• 18 Apr 2023

2 Panchayats of Uttar Pradesh got the National Panchayat Award 2023

Why in News?

On 17 April 2023, President Smt. Draupadi Murmu presented the National Panchayat Award-2023 to 2 Gram Panchayats of Uttar Pradesh at the National Conference on Promotion of Panchayats in New Delhi.

Key Points

• Gram Panchayat Hansudi Ausanpur of Bhanwapur block in Siddharthnagar district was honoured with the Deendayal Upadhyay Panchayat Sustainable Development Award 2023 at the national level.
• Gram Panchayat Hansudi Ausanpur has been awarded in the category of 'Child-Friendly Panchayat'.
• Milak Amavati, Gram Panchayat of Dilari block in Moradabad district was awarded Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Sustainable Development Award (NDSPSP) for overall performance under all 9 LSDG themes and special categories related to green initiatives.
• National Panchayat Awards were presented to the Panchayats selected in the following different categories-
  • Deendayal Upadhyaya Panchayat Sustainable Development Award (DDUPSP) for performance under individual LSDG themes
  • Nanaji Deshmukh Best Panchayat Sustainable Development Award (NDSPSVP) for overall performance under all 9 LSDG themes and specific categories related to green initiatives
  • Gram Urja Swaraj Vishesh Panchayat Award
  • Carbon Neutral Vishesh Panchayat Award.

Bihar's Anjani won Gold in Javelin Throw

Why in News?

On 15 April 2023, Anjani Kumari of Jamui, Bihar won the Gold Medal in the Javelin Throw event at the India Grand Prix-4, 2023 held in Bangalore.

Key Points

• In the senior women's category, Anjani threw the javelin at a distance of 47.03m, defeating Hema-Malini Nilakanda of Tamil Nadu (46.27m), Uma Chowdhary of Rajasthan (45.73m) and Runjun Pegu of Assam (43.62m).
• On this occasion, Bihar State Sports Authority Director General Ravindran Sankaran said that Anjani has been selected for the National Center of Excellence at NIS Patiala.
• Anjani Kumari will prepare here for the Asian Athletics Championships, Asian Games and World Athletics Championships 2023 from 1 April to 31 July 2023.
• It is worth mentioning that a total of four Indian Grand Prix athletics events were organized by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI). Its first phase was launched from 20 March 2023 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
• The second league of the Indian Grand Prix was held in Thiruvananthapuram on 27 March, while the third and fourth leagues took place in Bangalore, Karnataka on 10 April and 15 April respectively.

Different Categories in Rajasthan will get up to 50% discount on Rent

Why in News?

On 17 April 2023, the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation issued orders to various sections of the state to provide up to 50% discount on rent for staying in RTDC hotels.

Key Points

• It is worth mentioning that Dharmendra Rathore, President of Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation, had recently announced a concession in rent to various sections including approved journalists. In this regard, the decision to give an exemption was taken in the 191st board meeting of the corporation.
• Under this, the recipients of Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, Paramveer Chakra, Mahavir Chakra, Veer Chakra, Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy, Arjuna Award, Dronacharya Award, Major Dhyanchand Khel Ratna Award, including Meditation Recipients of Chand Award & National Sports Promotion Award, officers and employees of all state governments, PSUs, the central government on official work, students and persons appearing for competitive exams, approved journalists, officers eligible for circuit house, will be eligible for 50 percent concession from April 1 to March 31.
• Along with this, a 50 percent concession will be given to the employees of all state governments, central government and PSUs from 1 April to 15 July and 30 percent from 16 July to 31 March.
• In this, 30 percent concession will be given to the Disabled, 25 percent to women passengers, and 20 percent to senior citizens till the end of the year. Artists associated with Rajasthan State Lalit Kala Akademi will be provided free space for exhibition.
• Similarly, discounts will also be given on making bulk bookings. On booking 25 to 35 rooms a day in a hotel, a 30 percent discount will be given from 1 April to 30 September and a 20 percent discount from 1 October to 31 March. On booking more than 36 rooms, a 40 percent discount will be given from 1 April to 30 September and a 25 percent discount will be given from 1 October to 31 March.

Rajasthan gets honoured for Excellent Work under PM Crop Insurance Scheme

Why in News?

