• 03 Mar 2023

Gond Caste got ST Status in Four More Districts of Uttar Pradesh

Why In News?

On March 2, 2023, Uttar Pradesh Social Welfare Minister Asim Arun said that after the notification was issued by the Center, the Uttar Pradesh government has decided to issue certificates granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Gond caste in four more districts of the state Sant Kabir Nagar, Kushinagar, Chandauli and Bhadohi .

Key points

• Principal Secretary, Social Welfare Hari Om has issued a government order in this regard and sent instructions to the District Magistrates of the concerned districts, stating that the Central Government has approved the Second Amendment to the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) and (Scheduled Tribes) order of Uttar Pradesh (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes).
• In this, Gonds (Dhuriya, Nayak, Ojha, Pathari and Rajgond) have been included in the list of Scheduled Tribes in Uttar Pradesh. Based on this, along with Mirzapur and Sonbhadra, Scheduled Tribe certificates will be issued to these castes living in four more districts of Sant Kabir Nagar, Kushinagar, Chandauli and Bhadohi.

Certificate of World Book of Records Handed Over to Education Minister

Why In News?

On March 2, 2023, education minister Dr. B. D. Kalla was awarded the Certificate of World Book of Records by Pratham Bhalla, Vice President of Rajasthan in the India chapter of World Book of Records, London.

Key points

• It is noteworthy that on behalf of The World Book of Records, London, the Education Department of The Rajasthan Government, has announced 21 November on the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi (No Bag Day' as part of ' 'Chess in School Activity' 9 innovations in 38 lakh thousand 19, 2022). The participation of the students was certified.
• Education Minister In a message to Kalla, the India chapter of the World Book of Records, London, said that this initiative of the Education Department has been recorded by them in their records. Under this, schools in all 33 districts 57 thousand 462 organized on the third Saturday of November in 'No Bag Day' was of the state.
• On this occasion, 38 lakh 21 thousand 9 students played brain exercise game (chess) across the state. In a single day, participation of 38 lakh 21 thousand 9 students in chess together has made the education department of Rajasthan's name registered in golden letters on the world stage.
• It is noteworthy that the World Book of Records has a global network in all continents of the world. It issues international level certificates assessing talent and potential through World Records in various disciplines.
• In the program, the education minister said that the team of the department in the state is working towards progress in the academic level and the overall development of children with full spirit. Thanks to this, the department has set five world records including Chess in School Activity''.
• On this occasion, Director of School Education Gaurav Agarwal said that chess books of English and Hindi provided by the Chess Association will also be sent to the schools to promote chess in the schools of the state.

Approval of Three 33 KV Substations in Neem Ka Thana

Why In News?

On March 2, 2023, Rajasthan's Minister of State for Energy Bhanwar singh Bhati informed that approval has been received to set up three 33/11 KV sub-stations in Neem Ka Thana assembly constituency of the state.

Key points

• Minister of State for Power Bhanwar Singh Bhati said that the construction of 33/11 KV GSS Dabur in Neem Ka Thana is targeted to be completed by this month and 33/11 KV substation Mandoli and Kola Ki Nangal in the same assembly constituency are proposed to be constructed in the coming year.
• He informed that three proposals for new 33/11 KV sub-station were received from Dabur, Mandoli and Kola ki Nangal in Neem Ka Thana constituency. Out of these, Dabur's approval has been issued on March 16, 2022, and Mandoli and Cola's approval for Nangal has been issued on February 25, 2023.

Formation of Greater Panna Landscape Council

Why In News?

Brihattar Panna under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary, Government of Madhya Pradesh with members of all stakeholders to ensure systematic and time-bound implementation of Brihattar Panna Landscape Management Plan as per the information given by Public Relations Department, Government of India on March 01, 2023, Land Viewing Council (GPLC) has been constituted.

