6 August Current Affairs

1.

At a time when the state government is eyeing to celebrate 200 years of Assam tea, which coincides with year 2023, in a grand manner, Zetta Farms, a leading force from Rajasthan revolutionizing the agricultural industry, today announced an expansion of its portfolio with a sprawling 1000-acre tea estate in the serene landscapes of Assam.

This visionary project marks Zetta Farms’ entry into the tea industry, offering an exquisite range of teas with prices ranging from Rs 600 per kg to Rs. 5 lakhs per kg.

Nestled in the lush landscapes of Assam’s Udalguri district, renowned for its fertile soil and optimal climate, the new tea estate represents a strategic move by Zetta Farms to create a sustainable tea production model.

2.

The northeastern state of Assam is planning to stimulate the local economy and improve public hygiene by launching four new healthy food streets across the region. This project is a collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and is aimed at promoting indigenous cuisine, attracting local as well as foreign visitors, and encouraging entrepreneurship while maintaining hygiene standards.

As Assam is known for its cultural heritage and food delights, the state has been working towards developing culinary tourism, which will play a vital role in economic growth. These food streets will focus on the diverse and sumptuous Assamese cuisine. Each of the food streets will explore the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura. Besides, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra will also get these ‘healthy food streets.’   

The four food streets will be located in Guwahati, which is the capital city; Jorhat; Tezpur; and Silchar. The food streets will feature food stalls, vendors, and restaurants offering a large variety of Assamese dishes, including Assamese thalis, traditional snacks, and authentic beverages. By bringing in nutritious and local delicacies, the authorities will encourage healthy eating habits among the population. 

3.

The number of people filing Income Tax (I-T) returns has shot up in Assam, indicating a good sign for the state’s economic growth. According to official sources, the number of people filing income tax returns was 3.5 lakh in 2016-17. It has risen to 8.16 lakh in 2022-2023, including over three lakh salaried government employees. According to sources, such a growth in the number of income tax returnees in a state like Assam is a good sign that indicates that the people of the state are doing away with the mentality of tax evasion.

In 2016-17, the direct tax collection in Assam was Rs 4,709 crore, and the amount rose to Rs 6,500 crore in 2022-23. According to sources, a campaign on social media, along with targeted emails and SMS campaigns, was launched to encourage tax payers to file their I-T returns. The campaign has its effects on people who are new to filing I-T returns. According to sources, apart from direct tax collection, the state has witnessed a surge in GST collection as well. The GST collection in 2016-17 was Rs 4,078 crore, and the amount rose to Rs 11,884 crore in 2022-23.

4.

Two Assam universities-Dibrugarh University and Birangana Sati Sadhani Rajyik Vishwavidyalaya–announced admissions for transgender students to post-graduate (PG) programmes, diploma and certificate courses.

While Dibrugarh University has opened a PG course in Master of Social Work for transgender students, the Birangana Sati Sadhani Rajyik Vishwavidyalaya has opened seven courses in various subjects.

As per a “special admission” notice issued by Dibrugarh University, online applications have been invited from eligible Transgender candidates for admission into the Master of Social Work (MSW) Programme for the Academic Session 2023-2024.

The programme consists of four semesters with a total duration of two academic years. The online application closes on August 8 at 11:59 PM.

In another notification, the Birangana Sati Sadhani Rajyik Vishwavidyalaya, a state university, announced its decision to reserve three seats for the transgender category in seven courses.

5.

In a bid to vaccinate all drop out and left out children of 0-5 years of age and pregnant women, the first round of Intensive Mission Indradhanush 5.0 will start from August 7 to August 12 in Udalguri district. According to official statistics during the first phase, 238 sessions will be held in the three health blocks of Udalguri district to vaccinate 2,352 children and 415 pregnant women. Within this target, 1,639 children are of 0-2 years of age, and 713 are of 2-5 years of age. Sources added that around 317 health workers will be engaged in this mission to vaccinate the children with lifesaving vaccination.