• 21 Jul 2023

Bihar's World Famous Rajgir Malmas Fair started

Why in News?

On July 18, 2023, the world-famous Rajgir Malmas Mela began at Rajgir in Nalanda district of Bihar. There will be many holy baths during the 1 month long fair. The fair began with traditional flag hoisting in the presence of saints and seers.

Key Points:

• It is believed in Hinduism that 33 crore gods and goddesses migrate to Rajgir during the month of Malmas. During this time, lakhs of devotees from different parts of the country and the state reach Rajgir to worship and take a holy bath in Brahmakund.
• The Malamas Fair is held every 3 years. It is believed that bathing in the hot water pool of Rajgir during Malamas eliminates all sins.
• It is believed that during the Malamas Mela, there is no worship and marriage ceremony and auspicious work anywhere in the country. It is also a belief that yellow clothes are worn while chanting mantras at the time of flag hoisting of Malmas fair, it gives benefits.

Rajasthan Veterinary & Animal Science University (Jobner) Jaipur Bill-2023 passed

Why in News?

On July 20, 2023, the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly passed the Rajasthan Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (Jobner) Jaipur Bill-2023 by voice vote after discussion.

Key Points:

• Replying to a debate on the bill in the Assembly, Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Minister Lalchand Kataria said the bill has been brought with the intention of increasing the contribution of the agriculture and animal husbandry sector to the GDP.
• He said that the state's second Veterinary and Animal Sciences University is being opened in Jobner to save livestock and step forward in the field of veterinary medicine. With the establishment of the university, children from rural families will also get an opportunity to get an education equipped with the latest technology in veterinary and animal science.
• He said that Rajasthan will be the first state in the country to have two veterinary and animal science universities. The Veterinary and Animal Sciences University in Bikaner will have 16 districts under its jurisdiction, while the new university to be set up in Jobner will have jurisdiction of 17 districts.
• The Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Minister said that there are 5 lakh 66 thousand livestock and 1 lakh 46 thousand poultry properties in the state. According to new data from the Government of India, the state ranks 1st in milk production.
• Earlier, the House rejected the proposal to circulate the bill for public opinion by voice vote.

Marwar Medical University Bill-2023 passed by voice vote

Why in News?

On July 20, 2023, the Marwar Medical University Bill-2023 was passed by voice vote after discussion in the Rajasthan Assembly.

Key Points:

• Medical and Health Minister Parsadi Lal Meena, while replying to the discussion on this bill, said that with the opening of Marwar Medical University in Jodhpur, patients of western Rajasthan will get better medical facilities near them.
• The Medical and Health Minister said that the state government is continuously expanding medical facilities and services in the state by establishing medical colleges. During the tenure of the present government, 16 medical colleges have been started and medical colleges will also be started in Dausa, Bundi, Karauli, Alwar and Hanumangarh districts this year. The state government is also opening medical colleges in three districts - Jalore, Pratapgarh and Rajsamand from its own financial resources.
• A financial sanction of Rs 500 crore has been given for the early operation of Marwar Medical University in Jodhpur and posts have also been created.
• He said that MBBS seats in the state will also increase from 750 to 3,230. He said that doctors have been appointed at every first aid centre and community medical centre.
• Earlier, the House rejected the proposal to know the public opinion of the bill.

Rajasthan State Fair Authority Bill-2023 passed

Why in News?

On July 19, 2023, the Rajasthan State Fair Authority Bill-2023 was passed in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly.

Key Points:

• Vice-Chairman of the State Fair Authority, Ramesh Borana said that with the passing of the Authority's bill and becoming an Act, the Fairs and Padyatras organized in the state will now be organized in a more secure and systematic manner.
• It is known that Rajasthan is a rich cultural region, where fairs and festivals are the main basis of the traditional life of the people and their relevance becomes more important in the rapidly changing social values.
• It is worth mentioning that the State Fair Authority was constituted by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot in 2011 and now by duly making an act of this authority, the fairs and folk festivals of the state have been conserved, protected and developed.
• Through this act, the state government, while respecting religion and spirituality in the state, has given an opportunity to strengthen the faith of the devotees, on the other hand, it has also provided a safe environment for the Mela culture of the state to flourish.

The Governor honoured outstanding talents under the 'Champions of Change Madhya Pradesh' edition

Why in News?

