• 18 May 2023

'Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation Institute'

Why in News?

On May 17, 2023, at a high-level meeting, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath gave necessary directions to set up a new institute called Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation Institute in the state to promote research and research in the pharmaceutical sector.

Key Points

• Uttar Pradesh is the sixth largest state in the country in terms of number of pharma manufacturing units. Similarly, the state's contribution to pharma manufacturing in the country is 2 percent, which needs to be increased to 10-12 per cent.
• He said that state-of-the-art research institutes like IITR, CDRI, CIMAP and NBRI are functional in the state, while there are also academic institutes like SGPGI, KGMU. With planned efforts, Lucknow has emerged as a biopharma hub in the last few years.
• AKTU and other technical educational institutions are capable of providing human resources for the pharmaceutical sector. The construction of a pharma park in the state is underway and a medical device park will also be constructed.
• He said that there is a need to focus on all three areas of quality education, research labs and industry to encourage the pharmaceutical industry. In such a situation, the Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation Institute should be set up. The Institute will primarily focus on research and innovation, as well as work as a bridge between other sector-related institutions and industry.
• He directed the officials to prepare a detailed action plan on the nature of the Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation Institute and identify suitable land in the capital Lucknow.

Country's First Night Safari to be Developed in Lucknow

Why in News?

According to information received from the media on May 17, 2023, the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has issued a permit for setting up the country's first night safari and a new zoo on the lines of Singapore in the Kukrail forests of Uttar Pradesh's capital Lucknow.

Key Points

• It is worth mentioning that in August last year, the cabinet had given green signal to the proposal to make night safari in Kukrail and also to shift the capital's zoo there. Since then the Forest Department has been engaged in obtaining all kinds of NOCs and completing the formalities for their establishment.
• It is noteworthy that the forests of Kukrail are spread over 2027.46 hectares. The country's first night safari will be set up here in 350 acres. Zoological garden will be built on 150 acres. For this, 1000 acres of land has been identified in such a way that there will be no harm to the original nature of the forest area.
• Both the projects will cost around Rs 1500 crore. After getting the permission letter from the CZA, now the Forest Department will take the services of an international level consultant to prepare the Detailed Report (DPR) of the projects.
• Proposals will also be sought from open tender for appointment of consultant. These works will be done in Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode. That is, the firm which will take the contract for the establishment of night safari and zoo, will have to do all the work on its own on the set standards. Global tenders will be invited for this, because no expert agency is currently present in the country for this work.

'The Golden Globe Tiger Awards' to Rajasthan Housing Board

Why in News?

On 16 May 2023, The jury of the World HRD Council selected two projects of the Rajasthan Housing Board as 'Best Environment-Friendly Projects' and 'Best Innovative Project of the Year' at an event held at Poolman Kuala Lumpur City Center Hotel & Residences in Malaysia. While doing so, the Board has been honoured with 'The Golden Globe Awards for Excellence and Leadership'.

Key Points:

• Housing Commissioner Pawan Arora himself could not attend the felicitation ceremony due to administrative busyness, so the award was received by Chief Engineer Pratham KC Meena, Additional Chief Engineers Sanjay Poonia and Amit Agarwal.
• The World HRD Congress has selected City Park at Mansarovar in the category of 'Best Environment-Friendly Projects' and Coaching Hub at Pratap Nagar in the category of 'Excellence in Innovation'.
• It is worth mentioning that in the last four years under the leadership of Rajasthan Housing Board Commissioner Pawan Arora, the board has received a total of 17 awards. These include the World Book of Records in house sales, Scotch Award-2021, Award of Excellence, Honor by National Real Estate Development Council, National Housing Award, I.B.C. and prestigious awards like 'Star of Governance-Gold Award' and 'Real Estate Conclave' by NAREDCO.

Honorarium of Part-Time Priests Hiked

Why in News?

On 16 May 2023, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has approved the proposal to increase the honorarium of part-time priests of State Direct Charge Temples.

Key Points:

• The Chief Minister has also approved the proposal to increase the honorarium of the part-time priests of the State Direct Charge Temples under the Devasthan Department. With this, the honorarium of priests will increase from Rs.3000 per month to Rs.5000 per month.
• With this decision of the Chief Minister, the priests will get financial support.
• Along with this, a financial provision of Rs 5.93 crore has also been approved for the work related to decoration, painting, repair and upgradation in 593 temples under the Devasthan Department.
• It is worth mentioning that the honorarium of part-time priests of self-sufficient temples has already been increased from Rs.3000 to Rs.5000.
• According to the proposal, Rs 5.93 crore (up to Rs 1 lakh per temple) has been sanctioned for 390 government direct charge temples and 203 government self-sufficient temples. With the said approval, various upgradation works will be done in the temples.
• In view of the faith of the people of the state, the state government is getting the temples decorated, painted and repaired to strengthen them.
• In the budget for the year 2023-24, an announcement was made by the Chief Minister regarding the increase in the honorarium of the priests and the repair and upgradation work of the temples.

Salim Durrani Residential Sports Schools

Why in News?

