• 24 Jan 2023

10th Century Idols Found in Kalinjar Fort

Why In News?

On January 23, 2023, Arvind Chhirauliya, director of Uttar Pradesh Social Organization Kalinjar Research Institute, said that ancient idols of Shivalinga, Ganesh, Lord Vishnu, Mother Lakshmi and many gods and goddesses have been found from the wall of Koti Tirtha Sarovar of historic Kalinjar Fort in Banda district of the state.

Key points

• Arvind Chhirauliya said that there are many small and big lakes and ponds in Kalinjar Fort. One of them is Koti Tirtha Sarovar, where sculptures and artifacts made of stones have been found, which date back to the ninth and tenth centuries.
• He said that there are carvings of gods and goddesses on some stones. It also has idols of Lord Vishnu, Ganesh, Lakshmi ji, Parvati ji with a happy posture. Except for The Shivalinga, most of the idols are fragmented.
• Vivek Shukla, a social worker who knows the history of Kalinjar Fort, said that in 1986, a road was being built to go to Fort. Even then, during the excavation, the idols came out in a similar way. He was preserved by the Archeological Department and kept in The Raja Aman Singh Palace.
• Sources associated with the fort say that then statues and cannon shells ranging from 282 KF number 305 were found. They were taken under the protection of the Archaeological Department. Apart from this, in 1960, the Archaeological Survey of India took Kalinjar Fort under its protection.
• It is known that Kalinjar is a very ancient fort, where the rule has been from the Gupta period to the Bundels. Here in the past also such statues have been found during construction work.
• It is known that Theertha Sarovar is the most beautiful and mythological site of Kalinjar Fort. The entire fort is under the Archaeological Department of India. It is being rebuilt by saving statues and artifacts from the wall of the lake. There are statues and artifacts of gods and goddesses on the ancient walls around the lake.
• Arvind Chhirauliya, associated with Kalinjar history, said that the sixth ruler to rule India was known as Aurangzeb Alamgir. He ruled between the 15thand 16th centuries, calling it the idol Bhanjak. He used to break the idols of Hindu religion.
• Between 1812 and 1947, during the British rule, the work of destroying memories related to Hinduism was also done. The Court Tirtha Sarovar is quite ancient, but the walls around it were built by the British. Then these idols were also buried behind the wall, so that Sanatan Dharma and Hinduism could not be awakened.
• Pandit Shankar Pratap Mishra, Rajpurohit of Kalinjar Fort Neelkanth temple, said that water of all the pilgrims has been found in Koti Tirtha Sarovar. In such a situation, by offering water to Lord Neelkanth sitting here with the water of this lake, one gets the virtue of donating one thousand cows. Especially on Kartik Purnima, Jalabhishek is considered more fruitful.

Islands of Andaman and Nicobar Named After Four Param Vir Chakra Winners of Uttar Pradesh

Why In News?

On January 23, 2022, on the occasion of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's birth anniversary (Parakram Diwas), Prime Minister Narendra Modi named 21 major unidentified islands of Andaman and Nicobar Islands after 21 winners of param Vir chakra, the largest military decoration in India. The list includes four Paramvir Chakra winners from Uttar Pradesh.

