• 26 Jul 2022

MoU for the First Women's Fund Financial Institution

Why in News?

On July 25, 2022, an MoU was signed between Rajasthan Rural Livelihood Development Council and Streenidhi Telangana in the presence of Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Ramesh Chand Meena for setting up the state's first and the country's third 'Women's Financial Institution' in Rajasthan.

Key Points

• The MoU was signed at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Panchayati Raj by State Mission Director Manju Rajpal on behalf of Rajivika and G. Vidyasagar Reddy, MD, Streenidhi on behalf of Telangana.
• The 'Rajasthan Mahila Nidhi' in the state is being set up through Rajivika as a state-level cooperative financial institution on the lines of the Stree Nidhi model successfully operated in the state of Telangana. Rajivika's cluster level federation will be its members.
• Rajasthan Mahila Nidhi will be started in 15 districts in the first year of implementation, out of which it is being started in 6 districts namely Karauli, Alwar, Kota, Dungarpur, Rajsamand and Jodhpur.
• A total grant of Rs.50 crore (Rs.25 crore in the first year) will be given by the State Government in two years for setting up of Rajasthan Mahila Nidhi and proposals for grant of Rs.110 crore from the Government of India have been sent to the Central Government.
• For the operation of this fund, in a phased manner, Rajivika is contributing Rs.10 lakh per cluster level association share capital from 561 promoted cluster level federations.
• Through the Women's Fund, loans up to Rs.40,000/- can be disbursed in 48 hours and above within a time frame of 15 days.
• Speaking on the occasion, Rural Development Minister Ramesh Chand Meena said that after the setting up of the Women's Fund, the economic empowerment of women of Rajivika's Self Help Groups will get a boost and it will be convenient for them to get loans for their enterprise. The number of loan applications pending in banks will also come down.
• The Rajasthan Mahila Nidhi will act as a supplementary financial institution with formal banks. The fund will be operated by the women of SHGs for the women of SHGs only.
• It may be mentioned that an announcement was made by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot in the Budget for the year 2022-23 regarding setting up of women-run banks.

'Rajasthan Out of Turn Appointment to Sports Medal Winners Rules, 2017' approved

Why in News?

On July 25, 2022, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot approved the amendment to the 'Rajasthan Out of Turn Appointment to Sports Medal Winners Rules, 2017'.

Key Points

• After this amendment, the officers and employees appointed in the Central Government or any other State, who are natives of Rajasthan, will be given appointment in the State on equal pay while protecting the pay on winning the medal.
• With this decision taken by the State Government towards upgradation of sports and sportspersons in the state, the medal winning sportspersons will be able to practice better while working in their home state at the same salary and further refine their sports talent.
• In May 2022, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot had approved the proposal to appoint 65 medal-winning sportspersons at the state's national level out of turn. The medal winners were allotted portfolios proportionately as per their first preference under the 'Rajasthan Out of Turn Appointment to Sports Medal Winners Rules, 2017'.

'Door-to-Door Drug Scheme'

Why in News?

On July 25, 2022, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot approved a proposal to extend the 'Ghar-Ghar Aushadhi Yojana' to a new form. This will lead to intensive tree plantation drives across the state under the concept of 'Green Rajasthan- Swasth Rajasthan'.

Key Points

• In the tree plantation programme, 5 crore saplings will be prepared for the year 2022-23 at a cost of Rs.42 crore. Out of these , provision has been made to provide 3 crore saplings to the public as per the demand.
• The saplings will be distributed to the people of the state at the rate fixed by the government on the basis of Janadhar card. The saplings will be available to the public from government nurseries and in case of distance problems, distribution can also be done from other places.
• One crore saplings prepared for transit/oran/pasture will be provided to 10,000 Gram Panchayats of the State for plantation at community level.
• Each Gram Panchayat will provide one thousand saplings every year in the area. Similarly, about one crore saplings will be planted every year in 200 large urban areas.
• Under the new scheme, 5 crore saplings will be prepared for the year 2023-24 at a cost of Rs.42 crore and an additional budget of Rs.21 crore will be provided for the plants planted in 2022-23 . Thus, the total expenditure in this scheme will be Rs.105 crores.

Anti Narcotics Task Force will be Formed in the state

Why in News?

On July 25, 2022, Rajasthan Chief Secretary Usha Sharma said that an Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) will be set up soon to control drugs in the state. This task force will specifically control the drug trade.

Key Points

• The Chief Secretary said this while chairing the 4th State Level Encord (NARCO Coordination) meeting organized by the Narcotics Control Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India at the Government Secretariat.
• In the meeting, Chief Secretary Usha Sharma directed the Home Department to prepare a state level awareness strategy at the earliest to create awareness about drugs and take effective steps to control the increasing medicinal addiction among the youth.
• He said that under the Amrit Mahotsav of Independence, an oath should be taken not to take drugs in programmes organized for school children in the state from August 12 to 15 and this pledge should be made part of the proposed rural Olympics in the state at the end of August, in which a large number of youth will participate.

