• 31 Jul 2023

Bihar ranks 22nd in NITI Aayog's Export Index

Why in News?

Bihar is ranked 22nd overall in the country in the export index released by niti aayog on July 30, 2023.

Key Points:

• According to the index, the highest export in the state is from the Begusarai district. Bihar is slowly moving forward on every scale of exports. At present, Bihar accounts for only 0.52 per cent of the country's total exports, which is planned to be increased to 10 by 2025.
• The state is also slowly moving on other scales of the export index. Bihar ranks 27th in the business ecosystem, 13th in terms of export policy, 25th in the export ecosystem, 29th in export performance and 9th in the exports from landlocked states.
• Niti Aayog has also revealed that exports from Bihar have been increasing since the implementation of 'One District One Product' & 'Cluster Scheme' and there are plans to export from Bihar to 75 countries of the world under the Amrut Mahotsav organized on the occasion of 75 years of Independence.
• It is known that the infrastructure for exports in the state has not yet been developed. Neither any Special Economic Zone (SEZ) has been set up in the state so far, nor has the facility of custom clearance been made available to exporters.
• There is an inland container depot in Bihata town of Patna in the state, but there is no special facility here. There is no provision for freight subsidy to transport products to ports or airports for export, although several central agencies have come forward to help exporters from the state.
• While the Export Promotion Council of Handicrafts (EPCH) has come forward to promote Bihar's handicraft products, the Indian Silk Export Promotion Council (ISEPC) is ready to help the silk exporter.
• Under the central scheme, the government will provide assistance of up to Rs 1.25 lakh to the exporter to participate in the international fair.
• More than a dozen products from Bihar are not moving forward due to the lack of export policy even with a geographical indication (GI) tag. Due to the GI tagging for a particular product of a particular region, the international market is easily available. This gives customer confidence on a global scale.
• Madhubani paintings, Shahi Litchi of Muzaffarpur, Mithila’s Makhana, Sujani of Sitamarhi, Sikki Arts, Bhagalpuri Silk, Katarni Rice, Jardalu Mango, Silav’s Khaja and Magahi Paan etc. have received GI tags.
• Without the GI tag, Bihar exports wheat, rice, maize, babycorn, vegetables, medicines, leather goods and meat as well as petro products.
• It is known that agricultural exports from the state are continuously increasing. Till 2021, agricultural commodities worth Rs 2671 crore have been exported from Bihar. The exports from the state include Shahi Litchi from Muzaffarpur, Katarni Rice from Bhagalpur, Jardalu Mango, wheat, rice, maize, baby corn and vegetables etc.
• The demand for Bihar's handicraft products is happening in many countries of the world. Most of the goods are exported from other states. Now gradually exports have started from Bihar as well. Handicrafts worth Rs 36 crore are being exported from Bihar annually. Efforts are being made to increase it.
• Study-based suggestions of the Exim Bank:
  • Improve the infrastructure to monitor the quality of products according to the international market. Give financial incentives to exporters, and run export promotion campaigns.
  • Establish inland container depots (ICDs) in Muzaffarpur & Bhagalpur and create a custom clearance office in the existing ICD in Patna, and arrange necessary certification for export.
  • Develop special economic zones in Patna, Muzaffarpur and Bhagalpur along with increasing warehousing and cold chain infrastructure in the state.
  • In the absence of infrastructure, the cost of exporters increases. To reduce this, give subsidies in freight rates. If the expenses of exporters increase due to state policy, then refund it.
• Products that account for a share in total exports:
  • Petroleum products 66%
  • Meat 6%
  • Rice 10%
  • Medications 3.7%
  • Wheat 1.3%
  • Fruits and vegetables 1.2%
  • Machinery 0.8%
  • Handicrafts 1.0%

Rajasthan got the Best Cultural Tourism Destination of the Year Award

Why in News?

On July 30, 2023, Rajasthan, which has a special identity for its art culture, historical heritage and tourism, was awarded another award. The Department of Tourism, representing Rajasthan at the India International Travel Mart event held in Bengaluru, has been awarded the Best Cultural Tourism Destination of the Year Award.

