• 15 May 2023

State-level Coordination Committee on Crop Insurance meeting was organised

Why in News?

On 12 May 2023, a meeting of the State Level Coordination Committee on Crop Insurance was organized under the chairmanship of Sudhir Rajpal, Additional Chief Secretary, Haryana Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department.

Key Points:

• The Additional Chief Secretary took important decisions in the meeting to make 'Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana' farmer friendly, to be implemented from Kharif 2023 to Rabi 2025-26, so that the yojana could be made more simple and transparent for the people of the state.
• Giving importance to the use of technology in the meeting, the proposal to appoint Harsac as a technical partner of the department for technical support was approved and a provision will be made to take complaints of farmers through the portal in the tender to be issued for the next session.
• Keeping in view the transparency of the scheme, the Additional Chief Secretary recommended increasing the time for videography of crop harvesting experiments and raising objections in local disaster survey/harvesting experiments from 72 hours to 144 hours & for the insurance company from 48 hours to 96 hours.
• In this meeting, the insurance amount of the crops covered under the scheme was also decided. The details of which are given below:

Amount Rs. per hectare
Kharif				Rabi
Crop	2023-24	2024-25	2025-26	Crop	2023-24	2024-25	2025-26
Paddy	96371	101190	106249	Wheat	72896	76541	80368
Pearl millet	46456	48779	51218	Mustard	48927	51373	53942
Maize	49421	51892	54487	Barley	46456	48779	51218
Cotton	98595	103525	108701	Gram	35830	37682	39503
Moong	43243	45405	47675	Sunflower	49421	51892	54487

International Film Festival organized in Saran, Bihar

Why in News?

The two-day International Film Festival Season-3 concluded on 14 May 2023 in Saran (Chhapra) district of Bihar.

Key Points:

• Films from 21 countries of the world including different languages of the country were screened in the two-day film festival which began on May 13 at Chhapra's auditorium. Along with this, information related to this was given to the youth making their career in the field of film and drama.
• Films, documentaries and short films from the Philippines, Italy, Turkey, India, Spain, USA, Australia, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan were screened in this International Film Festival.
• Also national and international films were screened for kids and school children.
• Apart from this, documentaries made on many social issues were also shown.
• Two films from India won the Best Film Award in different categories at the Saran International Film Festival.
• Children's film Inspiration of Pursuit and short fiction film Washing Machine were awarded the Best Film in the National category.
• In the international category, the Turkish film Ikron and Yushu was given the Best Documentary - International award.
• It is worth mentioning that about one and a half dozen films were screened on the second day of the two-day film festival organised under the aegis of Mayur Kala Kendra and courtesy of the Ministry of Youth Arts and Sports. After that, the jury announced the results.
• In the panel discussion, artists from India and abroad shared their experiences with the people and gave information about theatre, literature and cinema.
• It is known that Saran International Film Festival is the first and only International Film Festival of Bihar.

1 new Sanskrit School in Bikaner & 18 Sanskrit Schools in the state will be upgraded

Why in News?

14 May 2023, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has approved the proposal to open 1 new Sanskrit school in Bikaner district and upgrade 18 Sanskrit schools in different districts of the state.

Key Points:

•  In this, 5 Sanskrit primary schools in different districts will be upgraded to upper primary schools, 8 Sanskrit upper primary schools and 5 Praveshika (secondary) Sanskrit schools will be upgraded to ‘Varishtha Upadhyay’.
• It is known that the state government is trying to establish new schools and upgrade various schools to promote Sanskrit education.  
• With this decision of the state government, with the opening of more centres of Sanskrit education, students will get opportunities to study nearby.
• It is worth mentioning that the announcement in this regard was made by the Chief Minister in the Budget-2023-24.

Jodhpur City's 565th Foundation Day

Why in News?

On 12 May 2023, the 565th foundation day of Jodhpur city, filled with Rajasthan's bravery, gallantry, unique folk culture and beautiful traditions, as well as many unique states, was celebrated with various beautiful & attractive programs.

