Current Affairs | National | International | SSC | UPSC - 9th September 2023

 

National News

1.  Ahmedabad becomes second city in the country to implement emissions trading scheme

• The Gujarat government announced on 7 September 2023 that Ahmedabad has become the second city in the country to implement the Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) for particulate pollution which will help regulate industrial emissions and reduce the state's pollution levels. 
• Around 400 red-category solid-fuel-based industries have been identified to be part of the ETS-PM project for Ahmedabad. The scheme was first launched in August 2019 in Surat across 350 highly polluting solid fuel-burning industries. 
• Controlling air pollution, especially particulate matter emissions, Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) – founded by Nobel laureates Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo – in collaboration with the University of Chicago, Yale University and the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) ETS The project has started. 
• A "cap-and-trade" system, similar to the ETS, was introduced by the United States in the 1980s to reduce emissions of pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides (NOx).

2. Phone tapping: Bombay HC junks FIRS against IPS officer 

• The Bombay High Court on Friday quashed two First Information Reports (FIRS) against senior IPS officer Rashmi Shukla in the alleged case of phone tapping of politicians and police officers. Division Bench of Justices A.S. Gadkari and Sharmila Deshmukh quashed the FIR against her in Pune after a closure report was filed by the police. 
• In the Mumbai FIR, the government did not grant sanctions to Ms. Shukla's prosecution. The case pertains to the alleged tapping of the phones of Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut and NCP leader Eknath Khadse when Ms. Shukla was heading the State Intelligence Department. 

3. India’s first underground transformer unveiled in Bangalore 

• The first underground transformer in the country was inaugurated at Malleswaram, Bangalore. 
• The 500 kVA transformer has been commissioned as a joint project between Bescom and BBMP. 
• The transformer is expected to bring down the impact due to accidents and reduce losses during transmission. 
• This ambitious initiative will not only enhance the safety of the urban environment but also encourage citizens to utilize footpaths without disruptions during maintenance works on overhead cables and related equipment. 

4. “One Sun, One World, One Grid” conference held in New Delhi 

• In the run-up to the 18th G20 Summit, a one-day conference themed “Transnational Grid Interconnections for One Sun, One World, and One Grid (OSOWOG)” convened in New Delhi. 
• The conference, spearheaded by the Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID), a company under the Ministry of Power. 
• OSOWOG has the potential to make round-the-clock renewable energy more cost-effective, reducing the need for energy reserves and ultimately lowering electricity costs for the populace while ensuring energy access to millions who currently lack it. 

5. Amazon India inks pact with 5 states to empower PwDs 

• Amazon India has signed a pact with five state governments to engage with employable Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and enable their participation in the mainstream workforce. 
• These states are Haryana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. 
• Memorandum of understanding, which extends until 2026 aims to provide skilling and employment opportunities for PwD candidates in five states. 
• Opportunities will be provided across Amazon’s Operations Network, which is fulfillment centers, sortation centers, and delivery stations for various roles, including stowing, picking, packing, and sorting among other roles. 

6. 3-day Climate Resilient Agriculture workshop concludes in Hyderabad 

• The G20 Technical Workshop on “Climate Resilient Agriculture” commenced in Hyderabad, India. 
• It is organized by the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. 
• This three-day workshop aims to facilitate discussions on climate change challenges and foster international cooperation to enhance countries’ abilities to address these climate-related agricultural issues. 
• The workshop has drawn participants from G20 member states, guest-invited countries, and international organizations, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and other relevant ministries 
• Agriculture, being one of the most climate-sensitive sectors, is significantly impacted by climate change, which is already affecting G20 nations. impacts, including increased climatic extremes like droughts and floods, pose risks to food security and agricultural production worldwide. 
• The workshop’s agenda includes discussions on upscaling climate-resilient agriculture case studies and experiences, policy considerations, financial aspects, and institutional requirements. 

