District with the Least Urban Area in Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh is the fourth largest state in India. It covers an area of 240,928 square kilometers and has the most districts among all Indian states. Each district has its unique features that contribute to the state’s uniqueness. In this article, we will explore which district in Uttar Pradesh has the least urban area.

Historical Significance of Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh holds a special place in Indian history. Whether it is the freedom struggle or cultural heritage, the state showcases a rich history. This attracts a large number of domestic and foreign tourists every year who explore the cities and villages of Uttar Pradesh. Each district has its own special characteristics that enhance the beauty of the state.

Total Districts in Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh has a total of 75 districts, divided into 18 divisions. Additionally, there are 351 tehsils, 826 community development blocks, 28 development authorities, 5 special area development authorities, 75 town panchayats, over 56,000 village panchayats, 200 municipal councils, and 17 municipal corporations.

The Smallest and Largest Districts of Uttar Pradesh

The smallest district in Uttar Pradesh is Hapur, which spans 660 square kilometers. The largest district is Lakhimpur Kheri, covering 7,680 square kilometers. Lakhimpur Kheri is also home to the famous Frog Temple. The second-largest district is Sonbhadra.

The Easternmost and Westernmost Districts of Uttar Pradesh

The easternmost district of Uttar Pradesh is Ballia, while the westernmost district is Shamli. The northernmost district is Saharanpur, and the southernmost district is Sonbhadra. These four districts are also known for their social, political, economic, and historical importance.

The District with the Least Urban Area

The district with the least urban area in Uttar Pradesh is Shravasti. The district headquarters is in Bhinga. The Achiravati River flows through the district. To the north, Shravasti shares its border with Nepal.

Urban Area in Shravasti

Shravasti district has only 65 square kilometers of urban area. The rest of the district is rural. The total area of Shravasti is 1,640 square kilometers, with the majority being rural.

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Air India to Set Up South Asia’s Largest Flight Training School in Amravati

Air India is establishing South Asia’s largest flight training school in Maharashtra’s Amravati district with an investment of over ₹200 crore. Scheduled to open in the first quarter of the next financial year, this initiative aims to secure a steady pipeline of pilots for the airline, which will require 500-700 pilots annually to support its expansion plans following a mega order of 470 Airbus and Boeing aircraft in 2023.

Partnership and Infrastructure

In partnership with Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC), Air India has leased a 10-acre plot in Amravati for thirty years. The facility will feature 31 single-engine Piper aircraft and three twin-engine Diamond aircraft, training 180 commercial pilots annually. The infrastructure includes a newly extended runway of 1,850 metres, modern navigation aids, and night landing facilities. Amravati offers over 300 days of clean visibility, optimizing conditions for pilot training.

Significance for Indian Aviation

Campbell Wilson, MD & CEO of Air India, highlighted that the Amravati flying training organization marks a significant step towards self-reliance in Indian aviation. The school aims to provide more opportunities for Indian youth to pursue careers as pilots. Despite there being over 34 approved training schools in India, 40% of pilots currently complete their training overseas. This initiative addresses the gap, contributing to the nation’s aviation self-sufficiency.

Supporting Government Vision

Sunil Bhaskaran, Director of the Aviation Academy at Air India, expressed the company’s commitment to supporting the government’s vision for an Atmanirbhar Bharat. By enhancing India’s aviation infrastructure, Air India aims to meet the needs of one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets. The airline currently operates a fleet of around 140 aircraft and has hired over a thousand pilots in the past two years.

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India Becomes First Nation To Prepare Full List of Fauna

The Fauna of India Checklist Portal is the first comprehensive document on the faunal species reported from India. India has become the first country in the world to prepare a checklist of its entire fauna, covering 104,561 species. The ‘Fauna of India Checklist Portal’ was launched on the occasion of the 109th Foundation Day of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) in Kolkata on Sunday by Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav.

Global champion in biodiversity conservation

“India is a global champion in biodiversity conservation,” Yadav said, referencing the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative as a testament to the country’s dedication to environmental preservation. This program was one of the first major initiatives undertaken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi after his re-election. Additionally, Yadav highlighted other government initiatives aimed at preserving biodiversity, such as the International Big Cat Alliance. He pointed to the successful relocation of cheetahs to India as an example of the country’s effective conservation efforts.

