• 07 Dec 2023

IIT Kanpur's research found signs of Oil and Gas near Narcondam Island.

Why in News?

According to information received from the media on December 6, 2023, the research of Harshad Srivastava, a PhD student of the Department of Earth Sciences, IIT Kanpur, has found signs of oil and gas near Narcondam Island.

Key Points

• Indications of gas and oil have been found in the sedimentary basin near Narcondam Island, located 139 km from Andaman Nicobar. A 10 km long liquid layer has been found in the basin, which has increased the possibility of finding gas and oil.
• The final approval will be given after the second phase of research. If this happens then the country will get economic strength.
• This research paper of Harshad Srivastava was published in the German magazine Geo-Marine Letter in October.
• Harshad Srivastava, a PhD student in the Department of Earth Sciences, IIT, started the research in 2019 under the guidance of Dibakar Ghoshal, assistant professor in the department. It took about four years to complete the research.
• This research has been done by analysing the data given by ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation). The first phase of this research, which is being conducted in two phases, has been successful. Oil and gas will be confirmed in the second phase.
• Harshad, originally a resident of Bigahi Bahuara of Ballia district, said that Narcondam Island is a dormant island. The test was conducted from a 2D seismic line in the sea located 30 km from the island. The depth of the sea is about 1.5 km. After deepening the sea, a combined layer of oil and gas 20 metres wide and 10 km long has been found 650 metres below the seafloor.
• Harshad said that this research has been completed with the help of seismic data received from ONGC. Air guns and hydrophone have been used for this data. Using an air gun, a high pressure bubble was sent into the sedimentary layer of water, the pressure of which was recorded with the help of a hydrophone. This is a technique of data collection.
• Harshad said that the second phase of research will confirm the existence of oil and gas through a well log data method. However, well log data is a very expensive process. The cost of one well log will be around Rs 200 crore. There will be manual work in this. Gas and oil are detected by inserting pipes inside water.

Rawat Educational Group Director Narendra Singh Rawat honoured with 'Director of the Year-2023' Award

Why in News?

Narendra Singh Rawat, Director of Rawat Educational Group, was honoured with the ‘Director of the Year-2023’ award by the Universal Mentors Association in the felicitation ceremony held at Hotel Clark Amer on 5 December 2023.

Key Points

• In the program, Elizabeth Taylor, founder of Indase International, who came from America, honoured all the educationists with awards. Various stalwarts of the education world were honoured in this.
• Even before this, Narendra Rawat has been honoured with many international and national awards for his remarkable contribution in the field of education, the main one being the Educational Entrepreneur of the Year award from Mauritius President Prithviraj.
• Apart from being an educationist, Rawat is also a social worker and motivational speaker and is the secretary of Akshendra Welfare Society.
• Universal Mentors Association, established in 2019, is a cutting-edge research-based media organisation focused on revolutionising the education, BFSI, HR and marketing sectors.

Amarkantak Thermal Power Station becomes Shatakvir for the 2nd time in a calendar year

Why in News?

On December 5, 2023, the 210 MW installed capacity unit of Amarkantak Thermal Power Station Chachai of Madhya Pradesh Power Generating Company created a record of 100 days of continuous production. This unit has been producing electricity continuously since August 27 this year.

Key Points

• Earlier on May 10 this year, this unit had also achieved the feat of producing 100 days of continuous power. For the second time, the 210 MW unit has created a record of continuously producing power for 100 days in a calendar and financial year.
• When this unit achieved the record of generating 100 continuous electricity for the second time on December 5, it also performed remarkably in various parameters. The unit achieved 100.7% PAF, 99.14% PLF and 9.14% auxiliary consumption. This unit is still producing continuous electricity.
• Manjit Singh, Managing Director of the Power Generating Company, said that out of the currently operating 12 units of the company's thermal power plant, this is the 9th unit which is being operated continuously for more than 100 days in the current financial year.

National & State level 'Balrang' festival from 19 to 21 December

Why in News?

On December 5, 2023, Joint Director Public Instruction Bhopal Division Arvind Chorgade informed that the Madhya Pradesh School Education Department will organise a three-day state level and national 'Balrang' Mahotsav at the Indira Gandhi National Human Museum from December 19 to 21.

