Important Current Affairs of 22nd June

NATIONAL:

Namma Kolhapuri chappal got GI tag.

• The controller general of patents, designs and trademarks has granted the GI (Geographical Indications) tag to Kolhapuri chappal from Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara and Solapur districts of Maharashtra and Dharwad, Belgaum, Bagalkot and Bijapur of Karnataka.

Getting GI tag for Kolhapuri means that footwear produced only in these 8 districts will qualify to carry tag of being Kolhapuris.

History:

• According to the GI application made by the two states, Kolhapuris can be traced back to the 12th century when King Bijjal ruled Bidar in Karnataka and his prime minister Vishwaguru Basavanna wanted to create a casteless society and remove the stigma associated with the cobbler community. The community embraced Lingayat faith and used its creative skills to start producing footwear known equally for its ruggedness and regal bearing.

Brand Kolhapuri came into being only in the beginning of 20th century when the footwear began to be traded in 20th century when the footwear began to be traded in Kolhapur. Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj (1874-1922) of Kolhapur encouraged its production and 29 tanning centres were opened during his rule in Kolhapur.

About Geographical Indications (GI) tag:

A geographical indication (GI) is a name or sign used on certain products which corresponds to a specific geographical location or origin.

Darjeeling tea became the first GI tagged product in India, in 2004-05, since then by october 2018, 321 had been added to the list.

The GI tag is valid for a period of 10 years. Further it can be renewed.

India’s first solar cruise vessel will debut in Kerala.

• India’s first solar-powered ferry in 2016, Kerala is gearing up for the launch of the country’s premier solar-powered cruise boat.

The initiative comes from the State Water Transport Department (SWTD), whose solar ferry Aditya in the Vaikom-Thavanakadavu route proved to be a success.

The Rs. 3-crore cruise boat can carry 100 passengers is under construction at a boatyard in Aroor and comes from the stable of the builders of Aditya.

It will be rolled out in Alappuzha in December.

The hybrid vessel will be powered by a motor that can source energy from solar panels, battery, and generator.

Its battery will have 80 KWh (kilowatt hour) power backup, as compared to 50 KWh backup in Aditya.

About Low Energy Force

Aditya incurs a rock-bottom energy expense of ₹200 a day compared to the approximately Rs. 8,000 needed for diesel-powered ferries.

Solar vessels do not create air and noise pollution.

The double-deck, double-engine catamaran-type vessel adheres to norms specified by the Indian Registry of Shipping (IRS).

The vessel will have an air-conditioned lower deck and pushback seats, he said.

The upper deck, which is non-air conditioned, can be used for dining and to get a better view of the backwaters.

INTERNATIONAL:

Mauritania holds election for 1st time since independence 60yrs ago.

• Mauritania went to polls for the first time on Saturday since the African nation gained independence from France nearly 60 years ago. President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, who seized power in a coup in 2008, agreed to step down and abide by the maximum two five-year elected terms. Non-elected military governments have mostly ruled the country following independence.