• 30 Mar 2023

Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Approved 22 Proposals

Why in News?

In the cabinet meeting chaired by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on 29 March 2023, 22 proposals were approved including the revised proposal of OBC reservation for the state body elections.

Key Points

• There are many proposals which give great relief to the farmers. Along with this, the students have been given a gift. Proposals for the purchase of tablets and smart phones, including proposals for improving the power system have also been approved.
• Other proposals approved in the Uttar Pradesh cabinet meeting-
  • Proposals have been approved to change the rules of one-time exemption of duty on electric vehicles and on the vehicles which are to be scrapped in registered vehicle scrapping facilities. Vehicles have also been given the facility to obtain fitness certificates in any district.
  • Under the Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme, the final bid document has been approved in the cabinet meeting to distribute free tablets to 10 lakh youth and smartphones worth 25 lakh. This scheme has been implemented for five years.
  • Sugarcane farmers of the state will now get more subsidies for soil treatment and purchase of chemicals in their fields. Under this proposal, sugarcane cultivation (Pedi) management and soil treatment were integrated. Earlier, sugarcane cultivation (Pedi) management and soil treatment were two different subjects. Along with this, the rate of subsidy has been fixed at 50 percent of 1800 per acre i.e. 900 rupees. Earlier it used to be minimum Rs 150 per acre and maximum Rs 500 per acre.
  • The distillery will be set up at Mohiuddinpun sugar mill of Uttar Pradesh State Sugar Corporation located in Meerut district. This distillery with a capacity of 60 thousand litres per day will be based on B-heavy molasses.
  • New plants will be set up at Gajraula Cooperative Sugar Mill in Amroha district. In this mill, a new plant will be set up to expand the crushing-pressing capacity from 2500 tonnes per day to 4900 tonnes per day.
  • In order to increase the birth rate of cow progeny and mostly cows in the state, artificial insemination will be further promoted among cattle rearers. The state government has further reduced the rate of levi of graded semen given to cattle rearers from the Animal Husbandry Department for such artificial insemination. Now its levi rate has been increased to Rs 100 per dose in all the districts.
  • Focusing on green energy, the state government will develop Green Corridor-2 in the state to reduce the dependence on coal for power generation in the coming days, under which 4000 MW solar plants will be set up in Bundelkhand. Many solar parks will be built under the solar projects to be set up. In this, 600 MW solar parks will be built in Chitrakoot, Jhansi, Lalitpur, Jalaun.
  • Cashless facility up to Rs 5 lakh has been allowed for the amount spent annually on the treatment of 11,000 sports persons registered in different districts of the state by including them in the 'MukhyaMantri Jan Arogya Abhiyan'. For the first time, 11,000 registered players have been included in this scheme.
  • The proposal to set up the State Urban Digital Mission (SUDM-UP) was approved to provide better online facilities of civic bodies to the urban people.
  • The state government will start 'Nishadraj Boat Subsidy Scheme' for the fishermen and boatmen community. Under the scheme, subsidies will be given to the eligible beneficiaries to buy boats without engines, including nets and life jackets. Under the scheme, a maximum subsidy of Rs 67,000 will be given on the purchase of a 15 to 18 feet long boat without an engine. Subsidy will be given on three thousand boats every year. The benefit of the scheme will be given on priority to Antyodaya card holders, homeless and Kevat Mallah community people.

Justice K. Vinod Chandran

Why in News?

On 29 March 2023, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office and secrecy to Justice K. Vinod Chandran as Chief Justice of Patna High Court. On 26 April 2025, Justice K. Vinod Chandran will retire.

Key Points

• It is known that earlier Justice K. Vinod Chandran was the senior most judge of the Kerala High Court. After the promotion of former Chief Justice Sanjay Karol, he was appointed as the Chief Justice of Patna High Court.
• Significantly, Justice Sanjay Karol has been appointed as judge of the Supreme Court. In the month of December last year, the names of 3 Chief Justices, two judges were recommended for the post of Supreme Court Judges. The then Chief Justice of Patna High Court Sanjay Karol is also among them. Because of this the post of Chief Justice of Patna High Court was vacant.
• It is noteworthy that Justice K. Vinod Chandran became a judge in the Kerala High Court in the month of November 2011.

