State PCS

• 29 Nov 2023

Bareilly's Aashi gests Two Awards for Lust Stories-2

Why In News?

Recently, Ashi from Bareilly won the Best Picture and Best Direction award for Lust Stories-2 at the Filmfare Awards- 2023 held in Mumbai.

Key Points:

• Ashi, a resident of Janakpuri, had gone to Mumbai in 2008. In 2013, he got a lot of recognition from Bombay Talkies. After that, Ashi is constantly climbing the stairs of success. Through her company, she is also giving employment to many people.
• As a producer, Ashi has made great films like Kalakaanti, Lust Stories, Ghost Stories. The four stories of Lust Story 2 have been directed by Karan Johar, Anurag Kashyap, Zoya Akhtar and Dibakar Banerjee.
• It is worth noting that earlier the first film of this series, Lust Stories, received an Anne Award.

Sanskriti Utsav 2023

Why In News?

According to the information received from the media on November 28, 2023, 'Sanskriti Utsav 2023' will be organized in the state from December 25 to January 26, 2024, to enrich the cultural heritage of Uttar Pradesh and to make folk art famous all over the world including the country.

Key Points:

• Being organized under the theme 'Uttar Pradesh Parv: Our Culture - Our Identity', this festival will provide a proper platform to folk artists at the village, block, tehsil, district, mandal and state level to showcase their talent.
• This festival will be organized by the Culture Department Uttar Pradesh across the state, in which many competitions will be included.
• These programs will be organized across the state mainly with the spirit of providing support to cultural genres like classical, sub-classical, folk drama and folk music.
• In this event, folk music prevalent in rural areas will also be given a lot of prominence and the winning artists will be honored and rewarded in competitions at all levels.
• The competition will be organized at tehsil headquarters from December 25 to 30, in which artists from villages, panchayat, block and tehsil level will participate. After this, selected artists of tehsil level will participate in the competition to be held at district headquarters from January 1 to 5, 2024.
• The competition will be organized at the divisional headquarters level from January 10 to 15, in which selected artists at the district level will participate. After this, the competition will reach the decisive position by going through three other stages and all the three stages of competitions will be held in Lucknow. Selected artists of the mandal level will get a chance to participate in practice and main events and will also be honored.
• Under the event, competitions related to khayal, dhrupad in classical singing, thumri, dadra, Chauti, Chauta, Jhula, Hora, Tappa, flute in playing, Shehnai, Harmonium, Sitar, Violin, Guitar, Sarangi, Veena, Tabla, Pakhawaj, Mridangam,Mnd Ghatam in sub-classical singing and tribal and folk instruments will be held. At the same time, there will be competitions related to Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Odissi, Mohiniyattam and other classical dances.
• Similarly, in folk dance, there will be competitions of Dhobia, Ahirva, Karma, Shyla, Domkach, Akhet and Nautanki, Ramlila, Raslila, Swang, Bhagat, Bahurupiya, Street Play etc. in folk dance.
• In folk singing, competitions will be organized in categories like Kajari, Chauti, Jhula, Birha, Alha, Nirgun, Folk Song, Qawwali and Sugam Sangeet under Songs, Ghazals, Bhajans and Patriotic Songs.
• Recorded music will be valid for solo dance and group dance. The winners will be awarded medals, certificates and mementos.

Development of Advanced web Portal Related to Production and Distribution of Biodiesel.

Why In News?

According to the information received from the media on November 28, 2023, the Uttar Pradesh government will develop a state-of-the-art and specialized portal to simplify the process of production, storage, purchase and distribution of biodiesel.

Key Points:

• The portal will be equipped with multiple features and will act as a 'one stop solution platform' for production, distribution, NOC clearance, license allocation, registration, litigation and payment related functions of biodiesel.
• Up Electronics Corporation Limited will develop a new modern web portal for the use of the New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA). The new portal will be able to complete the NOC and license allocation process related to production and distribution of biodiesel easily.
• It is noteworthy that the software agency receiving the task of developing the web portal will have to assist during its design, development, implementation and operational training as well as during the process of issuing NOCs and licenses.
• This web portal will be very wide and will work in Hindi and English medium. It will have many features including login of public officers including UPNEDA officials and login of district magistrates and monitoring of action plans. Apart from this, the portal will also include many other important information and details including the policies of the state government regarding biodiesel.
• The portal will be designed in such a way that it is able to work in integration with the investment friend. The website will have features like applicant registration, application approval, NOC module, payment module, renewal module, query submission, reporting module, SMS and email integration, cloud server, security audit, helpdesk module and SSL for web server domain.
• It will have a dashboard, which will have login interfaces like applicant login, manufacturing unit, retailer unit. It will be based on responsive design technology. Its data transfer bandwidth will be 1000 gigabytes per second, while up to 500 gigabytes will be equipped with the facility of disk-to-disk backup storage. Along with this, there will also be a live telecasting facility.
• This web portal will be user friendly and will also give a boost to the process of speedy dispute resolution.

