State PCS

• 01 Jul 2023

Annapurna Model

Why In News?

According to the information received from the media on June 29, 2023, the Central Government has given instructions to implement the Annapurna model of Bareilly in the whole country. Under this, fair rate shops of ration will be shifted to Annapurna Store.

Key Points:

• It is known that on May 17, Soumya Aggarwal, Commissioner of Bareilly Division and Joginder Singh, Vice-Chairman of Bareilly Development Authority (BDA), presented the model of 52 Annapurna stores being constructed in the division to the Chief Minister. Under the Annapurna model, there will be a fair price shop and public convenience center, which has been named as 'Annapurna Store'.
• Commissioner Saumya Aggarwal said that under the single stage system of doorstep delivery, it is necessary for the vehicles of food grains to reach the fair price shop easily. That's why Gram Sabhas in rural areas and Nagar Panchayats, Municipal Councils, Municipal Corporations in urban areas will get ration shops constructed from their financial resources, schemes like MNREGA etc.
• The state government of Uttar Pradesh has ordered to make these shops such a place where the common people can easily reach them. Means the shops should not be in the streets but should be in open or easily accessible places.
• Shops will be constructed near panchayat buildings in rural areas and community buildings in urban areas. Many shops in Bareilly are currently under construction on this model. These shops will be constructed in all the blocks of the district. The Central Government has given instructions to implement this model in the entire country.
• Income, caste, birth, residence certificate, Aadhaar, pension and other services will be available from the Annapurna store's public convenience center. Different types of bills can be deposited. 5 kg LPG cylinders, e-stamps, fire extinguishers will be available at the Annapurna store. Services of Micro ATM, BC Sakhi etc. will also be available.

For the First Time Action will be Taken against the Drug Smugglers of Western UP under Pit

Why In News?

According to the information received from the media on June 29, 2023, for the first time in western UP, drug traffickers are going to be prosecuted under PIT (Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988).

Key Points:

• According to the information, a file is being prepared of those smugglers lodged in jails from Saharanpur to Shamli, Muzaffarnagar, Baghpat, Bijnor, Meerut, Hapur and Bulandshahr, who have become habitual offenders of drug smuggling and after coming out of jail, they Then you can join this business.
• A file of about 20 smugglers is being prepared for Pit's action. This action is taken by ANTF (Anti Narcotics Task Force).
• The smugglers whose files have been prepared by the ANTF for the pit will be sent from the DM to the commissioner and the headquarters. There will be an inquiry at the government level as to how justified is the person against whom the file of Pitt's action has come. Action will be taken after the permission of the government.
• According to Deputy Superintendent of Police NNTF Meerut-Saharanpur Rajesh Kumar, such action had not yet taken place in Western UP. After this action, the drug smuggler will remain in jail for at least one year and no consideration will be given to bail or any other kind of petition.
• Apart from this, the property he had collected from the drug business will also be surveyed and confiscated. This action is taken against those criminals, whose stay in jail becomes necessary.
• It is noteworthy that Pit's action is similar to the NSA (National Security Act). Under the NSA, any suspect can be detained without bail for three months. If necessary, the period can be extended by three months, which can be a maximum one year.
• There is no need to frame a suspect for detention. However, the state government has to tell on what basis this person was kept in jail. This action can be taken by the civil police on the orders of the government, while the pit action can be taken only by the ANTF.

Gandak- Ganga River Link Scheme

Why In News?

On June 29, 2023, Bihar's Information and Public Relations cum Water Resources Minister Sanjay Kumar Jha told that the Gandak-Ganga river link scheme to be started on the instructions of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will prove to be a boon for Gopalganj, Siwan and Saran districts of the state.

