• 01 Feb 2025

4 Lakh People to Get Homes under the PMAY

Why in News?  

Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), the people of Jharkhand are now going to get their own homes.  

• Initially, the central government had announced housing for 1.13 lakh homeless people in the state, but this number has now been increased to 4,19,947. 

 Key Points 

• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY): 
  • About:  
    • It is a major scheme launched by the Government of India with the aim of providing housing to the poor and low-income groups in the country.  
    • This scheme was initiated in 2015, with the main goal of providing a roof over everyone's head by 2022. 
      • However, the government missed this target and in August 2022 extended the deadline to ensure “housing for all” to December 2024. 
    • Under the PMAY, the government has planned to build millions of new houses across the country.  
    • This scheme has been particularly important for the rural and urban poor, as many people did not have their own homes.  
    • It is especially beneficial for those living in temporary shelters or slums. 
  • Benefits of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana:  
    • Affordable Loans: Under PMAY, affordable loans are provided to the poor and lower-middle-class people to buy houses. This is known as the Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS).  
      • Under this, a subsidy of up to ₹2.5 lakh is given, which provides a reduction in the interest rate on loans for buying a house. 
      • Women, Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) are given priority. 
    • Subsidy: This scheme also provides cash subsidies, which are useful for the construction, repair, or renovation of houses.  
    • There are different schemes for rural and urban areas under PMAY.  
      • In rural areas, a subsidy of up to ₹1.2 lakh is provided for building or improving houses, while in urban areas, a subsidy of up to ₹2.67 lakh is given. 
    • Quality and Design of Houses: Special attention is given to the quality of houses built under PMAY. 
      • Efforts are made to make these houses durable and safe. Additionally, the design of the houses is made in such a way that they are suitable for all weather conditions and comfortable for all family members. 

Credit Linked Subsidy:  

• People from Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Low Income Group (LIG), and Middle Income Groups (MIG-I and MIG-II) can get interest subsidies of 6.5%, 4%, and 3% on housing loans up to Rs. 6 lakh, Rs. 9 lakh, and Rs. 12 lakh respectively for buying or building houses. 

Chhattisgarh Athletes Excel at 38th National Games

Why in News?  

Chhattisgarh athletes are making a remarkable impact at the 38th National Games in Uttarakhand, which are ongoing until 14th February, 2025.  

• The state has secured an impressive total of four gold and three bronze medals, showcasing its growing prowess in multiple sports disciplines. 

Key Points 

• Highlights of the Achievement: 
  • Weightlifting Success: 
    • Vijay Kumar made history in the men's 55kg category, securing Chhattisgarh's first men's weightlifting gold in a decade. 
    • Gyaneshwari Yadav continued her dominance in women's weightlifting, winning her second consecutive gold in the 49 kg category. 
      • She also won gold at the 37^th National Games in Goa. 
  • Kalaripayattu: It is a martial art based on the ancient knowledge of the human body. It originated in Kerala during the 3^rd century BC to the 2^nd century AD.  
    • Vivek Singh won the gold medal, while Risha Nain and Anita secured bronze medals. 
• Other Achievements: 
  • The Chhattisgarh women's beach handball team continued their winning streak, defeating Assam in straight sets to grab their second consecutive bronze at the National Games. 
  • The Men's Badminton Team reached semifinals with a 5-0 sweep against Arunachal Pradesh. 
  • Bhumi Gupta secured fifth place in the women’s 100m butterfly final, delivering a commendable performance amid tough competition. 

National Games 2025 

• The 38^th National Games, is India's own multi-sport event inspired by the Olympics, will see athletes from 28 states, 8 Union Territories and the Services Sports Control Board (SSCB) compete for medals in 32 different sports.  
• The 2025 National Games kicked off with the triathlon events on 26^th January.  
• The overall winner of the National Games is awarded the Raja Bhalindra Singh Trophy for each edition.   

Madhya Pradesh Strengthens India-Japan Relations

Why in News? 

• Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav is on a four-day visit to Japan (28-31 January 2025) to promote investment opportunities in the state and invite Japanese investors to the Global Investors Summit (GIS) 2025 in Bhopal. 

Key Points 

• Meeting with Japan’s Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs: 
  • Discussed strengthening India-Japan relations and boosting cooperation at the state level. 
• Discussion with Director of A&D Medicals: 
  • MP Government offered 75 acres of land at subsidized rates in Ujjain’s medical & pharmaceutical park. 
  • A&D Medicals is interested in setting up a manufacturing facility in MP in 2025. 
• Meeting with Chairman of East Japan Railway Company: 
  • Discussed economic collaboration between Japan and Madhya Pradesh. 
  • Attended by Indian Ambassador to Japan Sibi George. 
• Talks with Toyota Motor Corporation's Senior Leadership: 
  • CM pitched Madhya Pradesh as an investment destination for Toyota. 
• Global Investors Summit (GIS) 2025: 
  • 24-25 February, 2025, in Bhopal. 
  • Inauguration: By Prime Minister Narendra Modi 

IIT Indore Inaugurates AgriHub

Why in News? 

On 27^th January, 2025, IIT Indore launched AgriHub, a state-of-the-art Center of Excellence (CoE) focused on utilising Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Deep Learning (DL) to tackle the critical challenges faced by agriculture in India.  

Key Points 

• AgriHub’s Mission and Vision: 
  • AgriHub aims to become a collaborative platform for researchers, farmers, breeders, and policymakers.  
  • The initiative seeks to foster transdisciplinary research and innovation, focusing on AI, ML, and DL for sustainable agriculture. 
  • MeitY and the Madhya Pradesh Government have shown strong support for AgriHub, recognizing its potential to boost agricultural productivity and sustainability. 
• Significance: 
  • Startup Incubation: AgriHub will support the growth of startups in the agricultural technology space. 
  • Job Creation: It will create job opportunities in various sectors related to sustainable farming. 
  • Patents and Publications: Research outcomes will include innovations, patents, and scientific publications that will contribute to the growth of agricultural technologies. 
  • Industry Collaborations: AgriHub aims to partner with industries to create practical applications of its research. 
  • Entrepreneurship Workshops: Programs to foster entrepreneurship among students and emerging professionals will be a key focus. 
  • Technological Advancements: AgriHub will harness AI, high-performance computing, and big data to address challenges like low agricultural productivity and the effects of climate change (droughts, floods). 
    • The integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), drone technology, and precision farming will help optimize resource use, monitor crops, and provide data-driven solutions to farmers.