State PCS

• 31 Mar 2022

Lok Nirmala Samman-2022

Why in News?

On March 30, 2022, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel presented Lok Nirmala Samman to folk singer Sharda Sinha.

Key Points

• In a festive event organized by Son Chiraiya Sanstha at Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi, Sharda Sinha was presented with Rs 1 lakh with honors.
• It is noteworthy that the Lok Nirmala Samman was started by Malini Awasthi, the secretary of Son Chiraiya Sanstha, in the year 2020 in the memory of her mother Nirmala Awasthi.
• Sharda Sinha is an Indian Maithili folk singer. She was awarded the Padma Shri in the year 2018 and Padma Shri in the year 2018.

Amendment in Bihar Liquor Prohibition Act

Why in News?

On March 30, 2022, the 'Bihar Prohibition and Excise Amendment Bill' was passed by both the houses of the Legislature.

Key Points

• Under this amendment, a provision has been made to leave by paying a fine if caught while drinking, by changing the original law of 2016. However, the accused will not have the right to waive the payment of the fine.
• Also, if any person is found to be under the influence of alcohol or intoxicants, he shall be immediately arrested and produced before the nearest Executive Magistrate.
• As per the provisions of the Bill, if the bulk recovery of liquor takes place from temporary premises which cannot be sealed, such premises can be demolished by order of the Collector.

Thar Mahotsav

Why in News?

With the aim of promoting folk art, culture, history, tourism and handicrafts, 'Thar Mahotsav' was organized in Barmer district of western Rajasthan from March 28 to 30, 2022.

Key Points

• It is noteworthy that the 'Thar Mahotsav', a symbol of art and folk culture of Barmer district of western Rajasthan, was resumed after 10 years.
• Earlier, Thar Mahotsav was organized in 2012 in Barmer. It was organized continuously from 1986 to 2012.
• The district administration started the Thar Festival in the year 1986 with the aim of introducing the world to the folk art, culture, tradition, folk music, folk life, lifestyle, history of Western Rajasthan.
• Tilwara cattle fair in Barmer district, Mahabar's sand dunes, Nakoda's religious tourism, Munabao's border, Kiradu's temple, Bisu's temple, Pachparda's salt pyramid, Siwana fort, Haldeshwar hills, Gair dance and animal prosperity along with desert gardens are also the center of tourist attraction.

The Economic Bulletin

Why in News?

On March 29, 2022, Chairman of State Finance Commission Pradyuman Singh released the quarterly magazine 'The Economic Bulletin' of Rajasthan University.

Key Points

• The first edition of the Bulletin 'State Finances of Rajasthan' presents an analysis of the state's revenue and capital receipts, expenditure budget allocation, debt and deficit position.
• In this, the impact of Covid-19 on the financial condition of the state and the GST compensation to the state has been highlighted.
• 'The Economic Bulletin' magazine will be useful for researchers, academicians and policy-makers.

Sariska Tiger Reserve

Why in News?

Recently, about 10 sq km of forest area has been severely destroyed due to forest fires in Sariska Tiger Reserve of Rajasthan.

Key Points

• There was a fire in the forests of Sariska on 27 March which was extinguished. The fire broke out again on March 28 and spread in an area of about 10 sq.km.
• Although the cause of the fire is not clear, it is a matter of concern that despite the 'fire alert', about 10 sq. km of forest area has been destroyed.
• It is noteworthy that the alert regarding the fire was sent by the Forest Survey of India (FSI), the credit of this goes to the collaboration of NASA-ISRO-FSI on satellite data.
• Sariska Tiger Reserve is located in Alwar district of Rajasthan, where wildlife like tiger, Indian leopard, chital, sambar etc. are found.
• It is an important biodiversity area belonging to the North Aravalli Leopard and Wildlife Corridor.

Contract between Madhya Pradesh Power Generating Company and National Power Training Institute

Why in News?

On March 30, 2022, a long term training contract was signed between Madhya Pradesh Power Generating Company Limited and National Power Training Institute (NPTI) for training of personnel of Power Generating Company.

Key Points

• Under this contract, the employees of Madhya Pradesh Power Generating Company will be given training on various technical and managerial subjects by the National Power Training Institute.
• Manjeet Singh, Managing Director of Madhya Pradesh Power Generating Company said that with this effort of the company, the personnel would be able to get more quality training at less cost.
• As per the contract, offline and online training will be provided by ten institutes located in the country of the training institute.

Rule-134A Abolished in Haryana: Now Poor Children Will Study under RTE

Why in News?

Recently, the Haryana Government has issued a notification to withdraw the facility of free education to the children of Economically Weaker Section (EWS) in private schools by removing Rule 134-A of the Haryana School Education Rules, 2003.

Key Points

• Under Rule 134-A, meritorious students belonging to the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) were allowed 10 per cent seats in private schools and could complete their studies up to class 12th.
• After the abolition of Rule-134A, now children from poor families will not get free admission on 10 percent seats in private schools. Under the Right to Education Rules (RTE), the government will provide 25% admission to economically weaker children in private schools.
• To abolish Rule-134A, the School Education Department has amended the Haryana School Education Rules, 2003. The amended rules will now be called the Haryana School Education Rules, 2022.
• Section 12(1)(c) of the Right to Education Act, 2009, (RTE Act) is applicable in the state. Under this, reservation of 25% seats is mandatory for EWS students in private schools.
• Rule 134-A was a provision under the Haryana School Education Rules, which existed before RTE. The new Act provides 25 per cent benefit to EWS, while Rule 134-A provides only 10 per cent benefit.

Women Empowerment Award In The Name of Veerangana Rani Avanti Bai Lodhi

Why in News?

On March 30, 2022, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel announced women empowerment award in Chhattisgarh in the name of Veerangana Rani Avanti Bai Lodhi.

Key Points

• The Chief Minister made this announcement at the Veerangana Rani Avanti Bai Lodhi Sacrifice Day function organized by Lodhi Samaj at village Sambalpur in Nawagarh block of Bemetara district.
• The award will be presented on November 1 on the occasion of State Foundation Day.
• On this occasion, the Chief Minister also announced to give the status of Nagar Panchayat to Sambalpur.
• It is noteworthy that in the battle of India's first freedom struggle of 1857, Veerangana Avanti Bai Lodhi had sacrificed her life while fighting against the British.

Changes in Old Age Pension Scheme

Why in News?

According to the mandate issued by the state government on March 29, 2022, the amount of old age pension has been increased from Rs 1200 to Rs 1400.

Key Points

• According to the new changes, in the old age pension scheme, the elderly couple of the eligible family will get an amount of Rs 33600 instead of Rs 14400 in the year.
• It is noteworthy that earlier old age pension was available to only one of the old couple, but now this pension can be received by both husband and wife.
• Along with announcing the changes in the pension scheme in December last year, the cabinet approval was also given.
• The implementation of this scheme is being done by the Social Welfare Department, whose charge is currently with Cabinet Minister Chandan Ramdas.