Key Points:

• Anand Kumar Tripathi, Additional Director, Department of Tourism received the award at the event held at India International Travel Mart, Bengaluru.
• 14 travel agencies and hoteliers of the state participated in the pavilion of Rajasthan Tourism in this event.
• Through a power point presentation by the Rajasthan Tourism Team, information about the steps taken by the state government in the tourism sector, information about innovative schemes and tourism promotion films were showcased.
• Along with this, the local travel agents and the general public visiting the pavilion were provided detailed information regarding the tourist places of Rajasthan.

Aarti, Manish and Kiran won cash prizes in Jan Samman Video Contest

Why in News?

On July 30, 2023, the results of the Jansamman Video Contest were announced, in which Aarti, Manish and Kiranjit got the first, second and third positions respectively and received cash prizes.

Key Points:

• This video is being shared on two social media handles with 'JanSammanJaiRajasthan'. Based on proper parameters, the video is put in the category of award after scrutiny.
• It is worth mentioning that this contest was held on July 27, 2023, the results of which were released today, in which Aarti Soni of Jodhpur won one lakh rupees as the first prize.
• Manish Shankolia of Ratangarh, Churu stood second. He received prize money of 50 thousand rupees.
• Similarly, Kiranjeet Kaur of Sangaria, Hanumangarh won the third position by winning the amount of Rs 25,000.
• Apart from this, 100 people were also given inspirational prizes of One thousand rupees each.
• It is worth mentioning that the publicity of schemes through social media is gaining momentum across Rajasthan through Jan Samman Video Contest. At the same time, the last person in the society is also getting information and benefits of the schemes.

3 Cubs of Tigress T-111 were named on International Tiger Day

Why in News?

On July 29, 2023, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has decided to name 3 cubs (2 tigers and 1 tigress) of Ranthambore National Park's tigress T-111 on the occasion of International Tiger Day.

Key Points:

• The cubs have been named Chiranjeevi, Chirayu and Avani respectively.
• Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said that Tigress T-19 was named Krishna after Commonwealth Games gold medalist Krishna Poonia in 2010.
• Similarly, it has now been decided to name the cub Avani after Para Olympic medalist Avani Lekhara.
• It is worth mentioning that when tigers were on the verge of extinction in the country, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi started 'Project Tiger' in April 1973. This has led to an unprecedented increase in the number of tigers in the country. In the last one month, 6 cubs have been born in Ranthambore National Park.

Folk Artist Promotion Card

Why in News?

On July 28, 2023, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has approved a proposal to give folk artist incentive cards to folk artists.

Key Points:

• The state government is constantly working to preserve folk arts and encourage folk artists in the state. In this sequence, these will be distributed under the Chief Minister's Folk Artists Promotion Scheme-2023.
• It is worth mentioning that Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot had announced the implementation of the Chief Minister's Folk Artists Promotion Scheme in the budget for the year 2023-24.
• In this scheme, provision has been made to provide opportunities to folk artists every year for 100 days per year for state festivals, promotion of government schemes and performing arts in educational institutions.
• Along with this, under the scheme, one-time financial assistance of Rs 5,000 is payable to the folk artists for purchasing instruments related to their art.

Students of RVS Agricultural University leave for Australia & Philippines for Training

Why in News?

On July 30, 2023, Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel flagged off a bus of students of Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Agricultural University, Gwalior participating in an international training programme from Raj Bhavan.

Key Points:

• Eighteen students from the university have been selected in the Institute Development Program of the National Agricultural Higher Education Project funded by the World Bank and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. Of these, 8 students will receive training in Australia and 10 students in the Institute of Higher Agricultural Education in the Philippines.
• Those who went to Western Sydney University Australia for international training include Nikhil Khare, Kashish Yadav, Shivraj Singh Poswal, Alok Chaturvedi from Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Agricultural College Gwalior, Tanu Sisodia from Agriculture College Sehore, Surbhi Acharya from Horticulture College Mandsaur and Nikita Solanki and Adesh Kanel from Agricultural College, Indore.
• At the same time, IRRI Those who went to Manila Philippines include Sneha Biswas, Sneha Sharma, Suranjana Kumari, Prajikta Katare from Agriculture College Gwalior, Jaideep Pathak, Munira Kausar Ansari, Marina V.L. from Agriculture College Indore, Shruti Tomar from Agriculture College Sehore, Anurag Sharma from Agriculture College Khandwa and Gargi Tripathi from Horticulture College Mandsaur.