7. G20 in News (Note – All Meetings are Under the Presidency of G20 by India)

• G20 Conference – Amity University’s Noida campus in Uttar Pradesh (5 September 2023). 
• G20 One Health Workshop – Bengaluru, Karnataka (29 – 31 August 2023) 
• 2nd G20-Chief Scientific Advisers’ Meeting – Gandhinagar, Gujarat (28 August 2023) 
• G20 Summit India 2023 – New Delhi (25 – 27 August 2023) 
• 4th G20 Culture Working Group (CWG) – Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh (23- 26 August 2023)

8. Jharkhand Cabinet approves 1k pension for transgender community 

• With the aim of providing social security and bringing them into the mainstream of society, the Jharkhand government has decided to add the transgender community to its universal pension scheme. 
• The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Hemant Soren. The government also decided to include them under the backward class category and provide them the benefits.
• Mukhyamantri Rajya Samajik Suraksha Pension Yojana for transgender people under the social assistance scheme. The eligible beneficiary will get Rs 1,000 per month as financial aid. 
• According to the Department of Women, Child Development and Social Security (WCDSS), the transgender population was around 11,900 in Jharkhand in 2011, which currently would be nearly 14,000. 

About Jharkhand 

• Capital – Ranchi 
• Chief Minister – Hemant Soren 
• Governor – P. Radhakrishnan 

9. Bharat Mandapam

• Situated within New Delhi’s Pragati Maidan, Bharat Mandapam stands as a symbol of India's hosting the G20 Summit. This remarkable venue will serve as the backdrop for pivotal discussions among world leaders, including Joe Biden, Rishi Sunak, and Emmanuel Macron. Moreover, it will host the working lunch hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to these esteemed global leaders. 
• Covering an expansive area of 123 acres, Bharat Mandapam has been developed as India’s largest MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination. Its world-class facilities and vast campus position it among the top exhibition and convention complexes globally. 
• Built at an investment of approximately Rs 2,700 crores, Bharat Mandapam is equipped with numerous meeting rooms, auditoriums, lounges, an amphitheater, and a fully equipped business center, making it suitable for a wide range of events. 

10. Country’s First Underground Power Transformer In Bengaluru Installed 

• Energy Minister KJ George inaugurated the country’s inaugural underground transformer center, a significant step towards modernizing the city’s power distribution infrastructure. Located at 15th Avenue, Malleswaram, the underground transformer center is a collaborative effort between the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) and the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). 
• With a budget of Rs 1.98 crore, this pioneering project boasts a 500 KVA capacity transformer. Historically, underground power transformer stations have primarily been found in Western countries, where governments prioritize public convenience and safety. 
• At a depth of 10 feet below the road’s surface, this innovative center sets new standards in power distribution. The station includes a 500 KVA capacity oil-free transformer, an 8-way solid-state ring main unit, a 5-way LT distribution box, UPS, a water pump, and an air control system. BBMP contributed Rs 64 lakh to fund the civil works, and the entire project was completed in just 365 days.

International News

11. French government bans traditional Islamic dress 'abaya' in government schools 

• Recently the French government announced a ban on wearing the traditional Islamic garment 'abaya' in government schools. The legal basis for this ban is a law passed in 2004 banning the wearing of There are "specific" religious symbols in schools. 
• The decision is implemented as a measure to uphold the principle of laïcité, France's commitment to secularism. 
• At the same time, France's highest court, the Council of State, has also upheld a government ban on the wearing of the abaya – the long, loose-fitting garment worn by some Muslim women – in public schools. In 2004, France enacted a law banning the wearing of "ostentatious" religious symbols in public places, including Catholic dress, the Jewish kippa, and the Muslim headscarf. In 2011, the face-covering burqa was banned in public places. 

Laïcité 

• It is a complex and politically charged word in France. It symbolizes the formal separation of state and church, emphasizing the complete removal of religious values from the public sphere. 
• Secular values like liberty, equality, and fraternity have been adopted in their place. It originated in the struggle of anti-clerical Republicans against the power of the Catholic Church. This was further strengthened by the enactment of the 1905 Act on the Separation of Church and State.

