• 25 Jul 2023

National Martyr's Memorial unveiled at Jagjivan RPF Academy Lucknow

Why in News?

On July 24, 2023, Sanjay Chander, Director General, Railway Protection Force, inaugurated the newly constructed National Martyr's Memorial and National Railway Protection Museum at Jagjivan RPF Academy, Lucknow.

Key Points:

• It is known that this martyr's memorial is spread over an area of 4800 square meters and the names of 1014 martyred RPF personnel have been inscribed on this memorial since 1957 and tribute has been paid to them by RPF.
• A visitor to this museum will get a complete overview of the history, origins, achievements, duties and responsibilities of the Railway Protection Force at a single glance.
• The museum is spread over a total area of 9000 square feet, which includes 37 thematic display panels, 11 display cabinets, info-graphic history of the police system, 87 artefacts, 500 pages from the National Archives of India, 36 weapons of the bygone era, 150 railway objects related to security, 15 effigies of various ranks of the Railway Protection Force and many other important items.
• The motto of this museum is 'Gyanvardhanaya-cha-Sanrakshanaya', which continuously inspires the RPF to 'Promote Knowledge and Preserve Heritage'.
• Besides this, the Director General, Railway Protection Force also unveiled the War Trophy T-55 Tank received from Central Armored Fighting Vehicle Depot Kirkee, Khadki, Pune and installed in the Academy premises, newly constructed Badminton and Lawn Tennis Court, Special Band of RPF.

Sports University & Academy being built to promote Sports in Bihar

Why in News?

According to information received from the media on July 21, 2023, the state government is working at many levels to develop a sports culture in Bihar. For this, the process of setting up a sports university and sports academy in the state is underway.

Key Points:

• Apart from this, 31 posts for this sports university and 81 posts for the sports academy have been approved by the administration.
• Both the state's first sports university and sports academy are to be set up at Rajgir in Nalanda district. Both these institutes will be set up in the international cricket stadium complex being built in Rajgir.
• Bihar has become the sixth state to set up a sports university after Gujarat, Punjab, Assam, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan. For this, the Bihar Sports University Bill 2021 was passed by the legislature.
• The Vice-Chancellor of this University will be selected from the experience of sports administration and sports management as well as the international level player. At the same time, the ex-officio Chancellor of this university will be the Chief Minister.
• There is a plan to study from diploma to postgraduate related to sports in this sports university being built in Nalanda district. In the initial phase, subjects related to physical education, sports physics, sports training, sports media, sports management and sports administration will be taught.
• The headquarters of this university will be in Rajgir. The State Sports Academy of Rajgir will also be part of it. A provision has also been made to reserve 33% of seats for women in all colleges affiliated with the university.
• With the opening of the Sports University, not only sports will get a boost in Bihar, but it will also create employment for the people. Along with this, the shortage of physical teachers and sports trainers in the state will also be overcome.
• Apart from this, preparations are also underway to open new physical training colleges in the state, which will also prepare a large number of sports trainers.
• It is known that the International Cricket Stadium--Sports Academy is being constructed on 90.765 acres of Thera Hindupur Mouja in Thera village of Pilkhi panchayat, just five kilometres from the tourist town Rajgir.
• After the construction of this international stadium, national and international level matches will also be played here. This cricket stadium and sports academy are being constructed at a cost of Rs 740.82 crore.
• Along with cricket, other sports will also be organized in this international stadium-sports academy being built in Rajgir. There will also be a sports library.
• This stadium will have an indoor and outdoor sports complex. The academy will have facilities like a playground, sports equipment, and library along with a research, fitness and motivation centre.

Rajasthan Cinema (Regulation) (Amendment) Bill-2023 passed by voice vote

Why in News?

On July 21, 2023, the Rajasthan Assembly passed the Rajasthan Cinema (Regulation) (Amendment) Bill-2023 by voice vote after discussion.

Key Points:

• The Minister said that the Central Government had written a letter on August 10, 2020, under the Ease of Doing Business and reviewed the law and directed to include the provisions of non-criminalization in it.
• In pursuance of this, the Rajasthan Cinema (Regulation) Bill-2023 has been brought by amending the Rajasthan Cinema (Regulation) Act-1952.
• Earlier, the House rejected by voice vote the proposal to circulate the bill for public opinion.

Rajasthan State Avanti Bai Lodhi Board formed

Why in News?

According to the information given by the Rajasthan Information and Public Relations Department on July 24, 2023, the Rajasthan State Avanti Bai Lodhi Board has been constituted to survey the condition of the Lodhi (Lodha) society, provide basic facilities and give suggestions to remove backwardness. The Chief Minister has approved the proposal to this effect.