Madhya Pradesh once again became Tiger State

Why in News?

On the occasion of International Tiger Day on July 29, 2023, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of 785 tigers in the country, due to which the state has again got the status of tiger State.

Key Points:

• The number of tigers in Madhya Pradesh has increased from 526 to 785 in the last four years. It is followed by Karnataka (563) in second place and Uttarakhand (560) in third place.
• Madhya Pradesh is also a leader in other areas besides the tiger state. Madhya Pradesh is also a leopard and crocodile state. The state is also ahead in the number of vultures and wolves.
• On this occasion, a film focusing on Satpura Tiger Reserve on tiger conservation in the state was shown. The Chief Minister gave away mementoes to the cast of the film.
• Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan gave away certificates to the government servants of the Forest Department for their outstanding work. Survival kits were also given to the forest department employees. The Chief Minister also launched the e-ticketing and mobile app of Van Vihar National Park Bhopal.
• With this app, tourists will now get the facility to book tickets online from home. Information about various programs and activities of the Forest Department will be available on the app.
• On the occasion, the Chief Minister released three books including Report of International Wildlife Conference, State Wildlife Action Plan and Fifth Birds Survey Report of Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary (Mandsaur).

MPs' per capita Net Income increased to Rs 1,40,583

Why in News?

On July 28, 2023, the Union Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation released its updated data, which revealed that the per capita income of Madhya Pradesh has increased from Rs 1,03,654 to Rs 1,40,583 in the last three years.

Key Points:

• Along with the progressive states of the country, significant increase in per capita income in Madhya Pradesh as per today's prevalent rates is definitely a good sign of economic progress.
• On the basis of constant prices (year 2011-12) of Madhya Pradesh, the per capita net income in the year 2021-22 (accelerated) was Rs 61,534, which increase to 65,023 in the year 2022-23 (advance), shows an increase of 5.67 percent as compared to the previous year.
• On the basis of prevailing prices, the per capita net income of the state is expected to increase from Rs.1,21,594 in the year 2021-22 to Rs.1,40,583 in the year 2022-23 (advance), showing an increase of 15.62 percent.
• According to the advance estimates for the year 2022-23, the state's gross domestic product has increased by 16.43 percent at current prices and 7.06 percent at constant prices as compared to the year 2021-22 (accelerated).
• There has been an estimated growth of 5.24 percent in the primary sector, 5.42 percent & 9.99 percent in the secondary and tertiary sectors, respectively, during the year 2022-23 advance in the state's gross domestic product at constant prices.
• Madhya Pradesh has been targeted to contribute $550 billion to the Prime Minister's resolve to make India a $5 trillion economy. The state is working fast towards fulfilling this goal.
• The size of the state budget has also increased fifteen times as compared to the year 2001-02 to Rs 2,47,715 crore in the year 2023.
• The debt to GSDP ratio of the year 2005 which was 395 per cent in the year 2005 has come down to 22.6 per cent due to consistent fiscal discipline followed by the state, that is, the burden of debt has come down.
• The increase in per capita income in Madhya Pradesh is the result of better financial management in the state, and fundamentals of the economy like financial inclusion.
• Along with this, continuous growth in the government banking business in the state, proper loans on time for the priority sector, Increased participation and savings of common people in Jan Dhan accounts and continuous contribution to the rural economy by self-help groups which have taken the form of mass movement in the state are also among its main factors.
• Apart from this, a significant increase in food grain production in the agriculture-dominated state, along with the promotion of small and medium industries, and increased investment due to all-around efforts for industrialization has also played an important role in the increase in per capita income of the state.
• Surplus state in the power sector, unprecedented expansion of road network in rural and urban areas & well thought-out efforts made by the state government in the field of health, nutrition & social security are also behind this important achievement of the state.

