• 17 Aug 2022

Uttar Pradesh Cabinet approved Water Tariff Rules-2022

Why In News?

• On August 16, 2022, the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet approved the Water Tariff Rules-2022. Under this, now water tariff will have to be paid at the rate of Rs 50 per square meter for passing the map for the construction of the building in the schemes of development authorities.

Key Points

• It is worth mentioning that earlier this water tariff was not charged in Lucknow and Banaras, but now the people there will also have to pay it.
• According to the rules, in cases of layout plans, water tariff will be charged according to the total area of the land. On the construction of a multi-Storey building, it will be charged on the basis of total area covering all the floors and basements.
• Water Tariff will also be payable on additional construction from the existing built-up area. Water tariff rates will be revised on the basis of the Cost Inflation Index of the Income Tax Department from April 1 every year.
• Water Tariff shall not be payable outside the Development Authority, scheme or where it is unable to supply water. The revised map submitted for approval within the validity period, for which water tariff have already been paid, will not be charged.
• In case of extension of validity period, the tariff will be charged at the applicable rate from the date of passing the map, adjusting the fee deposited earlier. Water tariff will be payable at the rate applicable from the date of their passing after adjustment of the fee deposited earlier for the maps submitted after the validity period.
• If the water tariff are up to Rs 10 lakh, a lump sum payment will have to be made. If more than this, the payment of Rs 10 lakh will be taken in lump sum and the remaining in four half-yearly installments with 9% interest. For this, a bank guarantee equivalent to the outstanding amount will also have to be given or the saleable land of the same value will have to be mortgaged in favor of the authority. The bank guarantee or mortgage land will be released on payment of the remaining amount. Penalty interest at the rate of 3.0 percent per annum with 9% per annum interest will be charged on delay in payment of installments.

Charkha-Chalk Festival Started at Gauhar Mahal

Why In News?

• On August 16, 2022, under the joint aegis of Madhya Pradesh Khadi and Village Industries Board and Mati-Kala Board, Charkha-Chak Festival was inaugurated by Jitendra Litoria, Chairman, Madhya Pradesh Khadi and Village Industries Board at Gauhar Mahal. The festival will go on till August 28, 2022.

Key Points

• Chairman Jitendra Litoria said that work is being done to encourage traditional soil crafts through the Mati-Kala Board. Soil craftsmen are an integral part of the social system. The work of providing market for their craftsmanship in an organized manner is being done by the board through this festival.
• Along with this, fabrics made of cotton produced through traditional charkha by handloom weavers are also being encouraged.
• It is worth mentioning that Gauhar Mahal is situated on the banks of big pond of Bhopal city of Madhya Pradesh. Located on the road near Shaukat Mahal. This three-storey building was built by the then ruler of Bhopal state, Nawab Qudsia Begum (1819-37) in 1820 AD. It is a beautiful piece of architecture. The name of Qudsia Begum was also Gauhar, hence this palace is known as 'Gauhar Mahal'.
• This palace is the first palace of the princely state of Bhopal. The specialty of this palace is that its decoration has been done by mixing Indian and Islamic architecture. This palace is a wonderful amalgamation of Hindu and Mughal art.

DPT/TD Vaccination Campaign Launched

Why In News?

• On August 16, 2022, the Public Health and Family Welfare Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Prabhuram Choudhary launched the state level program of DPT/TD vaccination campaign at Kamala Nehru Girls School Auditorium, Bhopal. Along with this, he also released a poster focused on the campaign.

