• 04 Mar 2025

Chhattisgarh Budget

Why in News? 

The Chhattisgarh Finance Minister presented the Rs 1,65,000 crore Budget in the State Assembly and unveiled measures to reduce red-tapism and boost capital expenditure.  

• He also introduced the acronym GATI (good governance, accelerating infrastructure, technology, and industrial growth) to highlight the government's vision. 

 Key Points 

• Reform Push: 
  • The government has set a target of implementing 216 reforms in 20 departments in the first phase to promote ease of doing business. 
  • The Business Reform Action Plan aims to enhance transparency and simplify rules. 
  • Digitisation initiatives are being implemented at various levels to prevent fraud, curb corruption, and enable paperless and faceless processes. 
  • A new land registration system, similar to passport office procedures, will be introduced for simplification. 
  • A fixed Rs 500 charge will replace high fees for relinquishment and division of assets, helping prevent revenue disputes. 
• Sectoral Initiatives: 
  • New initiatives announced for education, rural development, urban infrastructure, and security. 
  • Special schemes will focus on transport and mobile connectivity in remote tribal regions like Bastar and Sarguja. 
• Budget Estimates & Growth Projections: 
  • Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) for the upcoming fiscal is projected at Rs 6,35,918 crore, marking a 12% growth from the 2024-25 estimate of Rs 5,67,880 crore. 
  • Capital expenditure has increased by 18%, from Rs 22,300 crore to Rs 26,341 crore. 
• Infrastructure and Road Plan 2030: 
  • The budget allocates Rs 2,000 crore for road construction, the highest since the State’s creation. 
  • Road Plan 2030 will connect the State capital with districts and improve connectivity among districts and development blocks. 
• Mobile Connectivity & Transport: 
  • Mukhyamantri Mobile Tower Scheme will enhance cellphone connectivity in remote areas. 
  • The Mukhyamantri Parivahan Yojana will fund transport services from gram panchayats to blocks and districts, addressing the lack of public transport in low-density areas. 
• Technology & Industrial Growth: 
  • Budget allocations include: 
    • Computerisation of courts 
    • State data centre creation 
    • Emergency response systems 
  • The industry budget outlay has tripled compared to the previous year. 
• Pension Fund & Financial Stability: 
  • A new pension fund ensures secure pensions for government employees, a first-of-its-kind initiative in India. 
  • The Chhattisgarh Growth and Stability Fund will strengthen the State’s financial position. 
  • This pension fund addresses concerns about fiscal burden post-2039, when a majority of employees recruited after the State’s creation will retire. 
• Cooperatives & Education: 
  • 500 new cooperative societies will be established. 
  • A National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) will be set up in the State. 
• Welfare Schemes & Fiscal Management: 
  • Krishak Unnati Yojana (for farmers) receives Rs 10,000 crore allocation. 
  • Pradhanmantri Aawas Yojana (Rural) gets Rs 8,500 crore. 
  • Mahtari Vandan Yojana, a cash assistance scheme for eligible married women, receives Rs 5,500 crore. 
  • The fiscal deficit has increased from 2.90% to 2.97% of GSDP. 
  • No new taxes were announced, but Value Added Tax (VAT) on petrol will be reduced by Rs 1 per litre from 1st April, 2025. 

 Mahtari Vandan Yojana 

• The scheme aims to ensure the economic empowerment of women, provide them with financial security, promote gender equality, and strengthen their decisive role within families. 
  • All married women above the age of 21, including widows, divorced, and deserted women, are eligible to benefit from this scheme. 
• Eligible married women in Chhattisgarh will receive financial aid of Rs 1000 per month through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). 

 Pradhanmantri Aawas Yojana (Rural) 

• Launch: To achieve the objective of “Housing for All”, the erstwhile rural housing scheme Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY) was restructured to Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) w.e.f 1st April, 2016. 
• Ministry Involved: Ministry of Rural development. 
• Aim: To provide a pucca house with basic amenities to all rural families, who are homeless or living in kutcha or dilapidated houses. 
  • To help rural people Below the Poverty Line (BPL) in construction of dwelling units and upgradation of existing unserviceable kutcha houses by providing assistance in the form of a full grant. 
• Beneficiaries: People belonging to SCs/STs, freed bonded labourers and non-SC/ST categories, widows or next-of-kin of defence personnel killed in action, ex servicemen and retired members of the paramilitary forces, disabled persons and minorities. 

Compensation to Construction Workers

Why in News? 

The Supreme Court ordered Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan to compensate construction workers whenever Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) measures in Delhi-NCR halt activities, even without a specific court directive. 

