State PCS

• 08 Jun 2023

Yogi cabinet's decision regarding Power of Attorney

Why in News?

On 6 June 2023, in a cabinet meeting chaired by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, it was decided that the power of attorney would be validated only with blood relations to prevent stamp theft in the state.

Key Points:

• It is known that it used to cost only 50 rupees to give power of attorney, but now it will have to pay stamp duty like the registry. That is, as the property will be, the registry fee will have to be paid.
• Finance Minister Suresh Khanna said that through power of attorney, a person can authorize someone to do his work on his behalf.
• It is not mandatory to register the affidavit on the basis of the provision provided in the Registration Act, 1908. Even after this, there is a tendency among the general public to register it and every year the number of registrations on this basis is increasing.
• It is known that in the last five years, the number of registrations done on the basis of registered affidavits in the registry offices of the state has 102486.
• That is why the state government has decided to validate the blood-related seal to prevent stamp theft. Apart from this, those who register on the Mukhtarnama will have to pay the whole stamp duty.
• Blood relatives can be registered on a stamp of Rs 5000. Father, mother, husband, son, daughter-in-law, daughter, son-in-law, brother, sister, grandson, and granddaughter will come in blood relatives.

World's tallest Shivling will be established in Virat Ramayana Temple

Why in News?

On 6 June 2023, Acharya Kishore Kunal, secretary of Mahavir Mandir Patna of Bihar, informed that the construction work of Virat Ramayana Temple at Kaithwalia-Bahuara on Kesaria Chakia Path in East Champaran district of the state will start soon. This temple will not only be the world's tallest temple but the World's Tallest Shivalinga will also be installed in this temple.

Key Points:

• The Secretary of Mahavir Mandir Patna said that by the month of Sawan in the year 2025, the world's largest Shivalinga will be installed in this temple. In Mahabalipuram, a 250-tonne black granite stone rock is being carved and Sahasralingam is also being built along with the main Shivalinga.
• The weight of the Shivalinga will be 200 tons, height will be 33 feet and the sphere will be 33 feet. It is known that Sahasralingam has not been built in India after the eighth century.
• The Virat Ramayana temple to be built in the state will be three storeys. After entering the temple, a devotee will have the Darshan of the Pratham Pujya Vighnaharta Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. The Virat Ramayana temple will have a total of 22 temples of Shaiva and Vaishnava gods and goddesses.
• There are 120 acres of land available for the construction of the temple. This temple site will be developed as Janaki Nagar and there will be many Ashrams, Gurukuls, Dharamshalas etc.
• The piling of the Virat Ramayana temple has been given to Suntech Infra Solutions Private Limited, which is doing the piling work of Patna Metro.

Important decisions in the Rajasthan Cabinet Meeting

Why in News?

On 6 June 2023, a meeting of the State Cabinet was held under the chairmanship of Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, in which important decisions were taken regarding promotion, pension, special pay, and designation in the interest of the employees.

Key Points:

• The Cabinet has approved the proposal to amend the Rajasthan Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1996. With this, the employees will be able to get the benefit of a full pension only after completing 25 years of service instead of 28 years of qualifying service.
  • Also, pensioners/family pensioners of 75 years will be able to get a 10 percent additional pension allowance. In the event of the death of the employee/pensioner, his married disabled son/daughter and eligible members with income up to Rs 12,500 per month will also get the benefit of a family pension. The notification of this amendment will be effective from April 1, 2023.
• The Cabinet has approved the proposal to amend the Rajasthan Civil Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2017. This will increase the special pay of the employees.
• It is worth mentioning that Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot had announced in this regard in the budget of 2023-24, according to which the special allowance and special pay currently payable to employees and officers were proposed to be increased as per the recommendation of the Pay Discrepancy Examination Committee.
• The Cabinet has now decided to forward the vacancies of Scheduled Castes & Scheduled Tribes for the next three years in case eligible candidates belonging to Backward Classes & Most Backward Classes are not available in any recruitment year. This will enable more employment opportunities for the candidates of these categories.
• The Cabinet has decided to amend Schedule-5 of the Rajasthan Civil Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2017 to give full benefit of advance increments to senior medical officers having a PG degree or equivalent diploma. In this, due to the provision of advance salary increases for higher posts from senior medical officers, higher officers will also be able to get benefits.
• While approving the Rajasthan Prosecution Services (Amendment) Rules, 2023, it has been decided to give an additional promotion opportunity to the officers of the Prosecution Service.
• It has been decided to amend the Rajasthan Civil Services (Revised Pay Scale) Rules- 1989, 1998, 2008 and 2017 to give pay scale and designation to the working personnel on the lines of regular employees.
• The Cabinet has decided to incorporate the Rajasthan Fisheries State and Subordinate Services Rules-2012, Rajasthan Subordinate Services (Recruitment and Other Conditions of Service) Rules-2001, Rajasthan Madarsa Education Assistant Subordinate Service Rules-2013 and Rajasthan School Assistant Subordinate Service Rules-2015 in a notification issued on 17.01.2013 regarding reservation of vacancies of Scheduled Castes & Scheduled Tribes of the Department of Personnel.
• The Cabinet has approved the proposal to rename Medical College Dausa as 'Pt. Naval Kishore Sharma College of Medical Sciences’.
  • An announcement in this regard was made by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot at the unveiling ceremony of the statue of Pandit Naval Kishore Sharma on May 11, 2023. Pandit Naval Kishore Sharma has made an important contribution to the development of the Khadi Industry along with politics.
• The Cabinet has approved the proposal for allotment of land to Veer Gurjar Development & Charitable Trust, Bhilwara and Regar Samaj, Bikaner.

Chief Minister Folk Artist Promotion Scheme-2023

Why in News?

On 7 June 2023, a meeting was held under the chairmanship of Dr. BD Kalla, Minister of Art, Literature, Culture & Archeology of Rajasthan regarding the successful implementation of 'Mukhyamantri Lok Kalakar Protsahan Yojana-2023', in which information related to the scheme was given.

Key Points:

• The Culture & Archeology Minister said that in the run-up to the budget announcement 2023-24, the department has prepared a draft of this scheme.
• According to the vision of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, under the 'Mukhyamantri Lok Kalakar Protsahan Yojana-2023', 100 days of employment will be given to local or indigenous art artists of Rajasthan.
• Rajasthan is perhaps the first state in the country to ensure 100 days of employment for local artists. These artists will be singing, playing, dancing, acting or dramatizing who will be able to demand 100 days of art performance in state government programs, and festivals.
• Rajasthan Sangeet Natak Akademi has been made the nodal agency for the successful implementation of the scheme.
• Binaka Jesh Malu, president of Rajasthan Natak Sangeet Akademi, said that the academy is committed to the welfare of folk artists through the scheme. All preparations have been made for the successful implementation of the scheme from villages to towns.
• Principal Government Secretary of Art and Culture Department, Gayatri A Rathore apprised the Minister about the latest progress of the scheme and important information including application form, process & payment by folk artists in the format through a presentation.

Grand Inauguration of 66th National School Sports Competition

Why in News?

On 7 June 2023, Madhya Pradesh's Sports & Youth Welfare; Technical Education, Skill Development & Employment Minister Yashodhara Raje Scindia inaugurated the 66th National School Sports Competition.

Key Points:

• It is worth mentioning that the 66th National School Sports Competition is being organized under the joint auspices of the School Education, Sports & Youth Welfare Department and School Games Federation of India in 2 cities of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal and Gwalior till June 13.
• The theme of the 66th National School Games Competition is 'Sportsmanship more than Victory'.
• Principal Secretary of School Education Rashmi Arun Shami informed that about 5256 players from different states are participating in the competition.
• Competitions of athletics, football, volleyball, boxing, judo, table tennis, hockey and badminton will be held in various sports grounds of Bhopal & Gwalior.

