• 03 Oct 2023

State Capital Region Development Authority (SCRDA) will be formed.

Why In News?

On September 29, 2023, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in a high-level meeting convened at his official residence, directed the formation of the State Capital Region Development Authority (SCRDA) at the earliest.

Key Points:

• Directing the officials present in the meeting, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that within three months, the SCRDA will be implemented. Submit an action plan.
• The SCRDA will cover Lucknow, Unnao, Hardoi, Rae Bareli, Sitapur and Barabanki districts.
• Lucknow has been named as the SCRDA capital. Regional offices will be opened in other districts for the convenience of citizens.
• After the Jhansi Industrial Development Authority, SCRDA was formed. There will be a model of planned urban development in the state.
• Under the scheme, instructions have been given to send the master plan being prepared for 59 cities for approval of the government.
• For the first time, master plans are being prepared in Shamli, Baraut, Chandausi, Gonda and Amroha, as well as a master plan has been prepared by integrating Loni and Modinagar in Ghaziabad.

Caste Based Survey Released in Bihar

Why In News?

On October 2, 2023, Bihar Development Commissioner Vivek Kumar Singh held a press conference and released the caste census data.

Key Points:

• According to statistics, the population of extremely backward and backward classes in the state is 63%. Of these, backward classes are 27.12% and extremely backward classes are 36.01%. Scheduled Castes constitute 19.65% and Scheduled Tribes 1.68%, while unreserved (Hindus and Muslims) constitute 15.52% of the total population. Among them, the upper castes (Bhumihars, Brahmins, Rajputs and Kayasthas) constitute 10.56%
• In the first phase of the caste census, the process of survey of households started from January 7, 2023. It was completed by January 31. The second phase was to run from April 15 to May 15, but on May 4, the counting work was stopped on the order of the High Court. The High Court gave the green signal on August 1.
• The state's population has increased by 2.66 crore in 11 years to 13 crore 7 lakh. At the same time, in the report released by the caste-based census, the number of castes has been stated as 214.
• It is noteworthy that for the first time since independence, an ethnic-based survey was released in a state in the country. Before Bihar, states like Karnataka, Telangana, Odisha, etc. had initiated caste census, but they could not release the report.

Bihar Becomes the Third State in the Country in Domestic Use of Electricity

Why In News?

According to the central government report released on October 2, 2023, Bihar has come third in the country in terms of domestic electricity consumers. Assam is at the first place and Jharkhand at the second position.

Key Points:

• According to the report, Assam has the highest number of 93 percent domestic electricity consumers out of the total consumers, while Jharkhand has the second highest number of consumers in the domestic category at 92.6 percent.
• In Bihar, 92.1 percent of domestic electricity consumers are in North Bihar (North Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited) and 86.8 percent in South Bihar (South Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited).
• While electricity consumption had decreased in other states, this consumption increased in Bihar. People used a lot of electronic devices sitting in homes.
• Urban consumers in north Bihar are only 16 percent while in south Bihar it is 29 percent. In rural areas, north Bihar has 84 percent consumers and south Bihar has 71 percent consumers. Among the non-domestic electricity consumers, north Bihar accounted for 6 percent and south Bihar 7.7 percent.
• North Bihar has 0.6 percent consumers and South Bihar has 1 percent consumers. Its number is higher in south Bihar than in north Bihar in agricultural connections. North Bihar has only 1.1 percent agricultural connections, South Bihar has 4.4 percent agricultural connections, while in other categories, North Bihar has 0.2 percent connections and South Bihar has 0.4 percent connections.
• According to the report, an average of six lakh electricity consumers are expected to increase every year in Bihar.

Jeevika Didi's First Makhana Industry to open in Saharsa, Bihar

Why In News?

On October 1, 2023, Saharsa district's Jeevika Project Manager Amit Kumar informed that under the Chief Minister's Micro and Small Cluster Development Scheme, the center of Makhana industry will be established in Saharsa.