 Key Points 

• Compensation Payment: 
  • The Supreme Court directed that compensation must be paid using funds collected as labour cess. 
  • Compensation should be disbursed even in the absence of a specific court order. 
• GRAP and Air Quality Measures: 
  • GRAP measures are implemented based on the average air quality in Delhi-NCR to curb pollution levels. 
  • The court reaffirmed that compensation must be paid whenever construction activities are halted due to GRAP measures in 2024 and 2025. 
• State-wise Compensation Details: 
  • Haryana paid compensation to: 
    • 2,68,759 workers in the first phase of GRAP-4. 
    • 2,24,881 workers in the second phase. 
    • Around 95,000 workers are in the process of receiving compensation for January 2025. 
  • Delhi disbursed compensation to 93,272 workers, while the verification process for remaining registered workers is ongoing. 
  • Rajasthan compensated 3,197 workers. 
  • Uttar Pradesh paid compensation to: 
    • 4,88,246 workers in phase 1. 
    • 4,84,157 workers in phase 2. 
    • 691 workers in phase 3. 
• Registration and Union Meetings: 
  • The court directed the Delhi government to convene meetings with workers' unions to ensure proper registration of construction workers. 
  • Similar directions were issued to Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, covering: 
    • 14 districts in Haryana 
    • 8 districts in Uttar Pradesh 
    • 2 districts in Rajasthan (Bharatpur and Alwar) 
• Accountability of NCR States: 
  • On 2 December 2024, the court asked Chief Secretaries of NCR States to appear via video conferencing to confirm whether subsistence allowance was paid to workers affected by work stoppages. 
  • Significance: 
    • The order reinforces the right to compensation for vulnerable workers during environmental curbs. 
    • It ensures financial security for labourers affected by pollution control measures. 

Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) 

• About: 
  • GRAP is a set of emergency measures that kick in to prevent further deterioration of air quality once it reaches a certain threshold in the Delhi-NCR region. 
  • It was approved by the Supreme Court in 2016 after the Supreme Court’s order in the matter of M. C. Mehta vs. Union of India (2016) and notified in 2017. 
• Implementation: 
  • From 2021 onwards, the GRAP is being implemented by the CAQM. 
    • Till 2020, the Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution (Prevention & Control) Authority (EPCA) used to order States to implement GRAP measures. 
  • The EPCA was dissolved and replaced by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in 2020. 
  • CAQM relies on air quality and meteorological forecasts by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD). 

Jharkhand Government Budget for FY 2025-26

Why in News? 

The Jharkhand Government tabled a Rs 1.450 lakh crore Budget for the 2025-26 financial year in the State Assembly.  

 Key Points 

• Budget Allocation and Key Scheme: 
  • Rs 13,363.35 crore has been allocated for the Jharkhand Mukhyamantri Maiya Samman Yojana (JMMSY) to provide financial aid to women. 
• Economic Growth and Fiscal Deficit: 
  • The State’s economy is projected to grow at 7.5% in 2025-26. 
  • The fiscal deficit is estimated at Rs 11,253 crore for the coming financial year. 
  • Rs 62,844 crore has been allocated for the social sector. 
  • Jharkhand’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) was approximately Rs 4.6 trillion in 2023-24. 
  • The government aims to increase the GSDP to Rs 10 trillion by 2029-30. 
• Healthcare and Education Initiatives: 
  • The budget includes the establishment of seven new medical colleges in: Ranchi, Khunti, Giridih, Jamshedpur, Dhanbad, Deoghar, and Jamtara. 
  • The government also announced plans to open new universities in: Jamshedpur, Gumla, and Sahibganj. 
• Financial Disputes with the Centre: 
  • The State Government plans to initiate legal action to recover Rs 1.36 lakh crore in pending dues from the Central Government. 

 Jharkhand Mukhyamantri Maiya Samman Yojana (JMMSY) 

• The scheme was launched on 3^rd August, 2024. Under the scheme, Rs 1,000 will be given to eligible women from families living below the poverty line. 
• A total of Rs 12,000 will be sent to the bank accounts of all eligible women every year through Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme. 
• From December 2024, the financial assistance was increased to Rs 2,500 per month. 

Majhi Ladki Bahin Scheme

Why in News? 

Maharashtra's Minister for Women and Child Development announced that the government will disburse the pending February 2025 installment of the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana on 8th March 2025, coinciding with International Women’s Day. 

 Key Points 

• Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana scheme: 
  • It was launched by the Women and Child Development Department, Government of Maharashtra.  
  • The scheme aims to give economic freedom to women in the state age group of 21 to 65 years, improving their health and nutrition and strengthening their decisive role in the family.  
  • The women will get a financial benefit of Rs 1,500 per month through direct benefit transfer (DBT). 
• Increase in Monthly Payout Under Review: 
  • The minister declined to comment on increasing the payout from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100. 
  • She stated that the decision rests with the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers. 

