• 09 Sep 2024

Jammu and Kashmir Film Policy, 2024

Why in News?

Recently, the Jammu and Kashmir administration unveiled the Jammu and Kashmir Film Policy, 2024 to incentivize film shooting in the region

Key Points

• The Jammu and Kashmir Film Policy, 2024 was unveiled on 1^st August by J&K Lieutenant Governor in Srinagar.
  • The policy aims to boost both domestic and international film production in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
  • The policy includes plans for high-impact infrastructure and financial incentives to enhance the attractiveness of filming in J&K.
• Access to Locations: The policy opens up scenic locations, including previously restricted areas closer to the Line of Control (LoC) like Gurez, Machil, and Tangdhar, for film shooting.
  • Traditional tourist hotspots such as Gulmarg and Pahalgam remain accessible for filmmakers.
• Administrative Mechanism:
  • The Kashmir Film Development Council (JKFDC) has been established as an online single-window mechanism for facilitating film production.
  • A ‘location permission committee’ and a ‘script screening committee’ will review applications. Final approvals are expected within two to four weeks.
• Historical Context:
  • Kashmir was a popular filming location until the 1950s, with significant movies like “Jungle” (1961) and “Jab Jab Phool Khile” (1965) showcasing its beauty.
  • The region's filming opportunities were restricted due to security concerns until recent peace agreements.

Maa Nanda - Sunanda Mohatsav

Why in News?

Recently, Uttarakhand CM virtually inaugurated the Maa Nanda-Sunanda Mahotsav, 2024, in Nainital highlighting the festival's role in connecting people with their cultural roots.

Key Points

• Maa Nanda-Sunanda Mahotsav:
  • Celebrated in remembrance of the goddesses Nanda and Sunanda during the Nandashtami festival in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand every September.
    • Observed in locations such as Almora, Nainital, Kot Along, Bhowali, and Johar.
• CM announced 2^nd September as Bugyal Conservation Day to protect alpine meadows, describing them as the Himalayas’ ‘precious heritage’.

Bugyals

• Bugyals are high-altitude alpine meadows found in Uttarakhand.
  • These meadows are characterized by their lush greenery and are situated above 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) in elevation.
• Ecological Significance: Bugyals are crucial for the region’s biodiversity, supporting a range of flora and fauna.
  • They serve as grazing grounds for livestock and are vital for maintaining ecological balance.
• Popular Bugyals in Uttarakhand:
  • Dayara Bugyal: Known for its expansive meadows and stunning views.
  • Bedni Bugyal: Famous for its scenic beauty and as a trekking destination.
  • Auli Bugyal: Noted for its panoramic views and biodiversity, Auli is nestled amidst the giant snowy peaks of Nanda Devi, Kamet and Dunagiri.

Uttarakhand CM Approves Flood Relief Funds

Why in News?

Recently, Uttarakhand CM approved special assistance from the Chief Minister's Disaster Relief Fund to aid businessmen affected by heavy rains in the Kedarnath area.

Key Points

• The funds are allocated to compensate businessmen affected by damage to pedestrian and motor roads from Linchauli to Sonprayag due to heavy rains.
• The approved amount will be used specifically for those affected by the damage on 31^st July.
• Payments will be made through e-banking or demand drafts, with details of beneficiaries to be maintained at the district level.
• Approximately 17,000 people were evacuated from disaster-affected areas in Rudraprayag district.

CM Relief Fund (CMRF)

• CMRF is an emergency assistance scheme for granting relief to deserving families and individuals affected by natural calamities like floods, droughts, earthquakes etc. or any other similar calamities.

Jharkhand Lowers Age Limit for Maiyan Yojana

Why in News?

Recently, the Jharkhand cabinet approved a reduction in the age limit for the Mukhyamantri Maiyan Samman Yojana (MMSY).

Key Points

• The minimum age limit for the Mukhyamantri Maiyan Samman Yojna (MMSY) has been reduced from 21 to 18 years, aiming to extend the benefits to an additional 800,000 women.
• MMSY: 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.

Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme

• Aim: It has been visioned as an aid for simpler/faster flow of information and funds to the beneficiaries and to reduce the fraud in the delivery system.
• Implementation: It is a mission or an initiative by the government of India started on 1^st January 2013 as a way to reform the government delivery system.
  • Central Plan Scheme Monitoring System (CPSMS), the earlier version of the Public Financial Management System (PFMS), of the Office of Controller General of Accounts, was chosen to act as the common platform for routing of the Direct Benefit Transfer.

