• 21 Feb 2022

Babhaniyav Archaeological Site

Why in News

On February 20, 2022, for the confirmation of four thousand years old civilization in Babhaniyav of Rajatalab tehsil of Varanasi district, re-excavation was started by the Department of History and Archeology, BHU.

Key Points

• The purpose of this excavation is to find the time and details of the one-faced Shivling found in excavation done in 2020. Also, it will also be ascertained whether the records, coins and pottery received from this place are related to this area or have been established by bringing them from somewhere else.
• It is worth mentioning that in the excavation done in 2020, a temple between 8^th to 5^th AD, four thousand years old earthen pots and a two thousand year old wall were found. Apart from this, a one-faced Shivling was also found, but its period has not been determined yet.
• The inscription obtained from here was made by the Grami (Head), in which it is mentioned that Balyashti (Shivling) has been established here.

BSNL to Launch 4G Services in Bihar

Why in News

On February 19, 2022, BSNL Board of Director Sushil Kumar Mishra said that 4G services will be launched in Bihar on upcoming 15th August.

Key Points

• For this, 4000 towers of BSNL 4G will be installed in Bihar.
• It is worth mentioning that BSNL has 4G spectrum. Bihar currently has 2,800 mobile towers for 2G and 3G. All will be upgraded to 4G. Along with Bihar, BSNL's 4G review service will also start in Delhi and Mumbai.
• BSNL will launch 4G service mobile with fully 2G indigenous ventures. TCS is making indigenous 4G venture. Along with the launch of 4G, the trial of 5G will also start.
• BSNL Chief General Manager Devendra said that other telecom companies are increasing their tariff, but BSNL is providing mobile services at concessional rates. In the last month, two lakh subscribers are connected in BSNL Bihar Lee Circle.

Maithili Duck

Why in News

Recently the name of Maithili duck found in North Bihar has been registered in National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resource Karnal. Maithili ducks have now become the identity of Bihar.

Key Points

• It is noteworthy that the team of scientists from the Eastern Research Complex of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research has named it after six years of research on the duck.
• These ducks are being liked across the country. Dr Reena Kamal, who works on Maithili duck, said that indigenous names of ducks have been given in Purnia, Katihar, Araria, Kishanganj and Motihari regions.
• It survives because of its attractive colour, light weight and climate. Their treatment costs less. Not only this, they can be reared on less land. Their meat is full of medicinal properties. There are 50-60 thousand Maithili ducks in the state. Maithili ducks are also becoming companions in fisheries. They are being saved from being eaten by ducks of other exotic breeds. These ducks lay fewer eggs, so farmers feed them with other ducks. This is threatening the existence of Maithili ducks. ICAR is trying to save the farmers from extinction by making them aware.
• With the identification of Maithili duck in the institute, work is being done to increase its development and egg capacity.

Valmiki Tiger Reserve

Why in News

On February 19, 2022, Madanpur forest area of forest division 2 of Valmiki Tiger Reserve was deliberately set on fire by some people, causing great damage to the grass and trees that the VTR administration has kept every year for eating herbivorous animals.

Key Points

• The Valmiki Tiger Reserve is the only tiger reserve in Bihar, which forms the easternmost extent of the Himalayan Terai forests in India.
• Situated in the Gangetic plains bio-geographic region, the vegetation of this Tiger Reserve is a combination of Bhabar and Terai regions.
• According to the Tiger Census, 2018, the number of tigers in Valmiki Tiger Reserve is 32.
• According to the Forest Survey of India Report 2021, 85.71% of its total area is covered by forest cover.
• Wild mammals found in the forests of Valmiki Tiger Reserve include tiger, sloth bear, leopard, wild dog, bison, wild boar etc.

Operation Asmita

Why in News

On February 19, 2022, Bundi District Collector Renu Jaipal gave a presentation of an innovation named 'Operation Asmita' before the Chief Secretary.

Key Points

• In some areas of Bundi district, 'Operation Asmita' is being started by the district administration to end prostitution, to take girls on the path of better childhood, excellent education and all-round development.
• Through this innovation, in collaboration with Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi's team and expert organizations, various development-oriented activities will pave the way to bring the suffering section into the mainstream by linking education and employment.
• 'Operation Asmita' is being launched in Bundi district with a concentration of a particular community.
• It is being started from the village Ramnagar of the district. Shankarpura of Hindoli and Mohanpura of Indragarh will also be included.
• A phase wise action plan has been prepared for effective implementation of 'Operation Asmita'. Under this, activities will be done in collaboration with various institutions.
• Work will be done at different levels with the target group of identified families in the selected villages. There will be awareness activities in the affected areas in collaboration with Nobel Laureate Social Activist Kailash Satyarthi (the pioneer of Save Bachpan Andolan).
• For those deprived of education or dropout, educational facilities will be given to them. Educated unemployed will be linked with employment. They will be made aware of health and career building by brainwashing through counseling, awareness activities with other family members.
• In view of the livelihood of the family, skill development and employment oriented training will be provided with the help of the concerned departments.
• From time to time, various companies will organize placement camps for selected villages and educated unemployed will be given employment opportunities.
• To give opportunities to sports talent, sports fields will be developed in the respective areas and sports facilities and necessary training facilities will be provided.
• In the implementation of this innovation, along with the team of Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, the help of Child Welfare Committee, Childline and other experienced expert organizations and individuals will be taken. There will also be cooperation of various departments and institutions of the district administration.

