• 23 Jan 2023

Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Samman

Why in News?

On January 22, 2023, Uttar Pradesh Government Secretary Raghunath Prasad Verma said that on the lines of the Yash Bharti Award of the Samajwadi Party government of the state, now the state government will also award 'Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Samman' to the personalities who have brought glory to the state in the country and abroad.

Key Points

• Administrative and financial approval of Rs. 50 lakh was issued for this new honor scheme on behalf of Raghunath Prasad Verma, Deputy Secretary of The Uttar Pradesh Government.
• Under this scheme, four personalities will be honored with an amount of Rs. 11 lakh each respectively.
• Significantly, the Uttar Pradesh government had stopped the Yash Bharti award two years ago. Under the Yash Bharti Award, Rs. 11 lakh was given to such personalities, who have brought glory to the state in the country and abroad. Instead, the Ministry of Culture has now started the Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Samman.
• He said that at the launch ceremony of Uttar Pradesh Day on January 24, the Chief Minister can honor four personalities while launching this new award scheme.
• According to the government order issued for the Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Samman Yojana, such eminent dignitaries of Uttar Pradesh have been associated with various disciplines and fields such as art and culture, agriculture, entrepreneurship, skill development, science and technology, literature, education, sports, social service, etc. He established new dimensions of excellence through individual efforts in environment, women empowerment, rural development etc. Apart from this, those who have achieved pride at the national and international level through these new excellent dimensions will be honored with Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Samman.
• The nominee for this honour must be a native of Uttar Pradesh. Such national and internationally renowned dignitaries of various disciplines, fields of work, who have achieved the best achievement on the basis of their talent and long spiritual practice, who have made Uttar Pradesh proud in the country and abroad.
• Any other national or state award or honor recipients of any previous national or state award or honor from the State Government or the Central Government shall not be placed within the eligibility limits of this honor scheme.
• Under the scheme, nominations will be received from the DM on the format prescribed by the Director of Culture every year. Apart from this, nominations related to other fields and disciplines can also be obtained through the concerned Departmental Secretary/Principal Secretary and from recognized music, dance, drama, film and media educational and performance institutions and other sources. Each department can propose the name by constituting a selection committee at its own level.
• Personalities will be selected from these categories-
  • Classical music, folk music (singing, playing, dancing)
  • Fine Arts, Drama, Film and Media
  • Social Service, Youth Welfare, Social Welfare, Women and Persons with Disabilities Welfare
  • Agriculture, Horticulture, Dairy Development, Animal Husbandry, Forest and Wildlife and Environment Protection
  • Entrepreneurship, Skill Development, Job Creation, Self-Reliance
  • Personalities who have made specific contributions in other fields such as education, literature, science, technology, sports, etc., whom the screening committee may consider eligible.

Patna University Student Jabir Ansari Wins Gold in All India Karate Competition

Why in News?

On January 22, 2023, Jabir Ansari, a student of Patna University, created history and won the gold medal in the 75 kg. weight category in the All India Inter University Karate Competition held at Atal Bihari Vajpayee University, Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh).

Key Points

• A five-day All India Inter-University Karate Women's and Men's Competition was held at BR Yadav Indoor Stadium Bahtarai from January 17-22, 2023 under the aegis of Association of Indian Universities and Atal Bihari Vajpayee University, Bilaspur.
• 2500 players from about 200 prestigious universities of the country participated in this competition.
• Renowned karate player Jabir Ansari is a resident of Tumbapahar in Jhajha block under Jamui district. He is currently pursuing his graduation from Patna University.
• It is known that in the Bihar State Karate Championship 2023 held in Patna recently, Jabir Ansari created history by winning the gold medal for the seventh consecutive time. After winning the gold medal, Jabir has been selected for the national competition, which is to be held in Dehradun Uttarakhand from February 17 to 19, 2023.
• Apart from this, Jabir also won a gold medal in the 75 kg. weight category in the 12th All India Open National Karate Competition held from December 22 to 25, 2022 in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha.
• On the basis of outstanding performance in the field of karate, the Bihar government has also honored Jabir with the National Level Sports Honor 3 times. On December 11, 2022, Jabir has been honored with Mahatma Buddha Samman organized by Sankat Haran Sahyog Samiti at Bihar Industries Association, Patna.

