• 10 Jun 2023

10% Discount for passengers in City Buses of UP

Why in News?

On 8 June 2023, in the meeting of the Uttar Pradesh Dedicated Urban Transport Fund Management Committee, chaired by Amrit Abhijat, Chief Secretary, Urban Development, Uttar Pradesh, it was informed that the schemes to be implemented by the ETM supplier and HDFC to promote digital payments in the state. There will be a 10% discount on bus fares on payment of fare through the National Common Mobility Card.

Key Points:

• Similarly, in order to bring uniformity in the fare applicable for different vehicles, a proposal was passed to levy a uniform surcharge of Re 1 per passenger on the tickets of passengers travelling in city buses. Through this, the existing fare has been rounded off.
• In the meeting, the proposal to operate 1525 air-conditioned electric buses through Convergence Energy Services Limited at GCC Mod was approved.
• GPS, panic buttons, CCTV cameras and seats will be reserved for women in the buses and unfit, without permits, illegal, overloaded, dilapidated and dilapidated buses will not be allowed to operate in any area of the state. Strict action will be taken against speeding and overloading of vehicles.
• Purchased under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), currently operating 664 buses (CNG/Diesel), 40 air-conditioned electric buses allocated for Lucknow city, for reimbursement of salary, fuel, motor parts expenses Rs.9953.39 were Sanctioned.
• Including other expenses, a total amount of Rs 25890.81 lakh was approved for the financial years 2022-23 and 2023-24.
• Similarly, there is no budget yet, to operate 300 electric buses at GCC turn. An expenditure burden of Rs 65.00 crore was approved for the possible annual operation of these buses and Rs 21.20 crore for the new maintenance depot.
• 447.48 crore will be required in the financial year 2023-24, for this the necessary amount will be demanded from the Finance Department.

New Pollution Policy will be implemented soon in Bihar

Why in News?

According to information received from the media on 7 June 2023, a new pollution policy will be implemented in Bihar to make carbon emissions zero in the next 40 years, which aims to improve the environment.

Key Points:

• The new pollution policy is likely to be implemented in the state in the next four-five months. It may or may not be easily understood by the common man, but its purpose is to benefit the state, the country and the world in general and in particular. It will also benefit animals, birds and natural components including humans.
• The implementation of this policy will also help in the success of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's dream project Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Abhiyan.
• According to sources, a study is being done for the new pollution policy by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) along with its associate organizations. Its report is likely to come in the next few days. On the basis of this report, a draft of the new policy will be prepared and implemented after the approval of the State Council of Ministers.
• In this new policy to be implemented in the state, an action plan will be prepared for the next 30-40 years. The work to be done every year will be decided in this action plan. In this way, by working every year, for the next 30-40 years, the target of making carbon emissions zero in the state will be worked upon.
• The main topics to be included in the action plan will be changes in electricity production or purchase, industry, transportation, things consumed by common people, food and drink, shopping lifestyle etc. in the state.
• Arvind Chaudhary, Principal Secretary, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department said that a blueprint will be prepared regarding low carbon emissions. In this, an action plan is being prepared for every year.
• The policy will determine the share of renewable energy in power procurement in the state. How electric and CNG-driven vehicles will be replaced by petrol and diesel vehicles. What kind of incentive will be given to the private party to encourage it.

Churu's Ritu Kumari won Bronze Medal in the 66th National School Games

Why in News?

On 8 June 2023, Ritu Kumari of Churu district of Rajasthan won a bronze medal in the shot put event in the 66th National School Games being held in Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh.

Key Points:

• Ritu Kumari won the bronze medal among 117 players from 19 states and union territories in the shot put event by throwing 13.28 meters
• Apart from this, five boxers from Jodhpur and Udaipur districts entered the semi-finals in different weight categories and raised hopes of more medals for the state.
• It is known that the players of the state have so far won two gold, two silver and one bronze medals in these games.
• It is worth mentioning that in the 66th National School Games, the players of the state are participating in individual and team events under the banner of the School Education Department of Rajasthan in various sports events being organized in Bhopal, Gwalior and New Delhi.
• In the ongoing boxing matches in Bhopal itself, in the 45-48 kg weight category for girls, Jaipur's Yamini Kanwar (Raja Ramdevi Poddar Government Higher Secondary School, Gandhi Nagar, Jaipur), in the 52-56 kg weight category for boys, Amil Ali (Udaipur) Government Fateh Higher Secondary School, Udaipur), Sankalp Lavania (Shri KK Modern Higher Secondary School, Jodhpur) of Jodhpur in 60-64 kg category, Hrithik Siwach of Jodhpur (Vandana Public Academy, Pratap Nagar, Jodhpur) in 64-69 kg category ) and Jodhpur's own Aman Ghitela (New Central Academy, Jodhpur) in the 69-75 kg category by entering the semi-finals raised the possibilities of medals for the state.