 International Women's Day  

• It is an annual celebration observed on 8^th March every year, dedicated to honouring the achievements of women and advocating for gender equality worldwide. 
  • This global event serves as a reminder of the progress made towards women's rights and the ongoing challenges that women still face in many aspects of life. 
• The celebration's origin lies in the labour movements of Europe and North America. The first International Women's Day was held in March 1911. 
  • It was celebrated for the first time by the United Nations in 1975. 

Khelo India Winter Games

Why in News? 

Jammu and Kashmir is going to host the Khelo India Winter Games 2025 in Gulmarg from 9 to 12 March 2025, delivering a world-class winter sports experience in one of India's top snow destinations. 

 Key Points 

• Event Launch and Schedule: 
  • The Chief Minister launched the event’s official website in Jammu. 
  • The games were originally scheduled for February 22-25 but were postponed due to insufficient snowfall. 
• The event featuring: 
  • Night skiing demonstration 
  • Fireworks and laser show 
  • Cultural programs 
  • Competitive sporting events 
  • Award ceremony 
• Major Sporting Events: 
  • The Khelo India Winter Games 2025 will feature four major competitions: 
    • Alpine Skiing 
    • Ski Mountaineering 
    • Snowboarding 
    • Nordic Skiing 
  • Events will be hosted at Kongdoori and Gulmarg Club in Gulmarg. 

 Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG)   

• The KIWG is a multidisciplinary, national-level winter sports competition that promotes winter sports and encourages more athletes to take up skiing and skating.    
• It includes events such as skiing, alpine skiing, nordic skiing, snow rugby, ice stock sport, snow baseball, mountaineering, snowshoe running, ice hockey, figure skating, and speed skating.    
• It is organized by the Sports Authority of India and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.   

Bihar Economic Survey 2024-25

Why in News? 

Bihar Economic Survey 2024-25 was presented in the Assembly by the Finance Minister on 28 February 2025.  

• This is the 19^th economic survey of the state, which discusses in detail the state of  Bihar’s economy and the direction of development.  

 Key Points  

• Economic growth rate:  
  • Bihar ranks second among the fastest growing states in the country. 
  • The Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of Bihar in the financial year 2023-24 is estimated at Rs 8,54,429 crore at current prices and Rs 4,64,540 crore at 2011-12 constant prices. 
    • The GSDP recorded a growth of 14.5% (at current prices) and 9.2% (at constant prices) in the financial year 2023-24. 
  • Per capita income increased to Rs.36,333 at constant prices and Rs.66,828 at current prices in the financial year 2023-24, which is higher than last year. 
  • Patna is the richest district and Sheohar is the poorest district in Bihar.  
• Fiscal deficit:  
  • The fiscal deficit was Rs 44,823 crore in the financial year 2022-23, which is reduced to Rs 35,660 crore in the financial year 2023-24. 
  •  It is estimated to be Rs 29,095 crore in the financial year 2024-25.  
  • The revenue saving stood at Rs 2,833 crore in the financial year 2023-24 while it is expected to be Rs 1,121 crore in the financial year 2024-25.  
  • The total expenditure of the state was Rs 2.52 lakh crore in the financial year 2023-24, which is estimated to increase to Rs 2.79 lakh crore in the financial year 2024-25. 
  • Development expenditure is estimated to increase from Rs 1.69 lakh crore to Rs 1.77 lakh crore. 
• Agricultural and Industrial sector: 
  • Rice production increased by 21% and wheat production increased by 10.7%. 
  • Livestock and fisheries have increased at the rate of 9.50%. 
  • The Bihar government is implementing the Agricultural Investment Promotion Policy for seven products. These products are makhana, fruits, vegetables, maize, medicinal plants, honey and tea. 
  • Investment of Rs 75293.76 crore proposed in the industrial sector of Bihar. 
  • The service sector (tertiary sector) remains the largest contributor to Bihar's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), accounting for 58.6%, followed by the industry (secondary sector) at 21.5% and agriculture (primary sector) at 19.9%. 
  • Investment in micro-enterprises has surged by 135%, accompanied by a 107% rise in employment.  
    • Similarly, investment in large-scale units has grown by 131%, leading to a 187% increase in employment opportunities. 
  • Additionally, Bihar's mining sector has recorded a 9% growth. 
• Roads and infrastructure 
  • During the year 2005-2025, rural paved roads have increased from 835 km to 1.17 lakh km. 
  • The transport system in the state is expanding with the construction of new expressways and national highways. 
  • Bihar recorded the third highest growth (7.6%) in the transport and communication sector during 2011-24, after Uttar Pradesh (10.1%) and Karnataka (7.7%). 
  • The road density in Bihar is 3167 per thousand square kilometres. It is at third place in terms of road density. 
•  Digital Governance and the Energy Sector 
  • The government adopted technologies like CCTNS, CFMS, Cyber Cell, e-Challan while promoting e-governance. 
  • Per capita energy consumption to increase from 134 kilowatt-hours (2012–13) to 363 kilowatt-hours (2023–24). 
    • The top five districts in electricity consumption are Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Rohtas and Nalanda. 
  • Public utility services like water supply, electricity and gas connections have registered an increase of 14.5% 
• Women empowerment: 
  • 1,063.5 thousand Self Help Groups (SHGs) were formed.  
  • Women empowerment was promoted by providing a cumulative credit of Rs 46.9 thousand crore to 2,198.4 thousand SHGs.  
  • Total deposits stood at Rs 5.27 lakh crore by FY 2024-25, of which Rs 2.97 lakh crore was disbursed as loans and the credit-deposit ratio stood at 56.3%. 
  •  The female labour force participation rate has improved from financial year 2022-23 to 2023-24. The rate increased from 24.8% to 33.5% among rural women and from 13.8% to 18% among urban women. 
  • The labour force participation ratio of men and women in Bihar is lower than the overall Indian average. 
• Education and Health Sector:  
  • In the last 18 years, expenditure on education has increased 10 times, on health 13 times and on social services 13 times.   
  • The child welfare budget was introduced in 2013–14 and grew by 19.4% annually between 2016–23. 
  • Dropout rate in government secondary schools recorded a decline of 62.25% in five years. 
•  Environment and climate change: 
  • Efforts have been made to tackle climate change in the state by implementing schemes like Green Budget and Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Mission . 
  • There has been an increase of 687 square km in forest cover in the state in 12 years. 

