• 20 Jun 2023

Testing labs to be built in Agricultural Universities

Why in News?

• On June 19, 2023, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in a meeting of the Board of Directors of the State Agricultural Produce Market Council held in Lucknow, directed to set up testing labs in the state's agricultural universities, in which organic and natural products will be verified.

Key Points:

• The Chief Minister said that the Tissue Culture laboratory should be established in Acharya Narendra Dev University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj (Ayodhya). This laboratory should be established in a large campus of at least 3 hectares. Funds for this will be arranged by the Mandi Council.
• He said that agriculture & technology university, Banda, Aligarh Muslim University, Rani Laxmibai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi and 37 other colleges will also be included in the 'Chief Minister Farmer Scholarship Scheme'.
• Outlets of organic and natural products in the state are currently established at the divisional headquarters. These need to be extended to the district headquarters. Outlets should also be opened in mandi committees and organic & natural markets should be set up.
• Lab testing is necessary for the verification, and branding of organic/natural products of the farmers of the state. Although laboratories are operated by the Food Safety and Drug Administration in Lucknow, Meerut, Banaras and Jhansi, there are no labs in the agricultural universities of the state. In such a situation, testing labs will be set up in all 44 agricultural universities of the state by the Mandi Council.
• The Chief Minister said that new haat penetration and farmer mandis should be constructed according to regional needs and track traders should be accommodated here. The construction work of hostels in agricultural universities with the help of Mandi Council will be inspected by the Agriculture Minister.

Ravi Sinha of Bihar became the New Chief of RAW

Why in News?

According to information received from the media on June 19, 2023, the senior IPS officer from Bhojpur in Bihar and serving as Special Secretary in the Cabinet Secretariat has been appointed as the New Chief of India's intelligence agency 'RAW'.

Key Points:

• It is known that Ravi Sinha studied at St. Stephen's College in Delhi and passed the UPSC examination in 1988. He started serving as an officer of Madhya Pradesh under UPSC and got Chhattisgarh cadre when a separate state was formed in the year 2000.
• 59-year-old Ravi Sinha, popularly known as 'Operation Man', has been associated with this prestigious intelligence agency for a long time. He is currently the 'Second in Command' at RAW. Prior to his promotion, he was heading the operational division of RAW. He is credited with adopting modern technology in gathering reports and information.
• Ravi Sinha is known in the entire espionage community for his professional competence. He has worked in many areas. It is believed that in his new role, he will enter the field with a wealth of experience and knowledge.
• Ravi Sinha is known for his good grasp on developments in Jammu & Kashmir, the Northeast and left-wing extremist regions as well as the neighborhood, where he has worked at different points over time, which enables him to integrate the technical & human intelligence dimensions together to address the challenges of the present times.
• Sinha's appointment comes at a time when Pakistan is going through a period of political and economic turmoil. Attempts are being made by some countries to fuel Sikh extremism and to promote violence in the Northeast.
• It is known that RAW is responsible for gathering foreign intelligence. If developments in a country can have an impact on India, RAW keeps an eye on that. RAW also carries out intelligence operations for the national interest. RAW came into existence during the Indira Gandhi government.

Directorate of Handicrafts & Handlooms will open in Jodhpur

Why in News?

On June 19, 2023, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot approved a proposal to open a Directorate of Handicrafts & Handlooms in Jodhpur for the upliftment of artisans and weavers of the state.

Key Points:

• According to the proposal, the Commissioner of Industries & Commerce Department will be the ex-officio director of this Handicrafts and Handloom Directorate. A new post of Additional Director of Industries & Commerce will be created for the Directorate.
• The services of experts will be taken for the work of marketing, e-commerce and design experts of the directorate. Other officers and employees for the directorate will be posted from the Industries & Commerce Department.
• The main task of the Directorate of Handicrafts & Handlooms will be to develop the handicrafts and handloom sector of the state.
• This directorate will work for the upliftment of artisans and weavers of the state, which will result in creation of new employment opportunities in the state as well as increase in exports. Also, the Directorate will carry out various works as per the Handicrafts Policy-2022.
• It is worth mentioning that the Chief Minister had announced the opening of this directorate in Jodhpur at the inauguration ceremony of the Rajasthan International Expo on March 21, 2023.

Rs 13.48 Crore approved for promotion of Religious Tourism

Why in News?

On June 19, 2023, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot approved a financial proposal of Rs 13.48 crore to promote religious tourism at religious places of Nagaur, Jaisalmer and Alwar in the state.