Key points

• Three of the four Param Vir Chakra winners from Uttar Pradesh – Company Quarter Master Havildar Veer Abdul Hameed, Naik Jadunath Singh, Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey – have been awarded Param Vir Chakra posthumously and Honorary Captain Yogendra Singh Yadav while alive.
• Born in Dharampur village in Ghazipur district of Uttar Pradesh, Veer Abdul Hameed was commissioned into the Grenadiers Infantry Regiment on 27 December 1954 at the age of 21. In the fight with Pakistan, he destroyed three Panton tanks of Pakistan with his gun jeep. In response, the Pakistani army attacked them simultaneously. He was martyred in this attack. He was awarded the Param Vir Chakra on September 10, 1965, in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to the Indo-Pakistani War.
• Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey was born on 25 June 1975 in Rudha village of Sitapur district. He got elected to Indian Army from NDA. He was commissioned as a commissioned officer in the 1st Battalion of the 11 Gorkha Rifles Regiment. In the 1999 Kargil war, he destroyed enemy bunkers. Meanwhile, he was martyred at the age of just 24 due to a bullet in the head. He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his courage and leadership during the Kargil War in 1999.
• Jadunath Singh, a resident of village Khajuri in Kalan tehsil of Shahjahanpur district of Uttar Pradesh, was drafted into the British Indian Army in 1941. He participated in World War II fighting against Japan in Burma. While serving in the Rajput Regiment of the Indian Army, he participated in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947. On February 6, 1948, in Nowshera sector of Jammu and Kashmir, Jadunath Singh single-handedly forced the Pakistani army soldiers in tribal disguise to retreat. During this fight, a bullet hit his head, due to which he attained martyrdom. Naik Jadunath Singh was also posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra.
• Honorary Captain Yogendra Singh Yadav was born on May 10, 1980, in Aurangabad village of Bulandshahr. In 1996, at the age of 16, he joined the 18 Grenadiers. He displayed indomitable courage and Vallor in the capture of Tiger Hill in the Kargil War in 1999. Capt. Yogendra Yadav captured the three outposts of Tiger Hill in wounded condition despite being hit by several bullets and hoisted the tricolour there. Yogendra Yadav, who completed this struggling mission, was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, the highest gallantry award of the Indian Army, at the age of just 19.
• It is noteworthy that keeping in view the historical importance of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and to pay respect to the memory of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, during his visit to Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the year 2018, the Prime Minister renamed the Ross Islands as ' Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island. Neil Island and Havelock Island were renamed as 'Shaheed Dweep' and 'Swaraj Dweep'.
• With a view to pay due respect to the real-life heroes of the country, it has been decided to name 21 large unexplored islands of the archipelago after the 21 Param Vir Chakra winners.
• The 21 Param Vir Chakra winners named after these islands are - Major Somnath Sharma; Subedar and Honorary Captain (then Lance Naik) Karam Singh, MM; Second Lieutenant Ram Raghoba Rane; Naik Jadunath Singh; Company Havildar Major Piru Singh; Gurbachan Singh Salaria; Lieutenant Colonel (Then Major) Dhan Singh Thapa; Subedar Joginder Singh; Major Shaitan Singh; CQMH Abdul Hameed; Lt. Col. Ardeshir Burjorji Tarapore; Lance Naik Albert Ekka; Major Hoshiyar Singh; Second Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal; Flying Officer Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon; Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran; Naib Subedar Bana Singh; Captain Vikram Batra; Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey; Subedar Major (Then Rifleman) Sanjay Kumar; and Subedar Major Retd (Honorary Captain) Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav.

Bihar Caste Based Survey Portal Launched

Why In News?

The Bihar caste-based survey portal was launched by Bihar Chief Secretary Amir Subhani on January 23, 2022. This portal will be useful for all types of digital management in ethnic survey work.

Key points

• The first phase of caste census in Bihar has been completed. All the data collected in the first phase will now be uploaded on this portal and these data will be available to the enumerators and observers at the time of second count on the mobile app. Based on this, the second phase will be calculated.
• In the first phase of caste census, about 2 crore 58 lakh 90 thousand 497 families across the state were reached by the counting staff and numbering houses.
• In the first phase, the name of the head of the family and the number of members living there were recorded. More than 5.18 lakh workers were engaged in the first phase of caste census that began on January 7.
• In the second phase, caste census will be conducted from April 1 to 30. In this phase, 26 types of information will be taken from people. The names of people living outside the state will also be recorded.
• Tola Sevak, Talimi Markaz, Mamta, Asha worker, Jeevika Didiyan, Teacher, Agriculture Coordinator, MNREGA worker, Rozgar Sevak and Vikas Mitra have been given the responsibility for caste enumeration.

Now there will be ACB Post in Bhiwadi as Well

Why In News?

On January 23, 2023, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot approved the proposal to shift one of the two Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) posts operating in Alwar district of the state to Bhiwadi.

Key points

• It is noteworthy that Bhiwadi is a town in Alwar district of Rajasthan, where ACB outpost will be established.
• At present, two ACB posts are operational in Alwar district and not a single post is set up in Bhiwadi. Bhiwadi being a large industrial area, there are offices of many departments of the state and central government located there.
• At present, only Alwar outpost is working on the grievances of Bhiwadi. This decision of the Chief Minister will facilitate the common people and complainants to reach the post.

One Month Mine Safety Campaign Started in the Entire State

Why In News?

