• 10 Mar 2025

Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana

Why in News? 

The Maharashtra government provided over Rs 17,000 crore in financial assistance to 2.38 crore women since launching the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana in 2024. 

 Key Points 

• Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana: 
  • The scheme aims to rehabilitate, economically develop, and empower women aged 21 to 65 years by disbursing Rs 1,500 per month. 
  • Up to December 2024, the total disbursement under the scheme amounted to Rs 17,505.90 crore. 
• Gender Budget Allocation: 
  • The share of the gender budget in the total State budget increased from 3.1% in 2023-24 to 3.3% in 2024-25. 
  • The financial allocation for gender-related initiatives rose marginally from Rs 20,391 crore in 2023-24 to Rs 21,951 crore in 2024-25. 
• Decline in Women-Specific Schemes: 
  • Shelter Homes, Hostels, and Protective Homes: 
    • Expenditure fell from Rs 15.31 crore (2023-24) to Rs 9.82 crore (2024-25 up to December). 
    • The number of beneficiaries dropped from 6,654 to 4,527. 
  • Women’s Counselling Centres: 
    • Budget reduced from Rs 4.2 crore (previous year) to RS 1.32 crore (current year). 
    • Beneficiaries decreased from 25,734 to 18,322. 
  • Manodhairya Scheme (Rehabilitation for Rape and Acid Attack Survivors): 
    • Funding dropped nearly 50%, from Rs 48 crore last year to Rs 19.48 crore this year. 
    • However, the number of beneficiaries increased from 374 to 422. 
  • Pink E-Rickshaw Scheme: 
    • Announced in July 2024, but no disbursement has been recorded yet. 
    • The scheme targets 10,000 women (ages 20-40 years) in major cities across eight districts.

Panchaganga River

Why in News? 

The Maharashtra government has appointed a panel, led by the executive engineer of the Kolhapur irrigation department, to investigate the causes of pollution in the Panchaganga River. 

 Key Points 

• State's Response to River Pollution Concerns: 
  • The State Environment Minister provided a written response on the causes of pollution and the death of fishes in the Panchaganga and Warna rivers. 
• Pollution and Fish Deaths in Warna River: 
  • Recently, dead fish were found at Bhadole and Chikurde along the Warna River. 
  • The inspection revealed that untreated effluent from sugar mills caused the pollution. 
  • The Warna Cooperative Sugar Mill was identified as the source of untreated sewage discharge during that period. 
• Action Taken Against Polluters: 
  • Officials conducted an inspection in December 2024 to assess the pollution levels. 
  • Based on the findings, the government imposed a fine of Rs 5 lakh on the sugar factory responsible for the pollution. 
• Investigation Panel: 
  • To further investigate pollution in the Panchaganga River, the government appointed a panel which will examine the sources of pollution and recommend corrective measures. 

 Panchaganga River 

• About: 
  • It is a major tributary of the Krishna River, flowing through Maharashtra. 
  • The river originates from Prayag Sangam in the Sahyadri mountain ranges. 
  • Its birthplace is Chikhlee Taluka, a small village in Kolhapur district, Maharashtra. 
  • It is formed by the confluence of five rivers—Kasari, Kumbhi, Tulsi, Bhogawati, and Saraswati. 
  • The river flows for approximately 80 km before merging with the Krishna River in Maharashtra. 
• Spiritual and Agricultural Importance: 
  • The river holds immense spiritual significance, with its banks lined with numerous temples and shrines. 
  • The Panchaganga valley is highly fertile, producing rich winter crops. 
  • The river's water is extensively used for sugarcane cultivation. 

IAF Aircraft Crash in Haryana

Why in News? 

On 7th March 2025, an Indian Air Force (IAF) Jaguar fighter jet crashed at Ambala in Haryana during a routine sortie after encountering a system malfunction. 

 Key Points 

• About Jaguar: 
  • The Jaguar is a versatile aircraft used for ground attack, air defense, and reconnaissance missions.  
  • It is a Fifth-generation (5G) fighter aircraft capable of operating in heavily contested combat zones, characterised by the presence of the most advanced air and ground threats, both current and anticipated. 
  • 5G fighter jets have stealth capabilities and can cruise at supersonic speeds without engaging afterburners. 
  • It stands out from fourth-generation (4G) peers due to its multi-spectral low-observable design, self-protection, radar jamming capabilities, and integrated avionics. 
  • The squadrons of MiG-21s, MiG-29s, Jaguars, and Mirage 2000s are scheduled to be phased out by the middle of the next decade. 

 MiG-21 

• Supersonic jet fighter and interceptor aircraft designed by the erstwhile USSR in the 1950s. 
  • Widely used combat aircraft in history, with more than 11,000 units built and over 60 countries operating it. 
• IAF acquired its first MiG-21 in 1963 and has since inducted 874 variants of the aircraft 
• Involved in several wars and conflicts involving India. Involved in many accidents and crashes, earning it the nickname “flying coffin”. 

 MIG 29s 

• It is a twin-engine, multirole fighter jet, developed by Soviet Russia in the 1970s. It has been upgraded since. 

Bird Flu Outbreak in Bokaro

Why in News? 

An official reported a bird flu outbreak in Jharkhand’s Bokaro district, nearly a month after the disease led to the culling of 5,500 birds in Ranchi. 

• The Centre confirmed the outbreak, caused by the H5N1 strain of avian influenza, on 7th March 2025 by issuing a letter to Jharkhand's chief secretary. 

 Key Points 

• Origin of the Outbreak: 
  • Officials traced the outbreak to a government poultry farm in Bokaro’s Sector 12, where around 250 birds had already died. 
• Containment Measures: 
  • On 8th March 2025, the Bokaro administration culled 46 birds and destroyed 506 eggs following directives from the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying. 
  • Authorities also destroyed 1,717 kg of poultry feed and sanitised the entire farm to prevent further spread. 
• Restricted Zones Declared: 
  • The 1-km radius around the affected farm has been designated as an infected zone, where all birds will be culled. 
  • A 10-km radius has been declared a surveillance zone, prohibiting the sale and purchase of poultry. 
  • Authorities have launched an awareness campaign to inform the public. 
• Previous Bird Flu Case in Jharkhand: 
  • Earlier in February 2025, a bird flu outbreak was reported at Birsa Agriculture University (BAU) in Ranchi, leading to the culling of 5,488 birds. 

 

Valmiki Festival 2025

Why in News?  

On 8 March 2025, the Chief Minister of Bihar launched the Valmiki Mahotsav 2025 . 

Key Points  

• About the Festival: 
  • Valmiki Mahotsav is an effective platform to honor the contribution of Maharishi Valmiki as well as to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of Bihar. 
  • The festival was organised in the River Valley Project School premises, situated in the middle of the Valmiki Tiger Reserve at Valmikinagar in West Champaran district . 
  • The program started with the presentation of ' Bihar Geet' . After this, a short film based on Maharishi Valmiki was shown, which depicted the importance of this holy place. 
  • Many important guests including the Chief Minister of Bihar and the Minister of Art and Culture were present in the program. 

Maharishi Valmiki 

• Maharishi Valmiki is considered the first poet of Sanskrit literature and is known as the author of  the epic "Ramayana" . 
• He was a great sage, ascetic and philosopher. His life is mentioned in various texts, according to which he was earlier a robber, but with the inspiration of sage Narada, he did penance and became a great saint.  
• During his penance a 'Valmiki' (ant mound) was formed around him due to which he was named 'Valmiki' . 
• Maharishi Valmiki was born on the full moon day of Ashwin month , which is celebrated as Valmiki Jayanti in the Hindu calendar. 

Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR)  

• VTR is the only tiger reserve in Bihar , which forms the easternmost limit of the Himalayan foothills forests in India. 
• VTR is located in West Champaran district of Bihar which shares a border with Nepal in the north and Uttar Pradesh in the west . 
• Located in the Gangetic plains biogeographical region, the vegetation of this Tiger Reserve is a combination of Bhabar and Terai regions . 
• As per Forest Survey of India report 2021 , 85.71% of its total area is forested. 
• The wild mammals found in the forests of Valmiki Tiger Reserve include tiger, sloth bear, leopard, wild dog, bison, wild boar , etc. 
• The rivers Gandak, Pandai, Manor , Harha, Masan and Bhapsa flow through various parts of the sanctuary. 

Mahi-Luni Link Project

Why in News? 

Rajasthan's Water Resources Minister informed the Assembly that VEPCOS WAPCOS is preparing the feasibility report for the Western Rajasthan Canal Project to connect the Mahi River with the Luni River. 

• WAPCOS Limited, a "Mini Ratna-I" Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, drives technology-led consultancy and engineering solutions, focusing on water, power, and infrastructure sectors in India and abroad. 

 Key Points 

• Objectives:  
  • The main objective of this project is to: 
    • To utilize the surplus water of Mahi river. 
    • To provide water to the water-scarce Jalore district. 
    • Promote water conservation by recharging water sources. 
    • To improve agriculture and drinking water supply. 
• Technical and implementation aspects:  
  • The feasibility report of the project is being prepared by the government through WAPCOS. Under this: 
    • Studies are being conducted to link the Mahi River with the Luni River. 
    • Various water supply options are being tested through the Sujalam-Sufalam project . 
    • Recharging of dams is being planned under the Run-off Water Grid Scheme. 
    • DPR (Detailed Project Report) and PFR (Pre-Feasibility Report) are being prepared. 

Mahi River 

• About: 
  • Mahi River is one of the major west flowing interstate rivers of India, flowing through the states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat. Its total drainage area is 34,842 sq km. 
  • Mahi is the only river in India which crosses the Tropic of Cancer twice . 
• Origin and flow path: 
  • The river originates from an altitude of about 500 metres from the northern slopes of the Vindhyachal range, near Bhopawar village in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh. 
  • For the first 120 kilometres, the river flows in a southerly direction in Madhya Pradesh, after which it enters the south-eastern Vagad region of Rajasthan.  
  • It makes a characteristic 'U' shaped bend in Rajasthan while flowing through Banswara district. 
  • After entering Gujarat, the Mahi River merges into the Arabian Sea through the Gulf of Khambhat.  
  • Its total length is 583 kilometers. 

 Luni River 

• origin and flow path  
• About: 
  • The Luni River originates from the Nag Mountain of the Aravalli mountain range located in Ajmer district of Rajasthan.  
  • At its source it is first called Sagarmati , then Saraswati and finally Luni . This river flows only during the rainy season. 
  • Traveling for about 320 kilometres, the river flows through Nagaur, Pali, Jodhpur, Barmer and Jalore districts of south-western Rajasthan and finally disappears in the Rann of Kutch. 
• Other names: 
  • This river is known by various names such as Sakri, Lavanavati, Lavanadri and Khari-Meethi River. 
• Tributaries: 
  • Lildi, Sukdi, Bandi, Meethri, Jojri, Jawai, Sagai etc. The only tributary river joining from the right is Jojri. 

Bhimbetka

Why in News? 

Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission, along with his members, visited the UNESCO World Heritage Site Bhimbetka. During the visit, he closely examined the state's historical heritage and India's rich cultural legacy, appreciating its grandeur. 

 Key Points 

• About the Visit: 
  • He observed the artistic and historical significance of the themes of the Bhimbetka rock paintings (mass dance, hunting, war, etc.) and the mineral colours used in them (ochre, red, white). 
  • The Commission was also informed about the proposed 'Rock Art Eco Park Museum’. 
• Bhimbetka: 
  • Location:  
    • It is situated south of Bhopal in the Vindhya mountain range of Madhya Pradesh , where there are rock shelters with more than 500 rock paintings. 
    • Bhimbetka caves were discovered by V.S. Wakankar in the year 1957-58. 
    • It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 2003 . 
  • Time period:  
    • The oldest paintings are estimated to be 30,000 years old and are still preserved due to their location inside caves. 
    • The paintings of Bhimbetka date back to the Upper Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Chalcolithic, Early Historic and Medieval periods . 
    • However most of the paintings are from the Mesolithic era. 
  • Painting Technique:  
    • It uses various colours obtained from natural resources like red ochre, purple, brown, white, yellow and green etc. 
  • Themes of the paintings:  
    • Everyday life of prehistoric men is often depicted in stick-like human figures. 
    • Various animals such as elephants, bison, deer, peacocks and snakes are depicted. 
    • Hunting scenes and battle scenes with men at arms. 
    • Simple geometric designs and symbols. 

 Finance Commission  

• Introduction 
• About: 
  • The Finance Commission is a constitutional body , constituted under Article 280 of the Constitution. 
  • Its main objective is to ensure equitable allocation of revenue resources between the Union and the States . 
  • It is a quasi-judicial body , which provides fair and balanced recommendations in financial matters. 
• Constitution and tenure: 
  • The Finance Commission is constituted by the President every five years or mid-term as required . 
  • The Commission works to maintain fiscal balance and strengthen cooperative federalism. 
  • Its recommendations are helpful in establishing financial coordination at all levels of government . 
• Historical perspective: 
  • The first Finance Commission was constituted in 1951 . 
  • Till now 15 Finance Commissions have been constituted and currently the 16th Finance Commission is functioning. 

National Lok Adalat

Why in News?  

On 8 March 2025, the State Legal Services Authority ordered the organization of the National Lok Adalat in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. 

Key Points  

• About the issue: 
  • In this National Lok Adalat, an opportunity was provided to settle the pending cases of power theft and irregularities under Section 135 of the Electricity Act 2003 through  mutual agreement . 
  • The Energy Minister appealed to the consumers to contact the concerned electricity office to avoid legal action and avail the rebate . 
• Scope and eligibility
  • Low pressure category domestic , agricultural, non-domestic up to 5 kilowatt and industrial consumers up to 10 horse power will come under this scheme. 
  • Only those consumers who are involved in electricity theft/unauthorized use for the first time will get the exemption. 
  • Consumers who have already received relief from Lok Adalat/Court will not get relief again. 
  • No rebate will be given on the outstanding amount of normal electricity bills . 

Lok Adalat 

• Introduction: 
• The term 'Lok Adalat' means 'People's Court' and is based on Gandhian principles. 
• According to the Supreme Court , this is an old form of adjudication system prevalent in ancient India and continues to be valid even today. 
• It is one of the components of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) system which provides informal, inexpensive and speedy justice to the common people. 
• The first Lok Adalat camp was organized in the year 1982 in Gujarat as a voluntary and conciliation agency for decisions without any statutory backing. 
• In view of its growing popularity over time , it was given statutory status under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. This Act makes provisions for the organisation and functioning of Lok Adalats.