• 17 Nov 2022

New Tourism Policy-2022 Approved in Uttar Pradesh

Why In News?

On November 16, 2022, the Cabinet meeting chaired by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath approved the state's New Tourism Policy-2022.

Key Points

• In the new tourism policy of the state, investment-based subsidy has been arranged for the hotel industry. A subsidy of up to Rs 2 crore will be given on investment up to Rs 10 crore and up to Rs 40 crore on investment above Rs 500 crore. In this, hotels will get the status of industry and the rates of water, electricity property tax, sewerage tax will also be industrial instead of commercial.
• Under the new tourism policy, all places associated with Lord Ram will be developed as Ramayana circuit, religious places associated with Lord Krishna will be developed as Krishna circuit. The Ramayana circuit will be prominent among the new tourist destinations that will be developed.
• The Ramayana circuit will include Ayodhya, Chitrakoot, Bithoor and other religious places. These sites are seen as symbols of Lord Rama and Mother Sita.
• Similarly, Mathura, Vrindavan, Gokul, Govardhan, Barsana, Nandgaon, Baldev and other religious places will be included in the Krishna circuit and Kapilvastu, Sarnath, Kushinagar, Kaushambi, Shravasti, Ramgram and other places will be included in the Buddhist circuit.
• The new policy also envisages Mahabharata Circuit and Shakti Peetha Circuit, in which places like Hastinapur, Kampilya, Echhatra, Barnawa, Mathura, Kaushambi, Gonda, Lakshagriha have been selected. Under Shaktipeeth circuit Vindhyavasini Devi, taking from Ashtabhuja to Devipatan, Naimisharanya, Maa Lalit Devi, Maa Jwala Devi, Shakumbhari Devi from Saharanpur to Shivani Devi Chitrakoot and Sheetla Mata Mau will be extended.
• Cabinet Minister AK Sharma said that many activities related to tourism, which were not yet included in the category of tourism, have also been included. These include budget hotels, heritage hotels, star hotels, heritage, homestays, eco-tourism units, caravan tourism units, pilgrim dormitories, Dharamshala's, wellness resorts, all-weather seasonal camps, reservoir lakes, wellness tourism, adventure tourism, a total of 22 activities under the new policy. Got a place in

Uttar Pradesh Solar Energy Policy-2022

Why In News?

On November 16, 2022, the Cabinet meeting chaired by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath approved the Uttar Pradesh Solar Energy Policy-2022, in which many important provisions have been made to promote solar energy. This policy will be applicable for five years.

Key Points

• Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) has been designated as the nodal agency for implementation of Uttar Pradesh Solar Energy Policy-2022.
• Under this policy, government undertakings will be given gram panchayat and revenue land at the rate of Re 1 per acre per year for setting up solar power plants. For the establishment of solar park in the private sector, it will be given on lease for 30 years at the rate of Rs 15,000 per acre per year.
• The state government has set a target of producing 22 thousand MW electricity from solar energy in the next five years. A target has been set to generate 14,000 MW from Solar Park, 4500 MW from Solar Rooftop Residential, 1500 MW from Solar Rooftop Non-Residential and 2000 MW under PM Kusum Yojana.
• The Uttar Pradesh cabinet has also approved central financial assistance for installation of grid connected solar system with net metering system at private residences, besides allowing state grant of Rs 15,000 per kilowatt, maximum Rs 30,000 per consumer from the state government.
• Solar rooftops with net metering have been allowed on buildings of government and educational institutions. Under the PM Kusum Yojana, a provision of subsidy has also been made for farmers.
• The Cabinet also gave its nod to 10 percent exemption from electricity duty along with 10 percent exemption in stamp duty payable to land purchased or leased for setting up solar power units.
• It has been decided to exempt solar plants from obtaining environmental clearance, grid connected solar PV projects from obtaining consent and NOC for installation and operation under pollution control rules.
• Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) has been designated as the nodal agency for implementation of this policy.
• According to this policy, solar parks set up with storage systems of 5 MW or more capacity will be provided subsidy at the rate of Rs 2.5 crore per MW.
• Under this policy, Ayodhya city will be developed as a model solar city. Apart from this, 16 municipal corporations of the state and Noida will also be developed as solar cities.
• Under this, a minimum of 10 percent of the estimated total demand of conventional energy of the concerned city will be met from solar power plants installed in the city area.
• For this, according to the 2011 census of the Municipal Corporation area, financial assistance will be given by the State Government to the Municipal Corporations/Noida City for setting up solar power plants at the rate of Rs.100 per person.
• Additional manpower will be created for the maintenance of solar power plants. For this, 30,000 youths will be given training in maintenance of solar power plants and they will be named as 'Surya Mitra'. In this way employment will also be created for these 'Surya Mitras'.

Foundation Stone of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Law University

Why In News?

