Trash Skimmer Machine | Uttar Pradesh | 14 Feb 2025

Why in News?

To realise the dream of a clean India and to keep the Triveni Sangam clean and pure , trash skimmer machines have been installed in Prayagraj , which are removing 10 to 15 tonnes of garbage from the Ganga and Yamuna rivers every day.

Key Points

Trash skimmer machines have been installed in 2021 before the Maha Kumbh to keep the Triveni Sangam clean and pure.
Trash Skimmer Machine:
- It is a machine that collects floating debris from the surface of water.
- This machine picks up all the items like flowers, leaves, floating garbage, plastic, bottles etc. from the river in various ways and brings them to the shore, which are later disposed of in proper ways.
- This machine is used to clean rivers, ports and seas .
- It also helps in removing aquatic weeds (water hyacinth).

Water Hyacinth

Water hyacinth, scientifically known as Eichhornia crassipes Mart. (Pontederiaceae), is an aquatic weed common in waterbodies across South Asia, including India.
This is not an indigenous species but was introduced to India during the British colonial rule as an ornamental aquatic plant from South America.
The plant produces beautiful purple flowers that have high aesthetic value.

Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM)

The Government of India laid the foundation of the Swachh Bharat Mission on 2 October 2014 (Gandhi Jayanti) . This mission covers all rural and urban areas.
The urban component of this mission is implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and the rural component is implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

Indian Art History Congress | Uttar Pradesh | 14 Feb 2025

Why in News?

The 32^nd Indian Art History Congress was held from 8 to 10 February 2025 at Indian Institute of Heritage, Noida .

Key Points

About the Conference:
- The theme of the conference was “Rendering Indian Epics in Art and Culture”.
- It aimed to highlight the diverse forms of artistic expressions based on the epics.
  - The Mahabharata and Ramayana, with their teachings on duty, righteousness, and justice, have shaped the way of life for many.
  - Their ideals resonate across cultures, both in India and beyond.
- It was organised by Indian Heritage Institute, Noida under the Ministry of Culture
Importance:
- The conference highlighted the varied forms of artistic expressions based on the epics through oral, textual and visual media .
- Discussion on the influence of epics and their various artistic forms from ancient to contemporary times.
- To promote interest in Indian art and to work for its preservation and protection.
- To make efforts to protect the tangible and intangible cultural heritage .

Indian Art History Congress (IAHC)

It is an all-India institution that studies Indian art heritage.
It aims to encourage in-depth research and discussion on various aspects of Indian art history and culture.
This organization works for the preservation of Indian cultural heritage, tangible and intangible art forms.
It provides a platform for experienced and young scholars to exchange their art related research and ideas.
Its headquarters is located in Guwahati.