Shri Vishwakarma Skill University will start the 'Selfie with Daughter' campaign

Why in News?

On 6 June 2023, Dr. Raj Nehru, Vice-Chancellor of Shri Vishwakarma Skill University located in Palwal district of Haryana, informed that the university will launch the 'Selfie with Daughter' campaign on 9 June in honour of daughters. Many big personalities from the country and the world will join this online ceremony.

Key Points:

• Vice-Chancellor Dr. Raj Nehru said that initiatives are being taken to give a big dimension to this social campaign in honour of daughters. Along with honouring the daughters by taking selfies with them, there will also be an oath in this campaign. Through this pledge, a pledge will be taken to improve the lives of disabled daughters.
• The 'Selfie with Daughter' campaign is promoted by Sunil Jaglan and the campaign will be dedicated to specially-abled daughters.
• It is known that social worker Sunil Jaglan started the 'Selfie with Daughter' campaign on June 9, 2015. He is associated with Shri Vishwakarma Skill University in this campaign.
• Vice-Chancellor Dr. Raj Nehru said that through this campaign, an appeal will also be made that everyone should take selfies with their daughters and upload them on social media so that people's attitude towards daughters changes. Those who do not have daughters in their homes will be called to take selfies with disabled daughters and upload them.
• Anvi, the award winner of the 'Selfie with Daughter' campaign and the brand ambassador of the campaign, will also participate in the event. Apart from this, Vikram Shrestha, who promoted this campaign in Nepal, will also be part of the celebrations through online mediums.
• The oath will be -"I pledge to respect all daughters in my family and society. I take a pledge that whenever I meet a differently-abled daughter, I will make her life better. I pledge to contribute to making the 'Selfie with Daughter' campaign a success by taking a beautiful selfie with her and uploading it on my social media.’

Cabinet approves metro connectivity from HUDA City Centre to Cyber City, Gurugram with a spur to Dwarka Expressway

Why in News?

On 7 June 2023, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved Metro connectivity from HUDA City Center to Cyber City with spur (side line) to Dwarka Expressway, Gurugram covering a distance of 28.50 km. There will be 27 stations in this route.

Key Points:

• The total cost of completion of the project will be Rs 5,452 crore. It will be a standard gauge line of 1435 mm (5 ft 8.5 in).
• The entire project will be elevated. Spur has been provided for connectivity from Basai village to the depot.
• The project is proposed to be completed in four years from the date of sanction and is to be implemented by Haryana Mass Rapid Transport Corporation Limited (HMRTC).
• It will be set up as a 50:50 Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) of the Government of India and the Government of Haryana after the approval order is issued.
• As of now, there is no metro line in Old Gurugram. The main feature of this line is to connect New Gurugram with Old Gurugram. This network will be connected to the Indian railway station. In the next phase, it will provide connectivity to IGI Airport. It will also provide overall economic development in the region.

Name of corridor	Length (in km)	station number	Elevated / Underground
HUDA City Center to Cyber City Center - Main Corridor	26.65	26	Elevated
Basai Gaon to Dwarka Expressway-Spur	1.85	01	Elevated
Total	28.50	27

An MoU between the JC University and Inovik Energy

Why in News?

On 7 June 2023, J C Bose University of Science & Technology located in Faridabad, Haryana signed an MoU with Innovic Energy, a company specializing in the manufacture of electrical panels, in a significant step towards empowering students with employable skills in the energy sector.

Key Points:  

• University Registrar Dr. Sunil Kumar Garg and Director of Innovic Energy Kumaresh Som signed the agreement. It was signed in the presence of Sushil Kumar Tomar.
• The collaboration between J.C. Bose University and Innovic Energy aims to conduct practical training, seminars & technical courses to students, enabling them to acquire the necessary skills & prepare them for a career in the industry.
• At the same time, the company will also offer industrial internships to students to provide them with an opportunity to work on industrial products.
• Expressing happiness over the industrial partnership for the skill development of students, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Shri Sushil Kumar Tomar stressed the need to make this partnership research-oriented.
• Kumaresh Som, Director, Innovic Energy, particularly stressed the growing demand for new & renewable energy sources including the need for innovation & adaptation in the energy sector.
• He said that due to the changes coming in the energy sector, conventional electric panels are going out of vogue. Innovic Energy is also moving towards the green energy sector and is working on the development of equipment in this area. The company will provide its support to students doing research in this field.

