra. The project will support the Government of Assam’s efforts to corporatise its own ferry activities. The Assam Shipping Company (ASC) will operate the government ferries and the Assam Ports Company (APC) will provide terminals and terminal services on a common-user basis to both public and private ferry operators.

The Assam Inland Water Transport Project (AIWTP) will help Assam improve the passenger ferry infrastructure and its services.

36 - Arunachal Pradesh signed a MoU with IUCN

Arunachal Pradesh signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) to red-listing of orchids. With this, it became the first State in the country to initiate MoU with IUCN. As per the MoU, the State Government will collaborate with the IUCN to prepare the IUCN’s Red List Assessment for all orchids in the State.

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is a critical indicator of the health and conservation status of the world’s biological species.

37 - IIM-Indore signed MoU with TikTok

The Indian Institute of Management, Indore signed a MoU with the video sharing platform "TikTok" for the production of short video modules for students and trained professionals. IIM students can get their lessons on communication, strategy, negotiation, marketing, etc. on TikTok videos. These ‘tik-tok’ video modules will be implemented by Indian Institute of Management, Indore in its different courses.

TikTok is a video-sharing social networking service owned by ByteDance, a Beijing-based company founded in 2012 by Zhang Yiming.

38 - India's first e-waste clinic opened in Bhopal

India’s first e-waste clinic was opened in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. It would enable segregation, processing and disposal of waste from both household and commercial units. The e-waste clinic is jointly set up by the Central Pollution Control Board-CPCB and Bhopal Municipal Corporation-BMC.

The e-waste clinic is being started on the basis of a three-month pilot project. The CPCB will provide technical support to the clinic. The clinic has been prepared in junk low floor bus.

39 - UP Government launched Mukhyamantri Krishak Durghatna Kalyan Yojana

Uttar Pradesh Government has launched Mukhyamantri Krishak Durghatna Kalyan Yojana which will provide financial assistance to family of farmers who die or become handicapped while working in fields. The victims will receive financial assistance of five lakh rupees.

For the first time, the scheme will also include the Bataidars, who work in the field of other persons and share the crop after it is harvested. The scheme will cover farmers and their family members in the age group of 18-70 years and will be implemented from 14^th September, 2019.

40 - UP Government launched Mukhyamantri Paryatan Samvardhan Yojana

Uttar Pradesh Government has launched Mukhyamantri Paryatan Samvardhan Yojana to boost tourism in state. The government will develop one tourist point with a fund of 50 lakh rupees in each and every assembly segment of the state.

The Uttar Pradesh tourism department has set the target to make the state the most preferred tourism destination by the year 2023, and increase the domestic tourist arrivals by 15% and foreign tourist arrivals by 10%.

41 - 16^th edition of Mumbai International Film Festival

The 16^th edition of Mumbai International Film Festival started on 28^th January at Nehru Centre Auditorium with a bouquet of over 76 films competing in national and international sections. MIFF will conclude on 3^rd of February 2020.

Films Division of the festival has launched a mobile app, which will provide movie buffs all the information about the festival. The app will also enable delegates to vote for their favourite movie.

42 - Uttarakhand became 1^st state to implement agricultural land leasing policy

Uttarakhand became the first state in the country where the government has made a policy to lease agricultural land. With this initiative by state, a farmer can get the rent for the land leased by him for 30 years. The upper limit has been set of 30 acres of land on lease for 30 years, providing a provision to take more land in special circumstances.

The state government has made this policy in the wake of obstacles faced in the consolidation of land, especially in hilly areas.

43 - IIM Indore to provide ‘mob management & communication’ training to UP Police

UP police had joined hands and signed MoU with IIM-Indore to strengthen beat policing, develop tools for better law enforcement, traffic management, improve the efficiency of police personnel while reducing stress.

The Indian Institute of Management Indore in Madhya Pradesh will guide and provide training to Uttar Pradesh Police personnel on crowd management and effective communication. It will also provide training in the data analysis, traffic management, use of artificial intelligence & social media management.

44 - Andhra Pradesh assembly passed resolution to abolish State Legislative Council

The Andhra Pradesh Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution to abolish the State Legislative Council. The move comes after the main Opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) sent two bills related to the decentralisation of Andhra Pradesh’s capital to a select committee.

The one-line resolution to abolish the state council was passed in the assembly by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy. The resolution was passed with 133 members voting in favour of it. This was announced by assembly speaker Tammineni Seetharam.

45 - West Bengal becomes highest vegetable producing state

According to a horticulture production data of the central government, West Bengal has emerged as the top state in India in vegetable production in 2018-19. The state produced 29.55 million tonne (MT) of vegetables during 2018-19. Uttar Pradesh with 27.71 million tonne of vegetable production was second in the list.

West Bengal has accounted for 15.9% of the country's total vegetable production. UP produced 14.9% while Madhya Pradesh had 9.6% followed by Bihar at 9%. Andhra Pradesh topped the list of fruits production with 17.61 mt, followed by Maharashtra (10.82 mt) and Uttar Pradesh (10.65 mt).

46 - ‘Innovation Festival’ celebrated in Arunachal Pradesh

Two days long Innovation Festival 2020 was organised in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. The festival was organised by the Arunachal Pradesh State Council for Science & Technology in collaboration with the National Innovation Foundation.

The Innovation Festival, a first of its kind in the state, aimed to foster the culture of innovation among all people of the state, especially in all the educational institutions. Shri Ha Tade won the award for innovation for Vehicle Data Recording.

47 - India’s first Super Fab Lab inaugurated by Kerala CM

Chief Minister of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated India’s 1^st Super Fab Lab in Kochi, Kerala. The Super Fab Lab installed in collaboration with KSUM (Kerala Startup Mission), will allow the state to produce machines locally and will give India's hardware industry a giant leap.

The Super Fab Lab, spread across an area of 10,000 sqft. and inaugurated at the Integrated Startup Complex(ISC) of the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) is the only such facility outside of the US.

48 - Shiv Bhojan Scheme launched by Maharashtra Government

The state government of Maharashtra launched the 'Shiv Bhojan' scheme on a pilot basis, on the occasion of the 71^st Republic Day. Under the pilot scheme, at least one 'Shiv Bhojan' canteen has been started at district headquarters for providing a meal to the poor for just Rs 10.

Under this initiative, about 18,000 thalis will be distributed every day through 125 centres. The scheme has been implemented at various hospitals such as Sir King Edward Memorial Hospital in Parel, LokmanyaTilak Municipal General Hospital in Sion, VN Desai Hospital in Santacruz etc.

49 - India’s first underwater metro to begin in March 2022 in Kolkata

India's first underwater metro train which is being constructed in Kolkata is set to begin operations in March 2022. The underwater metro train constructed by the Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation (KMRC), will pass partly under the iconic Hooghly river, connecting the twin cities Kolkata and Howrah.

Around 9,00,000 people will be travelling by this new line daily, covering 16.6 km route with six stations. The project is built at cost of Rs 8,600 crore.