• 31 Jan 2023

Gorakhpur's 'Paniyala' Got GI Tag

Why In News?

According to the information received from the media on January 29, 2023, Paniyala is also included in the 21 agricultural products which have been allowed for GI tag by the High-Power Committee of the Government of Uttar Pradesh.

Key points

• With the permission of GI tag, the taste of Paniyala produced in Lachhipur and nearby villages of Gorakhpur will now reach the country and the world. The dying Paniyala trees will be preserved, Paniyala gardens will be prepared, and people will enjoy the sour-sweet taste of its fruit.
• It is known that Paniyala is like Jamun in shape and color and its taste is sour-sweet.
• According to the e-magazine of Uttar Pradesh State Biodiversity Board, it cannot be said clearly from where this tree is. There is a possibility that it is a fruit found only in Uttar Pradesh. Paniyala's actual produce may have been somewhere, but it had many gardens between Lachhipur and Nakaha railway station, located in the northern part of Gorakhpur metropolis. Earlier the identity of Lachhipur was Paniyala. Paniyala and guava fruits were the source of income for the people of this village for a long time.
• It is noteworthy that Paniyala 60 to is sold from 90 rupees per kg. Sometimes it is sold up to Rs 100-150 per kg. One tree earns Rs 4000.
• Between 2011 and 2018, several research conducted in the Botany Department of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University revealed that Paniyala is a mine of virtues. According to research, its leaves, bark, roots, and fruits have immunity against bacteria. Paniyala is beneficial in diseases related to stomach. It has also been used in the treatment of pain in teeth and gums, bleeding from them, phlegm, pneumonia, and sore throat etc. It is also preserved and kept for a long time.
• It is known that his research student Niharika Pandey Dwivedi had also completed her research on Paniyala under the direction of Prof. VN Pandey, teacher of Botany Department of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University. Niharika's research came out in the year 2015, which was highly appreciated by the experts. Many beneficial elements were found in Paniyala in terms of health.

Bihar Tops ISRO's Night-Time Light Atlas

Why In News?

On 30 January 2023, two senior ISRO officials said that the report released by the National Remote Sensing Center has claimed that Bihar has now not only come out of darkness but has also become the first among the shining states of the country.

Key points

• The report said that night-time lights in India have 43 percent increased by within a decade.
• Senior officials said there could be three major reasons for the rise in night-time lights, including Saubhagya yojana, Ujjwala yojana and construction of national highways.
• It is known that night light is used by economists to track the economic development of regions around the world.
• last decade (According to 2012 to 2021 prepared by ISRO's National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) for the Night-time Light (NTL)), Atlas 45% there has been an average growth of at the national level, while in the state of Bihar this increase has been 47.4%. Which are far ahead of other states of the country. This extraordinary achievement of the State is certainly the result of the extensive work done for strengthening and expanding the power sector in the last decade.
• In the big states, this increase in the last decade is followed by Bihar in Kerala by 119%, Madhya Pradesh by 66%, Uttar Pradesh by 100% and Gujarat by 58%.
• Sanjeev Hans, Principal Secretary, Department of Energy and Chairman--Managing Director of BSPHCL, said that the dictal change of lifetime light (NTL) issued by ISRO has been prepared after scientific analysis from 2012 to 2021.
• He informed that the 47.4% growth shown by the State of Bihar clearly shows that power companies are constantly striving for 24×7 power availability in the state.
• The above indices have been prepared by RSC based on data from NASA and National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration. In the NRSC report, scientists have conducted an in-depth study about the change in light at the national level and district level from 2012 to 2021.

Patna's Four Government Superspeciality Hospitals will be Autonomous

Why In News?

According to the information given by the Health Department of Bihar on January 30, 2023, four government super speciality hospitals of the state will get autonomy on the lines of Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences.

Key points

• Giving autonomy to government superspeciality hospitals will reduce the dependence of these institutions on the government and develop the capacity to provide better treatment, educational activities, and development.
• The institutions to which the initiative has been taken to give autonomy include Indira Gandhi Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (IGIC), Rajendra Nagar Ophthalmology Hospital, New Gardiner Road Hospital and Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Orthopaedic Hospital, Shastri Nagar.
• Sources say that its draft is being prepared in the Health Department. First paperwork is being done, in which the department is defining super specialty hospitals.
• Apart from this, the power in autonomous institutions is being defined, so that the power to operate the institute will be assigned, in what manner the director will be appointed and how the board of directors of all these autonomous institutions will be formed, what will be the power of the board of directors and what will be the role of the director etc.
• After giving autonomy to these superspeciality hospitals, how will the appointment of specialists, appointment of staff, method of buying medicines, sanitation and outsourcing of security agencies be done. What will be the power of the institute to determine fees, such as patient registration, pathology, and radiology check-up, OPD fee or IPD fee? This fee will be charged from the patients or free treatment facilities will be given, etc. is being drafted.
• The DNB course will be conducted in all the four hospitals of the capital. Work has started at the departmental level by the Health Department on all these things, what will be the seat in the DNB course and what will be the arrangement for their training.