Key Points

• The vaccination drive will continue till August 31 to protect against deadly diseases like DPT, tetanus and diphtheria.
• Health Minister Dr. Prabhuram Choudhary said that Madhya Pradesh is one of the leading states in the eradication of diphtheria. DPT and TD vaccines will be administered to 36 lakh adolescent girls. The vaccine is to be given to children aged 5 to 6 years, 10 years and 16 years. Free vaccines will be provided in schools and Anganwadi centres.
• The Health Minister appealed to the public representatives, teachers and parents to cooperate in getting 100 percent children vaccinated in the campaign.
• DPT (also DTP and DTwP) refers to a class of combined vaccines given to protect against three infectious diseases caused by humans (diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough) and tetanus).
• 'D' means diphtheria, 'T' means tetanus and 'P' means pertussis. These three are serious bacterial diseases. Diphtheria and pertussis spread from person to person, while tetanus enters the body through cuts and wounds.
• The TD vaccine is given to prevent tetanus and diphtheria. It is given only for children, adolescents and adults aged 7 years and above. TD is usually given as a booster dose every 10 years, or after 5 years in the event of a severe or dirty wound or burn.
• Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that affects the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. It appears as a blister and its symptoms are swelling in the throat, pain in the throat, some eating and drinking pain. Vaccine is very important to avoid this infection.
• Tetanus usually causes painful tightening of muscles throughout the body. Tetanus can cause the jaw to close, as a result of which the victim cannot open or swallow his mouth.
• Pertussis (whooping cough) causes severe cough. This also makes it difficult for babies to eat, drink or breathe. Pertussis can lead to pneumonia, convulsions, brain damage, and death.

First IKEA 'Mixed Use Commercial Project'

Why In News?

• On August 16, 2022, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar inaugurated the construction of the first IKEA 'Mixed Use Commercial Project' in North India at Ingka Centers in Gurugram, Sweden in the presence of Klas Molin, Ambassador of Sweden to India.

Key Points

• The mixed-use IKEA project, to be built at an investment of about Rs 3,500 crore, will be constructed in Gurugram's Sector 47.
• Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that this project would be a world class retail and leisure destination to meet the needs of the customers of North India and the region. This will increase investment as well as employment and business opportunities.
• The Chief Minister said that IKEA takes 27 percent of what it sells in India from local sources, which it aims to increase to 50 percent in the coming years. Such initiatives will on one hand provide more employment opportunities to the local youth, while on the other hand it will boost the national economy.
• Referring to the investor-friendly policies of the state government, the Chief Minister said that the Haryana government believes in 'Act' i.e. accountability, communication and transparency in the system. To achieve these objectives, a transparent system has been developed by effective and continuous dialogue, brainstorming for early decision making and establishing digital systems in the current system.
• Susan Pulverer, CEO, Ikea India said, “We have a long-term commitment to benefit the people, the environment and the local economy through our business in Delhi NCR. With Ingka Centers, we will make a significant contribution to the growth of the home furnishing market and provide people with an unmatched retail experience. We will provide affordable, elegant, sustainable home furnishing products and services with the best design, he added.
• In this project, Ingka Centers will invest 400 million pounds, i.e. Rs 3500 crores. There will be great retail, workspace and space for community events. The project is expected to create around 2500 jobs.

Chief Minister Honored 61 Journalists with Shramveer Samman

Why In News?

• On August 16, 2022, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel performed a record 109 hours of live coverage during the rescue operation of Rahul Sahu in village Pihrid of Janjgir-Champa district in the Shramveer Samman 2022-23 ceremony held at the Conclave Hall of New Circuit House, capital Raipur. Journalists were honored with Shramveer Samman.

Key Points

• This program was organized by the Chhattisgarh unit of Bharti Shramjeevi Patrakar Sangh (National Organization of Print, Electronic and Web Media).
• Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the state government would soon take an initiative to provide benefits of health insurance to journalists. After studying this demand of journalists, appropriate decision will be taken soon.
• The Chief Minister said that the Journalist Protection Act will be brought in the upcoming winter session or budget session of the Assembly.
• At present, various schemes are being run by the state government to provide assistance for the treatment of patients.
• The Chief Minister said that all the people (journalists, businessmen, social workers) along with the government-administration at the time of incident of child Rahul Sahu falling into the borewell in Pihrid village of Janjgir-Champa, helped him in whatever way he could. Rahul's return safely after a 109-hour long rescue operation is the only example in the country.
• During this long rescue operation, journalists faced many difficulties and challenges and gave positive reports of the moment and conveyed information to the entire state, country and the world.