Bird species in India

Among the 1,358 bird species present in India, there are 79 that are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world. The Western Ghats Bio-geographic zone has the highest number of these species at 28, with the Andaman and Nicobar Islands being the next most important area for endemism.

List of the states and number of species

Category Region Number of Species
Total Mammalian Species in India 455
Highest Mammalian Diversity Meghalaya 163
West Bengal 161
Arunachal Pradesh 142
Tamil Nadu 139
Assam 138
Sikkim 137
Kerala 134
Union Territories with High Mammalian Diversity Andaman & Nicobar Islands 68
Ladakh 59
Delhi 38
High Endemism Tamil Nadu 23
Karnataka 19
Kerala 19
High Endemism Regions Western Ghats hill streams of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Monotypic Genera Anathana (Madras Treeshrew) Found only in India
Latidens (Salim Ali’s fruit bat) Found only in India
Nilgiritragus Found only in India
Rare Megabat Species Latidens salimalii (Salim Ali’s fruit bat) Monotypic genus Latidens

The comprehensive fauna checklist is important for several reasons

  1. Conservation and protection: By documenting all known animal species in India, this list provides a baseline to track changes in biodiversity and identify threatened or endangered species that require targeted conservation efforts.
  2. Scientific research: The detailed inventory of India’s fauna will serve as an invaluable resource for scientists, researchers, and policymakers to better understand the country’s rich ecological diversity and make informed decisions about sustainable management of natural resources.
  3. International leadership: India is the first country in the world to prepare such a comprehensive national-level checklist of its entire fauna. This positions India as a global leader in biodiversity documentation and conservation, setting an example for other countries to follow.
  4. Informing policy and planning: The fauna checklist will help the government develop more effective policies and programs for wildlife protection, habitat preservation, and environmental management across India.

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RBI, ASEAN to Create Platform for Fast Cross-Border Retail Payments

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), along with the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) and central banks of four ASEAN countries, is collaborating on Project Nexus, a multilateral initiative aimed at enabling efficient, faster, and cost-effective retail cross-border payments. The platform is expected to go live by 2026 and will interlink domestic fast payment systems (FPS) of Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and India.

Project Nexus Collaboration

An agreement to this effect was signed by the BIS and the central banks of the founding countries—Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), Bank of Thailand (BOT), Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), and the Reserve Bank of India—on June 30, 2024, in Basel, Switzerland. Indonesia will be involved as a special observer.

Efficiency and Future Expansion

Project Nexus aims to make retail cross-border payments more efficient, faster, and cost-effective. The platform is expected to be extended to more countries in the future.

India’s Push for UPI Internationalization

India has been promoting its homegrown FPS, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), for cross-border person-to-person (P2P) and person-to-merchant (P2M) payments. Countries such as Mauritius, Singapore, Nepal, and Sri Lanka accept UPI payments. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has been focusing on international payments, breaking into markets like France, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Mauritius.

Recent Developments

  • January 2024: NPCI launched the UPI-PayNow linkage for remittances between India and Singapore.
  • January 2024: Google Pay and NPCI International Payments signed an agreement to expand UPI payments outside India.
  • February 2024: NPCI partnered with Lyra to enable UPI acceptance in France; UPI services were rolled out in Sri Lanka and Mauritius.
  • June 2024: PhonePe collaborated with Sri Lanka-based LankaPay to enable UPI payments in Sri Lanka.

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New CGM and CMD Take Charge at PGCIL

Akhilesh Pathak has assumed office as the new Chief General Manager (CGM) of the Southern Region Transmission System-I (SRTS-I) of the Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL) on Monday, July 1, 2024. Pathak will oversee the transmission system, including sub-stations and projects in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and part of Karnataka. With over 31 years of experience in the transmission sector, he has expertise in operations and maintenance, asset management, and commercial operations.

Ravindra Kumar Tyagi Appointed CMD of PGCIL

Ravindra Kumar Tyagi has been appointed as the new Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL), succeeding K. Sreekant. Tyagi’s appointment, cleared by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on December 18, 2023, follows his tenure as Director (Operations) since August 2022. An alumnus of Punjab Engineering College and IIT Delhi, and a Fulbright Scholar from Carnegie Mellon University, Tyagi brings over 33 years of experience in various business areas of POWERGRID including asset management, engineering, business development, telecom, load dispatch and communication, NTAMC, and DMS. He will lead the Maharatna CPSE until his retirement on March 31, 2026.