Key points

• A comprehensive integrated landscape management plan for conservation of wildlife and biodiversity in Panna Tiger Reserve (PTR) and surrounding areas under the transformative Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP) for the socio-economic prosperity of the drought-prone Bundelkhand region (ILMP) has been prepared.
• Adequate financial provisions have been earmarked for implementation of Environment Management Plan and Integrated Landscape Management Plan under Ken-Betwa Link Project. This model will be a blueprint for future development with the motto of 'development too, environment too'.
• The goal of the GPL and the Council is to ensure 'beneficial' conditions for conservation through integration with the development process based on a balanced approach and consider diversified participation.
• Its broad objective is to enable the betterment of habitat, conservation and management for key species such as the tiger, vulture and gharial; Strengthening landscape for holistic biodiversity conservation through spatial prioritization and well-being of forest dependent communities; and providing species-specific and site-specific monitoring strategies under integrated landscape management in the context of feedback loops and adaptive management options.
• The Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP), the first river interlinking project under the National Perspective Plan (NPP) taken up for implementation, is aimed at socio-economic prosperity of the Bundelkhand region which faces frequent drought conditions. Will prove to be a transformative step.
• The objective of the project is not only to provide water security in Bundelkhand but also to ensure the overall conservation of the region and especially the species dependent on the landscape like tiger, vulture and gharial.
• Apart from taking measures as per the approved Environment Management Plan, Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has prepared a comprehensive Integrated Landscape Management Plan (ILMP) for conservation of wildlife and biodiversity not only in Panna Tiger Reserve (PTR) but also in the surrounding areas. has been prepared.
• The Integrated Landscape Management Plan in Greater Emerald Landscape (GPL) is one of the major and unique conservation measures being undertaken in the conservation history of India.

Tony Blair Foundation and Haryana Government will work together in Various Fields Including Health

Why In News?

On March 2, 2023, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair met Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar at Haryana Bhawan in New Delhi and discussed cooperation and exploring new possibilities on subjects such as health and infrastructure.

Key points

• Tony Blair informed the Chief Minister that his organization Tony Blair Faith Foundation will cooperate in the health sector in Haryana, which will further expand the health sector and strengthen health facilities.
• On this occasion, the Chief Minister said that the Haryana Government is providing tertiary level health facilities in the state. A medical college and nursing college are being opened in all the districts of the state, which will not only meet the shortage of doctors but will also strengthen health facilities.
• On this occasion, Chief Minister Manohar Lal also presented Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and memento to Tony Blair.

Anupama Upadhyay Became the Winner of National Badminton Championship 2023

Why In News?

According to the information provided by the Haryana Information, Public Relations and Languages Department on March 2, 2023, Haryana's Anupama Upadhyay has become the winner in the Senior National Badminton Championship 2023 held in Pune recently.

Key points

• For the first time in the history of Haryana, the state's daughter has become the national championship winner in the women's singles in the senior category.
• Significantly, Anupama Upadhyay has won the women's singles title for the first time by defeating Chhattisgarh's Aakarshi Kashyap in the final match of Senior National Badminton Championship 2023. Anupama came from behind to beat Aakarshi 20-22, 21-17, 24-22 in a thrilling title match.
• Anupama secured the first rank based on her performance in the junior category. He is currently ranked third all-world in this category.
• Haryana Badminton Association President Devender Singh announced a cash reward of Rs 5 lakh for the winner Anupama Upadhyay.

Shree Vishwakarma Skill University Signs MoU with Canada

Why In News?

On March 2, 2023, Raj Nehru, Vice Chancellor of Shri Vishwakarma Skill University in Palwal district of Haryana, informed that Shri Vishwakarma Skill University has signed an MoU with the prestigious Saskatchewan Institute of Canada.

Key points

• Vice Chancellor Raj Nehru said that under this MoU, Shri Vishwakarma Skill University will play many important partnerships in the field of skill education with this Canadian institute. The two institutes will partner in curriculum and technology as well as exchange of faculty knowledge. Student exchange will also be an important component in the joint program.
• Under the MoU, the curriculum, method and technique will be shared. Similarly, students and teachers will also be able to participate in each other's programs.
• This will greatly benefit the university academically. This will also make internships and training programs more robust. Students here will be able to do internships and training with Canadian institutions at better and international standards.

