21.10.17 Madhya Pradesh (MPPCS) Current Affairs

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MADHYA PRADESH

 

  • Polythene bag ban in state an eyewash

 

  • The much-hyped ban on polythene bags to protect cows and environment is turning out to be an eyewash. Heaps of polythene bags are a common sight anywhere in the state capital, making a mockery of the ban. Officially, the ban is in effect for six months, but agencies responsible for implementing the ban have no idea about the quantity of seized polythene bags after the ban came into effect.
  • Banning polythene was nothing less than a charade as the government only banned ‘plastic carry bags’. It means use of plastic bags having handle or hand space is banned and a plastic bag without a space to hold it would not invite provisions of ban.

 

  • The municipal body is responsible to check use of polythene bags in a city and the Madhya Pradesh State Pollution Control Board’s job is to ensure there are no manufacturing units of polythene.

 

  • People caught for the first time can be imprisoned for a month or may face a fine of Rs 1,000. Those flouting the rule for the second time may be imprisoned for three months or can be fined Rs 50,000.

 

Definition of carry bags (as per Union Govt Act)

 

  • Carry bags mean bags made from plastic material or compostable plastic material used for purpose of carrying or dispensing commodities, which have a self-carrying feature, but do not include bags that constitute or form an integral part of the packaging in which goods are sealed prior to use.

 

INTERNATIONAL

 

·       India among five countries responsible for 50% newborn deaths

  • As per a report titled “Levels and Trends in Child Mortality 2017”, India along with Pakistan, Nigeria, Congo, and Ethiopia is responsible for half of all newborn deaths in the world.
  • This report has been authored by United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF),World Health Organization (WHO), World Bank Group and United Nations.

 

NATIONAL 

 

  • President to inaugurate International Gita Mahotsav in Haryana

 

  • President Ram Nath Kovind will inaugurate the International Gita Mahotsav in Kurukshetra, Haryana, on November 25.

 

  • He will also participate in Gita Yajna and Gita Poojan ceremonies at Brahma Sarovar.

 

  • The mahotsav which will conclude on December 3 will have Mauritius as partner country and Uttar Pradesh as partner state.

 

  • Kerala govt prohibits using ‘Dalit’, ‘Harijan’ in official communications

 

  • The Kerala Information and Public Relations Department’s internal circular has directed to avoid usage of words “Dalit” and “Harijan” in its official communications.

 

  • The order was issued based on the directive from Kerala State Commission for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) Chairman Justice PN Vijayakumar.

 

  • The department informed that the government has also banned the usage of word “Keezhalar” which was used to refer to scheduled communities.

 

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed use of fertilizer & new techniques will help in doubling farmers’ income by 2022

 

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed that the farming community on the right use of fertilizers, advanced techniques, and cash-less transactions will help in doubling farmers’ income by 2022.
  • The cooperative also played an important role in the implementation of urea neem-coating programme rolled out by the government to curb black marketing of urea.

 

  • GSTN Launches excel-based offline tool to file initial GSTR-3B Returns
  • Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) launched an Excel-based offline tool for businesses to file initial GSTR- 3B returns.
  • They stated that taxpayers can download the offline utility from the GSTN portal and after fill in the data the file can be uploaded on GST portal.
  • After uploading of the return to the GST Portal, the taxpayer has to preview the form, complete formalities like submit, offset the liability and file their GSTR-3B Return using a digital signature or electronic verification code.

 

  • Union Government to organise Global Ayurveda meet in Kochi

 

  • The State government will organize a four days International seminar and Global Ayurveda meet in Kochi on February 2018.
  • The main focus of this seminar will be showcasing Kerala’s achievements in health tourism, healthcare, and Ayurveda, she said after inaugurating the Ayurveda Day celebrations the other day.
  • The festival  is being organised by the Centre for Innovation in Science and Social Action in association with the State government, Department of Ayurveda, yoga and naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH), Ayurvedic Medicine Manufacturers Organisations of India, Ayurveda Drug Manufacturers Association and Kerala State Indian Systems of Medicine of Medicine Self Financing Management Association, State Department of AYUSH, Department of Tourism and Department of Industry.