12. “Marine Sand Watch” a new data platform launched by the United Nations Environment Program 

• The United Nations Environment Program launched the “Marine Sand Watch” on 6 September 2023. A global platform designed to monitor large vessels engaged in dredging activities in the marine environment. 
• Marine Sand Watch receives support from the University of Geneva (GRID-Geneva) and funding from the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment. The platform is based on research that UNEP/GRID-Geneva is conducting with its research partners, Global Fishing Watch, the University of California Santa Barbara, and Google. 
• Currently, sand resources are not monitored globally. The forum has identified "hotspots" including the North Sea, Southeast Asia, and the East Coast of the United States as areas of concern. 
• Using data from 2012-19, Marine Sand Watch estimates that the dredging industry is dredging up to 6 billion tonnes of sea sand per year. The rate of extraction is increasing globally, UNEP said and is approaching the natural rate of replenishment of the 10 billion to 16 billion tonnes of sand flowing into the ocean from rivers and needed to maintain coastal structures and ecosystems. 

GRID-GENEVA 

• Global Resource Information Database - Geneva, is a partnership between the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) and the University of Geneva (UniGe). 

United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) 

• UNEP is an international environmental authority engaged in setting the global environmental agenda and promoting the efficient implementation of the environmental dimension of the United Nations Sustainable Development Programme. It was established in the year 1972 at the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment (known as the Stockholm Conference). Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya.

13. Israeli scientists develop 'human embryo model' without eggs or sperm 

• Scientists in Israel have developed a human embryo model/human embryo-like structure from stem cells in the lab without using sperm, eggs, or uterus, raising hopes for research on miscarriage and birth defects, but new ethical concerns have also been born. 
• According to the team at Israel's Weizmann Institute of Science, the model resembles a 14-day embryo, when it acquires internal structures, but before it lays the foundation for body parts. The scientists' work was published in the journal Nature on 6 September 2023, after a pre-print appeared during the annual meeting of the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) in Boston in June. 
• His team took stem cells derived from adult human skin cells as well as other cells cultured in the lab, then reverted the cells to a primitive state with the potential to develop into different cell types. 
• British law prohibits the culturing of human embryos in laboratories for more than 14 days. Weizmann The Institute's research has not developed its models for more than 14 days and does not involve transferring models into human or animal wombs. 

Stem cell 

• Stem cells are the body's original cells, undifferentiated cells that have the ability to develop into cells of any part of the body. Stem cell therapy has helped in finding solutions to serious and fatal diseases like cancer, leukemia, thalassemia, and Alzheimer's. 

Four types 

1. Totipotent: These embryonic cells are artificially developed and have the characteristic of continuously increasing their numbers. 
2. Multipotent: These cells work to grow or repair an organ, such as cells that help in bone marrow or blood formation. 
3. Pluripotent: The biggest specialty of these cells is that they take the form of any cell. 
4. Unipotent: This type of cell is self-proliferating and takes the form of mature cells. 

14. Britain's second-largest city, Birmingham, has declared itself bankrupt 

• Local authorities running Birmingham, Britain's second-largest city, have focused on maintaining vital services as they effectively declared the council bankrupt due to an annual budgetary shortfall of millions of pounds. 
• Birmingham City Council, the largest local authority in Europe, issued a Section 114 notice on 5 September 2023 stating that all new spending except on safeguarding vulnerable people and statutory services will cease immediately. 
• The council said a dire financial situation had arisen because it would have to fund an "equal pay liability." that has so far accumulated in the region of GBP 650 million to GBP 760 million, but it does not have the resources to do so. 
• Birmingham City Council, which is run by the opposition Labor Party and is the largest local authority in Europe with over 100 councilors. The council will tighten the expenditure controls already in place and hand them over to a Section 151 officer to ensure complete control. 
• Birmingham Council has paid out almost GBP 1.1 billion in equal pay claims since the landmark case was brought against the authority in 2012. UK Supreme Court rules in favor of 174 mostly female employees – working in roles such as teaching assistants, cleaners, and catering staff.