NTPC Commissions Country's First Air-Conditioned Condenser at North Karanpura Super Critical Plant in Jharkhand

Why In News?

Demonstrating its commitment to water conservation through Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, NTPC, the country's largest integrated power generating company, commissioned India's first Air-Conditioned Condenser Supercritical Plant at North Karanpura, Jharkhand on 1st March 2023.

Key points

• NTPC has commenced commercial operations of the (3' first unit of 660 MW at North Karanpura MW) in 660 Jharkhand.
• The project is envisaged with Air Cooled Condenser (ACC), which has about conventional Water-Cooled Condenser (WCC). footprint as compared to 1/3rd water Through this, about 30.5 MCM of water will be saved in a year and thus the needs of about 15 lakh people will be met annually in this area.
• NTPC has already taken several measures for sound management of water in its plants. NTPC will promote 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) to conserve and manage water along with its core business activity of power generation. NTPC Limited is also a signatory to the prestigious UN Global Compacts CEO Water Mandate.
• NTPC is committed to actively address water sustainability issues by implementing the Water Policy, which will serve as a guide for establishing water management strategies, systems, processes, practices and research initiatives.
• The North Karanpura plant will have 3 units of 660 MW each with a total capacity of 1,980 MW. The plant is based on the most efficient supercritical technology and being a pit head plant (10 km from the coal mine) will supply power to the states of Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal and Odisha at cheap rates.
• NTPC has always been at the forefront of leveraging technologies and has taken the lead in adopting new technologies in its power sector. NTPC currently meets 24% of the power demand in the country through coal, gas, hydro, solar and wind plants.

Historical 27th Bhoramdeo Festival of Chhattisgarh on March 19 and 20

Why In News?

According to the information given by the Chhattisgarh Public Relations Department on March 2, 2023, the Bhoramdeo Festival 2023, to be organized in the name of the famous Bhoramdeo Temple of Chhattisgarh, will be organized on the coming 19^th and 20^th March. This will be the 27^th Bhoramdeo festival.

Key points

• It is known that Bhoramdeo Festival is organized every year during Krishna Paksha Teras of Chaitra month to increase the fame of Bhoramdeo Temple, a place of historical, archaeological, religious, tourist and historical importance of Chhattisgarh.
• This festival is organized by the Culture and Tourism Department of Chhattisgarh Government with the Bhoramdeo Festival Organizing Committee, District Administration, Bhoramdeo Teerth Management Committee and public support.
• Initially, the fair was organized on two dates on Mahashivaratri and Chaitra Krishna Teras at Bhoramdeo. In 1995, the Teras Mela in undivided Madhya Pradesh was given the form of Bhoramdeo Festival. 1998, the fifth event of Bhoramdeo Festival was held in After the formation of Kabirdham district in 1999. After the formation of chhattisgarh new state, the seventh event of Bhoramdeo Festival was held in 2001.
• Bhoramdeo is 18 km from Kawardha in Kabirdham district of Chhattisgarh. Far and 125 km from the capital Raipur. There is a 1000-year-old temple at far away Chauragaon. this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• The temple is artificially located amidst mountain ranges, it was built in the period about 7th from to 11th century. This temple gives a glimpse of Khajuraho temple, so this temple is also called 'Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh'.
• The temple faces east. The temple is a beautiful example of Nagara style. The temple can be entered from three sides. The temple is built on a five feet high platform. One can enter the temple pavilion directly from all the three entrances.
• The length of the mandap is 60 feet and the width is 40 feet. There are 4 pillars in the middle of the mandap and 12 pillars on the sides, which have supported the roof of the mandap. All the pillars are very beautiful and artistic. Kitchen is made on each pillar, which is handling the weight of the roof.

PEN/Nabokov Award to Vinod Kumar Shukla

Why In News?

On March 2, 2023, Chhattisgarh's senior writer and eminent contemporary Hindi litterateur Vinod Kumar Shukla was awarded the prestigious PEN/Nabokov Award for 2023 for achievement in international literature at a ceremony organized by PEN America in New York.

