UPPSC Monthly Current Affairs: May 2023 | Monthly Current Affairs UPPSC - UPPSC (UP) PDF Download

Modern Cities to Rise Along Rapid Rail and Metro Lines

Recent reports indicate that the Uttar Pradesh government has plans to develop modern cities in areas connected by rapid rail and metro rail. Cities earmarked for this development include Kanpur, Agra, Meerut, and Ghaziabad, in addition to the state capital, Lucknow.

Key Details

• The proposed modern cities will be situated on both sides of the rapid rail and metro lines. These cities will feature a range of amenities, including large hotels, fully-equipped apartments, multi-level parking, and parks.
• In line with this initiative, the Housing Department has directed the development authorities in these cities to create Zonal Development Plans. Proposals for these plans have been requested from all development authorities.
• Additional Chief Secretary Housing, Nitin Ramesh Gokarn, emphasized the implementation of the Uttar Pradesh Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Policy-2022. This policy aims to promote modern city development by allowing more construction on less land, facilitating both residential and commercial building, and enabling land-use conversion for need-based construction in metro and rapid rail cities.

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) Ranks Second in IIRF 2023

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Uttar Pradesh has been ranked as the second-best university in India by the Indian Institutional Ranking Framework (IIRF) on May 29, 2023.

Ranking Criteria

• IIRF evaluates educational institutions based on various parameters such as:
  • Teaching quality
  • Research quality and productivity
  • Placements
  • Industry linkages
  • Reputation and image

BHU's Performance

• BHU scored 982.95 out of 1000 in the ranking of Central Universities.
• Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) ranked first with 983.12 marks, while Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) secured third place with 982.88 marks.

Comparison with Other Universities

• BHU outperformed JNU in placements and international outlook.
• However, it fell short in teaching, research, and placement arrangements by a narrow margin, scoring just 0.17 marks less than JNU.

Other Notable Universities

• The ranking also featured other prominent universities such as:
  • Jamia Millia Islamia
  • University of Hyderabad
  • University of Delhi (DU)
  • Central University of Punjab

Creation of Seven Development Regions in Uttar Pradesh

A High-Level Committee by the Central Government has recommended creating seven development regions in Uttar Pradesh to focus on urban development, riverfront development, and a global gateway system.

Key Recommendations

• State Capital Region (SCR) : Proposed in Lucknow, similar to the National Capital Region (NCR). Districts to be included are: Lucknow, Kanpur Nagar, Kanpur Dehat, Unnao, Rae Bareli, Barabanki, Sitapur, and Hardoi.
• Other Development Regions : Proposed in Meerut, Agra, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Bareilly, and Jhansi.

Regional Planning Focus

• Emphasis on river development to address housing and employment issues.
• Regional planning aimed at facilitating development from cities to villages.
• Contribution towards achieving a one trillion-dollar economy.

Transportation Recommendations

• Development of a trauma system for efficient transportation in smaller towns as an alternative to state-wide metro systems.
• Aim for affordable and low-capital travel options.

Farman Mian Receives the ‘Bharat Gaurav Ratna’ Award

Farman Hasan Khan, also known as Farman Mian, the National General Secretary of Jamaat Raza Mustafa in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, has been honored with the ‘Bharat Gaurav Ratna’ award by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India. This recognition, reported on May 26, 2023, is for his exemplary work in humanity and social service.

Contributions to Healthcare

• Farman Mian has been instrumental in assisting numerous patients in need of critical medical procedures, including cancer treatment, hip surgeries, and bypass surgeries.
• His efforts in promoting health initiatives have been acknowledged previously, such as receiving an award from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for his significant role in the TB-free campaign.

Previous Awards and Recognitions

• Farman Mian has a history of receiving accolades for his dedication to social causes:
• He was recognized by the National Commission for Women in India for his work in advancing women’s rights.
• The National Human Rights Commission awarded him for his vital contributions to human rights protection.
• Bharat University in Karnataka has conferred upon him an honorary doctorate in recognition of his efforts.

Emergency Medicine Department will Open in All Medical Institutions of Uttar Pradesh

Emergency medicine departments will be established in all medical universities, colleges, and educational institutions in Uttar Pradesh. This decision comes from the National Medical Commission (NMC), which has made it mandatory. The aim is to improve emergency services and patient care across the state.

