• 12 Jan 2023

3D Dome Screen Imported from Germany Reached Patna

Why In News?

• On January 11, 2023, the new 3D Dome Screen Planetarium imported from Germany reached Patna. With this, soon the people of Patna will get an opportunity to see and understand the world of stars on the 3-D screen in the planetarium.

Key Points

• The responsibility of modernizing the planetarium of Patna has been given to the German company Carl Zeiss. From next week, the team of Carl Zeiss and NCSM will install separate panels of 3-D dome screens. With this, the projection system of the planetarium will be completely digitized.
• With the modernization of about Rs 34 crore, you will be able to watch world-class films made on the solar system here. Along with this, the laser projector will mix RGB rays through the computer to create real colors for 3-D shows.
• The seating arrangement will also be changed for the convenience of the spectators, which will be even more comfortable than before.
• Ananth Kumar, project and programming director of The Planetarium, said that the installation of 3-D screens will start from next week. After this, side walls and seating arrangements will be arranged. By the first week of April 2023, viewers will be able to get acquainted with the world of stars in a new style here.
• Along with the modernization of the planetarium, a separate Space and Astronomy Gallery will be prepared for the visitors coming here. The new gallery will be constructed on the first floor of the planetarium building in about 600 square feet at a cost of Rs 2 crore. In this gallery, people will be given detailed information about space, galaxy, star and solar system through multimedia panels and interactive exhibits.
• The Space and Astronomy Gallery has been designed by a team from the National Council of Science Museums. The gallery will be built using the latest technology using LED screens, laser-based projectors and updated display techniques.

Indications of Ancient Pataliputra Remains Found in Patna City in GPR Survey

Why In News?

• Recently, the Bihar state government has started a survey with Ground Painting Radar (GPR) to find the remains of ancient Pataliputra. In which there are signs of finding the remains of ancient Pataliputra.

Key Points

• The GPR survey is currently being conducted by a team from IIT Kanpur in the areas around Gulzarbagh. The team said that there are signs of a brick wall between 490 BC-180 BC around Gulzarbagh.
• In this survey, there are signs of remains being found below 80 centimeters to 2.5 meters, which are in different directions. There are also signs of remains under Begum's mansion and BNR Training College.
• In fact, before the archaeological excavation, the GPR survey finds a symbolic signal of the historical remains. Based on this indication, the Archaeological Survey of India conducts excavations.
• According to the survey team, there are signs of multi-structure residue one meter below the ground of BNR Training College. According to experts, evidence of a tunnel that may be going towards the River Ganga is being found. In the 3D profile of this survey, structures ranging from one meter to three meters of Mauryan period are visible.
• Significantly, GPR is a geophysical method, which uses radar for surface image. It is a way of surveying subsurface to check underground utilities such as sites of archaeological importance. With this state-of-the-art survey technique, all the information up to 15 meters below the ground is easily available without digging. Excavations at important places, where historical heritage can be buried, are more prone to their destruction, but there is no damage in this survey.

Legal Aid Defence Council System Launched

Why In News?

• On January 11, 2023, Chief Justice and Chief Patron, Rajasthan State Legal Services Authority, Pankaj Mittal launched the Legal Aid Defence Council System in 23 jurisdictions of Rajasthan in the New High Court Building. The system process in the remaining 13 jurisdictions is still under consideration.

Key Points

• Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Justice said that the Legal Aid Defence Council System would prove to be a milestone in providing competent and effective legal aid in criminal cases to the weaker and disadvantaged sections of the state and facilitating their access to justice.
• The chief justice said the idea of implementing the Legal Aid Defence Council system is at par with Europe's public defender system. Through this, the access to justice will be made more easier by providing competent and effective legal services to the eligible persons from the weaker and deprived sections of the society in criminal cases.
• It may be mentioned that the Legal Aid Defence Council System is being introduced by the National Service Authority in 365 District Legal Services Authorities out of 22 State Legal Services Authorities in the country.
• Under this, it has also been decided to start legal aid defense council system in all 36 jurisdictions of Rajasthan in the first phase.