Launch of 'Haryana Pran Vayu Devta Pension' Scheme

Why in News?

Giving information on July 29, 2023, an official spokesperson of the Haryana government said that a scheme named 'Haryana Pran Vayu Devta Pension' has been started for trees above 75 years of age, whose notification has been issued.

Key Points:

• Under this scheme, the state government will give pensions to those who take care of and nurture trees above 75 years of age.
• Under this scheme, trees that have completed 75 years of age will be given an annual pension of Rs 2500 and like old age respect pension, this pension amount will be increased every year in proportion.
• This amount will be directly deposited in the bank account of the beneficiaries.
• Haryana is the first state in the country to implement this type of scheme.
• It is worth mentioning that this scheme has been implemented by the state government for the protection and conservation of old trees.
• An official spokesperson said that the government has been implementing corrective schemes for environmental protection from the very beginning. We get safe oxygen gas free of cost from trees and plants only.
• Trees grown over the age of 75 produce more oxygen in the atmosphere due to their spread. Many types of birds also make their nests on these trees.
• If a person has a tree of 75 years or more at his house or on his own land, then he can apply by going to the forest department office of his respective district, after that the application will be assessed by a committee.
• After verification, if all the conditions are found to be fulfilled then the beneficiary will be given a pension from the trees.

Governor Bandaru Dattatreya laid the foundation stone of India International Cultural Centre in Gurugram

Why in News?

On July 29, 2023, Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya inaugurated the three-day cultural festival & the foundation stone of the India International Cultural Center to be established by the International Divya Parivar Society and Chanakya Varta Parivar in Gurugram.

Key Points:

• On this occasion, the Governor said that the Haryana Government has taken many effective steps to promote literature, art and culture in the state.
• In order to promote literature, art & culture, the Haryana Government is going to set up an art and cultural centre on five acres of land through Municipal Corporation Gurugram at a cost of Rs 209 crore, which is a successful effort to preserve the great & ancient culture of the State.
• The Governor said that laying the foundation stone of this cultural center is a historic step towards realizing the Prime Minister's dream of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'. Haryana state is also playing its role in this scheme.
• Telangana is the participating state of Haryana in this scheme. That's why the artists of Haryana & Telangana state are teaching each other their great culture and folk arts.
• On this occasion, the Governor released O.P. Pal's book 'Pratibimb' based on the interview of personalities related to Haryana's literature, folk art and cultural field, as well as honored the litterateurs who have done excellent work in the field of literature. .

Bajra Section of CCS Haryana Agricultural University again received the Best Research Center Award

Why in News?

On July 29, 2023, Haryana's Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, (CCHAU) Millet Section of Hisar was awarded the Best Research Center Award for the year 2022-23 at the national level for the second consecutive time for excellent research in millet.

Key Points:

• While giving this information, a spokesman of Chaudhary Charan Singh Agricultural University said that the award was presented by the Council's assistant at the 58th annual group meeting of the All India Coordinated Research Project organized in Hyderabad by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi.
• It is worth mentioning that the department had also received this award in the 57th annual group meeting of the All India Coordinated Research Project held last year.
• Millet Section of Chaudhary Charan Singh Agricultural University has done a lot of commendable work in recent years in development of improved varieties of millet, identification of new disease agents in millet, hybrid seed production and commercialization of millet.
• Two biofortified millet hybrids with high iron content (both iron content 73, 83 ppm) were recently developed by the department with the development of HHB 299 and HHB 311.
• The plant disease scientist of this department had identified stem rot disease in millet and Klebsiella leaf streak disease in sorghum and their causative bacteria for the first time in the world, which has been recognized at the international level.
• This achievement has also played an important role in the department getting this award. According to him, the work of management of potash and other trace elements under the cultivation of millet has also been appreciated at the national level.

SHO of Ambala Cantt Police Station to be decorated with 'Home Minister's Medal'

Why in News?

On July 28, 2023, Haryana's Home and Health Minister Anil Vij decorated 'Home Minister's Medal' (Home Minister's Excellent Investigation Medal) to Naresh Kumar, SHO of Ambala Cantt Police Station, who caught heroin worth five crores in the past days in the direction of making the state drug-free.

