• 06 Jul 2023

Dolphin Sanctuary in Chambal Sanctuary very soon

Why in News?

On July 5, 2023, Arushi Mishra, Deputy Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) of the National Chambal Sanctuary Project, said that Chambal Sanctuary will soon be declared a Dolphin Sanctuary area. A proposal for dolphin sanctuary has been sent to the government for the conservation of the national aquatic animal dolphin.

Key Points:

• Arushi Mishra said that Chambal Sanctuary which is buzzing with crocodiles, alligators, turtles, birds and natural beauty, will soon be declared a Dolphin Sanctuary area. For the dolphin sanctuary, the area of the National Chambal Sanctuary in Etawah has been selected, where a large number of dolphins are found.
• Chambal Sanctuary in Etawah is about 20 km from Sahasan. A large number of dolphins are found in the area. There is a steady increase in the number of dolphins here. About 50 to 80 dolphins are found in this place.
• In 2012, the number of dolphins in the rivers of Uttar Pradesh was 671, out of which 78 were in Chambal. At present, there are 24 dolphins in the Bah range and 147 in the Etawah range in the National Chambal Sanctuary Area.
• Deputy Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) Arushi Mishra said that the National Chambal Sanctuary, declared in 1979, is spread over 635 sq km. It is spread over an area. It connects three states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
• Since 2008, the natural hatching of crocodiles has been taking place in it. As a result, the number of crocodiles has reached 2,176. About 6,000 rare species of turtles are found up to Etawah in Uttar Pradesh along with 878 crocodiles. At the same time, the number of dolphins, the national aquatic creature protected in Chambal Sanctuary, has also increased.
• Arushi Mishra said that the Government of India has prioritised two places for dolphin safari. Recently, the presentation of Varanasi and Chambal has been made in front of the Government of India. This is also a big step for the government towards eco-tourism and dolphin conservation.
• Significantly, the dolphin found in the Ganges River is the national aquatic animal of India. The Ganges dolphin was recognized as a National Aquatic Animal by the Government of India in the year 2009.
• Conservation status:
  • Hunting of Gangetic dolphins is prohibited under Schedule-I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
  • The Gangetic dolphin has been placed in the IUCN Red List as endangered.
  • The Ganges dolphin is included in Appendix-I of the 'The Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora & CITES'.
  • Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS)% Appendix II (Migratory species in need of conservation and management or that would greatly benefit from international cooperation).
• Steps taken for conservation:
  • Project Dolphin: The Prime Minister of India announced the launch of Project Dolphin in his speech on Independence Day-2020. This project will be on the lines of Tiger, which helped in increasing the tiger population.
  • Dolphin Sanctuary: Vikramshila Ganga Dolphin Sanctuary has been established in the Bhagalpur district of Bihar.
  • Conservation Plan: The 'Ganga Dolphin Conservation Action Plan 2010-2020' is one of the efforts to conserve the Ganges Dolphin, under which the major threats to the Ganges dolphin and their population have been identified as the major threats to the river traffic, irrigation canals and lack of prey etc.
  • National Ganga Dolphin Day: The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) is celebrated on October 5 every year as Ganga Dolphin Day.

Approval of Bihar Unregulated Deposit Scheme Banning Rules- 2023

Why in News?

The Bihar Cabinet on July 4, 2023 approved the Bihar Enacted Deposit Scheme Prohibition Rules- 2023.

Key Points:

• Under this policy, the state government has got the right to investigate and take action against Chit-fund companies operating in Bihar.
• The state government has become the competent authority to take action against such companies for depositing money through illegal deposit schemes from the general public and depositors of the state.
• Additional Chief Secretary of the Cabinet Department, Dr. S. Siddhartha said that those who run the deposit scheme will be subject to the provisions of the Restrictions Rules- 2023 approved by the Cabinet.
• In this Manual, the Government of Bihar has been made the competent authority. This has empowered the state government to investigate, audit and take action against companies running deposit schemes after irregularities are found.
• All procedures for confiscation and sale of their properties to the state government will be followed under this rule. Small deposit schemes are run in the state, action will be taken against them under this.
• This new rule will protect the general public from illegal deposit schemes and fraud. The government has got the power to return or repay investors' deposits by confiscating the properties along with stringent punishment and heavy monetary penalties against the accused.
• Government lawyers working in different levels of courts will now be selected by a state-level selection committee. This committee will be formed under the chairmanship of the Advocate General. It will have a law secretary, special secretary of the law department or joint secretary as members.
• This committee will select PP, GP, APP AGP at the district level, Additional Advocate General Government Advocate for High Court, Pleader, Standing Council Public Prosecutor and Additional Advocate General and Standing Council for the Supreme Court.
• The Cabinet has approved the Bihar Law Officer (Commitment) Rules- 2023 for this.
• In the new rules, a provision has also been made about whether government lawyers will do private practice or not.
• The state government's law department has issued a notification regarding the Bihar Law Officer (Commitment) Rules- 2023. It shall come into force from the date of publication in the Official Gazette.
• Additional Chief Secretary of the Cabinet Department said that in view of the situation arising due to Covid-19 and the Ukraine war, students pursuing medical graduates from abroad will now get an opportunity to do internships in medical college hospitals of the state. Not only this but students graduating from such abroad will also be given scholarships equivalent to the National Medical Commission (NMC).
• Students pursuing medical graduates from abroad will get a chance to do internships on 7.5 percent of the total internship seats.
• According to the guidelines of the NMC, an internship facility is to be provided in medical college hospitals of the state for internship in order to register with the State Medical Council. For this, no amount or fee will be charged to those students.