Lucknow University Joins Grade One of Academic Autonomy

Why In News?

According to information received from the media on November 28, 2023, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has given Lucknow University the status of Category-1 university. With this, the university will be able to start online and distance education courses by fulfilling the prescribed conditions. Along with this, he will also get the next level of academic autonomy.

Key Points:

• After becoming a Category-I institution recognized by the UGC, Lucknow University can now start courses in open and distance learning mode without the approval of the Commission if it fulfills the conditions prescribed under the UGC (Open and Distance Education) Regulations 2017 and amendments made from time to time. Also, new courses, programs, departments and centers can be started in related subjects without the approval of UGC.
• Apart from this, the university can take decisions such as starting new diploma and certificate courses within the geographical jurisdiction, opening off-campus centers within the geographical jurisdiction, starting skill courses, opening research park-incubation center-university social relations center, hiring foreign faculty, admitting more than 20 percent of the total number.
• Vice-Chancellor of Lucknow University Prof. Alok Kumar Rai said that Category-1 institutions enjoy greater academic and administrative autonomy, which enables them to design their curriculum, take administrative decisions, start innovative programmes, appoint foreign faculty and encourage current faculty.
• Dean Academic Prof. Mishra said the dean's university was already launching new innovative programmes in line with UGC rules like twinning, joint and dual degrees and online and distance learning. After getting Category-1 status, the number of formalities for any new beginning is reduced.
• Lucknow University had sent a proposal to the UGC to start distance and online courses after getting an A plus-plus grade in NAAC. It includes both undergraduate and master's courses. To start a distance and online course, the highest rank in NAAC is required. Now that the university has got category-1 status, it will not face any hurdle in starting the course.

Lucknow University 

Bihar Education Department Released Model Time table

Why In News?

On November 28, 2023, the Bihar Education Department released the model time table for all government schools in the state. It will be equally effective in all schools from December 1.

Key Points:

• According to the model time table, the school will open at 9:00 am. From 9:00 am to 9:30 am, there will be prayer, yoga exercises, exercises and drills.
• The first bell will be from 9:30 to 10:10, the second from 10:10 to 10:50, the third from 10:50 to 11:30, the fourth from 11:30 to 12:10.
• MDM and interval will be from 12:10 to 12:50. After this, the fifth bell will be from 12:50 to 1:30, the sixth bell will be from 1:30 to 2:10, the seventh bell will be from 2:10 to 2:50, and the eighth bell will be from 2:50 to 3:30.
• The first bell will start at 9:30 am and the students' holiday will be at 3:30 pm.
• According to official information, schools will be closed and started through this time table. Schools will not be able to make any changes in this time table at their level, if a class board or cent up examination is being held in the school, then other classes will not be suspended.
• On Saturday, there will be a whole day's activity, teaching work will be done after lunch. This will be followed by a meeting with the Children's Parliament and parents.
• Sanskrit Board schools and Government Urdu schools will also follow the above model time table. Like Mission Daksh, special classes will be conducted from 3:30 pm to 4:15 pm. Homework will be checked from 4.15 pm to 5.00 pm except for children of classes 1 and 2, text notes will be prepared, classes of Mission Daksh will be taken. Teachers' leave will be at 5 pm.
• Additional Chief Secretary Pathak said that each teacher will have to teach a maximum of five children. Teachers have to adopt so many children. It will be the responsibility of these teachers to give quality knowledge to the children of the class in which they are enrolled.
• This entire exercise will be conducted as 'Mission Daksha'. Special classes will be set up in government schools to teach more than 25 lakh children from classes 3 to 8, who are very weak in studies.
• Additional Chief Secretary Pathak has told the district officials that in April 2024, the examination of 25 lakh children will be conducted at the district level. If these children fail in that examination, departmental action will be taken against the concerned headmaster and teachers. The responsibility of this entire exercise has been entrusted to the district officials.

Record Of Making World's Largest Roti in the Name of Kailash of Bhilwara

Why In News?

