• 15 Nov 2023

Gram Panchayat Sidhyawan of Barabanki Honoured by International Standards Organization

Why in News?

According to information received from the media on November 14, 2023, Gram Panchayat Sidhyawan of Barabanki district of Uttar Pradesh has been honoured by the International Standards Organization-ISO with a certificate for providing quality service.

Key Points

• Thanks to the dedication of Hemlata Singh, the village head of Gram Panchayat Sidhyawan with a population of approximately five thousand, the primary school underwent revitalization through the Kayakalp scheme, earning her the first prize.
• It is worth mentioning that during the previous fiscal year, Sidhyawan, recognized as the top Gram Panchayat in the district, received an award of Rs 11 lakh from the Chief Minister. This fund was utilised to establish a cutting-edge library and initiate the installation of an R.O. plant.
• Development works are also being carried out in the villages of Barabanki on the lines of the city and they are being developed as model villages. Consequently, one such village was chosen for the Chief Minister Panchayat Incentive Award, with CM Yogi commending the village head's efforts and rewarding them.
• RCC and interlocking roads, CCTV cameras at intersections, a children's park creating a pleasant atmosphere for youngsters, an open gym, solar lights, water supply tanks for households, rejuvenated schools, and the enhanced cleanliness and aesthetic appeal of the village secretariat — all contribute to the comprehensive development in this region. Notably, the district's largest Amrit Sarovar, constructed at a cost of Rs. 1 crore 35 lakhs, stands as a testament to the significant developmental strides being made here.

Bihar's World Famous Sonpur Fair will start from November 25

Why in News?

According to the information received from the media on November 14, 2023, the world famous Sonpur Fair to be held in Harihar region of Bihar will start on November 25 and will continue till December 26 (32 days).

Key Points

• Sonpur Fair is one of the largest cattle fairs in Asia, held at the confluence of two rivers, Ganga and Gandak, in Sonpur, located on the border of Saran and Vaishali districts of Bihar.
• Popular since ancient times for trading of livestock, this month-long event begins on the auspicious occasion of Kartik Purnima in the month of November.
• The fair, which starts every year with the bathing of Kartik Purnima, is also known as 'Harihar Kshetra Mela' while the local people call it 'Chhattar Mela'. Hindu devotees come to the area to take a holy dip in the Ganga and Gandak rivers and offer prayers at the Harihar Nath temple.
• Although this fair is famous by the name of Pashu Mela (cattle fair), the specialty of this fair is that everything from needles to elephants can be purchased here.
• This fair also has historical importance. It is believed that traders from Central Asia used to come to this fair to buy animals and this fair was the largest centre for war elephants. Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Maurya dynasty, Mughal emperor Akbar and Veer Kunwar Singh, the hero of the Gadar of 1857, also purchased elephants from the Sonpur fair.
• In 1803, Robert Clive also built a big horse stable in Sonpur. Apart from this, there is mention of Guru Nanak Dev of Sikhism coming here in religions and Lord Buddha also came here during his visit to Kushinagar.
• The Harihar Nath Temple in Sonpur boasts a unique distinction as the sole temple worldwide featuring an integrated idol of Hari (Vishnu) and Har (Shiva). Legend has it that Brahma himself once consecrated this temple. Additionally, near the Sangam, the idol of Dakshineshwar Kali is accompanied by a pillar from the Shunga period.

 

Inauguration of Rajasthan Pavilion in 42nd Indian International Trade Fair

Why in News?

The recently built Rajasthan Pavilion was officially opened during the 42nd Indian International Trade Fair, commencing on November 14, 2023, at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. The inauguration ceremony was led by Veenu Gupta, the Additional Chief Secretary for Industries and Commerce in the state, along with Dr. Manisha Arora, the Director of Rajasthan Small Industries Corporation Limited.

Key Points

• Visitors, both domestic and international, to the Rajasthan Pavilion will have the chance to explore and purchase globally renowned products from the state.
• This time, tourism, khadi, women and child development departments and industry departments including RSSIC's Rajasthali are participating in the trade fair.
• The pavilion showcases approximately 25 stalls featuring entrepreneurs from various regions of Rajasthan participating in the trade fair. These stalls exhibit globally acclaimed handicraft products, particularly the popular Rajasthani items such as lac bangles, women's jewellery, makeup items, textiles, bedsheets, and hosiery products that have garnered attention both nationally and internationally.
• This time, arrangements for catering of Rajasthani cuisine have been made through Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation.

Girls doing Commendable Work in Various Fields will be Honoured on National Girl Child Day

Why in News?

On November 14, 2023, the spokesperson of Haryana Women and Child Development Department said that the girls doing commendable work in various fields will be honoured by the department on National Girl Child Day. For this, the date of application has been extended from November 1 to November 30.

Key Points

• The spokesperson of the department said that a total of 86 awards will be given on the state level National Girl Child Day, out of which 47 awards worth Rs 11,000 each and 39 awards will be given for state level competitions.
• The spokesperson said that girls doing commendable work can submit applications in the Women and Child Development Department office of the concerned district by November 30.
• As per the directives provided by the department for the state-level observance of National Girl Child Day, accolades will be bestowed upon girls who have excelled nationally and internationally in diverse domains such as sports, cultural activities, social service, media, literature, and sports. The recognition extends to those who have attained noteworthy positions or accomplished commendable work at the state, national, and international levels. Additionally, individuals nominated by the state for national-level recognition in fields like bravery will also be honoured.
• Apart from this, 60 percent or more special disabled children have done commendable work in these areas and children living in child care institutions have done commendable work in these areas. Those girls will be honoured with cash prizes and certificates in the state level program organised on the occasion of National Girl Child Day.

Inauguration of Jharkhand Pavilion in 42nd Indian International Trade Fair

Why in News?

During the 42nd Indian International Trade Fair, spanning 14 days and commencing on November 14, 2023, Champai Soren, the Minister for Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and Backward Class Welfare cum Transport in Jharkhand, inaugurated the Jharkhand Pavilion by offering worship to Lord Birsa Munda at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.

Key Points

• It may be noted that this is the second big event at Pragati Maidan in Delhi after the G-20 Summit. This year the theme of the fair is ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’.
• Jharkhand state is participating in this fair as a focus state. In the fair, 20 stalls of regional products have been set up in the pavilion built by the Directorate of Industries (Jharkhand). In this, people will be able to exhibit and purchase goods made in Jharkhand.
• Apart from this, stalls of about 14 departments of Jharkhand government have also been set up, in which people will be able to get information about the department and schemes.