15. African Union Becomes Permanent Member of G20 Under India’s Presidency 

• During the inaugural session of the two-day G20 Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that the African Union (AU) had been granted permanent membership in the Group of the 20 largest economies (G20) worldwide. 
• The African Union (AU) is a significant organization consisting of 55 member states, collectively representing nations across the African continent. 
• G20 was established in 1999 as a response to various global economic crises. 
• G20 member nations collectively account for approximately 85 percent of the world’s GDP, more than 75 percent of global trade, and roughly two-thirds of the global population. 
• In addition to the recent addition, G20 is made up of Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union (EU). 

State News

16. IOC's Panipat ethanol plant to hit 100% capacity utilization soon 

• Indian Oil Corporation's 900-crore 2G ethanol plant which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in August 2022, is set to reach 100% capacity utilization in a few months, from 30% now, IOC's Chairman and Managing Director, Shrikant Madhav Vaidya said on Friday. 
• Refiners including the IOC are available for collection and are required to supply petrol that has 20% bioethanol by 2025. Mr. Vaidya said that in October, the IOC's blend would reach 12.5%, which would be raised to 15% next year and then, gradually, to 20% by 2025.
• (Also, part of the 2G ethanol would go to SAF production (sustainable po aviation fuel), which is also coming up near the Panipat refinery, under a joint venture with Lanzach Jet is a unit of Lanzatech in which the IOC has a stake. 
• The Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) has said aviation fuels would need to incorporate 2% SAF blends. The IOC will be supplying fuels to comply with that decision, Mr. Vaidya added. (The writer is with The Hindu business line)

Defence News

17. Phase II of bilateral exercise ‘Varuna 2023’ conducted in the Arabian Sea 

• Phase II of the 21st edition of the Varuna (Varuna-23) bilateral exercise between the Indian and French Navy was conducted in the Arabian Sea. 
• The exercise witnessed the participation of guided missile frigates, tankers, Maritime Patrol Aircraft and integral helicopters from the two sides. 
• Units of both navies endeavored to enhance and hone their fighting skills, improve interoperability and demonstrate their ability to promote, peace, security, and stability in the region. 
• The first phase of ‘Varuna-2023’ was conducted off India’s Western Seaboard from January 16 to 20, this year. 
• The bilateral exercise of the Indian and French navies was initiated in 1993. The exercise was later christened as ‘Varuna’ in 2001 and has since become a hallmark of robust India-France strategic bilateral relationship. 

Recent Exercise 

• 5th edition of AUSINDEX-23 between Indian Navy and the Royal Australian Navy – Sydney, Australia 
• Exercise Bright Star-23 among US, Saudi Arabia, Greece, Qatar & India– Cairo Air Base, Egypt 
• Passage Exercise (PASSEX) 2023 between Indian Navy & Royal Saudi Navy – Red Sea, Saudi Arbia (INS Chennai participated) 
• 27th edition of Malabar Multilateral Exercise – Sydney, Australia
• First FALCON Shield-2023 Exercise between China & UAE – Xinjiang, China

Banking and Financial News

18. SBI Life Insurance launches its very first LifeVerse Studio on Meta

• SBI Life Insurance has launched its very first LifeVerse Studio, on Metaverse, to connect with the next generation of internet users.
• The objective behind the move is expected to connect, empower, and engage with the new-age consumers and reshape brand interactions. 
• SBI Life’s LifeVerse Studio is designed for users to create their avatars to connect with a diverse set of audiences. 
• Users can select from a wide range of interesting avatars and showcase their creative selves on the platform through their avatars. Furthermore, the Avatars can interact in real-time. 

Recent Facilities Launched in the Banking & Insurance Sector

• ICICI Prudential Life Insurance launches ICICI Pru GIFT Pro income plan 
• Mastercard launches ALT ID solution for enhanced online payments 
• SBI introduces UPI interoperability in Digital Rupee 
• Paytm launches new 'Soundbox' that enables card payments 
• PhonePe launches Share (dot)Market app to buy and sell stocks 
• Bajaj Allianz Life launches ULIP fund with dynamic asset allocation

19. Science Japan successfully launches XRISM research satellite 

• Japan has successfully launched a rocket carrying a new research satellite to unravel the evolution of the universe and space-time. 
• The H2A rocket carrying the X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM) satellite and the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) was launched at the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima. 
• The Japanese space agency is leading the mission in collaboration with NASA. The European Space Agency contributed to the telescope’s construction, which means that astronomers from Europe will be allotted a portion of the telescope’s observing time. 
• XRISM is a rebuild of the Hitomi mission, a JAXA spacecraft that launched in 2016. The Hitomi telescope spun out of control weeks into its mission, and Japan lost contact with the spacecraft. 
• SLIM also has a lightweight design that could be favorable as agencies plan more frequently.

