By: D.K Chaudhary
1. Smriti Irani Launches GNFC’s Neem Project in UP
i. State-run Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited (GNFC) started its socio-economic Neem Project, inaugurated by Union Minister Smriti Irani in Amethi District of Uttar Pradesh.
ii. Since 2015, GNFC, through its Neem Project has collected over 45,000 tonnes of neem seeds by engaging 4.5 lakh rural women in over 60 districts of five states including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Rajasthan.
2. Gujarat Launches Pocket Cop Project
i. The Gujarat police unveiled the Pocket Cop project, which will enable quicker verification of passport applicants, and search of accused persons, among others. The project was inaugurated by Chief Minister Vijay Rupani in Gandhinagar.
ii. Under the project, smartphones with data connectivity will be given to 4,900 police personnel, including every police station in-charge, investigating officer, PCR van, and those involved in passport verification.
- Gujarat Capital- Gandhinagar, CM- Vijay Rupani, Governor- Om Prakash Kohli.
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is situated in Ahmedabad, Guajarat.
- Kakrapar Atomic Power is located in Gujarat.
3. India Forms Committee to Reform Higher Defence Planning
i. The Union Government formed a new integrated institutional mechanism, Defence Planning Committee (DPC) to reform the process of higher defence planning. The permanent body would be chaired by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
ii. The committee is aimed at driving the country’s military and national security strategy, draft capability development plans and guide and accelerate defence equipment acquisitions.
4. Swaziland King Changes Country’s Name to ‘Kingdom of eSwatini’
i. Swaziland’s King Mswati III, Africa’s last absolute monarch, officially changed the name of his country to the ‘Kingdom of eSwatini’. Accordingly, the country, a member of the Commonwealth, will now be known by its historic name of eSwatini.
ii. The announcement was made during the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the King’s 50th birthday as well as the 50th anniversary of Swazi’s independence from British colonial rule.
- Swaziland King- Mswati III, Capitals- Mbabane, Lobamba.
- eSwatini in a Swazi language stands for ‘place of the Swazi’.
5. Karan Johar, 1st Indian Filmmaker in Madame Tussauds Collection
i. Karan Johar has become the first-ever Bollywood filmmaker to get a place at the famous Madame Tussauds.
ii. The process has begun in London and it will take about six months for the wax figurine to be ready.
- Madame Tussauds is a wax museum in London with smaller museums in a number of other major cities.
- It was founded by wax sculptor Marie Tussaud.