Details of the Initiative

• Medical Colleges and Emergency Services: Medical colleges are being set up in every district of Uttar Pradesh, and emergency services are currently operational in various medical universities and institutes.
• Establishment of Emergency Medicine Departments: The NMC has instructed the establishment of Emergency Medicine Departments to enhance the quality of emergency care. These departments are already functioning in institutions like KGMU and Lohia Institute.
• Role of Emergency Medicine Department: In case of an emergency, patients will first be directed to the Emergency Medicine Department, where specialist doctors will assess their condition based on symptoms and determine the appropriate course of treatment.
• Benefits of the Initiative: The establishment of these departments is expected to alleviate the burden on major hospitals by providing immediate care to serious patients in local medical institutions. It will also facilitate clinical learning for medical students.

Guinness World Record for Longest Song Goes to Shri Ramcharitmanas

On May 23, 2023, it was reported that the Shri Ramcharitmanas has set a new record as the longest song in the world, with a duration of 138 hours, 41 minutes, and 20 seconds. This remarkable achievement was made possible by Dr. Jagdish Pillai from Banaras, Uttar Pradesh, who lent his voice to this monumental rendition.

• Previously, this record was held by individuals from America and the United Kingdom. However, with this new record, India has now claimed the title, officially recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records.
• Dr. Jagdish Pillai has also set a record for being the Guinness World Record holder from Uttar Pradesh, achieving this feat five times.
• The certificate from Guinness was presented to Dr. Pillai at his home by State AYUSH Minister Dr. Dayashankar Mishra Dayalu. Despite not being a native Hindi speaker, Dr. Pillai was able to sing this lengthy song in Awadhi with great emotion and beauty, incorporating bhajans and kirtans. It took him four years to complete this project.
• The Shri Ramcharitmanas song has been broadcasted on over 100 audio channels worldwide, earning its place as the longest officially released song in the world. The previous record for the longest song was held by Mark Christopher Lee and The Pocket Gods from the UK, who sang for 115 hours and 45 minutes on December 1, 2021, using only one type of instrumental music.
• Dr. Jagdish Pillai expressed his desire to break the record for the world’s longest song since 2016, believing that such a record should belong to India, given the presence of epic texts like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. He initially sought help from friends to understand the Awadhi language and pronunciation before recording the song.
• Dr. Pillai has previously set records in the Guinness Book of World Records, including creating an animation movie in the shortest time, making the longest line of postcards, and conducting awareness campaigns through the largest poster and yoga public awareness campaigns. He holds a PhD in Vedic Science and has authored over 500 books.

BHU Researchers to Convert Coal into Methane

In a groundbreaking initiative, the Ministry of Coal has entrusted scientists from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) with a pioneering project to convert coal into methane within its natural underground environment. This project, the first of its kind in the country, aims to address the energy crisis by exploring the organic conversion of coal into methane through biomethanization.

Project Details

• The study will be conducted by Prof. Prakash Kumar Singh from the Geology Department and Prof. Ashalata Singh from the Botany Department at BHU.
• They are already involved in a project funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) focusing on reducing sulfur content in sulfur-rich coal from Northeast India using biochemical techniques.
• Two Key Outcomes
• The research aims to demonstrate that green energy can be generated by converting coal into methane in situ, potentially reducing the need for coal mining and minimizing environmental impact.
• Recently, officials from the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI) and Coal India visited BHU to learn more about the project.

MoU Signed Between UP Government and Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, South Korea

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Uttar Pradesh government and Gyeongsangbuk-do province in the Republic of Korea to promote educational, economic, and cultural relations for mutual progress and development.

Details of the MoU

• The MoU was signed by Manoj Kumar Singh, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Industrial Development, on behalf of the Uttar Pradesh government, and Lee Youngseok, Director General of the Bureau of Economic and Industrial Affairs in Gyeongsangbuk-do province.
• Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized the significance of this partnership in enhancing bilateral cooperation between the two regions, reiterating the historical ties between Uttar Pradesh and South Korea.

Historical Context

• The Chief Minister highlighted the centuries-old relationship between the two countries, dating back to the time when Princess Shriratna of Ayodhya traveled to South Korea and married King Suro of Jimgwan, becoming known as Heo Hwang-ok.
• The symbol of the Jimgawan kingdom, the twin fish, is found in various historical monuments in the Awadh region of Uttar Pradesh, including Ayodhya.
• In 2018, the Chief Minister and the first lady of South Korea, Kim Jung Sook, laid the foundation stone for the Queen Heo Memorial Park in Ayodhya, which has since been completed, establishing Ayodhya and Gimhae city in South Korea as twin cities.

Economic Potential

• Gyeongsangbuk-do province is known for being the birthplace of major global companies such as Samsung and LG and has a large consumer base with a population of 250 million.