20.SBI Unveils Nation's First Transit Card for Digital Fare Payments 

• State Bank of India (SBI), the country’s largest lender, has taken a significant step in enhancing the commuting experience and promoting digital payment adoption with the launch of the "Nation First Transit Card." 
• This innovative card is designed to facilitate a seamless and convenient customer commuting experience, offering easy digital ticketing fare payments across various modes of transportation, such as metro, buses, water ferries, parking, and more, all through a single card. Additionally, the card can also be used to make retail and e-commerce payments.
• The NCMC feature allows SBI customers to utilize their Debit Cards as travel cards for convenient use on Metro Rail and Buses wherever this service is accessible. This initiative was officially launched on March 4, 2019.

Important day

21. 10 September – World Suicide Prevention Day 

• World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is an annual event held on September 10 to raise awareness of suicide and its prevention. 
• Theme 2023 – Creating Hope Through Action 
• This day is organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP). 
• It was established in 2003 in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO). 
• The day was first established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and is now observed by over 40 countries around the world. 
• Suicide is a serious public health issue that affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures. According to WHO, there are 700,000 suicides per year worldwide.

22. International Day To Protect Education From Attack 2023 

• The International Day to Protect Education from Attack is an international observance established by the United Nations General Assembly on September 9 every year. 
• It was established in response to the growing number of attacks on schools and educational institutions around the world. These attacks can take many forms, including shelling, bombing, and occupation. They can also include the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict. 
• On May 28, 2020, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 74/275, establishing September 9 as the International Day to Protect Education from Attack. The observance of this International Day serves as an annual platform to amplify advocacy and galvanize action for the protection of education and sustainable peace for all. 

Books and Authors News

23. A Book On UP CM Yogi Adityanath Creates History With 67 Launches 

• The recently launched graphic novel, ‘Ajay to Yogi Adityanath,’ has made history by achieving the highest number of book launches, earning it a place in the Asia Book of Records. This remarkable novel, penned by renowned author Shantanu Gupta, delves into the life of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, tracing his journey from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of political leadership.
• This novel has been introduced in 29 locations within Uttar Pradesh and seven locations in National Capital Region (NCR). An inaugural event marked its simultaneous release on June 5, 2023, coinciding with the 51st birthday of Chief Minister Yogi, at more than 51 venues across 25 districts in Uttar Pradesh. ‘Ajay to Yogi Adityanath’ is actually the voyage of Ajay Singh Bisht, a young boy born in the hinterland of Uttarakhand along with six other siblings. 

Sports News

24. India won gold medal in the International Olympiad for Informatics after 9 years 

• India has won gold in the International Olympiad for Informatics held in Hungary after 9 years. The Indian team was represented by Kshitij Sodani, Paras Kasmalkar, Shreyan Ray and Sushil Raja U at the International Informatics Olympiad 2023. 
• Kshitij Sodani won the gold medal, Paras and Shreyan won the silver medal and Sushil won the bronze medal. It is one of the top five Science Olympiads around the world. India has been participating in international competitions for the last 22 years. 
• The competition was held in Szeged, Hungary from 28 August to 4 September 2023. IOI 2022 took place in Indonesia and IOI 2024 will take place in Egypt. 
• This is the second time the Indian team has won a gold medal at the International Olympiad for Informatics; the last time was in 2014. The Indian team was led by Madhavan Mukund, director of the Chennai Mathematical Institute, and Jatin Yadav of IIT Delhi. 
• This was the fourth year for Kshitij Sodani in the International Olympiad in Informatics. They started with bronze in 2020, silver in 2021 and 2022, and gold in 2023. 
• He is the only student from India to bring a total of four consecutive medals in IOI. He was the youngest student (14- year-old) to win a medal in 2020 and became the youngest student to win a gold medal this year at the age of 17. He also won the gold medal in the Asia Pacific Informatics Olympiad (APIO) 2023, held in Beijing. This was India's second ever gold medal at the APIO, the last one being won 14 years ago. 