State's First 200 MVA Transformer Energized at Damoh

Why in News?

On July 25, 2022, The Madhya Pradesh Power Transmission Company upgraded the state's first 200 MVA capacity power transformer designed with special design in place of 160 MVA capacity at 220 KV sub-station Damoh.

Key Points

• Chief Engineer Procurement, Jabalpur Engineer Ajay Srivastava, said that power transformers of traditional 120 MVA or 160 MVA were installed in Madhya Pradesh . In its place, it is the first power transformer of 200 MVA capacity.
• The installation of this transformer at Damoh will benefit the power consumers connected to the 132 KV sub-stations of Hatta, Tejgarh, Batiagarh and Patera of the district as well as the sub-stations of Sagar, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh districts. In case of an emergency, 220 KV sub-station can be supplied from Damoh.
• It is worth mentioning that Damoh used to be the main load center of the Madhya Pradesh Electricity Board in the past. From Damoh, power was supplied to a number of cement factories and railways including sagar, tikamgarh, chhatarpur, bijawar, bina etc.
• The first ultra-high pressure sub-station in Damoh district was commissioned on June 16, 1967 with a capacity of 12.5 MVA. At present, power is supplied in Damoh district with five sub-stations of 220 KV one and 132 KV each.
• Damoh has a strong transformation capacity of 360 MVA of 220 KV side and 530 MVA of 132 KV side , which is capable of supplying uninterrupted power of reasonable quality to the consumers of the district.

Best Employer Brand Award'

Why in News?

Recently, the Madhya Pradesh State Open School Education Board, Bhopal has been awarded the 'Best Employer Brand Award 2022'.

Key Points

• Minister of State for School Education (Independent Charge) and General Administration and Chairman, Madhya Pradesh State Open School Education Board Inder Singh Parmar was apprised of the achievement by The Director, State Open Education Board, Prabhat Raj Tiwari, by submitting a certificate.
• Director Prabhat Raj Tiwari said that the award has been given by Dr. R.L. Bhatia, Director, World HRD Congress at the Marriott Hotel in Indore.
• The State Board of Open School Education has been selected by the jury. The Board has ranked the highest in the last few years in the excellent implementation of the new scheme, transparent administration and beneficiary services.
• It may be mentioned that the Madhya Pradesh State Board of Mutth School Education has gained a lot of fame with the innovations made in the past. The Education Board was awarded the best office in the category of Corporations, Mandals in the year 2018 by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Good Governance. The Education Board has also received the ISO certificate in the year 2022.

1200 Libraries For the Preparation of Competitive Examinations Across the State

Why in News?

On July 25, 2022, Haryana's Development and Panchayat Minister Devendra Singh Babli said that 1200 libraries equipped with modern facilities will be opened across the state for the youth preparing for competitive examinations.

Key Points

• Cabinet Minister Devendra Singh Babli said that these modern libraries are being opened with the aim of facilitating rural youth to prepare for competitive examinations along with education.
• He said this while inaugurating an e-library and modern gym at villages Pirthala, Fatehpuri, Rasulpur, Chandpura, Laluwal and Hindwala in Tohana assembly constituency.
• These air-conditioned e-libraries are equipped with all the facilities including water, latest computers, smart boards. Similarly, in modern gyms, machines of good technology have also been made available.

'Smart E-Beat System' of Police in Gurugram

Why in News?

On July 25, 2022, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar launched the 'Smart e-Beat System' at the office of the Police Commissioner, Gurugram, taking a step towards e-initiative .

Key Points

• Along with this, the Chief Minister also released a details of the Smart e-Beat System and flagged off 119 motorcycle riders of the police associated with this system.
• Speaking to the media, the Chief Minister said that the e-beat system has been introduced in Gurugram as part of the smart policing effort, which has also digitized the beat system.
• It is an app-based system. The presence of motorcycle rider policemen posted at the beat will also be available on this app and their monitoring can also be done easily.
• It is a GIS-based system, with the introduction of which will enable its monitoring to be done in a more effective manner. After that, their location can be monitored easily.
• The new system will cover all the 33 police station areas located in the urban area of Gurugram. Of these , 119 motorcycle riders will be deployed and each motorcycle rider will have two policemen.
• The Chief Minister informed that Gurugram Police has identified 2056 sensitive locations or points in the city, mainly including ATMs, petrol pumps, senior citizen's place of residence, schools, colleges, religious places, crime affected areas, etc.
• This system will be connected to the emergency response support system in the future, so that in addition to the ERV on the call received on phone number 112, this rider can also reach for help.
• Making a presentation on the e-beat system, Gurugram Police Commissioner Kala Ramachandran said that earlier it was implemented in East Gurugram and Manesar areas as a pilot project. Removing the shortcomings, this e-beat system has been expanded this month and it has also been implemented in South Gurugram and West Gurugram.