Mad(e) in India

Why in News

The book 'Mad(e) in India' jointly authored by Indian Railway Accounts Service officer Tarika Roy and Indian Foreign Service officer Soumya Gupta was discussed through a virtual interaction session by IAS Literary Society Rajasthan on February 19, 2022. This is the first book by Tarika Roy and Saumya Gupta.

Key Points

• Tarika Roy, while discussing her book, said that this book is an exploration of the fun aspects of our country India and the habits of Indians, living habits, conduct and culture and traditions here.
• Tarika Roy, while discussing her book, said that this book is an exploration of the fun aspects of our country India and the habits, living habits, ethics and culture and traditions of Indians.
• Every Indian can relate himself with this book. This book reveals who we are as a person and a nation, our quirks, superstitions, innumerable gods and goddesses and holy men, our congested cities and streets, our obsession with movie stars and film genre, big and small. Our juggernaut ways of solving all problems, our diverse cuisines, cultural traditions and art forms and unity in diversity, which bridges our superficial differences.
• A chapter in this book deals with various aspects related to Indian Railways, which will bring back many memories of the readers.
• Soumya Gupta said that this book will show the picture of India that is interesting, unique and special to the people living outside our country. In this book, readers will get to read from texts written on the back of trucks in too funny forms of catchphrases living on people's faces. Also funny tales from the world of parental control and highway special dhabas are included. In this book, an attempt has been made to present the features and uniqueness of the country in front of the reader in a new way.

Tourism Board signed MoU with Saahas

Why in News

• On 20 February 2022, in the presence of Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel, the pilot project 'Clean Destination' was launched in the Responsible Tourism Mission of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board at Khajuraho.
• To operate this project, an MoU was signed between the Tourism Board and partner organization 'Saahas' at Karnavati Interpretation Center, Madla.

Key Points

• In the first phase of the pilot project, 30 villages around Panna National Park will be developed as clean destinations.
• Under this project, work will be done in the direction of solid waste management. Tourist places and nearby villages will be developed as clean destinations through community awareness, cleanliness and waste management.
• The calendar of District Tourism, Culture and Archaeological Council Panna was also released on this occasion.

48th Khajuraho Dance Festival-2022

Why in News

On February 20, 2022, Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangu Bhai Patel inaugurated the 48th 'Khajuraho Dance Festival-2022' at world famous tourist destination Khajuraho on the occasion of 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav'. The event will be organized till 26 February.

Key Points

• The Khajuraho dance festival was started in 1975 from the temple premises itself. It was not allowed to be performed in the temple premises only after two-three years, as a result this ceremony was performed outside the temple premises. Last year, the Culture Department's effort to organize this program in the temple premises was successful and this year also this function is being done in the temple premises itself.
• This year a 5-km 'Dil Khel Ke Ghoomo' marathon was also organized under the banner of 'Safe Tourism Project for Women' at the event. It aims to create a sense of security among women in tourist destinations with the slogan 'Hindustan Ke Dil Mein Aap Safe Hain'.
• Culture and Tourism Minister Usha Thakur announced that in view of the greatness of dance and its contribution in human life, a center of classical dance would be established in Khajuraho.
• Ambassadors and High Commissioners of 8 countries attended the family function to witness the performances of the 48th Khajuraho Dance Festival. These include ambassadors and high commissioners from Korea, Argentina, Vietnam, Brunei, Finland, Malaysia, Thailand and Lao.
• In the ceremony, Sunayana Hazari Lal was awarded the National Kalidas Samman for the year 2019-20 and Shanta and VP Dhananjayan for the year 2020-21. They were presented a prize money of Rs 2 lakh, a plaque, a shawl and a quince.
• Along with this, State Rupankar Kala Puraskars were given for the year 2022, which are as follows-

