• 25 Jan 2023

Gorakhpur Airport will be Expanded

Why In News?

On January 24, 2023, Gorakhpur District Magistrate Krishna Karunesh said that on the initiative of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Ministry of Defence has approved the expansion of Gorakhpur Airport, for which the Ministry has 42.14 acres of land for the airport along with providing allocated Rs 76.66 crore.

Key points

• Gorakhpur District Magistrate Krishna Karunesh said that with the expansion of the airport, the number of parking lanes will be 10 instead of two. At the same time, parking of vehicles will also start inside the airport premises. Currently there are 10 daily flights available from Gorakhpur to Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Prayagraj.
• After the expansion of the airport, flights will start for many other important cities including Chennai, Bangalore, Varanasi.
• It is known that the 43.14 acres of land located in the Gorakhpur Air Force Station premises, which has been handed over to the Gorakhpur Airport, is mentioned in the revenue document in the name of the Ministry of Defence. The district administration had sent the state government's proposal to the Ministry of Defence for the transfer of this land.
• Director of Gorakhpur Airport, Anil Kumar Dwivedi said that with the expansion of the airport, the number of aircraft will not only increase, but the capacity of passengers will also increase. With its expansion, direct flight services will start for many more cities.

Talents of the State Honored with Laxman and Rani Laxmibai Award on Uttar Pradesh Day

Why In News?

24On January 2023, on the inauguration of Uttar Pradesh Day celebrations, the Governor and The Chief Minister honored the talents of the state with Laxman and Laxmibai Awards for their achievements in sports.

Key points

• On Uttar Pradesh Day celebrations, Laxman Award, Rani Laxmibai Award, Commonwealth Award winners were honored and Vivekananda Youth Award was given to 16 people.
• Under the Mati Kala Board Khadi Village Industries, six people were also given awards at the hands of the Chief Minister and the Governor.
• the Rani Laxmibai talents who have been awarded Among the 12 Laxman Award are Lucknow-based handball players Mohit Yadav and Kanpur Nagar's Jyoti Shukla and Lucknow-based para-badminton player Suhas L.Y.
• Apart from this, 28 players who won medals and participated in the Commonwealth Games held in Birmingham, UK from July 14 to August 8 last year were also rewarded. The silver medal winners were given cheques worth Rs 75 lakh, bronze medallists Rs 50 lakh and participants Rs 5 lakh.
• In the individual category, 10 youth and 6 Mangal Dal category (male and female) were awarded the Chief Minister's State Level Vivekananda Youth Award 2021-22. These include Amarendra Kumar and Rohit Kumar Kashyap of Lucknow.
• Youth Mangal Dal (Chairman Shravan Kumar) of Sonari Gram Panchayat of Bhadar Development Block of Amethi, Youth Mangal Dal of Tarauli Gram Panchayat of Gangeshwari Development Block of Amroha for the first-second and third prize under the collective category. (Chairman Nitesh Nagar), Yuvak Mangal Dal (Chairman Jeet Narayan) of Biharojpur Gram Panchayat of Digh development block of Bhadohi was selected.
• Mahila Mangal Dal (Chairman Komal) of Neeli khedi Gram Panchayat of Dhanaura Development Block of Amroha, Mahila Mangal Dal (Chairman Pallavi) of Sadipur Gram Panchayat of Musafirkhana Development Block of Amethi, Tekari Sahan Gram Panchayat of Deh Development Block of Rae Bareilly Mahila Mangal Dal (Chairman Asha) was selected.
• List of sportspersons to be honoured -
  • Rani Laxmibai Award
    • General Category: Jyoti Shukla (Kanpur, Handball), Neha Kashyap (Meerut, Wushu)
    • Year 2020-21 - Veteran Category: Taruna Sharma (Meerut, Judo)
    • Year 2021-22 - General Category: Manisha Bhati (Gautam Budh Nagar, Wushu)
  • Laxman Award
    • Year 2020-21 - General Category: Mohit Yadav (Lucknow)
    • Year 2020-21 - Veteran category: Rahul Singh (Varanasi, Hockey), Janardan Singh (Ghazipur, Wrestling)
    • Year 2021-22 - Veteran Category: Md. Arif (Gorakhpur, Hockey), Radheshyam Singh (Azamgarh, Athletics)
    • Year 2021-22 - Divyangjan Category: Suhas LY (Para Badminton, Lucknow), Vivek Chikara (Meerut, Archery), Deependra Singh (Sambhal Shooting).