On May 17, 2023, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot approved a financial proposal to set up Salim Durrani Residential Sports Schools in each division of the state to create an environment of sports in the state and encourage players.

Key Points

• As per the proposal, Salim Durrani residential sports schools will be set up in Bikaner, Kota, Ajmer, Udaipur and Bharatpur divisions of the state for which financial sanction of Rs 69.20 crore has been granted.
• This decision of the Chief Minister will enable players to get suitable playwrights and sports facilities at the division level.
• Notably, the Chief Minister announced the opening of sports schools in each division in the budget year 2023-24 Approval has already been granted to start residential sports schools in Jaipur and Jodhpur divisions of the state.

Madhya Pradesh bags

Why in News?

Madhya Pradesh has been selected by the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti for the first place in the best state category in the National Water Award, 2022, for its excellent work in management conservation and augmentation of water resources.

Key Points

• It may be noted that under the 4th National Water Awards, awards will be given to States, Organizations, individuals etc. in 11 different categories by the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti.
• These categories include- Best State, Best District, Best Gram Panchayat, Best Urban Local Body, Best Media (Print & Electronic), Best School, Best Institution for Campus Use in the category of RWA/Religious/Higher Educational Institution, Best Industry, Best NGO, Best Water User Association and Best Industry for CSR activity being awarded.
• The award winners in various categories will be presented with citations, trophies and cash prizes. The cash prize is Rs 2 lakh, Rs 1.5 lakh and Rs 1 lakh for the first, second and third positions respectively.
• Various components in the best state category – achievements of Jal Jeevan Mission and Jal Shakti Abhiyan, efforts for conservation and promotion of water resources, water policy, use of micro irrigation technology in place of traditional methods of irrigation, implementation of new micro irrigation projects, efforts and achievements in the areas of efficiency of water use, restoration of water structures, treatment and reuse of sewage and industrial waste water, etc. are evaluated.
• National Water Awards (NWAs) are given to identify and encourage exemplary work and efforts made by the States, Districts, individuals, organizations, etc. throughout the country in fulfilling the vision of Jal Samruddha Bharat of the Government.
• The objective is to make people aware of the importance of water and motivate them to adopt best water use practices.
• The objective of the National Water Awards is to encourage stakeholders to adopt a holistic approach towards water resource management in the country as surface water and groundwater play an important role in the water cycle.
• To fulfill these objectives, the department introduced the first edition of National Water Awards in 2018. The prize distribution ceremony was held on February 25, 2019 at New Delhi and 82 winners were awarded under 14 categories.
• The 2nd National Water Awards 2019 was held in which the Vice President of India felicitated 98 winners in 16 categories on November 11-12, 2020.
• The 3rd National Water Awards was held on March 29, 2022, wherein the then President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, honored 57 winners in 11 categories. In the third National Water Awards, Uttar Pradesh got the first prize in the 'Best State' category for the best performance towards water conservation.

Exchange of Agreement between Rohtak and Gaur Brahaman Vidya Pracharini Sabha

Why in News?

On 16th May, 2023 in the presence of Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, MoU was signed between Municipal Corporation Rohtak and Gaur Brahaman Vidya Pracharini Sabha for allotment of 15.37 acres of land of Municipal Corporation Rohtak to Goud Brahmani Pracharini Sabha for 33 years at the rate of Rs. 2 lakh per annum and documents were exchanged.

Key Points

• This long standing demand of Gaur Brahaman Vidya Pracharini Sabha has been fulfilled, by which this land will be used for expansion of the existing educational institution.
• The ex-officio secretary of the Sabha, Dr. Jaipal Sharma said that the Sabha is running more than 100 educational institutions and providing education to all sections of the society. Presently one graduate college, 1 B.A. college and 1 school are being run by the institution. Around 3700 students are studying in these institutes.
• It is known that the Pahrawar land was given on lease to Gaur Brahaman Vidya Pracharini Sabha in the year 2008, but after that Rohtak Municipal Corporation was formed and this land came under the Corporation. Lease amount was also not paid. Meanwhile the Haryana Urban Development Authority acquired the land, the dispute escalated and the HSVP released the land.
• Recently, in the Bhagwan Parshuram Mahakumbh organized in Karnal, it was announced to give this land afresh to Gaur Brahaman Vidya Pracharini Sabha. After approving the proposal in the cabinet meeting, the acceptance letter and lease documents have now been handed over to the assembly.
• The Sabha will use this land to build an educational institution. The lease has been given for 5 years. If the institute is not constructed even in 5 years, then another 5 years will be given.
• It is notable that many announcements were made during Lord Parshuram Mahakumbh, most of which have been fulfilled. These include issuing a special commemorative postage stamp in the name of Lord Parshuram, renaming the under-construction medical college in Kaithal after Lord Parshuram and declaring Parshuram Jayanti as a gazetted holiday.
• Apart from this, the work of setting up of Pujari-Purohit Welfare Board is in the pipeline, which will be completed soon.

Haryana Forest Department to Plant 3 Lakh 78 Thousand 250 Saplings

Why in News?

