State PCS

• 06 Jul 2024

Structural Audit of Bihar’s Bridges

Why in News?

Recently, a lawyer filed a petition in the Supreme Court highlighting over 10 bridge collapses across Bihar since 2022 while seeking a structural audit of recently completed, under-construction and old bridges in the State.

Key Points

• The petition urged the court to set up an expert committee to identify unsafe bridges in the State.
• The Bridges which have collapsed were in districts of Siwan, Saran, Madhubani, Araria, East Champaran and Kishanganj. The issue is grave as Bihar was a flood-prone State.

New Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court

Recently, Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi took oath as the 15^th Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court.

Key Points

• Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan administered the oath of office at the Raj Bhavan in Ranchi.
• Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahato attended the swearing-in ceremony, besides several judges and senior government officials.

Appointment of High Court Judges

• Article 217 of the Constitution states that the Judge of a High Court shall be appointed by the President in consultation with the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and the Governor of the State.
• In the case of appointment of a Judge other than the Chief Justice, the Chief Justice of the High Court is consulted.

Rajasthan to Form Tourism Board

Why in News?

The Rajasthan government is taking steps to establish a tourism board to enhance the industry's role in economic development.

Key Points

• The tourism sector has experienced substantial growth post-pandemic, contributing 14% to the state's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
• More than 1,200 tourism units are benefiting from industry status advantages.
  • Plans to include international tour operators in the upcoming tourism mart aim to increase foreign tourist inflow.

Initiatives Related to Tourism in India:

• Swadesh Darshan Scheme: It was launched to develop theme-based tourist circuits across India, leveraging cultural, historical, and natural heritage.
  • Improved infrastructure and tourist experiences in circuits like the Buddhist Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Desert Circuit, and Eco Circuit.
• PRASAD Scheme: Focuses on the development and beautification of pilgrimage sites.
• HRIDAY (Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana): Aims to preserve and revitalize heritage cities.
• Paryatan Parv: A nationwide campaign to encourage domestic tourism, involving cultural events and activities
• Dekho Apna Desh Initiative: This initiative encourages domestic tourism by promoting the exploration of India's diverse landscapes and cultural heritage.
• Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat: It promotes cultural integration through state pairings, encouraging exchange and collaboration and fostering unity and diversity, enhancing domestic tourism and cultural appreciation.

Kashi to Open Agri Junction Centres

Why in News?

According to the officials, 20 agri junction centres for trained youth agrarians are to be opened in Kashi.

Key Points

• The district has been given a target of opening 20 agri junction centres for trained youth agrarians in the current financial year.
• This scheme was launched by the state government in 2016-17. Between 2016-17 and 2023-24, a total of 104 centers were opened, with 71 currently active.
  • Any agriculture or agribusiness management graduates who hold degrees in agriculture and allied subjects such as horticulture, animal husbandry, forestry, dairy, veterinary, poultry and similar activities from any state or central university or any other university recognised by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) or University Grants Commission (UGC) will be eligible to apply for establishment of agri junction centres.
• Apart from this, experienced diploma holders, intermediate qualified candidates in agriculture will be considered.
• After selection beneficiaries will also be given a 13-day training in Rural Business Development Scheme (RIDP).
  • RIDP provides grant funding through local development corporations to support business relocation and expansion efforts.

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)

• It was established on 16 July 1929 as a registered society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
• It is an autonomous organisation under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.
• It is headquartered at New Delhi.

University Grants Commission

• It came into existence on 28^th December, 1953 and became a statutory Organization of the Government of India by the University Grants Commission Act, 1956, for the coordination, determination and maintenance of standards of teaching, examination and research in university education.
• The UGC operates under the Ministry of Education, the Central Government appoints a Chairman, a Vice-Chairman, and ten other members to the UGC.
  • The Chairman is chosen from people who are not officers of the Central Government or any State Government.