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By admin: Nov. 28, 2022

World's largest active volcano Mauna Loa erupts in Hawaii

Tags: Environment place in news International News

The world’s largest active volcano, Hawaii's Mauna Loa, has erupted after 40 years. The US Geological Service (USGS) has upgraded the situation from advisory to “warning” which is the highest classification for a volcanic eruption.  At present the lava flow is mostly contained within the summit, but residents have been placed on alert.

Mauna Loa is located inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park which covers half of the US state's Big Island. The volcano rises 13,679ft (4,169m) above sea level and spans an area of more than 2,000 sq miles (5,179 sq km).

The eruption began on 27 November 2022 night at Moku'āweoweo, the volcano's summit caldera. Calderas are hollows that form beneath the summit at the end of an eruption.

According to the USGS, Mauna Loa has erupted 33 times since its first documented eruption in 1843. The previous eruption in 1984 sent lava flows within 5 miles of the city of Hilo, the island's most populous town.

Seventh edition of Global Technology Summit to be held in New Delhi from 29 November

Tags: place in news Summits

The 7th Global Technology Summit will be held in New Delhi in a hybrid format from 29 November - 1 December 2022.  The Summit which focuses on Geotechnology will be co-hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs and Carnegie India.  The Minister for External Affairs S.Jaishankar will participate in the inaugural session of the Summit.

Geotechnology is the use of scientific study and methods in activities related to the earth, rocks, and soil, especially to the earth's mineral resources such as oil and metals.

The theme for this year’s Summit is ‘Geopolitics of Technology.

The summit will see the participation of more than 100 speaker’s .Ministers and senior government officials from the US, Singapore, Japan, Nigeria, Brazil, Bhutan, the European Union, and other countries will also participate in the Summit. 

KVIC Chairman Manoj Kumar inaugurates the ambitious RE-HAB Project in Nainital

Tags: Environment place in news National Person in news State News

Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) Chairman Manoj Kumar inaugurated the ambitious RE-HAB, Project (Reducing Human Attacks using Honey Bees) of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission at village Chausla, in Forest Range Fatehpur, Haldwani, District Nainital, and Uttarakhand on 28 November 2022. He also distributed 330 Bee-boxes, bee-colonies and toolkits along with the honey extractors to the rural beneficiaries in Chausla village.

Project RE-HAB,

Government is promoting the use of bees to discourage attacks of wild elephants on human settlements. KVIC has launched a project RE-HAB, in the states of Assam, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Orissa.

How it works 

• Under Project RE-HAB, “Bee-fences' ' are created by setting up bee boxes in the passageways of elephants to block their entrance to human territories. 
• The boxes are connected with a string so that when elephants attempt to pass through, a tug or pull causes the bees to swarm the elephant herds and dissuade them from progressing further.
•  It is a cost-effective way of reducing human-wild conflicts without causing any harm to the animals.
• It is scientifically recorded that elephants are annoyed by the honey bees. Elephants also fear that the bee swarms can bite their sensitive inner side of the trunk and eyes. The collective buzz of the bees is annoying to elephants that force them to return.
• Project RE-HAB is a sub-mission of KVIC’s National Honey Mission. 
• While the Honey Mission is a programme to increase the bee population, honey production and beekeepers’ income by setting up apiaries, Project RE-HAB uses bee boxes as a fence to prevent the elephant attacks.
• As a new initiative, the RE-HAB project will be run by KVIC at selected locations for a period of one year.

The Khadi Village and Industries Commission (KVIC) 

• The Khadi Village and Industries Commission (KVIC) was set up in 1957 under the Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act of 1956.
• It is under the Ministry of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises.
• It is responsible for planning, promotion, organisation, and implementation of programs for the development of Khadi and other village industries in the rural areas along with other agencies engaged in rural development wherever necessary.

Chairperson of KVIC: Manoj Kumar

First science documentary made in Sanskrit ‘Yanam’ screened at the 53rd IFFI

Tags: Festivals place in news

The first science-Sanskrit documentary in the history of world cinema, 'Yanam' that revolves around India's successful Mangalyaan mission, was screened under the Indian Panorama section at 53rd edition of International Film Festival of India (IFFI)  at Panjim, Goa.

The 53rd IFFI being held in Panaji from 20-28 November 2022 was organised by National Film Development Corporation and Entertainment Society of Goa.