Sarvodaya Day was Organized on the Last Day of Animal Welfare Fortnight

Why In News?

On 30 January 2023, Rajasthan Animal Husbandry Department and Animal Mahatma Gandhi's martyrdom day was celebrated as Sarvodaya Diwas in the state under the joint auspices of Welfare Board.

Key points

• On this occasion, The Special Officer of the State Animal Welfare Board, Dr. Lal Singh said that the board will organize awareness programs at various places throughout the year to awaken the spirit of animal welfare among the common people.
• It is known that the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi is celebrated every year as Sarvodaya Diwas by the department and on this day, it is ensured with the help of various departments to prohibit the slaughter of animals and birds in the entire state.
• Dr. Lal Singh said that just as Mahatma Gandhi had dedicated his life to non-violence and all welfare, in the present context, it is necessary to follow the principle of 'live and let live' for the welfare of the entire human race.
• In the closing ceremony of animal welfare fortnight at a private school in Mansarovar, Jaipur, school children present there brought to life the pain caused to animals due to human torture.
• The children showed how human beings commit atrocities against animals while prioritizing their needs. On this occasion, children also displayed posters and slogans giving a message to stop atrocities against animals. At the same time, some students gave the message of compassion towards animals and motivating animal welfare through vocal poems.
• Present on this occasion, Dr. Yashpal, the veterinary doctor of the Animal Welfare Board, honored the students who presented posters, banners, poetry recitation and staged plays by giving them symbols and citations by the board.

JV Agreement Executed Between THDCL and RRECL for Establishment of Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Power Parks in the State

Why In News?

On January 30, 2023, a joint venture cum shareholding agreement was executed in Jaipur between THDC Limited, a Miniratna A-category company of the Government of India, and Rajasthan Akshay Urja Nigam.

Key points

• The agreement was signed by DK Sharma, Technical Director, Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation and SS Pawar, Chief General Manager (Solar), THDC, in the presence of Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Chairman Ashutosh AT Pednekar and Managing Director Anil Dhaka.
• THDC and RREC will hold 74:26 percent stake respectively in the joint venture company.
• On this occasion, Chairman of Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Ashutosh AT Pednekar said that 10,000 MW capacity renewable energy projects will be developed in different places of the state in a phased manner by this joint venture company, which will provide cheap renewable energy.
• On this occasion, THDC by Pednekar. Together with the officials, the goals of developing floating solar and pumped storage hydro plant in Rajasthan were also discussed.
• Ashutosh AT Pednekar said that the establishment of this Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Power Parks to be established in the state will prove to be such a unique initiative for the development of renewable energy in the state with the initiative of the Central Government.
• Ashutosh AT Pednekar said that the establishment of this Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Power Parks to be established in the state will prove to be such a unique initiative for the development of renewable energy in the state with the initiative of the Central Government.
• SS Pawar, CGM (Solar), THDC informed that an investment of about Rs 40,000 crore will be made on the establishment of this ultra-mega renewable energy park and about 10,000 people will get direct and indirect employment, which will improve the economic condition and standard of living of the local people. Will develop. In the first phase, solar parks of 2000 MW capacity will be developed by the year 2025.

Transmission Service Agreement Signed Between Madhya Pradesh Power Management Company and Megha Engineering

Why In News?

On 30 January 2023, a tie-up was signed between Madhya Pradesh Power Management Company and M/s Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited to build 17 ultra-high-pressure substations in Madhya Pradesh. T.S.A. (Transmission Service Agreement) was signed.