MoU Signed between Bikaner House Management Committee and Bharat Kala Mela

Why In News?

• On January 11, 2023, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Bharat Kala Mela and Bikaner House Management Committee in the capital Delhi to promote art and culture in Bikaner House premises of Rajasthan.

Key Points

• The MoU was signed by Piyali Das Gupta, Program Director, Bikaner House Management Committee and Uma Jacob, Director External Relations & Outreach (IAF).
• This MoU of Bikaner House Management Committee and Bharat Kala Mela will connect the art, culture and heritage of Rajasthan with national and international fame, which is an important step.
• It is worth mentioning that with this coordination with Bharat Kala Mela, Bikaner House will be a partner unit and partner in the programs of Bharat Kala Mela from February 2 to February 15.
• Additional Chief Secretary (Coordination) Chief Housing Commissioner Shubhra Singh said that Bikaner House Management Committee (BHMS) will collaborate with Bharat Kala Mela to establish Bikaner House as venue partner and young collectors program hub to promote art and cultural activities for the upcoming editions of Bharat Kala Mela 2023.
• This association with The Bharat Kala Mela will prove to be a path-breaking event for future cooperation on curated events at Bikaner House and both BHMS and IAF will contribute extensively to the promotion of art and culture.
• The Indian Art Fair (IAF) is internationally recognized as a premier platform for exploring modern and contemporary art in South Asia. The Bharat Kala Mela will organize an annual four-day event from February 9 to February 12, 2023 at the NSCI ground in Okhla with the help of prominent artists and participants.

Prime Minister Virtually Inaugurated the 7th Global Investors Summit in Indore

Why In News?

• On January 11, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the 7^th Global Investors Summit at Brilliant Convention Centre Indore. The summit will conclude on January 12.

Key Points

• President of Guyana Dr. Mohammad Irfan Ali and President of Suriname Chandrika Prasad Santokhi were also present at the Global Investors Summit.
• In his address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that our strong macroeconomic fundamentals are capable of leading the world. Today, India is the fastest growing economy in the world. In the next four-five years, India will be the third largest economy in the world. This is not India's decade on the global stage, but India's century.
• Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that this summit being held in Indore is truly global. While the Presidents of Suriname and Guyana have come to this summit, the Finance Minister of Mauritius, the Commerce Minister of Bangladesh, the Mineral Minister of Zimbabwe have also come to the summit. Representatives from 33 countries of the world and 431 delegates from a total of 84 countries have come.
• On the second day of the Global Investors Summit, discussions will be held with investors in 9 sessions to increase industrial investment in the state. There will be discussions on boosting exports from Madhya Pradesh. In other sessions, financial assistance for development of social infrastructure, access Madhya Pradesh complete business solution will also be discussed with investors. In another session, India, Israel, USA and UAE (12 U2 ) group shared investments will also be discussed.
• On the second day of the summit, investors will discuss Madhya Pradesh's contribution to India's $ 5 trillion economy, prospects in the field of aerospace and defense, Madhya Pradesh's contribution in accelerating manufacturing in India and possibility of better investment in Madhya Pradesh on education and skill development.
• In the special session, the favorable environment for start-ups in Madhya Pradesh will be discussed. In all these sessions, subject experts will give information about the investment friendly features of Madhya Pradesh.
• Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, while joining the summit virtually from the US, said that Madhya Pradesh produces one-fourth of the country's organic cotton. Madhya Pradesh contributes 20% to renewable energy sector. Now work is also going on in the Green Hydrogen Mission. Madhya Pradesh is also making a mark in the field of wildlife tourism.
• Partha Mittal of JSW Group said that our group plans to invest Rs 4500 crore in the state. Under this, a cement plant is being set up in Panna and a paint unit at Pithampur at a cost of Rs 1500 crore.
• Nikhil R. Meswani of Reliance Group said that by December 2023, 5G facility will be made available in all tehsils of the state. Affordable digital facilities will benefit students, farmers and the common man. Reliance Group has so far invested Rs 22,500 crore in the state and plans to invest Rs 40,000 crore.
• Pranav Adani of Adani Group said that Adain group is going to invest Rs 60,000 crore in Madhya Pradesh, which will create a large number of employment opportunities. Food parks are being set up by the group in Dhar, Guna, Damoh, Ujjain and Indore.

