• 11 Sep 2024

Dehradun’s Clock Tower

Why in News?

Recently, Dehradun’s iconic Clock Tower stopped ticking after thieves dismantled its copper innards.

Key Points

• Historical Significance:
  • Built in the 1940s and inaugurated by Smt. Sarojini Naidu in 1953.
  • Commissioned by Lala Sher Singh in memory of his father, Lala Balbir Singh.
  • A subtle reminder of freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for India’s independence.
• Architectural Design:
  • Hexagonal structure with one clock on each of its six sides.
  • The tower stands around 85 meters high, with its chimes once echoing through the city.
  • The Clock Tower symbolizes the city's evolution and serves as a monument of pride for Dehradun.

UP Aims for Investment in Secure Data Storage

Why in News? 

Recently, the Uttar Pradesh government has targeted a Rs.30,000 crore investment to boost secure data storage by establishing data centers.

Key Points 

• Investment Target: Uttar Pradesh aims to attract private players to set up 8 data centers with a total investment of Rs.30,000 crore.
  
  • The data centers will have a combined capacity of 900 MW and will be located near Noida.
  • Companies like Hiranandani Group, Adani Group, NTT Japan, and Web Werks have launched or announced projects worth Rs. 20,000 crore, adding 600 MW capacity.
  • The state has allowed data centers to draw power from two grids for uninterrupted supply.
    • UP's amended Data Centre Policy now extends the double-grid supply to 8 data center parks to attract more investment.
• Significance: 
  • Data centers centralise IT activities for storing, processing, and sharing information.
    • India’s colocation data center capacity was 977 MW across top 7 cities in 2023, with an additional 1.7-3.6 GW needed by 2028 due to rapid digital adoption.
  • Offshore data storage raises security risks, exposing sensitive information (banking, social media, health, etc.) to cyberattacks.
    
    • Domestic data centers will ensure enhanced security for India's growing digital data.
• National Data Centre Capacity: 
  • India’s under-construction colocation capacity for 2024-2028 stands at 1.03 GW, providing businesses with secure server infrastructure and high-speed network connectivity.

Uttar Pradesh Data Centre Policy 2021

• Capital Subsidy: 7% up to Rs.10 crore for units over 10 years (excluding land & building).
• Interest Subsidy: 60% of annual interest, up to Rs.50 crore for 7 years for data center parks.
• Land Subsidy: 25-50% on sector rates, capped at Rs.75 crore.
• Stamp Duty Exemption: 100% on first transaction; 50% on second.
• Electricity Benefits: 100% duty exemption for 10 years; dual-grid power for the first 3 parks.

Delimitation Commission of Madhya Pradesh

Why in News?  

Recently, the Madhya Pradesh government formed a delimitation commission to re-examine administrative boundaries and improve public access to services.

Key Points

• Delimitation Commission Formation: 
  • Aim to improve public access to services and address existing anomalies. 
    • Districts like Sagar, Ujjain, Indore, and Dhar face administrative difficulties due to their size.
• Delimitation:  
  • The process involves fixing the number of seats and boundaries of territorial constituencies, including the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), based on data after every decennial census.
  • The Constitution of India mandates delimitation after each census.  
    • Article 82 mandates the readjustment of seats for the Lok Sabha, while Article 170 provides for the same exercise at the state level. The process is performed by a powerful body called the Delimitation Commission, appointed by the President of India at the central level.
  • State governments also appoint a Delimitation Commission to adjust the boundaries of districts and divisions to improve administrative efficiency.
    • The high-powered commission is headed by an officer appointed by the state government. Its orders have a force of law and cannot be called into question before any court in India.
  • Delimitation Commissions have been set up four times — 1952, 1963, 1973 and 2002 under the Acts of 1952, 1962, 1972 and 2002. 
    • The first delimitation exercise was carried out by the President (with the help of the Election Commission) in 1950-51.

Rewa Airport

Why in News?  

Recently, Rewa Airport in Madhya Pradesh received operational license approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), marking a significant step toward enhancing regional connectivity and economic growth.

Key Points

• With the addition of Rewa, Madhya Pradesh now has 6 airports, the others being located in Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Gwalior, and Khajuraho.  
  • Rewa is known for its cultural and historical landmarks, and the airport will make these attractions more accessible, potentially drawing in more visitors and businesses. 
• This airport development aligns with the PM's vision of a ‘Developed India-Developed Madhya Pradesh (‘Viksit Bharat Viksit Madhya Pradesh)’, ensuring that it becomes a cornerstone for the development of the Vindhya region. 

Major Projects under Viksit Bharat Viksit Madhya Pradesh 

• Irrigation Projects: Upper Narmada Project, Raghavpur Multipurpose Project, Basaniya Multipurpose Project (Rs 5500 crores). 
• Micro-Irrigation Projects: Parasdoh Micro Irrigation Project, Aulliya Micro Irrigation Project (Rs 800 crores). 
• Railway Projects: Third line projects on Virangana Lakshmibai Jhansi – Jakhlaun route, Gauge conversion project, Powarkheda-Jujharpur rail line flyover (Rs 2200 crores). 
• Industrial Projects: Mega Leather and Footwear Cluster at Sitapur, Garment Industry Plug and Play Park in Indore, Industrial Park Mandsaur, Upgradation of Pithampur Industrial Park (Rs 1000 crores). 
• Coal Sector Projects: Jayant OCP CHP Silo, NCL Singrauli; Dudhichua OCP CHP-Silo (Rs 1000 crores). 
• Power Sector: Six substations in Panna, Raisen, Chhindwara, and Narmadapuram districts. 
• Water Supply Projects: Various AMRUT 2.0 projects, water supply augmentation in Khargone (Rs 880 crores). 
• Cyber Tehsil Project: Launched in 55 districts for digital solutions in revenue records and mutation of sale-purchase records.

Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) 

• It is an attached office of the Ministry of Civil Aviation. 
• It is the regulatory body in the field of Civil Aviation primarily dealing with safety issues. 
• It is responsible for regulation of air transport services to/from/within India and for enforcement of civil air regulations, air safety and airworthiness standards. 
• It also co-ordinates all regulatory functions with the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

Vande Metro Projects

Why in News?

Recently, the Madhya Pradesh government announced the introduction of "Vande Metro" projects in key urban areas of Madhya Pradesh during a development review meeting in Indore.

Key Points 

• Vande Metro Initiative:Capable of reaching speeds up to 160 km/h, doubling the current metro rail's maximum speed of 80 km/h.
  • Aim is to enhance commuting efficiency and reduce travel times.
• The metro network will be extended to Ujjain ahead of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela in 2028, to accommodate millions of visitors.

Simhastha Kumbh Mela

• Celebrated when Jupiter ascends into the Leo quarter of the zodiac or the Simha constellation along the Shipra river.
• Significance:
  • The river Shipra, in Ujjain, is believed to enhance life due to the presence of the divine nectar.
  • The Kumbh Mela is held to commemorate this event.
  • Millions of devotees gather at the ghats of the Shipra River for a holy dip.

Haryana's Unemployment Crisis

Why in News? 

The high unemployment rate in Haryana, reflected in the Union government’s Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) survey, has become a focal point as the state approaches upcoming elections. 

Key Points 

• Unemployment Rate Trends:
  • PLFS for January-March 2024 shows urban unemployment for those above 15 years has decreased to 4.1%, down from 8.8% in 2023, and is now below the national average of 6.7%.
  • Contrast this with annual PLFS results for 2021-22, where Haryana’s unemployment rate was 9%, more than double the national rate of 4.1%.
    • Previous high unemployment attributed to global post-Covid economic slowdown affecting sectors like hospitality and aviation.
• Increase in Youth Migration:
  • Growing trend of Haryana youth emigrating for better opportunities due to lack of local job prospects.
  • Government jobs remain a top preference, but insufficient appointments have led to increasing emigration.
  • Demand for skilled workforce remains high, but government skill development programs are criticised for not meeting industry needs.
    • This calls for incentivizing industries for skill training and treating Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with the same importance as the agriculture sector for credit facilities.
• Government Initiatives:
  • Approximately 30,000 regular government jobs filled this year (2024), with a target of 50,000 jobs before the Assembly polls on 5th October, 2024.
  • “Mission 60,000” announced for youth employment in Below Poverty Line (BPL) families through various roles and training programs.
• New Projects:
  • Proposed Maruti Suzuki and Suzuki Motorcycle plants in Kharkhoda expected to generate around 15,000 direct jobs.
  • The government is emphasizing job creation through industrial projects and infrastructure development.