28 August CA

1.

Plans are underway to establish 18 new toll gates across the state. The announcement of these new toll gates was made earlier this year in April. If approved, this move will bring the total number of toll gates in Assam to 27, with each gate potentially affecting the cost of goods transportation.

As part of the tollgate expansion initiative, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma addressed concerns during an Assam Legislative Assembly session in April. 

 Currently, nine toll gates are operational under the administration of the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), with an additional nine gates under construction. Plans for the construction of four more gates have also been confirmed, and five toll gates have already been completed.

The tollgate expansion project is being conducted in collaboration with the National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL) and NHAI.

2.

A young computer engineer hailing from Guwahati, Ripunjoy Gogoi, achieved a milestone by successfully completing one of the most difficult cycle events, Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP), recently held from August 20-24 in France.

The Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP), which is held every four years is the world’s oldest cycling event whose route stretches from the French capital to the port city of Brest and back.

Not only this, but Ripunjoy Gogoi also became the only one from the Northeast to achieve this feat at the gruelling Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP) after four others from Assam and one from Mizoram backed out due to technical issues and time-bound limitations.

To earn a finishers’ medal, a participant must complete the route in 90 hours.

With several record-breaking cycling events up his sleeves and determination Gogoi participated in the event with 280 riders from India and overall 8300 cyclists which all started from Rambouillet 30 km away from Central Paris.

3.

In a historic move, Chief Conservator of Forests, Dr. Sonali Ghosh, is poised to make history as she assumes the role of the first woman Field Director of the renowned Kaziranga National Park (KNP), starting next month. 

As per a report by PTI, the Assam government’s recent order has already set the stage for this groundbreaking transition, with Dr. Ghosh officially taking charge on September 1.

Dr. Ghosh, a distinguished officer of the Indian Forest Service (IFS), will succeed the current Field Director, Jatindra Sarma, who is scheduled to retire on August 31.

She currently holds the position of Chief Conservator of Forests for the Research Education and Working Plan Division at the Office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force in Guwahati. 

As per the report, she was the top performer of the IFS batch from 2000-2003 and she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her new position.

4.

A teacher from Assam — Kumud Kalita — will be honoured with the National Awards to teacher for the year 2023 on September 5 in New Delhi, said state Education Minister Ranoj Pegu.

Kalita, who is a teacher at Pathshala Senior Secondary School, will be conferred with the award on the occasion of Teacher’s Day by the President of India Droupadi Murmu.

5.

In a remarkable display of unity through music, the G20 Orchestra, comprising 101 musicians and vocalists from G20 member nations and invited countries, mesmerized an audience with their performance titled ‘Sur Vasudha’ in Varanasi, India. This orchestral extravaganza was organized under India’s presidency of the G20 and marked the culmination of the Culture Ministers’ Meeting.

The ensemble featured 61 Indian artists and 40 from G20 nations, showcasing a harmonious fusion of diverse traditional musical instruments. Notable dignitaries including delegates from the UK, Germany, Saudi Arabia, and international bodies like UNESCO attended the event, lauding it as a captivating and beautiful experience. The performance celebrated the essence of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, portraying the world as one family. This article provides a concise summary and delves into six insightful questions about the event and its significance.