• 04 Feb 2023

All Government Medical Colleges Affiliated to Aryabhatta Knowledge University Will Be Under the Control of Bihar Health University

Why in News?

In a recent meeting held under the chairmanship of Bihar Health Secretary K Senthil Kumar, Registrar of Bihar University of Health Sciences Vimlesh Kumar Jha informed that from April 1, 2023, all the institutes of medical sciences will move from Aryabhatta Knowledge University to the control of the newly established Bihar University of Health Sciences in Patna.

Key Points

• Bihar University of Health Sciences Registrar Vimlesh Kumar Jha said that all government medical colleges, dental colleges, government nursing institutes, pharmacy institutes and para medical institutes affiliated to Aryabhatta Knowledge University will be affiliated to Bihar University of Health Sciences. Swift action is being taken in this direction.
• He said that all necessary preparations should be made before affiliating the medical institutions of the state with the Bihar University of Health Sciences. In this, the shortage of manpower should be met, necessary software should be installed to conduct registration and examination.
• It was informed in this meeting that the University of Health Sciences became effective with the gazette notification from August 2021.
• There are 10 government medical college hospitals, 108 ANMs, GNM and BSc nursing schools and 20 pharmacy institutes operating in the state.
• Vimlesh Kumar Jha said that with the new university being fully functional, it will be easier to give recognition to new medical college hospitals, nursing schools, pharmacy institutes and paramedical institutes in the state. Also, examinations will be conducted on time, which will benefit the students.

Bhagwan Mahavir Cancer Hospital Launches 'Cancer Janch Aapke Dwar' Campaign

Why in News?

On February 3, 2023, Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra informed that the 'Cancer Janch Aapke Dwar' campaign has been started by Bhagwan Mahavir Cancer Hospital located in Jaipur, state.

Key Points

• Governor Kalraj Mishra said that trustees, doctors and nursing staff of Bhagwan Mahavir Cancer Hospital have prepared special buses and reached every village of the state and taken this initiative for cancer awareness and testings.
• Kalraj Mishra said that people living in the village have to face difficulties in coming to the city for treatment and investigation. From this point of view, this campaign will definitely prove to be important for rural areas.
• Chairman of Bhagwan Mahaveer Hospital Navratan Kothari and Vice President Anila Kothari told about the initiative of 'Cancer Janch Aapke Dwar' campaign that in future the testing facilities and buses for rural areas will be further expanded.
• It is worth mentioning that in the special bus started by the hospital, along with mammography, X-ray machine and blood test equipment, arrangements have also been made for doctors and nursing staff.

NCC Cadets Felicitated for Outstanding Performance at Republic Day Celebrations

Why in News?

On February 3, 2023 during the Chief Minister's banner program organized in Bhopal for the NCC contingent of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chouhan awarded the cadets of Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh NCC Directorate for their excellent performance in the 74th Republic Day camp organized in Delhi .

Key Points

• Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan awarded the outstanding performing cadets under various categories. Among these, Ms. Khushi Mahawar, who got the first position was awarded Rs. with Rs 50,000, Ms. Ayushi Tiwari who got the second position was awarded with Rs 30,000 and Ms. Ishika Gurjar who got the third prize was awarded with Rs. 20,000.
• In this sequence, each cadet who took part in the National Republic Day was given an honor fund of Rs 5 thousand and each cadet involved in cultural programs was given an honor fund of Rs 1 thousand.
• Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan honored Sanjoy Ghosh, Group Commander of NCC Headquarters, Bhopal with the Chief Minister's Banner.
• Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh NCC Directorate Additional Director General Major General AK Mahajan said that NCC started in 1948 is currently the world's largest uniformed youth organization. 55 thousand cadets will be included in Madhya Pradesh.
• He said that the team of Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh Directorate secured the eleventh position in the Parade of Delhi. 15 cadets from directorate, 5 cadets from National Guard of Honour and 2 cadets participated in PM rally in the parade on ‘Kartvya Path'. In equestrian, the directorate cadets won two silver and two bronze medals.
• In the Chief Minister's banner program, NCC cadets presented dance drama, flute playing and congratulatory dance on the life story of Rudra Shiv Tandav, Punya Shlok Maa Ahilya Bai Holkar.

CM Adopts 5 Patients Suffering From TB Disease

Why in News?

On February 2, 2023, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal adopted 5 patients suffering from TB disease under the 'Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan' and provided them with TB kits.