The Foundation stone of Barwas Micro Irrigation Project

Why in News?

On July 5, 2023, Rajasthan's Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Sports and Information & Public Relations Ashok Chandna laid the foundation stone of Barwas Micro Irrigation Project in Bundi district to be constructed at a cost of Rs 12 crore in the state.

Key Points:

• The construction of this project at Barwas village in Bundi district will increase the area's water level. Farmers will get options for crop sowing and the underground water level will increase. This will directly benefit the tenants.
• It is worth mentioning that the state government has made several announcements for the Hindoli-Nainwa region in the state budget. In the last four years, development work has been done in many areas including drinking water, irrigation, medical, education, agriculture, and roads in the area.
• The Minister of State said that the mini dams and anicuts built in the area have ensured irrigation to the farmers and the availability of drinking water to the villagers. At the same time, the underground water level of the area is increasing. An amount of Rs 200 crore has been spent on these works.

CM approves the draft of 'Vishwakarma Kamgar Kalyan Yojana'

Why in News?

On July 4, 2023, in order to promote employment in the state, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has approved the draft of 'Vishwakarma Kamgar Kalyan Yojana'.

Key Points:

• Under this scheme, 1 lakh people of different categories will get the assistance of 5-5 thousand rupees to buy necessary equipment, kits, sewing machines etc. for self-employment.
• These include the Rajasthan Crafts and Mati Arts Board, Rajasthan State Kesh Kala Board, Rajasthan State Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Welfare Board, Handicrafts Scheme run through The Department of Industry and Commerce, Rajivika/NULM-Women and Artisans identified by Labour Department-Kamgar.
• With this decision, better opportunities for self-employment will be available to the people of these sections.
• It is worth mentioning that Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot had announced the launch of 'Vishwakarma Kamgar Kalyan Yojana' in the budget for the year 2023-24.

Approval for the formation of Maa Ahilya Devi Welfare Board & Sant Ravidas Cultural Integration Trust

Why in News?

The decision to set up the Maa Ahilya Devi Welfare Board was taken at a meeting of the Council of Ministers chaired by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on July 4, 2023.

Key Points:

• It is worth mentioning that on the basis of the announcement of the Chief Minister on April 22, 2023, it was decided to constitute Maa Ahilya Devi Welfare Board for the overall welfare of Pal-Gadaria, Dhangar class.
• Maa Ahilya Devi Welfare Board will have 1 Chairperson and 4 members. With the formation of this board, the welfare of the government will be implemented for the people of Pal-Gadaria, Dhangar class. Better implementation of public welfare schemes will be ensured.
• Programs can be created according to the needs of this class. This will accelerate the economic, social and educational development of this class.
• Along with this, the Cabinet also approved the establishment and formation of 'Sant Ravidas Cultural Unity Trust' under the Madhya Pradesh Public Trust Act.

State's biggest Global Skill Park is being built on 30 acres

Why in News?

According to the information given by the Madhya Pradesh Public Relations Department on July 5, 2023, the construction of Sant Ravidas Global Skill Park, the largest global skill park of the state, is going on at a rapid pace at Narela Shankari in Bhopal.

Key Points:

• Madhya Pradesh Technical Education and Skill Development Minister Yashodhara Raje Scindia, while reviewing the progress of construction works, said that the Global Skill Park (GSP) is the dream project of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The target is to have the GSP fully ready by September.
• In this Global Skill Park being built in collaboration with Singapore, the youth will be trained in better & more modern technical skills and they will be prepared at the international level.
• It is worth mentioning that 6 thousand youth will be trained every year in Sant Ravidas Global Skill Park being built on 30 acres at a cost of more than Rs 1500 crore.
• In GSP, youth will be trained in trades like mechatronics, automotive, hospitality, retail, agriculture, refrigeration, artificial intelligence, data science etc.