Key Points:

• An amount of Rs 2 crore 33 lakh 91 thousand has been approved for setting up the makhana industry. The Makhana industry will operate under Jeevika Women Farmer Producer Company Limited, which will be known as the common facility center of Makhana.
• DM Vaibhav Chaudhary said that in the makhana processing industry, normal (normal) types of makhana will be processed and made of excellent quality. It will be packaged and branded. Various quality products made from Makhana will be made available in the international market besides the country.
• The products will be made in such a way that there is a different identity in the market and people buy it as soon as they see it. Makhana will be supplied in the country and abroad by packaging the district industrial level of livelihood and in addition to the design and testing center, raw material depots will also be established.
• At these centers, skill enhancement of farmers will be done by providing training on quality makhana production with new technology.
• There is also a plan to open food processing industries in Darbhanga and Katihar districts through Processing Industry Jeevika. The surrounding districts of the district will be connected to here and the benefit of other facilities including packaging of Makhana will be given. 500 makhana farmers of these block areas have been added to the producer group.

Prime Minister Lays the Foundation Stone of Various Development Projects worth about Rs 7,000 crore in Chittorgarh and Dedicates to the Nation

Why In News?

On October 2, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation various development projects worth about Rs 7,000 crore in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan.

Key Points:

• These projects include mehsana-Bhatinda-Gurdaspur gas pipeline, LPG plant of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) at Abu Road, additional storage at Ajmer bottling plant, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), railway and road projects, tourism facilities at Nathdwara and permanent campus of Indian Institute of Information Technology in Kota.
• To promote a gas-based economy, the PM dedicated the Mehsana-Bhatinda-Gurdaspur gas pipeline. The pipeline has been constructed at a cost of about Rs 4500 crore.
• The Prime Minister also inaugurated HPCL's LPG plant at Abu Road. The plant will seal and distribute 86 lakh cylinders per year. This will reduce the operation of trucks carrying cylinders by about 0.75 million km (about 466028.39 mi) per year, which will help reduce carbon emissions by about 0.5 million tonnes per year.
• He also inaugurated additional storage at IOCL's Ajmer bottling plant.
• The Prime Minister inaugurated a 4-lane road on the Darah-Jhalawar-Teendhar section on NH-12 (new NH-52). Its construction cost is more than Rs 1480 crore. The project will facilitate transportation of resources from mines from Kota and Jhalawar districts.
• Apart from this, the foundation stone for widening and widening of Railway Over Bridge (ROB) at Sawai Madhopur from two lanes to four lanes will also be laid. This project will facilitate the movement of vehicles.
• The Prime Minister dedicated himself to the nation, projects related to the doubling of the Chittorgarh-Neemuch railway line, and the Kota-Chittorgarh electrified railway line. These projects cost more than Rs 650 crore. This will strengthen the rail infrastructure in the region and boost tourism to historical sites in Rajasthan.
• The Prime Minister inaugurated the tourism facilities developed in Nathdwara under the 'Swadesh Darshan Yojana'. Nathdwara is a major center of faith for millions of followers of The Confirmation Path propagated by Saint Vallabhacharya. A modern 'Tourist Interpretation and Cultural Centre' has been developed in Nathdwara, where tourists can experience different aspects of Shrinathji's life.
• The Prime Minister also dedicated to the nation the permanent campus of the Indian Institute of Information Technology in Kota.

Cabinet Approved Rajasthan Waqf Rules- 2023

Why In News?

On October 2, 2023, the state cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot approved the Rajasthan Waqf Rules-2023. With the implementation of these rules, waqf work in the state will be done with more ease, clarity and transparency.

