• 07 Dec 2024

UP Becomes First State to Fully Adopt GeM

Why in News? 

Recently, Uttar Pradesh has become the first state in India to fully integrate its procurement process with the Government e-Marketplace (GeM).  

Key Points 

• Uttar Pradesh has abolished its longstanding tendering system by fully adopting GeM. 
• This integration mandates that all service providers, from basic stationery suppliers to those providing Sport Utility Vehicle (SUVs) for official use, adhere strictly to central government regulations 
• The comprehensive government order issued on 26th November, 2024, annuls over 33 previous procurement-related directives.  
  • This move ensures full compliance with GeM protocols, reducing the likelihood of errors and misuse, and promoting a standardized procurement process.  
• The state government estimates that this shift to GeM-based procurement could save over Rs. 2,000 crore annually.  
  • This is achieved through competitive pricing and efficient procurement processes. 
• The Uttar Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board has already leveraged GeM to procure quality infrastructure materials for 18 Atal Residential Schools. These materials, including furniture and IT equipment, were delivered swiftly and at competitive prices, ensuring high standards for educational facilities.  
  • The full adoption of GeM is expected to enhance the credibility of public procurement procedures in Uttar Pradesh.  
• It aligns with the state's broader goals of fostering a business-friendly environment and ensuring transparency in government operations.  
• This initiative also supports the state's ambitious economic targets, contributing to its goal of becoming a USD 1 trillion economy. 
• Uttar Pradesh's commitment to transparent procurement has been recognized at national levels.  
  • The state has been awarded for its exemplary performance in various categories, including total order value and highest services procurement.

Government e Marketplace (GeM)

• GeM is a 100% Government owned and National Public Procurement Portal that facilitates online procurement of common use Goods & Services required by various Government Departments / Organisations / PSUs. 
• The initiative was launched by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in 2016. 
• It provides the tools of e-bidding, reverse e-auction and demand aggregation to facilitate the government users, achieve the best value for their money and aims to enhance transparency, efficiency and speed in public procurement. 

Shyamal Misra Appointed CEO of FMDA and GMDA

Why in News? 

In a significant administrative reshuffle, Shyamal Misra, a 1996-batch IAS officer of the Haryana cadre, has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of both the Faridabad Metropolitan Development Authority (FMDA) and the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA).  

Key Points

• Shyamal Misra is currently serving as the Chief Administrator of the Trade Fair Authority of Haryana in New Delhi, will also take on the role of Principal Secretary for the Civil Aviation Department of Haryana. 
• Despite his expanded portfolio, Shyamal Misra will continue his duties with the Trade Fair Authority, balancing a pivotal role in advancing Haryana’s urban and aviation infrastructure. 
• These appointments mark a strategic realignment in the bureaucratic leadership of both Haryana, reflecting the state’s ongoing efforts to streamline and strengthen their administrative machinery.  
• The reshuffle aims to enhance governance and ensure effective implementation of development projects.

Tussle Over Haryana Excise Policy

Why in News? 

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued a stern warning to the Haryana government regarding the sale of liquor over midnight in bars and pubs located in Gurugram and Faridabad.  

• However, the court refrained from issuing any formal directions to the state on this matter. 

Key Points 

• The issue arose after the Haryana Excise Policy 2024-25, introduced in June, removed provisions from the previous policy that allowed bars and pubs to operate throughout the night upon payment of an additional fee.  
• Under the revised policy, all bars and pubs across Haryana are required to close by midnight, except in Gurugram and Faridabad, where the older rules continue to apply.          
• Following the promulgation of the new policy, bar and pub owners in Panchkula filed a petition in the high court, seeking parity with their counterparts in Gurugram and Faridabad.  
  • However, a bench of Justices dismissed their plea, ruling that the excise policy applies different criteria to different districts, and the petitioners cannot demand uniformity. 
• The court underscored the importance of cultural sensitivity in framing excise policies.  
  • It noted that allowing all-night liquor sales could lead to social decay and undermine the cultural values of Indian society.  
• The bench stressed that responsible drinking is still a distant goal in the country, and policymakers must consider the broader social implications of their decisions. 

Haryana Excise Policy 2024-25

• There will be a slight increase in the excise duty on IMFL (Indian Made Foreign Liquor) and country liquor in the new policy starting from 12th June. 
• The maximum basic quota of IMFL will be 700 lakh proof liters (Measurement Unit) and 1,200 lakh proof liters for the country liquor for the year 2024-25. 
• The QR code-based track and trace system that was introduced in 2023-24 for IMFL and country liquor will be extended to imported foreign liquor as well. 

Growing Glacier in Uttarakhand's Niti Valley

Why in News?

Recently, in a remarkable discovery, scientists have identified a rapidly expanding glacier in Uttarakhand's Niti Valley.  

• The study, titled "Manifestations of a Glacier Surge in Central Himalaya Using Multi-Temporal Satellite Data," utilized satellite imagery to observe the glacier's rapid growth. 

Key Points

• This new glacier, which stretches about 10 kilometers in length and spans approximately 48 square kilometers, is located near the Randolph and Rekana glaciers in the remote northern region of the state, close to the India-Tibet border. 
• The glacier is currently experiencing a "surge” i.e., a sudden and rapid increase in the size of a glacier, which can be caused by hydrological imbalances.  
  • These imbalances occur when water infiltrates the ice layers, weakening them and causing the ice to slide downward. 
• The discovery of this fast-growing glacier has significant implications for the region's environment and climate.  
  • Glacial surges can lead to increased risks of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), which pose a threat to downstream communities and infrastructure.  
    • Understanding the dynamics of such glaciers is crucial for developing effective mitigation strategies. 
  • As global temperatures rise, the behavior of glaciers in this region is becoming increasingly unpredictable, necessitating ongoing monitoring and study.