57th Meeting of State Geological Programming Board

Why in News?

The 57th meeting of the State Geological Programming Board was held at the Jaipur Secretariat on 29 March 2023, which was presided over by Dr. Subodh Agarwal, Additional Chief Secretary, State Mines Department.

Key Points

• Additional Chief Secretary Dr. Subodh Aggarwal said in the meeting that, with the discovery and exploitation of petroleum-natural gas as a result of planned mineral exploration and auction of mineral blocks in the state, now the country is going to develop as Jaisalmer Cement Hub on the world map.
• Apart from this, new deposits of uranium, rare earth elements, limestone, lignite, iron ore, copper, zinc, garnet etc. are being discovered daily in the state.
• Dr. Subodh Aggarwal said that in the year 2023-24, work will be done through 31 different projects for the exploration of mineral limestone, ferrous metal, decorative stone, industrial mineral and other minerals and the work of reserves of semi-precious stone is also to be speeded up.
• In the meeting, the works of the Geology Wing were underlined in the work of exploration and preparation of major and minor blocks. The aim of the state is to study the best practices of Odisha and adopt a practical process for the state, so that it can become the country's leading state in revenue generation in the mining sector.
• The department is also progressing year by year in revenue generation; more and more auctions of major and minor blocks have encouraged legal mining and increased revenue and employment.
• Mr. Sandesh Nayak, Director of Mines said that along with the economic and industrial development of the state, the mineral sector is playing an important role in the agriculture sector. Along with abundant reserves of rock phosphate, mineral fertilisers are being prepared from gypsum etc., while now the search work of potash has been given more pace, so that the dependence on import from abroad can be reduced by starting the mining of potash in a planned manner.
• Commendable work is being done in the mineral sector in the state. Geophysical, geochemical, ground geophysical and aero geophysical work is also being done by GSI. Reserves of valuable minerals have been discovered in the state and the search work is going on and with the help of RSMET, exploration work is getting accelerated in the state.

Increase in Honorarium of Anganwadi Workers and Crèche Workers of ICDS Department

Why in News?

On 29 March 2023, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot approved the proposal to increase the state's share of honorarium by 15 percent to the honorarium workers working at Anganwadi Centers and childcare homes of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) in the state.

Key Points 

• The honorarium of workers working at Anganwadi centres of ICDS department – Anganwadi workers, mini Anganwadi workers, helpers and crèche workers has been increased by 15 percent.
• Presently the honorarium to these personnel is being paid by the Central and State Governments in the ratio of 60:40. This increase will be 15 percent of the total honorarium being given by the state government to these personnel. Every year, the state government will bear a budgetary of Rs 70 crore.
• It is notable that the announcement was made by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot in the Fiscal year 2023-24 for the increase in honorarium.

Announcement of Awards of Rajasthani Language, Literature and Culture Academy

Why in News?

On 29 March 2023, Shivraj Chhangani, President of Rajasthani Language, Literature and Culture Academy, announced the Academy Awards and Honors for the year 2022-23.

