• 24 Jul 2023

CM laid the foundation stone of 42 Development works worth Rs.72 crores

Why in News?

On July 23, 2023, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath laid the foundation stone of 42 projects, including a mini sports complex and Ramgarhtal Ring Road, from his MLA fund at Bhati Vihar in Gorakhnath area of the state.

Key Points:

• On this occasion, the Chief Minister announced the construction of Kalyan Mandapam for grandly organizing the auspicious functions of the poor. These Kalyana Mandapams will be equipped with all facilities.
• The Chief Minister has directed the Municipal Corporation and the Gorakhpur Development Authority (GDA) to set up Kalyana Mandapam.
• Initially, Kalyan Mandapams will be built at six different places in Gorakhpur city. The establishment of Kalyan Mandapam will cost ₹1 - 1.5 crores. Hall, room, guest room, parking, lawn with a capacity of 250-300 people etc. will be all necessary facilities for marriage and auspicious functions.
• Apart from this, the Chief Minister gifted an international stadium to Gorakhpur. The Chief Minister said that along with the establishment of the first mini-sports complex of eastern Uttar Pradesh in Gorakhpur, an international stadium would also be constructed in an area of 150 acres near Baghagada.
• The Chief Minister said that sportspersons are being encouraged by setting up stadiums in every district, mini stadiums in every development block, playgrounds in gram panchayats, and open gyms in villages and parks.
• Along with giving cash prizes to medal winners in the Olympics, Asiad, Commonwealth, and World Championships, government appointments are also being linked. Recently, 500 players were given appointment letters. In the police department, players are getting jobs in posts ranging from deputy SP to constable.
• Referring to the rejuvenation of 63 basic primary schools to be done by the GDA, the Chief Minister said that facilities of buildings, flooring, furniture, toilets, pure drinking water, smart classes and libraries would be made available in these dilapidated schools. After rejuvenation, these schools will also be seen failing the convent.

Now PhD will be able to do on living writers also, CSJMU Kanpur is preparing list

Why in News?

According to information received from the media on July 23, 2023, the Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (CSJMU) in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, will now conduct PhD on living writers in a new initiative. For this, a list of well-known litterateurs is being prepared, the decision will be implemented from this session.

Key Points:

• It is known that so far research is done on those writers who are no more.
• The proposal has been prepared under the direction of CSJMU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Vinay Pathak.
• The Deendayal Research Centre built in the university will also have a PhD. It has been finalized. Here PhD will be conducted on four personalities who have done excellent work for the country and society.
• These include the names of Deendayal Upadhyay, who gave the message of integral humanism, former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, the author of the Constitution and Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj, who ended social differences.
• Significantly, many alumni have brought laurels to the university all over the world. Among them, Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former President Ramnath Kovind, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, famous poet Gopal Das Neeraj and many scientists, politicians and veterans have held high positions in various companies of the country.

2 students of Kendriya Vidyalaya Motihari, East Champaran honoured in Fit India Quiz- 2022

Why in News?

On July 23, 2023, Union Minister of Youth Affairs, Sports and Information & Broadcasting Anurag Singh Thakur felicitated 2 school students of Kendriya Vidyalaya Motihari in East Champaran district of Bihar on their success in the second episode of Fit India Quiz State Round at BKC, Bandra, Mumbai.

Key Points:

• It is known that Anurag Singh Thakur felicitated 72 school students from 36 states and union territories including Bihar on their success in the second episode of Fit India Quiz State Round.
• These 72 students are going to top the state in their respective states and will now compete in the national round of the Fit India Quiz, which will be broadcasted on Star Sports and Disney Hotstar.
• In the Fit India Competition 2022, Sammi Jassi and Himanshu Kumar, students of Kendriya Vidyalaya Motihari in East Champaran district, made the district proud by winning the state finals.
• The winning school from each state/UT received a total prize money of Rs 2.5 lakh, while a team of 2 students from the school received a total prize of Rs 25,000.
• The first runner-up school received Rs 1 lakh and the students received a total prize money of Rs 10,000. Similarly, the State Second Runner-up School received a cash prize of Rs 50,000 and the participating students received a total prize of Rs 5,000.
• A total of 348 schools and 418 students were selected for the State/UT round. Of these students, 39% were girls. The selected schools formed a team of two students who competed for the State/UT Championship through a series of web rounds. A total of 120 rounds were conducted to identify 36 State/UT champions. Of the 36 schools identified as state/UT champions, 12 are government schools.
• The second edition of Fit India National Fitness and Sports Quiz for schools was launched on the eve of National Sports Day on August 29 last year by Anurag Singh Thakur and Minister of State, Youth Affairs and Sports and Home Affairs Nisith Pramanik in the presence of Union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Dharmendra Pradhan.
• The second edition of the Fit India quiz has seen a huge participation of 61,981 students from 16,702 schools across 702 districts of India. In comparison, a total of 36,299 students from 13,502 schools participated in the first edition of the Fit India quiz. There was a 70% increase in the number of students participating in the second edition of the quiz as compared to the first edition.
• The Fit India Quiz is India's biggest quiz on sports and fitness for school-going children. The quiz was launched in 2020 with an aim to propagate the message of Fit India among school children and strengthen its presence in schools.
• The Fit India Quiz is a part of the Fit India Movement, which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019. The aim of this initiative is to make India a fit and healthy nation.
• In the quiz, cash prizes totalling Rs 3.25 crore are given to the school and students. It provides a platform for students from every corner of the country to showcase their knowledge in sports and fitness at the national level.
• After the national round, the winning school will get a total prize money of Rs 25 lakh, while the first runner-up and second runner-up school will get Rs 15 lakh and Rs 10 lakh respectively.