Key Points

• Joint Director Arvind Chorgade said that about 1000 students from all divisions of the state will participate in the ‘State Level Balrang’ and about 500 students from different states will participate in the ‘National Balrang’.
• This year the theme of Balrang Mahotsav will be 'Self-reliant India', in which students of the state will showcase the culture, costumes, dance and food etc. of their district on various platforms.
• Students coming to participate from about 20 states will present folk dances of their states. The dance groups securing first, second and third positions will be awarded for excellent folk dance in the National Balrang.
• Chorgarhe said that in the state level Balrang, cultural literary yoga, Sanskrit disabled and Madrasa competitions, national folk dance miniature India exhibition, creative craft activity based exhibition made by the students and food zone exhibition and other competitions will also be organised by the students.

International Geeta Mahotsav will be celebrated in Dharmakshetra Kurukshetra from 7th to 24th December

Why in News?

According to the information received from Haryana Public Relations Department on December 5, 2023, a grand event of International Geeta Mahotsav-2023 will be organised from December 7 to 24, 2023, in which the eternal message of Shrimad Bhagvad Gita will be given.

Key Points:

• Geeta Mahotsav has been celebrated by the Haryana Government at the international level in Kurukshetra since the year 2016.
• In the year 2019, this festival was also celebrated outside the country in Mauritius and London. It was also held in Canada in September 2022. This year also in the month of April the International Gita Mahotsav was organised in Australia. An invitation has been received to organise this festival in America also in the year 2024.
• The Chief Minister said that the main program will be organised from December 17. On that day, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar will formally inaugurate the festival with Geeta Yagya and worship at Brahma Sarovar.
• After this, he will also inaugurate a three-day International Geeta Seminar at Kurukshetra University on the same day. This seminar will continue till December 19.
• The Chief Minister said that on the lines of Kumbh Mela, a separate fair authority will be formed for the International Geeta Mahotsav, which will organise it at its own level. A fair officer will be deployed by the government, who will look after the arrangements made by the government.
• Haryana Pavilion related to Haryana's folk dance, crafts, small scale industries, food etc. will be set up in the Mahotsav, through which the tourists and pilgrims coming to the Mahotsav will be able to get acquainted with the culture of Haryana.
• The Chief Minister said that Geeta Utsav programs will be organised in every district for two days on 22 and 23 December.
• Chief Minister Manohar Lal said that a conference on the pilgrimages of 48 Kos Kurukshetra will be organised at Kurukshetra University on December 23, in which representatives of 164 pilgrimage committees of Kurukshetra land will participate. Pilgrimage representatives will also bring soil and water from their pilgrimage, from which the idol of Lord Krishna will later be made.

Online application Started for Haj pilgrimage-2024 till December 20, 2023

Why in News?

On December 5, 2023, All India Haj Committee has invited applications through Haryana State Haj Committee for registration of Hajis willing to go for Haj from the state during the year 2024. Haj pilgrims wishing to perform Haj pilgrimage can apply online till December 20, 2023.

Key Points:

• According to Haj Policy-2024, if any close relative wants to go again along with the female applicant and the applicant above 70 years of age, then he/she will be allowed to travel only after paying the additional amount.
• According to Haj Policy-2024, priority will be given to applicants above 70 years of age and if more applications are received in the general category than the prescribed quota, then the applications will be selected through computerised draw.
• Pregnant women can perform Hajj according to certain conditions. Female applicants, who are above 45 years of age, will be able to go in a group of four women.
• Applicants who are in good financial condition, physically & mentally healthy and have a machine readable valid Indian International Passport valid till January 31, 2025 can apply.
• Applications along with prescribed documents can be made on All India Haj Committee website https://hajcommittee.gov.in and mobile app ‘Haj Suvidha’.
• If Haj applicants feel any difficulty or inconvenience in applying, they can contact Haryana Haj Committee on phone number 0172-2996270 or All India Haj Committee on phone number 022-22107070.
• For the convenience of Haj pilgrims going from the state of Haryana, flights have been ensured from Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi.
• The Government of India's Consulate General, Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) will make arrangements for the accommodation of the pilgrims during the Haj pilgrimage.

Bhiwani's ROB handed over to Railways for construction

Why in News?

According to the information received from Haryana Public Relations Department on December 5, 2023, the existing two-lane railway overbridge located on Railway RD 81/0-1 on NH-709 in Bhiwani city will be built with the cooperation of Haryana Government and Ministry of Road Transport Highways.

