• 10 Apr 2023

Chief Minister Yogi Gave a Gift of 1000 Crore Rupees to Gorakhpur

Why In News?

On April 9, 2023, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath gave a gift of more than 1000 crore rupees to Gorakhpur on the third day of his tour. He laid the foundation stone and inaugurated 258 development works costing about Rs 1046 crore on the grounds of Hindustan Fertilizers and Chemicals Limited (Fertilizer Factory).

Key Points

• Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated 56 development works worth Rs 333.85 crore and laid the foundation stone of 202 development works worth Rs 711.81 crore.
• It may be noted that a day earlier on April 8, the Chief Minister performed Bhoomi Poojan and foundation stone of M/s Varun Beverages, a franchisee of MNC PepsiCo, in Sector 27 of Gida, an industrial corridor near Gorakhpur Link Expressway, with an investment of Rs.1071 crore.
• By supplying fruits like mango, guava, litchi and milk at the Varun Beverages plant, farmers and livestock farmers will be able to increase their income manifold.
• The Gorakhpur plant will provide employment to 1,500 youth and ten thousand villagers will be connected to an additional source of income.

Proposal of about Rs 463 Crore Approved Under 'Rajasthan Micro Irrigation Scheme'

Why In News?

On April 8, 2023, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot approved a proposal of about Rs 463 crore under the 'Rajasthan Micro Irrigation Scheme' for the work of diggi, farm pond and irrigation pipeline etc. to strengthen the micro irrigation system in the state.

Key Points

• The target of benefiting 30 thousand farmers has been increased to 50 thousand for the construction of farm ponds in the next two years. A total of Rs 261.75 crore will be spent on this.
• In the scheme, non-small-marginal farmers belonging to Scheduled Caste-Tribes will also get 10 percent additional subsidy like small-marginal farmers.
• In order to encourage and provide strength to the farmers, the grant limit for construction of plastic lining farm ponds has also been increased from Rs 90 thousand to Rs 1.20 lakh.
• In the next two years, 40,000 farmers will be given subsidies for a 16,000 km irrigation pipeline. Rs 43.20 crore will be spent on this in the year 2023-24.
• At the same time, Rs 158 crore will be spent on the construction of 5000 coaches in the year 2023-24.
• It is noteworthy that in the budget 2023-24, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot had made announcements regarding the availability of irrigation water and strengthening the micro irrigation system.

New Police Offices, Police Stations and Outposts will be Opened in the State

Why In News?

On April 8, 2023, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot approved the opening of new police offices, police stations and outposts in the state, taking steps towards strengthening the law and order in the state and ensuring its easy access to the common man.

Key Points

• He has also given approval of about Rs 201 crore for the creation of 1369 posts for offices and necessary resources.
• With the decision of the Chief Minister, Additional Superintendent of Police offices will be opened at Vair (Bharatpur), Parbatsar (Nagaur), Khairwada (Udaipur), ADF (Dhaulpur) and Lalsot (Dausa).
• Similarly, Deputy Superintendent of Police offices will be opened at Arnod (Pratapgarh), Taleda (Bundi), Pahadi (Bharatpur), Gangashahar (Bikaner), Ramsar (Barmer), Baunli (Sawaimadhopur), Khandela (Sikar), Ajitgarh (Sikar), Siwana (Barmer) and Ahor (Jalore).
• New urban police stations will be opened at Vaishali Nagar (Alwar), Mukta Prasad Nagar (Bikaner), Shrinathji (Rajsamand), Gokulpura (Sikar) and Sadar Police Station Bayana (Bharatpur). Similarly, new rural police stations will be opened in Basdayal (Alwar), Hadan (Bikaner), Rahuwas (Dausa), Tanot (Jaisalmer) and Gothda (Jhunjhunu).
• Three new women's police stations will be opened at Didwana (Nagaur), Nawan (Nagaur) and Kotputli (Jaipur).
• 10 police outposts of the state have been upgraded to police stations. These include Angai (Dhaulpur), Mor (Tonk), Sultana (Jhunjhunu), Babai (Jhunjhunu), Januthar (Bharatpur), Nimbi Jodha (Nagaur), Badu (Nagaur), Dabla (Sikar), Kailashnagar (Sirohi) and Jajod (Sikar).
• 38 new police posts will also be opened in different districts of the state. With the creation of these police offices, police stations and outposts, the law and order in the state will be further strengthened.

Comprehensive Rehabilitation Center (CRC)

Why In News?

On April 8, 2023, Dr. Virendra Kumar, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, inaugurated the services of the Composite Regional Center (CRC) for Skill Development, Rehabilitation and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities at Old Tehsil Bhawan, Mahalan gate, Chhatarpur (Madhya Pradesh).