Key Points:

• Along with the Home Minister's Medal, Inspector Naresh Kumar will also be given a reward of one lakh rupees and extension in service for six months.
• It is worth mentioning that Inspector Naresh Kumar had succeeded in arresting a drug smuggler along with one kilogram of heroin in Ambala Cantonment recently. The seized heroin is worth five crore rupees in the international market.
• Home Minister Anil Vij said that 30 awards were announced to honor the excellent work of policemen, out of which 10 awards are to be given by the Chief Minister, 10 by the Home Minister and 10 by the Director General of Police. The proposal for these awards was also passed in the cabinet meeting yesterday.
• The winners of the Chief Minister's Gallantry Medal and the Home Minister's Excellent Investigation Medal will receive a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh & Rs 1 lakh, respectively, a certificate & a scroll signed by the Chief Minister and the Home Minister. Medal winning policemen will get six months extension in service.
• Apart from this, the personnel who are awarded the Director General of Police Uttam Seva Medal will get a scroll & a certificate signed by the DGP and Rs 50,000.
• The maximum number of medals in each category will be 10, which means that a maximum of 30 policemen can be awarded.
• In case of withdrawal of the medal due to corruption and other cases, the benefit of service extension will not be given, but the cash award will not be withdrawn.

CM Approved the establishment of the Country's 1st Hydrogen Fuel Industry in Jamshedpur

Why in News?

On July 29, 2023, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren approved the establishment of the country's first hydrogen fuel industry in Jamshedpur in the state.

Key Points:

• After this initiative of the Chief Minister, now along with petrol, diesel and batteries, vehicles in the country will soon run on hydrogen fuel.
• In this regard, the Chief Minister has developed Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine, Fuel-agnostic Engine, Advance Chemistry Battery, H2 Fuel Cell and H2 Fuel Cell in 'Jamshedpur, East Singhbhum' by TCPL Green Energy Solutions Private Limited (TGESPL), a joint venture of Tata Motors and Cummins Inc. (USA). In anticipation of the approval of the Single Window Clearance Committee and High Power Committee for the establishment of the unit for the manufacture / production of H2 Fuel delivery systems, has agreed to the proposal to sign MoU with TGESPL on the above investment proposal.
• After this MoU, the way will be paved for the establishment of the country's first hydrogen fuel industry in Jamshedpur. In this work, the latest technology of making hydrogen engines will be used, which will benefit the whole country in the coming times.
• According to the classified sector wise mega project of Jharkhand Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy 2021, the above mentioned project is related to construction.
• On the basis of investment and direct employment received from this unit, the unit has been classified under the mega category.
• The proposed capacity of this unit is 4000+ Hydrogen IC Engine/Fuel Agnostic Engine and 10,000+ Battery system, for which the proposed investment is Rs 354.28 crore.
• According to an estimate, the unit will ensure employment of more than 310 direct and indirect people.
• It is noteworthy that hydrogen is such a fuel, whose capacity is more than other fuels. Its energy label is high. It is cheap and light. In such a situation, it can be considered a better option between petrol and diesel.
• Hydrogen fuel can help in controlling pollution to a great extent.
• Creation of production capacity of 4000+ Hydrogen IC Engines/Fuel Agnostic Engines and 10,000+ Battery Systems to meet the needs of Hydrogen Engines in the Indian market and globally Local industrial ecosystem to supply essential requirements and set up new ancillary units will promote

CM launched the New Version 2.0 of Mor Bijlee App

Why in News?

On July 29, 2023, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel launched 'Mor Bijlee App 2.0' during his stay in Korba. Consumers will now get 36 types of services through Mor Bijlee App 2.0.