On November 27, 2023, a world record has been recorded in the name of Kailash Soni of Bhilwara city for making the world's largest Roti. Also, a certificate of this record has been given to Sony in Bhilwara.

Key Points:

• It may be noted that on October 8, 2023, a world record of the world's largest Roti was made in Bhilwara city. This record has been recorded in the International Book of Records (World Record of Excellence).
• Here the world's largest Roti weighing 185 kg has been made. The diameter of this Roti is 11.25 feet by 11.25 feet.
• To make it, the world's largest Roti was made in more than six hours by a team of 24 confectioners from different states of India.
• Its tawa was about 1000 kg and size was 16 x 12 feet. To make it, 1000 kg of coal was used in 1100 brick kilns.
• It is noteworthy that in the year 2012, 10 feet x 10 feet Roti in Jamnagar city of Gujarat was recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records weighing 145 kg.

Cancer PAtients in 'Third and Fourth Stage' will get Financial Assistance Similar to Old Age Respect Allowance

​Why In News?

On November 27, 2023, the Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Manohar Lal approved the proposal to provide monthly financial assistance to the 'third and fourth stage' patients of cancer disease on the lines of old age Samman allowance scheme. The scheme will come into force from the date of publication in the Official Gazette.

Key Points:

• The financial assistance provided under this scheme will be in addition to the benefits being availed by the applicant under any other social security pension scheme.
• Under this scheme, eligible cancer patients will be provided monthly financial assistance of Rs 3000 from January 1, 2024, on the lines of old age honor allowance scheme.
• Cancer patients whose annual family income is less than Rs 3 lakh excluding the amount of other social security pension schemes will be eligible.
• The objective of this scheme is to reduce the financial burden faced by the 'third and fourth stage' patients of cancer. This scheme will be applicable for stage-3 and 4 cancer patients of all age groups in the state of Haryana.
• Under this, monthly financial assistance will be provided for the needs of serious cancer patients, living expenses, basic needs, medical expenses, indirect costs, OOPE etc.
• Under the scheme, the conditions of 'bonfied-residence' will be valid in the eligibility of the patient. Apart from this, the applicant should also have a family identity card.
• It may be noted that Chief Minister Manohar Lal had announced pensions for the third and fourth stage cancer patients during the inauguration of Atal Cancer Center Ambala Cantt on May 9, 2022.
• Cancer is a multifactorial disease, which is one of the leading causes of death in India. India records 13.24 lakh new cancer cases and about 8.51 lakh cancer-related deaths annually. Haryana reported an estimated 29,000 new cancer cases and 16,000 cancer deaths in the year 2020.
• About 64 percent of the patients in the third and fourth stages of cancer come from poor backgrounds. In such a situation, with the approval of this scheme by the Haryana Government, there will be a lot of relief from getting financial assistance to the 'third and fourth stage' patients of cancer disease.

Haryana Lump Sum Settlement Scheme 2023' Approved for Recovery of Outstanding Amount'

Why In News?

The Haryana Cabinet on November 27, 2023 approved a unique scheme called 'One-Time Management Scheme 2023' with an aim to expedite recovery of dues and reduce litigation in Haryana.

Key Points:

• It is noteworthy that the Chief Minister had announced in his budget speech that such a scheme would be brought under the dispute resolution scheme for recovery of dues.
• The scheme is designed to facilitate recovery of dues governed by various Acts of the Excise and Taxation Department in the Pre-GST system. The scheme will come into effect from the date of notification.
• The Acts covered under the scheme include the outstanding dues pertaining to seven Acts, namely, Haryana Value Added Tax Act, 2003, Central Sales Tax Act, 1956, Haryana Local Area Development Tax Act, 2000, Tax on Entry of Goods in Haryana Local Area Act, 2008, Haryana Happiness Means Tax Act, 2007, Punjab Entertainment Fee Act, 1955 and Haryana General Sales Tax Act, 1973.

Haryana Cabinet Approves Amendment in Communication and Connectivity Infrastructure Policy

Why In News?

The Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on November 27, 2023 approved amendments to the 'Communication and Connectivity Infrastructure Policy-2023' with an aim to increase the availability of high-quality technology and communication infrastructure to boost connectivity across the state.

