• 27 Feb 2023

New Policy of Uttar Pradesh Medical Faculty

Why In News?

On February 26, 2023, Uttar Pradesh Principal Secretary of Medical Education Alok Kumar said that admission to auxiliary nurse and midwifery (ANM), general nursing and midwifery (GNM) and paramedical courses in the state will now be done with state-level merit. For this, the Uttar Pradesh State Medical Faculty is making a new policy.

Key points

• Alok Kumar, Principal Secretary, Medical Education, Uttar Pradesh, said that advice has been sought from the college managers and principals on the new policy of the Uttar Pradesh State Medical Faculty.
• It is noteworthy that there are 19,220 seats of ANM and of GNM 18,323 seats in the state. There are more than 20,000 seats in various degree and diploma courses of paramedical. Till now, the college management used to enrol in them, but now the colleges will not be able to take admission on their own.
• In fact, from the year 2023-24, a centralized system is being made, under which students will have to apply course-wise, fill the name of the college in the seniority order.
• In the applications coming to the Uttar Pradesh State Medical Faculty, state-level merit will be made according to the minimum qualification and the marks obtained in the intermediate, then colleges will be allotted through counselling.
• According to Faculty Secretary Prof. Alok Kumar, till now it was alleged that due to collusion of colleges, students with less merit get admission in desired course and college. But this new system will increase transparency and justice will be done to meritorious students.

Women Help Desk Facility Started Simultaneously in 500 Police Stations of Bihar

Why In News?

On February 26, 2023, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar launched the facility of women help desks simultaneously in 500 police stations of Bihar. Along with this, he also inaugurated the updated website and social media center of Bihar Police.

Key points

• These women help desks will be operated by women police officers and women personnel so that the victims can easily express their views. In the first phase, this arrangement has been made in 500 police stations.
• Officials said that the new website of Bihar Police will be user friendly. With the facility of screen reader, the visually impaired can also hear its content.
• With the citizen service in this website, common people will be able to get information regarding FIRs, missing persons etc. In this, the numbers of all the police officers of the districts will also be available.
• The objective of the launch of the social media Centre is to provide correct and accurate information to the general public as soon as possible, so that misleading news can be denied. It will work seven days a week and 24 hours a day continuously.

5 Farmer Producer Organizations of Bhagalpur Got Export License

Why In News?

On February 26, 2023, Deputy Project Director of Atma (Agriculture Technology Management Agency) Prabhat Kumar Singh said that five Farmer Producer Organizations of Bhagalpur have received export license from the Central Government.

Key points

• Atma's Deputy Project Director Prabhat Kumar Singh said that for the first time, the Farmer Producer Organization here has got this license. With this, on the one hand, where the products here can be exported directly and on the other hand, they will now get a global market. This will improve the economic condition of farmers.
• Prabhat Kumar Singh said that earlier, exporters from different parts of the country had to resort to through APEDA. Now any type of product can be exported on behalf of the farmers and traded from here.
• Significantly, Bhagalpur's Katarni Chawal-Chuda and Zardalu Mango have got GI tag (Geographical Indication tag). Katrani rice, chuda and jardalu mangoes are the identity of Bhagalpur. Its demand is considerable in the country and abroad. Its production is getting a boost among the farmers. The only requirement was the market, which would be available once the export license was obtained.
• Apart from this, cultivation of strawberry, mushroom, dragon fruit, apple, zucchini, foreign papaya etc. has started increasing in Bhagalpur. If the products of this place are exported after getting the global market, then the farmers will get the desired benefits.
• These farmer producer organizations got licenses-
  • Transparent Agro Farmer Producer Company Limited, Goradih
  • Agro Point Agro Farmer Producer Company Limited, Pirpainti
  • Brassnik Agro Farmer Producer Company Limited, Bihpur
  • Anga Pradesh Utthan Agro Farmer Producer Company Limited
  • Saras Basudha Agro Farmer Producer Company Limited, Gopalpur
• It is known that the full name of Kisan Atma Yojana (ATMA Yojana) is Agriculture Technology Management Agency. This scheme is for those farmers who are still away from the benefits of modern farming.
• Under this scheme, farmers are given training in modern equipment. Along with this, farmers are also given information about how good production can be achieved by farming using modern equipment.

'Rose Show-2023'

Why In News?

On February 26, 2023, the 48th 'Rose Show-2023' was organized by The Rose Society of Rajasthan at City Park, which has become a hot destination in Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan.