Key points

• Hindi story writer, novelist and poet Vinod Kumar Shukla is the first Indian-Asian origin writer to be conferred with this highest honour. Vinod Kumar Shukla was given an amount of 50 thousand dollars (about 41 lakh rupees) in this award.
• This honor is given to those litterateurs who make a mark in international literature, who look at their traditions, modernity, present and history with a new insight.
• in International LiteratureThe Pen/Nabokov Award for Achievement, commonly known as the Pen/Nabokov Prize, is awarded biennially by Pen America to writers, primarily novelists.
• The award is funded by the Vladimir Nabokov Foundation, established by the American opera singer and translator Dmitri Nabokov. It is said to be one of the most prestigious PEN Awards.
• Born in 1937 in Rajnandgaon in the then Madhya Pradesh and present-day Chhattisgarh, Vinod Kumar Shukla is recognized for his distinctive writing style. His style is often considered closer to 'magical realism', i.e., one that holds 'reality' together with 'imaginativeness'.
• His poetry and his writings describe the irony of the Indian middle class in simple language. His first novel, Naukar Ki Kameez, introduced decades ago to the taste of a new kind of prose. Eminent filmmaker Mani Kaul also made a memorable art film by the same name on 'Naukar Ki Kameez'.
• The main novels of 87-year-old Vinod Kumar Shukla include 'Naukar Ki Kameez' (1979), 'Khilega to Dekhenge' (1996), '"Deewar Mein Ek Khidki Rahti Thi" (1997), "Hari Ghas ki Chhapper Wali Jhodi Aur Bauna Pahar" (2011), "Yasi Rasat" (2017), "Ek Chuppi Jagah" (2018) etc.
• Apart from this, Laghbhag Jaihind' (1971), 'Woh Aadmi Chala Gaya Naya Garam Kot Pahinkar Vichar Ki Liye' (1981), 'Sab Kuch Hona Bacha Rahega' (1992), 'Atirikt nahi' (2000), 'Kavita Se Lambi Kavita' (2001), 'Akash Dharti Ko Khatkata Hai' (2006), 'Kabhi Ke Baad Abhi' (2012) etc. are some of his major poetry collections.
• Known for his distinctive linguistic style and emotional depth, Shukla was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1999 for 'Deewar Mein Ek Khidki Rahti Thi'.
• Apart from the Sahitya Akademi Award, he has received awards like Gajanan Madhav Muktibodh Fellowship (Madhya Pradesh Government), Raza Award (Madhya Pradesh Arts Council), National Maithilisharan Gupta Samman (Madhya Pradesh Government), Hindi Gaurav Samman (Uttar Pradesh Hindi Institute, Uttar Pradesh Government) have met

Uttarakhand Increased Subsidy on Solar Power Project

Why In News?

According to the information received from the media on March 2, 2023, under the 'Chief Minister Solar Self-Employment Scheme' in Uttarakhand, the guidelines have been changed to connect youth with self-employment, after which people will now be able to set up projects up to 200 kW. The subsidy on these projects has also been increased.

Key points

• It is worth mentioning that under the 'Chief Minister's Solar Self-Employment Scheme', a target was set to set up 10,000 solar power projects in the state. Under this scheme, there was also a provision of 15 to 25 percent subsidy to the project set up. Under the scheme only projects of 20 to 25 kW could be set up.
• The youth did not show enthusiasm in this scheme, due to which only 120 projects could be taken up against the target. That is why the government has now amended the rules.
• Under the new rules, now subsidy will be available from 15 to 40 percent. Project plants of 50 kW, 100 kW and 200 kW will be set up in place of 20 to 25 kW.
• In order to increase the enthusiasm of the youth, the government has also increased the cost of setting up solar power projects from Rs 40,000 per kW to Rs 50,000 per kW. It is believed that this will increase the interest of the youth in the Mukhyamantri Saur Swarozgar Yojana.

