STATE NEWS

Himachal Pradesh Celebrates 78th Foundation Day on April 15

• Himachal Pradesh marked its 78th Foundation Day on April 15, commemorating the state’s formation in 1948 by merging 30 princely states.

• The occasion is celebrated annually as 'Himachal Day' to honour the state's establishment.

• This year, for the first time, the state-level celebrations were held in Kilar, located in the remote Pangi Valley of Chamba district.

• Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presided over the event, which generated great enthusiasm among the local community.

• The festivities featured vibrant cultural performances, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of Himachal Pradesh.

• Himachal Pradesh is situated in the western Himalayas and shares borders with Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh.

• The state has dual capitals: Shimla for the summer and Dharamshala for the winter.

• It is home to famous national parks such as the Great Himalayan National Park, Pin Valley National Park, and Khirganga National Park.

• Nati, a traditional dance form, is an integral part of the state’s cultural legacy.

• On November 1, 1956, Himachal Pradesh was designated a Union Territory.

• Following the passing of the Himachal Pradesh State Act on December 18, 1970, the state officially came into existence on January 25, 1971.

• Himachal Pradesh became the 18th state of India.

• Current Leadership:

• Governor: Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla

• Chief Minister: Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu

• The state is represented by 4 Lok Sabha seats and 3 Rajya Sabha seats.

Telangana Becomes First State to Implement SC Categorisation of Reservations Act, 2025

• Telangana has become the first state in India to implement the Scheduled Caste (SC) Categorisation of Reservations Act, 2025.

• The announcement coincided with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s birth anniversary, underscoring its significance.

• A formal government order has been issued by the state to begin the implementation of the Act.

• The legislation received approval from the Governor after being passed by the Telangana State Legislature last month.

• The Act reorganizes the 56 Scheduled Caste communities in the state into three distinct categories.

• The goal is to ensure a more equitable distribution of reservation benefits among various SC sub-groups.

• This classification will influence policies related to education, employment, and political representation in the future.

• The move addresses long-standing concerns from certain SC communities about being excluded from past reservation benefits.

AWARDS

James Anderson Awarded Knighthood for Outstanding Contributions to Cricket

• James Anderson, the former England fast bowler, has been honored with a knighthood in recognition of his remarkable achievements in the field of cricket.

• This prestigious title was part of the resignation honors list announced by former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

• Anderson stands out as the only cricketer on this year's honors list.

• Anderson made his Test debut in 2003 at Lord's and revealed his retirement from international cricket in July 2024.

• Throughout his illustrious 21-year career, he played 188 Test matches, taking an impressive total of 704 wickets.

• He ranks third on the all-time list for Test wickets, following Shane Warne (708) and Muttiah Muralitharan (800).

• At the age of 42, Anderson remains England's top Test wicket-taker.

• Among his career milestones are winning the Ashes four times, solidifying his place as one of the greatest fast bowlers in the history of cricket.

NATIONAL NEWS

Central Government Introduces Draft Regulations for Gas Meters

• The central government has proposed new regulations for gas meters under the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011.

• These regulations mandate that all gas meters, whether used in homes, businesses, or industries, must undergo testing, verification, and official stamping before use.

• To ensure ongoing accuracy, the meters must be periodically re-verified.

• The primary objective of the new rules is to guarantee accurate, transparent, and reliable gas measurement.

• Certified gas meters will help eliminate billing errors, reduce disputes, and protect consumers from faulty or tampered devices.

• A transition period has been provided to allow manufacturers and regulators to prepare for the implementation of these changes.

• The gradual implementation aims to prevent disruptions in gas supply and avoid additional burdens on consumers and businesses.

• This move reflects the government’s effort to modernize India’s measurement systems, aligning with international standards and enhancing market integrity.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Russia Reaffirms Support for India’s UN Security Council Bid Amid Strengthened Bilateral Ties

• Russia has reiterated its backing for India's quest for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, coinciding with the 78th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

• The two countries emphasized the importance of mutual trust and respect, which are central to their strategic partnership.

• Shared views on global and regional matters continue to deepen their cooperation.

• In 2024, two significant summits were held between Prime Minister Modi and President Putin, highlighting the growing collaboration.

• Bilateral trade has seen notable growth, surpassing 60 billion US dollars this year.

• Key areas of cooperation include nuclear energy, particularly the Kudankulam project, alongside advancements in defense, space technology, and cultural exchanges.

• Both India and Russia advocate for a multipolar world and call for enhanced representation of the Global South in global decision-making bodies.