• 18 Dec 2023

Haryana got 2nd prize in the country in energy efficiency index

Why in News?

On 14 December 2023, New and Renewable Energy Department of Haryana received the second award in the Best Performing State Designated Agency Category (Group-1) in Energy Efficiency Index.

Key Points:

• The award was presented to Haryana Energy Minister Chaudhary Ranjit Singh by President Draupadi Murmu at the 33rd National Energy Conservation Award 2023 ceremony held in New Delhi.
• Haryana's score in the State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) for the year 2021-22 was 55 whereas with the collaborative efforts of DNRE/HREDA and other stakeholder departments of Haryana, it has achieved a score of 72 in SEEI 2023.
• The installed capacity of renewable energy in the state is 1534 MW and overall more than 24 percent electricity is being used from renewable energy.
• It may be noted that the scheme of National Energy Conservation Awards was started in the year 1991 by the Ministry of Energy, Government of India to honour industries and establishments for special efforts in reducing energy consumption.
• Under this award, these awards are issued under specific sectors/categories like industries, transport, buildings, institutions and equipment. There are around 65 indicators from these areas which assess the state's performance on a 100 point scale.
• The award under the Institution category of the award is given to the State Designated Agency (SDA) of the country for their active cooperation in policy, implementation and coordination with stakeholders.
• There are 4 groups under the SDA category: Group 1 contains states with consumption above 15 million tonnes oil equivalent MTOE, Group 2 contains states with consumption above 5-15 MTOE, Group 3 contains states with consumption above 1-5 MTOE and Group 4 contains states with consumption less than 1 MTOE.
• Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is the central nodal agency for implementation of the Energy Conservation Act 2001. Whereas New Renewable Energy Department is Haryana State Designated Agency (SDA).

Revised transfer policy announced for Haryana Group-D employees

Why in News?

On December 14, 2023, Haryana Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal informed that the state government has amended its transfer policy for Group-D employees covered under the Haryana Group-D Employees Act, 2018 (Common Cadre).

Key Points:

• The objective of this revised policy is to address the concerns of Group-D employees and promote a more transparent and efficient transfer process within the Common Cadre.
• Under this revised policy, each employee will have to identify the unwanted posts (to exclude them from their possible allotment) and give priority to the preferred districts for transfer through the specified portal.
• Under this revised policy, only Group-D employees are appointed on a regular basis on the posts listed in serial no. 1 of the First Schedule (except Safai Karmachari, Chowkidar and Safai Karmachari-cum-Chowkidar posts in Haryana Government departments) are eligible.
• Under this revised policy, it is mandatory to link Aadhaar or PPP with HRMS for participation in the transfer campaign.
• Under this revised policy, only 80 percent of the total vacant posts in HRMS will be considered. The remaining 20 percent will be unavailable and will be calculated department-wise & post-wise.

Target to implement the New Education Policy-2020 in the entire State by 2025

Why in News?

On December 14, 2023, Haryana's Higher Education Minister Moolchand Sharma said that the target is to implement the New Education Policy-2020 in the entire state by the year 2025.

Key Points:

• Higher Education Minister Moolchand Sharma said that the implementation of the New Education Policy-2020 in the state was started from August 30, 2021.
• Higher Education Minister Moolchand Sharma said that by the year 2030, the gross enrollment ratio of girls in higher education has to be more than 50 percent.
• At present the gross enrollment ratio of girls in Haryana is 32 percent.
• Higher Education Minister Moolchand Sharma said that the inclusion of areas like Artificial Intelligence, 3D machines, data-analysis, biotechnology etc. in graduate education will produce skilled professionals in cutting-edge fields and will increase the employability of the youth.
• Let it be known that the National Education Policy-2020 is an inclusive & inspiring policy, whose objective is to reform and transform the education system in India.

Mandatory to install the Device in Commercial Vehicles

Why in News?

According to the information received from the media on December 17, 2023, it has now become mandatory to install vehicle location tracking devices in every commercial vehicle in Bihar.

Key Points:

• According to the Transport Department, it has been made mandatory to install vehicle location tracking devices and emergency buttons in public transport vehicles in the state for the safety of women & passengers.This is a device which will help in knowing where the vehicle is. With this, accurate information about the location of each vehicle will be available in the control room of the transport department.
• If this device is not installed, the vehicles will not be given a fitness certificate by the transport department. Besides, a fine of Rs 5,000 will also be taken from the owner of that vehicle.
• At present, it is being installed rapidly in Patna, Gaya, Darbhanga, Bhagalpur and Muzaffarpur because the number of public transport is more in these cities.

CM inaugurated Ganga water Supply Scheme in Nawada

Why in News?

On December 15, 2023, the Ganga Water Supply Scheme was inaugurated by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in Paura village of Kadirganj in Nawada district.

