Notes:
The Consumer Affairs Secretary advocates the infusion of artificial intelligence into the ‘e-Jagriti’ portal to expedite consumer court case resolutions. The portal, under the Department of Consumer Affairs, streamlines consumer dispute redressal through features like online case filing, fee payment, and AI-driven smart search for archived complaints. It integrates various grievance platforms, utilizing AI and ML technologies for voice-to-text conversions, metadata creation, and a virtual court facility, aiming to enhance efficiency and accessibility in consumer complaint resolution.

Notes:
Cuscuta dodder, an invasive weed native to North America, is threatening Chengalpet forests and Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary of Tamil Nadu, endangering local ecology and migratory bird habitats. This parasitic vine lacks roots, infesting acres of trees in reserve forests and penetrating India’s oldest bird sanctuary. Found on Barringtonia trees crucial for bird nesting, it forms dense canopies before strangling and killing hosts. In India, it poses a significant problem in oilseeds, pulses, and fodder crops. Globally, it’s listed as a ‘declared noxious weed’ in 25 countries. Cuscuta seeds, with a hard coat, can survive up to 50 years in dry storage and 10 years in the field.

Notes:
India won the 9th GovTech Prize at the 2024 World Government Summit in Dubai for its innovative use of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing government services. The award recognizes the Government of India’s Ministry for Road Transport and Highways’ transformative project, iRASTE. The Emirates Government Service Excellence Program (EGSEP) manages the annual GovTech Prize and the “M-Gov Award”.

Notes:
Assam’s state government designates Kaji Nemu (Citrus limon), a distinctive lemon variety native to the region, as the official ‘State Fruit.’ State Agriculture Minister Atul Bora announced the decision, highlighting the fruit’s cultural, traditional and nutritional importance to the state and its people.

Notes:
The Odisha government announces the Nua-O scholarship, providing annual financial aid to undergraduate and postgraduate students. Male students receive Rs 9,000, while females get Rs 10,000. SC/ST and Nirman Shramik male students receive Rs 10,000, and females get Rs 11,000. The initiative, part of the Nutana Unnata Abhilasha (NUA) Odisha scheme, focuses on skilling youth, allocating a budget of Rs 385 crore for 2023-24 to 2025-26. The scholarship targets students in state universities and aided colleges, excluding Income Tax payers and government employees’ children. Around 4.5 lakh undergraduates and 32,000 postgraduates are expected to benefit.