• 08 Feb 2023

SJVNL Signs MoU with Uttar Pradesh Government to Set-Up Solar Plant in Kanpur

Why In News?

• According to information received from the media on February 7, 2023, the Central Government's Navratna company Satluj Hydro Power Distribution Corporation Limited (SJVNL) company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Authority to set up a solar power plant at a cost of Rs 3500 crore in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh.

Key points

• The company has sought about 3000 acres of land in Ghatampur or its surrounding area from the authority for setting up the plant. The company will set up a solar plant of about 700 MW capacity on this land.
• About 300 people will get employment with the establishment of this plant. At the same time, the environment will be benefited due to pollution-free electricity.
• SJVNL Additional General Manager Surendra Singh said that the company is setting up 75 MW plants each in Kalpi and Orai tehsils of Jalaun, in which the project set up in Parasan village of Kalpi has come into operation.
• At the same time, a 50 MW solar power plant is also under construction at Akbarpur in Kanpur Dehat.
• It is noteworthy that the electricity generated from the solar plant is cheaper than the electricity generated through any other medium.
• Apart from the open market, the company will directly approach industries and establishments like Kanpur Metro to sell electricity.

Prof. Sudha Sinha Received the Kabir Kohinoor Award

Why In News?

• According to the information received from the media on February 7, 2023, Prof. Sudha Sinha, a teacher of the Department of Psychology at Patna University, Bihar, was awarded with the Kabir Kohinoor Award by All India Kabir Math, Traditional Kabir Sadguru, Kabir Ashram and Kabir Samadhi Sthal Uttar Pradesh in Ambedkar International Center, New Delhi.

Key points

• This honor was given to him on 5 February for his contribution to excellent social and literary works.
• Retired Prof. Sudha Sinha is a poet, and she constantly raises the issues of the country and society through her works.
• Prof. Sudha Siha has previously received Desh Ratna Samman, Dinanath Sharan Samman, International Women's Honor, Mahadevi Verma Samman, Amrita Preetam Samman etc.

State's First Forestry College Inaugurated

Why In News?

• On 7 February 2023, the country's second and Bihar's first forestry college (Munger) was inaugurated by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

Key points

• This forestry college is under Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour (Bhagalpur).
• This college is being built on 96 acres near Ganga bridge in Munger. And about 231 crore 83 lakh 32 thousand has been spent in the construction of this college.
• It is noteworthy that on December 25, 2019, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had laid the foundation stone of this forestry college.

Inauguration of First Mission Eklavya Knowledge Center of Chittorgarh District

Why In News?

• On February 7, 2023, Rajasthan Cooperative Minister Udayalal Anjana inaugurated the district's first Mission Eklavya Knowledge Center in collaboration with Wonder Cement Ltd. at Phachar Ahiran Gram Panchayat of Nimbahera in Chittorgarh district.

Key points

• 105 knowledge centers are being set up in Chittorgarh district under Mission Eklavya to provide library and preparation facilities for competitive exams to rural students. Out of which 5 knowledge centers are being established in collaboration with Wonder Cement.
• With the establishment of these centres, facilities for preparation of competitive examinations will be developed in villages as well as in cities. A provision of up to Rs 5 lakh is being made for each library on the establishment of these centres.
• For the operation of these centres, a committee will be constituted consisting of the concerned sarpanch, students at the school and eminent citizens.
• On this occasion, other guests including the chief guest also laid the foundation stone of various roads and sports stadium worth Rs 20 crore 72 lakhs at Nimbahera in Chittorgarh under the DMFT scheme.

"H5N1" Avian Influenza

Why In News?

• On 7 February 2023, The National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases, Bhopal has reported in its report that "H5N1" Avian Influenza has not been confirmed in Rajasthan.

Key points

• It is noteworthy that recently the officials of the Animal Husbandry Department of the state visited the disease-prone areas of Bikaner, Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Churu, Bharatpur and Jaipur districts and collected samples and sent samples to the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases, Bhopal.
• It is known that migratory birds arrive in many areas of the state during the winter season, in view of which samples are being collected by the departmental officers to check the disease of migratory and local birds.
• In this regard, Joint Director Dr. Ravi Israni said that the officials of the department along with a team of subject experts have visited Keoladeo National Bird Park and Sambhar Lake and collected samples of migratory birds and sent them to Nishad, Bhopal. Also, proper guidelines have been given to the officers of the department on each district for diagnosis and control of the disease. So far, no case of avian influenza has been reported in the state.
• It is known that avian influenza, commonly known as 'Bird Flu', is a viral disease. This infectious disease affects many species of domesticated birds and wild birds like chickens, turkeys, quails, guinea fowl, etc. Sometimes it can also infect many other mammals including humans.
• On detection of its infection in birds, infected and contact birds are disposed of in a scientific manner.