India's historic Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) alias 'Mangalyaan', was successfully launched by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in 2013.

It is based on the autobiographical book “My Odyssey: Memoirs of the Man behind the Mangalyaan Mission” by former ISRO chairman Padma Bhushan Dr K. Radhakrishnan.

The 45-minute documentary is a complete Sanskrit film by all means as the entire script and dialogues are in the ancient language. The film has been produced by AV Anoop under the banner AVA Productions with the complete support of ISRO. The film premiered on 21 August 2022 in Chennai.

Spanish film ‘I Have Electric Dreams’ wins the Golden Peacock for the Best Film award at the 53rd IFFI

Tags: National Awards Person in news

The 53rd International Film Festival of India (IFFI) came to an end at a ceremony held at the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium near Panaji on 28 November 2022. Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh Thakur, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and a host of film personalities including Akshay Kumar, Asha Parekh, Ayushman Khurana, Manushi Chhillar, Rana Duggubati, Sharman Joshi, and Khushbu Sundar were present.

The 53rd IFFI being held in Panaji from 20-28 November 2022 was organised by National Film Development Corporation and Entertainment Society of Goa.

Main Highlights of the 53rd International Film Festival of India (IFFI)

Opening and closing film of the Festival 

The opening film of the festival was Austrian Director Dieter Berner's film Alma and Oskar and the closing film was the Polish film ‘Perfect Number’, directed by Krzysztof Zanussi.

 Awards 

Celebrated Spanish film Director Carlos Saura was honoured with the prestigious Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement award.

Actor Producer Chiranjeevi Konidela was conferred with the IFFI Indian Film Personality of the Year Award for 2022.

Golden Peacock for the Best Film:

Spanish film Tengo sueños eléctricos / I HAVE ELECTRIC DREAMS. The film has been directed by Costa Rican film maker Valentina Maurel.

Silver Peacock for Best Director:

Iranian writer and director Nader Saeivar was awarded Silver Peacock for Best Director for his Turkish film No End/ Bi Payan. 

Silver Peacock for Best Actor (Male)

Vahid Mobasseri, lead actor of No End, was honoured with Silver Peacock for Best Actor (Male).

Silver Peacock for Best Actor (Female)

Daniela Marín Navarro, lead Actress of the Film ‘I Have Electric Dreams’ was honoured with Silver Peacock for Best Actor (Female).

Special Jury Award 

Lav Diaz of Philippines was chosen for the Special Jury Award for When the Waves are Gone / Kapag wala nang mga alon.

Best Debut Feature Film of a Director

Asimina Proedrou of Greece was chosen for the Best Debut Feature Film of a Director. She got the award for her film Behind the Haystacks.

Special mention by Jury Award 

Director, writer and cinematographer Praveen Kandregula received Special Mention by the Jury for his film Cinema Bandi. The film has been made in Telugu 

The Feature Film Jury, comprising thirteen members, was headed by Vinod Ganatra, an illustrious Filmmaker and Editor and winner of 9 National and 36 International awards. 

International Film Festival of India (IFFI)

The first International Film Festival of India (IFFI) was held in the cities of Bombay (now Mumbai), Delhi, Calcutta (now Kolkata), Madras (now Chennai) from 24 January to 1 February 1952. 

The Delhi leg was inaugurated by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. It was later held in different cities of the country.

Since 2004, starting from the 35th edition, Goa has become the permanent venue of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI). 

 It is held in the month of November -December every year.

Government extends the term of foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra

Tags: Person in news

The Government of India has extended the term of Vinay Mohan Kwatra as Foreign Secretary. In an order issued on 28 November 2022 the IFS officer's term has been extended beyond the date of his superannuation on 31st December of this year up to 30th April 2024 or until further orders.

Kwatra became the 34th foreign secretary of India on 1 May 2022 after the retirement of Harsha Vardhan Shringla. 

Foreign Secretary of India 

Foreign Secretary is the head of the Department of the Foreign Affairs, Government of India. He helps the Foreign minister in making the foreign policy of India and advises on the administrative matters within the ministry. 

The first Foreign Secretary of India was KPS Menon senior.