Key Points:

• Jodhpur Foundation Day started with ‘Run for Jodhpur’. During this, various folk artists filled the foundation day race with cultural juices and colours with their mesmerizing presentations.
• On this occasion, celebrities were honoured with 2 international, 5 national, 11 state level and 1 lifetime achievement honours for doing remarkable work in different fields.
• Railway Minister Ashwani Vaishnav was honoured with the Rao Sihaji Samman. Wherein Miss Annie Vicente was honoured with Maharaja Sarpratap Singh Samman.
• Rawal Kishan Singh and Rao Jodhaji Samman were given to Shri Rani Bhatiyani Mandir Sansthan Jasol for their excellent work in the field of social service.
• On this occasion, Dr. Ramesh Raliya was honoured with the Maharaja Hanuwant Singh Samman for his remarkable contribution to the field of science and technology, as well as Madan Singh was awarded the Major Dalpat Singh Samman for his extraordinary bravery for the common citizens and defence works.
• Kunwar Karni Singh Jasol Samman was given to Anup Shah for his excellent work in the field of traditional arts.
• In this episode, Padmashree Komal Kothari Samman was given to Kalu Nath Kalbelia in Rajasthani folk music and traditional Kalbelia region, whereas Maharaja Vijay Singh Samman posthumously to Late Liladevi Somani for his remarkable contribution to the field of folk music, Onkar Singh Lakhawat Maharaja Mansingh Samman in the field of heritage conservation.
• In the field of natural heritage conservation, Dr. Sarwan Singh Rathore was awarded Maharaja Umed Singh Award, Aishwarya Bhati was awarded Rajdadisa Badan Kanwar Bhatiyani Award for women empowerment, Rajmata Krishna Kumari Award was given to Azim Premji Foundation, Ratan Singh Rajpurohit was awarded Gaj Singh II Award, Rajasthan. International cricket player Ravi Vishnoi was honoured with the Yuvraj Shivraj Singh Samman.
• Apart from this, Mutha Nancy Samman was awarded to Marwar Magazine in the field of journalism.
• For the promotion of Rajasthani language literature, Bhanwarlal Suthar was honoured with Padma Shri Sitaram Lalas Samman, Hanumant Singh Kikar of Bikaner was awarded Narayan Singh Bhati Malunga Samman and Surendra Singh was posthumously awarded Rajaram Meghwal Samman in Rajasthani language poetry literature.
• Before independence, senior advocate Lekhraj Neta was given the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to the field of law and justice.
• It is worth mentioning that Jodhpur was founded in the year 1459 by Rao Jodha, the head of the Rathore dynasty. The city is named after him only. It was earlier known as Marwar.
• Most of the houses in Jodhpur are painted blue. That's why this city is also called 'Blue City' or 'Sun City'.
• Every year a grand program is organized on the foundation day of Jodhpur city, along with a felicitation ceremony and other programs are also organized. In these programmes, those who do special and remarkable work in different fields are honoured. This program is organized in Mehrangarh Fort, one of the important historical places of Jodhpur.

Launch of 'One Week-One Laboratory' Program

Why in News?

On 14 May 2023, Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel launched 'One Week-One Laboratory' at the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research's Advanced Materials & Process Research Institute (CSIR-AMPRI) auditorium.

Key Points:

• The One Week-One Lab program aims to make laboratory research accessible to the general public.
• One week-one laboratory program is a meaningful initiative to build a self-reliant India. The program will inspire the future generation to contribute to the efforts of nation-building.
• On this occasion, Governor Mangubhai Patel released the booklet ‘One Week-One Lab’ and a film focusing on the activities of CSIR-AMPRI, as well as the exchange of documents for the transfer of technology with the enterprise by the institute.
• During this week of CSIR-AMPRI, 10 different programs have been organized from the 14th to the 18th of May.
• It is worth mentioning that on 14th May 1981, CSIR-AMPRI Institute was established in New Delhi as Regional Research Laboratory, which was shifted to Bhopal in the year 1983. The institute was restructured in the year 2007 with a futuristic outlook.

Gau-Raksha Sankalp Sammelan

Why in News?

On 12 May 2023, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the Gau-Raksha Sankalp Sammelan at Lal Parade Ground in Bhopal.