Shailesh Matiani State Educational Award will be given to 17 Teachers of the State

Why In News?

According to information received from the media on March 2, 2023, 17 teachers of the state have been selected for the state level Shailesh Matiani Award for the year 2022-23 for qualitative improvement in education in Uttarakhand. An order in this regard has been issued by the government.

Key points

• For the state level Shailesh Matiani Award for the year 2022-23, it includes 10 teachers from Basic, 6 from Secondary and one teacher from the training institute.
• According to the order issued by the government, Asha Budakoti, principal of Government Primary School Kotlamanda in Pauri district of the state, Sanjay Kumar Kuksal, Headmaster of Primary School Badethi in Uttarkashi, Usha Gaur, Assistant Teacher of Junior High School Doiwala in Dehradun district, Sanjay Kumar, Headmaster of Junior High School Roshanabad in Haridwar district, Uttam Singh Rana, Headmaster of Primary School Ulana in Tehri district, Ravish Chand Pachauli, assistant teacher of Junior High School Bisari in Champawat district, has been included in the award list.
• Apart from these, Suresh Chandra Sati, Assistant Teacher, Junior High School, Pinglo, Bageshwar District, Ganga Arya, Principal, Bhatti Village, Primary School, Pithoragarh District, Yashoda Kandpal, Assistant Teacher, Paura Kothar, Junior High School, Almora District, Dr. Principal, Dhulai Primary School, Nainital District. Asha Bisht will be awarded.
• At the secondary level, Lokendrapal Singh of Inter College Kirti in Uttarkashi district, Sanjay Kumar Maurya, spokesperson of GIC Quanu, Dehradun district, Damayanti, assistant teacher, GIC Badawe of Pithoragarh district, Tribhuvan Chand, spokesperson of GIC Kanda, Bageshwar district, GIC Rayalidhar of Almora district, Spokesperson Prabhakar Joshi, spokesperson of Government Gandhi Navodaya Vidyalaya Khatima of Udham Singh Nagar district, Nirmal Kumar have been selected for the award.
• Apart from this, Shailendra Singh Dhapola, spokesperson of the District Education and Training Institute, Bageshwar, will be awarded from the training institute.

Those who Report and Stop Violence Against Women and Child Marriage will be Honored

Why In News?

On March 2, 2023, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, while launching the Women Empowerment and Safety Week under International Women's Day, announced that the state government will honour those who report violence against women and children and try to prevent child marriage.

Key points

• Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the person who tries to prevent incidents of mental and physical violence against women and children by informing them at a competent level will be known as women safety watchdog. Such an individual or group will be honoured on special occasions by the government.
• Apart from this, a reward of Ten thousand rupees will be given to the person or institution who gives information about the evil of the society, child marriage to the police or tries to stop it. Commendation certificates will also be given to the employees and officers who have made special contributions in these works.
• In the program, the Chief Minister launched the e-paper 'Apni Vani' on women empowerment and child development and released a short film made on women's self-defence.
• During the program, he honoured those who have done excellent work for preventing child marriage and social concerns.
• Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Women Empowerment and Child Development Rekha Arya said that efforts are being made to empower women economically, socially and politically. For this, many schemes are being run by the department. Single women also need to be empowered. The government has resolved to start a scheme for this.

Uttarakhand Contract Labor (Regulation and Abolition) (Amendment) Rules, 2023 Approved

Why In News?

According to the information received from the media on March 2, 2023, the Uttarakhand Government has approved the Uttarakhand Contract Labor (Regulation and Abolition) (Amendment) Rules, 2023.

Key points

• Under the Uttarakhand Contract Workers (Regulation and Redressal) (Amendment) Rules 2023, contractors providing services to workers in Uttarakhand and establishments availing the services of workers will now get a license from the Labor Department within 20 days.
• The new rules provide that if an online application for registration of establishments is made online with relevant records with proof of pre-determined fee on the official website of the Chief Employer, Labour Department and the officer 20 days, then it does not take a decision on that application within will be automatically considered registered.