NATIONAL NEWS
India’s first biosphere within a tiger reserve has been created in the Rajaji National Park.
• India's first biosphere within a tiger reserve has been established in Rajaji National Park. Jai Dhar Gupta and Vijay Dhasmana have been spearheading this project.
• The Rajaji Raghati Biosphere (RRB) encompasses a 35-acre private forest within Rajaji National Park in Uttarakhand.
• Gupta, Dhasmana, and their team carried out extensive surveys to identify suitable native plant species, with a focus on those that are rare or disappearing in the region.
• The first phase of planting commenced in 2023, featuring approximately 80 species.
• In the upcoming monsoon season, an additional 35 to 40 species will be introduced into the biosphere.
• Additionally, Jai and Vijay are working on creating a second biosphere in the Western Ghats.
STATE NEWS
NOTA created a new record in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
• NOTA (None of the Above) set a new record in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
• For the first time in the country’s electoral history, NOTA received 218,000 votes.
• BJP candidate Shankar Lalwani from Indore made history by winning with a margin of approximately 700,000 votes.
• Fourteen percent of the total voters opted for NOTA.
• Previously, in 2019, Gopalganj in Bihar held the record with 51,660 NOTA votes.
• In the 2019 general elections, 65,14,558 (1.06 percent) of the total 61,31,33,300 votes were cast for NOTA.
• NOTA was introduced in 2013 following an order by the Supreme Court.
AWARDS
Sanya Malhotra won the Best Actress award for 'Mrs' at the New York Indian Film Festival
• Sanya Malhotra's film "Mrs" premiered at the 2024 New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF), where she received the Best Actress Award for her performance.
• Directed by Aarti Kadav, "Mrs" is a Hindi remake of the Malayalam blockbuster "The Great Indian Kitchen," originally featuring Nimisha Sajayan in a pivotal role.
• In "Mrs," Malhotra portrays Richa, a woman navigating the demands of her household and kitchen duties.
• The film also stars talented actors such as Nishant Dahiya and Kanwaljit Singh, contributing to its compelling narrative.
APPOINTMENTS
Indian badminton maestro, Ms PV Sindhu, announced as brand ambassador for Tobacco Control
• Renowned Indian badminton player, Ms. PV Sindhu, was appointed as the brand ambassador for Tobacco Control today.
• At the event, she called upon everyone to join the fight against tobacco use, advocating for a tobacco-free lifestyle and healthier choices for a brighter future.
• The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, hosted an event to mark World No Tobacco Day 2024, focusing on the theme "Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference."