Key points

• State's Housing Commissioner Pawan Arora said that the City Park, which has become famous in the country and the world, was buzzing with the fragrance of 400 varieties of roses. The 48th Rose Show organized by The Rose Society of Rajasthan attracted not only local but also tourists from outside.
• He said that the popularity of City Park among the general public can be gauged from the fact that the Society has decided to organize the 'Rose Show' held in the month of February in the City Park every year.
• In 'Rose Show-2023', the common people also participated with an advanced variety of rose pens. Varieties of good roses were also felicitated. Apart from this, many other creative and cultural programs including painting competition were also organized.
• Various plants by Neelkamal, Tulip, Home Garden Nursery were also exhibited in the exhibition. More than 1 to 3 in groups 400 varieties of colourful roses were exhibited in the show and were also honored for the best variety of roses.
• Emperor of the Show Secretary JDA, Empress of the Show Maya Balan, King of the Show Ramchandra Saini, Queen of the Show Secretary JDA, Prince of the Show Ramlal, Princess of the Show Maya Balan and Best Exhibitor of the Show. Hotel was given to Rambagh Palace.

Tradition of Halma

Why In News?

On February 26, 2023, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said at the closing ceremony of Halma Utsav and Vikas Yatra at Hathi paw hill in Jhabua district that the tradition of Halma will be extended to the entire Madhya Pradesh.

Key points

• The Chief Minister said that Halma is such a tradition by which nature can be saved from global warming. The Halma tradition of the forest dwellers is unique. It gives the message of help to a person in distress. He said that by expanding this tradition in the entire Madhya Pradesh, water, soil and environment-conservation work will be done.
• Even today, there are many indigenous ways of living in the tribal society of India, which can solve various problems arising due to development in the present time. One of them is the Halma tradition of the Bhil tribe. Because of the importance of this tradition, on April 24, 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned it in Mann Ki Baat.
• Halma has played a big role in mitigating the water crisis in large parts of Jhabua district. This tradition of the Bhil community is a unique example of the technological richness of indigenous disciplines.
• Such practices or traditions of mutual community cooperation exist in tribal tribes by names like Halma Handa and Hida and are also mentioned in folk literature. But over time, they disappeared.
• Significantly, there is a tradition of help in the Halma Bhil society. When a person or family is not able to overcome the crisis even after their best efforts, then all the rural brothers and sisters gather to help him and bring him out of trouble with their selfless efforts.
• This is such a deep and generous tradition in which help is given to the person in distress, but no favour is expressed or accepted by both the parties. This tradition of mutual cooperation and support shows how each other's strength is made in the society. No one is left alone in the middle of the stream rather he is connected to the mainstream of the society with sincere help.
• The importance of the word Bhil also increases because this tribe is the oldest tribe of India and keeping its traditions alive. Bhil is the third largest tribal community in India. According to the last census before independence in 1941, the population of Bhils in the country was about 2 million, which has now increased to 17 million.
• Apart from Madhya Pradesh, Bhil community is also present in other states of the country including Rajasthan, Maharashtra. The Bhil community of Madhya Pradesh is keeping its tradition alive like other Bhil communities. Even today the cultural tradition of the Bhils of Madhya Pradesh is expressed in their religious rites, their songs and dances, their community gods and goddesses, skin tattoos, mythology and style. Their homes reveal an innate sense of aesthetics.
• It is noteworthy that in the year 2005, the Halma tradition was started by a non-governmental organization 'Sivaganga'. Mahesh Sharma and Harsh Chauhan played an important role in this. Mahesh Sharma was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2019 for his work. Today he has become the Gandhi of Jhabua among the Bhil tribes.
• Halma was largely implemented in 2008. As a result, in the first year of 2009, eight hundred people came forward and donated labour to make small water pits in Halma, in the next year i.e., 2010, the participation increased to 1600. Ten thousand people participated in it in 2011 and today this number has taken the form of a movement, to see and understand which many researchers from the government are doing research on it. At the same time, increasing contact with the outside world has also taught this region how to solve its problems with modern technologies.

Approval of 'Mukhyamantri Ladli Bahna Yojana-2023

Why In News?

In the virtual meeting of the Council of Ministers held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on February 25, 2023, the Council of Ministers decided to maintain the all-round development of women in the state, economic independence, continuous improvement in the health and nutrition level and women in the family. To strengthen the role of 'Mukhyamantri Ladli Bahna Yojana-2023', approved.

