UTTARAKHAND
HRDA pumps up clean air with 250 trees on oxygen strip
The Haridwar Roorkee Development Authority (HRDA) has recently undertaken an initiative to not only improve the environment but also boost public health.
HRDA Secretary Lalit Narayan Mishra said an oxygen strip has been developed on a 2.5 kilometre stretch from Sinh Dwar to Jatwada on which about 250 trees have been planted.
These include trees of medicinal and environmental importance like Peepal, banyan, Amla and Neem among others. These trees will not only provide fresh air to the people but also improve the environment in the city.
All the saplings have been protected with tree guards. Mishra said authority aims to connect progressive youths and volunteers to this initiative. Peepal trees have been given more space on this stretch as this tree lives longer and provides fresh oxygen.
INTERNATIONAL
Philippines Got Approval for Golden Rice
The Philippines has become the 1st country in the world to get approval for the commercial production of genetically modified golden rice. Golden rice is a variety of rice enriched with various nutrients that will helpful in reducing childhood malnutrition.
Highlights:
♦ The Golden rice is developed by the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute in partnership with the International Rice Research Institute, after contributing nearly two decades. It is named Golden Rice because of its bright yellow colour.
♦ One cup of golden rice can give as much as 40 per cent of vitamin A which is essential for children aged 6 months to 5 years, to combat childhood blindness & save lives in the developing world.
♦ Golden rice is the first genetically modified rice approved for commercial propagation in South and Southeast Asia.
NATIONAL
Anniversary of MyGov
MyGov is celebrating its 7th anniversary. MyGov, the citizen engagement platform, has been in operation for seven years.
Highlights:
♦ It was launched in 2014 with the idea of using an online platform to bring the government closer to ordinary people, creating an interface for ordinary citizens and experts to exchange ideas and opinions in a healthy way, with the goal of contributing to the social and economic transformation of India.
♦ MyGov has grown into a robust citizen engagement platform that is used by nearly all government departments to enable participatory governance.
Gharib Nawaz Employment Scheme – Minority Affairs
The Gharib Nawaz Employment Scheme is being carried out by the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
About Gharib Nawaz Employment Scheme:
In 2017-18, the Ministry of Minority Affairs launched the scheme to provide short-term job-oriented skill development courses to youth from minority communities in order to prepare them for skill-based employment.
This scheme is carried out in accordance with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship’s (MSD&E’s) common standards by empanelled Program Implementation Agencies (PIAs).
The scheme is implemented by the Maulana Azad Education Foundation, which is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
As part of this scheme, ‘Garib Nawaz’ skill development centres are run to help minority youth develop their skills.
National River Conservation Plan – NRCP
♦ It is a government-sponsored scheme administered by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
♦ It all started in 1985 with the Ganga Action Plan (GAP).
♦ It was expanded in 1995 as the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) to include the country’s other major rivers.
♦ The aim of the National River Conservation Plan is to reduce pollution loads in rivers by implementing various pollution abatement projects, thereby improving water quality.
♦ The implementation of this scheme is supervised by the NRCD.
Coastal States have RoPax and Water Taxi Services
The Ports, Shipping and Waterways Ministry under the Sagarmala program has carried out Ro-Ro/Ro-Pax projects on multiple routes.
Highlights:
♦ The Shipping Ministry launched Ro-Pax, a roll-on-roll-off cum passenger ferry service.
♦ It is a water transportation service project.
♦ It improves connectivity between centres while also helping to reduce pollution associated with road transportation.
♦ In comparison to road/rail transportation, water transport services are less expensive and more environmentally friendly. It is a less expensive option for people, as well as a more time-saving option, as it can reduce travel time into half.
♦ It has a significant impact on the logistical needs of the region’s small-scale industries.
Circulation of Draft Indian Ports Bill
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways had circulated the draft Indian Ports Bill 2020 in the course of new legislation, seeking input from all stakeholders.
Highlights:
♦ It aims to facilitate the structured growth and long-term development of ports in order to attract investments in the port sector.
♦ The proposed Bill will include measures to facilitate port conservation, taking into account the current situation with regard to the large number of non-operational ports.
♦ It will encourage more investment in the Indian maritime and ports sector by developing improved, comprehensive regulatory frameworks for the development of new ports and the management of existing ports.
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