Photo Exhibition Organized by the Public Relations Department

Why In News?

• On August 15, 2022, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel inaugurated a photo exhibition organized by the Public Relations Department on the 75th anniversary of independence at the Town Hall located at Kachari Chowk in the capital Raipur.

Key Points

• This exhibition has been organized in memory of the great revolutionaries of Chhattisgarh who played an important role in the country's freedom movement.
• In this exhibition, the contribution of the revolutionaries of Chhattisgarh in the freedom struggle, important documents of immortal revolutionaries, their life journey during the freedom movement, Jungle Satyagraha, Quit India Movement and their contributions in various activities related to the freedom movement have been displayed.
• First Martyr Veer Narayan Singh of Chhattisgarh, Hanuman Singh, who is called Mangal Pandey of Chhattisgarh, Shaheed Veer Gundadhur, Shri Birsa Munda, Veer Surendra Sai, Thakur Pyare Lal Singh, Shri E. Raghavendra Rao, Dr. Khubchand Baghel, Shri Yatiatan Lal, Babu Chhotelal Shrivastava, Barrister Chhedilal, Pt. Madhavrao Sapre, Shri Parasram Soni, Shri Ramprasad Potai, Mahant Lakshmi Narayan Das, Shri Bisahu Das Mahant, Shri Dhaniram Verma, Shri Vamanrao Baliram Lakhe, Seth Shivdas Daga, Pandit Ravi Shankar Shukla, First of Raipur Contribution of many freedom fighters of Chhattisgarh including women freedom fighter Radha Bai was illustrated. Information related to the stay of the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi in Chhattisgarh is also displayed illustrated.
• On this occasion, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said that it is very important for the coming generations to know that the great revolutionaries of Chhattisgarh have made their valuable contribution in the freedom struggle movement. This exhibition will play an important role in making today's generation aware of it.
• It is worth noting that this exhibition is being organized from August 15 to 21 at the Town Hall, Kachari Chowk. A film focusing on the Humar Tiranga campaign is also being screened at the exhibition site.

Swami Atmanand Excellence School Scheme

Why In News?

• On August 15, 2022, on Independence Day, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel announced the implementation of 'Swami Atmanand Excellence School scheme' in 422 schools of the state before the upcoming academic session to provide better and quality education to the students of the state. Out of which 252 schools will be in Bastar and Surguja divisions.

Key Points

• The Chief Minister said that 'Swami Atmanand Excellence School Scheme' has brought a new revolution in the field of school education. Last year, the state government had started this scheme from 51 schools, which has now increased to 279 schools. Out of these, 32 schools are Hindi medium and 247 schools are being taught in English medium along with Hindi.
• This year, 2 lakh 52 thousand 600 children have taken admission in these schools, out of which 1 lakh 3 thousand children are English medium and 1 lakh 49 thousand 600 children are Hindi medium.
• In view of the success of this scheme, it has been decided that more and more schools will be brought under this scheme. The scheme will be implemented in 422 schools before the upcoming academic session, out of which 252 schools will be in Bastar and Surguja divisions and these will have 100 percent government high and higher secondary schools of Dantewada district.
• The Chief Minister said that the process of setting up an international level boarding school in Nava Raipur has also been started.
• In order to provide elementary education to children in their mother tongue, the state government has published textbooks in 16 local languages and in the languages of 4 neighboring states besides Hindi.
• Under the 'Free Textbook Scheme', about 52 lakh textbooks are being provided to the children of all government-non-government schools from class I to class X and madrasas up to class VIII.
• A target has been set to provide free bicycles to 1 lakh 55 thousand girl students studying in class IX this year.
• To make school education employable, it has been coordinated with ITI, so that certificates of school education and ITI training can be obtained simultaneously. Under this scheme, 114 higher secondary schools have been added.
• To improve the quality of higher education, 1,459 assistant professors, sports officers and librarians have been appointed. The honorarium of guest lecturers has been increased. In order to open girls colleges in all the districts, a new girls college has been started in Mungeli district.