Rajasthan Tourism Polo Cup Tournament

Why in discussion

Rajasthan Tourism Department and Rajasthan Polo Club organized Rajasthan Tourism Polo Cup tournament from January 16 to 22, 2023 at Rambagh Polo Club Ground in Jaipur in which Bedla Trojans defeated Rajnigandha Achievers in the final match and captured the title.

Key Points

• International player Padmanabha Singh's hat-trick helped Bedla-Trojans beat Rajnigandha Achievers 7-4 in the final match of the Rajasthan Tourism Polo Cup tournament.
• Rajasthan Cricket Association president Vaibhav Gehlot, director of tourism department Dr. Rashmi Sharma presented the Rajasthan Tourism Polo Cup to the winners.
• Director of Tourism Rashmi Sharma said that organizing Rajasthan Tourism Polo Cup will prove to be an important event for international tourists in the state in the coming days and through this, the tourism department of the state will establish new dimensions in the polo tourism sector.
• Four teams - Bedla Trojans Polo, Rajnigandha Achievers, Krishna Polo and Samode Polo - participated in the tournament, which ran from January 16 to 22. At the same time, players from India and abroad also participated in the tournament.

Aashayein The Filling Station

Why in News?

On January 22, 2023, former Union Minister of Rajasthan Bhanwar Jitendra Singh and Minister of Prisons Tikaram Jully laid the foundation stone of a petrol pump Aashayein the Filling Station' in the Central Jail Complex Alwar as part of an innovative initiative to connect the prisoners of the prison department in the state with employment and provide convenience to the common people.

Key Points

• Speaking on the occasion, former Union Minister Bhanwar Jitendra Singh and Prisons Minister Tikaram Juli said that this initiative of the Prison Department will provide employment to the prisoners living in open jails with good conduct and conduct according to their qualifications. This effort will prove to be an important link in living a respectable life for the prisoner and his family and to connect with the mainstream of society.
• This petrol pump will be operated by the detainees, which will be monitored by the Prison Monitoring Committee.
• He informed that the state government is providing skill training to jail inmates through various innovations. At the same time, work is being done to connect the prisoners living in open jails in the mainstream of society through these innovations.
• Central Jail Superintendent Pradeep Lakhawat told that this petrol pump will be operated by Aashayein organization in the Central Jail premises with the help of Prisons Department and Indian Oil Corporation Limited.
• Petrol and diesel will also be made available to consumers in the first phase and CNG in the second phase. This petrol pump will be started in about one and a half to two months.
• Pradeep Lakhawat said that instead of the trees removed from the land selected for the petrol pump, many times more trees have been planted in the jail premises, which will be looked after by the jail inmates.

Public Health Engineering Minister Lays foundation Stone of Urban Water Augmentation Scheme in Harmada

Why in News?

On January 22, 2023, Rajasthan's Public Health Engineering Minister Dr. Mahesh Joshi laid the foundation stone of urban water augmentation scheme to provide Bilaspur water to Harmada and Badharna areas of Jaipur city.

Key Points

• Minister of Public Health Engineering Joshi said that under the Urban Water Augmentation Scheme, two high reservoirs of 1500 kilo liters and 700 kilo liters capacity and two clean reservoirs of 1800 kilo liters and 1400 kilo liters capacity will be constructed and 143 km. long pipeline will be laid.
• On this occasion, the Public Health Engineering Minister also laid the foundation stone for the works of laying a high reservoir of 2,000kilo liters capacity and 10.6 km DI pipeline being constructed for drinking water supply at Bhatta Basti of Hawamahal Assembly constituency of Jaipur under adequate pressure. The cost of these works is Rs 8 crore 17 lakh.
• It is noteworthy that the Urban Water Augmentation Scheme is included in the budget announcement of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot to provide drinking water from Bisalpur to Harmada-Badharna.
• About 60,000 people of Gayatri Nagar, Sudamapuri, Ganga Vihar, Vijay Nagar, Krishna Nagar, Shyam Nagar, OmPuri, New Karni Colony, Bhagwan Nagar, Gautam Enclave etc. of Harmada and Badharna areas will be benefited by this drinking water scheme.
• This drinking water augmentation scheme will solve the drinking water problem of five wards of Hawamahal assembly constituency in the long term and at the same time pure drinking water supply will be provided under adequate pressure in A, B, C and D blocks of Bhatta Basti, Shivaji Nagar, Rajiv Nagar, New Sanjay Nagar, Bajrang Nagar, Shaheed Indra Jyoti Nagar, Vijay Nagar etc.