Key Points:

• On this occasion, the Chief Minister flagged off 406 veterinary ambulances for urban areas and all development blocks of the state.
• A veterinary doctor and paramedics will be available in these ambulances. Toll-free no. for treatment of animals in an emergency. 1962 has been released.
• It is known that earlier it used to be a big problem to take sick animals to the hospital. With the arrival of the ambulance, the veterinary hospital itself will be present at the door of the cattle owner.
• It is worth mentioning that in Madhya Pradesh, the slaughter of cow progeny has been banned. There is a provision of imprisonment for 7 years for cow-slayer and imprisonment for illegal transportation. Vehicles involved in the illegal transportation of cow progeny will be confiscated.
• On this occasion, the Chief Minister announced that farmers doing natural farming would be given Rs 900 per month for rearing cows. The instalment of the scheme will be issued to 22 thousand farmers this month. Tribal brothers and sisters will be provided with a 90 percent subsidy on buying cows for cow rearing.
• It is known that work is going on in Jabalpur on the project of making CNG from cow dung. Arrangements will be made to buy cow dung by setting up Govardhan plants at different places in the state, through which CNG will be produced.
• On this occasion, the Chief Minister said that a policy will be made to use the natural paint made in the Gau-shalas in the Panchayat-level government buildings in the rural areas. This will encourage the business of cow dung and cow urine. Eight Gau-Sadans and two Gau-Vansh Vanya Vihar will be developed in the state. The responsibility of their operation will be handed over to the Gau-Sevak Sanstha.
• For smooth management of cowsheds, a big cowshed will be developed for 4-5 gram panchayats. Primarily, such cow shelters will be developed as models at some places in the state. Any organization can take responsibility for the arrangements of these gaushalas and the organization will be provided financial assistance by the state government.

Dabwali to Become Haryana's New Police District

Why in News?

On 14 May 2023, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal announced the creation of a new police district of Dabwali, a sub-division of Sirsa district of the state, in a public dialogue program organized to curb the bad habit of drugs and crack down on drug peddlers.

Key Points:

• It is known that the head of the district police is the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP). In addition to the Senior Superintendent of Police, several Superintendents of Police (SP)/Additional Superintendents of Police (ADL SP) are also involved in the police administration. The district is divided into several Police Circles headed by a Circle Officer.
• On this occasion, the Chief Minister also approved to give of 6.8 acres of land of Haryana Urban Development Authority to Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board for the expansion of the grain market of Dabwali.

50 panchayats of Jharkhand will become Model

Why in News?

According to the information received from the media on 14 May 2023, the Panchayati Raj Department of the state has prepared a draft to make 50 panchayats of Jharkhand a model.

Key Points:

• The Panchayati Raj Department of the Jharkhand Government will enter into an MoU with the Kerala Institute of Local Administration (Keela) to make these Panchayats a model.
• Panchayati Raj Department will also take the cooperation of Jharkhand Civil Society (CSO) in this work.
• It is worth mentioning that Keela also gives ISO certificates to the panchayats. The central government has authorized Keela for this.
• Apart from this, courses and modules will also be designed by Keela for the training of public representatives of Panchayati Raj.
• The primary facilities of the Panchayats will be assessed. Keela will take information about data collection, water facilities, health facility and facilities available in Anganwadi centres. Will give information about its improvement measures.
• Workshops, seminars and faculty development programs will be organized jointly for capacity development. Exposure visits of selected public representatives and officers will be made. Cooperation will be done in Panchayats in the fields of water conservation, livelihood, education, health and social security etc.
• Information about the use of resources available in Kerala on the environment, social, and economic facilities and technology will be given to the local public representatives.
• Keela takes 30 thousand rupees to prepare panchayats to get an ISO certificate. This certificate remains valid for three years. In this, the entire system of Panchayats is rectified. Services available in Panchayats are strengthened. Office maintenance is corrected. The system of maintenance of files and other items is fixed.
• In the first phase, 50 panchayats are being marked for getting ISO certificates. In this, such panchayats are selected, where the chief or his system is active. For this, cooperation has also been requested from the CSO. Its number will be increased in the second phase. Keela's cooperation will be taken into this.
• It is worth mentioning that the MLAs of Jharkhand & the members of the CSO Forum had recently visited Kerala and got information about the Panchayati Raj system there.