Rajasthan Youth Festival-2023

Why in News?

On July 22, 2023, the Rajasthan Youth Festival-2023 being organized by the Rajasthan Youth Board in the presence of public representatives and officials in various districts of the state was inaugurated.

Key Points:

• In the Rajasthan Youth Festival-2023, the participation of the youth is being seen in a big way. Block-level competitions are being organized in the first phase of the festival, which will continue till July 31.
• Rajasthan Youth Board President Sitaram Lamba informed that a large number of youth in the age group of 15 to 29 years are participating in this event.
• The objective of the event is to select the talents of the state and make them self-reliant and prepare them for excellent performance at the national and international levels by providing them with training and facilities.
• The purpose of this event is to conserve, promote and encourage the endangered and rare folk arts of the state.
• Various cultural competitions such as group folk singing, group folk dance, classical dance (Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Odissi, Manipuri, Kuchipudi), classical solo singing (Hindustani), drama, painting, extempore speech, slogan writing, poetry, classical instruments (harmonium, tabla, flute, guitar, sitar, mridang, veena) playing, photography etc. are being organized.
• At the same time, competitions related to Phad, Mandana, Graffiti, Ravanhattha, Khadtal, Morchang, Bhapang, Algoja, Rammat, Langa-Manganiyar, Puppet etc. are also being organized.
• Career guidance will also be given to the youth in the youth festivals along with the promotion of public welfare schemes of the state government.
• District-level cultural competitions will be organized from August 1 to August 10 under the festival. After that state-level competitions will be organized.

Governor inaugurates ICON-2023 Conference on Epilepsy

Why in News?

On July 21, 2023, Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra inaugurated the ECON-2023 conference jointly organised by the Indian Epilepsy Association and the Indian Epilepsy Society.

Key Points:

• Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said that even in this scientific era, people are afraid of the symptoms of this disease and fall into the trap of exorcising the patient due to superstition, going to the Ojhas, etc.
• The Governor called for greater dissemination of awareness regarding the treatment of epilepsy as well as its relation. He said that epilepsy is no longer an incurable disease. If it is treated timely, then in 80 percent of the cases, patients' seizures stop and they can lead a normal life.
• By making lifestyle changes, following a natural lifestyle, adopting adequate sleep, regular yoga asanas, exercise, pranayama etc. and taking a balanced diet, then a person can avoid many diseases and live a physically healthy life.
• Dr. Sudhir Bhandari, Vice-Chancellor, Rajasthan University of Health and Medical Sciences, said that the advances made on the basis of new medical research have helped in making the life of epilepsy patients easier on the patient. Efforts should be made at various levels to reduce the cost of medicines and treatment of this disease.
• The Governor also released the ‘Coffee Table Book’ prepared on the occasion of the completion of 50 years of the Indian Epilepsy Association.

Successfully organized the 5th edition of Pachmarhi Marathon

Why in News?

On July 23, 2023, the fifth edition of the Pachmarhi Monsoon Marathon was successfully organized by 'Adventure and You' (KA Connect) in collaboration with Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board (MPTB) and District Administration Narmadapuram. About 1350 runners from all over the country participated in this marathon.

Key Points:

• In the fifth edition of Pachmarhi Monsoon Marathon, a four-year-old child to a 75-year-old man ran with energy and enthusiasm.
• The runners ran in 42 km, 21 km, 10 km and 5 km categories amidst the natural beauty of Pachmarhi.
• The marathon race started from MPT Glenview Hotel. In the closing ceremony, certificates, trophies and medals were given to the winners.
• Principal Secretary Tourism and Culture and Managing Director Tourism Board Shiv Shekhar Shukla said that considering the success of the Pachmarhi Marathon, a marathon will also be organized in Khajuraho on February 11, 2024. An ultra-marathon (30, 60 and 90 km) is going to be held in Pachmarhi on December 17.
• Winners of the marathon
  • The first winner in 42 km (men) P Selvan
  • The first winner in 42 km (women) Nikita Mandloi
  • The first winner in 21 km (Male) Ramanjit
  • The first winner in 21 km (Women) Yuvika Merothen
  • The first winner in 10 km (Male) Datta Kumar
  • The first winner in 10 km (women) Kavita Sharma
  • The first winner in 5 km (men) Sambhav Mishra
  • The First winner Divyanshi in 5 km (Women)

5th Helicopter & Small Aircraft Summit to be held at Khajuraho

Why in News?