Development of Industrial Corridor along Ganga Expressway

On 22 May 2023, reports emerged that an industrial corridor is set to be developed along the Ganga Expressway in Uttar Pradesh. This corridor will feature various industrial parks and facilities, aimed at boosting economic activity in the region.

Key Highlights:

• Industrial Parks: The Ganga Expressway will host several industrial parks, including pharma and textile parks.
• Industrial Corridors: Plans are in place to establish large industrial corridors at both the beginning and end of the expressway.
• Investor Interest: The expressway's accessibility is expected to attract numerous investors to set up industries along its route.
• Pre-emptive Development: The Uttar Pradesh government aims to identify and develop potential sites for industry and investment in districts along the expressway before its completion.
• Hapur: The expressway will pass through Hapur, where a pharma park is planned.
• Prayagraj: An industrial corridor is under development in Prayagraj, where NH-2 will connect to the Prayagraj bypass, benefiting from the expressway's proximity.
• Meerut and Hardoi: The land around Meerut, the expressway's starting point, will be developed for industries. In Hardoi, land has been identified for a textile park, which will extend to Lucknow.
• Shahjahanpur: Warehouses will be established in Shahjahanpur along the expressway, supporting yield-based industries.
• Training and Medical Institutes: Industrial training and medical institutes are also planned for the area.
• Project Implementation: The Ganga Expressway is being constructed in eight packages by Adani and IRB companies under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with an expected completion date of January 2025.
• Purvanchal and Bundelkhand Expressways: The Purvanchal Expressway, passing through 12 districts, is part of the industrial corridor development. The Bundelkhand region is also seeing the establishment of a defence corridor, including the Bundelkhand Expressway, with land development in Jalaun and Banda.
• Gorakhpur Link Expressway: An industrial corridor is planned along the Gorakhpur Link Expressway, with a budget provision of Rs 200 crore.
• Existing Corridors: Industrial corridors are already under development in Ghazipur, Azamgarh, Jaunpur, and Barabanki along the Purvanchal Expressway.

Uttar Pradesh: Leading Sugar Production in India

On 21 May 2023, Laxmi Narayan Chaudhary, the Minister for Sugarcane Development and Sugar Mills in Uttar Pradesh, announced that the state has reclaimed its position as the top sugar producer in India, surpassing Maharashtra.

• In the 2022-2023 season, Uttar Pradesh produced 107.29 lakh tonnes of sugar, while Maharashtra produced 105.30 lakh tonnes. The state also led in sugarcane production with 2,348 lakh tonnes, compared to Maharashtra's 1,413 lakh tonnes.
• Uttar Pradesh's sugar mills crushed 1,084.57 lakh tonnes of sugarcane, while Maharashtra's mills crushed 1,053 lakh tonnes. The state has 157 sugar mills, with 118 operational, whereas Maharashtra has 210 operational mills out of 246.
• Sugarcane was cultivated in 28.53 lakh hectares in Uttar Pradesh, significantly more than Maharashtra's 14.87 lakh hectares. During the 2022-2023 season, Uttar Pradesh paid farmers Rs 28,494 crore, with 80 sugar mills receiving full payment within a week. Over the past six years, sugar mills in the state have been paid a total of Rs 2.11 lakh crore.

Tunnel Construction for Agra Fort-Taj Mahal Metro Railway Line

Construction of the metro railway line between Agra Fort and Taj Mahal is progressing well, with TBM Yamuna making significant strides.

Key Highlights:

• TBM Yamuna's Achievement: TBM Yamuna achieved the first breakthrough in just 77 days, marking a record for the Agra Metro Rail Project.
• Project Launch: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched TBM Yamuna in February, initiating the tunnel work.
• Phases of Construction: The underground metro line construction is divided into three phases: initial drive, main drive, and breakthrough.
• Importance of the Project: This project is significant as it showcases the efficiency and speed of metro construction in Agra, setting a precedent for future projects.

Phases of Tunnel Construction:

First Phase: Initial Drive

• Process: The Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) begins digging from the launching site.
• Temporary Rings: These are fitted manually to help propel the TBM forward.
• Thrust Jacks: These are used to push the TBM forward.

Second Phase: Main Drive

• Process: The TBM continues to dig and install permanent ring segments.

Third Phase: Breakthrough

• Process: The TBM completes the tunnel and breaks through at the other end.

Significance of the Project:

• Record Time: The first breakthrough in 77 days is a remarkable achievement.
• Efficiency: Demonstrates the efficiency of the TBM and the construction team.
• Future Projects: Sets a benchmark for future metro projects in Agra and other cities.