Key points

• In the scheme, a provision has been made for approval within the time limit. Married women between the age of 23 to 60 years of the state will be eligible for the benefit of the scheme.
• The amount will be deposited directly into the Aadhaar linked bank account of each eligible woman at the rate of Rs 1000 per month during her eligibility period.
• If a woman below the age of 60 years of a family is receiving less than Rs 1000 per month under the Social Security Pension Scheme, then a provision has been made in the scheme to supplement the amount up to Rs 1000 by giving that amount to that woman. .
• All applications in the scheme will be received online free of cost. Apart from this, if the beneficiary himself appears and gives the 'form of information required for the application', then arrangements have also been made to enter it on the online portal.
• In the financial year 2023-24, about one crore women beneficiaries will be deposited in the account at the rate of Rs 1000 per month.

Madhya Pradesh Industries Establishment and Operation Simplification Act, 2023.

Why In News?

In the virtual meeting of the Council of Ministers held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on February 25, 2023, the Council of Ministers replaced the Madhya Pradesh Industries Establishment and Operation Simplification Ordinance, 2023 with the Madhya Pradesh Industries Establishment and Operation Simplification Act, 2023. It was decided to replace it in 2023.

Key points

• The application for investment intent proposal by the industrial undertaking or industrial unit will be made to the nodal agency in the prescribed format through the online portal.
• The acknowledgement of the investment intent proposal received in full by the nodal agency will be issued in the prescribed format.
• MP Industrial Development Corporation Limited Bhopal has been nominated as the nodal agency, which will issue the acknowledgement certificate.
• 3 years from the date of receipt of specified service, permission, acknowledgment certificate to be obtained by the industrial undertaking or industrial unit in connection with the establishment of industry in the notified areas or till the commencement of business activity operations of the industrial undertaking or industrial unit, whichever is earlier. Will be free Necessary permissions; consents will be obtained within 6 months of the expiry of the said period.
• During the validity period of the certificate of acknowledgement issued, no competent authority shall conduct inspections in respect of permissions mentioned in the Act.
• The Act shall have provisions for the State to select the notified areas where the Act shall be implemented.
• If the application is made by the unit before the commencement of the unit, permission and consent can be given by the concerned department or agency by inspection and if necessary.
• The state government will be able to form a state-level empowered committee through notification. The committee will coordinate with the competent authority and industrial undertakings to find an amicable solution to the dispute.

26th All India Forest Sports Competitions to be held in Haryana

Why In News?

On February 25, 2023, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar informed that the 26th All India Forest Sports Competitions are going to be organized in the state soon. And the logo and mascot of the competition have also been released.

Key points

• Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said that Haryana, which is called the powerhouse of sports, has successfully organized the 10th All India Forest Sports Competition in the year 2003 and the 13th in the year 2013 respectively.
• This time these games will be organized from March 10 to 14, in which about 2500 participants from all states, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, Union Territories and Forest Research are likely to participate. Different sports teams will be formed by appointing players to the post of Forest Guard in Group C in Forest Department.
• The Chief Minister named the mascot of the Games as 'Krish'.
• It may be noted that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India organizes the All-India Forest Sports Competition every year, the responsibility of which is assigned to a state every year. This time the responsibility of organizing the 26th Forest Sports Competition has been given to the Haryana Forest Department.
• Ministry of Forest and Environment, Government of India in The Annual All India Forest Sports Competition was started by the year 1993 for the proper promotion of sports in the Forest Department, the first of which was organized in Hyderabad. Since then, the competition has been organized a total of 25 times.
• The Chief Minister said that the black buck, which is a stunning wildlife created in the culture of the state and the state animal of Haryana, has been chosen for the logo of the All-India Forest Sports Competition. The state map in the logo indicates that the state of Haryana that is hosting the Games this year is also at the forefront of sports with rapid progress in all fields.
• The games identified in the circular circle are about the sports held prominently in Haryana which will be played during the competition. The leaves shown in the people above reflect the forest brotherhood.
• It is known that in Indian mythology, the black buck is considered the charioteer of Lord Krishna. It has also been described as the vehicle of Vayu deity and Chandra deity at some places.
• The main center of the 26th All India Forest Sports Competitions will be Tau Devi Lal Stadium located in Sector-3 of Panchkula. All types of races like walking, obstacle race, discus throw, javelin throw, hammer throw, long jump, high jump, shot put, triple jump, indoor games like badminton, carrom, table tennis and chess, basketball, cricket, hockey, Kabaddi, volleyball and tug of war will be organized.
• Apart from this, golf club, Sector-3 Panchkula golf and gymkhana club in, Sector-6 lawn tennis bridge, billiard and squash competitions in snooker, will also be held. Archery will be held at The Sports Ground of Panjab University and shooting competition will be held at Shooting Range Chandigarh. The weightlifting competition will be held at Government College, Sector-1, Panchkula.
• In all the above competitions, 285 types of sports events will be organized, in which about contestants of open veteran and senior veteran category for women and men 2500 will participate. Everyone can participate in the open category. Veteran and Senior Veteran category is for contestants from 45 years to 52 years and Senior Veterans above 52 years, coming from 36 in the form of 43 teams States and Union Territories and 7% institutions.
• Separate committees have been formed for traffic catering arrangements, reception, accommodation and cleanliness etc. for the event. All sports venues have been kept plastic-free and logos of G-20 and LIFE (Lifestyle for Environment) will also be inscribed everywhere.