Key Points:

• The Board will consist of a Chairman, Vice-Chairman and 3 non-official members. Along with this, the Commissioner/Director/Government Secretary or their representatives of the Industries Department, School Education (Primary/Secondary) and Sanskrit Education Department, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department, Labour Department, Social Justice and Empowerment Department or their representatives will be official members in the board.
• Deputy Director level officer of the Social Justice and Empowerment Department will act as Secretary on the Board.
• In addition, the Managing Director, Rajasthan State Other Backward Classes Finance and Development Cooperative Corporation Limited or his representative will be a special invitee to the Board.
• Social Justice and Empowerment Department will be the administrative department for the Board.
• It is worth mentioning that an announcement in this regard was made earlier by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.
• The purpose of the formation of this board is to propose various schemes for the welfare of the Lodhi (Lodha) society, to coordinate with various departments regarding the various public welfare schemes being run at present, to give suggestions for the educational and economic upgradation of the society and to promote employment. This board will also give suggestions to bring the traditional businesses of the society to a profitable position with the help of new technology.

Rajasthan becomes 1st state to pass bill for welfare of online platform-based Gig Workers

Why in News?

On July 24, 2023, on the initiative of Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, the state assembly has passed the Rajasthan Platform-based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Bill-2023. Rajasthan has become the first state in the country to pass a bill for the welfare of lakhs of gig workers earning their livelihood through online platforms.

Key Points:

• The state government has gifted millions of youths connected as gig workers with online platforms like Ola, Swiggy, Uber, and Zomato. By protecting the interests of these gig workers, social security will now be provided to them.
• Rajasthan Platform-based Gig Workers Welfare Board will be established under the Act to be made through this bill. Along with this, Rajasthan Platform-based Gig Workers Social Security and Welfare Fund will be constituted.
• This board will ensure the registration of platform-based gig workers. Along with monitoring the schemes for social security of registered gig workers, it will give its recommendations to the state government for the administration of such schemes.
• The Board will also ensure that gig workers have access to benefits and better working conditions as per these schemes. The Board will also ensure time-bound redressal of grievances relating to the rights of gig workers and matters relating to the implementation of the provisions of the Act.
• For the registration of gig workers, the aggregator will make the database of gig workers available to the state government within 60 days of the implementation of the act. The state government will publish the register of aggregators on its web portal.
• This act will also enable gig workers to get the benefits of social security schemes of the state government and they will get an opportunity to hear their grievances.
• Gig workers will also have representation on the board so that they will be able to participate in decisions taken for their welfare. Under the Act, a grievance redressal mechanism will be set up for gig workers, before which petitions can be submitted in person or through online mediums.
• In the current economic scenario, there is a huge scope for employment through gig work for the youth with low skills. Gig workers are yet to come under the ambit of labour laws, despite their huge contribution to the economy and employment. In such a situation, they do not get protection like traditional employees. This act will protect the interests of gig workers and provide them with social security.
• It is worth mentioning that Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot had announced the introduction of the Gig Workers Welfare Act and the establishment of the Gig Workers Welfare Board under it to provide social security to gig workers and to protect them from exploitation in the state budget of 2023-24. Along with this, he also announced the formation of the Gig Workers Welfare and Development Fund with an amount of Rs 200 crore.

Rajasthan Sahitya Academy, Udaipur announced the outstanding awards for the years 2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22

Why in News?

On July 24, 2023, Rajasthan Sahitya Akademi, Udaipur, an autonomous institution established by the Government of Rajasthan to encourage, honour and promote the literature of the province, announced the outstanding awards for the years 2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22.

Key Points:

• These awards have been announced after the approval in the meeting of the Academy Executive chaired by Academy President Dr. Dularam Saharan.
• It is worth mentioning that Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ashok Gehlot and Art, Literature and Culture Minister Dr. BD Kalla had given approval on the demand of Dr. Dularam Saharan, the youth president of the Academy, who took over the charge last August itself, to give the outstanding awards for the period without a chairman. After that approval, applications have been invited in the prescribed procedure and the said awards have been declared after evaluating the entries received.
• This is the first time in the academic history of the country that any academy has announced the outstanding awards of the previous years after the approval of the government, otherwise, the awards of the period remained pending without a chairman.
• Under these awards by Rajasthan Sahitya Academy, along with the symbol, a fixed amount is also given to the respected litterateur.
• Under the existing provisions of the Academy, Rs 75 thousand each is given for Meera Award, Sudhindra Award, Rangeya Raghav Award, Devraj Upadhyay Award, Kanhaiyalal Sahal Award, Devilal Samar Award, Shambhu Dayal Saxena Award and Rs 21 thousand for Pratham Kriti Sumnesh Joshi Award.
• Academy President Dr. Dularam Saharan said that these awards will be presented by organizing a grand ceremony in the month of August itself.