Vidhansabha Speaker Laid Foundation Stone of Anicut on Banas river

Why in News?

On January 21, 2023, Rajasthan Assembly Speaker Dr. C.P. Joshi laid the foundation stone of an anicut to be constructed at a cost of about Rs. 26 crore for better irrigation and water management system in Namana village of Nathdwara area of Rajsamand district of the state.

Key Points

• Speaking on the occasion, Water Resources Minister Mahendrajit Singh Malviya said that the construction of the concrete will increase the water level of the area and the farmers of the village will not face shortage of water for irrigation.
• Cooperation Minister Uday Lal Anjana said that the schemes of the Rajasthan government have given Rajasthan recognition as a model state in the country.
• Apart from the incident, the water resources department also laid the foundation stone of repair and restoration work Fatehpuria Pond and other works.
• Apart from this, Phulpura Minor of main Daai canal of Nandsamand Dam was also inaugurated.

Third cave spotted in Gupt Godavari in Chitrakoot

Why in News?

On January 22, 2023, Sdm P.S. Tripathi of Majhgawan in Satna, Madhya Pradesh, said that the third cave has been found near Gupt Godavari in the Madhya Pradesh region of Dharmanagari Chitrakoot, the tapobhoomi of Lord Ram. Soon the archaeological department team will be called and information will be made.

Key Points

• SDM P.S. Tripathi said that the length of the cave is about 25 feet and the width is one and a half meters. Due to darkness, the Sdm of Majhgawan and a team of several officers could go only12 feet inside. Due to darkness, the officers have reached only half the distance.
• It is known that chitrakoot dharmanagari has preserved its historical importance since ancient times. In the tubers and caves of the natural hills of Dharmanagari, saints and seers are immersed in penance, whose sights are very rare. There are many such secrets of Dharmanagari, which are still out of reach.

Centre of Excellence in Horticulture inaugurated in Gignau under Indo-Israel Agriculture Project

Why in News?

On January 22, 2023, Ambassador of Israel naor Gilon, who visited India, inaugurated the Semi-Arid Horticulture Excellence Centre built at a cost of About Rs. 12.5 crore in village Gignau in Loharu assembly constituency of Bhiwani district of Haryana.

Key Points

• Israeli Ambassador Naor Gilon said that the Centre of Excellence in Horticulture established under the Indo-Israel Agricultural Project in village village Gignau will also strengthen the democratic relations between the political relations of the two countries.
• The main objective of setting up semi-arid horticulture centres of excellence is to develop new resources in the agriculture sector, which will make the farmer happy.
• He said that now Israeli technology and knowledge is being transferred and manufactured in India, which is giving a further boost to the Make in India initiative. Through this center, Israel based farming techniques produced in India such as drip irrigation, mulching, green house etc. will be showcased.
• Naor Gilon said that more than 40 million plants of quality vegetables and five lakh plants of quality fruits are being produced in horticulture excellence centers built on Indo-Israeli technology in India. More than one lakh 20 thousand farmers are also getting training every year at these centers.
• Haryana Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Minister J.K.P. Dalal said that Despite being a small country, Israel is a leader in many areas including agriculture and security. Today, other countries are also adopting the technology of this country. Israel has made its country a paradise by making wasteland fertile and has given the whole world the technology of farming from drop to drop.
• He said that the budget for horticulture in Haryana has been increased by 100 times from Rs’ 8 crore to Rs 800 crore. A target has been set to set up 500 FPOs in the state.
• J. P Dalal said that by the year 2030, a target of horticulture has been set on 17 lakh acres of land. The world's largest vegetable market is being set up at Gannaur in Sonipat, which will be spread over 500 acres, which will cost 2.5thousand crores and will provide employment to thousands of people.
• He informed that to reduce the risk in horticulture, 'Mukhyamantri Horticulture Insurance Scheme' has been implemented, under this scheme 46 crops have been covered. Apart from this, 21 horticulture crops have been included under the 'Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana'.
• Minister J. P. Dalal said that the highest scheme for farmers in the country has been implemented in Haryana. The Centre of Excellence built in Gignaw will prove to be a milestone for the future of farmers as well as youth.
• In this center, the best quality variety of Guava, Almonds, Dates, Pomegranate, Pear, Citrus fruits, Plums, Dragon fruits, Red bald malta, Strawberries, Avocados etc. will be prepared. From this center, high quality vegetable plants will be available to the farmers at affordable rates.
• In this hi-tech greenhouse, 30 to 40 lakh plants of vegetables will be prepared. Apart from this, mother blocks are being prepared for fruit plantation.