On November 16, 2022, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot laid the foundation stone of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Law University campus at Dahmikalan, Bagru, Jaipur district of Rajasthan. This university will be built at a cost of Rs 387 crore.

Key Points

• Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said that the purpose of establishing this university is to provide quality education to the students of all law colleges. With the formation of a permanent campus of the university, teachers and students will get a better environment and the students of the colleges affiliated to this university will provide better services to the society by going to the legal and legal fields and will lead in providing justice to the victim.
• The Chief Minister said that only if strong law and order is established in the state, the victim will get justice with respect. In this sequence, reception rooms have been set up in all the police stations of the state and FIRs have been made mandatory. Now the complainants are going to the police station with respect and registering their complaint.
• It is noteworthy that Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Law University campus will be constructed in Dahmikalan of Bagru in a total area of 26 acres. A total of Rs 119.21 crore was approved in February 2022 for the works of the first phase.
• In the first phase, administrative buildings, two academic blocks, guest houses, girls' hostels, boys' hostels, dining halls, faculty and non-teaching blocks, health care and other facilities are being developed in this campus.
• Minister of State for Higher Education Rajendra Singh Yadav said that there are 23 National Law Universities and more than 1650 law colleges in the field of law education. After Tamil Nadu and Karnataka in the country, such a university was established in Rajasthan with which all the law colleges of the state are connected.
• University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Dev Swarup said that as per the intention of the Chief Minister, 84 law colleges of the state have been affiliated to this university and more than 28 thousand students have been registered and this is an important step in the field of higher education.

President Lays Virtual Foundation Stone of Two Projects in Madhya Pradesh

Why In News?

On November 15, 2022, President Draupadi Murmu laid the virtual foundation stone of the Ratapani-Obaidullaganj-Itarsi Four lane Project (NH-46) of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the Maximum Microvile Containment Laboratory (BSL 4) at the Defense Research and Development Institute, Gwalior, Ministry of Defense did.

Key Points

• The lab, costing around Rs 300 crore, will help in meeting challenges like Covid-19. Important research can be done here.
• The project is a part of the NH-46 (old NH-69) Obaidullaganj to Betul Inter Corridor route in the Bharatmala project, which gives connectivity from Bhopal to Nagpur.
• 12.38 km of this route. The Ratapani section falls under the Wildlife Sanctuary and the Ratapani section is part of the Bhopal-Nagpur corridor.
• The project includes necessary measures to protect wildlife and environment. The provisions of animal underpass in the wildlife sanctuary area will make it easier for wild animals to move.
• The total length of the project is 12.38 km. is. Its construction will cost Rs 417 crore 51 lakh. The construction work of the project will be completed in a period of 18 months.
• To reduce the impact of widening of this route on the movement/habitat of wild animals, 5 large animal underpasses (100 m, 420 m, 1226 m, 65 m. and 65 m) and 2 small animal underpasses (10 m) and 10 m) Understructures will be built. A minor bridge and two vehicle underpasses are also to be constructed in this project.
• The major benefit of this project will be better connectivity to Bhopal, Hoshangabad, Betul and Nagpur. Also, heavy traffic will facilitate road users.
• Better connectivity to Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary and Satpura Tiger Reserve will boost the tourism sector and increase employment opportunities. While this will reduce pollution with saving time and fuel, it will also improve the safety of road users. With the completion of the project, the work of rapid social and economic prosperity of the people of the region will be done.

Tribal Pride Day Convention

Why In News?

On November 15, 2022, President Draupadi Murmu attended the State Level Tribal Pride Day Conference at Lalpur, Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh, where she released the complete health program plan booklet of Madhya Pradesh.