Key Points:

• Due to the good response of electricity consumers to the first version of the Peacock Bijlee App, the second version of the app has been prepared by expanding the citizen services.
• The new Mor Bijlee app has been made available in Chhattisgarhi dialect for the convenience of the people of the state. Consumers who have selected Chhattisgarhi dialect as SMS language, will be sent monthly electricity bill, bill payment, bill payment reminder and bill payment information in Chhattisgarhi. Along with this, it has become the first official mobile app of Chhattisgarhi dialect in the state.
• The Chief Minister said that in this new app, under the 'Electricity Bill Half Scheme' being run by our government, the consumer will also get information about the amount of rebate received in the electricity bill since the inception of the scheme till now. Along with this, the consumer will also be able to download the certificate of the rebate amount.
• The Mor Bijlee App 2.0 launched by Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel will provide 36 types of consumer services, including bill information, calculations, rates, bill payment facilities, such as online payment, nearest payment center, bill payment details of the last two years, information about discounts received in the electricity bill half scheme, complaints related to electricity supply and bills. Such as power shutdown, bill related complaints, emergency and power interruptions, transformer malfunction, etc. will be available.
• Along with this, you can apply online for facilities like new electricity connection, name change, tariff change, load increase-reduction, meter shifting. Consumers will also be able to track the status of their online applications.
• Consumers will be able to create their personal profiles, such as adding and changing mobile numbers, e-mail IDs through the Saathi Bijlee Connection Profile app. The language of SMS and mobile apps can also be selected easily.
• After Chhattisgarh's 'Bhuiyan' mobile app, only 'Mor Bijlee App' has been downloaded by more than 10 lakh people. Launched on October 6, 2020, the first version of the Mor Bijlee App has been downloaded and used by more than 13 lakh 25 thousand users.
• Available for free in the Google Play Store, this mobile app is rated 4.4 out of 5 by over 36,700 users. The popularity of Mor Bijlee Ke App has increased rapidly in the state, this is the result of its success.
• In the rural areas of Chhattisgarh, the Mor Bijlee app is being widely used for information about electricity bills, payment of electricity bills and complaints about power outages. More than 50 per cent complaints of power cuts are being received through Mor Bijlee App. Time-bound disposal of complaints has also increased from 70 percent to 94 percent now.

4 Species of Vultures to be Studied under Rajaji & Corbett Tiger Reserve

Why in News?

On July 29, 2023, Wildlife Warden Chief of Uttarakhand Forest Department, Dr. Sameer Sinha said that for the first time in the state, under Rajaji and Corbett Tiger Reserves, two birds of four species of vultures will be studied by putting satellite tags on them.

Key Points:

• The Wildlife Warden Chief said that this bird of the hunter category is on the verge of extinction. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has placed them in the category of endangered bird.
• The forest department has sought permission from the government to tag birds for the study to be conducted under Rajaji and Corbett Tiger Reserves.
• It is known that no one has the exact figure of the number of vultures in Uttarakhand, which play an important role in maintaining the environmental balance.
• The year 2005 data of the number of vultures has been shown in the statistics book of the Forest Department. According to this, the number of vultures is 1272 in protected areas and 3794 outside protected areas, totaling 5066.
• Since then this data has not been updated. Now the Forest Department has once again taken the initiative to peep into the world of vultures. For this, in collaboration with WWF India, study will be done by putting satellite tags on two birds of four species of vultures.
• The study will be carried out under Rajaji Tiger Reserve in Garhwal and Corbett Tiger Reserve in Kumaon. In this study, information will be collected about vultures' residence, migration, their routes, living conditions etc.
• Study will be done on these species of vulture:
  • Red Headed Vulture
  • White-rumped Vulture
  • White Vulture (Egyptian Vulture)
  • Plas Fish
• Dr. Saket Badola, director of Rajaji Tiger Reserve and the nodal officer of this project, said that these four species of birds of prey are very rare, but their presence has been found from time to time in different areas of Garhwal and Kumaon in Uttarakhand. The Forest Department is serious about their conservation. Under this, a comprehensive study will be done on them. This project will run for the next three years.
• All these four predatory birds belong to scheduled forest species. Under the Wildlife Act, there is a provision for grant of license for special purposes in such cases. In such cases permission of the state government is required for education, research, research etc.

Uttarakhand ranks 2nd in the country in Managing E-Waste

Why in News?

According to information given in the Rajya Sabha on July 29, 2023, based on central pollution control board data, Uttarakhand ranks second in the country in terms of management, collection and recycling of electronic waste, which is emerging as a major threat to the environment and society in the future.