Important Decisions of the Meeting of the Council of Ministers of Madhya Pradesh

Why In News?

• On 7 February 2023, a meeting of the Council of Ministers was held in Mantralaya under the chairmanship of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, in which many important decisions were taken.

Key points

• It was decided by the Council of Ministers that due to the death of late R.S Rathore, Additional Director, Economic and Statistics on April 19, 2021, due to corona infection, his married daughter Shraddha Malvi, despite not being eligible, will be sent to the High Court on humanitarian grounds. Compassionate appointment should be given considering it as a special case in the sequence of the decision of Bench Indore.
• Along with this, in the provisions of the Compassionate Order issued by the General Administration Department on September 29, 2014, a policy decision was also taken by the Council of Ministers that both sons and daughters have equal rights for compassionate appointment, even if the daughters are married. The General Administration Department will make necessary amendments in the policy in this regard.
• A budget provision of Rs 150 crore has been made by the Council of Ministers in the Animal Husbandry and Dairy Department for the year 2022-23 under the 'Chief Minister Animal Husbandry Development Scheme'.
• Under the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, amendments have been made in the 'Chief Minister's Milk Cow Supply Programme', a component approved for special backward tribes included in the Chief Minister's Animal Husbandry Development Scheme approved by the Council of Ministers earlier. Now in this scheme, Saharia and Bharia special backward tribes along with Baiga tribe have also been included in the Mukhyamantri Milch Cattle Supply Program.
• In this program, along with the milch cow unit, the milch buffalo unit has also been included. In the context of including milch buffalo along with milch cow in this program, the name of the scheme was changed from 'Chief Minister Milch Cow Supply Program' to 'Chief Minister Milch Animal Supply Program for Special Backward Tribes'.
• The Cabinet approved the development of storage-based projects in the New and Renewable Energy Policy-2022 implemented in the state since last year. In this context, the Cabinet decided to implement pump hydro storage projects and edit the tender process.
• The decision will further ensure continuity of energy generated from renewable energy projects and benefit in grid stability. The proposed scheme for development of pump hydro projects in the state has been approved by the Department of New and Renewable Energy. The department was authorised to give clarifications.
• As per the recommendation of the Empowered Committee constituted by the Cabinet under the Chairmanship of The Chief Secretary, the total project expenditure for expansion, operation and establishment of new disaster recovery site at National Data Center Bhubaneswar and upgradation of existing hardware and software was approved at Rs.161.95 crore.

Suraj Policy-2023

Why In News?

• On 7 February 2023, Madhya Pradesh Urban Development and Housing Minister Bhupendra Singh informed that according to the announcement made by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, 'after freeing government lands from encroachment, the land available will be occupied by the homeless, economically weaker sections (EWS) Suraj Policy-2023 has been approved by the Cabinet for construction of houses for housing.

Key points

• Making proper use of the government land freed from encroachment by the district administration as its own resource, construction of necessary infrastructure works, construction of community facilities and Suraj Colony for economically weaker sections (EWS) This policy has been prepared in order to raise proper financial resources for the construction of the colony and to ensure the development of the said plots of the urban area with a suitable density.
• The objective of this policy is to provide affordable housing to the homeless of EWS category under Suraj Colony as per re-densification policy without government budgetary support and to make best use of the encroachment-free land for the development of the city.
• The main points of this policy are as follows:
  • Scheme for construction of houses for the homeless and economically weaker sections on government land freed from encroachment after April 1, 2020.
  • A piece of land freed from encroachment will be handed over to a private developer, in exchange for the remaining land being built at Suraj Tower for EWS housing.
  • The reserve price of land to be given to private developer will be calculated based on open tenders as per the established policy of the Department of Public Asset Management.
  • In small towns, colonies can be developed on residential leases of up to 450 square feet instead of multi-story.
  • In the project, all the necessary infrastructure for Suraj Colony such as roads, water supply, electricity, garden, community building and school and dispensary will also be built if needed.
  • After construction, the units will be allotted at the district level to the homeless people of the weaker income group based on the eligibility and formula of the Prime Minister's Housing Scheme.
  • In special circumstances, slums can also be rehabilitated and rehabilitated if required in government projects such as roads etc.
  • All other procedures for the implementation of the scheme will be as per the Redensification Policy 2022 established in the state.
  • After the construction of Suraj Tower Colony, for the next 5 years under the Defect Liability Period, the private developer will be responsible for development and maintenance, operation and repair of the colony for 3 years.

'Policy for Certification and Standardization of Ayush Facilities Implemented in Haryana

Why In News?

• On February 7, 2023, the Haryana government has implemented a new policy 'Policy for Certification and Standardization of AYUSH Facilities' (Policy for Certification and Standardization of AYUSH facilities) to promote AYUSH system and facilities.