Key Points

• Speaking on the occasion, the President said that all the projects launched for the welfare of tribals are of national importance. The new rules made for scheduled areas will be effective in empowering tribal areas and giving their rights to the tribal class.
• Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel handed over the first copy of pesa act rules to President Draupadi Murmu on the occasion.
• It is known that Birsa Munda's birthday is celebrated as Tribal Pride Day.
• Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that according to the new rules of the PESA Act, every year the Patwari will have to bring the land map, Khasra Nakal to the village and show it in the Gram Sabha, so that no one can make any mistake in the records. In case of any discrepancy, the Gram Sabha will have the right to correct it.
• According to the new rules of the PESA Act, the management of water, land and forests, settlement of minor disputes, inspection of health centers, schools, anganwadi centers, monitoring of various schemes, etc. will be in the hands of the Gram Sabha.
• Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that according to the new rules of PESA Act, every year Patwari will have to bring village, land map, khasra copy, to the village and show it in the gram Sabha, so that no one can disturb the record. If there is a disturbance, the gram Sabha will have the right to fix it.
• The consent of the Gram Sabha will be required to take land for a scheme. No person will be able to grab the land of the villagers by cheating, converting etc. If that happens, the Gram Sabha will have the right to get it back.
• The Gram Sabha will also decide whether to give contracts for sand mining, ballast stones or not. These will first be given to the Tribal Society Cooperative Society. The Gram Sabha will give consent for management of ponds, fisheries and water chestnut cultivation. The Gram Sabha itself will manage hundred acres of irrigation ponds, collect forest produce and determine the minimum price.
• According to the new rules of the PESA Act, only the Gram Sabha will decide which work should be done with the MNREGA money in the tribal areas. The Gram Sabha will also see the master roll of the work. If the laborers are to be taken out of the village, the Gram Sabha will have to be informed first. The information about the person coming from outside in the village will also have to be given to the Gram Sabha.
• In tribal areas, only licensed moneylenders will be able to lend money at the prescribed rate of interest. This information will also have to be given to the Gram Sabha. Action will be taken on charging more interest. Gram Sabha will decide the priority as to who will get the benefits first in the beneficiary oriented scheme. No new liquor shop will be opened without the permission of the Gram Sabha. Gram Sabha can recommend removal of any liquor shop. The Gram Sabha will also have the right to settle minor disputes.
• If an FIR is registered in a police station in a tribal area, it will have to be informed to the Gram Sabha. Gram Sabha will also have the right to inspect schools, health centers, anganwadi centers, ashram schools, hostels, etc. The Gram Sabha will also manage the fair and market.
• Pesa coordinators will be appointed for effective implementation of the new rules.

Haryana Government Participated in UNFCCC-COP for the First Time.

Why In News?

According to the information given by an official spokesperson on November 16, 2022, the state government under the leadership of Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal participated in the 27^th session of the Conference of Parties (COP) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) ensuring its participation on the world stage for the first time. The summit is being held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt from 6-18 November 2022.

Key Points

• A delegation led by Vineet Garg, Additional Chief Secretary, Environment and Climate Change Department, Haryana, is on a visit to Sharm-el-Sheikh to attend the conference.
• At the COP-27 held in Sharm-el-Sheikh, Egypt, an action plan prepared by the state government on various initiatives being taken to implement 'Mission Life' - Lifestyle for Environment - 'Lifestyle for Environment', which included various countries, UN organizations, Participants from civil society organizations and youth participated in large numbers.
• Mission Life was delivered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres in Gujarat in October 2022.
• Under the guidance of Chief Minister Manohar Lal, who also holds the environment and climate change portfolio, the state government has taken concrete steps to increase the green cover in the state along with launching several environmental adaptation initiatives. Apart from this, the participation of students and youth has been ensured in the plantation and greenery campaign under the leadership of Forest and Education Minister Kanwar Pal.
• The UNFCCC is one of the Rio Conventions and more than 190 member states are participating in COP-27 to deliberate on challenges and road maps to consider climate change.
• The spokesperson said that the initiatives being taken by Haryana on the five elixirs (Panchamrit) of India's climate change action plan and commitments during COP-26 in Glasgow, UK, were presented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at COP-27. The special event showcased initiatives of the Government of Haryana that support the climate goals and India's commitment to climate neutrality by 2070.
• Haryana has set an excellent example in promoting Agroforestry and Tree Outside Forest (TOF). Despite being a forest deficient state with only 3.5 percent under forest area, Haryana accounts for about 50 percent of the country's plywood production with agro-based timber sourced from non-forest areas.
• Haryana is also part of the USAID supported TOFI (Tree Outside Forests in India) program which is to be implemented in seven states of India. The TOFI program will contribute to sequestration of 420 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent and cover 2.8 million hectares of new land under TOF.
• Through the establishment of six interdisciplinary centers focused on research on processes and technologies for thematic areas - Water, Air, Earth, Forest, Energy and Waste to Wealth conservation in a special event organized during COP-27 Climate action is being demonstrated since.

Technocrats will now be kept in Haryana's Cyber Police Station

Why In News?

On November 16, 2022, Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij told a review meeting of senior officials of the Home and Police Department that technocrats will now be kept in the cyber police station of the state so that cyber-crime can be completely curbed.

Key Points

• Anil Vij said that technocrats should be kept on deputation from other departments to keep at least one cyber-related technocrat in every district of the state. Apart from this, police public committees will be formed by November 30, in which select and present people of the city will also be included in the committees, including people from various institutions, organizations.
• During the meeting, the Haryana Police Rules were also discussed, and the Minister was informed that a committee has been formed in this regard, which is acting on the investigation of these rules and these rules will be implemented by December 31, 2022. The report will be submitted to the government for further action.
• In the meeting, Vij said that a decision will be taken soon regarding the promotion of police personnel working in Ambala and Karnal range and keeping in view the seniority, the police personnel will be promoted, for which today he has given instructions to the senior officers of the police department. .
• In order to make Haryana a crime-free and safe state, the Home Minister directed the officers to speed up the work of installing CCTV cameras in crowded areas.
• Anil Vij told that now new smart cards will be issued for arms license in Haryana.
• He directed the officers to issue instructions to the Superintendents of Police and Police Commissioners of all the districts of the state to redress the problems of the people every day from 11 am to 12 am, so that many cases would be resolved at their level only.

