1. ‘Dhanu Yatra’ begins in Odisha’s Bargarh
Tags: Festivals State News
The ‘Dhanu Yatra’ festival, considered to be the world’s largest open-air theatre, began on 27th December in the Western Odisha town of Bargarh.
Important facts
President Draupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the people of the eastern state as the 11-day festival began. The festival began after a gap of two years.
In this festival, events related to Lord Shri Krishna will be presented through folk arts that touch the hearts of millions of people.
About ‘Dhanu Yatra’
The 'Dhanu Yatra', which symbolises the victory of good over evil, came into being in Bargarh as part of the country's independence celebrations in 1947–48 and is held annually.
'Dhanu Yatra' is associated with the culture of Odisha.
It is an open-air theatre festival which is spread over more than 5 square kilometres and includes a village and a town.
As per tradition, for the whole eleven days, the people of Bargarh obey the orders of Raja Kansa and not the district administration.
Background of the festival
Dhanu Yatra was started after the harvest season of the year 1947-48, just after the independence of India as a reflection of the atmosphere of joy in the society for the end of British misrule.
Since then it is performed every year at the end of the harvesting of paddy, the main crop of the area.
It starts from the 5th day of ‘Pousasukla’ to end on ‘Pousapurnima’.
During 11 days the entire area of Bargarh city and sub-urban areas around Bargarh block turns into 'Mathura Nagari', the kingdom of Kansa.
The festival begins with a drama depicting the downfall of Ugrasena, the emperor of Mathura, by Kansa, enraged at the marriage of his sister Devaki with Vasudeva.
The festival ends with the death of the demon king Kansa and the restoration of the throne to Ugrasena.
2. N Chandrasekaran appointed as the head of the Maharashtra government advisory council
Tags: Economy/Finance Person in news State News
The Maharashtra government has appointed Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran as the head of the new Economic Advisory Council of Maharashtra. This was announced by the deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis in the state Legislative Council in Nagpur on 29 December 2022.
He said that the government has set up the Economic Advisory Council, to make Maharashtra a trillion dollar economy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a target of India becoming a $5 trillion economy by 2024-25.
The Economic Advisory Council will function as a private research organization with focus on issues related to agriculture, banking, engineering and education.
The State Gross Domestic Product (SGDP) of Maharashtra in 2021-22 was $430.62 billion. It is the biggest state economy in India and its contribution to the Indian Economy is 15%. (Source India Brand Equity Foundation, Government of India)
Chief Minister of Maharashtra: Eknath Shinde
3. PM Modi Flags off West Bengal’s first Vande Bharata Express on Howrah-New Jalpaiguri route
Tags: State News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 30th December virtually flagged off Vande Bharat Express from Howrah Railway Station connecting Howrah to New Jalpaiguri.
Important facts
Covering a distance of 564 km in 7.45 hours, this train will save three hours in travel time as compared to other trains on the route.
This is the first Vande Bharata Express to operate in West Bengal and eastern parts of the country.
Also, it is the seventh Vande Bharat train in the country operated by the Indian Railways.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined a series of programmes in West Bengal via video conferencing.
Apart from flagging off West Bengal’s first Vande Bharata Express train he also launched key connectivity-related projects and the meeting of the National Ganga Council.
The flagging off of Vande Bharat is a step towards the goal of New India towards 475 such trains across India.
He also inaugurated the Joka-Taratala Stretch of Joka-Esplanade Metro Project (Purple Line) of Kolkata Metro.
About Vande Bharat Express Train
The first Vande Bharat Express was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 15 February 2019.
These trains have a self-propelled engine that can save diesel and reduce electricity usage by up to 30%.
The first Vande Bharat Express was manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai.
It was manufactured under the 'Make in India' program at a cost of around Rs 100 crore.
These trains can attain a maximum speed of 160 kmph.
In the Union Budget for 2022-2023, the government has proposed to develop and manufacture 400 new Vande Bharat trains over the next three years.
4. Coal Minister inaugurates Rs 300 crore Angul-Balram rail line in Odisha
Tags: State News
Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi inaugurated the Rs 300 crore Angul-Balram rail line connecting Odisha's Talcher Coalfield on 29 December.
About Angul-Balram rail line project
The rail link is the first phase of the total 68 km long Inner Corridor - Angul-Balram-Putugadiya-Jarapada-Tentuloi - which will connect the coalfields of Talcher Coalfields in Odisha's Angul district.
The project is likely to enable Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL) to increase its daily dispatch of coal by around 40,000 tonnes.
The project was constructed by Mahanadi Coal Railway Ltd, a joint venture entity of MCL, IRCON International Ltd and IDCO, an industrial infrastructure development agency of the Odisha government.