'Postcard From Jharkhand'

Why in News?

The documentary series 'Postcard of Jharkhand' premiered on National Geographic Channel India with the launch of Jharkhand Tourism Policy, 2021 on July 23, 2022.

Key Points

• It was officially released at the launch event of Jharkhand Tourism Policy, 2021 under the MoU signed between the state government and National Geographic India a few months ago .
• This important initiative has been taken to bring the rich heritage of Jharkhand to the world stage in the field of tourism and to present an unforgettable glimpse of the natural wealth, tradition and culture of the State.
• Through this series, National Geographic India will show a wonderful glimpse of temples ranging from McCluskeyganj, Nakata Pahar, Netarhat, The Dalma Hills, Lodh Fall, Hundru Fall, Betla National Park to Deori Temple, Sun Temple and Baidyanath Dham.
• The breathtaking cinematography will share its spiritual and enchanting journey exploring the panoramic, lush green forests, spectacular wildlife, hill stations and various destinations that exist across the state with heart-touching adventures.
• From prehistoric stone art to magnificent temples and ancient monuments, the film will be highlighted.
• The documentary series is led by Jamshedpur-born film actress Rasika Duggal. She will introduce the audience to the tribal traditions rich with tribal dances of Jharkhand, Sohrai paintings, local cuisine and the architecture of the state.

Conserve the Breed of 'Mountain Weissel', the Species of Navale

Why in News?

On July 25, 2022, Chief Conservator of Forest Research Circle Sanjeev Chaturvedi informed that the Research Advisory Committee (RAC) of the Forest Department has given a green signal to the proposal for conservation in the state of The Mountain Weissel, a species of navale, which has played an important role in the ecological balance in the high Himalayan region.

Key Points

• Sanjiv Chaturvedi said that the research wing of the department has prepared a five-year action plan for this. Soon the study of Mountain Weasel will be started at Badrinath, Harki Doon, Harshil and other places.
• Found at an altitude of more than 3,000 meters in the high Himalayan region, this species of nave is found in Ladakh in India. After Ladakh, it will now be protected in Uttarakhand also.
• Somewhat different from the normally visible navels, mountain weasel is a secluded mammalian creature with a thin body and neck, small legs and small heads. This creature of the Family Mustelidae is also beautiful in appearance.
• There are four species of mountain weejal found in Uttarakhand. It is also naturally helpful in regulating the number of species like rats, peaches in the high Himalayan region by hunting them.
• It is worth noting that Mountain Weissel (Mustela Altaica), also known as Pel Weigel, Altai Weigel or Solongoi, lives mainly in high-altitude environments, as well as rocky tundra and grassy woodlands.
• The geographical distribution of this species ranges from Kazakhstan, Tibet and the Himalayas to parts of Asia from Mongolia, northeast China and southern Siberia. However, the most important region for this species is Ladakh, India.

Strict Anti-Copying Law

Why in News?

On July 25, 2022, Santosh Badoni, secretary, Uttarakhand Subordinate Services Selection Commission, informed that the commission has passed a proposal for a new anti-copying law. After studying the anti-copying law of Rajasthan and SSC, the Commission will send its draft to the government.

Key Points

• Amidst the paper leak case in the graduate level examination, the Uttarakhand Subordinate Services Selection Commission is enacting a stringent anti-copying law. The law will be stringent on the lines of Rajasthan's anti-copying law which came out in February this year.
• So far, after any case of paper leak has come to light, the accused under the Anti-Copying Act of Uttarakhand are booked under Sections 420, 120B of the IPC or under the IT Act if there is hi-tech copying.
• On the lines of Rajasthan's anti-copying law, the members of the copying gang will be fined between 10 lakh and 10 crore rupees. Apart from this, their property can also be attached. At the same time, a provision will also be made for a punishment of five to ten years if the offence of copying is proved.
• If a student/candidate is found guilty of purchasing paper from a copying gang, he will be punished with a fine of One lakh rupees as well as a punishment of up to three years. If the student/candidate is found to be a member of that copying gang, action will be taken against him according to the gang.
• A new provision is also being made by the Commission to prevent copying that if a student/candidate is caught copying, he/she will not be able to appear in any kind of examinations for two years.
• Paper leaks or copying in uttarakhand subordinate services selection commission examinations on the lines of Rajasthan will be treated as cognizable and non-bailable offence. Copying and paper leak can only be checked by an Additional SP level officer. An anti-cheating cell can also be set up in the investigating agency to prevent copying.