Dhanvantari Award

Why in News? 

 Rajasthan's Nadi Vaidya Tarachand Sharma has been honoured with Ayurveda's highest 'Dhanvantari' award by the Government of India.  

Key Points 

• About the Event: 
  • This award was given by the Union AYUSH Minister during the Dhanvantri Award distribution ceremony on 20 February 2025 in Mumbai. 
    • It is given to those individuals who have made exceptional contributions in the field of Ayurveda. 
  • He was honoured with a prize of Rs 5 lakh, a citation, a shawl and a coconut. 
• About the winner: 
  • Tarachand Sharma is a resident of Bissau town of Jhunjhunu district. 
  • He has been honored with many awards and titles in the field of Ayurveda.  
  • He is a renowned pulse doctor. 
  • Many books written by Tarachand Sharma are also included in the curriculum of various Ayurveda universities. 

  Ayurveda 

• The word Ayurveda derived from AYU and VEDA. AYU means life, VEDA means science or knowledge, Ayurveda means the science of life. 
• Ayurveda embraces all living things, human and non-human. 
• It is divided into three main branches 
  • Nara Ayurveda: dealing with human life. 
  • Satva Ayurveda: dealing with animal life and its diseases. 
  • Vriksha Ayurveda: dealing with plant life, its growth and diseases. 
• Ayurveda is not only a system of medicine but also a way of life for complete positive health and spiritual attainments. 

Electrama 2025

Why in News?  

'Elecrama-2025', the world's largest electrical show was organized at India Expo Mart in Greater Noida. 

 Key Points 

• About: 
  • This program was organized from 22-26 February, 2025. 
  • This was the 16^th edition of Elecrama. It was organised by Indian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturers' Association (IEEMA).  
  • During this event, electrical and energy technologies from around the world including India were demonstrated.  
    • E-mobility and charging infrastructure 
    • digital energy technology  
    • Transformers, switchgear, insulators, High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) systems 
    • Fault Detection and Automation Systems 
    • Drive and control technologies for industrial applications 

 Elecrama 

• Elecrama is the largest and flagship event of the Indian electrical and electronics industry, organised to showcase the eco-system of the power sector.  
• The event is held every two years and is known as the largest gathering of the power industry in the country. 
• The main objective of Elecrama is to bring together all aspects of the industry.  
• This event covers all aspects of electricity, including emerging technologies, innovative products, and future trends. 

Police Water Sports Competition

Why in News? 

The 24^th All India Police Water Sports Competition was organized in Bhopal. 

 Key Points  

• About the competition: 
  • A total of 557 participants from 22 states, union territories, and central armed forces competed in the event, including 132 women athletes. 
  • The event featured 27 competitions, including canoeing, kayaking, and rowing. Teams from various states and paramilitary forces showcased their skills, vying for a total of 360 medals. 
  • The competition was hosted by Madhya Pradesh Police.  
• Objective: 
  • The main objective of this competition was to promote the physical and mental health of police, paramilitary forces and other security services personnel.  
  • The event also aimed to foster mutual cooperation and camaraderie among different states and security forces while inspiring athletes to enhance their skills.