Gurugram Metro Earned a Total Revenue of Rs 34.24 crore till January in the Year 2022-23

Why In News?

On February 24, 2023, Haryana Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal, who is also the Chairman of HMRTC, Haryana Mass Rapid Transport Corporation Limited (HMRTC) that Gurugram Metro has earned a total revenue of Rs 34.24 crore of the Board of Directors of informed during the 51st meeting as compared to the previous financial year till January in the year 2022-23.

Key points

• Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal said that the year 2021-22, till the January period of 6.78 there was a profit of crores, which shows a 405 percent improvement.
• He informed that the revenue has increased due to increase in rides as well as other commercial and marketing activities. The 8500 number of daily passengers has also increased to 42000 per day in this financial year as compared to passengers per day last year.
• The Chief Secretary, looking at the revenue performance of HMRTC in the last ten months and providing last mile connectivity to the passengers to increase the ridership and generate additional revenue through parking lot development, auction/tender of advertisement site and rental etc. Instructions were also given to constitute a committee to find new ways and means for this.
• He said that the board also approved the project of metro connectivity from Rajiv Chowk to Panchgaon by HMRTC. The total length of the MRTS will be around 35 kms with 20 stations.
• It was informed in the meeting that the 28.5 km long metro project from HUDA City Center to Cyber City, Gurugram has also been included in the PM Gati Shakti projects. The project is already approved by PIB and now with Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) for final approval.
• Sanjeev Kaushal informed that Metro connectivity between Faridabad and Gurugram will also be considered for double decker via-duct with National Highways Authority of India and Sarai-Kale-Khan (SKK)-Shahjahanpur-Neemrana-Behror (SNB) and Sarai-Kale-Khan (SKK)-Panipat RRTS corridor will be requested for approval of DPR.
• These projects will provide efficient and eco-friendly transport system to daily commuters as well as general public. This will also give impetus to commercial development in Gurugram and its surrounding areas.

Koderma's Arkosa and Kanjhatand Villages Selected for President's Award

Why In News?

According to the information received from the media on February 26, 2023, under Jal Shakti Abhiyan conducted in Koderma district of Jharkhand, selection of Kanjhatand, Jarga Panchayat of Koderma for 'Catch the Rain' and Arkosa rehabilitation village of Markacho for single-use plastic-free village. Has been done for the President's Award.

Key points

• Both the villages will receive the country's prestigious award at the hands of the country's President Draupadi Murmu during a program organized in New Delhi on March 3 and 4.
• It is noteworthy that under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Aditya Ranjan of Koderma district, the district administration has achieved a significant achievement in implementing the ambitious schemes of the Central and State Government.
• In the district, Nilambar Pitambar Jal Samriddhi Yojana, Birsa Mango Horticulture Scheme, many remarkable works have been done in various schemes run by the Agriculture Department. Apart from this, schemes of Ministry of Jal Shakti, Drinking Water and Sanitation Department and Water Resources Department are also being implemented in a better way.
• For the Swachhta Sujal Shakti Samman organized on International Women's Day on March 8, to honor the women's representative Swachh Grahi Natural Leader who has done better work in the schemes of cleanliness, liquid waste management, ODF, plastic waste management, catch the rain etc. The online application was invited in Feb. In this, 4 participants were nominated from the district.
• Out of these participants, Kanjhatand and Arkosa have been selected for the President's Award for Catch the Rain and Single Use Plastic Free Village under Jal Shakti Abhiyan.

2 Women Footballers from Simdega Selected for National Camp of Indian Women's Football Team

Why In News?

According to the information received from the media on February 26, 2023, two women footballers (Vikas Bada and Soulina Dang) of Simdega have been selected for the national camp of the Indian women's football team for the Under-17 SAFF Women's Football Championship 2023.