Rajasthan has been honoured for doing excellent work under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana in a two-day national conference that started in Raipur, Chhattisgarh on 14 April 2023, to review the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.

Key Points

• It is worth mentioning that under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana in Rajasthan, insurance claims worth more than Rs 18 thousand 500 crores have been distributed so far during the tenure of the present government.
• Under this scheme, Rajasthan State has been awarded the first prize by the Agriculture Secretary, Government of India, for the excellent work of claim distribution through DG Claim. Along with this, in the year 2022-23, excellent work has been done by distributing 80 percent crop insurance policies in the state in the 'Meri Policy Mere Haath' camp.
• Similarly, in Kharif 2022, 88 percent of crop-cutting experiments have been done online through the CCE Agri app developed by the Government of India. Apart from this, most of the state's premium up to Kharif 2022 has been paid and the pending cases under the scheme have been resolved quickly. Given the above excellent work, the state has been awarded the second prize for doing better work under the scheme.

The Rajasthan CM inaugurated International Center

Why in News?

On 17 April 2023, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot inaugurated the Rajasthan International Center located in Jhalana, Jaipur.

Key Points

• The Rajasthan International Center has been constructed at a cost of about Rs 140 crore on the lines of the India International Center and India Habitat Center in Delhi.
• National and international level cultural, business, and academic programs including high-level meetings, seminars and conferences can be organized in this centre.
• On this occasion, the Chief Minister also launched the website of Rajasthan International Centre. An online booking facility will be available for meetings, functions, seminars etc. to be held in the centre through the website.
• The Chief Minister inaugurated the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru E-Library located at the Centre. This e-library containing more than 1 lakh books, will be available online in the country and abroad. He also released the brochure of the centre.
• Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated the Center of Excellence for Revenue Research and Analysis located at Jhalana. Through this centre equipped with state-of-the-art techniques & equipment, research on data-based policies and assessment of their impact on revenue will be facilitated.
• Through technology in this centre, there will be better coordination among various departments, which will help in the implementation of schemes. Built for Rs 61 crore, this 7-storey building has a seating capacity of 160 people.

MoU between School Education Department and HDFC Bank for Free Insurance Scheme

Why in News?

On 17 April 2023, in the presence of Haryana's School Education Minister Kanwar Pal, an MoU was signed by the School Education Department with HDFC Bank for a free insurance scheme.

Key Points

• Under the MoU, if the employee gets his salary account transferred to HDFC Bank, he will get a host of benefits free of cost, including accidental death insurance of Rs 50 lakh.
• School Education Minister Kanwar Pal said in a press conference after signing the MoU with HDFC Bank that an agreement has also been signed by HDFC Bank to set up smart classrooms in 103 schools of the state under the CSR programme.
• The School Education Minister informed that the Insurance Scheme has been started for the welfare of the employees of the School Education Department. This is a voluntary scheme in which if the employee opens an account with HDFC Bank of his own free will, he will get this benefit.
• If an employee becomes partially/completely disabled during an accident, then in such a situation he will get free insurance of Rs.50 lakh.
• 100% claim will be given in case of permanent total disability, permanent & incurable insanity, permanent loss of two limbs, permanent loss of both eyes, permanent total loss of one eye & one limb, permanent total loss of speech, complete removal of the lower jaw and permanent total loss of mastication.
• Moreover-
  • Daily activities necessary for living without full-time assistance 75% on permanent total loss of hearing in both ears
  • 50 percent on permanent total loss of a limb,
  • 50 percent on permanent total loss of sight in one eye,
  • 15 percent on permanent total loss of hearing in one ear,
  • 25 percent on permanent total loss of lens in one eye,
  • 40 percent on permanent total loss of use of four fingers and thumb of either hand,
  • 20 percent on permanent total loss of use of four fingers of either hand,
  • Permanent total loss of use of one thumb of either hand 20 percent in both joints and 10 per cent in one joint respectively,
  • Permanent total loss of one finger of any hand is 5% in three joints, 3.5% in two joints and 2% in one joint, respectively.
  • Permanent total loss of use of toes 15 percent for all-one foot, 5 percent for big-both joints, 2 percent for big-one joint respectively
  • 20 percent benefit will be given in case of ankylosis of the elbow, hip or knee.
• Apart from this, in case of the death of the account holder, his minor child will also get an education benefit of Rs 4 lakh.
• If the contractual employee becomes a salary account holder in the bank, he will also get free accidental death insurance of Rs 15 lakh. In addition, zero balance accounts and unlimited ATM access are included.