State's First Self-Moot and Digital Court Made in Bhagalpur

Why In News?

On January 24, 2023, senior advocate Anil Jha said that a self-moot and digital court has been set up in Nath Nagar, Bhagalpur for the people of the state to hear the High Court and the Supreme Court. Now from here, court hearings across the country can be done digitally.

Key points

• It is noteworthy that it has been built by senior advocate Anil Jha in Noorpur of Nath Nagar. Senior advocate Anil Jha claims that this is the first court in Bihar. So far, no advocate has made such a system. This court has been built in 10 decimals i.e., four kathas of land, in which a large hall has been built.
• In this, an arrangement has been made for the judge to sit. A witness box has been made for the appearance of witnesses. Apart from this, a 65-inch LCD has been installed. Computers, cameras and other digital machines have been installed. Now advocates will be able to sit here and argue for any court case.
• It is known that the first case in this moot court was fought online in a case related to cheque bounce pending in Rohini Court of Delhi. The case was filed by Bhagalpur-based complainant Prakash Sharma in Delhi's Rohini court, which was heard. Apart from this, the case of a big robbery of Two crore rupees by entering Axis Bank in Murshidabad, Bengal, is being fought on behalf of the accused, its trial is going on online through the Moot Court.
• Advocate Anil Jha said that this digital court will be used by any advocate who fights high court and Supreme Court cases. It's a free service for them. For this, an association will be formed, in which active advocates will be added.
• Self-moot and digital court – For the last three to four years, the hearing of high court and Supreme Court cases has started to be done digitally i.e., online. Advocates join the hearing by downloading the app in mobile or laptop sitting at home. To solve the problems faced in hearings on laptops and mobiles, lawyers build digital courts with private funds in their own or rented houses. Due to this, advocates and people associated with the case do not have to go to the High Court and the Supreme Court.
• Law Consultant Rajesh Kumar Tiwari said that new lawyers get a good opportunity to learn in the moot court. New lawyers learn a good style of arguing, remove hesitation and make it easier to fight a case from a distant court.

Eight Creators of the State will get Amrit Samman

Why In News?

On January 24, 2023, in the meeting of the Amrit Samman Committee held under the chairmanship of Dr. Dularam Saharan, President of Rajasthan Sahitya Akademi, Udaipur, it was decided that nine writers of the state who are above 75 years of age will be awarded the Amrit Award of Rajasthan Sahitya Akademi for the year 2022-23. Will give respect

Key points

• Academy Secretary Dr. Basant Singh Solanki said that considering the applications received and as per the recommendation of the Director, the committee has selected eight literature workers of the province for Amrit Samman.
• He said that Dr. Sulochana Rangeya Raghav of Jaipur, Pushpa Sharad Deora, Dr. Kalyan Prasad Verma, Gyarsilal Sen of Jhalawar, Lakshminarayan Ranga of Bikaner, Saral Visharad, Shiv Kumar Sharma Madhup of Churu and Bharti Bhavsar of Banswara will be selected for the year 2022-23. Has been done for the nectar of respect.
• These Amrit Samman's will be conferred at the Academy Foundation Day function to be held on January 28 at the Academy Auditorium, Udaipur.
• It is worth mentioning that litterateurs above 75 years of age who have served Hindi language, literature, culture, education, literacy, journalism etc. and who have not received any honor or award from the Akademi before, will be given this amount of Rs.31,000. Amrit Samman is awarded.

Review Meeting of CAMPA steering committee held

Why In News?

a review On January 24, 2023, meeting of the Steering Committee of the Compensatory Forest Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) of the Forest Department was held at the Government Secretariat in Jaipur under the chairmanship of Rajasthan Chief Secretary Usha Sharma.