First woman Foreign Secretary: Chokila Iyer (2001-2002) 

Union Foreign Minister: S.Jaishankar

Rajnath Singh co-chairs 4th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue with French Minister Sebastien Lecornu in New Delhi

Tags: place in news Defence Person in news

The Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the visiting French Minister for the Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu jointly chaired the 4th India France Annual Defence Dialogue in New Delhi on 28 November 2022.  Sebastien Lecornu is also scheduled to meet the External Affairs Minister S.Jaishankar and the National Security Advisor Ajit Doval today.

The French defence minister who is officially known as Minister for the Armed Forces is on a two day (27-28 November) visit to India to strengthen the bilateral defence ties with India. It is his first official visit to India.

On 27 November 2022 Sebastien Lecornu visited the Southern Naval Command Headquarters at Kochi and saw India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.

According to the Defence Ministry, India and France have close and friendly relations. In 1998, the two countries entered into Strategic Partnership, marking convergence of their views on a range of international issues apart from a close and growing bilateral relationship.

The areas of Defence & Security cooperation, Space cooperation and civil nuclear cooperation constitute the principal pillars of India’s Strategic Partnership with France.

India and France military exercises.

The 20th Indian and French navy’s joint exercise “VARUNA” was conducted in the Arabian Sea from 30 March to 3 April 2022.

The  'Garuda VIl' exercise was held from 26 October to 12 November 2022 at Air Force Station Jodhpur.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya wins UNESCO Award for cultural heritage conservation

Tags: Awards National News

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS). Mumbai was conferred with the ‘Award of Excellence’ at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation-2022 on 26 November.

Important facts

• The UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation is supported by a partnership between UNESCO and Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation since 2021.

• Since 2000, the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation Program has been recognizing the efforts of private individuals and organisations in restoring, conserving and transforming heritage structures and buildings in the region.

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya was established as the Prince of Wales Museum of Western India in 1922.

The list of awarded projects in 2022 includes

• Award of Excellence - Chhtrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya Museum, Mumbai, India

• Award of Distinction - Stepwells of Golconda, Hyderabad, India, Zarch Qanat, Yazd, Iran , Neilson Hays Library, Bangkok, Thailand

• Award of Merit - Topdara Stupa, Charikar, Afghanistan, Nantian Buddhist Temple, Fujian, China , Domakonda Fort, Telangana, India, Byculla Station, Mumbai, India, Sadoughi House, Yazd, Iran , 25 Chivas in Kathmandu, Nepal

Rituraj Gaikwad smashes 7 sixes in an over to make world record

Tags: Sports Sports News

On 28 November, Rituraj Gaikwad, playing for Maharashtra, became the first batsman in List-A cricket to hit 7 sixes in an over in the quarter-finals of the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Important facts

• Gaikwad made this record against Uttar Pradesh in Ahmedabad.

• He remained unbeaten after scoring 220 runs off 159 balls. This is his first double century in List-A cricket, before that 187 not out was his best score.

• This is also his sixth century in the last 8 innings of Vijay Hazare Trophy.

• In the 49th over of the innings, he scored 43 runs including 7 sixes on left arm spinner Shiva Singh.

• On the first ball, Rituraj hit a six over long-on, on the second ball he also hit a straight six, on the third ball he hit a six on the leg side to complete the hat-trick, on the fourth and 5th ball he hit a six over mid-off, the 5th ball was also a no ball.

• This is the most expensive over in List-A cricket, in which a total of 43 runs were scored.

• Batsmen who have hit six sixes in an over include Sir Garfield Sobers, Ravi Shastri, Herschelle Gibbs, Yuvraj Singh, Ross Whiteley, Hazratullah Zazai, Leo Carter, Kieron Pollard and Thisara Perera.

Bollywood actor Jackie Shroff, Karan Kundrra join Goa CM in beach clean-up drive

Tags: Environment State News

Actors Jackie Shroff and Karan Kundrra, on 28 November 2022. Joined Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to launch the state government’s ‘CleanAThon’ initiative, at Miramar Beach in Panjim.

The ‘CleanAThon’ initiative was also joined by the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Phadnavis, Amruta Fadnavis also joined the initiative.

Goa is famous for its beaches and which attracts lakhs of domestic and International tourists. Miramar Beach in Panjim is one of the most popular beaches with tourists.

For this cleanliness drive, several people gathered at the beach, dressed in black and white uniforms, to get rid of the garbage.

Goa 

It is the smallest state by area of India located along the Arabian Sea coast. 

