• 19 Nov 2022

GI Tag to Major Food Products of Uttar Pradesh Soon

Why In News?

• According to information received from the media on November 18, 2022, the State Department of Agricultural Marketing and Agricultural Foreign Trade has intensified preparations to provide GI tag to special dishes of Uttar Pradesh representing different districts.

Key Points

• Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary D.S Mishra made a presentation on the possibilities of agricultural products of the state on the topic 'Invaluable Fund of Incredible India' in the Geographical Indication Webinar on behalf of the Department of Agricultural Marketing and Agricultural Foreign Trade.
• After the spectacular success of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's ambitious One District One Product (ODOP) scheme, the state government aims to give wide recognition to local items, leading dishes of the state, such as 'Peda' of Mathura, 'Petha' of Agra, 'Sattu' of Kanpur and ' Will provide GI tags on 'Bukunu' and other dishes.
• Applications for GI tag for agricultural and processed products like 'Chausa Mango', 'Banarasi Paan' and 'Jaunpur Ki Imarti' from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh have already been submitted and the registration process is in the final stages.
• A total of 36 products from the state, including six related to agriculture, have been given the GI tag. At the same time, a total of 420 products of India are registered under the GI tag, out of which 128 products are related to agriculture.
• Currently six products from Uttar Pradesh registered with GI tag are Allahabadi Surkha Guava, Malihabadi Dussehri Mango, Gorakhpur-Basti and Devipatan Black Salt Rice, Western Uttar Pradesh Basmati Rice, Baghpat Rataul Mango and Mahoba's Desawar Paan.
• There are about 15 agricultural and processed products whose registration process for GI tagging is almost in the final stage. These include- Langda Mango of Varanasi, Kathia Wheat of Bundelkhand, Amla of Pratapgarh, Lal Peda of Varanasi, Red Stuffed Chilli of Varanasi, Gaurjit Mango of Uttar Pradesh, Chiraigaon Karonda of Varanasi, Chausa Mango of West Uttar Pradesh, Aadam of Purvanchal Chinese Rice, Banarasi Paan, Thandai of Varanasi, Imarti of Jaunpur, Jaggery of Muzaffarnagar, Tirangi Barfi of Varanasi and Bhanta of Ramnagar.
• Apart from this, the potential agricultural and processed products mentioned for GI tagging include Peda of Malwan, Peda of Mathura, Salt Khatai of Fatehpur Sikri, Petha of Agra, Chamcham Mithai of Aligarh, Sattu and Bukunu of Kanpur Nagar, Murabba of Pratapgarh, Rosogolla of Magalganj, Sandila laddoo and Balrampur's Tinni rice are included.
• Apart from this, Paniala fruit of Gorakhpur, groundnut, jaggery-sugar, Rose of Hathras, Jamun of Bithoor, Elephant Singar (Vegetable) of Farrukhabad, Yakuti mango of Barabanki, green chilies of Ambedkar Nagar, Maize of Gonda, Sawa kodon of Sonbhadra, Kataria wheat of Bulandshahr, Maize of Jaunpur, Arhar of Bundelkhand are also included.
• The list also includes products like Revadi from Lucknow, Safeda Mango, Groundnut from Sitapur, Sathi Chawal from Ballia, Desi Til from Saharanpur and Radish from Jaunpur. With the efforts of the government, soon these products will be proposed for GI tag nomination.
• The GI tag provides legal protection to an agricultural product found in a region. Unauthorized use of agricultural products can be curbed by GI tag, as it enhances the importance of agricultural products produced in a particular geographical area.
• The GI tag is considered as a trademark in the international market. It boosts exports as well as increases local incomes and it is easy to export and promote in India as well as the international market by identifying specific agricultural products.

School on the Lines of Simultala Residential School

Why In News?

• On November 18, 2022, Bihar Education Minister Prof. Chandrashekhar, while talking to reporters at the Secretariat at Vikas Bhawan in Patna, said that in order to improve the quality of education, schools will be opened on the lines of Simultala Residential School at every district headquarters level of the state.

Key Points

• Prof. Chandrasekhar said Simultala residential school is a better model of school education. This school has given many toppers and admission is given through entrance examination in this school.
• He said that 3.38 lakh posts of teachers are vacant in Bihar. However, there are not enough CTET / STET pass candidates to fill so many posts. Even after all this, the seventh phase of teacher planning will start soon and its preparation is in the final stages.
• He said that a concrete policy will be made for the transfer of teachers. Among the teachers, especially women, disabled and needy teachers, transfers have become necessary. The government will take serious steps in this direction.

World Antimicrobial Awareness Week from 18 to 24 November

Why In News?

• On November 18, 2022, Rajasthan Medical and Health Minister Parsadi Lal Meena inaugurated the World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (November 18 to 24) by flying balloons from his state residence in Jaipur and also released an awareness poster of antimicrobial resistance.

