State PCS

• 20 Nov 2023

Nomination of 131 Meritorius Students from 8 States as Shri Dorilal Agarwal National Meritorous Award

Why In News?

On November 19, 2023, Scholarships worth Rs 22.26 lakh were distributed to 131 meritorious disabled students from 18 states of the country on behalf of Amar Ujala Foundation and Disability Support Society, Agra Branch, in a function organized at JP Auditorium of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University in Uttar Pradesh.

Key Points:

• 278 students had applied for the scholarship, out of which 105 were selected. Also, this time 26 eligible students were given scholarships, which was given last year.
• 24 from B.Tech, 22 from BA, 21 from B.Ed, 13 from MA, 11 from D.Ed, Six each from PhD, B.Sc, Four each from MBBS, M.Ed and LLM, Three from MBA, two each from B.Com, M.Com and B.Pharma. Scholarship was awarded to one student each from MSc, PGDCA, MSW, Diploma in Lab, B.Lib, MBA, LLB.
• Apart from these, national para badminton players Prahlad Chauhan and Dr. Aishwarya Gupta, who have achieved some success by getting scholarship, were also honoured.
• Secretary of the organization, Anil Aggarwal said that scholarship has been given since 1985. This service project was started in the memory of Dorilal Aggarwal, the founder and chief patron of Amar Ujala from the year 1989. Till now more than 3000 meritorious students have been given scholarships.
• Vice President of the organization Sunil Vikal said that a target has been set to give scholarships up to Rs 1 crore in a year.

Ban On Sale of Halal Marketed Product in the State

Why In News?

Halal certification on any product has been completely banned in Uttar Pradesh on November 18, 2023. This ban will apply to food products as well as medicines.

Key Points:

• Anita Singh, Additional Chief Secretary, Food Safety and Drug Administration Department of Uttar Pradesh, has issued an order in this regard. All food and drug inspectors have been instructed to continuously monitor.
• There will be a complete ban on the manufacturing, storage, distribution and sale of food products as well as pharmaceutical products. However, there will be exemption for products sent abroad.
• It may be noted that Halal certificate has been issued on meat and its products exported abroad. Gradually, Halal certification started being stamped on all products including oil, soap, ghee. Following the instructions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, a strategy was made to stop it and on November 18, it was banned in the state.
• Any food products and medicines without Halal certification will not be accepted in the state. If any product is found not having Halal certification, action will be taken against the concerned manufacturer. Along with manufacturing, storage, distribution, sale has been completely banned.
• If any exporter operating in the state prepares his food products or medicines for countries where only food products with Halal certification are accepted, then he will be given exemption. He will be able to manufacture, store and distribute the products meant for other countries.
• There is no rule for Halal certification in the state regulations. Only quality, packing, labeling should be correct. After the new order, if anyone prepares or stores and distributes medicines, cosmetics and food items with Halal certification, then action will be taken against him under Act 1940 and related rules.
• Under this, the punishment can be imprisonment of three years, fine of one lakh rupees, and under Rule 18A, imprisonment of six years or fine of Rs 25 thousand.

Internatioinal Stadium to be Builit in Greater Aligarh

Why In News?

On November 18, 2023, Aligarh Development Authority Vice Chairman Atul Vats said that an international level sports stadium will be built in Greater Aligarh on the lines of Banaras. It is estimated that around Rs 400 crore will be spent on its construction.

Key Points:

• It may be noted that Aligarh Development Authority (ADA) is developing a residential scheme in about 300 hectares on the Aligarh-Palwal National Highway. In this, land is being acquired in village Moosepur, Jirauli, Jirauli Dor, Atalpur, Ahmedabad, Jatanpur Chikawati, Rustampur Akhan, Lhosra Bisawan.
• The layout of the township has been prepared by a Lucknow-based consultancy firm. The township is being developed in three phases. The stadium will be constructed on about six acres of land in the township.
• This stadium will be built on the lines of the stadium in Banaras. This proposed stadium will have a seating capacity of about 20 thousand spectators.
• It is noteworthy that Indian cricket team member Rinku Singh is from Aligarh. In such a situation, with the construction of this stadium, the name of this city of Tala and Talim will shine further across the country and a sports field with high-class facilities will also be available to the local sports talents.

Dr. Madhukar Gupta honored with 'Election Commissioner of the Year'

Why In News?

On November 17, 2023, State Election Commissioner Dr. Madhukar Gupta was awarded the prestigious award 'Election Commissioner of the Year' at the 19th International Electoral Affairs Conference and Awards Ceremony held in Lisbon, Portugal.