Key Points:

• The 36 million litre clear water pump house was inaugurated by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
• Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also started providing pure drinking water from Ganga water to every house in Nawada.
• During this program, a short film based on the Ganga Water Supply Scheme was presented before the Chief Minister.
• A Master Underground Reservoir (MUGR) has been constructed under the Ganga Water Supply Scheme. Water will be sent directly from this reservoir to four sump houses of Budco. After this, water will be sent from the sump house to 4 water tanks through pumps. The capacity of each water tank is approximately four and a half lakh litres.
• Under the Ganga Water Supply Scheme, Ganga water will be supplied to every person at the rate of 135 litres (8-9 buckets) per day.
• With the launch of Ganga Water Supply Scheme, drinking water will be supplied to the people of Nawada city as well as to hotels, dharamshalas, educational institutions etc.
• Along with this, a separate electrical substation has also been constructed near the water purification plant located at Paura for power supply.

PM inaugurates Kashi Tamil Sangamam 2023 in Varanasi

Why In News?

Kashi Tamil Sangamam 2023 was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 17 December 2023 in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

Key Points:

• Kasi Tamil Sangamam aims to reaffirm and rediscover the age-old relationship between Tamil Nadu and Kasi, two of the most important and ancient seats of learning in the country.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the Kanyakumari-Varanasi Tamil Sangam train.
• Multilingual and Braille translations of Thirukkural, Manimekalai and other classic Tamil literature were also released on the occasion.
• Under the Vidya Shakti initiative of IIT, Chennai, online assistance is being provided to thousands of students of Varanasi in Science and Mathematics.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Kashi Tamil Sangamam takes forward the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat'.

CM Dr. Mohan Yadav inaugurated Kuno Forest Festival

Why In News?

On December 17, 2023, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav inaugurated the first edition of the Kuno Forest Festival at the Kuno Forest Retreat (tent city) constructed in village Ranipura in Sheopur district.

Key Points:

• The first edition of Kuno Forest Festival is being organised by Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board from December 17 to December 21.
• This festival, being organised in a tent city equipped with state-of-the-art facilities near Kuno National Park, will boost the tourism potential in the area.
• Tourists will be able to enjoy luxury glamping at Kuno Forest Retreat (Tent City). Also, tourists will be able to thrill themselves with activities like hot air ballooning, paramotoring, jungle safari.
• Being organised by Iyak Ventures Private Limited and Lalluji & Sons in collaboration with Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, this festival will provide a unique experience of exciting activities along with cultural programs. There will also be various activities and workshops to promote local art and culture.
• This festival will be a combination of adventure, entertainment and culture. Jungle safari will also give you a chance to see the rich wildlife wealth of the area. The cultural heritage of Madhya Pradesh will also be promoted along with traditional art, cultural events and delicious dishes.
• In this festival which will last for 5 days, many activities including various types of adventure sports, art, craft, music, village tour, and food will be organised. A tent city has been prepared for the tourists, in which 50 Swiss tents with all facilities have been installed.
• Tourists will be able to enjoy the experience of parasailing, hot air ballooning, paragliding, stargazing with a silent DJ on site, jungle safari, Dev Khoh tour and night walk.

Country's first Himalayan Air Safari started from Uttarakhand

Why In News?

On December 16, 2023, the country's first Himalayan Air Safari was launched from Uttarakhand. Uttarakhand has become the first state in the country to start Gyrocopter Adventure.

Key Points:

• It may be noted that a successful trial of the flight of Gyrocopter was conducted at Bairagi Camp in Haridwar, in which DM Haridwar Dheeraj Singh Garbyal flew.
• This is a unique initiative to promote adventure tourism in the state. The Tourism Department has received DGCA approval for air safari through gyrocopter.
• Uttarakhand Tourism Development Council in collaboration with Rajas Aero Sports and Adventures Pvt. Ltd. will start air safari through Gyrocopter in the state. With a single seat aerocopter, tourists can enjoy the thrill in the air and also admire the Himalayas and natural beauty from close.
• Additional Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Development Council, Ashwini Pundir said that tourists will be able to easily reach the untouched tourist places of the state with the help of Gyrocopter. You can also enjoy the aerial view of the Himalayas, mountain ranges and rivers.
• Single seater aerocopter has been purchased from Germany. This will promote adventure tourism. A Gyrocopter trial was conducted in Haridwar on Saturday.

Formation of SIT and Anti Gangster Task Force

Why In News?

According to information received from the media on December 17, 2023, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has formed a Special Investigation Team and Anti-Gangster Task Force.

Key Points:

• Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma said that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to prevent and speed up investigation of paper leaks in various examinations in the state.
• The SIT has been formed under the leadership of Additional Director General of Police (Technical Services) VK Singh.
• Along with this, Anti Gangster Task Force has been formed for effective control on organised crimes in the state and strict action against criminals.
• A special task force, Anti Gangster Task Force, has been formed at the state level under the leadership of Additional Director General of Police (Crime) Dinesh MN.
• This team will collect human & technical intelligence to identify the gangs committing organised crimes & will prepare their database to ensure effective legal action and will work to ensure strict punishment to the gangsters by effectively monitoring the cases pending in various courts.
• This investigation team includes 50 people including 1 ADG, 1 each IG/DIG/SP, 4 Additional SPs, 8 DSPs, 10 Inspectors/SI, 10 ASI/Head Constable and 15 Constables & Constable Computer Operators.