Key points

• Earlier, RECPDCL, the Bid Process Co-ordinator appointed by the Government of Madhya Pradesh, after completing the tender process, transferred the SPA (Share Purchase Agreement) to the lowest bidder M/s Megha Engineering & Infrastructure Limited, Hyderabad.
• Chief Engineer Sanjay Kulshrestha said that keeping minimum in TBCB (Tariff Based Competitive Bidding), M/s Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited has won this contract for construction of 17 ultra high-tension substations for Madhya Pradesh Power Transmission Company.
• The 17 extra high-tension substations include one 400 KV substation, 3 220 KV substations and 13 132 KV substations. These include 10 substations in central region and 7 substations in western region.
• M/s Megha Engineering & Infrastructure Limited has won the tender after 59 rounds of e-reverse auction process. Adani Transmission Limited, Power Grid Corporation of India, Tata Power Company Limited and Techno Electric & Engineering Company Limited were involved in the final round tender process.
• In this package, state's first 400 KV GIS substation in Mandideep industrial area of Bhopal, 132/33 KV substation in Bhopal itself. 2nd GIS substation HOD of 220 KV at Bisonikala of Hoshangabad district in Bhopal region, Shahpur of Betul district, Chhapiheda of Rajgarh district, Sodalpur of Harda district, Pathari of Raisen district, and Bari, Jawar Jod of Sehore district, Semrahat of Ashoknagar district GIS of 132/33 KV substation of 132 KV in Pithampur, Dhar district. substations, 220 KV substation at Khargone, 132/33 KV substations at Bhatpachlana in Ujjain district, Pipalgaon in Khargone district, Dhodar in Ratlam district, Chobradhir in Dewas district, Ambaja in Alirajpur district.
• After construction, these substations will be operated by M/s Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited for 35 years.

Georgia and Haryana will Cooperate on Various Subjects

Why In News?

On January 30, 2023, Georgia's Ambassador to India Archil Dzuliashvili met Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and discussed cooperation between Haryana and Georgia on a range of subjects, in Gurgaon district of Haryana. These mainly include agriculture, medical education, health system, pharmaceutical and sports.

Key points

• Georgian Ambassador Archil Dzuliashvili expressed interest in the successful experiment done by the Haryana government in the IT sector and said that Georgia wants to learn from this initiative of Haryana how to bring transparency in administrative work by using IT.
• Giving information about the IT initiatives taken in Haryana, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said that the use of IT has helped in bringing transparency in government work on the one hand, while on the other hand the benefits of government schemes and programs are being extended to the actual beneficiaries.
• Georgian Ambassador Archil has also sought Haryana's cooperation in promoting yoga in the country. On this, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar assured cooperation and said that the Department of External Affairs will create a framework in this regard on how Haryana can cooperate with Georgia.

Health Department and Haryana State Seed Certification Agency Notified under Right to Service Act

Why In News?

On January 30, 2023, Haryana Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal said that under the Right to Service Act, 2014, the state government has fixed the deadline for more than 5 services provided to the citizens by the Health Department and 3 services of the Haryana State Seed Certification Agency. notified.

Key points

• Sharing information in this regard, Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal said that certified and death certificates copies of birth (already registered) for the current year 14 days, the last years have been fixed at 30 days for till 1972 and 90 days in the case before 1972.
• Similarly, a time limit of 30 days has been fixed for registration of the child's name, 30 days for rectification of entry in the register of births and deaths (after submission of complete application).
• Besides, a time limit of 90 days has been prescribed for fresh registration of genetic counselling centres, genetic laboratories, genetic clinics, ultrasound clinics and imaging centers and renewal of registration certificates of clinics, ultrasound clinics and imaging centres.
• The Chief Secretary said that under delayed registration of birth and death events, if the applicant applies after 21 days of the event but within 30 days, then the deadline of 21 days, after 30 days of the event but before one year, 30 days. Day limit, one year after the occurrence of the incident but up to 1972 the limit of 60 days and before 1972 the limit of 90 days has been fixed.
• He said that the time limit for registration of firm for seed production, registration of processing plant for seed processing and renewal of processing plant for seed processing has been set at 21 days by the Haryana State Seed Certification Agency.

Dhaneshwar of Dhanbad won the Strong Man Open Power Lifting Award

Why In News?

On January 29, 2023, the fourth Open Koyla Anchal Classic Women's and Men's Power Lifting and Body Building Championship held at GCET St. Xavier's International School in Dhanbad, Bihar concluded, in which Dhaneshwar of Dhanbad won the Strong Man Open Power Lifting Award.

