• 13 Jul 2023

International Temples Convention and Expo to be held in Kashi

Why in News?

According to the information received from the media on July 12, 2023, For the first time, Temple Connect will organize the International Temple Convention and Expo (ITCX), a conference of the world's largest temples, from July 22 to 24 in Varanasi.

Key Points:

• Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat will inaugurate the conference on July 22. It included trustees of temples, Prince of Travancore (Padmanabhaswamy Temple), Goa's Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khunte, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam Executive Officer Dharma Reddy will also be present.
• Office bearers of more than 450 temples from 25 countries will participate in the conference. Along with Hindus, office bearers of monasteries, temples and gurudwaras related to Sikh, Buddhist and Jainism will also come.
• The entire program will be held at Rudraksh Convention Center. For the first time, International Temples Convention & Expo (ITCX) is being organized by Temple Connect. In this, the development and empowerment of temple management, operation and administration will be discussed.
• Giresh Kulkarni, Founder, Temple Connect, Prasad Lad, Chairman, ITCX and Megha Ghosh, Co-Curator said that best practices would be developed for the teams of the Head of Place of Worship around the world. Along with the establishment, the campaign for development and empowerment will be taken forward.
• The three-day event is part of the Incredible India campaign. The Ministry of Tourism is also cooperating in this. During the conclave, topics like pilgrim experience, crowd management, solid waste management and improvement in basic amenities will also be discussed at temples, monasteries and gurudwaras.
• Representatives of Jain Dharamshalas, major devotional charitable organizations, the Association of Hindu Temples in the United Kingdom, ISKCON Temples, Anna Kshetra Management, priestly federations of various pilgrimage sites and various pilgrimage promotion councils will participate in the conference.
• The conclave will serve as a platform to learn about the diverse cultures, traditions, arts and crafts of places of worship around the world and expose the world to India's rich place of worship heritage.
• Green energy, archaeological architecture, anchor management, and lighting systems will be discussed at the conference. Experts in Tirupati Balaji Pooja Sthal's queue management system and social organizations involved in cleaning and maintaining the Ghats of Varanasi will also participate.
• The sessions will be conducted by representatives of Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Mahakal Jyotirlinga, Ayodhya Ram Temple, Patna Saheb Gurudwara, Chidambaram Temple and Virupaksha Temple Hampi.
• International Temple Convention-2023: The International Temple Convention & Expo, (ITCX), powered by Temple Connect, is a gathering of temples from across the world to share their best practices, learnings and invaluable insights on temple management. This is a profound effort towards strengthening and empowering the entire temple ecosystem.
• Additionally, the convention is a wonderful place to learn about the diverse cultures, traditions and arts and crafts of temples around the world.
• It is worth mentioning that Temple Connect is a leading platform and an initiative to connect global Hindu temples and provide the digital format of information to all for the benefit of devotees. It was founded by Giresh Kulkarni in the year 2016.

Bihar Girl becomes Weightlifting Referee in Commonwealth Games

Why in News?

According to information received from the media on July 12, 2023, Srishti Singh, a resident of Maritar village under Guthani police station area of Siwan district of Bihar, has been selected for the role of referee in the weightlifting championship in the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.

Key Points:

• It is known that Srishti Singh has won dozens of medals in weightlifting. Srishti Singh won the silver medal in the Junior Commonwealth Games held in the year 2008. Srishti also had a great performance in the 2010 weightlifting game.
• The Commonwealth Senior Men's and Senior Women's, Junior Men's and Women's, as well as Women's Weightlifting Championships, kicked off in Greater Noida on July 12. The game will run until July 16. This includes women, men, seniors, juniors, and young boys & girls.

Vishwakarma Workers Welfare Scheme

Why in News?

On July 12, 2023, Rajasthan's Industries and Commerce Department Minister Shakuntala Rawat said that preparations have been started for its implementation after the notification of 'Vishwakarma Kamgar Kalyan Yojana' was issued by the Industries and Commerce Department.