'International Gita Mahotsav' to be the Theme of Haryana Tableau for Republic Day celebrations

Why in News?

On January 22, 2023, Director General, Information, Public Relations and Language Department, Haryana, Dr. Amit Agarwal said that for the second consecutive time, haryana's tableau has been selected by the Special Committee of the Ministry of Defense for the second consecutive performance in the Republic Day celebrations on January 26, whose theme is 'International Gita Mahotsav'.

Key Points

• Dr. Amit Agarwal said that the process of selection of tableaux of states, union territories and ministries is started every year in the month of November by the expert committee constituted by the Ministry of Defense of the Government of India, in which all the states, union territories and ministries present their respective themes.
• The expert committee selects tableaux in a phased manner based on the relevance and usefulness of the theme. Last year also, haryana's sports achievements were presented to the country and the world in a powerful way through a tableau based on the theme of 'Number One Haryana in Sports'.
• Kurukshetra is known as one of the oldest pilgrimage sites in the world. Here the Vedas and Puranas were composed on the banks of the holy river Saraswati. About 5159 years ago, on the first day of the Mahabharata war, Lord Krishna gave the eternal message of Shrimad Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, so Kurukshetra is identified as the birthplace of The Gita.
• Dr. Amit Agarwal said that the anniversary of the birth anniversary of the immortal message of Gita is celebrated as International Gita Mahotsav every year in Kurukshetra. The 18 day long International Gita Mahotsav aims to spread the global and inspiring message of Shrimad Bhagwat Gita and enlighten the world with the message of peace, harmony and universal brotherhood.
• He said that in the year 2018, the Haryana government decided to celebrate International Gita Mahotsav in other countries with the aim of spreading the eternal message of Gita in other parts of the world and in the year 2019, for the first time, International Gita Mahotsav was organized in Mauritius and London. In the year 2022, the International Gita Festival was also celebrated in Canada.
• Director General of Information, Public Relations and Language Department said that the message of Gita presented on the tableau of Haryana in the Republic Day parade is the biggest intellectual gift to mankind. This eternal message of karma is exemplary for the entire humanity.
• He said that in the tableau, Lord Krishna is shown serving as Arjuna's charioteer and giving him the knowledge of Gita. The first glimpse of the tableau offers a glimpse of spirituality, art and history.
• At the beginning of the tractor section there are visions of Lord Krishna's 'Virata Swaroop', as he displayed in front of Arjuna on the battlefield. In the statue displayed in the form of Virat, the 9 heads of Shri Vishnu are shown as Agni, Narsingh, Ganesh, Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Ashwini Kumar, Hanuman and Parashurama respectively. Divine serpents are covered with heads covered. Shri Vishnu holds sword, Trident, Lotus, Sudarshan Chakra in the right hand and Conch, Barchha, Bow, Nag, Mace etc. in his left hand. The entire bottom is shaped by Sheshnag and the waves have been given a circular shape.
• A grand chariot with four horses has been built in the Kurukshetra battlefield at the rear in the trailer section. Chariots, horses and all elements are depicted with in-depth detail. The idols riding on the chariot of Arjuna and Sri Krishna have been made colourful, while the rest of the trailer is made in the same earthly shadow. From horses to chariots and even the dust of the ground, every single detail is clearly visible in the tableau. The pattern on the edges of the trailer depicts various scenes from the Mahabharata war.