5 rivers of Jharkhand to be developed under 'National Mission for Clean Ganga'

Why in News?

According to information received from media sources on 16 April 2023, 109 rivers across the country will be developed under the 'National Mission for Clean Ganga' program of the Central Government. In this, the rivers of five districts of Jharkhand will also be included.

Key Points

• For the implementation of the scheme, the Center has written a letter to the Jharkhand government seeking a management plan for the rivers located in five districts. All the five rivers selected should be situated in the urban area.
• The central government has selected five cities of Jharkhand in the first phase. In this, a management plan will be prepared for rivers located in Adityapur, Ranchi, Medininagar, Giridih and Dhanbad.
• The central government will provide financial assistance for the development of these rivers.
• The objective of the said scheme is to preserve the rivers of the city. This will protect the environment. Social and economic activities will also increase. After the list of rivers is made available by the Jharkhand government, a plan for their development will be prepared.
• This plan will be prepared jointly by the National Mission for Clean Ganga and the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA).

Kapilo Gram Panchayat got National Panchayat Award 2023

Why in News?

On 17 April 2023, President Smt. Draupadi Murmu presented the National Panchayat Award 2023 to Gram Panchayat Kapilo of Jharkhand at the National Conference on Promotion of Panchayats in New Delhi.

Key Points

• Gram Panchayat Kapilo of Birni block of Giridih district was awarded the Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Sustainable Development Award (NDSPSP) for overall performance under all 9 LSDG themes and special categories related to green initiatives.
• It is known that earlier also Kapilo Panchayat of Birni block was awarded Nanaji Deshmukh Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Sabha Award 2021 for excellent works.
• National Panchayat Awards were presented to the Panchayats selected in the following different categories-
  • Deendayal Upadhyaya Panchayat Sustainable Development Award (DDUPSP) for performance under individual LSDG themes
  • Nanaji Deshmukh Best Panchayat Sustainable Development Award (NDSPSVP) for overall performance under all 9 LSDG themes and specific categories related to green initiatives
  • Gram Urja Swaraj Special Panchayat Award
  • Carbon Neutral Special Panchayat Award.

Lac cultivation got the Status of Agriculture

Why in News?

On 17 April 2023, in the cabinet meeting chaired by Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, it was agreed to give agriculture status to lac cultivation in the state.

Key Points

• Cabinet Secretary Vandana Dadel said that about five lakh farmer families in 12 districts of the state including Khunti, Gumla, Singhbhum, Latehar, Garhwa, and Hazaribagh districts will be benefited by getting the agriculture status to Lah.
• Significantly, the state of Jharkhand ranks first in the country in the production of lacquer. Lac cultivation is done the most in Jharkhand because the farmers here have enough resources to cultivate lac, which helps them a lot in doing this farming. Apart from this, the weather of Jharkhand is also good for lac cultivation.
• According to statistics, 15-16 thousand tonnes of lac are produced in the state of Jharkhand every year. This farming is a great source of livelihood for most of the people here. The farmers associated with lac cultivation get 25 percent of their total income from lac only.
• It is known that lac or lacquer is a natural resin, which is why it is called 'Nature's Boon'. Lac insects are very subtle and provide us with financial help by producing lac from their body. Lac in scientific language is called 'Lacifer Lakha'.

Inauguration of the newly constructed Co-generation Power Plant of Keerta Sugar Factory

Why in News?

On 15 April 2023, Chhattisgarh's Cooperative Minister Dr. Premsai Singh Tekam formally inaugurated the power generation work of the co-generation power plant at Maa Mahamaya Sugar Factory, Kerta by pressing the start button.