Key Points:

• In this scheme, starting from Gandak river near Hirapakad in Gopalganj district to Ganga river near Haispur in Saran district, a total of 170 km. Long link channel will be constructed. This includes sectioning and digging operations.
• Also, kms of Saran embankment. Anti flood sluice with 4 ports will be constructed as per the prescribed design at 139.59. The estimated amount of the scheme is Rs 69 crore 89 lakh 79 thousand.
• Residents of blocks like Gopalganj, Manjha, Barauli in Gopalganj district, Badharia, Goriyakothi, Maharajganj, Daronda in Siwan district and Dighwara, Sonpur, Khaira, Nagra, Baniapur, Madhaura etc. in Saran district will be benefited by this river linking scheme.
• Improvement in ground water level in these areas and also in terms of environmental balance will prove to be an important scheme.
• It is known that no high dam has been built in Nepal. Until the high dam is built, the water of the rivers of Bihar cannot be controlled. If a high dam is built in Nepal, then most of the areas of Kosi, Kamla, Bagmati, Gandak river in Bihar will become flood-free.
• Irrigation capacity will be increased by increasing the number of canals originating from Valmiki Nagar barrage of Gandak river in West Champaran district of the state. The Water Resources Department will prepare a plan after assessing it. Its purpose is to make maximum use of Gandak river water for irrigation. Along with this, it will also provide protection from the floods that occur every year in the Gandak river.
• At present, there is irrigation potential of about 11.50 lakh hectare in seven districts of Bihar through the canals coming out of this barrage.
• It is known that the maximum discharge capacity of Valmiki Nagar barrage is about 8.50 lakh cusecs, the maximum discharge from this barrage till date was about 6 lakh 19 thousand 750 cusecs on July 31, 2003.
• This barrage was constructed in 1967-68. Its length is about 739 meters. Half of it is in Nepal. It has 52 gates, 18 real ways, 12 under sluices, 8 river sluices, 18 head regulator gates.

The Governor inaugurated the Divya Kala Mela

Why In News?

On June 29, 2023, Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra inaugurated the Divya Kala Mela organized by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment at Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur to promote the skill and craftsmanship of the products of Divyangjan on a large scale. .

Key Points:

• The Governor said at the Divya Kala Mela that such fairs have great significance in the direction of making the talents and skills of the Divyangjan accessible to the public. These events create self-confidence among the Divyangjan and strengthen their economic empowerment.
• These fairs are important not only for the empowerment of Divyangjan but also from the point of view of spreading Indian arts and crafts. In the era of marketing and advertising, such fairs bring forth the expression of mind related to art and culture as a product.
• Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar said that by organizing Divya Kala Melas in different states of the country, a platform is being provided to the products manufactured by Divyangjan.
• It is known that by organizing 13 thousand camps in the country, aids and appliances have been distributed to 25 lakh Divyangjans. Due to the support these events are getting from the society, new hope and a sense of self-reliance is being spread among the Divyangjans.
• The Government of India has taken special initiative for the welfare of the disabled and through various schemes work is being done to enhance their skills and bring them into the mainstream.
• On this occasion, under the Divyang Swavalamban Yojana, the Governor also distributed concessional loan approvals, tricycles, hearing aids, walking sticks etc. to the Divyangjans to start self-employment.

Museum will be Established in Deeg

Why In News?

On June 29, 2023, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot approved a financial proposal of Rs 4.21 crore to set up a museum at Deeg in Bharatpur district of the state.

Key Points:

• According to the proposal, a total of 8 galleries will be constructed including Gallery, Maharaja Surajmal Gallery, Arms Gallery, Statue Gallery, Excavation Gallery, Art and Culture Gallery, Braj Mandal Gallery, Painting Gallery, displaying the history of Bharatpur dynasty.
• Along with this, high mast lights, solar lights, water supply related works, traffic for the convenience of tourists and other development works will also be done in the Deeg fort area from the main gate to the museum building.
• With this decision of the Chief Minister, tourists will be able to get various information including the Deeg fort as well as Bharatpur's dynasty, Braj's art and culture, ancient weapons at one place.
• It is noteworthy that the announcement in this regard was made by the Chief Minister in the budget for the year 2023-24.