Development of Greater Aligarh on NCR Lines

Greater Aligarh, situated on Khair Road in the Aligarh district of Uttar Pradesh, is set to be developed similarly to Noida in the National Capital Region (NCR). The Aligarh Development Authority (ADA) has approved a residential scheme for an Integrated Housing Township covering approximately 300 hectares along the Aligarh-Palwal National Highway.

Key Details:

• 3D Design and Photographs: A consultancy firm from Lucknow has prepared 3D designs and photographs for the Integrated Housing Township.
• Land Acquisition: ADA will acquire land in several villages, including Moosepur, Jirauli, Atalpur, Ahmedabad, Jatanpur, Chikavati, Rustampur Akhan, and Lohasra Visawan, for the housing project.
• Strategic Importance: The area is prioritized for various Central and State Government schemes. It is also significant for projects like the Defense Corridor and Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh State University.
• Connectivity: The Aligarh-Palwal National Highway is crucial for connecting Aligarh to Delhi-NCR and for the upcoming Jewar Airport, enhancing the importance of the housing township.
• Sector-wise Development: Greater Aligarh will be divided into sectors, featuring towers with different categories of flats.

Land Pooling Scheme:

• Implementation: Aligarh Development Authority is the first in the state to implement the land pooling scheme, acquiring 10 hectares of land from nine farmers in Transport Nagar Yojana.
• Background: The state government approved the land pooling policy in industrial development authorities in February 2019, offering compensation to landowners and returning a portion of the area.

The development of Greater Aligarh on the lines of NCR and the successful implementation of the land pooling scheme position the area for significant growth and enhanced connectivity. The Integrated Housing Township is expected to play a vital role in this transformation.

Anjana Gupta Achieves Record Victory in Uttar Pradesh Municipal Elections

Anjana Gupta, the newly elected Mayor of Aligarh, has made headlines by securing the highest percentage of votes in the Uttar Pradesh municipal elections, with an impressive 92.76% of the votes.

Key Highlights

• Record-Breaking Victory: Anjana Gupta, representing the BJP, achieved this remarkable feat in Ward 43, setting a record for the highest percentage of votes in the Uttar Pradesh municipal elections.
• Vote Breakdown: In Ward 43, out of a total of 10,700 votes cast in the municipal elections, 5,078 votes were specifically for this ward. Anjana Gupta received 4,714 votes, while her closest competitor from the Samajwadi Party garnered only 201 votes.

Announcement of 52 Annapurna Stores in Bareilly Commissionery

On May 17, 2023, it was announced by Joginder Singh, the vice-chairman of the Bareilly Development Authority (BDA), that 52 Annapurna stores will be established in Bareilly Commissionery as a pilot project. These stores will offer 40 different types of everyday essential items to the public.

The model for these 52 Annapurna stores was presented to the Chief Minister by various officials, including Veena Kumari, Principal Secretary of the Food and Logistics Department, and Bareilly Commissioner Saumya Aggarwal.

Store Features

• The Annapurna store will be located in the panchayat buildings of villages and will cover an area of 52 square meters.
• There will be a 4-foot wide verandah or waiting shed in front of the store.
• One part of the store will function as a fair price shop, capable of storing 200 quintals of food grains.
• The second part of the store will serve as a public convenience center and general store, equipped with an e-pass machine.

Services Offered

• The public convenience center will provide various services, including the issuance of income, caste, birth, residence certificates, Aadhaar services, pension services, and more.
• Bills can be deposited at the store, and items such as 5 kg LPG cylinders, e-stamps, and fire extinguishers will be available for purchase.
• Services like Micro ATM and BC Sakhi will also be offered at the store.

Establishment of the Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation Institute

On May 17, 2023, during a high-level meeting, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed the establishment of the Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation Institute in Uttar Pradesh. This institute aims to promote research and innovation in the pharmaceutical sector.

• Uttar Pradesh ranks sixth in the country for the number of pharmaceutical manufacturing units, contributing 2 percent to the nation’s pharma manufacturing. The goal is to increase this contribution to 10-12 percent.
• The state is home to renowned research institutes such as IITR, CDRI, CIMAP, and NBRI, as well as academic institutions like SGPGI and KGMU. With planned efforts, Lucknow has recently emerged as a biopharma hub.
• Technical educational institutions like AKTU can provide the necessary workforce for the pharmaceutical sector. A pharma park is under construction, and a medical device park is also planned.
• Chief Minister Adityanath emphasized the importance of quality education, research labs, and industry collaboration to boost the pharmaceutical sector. The new institute will focus on research and innovation and act as a bridge between various sector-related institutions and the industry.
• Officials have been tasked with preparing a detailed action plan for the institute and identifying suitable land in Lucknow for its establishment.