Key Points

• With the launch of the co-generation plant, a big achievement has been added to the name of Maa Mahamaya Sugar Factory, Keerta. The production of 2 MW electricity in this plant will be sold through the co-generation plant, which will benefit the farmers as well as the factory.
• Maa Mahamaya Sugar Factory is estimated to earn an additional income of about one crore rupees every month from power generation.
• Minister Dr. Tekam said that both the factory and the farmer would be benefited from the commencement of this plant. Surplus electricity was not being used in the factory, keeping in mind that the government gave a grant of Rs 2 crore for the establishment of the power plant due to which the plant was established.
• Work is being done to set up an ethanol plant here. He suggested the factory management to visit and observe the rich sugar factories of Maharashtra & implement the management and technology of the factory there so that this sugar factory could be more beneficial for the farmers.
• Minister Dr. Tekam said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, the state government is continuously working in the interest of farmers along with the development of every section. The highest price is being given for sugarcane, paddy and tendu leaves in the state. At the same time, 65 types of forest produce and millet are also being procured at the support prices.
• Minister Dr. Tekam said that the state government is going to start an ethanol plant in the sugar factory of Kawardha in the month of January.
• He said that this year the recovery of the sugar factory here was 9 per cent, if the recovery of sugar is above 10 per cent, then the farmers will get its benefit.

Deendayal Upadhyay Panchayat Sustainable Development Award-2023 to 2 Panchayats of the state

Why in News?

On 17 April 2023, President Smt. Draupadi Murmu presented the Deendayal Upadhyaya Panchayat Sustainable Development Award 2023 to the 2-gram panchayats of Chhattisgarh at the National Conference on Promotion of Panchayats in New Delhi.

Key Points

• Gram Panchayat Sankra of Nagri development block of Dhamtari district and Gram Panchayat Nagam of Lundra development block of Surguja district have been honoured with the Deendayal Upadhyaya Panchayat Sustainable Development Award 2023 at the national level.
• Gram Panchayat Sankara has been given this award in the category of 'Healthy Panchayat' while Gram Panchayat Corporation has been given the award in the category of 'Poverty Free and Enhanced Livelihood Gram Panchayat'.
• It is known that under the Deendayal Upadhyaya Panchayat Sustainable Development Award (DDUPSVP), the most populous Gram Panchayat Sankra of District Panchayat Nagri has topped in Chhattisgarh for excellent work related to health in the Healthy Panchayat category.
• It is worth mentioning that Gram Panchayat Sankara has also been awarded the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Panchayat Empowerment Award earlier.
• National Panchayat Awards were presented to the Panchayats selected in the following different categories-
  • Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Panchayat Sustainable Development Award (DDUPSP) for performance under individual LSDG themes
  • Nanaji Deshmukh Best Panchayat Sustainable Development Award (NDSPSVP) for overall performance under all 9 LSDG themes and specific categories related to green initiatives
  • Gram Urja Swaraj Special Panchayat Award
  • Carbon Neutral Special Panchayat Award.

Satellite centres for Aromatic Crops will be set up in 5 Districts

Why in News?

On 17 April 2023, the Director of the Aromatic Plant Center, Selakui, Nripendra Singh Chauhan informed that satellite centres will be opened in five districts to promote the cultivation of aromatic crops in the state and provide technical information to the farmers.

Key Points

• In order to provide all the facilities to the farmers doing Aroma cultivation at their doorstep, a plan is being made by the Aroma Plant Center Selakui to open satellite centres in five districts. With this, along with the technical information about farming, seeds and plants will also be available at the satellite centre.
• With the opening of these centres, the farmers of hilly areas will not have to travel to Dehradun to get information about seeds, plants and aromatic cultivation.
• Till now the farmers had to come to Selakui for training in aromatic cultivation, seeds and saplings at the Aromatic Plant Center. Satellite centres will be set up to provide facilities to the farmers at the district level.
• Tejpat at Khateda in Champawat district, Timur at Bisad in Pithoragarh, Surai at Raithal in Uttarkashi, Parasari in Chamoli and Damask Gulab at Takula in Almora district will be opened.
• It is known that 21,000 farmers are cultivating aromatic crops in an area of about 8,000 hectares in the state. Wild animals, monkeys and lack of irrigation facilities are a big problem in front of the farmers of hilly areas. In view of the increasing demand in the market for oil and perfume prepared from aromatic plants, the government is encouraging farmers to cultivate aromas.
• It is worth mentioning that on 22 February 2023, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami had inaugurated the first centre of excellence dedicated entirely to aromatic crops at the Aromatic Plant Center, Selakui.