Savitribai Phule Kishori Samridhi Yojana

• This scheme was started in the state with the aim of emphasising on girl education, ending child marriage and women empowerment.
• Under this scheme, the state government is giving assistance of a total of Rs 40,000 to adolescent girls for good education.

Gorakhpur Sainik School Inaugurated

Why in News?

Recently, the Vice President inaugurated the Gorakhpur Sainik School, praising its facilities and highlighting its importance for education in eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Key Points

• Gorakhpur Sainik School Details:
  • 1^st Sainik School in Eastern Uttar Pradesh.
  • 2^nd Sainik School managed by the Uttar Pradesh Sainik School Society.
  • 5^th Sainik School in Uttar Pradesh; others are in Jhansi, Amethi, Mainpuri (run by Defence Ministry) and Lucknow (run by Uttar Pradesh government).
• The Vice President also visited Gorakhdham temple in Gorakhpur.
  • The Gorakhdham Temple in Gorakhpur is dedicated to Guru Gorakshanath, a prominent saint of the Nath sect, and serves as a major pilgrimage site and spiritual center.
  • The temple features traditional Hindu architectural elements with a prominent central dome and detailed interiors.

Sainik Schools

• Sainik Schools are residential institutions offering public school education and are affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), New Delhi.
• Funding: These schools receive financial support from both Central and State governments.
• Establishment: Launched in 1961, Sainik Schools were designed to prepare students academically, physically, and mentally for entry into the National Defence Academy.
• Governance: They are managed by the Sainik Schools Society under the Ministry of Defence, established under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860.

India Boosts Military Diplomacy with Tri-Service Drills

Why in News?

Recently, India has ramped up its military diplomacy through a series of high-profile joint exercises, engaging with nations across the globe in back-to-back drills involving all three services.

Key Points

• Yudh Abhyas (India-U.S. Army Exercise) set to begin on 9^th September, 2024, in Rajasthan with one of the largest U.S. contingents, including 600 personnel. India is evaluating Stryker vehicles and Javelin ATGMs(Anti-Tank Guided Missiles) for potential procurement.
• Tarang Shakti (Indian Air Force Multilateral Exercise), Phase-II is underway in Jodhpur from 1st September to 14th September, 2024, with 8 participating nations and 17 others observing. The U.S. A-10 Thunderbolt II is flying in Indian airspace for the first time.
• Malabar Naval Exercise Scheduled for October 2024 off Visakhapatnam, featuring India, Australia, Japan, and the U.S. as key participants, enhancing naval cooperation.
• Mitra Shakti exercise with Sri Lanka occurred from 12^th - 25^th August, 2024. India also participated in the Khaan Quest peacekeeping exercise in Mongolia (27^th July - 9^th August, 2024) with 23 nations.
• Russian ships visited Kochi in August 2024, while INS Shivalik took part in RIMPAC (Rim of the Pacific Exercise) from 27th June - 1st August, 2024. INS Tabar participated in Exercise Varuna with France in September 2024.
• For the first time, India deployed the P-8I maritime patrol aircraft in Europe for Exercise Varuna, enhancing operational presence.
• India participated in Exercise Pitch Black in Australia (12^th July - 2^nd August, 2024) and Exercise Red Flag hosted by the U.S. in June 2024, strengthening air force cooperation.

Joint Exercises with India:

Country	Exercise
Australia	Austra Hindbah
Bangladesh	Sampriti
China	Hand in Hand
France	Shakti
Indonesia	Garuda Shakti
Kazakhstan	Prabal Dostykk
Kyrgyzstan	Khanjar
Maldives	Ekuverin
Mongolia	Nomadic Elephant
Myanmar	Imbex
Nepal	Surya Kiran
Oman	Al Nagah
Russia	Indra
Seychelles	Lamitiye
Sri Lanka	Mitra Shakti
Thailand	Maitree
UK	Ajeya Warrior
USA	Yudhabhayas
USA	Vajra Prahar

Multilateral Exercises:

Exercise	Countries
Malabar	India, USA, Japan, Australia
Varuna	India, France
La Perouse	India, Australia, United States, France, Japan, and United Kingdom
Sea Dragon	India, USA, Japan, Canada, South Korea
Konkan	India, UK
Aime & Imdex	India, Asean Countries
Bright Star	India, 34 Countries
Salvex	India, USA
Slinex	India, Sri Lanka
Samudra Shakti	India, Indonesia
Al-Mohed Al-Hindi	India, Saudi Arabia
India - France - UAE Trilateral Exercise	India, France, UAE
India - France - UAE Trilateral Passex	India, France, UAE
Komodo	India, Multiple (36 Countries)
Ausindex	India, Australia
Simbex	India, Singapore