Key points

• Giving information in this regard, Haryana Home, Health and AYUSH Minister Anil Vij said that this policy will 31 be applicable till October 2027 and a notification of this policy has been issued today.
• AYUSH hospitals in the private sector for providing services based on the overall welfare model of AYUSH through identification and operation of a network of AYUSH dispensaries/areas The policy aims to enhance the coverage of the health care system through cost effective AYUSH medical services by focusing on core competency clinics, Panchakarma Kendras, .
• This will reduce the burden of disease and pocket expenses as well as empower the public to 'take care of themselves'.
• The policy also envisages reduction of communicable/non-communicable diseases through public health programmes targeted under AYUSH system of medicine.
• The government will endeavour to promote AYUSH as primary health sector among other service sectors under this policy, ranging from AYUSH hospitals, colleges, etc. in AYUSH wellbeing destinations, wellness centres to preventive curative and rehabilitation treatment/facilities, guest houses and homestay, organic retail facilities, these include yoga and naturopathy centres, spas and aromatherapy centres, body wraps, massage wellness centres, beauty treatments, specialized skin care clinics, outdoor sessions for cultural and heritage performances, etc.
• Similarly, standalone or multi-specialty AYUSH hospitals that include all or 5 systems of medicine under AYUSH the Clinical Establishments Act 2011, NABH or Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India and comply with the Standards prescribed by whichever is applicable.
• Similarly, AYUSH Wellness Centres such as AYUSH Clinics/Day Care Centres/Dispensaries/Panchakarma Clinics/Yoga, Naturopathy and Meditation Centres/Convergence Centres etc. are without IPD facility.
• Adequate recognition will be provided to AYUSH hospitals, wellness centres etc. There, recognized/certified under the Department of AYUSH of AYUSH facilities/institutes Government of Haryana which include AYUSH Diamond will be three categories, AYUSH Gold and AYUSH Silver.
• Hospitals, wellness centres, etc. that have received full accreditation by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) will be recognized by the state government as AYUSH Gold with a 5-star rating.
• The AYUSH Institutions which have achieved pre-accreditation entry level standards by NABH in their respective category will be recognized as AYUSH Silver with 3 Star rating by the State Government.
• AYUSH Institutions maintaining NABH accreditation for 5 consecutive years after achieving AYUSH Gold accreditation/certification in their category will be recognized by the State Government with 7 Star rating as AYUSH Diamond. The accreditation/certification will be valid till the validity of the NABH accreditation.

Evidence of Primitive Man Found in Simdega

Why In News?

• According to information received from the media on 7 February 2023, evidence of primitive humans has been found in Simdega, known as natural beauty, hockey and tribal-dominated district.

Key points

• Dr. Anshumala Tirkey and Baleshwar Kumar Besra visited many places in the district and found rock paintings made by primitive humans. These rock paintings have been found from places like Biru, Bangru Ghosra, Chhuriya, Purnapani, Bhanwar Pahar of Kolebira and Parba of Jaldega.
• In Dhodijor village of Kersai Block, Neolithic period Grubhas have been mainly found. These have been found in more than five hundred numbers. Looking at the pictures, it seems that these pictures are from the Mesolithic period to the Neolithic period.
• This evidence of primitive man will be helpful in writing systematic history of Jharkhand. This evidence will also attract researchers of history, archaeology, anthropology and art.
• It is worth mentioning that Dr. Anshu Mala Tirkey, who discovered the rock paintings made by these primitive humans, is an independent archaeologist, research associate in the project of Indian Council of Social Science Research, while Baleshwar Kumar Besra is an independent archaeologist, in the project of Indian Council of Social Science Research (New Delhi). Research is helpful.

State's Largest Sewage Treatment Plant Inaugurated in Haldwani

Why In News?

• On 7 February 2023, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the state's largest 28 MLD sewage treatment plant and legacy wastewater treatment plant at Haldwani-Kathgodam Municipal Corporation.

Key points

• The cost of these two plants is Rs 35.58 crore and Rs 3 crore respectively.
• Both these plants have been constructed at Gaulapar in Haldwani to improve the sanitary conditions in Haldwani and surrounding towns.
• These plants are being constructed under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT).
• The operation of the STP at Haldwani will save the Gaula River from pollution and farmers will be able to use the waste received from the plant as organic manure.
• The state government has installed sewage plants in 132 drains polluting the river Ganga and its tributaries. At present, construction of 11 sewerage plants is in progress.
• The Chief Minister also made several other announcements on the occasion. He announced to provide funds for the construction of an international zoo at Haldwani for wildlife and tourism as per requirement. He also announced plans to open a drug de-addiction centre in Haldwani to make Uttarakhand drug-free.