It was earlier a colony of Portugal and the government of India launched operation Vijay to liberate Goa in 1961.

It became a Union Territory in 1962 and became the 25th State of India on 30 May 1987. 

When it became a state, Daman & Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli were separated from it and made a Union Territory.

Capital: Panjim

Governor: P S Sreedharan Pillai

Assam lifts travel restrictions to Meghalaya, six days after border violence

Tags: State News

The Assam government on 27 November 2022 lifted travel restrictions to Meghalaya, six days after being imposed in the aftermath of violence in a disputed area along the inter-state border.

An advisory was issued by the Assam Police, asking people to avoid travelling to the neighbouring state following the incident on 22 November. Barricades were erected in Jorabat near Guwahati and Cachar district, the two main entry points to Meghalaya.

Violence had broken out at Mukroh village (Meghalaya) near the disputed border between the two states in West Karbi Anglong district in the early hours of 22 November, after a truck allegedly laden with illegally felled timber was intercepted by forest guards from Assam. Five tribal villagers from Meghalaya and a forest guard from Assam were killed due to the clashes.

Border dispute between Assam and Meghalaya

During the British colonial rule, undivided Assam included Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Mizoram. In 1972, Meghalaya was formed as per the Assam Reorganisation (Meghalaya) Act of 1969.

Background to the Assam Mizoram Boundary Dispute 

• Assam and Mizoram share a 164.6 km long boundary. 
• Mizoram was a district of Assam known as Lushai Hills during the British time. In 1972, Meghalaya was formed as per the Assam Reorganisation (Meghalaya) Act of 1969.
• The genesis of the dispute lies in the border demarcation during British times.
• In 1875 a notification was issued that differentiated the Lushai Hills from the plains of Cachar and in 1933 another notification was issued to demarcate the boundary between the Lushai Hills and Manipur.

Different Interpretation of Boundary 

• According to Mizoram, the boundary shall be demarcated on the basis of 1875 notification, which is derived from the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act, 1873.
• However the Assam government believes that boundary shall be based on the 1933 notification ,
• Mizoram says that when in 1933 the boundary was demarcated, Mizo society was not consulted. 

Attempt to resolve the Border Dispute 

• To resolve the issue the chief ministers of Meghalaya Conrad Sangma and Himanta Biswa Sarma of Assam held several rounds of talks.
• Twelve disputed areas were identified –  three areas contested between West Khasi Hills district in Meghalaya and Kamrup in Assam, two between RiBhoi in Meghalaya and Kamrup-Metro, and one between East Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya and Cachar in Assam.
• A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on 29 March 2022 between the two chief ministers in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The MoU stated that out of 36.79 sq km of the disputed area, Assam would get full control of 18.46 sq km and Meghalaya of 18.33 sq km. 
• The second phase of talks was supposed to take place by the end of November, but has been disturbed due to the recent clash.

India's milk production registers monumental growth by 83 MT in last 8 years

Tags: National Economy/Finance National News

India has registered a significant growth in milk production in the last eight years as milk production has increased by 83 million tonnes during this period.

Important facts

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed happiness over the increase in milk production, and said that a vibrant dairy sector is also a great way to strengthen our "Nari Shakti".

Indian Dairy Sector

• India ranks first in milk production and contributes 23% to global milk production.

• The top 5 milk-producing states are: Uttar Pradesh (14.9%), Rajasthan (14.6%), Madhya Pradesh (8.6%), Gujarat (7.6%) and Andhra Pradesh (7.0%).

• Dairy is the single largest agricultural commodity contributing 5% of the national economy, witnessing 6.4% in the past 5 years.

• About 80 million people are directly or indirectly employed in the dairy industry.

Some important facts related to milk and milk products

• India is the largest milk producer in the world accounting for 23 per cent of the global production. Next come the United States, China, Pakistan and Brazil.

• Uttar Pradesh is the largest milk producing state in India and accounts for more than 15% of the total milk production in India.

• The availability of milk in India is 406 grams per person per day.

• Ordinary milk consists of 85 percent water and the remaining part consists of solid elements i.e. minerals and fats.

• Milk is rich in protein, calcium and riboflavin (Vitamin B-2).

• Milk also contains vitamins A, D, K and E, including phosphorus, magnesium, iodine, and many minerals and fats and energy.