The 5th Helicopter and Small Aircraft Summit will be jointly organized by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Pawan Hans Limited and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) at Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh on July 23, 2023.

Key Points:

• The theme of the event is 'Reaching the Last Mile: Regional Connectivity through Helicopters and Small Aircraft'.
• The event will be inaugurated by the Union Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel Jyotiraditya M. Scindia. The format of the programme consists of an inaugural session followed by a technical session.
• The aim of the summit is to enhance the expansion of the UDAN scheme in remote and hilly areas.
• The broad objectives of the summit are:
• To provide a common platform for all industry stakeholders and policymakers to discuss the growth story of the Indian helicopter and small aircraft industry.
• Increase the coverage of the UDAN scheme in remote and hilly areas and expand rural to urban connectivity of the country.
• To promote helicopter and small plane connectivity by providing seamless services at existing and potential tourist hotspots.
• Helicopters and small aircraft play an important role in India's transport ecosystem. Civilian helicopters contribute to better access, especially to remote areas, offering tremendous tourism potential, and allowing travellers to experience beautiful landscapes and cultural sites in unique ways. Other roles of the helicopter service include emergency medical services and disaster management during floods, rescue operations, etc.
• Similarly, small aircraft, business and leisure provide efficient and convenient transportation options for travellers, enhance regional air connectivity and promote the search for lesser-known destinations. The aviation and tourism industries mutually benefit from each other, promote employment opportunities and promote economic growth throughout the country.
• The Summit is taking place at a crucial time when the Indian civil aviation industry is undergoing a paradigm shift. This sector has now become the need of the hour not only for India but for mankind all over the world because it always brings with it two important multipliers - the economic multiplier and the employment multiplier.
• The 5th HELI Summit will bring industry stakeholders together to engage and collaborate with policymakers to implement competent and prudent decisions that will further expand India's civil aviation industry.

MP Power Management Company signs contract to purchase 218.98 MW Power

Why in News?

According to the information given by the Public Relations Department of Madhya Pradesh on July 21, 2023, MP Power Management Company signed a power purchase agreement to purchase 218.98 MW of power from the Kakrapar Nuclear Power Project in Gujarat.

Key Points:

• The power purchase agreement was signed by Shailendra Janardan, Chief General Manager (commercial-conventional) of MP Power Management Company and SK Rai, director of Kakrapar Nuclear Power Project on behalf of Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited.
• India's first indigenously built 700 MW nuclear power reactor has been installed at Kakrapar Nuclear Power Project (Unit-3) in Gujarat. The unit has commenced commercial power generation on June 30, 2023.
• Unit-4 of the project is expected to start generating power from February 2024 next year.
• This is an important step in India's nuclear energy program. This will help meet the country's growing energy demands through clean and reliable nuclear energy. In the power purchase agreement signed by the power management company, electricity will also be supplied to Madhya Pradesh.
• In the Nuclear Power Purchase Agreement, Madhya Pradesh has started getting this electricity at a continuous (24×7) cheaper rate from June 30 at the rate of only Rs 4.40 per unit (single part tariff). This power from Kakrapar Nuclear Power Project will prove useful in providing high-quality power to the consumers of the state.

MoU with Tata Technologies for modernization of 36 ITIs

Why in News?

On July 22, 2023, in the presence of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, an MoU was signed between the Department of Technical Education and Skill Development and Tata Technologies on a project worth about Rs 1188.36 crore for the modernization of 36 government ITIs in the state's 36 government ITIs in a program organized in his office room in the assembly premises.

Key Points:

• Under the MoU, Tata Technologies will train youth in 6 new trades and 23 short-term courses in 36 ITIs in the state. Tata Technologies will set up state-of-the-art technical workshops and arrange trainers in selected ITIs of the state.
• Apart from this, Tata and its associate company will cooperate in providing placements in big companies to the youth of the state.
• The MoU was signed by Avneesh Sharan, Director, Skill Development, Technical Education and Employment Department and Pawan Bhageria, President, Tata Technologies Limited.
• On this occasion, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said that the upgradation and modernization of ITIs would provide a good opportunity for the youth of the state to develop their skills.
• The Chief Minister told the officials of Tata Technologies that 300 Rural Industrial Parks have been set up in the state to provide opportunities to the youth who want to set up small industries in the villages, where land, electricity, water, shed, training, Wi-Fi facility and banking linkage are being provided to start the business.
• Tata Technologies Limited will transform the 36 Government ITIs into Industry 4.0 Technology Hubs, which include the ITIs of Baikunthpur, Odgi Wadrafnagar, Mainpat, Bagicha, Lormi, Koni-Bilaspur, Korba, Janjgir, Akaltara, Hasaud, Raigarh, Kharsiya, Rajnandgaon, Dongargaon, Manpur, Chhuikhadan, Pandariya, Gunderdehi, Dallirajhara, Gurur, Durg, Patan, Dharsiwa, Hirapur, Arang, Abhanpur, Bhatapara, Simga, Bagbahra, Pithora, Kanker, Antagarh, Charama, Nagarnar, and Dantewada
• Under the ITI Upgradation Project, the youth of the state will get the facility of training in the following 6 innovative technical trades of world-class. This includes Artisan Using Advanced Tools, Industrial Robotics & Digital Manufacturing Technician, Manufacturing Process Control & Automation in one year trade.
• Similarly, in the two-year trade, Advance CNC. Machining, Basic Designer & Virtual Verifier (Mechanical), and Mechanic Electric Vehicle trades are included.
• State-of-the-art technical workshops will be set up in each ITI selected by Tata Technologies Limited and initially two trainers will be appointed in each ITI for training work. Tata Technologies Limited and its associate industries will provide support in the placement of trained youth. About 10,000 youth will benefit from the scheme every year.
• It is worth mentioning that an MoU was signed between the State Planning Commission and Tata Technologies Limited on October 01, 2022, in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, to develop the state's technical institutions as technological hubs and upgrade them as agricultural research and innovation centres in collaboration with Tata Technologies Limited. As a sequel to this, an MoU was signed today with the help of Tata Technologies Limited to upgrade 36 government ITIs of the state.

Jharkhand Govt. will bring Anti-Copying Law

Why in News?

According to information received from the media on July 23, 2023, the Jharkhand government is enacting an 'Anti-Copying Law' to prevent incidents of paper leaks and copying (malpractices) in competitive examinations. The proposal for law-making has been prepared on the lines of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Uttarakhand. This proposal can be approved in the upcoming cabinet meeting.

Key Points:

• According to the proposal, those found guilty of leaking the paper can be punished with imprisonment of up to 10 years and a fine of up to Rs 1 crore.
• If found guilty of cheating in examinations, the concerned student is also being punished with imprisonment of up to three years. The guilty student can also be fined up to Rs 1 lakh and banned from appearing in examinations for the next two years.
• It is known that at present 'Jharkhand Exam Conduct Rule-2001' is in force in the state. Under this, there is a provision for minor penalties for paper leaks and cheating in examinations. The maximum punishment for the offender is six months in jail and a fine of up to Rs 3,000.
• Once the new law is approved by the Assembly, any printing press, service provider, coaching institute or management found guilty of cheating or leaking question papers will not only be punished with imprisonment of up to 10 years and a fine of up to Rs 1 crore, but their property will also be confiscated.
• The anti-counterfeiting law was passed in 1992 by the then Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Kalyan Singh and education minister Rajnath Singh.
• The law aims to curb the practice of mass cheating in school and university examinations in the state.
• The Act made the use of unfair means in examinations a serious offence and was non-bailable and allegedly allowed the police to enter the examination premises to carry out investigations. However, in 1993 the Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party governments cancelled it the following year.

International Brainstorming on Disaster Management will be held in Dehradun

Why in News?

On July 23, 2023, according to information received from the media, the Sixth World Conference Pre-Conference on Disaster Management will be held in November in several states including Uttarakhand. The pre-conference will be held in Dehradun on August 4, and preparations have started for it.

Key Points:

• International Disaster Society, State Disaster Management Authority and Uttarakhand Council of Science and Technology (UCOST) will jointly organize this conference from November 28 to December 1.
• Representatives, students, and researchers from more than 100 countries of the world will participate in this. UCOST is the scientific and technical coordinator of the conference.
• UCOST Director General Dr. Durgesh Pant said that in the month of June, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami had released the poster of this conference.
• After the first pre-conference on August 4 in Dehradun, there will be pre-conferences in the North East states.
• The theme of the conference is Strengthening Climate Action and Disaster Resilience. The techniques being adopted in different states and countries will make disaster management easier in other countries as well.
• Japan has done a lot of work in the field of disaster management. Their machines will also be displayed at this world conference. Invitations have been sent to all the countries for this. When the rivers change course due to various reasons, it also causes a lot of loss of life and property. This will also be discussed by experts at the conference.
• It is known that Uttarakhand is a very sensitive state from the point of view of disasters. Experts from all over the world and people working in the field of disaster management in mountainous areas will participate in the 6th World Conference on Disaster Management.