Key points

• In the review meeting, along with reviewing the annual action plan of CAMPA for the year 2022-23, the annual action plan of Rs 298.57 crore for the year 2023-24 was approved.
• This Annual Action Plan will be implemented after getting the approval of the Central Government, which is Rs 49.38 crore more than the amount of Rs 249.19 crore in the current financial year.
• It is noteworthy that the amount released under the rules of the Compensatory Afforestation Fund is used for capacity building of personnel involved in forest and wildlife management and strengthening of related infrastructure. This helps in the protection of forests and wildlife.

25 Digital Interceptors Join Rajasthan Police Fleet

Why In News?

On January 24, 2023, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot flagged off 25 hi-tech interceptor vehicles in the police fleet under the state's road safety management.

Key points

• Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said that interceptors equipped with digital technology can measure speed and reading vehicle number plates even at night. These vehicles, while playing an important role in road safety, will prove to be effective in curbing road accidents.
• Interceptors have been provided to Rajasthan Police by the state government at a cost of about Rs 5 crore from the Road Safety Fund.
• The Chief Minister said that the state government is making efforts to prevent road accidents with commitment. Financial sanctions are being given to police and concerned departments for state-of-the-art resources and awareness campaigns.
• Additional Director General of Police VK Singh said that these interceptors will ensure contactless and cashless enforcement. It is equipped with a high-quality high-definition camera with speed laser gun capable of measuring the speed of vehicles from one kilometre. These interceptors will be able to detect number plates of speeding vehicles from 250 meters during the day and 100 meters at night.
• Apart from this, its AI technology by taking is also capable of issuing e-invoices from NIC's ITMS facility with photo-videos.
• The digital interceptor has a 360-degree camera recorder in addition to the laser track motion camera, breathing alcohol measurement device, tint meter, LED signage, LED lightbar, high-capacity siren and PA system. First aid and medical kits are also available.
• These include 4 interceptor traffic Commissionerate's Jaipur, 2 each Udaipur, Ajmer, Jaipur Rural, Sikar, Bhilwara, 1-1 Nagaur, Barmer, Bharatpur, Bikaner, Pali, Alwar, Jhunjhunu, Jodhpur Rural. Jhalawar, Sirohi and Kota have been given to the city.
• It is noteworthy that the main reasons for road accidents include speeding and drunken driving. Keeping these reasons in mind, the state government has provided interceptors to the police.

Andaman and Nicobar Island Named after Paramveer Chakra Winner Shaitan Singh of Rajasthan

Why In News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi named 21 large uncharted islands of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands after the 21 winners of the Param Vir Chakra, the highest military decoration in India, on Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's birth anniversary (Valour Day) on January 23, 2022. The name of Param Vim Chakra winner Major Shaitan Singh of Rajasthan is also included in this list.

Key points

• Born on December 1, 1924, in Jodhpur, Shaitan Singh's father Hem Singh Bhati was a lieutenant colonel in the Indian Army. With the spirit of bravery and patriotism inherited from his father, this brave soldier of Jodhpur State Force joined the Kumaon Regiment on August 1, 1949. In 1962, Shaitan Singh was promoted and appointed Major.
• On November 18, 1962, in the Chushul Valley of Ladakh in the Sino-Indian War, Major Shaitan Singh, leading a contingent of about 120 soldiers of the 13 Kumaon Regiment, took the front in Rezang La and killed 1300 Chinese soldiers on his own with his contingent. Was dropped
• It is said about them that this brave son fought the enemy army by tying the machine gun to the feet with a rope. In the end, he became immortal forever by making his supreme sacrifice.
• Three months later in that snow-covered area, Major Shaitan Singh's body was found at the same spot behind Shilakhand, which was taken to Jodhpur and cremated with full military honours. Major Shaitan Singh was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, the highest wartime gallantry medal, for his indomitable courage, leadership and exemplary dedication to duty.
• Keeping in mind the historical importance of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and to pay tribute to the memory of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose2018, the Prime Minister had renamed the Ross Islands as 'Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island' during his visit to Andaman and Nicobar Islands in. Neil Island and Havelock Island were renamed as 'Shaheed Island' and 'Swaraj Island'.
• With an aim to give due respect to the real-life heroes of the country, it has been decided to name 21 major unknown islands of the archipelago after 21 Param Vir Chakra winners.
• The first large unknown island is named after the first Param Vir Chakra winner, the second large unknown island is named after the second Param Vir Chakra winner and so are the undiscovered islands.
• 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; Capt GS 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 Hoshiar 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.