Jharkhand's Preeti Lakda won bronze in SGFI National Athletics Championship

Why in News?

On 7 June 2023, Preeti Lakda from Jharkhand won a bronze medal at the School Games Federation of India (SGFI) National Athletics Championships held in Bhopal.

Key Points:

• Preeti Lakra has won this medal in the triple jump event with a jump of 11.59 meters.
• It is known that Preeti is a trainee athlete of the Jharkhand Government's Residential Training Center (Hazaribagh). In the same year, she also won a silver medal in the Junior Federation Cup.
• The School Games Federation of India, recognised by the Sports Ministry and the Indian Olympic Association, was established in the year 1954. It is also an active member of the International School Sports Federation and the Asian School Sports Federation.
• This organization works towards the development and promotion of sports in schools in India. In this, talented players interested in different sports from schools across the country are selected and given a proper platform.

State Women Entrepreneurship Policy 2023-28

Why in News?

According to the information given by the Chhattisgarh Public Relations Department on 6 June 2023, the state government has implemented the State Women Entrepreneurship Policy, 2023-28 to give a new identity to the efficiency of women and to connect them with the enterprise. Under this policy, a provision has been made to provide financial assistance (loans) to women to set up industries.

Key Points:

• This policy will increase the female workforce as well as increase their participation in industry & trade through which the number of startups started by women will also increase rapidly.
• Under the State Women Entrepreneurship Policy 2023-28, provision has been made for loans up to Rs 50 lakh for manufacturing enterprise projects for women entrepreneurs, loans up to Rs 25 lakh for service enterprise projects and loans up to Rs 10 lakh for business enterprise projects.
• Under the policy, economic investment incentives will be provided to the new, expansion, micro, small and medium manufacturing and service enterprises established by women entrepreneurs in the state.
• Fixed capital investment grants up to 30-55 percent of the fixed capital investment made in the enterprise, term loans received for enterprises and interest subsidy of 45 to 70 percent on working capital (equivalent to a maximum of three months requirement) provided in the project report and a maximum amount of Rs 15 to 60 lakh will be given.
• Margin money grants up to 50 per cent for setting up of new enterprises, up to a maximum of Rs 75 lakh, net state goods and services tax (net SGST) reimbursement for 6 to 16 years from the date of commencement of commercial production, electricity duty, stamp duty, transport grant, mandi fee will be exempted.
• Women Self-Help Groups will be given an additional grant of 5% in grants as an additional economic investment incentive and an additional time period of 1 year in case of exemption.
• The startup package announced under the Industrial Policy 2019-24 for start-up enterprises set up by women has a provision of a 5 percent additional grant and a one-year additional exemption in cases of exemption.

Cycle Tracks of 50 km each will be built in 4 Districts with Plain regions of the state

Why in News?

On 5 June 2023, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced a 50-km stretch of roads in four plain districts of the state to protect urban areas from increasing vehicular pressure and pollution. He announced the construction of a cycle track.

Key Points:

• For the convenience of the people, cycle tracks of 50 km each will be built in Dehradun, Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar and Nainital districts of the state.
• Apart from this, the Chief Minister also directed to explore the possibility of constructing cycle tracks in nine hilly districts of the state.
• The Chief Minister also announced the formation of a 'Spring and River Rejuvenation Board' to save traditional water sources & rivers in the state from drying up and give them a new lease of life on environment day.
• On this occasion, he said that in all 13 districts, one gram panchayat will be awarded for doing the best work in the field of cleanliness.