Key Points:

• It is known that the state government is constantly working to promote religious tourism and to develop various facilities for travellers at such places. In Nagaur district, various tourism development works worth Rs 7.74 crore will be carried out at Butati, Ghateshwar Mahadev Temple, Harmal Das Ji Maharaj Temple and Dargah Hazrat Shamsuddin Saman Diwan Baba Badi Khatu.
• The Chief Minister has approved Rs 1.50 crore for the development works in the historical religious tourist spot Shri Kale Dungar Rai Temple complex in Jaisalmer.
• With this amount, various development works including marble tiles, solar power plant, new Dharamshala construction, repair of benches in the temple premises, CC road to reach the temple, upgradation of Jaisalmer-Jethwai-Kale Dungar road will be done in the temple premises.
• The Chief Minister has approved a financial proposal of Rs 4.24 crore for the development work of Mataji Temple at Bansur Fort and Ganga Mata Temple, Tal Vriksha in Alwar district.
• With the approved amount, the repair of stairs in Mataji Temple at Bansur Fort, construction of a new pathway in the fort, construction of steel railings, new halls, stone benches, installation of the solar power plant and various upgradation works in the temple premises will be done.
• Apart from this, various works including the construction of a new Dharamshala in Ganga Mata Temple, Tal Vriksha, solar light, parking in the temple premises, and construction of the boundary wall will be done.
• It is worth mentioning that the Chief Minister had made an announcement in this regard in the budget for the year 2023-24.

CM inaugurated the State Level MSME Summit in Bhopal

Why in News?

On June 19, 2023, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the one-day state-level MSME Summit by lighting a lamp at Hotel Amer Green Bhopal.

Key Points:

• The theme of the state-level MSME Summit was 'Arthik Vikas ke Shubh Sanyog- Madhya Pradesh ke Sukhsm, Laghu aur Madhyam Udyog'.
• The summit was organized by the Department of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises for the promotion of MSME units and employment generated by them in the state.
• More than 1500 participants from the state participated in the program, including entrepreneurs and industrialists, industry association officials, people associated with startups and students. All the districts of the state joined the program virtually.
• The objective of the summit is to promote entrepreneurial culture in the state, develop the spirit of innovation & highlight the contribution of MSMEs in the development of the state, as well as develop a holistic MSME ecosystem and build a self-reliant Madhya Pradesh.
• In the summit, the Chief Minister gave away state-level MSME awards for the year 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21 to the Micro, Small and Medium Industries of Madhya Pradesh for their best performance.
  • For adopting effective work culture and best practices, the first prize for the year 2018-19 was given to ITL Industries Limited Indore, the second prize was given to Shastri Surgical Industries Raisen and the third prize was given to Shakti Emporium Jhabua. Among the women entrepreneurs, Mamta Mahajan of Mantra Composite Indore was awarded.
  • For the year 2019-20, Nandini Medical Laboratories Indore was awarded the first prize, New Life Laboratories Mandideep Raisen was awarded the second prize and Safeflex International Dhar was given the third prize.
  • For the year 2020-21, Modern Laboratories Indore got the first prize, DICG International Mandideep Raisen got the second prize and Healthico Quality Products Dhar got the third prize.
  • Shikha Vishal Jaiswal and Niharika Ajay Jaiswal of Sai Machine Tools Indore and Mamta Sharma of Atharva Packaging Indore were awarded in the category of women entrepreneurs in the year 2020-21.
• The summit also witnessed the exchange of MoUs between the state government, reputed companies and institutions of the country.
  • MoUs have been signed with NSE India, Walmart, RXIL, Invoice Mart and ISECT.
  • With the execution of these MoUs, the MSMEs of the state will get opportunities to raise capital, facilitate the onboarding of MSMEs on the trade platform and all these institutions will work together with the state government in the overall development of MSMEs.

 

A Big project will be set up for Micro Irrigation in Morni area

Why in News?

On June 19, 2023, the High Powered Purchasing Committee (HPPC) meeting held in Chandigarh under the chairmanship of Haryana Chief Minister, Mr. Manohar Lal, approved the decision to set up a Major Micro-irrigation Project in the area with the objective of providing better irrigation facilities to the farmers of Morni area of Panchkula district of the state settled in the Shivalik mountain ranges.

Key Points:

• Apart from the micro irrigation project in the Morni area, procurement and contracts worth more than Rs 87 crore were approved in the meeting.
• The Chief Minister said that the implementation of a solar-powered integrated micro-irrigation project for Taparia, Kandiawala, Kaimbwala, Khairwali Parwala and Lashkariwala villages in Morni block would not only facilitate irrigation but also increase production in the region.
• After the success of this pilot project, such projects will also be set up at other places in the state.
• It was informed in the meeting that under the Integrated Micro Irrigation Project, an infiltration gallery will be created, from which clean water will be sent forward. Water will be transported to the storage tank through pipelines and wells, where a drip irrigation system will be installed for micro irrigation.
• The project, to be implemented at a cost of about Rs 20 crore, will benefit about 1280 acres of area under irrigation.
• The meeting also approved the project for the revival of the Indori River from village Bas Padamka to Siwari in the Gurugram district. It will cost about Rs 20 crore 80 lakh.
• Apart from this, another project of the irrigation department worth more than Rs 10 crore was approved. Under this, VR bridges will be reconstructed on Lakhan Majra Link Drain.
• The meeting also approved the construction of two intermediate pumping stations in Adampur as well as a project to set up a sewerage network system. It will cost about Rs 34.5 crore.

Ayush Minister launched the website of Haryana Yoga Commission

Why in News?

According to the information provided by the Directorate of Information, Public Relations and Languages of Haryana on June 19, 2023, the state AYUSH Minister Anil Vij launched the website of the Haryana Yoga Commission at the Haryana Civil Secretariat in Chandigarh.

Key Points:

• On this occasion, the AYUSH Minister said that the Haryana Yoga Commission has worked in the last few years to make the state a leading position in the field of yoga. Haryana is the only state in the whole of India, where yoga has been included in the curriculum of education and now in the coming days, the work of registration of yoga practitioners & naturopaths will also be done through the Haryana Yoga Commission.
• On this occasion, it was announced that the program of International Yoga Day will be organized by the state government and district administration at 145 places across Haryana.
• Apart from this, around 2000 other events are also being organized in the State by various institutions of Yoga, namely, Patanjali Yog Samiti in Haryana, Bharat Swabhiman, Yuva Bharat, Art of Living, Indian Institute of Yoga, Divya Yog Mandir, Brahmakumari family and Yoga Bharati along with several local bodies.
• It is worth mentioning that many competitions are also being organized at the state level to encourage the players of the Yogasan game. Children of all age groups are participating in Yogasana in the form of a game.

State level program of International Yoga Day to be organized in Panipat

Why in News?

On June 19, 2023, Haryana Home, Health and AYUSH Minister Anil Vij informed the meeting of all the District Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police of the State regarding International Yoga Day through video conferencing that the State level programme of International Yoga Day to be organized in Panipat district of the State.

Key Points:

• Apart from this, district level programs will be held in 21 districts of the state and Yoga Day programs will also be organized in 121 blocks.
• This year the theme of International Yoga Day is 'Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' and the tagline is 'Har Ghar-Aangan Yoga'.
• The AYUSH Minister said that according to the tagline of Yoga Day 'Har Ghar Aangan Yoga', the state government is also setting up yoga schools to take yoga to every village. Till now about 600 Yogashalas have been built.
• He instructed the Deputy Commissioners that for organizing the program of Yoga Day in a proper way, there should be an arrangement of uniforms, symbols, and yoga mats should also be there. Also, there should be a trained yoga assistant, who can perform yoga activities on the main stage and get other seekers to follow.
• Apart from this, the AYUSH Minister instructed the senior officers present in Chandigarh to send the minute-to-minute program to all the Deputy Commissioners. There should be a complete arrangement for display in the program organized at the district & block level because the address of the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister will be shown live.
• Yoga classes are going on in every city & block etc. of the state, so on the day of Yoga Day, all these yoga seekers gather at one place and practice yoga.
• Director General of Ayush Department Dr. Saket Kumar said that 5 to 6 thousand participants will participate in the state-level program, 3 to 4 thousand in the district-level program and more than 1 thousand participants in the block-level program.
• He said that this time the photo and video of Yoga Day can be uploaded through the 'Bhuvan Yoga' app.

5 CUJ students selected for Taiwan Scholarship & Huayu Enrichment Scholarship

Why in News?

According to information received from the media on June 19, 2023, Taiwan's Ministry of Education released the result of 'The Huayu Enrichment Scholarship' for the academic programs of the year 2023-2024, in which five Chinese language learning students of the Far East Languages Department of Jharkhand Central University, Ranchi have been selected for this scholarship.

Key Points:

• Under this scholarship all these students of Central University of Jharkhand will be enabled to enhance their language skills during their visit and stay in Taiwan.
• Student Prachi Goyal and student Rahul Kumar have been given scholarships for 6 months to go to Taiwan and enrich the language by staying there.
• It is known that recently Prachi Goyal and Rahul Kumar had demonstrated their Chinese language skills brilliantly in the 22nd Chinese Bridge Competition.
• Saurabh Kumar, Rinshu Kumar Singh and Ashutosh Kumar have been awarded a 3-month scholarship to develop their Chinese language skills while living in Taiwan. These students will study the native culture and language in depth.
• It is known that the Chinese language is considered the most difficult language in the world due to its pictographic script.
• At present, the Central University of Jharkhand has emerged as a major centre of Chinese language learning in Eastern India, from where students studying the Chinese language have received the highest number of scholarships as compared to other universities in India.
• Every year students from many parts of India come to this university to learn Chinese. The craze to learn Chinese is such that this year more than 3500 applicants applied for 31 seats.
• This department of the university has excellent faculty as well as an excellent Chinese language laboratory and audio-visual laboratory facility, which greatly helps Chinese language learners.
• Chinese language expert and CUJ teacher Sushant Kumar said that today the Chinese language is in great demand in the market. In terms of employment, it has more employment than other languages. That's why the demand for this language is increasing day by day.

'Mukhyamantri Mitan Yojana' to be implemented in all 44 Municipalities

Why in News?

On June 19, 2023, Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh Bhupesh Baghel, keeping in mind the convenience of common citizens, has decided to implement the popular 'Mukhyamantri Mitan Yojana' in all 44 municipalities of the state, to get certificates and necessary government documents done at home.

Key Points:

• 'Mukhyamantri Mitan Yojana' is currently operational in 14 municipal corporations of the state. The popularity of this scheme can be gauged from the fact that so far 96,258 citizens have taken advantage of this scheme implemented from May 01, 2022.
• Since the implementation of this scheme on the initiative of the Chief Minister, there is no need for the citizens to visit Municipal Corporations, Tehsil and other government offices to get necessary certificates & official documents.
• Under this scheme, so far 96 thousand 258 citizens have been provided government documents of their requirements sitting at home. To take advantage of this scheme, so far 01 lakh 13 thousand 234 citizens have called on toll-free number 14545 to get government documents made.
• With the implementation of the scheme, senior citizens, the Disabled, labourers, farmers, women and common citizens have become very comfortable.
• Under Mitan Yojana, native resident certificate, scheduled caste tribe certificate, another backward class certificate, income certificate, copy of a land record, death certificate, marriage registration & certificate, birth certificates, birth certificate correction and documents related to shop & establishment registration can be obtained from Mitan service.
• Similarly, death certificate correction, marriage certificate correction, Aadhaar card registration, (for children up to 5 years) Aadhaar card address and mobile number correction, new ration card making, ration card transfer/surrender, ration card correction, New Ration Card APL, Ration Card Missing Case, Addition / Deletion of Name in Ration Card, Facility of making new BPL Ration Card is being provided under this scheme.
• Citizens have to call the scheme's toll-free number 14545 to get benefited from the Mukhyamantri Mitan Yojana. After this, the appointment is booked. Mitan reaches the applicant's home on the specified time & date, collects the required documents and uploads them on the portal after verifying the documents through the tablet.
• The verified documents are then sent online to the concerned departments, who issue the certificate after reviewing the documents pertaining to the applicant. After the certificate is issued, the certificate is delivered to the applicant's house by Mitan.

Defense Minister honoured 8 Personalities of the State

Why in News?

According to the information received from the media on June 19, 2023, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh honoured 8 personalities of the state in the Amar Ujala Uttarakhand conservation program.

Key Points:

• These celebrities were felicitated in the program for making a difference on the basis of their thinking, talent, dedication, hard work and bringing laurels to the state on the national & international stage.
• Honored personalities in various categories-
  • Category- Emerging Talent
    • Rahul Rawat (founder of Digantara Company, resident of Kotdwar): He received this award for playing a remarkable role in the field of innovation, environment, art and culture.
    • Hemlata Kabadwal (Mukteshwar resident painter): Aipan art made by him got a place in the new Parliament House. He received this award for his remarkable contribution in the field of art and culture.
    • Divya Negi (Tehri resident youth speaker): Made a brilliant presentation on India's role on G-20 in the National Youth Parliament. She received this award for his remarkable contribution in the field of art and culture.
    • Babita Rawat (Farmer resident of Rudraprayag): He produced vegetables and mushrooms by ploughing 37,000 square feet of land. He received this award for his remarkable contribution in the field of innovation, environment, art and culture.
    • Shikayana Mukhiya (young singer resident of Dehradun): He spread the magic of his voice in the Bollywood world. He received this award for his remarkable contribution in the field of innovation, environment, art and culture.
    • Rajat Jain-Arpit Jain (Innovator from Dehradun): He made the world's smallest ECG machine. He received this award for his remarkable contribution in the field of innovation, environment, art and culture.
  • Category- Culture Worker
    • Bobby Cash (Singer-composer, resident of Dehradun): He made his voice famous in the country and abroad. He received this award for his remarkable contribution in the field of music practice and art.
  • Category- Social Gratitude
    • Prabha Devi Semwal (Rudraprayag resident environment protector): He grew his own forest on barren land. He received this award for his remarkable contribution in the field of social concern and environment.