Key Points

• This program is being organized in collaboration with the Department of Medical and Health, Department of Medical Education and the development partner of this program, PATH.
• It is worth mentioning that World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week is being organized in the state from November 18 to 24 as a global campaign by the World Health Organization to create awareness about antimicrobial resistance among the general public. This year's theme has been set by WHO 'Preventive Antimicrobial Resistance Together'.
• On this occasion, Parsadi Lal Meena appealed to the people of the state to keep their surroundings clean and consume quality clean nutritious food to avoid any kind of infection. Under the 'Chief Minister Free Nirogi Rajasthan Yojana', all types of IPD and OPD services are available free of cost to the people of the state in all government medical institutions.
• He informed that during this week, various awareness programs will be organized across the state to make the general public aware about antimicrobial resistance. Quiz and oath programs will be organized at the district level along with the state level programs, so that people are aware of antimicrobial resistance.
• Antimicrobial resistance is a condition in which disease-causing microbes, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, become resistant to drugs. In common parlance, antimicrobial resistance is the acquisition of resistance by a microorganism (virus, bacteria, etc.) to a drug used to treat an infection. As a result, standard treatments are ineffective or less effective, and this can lead to the spread of disease and death. Due to less effectiveness of medicines, this infection remains in the body and the risk of spreading to others remains. Due to this the cost of treatment increases and there is a possibility of increase in mortality rate.
• The World Health Organization has identified antimicrobial resistance as one of the top 10 threats to global health. According to data from the Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System, resistance to important antimicrobials is increasing globally.
• In order to make Antimicrobial Resistance Free Rajasthan, special efforts are being made by the Rajasthan Government to strengthen health services by taking historic steps. A special awareness campaign will also be conducted on social media during this week.

Madhya Pradesh Day Celebration held at International Trade Fair

Why In News?

• On November 18, 2022, Madhya Pradesh Day celebrations were organized with cultural grandeur at the ongoing 41^st India International Trade Fair 2022 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The program was inaugurated by lighting the lamp by Small Industries Corporation President Imarti Devi, Secretary Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises P. Narhari, General Manager Small Industries Corporation Rohit Singh and Residential Commissioner Pankaj Raag.

Key Points

• Secretary P. Narhari said that Madhya Pradesh pavilion has been built on the theme 'Vocal for local and local to global' in this trade fair organized on the 75^th anniversary of independence.
• This pavilion invites visitors to participate in the Global Investors Summit and Pravasi Bharatiya Divas to be held in Indore in the near future. This pavilion provides an opportunity to observe the policies, achievements, cultural heritage, art and culture of the state including self-reliant Madhya Pradesh road map. A live demonstration of clay craft of Chhatarpur and Zari-zardozi art of Bhopal is also being done in the pavilion.
• Madhya Pradesh Day celebrations showcased the rich music and dance heritage of the state. In the cultural program, Bheru Singh Chauhan and group presented Kabir folk song of Malwa area and Sanjay Mahajan and group presented Gangaur folk dance of Nimar area.
• Awards for outstanding performance in government and private sector were also distributed at the function. Madhya Pradesh Mati Kala Board bagged the first prize and Madhya Pradesh Rural Livelihood Mission bagged the second prize.

Cyber City Gurugram will now have its own Metro Train

Why In News?

• At the 50^th meeting of the Board of Directors of Haryana Mass Rapid Transport Corporation Limited (HMRTC) held in Chandigarh on November 18, 2022, Haryana Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal informed that Gurugram, the cyber city of the state, will now have its own metro train.

Key Points

• The Chief Secretary said that for the metro train, the Public Investment Board (PIB) of the Central Government has approved 28.5 km long metro connectivity between HUDA City Center and Cyber City in Gurugram. It will cover the entire Gurugram city.
• The Chief Secretary said that this metro rail will provide efficient and environment-friendly transport system especially to the people living in Gurugram and its surrounding areas. This will greatly help students, women, working class and office going persons in and around Gurugram.
• He said that connectivity from Rezangla Chowk to Sector-21 Dwarka in Gurugram has already been approved by Chief Minister Manohar Lal and after that it is also being sent to the Government of India for approval.
• This metro rail will also provide seamless connectivity from Gurugram to Delhi's IGI Airport.
• It is worth mentioning that Gurugram metro has done its excellent performance in this financial year compared to last year in the direction of revenue. As compared to last year's income of Rs 3.84 crore, the income till October 2022 has been Rs 21.6 crore. Income from hire and non-fare revenue through commercial activities has also increased along with an increase in the number of passengers with an increased percentage of 230 percent in financial performance.
• He said that the number of passengers in this metro rail has increased from 8500 per day to 40,000 per day. With these efforts, for the first time, Rapid Rail Metro Gurugram, which was a loss-making institution, is going to come in 'operational profit'.
• Gurugram HMRTC is also undertaking an exercise to provide down charging and parking facilities in its metro station areas which will help in last mile connectivity. Efforts are being made to provide last mile connectivity from metro stations to increase the number of passengers and convenience of the public.

Best Inland State Award for Fisheries

Why In News?