Key points

• It is notable that the fourth Open Koyal Anchal Classic Women and Men Power Lifting and Body Building Championship was inaugurated on 27 January.
• Strong Man Open Powerlifting to Dhaneshwar Kumar Rai of Dhanbad in the competition, Mo. Rustom Aalam, Sub-Junior Best Lifter (Bench Press), Deepak Gope, Sub-Junior Best Lifter (Dead Lift), Nitesh Rana, Junior Best Lifter (Bench Press), Ishtiaq Ansari, Senior Best Lifter (Bench Press), Aditya Kumar, Jr. Best Lifter (Dead Lift), Dhaneshwar Rai received the Senior Best Lifter (Dead Lift) award.
• Women's winners in open powerlifting are Shikha, Sona Rawal, Sinni Kumari (52kg). Jyoti Kumari (57kg) Manisha Lakra (72kg) They are Namita Nayak (63kg) and Giridih's Khushi Lal (84kg).

Tableau of Uttarakhand Got First Place in Republic Day Parade

Why In News?

On January 30, 2023, the Central Government announced the award of the tableaux of the states involved in the Republic Day Parade 2023, in which Uttarakhand's tableau Manaskhand got first place in the country.

Key points

• Uttarakhand's tableau won the first prize in all the tableaux displayed on the path of duty in the Republic Day parade. Uttarakhand had displayed tableaus on the theme of wildlife and religious places of the state.
• In the tableau of Uttarakhand, the famous Corbett National Park of Uttarakhand, Narasingha, the state animal of Uttarakhand, musk deer, Goral, the national bird of the country, Peacock, the famous birds of Uttarakhand, Ghughuti, Pheasant, Chakor, Monal, as well as the famous Aipan art of Uttarakhand were displayed. went.
• The famous legendary Jageshwar Dham temple was shown in The Tableau. A scene of dense pine trees was prepared in front and behind the temple. The name of Uttarakhand was also written in front and behind the tableau.
• Like the Chardham Yatra of Garhwal, the government is trying to increase tourism in Kumaon under the Mandir Mala Mission. In view of this, the famous mythological Jageshwar Dham was shown.
• Team Leader and Joint Director Information K.S. Under the leadership of Chauhan, 16 artists of Bhim Ram's team of Pithoragarh had an excellent performance in performing Choliya dance to display the art and culture of Uttarakhand in Jhanki. Along with this, Baru Singh and Anil Singh played an important role while doing yoga on the tableau.
• 23 tableaux were displayed in the Republic Day parade. Of these, 17 tableaux were from States and Union Territories and 6 from Ministries and Departments.
• It is known that in the month of September, proposals are sought from all states, union territories and ministries by the Government of India. By October, the state governments select the subject and send the proposal to the Government of India. After that, the Government of India invites for a presentation.
• In the first meeting, a design must be prepared and presented based on the subject in a chart paper. Three meetings take place in terms of design formulation making necessary amendments. The states whose designs are not found suitable by the committee are shortlisted. After that the model of the tableau is made. The theme song is of 50 seconds, which reflects the culture of that state, when the expert committee of the Government of India is satisfied at all levels, then the final selection of the tableau is done.

Uniform Academic Calendar will be Implemented in State Universities

Why In News?

On January 30, 2023, Uttarakhand's Education Minister Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat said in a review meeting of the department held at the Secretariat that for better educational environment in the state, uniform academic calendar will be implemented in all state universities.

Key points

• Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat said that uniformity will be brought by working on the theme of one admission, one exam, one result, one election and one convocation for students in universities and colleges under the common academic calendar.
• In the review meeting, it was unanimously decided that for timely and quality educational environment in the state, uniform academic calendar will be implemented for admission date, examination and examination results, student union elections and convocation ceremony in all universities.
• For this, vice-chancellors of all universities will sit together and prepare a draft of the academic calendar in two weeks, which will be finalized in the next meeting and sent to the government for approval.
• From the process of admission to universities to the conduct of examinations, the work of conducting examinations has been going on for months, due to which the examinations are not held on time. This also leads to delay in declaring the results. The education minister said that all universities will have to conduct classes compulsorily for 180 days in their affiliated colleges. Also, students must be motivated to study in libraries.
• The education minister said that 75 percent attendance of students will be compulsorily implemented to appear in the examination. In order to make higher education quality and employable, it is necessary for universities and all colleges to conduct NAAC assessment.
• In all universities, uniform costumes and initiation oath of convocation will be uniform. Vice-Chancellor of Sanskrit University Prof. A committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of Devendra Shastri, which will decide the draft of the initiation oath and make it available to the government.
• In the meeting, Secretary Higher Education Shailesh Bagoli said that from the new academic session, admission of students in all universities and colleges will be done compulsorily through the Samarth portal. Along with academic activities, preference will be given to research work and skill development courses.