Country’s First Night Safari to be Developed in Lucknow

As per media reports on May 17, 2023, the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has granted permission to establish India’s first night safari and a new zoo in the Kukrail forests of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, inspired by similar facilities in Singapore.

• In August of the previous year, the state cabinet had approved the proposal for the night safari and the relocation of the existing zoo to Kukrail. Since then, the Forest Department has been working on obtaining the necessary clearances and completing formalities for the projects.
• The Kukrail forests, spanning over 2027.46 hectares, will host the night safari over 350 acres, with the zoological garden covering 150 acres. To preserve the original forest ecosystem, 1000 acres of land has been identified for these developments.
• The estimated cost for both projects is around Rs 1500 crore. With the CZA’s approval, the Forest Department plans to engage an international consultant to prepare the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and will invite global tenders for the project’s execution. This work will be done in Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) mode, ensuring that the contracted firm manages all aspects of the project according to set standards.

Sugarcane Satta & Supply Policy for Crushing Season 2023-24

On May 15, 2023, Sanjay R. Bhoosreddy, the Sugarcane and Sugar Commissioner of Uttar Pradesh, announced the Satta & supply policy for sugarcane for the upcoming crushing season 2023-24.

Key Changes in the Sugarcane Supply Policy

• Increased Satta Limits:The maximum sugarcane betting limits per farmer have been raised as follows:
  • Marginal Farmers: From 850 to 900 quintals
  • Small Farmers: From 1,700 to 1,800 quintals
  • General Farmers: From 4,250 to 4,500 quintals
• Increased Yield Limits:In cases of higher yields, the maximum Satta limits have been increased to:
  • Marginal Farmers: From 1,350 to 1,400 quintals
  • Small Farmers: From 2,700 to 2,800 quintals
  • General Farmers: From 6,750 to 7,000 quintals
• Small Farmer Eligibility: The eligibility criteria for small farmers have been adjusted to include those with up to 72 quintals of sugarcane, rather than the previous limit of 60 quintals. This change allows these farmers to supply sugarcane within 45 days.

Additional Provisions

• Basic Quota Determination: The basic quota for the crushing season 2023-24 will be determined based on the maximum average sugarcane supply from the last two, three, and five years.
• New Member Quotas: For farmers who became new members in the 2022-23 crushing season and supplied sugarcane for only one year, their one-year sugarcane supply will be considered as their basic quota.
• Online Access: The final calendar and other information will be made available online through the Smart Sugarcane Farmers (ERP) website caneup.in and the E-Ganna mobile app.
• Priority Supply: A 20 percent priority will be given to sugarcane supply for soldiers, paramilitary forces, ex-servicemen, freedom fighters, and their legal heirs, based on certificates issued by competent authorities.
• Double Bond Cases: If a double bond (double Satta) case is identified during the crushing season, it will be addressed in the Cane Implementation Committee meeting, and action will be taken to ban sugarcane supply and price payment for the concerned farmer.
• Sugarcane Society Membership: Only members of sugarcane societies formed by September 30, 2023, will be eligible for sugarcane supply in the upcoming session.

6458 Sports Grounds will be built in the villages of Uttar Pradesh

On 17 May 2023, Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Keshav Prasad Maurya has told that 6458 sports grounds will be constructed in the current financial year under MNREGA in order to strengthen the infrastructure related to sports by the state government to enhance sports talents in rural areas.

• Under MNREGA, a target has been set to construct 6458 sports grounds in the current financial year 2023-24.
• MNREGA sports grounds are also being developed as MNREGA parks.
• There will be made open gyms for teenagers and swings for the entertainment of children as well as for the elderly to walk.
• It is known that in the five years from 2017-18 to 2022-23, 23,576 sports grounds and MNREGA parks have been constructed in the state.

Uttar Pradesh on 2nd position for tap water connection

According to information received from the media on 15 May 2023, Uttar Pradesh has now become the 2nd state to provide maximum tap water connections to rural households, surpassing Maharashtra.

• Uttar Pradesh has given 1,12,97,534 tap water connections, taking the lead among the states in providing maximum tap connections to rural households. More than 40 thousand tap water connections are being given daily in the state.
• It is known that the state has achieved this new milestone in the ‘Tap to Water Supply Scheme’.
• Significantly, Maharashtra, which was in the second position till now, has reached the third position with 1,11,22,327 tap water connections.
• Uttar Pradesh is eyeing to overtake Bihar sitting on the top, taking the lead among the states providing maximum tap water connections to the rural households of the country.
• The state has the highest rural population of 2,65,93,949 among other states. Even after this, the work of the ‘Har Ghar Nal Ka Jal’ scheme of the ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’ is being completed rapidly by the government.