Award	Winner
Devkrishna Jata Shankar Joshi Award	Priya Sisodia (Badnawar)
Mukund Sakharam Bhand Award	Swapan Tarafdar (Indore)
Syed Haider Raza Award	Durgesh Birthare (Jabalpur)
Dattatreya Damodar Devlalikar Award	Narendra Jatav (Ashoknagar)
Jagdish Swaminathan Award	Sanjay Dhawale (Ashoknagar)
Vishnu Chinchalkar Award	Muni Sharma (Gwalior)
Narayan Shridhar Bendre Award	Agnesh Kerketta (Bhopal)
Raghunath Krishna Rao Phadke Award	Rituraj Srivastava (Jabalpur)
Ram Manohar Sinha Award	Jyoti Singh (Sagar)
Laxmi Shankar Rajput Award	Dr. Sonali Pithawe Chouhan (Dewas)

• This dance festival is being organized with the joint effort of Ustad Alauddin Khan Sangeet and Kala Akademi Madhya Pradesh Sanskriti Parishad of Culture Department, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Archaeological Survey of India and District Administration Chhatarpur. It is the topmost festival of the country focusing on Indian classical dance forms, and is well known nationally and internationally.

Gobar-Dhan Bio CNG Plant

Why in News

On February 19, 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Asia's largest Gobar-Dhan Bio-CNG Plant at Devguradia area of Indore via virtual medium from Delhi.

Key Points

• The vision of a waste-to-wealth and circular economy has come true with the construction of Gobar-Dhan Bio-CNG Plant in Indore. This will give new strength to India's cleanliness campaign Part-II, under which in the coming 2 years all the cities of the country will be made green zone by freeing them from the mountains of garbage.
• Apart from CNG, 100 tonnes of organic manure will also be received daily from the Indore plant. With this, about 400 buses will be run every day in Indore city.
• This plant is the largest and the first plant in the country for Bio-CNG from organic waste in the entire Asian continent.
• Bio CNG Plant is based on the PPP model. On the one hand, the Municipal Corporation, Indore is not having to bear any financial burden on the establishment of this plant, on the other hand, the agency setting up the plant, IEISL, New Delhi, is paid Rs 2.5 crore per annum as premium to the Municipal Corporation, Indore.
• In this plant, 550 MT of wet waste (domestic organic waste) will be treated daily, which will generate 17 thousand 500 kg of Bio-CNG Gas and 100 tonnes of high quality organic compost will be produced.
• Out of the bio-CNG generated from this plant, 50 percent gas will be available to Municipal Corporation, Indore for the use of public transport buses, the remaining 50 percent gas can be sold to various industrial and commercial consumers.
• Since the waste segregation of Indore city is of excellent quality, it has been decided to set up this plant in Indore. Before the decision to set up the plant, the said company got the wet waste tested by taking more than 200 samples in the last one year. Based on the test results, it was revealed that only 0.5 to 0.9 percent of the rejects are available in wet waste, which was found to be of high quality as compared to other European countries.
• The Chief Minister informed that Jholadhari Indori campaign has also been started in Indore. Work is being done continuously to develop slum settlements of Indore urban area as green slums.
• The Chief Minister said that this plant would be a money making plant by purchasing cow dung and other waste from the cattle rearers and farmers from the nearby villages of Indore. Many families are getting permanent employment from this plant.
• The dung along with the waste will be used for processing to develop bacteria. In Indore, CNG will be available for city buses at Rs 5 per kg less than the market price.
• The plant will use 21 percent solar energy in the initial phase and 100 percent in the next three years. Indore city will get the benefit of carbon credit. Along with this, Indore Municipal Corporation will continue to get 2 crore 52 lakh premium per year from this plant for the next 20 years.

Solution to the Problem of Fake Fingerprints

Why in News

Recently, scientists from IIT Indore and Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) DAVV have developed such a fingerprint biometric system which can prevent crimes using fake fingerprints. This important research has been patented.

Key Points

• With the help of this technology, such a sensor can be installed in the biometric machines, which will identify the real and fake fingerprints. As soon as the person puts his finger on the scanner, the sensor will also read his pulse. This will also eliminate the possibility of using the fingerprint of a dead person.
• Success in identifying fake and genuine fingerprints will only improve the security of Aadhaar and all types of biometric devices.
• It is noteworthy that along with the banking sector, biometric machines are used in many offices and homes to prevent theft. Biometric machines are also used in many competitive and recruitment exams. Once new biometric machines are produced on the basis of research, fingerprints of fake or dead person will not be used.
• Many times hackers try to steal the fingerprint image and use it in Aadhaar, SIM and banking areas. Currently, biometric machines read the fingerprints of the finger and allow further processing. After placing a finger on the new type of machines, the sensor will also detect the cells and pulse of the blood.
• Professor of the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) of Devi Ahilya University, who worked on research. Shashi Prakash and IIT Indore Prof. I am Vimal Bhatia.
• Those working on the research are Professor Shashi Prakash of the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) of Devi Ahilya University and Professor Vimal Bhatia of IIT Indore.