Key Points

• In the program, Dr. Virendra Kumar said that this CRC will become a centre of innovation and education and will meet the needs of manpower and research to make a better and quality life possible for Divyangjan so that Divyangjan could contribute to the development of the society.
• He said that by bringing together experts from various fields related to rehabilitation of persons with disabilities under one roof and ensuring prompt delivery of allied services, Chhatarpur and its surrounding areas would address some of the most pressing challenges faced by the society for persons with different disabilities. There is also a plan to deal with difficult challenges.
• Speaking at the function, Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, Rajesh Agarwal said that this new CRC will provide essential services to Divyangjan and help in developing human resources in the state of Madhya Pradesh. He said that the construction of CRC-Chhatarpur building will also be started soon on two hectares of land provided by Madhya Pradesh government in Chhatarpur district.
• This new CRC will provide rehabilitation services for 21 categories of disabilities besides conducting skill development training for PwDs.
• Efforts will be made to organize camps for distribution of aids and appliances and Unique Disability ID (UDID) cards for Divyangjan. This card will be valid in the whole country. A new initiative will be taken in the direction of the accessible India campaign. This campaign is going on across the country to provide universal access to Divyangjan.
• CRC-Chhatarpur will also provide financial assistance and scholarship to Divyang students to continue their education without any hindrance.
• It may be noted that apart from the CRCs located at Bhopal, Ahmedabad and Nagpur, the administrative control of CRC-Chhatarpur is under the Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities (AYJNISHD), Mumbai, under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Haryana Hikes Budget for Mid-Day Meal Scheme by 72 Percent

Why In News?

On April 6, 2023, Haryana Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal told the state level steering committee meeting for mid-day meal scheme held in Chandigarh that the state government has given 14,409 primary school students under Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PMPOSHAN) to provide mid-day meal, the budget has been increased by about 72 percent.

Key Points

• A provision of Rs. 661 crores have been made during the current year against the budget of Rs. 384 crores for the Mid Day Meal scheme last year.
• Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Secretary directed the officers to conduct study in various sections regarding enhancement of additional nutritional standards in food and ensure quality and meet nutritional standards of food besides cooking it under hygienic conditions.
• The time schedule for providing food to the students in the schools should be fixed so that the quality of the food can be checked and inspected.
• It is to be noted that the food provided under the scheme includes a variety of food items based on fortified flour, rice and millets.
• It was informed in the meeting that 200 ml 5 flavoured fortified milk is also provided to the students of classes 1 to 8 along with a midday meal at least 3 days a week.

Chaudhary Devi Lal Gaurav Samman'

Why In News?

On April 6, 2023, Deputy Chief Minister of Haryana Dushyant Chautala, on the death anniversary of former Deputy Prime Minister Devi Lal, in a program organised by 'Meri Maa Foundation' at 'Le-Meridien Hotel' in New Delhi, honoured personalities from various fields including medicine, education, media. Awarded with Chaudhary Devi Lal Gaurav Samman.

Key Points

• Vice President of 'Meri Maa Foundation' Dinesh Dagar said that seven programs have been organised by the organisation in the memory of former Deputy Prime Minister Devilal, today's program was the seventh, in which many celebrities including medical, education, administration, social service, sports, media has been awarded this honour.
• 150 dignitaries including Jasan Mahala, Satpal Dalal, Ajaydeep Lathar, Anuj Mishra, Bijendra Bansal, Shiv Kumar, Sunil Balyan, Naveen Gautam, Robindar Narayan were among those honoured.
• It is known that former Deputy Prime Minister Devi Lal had worked for the betterment of the people of every region, but people still remember the work he did for the upliftment of the poor labourers and farmers.

15-Year-Old Chandrakala Became Golden Book Girl

Why In News?

On April 9, 2023, Chandrakala Ojha, a 15-year-old daughter of Purai, a small village of Durg in Chhattisgarh, became a Golden Book girl by creating a world record by swimming continuously for eight hours.

Key Points

• During this, Home Minister of Chhattisgarh Tamradhwaj Sahu and Golden Book of World Records officials were also present there. Recording of this record was also done.
• It is known that the Chief Minister had announced plans to open a sports academy in Purai village two days ago. The special thing is that Purai is recognized as a sports village across the country. Now it will also be known as the name recorded in the world record.
• About 15 km from Durg headquarters. Chandrakala Ojha, a 15-year-old resident of far-off Purai village, has set a world record by swimming continuously for eight hours from 5 am to 1 am on Sunday, April 9, in the Donghia pond of the village with high spirits.
• Manish Bishnoi, Asia Head of the Golden Book of Records, said that the record of continuous swimming in water for eight hours without a break was not in any age group till now. Chandrakala Ojha has done it. Chandrakala will now be given the final certificate. This record of his will be recorded in the Golden Book. Whenever any swimming record in the world is searched, Chandrakala's name will appear at the top.

Selection of Police Training School (P.T.S.) Mana for the honour of Union Home Minister Trophy

Why In News?