Tribal Pride Award

Why In News?

According to the information received from the media recently, on the eve of the 147th birth anniversary of Lord Birsa Munda, journalist Nageshwar of Jharkhand's Prabhat Khabar, a ceremony organized at Yashwant Rao Center at Nariman Point, Mumbai, courtesy of Jharkhand Intellectual Forum and Prime Minister Self-reliant India. Awarded with 'Tribal Gaurav Samman'.

Key Points

• In this program, the most circulated Hindi daily Prabhat Khabar of Jharkhand was explained in detail. The organizers said that Prabhat Khabar is not only the number one newspaper in Jharkhand, it has registered a strong presence in many states as well.
• It is known that Virsa Munda had done the work of bringing out the rich culture and heritage of the tribal society. The tribal heritage and their contribution to nation building is remembered every year on their birth anniversary. Last year in 2021, the central government had decided to celebrate Birsa Munda's birth anniversary as Tribal Pride Day in the country.
• Prem Kumar, the chairman of the ceremony, said that Dharti Aba Bhagwan Birsa Munda was the revolutionary superhero of Jharkhand. An attempt has been made to organize the people of Jharkhand in Maharashtra by making the people of Jharkhandi origin aware of their saga.

Abbott Mount Area to be Developed as Bird Watching Trail

Why In News?

On November 16, 2022, Tourism Development Officer of Champawat district Arvind Gaur said that the area will be developed as a bird watching trail for the expansion of tourism activities in the Abbott Mount area of the district. A detailed project report has been prepared by the Tourism Development Department and sent to the government for approval.

Key Points

• Arvind Gaur said that after issuing instructions from the Tourism Secretary for bird watching trail in the past, the department has sent the DPR to the government through the working organization Drinking Water Construction Corporation, which is expected to be approved soon.
• For the proposed bird watching trail at Abbott Mount, the land of the Tourism Department will be demarcated as well as a boundary wall will be constructed for security. The tourism department has also sent a proposal for the construction of the boundary wall to the government through the revenue department.
• Eight eco huts have been constructed by the Tourism Department for the convenience of tourists in Abbott Mount. At the same time, a heliport will also be constructed for tourists in Abbott Mount.
• The proposed heliport at Abbott Mount will provide air services to tourists coming from outside areas, while the heliport will also be used for relief and rescue work in times of disaster.

Cabinet Approves Uttarakhand Religion Freedom (Amendment) Bill 2022

Why In News?

The Uttarakhand Cabinet, which met under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on November 16, 2022, approved the Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Bill 2022.

Key Points

• 26 proposals came to the meeting, out of which 25 were approved. In these, the law of forced conversion in Uttarakhand has been made strict on the lines of Uttar Pradesh.
• Under the Uttarakhand Religion Freedom (Amendment) Bill 2022, those who forcefully convert in Uttarakhand will now be punished for up to ten years.
• Forcibly converting a person in Uttar Pradesh is punishable with imprisonment of one to five years and a fine of Rs 25,000, while in Uttarakhand, doing so will result in imprisonment of two to seven years and a fine of Rs 25,000.
• In the case of mass conversion in the state, now there will be a punishment of three to ten years, earlier there was a provision of maximum punishment of three years. Along with this, the victims will also be able to get compensation of five lakh rupees through the court.
• According to the information received from the media, the law of conversion in the state will now come under the category of cognizable and non-bailable offence. Earlier it was a non-cognizable offence. Now the government will put it on the table of the assembly.

Durg Corporation got First Place in the Country in Waste Management

Why In News?

According to information received from the media on November 16, 2022, the Durg Municipal Corporation of Chhattisgarh has secured the first position in the entire country in better waste management, for which the Municipal Corporation has been awarded the CII 3R Award-2022.

Key Points

• The CII 3R Award will be presented in Delhi on November 30.
• The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) was established in 1895. It is a non-governmental, non-profit, industry-led and industry-managed organization in India. It plays a role in India's industrial development process.
• Durg Corporation has received this award in the field of better management, recycling and execution of waste produced in the city.
• It is noteworthy that the Municipal Corporation is doing better work in solid waste management under the principle of 3R-reduce, recycle and reduce.
• In this municipal corporation, wet and dry waste is segregated through door-to-door garbage collection in homes.
• It is known that apart from Chhattisgarh, municipal corporations, municipalities, nagar panchayats from all over India participated for this prestigious award.