• 13 Jun 2023

Foundation Stone of 10 NH Projects worth over Rs 8000 crore laid in Pratapgarh & Deoria

Why in News?

On June 12, 2023, Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari laid the foundation stone of 5 NH projects worth Rs 2,200 crore in Pratapgarh region and 5 NH projects worth Rs 6,215 crore in Deoria in the presence of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Key Points:

• Union Road Transport & Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said that the widening of 43 km of National Highway-330 from Pratapgarh to Sultanpur, being built at a cost of Rs 1290 crore, will reduce the time taken to travel from Prayagraj to Pratapgarh via Ayodhya.
• He said that the construction work of the proposed 14 km bypass at Pratapgarh in the state at a cost of Rs 309 crore would also start soon. Road safety work will be done for street lights, bus shelters etc. on NH-31 at a cost of Rs 27 crore.
• The construction of Pratapgarh-Musafirkhana section will accelerate the development of cement plant, gas plant, bottling plant and dairy milk factory industries. All these projects will encourage investment in Uttar Pradesh and create new employment opportunities.
• The construction of 22 km 4-lane bypass at Deoria at a cost of Rs 1750 crore will be inaugurated in August 2023.
• These projects will benefit the backward areas of Deoria & Gorakhpur and will also improve connectivity with Bihar.

2000 Year Old Kushan period Idol found in River in Lakhisarai

Why in News?

On June 12, 2023, Lakhisarai District Magistrate Amarendra Kumar of Bihar said that during the excavation at Rampur Balu Ghat located on the Kiul river in Chanan block of the district, a precious statue of Ashtadhatu of Kushan period’s archaeological importance has been found.

Key Points:

• The discovery of the statue from Rampur Balu Ghat was informed by Professor Dr. Anil Kumar of Visva-Bharati Santiniketan University, West Bengal. According to archaeologists, this statue is two thousand years old Kushan Period.
• The District Magistrate said that the museum inaugurated at Ashok Dham More in the district is not yet fully ready for the maintenance of the idols, due to which the statue has been kept in the temporary museum located in the district headquarters.
• According to information received from the Curator of Patna, the statue found in Chanan, Rampur is of Kushan periodic Sawl Bhanjika Moksha Devi and is two thousand years old. This idol is being called a folk goddess belonging to Buddhists.
• According to the Curator, in the first century, statues were made of such red sandstone in Maharashtra, which must have been brought by the followers of Buddhism. It is a sample of Mathura art of red stone.
• The museum head said that the statue related to Buddha's birth scene also shows Maya Devi holding the Shal tree, but usually there is also a small statue of Buddha in it. While there is no such idol in it, so it would be appropriate to consider this idol as a folk goddess.
• The DM said that apart from this, many idols of Kushan period have been kept by the villagers in Nongarh village near Rampur Balu Ghat, which will also be investigated.

CUSB becomes First University in Bihar to Get A++ Grade in NAAC

Why in News?

On June 11, 2023, Mohammad Mudassir Alam, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of South Bihar Central University (CUSB), the state's first prestigious central university located in Gaya, Bihar, informed that CUSB has achieved 'A Plus' grade from the National Assessment & Accreditation Council (NAAC) with 3.58 grade points, registering the biggest historical achievement to its name.

Key Points:

• PRO MD. Mudassir Alam said that the CUSB has joined the elite group of the selected national higher education institutions in the country by achieving 'A plus' grade. With this achievement, CUSB has also become the first university in Bihar to get the 'A Plus' category awarded by NAAC.
• In 2016, CUSB received 'A plus' grade in the first phase of assessment & certification by NAAC. After this, on completion of 5 years, the university again applied for the second phase of NAAC evaluation & certification in 2022 under the leadership and guidance of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kameshwar Nath Singh.
• After several months of multi-level evaluation and physical inspection of the university campus & resources by the NAAC team between May 17 to 19, NAAC has awarded the university the highest category of A++. By achieving this feat, the university has become one of the most prestigious universities in the country.