According to the information given by Chhattisgarh Public Relations Department on April 8, 2023, the Police Training School (PTS) Mana located in the capital Raipur has been selected for the honour of Union Home Minister Trophy.

Key Points

• According to the letter issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi, the state's Police Training School Mana has been selected for the honour of the Union Home Minister's Trophy for the Best Training Institute for the academic year 2021-2022.
• It is known that earlier in the years 2019-20 and 2020-21, Police Training School (PTS) Rajnandgaon was selected for this trophy. Police Training School, Rajnandgaon was given the Union Home Minister's Trophy for the year 2019-20 and 2020-21 by the Ministry of Home Affairs for the training of new constables.

Rabi Crops Sown More than the Target in Chhattisgarh

Why In News?

According to the information provided by the Public Relations Department of Chhattisgarh on April 8, 2023, besides achieving the target of 5 percent increase in Rabi area this year, Rabi crops have been sown in 19.36 lakh hectares, which is the highest in the Rabi season. 101 percent of the target set for it.

Key Points

• Significantly, in Chhattisgarh, 18.30 lakh hectare was cultivated in the last rabi season. This year, with an increase of 5 percent in the rabi area, a total sowing target of 19.25 lakh hectares has been fixed.
• According to the information received from the Agriculture Department, rabi crops have been sown in 19.36 lakh hectares in the state, which is 5.77 percent more than last year's rabi area.
• In the state, the trend of farmers towards pulses cultivation has increased rapidly due to the arrangement of purchase on support price and encouragement of pulses crops. In the current rabi season, pulses are being sown in 8.65 lakh hectares, which is 45 percent of the area proposed for cultivation of rabi crops this year.
• So far in Chhattisgarh, cereals have been sown in 5.97 lakh hectare, pulses in 8.14 lakh hectare and oilseeds in 2.84 lakh hectare, sugarcane in 42 thousand 410 hectare and vegetables and other crops in about 2 lakh hectares.
• Sowing of wheat in 2.71 lakh hectare, maize in 1.71 lakh hectare, ragi in 35-thousand-hectare, barley-sorghum and other crops in 11 thousand hectare and coarse grains in 1.55 lakh hectare has been completed in the state.
• Thus, sowing of food grains has been completed in 5.97 lakh hectare in the state, which is 137 percent of the target of 4.36 lakh hectare for sowing of grain crops in rabi season.
• In this way, pulses have been sown in 8.14 lakh hectare, in which gram has been sown in 3.86 lakh hectare, Peas/Matar in 55 thousand hectare, masoor in 34 thousand hectare, moong in 31 thousand hectare, urad in 27 thousand hectare, Sowing of Tivda has been completed in 2.50 lakh hectare, kulthi in 23 thousand hectare and other pulse crops in 7 thousand hectare, which is 94 percent of the target fixed for sowing of pulse crops.
• Similarly, so far oilseed crops have been sown in 2.84 lakh hectares in the state, including linseed in 46 thousand 190-hectare, mustard in 2 lakh hectares, sesame in 1370-hectare, sunflower in 2960-hectare, safflower in 6960 hectares. Sowing of groundnut, 25,630 and other oilseed crops has been completed in 160 hectares, which is 75 percent of the target of sowing of oilseed crops.

Chamoli Herbs will Now Be Sold Across the Country, Ministry of AYUSH has Registered 48 Cultivators

Why In News?

According to information received from media sources on April 9, 2023, the Union Ministry of AYUSH has registered 48 farmers cultivating herbs in Chamoli district. Now these cultivators will be able to sell herbs in any corner of the country.

Key Points

• It is known that the cultivators of the villages of the high Himalayan regions of Chamoli are doing business of crores of rupees every year by cultivating Kutki and other herbs on a large scale.
• Last year, the farmers of Chamoli district sold Kutki worth about two crore rupees. Farmers are producing Kutki on about 10 hectares of land in Ghes and Van villages of Deval block. The cost of Kutki prepared every three years is Rs 1200 per kg.
• Human healers' company of Srinagar Garhwal buys Kutki from farmers. Garhwal University helps in the cultivation of Kutki.
• It is worth mentioning that the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India is going to make a documentary on herbal farming in the villages of the Himalayan region. The Ministry of AYUSH gives a 70% subsidy for Kutki cultivation. In this sequence, the Ministry is now making a documentary to connect more and more farmers with the cultivation of herbs, the problems of the farmers.
• It is noteworthy that the herb Kutki, which is grown at an altitude of 2700 to 4500 meters in the higher Himalayan regions, is used as a blood purifier, strength, tide and sugar medicine. Kutki is also used in the treatment of Jaundice, hepatitis, allergies, asthma and skin diseases. Apart from this, it is also used as a medicine for arthritis, blood disorders, hiccups and vomiting.