Key Points:

• Section 109 of the Central Waqf Act, 1995 empowers the state government to make rules for the operation of waqf. The state government has shown readiness and has taken steps towards implementing the rules.
• The Rajasthan Waqf Rules-2023 mention the mutavalli of waqf properties, managing committee and management plan as well as the educational qualification of Mutavalli. Along with this, provisions have been made related to the appointment of waqf survey commissioner, powers of investigation to survey commissioner and publication of list of waqf properties.
• Similarly, the rules provide for the appointment, tenure of office and service of the Chief Executive Officer of the Waqf Board, as well as the chief executive officer or the officer authorized by him to inspect records, registers or documents related to any Waqf property in any public office.
• The Chief Executive Officer may order inspection of the proceedings or records kept in custody of the Board, subject to prescribed fees and conditions. At the same time, a rule has been made to check the Waqf properties that do not exist. A provision has also been made to conduct an inquiry by the Board on receipt of a complaint related to the administration of Waqf property.
• The Rajasthan Waqf Rules-2023 also provide for auditing of accounts of Waqf properties, withdrawal of property transferred without permission of the Board, removal of encroachment from properties, authorizing the Waqf Board Chairman or Chief Executive Officer to pursue any suit against the Board and annual report of the Board.

Green Hydrogen Policy in the State got Approval from the Cabinet

Why In News?

The new green hydrogen policy was approved in the state cabinet meeting held at the Chief Minister's residence on October 1, 2023, under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.

Key Points:

• According to the provisions of this policy, the approval of the Green Hydrogen Project will be issued by the State Level Competent Committee constituted under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary.
• The major objective of the Green Hydrogen Policy is to produce 2000 KTPA of green hydrogen in the state by the year 2030.
• Apart from this, the policy aims to establish at least one green hydrogen valley to meet the demand of refinery and fertilizer plants. With the establishment of at least one gigawatt electrolyser manufacturing unit, at least 20 percent of India's green hydrogen exports should be supplied from Rajasthan and up to 10 percent of the natural gas produced in the state has green hydrogen blending.
• According to the new green hydrogen policy, land for setting up renewable energy plants for green hydrogen production will be allotted as per the Land Revenue Rules 2007. The land for the hydrogen plant will be allotted by REICO in the industrial area. Apart from this, the plant can also be set up on private land.
• Green hydrogen policy will provide these incentives:
  • In the policy, benefits will be payable according to the Rajasthan Investment and Promotion Scheme. One-third of the availability of water and renewable energy generation will also be provided with banking facilities.
  • The renewable energy plant's capacity for green hydrogen will be allowed up to 2.5 times the contract demand.
  • There will be a discount of 50 percent in broadcast and distribution fees for 10 years on the establishment of the plant.
  • Additional and cross subsidy surcharge on purchase of renewable energy from third parties will be waived for 10 years.
  • Green hydrogen production from brine water or treated water will be given priority in state land allotment.
  • According to the Rajasthan Investment and Promotion Scheme, the benefit will be available for the unit of green hydrogen equipment manufacturing.
  • For setting up a research center, 30 percent of the cost (up to a maximum of Rs 5 crore) will be given.
  • The first 500 KTPA renewable power plant to be installed on RVNL's network will get special incentives (up to a maximum of 50 mw capacity of each plant).

Inauguration of the First Phase of Rajasthan Heritage Museum

Why In News?

On October 1, 2023, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of 25 works worth about Rs 110 crore of tourism and art, literature and culture department, including the inauguration of the first phase of the Rajasthan Heritage Museum, in an interaction program with the stakeholders associated with the tourism sector held at Jawahar Kala Kendra.

Key Points:

• On this occasion, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said that along with per capita income, the happiness index should increase in the state and the state should become a leader in every field. For this, the state government is preparing a vision document under Mission-2030, which will be released on October 5.
• The Chief Minister said that several important decisions have been taken by the state government with far-reaching thinking to promote tourism in the state. Tourism has been given the status of an industry; this has increased investment in the tourism sector. Also, urban tax has been reduced by 80 percent and electricity duty by 30 percent for units associated with this industry.
• The state government has increased the amount of the tourism development fund to Rs 1500 crore. It will be further increased in the coming time.
• He said that new areas of tourism are being developed in the state. The Rajasthan Heritage Museum established at Sawai Mansingh Town Hall is another new link in the tourism sector of the state. Historic work of Chambal River Front and Oxizone Park has been done in Kota. With this, a large number of domestic and foreign tourists will come to the Hadoti area.
• The Chief Minister said that the state is number one in north India and second in the country in economic development. In the last 5 years, the GDP of the state has increased by Rs 6 lakh crore and by the end of this financial year it will be Rs 15 lakh crore. By the year 2030, the target is to take it to more than Rs 30 lakh crore.
• Investors are preferring to come here due to the better environment in the state. At present almost all the reputed educational institutions exist in the state. The number of universities has also increased to more than 90. About 1.50 lakh km of roads are being constructed in the state.