18 National Highway Projects with a Total Length of 550 km Inaugurated in Orchha

Why In News?

On January 23, 2023, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari inaugurated a 550 km road project costing Rs 6800 crore in Orchha, Madhya Pradesh. Inaugurated 18 National Highway projects with a total length of Rs.

Key points

• On this occasion, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said that the 665-meter-long bridge at Betwa has been constructed at a cost of Rs 25 crore. The connectivity of Orchha, Jhansi, Tikamgarh will improve with the construction of 2-lane paved shoulder bridge and footpath.
• The construction of Powai, Orchha, Harpalpur, Kaithi Padhariya Kala, Patna Tamauli, Jasso, Nagaur and Sagar Link Road bypasses will reduce the traffic pressure in the city. The distance from Bhopal to Kanpur via Sagar Greenfield Link route is 21 km from Mohri to Madhya Pradesh/Uttar Pradesh via Samai Ghat and Chowk. will decrease.
• Gadkari said that by widening the border to 4 lanes, there will be a huge reduction in the travel time. The problem of traffic jam will be solved by the construction of flyovers in Sagar city, Chhatarpur city and Garhakota. Connectivity will be easy to reach tourist places of Madhya Pradesh- Orchha, Khajuraho, Panna, Chitrakoot, Tikamgarh, Sanchi.
• He said that the construction of Bhopal-Kanpur Economic Corridor will make transportation of cement and mineral components easier and reduce logistics cost. With the construction of this corridor, connectivity from Bhopal to Kanpur, Lucknow, Prayagraj, Varanasi will be good. The construction of a 2-lane road with paved shoulders from Tikamgarh to Orchha will make traffic safer.
• In this program, Gadkari covered 105 from Bamitha to Satna at a cost of Rs 2000 km crore. He also announced the construction of a 4-lane greenfield road with length. With the construction of this route, tourism of Tikamgarh, Panna, Chhatarpur, Khajuraho, Bandhavgarh National Park will get a boost.

Important Decisions Taken in the Meeting of the Council of Ministers Chaired by the Chief Minister

NABARD will Provide a Loan of Rs 2 lakh 58 thousand 598 Crores to Madhya Pradesh in 2023-24

Why In News?

On January 24, 2023, the Madhya Pradesh regional office of the National Rural and Agricultural Development Bank-NABARD in Bhopal told in the 'State Loan Seminar 2023-24' that NABARD has received priority for the year 2023-24 to speed up the development of Madhya Pradesh. Will provide a loan of Rs 2 lakh 58 thousand 598 crores in the region. This is about 6.43 percent more than the previous year.

Key points

• The credit potential of Rs 2 lakh 58 thousand 598 crore includes Rs 1 lakh 80 thousand 160 crores for agriculture, Rs 65 thousand 832 crore for MSME and Rs 12 thousand 606 crore for other priority sectors.
• Madhya Pradesh Finance Minister Jagdish Deora said in the seminar that this important cooperation of NABARD will have a positive impact on farmers, workers associated with enterprises and the entire economy of the state. Madhya Pradesh's contribution of $550 billion will help in achieving the target of $5 trillion economy of the country.
• In the seminar, the finance minister also released the State Focus Paper 2023-24 and the booklet 'Agriculture Debt Major Issues in Madhya Pradesh for $550 Billion Economy'. Commendable performing banks of the state were felicitated in the programme.
• It is worth mentioning that keeping in view the priorities of the Government of India, the share of agriculture, MSME and all priority sectors in the credit assessment has been estimated at 70 percent, 25 percent and 5 percent respectively.
• With the cooperation of NABARD, there will be a positive change in areas like water resources, agriculture mechanization, barren land development, animal husbandry, fish farming, warehouse construction, food processing, renewable energy.

