PIB Summary- 27th May, 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar

Why in News?
Recently, the Women and Child Development Ministry has invited nominations for Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar.

About Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar

• It is an award given by the Government of India to recognize exceptional achievements of children in various fields such as innovation, scholastic achievements, social service, arts & culture, sports, and bravery.
• Eligibility criteria: Indian citizen between the ages of 5-18 who resides in India.
• Award includes: a medal, cash prize of Rs. 1,00,000, book vouchers worth Rs.10,000, a certificate and a citation.
• The award was started in 1996 as the National Child Award for Exceptional Achievement and renamed in 2018 as Bal Shakti Puraskar.

Bal Kalyan Puraskar

• This award is given to recognize Individuals and Institutions who have made outstanding contributions towards service for children in the field of child development, child protection, and child welfare.
• Eligibility criteria for individuals: Indian citizen who is 18 years or above, who has worked for the cause of children for at least 7 years.
• Eligibility criteria for institutions: Not entirely funded by the government, working in the field of child welfare for at least 10 years and performing consistently.
• Award includes: cash prize of Rs. 1,00, 000 for individuals and Rs. 5,00, 000 for institutions.
• The award was started in 1979 as the National Child Welfare Awards and renamed in 2018 as Bal Kalyan Puraskar.

Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL)

Why in News?
The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link Road, the longest sea link in India, is nearing completion, and will likely be open to the public by November 2023.

Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL)

• Mumbai-Mainland Connectivity: The MTHL connects Mumbai to the mainland, starting from Sewri in Mumbai and ending at Chirle in Navi Mumbai.
• Longest Sea Link: The 22-km-long sea link is the longest in India and the tenth longest in the world.
• Project Cost: The total cost of the MTHL project is estimated to be Rs 17,843 crore.
• Use of Orthotropic Steel Deck Technology: The MTHL utilizes Orthotropic Steel Decks, a first-time implementation in India. These special steel decks allow for longer spans between piers, making the construction more efficient.
• Passage through Busy Navigational Channel: The MTHL passes through one of the busiest navigational channels leading to the Nhava Sheva Port. The use of Orthotropic Steel Decks enables a larger span, accommodating the channel.
• Reverse Circulation Drilling: The project utilizes Reverse Circulation Drilling, a technology being used for the first time in India. This method is employed for laying the pile foundation, offering reduced noise and environmental impact compared to traditional vertical drilling.
• High Containment Crash Barriers: The MTHL incorporates high containment crash barriers, which are designed to push the car back onto the road in case of a crash, ensuring enhanced safety measures compared to regular crash barriers.

Achievements and Benefits of MTHL

• Physical and Economic Development: The MTHL is expected to contribute to the physical and economic development of Navi Mumbai and the Raigad district.
• Connectivity to Navi Mumbai International Airport: The link will provide faster connectivity to the proposed Navi Mumbai International Airport, facilitating easier transportation for passengers.
• Connectivity to Mumbai and Jawaharlal Nehru Ports: The MTHL will enhance connectivity between Mumbai Port and Jawaharlal Nehru Port, supporting the efficient movement of goods and trade activities.
• Fuel and Time Savings: The reduced distance of about 15 km between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, along with improved connectivity to the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and Mumbai-Goa highway, will result in fuel savings and shorter travel times, potentially reducing congestion.
• Traffic Decongestion: The MTHL is expected to alleviate traffic congestion within Mumbai city by diverting a significant portion of the traffic to the new link.