HPPC Meeting Held Under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister

Why in News?

On January 21, 2023, a meeting of the High Powered Purchasing Committee (HPPC) was held in Chandigarh under the chairmanship of Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal, in which the purchase of goods worth more than Rs. 92 crore was approved by various departments.

Key Points

• Chief Minister, Mr. Manohar Lal informed that a total of 8 agendas of Irrigation, Police, Transport, Hartron, Haryana Power Generation Corporation Limited were placed in the meeting, out of which 5 agendas were approved.
• He said that about Rs. 3 crore has been saved by fixing rates after negotiations with various companies.
• The Chief Minister said that the proposal to install de-knox combustion codification system to reduce pollution in thermal power plants has been approved. Apart from this, approval has also been given today to increase internet connectivity in various departments, boards and corporations in Haryana.
• He informed that e-Bhoomi portal has been created for the requirement of land for government projects, which is proving to be very effective. On this portal, information about the land requirement for projects is filled by the government and farmers and aggregators offer their land.
• The land is being purchased with the consent of the land owners after negotiations. So far, about 1000 acres of land has been procured through this portal.

All India Inter University Soft Tennis Tournament

Why in News?

On January 20, 2023, in the All India Inter University Soft Tennis Tournament organized by Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University in Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh. Women's team Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University defeated the team of Panjab University, Chandigarh in the final and won the title of winner.

Key Points

• In doubles, Urvashi and Nidhi players of Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University defeated Riya and Radhika of Chandigarh 5-1 to give the team the title of final winner. In third place was Anna University Chennai, which defeated MDU Rohtak 2-0 .
• In the men's section, Gujarat University defeated Panjab University Chandigarh 2-0 to win the title. Anna University Chennai was third, beating Gujarat Tech University 2-1 to take the spot.
• Chhattisgarh Yoga Commission Chairman Gyanesh Sharma gave away prizes to the winners.
• The All India Inter University Soft Tennis Tournament was organized by Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University in Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh, from January 17 to 20.

5,500 Government Vehicles to be Scrapped from April 1

Why in News?

On January 21, 2023, Uttarakhand Joint Transport Commissioner Sanat Kumar Singh informed that 5500 vehicles of government departments, corporations, bodies, transport corporations, departments, autonomous institutions in the state will become junk from April 01. The RC of these vehicles will not be renewed.

Key Points

• It is noteworthy that the central government has issued a notification of the Central Motor Vehicles (First Amendment) Rules 2023, which will come into effect from April 1, 2023.
• The government will have to spend 300 to 550 crores to buy new vehicles or rent vehicles instead of vehicles falling under its purview.
• Joint Transport Commissioner Sanat Kumar Singh said that in December, the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways issued a draft amendment to the Motor Vehicles Act under the scrap policy and sought suggestions from all the states.
• In the suggestion made by Uttarakhand, it was said that instead of 5500 vehicles going to junk, if they were auctioned, there would be a relatively small loss of Rs. 11 crore. Apart from this, Uttarakhand will need 550 crores to buy new vehicles at the rate of ten lakh per vehicle.
• After this, no government vehicle older than 15 years will be renewed in the state, but it will have to be given in scrap, for which three scrap centers are being set up in every district.
• The Joint Transport Commissioner said that under the new policy, vehicles older than 15 years will not be renewed from April 1. He will go to scrap. After the scrapping of 5500 vehicles, all the departments will have to buy new vehicles. Assuming the average price of a vehicle at Rs. 10 lakh, the state will need Rs. 550 crore.
• Sanat Kumar Singh said that under the scrap policy, from April 1, 2023, all types of heavy commercial vehicles will have to undergo a mandatory fitness test, while for private vehicles this system will be applicable from June 2024.