Approval to amend the Freight Assistance Scheme notified under HEEP-2020.

Why in News?

The Cabinet meeting held in Chandigarh on July 4, 2023 under the chairmanship of Haryana Chief Minister, Mr. Manohar Lal approved amendments to the Freight Assistance Scheme notified under the Haryana Enterprise and Employment Policy (HEEP)-2020.

Key Points:

• It is known that various industrial associations and exporters of the state had requested the state government to revise the scheme for all MSMEs and review the block-wise capping to motivate exporters.
• As per the new amendments, Rs 25 lakh will be provided as a freight subsidy for payment of transportation costs from the unit's premises to port/air cargo/international borders, along with other non-financial incentives to make exports of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) competitive in the global market.
• Freight support up to the extent of 1% of free-on-board (FOB) value or actual freight, whichever is lower, shall be ensured on the basis of the level of ZED certification, excluding Government duties and taxes on the movement of goods from the manufacturing site to the port/air cargo/international border.
• For the thrust sector (notified under HEEP), a maximum subsidy of up to Rs 25 lakh will be ensured to the manufacturer exporter engaged in the thrust sector located in 'C' and 'D' category blocks and up to Rs 15 lakh to the manufacturer exporter engaged in thrust sector 'A' and 'B' category blocks.
• For all other eligible manufacturer exporting units (non-thrust sector), subsidy up to a maximum of Rs 20 lakh will be ensured to the manufacturer exporter located in 'C' and 'D' category blocks and up to Rs 10 lakh to the manufacturer exporter located in 'A' and 'B' category blocks.
• The new amendment policy will ensure a 100 per cent subsidy for ZED Gold-certified units for transportation from the manufacturing site to port/air cargo/international border, a 75 per cent subsidy for ZED Silver-certified units and a 33 per cent subsidy excluding government duties and taxes out of free on board (FOB) value or 1 per cent of actual freight for ZED bronze certified units.
• As per the amendment, applications of all eligible units will be submitted on the web portal of the department within a period of 6 months from the date of the end of the financial year and the Director General/Director, MSME will be the competent authority to sanction freight subsidy of more than Rs 10 lakh.
• The agenda was approved by the Cabinet with a change in the effective date of launch and implementation of the scheme.
• The effective date of implementation of the scheme will be 1st July, 2023 which means that the actual export should be made on or after 1st July, 2023, which will be determined on the basis of the bill of lading.
• The policy was notified with an aim to attract investment of Rs 1 lakh crore and create 5 lakh jobs in the state.
• The Haryana Enterprise and Employment Policy (HEEP), 2020, identifies five pillars for the overall socio-economic development of the state to promote industrial competitiveness, balanced regional development, exports, innovation & entrepreneurship and strong industrial infrastructure.

Chief Minister gifted 206 Ambulances to Jharkhand

Why in News?

According to information received from the media on July 5, 2023, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren gifted 206 ambulances equipped with modern facilities to the state, out of which 51 ambulances have advanced life system and 131 have basic life system.

Key Points:

• On this occasion, the Chief Minister also inaugurated 5 medical mobile units for which an MoU has been signed with Smile Foundation.
• The Chief Minister also launched Mamta Vahan App, Mukhyamantri Critical Illness Scheme and Ayushman App.
• On this occasion, the Chief Minister said that efforts are being made to simplify and improve the health facility through the operation of ambulances, for what new apps and steps are being taken to provide health services to the people of the state.
• Apart from this, the Chief Minister said that efforts are currently on to open medicine shops in all panchayats to provide self-employment to the youth of the state. Now a pharma degree will no longer be required to open a drug store. Educated youth will be able to run their own medicine shop.
• At the same time, he announced the opening of a grand medical college in Jharkhand, in which world-class facilities will be made available.

Contract Women Workers will now get Maternity leave in Jharkhand

Why in News?

According to information received from the media on July 5, 2023, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has approved the proposal related to maternity leave to women employees appointed on a contract basis, so that now women employees appointed on contract will get the benefit of maternity leave.

Key Points:

• It is known that earlier there was no provision to give the benefit of maternity leave to women employees appointed on contract.
• The proposal approved by the Chief Minister will be applicable to those women employees who have worked on contract for 80 days in the last 12 months, they will get the benefit of 180 days of maternity leave.
• This leave will not apply to deliveries made after two live children. The contract amount for maternity leave will be equal to the last contract amount received before going on leave.
• Maternity benefits are benefits that are provided to women employees during pregnancy and after delivery to protect their rights. These benefits are governed by the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961.

Country's Largest Wholesale Market will be developed in Nava Raipur

Why in News?