Rajasthan Logistical Service Delivery Corporation (RLSDC) will be Formed.

Why In News?

In the cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on October 1, 2023, the proposal to set up Rajasthan Logistics Service Delivery Corporation (RLSDC) was approved to free the personnel engaged in placement agencies from exploitation.

Key Points:

• The state government is taking decisions with sensitivity to provide social security to every section. In this sequence, Rajasthan Logistics Service Delivery Corporation (RLSDC) will be formed to free the personnel engaged in placement agencies from exploitation.
• With the formation of this government company by the state government, the practice of hiring personnel from placement agencies in the state will be stopped, which will free the employees from exploitation.
• The RLSDC company, which will be formed on the lines of Rexco, will provide great relief to the employees appointed in government departments and semi-government institutions through placement agencies.
• Through the new company, the registration and selection of skilled and unskilled candidates will be done in a transparent manner, and they will get proper remuneration without unnecessary deduction. With the availability of trained personnel, the work will gain more momentum.
• With the decision of the Cabinet, the personnel working before January 1, 2021, will be taken directly through RLSDC as per the requirement.
• RLSDC will be a 100% state government owned company registered under the Companies Act, 2013.
• Established under the Department of Administrative Reforms, the company will be headed by Principal Government Secretary, Administrative Reforms Department. In addition, Principal Government Secretary of Personnel Department, Principal Government Secretary / Government Secretary of General Administration Department and Labor Department, Government Secretary of Finance Expenditure Department, Director of State Insurance and Provident Fund Department and persons nominated by the State Government will work as members.

Chief Election Commissioner Inaugurated the SVEEP Exhibition

Why In News?

On September 30, 2023, Chief Election Commissioner of India Rajiv Kumar, Election Commissioners Anup Chandra Pandey and Arun Goyal inaugurated the SVEEP exhibition set up by the Election Department at the State Institute of Agricultural Management, Durgapura, Jaipur by cutting the ribbon.

Key Points:

• While Barmer's 200 feet long awareness voter craze caught everyone's attention at the exhibition, elc club cartoons and virtual reality were used especially to make the youth and new voters aware.
• Model polling stations run by differently abled personnel, SVEEP's thematic panel exhibition, send art exhibition and painting gallery were the center of attraction.
• The inked fingerprints prepared by the weaver's group of the Central Bureau of Communications to inspire voting caught everyone's attention.
• As part of the Satrangi Week, 7 thematic posters were released. Epic cards were distributed to new voters. Icons and best performing personnel of the Election Department were felicitated.
• At the event, the song 'Main Bharat Hoon' was launched in the Rajasthan backdrop and presented by differently abled children in sign language. The Saharia tribals of Baran performed a 4-minute spectacular dance. The performance of Manganiyar from Jaisalmer and Kalbelia dance from Ajmer also captivated everyone.
• The exhibition beautifully depicted the SVEEP activities being conducted in various districts. Various promotional materials used in SVEEP activities were also presented in an attractive manner.

Governor Inaugurates Sickle Cell Testing Mobile Van

Why In News?

On October 2, 2023, Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel launched a sickle cell testing mobile van at Raj Bhavan on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti.

Key Points:

• The mobile testing van has been provided by the state unit of Red Cross to All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal.
• The Governor said that mobile testing vans are an effective initiative towards bringing science to the homes of tribal communities for sickle cell control efforts in tribal areas.
• He said that the operation of the mobile unit will make the treatment of sickle cell victims and rehabilitation efforts of the carrier more effective in the remote areas.
• The mobile testing van will be equipped with all the tests required for sickle cell disease treatment and rehabilitation. The vans will be operated in tribal dominated areas.
• It is noteworthy that in the inauguration ceremony of sickle cell ward at AIIMS recently, the need for a vehicle for sickle cell disease treatment and rehabilitation was mentioned by the managers of the Indian Institute of Medical Sciences.