25. Goa Governor Launches ‘Mashaal’ For 37th National Games

• Governor of Goa, Shri. P.S. Sreedharan Pillai, officially introduced the Mashaal (torch) to mark the commencement of the 37th National Games. This splendid event was organized by the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, in collaboration with the Sports Authority of Goa, at the Durbar Hall in Raj Bhavan, Donapaula. 
• Dr. Pramod Sawant declared that the Mashaal, will traverse through Goa and various other states for a period of four days, sparking enthusiasm for the National Games and enabling rural areas in the state to partake in this grand celebration. 
• Governor Pillai also revealed the National Games’ Anthem (theme song), which featured the iconic voice of the legendary actor, Amitabh Bachchan. Furthermore, a specially designed website was also launched during the ceremony. This website is a comprehensive resource, providing information and updates about the event. It promises to be an invaluable tool for participants, spectators, and enthusiasts alike.

Indian polity

26. Opposition CMS may skip dinner hosted by President 

• The G-20 dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu is expected to have a thin attendance of Opposition leaders as the Chief Ministers of at least six of the 12 nonruled States are likely to skip the event. 
• Two former Prime ministers, Manmohan Singh and H.D. Deve Gowda, also will not attend the dinner. 
• According to sources, Ashok Gehlot of Rajasthan, Siddaramaiah of Karnataka and Bhupesh Baghel of Chhattisgarh are not heading for Delhi. 
• Among the attendees are Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu. 

27. INDIA wins 4 seats, BJP in Assembly bypolls

• In Ghosi, former SP MLA Dara Singh Chauhan, who switched parties and rejoined the BJP, was defeated by a margin of over 42,000 votes by Sud- hakar Singh. "It is a win for positive politics and a defeat for negative communal politics... It is Bharat starting towards INDIA's victory," SP chief Akhilesh Yadav said. 
• In West Bengal, Trinamool candidate Nirmal Chandra Roy won the Dhupguri seat by over 4,313 votes. Tapasi Roy of the BJP, wife of a CRPF jawan killed in a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir in 2021, got 92,648 votes, officials said. CPI(M) candidate Ishwar Chandra Roy, who was backed by the Congress, was a distant third with 13,666, said officials. 
• The BJP retained Dhanpur in Tripura and Bageshwar in Uttarakhand. Party president J.P. Nada hailed the victories in Tripura and Uttarakhand. Tafajjal Hossain of the BJP won the Boxanagar seat in Tripura, where polls were held due to the demise of Shamsul Haque, by 30,237 votes. BJP candidate Bindu Debnath bagged the Dhanpur seat, which was vacated by Union Minis- ter Pratima Bhowmick after winning in the Assembly election in February, by 18,871 votes. Kaushik Chanda of the CPI(M) got 11,146 votes.
• Parwati Dass of the BJP defeated Basant Kumar of the Congress by more than 2,400 votes in Bageshwar in Uttarakhand. 
• The Opposition alliance tasted victory in Jharkhand, where the JMM retained the Dumri Assembly seat, and in Uttar Pradesh, where the SP won the Ghosi seat. Bebi Devi of the JMM won in Dumri in Giridih district by defeating Yashoda Devi of the All Jharkhand Student Union, an NDA constituent, by over 17,000 votes. ". In Kerala and West Bengal, the INDIA bloc parties were not in alliance. The Congress-led United Democratic Front retained the Puthuppally Assembly seat in Kerala as its candidate, Chandy Oommen, son of the late Oommen Chandy, defeated the LDF candidate, Jaick C. Thomas, by a margin of over 37,000 votes.