Assam CA 30 June

1.

Lauding the Indian team as well as the support staff for realizing the dream of winning the first-ever Thomas Cup after 72 years of its inception, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma who is also the president of Badminton Association of India, welcomed the historic Thomas Cup trophy in Delhi on June 30.

India won the maiden Thomas Cup after defeating 14 time champion Indonesia on May 15, 2022. India’s victory was marked by the stellar performance of world championships medallists Kidambi Srikanth, Lakshya Sen and the world number 8 doubles duo – Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy. 

This is India’s first-ever Thomas Cup victory in 73 years.

2.

In an effort to preserve and protect Hoolock Gibbons, an endemic animal of the state of Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on June 30 shared government’s plan to build arboreal bridges and insulate transmission lines. 

significant efforts for its preservation such as building arboreal bridges & insulation of transmission lines. A dedicated conservation programme for this unique ape is also in the pipeline

The Hoolock Gibbon or most commonly known as the Western Hoolock Gibbon is a primate from the gibbon family, Hylobatidae which is widely found in the forests of Assam, Mizoram, Meghalaya and specific pockets of Arunachal Pradesh in northeast India. 

The primate’s population has been decreasing at an alarming rate due to the threat posed by land encroachment by humans, railway lines, habitat fragmentation and illegal logging.

3.

In what is considered to be one of the biggest achievements towards completion of 2000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydro Electric Project located on the Arunachal Pradesh-Assam border, the Dam’s top level of EL 210 meters was successfully completed in all the blocks on Thursday.

After getting all the statutory clearances including forest clearance on 12th October 2004, the NHPC Limited started the construction work of Subansiri Lower Project in January 2005.

However, the project construction work was stalled from December 2011 to October 2019 due to the agitation and protests by local stakeholders. After clearing all the legal issues by National Green Tribunal (NGT), the project construction again commenced from 15th October, 2019.

The construction of all the major components of the mega project viz. Dam, Power house, Hydro-mechanical works etc are progressing fast towards completion.

On completion, Subansiri Lower Project will generate approx. 7500 million units of power annually on 90% dependable year

4.

Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria visited Indian Army’s Tezpur based Gajraj Corps on Thursday.

During the visit, the governor laid a wreath at the war memorial at Gajraj Corps Headquarters to pay obeisance to the fallen Heroes of the nation.

While addressing the troops he commended the contribution of the Indian Army and the dedication and selfless devotion of the troops of Gajraj Corps in safeguarding the nation and in bringing peace back to Assam after decades of violence.

After the address to all ranks of Tezpur Military station at Albert Ekka Auditorium the governor also interacted informally with the troops during tea.

5.

Max Indu Phukan, an inhabitant of Demow Lakhimi Nagar and son of Mukunda Phukan and Indira Buragohain, is awarded a Vice-Chancellor’s Research Scholarship from the University of Ulster, Northern Ireland, for a PHD in Swimming Biomechanics, which will start in September 2023. Max Indu Phukan is working as a Technical Officer (Sports Science) at the Institute of Sport, University of Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

6.

In an extraordinary display of talent and cultural unity, a staggering number of 11,556 artists have come together to create history by achieving the Guinness World Record for the largest-ever MegaBihu performance held at a single venue. This awe-inspiring feat has not only showcased the rich cultural heritage of our state but has also brought immense pride to our nation.

The visionary leadership of the Honorable Chief Minister, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, has played a pivotal role in making this remarkable event a reality. Under his guidance, the state government provided unwavering support to ensure the successful execution of this grand celebration of our cultural roots.

To recognize and appreciate the exceptional efforts put forth by these talented artists, the state government has decided to honor each participant with a generous reward of ₹25,000. This gesture serves as a token of appreciation for their dedication, skill, and contribution to preserving our cultural legacy.

Expressing heartfelt gratitude, I extend my sincere thanks to my esteemed colleague, Shri Atul Bora, for his invaluable contribution in felicitating and recognizing the achievements of these extraordinary artists. His unwavering support has been instrumental in making this grand event a resounding success.

The MegaBihu event has not only served as a platform for showcasing the artistic brilliance of our performers but has also united our communities in a shared celebration of our vibrant cultural heritage. This historic achievement will be etched in the annals of our state’s cultural landscape, serving as a source of inspiration for generations to come.

As we applaud the remarkable talent of these 11,556 artists, we also recognize the broader significance of such cultural events in fostering a sense of pride and unity among our citizens. The resounding success of the MegaBihu performance exemplifies the essence of our diverse society, where art and culture thrive, leaving an indelible mark on our collective identity.

Moving forward, let us continue to nurture and cherish our cultural heritage, encouraging more such initiatives that celebrate our artistic brilliance and promote unity among all sections of society. The incredible achievement of these talented artists is a testament to the power of cultural expression, and we must strive to provide platforms for their creativity to flourish.

Once again, congratulations to the 11,556 artists who have etched their names in the Guinness World Records, and heartfelt appreciation to the government for its continuous efforts in promoting and preserving our cultural legacy. Together, let us march forward, embracing our diverse heritage and showcasing it to the world with utmost pride.

7.