2 students of Shivpuri Public School 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 students of Shivpuri Public School in Madhya Pradesh 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 Madhya Pradesh on their success in the second episode of the Fit India quiz state round.
• These 72 students are about to secure top positions in their respective states and will now compete in the national round of the Fit India Quiz, which will be aired on Star Sports and Disney Hotstar.
• In the Fit India Competition 2022, Divyansh Gala and Anirudh Yadav of Shivpuri Public School 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 and 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.

National Media Museum to be Built in Bhopal

Why in News?

On July 24, 2023, In the General Council meeting of Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, it was informed that a National Media Museum will be established in Bhopal.

Key Points:

• Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan approved the proposal to set up a central studio, Digital media lab, separate departments focused on cinema and Indian languages and Bharatmuni Research Chair in the university.
• In the general council meeting held after January 2018, the budget estimates, accounts and audit reports of the previous years were approved. Decisions were also taken on various managerial issues.
• It was informed in the meeting that the provisions of the National Education Policy have been implemented in Asia's first and the country's largest journalism and communication university. The university has been included in the top 10 educational institutions of the country by reputed magazines like India Today, The Week.
• The General Council gave ex-post facto approval for the implementation of the 7th pay scale for the teachers working in the university. Also, approval was given to pay arrears to all teachers on the basis of the 7th pay scale implemented on January 01, 2016.
• It also agreed on the regularization of contractual teachers. The General Council also approved raising the superannuation age from 60 to 62 years.
• The meeting also approved the establishment of Radio Karamveer in the new campus of the university at Bishan Khedi for practical training of students and discharge of social responsibilities. Also, the proposal for an increase of seats in research book writing, and PhD courses was also approved.
• It was informed in the meeting that the university had signed MoUs with the Consortium for Educational Communication, UN Population Fund, Mahatma Gandhi College of Communication Kozhikode Kerala, Media and Entertainment Skills Council, New Delhi and other universities and reputed institutions.

Former IPS officer Rajbir Deswal Unveiled his 22nd book Titled 'Jind Anta- Stories of Sixties'

Why in News?

On July 22, 2023, D.S. Dhesi, Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister of Haryana, released a book titled 'Jind Anta-Stories of the Sixties' written by Rajbir Deswal, IPS (Retd. Additional Director General of Police) in a program organized at Police Officers' Mess, Moginand, Panchkula.

Key Points:

• It is known that this is the 22nd book written by Rajbir Deswal in the last few years.
• On this occasion, the Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister described the book 'Jind Anta-Stories of the Sixties' as important and said that it shows the history of Jind city culturally and socially. This book will also inform the readers about 'Jind - a City that sleeps peacefully'.
• An ex-policeman, writer, singer, musician, photographer and lawyer, Rajbir Deswal is a multi-talented man of rare exuberance. The former Additional Director General of Police is also working on another book 'Tea Bags'.
• The present book 'Jind-Anta: Stories of the Sixties' is a reminiscence of the author's childhood spent in the village and the small town of Jind. Although it is a short bio-autobiographical sketch, the document talks more about the prevailing cultural, social, family, environment or ideology of the past.
• The book documents the practices, traditions, customs, styles of dress, entertainment, and other aspects of a simple lifestyle that are considered simple and commonplace.
• It has two parts: the first part deals with the atmosphere prevailing in a village called Anta and the second part deals with the experiences of a boy growing up like David Copperfield, who is everyone's favorite in that mofussil town.
• The tag lines describe the mofussil city of Jind - 'A city that used to sleep peacefully' and the tagline - 'The moon sometimes rests here', which describes the pristine and wild surroundings in the countryside of village Anta.
• This is Rajbir Deswal's 22nd book, which includes eight books on poetry in three languages - Hindi, English and Urdu. Rajbir Deswal's stories are read many times by readers and he practices in Punjab and Haryana High Court, Chandigarh after retirement from Indian Police Service.

Raipur to become Papaya Producing District, Included In One Poduct-One District Scheme

Why in News?

On July 23, 2023, according to the information given by the Public Relations Department of Chhattisgarh, the process of giving encouragement and training to the farmers was started by the Horticulture Department regarding papaya cultivation on a large scale in Raipur district. Raipur district has been selected for papaya cultivation under the 'One Product-One District Scheme'.

