• 29 Jun 2023

A total of 23 Proposals were approved in the U.P. Cabinet Meeting

Why in News?

On June 28, 2023, the Cabinet meeting held at Lok Bhawan in Lucknow under the chairmanship of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath approved a total of 23 proposals, including passing the proposal regarding the state's new township establishment policy.

Key Points:

• In the meeting, approval was given for establishing Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ramayana University in Ayodhya under the Uttar Pradesh Private University Act-2019.
• Other vital proposals in the meeting, which have been approved-
  • Small colonies will be set up in small cities with the help of the private sector.
  • Proposal to celebrate Traders' Welfare Day on June 29.
  • Mahatma Buddha University of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Kushinagar proposed.
  • Jagat Guru Ram Bhadracharya Handicapped University, Chitrakoot proposed to be converted into Uttar Pradesh Jagat Guru Ram Bhadracharya Handicapped State University. Vice-Chancellor Jagadguru Rambhadracharya will be the Chancellor for life and the Governor will be the Chancellor after him.
  • Proposal regarding health facilities based on Viability Cap Fund in 6 districts.
  • Proposal for land transfer for the establishment of Intro Israel Excellence of Food in the Kaushambi district.
  • Chief Minister proposes micro-entrepreneur accident insurance. Under this, financial services up to Rs 5 lakh will be available. For this, entrepreneurs of 18 to 60 years can apply.
  • Helicopter service proposed in Agra and Mathura.
  • Mathura sugar mill proposed to be restarted.
  • It is proposed to plant 35 crore trees in the state in the plantation campaign 2023.

IMS BHU prepared Herbal Antibiotic

Why in News?

According to information received from the media on June 28, 2023, the Faculty of Ayurveda of The IMS, BHU, Banaras, Uttar Pradesh, has prepared herbal antibiotics in place of ineffective antibiotics to protect against severe infections.

Key Points:

• The herbal antibiotic has been prepared by the entire team led by Dr. Priya Mohan along with Prof. Anand Chaudhary in the Department of Chemistry and Pharmacology of the Faculty of Ayurveda, BHU.
• It has been tested on bacteria in the lab of the Microbiology Department. It has been more effective on 'Gram Negative' bacteria. After this, two phases of the trial are still pending. If it is successful, the herbal antibiotic will prove to be a lifeline for the whole world.
• Two types of bacteria have been taken in BHU's Microbiology lab. Its effect was seen differently on Gram Positive (thick cell) and Gram Negative (thin cell). Scientists found that Gram Negative had more effect.
• Gram-negative bacteria are more resistant to antibodies. The effect of herbal medicines on this has raised great hope.
• It is known that Silver Silorac is considered an antibiotic. In addition to Silver Base in herbal antibiotics, there are Neem, Vat, Giloy, and Krishna Tulsi.
• Prof. Anand Chaudhary said that it will be done in two phases. It is expected that in a year it will be given a final touchup. After this, the patent will be sent to the Facilitating Center (PFC) for the patent.
• Senior physician Dr. Manoj Srivastava said that people start treatment on their own when there is a problem of respiratory tract infection, cold, sore throat, sinus, pneumonia as well as ear, and chest pain. People take antibiotic tablets from medical stores and swallow them. They do not know that their health has worsened due to the virus, which will be fine only by taking their time.
• It acts as a 'poison' when eating antibiotics for viral infections. It also destroys the good bacteria that fight infection in the body. This gives dangerous bacteria a chance to dominate the body. Also, the bad bacteria get ready to survive the antibiotics. Then there is no effect of medicines on the body.
• According to Professor Dheeraj Kishore of the Department of Medicine at IMS BHU, antibiotics are used in the treatment of bacterial infections. Antibiotic is made up of two words 'anti' and 'bios', which means 'anti-life'.
• That is, these medicines destroy bacteria and prevent them from growing, but bacteria are not the cause of every disease. In such a situation, people take medicines on their own when they are sick. And in rural areas, Quack Doctors also recommend antibiotics for viral infections, which is completely wrong.
• Some important information-
  • According to the medical journal 'The Lancet', in 2019, there were 12.70 lakh deaths in the world due to reduced antibiotic effects.
  • According to the World Health Organization, antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats to global health, food security and development.
  • According to the World Health Organization, the increasing number of infections such as pneumonia, tuberculosis and salmonellosis are becoming increasingly difficult to treat as the antibiotics used to treat them become less effective.
  • A senior scientist of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has claimed that if steps are not taken to improve it in India soon, anti-microbial resistance can take the form of an epidemic in the near future. This resistance is increasing at the rate of five to 10% every year.