Upper High Level Canal Project

Why in News?

On June 12, 2023, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot laid the foundation stone for the construction of a Siphon on the Anas River under the Upper High-Level Canal Project at Lankai (Bagidaura) in Banswara district of the state and the Rs 2500 crore Upper High-Level Canal Project at Magarda.

Key Points:

• Six tehsils of the district - Banswara, Bagidaura, Gangad Talai, Anandpuri, Kushalgarh and Sajjangarh - have related to the Upper High-Level Canal Project. This will provide irrigation facility in 42-thousand-hectare area of 338 villages.
• Here a 105 km long main canal will be constructed from the dam of Mahi project. Irrigation facilities will be provided through fountain method by constructing diggi by removing distributors and minors from the main canal. The work is to be completed by November 2026. It will also have 210 diggies and a 4 km long tunnel.
• In this project, a siphon is being built on the Anas River. It is located in Lankai village of Gangad tehsil. This is an important structure of the Siphon project. In this, the main canal is proposed to be removed from the bottom of the Anas River through a pressurized pipeline.
• The canal project is an ambitious project of the tribal region. This will enable sustainable development in the region due to irrigation water assurance and increase employment opportunities. This project will play an important role in the socio-economic upliftment of the region.
• On this occasion, the Chief Minister also announced the upgradation of Gram Panchayat Chhoti Sarwa of Banswara district to Panchayat Samiti.

MoU between Haridev Joshi University & United Nations Population Fund

Why in News?

On June 12, 2023, at an event held at the administrative campus of Haridev Joshi University of Journalism & Mass Communication (HJU) in Jaipur, HJU and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) signed an MoU to enhance the understanding of issues related to health, gender and social concerns among students studying various fields of media.

Key Points:

• Andrea Voynar, Country Head, UNFPA and Prof. Sudhi Rajeev signed the MoU.
• UNFPA is a United Nations organization that works towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in the field of gender, women & child rights and health. It participates in development works at the national level through its headquarters in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Rajasthan.
• Speaking on the occasion, Andrea Voynar, Country Head, UNFPA said, "The MoU with HJU will help produce the best journalists who understand gender-related issues. When these students become part of the media, they will be able to highlight these issues in a better way which will help in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
• The UNFPA Country Head informed that during its 10th National Program (2023-2027), UNFPA is striving to reduce maternal mortality, family planning, eliminate gender-based violence and improve other human conditions.
• Under the MoU, training sessions will be organized for students on gender issues, demographics and issues related to adolescent health.
• HJU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sudhi Rajeev said that it is the responsibility of the media to prominently raise issues related to social concerns in a democratic system. In such a situation, awareness among future journalists towards issues related to gender, women and child development is very important. This agreement of UNFPA and HJU will prove to be an important step in the direction of creating aware and responsible media personnel towards social issues

Government Girls College Bina got B++ Grade

Why in News?

According to the information provided by Madhya Pradesh Public Relations Department on 12 June 2023, Government Girls College of Bina in Sagar district has obtained B++ grade with better CGPA "2.76" in accreditation by NAAC, a national level institution.

Key Points:

• According to the information, in the third phase of NAAC, the college registered an increase of two places despite limited resources.
• This tehsil-based college has jumped two places from the grade it got earlier. The college earlier had a 'B' grade with 2.27 CGPA.
• NAAC tests the quality of the college on the basis of 7 criteria every 5 years and gives marks out of 4. The college was given 2.61 marks in Student Support & Progress, 2.8 marks in Curricular Aspect, 3 marks in Institutional Values and Best Practices.
• The infrastructure, education of human values and social extension activities of the college were praised. 2.6 in Governance, Leadership & Management Criteria, 2.8 in Infrastructure & Teaching Facilities, 2.09 in Research, Extension & Innovation and 2.98 in Teaching, Learning & Evaluation Criteria.
• With the increase in the facilities of the colleges by the World Bank, the hard work done by the college and the continuous efforts of the state-level NAAC cell have obtained a better "B ++" grade.
• Higher Education Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that with the implementation of 'New Education Policy 2020' in Madhya Pradesh, the colleges have ensured all-round development of the students by making fundamental changes in the education system. Continuous progress is also being seen in women's colleges located in rural areas and women's participation in higher education is continuously increasing.