Key Points:

• This information was given on July 21 in a workshop organized on the topic of papaya production towards nutrition under One Product-One District. This workshop was organized at Labhandi by the Horticulture Department and Krishi Vigyan Kendra Raipur under the guidance of Avinash Mishra, CEO of District Panchayat Raipur, in which a large number of farmers participated.
• Papaya plant of the Arka Prabhat variety, developed at the Indian Institute of Horticulture, Bangalore, has been brought to Raipur to make available papaya plants with improved and disease-resistant capacity to the farmers. With its help, preparations have been started to prepare nurseries and provide Arka Prabhat saplings to the farmers for planting.
• The speciality of Arka Prabhat, a new variety of papaya, is that it is resistant to spot viruses. The plant remains disease-free due to its high immunity to fight viruses.
• Encouraging the farmers to cultivate papaya in the workshop, Deputy Director Horticulture Kailash Singh Paikra said that for its cultivation, the government is giving 50 percent subsidy to the farmers and loan up to Rs. 3 lakh without interest.
• He said that papaya is a nutritious fruit. Its leaves are also useful. Healthy papaya plants are also available at horticulture nurseries and agriculture centres. For its cultivation, information is being given to the farmers by the officers of the department and the employees of the area.
• General Manager, District Trade Industry Ameya Tripathi informed the farmers about papaya marketing, maintenance in coal storage and the Prime Minister's Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises scheme. He said that farmers can take advantage of this and increase their business.
• Scientist Dr. Neeraj Mishra told the farmers that papaya is the most nutritious and many types of processed products can be made from this fruit, such as Jam, Jelly, Katri, Candy etc. Its juice and nectar are also in high demand. Papaya powder can also be made. Besides producing papaya and selling it in the market, farmers can earn more profit if they pay attention to its processing and value addition.
• Scientist Manoj Kumar Sahu said that to protect papaya cultivation from viruses and bugs, neem oil mixed with shampoo should be sprinkled. Planting a marigold flower plant around the papaya tree helps in keeping the papaya plant safe from diseases.

Govt. Services will Become Costlier by 5 % Every Year in the State: Order Issued to Increase User Charges

Why in News?

According to information received from the media on July 22, 2023, the user charges being collected in lieu of government services being provided in Uttarakhand will now become five percent costlier on April 1 every year. Finance Secretary Dilip Jawalkar has issued an order in this regard.

Key Points:

• It is known that user fee means any such fee, which is being collected through various departments or agencies.
• It has been said in the order that due to regular small increases in fees, people will not be burdened one time and funds will also be received for repair and maintenance of public services. Till now there was a tendency to collect user fees at the level of departments at intervals of three to five years, which appeared to be a lump sum.
• All the departments will have to compulsorily provide the facility of UPI to collect user charges through their respective web portal app. The order states that it is necessary to link the user fee rates to the prevailing market inflation.
• Only the state cabinet will have the right to reduce the rate of increase in user charge below five percent. He can reduce the revised rates on reasonable offers.
• According to the order, if it is justified and practical to increase the user charges of any service by more than five percent, then the departments will be able to do so. The revised rates will be applicable in such a way as to cover the cost of operation and upgradation of the unit.
• It is worth noting that in hospitals, the user charge is collected in lieu of many other departmental services including slip fee, disease test fee, driving license and its renewal, RC, transfer of vehicles, income certificate, permanent residence certificate, copy of account-khatauni, copy of the registry, drinking water bill, which will increase by five percent on April 1.
• According to sources in the finance department, property tax will also increase by five per cent on April 1 of every financial year. The Finance Department will issue a separate order for this.

State's 1st Plant to be set up in Rudrapur

Why in News?

On July 24, 2023, according to the information received from the media, the Rudrapur Green Energy Company, which set up the state's first Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant, will also set up a plant to make drinking water from atmospheric vapour and steam in Rudrapur. The officials of the company have discussed with the mayor and municipal commissioner of Rudrapur Municipal Corporation setting up the plant.

Key Points:

• According to the information, after making CNG from waste and electricity from CNG, now Rudrapur Green Energy Company is going to take the initiative to make drinking water from air. For this, the company has entered into an agreement with Arrow Water Private Limited.
• Sameer Rege, director of Rudrapur Green Energy Company and project in-charge Vikas Kumar said that in the era of modern technology, a plant to make drinking water from Vapour, steam and moisture has started being set up. By using this technology, there will never be any shortage of water in life.
• He informed that Rudrapur Municipal Corporation has been contacted regarding the plant to be set up at a cost of crores of rupees. However, now Mayor Rampal and Municipal Commissioner Vishal Mishra are discussing with the higher officials to set up the plant.
• A project has also been made on behalf of the company to clean and renovate the Kalyani river of Rudrapur. By setting up treatment plants at various places near the Kalyani river, it can be cleaned.
• Officials said that the company has also made a project to launch liquid manure community tanks under the Kalyani brand to reduce the cost of fertilizers for the farmers. Compost centres will be set up at different places in the city.
• Project in-charge of Rudrapur Green Energy Company Vikas Kumar said that the compressed biogas plant has been set up with the technique of build on, operate and transfer. The capacity of the project in the first phase is to produce dry and liquid organic fertilizers with compressed biogas using 20 tonnes of wet biodegradable waste per day. Soon the capacity of the plant will be to make CNG from 50 tonnes of wet waste.
• Biogas will be used for cooking and electricity generation. Compressed biogas will be used as fuel for transportation vehicles.