Madhya Pradesh

• 24 Jul 2023

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.