The Prime Minister’s deep appreciation for the values embedded within the Gamusa is a testament to his unwavering commitment to preserving and promoting the diverse cultural tapestry of India. By acknowledging and honoring the significance of this cherished cloth, PM Modi showcases his profound understanding of the intrinsic link between cultural heritage and national identity.

The Gamusa holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Assam, embodying their love for tradition and their attachment to their roots. Its intricate designs and vibrant colors reflect the artistic prowess of Assamese craftsmen and the unique aesthetics that define the region.

Through his actions and words, PM Modi not only pays homage to the Assamese culture but also encourages a sense of pride and belonging among the people. His sincere gestures foster a sense of unity and respect for the diverse cultural expressions that flourish across the nation.

By upholding the significance of the Gamusa, Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to be a champion for cultural preservation and the promotion of India’s rich heritage. His unwavering support serves as an inspiration for the people of Assam and the entire country, emphasizing the importance of embracing and celebrating our cultural legacies.

8.

Today, we gather to pay homage to the revered memory of Capt. Jintu Gogoi (Vir Chakra), an epitome of courage and bravery, on the solemn occasion of his punyatithi.

Capt. Gogoi, a valiant fighter who etched his name in the annals of history, made the supreme sacrifice while bravely battling in the Kargil War. His unwavering commitment to the nation and selfless dedication to the cause of defending our motherland stand as a testament to his remarkable character.

During the tumultuous days of the Kargil conflict, Capt. Gogoi fearlessly led his comrades, displaying unparalleled bravery and determination in the face of adversity. He exemplified the true spirit of a warrior, putting his life on the line to protect our nation’s sovereignty.

As we reflect upon his remarkable heroics, we are reminded of the immense sacrifices made by our armed forces in safeguarding our borders. Capt. Gogoi’s legacy serves as a beacon of inspiration, igniting a flame of patriotism and reminding us of the profound debt of gratitude we owe to our brave soldiers.

Today, we salute the memory of Capt. Jintu Gogoi, cherishing his unwavering courage and undying commitment to duty. May his selflessness continue to inspire present and future generations to uphold the virtues of valor and sacrifice in service to our great nation.

9.

The secondary healthcare services in Assam have received a big boost with the World Bank approving a $251 million loan to strengthen management capacity, access, and quality of services.

The Assam State Secondary Healthcare Initiative for Service Delivery Transformation (ASSIST) project will increase access to comprehensive emergency obstetric and newborn care services and improve treatment and management of non-communicable diseases. The project will also upgrade around 10 lower-level facilities to district hospitals in essential districts and strengthen the capacity of nurses and healthcare managers for better service delivery.

The World Bank stated, “Lack of district hospitals, non-availability of beds and shortage of human resources for health are other major proximal causes of poor performance of the state’s secondary health system.”

It added that 6 districts in the state have no district hospitals and 4 districts need additional district hospitals due to the growing population and geographical location.

The World Bank also informed that hospitals in the state have a lower number of district level beds, compared to the national average. District hospitals in Assam have 18 beds/100,000 population compared to the national average of 24 beds, it reported.

Additionally, human resources for health at the existing district hospitals is severely constrained, with only 12 percent of the district hospitals meeting the requirement for doctors, 4 percent for nurses and 52 percent for paramedical staff as per the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) norms.

None of the district hospitals  in the state have qualified hospital managers, which results in clinical staff spending time on administrative and managerial duties for which they are not trained. This suboptimal allocation of the limited human resources for health thus impacts efficiency and quality of secondary healthcare services

The report also informed that only 10 of the 14 essential health services and 9 of 14 prescribed diagnostic services are available on average in district hospitals in Assam. Only 2 of the 25 existing district hospitals are National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) certified and none offer all 14 essential services.

Similarly, essential drug availability is inadequate. 44 percent of the patients are not able to procure medicines from their full prescription when seeking care in district hospitals.

Hospitalisation rates in Assam are reportedly half the national average and the state has the lowest in-patient care uptake if childbirth is excluded.

10.

Speedcubing is a competitive sport focused on solving combination puzzles like the Rubik’s cube as quickly as possible. It has gained significant popularity among the young enthusiasts in Assam in recent years. The world-renowned Rubik’s Cube was invented in 1974 by Ernõ Rubik, a Hungarian architecture professor. The sport of formal speedcubing had emerged with the inaugural World Rubik’s Cube Championship in 1982. Eventually, the World Cube Association was established as the global governing body for all speedcubing competitions. Assam has hosted 13 speedcubing competitions so far. The region proudly boasts accomplished speedcubers who have left their mark on the international stage. Kabyanil Talukdar, a former World Champion and world record holder in Rubik’s Cube blindfolded solving, and Nayan Jyoti Das, a former Asian record holder in Rubik’s Cube one-handed solving, are among the notable names hailing from Assam. To further promote and cultivate the sport, a local organization named SpeedCubing Guwahati was established in 2019. This organization has been organizing competitions, workshops, and seminars throughout Assam, helping foster a thriving community of speedcubers. Excitingly, the largest speedcubing competition in North-East India till date is scheduled to take place on July 16th at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium. This event is expected to draw hundreds of participants from all over India.