On January 23, 2023, Rajasthan Mines and Gopalan Minister Pramod Jain Bhaya informed that the mines department of the state has started a mine safety campaign in the entire state from January 23.

Key points

• Mines and Gopalan Minister Pramod Jain Bhaya said that during the campaign, at least 15 mining leases / 30 quarry license areas carrying out mineral mining / production will be inspected by the zone, circle, block, subdivision officers as well as vigilance officers of the department and ensure compliance of mining safety rules and provisions.
• He said that other officers of the department will also have to visit at least five mining licensees and inspect them.
• ACS Mines Subodh Agarwal said that on the instructions of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, emphasis was laid on taking steps to ensure compliance of necessary provisions for safe mining. For this, a month-long campaign has been started by the department from January 23 to February 22.
• He said that necessary provisions regarding safe mining are available in various sections of the Mines Act 1952 along with the Rajasthan Prime Mineral Concession Rules, 2017 (RMMCR), Mines Conservation and Development Rules, 2017 (MCDR) and Metallurgical Mines Regulation 1961 (MMR).
• Dr. Subodh Agarwal said that during the campaign, compliance of the provisions issued by the Environment Department in the consent to operate and environment clearance issued by the Environment Department for mining lease and quarry license areas, safety provisions issued for the protection of the environment and health of miners will be ensured.
• He informed that the Rajasthan Prime Mineral Concession Rules, 2017 have a provision to conduct mining activities keeping in mind the health standards of miners in a safe and scientific manner as per rules. According to the Mines Act, keeping in mind the interests of miners, it is necessary to have the availability of drinking water system, toilets, medical equipment etc.
• Apart from this, qualified person is required to be employed for environmental protection, demarcation of mining area, supervision of mining activities. In case of non-compliance of safety standards, necessary action can be taken by stopping mining activities.
• ACS Mines said that under MCDR, there is a provision to conduct mining activities keeping in mind the scientific conservation and environmental protection during mining operations. During the campaign, along with their compliance, recharge of abandoned mines and adherence to mines closure plan will be inspected.
• Along with this, overburden or waste etc. of the mines will also be kept in the designated place and adherence to the back filling provisions will also be seen.
• Dr. Agarwal said that MMR, 1961, has necessary guidelines regarding the use of benches, height, width, side slope angle, deep hole blasting and heavy machinery of open cast mines so that mining can be done in a safe and scientific manner.

13th National Voters Day

Why In News?

On January 23, 2023, Madhya Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer Anupam Rajan said that the 13th National Voters' Day will be celebrated on January 25 at all 64 thousand 100 polling stations in the state.

Key points

• Chief Electoral Officer Anupam Rajan said that the 13th National Voters' Day will be organized at the Kushabhau Thakre International Convention Center in Bhopal in the chief hospitality of Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel.
• The 13th National Voters' Day will be celebrated in all 52 districts of the state. Along with this, the voter oath will be administered to the students studying in all educational institutions of the state and the officers and employees working in government offices.
• On the occasion of National Voters' Day, Governor Patel will honor district election officers, deputy district election officers, electoral registration officers, electoral observers and booth level officers with certificates and mementos for their outstanding work in elections.
• On the occasion of National Voters' Day, a state-level program will showcase rare paintings of voters and various materials used in the election process from the first general election held in the year 1951-52 to the elections held in the year 2018-2019.
• It is worth mentioning that under the SVEEP activity, a competition was organized by the Election Commission of India on voter awareness at the national level. There were other competitions including essay, slogan, song, poster. All over the country, 7 participants from Madhya Pradesh became winners.
• The winners will be awarded by Governor Mangubhai Patel in a state-level program in Bhopal on National Voters' Day. The participants will be given cash prize along with certificates.
• It is noteworthy that the 13th National Voters' Day will be celebrated this time on the theme 'Nothing like vote, we will definitely cast vote'.
• It is known that the song 'I am India' will be launched by the Election Commission of India on National Voters' Day. Voters will be informed about postal ballots, EVM VVPATs, voter helpline app and ethical voting, including facilities provided to voters, minimum facilities available at the polling station.

Sanchi will be illuminated with Solar Energy

Why In News?

According to the information given by the Public Relations Department of Madhya Pradesh on January 23, 2023, Sanchi, located in Raisen district of the state, is being developed as the first solar city of the state to meet its power needs and make it self-sufficient in power supply.