Key Points:

• 51541.12 metric tonnes of e-waste is being recycled in the state. This figure is less than half of the state's capacity to recycle e-waste. The state has the capacity to recycle 1.58 lakh metric tonnes of e-waste.
• Uttarakhand has left behind big states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Punjab, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu based on the data of the Central Pollution Control Board.
• Among the Himalayan states, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir lag far behind in terms of collecting and recycling e-waste.
• It is known that the Central Government has issued guidelines for the collection, management and recycling of e-waste for all the states. These guidelines are applicable to the generator, manufacturer, user and recycler of electrical and electronic waste and its bulk consumer.
• E-waste: Electrical and electronic products that are not working or are in their last stages of use, such as computers, televisions, photocopiers, fax machines, electrical appliances, electronic products such as refrigerators, etc. fall under the category of e-waste.
• The Himalayan state of Uttarakhand is an environmentally sensitive state. E-waste is a big future challenge for the state. There is a risk of pollution of air and water due to its unscientific collection, burning and randomly throwing it.
• Principal Secretary (Forest) and Chairman of the State Pollution Control Board R.K. Sudhanshu said that e-waste management is being implemented based on the guidelines of the Central Government and the Central Pollution Control Board. The government will try to increase the collection of e-waste.
• For its effective management, ITDA is formulating an e-waste management policy. Suggestions regarding the policy have been given by the Pollution Control Board.
• Top 10 states collecting e-waste:
  • Haryana - 245015.82 (MT)
  • Uttarakhand - 51541.12
  • Telangana - 42297.68
  • Karnataka - 39150.63
  • Tamil Nadu - 31143.77
  • Gujarat - 30569.32
  • Punjab - 28375.27
  • Rajasthan - 27998.77
  • Maharashtra - 18559.30
  • Kerala - 1249.61

Uttarakhand/25 Release of the Book 'Bodhisattva Vichar Shrinkhla- Ek Nayi Soch, Ek Nayi Pahal'

Why in News?

On July 29, 2023, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami released the book Uttarakhand/25 'Bodhisattva Vichar Shrinkhla Ek Nayi Soch Ek Nayi Pahal' at the Chief Minister's residence.

Key Points:

• For the overall development of Uttarakhand, the views expressed by scientists, social workers, intellectuals and subject experts have been compiled in this book in 12 sessions based on various topics organized under the Bodhisattva Thought Series in the last one year.
• The Chief Minister said that through the series of thoughts of Bodhisattva, efforts have been made to ease the way to solve the problems of different areas according to the heterogeneous geographical conditions of the state. Work is being done on long-term plans for the development of the state. For this, a 10-year road map is being prepared for all the departments. So far 20 departments have been reviewed.
• Suggestions received in the Bodhisattva Thought Series are being incorporated into this. The effort of the government has been to get cooperation from all the institutions in the development of the state. Pant Nagar Agricultural University will be made a partner in Animal Husbandry and Agriculture Development and Technical University in making science and technology accessible to remote areas of the state.
• According to the concept of Uttarakhand/25 through science and technology, he also expected the active participation of all the prestigious institutions located in the state to build a strong, capable and prosperous Uttarakhand state.
• Digital Uttarakhand aims to achieve new dimensions in employment generation, health, education and industrial development in the state.
• The Chief Minister said that a model based on five strong pillars of ecology, economy, technology, accountability and sustainability is necessary for the resolution of Uttarakhand/25. It is our resolution that the state of Uttarakhand emerges as a great state by the year 2025, the silver jubilee of its creation, and is established in a prosperous and strong form in this third decade of the 21st century.
• This Bodhisattva Thought Series was conducted through a combination of both online and offline mediums.
• The Chief Minister said that the objective of Bodhisattva is to establish such a platform focused on science and technology, where country's eminent sages, scientists, young entrepreneurs and people's representatives come together and deliberate deeply on all aspects of the development of the state, such an action plan for Uttarakhand/25. Can prepare, which can prove to be helpful in making the future of the state progressively golden.
• The tips from these series have been incorporated into this book.