Key Points:

• This new policy will replace the 'Communication and Connectivity Infrastructure Policy-2017' and will align with the revised Indian Telegraph Right of Way rules notified by the Union Ministry of Communications (Department of Telecommunications) in 2022.
• The cabinet decision encourages integration of cutting-edge technological advancements in the telecom sector, including innovative business models such as 'Fiber to the Home' (FTTH) and 'Open Access Network' (OAN), which separates physical access to networks from service delivery.
• The revised policy establishes a framework for building 5G enabled infrastructure through roadside ducts, allowing multiple service providers to share the same infrastructure to optimise 'Right of Way' (ROW) availability and prevent repeated disruptions caused by digging in ROWs by multiple infrastructure providers.
• Under the newly sanctioned schedule, if the nodal officer fails to grant permission or reject the application within 45 days (about 1 and a half months) from the date of submission of application, the permission will be deemed granted. The Deputy Commissioner of the concerned district will be the only contact person for all the approvals.
• Any telecom infrastructure and service provider registered or licensed with the Department of Telecommunications, Government of India or an infrastructure provider duly authorized by the licensee to lay communication and connectivity infrastructure is eligible to seek permission under this policy to establish, lay or provide connectivity infrastructure and communications in the State.

Gram Panchayats of Three Villages Got Approval to Sell Land for the Expansion of Panipat Refinery.

Why In News?

In the cabinet meeting held on November 27, 2023, under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Manohar Lal, approval was given for the sale of 350.5 acres of panchayat land to Indian Oil Corporation Panipat Refinery and Petrochemical Complex Panipat to the Gram Panchayats of three villages for the expansion of the first phase of IOCL Panipat Refinery.

Key Points:

• IOCL will purchase 140 acres of 6 Kanal 12 Marla land of Asan Kalan village, 152 acres of 2 Kanal 15 Marla of Bal Jatan village and 57 acres of 2 kanal 19 marla land of Khandra village at market price of Rs 2.20 crore per acre.
• Apart from this, IOCL will also pay an amount of Rs 10 lakh per acre to gram panchayats for development works of these villages.
• The state-owned oil giant has set up its Panipat refinery and petrochemical complex in Panipat over an area of over 4,200 acres.
• IOCL had requested the Haryana government to provide about 600 acres of land for the expansion of the refinery, out of which 349 acres has been provided by the government.

7 Castes of Backward Class Block-A of the State Included in Haryana Scheduled Caste Category List.

Why In News?

In the cabinet meeting held on November 27, 2023 under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Manohar Lal, it has been decided to include 7 castes namely Aheria, Aheri, Heri, Hari, Turi or Thori in the Backward Classes Block-A of Haryana State by removing them from serial number-1 and included them in the Haryana Scheduled Caste Category List.

Key Points:

• Apart from this, the 'Rai Sikh' caste mentioned on serial number 50 in the Haryana Backward Class Block-A list has also been removed and it has also been included in the Haryana Scheduled Caste category list.
• With this decision of the Haryana government, these castes will now get the benefit of scheduled caste category.
• Along with this, the word 'Jangam-Jogi' caste has been revised to 'Jangam' on serial number 31 in the Haryana Backward Class Block-A list.
• The Haryana government will send a written letter to the Central Government for inclusion of the 'Nayak' community of the state in the list of Scheduled Caste category. Further action will be taken in this regard as per the instructions of the Government of India.

Pakur and Godda Lag Behind in Every Household Tap Water Scheme.

Why In News?

According to information received from the media on November 29, 2023, Pakur and Godda districts of Jharkhand are among the most backward districts of the country under the 'Har Ghar Nal Jal Yojana' under the 'Jal Jeevan Mission'.

Key Points:

• In Pakur district of Jharkhand, only 11.33 percent of households have access to tap water. The total number of houses here is 2,26,943, while so far only 25,711 houses have been provided with tap water.
• In Jharkhand's Godda district, only 18.23 percent of households have access to tap water. The total number of houses here is 3,02,773, while so far only 55,200 houses have been provided with tap water.
• Under this scheme, the progress of Simdega district of Jharkhand has reached close to the national average. Here 70.88 percent of the houses have access to tap water. The total number of households here is 1,30,075, out of which 92,196 households have access to pure drinking water.
• According to the data received so far, the progress of Har Ghar Jal Yojana in the country is 71.07 percent, while Jharkhand is 25 percent behind the national average. So far, only about 46 percent of the households have been provided with pure drinking water.
• Even now, 54 percent of the state's population depends on chapakals, wells, rivers and other natural sources for water.
• The state government has been able to provide piped water to 28.33 lakh households out of 61.76 lakh houses.
• However, in the current financial year, work has been done very fast in Jharkhand. During the last eight months, pure drinking water has been provided to about 7.91 lakh households.
• Significantly, the 'Jal Jeevan Mission Scheme' was started by the Central Government in the year 2019.

