Kozhikode 

• Recently, UNESCO designated Kozhikode as India’s first ‘City of Literature,’ recognizing it under the literary category of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN).

Kozhikode

• Contemporary Significance: Kozhikode has a strong literary foundation, featuring over 500 libraries and more than 70 publishers.
  • It is also known for its high level of literary education.
  • In 2012, the city earned the title “City of Sculptures” (Shilpa Nagaram) due to the numerous architectural sculptures scattered throughout the city.

About UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN)

• Origins: Established in 2004, the UCCN promotes cooperation among cities that have identified creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development.
• Cities Covered: The network includes 350 cities worldwide.
• Seven Creative Fields Covered: Crafts and Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts, and Music.
• Significance: The UCCN designation provides global recognition and boosts tourism.
• Other Indian Cities on UCCN:
• • Music: Gwalior, Chennai, Varanasi
  • Film: Mumbai
  • Gastronomy: Hyderabad
  • Crafts and Folk Art: Jaipur and Srinagar

e-SAKSHI Portal

• A hands-on training workshop on the e-SAKSHI Portal was conducted to familiarize participants with the revised fund flow procedures under the MPLAD Scheme.

e-SAKSHI Portal:

• About: Launched for the revised fund flow procedure under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) Scheme.
• Benefits: This initiative promises a multitude of benefits, transforming how MPs oversee and engage with development projects in their constituencies.
  • It offers convenience and accessibility, empowering MPs to propose, track, and manage projects seamlessly.
  • This real-time access improves decision-making processes, enabling quick responses to emerging needs or issues.
• Aim:  The application aims to enhance communication between MPs and relevant authorities, ensuring efficient information exchange.
  • It promotes transparency by providing MPs with immediate updates on the status and progress of their proposed projects. 
  • It includes features for budget management, allowing MPs to monitor expenditures effectively.

INS Sunayna

• Recently, INS Sunayna docked at Port Louis, Mauritius.

INS Sunayna:

• About: INS Sunayna, a Saryu-class Offshore Patrol Vessel, was commissioned at Kochi and operates under the Southern Naval Command.
• Features: Designed for fleet support operations, coastal and offshore patrolling, ocean surveillance, monitoring Sea Lines of Communication, protecting offshore assets, and performing escort duties.
  • Capable of reaching speeds of up to 25 knots.
  • Features an automatic power management system.
  • Equipped with state-of-the-art navigation, communication, and electronic support systems.
  • Other vessels in the Saryu class include INS Sumitra and INS Sumedha.

New safety standards for electric vehicles

• Recently, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has implemented two new safety standards for electric vehicles, namely IS 18590: 2024 and IS 18606: 2024.

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) new safety standards:

• EV Safety Standards: These standards ensure that the powertrain, a critical component of electric vehicles in categories L, M, and N, meets rigorous safety requirements. 
  • They also prioritize the performance and security of electric vehicle batteries.
• Safety Standard for E-Rickshaws and E-Karts: BIS has introduced a new standard, IS 18294: 2023, tailored for E-rickshaws and E-Karts. This standard encompasses construction and functionality to guarantee the safety of drivers and passengers alike.
  • BIS now encompasses a comprehensive set of 30 standards for electric vehicles and their accessories, which includes charging systems.
• Significance: These new standards play a crucial role in advancing India’s sustainable, eco-friendly, and efficient transportation infrastructure.

Srinagar’s ‘World Craft City’ tag

• Recently, Srinagar has earned the World Craft City (WCC) tag from the World Crafts Council (WCC)

World Craft City (WCC)

• Established: 2014
• Organizing Institution: The World Crafts Council International (WCCI)
• Country of Origin: Kuwait
• Objective: Recognizing local governments, artisans, and communities for their contributions to culture, economy, and society; establishing a global network of craft cities; promoting the creative economy and safeguarding traditional crafts.
• Legal Status: Registered in Belgium as an international non-profit association (AISBL), underscoring its global reach and non-commercial mission.
• Affiliation: Holds consultative status with UNESCO.