Key Points:

• On December 5, 2023, Chief Minister Manohar Lal gave administrative approval for the collaborative effort with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways & the Railway Department.
• Giving information in this regard, a government spokesperson said that the existing 2-lane railway overbridge is in a dilapidated condition, keeping this in mind there is a need to construct this ROB at present.
• The Government has laid down the conditions required for handover of this ROB to the Railways, which include removal of encroachments within the right-of-way and ensuring proper disposal of rainwater in the area.
• The spokesperson said that as per the ministry's 2015 policy, the bypass emphasises that this bypass will not be a part of the national highway network for a long time.
• Therefore, it is the responsibility of the state government to construct it. Since the Bhiwani bypass is already operational, the responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of the bypass lies with the state government.

State level children's scientific exhibition of Eklavya Model Residential Schools will be organized

Why in News?

As per the information provided by the Chhattisgarh Public Relations Department on 6th December, 2023, a Children's Science Exhibition will be organised at School, District, Division & State level to promote scientific temper among students of Eklavya Model Residential School and to expand scientific knowledge & experience.

Key Points:

• According to the information, the Children's Science Exhibition will be organised from Eklavya Adarsh Residential Schools on 11th December at the school level, 13th December at the district level, 15th December at the divisional level and 22nd December at the state level.
• Commissioner & ex-officio Secretary, Chhattisgarh State Level Tribal Welfare, Residential & Ashram Educational Institute Committee, Shammi Abidi has issued necessary guidelines to all the district collectors regarding the organisation of National Children's Scientific Exhibition.
• The theme of the Children's Science Exhibition is 'Science and Technology for Society'. The topics of the sub-theme have been kept as Health, Lifestyle for Environment, Agriculture, Communication and Transport, Computational Thinking.
• Three models from each sub-plot will be selected and sent to the National Children's Scientific Exhibition. For this, after selection at the divisional level, a maximum of 15 models will be selected from 08 schools of Bastar division and 15-15 models will be selected from 5-5 schools of Surguja & Bilaspur divisions at the state level.
• Similarly, 2 models will be selected from each theme, 10 models will be selected from 04 schools of Raipur division and 10 models will be selected from 3 schools of Durg division.
• For selection of children's scientific exhibition, 20 percent marks for creativity & imagination, 15 percent marks for originality in model, scientific & mathematical innovation, 15 percent marks for scientific thought, theory & approach, 15 percent marks for technical skills, crafts & craftsmanship and 15 percent marks for societal utility.
• 10 percent marks have been assigned to economic (low cost) portability and 10 percent marks have been assigned to the performance & presentation of the model. Apart from this, 5 percent additional marks will be given to students from rural and backward areas & 3 percent additional marks will be given to students from semi-urban areas.
• The students of Eklavya Adarsh Residential School come from tribal areas and they must have seen and understood various types of rural level inconveniences in their society & workplace. They must be curious that the tasks of life in rural areas can be solved through some technology and their work can be made easier. There are many types of questions and their solutions in the minds of students, which they are not able to display anywhere.
• By organising a Children's Science Exhibition, if students have any idea or model in their mind to ease the problems of such people's life, they can display it and through this they can make a place at the national level through their fundamental technical knowledge.

Incident Response System will work in Uttarakhand to prevent disaster

Why in News?

On December 5, 2023, Disaster Management Secretary Dr. Ranjit Sinha said in a press conference that the Incident Response System (IRS) is being prepared to quickly rescue people and provide relief in disasters.

Key Points:

• Dr. Ranjit Sinha said that Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA) has started its exercise. It is being established under the rules of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
• USDMA has issued a tender for this. Incident Response Team (IRT) will also be formed from block to district and state level. These teams will also work according to the disaster.
• IRS guidelines have been prepared. Software is being made to implement this. After this, relief and rescue work can be done in a better way in disaster management.
• It should be noted that every year disasters in the state prove to be a challenge for the government. Be it the recent Silkyara tunnel accident or a disaster like the Joshimath landslide before that. To overcome these, the IRS system is now being prepared under the rules of NDMA. With this, immediate prevention and solution can be done according to the intensity or risk of the disaster.
• There will be three sections of IRS. There will be an operation section. The second will be the planning section and the third will be the logistics section. With the coordination of all three, disaster relief work can be done more quickly.
• After receiving the initial warning, the Responsible Officer (RO) will activate the Incident Response Team (IRT) of the concerned area. The local IRT will operate in the event of a disaster without any warning. If necessary, he will contact the RO for assistance.
• IRT will be pre-defined at all levels, i.e. State, District, Sub-Division and Tehsil, Block. If the disaster is complex and beyond the control of the local IRT, the higher level IRT will be informed. After this, the high level IRT will take over the responsibility of rescue from this entire disaster.