About POWERGRID

Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) is a Schedule ‘A’, ‘Maharatna’ Public Sector Enterprise, established on October 23, 1989. Listed with the Government of India holding a 51.34% stake, POWERGRID is headquartered in Gurugram and plays a crucial role in the national power transmission network.

Maharatna Companies in India

As of now, there are 13 Maharatna companies in India. The Maharatna scheme for Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) was launched in May 2010. These companies include:

  1. Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) – 1964
  2. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) – 1976
  3. Coal India Limited (CIL) – 1975
  4. Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) – 1984
  5. Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) – 1974
  6. Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) – 1959
  7. National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) – 1975
  8. Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) – 1956
  9. Power Grid Corporation of India (POWERGRID) – 1989
  10. Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) – 1954
  11. Power Finance Corporation (PFC) – 1986
  12. Rural Electrification Corporation Limited (REC) – 1969
  13. Oil India Limited (OIL) – 1959

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The First Hindi Newspaper of Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh, the fourth largest state in India, is renowned for its diverse culture and unique traditions. This state attracts numerous domestic and international tourists each year who come to experience its rich cultural heritage. Being a Hindi-speaking state, Uttar Pradesh has a significant presence of major Hindi newspapers. Have you ever wondered which was the first Hindi newspaper in Uttar Pradesh? Let’s find out through this article.

An Overview of Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh, covering an area of 240,928 square kilometers, is India’s fourth-largest state, constituting 7.33% of the country. Formerly known as the North-Western Provinces, it was later renamed as the United Provinces of Agra and Oudh. Post-independence, on January 24, 1950, it was named Uttar Pradesh. In 2000, the state of Uttarakhand was carved out from Uttar Pradesh. Currently, the state comprises 75 districts divided into 18 divisions, with 351 tehsils and 17 municipal corporations.

Importance of Media in India

In India, media is considered the fourth pillar of democracy, playing a crucial role in shaping the social and economic landscape of the country. Newspapers, a vital part of the media, have a significant impact, especially in Hindi-speaking regions like Uttar Pradesh. Today, Uttar Pradesh hosts several prominent Hindi newspapers, but do you know which was the first Hindi newspaper in this state?

The First Hindi Newspaper of Uttar Pradesh

The first Hindi newspaper in Uttar Pradesh was the “Banaras Akhbar.” It was launched in January 1845 and edited by Govind Narayan Thatte. The newspaper was managed by Shivprasad Sitar-e-Hind. While some consider it the first Hindi newspaper, it is recognized as the first newspaper in a Hindi-speaking state.

Language used in Banaras Akhbar

The “Banaras Akhbar” was unique because it used Hindi along with Arabic and Persian languages. This multilingual approach made it challenging for many readers to understand the newspaper’s content fully.

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Swamy Saswathikanandan 20th Samadhi Day observed

On Monday, the Sivagiri Matha Atheetha Athmiya Sangham in Varkala marked an important day in their calendar. They observed the 20th death anniversary, also known as the Samadhi Day, of Swamy Saswathikananda. This event brings together followers and admirers of the Swamy to remember his life and teachings.

What is Samadhi Day?

Understanding the Concept

In Hindu and Buddhist traditions, Samadhi Day refers to the day when a spiritual leader or saint leaves their physical body. It’s not seen as a day of sadness, but rather as a day of:

  • Reflection
  • Spiritual growth
  • Honoring the leader’s teachings

Significance in Spiritual Communities

Observing Samadhi Day is a way for spiritual communities to:

  1. Keep the memory of their leader alive
  2. Pass on important teachings to new generations
  3. Strengthen the bond among followers

Who Was Swamy Saswathikananda?

A Brief Biography

Swamy Saswathikananda was an important spiritual leader in Kerala. While we don’t have specific details about his life in this brief, we can understand that he:

  • Was associated with the Sivagiri Matha
  • Had a significant following
  • Left a lasting impact on his community

His Connection to Sivagiri Matha

The Sivagiri Matha is a major spiritual center in Kerala. It was founded by the social reformer Sree Narayana Guru. Swamy Saswathikananda likely played a crucial role in continuing the work and teachings of this institution.