Key Points

• In the meeting of the Academy Working Committee, President Shivraj Chhangani informed about the decision based on the recommendations of the judges of various awards.
• Various awards & honours and selected persons-
  • Suryamall Meesan Shikhar Puraskar (Poetry) (Rs. 71,000) - Bikaner's senior litterateur Madhu Acharya Ashavadi for his book 'Peed Aadi Pal Baadh'.
  • Ganeshilal Vyas Ustad Poetry Award (51 thousand rupees) - Om Naagar, resident of Baran, for his book 'Bapu: Ek Kavi Ki Chitar'.
  • Shivchand Bhartia Prose Award (51 thousand rupees) - Kamal Ranga of Bikaner for the book 'Alochana Rai Aabhai Solah Kalawaan'.
  • Muralidhar Vyas Rajasthani Katha Sahitya Puraskar (Rs 51,000) – Alwar District Collector and famous writer of Rajasthani and Hindi Dr. Jitendra Kumar Soni for his book 'Bharkhma'.
  • Bavji Chatar Singh Translation Award (Rs 31,000) - Rajuram Bijaaraniyan of Lunkaransar for his book 'Jhokdi Khawto Bagat'.
  • Saanwar Daiya Paili Pothi Award (31 thousand rupees) - Mohan Puri of Bhilwara for his book 'Achpali Baatan'
  • Jawaharlal Nehru Rajasthani Children's Literature Award (31 thousand rupees) - Kiran Badal of Raisinghnagar for her book 'Taabaraan Ri Duniyaan'.
  • Premji Prem Rajasthani Youth Writing Award (Rs 31,000) – Devilal Mahiya of Lunkaransar for his book 'Antas Ro Olmo'.
  • Rajasthani Women's Writing Award (Rs 31,000) - Dr. Krishna Acharya of Bikaner for his book 'Naahar Sirkhi Naariyaan'.
  • Rawat Saraswat Rajasthani Literary Journalism Award (Rs 31,000) - will be given to 'Rajasthali' magazine Shridungargarh.
• Secretary Sharad Kewalia told that Yogesh Vyas, a student of Government Dungar College, Bikaner, who got the first position under the Bhatmal Joshi College Award, received Rs 11,000 for his story 'Gari Needa' and Abhimanyu Singh Inda, a student of Jaynarayan Vyas University and a resident of Falna, who got the second position, will be given a prize of Rs. 7,100 for his satire 'Thanro-Mharo Bhavishya'.
• Arman Nadeem, a student of Government Sardul Higher Secondary School, Bikaner, who got the first position under the Manuj Depawat Award, received Rs 7,100 for his short story 'Khokho ni Hatsi'; and a student of Ekkis Academy for Excellence Gopaalyan & a resident of Mahajan, Kalpana Ranga, who got the second position, will be given a prize of Rs 5,100 for her story 'Kanwalai Man Ri Dungi Peed'.
• They will be Awarded-
  • Rajasthani Language Award (51 thousand rupees) - Senior litterateur Dr. Chandraprakash Deval (Ajmer)
  • Rajasthani Sahitya Samman (51 thousand rupees) - Senior writer Dr. Arjun Dev Charan (Jodhpur)
  • Rajasthani Culture Award (51 thousand rupees) - Brajratan Joshi (Bikaner)
  • Rajasthani Pravasi Literary Award (51 thousand rupees) - Rambakhsh (Mumbai)
• Academy’s Aagivan Samman of Rs 31,000 each will be given to 14 senior litterateurs of the state. These include Nandkishore Sharma (Jaisalmer), Meharchand Dhamu (Parlika, Hanumangarh), Chandkaur Joshi (Jodhpur), Deendayal Ojha (Jaisalmer), Sohandan Charan (Jodhpur), Bhogilal Patidar (Dungarpur), Bhanwarlal Bhramar (Bikaner), Gaurishankar Bhavuk (Talchhapar, Sujangarh), Purushottam Pallav (Udaipur), Shyam Jangid (Chidawa, Jhunjhunu), Gopal Vyas (Bikaner), Mukat Maniraj (Kota), Bishan Matwala (Bikaner), Upendra Anu (Rishabhdev, Udaipur).

Khajuraho's Shilpgram Honoured in Best Craft Haat Category

Why in News?

According to the information given by Madhya Pradesh Public Relations Department on 29 March 2023, the 'Shilpgram' built in Khajuraho for the purpose of conservation and promotion of folk arts and crafts of the state has been honoured by the Union Ministry of Tourism.