Uttarakhand's Longest Ropeway

Why In News?

• On August 16, 2022, Project Manager of Rail Vikas Nigam K. Omprakash Malgudi informed that Rail Vikas Nigam, engaged in the construction of Rishikesh-Karnprayag rail project, has covered 50 km. A long tunnel has been prepared. Total 125 km. 105 km of long track. The part will be inside the tunnels.

Key Points

• 13 kms to Kedarnath. National Highway Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) has been entrusted with the responsibility of construction of the long ropeway to a company under the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
• He said that the site-specific spectrum study has been prepared by the experts of IIT Roorkee to deal with any disaster like earthquake, flood and fire. It has been tested by reputed experts from abroad.
• For the construction of the ropeway, 11 hectares of land has been acquired from Sonprayag to Kedarnath. The layout of the design of the ropeway to be built with the help of 22 towers has also been prepared by the executive body.
• After permission from the Regional Office of the Ministry of Environment and Forests of the Central Government, Dehradun, a DPR of Rs 945 crore will be sent by the executing agency for the construction of the ropeway. The work of construction of Sonprayag-Kedarnath ropeway will be started from March 2023.
• On the Sonprayag-Kedarnath ropeway, four stations will come up at Gaurikund, Chirbasa, Lincholi and Kedarnath. Two to two and a half thousand passengers will be able to go unilaterally at a time from the ropeway. 13 km from the ropeway from Sonprayag to Kedarnath. The distance will be completed in about 30 to 35 minutes.
• It is noteworthy that in the year 2005, Rambada-Kedarnath ropeway was approved. Then the Uttaranchal Infrastructure Development Company had completed other formalities including land survey. A proposal of Rs 70 crore was sent to the government. At the government level, it was decided to get the ropeway construction done in PPP mode, but no company submitted the tender.

Rishikesh-Karnprayag Rail Project

Why In News?

• On August 16, 2022, Project Manager of Rail Vikas Nigam K. Omprakash Malgudi informed that Rail Vikas Nigam, engaged in the construction of Rishikesh-Karnprayag rail project, has covered 50 km. A long tunnel has been prepared. Total 125 km. 105 km of long track. The part will be inside the tunnels.

Key Points

• Manager K. Omprakash Malgudi told that 125 km. The lengthy Rishikesh-Karnprayag rail project will have 80 gateways in nine packages, out of which about 50 entrances have been completed.
• He said that the site-specific spectrum study has been prepared by the experts of IIT Roorkee to deal with any disaster like earthquake, flood and fire. It has been tested by reputed experts from abroad.
• Poral stabilization has been done to avoid landslides. The tunnels have been designed keeping all the factors in mind. Environment, health and safety have been taken care of in all the packages. The tunnels are being made safe to avoid any kind of disaster.
• There will be a total of 17 tunnels in the Rishikesh-Karnprayag rail project. 16 Tunnels NATM (New Austrian Tunneling Method) and 14.70 km from Saur (Devprayag) to Janasu. The long tunnel is being constructed with TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine).
• Significantly, the work on the Rishikesh-Karnprayag rail project started from the year 2019. It is 125 km. It is a long project, in which 105 km. The railway line will be inside the tunnels. This project is being built entirely in the mountainous area from Rishikesh onwards to Karnprayag.
• A total of 17 tunnels are being constructed for this railway line. The length of these tunnels is 6 km. In addition, an evacuation tunnel is also being built parallel to them. In this project, 7 edit tunnels will be built, whose length is 4 km. Will be till