As per information provided by a spokesperson of Haryana Forest Department on 16th May 2023, 3,78,250 saplings of 90 varieties will be planted after the first monsoon rains in the state.

Key Points

• The plantation will mainly include medicinal plants, fruit plants, shade givers and wood bearing plants.
• The spokesman said that plantation would be done after the onset of monsoon in panchayati land, main road, school, college, crematorium, playground, government educational institution etc. Under plantation, 75 thousand saplings, 1 lakh and 75 thousand saplings under Jal Shakti will be given free of cost.
• In this work, along with public representatives, cooperation of various non-governmental organizations and schools will also be taken.
• It is known that tree plantation is necessary to improve the environment. Plants purify the air, conserve water, help with climate control, and preserve the soil and benefit the environment in many other ways.
• Plants provide life-giving oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide released by animals. They provide fruits, timber, fibre, rubber etc and much more. Trees also filter particles from the air, thus making it clean and free of toxic substances.

Mukhyamantri Gram Gadi Yojana

Why in News?

According to the information received from the media on 16 May 2023, 'Mukhyamantri Gramin Gaadi Yojana' is going to be launched in Jharkhand with the aim of providing accessible transport to people in remote and inaccessible rural areas.

Key Points:

• Under this scheme, the government will run vehicles in such areas where people have to go to the block or district headquarters, then at least 25 km to catch the vehicle. The distance has to be covered on foot.
• It is known that people from remote areas in the state leave their homes early in the morning to reach the rural block or district headquarters. After travelling 20-25 km on foot, they reach the main road and then they get a vehicle.
• It is often late at night to return home after completing work at the block or district headquarters. In such a situation, to save their time and expenses, the state government is considering starting the 'Mukhya Mantri Gramin Gadi Yojana'. For this, talks are going on with the vehicle owners in all the districts.
• All the district transport officers have held the first round of meetings with the vehicle owners. The vehicle owners have been informed about the 'Chief Minister Rural Vehicle Scheme'. At the same time, vehicle owners have also informed the department about their concerns and problems.
• The department has assured that special permits will be given for the routes on which vehicles are to be driven and the interest of the vehicle owners will also be looked into.
• It may be noted that in the cabinet meeting recently, the state government passed a proposal to run vehicles in remote rural areas of the state. The Transport Ministry has also identified the areas where the vehicle is to be operated in collaboration with the District DTOs.
• It is known that most of the area in Jharkhand is forest. There are remote mountain villages. It is very difficult to reach there. People have to walk many kilometers to catch a vehicle. Especially for women, it is also very dangerous from the point of view of security.

Government to Take Back Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium

Why in News?

On May 16, 2023, Uttarakhand's Sports Minister Rekha Arya said that after giving the state's first Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium on lease for 30 years, the government will now take it back. The department has got in-principle consent from the government for this.

Key Points

• According to department officials, the company did not fulfil the prescribed service conditions. This is the reason why the stadium is being taken back.
• According to Jitendra Sonkar, director of the sports department, this stadium was constructed in the year 2016-17 at a cost of about Rs 253 crore. It is the first international stadium in the state, which was leased to the Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services Company with certain conditions.
• It is known that this company is the country's leading infrastructure development and finance company. The public sector company has 40 subsidiaries, but after taking the International Stadium on the lease, the company went bankrupt and did not fulfil the service conditions.
• An account was to be opened on behalf of the company, in which the amount deposited could not be withdrawn without consent, but the account was not opened. The company was given 2.8 acres of land in the stadium complex for the development of sports infrastructure, but it was also not completed. Apart from this, an ice skating rink was to be operated at Maharana Pratap Sports College, but it was also not started.
• This stadium built at a cost of crores was not being used properly due to non-fulfilment of the service conditions for this stadium given on seven and a half percent gross revenue. This is the reason that in the meeting chaired by the Chief Minister, approval has been given to take back the stadium and bring its proposal to the cabinet.
• It is noteworthy that the Afghanistan Cricket Board adopted the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Dehradun as the home ground in the year 2018. During that time many T20 International matches took place here. Apart from this, the Cricket Association of Uttarakhand had also chosen the stadium as the home ground.
• After taking back the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, it will be given in PPP mode. The transaction with the concerned company will be brought into the cabinet.

Painting Made of Cow Dung Paint Recorded in Limca Book of World Records

Why in News?

According to the information given by the Public Relations Department of Chhattisgarh on May 16, 2023, the cow dung painting made by the students of Eco Club has been registered in the 'Limca Book of World Record' in the competition organized by the Chhattisgarh Environment Protection Board on World Earth Day in Chhattisgarh.

Key Points:

• A painting of 3600 square feet was made in one hour by the students of Eco Club with cow dung paint, which has been recorded in the 'Limca Book of World Records’ as the 'Largest painting made of cow dung paint'.
• Significantly, on the occasion of World Earth Day, April 22, 2023, the students of Eco Club made this painting in one hour under the Life campaign on the theme 'Invest in Our Planet'.
• This painting was made by more than 100 children in a mall in the capital Raipur.
• A 2-day awareness campaign on environmental protection and pollution control was also conducted by the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board.