On July 19, 2023, Governor Mangubhai Patel honoured 16 outstanding talents in the fields of spirituality, social welfare, art, health, education and sports at the prize distribution program of the 'Champions of Change Madhya Pradesh' edition organized at the Kushabhau Thackeray International Convention Center auditorium in the capital Bhopal.

Key Points:

• Governor Mangubhai Patel honoured Pt. Pradeep Mishra in the field of spirituality, Pt. Om Prakash Mehta, MLA Krishna Gaur, Hemant Tiwari, Umashankar Singh, Vinod Kumar Agarwal, Additional Director General of Police Anvesh Mangalam, Rohit Jain, Manoj Sahu, Abhishek Kumar Pandey in the field of social-welfare, Padma Shri Dr. Munishwar Chandra Davar & Dr. Ajay Rana in the field of health, film actress Saumya Tandon & film director Anil Singh Chandel in the field of art, Jaynarayan Choksey in the field of education and powerlifter Bhavna Tokekar in the field of sports.
• Nandan Kumar Jha, founder of Champions of Change said that the program is the second award function of the Madhya Pradesh edition. The ceremony has been organized four times at the national level. State-level programs have been done in four states including Madhya Pradesh. Soon the awards will be given at the international level as well.
• It is worth mentioning that 'Champions of Change (CoC)' is an Indian award for promoting Indian values like community service, social development, health care, education and national integration, which was established in 2011.
• The Champions of Change Award has been given by the Interactive Forum on Indian Economy (IFIE), Government of India to politicians, social workers, and entrepreneurs who have promoted Gandhian values (cleanliness), community service and social development through their positive efforts in a total of 115 optimistic districts in the country.
• The interactive Forum on Indian Economy organizes Champions of Change Awards at international, national and state levels in India every year. The award is usually presented by the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Governor or a prominent person of India.
• The awardees are selected by top constitutional jury members headed by the former Chief Justice of India and former NHRC chairman.
• The Interactive Forum on Indian Economy is a Government of India accredited (80G, 8A) not-for-profit company dedicated to the development and welfare of women & children in rural India, including 115 aspirational districts that promote the values of Mahatma Gandhi.
• The 'Champions of Change Madhya Pradesh' award is a state award to promote the values of courage, community service and inclusive social development. The award has been instituted taking inspiration from the vision of women freedom fighter Rani Laxmibai. The awardees are selected by members of the constitutional jury headed by Justice Gyan Sudha Misra (former Supreme Court judge).

Nagda will be a New district of the state

Why in News?

On July 20, 2023, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan laid the foundation stone of development works worth Rs 261.14 crore during Vikas Parv in Tehsil Nagda of Ujjain district and announced to make Nagda a district.

Key Points:

• It is known that in Vikas Parv, a large number of development works are being inaugurated/foundations laid in all the areas of the state.
• The Chief Minister inaugurated development works worth Rs 92 crore 61 lakh and performed Bhoomi-Pujan of development works worth Rs 168 crore 53 lakh in Nagda.
• Fulfilling the long-pending demand of the Nagda area, the Chief Minister announced to make it a district. Those tehsils of the Ujjain district which voluntarily want to be merged in Nagda will be included in Nagda.
• It is worth mentioning that after being separated from Ujjain, Nagda will become the 54th district of the state. Before this, Mauganj tehsil of Rewa district has been announced to be made a district. At present Madhya Pradesh has 52 districts, but with the conversion of Nagda and Mauganj into districts, there will be 54 districts.
• Presently Nagda is a tehsil of Ujjain district. Nagda is mentioned in the history of the Pandavas who won the war of Mahabharata. It is told that a huge Yajna was performed at this place by King Janmejaya, the grandson of the Pandavas, for the cremation of Nagas, hence the name of the city was Nagda.
• Apart from this, the Chief Minister also made many other announcements-
  • Unhel will be made Tehsil and community health centres will be opened here.
  • CM Rise schools will be opened in Nagda, Khachrod, and Alot.
  • Along with Kshipra, Narmada water will be diverted to Gambhir and Kalisindh rivers.

Saraswati Board responsible for the Maintenance of RCC Parallel Drain

Why in News?

On July 18, 2023, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal, who is also the Chairman of the Haryana Saraswati Board, has directed to hand over the maintenance of 'RCC Parallel Drain' prepared along the Saraswati River in Kurukshetra to the Haryana Saraswati Board.