Kisan Drones

Why in News

On February 19, 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the drone manufacturing facilities of Garuda Aerospace at Manesar and Chennai in Gurugram, Haryana.

Key Points

• Chennai-based Garuda Aerospace is a Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) company.
• The Prime Minister virtually inaugurated drone manufacturing facilities at two locations, resulting in the simultaneous launch of 100 farmer drones in 100 villages.
• These 100 drones launched agricultural spraying campaigns under the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' in 16 different states to celebrate 75 years of independence.
• Technology and innovation have been given priority in this year's budget announcements and the use of farmer drones in various sectors has been mentioned.
• Garuda Aerospace has leased space to manufacture drones from Defsys Solutions in Gurugram. The Defsys Solutions facility is equipped with advanced design and prototype testing capabilities.
• The 2.5-acre plant is a hub for drone software design, hardware structural testing, type certification and a capacity to manufacture 40 drones per day.
• Garuda's proposed Chennai plant is located on a 20-acre facility, with a capacity to produce 100 drones per day and 100,000 farmer drones are being planned over the next two years. The site is also a proposed RPTO (Remote Pilot Training) facility, intended to train aspiring drone pilots.
• Agneswar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO, Garuda Aerospace said, “Our drone features launched by the Prime Minister furthers Garuda’s vision of becoming India’s first drone unicorn startup. This startup will make six lakh drones and will deploy one drone in every Indian village by 2025.

Distribution of Cards Issued Under PDS

Why in News

According to the information received from the Food Department of the Government of Chhattisgarh on February 20, 2022, so far a total of 69 lakh 50 thousand 49 families have been issued ration cards under the Food and Nutrition Security Act, 2012 and the Chhattisgarh Public Distribution System Control Order-2016.

Key Points

• These ration card holders include families of Antyodaya, destitute, disabled, priority families and APL families.
• Among the ration card holders, 54 lakh 60 thousand 678 families belong to rural areas and 14 lakh 89 thousand 371 families are from urban areas.
• Ration cards have been issued to 45 lakh 5 thousand 867 priority families, 14 lakh 21 thousand 585 families of Antyodaya and 38 thousand 645 destitute families in the state.
• The number of handicapped card holders is 11 thousand 483 and the number of APL general family ration card holders is 14 lakh 89 thousand 371.
• It is worth mentioning that ration cards are being issued to the eligible missing beneficiaries in the state as per rules.

10th Ganga Kayak Festival 2022

Why in News

On February 19, 2022, the three-day 10th Ganga Kayak Festival, 2022 concluded at the Golf Course Rapid of the Ganges in Phoolchatti, situated at the confluence of the Henwal and Ganga rivers on the Laxmanjhula-Neelkanth road in Uttarakhand.

Key Points

• It was organized in association with The Adventure Sports Society and Uttarakhand Tourism Development Council.
• The players showed stamina in the kayak sprint events on the first day, in which 53 kayakers participated.
• Sprint, Professional Salalam, Mass Boater, Cross and Boater Cross competitions were organized in this festival.
• Bhim Singh Chauhan, president of Adventure Sports Society, said that Daman Singh (2 minutes 31 seconds 91 microseconds) of India was the winner of the competition in the men's category.
• India's Amit Thapa (2 minutes 33 seconds 38 microseconds) got second place and Sohan Rana (2 minutes 35 seconds 61 microseconds) got third place in the competition.
• In the women's section, India's Priyanka Rana (3 minutes 40 seconds 61 microseconds) won, while Australia's Seun Hong (3 minutes 46 seconds 16 microseconds) secured second place while Nidhi Bharadwaj of India (3 minutes 56 seconds 15 microseconds) was at third place.

Uttarakhand Tops in India Travel Mart

Why in News

The three-day India Travel Mart (ITM) organized in association with Uttarakhand Tourism Development Council concluded on February 19, 2022. Uttarakhand got Best Stall Award in Home Stay and Tourism Investment Promotion in this Mart.

Key Points

• At the conclusion event, Uttarakhand Tourism was awarded the Best Stall Award for promoting Uttarakhand and Dholavira (World UNESCO Heritage Site) and Statue of Unity in Home Stay, Adventure and Tourism Investment Promotion.
• Yogendra Kumar Gangwar, Deputy Director, Uttarakhand Tourism Development Council, said that continuous work is being done to develop a predetermined destination for tourism in Uttarakhand. To make travel more enjoyable and hassle free for the tourists.
• Ajay Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director, ITM Group, said that India Travel Mart has provided an opportunity for networking with travel agents and tour operators from Uttarakhand and Pan India to promote the tourism industry. Information on wildlife tourism, heritage tourism, adventure and eco tourism, religious and pilgrimage, beaches, cuisine, fairs and festivals was given at the Mart.