The internal corridor is being implemented by Mahanadi Coal Railway Ltd (MCRL) in two phases.
In phase two, the Balram-Putugadia-Jarapada-Tentuloi rail link would be completed.
Talcher coalfields
Talcher Coalfields of Mahanadi Coalfield is the largest with about 52 BT coal resources, which is 15% of the total estimated coal resources in the country.
More than 63% (33 BT) of the available resources in Talcher Coalfield lies within a depth of 300 metres, offering significant potential for open cast mining.
It has produced over 95 million tonnes (MT) of coal during FY22 and around 200 MT of coal in FY 2024-25.
In order to ensure efficient coal evacuation, construction of rail line has been started in Talcher Coalfields i.e. MCRL in a phased manner.
5. World-class Kayaking-Canoeing Academy to be set up in Tehri, Uttarakhand
Tags: State News
Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy RK Singh announced on 28th December to set up a world class Kayaking-Canoeing Academy in Tehri, Uttarakhand during inauguration of the National Championship “Tehri Water Sports Cup” at Tehri Lake.
Important facts
In this academy, the youth of Uttarakhand will be prepared to play at the national and international level by providing all the facilities along with free training.
State Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that for the first time a national level sports competition is being organised at Tehri Lake.
The new sports policy has been implemented in the state and the government has also announced re-implementation of sports quota in jobs.
The work of making Tehri Lake an international tourist destination is being done at a fast pace.
About Tehri Lake
Tehri was a small town situated at the confluence of Bhagirathi and Bhilangana rivers in Uttarakhand.
The city was submerged in water to create a large catchment area and thus the old Tehri city became the Tehri Lake, the largest man-made lake in Asia.
To make room for the Tehri Dam, Tehri town was evacuated and the population shifted to New Tehri town.
The State Government (Uttarakhand) has decided to convert Tehri Lake into adventure tourism in the Tehri Dam Construction Scheme.
6. 'Bijli Utsav' organised by REC in Assam as a part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav
Tags: Festivals State News
As a part of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, REC Limited, a Maharatna Company under the Ministry of Power, Govt of India organised ‘Bijli Utsav’ in Anandapur Gaon of Baksa district and adjoining villages in Assam on 28th December.
Important facts
The event highlighted the consumer rights of electricity, benefits of electricity and challenges faced during electrification in remote areas and improving the quality of life with access to electricity by utility officials.
Quiz competition and Nukkad Natak were organised to provide information on topics like consumer rights of electricity, energy conservation and benefits of electricity.
Event concluded with distribution of LED bulbs as prizes to the winners of the competitions.
About REC Limited
It is an NBFC focusing on Power Sector Financing and Development across India.
Established in 1969, REC Limited has completed fifty years in its field of operations.
It provides financial assistance to State Electricity Boards, State Governments, Central/State Power Utilities, Independent Power Producers, Rural Electric Cooperative Societies and Private Sector Utilities.
7. President Murmu lays foundation stone for PRASHAD project in Bhadrachalam and at Rudreswara Temple (Ramappa), in Telangana
Tags: place in news Person in news State News
The President of India Droupadi Murmu, laid the foundation stone for the Bhadrachalam Group of Temple’s project and the Rudreswara (Ramappa) Temple’ project in Telangana on 28 December 2022 to be developed under the Union Tourism ministry’s PRASHAD (National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive) Scheme.
The PRASHAD scheme was launched by the Union Tourism Ministry in 2014-15 to provide assistance to the states for the integrated infrastructure development of pilgrimage and heritage tourism destinations in the country.
Development of Pilgrimage Facilities at Bhadrachalam Group of Temples’
The Bhadrachalam Group of Temples, Sri Seetha Ramchandra Swamyvari Devasthanam, is situated in the Bhadradri Kothagudem District of the state of Telangana. It is said to be 350 years old and is associated with Lord Rama with his wife Goddess Sita and brother Lakshmana.
The project has been approved by the Ministry of Tourism at an estimated cost of Rs 41.38 Crores.
‘Development of Pilgrimage and Heritage Infrastructure of UNESCO World Heritage Site at Rudreshwara Temple (Ramappa)’
The project has been approved by the Ministry of Tourism at an estimated cost of Rs 62 Crores.
The Ramappa temple which is located in the Mulugu district of Telangana is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was built in 1213 AD by the Kakatiya rulers and has been inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage list in 2021.
8. IOCL to help in the TB elimination effort of Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh
Tags: National Economy/Finance Science and Technology State News
The government of India owned Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Central TB Division under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the states of Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh to undertake an intensified TB elimination project. This effort of the IOCL is part of its Corporate Social Responsibility.