Key Points

• Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister, Mr. Manohar Lal said that effective steps are being taken to make Haryana TB free under the Prime Minister's resolution to make India TB free by the year 2025. With these meaningful efforts, the goal of making Haryana TB free will be achieved by the year 2025.
• He has requested the industrialists, administrative officers, educational institutions, social institutions, NGOs and elected representatives of the state to join this noble work and adopt TB patients and come forward to provide them nutrition and emotional and social support to their families.
• It is noteworthy that in the year 2022, the 'Pradhan Mantri TB Free India Campaign' was launched. Under this initiative, nutritional support, investigation support and professional support are being provided to TB patients through the Nikshay 2.0 platform.
• The Chief Minister said that any person or institution can help TB patients by registering themselves through Nikshay 2.0 web portal and joining them as Nikshay Mitra.
• After registration, they can also select a TB patient according to geographical conditions. After that, you can provide assistance on the treatment of the adopted patient by giving an amount of 400 to 500 rupees as monthly supportive diet for about 1 year.
• He said that in this way, the participation of organizations in the National TB Eradication Program will increase and the information and treatment of TB will reach the public. This will lead to better nutrition of patients and better results if proper treatment is done. Apart from this, the burden of patients and families will also be reduced.

Jharkhand Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing Bill-2022

Why in News?

On February 3, 2023, Jharkhand Governor Ramesh Bais gave his approval to the 'Jharkhand State Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing Bill-2022' passed by the Jharkhand Assembly with four suggestions.

Key Points

• After the governor's approval to the Jharkhand State Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing Bill-2022, now the state will have to pay two percent agricultural market tax mainly from buyers and one percent tax on agricultural produce that is destroyed immediately.
• Apart from this, the Bill talks about private participation in agricultural marketing and providing more market options to the farmers.
• The bill was passed by the Jharkhand Assembly on March 24, 2022 and sent to the Governor for the first time, but it was rejected by the Governor with many other objections including Hindi-English conversion and returned to the government on May 17, 2022.
• For the second time in the winter session on December 24, 2022, the bill was sent to the Governor for approval by the Assembly. After this, the Governor discussed with the Agriculture Minister and The Agriculture Secretary on February 1, 2023, about the provisions contained in the Bill. This was the first time a minister was called to Raj Bhavan to discuss the bill.
• The Governor has also given several suggestions to the state government regarding the bill, in which it has been told that in the light of this bill, comprehensive discussion should be ensured with all stakeholders during the formation of the rules. Apart from this, the rate of market fee should be fixed keeping in mind the farmers of rural and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities of the state.
• In this bill, it has been mainly said to provide market to the produce of farmers. There is a provision to impose a maximum slab of two percent agricultural duty on goods imported from states. There is a provision to charge one percent tax on raw materials and a maximum of one percent tax on sealed packaged goods i.e. perishable goods.
• The bill several provisions like, a public representative nominated or elected by the state government should be made the chairman of the agricultural market committees, linking the farmers of the state with the electronic trading portal under the modern marketing system under 'one country one market', rural haats from the revenue received from agricultural market tax. Establishment of new markets along with modernization of markets, so that farmers can get food every 10 km.
• Apart from this bill, Governor Ramesh Bais has also given his assent to the 'Jharkhand Contingency Fund (Amendment) Bill-2022' passed by the Jharkhand Assembly. The Bill has now increased the withdrawal amount from the State Contingency Fund from Rs 500 crore to Rs 1200 crore.

National Children's Science Congress and Indian Science Congress

Why in News?

On February 3, 2023, Additional Chief Secretary of Chhattisgarh Renu Pillai informed that 16 child scientists of the state presented their research work in the National Children's Science Congress held in Ahmedabad and 2 child scientists presented their research work in the Indian Science Congress, which was highly appreciated by the experts.

Key Points

• The National Children's Science Congress was organized from January 27 to 31 by the Gujarat Council of Science and Technology and the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Apart from Chhattisgarh, about 1200 child scientists from other states of India participated in it.
• Additional Chief Secretary Renu Pillai said that out of 16 child scientists, 12 girls have been selected. The selection of girls shows that girls are also actively participating in science and research. This will also send a meaningful message to the society.
• The National Children's Science Congress 2022 presented research work on ecosystem, health and wellness and five sub-themes - Know Your Ecosystem, Promote Health, Nutrition and Wellness, Social and Cultural Practices for Ecosystem and Health, Ecosystem Based Approach to Self-Reliance, Technological Innovation for Ecosystem and Health.
• Priyansh Bhaduri, Nandita Kewat, Rupshikha Sahu, Disha Sahu, Priyanshu Patel, Radhika Kanwar, Bhumika Joshi, Karam Samuel, Maheshwar Sahu, Jahnavi Thakur, Kiran Kanwar, Khushi Jha, Manohar Baghel, Prarthana Kewat, Anvika Gupta and Ananya Singh from Chhattisgarh participated in the National Children's Science Congress.
• Apart from this, child scientists and teachers participated in Teachers Workshop, Meet of Scientist Sessions, Popular Science Debates, Exhibitions, Activity camps, Poster presentations and Cultural programs.
• Scientist Dr. J.K. Rai and four teachers Anil Tiwari, Jagdishwar Rao, Meena Johnson and Seema Chaturvedi participated in the National Children's Science Congress and guided the child scientists.
• Apart from this, two child scientists Anmol Malviya and Kumari Harshita Rathia selected from the state-level Children's Science Congress presented their research project at the 108th Indian Science Congress held from January 3 to 7 in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
• Along with this, scientists of Chhattisgarh Science and Technology Council Dr. J.K. Rai and Dr. Bina Sharma and two project staff presented various activities of Chhattisgarh Science and Technology Council through demonstration at The Pride of India-Mega Science Expo at Indian Science Congress.