President Draupadi Murmu Confers Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards to 27 Overseas Indians

Why In News?

• January 10, 2023 The President Draupadi Murmu concluded the three-day 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention at Brilliant Convention Centre Indore. He gave away Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards to 27 Overseas Indians for their outstanding work in their respective fields.

Key Points

• President of Guyana Dr. Mohammad Irfan Ali and President of Suriname Chandrika Prasad Santokhi were specially present at the event.
• President Murmu said the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman is the country's highest honour given to overseas Indians. It showcases his work and contribution to India and other countries.
• Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that NRIS have also planted saplings in Namo Global Park here. Guests have been given QR codes, in which they will be able to get information about the maintenance of the planted plant.
• Overseas Indians who received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award are:
  • Community Welfare - Dr. Mohammad Irfan Ali (President, Guyana), Dr. Kannan Ambalam (Ethiopia), Ms. Reena Vinod Pushkarna (Israel), Parmanand Sukhumal Daswani (Congo), Mohanlal Hira (South Africa), Sivakumar Nadesan (Sri Lanka), Dr. Dev Chandrabhos Sharma (Suriname).
  • Community Welfare and Medicine - Dr. Amal Kumar Mukhopadhyay (Germany), Dr. Alexander John (Brunei).
  • Community Welfare and Business- Amit Kailashchandra Lath (Poland), Sanjay Kumar Shiv bhai Patel (South Sudan), Dr Darshan Singh Dhaliwal (USA), Siddharth Balachandran (UAE).
  • Science, Technology and Education - Professor Jagdish Chandrapati (Australia), Dr Archana Sharma (Switzerland).
  • Education- Sanjeev Mehta (Bhutan), Ms. Maqsooda Shiotani Sarfi (Japan), Dr. Rajagopal (Mexico).
  • Education and Community Welfare - Justice Frank Arthur Seepersad (Trinidad and Tobago).
  • Art and Culture: Dilip Lundo (Brazil), Dr. Vaikuntam Iyer Lakshmanan (Canada), Dr. Joginder Singh Nijjar (Croatia).
  • Information Technology- Professor Ramji Prasad (Denmark).
  • Business: Piyush Gupta (Singapore), Ashok Tiwari (Uzbekistan).
  • Media- Chandrakant Patel (United Kingdom).

Innovative Skill Schools on the Lines of Shri Vishwakarma Skill University will be Opened in 10 Districts of Haryana

Why In News?

• On January 11, 2023, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal, in a high-level meeting held in Chandigarh, agreed to open innovative skill schools on the lines of Shri Vishwakarma Skill University in 10 districts of the state.

Key Points

• In this high-level meeting, the officials of the Skill Development Department presented the draft related to Skill Innovative Schools in detail and presented the complete details of their usefulness for employment.
• This decision has been taken in view of the KG to PG model of skill education and the goals of the New Education Policy. These schools will be run by Shri Vishwakarma Skill University. In this, the model prepared by the university will be implemented.
• In order to promote skill education at the school level in all the districts, the Chief Minister has instructed to implement the model of skill education from KG to PG.
• Innovative Skill Schools will be opened in all districts of the state on the lines of the innovative skill schools started by Shri Vishwakarma Skill University in the state. Through this, according to the new education policy, the goal of skill education from KG to PG can be achieved.
• With the introduction of skill education at the school level, many goals will be fulfilled simultaneously. This will not only reduce dropouts but also increase the Gross Education Ratio (GER). At the same time, the industry will get skilled human resources, which will prove to be helpful in increasing the quality and product.
• The curriculum has been prepared in line with the New Education Policy 2020 . In the new education policy, the model of reconciliation of skill education and general education has been suggested. It is ideal from the point of view of nation, society and industry. Shri Vishwakarma Skill University will run all such schools and CBSE will recognize them in the category of innovation.
• After the opening of skill innovative schools, new avenues of employment will be opened. Through this, students will be attracted towards skills during school education and the trend towards vocational and skill education will also increase in higher education.
• The skill sets include it, automotive, agriculture and textile design, artificial intelligence, beauty wellness, design making, financial literacy, handicrafts, mass media, health care, physical activity trainer, food production and security.