Unity Mall will open in Jharkhand

Why in News?

According to the information received from the media on 8 June 2023, Unity Mall will open in Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand, where people will be able to buy Deoghar Peda, Kharsawan's Chironji, Bihar's Jardalu mango, Makhana, Litchi and Odisha's Rasgulla under one roof.

Key Points:

• The mall will also have stalls of products with special identities from 24 districts of Jharkhand. At the same time, all the states and union territories of the country will also have stalls of products with GI tags. For this, the state government has demanded four to five acres of land in Ranchi.
• Unity Mall will have space for the promotion and sale of ‘One District One Product’ and other handicraft products. Not only this but the products of other states can also be sold here.
• Significantly, the Ministry of Commerce of the Central Government had sought drafts for opening Unity Malls in all states. A proposal to open Unity Mall in Ranchi has been sent to the Centre by the Industries Department of Jharkhand.
• Unity Mall will be constructed in collaboration with both the central government and the state government. For this, the Center will give Rs 50 crore.
• It is noteworthy that the One District One Product Scheme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Its objective is to give national recognition to one product of every district of all states and provide employment at the local level.
• The industries covered under this scheme have been placed in micro, small and medium categories. The government gives a subsidy of up to 35% on setting up these industries.
• ‘One District One Product’ Marked in Jharkhand-
  • District Products - Peda of Deoghar and Dumka, Tomato of East Singhbhum, Custard Apple of West Singhbhum, Jaggery of Hazaribagh, Chilli of Jamtara, Tamarind of Khunti, Lemon of Koderma, Honey of Lohardaga, Mango of Pakur, Guava of Ranchi, Mango of Sahibganj, Chironji of Saraikela, Jackfruit of Bokaro, Tomato of Chatra, Potato of Dhanbad and Garhwa, Tomato of Giridih, Mango of Godanna, Green Chilli of Gumla, Tomato of Palamu, Papaya of Ramgarh, Mango of Simdega etc.

River Cruise Tourism will start in the state

Why in News?

On 8 June 2023, in a meeting held in Bhopal under the chairmanship of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, it was informed that river cruise tourism will be used to encourage tourism activities in the state.

Key Points:

• River cruise tourism will be started in the state from Barwani in the Narmada River to the Statue of Unity in Gujarat. The cruise will cover a distance of 135 kilometres.
• In the meeting, the Chief Minister informed that cruise operations will also start from Bargi to Mandla.
• With the commencement of river cruise tourism, tourists will be able to get acquainted with the natural beauty & biodiversity available around the River Narmada.

Industries Minister unveiled the statue of Chendru Mandavi 'The Tiger Boy'

Why in News?

On 8 June 2023, Chhattisgarh Industries Minister Kawasi Lakhma unveiled the statue of Chendru Mandavi, popularly known as the 'Tiger Boy' of Narayanpur district of the state, at New Bus Stand Chowk and Gram Panchayat Garhbengal of District Headquarters Narayanpur.

Key Points:

• Chendru Mandavi, popularly known as 'Tiger Boy', was born in the village Garhbengal in the Narayanpur district. Due to his friendship with the tiger (Tembu), he was famous as the 'Tiger Boy'.
• Swedish film Arne Saxharf's film 'The Jungle Saga', based on the friendship of Chendru and Tiger, won the Oscar Award in 1997. With this film, the fame of Chendru Mandavi spread all over the world.
• It is known that Chendru also stayed in Sweden for a year. Towards the end of his life, he stayed in his village, where he died on 18 September 2013 at the age of 78.
• On this occasion, the Industries Minister also inspected the park at Garhbengal, where facilities have been provided for children to play.

Dress code implemented in 2 Temples of Uttarakhand

Why in News?

According to information received from the media on June 2023, before the Kanwar Mela starts in Uttarakhand, the state's Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani has implemented a dress code in two temples of Haridwar and Rishikesh districts.

Key Points:

• The temples where the dress code has been implemented are The Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple in Haridwar and Neelkanth Mahadev Temple in Rishikesh. Those wearing half-pants, torn jeans, mini skirts, and night suits will not be allowed to enter the temple. Only those who come wearing decent clothes will be allowed to enter the temple and visit.
• It is known that Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad President and Secretary of Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani Shrimahant Ravindrapuri Maharaj had announced a ban on devotees wearing indecent clothes in these two temples a few days ago.
• Secretary of Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani said that to maintain the dignity in the temples, the dignity of clothes is necessary. Banners have been put up in both the temples enforcing the dress code. Women or men will no longer be able to enter these temples in indecent clothes. The body of the devotees should be covered up to 80%.
• He said that sign-boards have been installed in temples to promote decency and culture.
• Most of the temples in the country, whether they belong to saints or other committees, are under the government's trust, and everyone has welcomed this decision.
• It is known that the dress code is already in force in many temples of South India. Uttarakhand is a state of pilgrimage places and there was a need to implement it here too.