The MoU was signed in presence of Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Union Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Housing & Urban Affairs, Hardeep Singh Puri in New Delhi on 28 December 2022.
According to the World Health Organisation 26% of Tuberculosis (TB) cases in the world in 2020 was reported from India. Within India Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh share the highest burden of TB cases among large states in India. The Indian Government has set a target to eliminate TB in India by 2025.
Indian Oil has emerged as the first corporate to supplement state efforts in Active Case Finding campaign (ACF) by investing close to Rs. 64 crore in all 75 districts of UP, covering approximately 10% of its population once a year for three years.
Indian Oil will also introduce handheld X Ray Units, Mobile Medical Vans, equipped with cutting-edge diagnostic technology in Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. This would aid diagnosis of TB in rural areas and hard-to-reach communities leading to improved early case detection and thereby ensuring early treatment.
Under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) certain public or private sector companies have to spend a minimum 2% of the average net profits made during the 3 immediately preceding financial years on certain sectors identified by the government...
Every year March 24 is observed as World Tuberculosis Day in the world.
9. Maharashtra became the first state in the country to pass the Lokayukta Bill
Tags: State News
The Maharashtra Assembly passed the Lokayukta Bill 2022 on December 28, which brings the chief minister and council of ministers under the ambit of the anti-corruption ombudsman. It is the first state in the country to do so.
Important facts
The Bill was passed without any discussion as the opposition walked out of the House over the alleged scam in the teacher's entrance examination.
Cabinet minister Deepak Kesarkar introduced the bill, which seeks to bring the chief minister and the cabinet under the ambit of the anti-corruption ombudsman.
Key provisions of the Bill
As per the provision of the Bill, the Lokayukta will have to take the approval of the Legislative Assembly before initiating any inquiry against the Chief Minister.
Such a proposal would require the approval of at least two-thirds of the total members of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.
The bill also states that Lokayukta will not investigate cases related to allegations of corruption against the chief minister relating to internal security or public order.
Any such inquiry shall be kept confidential and if the Lokayukta comes to the conclusion that the complaint deserves to be dismissed, the records of the inquiry shall not be published or made available to anyone.
The Lokayukta shall have a Chairperson, who shall be a present or former Chief Justice of a High Court.
Apart from this, there will be a judge of the Supreme Court or Bombay High Court.
The Lokayukta shall have a maximum of four members, of whom two shall be from the judiciary.
Selection committee for the appointment of the Lokayukta Chairperson and Members
It will consist of the Chief Minister, the Deputy Chief Minister, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the Speaker of the Legislative Council, the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly and the Council, and a judge nominated by the Chief Justice or Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court.
No appointment of Lokayukta chairman or member will be invalid in the absence of anyone in the selection committee.
CM of Maharashtra - Eknath Shinde
Governor of Maharashtra - Bhagat Singh Koshyari
10. President inaugurates Srisailam Temple Development Project and a Tourism Facilitation Center in Andhra Pradesh
Tags: State News
President Draupadi Murmu on December 27 inaugurated Srisailam temple development project and a tourism facilitation center under the scheme 'Pilgrimage Rejuvenation And Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD)' at Srisailam Temple in Andhra Pradesh.
Important facts
The project has been sanctioned and executed under the PRASAD scheme.
The project "Development of Srisailam Temple in the State of Andhra Pradesh" has been completed at a cost of Rs.43.08 crore. The project is 100 percent funded by the Ministry of Tourism.
The components executed in the project include amphitheatre, illumination and sound and light show, digital intervention, tourist facilitation centre, parking area, changing rooms, toilet complex, souvenir shops, food court, ATM and banking facility.
These interventions are aimed at making Srisailam Temple a world-class pilgrimage and tourist destination by providing state-of-the-art facilities for the visitors.
About PRASAD scheme
The scheme was launched in the year 2014-2015, It comes under the Ministry of Tourism.
The scheme focuses on the development and identification of pilgrimage sites across India to enrich the religious tourism scene.
Under this scheme, several religious places like Amaravati and Srisailam (Andhra Pradesh), Kamakhya (Assam), Parashuram Kund (Lohit district, Arunachal Pradesh), Patna and Gaya (Bihar), etc. have been identified for development.
The scheme aims to harness pilgrimage tourism to its multiplier effect and have a direct impact on employment generation and economic growth.
About Srisailam Temple
Mallikarjuna Temple or Srisailam Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva. It is located at Srisailam in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
It is considered as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Here Parvati is worshipped as "Mallika" and Shiva is worshipped as "Arjuna", represented by a lingam.
According to the epigraphical evidence of the Satavahana dynasty, this temple has been in existence since the 2nd century.