Key Points:

• Dr. Gupta was given this honor in a ceremony presided over by the Speaker of the Parliament of Portugal, Augusto Santos Silva, for his significant contribution in advancing democratic processes and practices in elections globally.
• It is notable that the 19th International Electoral Affairs Conference and Awards Ceremony held in Lisbon, Portugal served as a dynamic platform to foster collaboration and share insights among global leaders.
• Let it be known that retired IAS of 1985 batch of Indian Administrative Service. Officer Dr. Madhukar Gupta was appointed Chief Election Commissioner of Rajasthan in August 2022. Dr. Madhukar Gupta has held important positions in the state and centre. He has been the Chief Resident Commissioner in the Office of the Resident Commissioner of Rajasthan located at Bikaner House, New Delhi.
• Dr. Madhukar Gupta has previously served in important positions in the Government of Rajasthan and the Government of India. Dr. Gupta has also served on the posts of Joint Secretary and Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Public Enterprises and Heavy Industries, Government of India.
• Earlier, Gupta had served as Chairman of Indira Gandhi Canal Board, Divisional Commissioner of Jaipur, Kota, Bharatpur and Bikaner and Collector in several districts, as well as serving as Principal Secretary in the Higher Education Department and Transport Department of the Government of Rajasthan. But offered his services.

Drone 'Nabh Rakshak ' will Save People Drowning in Water

Why In News?

According to the information received from the media on November 19, 2023, Pisarv Technologies Company of Indore has developed a drone named 'Nabh Rakshak' which will not only detect people drowning in water but will also save their lives.

Key Points:

• The company's Founder and Chief Technical Officer (CTO) Abhishek Mishra and Chief People Officer (CPO) Roshni Shukla (Mishra) claim that this is not only India but the world's first Artificial Intelligence enabled drone.
• Usually other drones fly but this drone also has an on-board computer which flies along with it. This drone will automatically detect if someone is drowning in the sea, river, pond etc. During this time an alarm will sound at the station based there.
• Apart from detecting, it has another feature that when someone drowns, it will drop a life saving jacket on the person concerned. In such a situation, a drowning person can swim comfortably in water for about an hour with the help of that jacket and his life can be saved.
• Abhishek Mishra said that the said drone will be installed on all 52 beaches of Goa. Similarly, it will be used in the coastal areas of Gujarat, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, especially in the ghats of Varanasi. Apart from this, it can be used to control accidents in Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh in the coming years.
• In Madhya Pradesh too, after the elections, after the formation of the new government, it will be discussed and its presentation will be given. In the state too, it can be easily used in all the big rivers and ponds including Hanumantia.
• Company's Chief Operating Officer (COO) Durgesh Shukla and Director Alok Vani said that Indian Navy Korakut (Odisha) has also placed its order. The Navy is already using the surveillance zone 'Garuda' made by the earlier company. 'Nabh Rakshak' will be installed there on 1st December.
• According to the company's CEO Amit Panchal, Pisarv Technologies Company has already launched 'Saral'. It works on 3D Augmented Reality which is for children. The second is off-line coding programs 'solutions'. The third innovation is 'Kavach' and the fourth is 'Drone'. In this, first multi-specialty drone 'Garuda' was launched which sounds alarm as soon as there is a fire in the forest. It is useful for surveillance of forest, mines, railways and police departments.
• Features of Nabh Rakshak Drone-
  • This is India's autonomous drone which automatically detects a person drowning in water and drops a life saving jacket to save him.
  • Its weight is 2 kg. And it can fly up to a height of 600 feet.
  • It has 2 hi-tech cameras, as soon as one turns off the other camera starts.
  • There is no need for a remote to fly it.
  • Life saving jacket, air balloon, and thin rope can be hung with the drone.

Dhyan Chand Awardee Sajjan Singh Passes Away

Why In News?

On November 18, 2023, Dhyan Chand Awardee wrestler Sajjan Singh Phogat, resident of Samaspur in Charkhi Dadri district, died at the age of about 90.

Key Points:

• Dhyan Chand Awardee Sajjan Singh was born on July 28, 1933 and in 1951, He joined the army as a constable. He was a good Kabaddi player during his school days. But after joining the army, he took up wrestling.
• Sajjan Singh represented the country in many international wrestling competitions. He represented the country at the Rome Olympics in 1960, achieving seventh place. Similarly, he won two silver medals in the 1962 Asian Games in Indonesia, bronze in the 1966 Asian Games and silver medal in the 1970 Commonwealth Games.
• He also represented the country in World Wrestling in 1965, 1967 and 1970. In 1979, he received the title of 'Rustame Hind' in Cuttack and in 1973 he retired from the army.
• Sajjan Singh said goodbye to wrestling in the year 1979 and in 1989 he became the coach of SAI. Sajjan Singh received the Dhyan Chand Award from the then President Ramnath Kovind on November 13, 2021.

Assembly Elections 2023: The Number of Female Voters is More than the Number of Male Voters.

Why In News?