Country's 1st Canine Centre for Research on Dogs to be built in Bareilly

Why in News?

According to information received from the media on June 26, 2023, the country's first Canine Centre will soon be built at IVRI in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, to study the behaviour of dogs and various diseases related to them.

Key Points:

• The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Delhi has approved this Advanced Research Centre for Canine Project.
• It is known that dog bites are often reported in different parts of the country including Bareilly. Many times pet dogs become aggressive towards their owner. In such a situation, the need was felt for a research centre on dogs, in which research on their behaviour and diseases could be done.
• IVRI Bareilly prepared a DPR and sent it to ICAR Delhi, which has been approved. In the next two months, the construction and other works for this project will start at IVRI Bareilly.
• Dr. Amar Pal, in-charge of the referral polyclinic of IVRI Bareilly, said that detailed research will be done on the internal and external structure of dogs in the canine centre. Also, there will be research on diseases like cancer in dogs.
• The canine centre will have facilities for CT scan, MRI, tumour, radiotherapy, Hi-tech pathology etc. The main centre of the centre will be IVRI and three sub-centres will also be set up.
• Director of IVRI Bareilly, Dr. Triveni Dutt said that this centre will be equipped with all the facilities. The work will be done on dogs' breed, their diseases and vaccines etc. here.

'Dial Future'

Why in News?

On June 27, 2023, the School Education Department of Rajasthan started the 'Dial Future' program, taking a unique initiative to prepare the path for a golden future for the future generation with the beginning of the new academic session in the state.

Key Points:

• It is worth mentioning that under the Dial Future & Future Steps (Road to Future) initiative, one teacher each from all the higher secondary schools of the state has been selected as a guide, who will guide and counsel the children who have passed class X in the school in faculty selection.
• Also, 20 help desk numbers have been issued by dividing the entire state into 4 zones Jaipur Zone (Jaipur and Bharatpur Division), Kota Zone (Kota and Udaipur Division), Jodhpur Zone (Jodhpur and Pali Division), and Bikaner Zone (Bikaner, Churu and Ajmer Division).
• Apart from this, a detailed video related to career counselling has been prepared and released on YouTube.
• Education Minister Dr. B. D. Kalla released the logo, brochure, booklet and video of the program through video conferencing from Bikaner.
• More than 15,000 path-breaking teachers of higher secondary schools of the state and more than 500 officers of the department joined the program through video conferencing.
• On this occasion, the Education Minister said that with the new academic session starting from June 26 in the state, the School Chalo Campaign (Praveshotsav) is being run to connect the drop-out children with education and now the children who have passed class X from June 28 to April 5 will be guided in subject selection.
• He said that the guiding teachers will also give information about vocational education after class X along with the right faculty selection to the children so that they can become part of the working population.
• This program will make the path of career selection of students easier. Apart from arts, commerce and science, students will also be given information about fine arts, music, literature, vocational training, and technical training.
• In the 'Dial Future' program, along with guiding the faculty selection, information about the nearest school will also be given.
• Through this program, the Department of Education along with the Directorate of Secondary Education, Bikaner, Rajasthan State Council of Educational Research & Training (RSCERT), Udaipur has played an active role in brightening the career path of about 9 lakh students in this session.

Industries & Commerce Minister inaugurates Rajasthani Sangh Bhawan in Coimbatore

Why in News?

On June 28, 2023, Rajasthan Industries and Commerce Minister Shakuntala Rawat inaugurated the newly constructed Rajasthani Sangh Bhavan in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu state at a function organized under the aegis of Rajasthani Sangh.

Key Points:

• Speaking on the occasion, the Industries and Commerce Minister said that this building will prove useful for the common people living in the Coimbatore district. With the construction of the building, Rajasthani migrants living in the city and travelling Rajasthanis will get a home-like environment away from home.
• It is known that Rajasthan Foundation Commissioner Dhiraj Srivastava is continuously doing better work for overseas Rajasthanis in the country and abroad.
• With the construction of this building, various facilities will be available to the migrant Rajasthanis living in Coimbatore city. Along with this, programs, and exhibitions related to Rajasthani art and culture will also be organized, which will promote cultural exchange.