Prisoners will Get Three Months Exemption on Republic Day

Why In News?

On January 24, 2023, Haryana's Energy and Prisons Minister Ranjit Singh said that on Republic Day, the state government has given special exemption to the prisoners serving the sentences awarded by the courts of criminal jurisdiction in the state.

Key points

• Energy and Jails Minister Ranjit Singh said that those convicts who have been sentenced to life imprisonment, 10 years or more will be given a remission of 90 days and those who have been sentenced to more than five years and 10 years will be given a remission of less than 60 days. Similarly, offenders who have been sentenced to less than five years will be granted a remission of 30 days.
• Republic Day (January 26, 2023) This exemption will also be given to all criminals who came on parole and furlough from jail on provided they surrender in the concerned jail at their scheduled time, he said. In that case, they will be exempted for the remaining period of imprisonment.
• Ranjit Singh said that the offenders who have been punished for non-payment of fine will not be given this exemption and the offenders who have been convicted by the courts of the Criminal Justice Zone in Haryana but are serving their sentence in jails outside Haryana will have the right to get this exemption as per the above scale. Criminals who are on bail will not be given this exemption.
• He said that 14 years the murder and abduction of children below the age of, murder with rape, robbery and robbery, Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act-1967, Office Secrets Act-1923, Foreigners Act-1948, Passport Act-1967, Criminal Law Amendment Act, 1961, Sections 2 and 3 of the Indian Penal Code 1860of the Sections 121 to 130 , kidnapping for ransom, the POCSO Act 2012 any offence under, offenders serving sentences under Section 32A under the NDPS Act will not be exempted.
• The jail minister informed that persons convicted under sections 107/109/110 of the Pakistan National Penal Code, 1973 as well as failure to give security in the matter of keeping the peace, have committed any major jail offense during the last two years. Criminals serving sentences in the case of criminals involved in IPC will not get any exemption under Punjab Jail Manual, Haryana Jail Rules-2022 or any other act or rules in force on that day.

Chhattisgarh Student Master Aditya Pratap Singh Honored with 'National Bal Shakti Puraskar'

Why In News?

On January 23, 2023, President Mrs. Draupadi Murmu presented the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, 2023 to 11 children, including Chhattisgarh student Master Aditya Pratap Singh Chauhan, at an award ceremony held in New Delhi.

Key points

• Aditya Pratap Singh Chauhan, a resident of capital Raipur, has been given this award for innovation. Aditya has designed a device called Microma, which can detect and filter bacteria, micro caustics from water.
• It is notable that the Government of India confers the Prime Minister's National Child Award to children in the age group of 5 to 18 years for their extraordinary achievements in six categories of innovation, social service, academic, sports, art and culture and bravery.
• Each awardee is given a medallion, a cash prize of one lakh rupees and a certificate.
• This year, the awards were presented in the categories of art and culture, bravery, innovation, social service and sports.
• Eleven children from across the country were selected for PMRBP-2023 under different categories of Bal Shakti Puraskar. The awardees include 6 boys and 5 girls from 11 states and union territories.

Governor's Medal to SSP Doon and STF

Why In News?

According to information received from the media on January 24, 2023, governor's medal has been announced to be given to SSP Doon and SSP STF in the Republic Day program of Uttarakhand.

Key points

• It is noteworthy that Dehradun's SSP Dalip Singh Kunwar, SSP STF Ayush Aggarwal and SP Champawat Devendra Pincha will be given the Governor's Medal.
• He will be awarded this medal based on outstanding service.
• Apart from these, three officers have also been selected for Utkrisht Seva Medal based on meritorious work. These include Additional Superintendent of Police Chief Minister Security Rakesh Chand Devi, Additional Superintendent of Police GRP Aruna Bharti and Additional Superintendent of Police Telecom Pithoragarh Basant Ballabh Tiwari.