Godhan Nyay Yojana

Why in News?

On June 12, 2023, Jharkhand's Agriculture Minister Badal Patralekh inaugurated the 'Godhan Nyay Yojana' in the auditorium of the Animal Husbandry Department at Hesag. About 10 thousand farmers will benefit in the first phase of the scheme.

Key Points:

• Agriculture Minister Badal Patralekh said that Godhan Nyaya Yojana is being started as a pilot project in five districts of the state. After reviewing the success of this project, a plan will be made to run it in the entire state.
• The objective of this scheme is to reduce the dependence of farmers on chemical fertilizers and to increase the income of farmers by preparing vermicompost using cow dung available in Jharkhand.
• It is known that cow dung plays an important role in the ecosystem of agriculture, because it increases the organic content of the soil by increasing the water holding capacity of the soil. An effective management is needed to effectively use cow dung in agricultural works, which will be beneficial for the farmers.
• This is a pilot project to convert cow dung produced in the entire state into vermicompost by purchasing it from cow herders and making it available to farmers at a subsidized rate. At present, the project is being started from one district of each division.
• The agriculture minister said that the government is preparing to set up an agency, a center so that more & more organic foods are used in the state and the products of the state are recognized as organic.
• A budget provision of Rs 10 crore has been made for vermi compost. If it is successful, a plan of Rs 100 crore will also be made. Under this scheme, farmers of the state will be able to get vermicompost at Rs.8 per kg in their area only. Along with this, the government will take cow dung at Rs. 2 per kg from the cowherds and after processing it will make it available to the farmers in the form of vermicompost.
• Mahalinga Shivaji, CEO of Mahalinga Shivaji Organic Farming Authority of Jharkhand, said that with this scheme, 504 lakh metric tonnes of cow dung can be converted into nitrogen and the state can save Rs 22,000 crore by this conversion.
• According to the economic survey of the year 2019, there are 12.57 million cattle in the state. As an estimate, 504 lakh tonnes of cow dung is emitted every year by the cattle.
• Goal of Godhan Nyaya Yojana: Increase in the income of animal herders, restriction on livestock movement & open grazing, promotion of use of organic fertilizers & reducing the use of chemical fertilizers, availability of organic fertilizers at the local level, strengthening of local self-help groups/employment opportunities for unemployed youths/gaushalas, help in increasing the fertility of the land and availability of chemical fertilizers.

'Jal Mitan-Yuva Udyami (Young Entrepreneur)' Entrepreneurship Development Program

Why in News?

On June 12, 2023, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel launched the first-of-its-kind and unique program 'Jal Mitan-Yuva Udyami' entrepreneurship skill development project for the operation & sustainable maintenance of drinking water schemes in rural areas of Chhattisgarh at a program organized at the Chief Minister's residence.

Key Points:

• Under this, Jal Jeevan Mission and UNICEF were started for the availability of efficient water harvesting in rural areas. Under this programme, there is a target to provide skill development training to 58 thousand rural youth in the state.
• Under this programme, 21-day residential training is being given to the rural youth in water quality testing services, tap-pipe fitting repairing, Aro Fitting-Repairing, electrical fitting-repairing, solar panel fitting-repairing, pump operator service etc.
• Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel & Public Health Engineering Minister Guru Rudra Kumar provided free tool kits to 90 Jal Mitan and young entrepreneurs who received training as a symbol in the programme.
• Safety shoes, helmets and equipment etc. have been given to the youth in a tool kit worth Rs 15,000. 540 youths and 90 young entrepreneurs of the state have been given high level residential training for 21 days.
• Addressing the program, the Chief Minister said that Chhattisgarh is the first state in the country, where a large number of rural youth are being trained for operation & maintenance of drinking water schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission and they have been trained as Jal Mitan, young entrepreneurs and preparations are being made for the maintenance & operation of schemes in the form of Jal Didi.
• The Chief Minister said that under the 'Jal Jeevan Mission', a target has been set to provide tap water connections to 50 lakh households in rural areas of Chhattisgarh, under which tap connections have been given to 24 lakh households so far.
• Secretary, Public Health Engineering Department, Dr. S. Bharathidasan said that for the maintenance and operation of many tap-water schemes in the state, under the 'Jal Jeevan Mission', with the help of UNICEF, a target has been set to train 58,000 youths as Jal Mitan in the entire state. Out of which 11,000 youths have been trained on the recommendation of Gram Panchayats.
• UNICEF's Water & Sanitation Hygiene Specialist Ms. Shweta Patnaik said that Chhattisgarh is the first state in the country to start 'Jal Mitan' programme. This program has been started to ensure permanent maintenance of water supply schemes at the panchayat level in Chhattisgarh. The program is based on the concept of 'One Stop Solution' for maintenance of drinking water structures through multi-skilling and entrepreneurship models.

First Khelo India Tribal Sports National Competition: Chhattisgarh Football Women's Team won Gold

Why in News?

On June 12, 2023, in the first Khelo India Tribal Games National Championship in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, in the final match played between the women's football team of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, the team of Chhattisgarh won the gold medal by defeating Jharkhand 2-0 in the tiebreaker. .

Key Points:

• In the final match, both the teams showed their full strength in the field, but both the teams could not score any goals in the stipulated time and the result of the match came out of the tiebreaker. In the tiebreaker, both the teams were given a chance to make five strokes each.
• In the match, Kiran Pisda, a practicing player at Girls Football Academy, Raipur, did not give a single chance to the opposing team to score in the tiebreaker. On the other hand, in the tiebreaker from the Chhattisgarh team, Kiran Pisda himself and Muskan of Bastar won the gold medal by scoring 1 goal each.
• Earlier on 11 June, Chhattisgarh's women's football team entered the final by defeating Tripura 4-0 in the women's football semi-final with a strong performance. In the semi-finals, Kiran Pisda of Girls Football Academy Raipur scored three goals, while Pinky Kashyap of Bastar scored one goal.
• It is worth mentioning that Chhattisgarh's team continues to perform brilliantly in the Khelo India Tribal Games National Competition. In the competition, Kuber Singh of Residential Archery Academy, Bilaspur got the silver medal in 30 meters and stood second in the overall championship. Similarly, Kumari Tarnika Teta, a player of Residential Athletic Academy, Bilaspur, won a silver medal in the 100-meter women's event.
• It is worth mentioning that 5000 athletes from 18 states are participating in this competition organized in Bhubaneswar.

Home Minister inaugurated Chhattisgarh State Kesh Shilpi Welfare Board office

Why in News?

On June 12, 2023, Chhattisgarh Home Minister Tamradhwaj Sahu inaugurated the 'Chhattisgarh State Kesh Shilpi Welfare Board' office in Gautam Nagar of capital Raipur.

Key Points:

• It is worth mentioning that Kesh Shilp is prevalent as a traditional business. Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has decided to ensure the overall development of the cadre involved in this business, to prepare a welfare scheme, to develop innovative techniques in Kesh Shilp and to establish coordination between the government and the cadre.
• Chhattisgarh State Kesh Shilpi Welfare Board has been constituted under the Social Welfare Department to prepare socio-economic policy for the benefit of the cadre related to Kesh Shilp.
• The office of Chhattisgarh State Kesh Shilpi Welfare Board is located at Gulab Nagar 3rd Street, Gautam Vihar, Amlidih Road Devpuri.