Youth Co:Lab, a Rajasthan Start-Up, wins the National Innovation Dialogue 2022

Why in News?

On June 27, 2023, Akashdiya Bansal's start-up from Jaipur, Rajasthan was declared the winner at the 5th edition of Youth Co: Lab National Innovation Dialogue India.

Key Points:

• Twelve top start-ups from 9 Indian states working in agriculture, ed-tech, women's livelihood, circular economy and biodiversity were declared winners in the 5th edition of Youth Co/Lab National Innovation Dialogue India.
• Under the theme 'Digital and Financial Literacy for Youth', Rajasthan's Akashdeep Bansal's start-up 'Edubuild - Experiments for Youth' was declared the winner.
• Winners from each thematic area received seed grants of $5,000; The runner-up received $3,000. This funding will help the winners to mold their ideas into tangible products or services.
• It is worth mentioning that Youth Co:Lab India 2022-23 has focused on 6 thematic areas - digital and financial literacy for youth, gender equality and economic empowerment of women, developing fintech solutions focused on biodiversity conservation, through technology solutions in finance. The focus was on promoting biodiversity-friendly lifestyles and accelerating the circular economy through upcycling innovation.
• Youth Co:Lab was launched in India in 2019 in partnership with NITI Aayog's Atal Innovation Mission (AIM). The 2022-23 edition received 378 applications from 28 states across the country.
• Out of the applications, 47 selected start-ups were given direct expert consultation and capacity-building sessions for 2 months through the Youth Co/Lab Springboard Programme, a start-up support platform for SDG innovators. These start-ups then presented their ideas before an eminent jury in May 2023, from which 12 winners were selected.
• About Atal Innovation Mission (AIM):
  • AIM is the Government of India's endeavour to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, including self-employment and talent utilisation (SETU).
  • It aims to act as a platform to promote world-class innovation hubs, big challenges, start-up businesses and other self-employment activities, especially in technology-driven sectors.
• About UNDP India:
  • UNDP has worked in almost all areas of human development in India since 1951, ranging from system and institutional strengthening to inclusive growth and sustainable livelihoods as well as sustainable energy, environment and resilience.
  • UNDP's programmes fully integrate the global vision of catalytic transformation with India's national priorities. With over 30 projects in almost every state, UNDP India works to achieve Sustainable Development Goals by adapting traditional models to develop differently.
• About Citi Foundation:
  • The Citi Foundation works to promote economic progress and improve people's lives in low-income communities around the world. They invest in efforts that enhance financial inclusion, catalyze employment opportunities for youth and envision new approaches to building economically vibrant communities.
  • Citi Foundation's 'More than Philanthropy' approach leverages the abundant expertise of The City and its people to accomplish the mission and advance thought, leadership and innovation.
• About Youth Co:Lab
  • Co-created in 2017 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Citi Foundation, the Youth Co-Lab aims to establish a common agenda for countries in the Asia-Pacific region to empower and invest in youths to accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through leadership, social innovation and entrepreneurship.
  • Since 2017, Youth Co: The Lab has supported young aspiring and inspiring social entrepreneurs in 28 countries and regions across Asia and the Pacific.

Kuldeep Dandotia of Morena won Gold medal in Asian Pacific Power Lifting and Bench Press Championship

Why in News?

On June 27, 2023, Powerlifter Kuldeep Dandotia of Madhya Pradesh's Morena district won the gold medal in the ongoing Asian Pacific Power Lifting and Bench Press Championship in Hong Kong.

Key Points:

• In this competition going on in Hong Kong, Kuldeep Dandotia has won the gold medal representing India in the junior weight category.
• Kuldeep Dandautia won the gold medal in the three rounds of the 120 kg plus junior category by lifting 95 kg, 105 kg and 115 kg respectively at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium in Hong Kong, while South Africa's 107.5 kg and New Zealanders were second and third respectively with 107.5 kg weight.
• Kuldeep Dandotia, a power-lifting player from Deori village in Morena district, recently won a silver medal in the World Bench Press Championship competition in Sun City, South Africa from May 17 to 27.

