• 05 Mar 2024

Madhya Pradesh: Queen On The Wheel

Why in News?

Recently, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board flagged off the 'Queen On The Wheel' women biking tour to promote tourism in the state and empower women travelers.

• The women biking tour will come to an end on the occasion of International Women's Day (8^th March).

Key Points

• Participants: A total of 25 women bikers from across India, including a Brazilian rider living in Nagpur, are participating in the tour.
• Objective: The tour aims to establish Madhya Pradesh as a safe and empowering destination for women travelers, promoting women empowerment and adventure tourism.
• Itinerary: The bikers will visit Chanderi, Kuno National Park in Sheopur district, Gwalior, Orchha, and Khajuraho, experiencing the beauty and culture of these places.
• Safety Precautions: Complete safety precautions have been taken, including ambulance and support vehicles with mechanics accompanying the riders. Insurance has been provided for all participants, and the route has been thoroughly checked for support in case of emergencies.

International Women's Day

• Women’s Day was first celebrated back in 1911 by Clara Zetkin, who was a German. The roots of the celebration had been in the labour movement across Europe and North America.
  • However, it was only in 1913 that the celebrations were shifted to 8^th March, and it has remained that way ever since.
• International Women's Day was celebrated for the first time by the United Nations in 1975.

Rajasthan Expands Urban Jobs Scheme to New Municipal Bodies

Why in News?

Recently, In a major victory for the villagers who lost employment opportunities after the conversion of village panchayats into urban local bodies, the Government of Rajasthan has agreed to launch the Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme in 42 newly created Municipal Councils.

Key Points

• Guaranteed Employment Works in Municipal Councils: The Local Self Government Department has initiated guaranteed employment works in newly constituted Municipal Councils across 27 districts. Urban bodies nearest to the councils are designated as in-charge until regular posts of officials are created.
• Concerns of Villagers: Works under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme were halted in village panchayats converted into urban local bodies in July last year, affecting villagers who relied on the scheme for livelihood.
• Indefinite Dharna: Villagers initiated an indefinite dharna at Bhim in January-end to demand the restart of employment works.
• Role of Rajasthan Unorganised Labour Union: The agitation was led by the Rajasthan Unorganised Labour Union, associated with the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS), known for its role in the right to information movement.
• Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme: Introduced by the Congress government in September 2022, the scheme aimed to provide economic support to urban poor by offering 100 days of work annually.
• Memorandum Submission: Participants submitted a memorandum to the Block Development Officer, urging prompt issuance of job cards and work allocation in the Bhim Municipal Council.
• Types of Works: Works under the scheme include tree plantation, pond cleaning, garbage collection, segregation, and catching stray animals, among others.

Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme

• The urban employment guarantee scheme, named after former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, was rolled out in the State of Rajasthan in September 2022 to provide economic support to the poor and needy families living in the cities.
• The scheme stipulates the allocation of work on demand to the laborers for 100 days in a year.
• The Rajasthan Government had touted it as the country’s biggest scheme to give guaranteed jobs to the people residing in cities, on the lines of MGNREGA for villagers started at the Centre in 2006.
• Those in the age group of 18 to 60 years residing within the limits of urban local bodies are eligible to demand and get employment in the identified segments.

Rajasthan Government: Innovative Tourism Policy for Economic Boost

Why in News?

Recently, the Rajasthan government is planning to announce a new policy to boost tourism in the state, which could include the regularization of hotels in residential areas and tweaking the rules for granting bar licenses to heritage restaurants.

Key Points

• Regularisation of Hotels in Residential Areas: The policy aims to regularise hotels operating in residential areas, addressing a long-standing demand of the hotel industry in the state.
• Changes in Bar Licensing for Heritage Restaurants: There will be adjustments in the rules for granting bar licenses to heritage restaurants.
• Inclusion of Service Apartments in the Tourism Sector: The policy will likely link service apartments with the tourism sector, expanding the accommodation options for tourists.
• Opening of Resorts in Eco-Sensitive Zones: Changes in the master plan are proposed to allow the opening of resorts in eco-sensitive zones, potentially promoting sustainable tourism development.
• Collaboration with Other Departments: The state government plans to collaborate with other departments to effectively implement the policy.
• Rural Tourism, Guest House, and Heritage Restaurants: The new policy may include provisions for rural tourism, guest house regulation, and support for heritage restaurants.
• Involvement of Tour Operators and Travel Agents: This time, the policy aims to involve tour operators and travel agents in its formulation, ensuring broader stakeholder participation.
• Development of Important Sites, Fairs, and Festivals: The policy may outline strategies for the development of important tourist sites, as well as support for fairs and festivals to enhance tourism experiences.