Chief Minister inaugurated works worth Rs 2600 crore in Indian International Horticulture Market

Why in News?

On June 11, 2023, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal inaugurated the construction of the second phase of works worth Rs 2600 crore at the Indian International Horticulture Market at Ganaur in Sonipat district on National Highway No-44.

Key Points:

• On this occasion, the Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone of various development projects worth about Rs 55 crore.
• The Chief Minister said that this horticulture market will become the biggest market not only in India but also in Asia. This will give special benefits to the buyers and sellers of the states of North India. It will be prepared as the best alternative to Delhi's Azadpur Mandi, in which all kinds of facilities will be provided.
• This will double the income of the farmers of the state. Along with this, it will prove to be very beneficial for farmers, fruit & vegetable producers, common people and traders.
• Along with the self-reliance of the farmers, the market will also lead the state towards self-reliance, which will strengthen the economic condition of the state. The market will play a special role in fulfilling the target set for increasing the income of the farmers.
• Along with this, works will be expanded at a cost of Rs 3,000 crore, while tender works worth Rs 2,600 crore will be completed within two years. Along with Haryana, farmers and traders from the states of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir and Uttarakhand will be able to take advantage of the market.
• The Chief Minister also announced a subsidy of Rs 5,000 per acre for three years to the farmers producing vegetables of Ganaur block. It is known that at present vegetables are being produced on three thousand acres in Ganaur block.
• On this occasion, the Chief Minister said that an oil factory will be set up on four acres of land in Kurukshetra for sunflower producing farmers, which will have a capacity of 20 thousand metric tonnes. Oil and ghee are made from sunflower seeds.On this occasion, the Chief Minister said that an oil factory will be set up on four acres of land in Kurukshetra for sunflower producing farmers, which will have a capacity of 20 thousand metric tonnes. Oil and ghee are made from sunflower seeds.

India-Maldives Joint Military Exercise 'Ex Ekuverin' begins at Chaubatia

Why in News?

According to the information provided by the Press Information Bureau of the Government of India on June 12, 2023, the 12th edition of the joint military exercise 'Ex Ekuverin' between the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Force to be held in Chaubatia, Uttarakhand from June 11 to 24, 2023.

Key Points:

• Ekuverin, meaning 'friend', is a bilateral annual exercise held alternately in India and Maldives. A platoon-strength contingent of the Indian Army and Maldives National Defense Force will participate in the 14-day long exercise.
• The exercise is aimed at enhancing interoperability in Counter Insurgency/ Counter Terrorism Operations under the UN mandate and to carry out joint Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief operations. The focus is to share best practices, enhance coordination and cooperation between both the forces at tactical level.
• The 11th edition of the exercise was held in Maldives in December 2021.
• The defense cooperation between the two countries extends from joint exercises to assisting Maldives with defense training and equipment requirements.
• Both the nations have very close and friendly relations in economic, cultural and military cooperation. ‘Ex Ekuverin’ will assist in further bolstering of these ties between the two nations.

Pro. JMS Rana became the New Chairman of Uttarakhand Public Service Commission

Why in News?

On June 12, 2023, the state government handed over the responsibility of the post of chairman of the Uttarakhand State Public Service Commission to Prof. Jagmohan Singh Rana, a member of the commission. The Personnel Department has issued its orders.

Key Points:

• It may be noted that the Chairman of the State Public Service Commission, Dr. Rakesh Kumar had resigned from his post on 10 June, after which the chair of the commission was lying vacant.
• After the resignation of Dr. Rakesh Kumar, the additional responsibility of appointing a new chairman of the Commission, which was running a special recruitment drive, fell on the government.
• Without delay, the state government not only decided the name of the new chairman of the Uttarakhand Public Service Commission, but late at night the Personnel Secretary of the Uttarakhand Government, Shailesh Bagoli, handed over the responsibility of the post of chairman along with his official duties to Dr. JMS Rana, a member of the commission.