Salinity Prevention Project

Why in News?

On June 27, 2023, Haryana's Irrigation and Water Resources Department's Engineer-in-Chief Dr. Satbir Singh Kadian informed that the state government is going to start a salinity reduction project in Beri block of Jhajjar district with Indo-Australian co-operation.

Key Points:

• The Engineer-in-Chief said that the state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Manohar Lal has collaborated with Australia for in-situ remediation of aquifer salinity.
• The Haryana government has constituted a working group under the Indo-Australian Cooperation (IAC) to prepare a project for salinity remediation in Berry block, comprising senior officials from various departments.
• Chief Engineer of Irrigation and Water Resources Department Bijendra Singh Nara has been named as the chairman of the working group.
• The visit of the Working Group and India-Australia Cooperation is planned to be scheduled in the near future.

C-20 Chaupal organized for the 1st time in Ranchi

Why in News?

According to information received from the media on June 27, 2023, the citizens foundation and Sewa International organized the first-ever C-20 Chaupal program in Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand, in which many aspects of service, the spirit of service, philanthropy and volunteerism were discussed in detail.

Key Points:

• Directors and philanthropists of various social organizations working in Jharkhand, representatives of civil society organizations, CSR heads of corporate companies and important scholars from educational institutions participated in this programme.
• The first session of the three-session event was moderated by Rashmi Saha, founder of Mukti Mission, in which Tanvi Jha, State Programme Manager, Sini Jharkhand, Monika Arya, Founder of Palona Foundation, Richa Chaudhary, State Project Director, AFC India Limited, discussed in detail the topic 'Spirit of Service' and its impact on normal life and its social significance.
• Similarly, in the second session, Atul Gera, founder and philanthropist of Live Savers, Ranchi, Rishabh Anand, founder of Rise Up and Dr. Arvind Sahay, founder of KGVK organization, jointly participated as panelists and spoke on the topic 'Spirit of Volunteering in the field of Social Development'.
• Why volunteering is important at the social level and what can be its positive results were also discussed. This session was moderated by Rajeev Gupta.
• The final and special session of the C-20 Choupal program was moderated by Nandlal Nayak, member of the Sangeet Natak Akademi (India) and advisor on folk and tribal arts, in which Dr. Mayank Murari, CSR Head, Usha Martin, Medical Officer of Paras Hospital were among the panelists. Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Director and Kanika Malhotra, Founder and HR Consultant, Eyelid HR discussed in detail the topic 'Community Philanthropy'.
• During the closing session of the program, Ganesh Reddy, CEO of Citizen Foundation, said that such social welfare programs help in the successful operation of many schemes related to the interest of the state.

Narayanpur ranked 2nd in Aspirational Districts of the Country

Why in News?

According to the information provided by the Chhattisgarh Public Relations Department on June 28, 2023, in the Jal Jeevan Survekshan 2023, Narayanpur district of Chhattisgarh has secured second place among 43 aspirational districts of the country.

Key Points:

• Narayanpur district has got this proud ranking for the best implementation of the works of the Jal Jeevan Mission during the last six months.
• It is noteworthy that in the Jal-Jeevan Survekshan 2023 conducted from October 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023, Narayanpur has got second place among the aspirational districts of the country.
• It is known that Chhattisgarh State's remarkable progress in Jal Jeevan Mission has been appreciated by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India.
• Chhattisgarh has also achieved a remarkable achievement of providing domestic tap connections to more than one lakh 27 thousand rural families in the last fortnight.
• It is noteworthy that under the Jal Jeevan Mission, the target of providing household tap connections to 25 lakh 11 thousand 850 rural families in the state of Chhattisgarh has been completed, which is 50.13 percent of the target of providing household tap connections.
• So far, 100 percent of households in 556 villages of Chhattisgarh state have also been given household tap connections. A total of 50 lakh 10 thousand 499 rural families living in the rural areas of the state have a target of providing pure drinking water through household tap connections.

3rd Meeting of G-20 Infrastructure Working Group Concluded in Tehri Garhwal

Why in News?

On June 28, 2023, the third meeting of the three-day G-20 Infrastructure Working Group (IWG) concluded at Narendra Nagar in Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand.