Key Points:

• It is known that the announcement regarding this scheme was made in the budget presented by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot for the year 2023-24.
• 'Vishwakarma Kamgar Kalyan Yojana' has been started in the state to provide self-employment to women, workers, and different classes such as handicrafts, hairstyles, pottery artisans and nomadic class people.
• Under this scheme, one lakh people will get the assistance of five thousand rupees to buy necessary kits, equipment, sewing machines etc. The scheme will create new opportunities for self-employment in the state.
• Under this scheme, Rajasthan Crafts and Mati Arts Board, Rajasthan State Kesh Arts Board, Rajasthan State Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Welfare Board, Rajivika and Office Commissioner Industries and Commerce through handicrafts, hairstyles, artisans and nomadic persons and Rajivika, women of NULM, selected workers of labour department will be provided modern necessary kits equipment, sewing machines etc. for the purpose of starting their own employment.
• Under the 'Vishwakarma Kamgar Kalyan Yojana', identity card holders issued by various boards and departments will be eligible.
• For the successful implementation of the scheme, a target has been fixed by various boards and departments to benefit the applicants according to the fixed number of targets. Applicants from minimum 18 years to maximum 40 years can get the benefit of this scheme.

Approval of Madhya Pradesh Capacity Building Policy-2023

Why in News?

On July 12, 2023, in the meeting of the Council of Ministers held under the chairmanship of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the Cabinet approved the 'Madhya Pradesh Capacity Building Policy-2023' for capacity building of government servants of the state. This policy will replace the existing Training Policy-2001 of the state.

Key Points:

• The state's new Capacity Building Policy-2023 has been prepared incorporating the concept and features of 'Mission Karmayogi' implemented by the Government of India and after consulting the member of the Capacity Development Commission.
• Madhya Pradesh is one of the few states in India where it has been decided to formulate and implement the state's capacity building policy in accordance with the concept of 'Mission Karmayogi'.
• It is worth mentioning that the present Training Policy of the State in the context of the National Training Policy of the Government of India year 1996 was implemented on 11th July 2001. The current National Training Policy of the Government of India was implemented on January 19, 2012, but no change had been made in the training policy of the State so far.
• The present training policy of the state is about 22 years old, while the need for a new training policy was felt due to the methods of recruitment of government servants, use of information technology in government work, changes in various laws etc.
• In the new policy, training and other activities will be done for complete capacity building of all government servants of the state, including contract workers, so that government servants are sensitive, dutiful, prompt, honest and can work with modern technical skills to provide quality citizen service.
• In this policy, a capacity development plan for the entire service period will be prepared for each cadre of government service. On the basis of the scheme, government servants will receive training as per requirement at fixed intervals. It will be mandatory to get training and it has been linked to promotion. There is a provision in the policy to encourage conscientious government servants.
• According to the policy, a capacity-building unit is to be formed in each department, which will determine the responsibility, work and capabilities required for each post and arrange training accordingly.
• In view of the need for large-scale training, 70 percent of the training will be done online, 20 percent at the work site and 10 percent in a training institute. After the training, the change in the working capacity of the government servant will also be assessed.
• A State Training Council will be constituted at the highest level under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister, which will have ministers and senior officials. The member secretary of the council will be the Director General Academy of Administration. Apart from this, an executive committee will be constituted under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary, in which additional chief secretaries of major departments, principal secretaries will be members and director administration academy member secretaries will be there.
• In the new policy, a new item named 'Mission Karmayogi' will be made in the state budget, in which every government department will be provided one percent of its salary item annually.
• RCVP Naronha Academy of Administration and Management has been made the nodal agency for the implementation of Mission Karmayogi. For this, the Academy of Administration will be provided Rs 10 crore per year from the state budget.

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

Why in News?

On July 12, 2023, in the meeting of the Council of Ministers held under the chairmanship of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the Cabinet approved the policy for the collection of consumer fees by women self-help groups and took several other important decisions.