According to the information received from the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer of Chhattisgarh on November 19, 2023, the total number of female voters exercising their franchise in the Chhattisgarh Assembly Elections 2023 is more than the total number of male voters exercising their franchise.

Key Points:

• From the observation of voting data in the two phases of Chhattisgarh Assembly Elections 2023 held on November 7 and 17, it is clear that in 50 out of 90 assembly constituencies of Chhattisgarh, women have voted more than men.
• According to the information received from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Bharatpur-Sonhat, Pratappur, Ramanujganj, Samri, Lundra, Ambikapur, Sitapur, Jashpur, Kunkuri, Pathalgaon, Lailunga, Sarangarh, Kharsia, Dharamjaigarh, Rampur, Palitanakhar, Jaijapur, Marwahi, Saraipali, Basna. , Khallari, Mahasamund, Bilaigarh, Rajim, Bindranwagarh, Sihawa, Dondilohara, Gunderdehi and Sanjari-Balod assembly constituencies, the number of female voters who cast their votes is more than the number of male voters who cast their votes.
• Similarly, voters in Dhamtari, Durg city, Pandariya, Kawardha, Khairagarh, Dongargarh, Rajnandgaon, Dongargaon, Khujji, Mohlamanpur, Bhanupratappur, Kanker, Keshkal, Kondagaon, Narayanpur, Bastar, Jagdalpur, Chitrakote, Dantewada, Bijapur and Konta assembly constituencies. The number of female voters is more than the male voters who cast their votes.
• A total of 1 crore 55 lakh 61 thousand 460 voters exercised their franchise in two phases of voting in Chhattisgarh, which includes 77 lakh 48 thousand 612 male voters and 78 lakh 12 thousand 631 female voters.

Governor Released the Book 'Nritya Rahasya'

Why In News?

On November 18, 2023, Chhattisgarh Governor Vishwabhushan Harichandan released the book 'Nritya Rahasya The Sacred Mystics of Dance' written by famous Odissi dancer Purnashree Raut at Raj Bhavan.

Key Points:

• It is told in this book that through dance one can remain healthy and many major diseases can be cured.
• Dance is a form of ancient yoga art. This physical mechanism is a medium for Kundalini awakening and connecting the soul with God. Indian classical dance is a genre which brings movement in the body parts, awakens energy and creates a sense of spiritual experience.
• In this book, dance postures depicted in historical temples from Bastar to Surguja in Chhattisgarh have been mentioned.

Chardam Yatra: More than 56 lakh devotees visited

Why In News?

More than 56 lakh devotees from across the country and the world visited the Chardham Yatra till November 18, 2023, creating a new record. In the history of the Yatra, a record has been made of the number of devotees who visited Hemkund Sahib including Chardham.

Key Points:

• It may be noted that about 75 lakh pilgrims had registered for the Chardham Yatra which ran from 22 April to 18 November. In this, more than 56.13 lakh people visited Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri and Hemkund Sahib.
• For the first time in the history of the Yatra, the number of devotees has crossed 55 lakh. Maximum 19.61 lakh devotees visited Kedarnath Dham. After this, 18.34 lakh devotees visited Badrinath, 9.05 lakh in Gangotri, 7.35 lakh in Yamunotri and 1.77 lakh in Hemkund Sahib.
• In the year 2022, 46.29 lakh devotees had reached Chardham and Hemkund Sahib Yatra. Earlier, during the Covid period in 2021 and 2020, Chardham Yatra could not be conducted completely. Only 5.29 lakh pilgrims had arrived in 2021 and only 3.30 lakh in 2020. In the year 2019, more than 34.77 lakh devotees had come for the yatra.

182nd Birthday of the City of Lakes Nainital

Why In News?

On November 18, 2023, the 182nd birthday of Nainital, the tourist city and city of lakes of Uttarakhand, was celebrated.

Key Points:

• Let it be known that the English businessman P Barron, who reached Nainital on November 18, 1841, was impressed by the beauty of this place and brought it in the eyes of the world. The date of arrival of the English merchant is remembered as the birthday of Nainital.
• It is noteworthy that in 1842, the fourth Kumaon Commissioner George Thomas Lussington officially settled Nainital under European settlement. After this, the British gave it the status of a small province and made it the summer capital.
• The tourist city Nainital gives the message of communal harmony along with natural beauty. Maa Nayana Devi Temple, one of the 51 Shaktipeeths, is situated on the northern bank of Naini Lake in Nainital. Gurudwara, Asia's first Methodist Church and Jama Masjid are also located here.
• Due to uncontrolled and unplanned development, the beauty and environment of Nainital is being adversely affected. There is a need to take strict steps to stop the growing concrete jungle, reduce traffic pressure, make people aware of landslide affected areas and stop tampering with nature.