MoU Signed Between CSJMU and Russian University

An MoU has been signed between Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (CSJMU), Kanpur, and Perstrozabosk State University, Russia, allowing students from Kanpur to study in Russia.

• Details of the MoU: The agreement was signed by Professor Vinay Pathak, Vice-Chancellor of CSJMU, and Professor Marina Gosdeva from the Russian university. This marks CSJMU's first international agreement, enabling students to study and conduct research with foreign professors and students.
• Future Initiatives: Following this agreement, various initiatives such as lecture series, joint research programs, faculty and student exchange programs will be initiated. Students from Kanpur will have the opportunity to study in Russia, and vice versa.
• Research Leadership: Professor Marina Gosdeva highlighted her university's leadership in research, particularly in diabetes and construction, and mentioned the upcoming joint research program involving students and teachers from both universities.

International Film Festival Organized in Saran, Bihar

The International Film Festival Season-3 concluded on May 14, 2023, in Saran (Chhapra) district of Bihar, showcasing films from 21 countries.

• Films Screened: The festival featured films, documentaries, and short films from various countries including the Philippines, Italy, Turkey, India, Spain, USA, Australia, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan. National and international films for children were also screened.
• Awards: The Best Film Award in the National category was won by the children’s film "Inspiration of Pursuit" and the short fiction film "Washing Machine". In the international category, the Turkish film "Ikron and Yushu" won the Best Documentary - International award.
• Organisation: The festival was organized under the aegis of Mayur Kala Kendra and with the support of the Ministry of Youth Arts and Sports. It is the first and only International Film Festival of Bihar.
• Panel Discussion: A panel discussion was held where artists from India and abroad shared their experiences and insights about theatre, literature, and cinema with the audience.

Memorandum of Understanding between Shobhit University and AARDO

On May 11, 2023, it was reported that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Shobhit Institute of Engineering & Technology, a deemed-to-be University located in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, and the African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO) to foster mutual cooperation.

• The primary aim of this MoU is to collaborate on agriculture and rural development by addressing challenges through technological interventions and capacity building.
• The agreement was signed by Dr. Manoj Nardev Singh, the General Secretary of AARDO, and Kunwar Shekhar Vijender, the Chancellor of Shobhit University.
• This MoU is expected to facilitate human resource development, capacity building, and exchange programs, positively impacting the lives of people in 31 African and Asian countries, particularly their youth.
• Additionally, it will initiate scientific exchanges of students between the involved parties.
• Recently, AARDO also signed MoUs with IIT Kharagpur and IIT Delhi.
• Shobhit Institute of Engineering & Technology, situated in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, is accredited with an ‘A’ grade by NAAC.
• AARDO, established in 1962 as an autonomous inter-governmental organization, comprises 33 member countries, including 17 African nations, 14 Asian countries, one corporation, and one bank as associates. Its headquarters in New Delhi, India, aims to foster understanding among member countries to promote welfare and reduce thirst, hunger, illiteracy, and poverty.

Upcoming Changes in Uttar Pradesh's Industrial Investment and Employment Policy

According to media reports on May 11, 2023, the Uttar Pradesh government is planning to revise its industrial investment and employment promotion policy to better meet the needs of investors.

Key Changes in the Policy

• The revised policy will include reimbursement of stamp duty exemptions for land purchases.
• Capital subsidy facilities for mega projects will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Background

The Uttar Pradesh government had originally launched the Industrial Investment and Employment Promotion Policy in 2022 with the goal of making the state a trillion-dollar economy.

Objectives of the Policy

• To create a progressive, innovative, and competitive industrial ecosystem in Uttar Pradesh.
• To generate employment opportunities while attracting investments from around the world.

Campaign for the Benefit of PMKSNY to 100% Food Providers of the State

On May 10, 2023, it was reported that the Uttar Pradesh government plans to launch a comprehensive campaign to extend the benefits of the 'Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana' (PMKSNY) to all food providers in the state. This initiative will include both old and new registered farmers.

The campaign, aimed at identifying and registering eligible farmers, will be conducted by officials and employees from various departments, including Agriculture, Revenue, Rural Development, and Panchayati Raj.

Campaign Details

• Duration: The campaign will run at the Gram Panchayat level from May 22 to June 10, 2023.
• Preparation Phase: Prior to the Gram Panchayat campaign, officials will conduct door-to-door surveys until May 20 to identify farmers who are currently missing out on the scheme benefits for various reasons.