Key Points:

• The Cabinet approved the policy for the collection of consumer fees by women's self-help groups. The Cabinet took this decision to ensure more efficient participation of women's self-help groups and participation in the collection of consumer fees (toll).
  • According to the decision, consumer fee collection will be done by women self-help groups on routes with an annual collection income of less than two crore out of the routes approved earlier. Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation has been authorised to select such a route.
• The Cabinet decided to increase the honorarium of the President and Vice President of the District and Janpad Panchayat.
  • The honorarium and vehicle allowance of the District Panchayat President will be increased to Rs 1 lakh monthly (honorarium 35 thousand rupees and vehicle allowance 65 thousand rupees) and the honorarium and vehicle allowance of the Vice President of the District Panchayat will be increased to 42 thousand rupees monthly (honorarium 28 thousand 500 rupees and vehicle allowance 13 thousand 500 rupees).
  • It was decided to increase the honorarium of the Janpad Panchayat President to Rs 19,500 per month and that of the Janpad Panchayat Vice President to Rs 13,500 per month.
  • Apart from this, the maximum annual honorarium of Panch/ Deputy Sarpanch will be Rs 1800.
• The Cabinet also approved the expenditure of Rs 274.95 crore for the additional annual amount required for honorarium at the rate of Rs 18,000 per month on filling up of vacant posts and vacant posts of Village Employment Assistant. This amount will be spent on stamp duty collection or minor mineral items.
• The Cabinet has approved the establishment of 8 new colleges in the state, new faculty in 2 colleges and post-graduate / graduate subjects in 3 colleges.
  • New government colleges will be set up at Khalwa in Khandwa district, Fanda in Bhopal, Bansagar in Shahdol, Baroda in Sheopur Kalan, Mandwas in Sidhi, Betma in Indore, Hanumana in Rewa and Hatta in Balaghat.
  • Also, new faculties will be started in the already-run government colleges in Bijawar of Chhatarpur and Churhat of Sidhi.
  • Apart from this, art and science subjects will be started in Government College Rampur Naikin, Art and Science in District Sidhi, Government College Lamata, Arts and Biology in District Balaghat and Music and Fine Art at Government Girls College, Neemuch.

Country's 1st Esports Academy to be Established in Madhya Pradesh

Why in News?

On July 12, 2023, the Sports and Youth Welfare Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Smt. Yashodhara Raje Scindia has announced the establishment of the country's first Esports academy in Madhya Pradesh.

Key Points:

• The Sports Minister said that for this, talent search will be done through Madhya Pradesh State Junior Esports Championship from July 23 to August 27. Youth in the age group of 12-17 will participate in this ten-day tournament.
• It has been decided to promote two such sports in Madhya Pradesh, which are included in the upcoming Olympics and Asian Games. First of all, through talent search in every district, the work of finding break dancing talents involved in the Paris Olympics is being done.
• E-sports have also been included in international competitions in the category of medal winning sports as competitive sports. In this, the Indian team won the bronze medal in the Commonwealth Games held in Birmingham in the year 2022. Esports are also included in the Asian Games starting in September.
• The Sports Minister said that Madhya Pradesh has succeeded in making its own identity in the field of sports. Break Dance and Esports Academy in the state will be the first such academy in the country which will give youth an opportunity to hone their skills in these sports in addition to traditional sports. The inclusion of Esports in international events will give young players in India an opportunity to turn their passion into a profession.

State Foreign Cooperation Department & Tanzania Investment Centre Signed MoU for Joint Development

Why in News?

The Foreign Cooperation Department (FCD), Government of Haryana and the Tanzania Investment Center (TIC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for shared development on July 11, 2023 at the MoU signing ceremony held at the TIC office in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, East Africa has taken an important step towards promoting bilateral economic cooperation.

Key Points:

• The MoU was signed by Dr. Raja Shekhar Wondru, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of External Cooperation from Haryana and Executive Director Gilead Terifrom from TIC.
• The Deputy High Commissioner of India to Tanzania was present in this programme. Apart from this, more than 50 business representatives from different regions of Haryana were also present.
• The historic agreement aims to promote greater cooperation between the two entities and facilitate investment opportunities, leading to sustainable economic growth and development between the two regions.
• The MoU between Haryana's Foreign Cooperation Department and Tanzania Investment Center outlines a comprehensive framework for cooperation, which will lead to economic, trade, science, equipment, education, tourism, culture, conservation of historical monuments and research, skill development. This will help in enhancing mutual cooperation in vocational education, capacity building and other areas of mutual interest.
• The signing of the MoU reflects the shared commitment of both FCD and TIC to promote economic diversification, employment generation and sustainable development.
• By combining their expertise, resources and networks, both organizations will promote an enabling environment for foreign investors and enhance economic cooperation and encourage the development of key areas of mutual interest.