Bamori and Sultanganj will be New Tehsils in Raisen District.

Why In News?

On October 2, 2023, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan made several other important announcements while announcing the formation of Bamhori and Sultanganj tehsils of the district in Raisen.

Key Points:

• Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan made these announcements while addressing the public after inaugurating the Semri Reservoir Tap-Water Supply Scheme worth about Rs 100 crore in Raisen.
• The Chief Minister inaugurated semri reservoir-based group Nal-Jal supply scheme at Begumganj in Raisen district at a cost of Rs 99.96 crore. He also laid the foundation stone and laid the foundation stone of 93 new development works costing Rs 24.31 crore and inaugurated 25 constructed development works worth Rs 28.42 crore.
• 46 villages of Begumganj and 49 (total 95) villages of Gairatganj will benefit from the semri reservoir-based group tap-water supply scheme. A population of 76 thousand 400 of 12 thousand 61 families of the area will benefit.
• For smooth water supply, 32 high level RCC tanks have been constructed, whose capacity ranges from one lakh liters to 5.20 lakh liters.
• The Chief Minister said that a new building and auditorium of the district will be built in Begumganj. New buildings of Government Girls Higher Secondary School of Begumganj and Bamhori will be approved. Rs 5 crore each will be provided for development works in Begumganj, Gairatganj, Silwani and Raisen municipalities.

Chief Minister Inaugurated Aajeevika Mart and Saras Fair

Why In News?

On October 1, 2023, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the state-level Aajeevika Mart and Saras Mela-2023 at Bhopal Haat by cutting the ribbon.

Key Points:

• Aajeevika Mart has been constructed at a cost of Rs 49.34 lakh in Bhopal Haat complex. Food, hygiene materials, clothes, decorative materials and other items will be available in the state-level Livelihood Mart.
• The products manufactured by self-help groups of all 53 districts will be sold. Self-help groups without middlemen will have direct access to urban consumers.
• There are 43 rural marts operating in the state for distribution of products of different districts. Aajeevika Mart will emerge as the coordinating center of all these rural marts.
• Patanjali Ayurved will provide technical support. This will help in standardization and marketing of products of Aajeevika brand.
• Women in rural areas are making many products by joining self-help groups formed under the Livelihood Mission in the state. So far, more than 60 lakh families have been connected by forming about 5 lakh women self-help groups in the state.
• Spices, oil, ghee, flour, lentils, rice, salt, jaggery, pickles, papad, toast, honey, millets items, soap, washing powder, Maheshwari saree, bag-print, ladies dress material, salwar suit, purse, sheet, stall, jewelry, handloom textiles, folk-art kirti, terracotta, bamboo items, tribal art, designer brooms, incense sticks, etc. will be available in Aajeevika Store Bhopal.

Chief Minister Performed Bhoomi Pujan of the State's First Double Decker over Bridge

Why In News?

On September 30, 2023, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan laid the foundation stone of the state's first double-decker overbridge in Indore. He inaugurated development works worth Rs 1483 crore for the development of Indore.

Key Points:

• This mainly includes the groundbreaking of Indore's first multilayer flyover. A total of four flyovers and two railway overbridges were laid on the ground. He also inaugurated seven roads worth about Rs 80 crore.
• Foundation stones of 18 development works costing Rs 1400 crore, and 9 development works worth Rs 83.48 crore were inaugurated.
• The Chief Minister laid the foundation stone of various works worth Rs 192.24 crore for infrastructure upgradation in Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College, including a 321-bed new cancer hospital building, 50 bed CCHB unit, 1000-seater auditorium, and new building works for various medical departments.
• Apart from this, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for the construction work of a 6-lane flyover bridge to be constructed at a cost of Rs 67.02 crore at Musakhedi intersection in Indore.
• Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also inaugurated the Musakhedi Road constructed at a cost of Rs 10 crore. This will facilitate the movement of citizens of the area. With the construction of a flyover at Musakhedi intersection, passersby will get rid of traffic jams.