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Viswanathan Anand Wins 10th Leon Masters Chess Championship

Viswanathan Anand, the former world chess champion from India, achieved a remarkable feat. He won the Leon Masters chess championship for the 10th time, defeating Jaime Santos Latasa of Spain in the final with a score of 3-1. This victory adds another jewel to Anand’s crown of achievements in the world of chess.

The Leon Masters Tournament

What is the Leon Masters?

The Leon Masters is a prestigious chess tournament held in Leon, Spain. It features four top players competing against each other. In 2024, the participants were:

  1. Viswanathan Anand (India)
  2. Arjun Erigaisi (India)
  3. Veselin Topalov (Bulgaria)
  4. Jaime Santos Latasa (Spain)

Anand’s Path to Victory

In the semi-final, Anand defeated Veselin Topalov, while Jaime Santos Latasa won against Arjun Erigaisi. This set the stage for the final match between Anand and Santos Latasa, which Anand won convincingly.

Anand’s Dominance at Leon Masters

Anand’s victory in 2024 marks his 10th win at the Leon Masters. His previous victories came in:

1996, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2011, 2016, and now 2024

This impressive record showcases Anand’s consistency and longevity in the sport of chess.

Who is Viswanathan Anand?

Early Life and Introduction to Chess

  • Born on December 11, 1969, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu
  • Introduced to chess by his mother
  • Became the National Sub-Junior Chess Champion at age 14
  • Earned International Masters (IM) norms at age 15

Major Achievements

  1. Became India’s first chess Grandmaster in 1988
  2. Five-time World Chess Champion
    • FIDE World Chess Champion (2000-2002)
    • Undisputed World Champion (2007-2013)
  3. Successfully defended his title in 2008, 2010, and 2012
  4. Reached the 2800 Elo rating mark in April 2006
  5. Ranked world number one for 21 months

Anand’s World Championship Journey

Anand’s journey as a world champion has been remarkable:

  • Won the FIDE World Chess Championship in 2000
  • Became the undisputed World Champion in 2007
  • Defended his title against:
    • Vladimir Kramnik (Russia) in 2008
    • Veselin Topalov (Bulgaria) in 2010
    • Boris Gelfand (Israel) in 2012
  • Lost the title to Magnus Carlsen (Norway) in 2013

Awards and Honors

Anand’s contributions to chess have been widely recognized:

  1. Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award (now Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award)
    • First recipient of India’s highest sports award (1991-92)
  2. Padma Vibhushan
    • India’s second-highest civilian award (2007)
    • First sports person to receive this honor

Anand’s Impact on Indian Chess

Viswanathan Anand’s success has had a profound impact on chess in India:

  • Inspired a generation of young Indian chess players
  • Helped raise the profile of chess in India
  • Contributed to India becoming a major force in world chess

The 2024 Leon Masters Victory

At the age of 54, Anand’s victory in the 2024 Leon Masters demonstrates his enduring skill and passion for the game. His connection to Spain, where he lived for many years during his professional career, adds a special significance to this win.

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Bhupinder Singh Rawat, Former Indian Midfielder passes away at 85: AIFF

Former India midfielder Bhupinder Singh Rawat, who played in the 1969 Merdeka Cup in Malaysia died after a brief illness, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) stated. A speedy winger of the 1960s and 1970s, Rawat played for India in the 1969 Merdeka tournament in Malaysia. Domestically, he played for Delhi Garrison, Gorkha Brigade and Mafatlal.

About Bhupinder Singh Rawat,

The All India Football Federation condoled the death of former India winger Bhupinder Singh Rawat, who passed away in Surat, Gujarat, on June 29, 2024, after a brief illness. He was 85. Rawat is survived by his wife, one son and one daughter. A speedy winger of the 1960s and 1970s, Rawat played for India in the 1969 Merdeka tournament in Malaysia. In domestic football, he played for top teams like Delhi Garrison, Gorkha Brigade and Mafatlal. He represented Services and Maharashtra in the National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy. A darling of the crowd for his speed and ability to cut through the rival defence despite his diminutive figure, Rawat was nicknamed “Scooter” by his fans in the stands.