Key points

• It is noteworthy that the Under-17 SAFF Women's Football Championship 2023 will be organized in Bangladesh from March 20 to 29.
• It is known that for this championship, more than 100 women football players of India were tried by the All-India Football Federation from 20 to 22 February in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, in which 35 players were selected for the national camp, in which Two players from Simdega, Vikas Bada and Soulina Dang, are also included.
• Both the players are training under the tutelage of football coach Bina at Sant Patrik Residential Girls Football Training Centre Gumla.
• Vikas Bada is a resident of Rasiya's Dokatoli in Kolebira block of Simdega, while Saulina is a resident of Helgarha in Banki panchayat of Dang Bano block.
• It is known that Manoj Konbegi, president of Hockey Simdega, had helped these two female football players of Simdega by providing them financially and nutritious food during the Corona period.
• Significantly, Vikas Bada, a resident of Rasiya, belongs to an economically weak family and Soulina Dang is also a resident of militancy affected area. Apart from farming, the family is maintained by doing wages.

The Responsibility of Assessing the Energy Needs of Uttarakhand is Now given to the American Organization

Why In News?

According to the information received from the media on February 26, 2023, the Uttarakhand government has entrusted the responsibility of estimating the energy needs by the year 2025 to the American organization Mackenzie.

Key points

• The state government has decided that the energy needs of 2025 also need to be met to make the state better. Therefore, McKenzie has been given the responsibility of assessing the total need for electricity in every region.
• The state government is trying to make the state the best state by 2025. Energy is also an important part of this because hydropower projects are not getting relatively electricity.
• The US institution Mackenzie will report to the government on all aspects of the state, looking at the requirements of electricity. The organization will also suggest how energy needs can be met.
• The government has also decided that all the departments will tell how much electricity will be consumed in the coming time and how much electricity they will save. A meeting has also been held with stakeholders to see what measures can be taken to save electricity.
• The focus of the government is to create options like solar energy in the departments, so that they generate their own electricity and use it themselves.

Preparation to give 50 Percent Subsidy on Schemes to Make Single Women Self-Reliant

Why In News?

On February 26, 2023, Uttarakhand's Women Empowerment and Child Development Minister Rekha Arya said that the state government is preparing to give 50 percent subsidy on schemes up to one lakh rupees to make single women self-reliant. Its proposal is being prepared by the department.

Key points

• Women Empowerment and Child Development Minister Rekha Arya said that it can be announced on Women's Day (March 8).
• To make single women self-reliant, giving 50 percent subsidy on schemes up to one lakh rupees will encourage self-employment in various sectors including animal husbandry, fisheries, computer training, spice industry, millets.
• Rekha Arya said that women of the state up to 45 years of age, whose husband has died or are unmarried and are financially weak. Such women will get its benefit. For this, a condition has also been kept that the monthly income of women should not exceed Rs.6,000.
• According to departmental officials, according to a report of the Social Welfare Department, the number of single women in the state is three and a half lakhs. This also includes women over the age of 45.
• It is known that the number of economically weaker women in the state can be between one and a half to two lakh.

Har-ki-Pauri Corridor on the lines of Kashi Vishwanath

Why In News?

On February 26, 2023, Vinay Shankar Pandey, District Magistrate of Haridwar, the religious city of Uttarakhand state, said that on the lines of Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, Haridwar's Har-ki-Pauri Corridor will also be developed, whose construction work is expected to start in 2024. For this, the Cabinet has given constitutional approval.

Key points

• District Magistrate Vinay Shankar Pandey said that the work of the corridor will run in five different projects.
• He said that RFP (Request for Proposal) has been formed to develop the corridor. The mechanized body is finalising the works of the corridor. Soon a consultant will be appointed to develop the corridor and the design and planning of the corridor will be done by the consultant. After this, the DPR of the corridor will be made.
• Vinay Shankar Pandey told that after the preparation of the DPR of the Har-ki-Pauri corridor and before developing the corridor, discussions will be held with Shriganga Sabhavyapar Mandal, sadhus, akhadas, media and social workers in Haridwar. Work will start after consultation.
• The District Magistrate said that the main purpose of making the corridor is to make Haridwar beautiful, not to devastate the people. Encroachments will be demolished to develop the corridor.
• He said that there are three routes to reach Har-ki-Pauri. People reach Har-ki-Pauri via Bhimgoda, Upper Road and Motibazar. Work will be done to improve both the condition and direction of these routes.
• There are plans to develop Har-ki-Pauri, Kankhal, Satikund, Sanyas Road, Bhupatwala area, Bharat Mata Mandir area, Mansa Devi temple, Chandi Devi temple etc. for the corridor.
• A lot of work will be done in the Har-ki-Pauri area. Electrical and water evacuation will be done underground. Fountains and landscapes will be built in place.