Chief Minister Inaugurated International Level Swimming Pool in Indore

Why In News?

On September 30, 2023, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the newly constructed international swimming pool built by Indore Development Authority at Pipliyahana in Indore.

Key Points:

• The inaugurated swimming pool is the country's first synchronized swimming pool prepared by international standards.
• In this swimming pool, the diving pool, racing pool, splash pool has been built separately. Separate changing rooms, locker rooms, washrooms, steam baths and sauna baths have been made for women and men.
• A cafeteria and multi-gym are also being arranged in the swimming pool premises.
• It is the only swimming pool in the state designed as per the norms of the Federation of International Swimming (FINA).
• The swimming pool has been constructed at a cost of Rs 28 crore. Its viewer capacity is 1200.

The Chief Minister Laid the Foundation Stone of the State's First Biotechnology Park in Neemuch.

Why In News?

On September 30, 2023, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan laid the foundation stone of the state's first biotechnology park to be built at a cost of Rs 50 crore at Sarvania Maharaj in Jawad area of the district. He laid the foundation stone of various development works worth Rs 153.37 crore.

Key Points:

• Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the establishment of biotechnology park to be built in a 40 acres area will give a boost to innovative research and development activities. The park will have 8 high-level laboratories and incubation centers.
• This park will become a center of new technical facilities for researchers and industrialists. This will pave the way for commercialization of biotechnologies, increase business opportunities in the biotech sector and encourage biotech entrepreneurs.
• Entrepreneurs will also be able to start a company of biotech products and people will also get employment. The Biotechnology Park will become a center of new technological facilities for researchers and industrialists.
• The Chief Minister also inaugurated the newly constructed building of Government Polytechnic College Jawad at a cost of Rs 8 crore. He also laid the foundation stone of Government Girls High School Saroda at a cost of Rs 1.47 crore, High School Saroda at a cost of Rs 1.47 crore and Sub-Health Centre building Garwada to be constructed at a cost of Rs 43 lakh.
• The Chief Minister said that the Jawad agricultural produce market will be made hi-tech, and a special scheme will also be made for the Neemuch market. Jawad Neemuch Micro Irrigation Scheme will be approved soon.

Abua Veer Dishom Campaign’

Why In News?

'Abua Veer Dishom Abhiyan 2023' was launched in the state on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary on October 2, 2023.

Key Points:

• On this occasion, a pledge was taken to constitute and reconstitute the Forest Rights Committee at the village level, to give forest rights lease to the people and communities dependent on the forest.
• Chief Minister Hemant Soren also took a pledge to make dedicated and concerted efforts to protect water, forest and land and its resources by implementing the proposed Abua Veer Dishom Campaign, 2023 (Forest Rights Campaign, 2023) and making recommendations as per the Forest Rights Rules.
• More than 30,000- Gram Sabhas in the state will form and reconstitute forest rights committees at the village level under the Forest Rights Act from October 3 to October 18.
• The Deputy Commissioners will hold a meeting with the district level forest division officials and revenue officers in the first and second week of October in their respective districts and ensure the preparation of a complete action plan to ensure the availability of all types of land records forest map for action to be taken in the village level forest rights committee.
• Formation of FRC cell will also be ensured: The formation of FRC cell will be ensured at the district level, Sub-division and block level. A copy of the claims recommended to the SDLC will be given to the block level FRA cell from the decision taken by the Gram Sabha on the claims submitted by the Village Level Forest Rights Committee.

Chief Minister Inaugurated State Level Kabaddi Competition

Why In News?

On birth anniversaries of Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on October 2, 2023, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel inaugurated the state-level one-day Kabaddi competition at Municipality Amaleshwardih in Durg district.