• According to the information given by the Chhattisgarh Public Relations Department on November 18, 2022, Chhattisgarh has been selected for the Best Inland State Award in the field of fisheries in the country. The award will be given to Chhattisgarh on November 21 in the Union Territory of Daman.

Key Points

• According to information received from the Fisheries Department, this award is given by the National Fisheries Development Board on the occasion of World Fisheries Day.
• It is known that the fisheries industry in the state is based on fisheries, in which 'major carp' fish plays an important role. The state's 91,928 ponds (1.094 lakh hectares) are the mainstay of culture fisheries. 92 percent of its water area is under fisheries.
• In the year 2020-21, there was 5.77 lakh tonnes of fish production in the state, which was 1.39 lakh tonnes in the year 2007-08. From the year 2007-08 to 2020-21, a total increase of 315 percent was registered in fish production.
• Interest among farmers in fisheries has increased. While a small number of farmers took the help of the government to build ponds for fisheries in 2012-13, thousands of people have shown interest in it in the last few years.
• At present, 2.20 lakh people of the state are engaged in fisheries and 318 lakh man-days of employment is being created.
• In the state, 88,671 rural pond water area 1.094 hectare and 1,770 irrigation reservoir 0.826 lakh hectare water area, total 1.920 lakh hectare water area is available for fish farming in 2021-22. Out of the available water area till the year 2021-22, 1.812 lakh hectare water area, rural pond 1.011 lakh and irrigation reservoir 0.801 lakh hectare water area have been brought under fisheries.
• It is worth mentioning that the Fisheries Department is working to provide training to the rural people of the state by giving technical guidance to make them financially self-reliant. The fish also provides seeds. The schemes of the government are giving a new shape to the nature of the village today.

Uttarakhand Solar Energy Policy 2022

Why In News?

• On November 18, 2022, Uttarakhand's Energy Secretary R. Meenakshi Sundaram has sought suggestions while releasing the draft of Uttarakhand Solar Energy Policy-2022.

Key Points

• R. Meenakshi Sundaram informed that the state has a potential of up to 2000 MW in the field of solar energy. In this, a capacity of 600 MW has been estimated for large projects, 250 MW for residential projects, 750 MW for commercial and industrial projects, 350 MW for institutions and 50 MW for agriculture.
• In the Uttarakhand Solar Policy-2022, provision has been made that UPCL will prepare a green tariff proposal for solar energy, which will be sent to the Regulatory Commission. The regulatory commission may give an option to the consumers to opt for green tariff. Apart from this, feed-in tariff can encourage solar energy providers in the grid during peak hours. Virtual Net Metering (VNM) and Group Net Metering (GNM) can be used for easy access and monitoring.
• The responsibilities of UREDA have also been increased in the new policy. Under this, UREDA will have to set up a solar policy cell, under which solar projects will be passed through a single window. A fee of Rs 10,000 per MW will be payable for its application.
• UREDA will also have to make a land bank. A list of all government lands and buildings will have to be made where solar power projects can be set up. Similarly, such private lands will also have to be marked on which a private person can set up his project on lease.
• There will be 100 percent exemption in stamp duty on lease deed of land or purchase of land. 100 percent exemption will be given on the fee for change of land use for setting up a solar plant on private agricultural land. Court fees will be completely waived in the papers of registration or lease. 50 percent discount will be given in the lease price to the persons who set up solar powered EV charging stations on government land.
• Employment of local youth has also been guaranteed in the new policy. It has been told that whoever will set up his solar project by taking government land on lease, he will have to give employment to 70 percent of the local youth. UREDA will issue this condition in its tender.
• State Level Screening and Empowered Committee (SLSC) will be constituted under the chairmanship of Energy Secretary for allotment of solar power plants up to 25 MW. State Level Energy Committee (SLEC) will be constituted under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary to remove the problems arising out of the approval of the project, to make any kind of amendment in the policy. It will have eight members including the Energy Secretary. Uttarakhand Solar Power Land Allotment Committee (USPLAC) will also be formed under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary to take decisions on land related matters. It will have four members including the Energy Secretary.

Poultry Valley Scheme

Why In News?

• On November 18, 2022, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Secretary of Uttarakhand, Dr. BVRC Purushottam told in a meeting of project directors held in Dehradun that the state government is going to start Poultry Valley scheme in the state after Goat Valley to promote animal husbandry business.

Key Points

• Dr. BVRC Purushottam said that a year ago, a pilot project in the state was made in Chakrata as a pilot project, in which poultry valleys will now be made in other districts if it is successful.
• He said that Aanchal Cafes would be opened in all the districts of the state through the Milk Development Department. Where milk and other products can be found at one place. Aanchal Cafe and Poultry Valley will be launched on 25 November. For this, instructions were given to the officers to complete the preparations.
• He said that 41 places have been selected for Anchal Cafe. Apart from milk, products made of shake, ice cream, pizza, milk will be available in Aanchal Cafe. The cafe will provide employment to local people. At the same time, the income of farmers will also increase.
• Project Director Dairy Jaideep Arora informed that Aanchal Cafe has been prepared in MDDA Complex at Ghantaghar in Dehradun.