Key Points:

• It is known that the next and last meeting of the Infrastructure Working Group will be held on September 19-20, 2023 in Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh).
• It is noteworthy that the three-day IWG meeting began on June 26 at Hotel Westin Resort, Narendra Nagar, Tehri Garhwal, in which about 63 representatives of G-20 member countries, invited countries and international organizations participated.
• On the first day of the meeting, the basic infrastructural development of the cities of the future was discussed.
• At a high-level seminar on building livable cities organized by the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), representatives from member countries discussed ways to enhance private investment in cities of the future, simplify policies and promote strong infrastructural development.
• Apart from this, emphasis was laid on mutual coordination to fight against natural challenges.
• The first session on the second day of the meeting discussed the theme of enabling inclusive cities, increasing access and opportunities in urban services. The delegates deliberated on ways to apply Quality Infrastructure Investment Indicators to infrastructure projects.
• In this meeting organized on the last day, in two sessions, the representatives discussed another important action mentioned in the 2023 Infrastructure Agenda along with the framework for enhancing the capabilities of urban administration.
• The session also analyzed the infrastructure budget allocation of the G-20 countries and detailed discussion on the QII indicator set by the G-20.
• In addition, a 'Round Table Conference on Making India an MRO Hub' was organized by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India.
• The three-day wide-ranging discussions were described by the representatives of the Member States as productive, with the Presidency outlining clearly defined outcomes.

Weather Stations to be Established in High Himalayan Regions

Why in News?

On June 27, 2023, Dr. Ranjit Sinha, Secretary, Disaster Management Department, Uttarakhand said that the Geo-informatics Research Establishment (DGRE) will set up Chandigarh Weather Station in the higher Himalayan regions of Uttarakhand, the cost of which will be borne by the Central Government.

Key Points:

• After taking lessons from the avalanche incident in Uttarkashi, it has been decided to set up weather stations in the border areas of the Himalayas as well.
• With this, its signals will be given before the avalanche. For this, 74 weather stations will be set up in the higher Himalayan regions.
• It is known that due to climate change, the incidents of avalanches have increased in Uttarakhand in the last few years. This is a very dangerous pattern, which is a cause of great concern in the hilly areas.
• In October last year, 29 trainee mountaineers of the Nehru Mountaineering Institute, who had gone for training in the higher Himalayan region in Uttarkashi district, were hit by an avalanche in the Dokriani Bamak glacier. Of these, 27 had died.
• Although this was not the first incident of death due to avalanches in the state, even before this there has been the loss of life and property many times, but taking lessons from this incident, the state government has directed the State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA). Instructions were given to prepare a concrete action plan in this direction.
• USDMA officials said that the meteorological data that we are getting so far does not provide accurate information about incidents like avalanches. That's why it has been decided to set up a separate weather station keeping in mind the avalanches in the higher Himalayan regions. So that alerts can be issued with accurate data. Where these stations will be set up, it has not been disclosed from the point of view of security.
• This is a big step towards strengthening the disaster management system in Uttarakhand. After the installation of weather stations in the high Himalayan regions, we will be able to get accurate data, due to which the loss of life and property can be reduced by issuing alerts at the right time.
• Major incidents of Avalanche in Uttarakhand after the year 2000:
  • In the year 2022, 27 trainee mountaineers died due to an avalanche in Dokriani Bamak Glacier in Uttarkashi.
  • In the year 2021, while climbing the Trishul Peak, six including five climbers from the Navy were killed in an avalanche.
  • In the year 2021, nine tourists died in an avalanche at Lamkhaga Pass.
  • In the year 2019, eight including four foreign climbers died due to an avalanche while climbing Nanda Devi Peak.
  • In the year 2016, two foreign climbers died on Shivling Peak.
  • In 2012, an Australian climber died after falling into a crevasse on the Satopanth Glacier.
  • In 2012, five tourists from Bengal died in an avalanche near Vasukital.
  • In 2008, an avalanche in Kalindi Pass killed three climbers and five porters from Bengal.
  • In 2005, an army mountaineer died due to an avalanche while climbing Satopanth Peak.
  • In the year 2005, five climbers died due to an avalanche in Chaukhamba.
  • In 2004, four climbers died in an avalanche at Kalindi Pass.
  • In 2004, four climbers from Bengal died in an avalanche at Gangotri-2 peak.