About AIFA

All India Football Federation (AIFF) is the governing body of football, futsal and beach soccer in India. It is a member of FIFA, and is affiliated with the Asian Football Confederation and South Asian Football Federation. It is affiliated with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. India men’s and women’s football teams are governed by the AIFF, and represent India in various international football tournaments.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams

  • President: Kalyan Chaubey
  • Subsidiaries: Indian Football Association, 33 more

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World UFO Day 2024, Date, Significance and History

Every year on July 2, people around the world celebrate World UFO Day. This special day is all about learning more about Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and thinking about the possibility of life beyond Earth. In 2024, World UFO Day falls on a Tuesday, giving us another chance to look up at the sky and wonder about what might be out there.

What is a UFO?

Before we dive deeper, let’s understand what a UFO is:

  • UFO stands for Unidentified Flying Object
  • It’s anything flying in the sky that we can’t easily explain
  • UFOs aren’t always alien spaceships – they could be:
    • Weather balloons
    • Satellites
    • Unusual aircraft
    • Natural events in the sky

But some famous UFO sightings, like the Roswell Incident and the Phoenix Lights, keep people wondering if we’ve been visited by beings from other planets.

The History of World UFO Day

When did it start?

World UFO Day has an interesting history:

  • It was first celebrated on June 24
  • This date was chosen because of a famous UFO sighting by Kenneth Arnold in 1947
  • Later, the date was changed to July 2
  • July 2 marks the anniversary of the Roswell incident in 1947

The Roswell Incident

The Roswell incident is a big part of UFO history:

  • It happened in New Mexico, USA
  • Something crashed near Roswell in July 1947
  • The U.S. military said it was a weather balloon
  • Many people believe it was an alien spacecraft
  • This event sparked a lot of interest in UFOs

Why Do We Celebrate World UFO Day?

World UFO Day is important for several reasons:

  1. Raises Awareness: It helps more people learn about UFOs
  2. Encourages Discussion: People can share ideas about UFOs and aliens
  3. Promotes Research: It supports scientific study of UFO sightings
  4. Challenges Myths: It helps clear up false ideas about UFOs
  5. Sparks Curiosity: It reminds us to wonder about the unknown

How to Celebrate World UFO Day 2024

Here are some fun ways to mark this special day:

  1. Watch the Sky: Spend time stargazing and looking for unusual objects
  2. Learn More: Read books or watch documentaries about UFOs
  3. Share Stories: Talk with friends about UFO sightings or theories
  4. Visit Museums: Some places have exhibits about UFOs and space
  5. Join Events: Look for local gatherings or online discussions about UFOs

Famous UFO Sightings

While we celebrate World UFO Day, it’s interesting to remember some famous UFO incidents:

  1. Roswell Incident (1947): The crash that started it all
  2. Kenneth Arnold Sighting (1947): First widely reported UFO sighting
  3. Phoenix Lights (1997): Mysterious lights seen by many people in Arizona
  4. Nimitz Encounter (2004): U.S. Navy pilots reported strange aircraft
  5. O’Hare Airport Sighting (2006): UFO reported hovering over a major airport

The Science Behind UFO Research

World UFO Day isn’t just about stories – it’s also about science:

  • SETI: The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence uses radio telescopes to look for alien signals
  • Exoplanet Research: Scientists are finding planets outside our solar system that might support life
  • Advanced Technology: New tools help us study strange objects in the sky more closely

UFOs in Popular Culture

UFOs have had a big impact on our imagination:

  • Movies: Films like “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and “E.T.”
  • TV Shows: Series like “The X-Files” explore UFO mysteries
  • Books: Many authors write about UFO encounters and alien life
  • Video Games: Space and alien themes are popular in gaming

The Future of UFO Research

As we look forward to World UFO Day 2024, the field of UFO research is changing:

  • Government Openness: Some countries are sharing more UFO information
  • Better Technology: Advanced cameras and sensors can capture clearer images
  • Citizen Science: Regular people help track and report UFO sightings
  • Space Exploration: As we learn more about space, we might find answers about UFOs

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