Speaker inaugurates RIPA at Pendri Gauthan

Why in News?

On February 3, 2023, Chhattisgarh Assembly Speaker Dr. Charan Das Mahant launched the RIPA scheme at Pendri Gauthan under Janjgir-Champa district.

Key Points

• The Speaker inaugurated the Puja Material Unit, Kosa Unit, Mushroom Unit in Gauthan under the RIPA scheme and discussed with the concerned beneficiaries about the work being done by them.
• In Janjgir-Champa district, shedded livelihood activities have been started to connect villagers with employment under RIPA. This will provide self-employment to the women and youth around, including village pendri, and strengthen their economic condition.
• It is noteworthy that chief minister Bhupesh Baghel had launched the state-level Mahatma Gandhi Rural Industrial Park Scheme (RIPA) in all the districts on October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

Cancer Control Board to be set up in Uttarakhand

Why in News?

On February 3, 2023, Uttarakhand Health Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar informed that a Cancer Control Board will be formed in Uttarakhand for the prevention and treatment of the deadly disease cancer. For this, an exercise is going on at the government level.

Key Points

• Health Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar said that screening of persons aged 30 years and above is being done through Community Health Officer (CHO), ANM, ASHA workers in health and wellness centers in all the districts of the state, so that cancer patients can be treated on time.
• Significantly, in the financial year 2022-23, 5.49 lakh people have been screened for oral cancer, 2.79 lakh breast cancer and 34 thousand people for cervical cancer.
• The Health Secretary said that after the formation of the Cancer Control Board, work would be done on data management of patients suffering from cancer and an effective strategy for early detection and treatment of the disease.
• He said that the National Cancer, Heart Disease, Diabetes, Stroke Control and Prevention Program (NPCDCS), operated under the National Health Mission, is working for the prevention of non-communicable diseases like cancer and others.
• It is known that at present, Cancer Day Care Centers are operating in Almora, Pithoragarh, Champawat, Tehri, Uttarkashi, Pauri and Chamoli to provide chemotherapy facilities to cancer patients in the state.
• Apart from this, Bageshwar, Haridwar, Dehradun, Nainital, Rudraprayag, Udham Singh Nagar Cancer Day Care Centers will be set up.

Uttarakhand gets Rs 5,004 Crore for Rail Projects

Why in News?

On February 3, 2023, Ajay Nandan, Railway Manager of Dehradun Division of Uttarakhand, said that in the General Budget 2023, the Central Government has given a gift of Rs 5004 crore for rail projects in Uttarakhand.

Key Points

• Divisional Railway Manager Ajay Nandan said that while this will accelerate the Rishikesh-Karnprayag rail project of strategic importance, Haridwar, Dehradun railway station will be made world class. Passengers will also get modern facilities at nine other stations.
• Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that this amount of Rs 5004 crore is 27 times more than the year 2009-14. In 2009-14, it was just Rs 187 crore. With this budget, there is a plan to develop Dehradun and Haridwar as world class stations.
• Divisional Railway Manager Ajay Nandan said that after the increase in the budget of Uttarakhand, it will help in faster implementation of other projects including Rishikesh-Karnprayag rail line.
• He said that a 45 to 117 meter wide Roof top plaza will be built just above Haridwar and Dehradun stations. It will have the facility to rest with food. Along with passengers, common people will also be able to use it.
• Automatic stairs will also be installed along with lifts at Kashipur, Lalkuan, Ramnagar, Tanakpur, Kichha, Kathgodam, Harrawala, Roorkee and Kotdwar railway stations of the state. The building will be rejuvenated, platform expansion, modern toilets, passenger rest houses, water ATM booths etc. will be constructed.
• Ajay Nandan said that 'One Station-One Product' scheme has been implemented at 750 railway stations in the country. This includes Haridwar and Dehradun stations. Here NGOs and institutions set up stalls of local produce.
• He said under the 'Amrut Bharat Yojana', trains from Kotdwar railway station will be operated through computers instead of the old signalling system. For this, construction works are being done by the railways.
• The Divisional Railway Manager said that now the construction work of the much awaited Roorkee-Deoband rail project will also get momentum. Along with the construction of two new platforms at Roorkee railway station, new foot over bridge, automatic staircase will be constructed.
• It is known that Roorkee is included in the historical stations. It is the first station in the country where the first freight train was operated in the year 1852.
• Ajay Nandan said that Harrawala railway station will be developed as terminal railway station at a cost of Rs 105 crore. From here, the platform will be expanded to operate 24-coach trains and new platforms will be built. Many trains running from Dehradun will also be operated from Harrawala. Rs 150 crore will also be spent on the rejuvenation of stations like Doiwala, Raiwala and Kansaro falling between Harrawala and Haridwar.