• The purity of milk is measured by a lactometer.

• National Milk Research Institute is located in Karnal (Haryana).

• An organic compound called lactose is found in milk.

• Fresh milk has a pH of 6, when milk turns into curd, its pH becomes less than 6.

• Lactobacillus bacteria help in curdling from milk.

Tata Consumer Product limited to buy Ramesh Chauhan’s Bisleri

Tags: Economy/Finance

According to the Economic Times, Tata Consumer Product limited is set to acquire India’s largest packaged drinking water company, Bisleri, for an estimated Rs 6,000-7,000 crore.  However the deal is yet to be publicly announced and approved by the Competition Commission of India. Chairman Ramesh Chauhan of Bisleri International is aiming to disinvest Bisleri International to Tata Consumer Products three decades after selling soft drink brands Thumbs Up, Gold Spot and Limca to Coca-Cola. 

Chauhan’s ill health and daughter Jayant’s lack of interest in the business is driving him to sell off the company. The day-to-day management team is led by a professional team headed by CEO Angelo George. 

Originally an Italian brand, Bisleri was acquired by the Chauhan’s in 1969. The company has 122 operational plants in the country. 

Kolkata based  Tata Consumer Product limited is a Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) company of the Tata Group.  With the acquisition of Bisleri, along with pre-existing products like Himalayan, Tata Copper plus Water and Tata Gluco+, the TCPL is likely to emerge as the market leader in packaged drinking water.

India - Malaysia joint military Exercise “Harimau Shakti -2022” commenced at Pulai, Kluang, Malaysia

Tags: Defence

India - Malaysia joint military Exercise “Harimau Shakti -2022” commenced at Pulai, Kluang, Malaysia on 28th November and will culminate on 12 December 22.

Important facts

• Combat-experienced troops of the GARHWAL RIFLES Regiment of the Indian Army and the Royal Malay Regiment of the Malaysian Army are participating in the exercise. 

• During the exercise, the armies of both the countries will share their experiences to enhance interoperability in planning and execution of various operations in the Jungle terrain.

• The scope of the exercise includes Command Planning Exercise (CPX) at battalion level and Company level Field Training Exercise (FTX) on sub-conventional operations in jungle terrain.

• The joint exercise program includes establishment of a joint command post, joint surveillance centre, sharing of expertise in employment of air assets, technical demonstration, casualty management and casualty evacuation, apart from planning logistics at the battalion level.

About Exercise Harimau Shakti

• It is an annual training event between the Indian and Malaysian Army which has been conducted since 2012.

• The exercise will raise the level of defence cooperation between the Indian Army and the Malaysian Army, which in turn will further boost bilateral relations between the two countries.

S&P lowers India GDP growth forecast by 30 bps to 7%in 2022-23

Tags: Economy/Finance

Standard & Poor (S&P) Global Ratings in a report released on 28 November 2022 has lowered India's GDP growth forecast for 2022-23 by 30 bps to 7 percent. It has also reduced the forecast for the GDP growth rate in 2023-24 to 6 percent. 100 basis points (bps) = 1%

The credit rating agency had in September projected India's economic growth at 7.3 percent for the current fiscal.

S&P is the latest agency which has downgraded India’s growth prospect in 2022-23. Earlier OECD had cut India’s expected growth rate to 6.6% in 2022. RBI expects the Indian economy to grow by 7 % in 2022-23.

Vice President confers Shilp Guru and National Awards to master craftspersons

Tags: Awards

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on 28 November gave away Shilp Guru and National Awards to master craftspersons for 2017, 2018, and 2019 at a function in New Delhi.

Important facts

• Due to the Corona Pandemic, the awards for the last three years are being presented together.

• These awards are presented every year to great master craftsmen of handicrafts whose work has contributed to the preservation of the country's rich and diverse craft heritage.

• The awardees represent almost all the states and union territories of the country as well as different craft styles from different places.

• India is one of the major handicraft hubs of the world and its handicrafts export is increasing continuously.  

• Handicrafts provide livelihood to lakhs of people in rural areas and also become a means of empowering the underprivileged.

National Awards for master craftspersons

• The Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) has been implementing the scheme of National Awards for Master Craftsmen since 1965, in addition to which the Shilp Guru Awards were instituted in 2002.

• Its main objective is to give new identity to the excellent craftsmen in the field of handicrafts.