UP Government Allocated Funds for Schools and Anganwadi

Why in News?

Recently, In a bid to accelerate development in the 100 underdeveloped cities of the state, the Uttar Pradesh Government has launched the Aspirational Cities Scheme.

Key Points:

• As part of this endeavor, the initial focus will be on comprehensively transforming schools and Anganwadi centers in these cities.
  • A separate plan has been prepared for Anganwadi centers in line with the directives of the Chief Minister.
• As per the directives from the Chief Minister, a total of 913 schools in the 100 aspirational urban areas of the state will undergo upgrades, with an additional 25 new schools to be established.
  • In the 100 underdeveloped urban areas of the state, the state government plans to construct new buildings for 348 Anganwadi centers currently housed in rented or alternative government structures.
• Furthermore, new buildings will be constructed for 348 Anganwadi centers currently operating in rented or alternative government facilities within these aspirational urban areas.
• The state government has allocated over Rs 143 crores for the implementation of these projects.
• 25 new Mukhyamantri Abhyudaya Composite Schools will also be established at a total cost of Rs 35.5 crores with each school to cost Rs 1.42 crores. Thus, the state government will spend Rs 101.83 crores for the upgradation and the opening of new schools.

Note

The Uttar Pradesh Government has kept 100 urban bodies in the 38 districts of UP in the aspirational urban body category

Okhla Bird Sanctuary Celebrates World Wildlife Day

Why in News?

Recently, the World Wildlife Day (WWD) was celebrated at Okhla Bird Sanctuary, highlighting its rich biodiversity and focusing on Mission LiFE.

• WWD is celebrated every year on 3 March to celebrate wild animals and plants.

Key Points

• Theme for WWD 2024: The theme for WWD 2024 was "Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation." This theme emphasized the role of digital innovations in wildlife conservation efforts.
• Inter-generational Exchange: The event served as a platform for inter-generational exchange and youth empowerment through various activities like art, presentations, and conversations on sustainable digital wildlife conservation.
• Role of Technological Innovation: Technological advancements such as research tools, communication methods, tracking systems, and DNA analysis have facilitated more efficient and accurate wildlife conservation efforts.
• Digital Revolution: The ongoing global digital revolution is breaking down barriers to people-centered digital governance and providing equal opportunities for all to engage in digital transformation for wildlife conservation.
• Activities Organised: Various activities were organised at the event, including eco trails, poster making, and on-the-spot hand and face painting, all centered around the theme of WWD 2024.

Educational Empowerment Initiative for Children

Why in News?

Recently, REC Limited, a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power, has partnered with the Unit of Science and Educational Development (UNISED) to support the education of approximately 75,500 children in Siddharthnagar district, Uttar Pradesh.

Key Points

• Financial Commitment: REC Foundation, the CSR arm of REC Limited, has committed a financial assistance of Rs. 9.91 crores towards this initiative, demonstrating its dedication to social responsibility.
• Memorandum of Agreement (MoA): A formal agreement between REC Foundation and UNISED has been signed in New Delhi, solidifying their commitment to improving educational opportunities for underprivileged children in Siddharthnagar district.
• Objectives: The collaboration aims to enhance educational infrastructure and resources in government schools through the implementation of solar energy-operated smart classes and joyful learning resource labs.
  • This initiative is designed to empower students with modern educational tools and foster academic and creative excellence.
• REC Foundation's Previous Initiatives: REC Foundation has previously shown support for the education of 12,500 children of ex-servicemen by contributing Rs. 15 crores to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund, further emphasizing its commitment to education and social welfare.

REC Limited

• About:
  • REC Limited is a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise registered with RBI as a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) and Infrastructure Financing Company (IFC). It plays a crucial role in financing the power infrastructure sector and has diversified into non-power infrastructure sectors as well.
• Strategic Role:
  • REC Limited plays a key strategic role in various flagship schemes of the government for the power sector, including Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (SAUBHAGAYA), Deen Dayal Upadhaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY), and National Electricity Fund (NEF) Scheme, contributing to strengthening the country's electricity distribution system and achieving 100% village electrification.