Shri Vishwakarma Kaushal Vishwavidyalaya to set up North India's Largest Logistic Skill Academy

Why In News?

According to the information provided by the Directorate of Information, Public Relations and Languages of Haryana on June 28, 2023, Shri Vishwakarma Kaushal Vishwavidyalaya located in Palwal district of the state will set up North India's largest Logistics Skill Academy.

Key Points:

• Keeping in view the demand of skilled workers in the logistics sector, Shri Vishwakarma Kaushal Vishwavidyalaya has decided to set up a Logistics Skill Academy. About 3000 youth will be trained every year in this academy for the logistics hub.
• TVS Logistics Company will be the partner of Shri Vishwakarma Skill University in this project.
• The Vice-Chancellor of the University Dr. Raj Nehru said that this is a very fast emerging field of employment. There is a shortage of trained people in the logistics sector. Through this academy, a large number of youth can be trained for logistic companies.
• Through this academy, 8th and 10th pass youths who have driving licenses will get employment opportunities. They will be given training at the Logistics Skill Academy.
• For this, the course will be designed according to the needs of the logistics sector. In this, along with the job role of logistic crane operator, training will be given to operate other goods carrier vehicles.
• Youth undergoing training at Logistics Skill Academy will get employment opportunities in TVS Logistics. With this, along with NCR districts, the youth of other districts of the state will also get employment opportunities. It will start with a package of about two lakh rupees annually.
• The Vice Chancellor informed that soon there will be an MoU between Shri Vishwakarma Skill University and TVS Supply Chain Solutions Company. Through this, the way for the placement of the youth taking the training will be cleared.
• Apart from this, other logistics companies will also be able to get skilled worker operators through this Logistics Skill Academy.
• Rishi Dewan, Regional Chief Operating Officer, TVS Supply Chain Solutions, said that Shri Vishwakarma Skill University is adding different skills. In this episode, Logistics Skill Academy will be a new chapter in itself. Through this, by training the youth power, their energy will be put to good use in the interest of the country.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Gaurav Award 2023

Why In News?

Jharkhand resident Bollywood actor Javed Pathan was honored with the 'Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Gaurav Award 2023' on June 28, 2023 at Mukti Foundation Hall, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra's capital, in a program organized by Dadasaheb Phalke Icon Award Films Organization.

Key Points:

• Javed Pathan received this award for the film 'NRI Wives', where he was given the title of 'Icon Actor of the Year'. The film was shot in America.
• It is known that 'Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Gaurav Award' is awarded to those who give a better message to the society or who have done good work for the society. This award is given to people from all walks of life, be it in the world of films, in the field of literature, administrative officers or in the field of politics.
• 'NRI Wives' is a film based on a true domestic story. The film depicts four NRI stories inspired by real life. The name of the third story of these is 'Desire', in which Javed Pathan has played the lead role. He is seen in a gray character in it, his character's name is Gaurav. The film shows how good people can show gray shades even in the toughest situations of life.
• It is known that Javed Pathan is a resident of Dhanbad, a small town in Jharkhand and is continuously touching the heights of success. Earlier in 2020, he received the 'India Brand Icon Award'.
• Javed Pathan has so far enthralled the audience with his strong acting in many TV serials, web series and music albums. His acting has been well received in many TV shows like Jodha Akbar, Vighnaharta Ganesh, Maharana Pratap, Baalveer and Mahadev.

Parwez Sheetal's Book 'Silent Roselings' Released

Why In News?

On June 28, 2023, a two-day international seminar organized by the Indian College of Education at Mandar, Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand, discussed the topic 'Global Challenges of Education and its Access to Education' and released Parwez Sheetal's book 'Silent Roselings' Happened too.