Key Points

• According to the information, Shilpgram has been selected as the runner up in the Best Craft Haat/Souvenir Shop category in the 'Swadesh Darshan Yojana'.
• The citation was given to Vivek Shrotriya, Additional Managing Director of the Tourist Board by Union Tourism Minister G. Kishan Reddy in Meditation Camp at Hotel Ashok, New Delhi
• Principal Secretary Tourism and Culture Shiv Shekhar Shukla said that 'Shilpgram' is being established as a major centre for conservation of culture, folk-arts and crafts and promotion of craftsmen. Appreciation of Shilpgram by the Ministry of Tourism will inspire us to make continuous innovations for the promotion and protection of art and culture.

1 Lakh Houses will be Built for Needy Families Under Housing for All

Why in News?

On 28 March 2023, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal told a review meeting of budget announcements for the year 2023-24 with officials of various departments in Chandigarh that 1 lakh houses would be built for needy families in the state under Housing for All.

Key Points

• In the meeting, Chief Minister Manohar Lal gave instructions to make a structure of ground plus three floors to provide one lakh affordable houses to the needy families under the housing scheme in the state and prepare a new plan with certain parameters in this regard.
• Apart from this, he also directed the officers to formulate a new PACS policy for strengthening the cooperative structure by setting up 500 PACS and to start five models of joint dairy on pilot basis within a month.
• This is a different model, which will enable people who do not have enough land to increase their income through animal husbandry activities. A plan regarding Bulk Milk Coolers (BMC) will be prepared within a week.
• A similar scheme will also be started at the state level with an additional incentive of Rs 1000 per month for the work done by the sanitation workers in the municipalities to be included in the top fifty in their category at the national level.
• Sanitation workers of municipalities performing 50 percent at the state level will be given incentives in recognition of their efforts to keep the city clean.
• An action plan has been prepared regarding the regularization of unauthorised colonies and by 30^th September this process will be completed in a systematic manner.
• Alternative land will be purchased on the outer periphery to sell the vacant land for projects for revenue generating projects and monetization of vacant land and for valuable land use.
• In the first phase by the end of September, Haryana Urban Development Authority and Urban Local Bodies will set up 100 and 200 Atal Seva Cantres respectively in the state. Besides this, the textile policy will be notified and four of the eight schemes under the policy will be finalised by 30th April.
• In the meeting, the Chief Minister directed the officials to allot 10 acres of land in Kurukshetra University to the sports department for the construction of a cycling velodrome.
• The 'Khiladi Bima Labh Yojana', to be operated through the Haryana Family Security Trust which will provide assistance to sportspersons in case of injury and interruption of their career will be notified.

Players of Jharkhand Will Now Get Cash Award Even After Participating in the World Championship

Why in News?

According to the information received from the media on 28 March 2023, the players of Jharkhand will now be given cash awards for their participation in the World Championship or World Cup. For this, an advertisement has been issued by the Sports Directorate of the state regarding giving cash awards to the players.

Key Points

• This time, cash prizes are also being given for participation in some competitions. The rules of the earlier cash award have been changed, after which the cash award received by the players has also increased.
• It is known that earlier there was no cash award for participation in this event, which is held at an interval of one to two years but now the players will get Rs 1.50 lakh. It will be given to both senior and junior level.
• State players will be given cash prizes for a total of 24 competitions. Cash awards will not be given for only one event in which at least eight countries participate in the international tournament, no cash award will be given to the players for winning any medal in it.
• A cash award of Rs 50,000 will be given to differently-abled players for their participation in Special Olympics at the international level.

Justice Ramesh Sinha

Why in News?

On 29 March 2023, Chhattisgarh Governor Vishwabhushan Harichandan administered the oath of office of Chief Justice of Chhattisgarh High Court to Justice Ramesh Sinha at the Durbar Hall of Raj Bhavan.