On July 5, 2023, in a review meeting of the Urban Administration Department held at the residence office of the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, it was informed that the country's largest wholesale market will be developed in Nava Raipur. The proposed wholesale market of about 438.47 hectares will be constructed in Sector 27.

Key Points:

• The country's largest wholesale market to be built in Nava Raipur will be constructed by the Nava Raipur Atal Nagar Development Authority (NRDA). There will be basic necessary facilities for all traders, big and small.
• Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel has asked the officials of NRDA to implement the action plan of this wholesale market in such a way that this largest wholesale market of the country can meet the needs of all small and big traders and there can be rapid expansion of business and commercial activities here.
• Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel reviewed the implementation of schemes related to civil services and rural development in the meeting. Expressing happiness over the implementation of 'Mitan Yojana', he said that the citizens are getting the delivery of government schemes quickly and without reaching the office.
• The 'Mitan Scheme' was earlier applicable in the municipal areas of the state. Now it has been expanded to municipal areas.
• In the meeting, the officials said that most of the applications are related to the Aadhaar cards of the children. Under the 'Mitan Yojana', various documents of 1 lakh 03 thousand 315 beneficiaries of the state's municipal corporations have been prepared and delivered door step.
• Mitan receives the maximum number of calls for making Aadhaar cards for children and is the most popular. Along with this, caste and income certificates are also made enough. Officials said that along with phone calls, the service of Mitan Yojana will be provided soon through the app.
• In the review of health schemes in urban areas, the Chief Minister said that Dhanvantari Medical Stores should be opened in better locations. On this occasion, he reviewed the 'Slum Health Scheme' and instructed to organize health camps continuously.
• Officials informed in the meeting that so far Rs 132 crore has been saved for the beneficiaries through Dhanvantari Medical Stores. The location of these medical stores is also being improved with the aim of providing the benefits of the scheme to more and more people. Efforts are being made to inform more and more people through SMS about the benefits available through medical stores.
• The Chief Minister said in the review of 'Mahatma Gandhi Rural Industrial Park (RIPA)' that arrangements should be made for online supply of all products, and their availability in C-Mart.
• He said that many types of activities are taking place in Ripa. Good work is being done in bakery and food products, millets, apparel, construction etc. and entrepreneurs are coming forward. Cow dung paint is being used for painting in government buildings. Its sales should also be increased in the private sector.
• During the review of RIPA officials, officials said that 90 percent of the state's Ripa has a Wi-Fi facility. Out of 300 RIPA, 270 RIPAs have good digital connectivity with Wi-Fi, due to which youth are also taking advantage of it. Also, restaurants are operating better in 12 RIPA centres with Wi-Fi.
• On this occasion, officials said that a plan is being prepared for the divisional-level Millet Carnival. Feedback is also being taken from consumers of Gobar Paint. Since the Ministry of Rural Development has a contract with the institution, technical assistance will also be available from there.

55 Hospitals of the state will get Anti-earthquake Armor

Why in News?

On July 5, 2023, in the meeting of the high-powered committee chaired by the Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand, Dr. S.S. Sandhu, it was told that under disaster management mitigation in the state, hospitals will be equipped with Anti-Seismic shields. In the first phase, 55 health centres have been selected.

Key Points:

• The equipping of hospitals with earthquake-resistant cover will start from 55 primary and community health centres (CHCs and PHCs) located in remote areas of mountainous areas. Under the construction of earthquake-resistant buildings, retrofitting of buildings of these 55 health centres will be done.
• Under the Uttarakhand Disaster Recovery Project (UDRP), the World Bank will spend Rs 38.78 crore for this.
• It is known that the proposal for the revival of old and dilapidated health centres in the state was submitted to the government by the Department of Medical Health and Family Welfare.
• A total of 150 such health centres have been selected in the state under the UDRP project. After that, 90 of these hospital buildings were selected in the process of classification. After this, now 55 health centres were selected under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Dr. SS Sandhu.
• Now these health centres will be retrofitted and given a completely new look. Where there is scope for improvement in old buildings, they will be repaired, new earthquake-resistant buildings will be built in the buildings which are in dilapidated condition.
• With the completion of this project, PHCs and CHCs, which have reached a dilapidated condition in the hilly areas, will be seen with a new look, which will help in strengthening the health services in the state.
• A total of 90 CHCs and PHCs have been selected for retrofitting in the state. Of these, 7 are in Almora, 4 in Bageshwar, 9 in Chamoli, 4 in Champawat, 8 in Dehradun, 7 in Haridwar, 12 in Pauri, 7 in Pithoragarh, 6 in Rudraprayag, 10 in Tehri, six in Udham Singh Nagar and 10 in Uttarkashi. Out of these, 55 health centers will be revived in the first phase.