Key Points:

• It is worth mentioning that this competition has been organized under the joint auspices of Shiv Shakti Krida Mandal and Nagar Palika Amaleshwardih Chhattisgarh.
• About 64 teams are participating in the state level Kabaddi competition. Out of which 40 teams of men's category and 24 teams of women's category are included. Attractive prizes will also be given to the teams involved in the competition.
• Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that various sports academies including tennis, archery and hockey have been started in the state, which is providing an opportunity to the sports talent of Chhattisgarh. The players of the state are being selected for national and international level competitions.
• He said that in order to preserve the traditions, Chhattisgarhia Olympics has been started and traditional sports like Bhoonra, Bati, Pithul, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Phugdi have been included in it.

The Team of State Sports Academy Bahtrai Bilaspur won the Final in the Major Dhyan Chand Cup All India Women Hockey Tournament.

Why In News?

On October 2, 2023, Chhattisgarh team won the Major Dhyan Chand Cup All India Women's Hockey Tournament 2023. Yadav State Sports Academy Chhattisgarh (Residential Excellence Centre) Bahtarai Bilaspur won the final match by defeating Sai Mumbai by 5 goals against 4 in a thrilling match.

Key Points:

• In this tournament held in Amravati, Maharashtra, the Chhattisgarh team performed better from the beginning and reached the final. Geeta Yadav, Rukmani, Anita, Sampada and Mamta all scored 1-1 goals in the final match.
• In the previous match, late B.R. Yadav State Sports Academy Chhattisgarh (Residential Excellence Centre) Bahtarai Bilaspur defeated Patna 4-0, Kolkata 2-0 and entered the final by equalizing 1-1 goals from Steel Plant Delhi.
• In the first match, Geeta Yadav scored 2 goals, Jahnavi scored 01 goal in the second match and Madhu Seeder scored 01 goal in the semi-finals. Apart from this, other members of the team Sampradaya Nirmalkar, Mateshwari Lahare, Rukmani Khusro, Anita Khusro, Yashoda, Meenakshi Umri, Bhumika Dhankar, Damini Khusro, Karuna Sahu, Akshita Ahuja, Anjali Banjare, Twinkle, Doli, Smita also performed well throughout the tournament.

Sara will Beautify the Streams and Water Sources of Uttarakhand

Why In News?

On October 2, 2023, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Uttarakhand, Anand Vardhan informed that a unified agency is set to be formed to preserve and revive the rivers and crevices embedded in the culture and tradition of Uttarakhand. For this, an exercise is being done to form a Spring shed and River Rejuvenation Agency (SARA) at the government level.

Key Points:

• Additional Chief Secretary, Anand Vardhan informed that an exercise has been started to preserve and revive the rivers in the state. For this, a proposal has been prepared to set up a springs hand and river rejuvenation agency (SARA). It will be presented soon at the level of Chief Secretary. After this, the proposal will be sent to the Cabinet for approval.
• Water management has been entrusted with the responsibility. With the formation of a unified agency, various departments working on the salvation of the naule-dhars will be able to work together under one umbrella.
• After the formation of SARA, a high-power committee will be formed at the state level, district level executive committee in the districts and Dhara Naula conservation committee at the village level.
• These committees will map rain-fed rivers along all the streams across the state. Then works like identification of sensitive water sources, construction of check dams, planting of plants for rainwater conservation, construction of chawls and skins will be done. For this, the public will also be made partners in their treatment.
• Uttarakhand is known for its many evergreen rivers irrigating the plains of North India. The state has a wide network of 213 rivers, including glaciers and rainfed ones.
• Water from rivers and many water sources together increases the flow in these rivers, but according to an estimate, about 12 thousand water sources in the state have dried up, which is a matter of great concern for the future.
• So far, the departments of forest, planning, finance, agriculture, rural development, drinking water, irrigation, minor irrigation, revenue, Panchayati raj and urban development along with non-governmental organizations are working in their own way to save the rivers, but they are not getting the desired results.
• It is known that in the past, concerns were raised on this issue at the level of Chief Secretary Dr. SS Sandhu. Then came the idea of a unified agency to conserve, revive the streams and other water bodies. Now the exercise has started. With the formation of the agency, work will be done in a better way towards water conservation.