Chief Minister Inaugurated the Sixth Disaster Management Global Conference

Why In News?

On November 28, 2023, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the 6^th Disaster Management Global Conference by lighting a lamp at Graphic Era University, Clement Town, Dehradun.

Key Points:

• The Chief Minister also released a book 'Resilient India' based on the experience of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion.
• Delegates, experts and scientists from over 50 countries are participating in the conference to be held till December 1, 2023. More than 60 technical sessions will be held in the conference.
• Addressing the conference, the Chief Minister said that this disaster management global conference is important in view of the current situation in the world. In this regard, it is also the need of the hour to share the studies, research and experiences happening at the global level.
• The Chief Minister said that the Global Investors Summit is being organized in Dehradun on December 8 and 9, 2023. In this, participation will be made on behalf of industrial groups and investors of the country and abroad to speed up investment in the state. The global conference on disaster management held just before this conference will send the message of 'Safe Investment-Strong Uttarakhand' to the country and abroad.
• He said that this conference will help in better addressing the challenges posed by disaster management and climate change along with integrated development goals.
• Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that courses on disaster management will be included in universities and educational institutions of the state and workshops will be organized.
• He said that the National Institute of Disaster Management will be established in Uttarakhand by the Central Government. The state government will arrange land for this. Apart from this, whatever is expected from the central government to open the institute, the state government will fulfill it.

Silkyara Became the Country's Longest Rescue Operation

Why In News?

On November 28, 2023, 41 labourers trapped in an under-construction tunnel at Silkyara in Uttarkashi district were successfully rescued after 17 days (about 2 and a half weeks) of hard work. With this, Operation Silkyara has become the longest rescue operation in the country to evacuate workers trapped in a tunnel or mine.

Key Points:

• On November 12, 41 labourers were trapped inside an under-construction tunnel at Silkyara in Uttarkashi district due to a landslide on the day of Deepawali. Various agencies were engaged to get them out safely.
• NDRF, SDRF, BRO, RVNL, SJVNL, ONGC, ITBP, NHAIDCL, THDC, Uttarakhand State Government, District Administration, Army, Air Force, workers played an important role in the rescue work in Mission Silkyara.
• It is noteworthy that the 17-day Operation Silkyara has become the longest rescue operation in the country to evacuate the trapped workers in a tunnel or mine. Earlier, such a campaign has also been carried out in the country.
• Raniganj Coal Mine Campaign
• On November 13, 1989, the Mahabir Kolyari Raniganj coal mine in West Bengal was submerged. There were 65 workers trapped in it. A team was formed under the leadership of mining engineer Jaswant Gill to take them out safely. After two days of operation, all the workers were finally safely evacuated.
• In that operation, Gill himself went inside the mine through a steel capsule to save people. In 1991, the then President R. Venkataraman awarded him the Best Life Saving Medal.
• The number of workers in that campaign was more than Silkyara, but it took less time to evacuate them. In Silkyara, the workers could be evacuated after the 13th day passed.
• A similar campaign took place in 2006 in Haldheri village of Kurukshetra, Haryana, where a five-year-old boy fell into a prince borewell. After about 50 hours (about 2 days) of hard work, the rescue teams managed to pull the child out. In this campaign, the child was taken out by connecting another borewell through an iron pipe of three feet diameter.
• Some similar campaigns have also taken place abroad-
• Thai Cave Expedition: On June 23, 2018, the Wild Boars football team went to Tham Luang Cave in Thailand and got stuck inside due to waterlogging caused by rain. It was an extremely challenging task to find the players amidst the ever-increasing water in the cave. As many as 90 divers were also deployed in the nearly two-week-long operation. Former Thailand Navy SEAL Saman Kunan lost his life in the rescue operation. It is considered to be one of the most complex rescue operations in the world.
• Chile mine operation: On August 5, 2010, 33 workers were buried in the San Jose gold and copper mine that collapsed. It was difficult to contact these workers trapped about 2000 feet (about 609.6 m) below the ground. After 17 days (about 2 and a half weeks) of hard work, food, water, medicine could be sent to the trapped workers by making a lifeline hole under the surface. After 69 days (about 2 and a half months), on October 13, all the workers were taken out of the tunnel one by one.
• On July 24, 2002, nine workers were trapped in the Cucreek Mining Inc. mine in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, USA. They were pulled out after 77 hours (about 3 days) with the help of only a 22-inch-wide iron ring.