MoUs worth more than Rs 40 thousand crore signed in Energy Conclave

Why in News?

MoUs worth more than Rs 40 thousand crore were signed in the presence of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in the Energy Conclave held at the Secretariat under the Destination Uttarakhand Global Investors Summit on December 5, 2023.

Key Points:

• Representatives of various companies reached the Energy Conclave at the Secretariat under the Destination Uttarakhand Global Investors Summit. About 33 companies have signed these agreements for investment in the fields of solar energy, hydroelectric energy and gas based energy in the state.
• MoUs worth Rs. 40,423 crore were signed in the presence of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. Out of these, grounding of Rs. 21,522 crore has been done, while new MOUs worth Rs. 18901 crore have been made.
• Chief Minister Dhami said that there are immense possibilities for work in the energy sector in the state. The government is continuously making efforts to increase investment. Based on the suggestions of people associated with the industrial world, 27 new policies have been made and many policies have been simplified.
• The companies present on this occasion gave proposals to build solar power projects, hydro power projects, pump storage plants, CNG plants, solar parks. THDC-UJVNL joint venture has signed the maximum MoU worth Rs. 16370 crore. Whereas GMR has signed MoUs worth Rs. 10,800 crore, UJVNL Rs. 3220 crore, Evolve Energy Rs. 1184 crore and Kundan Group and Bhilangana Hydro Power have signed MoUs worth Rs. 1000-1000 crore.

Uttarakhand is the 1st state in the country to get maximum 18 GI tags in a single day

Why in News?

On December 4, 2023, Uttarakhand became the 1st state in the country to get GI certificates for a maximum of 18 products in a single day. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami distributed GI certificates in a program organized at Chief Sevak Sadan located at the Chief Minister's residence.

Key Points:

• Till now, a total of 27 products of Uttarakhand have received GI tag.
• The 18 products of the state which have received GI (geographical Indication) certificates include Uttarakhand Chola, Jhangora, Mandua, Red Rice, Almora Lakhori Chilli, Berinag Tea, Burans Sharbat, Ramnagar (Nainital) litchi, Ramgarh Aadu, Malta, Pahari Tor, Gahath, Kalah Bhatt, Bichhubati Fabric, Nainital Mangbatti, Rangoli Pichoda, Chamoli Raman Masks and Kitai Wood Carving.
• It may be noted that 9 products of Uttarakhand - Tejpat, Basmati rice, Aipan art, Munsiyari white kidney beans, Ringal craft, Thulma, Bhotiya dan, Chura oil and copper products have already received GI certificate.
• For the 1st time in the 20-year journey from the enactment of the GI law in 2003 to 2023, GI certificates have been issued to 18 products of a state simultaneously in a single day.
• The Chief Minister has expressed hope that the export of GI tagged products from Uttarakhand will increase rapidly.
• The Chief Minister said that with the aim of promoting local products in all the 13 districts of the state, work on the 'One District, Two Products' scheme is going on at a fast pace.
• The main objective of the scheme is to identify the local products in all the districts and develop traditional industries accordingly. Due to this, self-employment opportunities are increasing for local farmers & craftsmen and local products of every district are getting world class recognition.
• Describing this as an important achievement, Agriculture and Horticulture Minister Ganesh Joshi said that a state level GI Tag Mahotsav will be organised in Dehradun from January 12 to 18, 2024.

For the 1st time in the country, a transgender was made a senate member in Patna University

Why in News?

According to information received from the media on December 6, 2023, Bihar Governor and Chancellor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has nominated transgender Reshma Prasad as a member of the Senate of Patna University.

Key Points

• Reshma Prasad is the first transgender to become a senate member in any university in the country.
• She has been nominated for three years.
• If Reshma Prasad becomes a member of the Senate, the problems of transgenders in the field of higher education will come to the fore.
• Reshma Prasad, a resident of the capital Patna, has been working for years for the educational, social and economic upliftment of transgenders through her social organisation Dostana Safar.
• Due to his efforts, the Central Government has established Garima Grih for transgenders in Khagaul, Patna, where shelterless transgenders live.