Inauguration of 'TB Workplace Policy & Corporate Engagement to End TB'

Why in News?

According to the information received from the media on July 12, 2023, under the National Tuberculosis Eradication Program, the state level program of 'TB WorkPlace Policy and Corporate Engagement to End TB' organized in Jharkhand's capital Ranchi was inaugurated.

Key Points:

• In the programme, Health Minister Banna Gupta said that the target has to be achieved by working on time after preparing an action plan to eradicate TB. The target of eradicating TB in the whole world is by the year 2030, while the national target is by the year 2025, while the target of eradicating TB in Jharkhand has been set by December, 2024. So far 57,567 TB patients have been identified in the state.
• The minister said that work is being done to make people aware about TB in all the districts and to make the Panchayat TB free. The representatives of the first 10 TB-free panchayats will be awarded at the state level by the state government, and gold, silver, and bronze medals will be awarded to all TB-free panchayats.
• For the first time in the country, the state government has come up with a workplace policy for TB, its Comorbidities and Occupational Lung Disease, so that people can campaign to make their work areas TB-free by using the resources available with the state government.
• This is the Unique Employee Lead Model. After the implementation of this policy, people will be able to make their workplace TB free. Also, the mantra of 'TB Harega, Jharkhand Jitega' will be successful.
• Additional Chief Secretary, Health Department, Arun Kumar Singh said that Jharkhand has become the first state in the country to inaugurate TB workplace policy and Corporate Engagement to end TB.
• It is worth mentioning that the main reason for TB is low immunity and not getting good food. The bacteria spreads through the air and affects the lungs.
• Government and non-government organizations were honored in the program for adopting TB patients from different districts of the state as friends and providing them additional nutritional support under the TB-free India campaign.
• The organizations to be honored are Central Coalfields Limited, Bharat Coking Coal Limited, Steel Authority of India Limited, Bokaro (BGH), Uranium Corporation, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited, Adani Power (Jharkhand) Limited, Adhunik Power & Natural Resources Limited, Usha Martin Limited , Jindal Steel and Power Limited, Tata Steel Foundation, Airport Authority of India.

Dantewada to be the 1st District with Virology Lab Facility

Why in News?

On July 11, 2023, according to the information given by Chhattisgarh Public Relations Department, Dantewada will be the first district hospital in Bastar division where the facility of virology lab is going to start.

Key Points:

• The Chief Medical Health Officer said that after the establishment of the Virology Lab, Hepatitis B and C would be tested in the district hospital.
• After the first hepatitis test, the patients were sent to AIIMS for further testing if they were positive in the rapid test. Where it used to take a month to get the report. About 10 to 15 thousand rupees were spent in getting this test done in private lab institutions.
• Now this test will be done free of cost in the Virology Lab of Dantewada District Hospital, which will benefit the patients and they will not have to wait for a month. The report will be available soon.
• Even before this, according to the announcement of the Chief Minister, CityScan facility has been started in the district hospital, the benefits of which are being availed by villagers from far and wide. Now there is no need to go to big cities like Jagdalpur for this.
• It is known that Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel is making special efforts to provide better health facilities to the people in remote and inaccessible areas. All-round development is being done in Chhattisgarh in the fields of health, education, malnutrition and self-employment.

Important Decisions taken in the Meeting of Chhattisgarh Council of Ministers

Why in News?

Several important decisions were taken in the meeting of the State Council of Ministers held under the chairmanship of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on July 12, 2023.

Key Points:

• The cabinet approved the draft of the Chhattisgarh Appropriation Bill-2023 regarding the presentation of the first supplementary estimate for the year 2023-24.
• Different types of exemptions, grants and concessions have been announced for setting up industries for different classes in the state of Chhattisgarh.
• In order to encourage the establishment of large, mega, ultra mega industries in the state, it was decided to include 'Special Investment Promotion Package Implementation Rules-2019' under the Industrial Policy 2019-24.
• In order to promote industrial activities in the state of Chhattisgarh, along with the inclusion of vehicle scrapping policy in the Industrial Policy 2019-24, exemption from stamp duty, exemption from market fee, special investment incentive package for closed and sick industries in the state, transport grant The proposal for amendments related to electricity duty exemption was approved.