Jharkhand Eye Society was honoured as the Country's Best Eye Society

Why in News?

Jharkhand Eye Society has been awarded the National Award for Best State Society by All India Eye Society at the 80th Annual Convention held at Lulu Bolgatty International Convention Center in Kochi city of Kerala on 14 May 2023.

Key Points:

• Dr. Bharti Kashyap, Managing Committee Member cum Chairperson, Scientific Committee, Jharkhand Eye Society, was given this award by Metroman E Sreedharan and All India Eye Society President Dr. Harbansh Lal and former President Dr. Lalit Verma.
• Jharkhand Eye Society has been awarded the most prestigious trophy for scientific and educational activities.
• Dr. Bharti Kashyap said that for this, the national president instructed the management committee members from Jharkhand to conduct an awareness campaign for the training of post graduate students of ophthalmology, glaucoma, eye donation, cataract, diabetic retinopathy etc.
• The institutions & eye doctors of the state who have impressed institutions across the country with their work include Kashyap Memorial Eye Hospital, Bokaro General Hospital, Gandhinagar Hospital, CCL and Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) Ranchi. Dr. N.D. Mishra, Dr. Pinky Pal, Dr. Rashi Shyam, Dr. Vivek Kedia, Dr. Vinay Gupta have done commendable work.

3 players of Abujhmad won Gold Medal in the 2nd World Mallakhamb Championship

Why in News?

According to the information received from the media on 13 May 2023, 3 Mallakhamb players from Abujhmad of Narayanpur district of Chhattisgarh – Santosh Shorey, Santay Potai and Jayanthi Kachalam have won gold medals playing for the Indian national team in the 2nd World Mallakhamb Championship held in Bhutan.

Key Points:

• It is known that this championship was organized from 9 to 12 May 2023 in Bhutan.
• In this championship, all three players of Chhattisgarh have won gold medals in the team championship of boys and girls category. Santosh Shorey represented the national boy's team and Santay Potai & Jayanthi Kachalam represented the national girls' team in the championship.
• It is known that Abujhmad is one such tribal area of India which is still considered untouched, the lifestyle of the people here is related to the forest.
• It is worth mentioning that more than 200 players from many countries like India, Japan, America, South Africa, Brazil, Bahrain etc. participated in the World Mallakhamb Championship.
• Santosh Shorey started practising Mallakhamb from Class V (2017) at Porta Cabin School, Devgaon, Narayanpur, he got his first gold medal in the 2020 Bilaspur Invitational National Championship. After this, he also received 2 medals in the competition organized in Ujjain in September 2021.
• He also received 1 bronze medal in Khelo India organized on 2022 June, 1 bronze medal in National Games organized in Gujarat on 2022 October, 2 bronze medals in Khelo India organized on 2023 February. Santosh Shorey has so far won a total of 18 medals in state and national competitions.
• Similarly, Santay Potai has won 17 medals at the state and national level. Jayanthi Kachalam is a class 12th student, she has been practicing Mallakhamb for the past 4 years and has won a total of 14 medals at the state & national level.
• Based on the excellent performance of these players, they were selected in the national team of India.

Union Health Ministry awarded NQAS certification to 7 Hospitals in Chhattisgarh

Why in News?

On 12 May 2023, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare awarded the National Quality Assurance Standard (NQAS) certificate to the Sukma District Hospital located in the remote Vananchal of Chhattisgarh for excellent health services and LaQshya certificate for better obstetric facilities.

Key Points:

• The Union Health Ministry has awarded NQAS certification to 7 government hospitals in the state. These include 3 district hospitals, 2 primary health centers, 1 urban primary health center and 1 health & wellness center.
• It may be noted that the Health Ministry team inspected these hospitals between January and April this year to test the quality of services available to the patients. The team also took feedback from the patients in this regard.
• The Union Health Ministry has also issued National Quality Assurance Standard Certificate to Kawardha District Hospital under 'Muskan' program and Durg District Hospital under 'NQAS' programme.
• Along with Khaprikala Primary Health Center in Mungeli district and Khadma Primary Health Center in Gariaband, this certificate has also been issued to Rajkishore Nagar Urban Primary Health Center in Bilaspur.
• Country's first health & wellness center Jangla of Bijapur district, located in Bastar region, has also been awarded the National Quality Assurance Standard Certificate for quality health services. This health & wellness center was launched five years ago.
• It is worth mentioning that government hospitals located in remote areas like Sukma & Bijapur have got National Quality Assurance Standard Certificate and Target Certificate, indicating that quality health facilities are reaching all areas in the state.
• Sukma district hospital has scored 93 percent marks in the evaluation of the Health Ministry team under the 'NQAS' program, 93 percent in the evaluation of the labor room and 87 percent in the evaluation of the maternity OT under the 'Lakshya' program.
• Jangla Health & Wellness Center got 80 percent, Khaprikala Primary Health Center 81 percent, Khadma Primary Health Center 84 percent and Rajkishore Nagar Urban Primary Health Center got 85 percent marks.
• Durg District Hospital has scored 88 percent and Kawardha District Hospital has scored 93 percent in the evaluation of the Health Ministry team.
• It is to be known that before providing the National Quality Assurance Standard Certificate, the services and satisfaction level of the hospital are tested on various parameters by the team of experts of the Government of India.
• These include parameters such as services available, patients' rights, inputs, support services, clinical services, infection control, quality management and outcomes. Only hospitals that meet these stringent standards are issued quality certificates by the Union Health Ministry.

Chief Minister inaugurated Shri Anna Mahotsav 2023 at Hathibarkala

Why in News?

On 13 May 2023, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated Shri Anna Mahotsav 2023 at Survey Stadium, Hathibarkala in Dehradun district.

Key Points:

• Thousands of farmers from all over the state are participating in the four-day Shree Anna Mahotsav.
• On this occasion, the Chief Minister inspected various stalls based on Millets and released the book 'Swad Ke Saath Swasthya' based on nutritious crops of Agriculture Department, Uttarakhand.
• This event will prove to be a milestone in promoting 'Shri Anna'. Such events will not only encourage the cultivation of millets but also provide necessary information related to millets to the farmers.
• It is worth mentioning that the year 2023 is being celebrated as 'Millets Year' in the country and on the proposal of India, the 'United Nations' has declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets.
• The Uttarakhand state government is working to encourage the cultivation of millet in the hilly regions of the state through government schemes to encourage farmers and provide employment.
• Coarse grains like Mandwa, Jhingora, Chaulai are being procured from the farmers of the hilly districts of the state at minimum support price, along with this, online payment is also being made to the farmers. This is not only increasing the income of farmers but also encouraging farmers to produce millet products.
• An amount of about Rs 73 crore has been given to the State Millet Mission by the government to encourage millet crops and include them in the food of common people.
• Along with organic agriculture, the implementation of the National Natural Agriculture Mission scheme is being started in 11 districts of the state from this year. For this, approval has also been given by the Government of India to run an agricultural mission program worth about 796 lakhs on 6400 hectares of land.
• Uttarakhand has got the first prize for two consecutive years for doing good work in the state in the field of organic farming.

Chief Minister presented 'Hospitality & Tourism Excellence Award' to Entrepreneurs and Businessmen associated with tourism sector

Why in News?

On 13 May 2023, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami presented the 'Hospitality & Tourism Excellence Award' to entrepreneurs and businessmen associated with the tourism sector in a program organized by a news channel.

Key Points:

• On this occasion, the Chief Minister also felicitated Director General Information Banshidhar Tiwari & Sushant Patnaik for his contribution in the field of environment and forest for better coordination with various tourism businessmen & contribution in effective publicity of public welfare schemes through media.
• It is known that the entire Uttarakhand is a destination from the point of view of tourism and efforts are being made to connect the state through various circuits. Along with tourism, there are many possibilities in adventure tourism and other tourism activities in the state.
• Due to the spontaneous natural beauty of the state, there are immense possibilities of tourism, industry and trade. The foundation stone of the ropeway from Hemkunt Sahib and Gaurikund to Kedarnath has been laid, due to which the journey will be easier in the coming times. Passengers will reach Char Dham from Rishikesh in a very short time as compared to before construction of all-weather road and construction of Rishikesh-Karnprayag rail line.