Key Points

• It is noteworthy that Justice Ramesh Sinha is the 15^th Chief Justice of Chhattisgarh. Prior to this, Ramesh Sinha was working as a judge in the Allahabad High Court.
• It is known that Justice Ramesh Sinha replaced the outgoing Chief Justice of Chhattisgarh High Court, Justice Arup Kumar Goswami, who retired on 10th March.
• On 10th March, Justice Gautam Bhaduri was appointed as the Acting Chief Justice of the Chhattisgarh High Court following the retirement of Justice Arup Kumar Goswami.
• Ramesh Sinha, who took oath as the new Chief Justice of Bilaspur High Court, did his LLB from Allahabad University in the year 1990. In 2011, he was appointed as Additional Judge in the Allahabad High Court.
• It is noteworthy that in Article-222 of the Constitution of India, a provision has been made regarding the transfer of High Court judges.
• However, currently the appointment and transfer of High Court judges is being done under the collegium system whose present form has evolved from the decision of the Supreme Court in 'Third Judges Case 1998'.

One More Millet Cafe Started Operating in the State.

Why in News?

On 27 March 2023, State Women and Child Development and Social Welfare Minister Anila Bhendia inaugurated Millet Cafe at the Balod district headquarters of Chhattisgarh with the aim of promoting women self-employment, entrepreneurship and nutrition in the state.

Key Points

• It is noteworthy that on the initiative of Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel, the operation of Millet Cafe has been started in the state with the aim of promoting the consumption of millets. These millet cafes are being given to women groups.
• It is known that the state of Chhattisgarh is the first such state in the country which is procuring millets at the support price.
• It is worth mentioning that in May 2022, the first Millets Cafe of the state was started in Raigad district with the cooperation of the district administration. It is being operated by a women's group. Within just a few months of its opening the monthly income here has crossed Rs 3 lakh.
• After Raigad, Millets Cafe was started in Korba district. In this series, the first millet cafe of the district has now been started in Balod.
• In this cafe, people will be able to relish the nutritious dishes of millets. In this cafe, various dishes made from Kodo, Kutki, Ragi and other small grain crops – Idli, Dosa, Poha, Upma, Bhajiya, Kheer, Halwa, Cookies etc. will be available to the general public.

The First Meeting of the G-20 Chief Science Advisers Roundtable (G20-CSAR)

Why in News?

On 29 March 2023, the first meeting of the G-20 Chief Science Advisors Round Table (G-20 CSAR) was held in Ramnagar, Uttarakhand in which global issues of mutual interest related to science and technology were discussed in depth.

Key Points

• It is noteworthy that G-20 CSAR is a flagship event under India's G-20 Presidency which is headed by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.
• The following topics were discussed in the one day round table meeting-
  • Pandemic preparedness plan for strong, adaptive and timely response to pandemics under the theme 'Opportunities in One Health for better disease control and pandemic preparedness'; Integrated disease surveillance systems for humans, livestock and wildlife, One Health's R&D roadmap for diseases and investments in analytics (such as disease modelling, AI/ML tools) and data standards were discussed.
  • Free, instant and universal access, under the theme 'Coordinating global efforts to expand access to distinguished scientific knowledge'; reducing subscription fees to journals and the essay processing fees they charge; Establishment of interoperable links for national knowledge repositories with international knowledge repositories/archives and mandate of open access to make widely available the knowledge outputs of publicly funded scientific research etc. were discussed.
  • Under the theme 'Facilitating Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access in Science and Technology (S&T)', the participating countries brought together under-represented, under-privileged, disadvantaged, minority communities as well as access to large scientific enterprise shared their efforts to facilitate access to tribal/native communities. The session also discussed ways to incorporate Traditional Knowledge Systems (TKS) into formal systems of knowledge through a scientific validation process and to recognize the potential of language diversity and remove barriers to access to scientific knowledge.
  • The fourth session discussed the need for an institutional arrangement for an inclusive, sustainable and action-oriented global science and technology policy dialogue.