Key Points:

• It is known that till now its responsibility was with the Haryana Urban Development Authority.
• Saraswati Board Vice Chairman Dhooman Singh Kirmach said that this drain runs from Khedi-Markanda to Narkatari STP through the middle of Kurukshetra city. Its total length is about 18 km and its capacity is 70-80 cusecs of water.
• He said that he had been trying for the last one year to maintain this drain. Due to the authority of this drain coming to the board, flood water can also be drained through this drain during rainy days. The drain will also be covered from above.

'Caravan Tourism'

Why in News?

According to the information given by the Chhattisgarh Public Relations Department on July 20, 2023, the tax rate has been fixed for separate registration of motor Caravans with the aim of encouraging caravan trains to promote the tourism industry in Chhattisgarh. Under this, a 10 percent tax will have to be paid for the registration of the caravan vehicle.

Key Points:

• It is noteworthy that keeping in mind the convenience of the public, new steps are being taken by the Transport Department under the guidance of Transport Minister Mohammad Akbar as per the intention of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. In this episode, the state government is planning to promote 'Caravan Tourism' on rivers, mountain ranges, hill stations, forests and heritage sites.
• The concept of caravan tourism has gained immense popularity across the world. Under this policy, recreational vehicles, tourist vans or motor homes will be permitted in places where permanent construction is prohibited and where hotels and resorts are rare.
• Its objective is to provide safe travel and encourage tour operators. This will allow tourists to enjoy the natural beauty and other attractions of the state and will also generate local employment opportunities in the tourism sector.
• What is a Motor Caravan?
• Caravan is a type of passenger vehicle, which is used for a special purpose. This vehicle has seating and sleeping arrangements. As well as having a table and kitchen, many vehicles also have a bathroom. In a way, a motor caravan is like a mobile hotel or home.
• To make a caravan vehicle, a new vehicle or just a chassis can be bought and converted into a caravan vehicle from a registered bodybuilder or an old vehicle can also be modified into a caravan vehicle, but the old vehicle should not be more than three years old to make a caravan vehicle.
• This tourist circuit also promotes family-oriented tourism in destinations that do not have adequate hotel accommodations.
• Motor caravans can be used for travel, leisure and accommodation purposes. Motor caravans are also widely used for adventure tourism.
• Chhattisgarh has a vast land area and landscape, which will add a new dimension to motor caravan tourism. Presently the demand for eco, wildlife, pilgrimage tourism etc. is increasing. This includes going and living in remote areas, forests and rivers.
• There is already a shortage of accommodation at tourist destinations, especially in remote areas and in some places where permanent construction may be neither acceptable nor possible. In such a scenario, Caravan Tourism can effectively meet the growing demand, while ensuring it adheres to quality, standards and safety norms.
• There is no doubt that Caravan Tourism will appeal to a wide range of market segments including youth, families, senior citizens and international tourists.

1st Supplementary Budget for FY 2023-24 passed in the assembly

Why in News?

On July 19, 2023, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel passed the first supplementary budget of Rs 6031 crore 75 lakh 2 thousand 977 for the financial year 2023-24 in the Assembly. Including this amount, now the size of the main budget in the financial year 2023-24 has become Rs 127532 crore.

Key Points:

• In the first supplementary budget, a provision of an additional amount has been kept in various items including Revenue, Home, Energy, Public Health and Family Welfare, Public Works Department, and Rural Housing.
• In the first supplementary budget, a provision of Rs 2976 crore has been kept for revenue expenditure and Rs 3054 crore for capital expenditure.
• It is worth mentioning that a provision of 121500 crore has been made in the main budget of the year 2023-24 and now a provision of Rs 6031 crore has been made in the first supplementary budget.
• While presenting the first supplementary budget, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel while addressing the House said that the less rainfall in the initial days this year had raised concerns, but now it is raining well, due to which there is every possibility of a good crop this year. The situation of famine has not been created in the last few years. 60 to 65 percent of water logging has been done in all the medium and big dams.
• He said that there has been a revenue surplus situation in the state in the last two years and at present also the financial condition of Chhattisgarh is very good.
• Keeping in view the need for and better implementation of Sugam Sadak Yojana, an additional provision of Rs 100 crore has been made in the supplementary budget.
• Similarly, 200 crores for Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, 156 crores for employment-oriented and livelihood-oriented schemes, Rs. 95 crores for the operator of ration shops under food security, a supplement of Rs. 76 crores for the distribution of fortified rice under Suposhan Abhiyan. Additional provision has been made in the budget.
• Provisions have been made in the supplementary budget for the development of health structures in rural areas. A provision of Rs 45 crore has been made in the supplementary budget for the additional expenditure to be incurred on increasing 50-50 MBBS seats in Government Medical College Raigarh, Bilaspur and Ambikapur. Similarly, provision has been made in the supplementary budget for the upgradation of educational institutions and the development of infrastructure.
• Important announcements of Rs 2000 crore by Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel during the supplementary budget-
  • The dearness allowance of about 5 lakh government servants of the state has been increased by 4 percent. In this way, there has been a total increase of 42 percent in the basic pay so far. Due to a 4 percent increase, the state government will have to spend an additional Rs 800 crore.
  • The salary of 37000 contract workers has been increased by 27 percent. Due to this, the state government will have to spend an additional Rs 350 crore.
  • The salary of daily wage earners has been increased by Rs 4000 per month. Due to this, the state government will have to spend an additional Rs 240 crore.
  • The honorarium of 1,650 guest teachers has been increased by Rs 2,000 per month, due to which an additional expenditure of Rs 4 crore will be incurred by the state government.
  • Monthly resource allowance of Rs. 500 to 6000 patwaris, the state government will have to spend an additional Rs.4 crore due to this.
  • All government servants will be given a 9 percent house rent allowance for B-class cities and 6 percent for C and other cities on the 7th pay scale. Due to this, the state government will have to spend an additional Rs 265 crore.
  • All police constables will be given an annual allowance of Rs 8000. The state government will have to spend an additional Rs 40 crore for this.
  • Mitanin trainer, block coordinator and help desk operator will be given a daily incentive allowance of Rs 100 per day. This will cost the state government an additional expenditure of Rs 11 crore.
  • 2500 to 3000 rupees will be given monthly to 10 thousand panchayat secretaries. Due to this, the state government will have to spend an additional Rs 50 crore. Apart from this, they will also be given the benefit of earned leave, ex-gratia amount up to Rs 10 lakh and reimbursement of medical expenses up to Rs 5 lakh.
  • The state government will have to spend a total of Rs 1,764 crore on account of the above announcements for government servants.
• Under the Chief Minister's Special Health Assistance Scheme, the maximum amount of assistance has been increased from Rs. 20 lakh to Rs. 25 lakh.
• On the basis of the survey list of the Socio-Economic Survey 2011, the needy families were facing difficulty in sanctioning houses due to the determination of eligibility for Prime Minister Rural Housing. To overcome this, the Rural Housing Justice Scheme will be started from the resources of the state. For this, a provision of Rs 100 crore has been made in the budget.

Players will get a 4% Sports Quota in Jobs

Why in News?

On July 19, 2023, in the meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand, Dr. S.S Sandhu, an agreement was reached on the proposal to give a four percent horizontal sports quota to the players of the state on the posts of direct recruitment. Soon its proposal will come into the cabinet.

Key Points:

• At the same time, national and international medalists will get direct jobs in various six departments ranging from 2000 to 5400-grade pay.
• It is known that the proposal to give jobs to medal winners of national competitions in the post of grade pay 2000 was earlier returned by the Finance Department saying that jobs cannot be given on this grade pay post. However, the Finance Department had agreed to appoint gold, silver and bronze medal winners in the Olympics to Group 'B' posts.
• The department had talked about giving jobs in the posts of Grade Pay 4800 to the gold medal winners of the Olympic Games, World Championships, World Cup, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games in sports category- 2 and grade pay 4600 to silver and bronze medal winners.
• In the Sports Category- 3, medal winners in SAF Sports and National Games were given consent to be placed in Group 'C' positions in Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, World Championships, and World Cup, but the matter of job was stuck in the grade pay 2000 post.
• It was also agreed upon in the meeting:
  • Five percent quota for outstanding sports persons for admission to colleges.
  • The decision to examine the utilization of the land identified for setting up a Women's Sports College in Udham Singh Nagar.
  • Provision of national and international level sports coaches in the Centre of Excellence.
  • Organizing sports competitions and training camps for persons with disabilities.
  • A meeting will be held with the Forest Department for the land of the sports university in Haldwani.
  • Summer training camps will be organized.
  • The excise department is deducting a cess of one rupee on liquor and beer bottles. It will be given to the Sports Department. A proposal will come into the cabinet for its notification.
  • The under-construction stadium at Ransi in Pauri will be developed as a High Altitude Center.