• The awardees represent almost all the states and union territories of the country as well as different craft styles from different places.

Arittapatti village notified as first biodiversity heritage site in Tamil Nadu

Tags: State News

The Tamil Nadu government issued a notification declaring the Arittapatti village near Melur in Madurai district as a biodiversity heritage site under Section 37 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.

Important facts

• Aritappatti village is known for its rich biological and historical significance.

• It houses about 250 bird species, including 3 major raptor species – Lager Falcon, Shaheen Falcon, Bonelli's Eagle, and wildlife such as pangolins, pythons and slender loris.

• The 'Arittapatti Biodiversity Heritage Site' is the first of its kind in the state and covers a range of seven barren granite hills in Arittapatti village.

• This unique landscape of rocky hills acts as a water body and supports 72 lakes, 200 natural springs and three check dams.

• The site also has various megalithic structures, Tamil Brahmi inscriptions, Jain beds and 2200 year old rock-cut temples which add to its historical significance.

• As a biodiversity heritage site it will strengthen biodiversity conservation and protect from rapid loss of biodiversity.

About Biodiversity Heritage Site

• These are areas that contain unique, vulnerable ecosystems consisting of terrestrial, coastal and inland waters and rich biodiversity of wild species including domesticated species, rare, threatened and keystone species.

• It is also rich in different species.

• As per Section 37 of the Biological Diversity Act, State Governments are empowered to notify, in the Official Gazette, areas of biodiversity importance as Biodiversity Heritage Sites, in consultation with local bodies.

• In addition, till December 2021, a total of 22 Biodiversity Heritage Sites have been notified by 12 State Governments.

• 159 plants and 175 animals have been notified as threatened species in 18 states and 2 union territories.

• India's first Biodiversity Heritage Site was declared in 2007 at Nallur Tamarind Grove in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

Four Biodiversity Hotspots in India

• Himalaya, 

• Indo-Burma, 

• Sunderland, 

• Western Ghats

PT Usha will be the first woman president of the Indian Olympic Association

Tags: Sports Person in news Sports News

High-flying PT Usha is all set to become the first woman president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) as she has emerged as the only candidate in the election for the post to be held on December 10.

Important facts

• November 27 was the last day for filing nominations and none other than PT Usha filed a claim.

• PT Usha has won the Asian Games gold medal. At the same time, in the 1984 Olympics, she finished fourth in the final of the 400 meters hurdles.

• PT Usha, the first woman President of the Indian Olympic Association, is 58 years old.

• PT Usha has won 11 medals in Asian Games and 23 medals in Asian Championships in her career. These include 18 gold medals.

• PT Usha has won 4 gold medals in Asian Games and 14 gold medals in Asian Championships.

• She is currently the committee head of the Pratibha Sangh of India. This committee conducts national level Indian Talent Olympiad exams in schools all over India.

• PT Usha, who hails from Kerala, has studied at Providence Women's College, Kozhikode. 

• In 1991, she was married to Inspector V. Srinivasan of the Central Industrial Security Force.

• Apart from the post of President, elections will also be held for the posts of Vice President (Women), Joint Secretary (Women). Twelve candidates are in the fray for four members of the executive council.

• Ajay Patel of National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) is set to be the senior vice-president as he is also the lone candidate for the post.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar launches Har Ghar Gangajal project in Rajgir

Tags: Government Schemes State News

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on 27 November launched the Har Ghar Gangajal project (First phase) in Rajgir.

Important facts

• This is a unique and ambitious initiative to make Ganga water available through taps in the dry areas of the state.

• The scheme will help to harvest the excess water of the  Ganga during the monsoon season. 

• The water will be stored in reservoirs in Rajgir and Gaya before being channelled to three treatment-and-purification plants, from where it will be supplied to the public.

• Har Ghar Gangajal is part of the Bihar government’s Jal, Jeevan, Hariyali scheme. 

• Under the scheme about 7.5-lakh households of Rajgir (Nalanda), Gaya and Bodhgaya will start getting piped Ganga water. 

• The second phase will start in 2023 and will cover Nawada district as well.

• A Rs 4,000-crore scheme has harnessed flood water from the Ganges to take it to reservoirs in Gaya and Rajgir.

• This is the first time in India that flood water harvesting has been done for the purpose of drinking water.