Key points

• Sanchi is a small town located in Raisen district, which is famous for stupas and Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
• Through the camp in Sanchi, consumers have been called to install solar rooftops in their premises and are being motivated to promote green energy by explaining the benefits of solar rooftops.
• Significantly, 7.3 MW of electricity will be produced through solar energy in Sanchi. This will ensure self-reliance in the power supply as well as the supply of electricity for the next five years through solar energy.
• Solar street lights, garden lights, stud lights, high-mast lights, solar drinking water kiosks, battery-operated e-rickshaws for public transport, charging stations, renewable energy, based plant wind turbines and piezoelectric generators will also be installed in Sanchi.

Water Conservation Plan

Why In News?

On January 21, 2023, Jharkhand Agriculture Minister Badal Patralekh launched the 'Water Conservation Scheme' with an outlay of Rs 467.32 crore to benefit the drought-hit farmers of the state.

Key points

• Under the 'Water Conservation Scheme', 2,133 ponds will be renovated and 2,795 percolation tanks will be constructed in all blocks of 24 districts of the state, an official release said.
• Agriculture Minister Badal Patralekh also laid the foundation stone for renovation work of 71 ponds and 184 percolation tanks on the occasion.
• It is known that a percolation tank is an artificially created surface water body to recharge groundwater storage.
• The agriculture minister said the state government has received 31.33 lakh applications from drought-hit farmers and 8.5 lakh of them have been given financial assistance so far.
• He said the state government's effort is to provide Rs 1,200 crore as relief to 30 lakh drought-hit farmers soon.
• It may be noted that the JMM-led government had on October 29 last year declared 226 of the state's 260 blocks as drought-affected areas and decided to provide a cash relief of Rs 3,500 to each farmer family affected by the rain deficit.

Chief Minister Inaugurated Gadh Kalewa in Balodabazar

Why In News?

On January 23, 2023, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel inaugurated the Gadh Kalewa built in 3 thousand square feet at Balodabazar district headquarters.

Key points

• During this time, the Chief Minister visited Gadh Kalewa and interacted with the women of the self-help group and inquired about the arrangements in Gadh Kalewa.
• The members of Archana Women Self Help Group informed the Chief Minister that Chhattisgarhi cuisine Cheela, Fara, Thethari, Khurmi, Airsa, Chausela, Tasmai, Curry Laddu, Sohari and other different types of dishes would be available in Gadh Kalewa.
• He said that buyers can also buy curd and ghee from milk and canned dry items, sesame laddu, namkeen, curry laddu, saloni, murku, khaja, balushahi, khurmi, bijouri from milk in Gadh Kalewa.
• Outdoor and indoor seating arrangements have been made for the customers coming to Gadh Kalewa, where customers can relish their favorite dishes.
• It is noteworthy that a separate Kuria has been constructed in Gadh Kalewa to experience the rural environment. Where it has been wrapped with cow dung to enjoy Chhattisgarhi cuisine sitting on the ground. Gadh Kalewa will have WiFi facility including attractive selfie points.

Chholiya Dance of Uttarakhand will be Seen in the Republic Day Parade

Why In News?

On January 23, 2023, Joint Director and Nodal Officer of Information Department of Uttarakhand K.K. Chouhan said that in the Republic Day parade, this time the traditional Chholiya dance of Kumaon will be seen along with the tableau of Uttarakhand. This time the state's tableau has been prepared on Manaskhand.

Key points

• Under the leadership of KS Chauhan, joint director and nodal officer of the state information department, 18 artists from Uttarakhand have participated in the Republic Day parade.
• Deer, Barasingha, Ghural, Peacock roaming in the Corbett National Park in the front and center of the tableau, apart from various birds found in the state, the famous Jageshwar temple group and deodar trees will be shown in the background. The famous folk art 'Aipan' was also included in the tableau model.
• Joint Director and Nodal Officer KS Chauhan said that this time Uttarakhand's tableau Manaskhand will be the center of attraction for everyone on the path of duty. On the lines of Kedarnath and Badrinath, work is being done on the Manaskhand Mandir Mala Mission scheme for mythological temples of Kumaon on the instructions of the Chief Minister.
• Through the Republic Day parade, people of the country and abroad will get acquainted with the folk culture of Uttarakhand along with Manaskhand. The state tableau is being produced by Smart Graph Art Advertising Pvt Ltd.