Proposal for Purchase of Land Approved for Construction of New Road from Nangal Mala to Dhauli in Mahendragarh District

Why In News?

• On January 11, 2023, a meeting of the Committee of Secretaries for purchase of land for various projects under the e-Land Portal was held under the chairmanship of Haryana Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal, in which the proposal for purchase of land for the construction of a new road from Nangal Mala to Dhauli in Mahendragarh district was approved.

Key Points

• Further, the committee recommended that two projects pertaining to construction of new district jails at Fatehabad and Charkhi Dadri be referred to the High Power Land Purchase Committee. In the meeting, land purchase for a total of 7 projects was discussed.
• Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal directed the concerned District Deputy Commissioners through video conferencing that before the upcoming meeting for other projects, the second round of talks should be held with the land owners regarding purchase of land with their consent. Also, alternative sites should also be explored for projects.
• He said that as per the orders of the Chief Minister, collector rates should be made more realistic, which are revenue friendly for the landowners as well as the state government.

DPS Bokaro the Only One from Jharkhand among the 6 Schools Selected from India got 7 Star Rating Award

Why In News?

• During a special assembly held on January 11, 2023, Dr. A.S. Gangwar, Principal of Delhi Public School Bokaro informed that Delhi Public School Bokaro has received the 7 Star Rating School Award 2022.

Key Points

• This award has been given to DPS Bokaro for its responsibility towards environmental protection along with quality education and various unique initiatives. Delhi Public School got seven star rating and A-triple plus grade in the special category of Green School Initiative.
• It is noteworthy that during the 8^th conference on skill education and sustainable development organized by the Center for Educational Development (CED) Foundation Trust in New Delhi, principal Dr. A.S. Gangwar was given this award by The Minister of State for Women Welfare, Child Development and Nutrition, Government of Uttar Pradesh, Pratibha Shukla, who was the chief guest of the conference.
• Out of a total of 1975 school applications from across the country, only six schools got a seven-star rating. Among them, DPS Bokaro from Jharkhand alone was included, while 69 schools got five-star rating.
• Principal DPS Bokaro has taken many unique and effective initiatives to keep children connected with nature and conserve energy and environment under its Go Green Initiative.
• Here, paper recycling unit, solar panel system powered by solar energy, Charak Vatika of medicinal plants, rain water harvesting, green brigade named after great men have been established to recycle and recycle waste paper.
• Apart from this, programs like vermiculture for agricultural work, organic agro-forestry and save soil to save soil, Phulwari to keep children connected with nature-nutrition, plantation and cleanliness campaign are also run on various occasions.
• Apart from this, the tradition of providing green eye cards for students, special green cards with fruits and vegetable seeds for guests on various occasions as well as green welcome of guests by presenting plants is also being followed for the past many years.

Tusu Festival

Why In News?

• On January 11, 2023, Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee University (DSPMU), Ranchi organized Tusu Festival.

Key Points

• On this occasion, according to tradition, Tusu was duly established and worshiped by virgin students, after which Tusu Mata was immersed.
• Vice-Chancellor Dr. Tapan Kumar Shandilya said that Tusu festival is one of the major festivals of Jharkhand, which is the last festival of the year according to Jharkhandi civilization.
• From this day onwards, the sun is on the Tropic of Capricorn in order to return to the Tropic of Cancer, which is celebrated as the Agricultural New Year Akhain Jatra in Jharkhandi culture.
• On this day, symbolic agricultural work is started by weaving paddy and running ploughs. This Tusu festival is the most important festival of the Kudmi and tribals of Jharkhand.