Role of Agriculture Department

• The Agriculture Department will lead the campaign, coordinating efforts to ensure that farmers are registered and their details are updated correctly.
• Camp Organization: Camps will be set up at the Gram Panchayat level with representatives from various local bodies to facilitate e-KYC, Aadhaar linking, and land seeding tasks.

Importance of the Scheme

• Under the PMKSNY, farmers receive ₹6,000 annually, directly transferred to their bank accounts.
• E-KYC Requirement: For the 14th installment, e-KYC has been made mandatory to ensure proper identification and verification of beneficiaries.

Current Challenges

• Many farmers have not yet applied or have pending applications under the scheme.
• Issues such as unupdated land accounts and non-linking of bank accounts with Aadhaar are preventing farmers from receiving their installments.
• Despite multiple verifications, some registered farmers are facing difficulties due to these technical issues.
• Background: A total of 13 installments have been distributed under the PMKSNY so far, with the 14th installment requiring updated e-KYC information.

Amit Kumar of Meerut Honoured with Shaurya Chakra

On May 9, 2023, President Draupadi Murmu awarded the Shaurya Chakra to CRPF Assistant Commandant Amit Kumar for his exceptional bravery during an operation against terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir.

Details of the Operation

• Date and Location: The operation took place on October 12, 2020, in the Barzulla area of Srinagar.
• Recognition: Amit Kumar was previously announced to receive three police medals for this operation and others on August 15, 2022.

Background of Amit Kumar

• Early Life: Amit Kumar hails from Meerut's New Meenakshipuram, with his family originally from Nisurkha village in Bulandshahr district. His father, Jeet Singh, is a retired army personnel.
• Education: He completed his BSc and MSc in Physics from Meerut College after attending Army School Meerut Cantt for his schooling.
• CRPF Career: Amit joined the CRPF as a directly appointed officer in 2013 and was involved in various operations across different locations. In April 2018, he became the Commander of Valley QAT in Srinagar, participating in numerous encounters.

Notable Achievements

• Amit was part of a team responsible for 15 encounters, resulting in the elimination of 30 terrorists and the capture of five.
• He has received 14 citations from the government for his courageous efforts.
• Since August 29, 2022, he has been serving as an Assistant Commandant in One Signal CRPF in New Delhi.

Launch of Khelo India University Games 2022 in Uttar Pradesh

On May 5, 2023, the official logo, mascot, flambeau, anthem, and jersey for the Khelo India University Games 2022 in Uttar Pradesh were unveiled in Lucknow by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Singh Thakur and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. This event coincided with Buddha Purnima and marks the third edition of the Khelo India University Games.

The games are scheduled to take place from May 25 to June 3, 2023.

During the event, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also initiated four torch relays that will traverse the West, East, Central, and Bundelkhand regions of Uttar Pradesh over the next 20 days.

Highlights from the Launch:

• Logo and Anthem: The logo, representing Uttar Pradesh's rich heritage and development, was launched by Chief Minister Adityanath. Union Minister Anurag Thakur released the anthem titled 'Khelo India - Har Dil Mein Desh,' composed and sung by Palash Sen.
• Official Jersey: Thakur unveiled the official jersey worn by prominent Uttar Pradesh athletes, including Lalit Upadhyay, Sudha Singh, and Divya Kakran.
• Mascot: The mascot, Jeetu, symbolizing a Barasingha, was introduced. This animal represents skill, ethics, and grit, embodying the spirit of the Khelo India University Games and showcasing Uttar Pradesh's cultural heritage.
• Torch: The University Games torch, named 'Shakti,' was unveiled by Uttar Pradesh athletes. This torch symbolizes energy, heritage, and the future of Uttar Pradesh, featuring the river Ganga and peacock feathers and lotus petals, signifying calm energy and inspiration.

Overview of Khelo India University Games 2022:

• The Khelo India University Games 2022 will take place in Lucknow, Varanasi, Noida, and Gorakhpur, with the shooting competition held in Delhi and Kabaddi starting on May 23 in Noida.
• Over 4,000 athletes from 200 Indian universities will compete in 21 sporting events, inspired by the values of skill, ethics, and grit.

Former UP DGP Appointed Director of Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association

On May 3, 2023, Devendra Singh Chauhan, the former Director General of Police (DGP) in Uttar Pradesh, was appointed to the panel of directors for the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA).

Unanimous Decision

• The decision to induct Chauhan was made unanimously by the 12 directors of UPCA during an online meeting chaired by UPCA President Nidhipati Singhania.
• This marked the first time an administrative officer had been included in the UPCA board.