Key Points:

• Padma Shri Mukund Nayak, Dr. DN Singh, Dr. Kamal Kumar Bose and other dignitaries released Parwez Sheetal's book 'Silent Roselings' in this seminar. The specialty of this book is that it is in five languages.
• The book of Parwez Sheetal, a resident of Katrasgarh in Dhanbad and currently posted in Giridih, has been translated into five major languages of the world. Under this, this book has been translated into German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Turkish.
• Dr. Sudesh Kumar Sahoo, DSW, Ranchi University, said that such programs provide opportunities to research scholars and trainee students to learn a lot and boost their confidence.
• Indian College of Education Secretary Nitin Parashar said that it is his endeavor to equip the students of the institute with all kinds of skills so that they can make valuable contributions to the society. The aim of the institute is to give right direction to the society by educating the people of rural areas.
• During this, Queen Lompou of Greece and Queen Nadia Harihiri of Hawaii Kingdom and other educationists also expressed their views through the webinar.

Scientists Discovered 10 New Rare Plant Species in Chhattisgarh

Why In News?

According to information received from the media on June 27, 2023, recently a team of scientists from Chhattisgarh has identified 10 new rare plant species in the state. These species are very rare and mostly found in the Western Ghats.

Key Points:

• Dr. M.L. Nayak, Dr. Rajendra Mishra and Dr. A. P. Tiwari are included.
• These species are grasses, vines, medium trees and shrubs which have been discovered from Udanti Sanctuary and Kanger Valley National Park.
• Dr. M.L. Nayak said that the herbarium has been made by collecting samples of plant species. These species include 1 grass species, 2 vine species, 2 medium sized tree species and 5 shrub species.
• Dr. Nayak said that out of 10 species discovered, 8 species have been discovered from Kanger Valley National Park and the remaining 2 species from Udanti Sanctuary.
• The said survey was done under the guidance of Arun Kumar Pandey, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Member Secretary, Chhattisgarh State Biodiversity Board.
• The country's well-known journal 'The Indian Forester' has prominently published the said plant species in its May issue.
• The plant species discovered by a team of scientists include Alocasia decipiens, Breynia retusa, Cosmostigma racemosum, Dinabra polystachyos, Dracaena terniflora, Gamphostemma parviflorum, Gymnema inodorum, Huberantha cerasides, Lepisanthes tetraphylla and Solanum erianthum.

Lepisanthes tetraphylla	Cosmostigma racemosum	Dracaena terniflora
Alocasia decipiens	Solanum erianthum	Huberantha cerasides
Gamphostemma parviflorum	Breynia retusa	Gymnema inodorum
Dinebra polystachyos

Resolution passed to rename Lansdowne to Jaswantgarh

Why In News?

Recently, in a meeting chaired by Brigadier Vijay Mohan Chowdhary, Chairman, Lansdowne Cantonment Board, Uttarakhand, a resolution has been passed to rename Lansdowne town as Jaswantgarh after Hero of the NEFA Mahavir Chakra winner martyr Rifleman Baba Jaswant Singh Rawat. Cantonment Board Office Superintendent Vinita Jakhmola has confirmed this.

Key Points:

• It is known that the Cantonment Board has sent a suggestion to the Ministry of Defense to change the name of the old cantonment town from Lansdowne to Jaswantgarh. The Ministry of Defense had earlier sought suggestions from the Cantonment Board to change the name.
• It is worth mentioning that Jaswant Singh Rawat was born on August 19, 1941 in Barium village of Dunav gram panchayat of Bironkhal block of Pauri district of the state. He was serving in the 4th Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles at the time of his martyrdom.
• The Sino-Indian War of 1962 was in its final stages. Chinese troops had reached beyond Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. Jaswant Singh Rawat was posted at the turn of the road near Sela Top. During this, he dragged the Chinese medium machine and brought it to the Indian post and turned it towards the Chinese soldiers and destroyed them. He finally attained Veergati on November 17, 1962, after stopping the Chinese army for 72 hours.
• Jaswant Singh Rawat was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra.