State PCS

• 20 Sep 2023

Aastha of Lucknow Became a Strong Woman and Arya Became a Strong Man.

Why In News?

According to information received from the media on September 19, 2023, Aastha Strong Woman and Arya Strong Man of Lucknow became the Senior National Powerlifting Championship held in Tata Nagar (Jamshedpur), Jharkhand.

Key Points:

• Aastha Singh, a female member of the Uttar Pradesh team, performed brilliantly and won the title of Strong Woman, while Arya Singh achieved this feat among men and won the title of Strong Man.
• Nirale Khan of Uttar Pradesh was given the title of 'Strong Man of India' in the senior category and sub-junior category.
• It is known that the Senior and Sub Junior National Powerlifting Championship was organized between 9 to 12 September.
• In this championship, Uttar Pradesh captured the trophy by winning a total of 31 medals. This includes 15 gold, 10 silver and 6 bronze medals. In this, Mukul Chaurasia and Savita Singh of Lucknow won bronze medals.

Poet Arun Kamal will Receive 'Nirala Smriti Samman'

Why In News?

According to the information received from the media on September 19, 2023, it has been announced that this year's 'Nirala Smriti Samman' will be given to contemporary poetry poet Arun Kamal.

Key Points:

• Poet Arun Kamal will be given this honor during the Nirala Smriti event on October 15, on the death anniversary of the great poet Suryakant Tripathi 'Nirala'.
• This honor is given to the creator who is associated with the consciousness, ideology and creative tradition of the great poet Nirala.
• Vivek Nirala, president of the organization and great grandson of great poet Nirala, said that earlier this honor has been given to poet Rajesh Joshi and storyteller Chitra Mudgal.
• It is noteworthy that Suryakant Tripathi 'Nirala' (21 February, 1896-15 October 1961) is considered one of the main pillars of the Chhayavadi era of Hindi poetry. He has also written many stories, novels and essays but his fame is mainly due to poetry.
• He started his writing work around 1920 AD. His first composition was a song written on Janmabhoomi. ‘Juhi Ki Kali’, written by him in 1916 AD, was published in 1922 AD, which remained famous for a very long time.
• Some of his major poetry collections are Anamika (1923), Parimal (1930), Tulsidas (1939), Kukurmutta (1942), Geet Kunj (1954) etc.

20th National Book Fair will be organized in Lucknow

Why In News?

According to information received from the media on September 19, 2023, the 20th National Book Fair will be held from September 22 to October 2 at Balrampur Garden, Lucknow.

Key Points:

• The 11-day book festival will have various events like book launch, meeting authors, Kavi Sammelan, Mushaira, youth and children's programs.
• The 20th National Book Fair will be held on the theme of 'Gyan Kumbh', in which entry is free and a minimum 10 percent discount will be given on books.
• Organizer Manoj Chandel said that this book fair has made its place among the top 10 book fairs of the country.
• This year, many publishers and distributors of English, Hindi and Urdu languages along with government social and religious organizations from Delhi, Mumbai, Raipur, Noida, Ghaziabad, Prayagraj, Raipur, Gujarat, Rajasthan will participate in the fair.

'Rang Jalsa' started at Premchand Theater in Patna

Why In News?

On September 19, 2023, a three-day Rang Jalsa started at Premchand Theater in Patna on behalf of Nirman Kala Manch.

Key Points:

• Usha Kiran Khan was given 'Rang Shanti Smriti Samman' in the program.
• The play 'Kahan Gaye More Ugna' written by Usha Kiran Khan and directed by Sanjay Upadhyay was presented in the theater and the street play 'Andher Nagari' written by Bharatendu Harishchandra under the banner of HMT was also performed.
• Poet Vidyapati was the center of the music-oriented drama, in which a dramatic experiment was made to connect Vidyapati and his society of six hundred years ago with today's Baba Nagarjuna, Rajkamal and Renu.

132 KV GSS and 33 KV Grid Sub-Station Meeran in Sola

Why In News?

On September 19, 2023, Energy Minister of Rajasthan Bhanwar Singh Bhati and former Minister of State for Education and Laxmangarh MLA Govind Singh Dotasara inaugurated 132 KV GSS in village Sola of Laxmangarh assembly constituency of Sikar district of the state. And inaugurated a 33 KV grid sub-station in Meeran.

Key Points:

• The construction of these power stations will strengthen the power distribution system and provide good quality power supply in the area, consumers will get rid of the problem of tripping and electricity will also be reduced.
• The construction of Sola sub-station will enhance the strengthening of power transmission network in the region and will suitably improve the power supply to Sola, Gadoda, Jajod, Narsas, Patoda, Tidoki, Mangaluna and adjoining areas.
• On this occasion, 38 Mahatma Gandhi English Medium Schools and 101 schools in Laxmangarh area were upgraded and funds were announced for the construction of 5 LED lights, tin shed, CC road, drain construction, water tank for the development of sports ground.

Urdu Literature will be Taught in 13 Schools of Deeg

Why In News?

On September 19, 2023, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot approved the proposal to start Urdu literature as an optional subject in schools, so that now students in 13 government schools of Deeg district of the state will be able to study Urdu literature subject.

Key Points:

• It is noteworthy that an announcement in this regard was made by the Chief Minister in the budget year 2023-24.
• Mahatma Gandhi Government School, Bhandara (Kaman), Mahatma Gandhi Rajkiya Vidyalaya, Olanda (Kaman), R.U.M.V. Udaka (Kaman), R.U.M.V. Uncheda (Kaman), R.U.M.V. Kaman, Mahatma Gandhi Government School, Naugaon (Kaman), Babunath Swami R.U.M.V., Jurahra (Kaman), Mahatma Gandhi Government School, Levda (Kaman), R.U.M.V. Jotruhala, R.M.V. Kathol Pahari, R.M.V. Papada Pahari, R.U.M.V. Somka Pahari, R.U.M.V. Urdu literature will be introduced in schools like Bhoonri Pahari etc.

Bisalpur Prithviraj Nagar Drinking Water Project Phase-I

Why In News?

On September 19, 2023, Rajasthan's Public Health Engineering Minister Dr. Mahesh Joshi inaugurated the Rangoli Garden area drinking water distribution part under Bisalpur Prithviraj Nagar Drinking Water Project Phase-I.

Key Points:

• On this occasion, the Public Health Engineering Minister also started the supply of drinking water to 53 colonies of Rangoli Garden distribution area by running water from the pump house.
• With the completion of the first phase of the project by December 1100 colonies of Prithviraj Nagar will start getting water from Bisalpur.
• Bisalpur Prithviraj Nagar Drinking Water Project Phase-II costing Rs 747 crore will also provide water from Bisalpur to about 2200 colonies in and around Prithviraj Nagar.
• Under Phase-I of the project, 44 km (about 27.34 mi) from Balawala to Lohamandi at a cost of Rs 563.93 crore. Long transmission main line, 51 km. Rising Main Line, about 970 km (about 602.73 mi). Distribution main line as well as 9 clean reservoirs with pump houses and 19 high reservoir works are included.
• With the arrival of water from Bisalpur, the dependence of the people of Prithviraj Nagar on tankers will reduce and the ground water level here will also improve.
• PHED (Urban) Chief Engineer K.D. Gupta said that 85 percent of the work of the first phase of the project has been completed in which 15 high reservoirs and 7 clean reservoirs along with 95 percent laying of pipelines have been done.

Approval of Three Proposals for Construction of Anicut in Banswara

Why In News?

On September 19, 2023, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot approved three proposals for construction of Anicut in Banswara district and also gave financial approval of Rs 22.75 crore for the construction works.

Key Points:

• With this, Goravada (Govindpura) anicut will be constructed in Arthuna tehsil of Banswara district, Kheda anicut on Chap River in Garhi tehsil and Sewaniya anicut near Hiran River in Sajjangarh tehsil.
• This will expand irrigation facilities in the area. Through anicut, the wastewater of the river can be stopped and used for agricultural purposes.
• The Chief Minister has also approved the repair work on the main canal of Bisalpur Project in Tonk district and Meja Dam at Banera in Bhilwara. It will cost Rs 20.32 crore.
• It is noteworthy that the Chief Minister had announced the construction of Anicut in the budget speech 2023-24.

‘Chanderi Mahotsav’ starts from 5th October

Why In News?

On September 19, 2023, Principal Secretary Tourism and Culture and Managing Director M.P. Tourism Board Shivshekhar Shukla said that the formal inauguration ceremony of 'Chanderi Mahotsav' will be held on October 05 in Chanderi, a famous tourist destination of Ashok Nagar district.

Key Points:

• Shivshekhar Shukla said that Chanderi Mahotsav is being organized with the aim of promoting the rich art and culture of the state, creating employment opportunities at the local level and ensuring participation of the local community in development-oriented activities.
• The first edition of the festival, organized in collaboration with Sunset Desert Camp, will feature folk art and cultural programs along with live musical performances by renowned artists, DJ nights and thrilling adventure activities. Tourists will get the experience of luxury glamping amidst natural beauty.
• The Chanderi Mahotsav, being organized in collaboration with the Ashoknagar District Administration, will showcase the rich heritage and excellent handloom traditions of the region.
• The formal inauguration ceremony of Chanderi Mahotsav will be held on 05 October at Chanderi Fort. There will be special events for the first five days, in which travel agents, tour operators, hoteliers and other stakeholders associated with the tourism sector from across the country will be invited.
• Tourists reaching Chanderi will be able to enjoy adventure activities, in the evening there will be Maha Aarti at Laxman Temple. There will also be cultural and employment-oriented workshops in the festival.
• Activities like DJ nights and lights and sound shows, hot air balloon glow shows, vintage car rallies and photography workshops will be organized. Tourists coming to tent city have to travel 4 km from Chanderi. A local tour of 'Textile and Craft Tourism Village' Pranpur will also be conducted.
• People will be able to see sarees being made in Chanderi, there will be yoga and meditation sessions. Besides, various events like cricket and volleyball tournaments will also be held in the fairgrounds.
• Cultural programs to entertain the guests, Art Exhibition, Light and Sound Show, Hot Air Balloon Glow Show, DJ Night, Live Band and Music Concert, Yoga and Meditation, Vintage Car Rally, Pranpur Village Tour, Workshop on Bhil Art, Photography Workshop. There will be activities like boating, story-telling session, Maha Aarti, adventure, rural and agri tourism workshop, monument visit, fashion show, Raja Rani Mahal, Kavi Sammelan, workshop on local cuisine.

‘Save Trees, get Pension of Rs 2500’ Scheme

Why In News?

On September 18, 2023, Gurugram's DFO (District Forest Officer) Rajiv Tejyan said that the state government is now going to give an annual pension of Rs 2500 for the maintenance and conservation of such trees of Gurugram city which are 75 years or more old.

Key Points:

• Now in the state, pensions will be available not only after employment and in old age, but also for the care and conservation of old and heritage trees. The Haryana Government has approved this pension scheme.
• This pension scheme, which will start from November, is part of the Haryana government's 'Pran Vayu Devta Yojana' and is an initiative to preserve old trees in the state.
• The age of the trees has been identified based on their circumference and other criteria set by the department, the District Forest Officer said. The pension will be paid to motivate individuals and organizations like Panchayats and Temple Trusts to ensure proper maintenance of these trees, provide nutrients and keep these trees in proper shape.
• Only healthy trees are eligible under this scheme. 40 such trees have been identified in Gurugram alone. The 40 eligible trees identified are spread across the district and include Kadamba, Indrokh, Banyan, Peepal, Neem and Jand trees.
• These trees are part of the shared heritage in Gurugram and need to be preserved. Additionally, its caretakers and plot owners will be incentivized to ensure that trees are preserved and will inspire others to plant more such trees.
• It is known that there is a law 'Heritage Tree' in Haryana which prohibits cutting of such trees. According to the Heritage Tree Rules, 2021, if any person or organization cuts, falls or causes any damage to heritage trees, they will be liable to a fine of Rs 500 or imprisonment of 1 year or both.

The 38th Chakradhar Samaroh Started with Dignity.

Why In News?

On September 19, 2023, Raigarh MLA Prakash Nayak and Dharamjaygarh MLA Laljit Singh Rathiya formally inaugurated the 38th Chakradhar Celebrations by lighting the lamp at the Municipal Corporation Auditorium of Raigarh district of Chhattisgarh, famous throughout India for music, dance and literature.

Key Points:

• It is known that the 38th Chakradhar Samaroh is being organized with dignity at the Municipal Corporation Auditorium Raigarh from 19th to 21st September.
• On the inauguration of the festival, Raigarh MLA Prakash Nayak said that through the organization of the nationally renowned Chakradhar Festival, the audience will get a chance to get acquainted with various forms of art.
• Dharamjaigarh MLA Laljit Singh Rathiya said that Raigarh is the city of Sur Taal and Chakradhar festival has gained fame at national and international level. Organizing this will provide an opportunity to get acquainted with the talent of the artists.
• Raigarh Collector Taran Prakash Sinha said on this occasion that Raja Chakradhar Singh himself was a great artist and was a generous patron of artists. Raigarh is a city of art connoisseurs. On the initiative of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Ramayana Mahotsav was organized here, which gained fame at the national and international level.
• For the first time, the cultural talents of the district and state are being provided a platform in the Chakradhar Festival, where along with singing and dancing artists, talented local artists of the young generation are also taking part in the festival.
• This year, as part of youth participation in Chakradhar Samaroh, a large number of school students of Raigarh district are being given a group dance performance and a platform is being provided to local artists.
• A group of 60 artists from Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya, Khairagarh, which has the distinction of being the only music university in Asia for a long time, will also perform at the Chakradhar function.
• The team will present Chhattisgarhi folk music and dance based on classical singing, sarod playing, rhythm playing, tal Kachhari, Sugam music, Kathak and folk songs and dances of Chhattisgarh based on the forms in which Shri Ram has been seen.
• Chakradhar ceremony also has its own historical significance. Before independence, Raigarh was an independent princely state, where cultural and literary activities were spread on a large scale. Famous musician Kumar Gandharva and Hindi's first Chhayavadi poet Madhukar Pandey were from Raigarh. When the process of merger of the princely states into India started due to the efforts of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, King Chakradhar of Raigarh was the first king to sign the consent form for the merger.
• Raja Chakradhar was a skilled percussionist and also adept in music and dance. As a result of his efforts and encouragement, new styles of music and dance developed here.
• Since pre-independence, a rich tradition of cultural events developed here during Ganeshotsav, which gradually took the form of a big event. This event was so big that after the death of King Chakradhar, the cultural workers and art practitioners here started a ten-day cultural festival in his memory in the name of 'Chakradhar Samaroh' from the year 1985.

Chief Minister Inaugurated Indoor Stadium, BPO Center and Planetarium

Why In News?

On September 19, 2023, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel inaugurated the newly constructed Mini Indoor Stadium and newly constructed BPO Center in Khursipar under Municipal Corporation Bhilai and the newly constructed Planetarium in Nehru Nagar.

Key Points:

• Built at a cost of Rs 3 crore, the mini-indoor stadium has a badminton court, 2 pieces of wooden flooring, three table tennis courts, carrom room, 3 board chess and a hall. Now players will get better playing facilities from the indoor stadium.
• About 700 youth will be provided employment through the newly constructed BPO center at a cost of Rs 7 crore.
• The newly constructed planetarium in Nehru Nagar at a cost of Rs 2 crore will introduce the city residents to the universe.

Chief Minister Released the Book ‘Aatma Ke Swar’

Why In News?

On September 19, 2023, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami released the book ‘Atma Ke Swar’ based on the compilation of the addresses of Governor Lieutenant General Gurmeet Singh in a program organized at Dehradun Raj Bhavan.

Key Points:

• On this occasion, the short film ‘2 years on the path of duty in Devbhoomi’ was also screened.
• It is known that Governor Lieutenant General Gurmeet Singh always went ahead and served Mother India and has been serving Devbhoomi as Governor for the last 2 years.
• The book ‘Aatma Ke Swar’ is a compilation of 108 major addresses by the Governor at various events, festivals, convocation ceremonies etc.
• In this book, the Governor has shared his experiences during his tenure and has set 5 missions for the state, which will be helpful in including Uttarakhand among the leading states in the country.
• The Governor said that the sentiments expressed in this book include Indian military pride, national consciousness, social unity, Indian culture and spiritual thinking.
• Apart from this, the rich culture of Uttarakhand, military courage, bravery, contribution of women power, achievements of daughters of Uttarakhand, etc. are also included in the book.

Tourism Minister Flags off Mountaineering Expedition Team and Sends it off

Why In News?

On September 19, 2023, Uttarakhand Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj flagged off two teams of 12 members to climb the 6,316-meter high Bandar Poonch and the 6,512-meter-high Bhagirathi II Mountain range.

Key Points:

• This mountaineering expedition is being carried out under the joint auspices of Uttarakhand Tourism Development Council and Indian Mountaineering Association.
• On this occasion, Satpal Maharaj said that the main objective of such an event is to provide self-employment opportunities to the local residents by promoting adventure sports in the state.
• The tourism minister said that Ganse (Gauri) and Auli are being specially developed so that this tourist destination attracts the whole of Asia. There are enough places for adventure tourism in the state. By developing these, work is being done on a plan to promote adventure tourism.
• He said that the Nalang-Jadung area is being opened for tourism by the government. It is necessary to regulate the journey so that the journey is carried out keeping in mind the climate.