Filling a Vacant Position

• Chauhan’s appointment filled a vacancy left by Rajeev Shukla ’s resignation.
• With Chauhan’s addition, the number of directors increased from 12 to 13.

Current UPCA Directors

• The UPCA’s 12 directors before Chauhan’s appointment included:
• Nidhipati Singhania, Abhishek Singhania, Yuddhveer Singh, Riyasat Ali, Tahir Hasan, Ashok Chaturvedi, Prem Manohar Gupta, Pradeep Kumar Gupta, Shyam Babu, Javed Akhtar, Vijay Gupta, and Gajendranath Tiwari.

Future Plans and Discussions

• During the meeting, discussions also included plans for the upliftment of UPCA and the possibility of hosting more international matches in Uttar Pradesh.
• There was a particular emphasis on holding international matches at venues such as the Greenpark Cricket Stadium in Kanpur.

Background of Dr. Devendra Singh Chauhan

• Dr. Chauhan, originally from Mainpuri and born on March 20, 1963, in Satara, Maharashtra, is an MBBS graduate and a 1988 batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer.
• He served as DG Intelligence before becoming the acting DGP of Uttar Pradesh in May 2022.
• Dr. Chauhan retired from his position on March 31, 2023.

Dr. Saumya Mishra's Initiative in Canada

• Dr. Saumya Mishra, hailing from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, played a pivotal role in organizing the 'Millet Fair' and 'Swaraj - The Saga of Independence' in Toronto, Canada.
• This event showcased India's rich cultural heritage and culinary diversity, focusing on millet-based dishes from various states and union territories.

Participants and Their Contributions

• Participants aged between 2 to 65 years contributed to the program by presenting a narrative on the Indian freedom struggle, highlighting 80 freedom fighters, many of whom are lesser-known heroes.

Digital Launch of Millet Recipe Book

• The event also featured the digital unveiling of the 'Millet Recipe Book', which contains 34 recipes categorized into four sections for home cooks.

Chief Minister Innovation Award Scheme

On May 1, 2023, Inder Singh Parmar, the Minister of State for School Education and General Administration in Madhya Pradesh, inaugurated the State Level Assessment Center at the Institute of Advanced Educational Studies in Bhopal. This center was established by the State Board of Open Schooling. During the event, the Chief Minister’s Innovation Award Scheme for school students from classes 5 to 12 was also launched.

Details of the Award Scheme

• The Chief Minister’s Innovation Award Scheme offers cash prizes for outstanding innovations by students in classes 5 to 12.
• Prizes include:
  • First Prize: Rs 51,000
  • Second Prize: Rs 31,000
  • Third Prize: Rs 21,000
  • Consolation Prize: Rs 11,000 (for each division)
• A total of ten prizes will be awarded.
• Additionally, 20% of the prize money will be given to the students' mentors (teachers).

Nodal Centre and Submission Process

• EFA School has been designated as the nodal centre for the innovation submission process and information sharing.
• Students can submit their innovations individually or in groups.
• The last date for submission is July 15, 2023, and the results will be announced on August 10, 2023.

Purpose of the Award Scheme

• This award scheme aims to give practical shape to students’ scientific thinking, imagination, and creativity.
• It provides opportunities and a platform for children to showcase their innovations.

Establishment of State-Level Assessment Centre

• In accordance with the National Education Policy 2020, a state-level assessment centre has been established to improve the method of setting question papers for the overall evaluation of children.
• The centre aims to train more teachers in preparing question papers that stimulate curiosity and enthusiasm in children towards education.

Three Levels of Question Paper Preparation

• The question paper preparation process involves three levels: Measurement, Assessment, and Evaluation.
• The state-level assessment centre encompasses all these three streams to ensure holistic evaluation.
• A non-recurring expenditure of Rs 68 lakh has been incurred in setting up this centre.

Government Chandrashekhar Azad Post Graduate Leading College Sehore got A-grade

On May 1, 2023, the Government Chandrashekhar Azad Post Graduate Leading College in Sehore, Madhya Pradesh, was awarded an 'A' grade for the next five years by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with a CGPA of 3.12.

• Colleges are evaluated by NAAC on seven criteria, and the Government Chandrashekhar Azad College scored an average of 3.55 in Curricular Aspects, 3.03 in Teaching, Learning & Evaluation, 1.86 in Research Innovations & Extension, 3.4 in Infrastructure & Learning Resources, 3.5 in Student Support & Progress, 2.89 in Governance Leadership & Management, and 3.8 in Institutional Values & Best Practices.
• NAAC conducts assessments and accreditation of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) such as colleges and universities to determine their 'Quality Status'.