• 11 Oct 2024

Sakhi Niwas Hostels

Why in News?

Recently, the Uttar Pradesh government launched a new phase of its Mission Shakti initiative, aiming to provide safe housing for working women.

Key Points

• 18 new Sakhi Niwas hostels will be opened by October 2024, under Mission Shakti 5.0 in cities like Varanasi, Lucknow and Noida.
• Program offers safe, affordable housing near workplaces for working women.
  • Each hostel will accommodate 50 women, and married women can house children (up to 18 years for daughters, 12 years for sons).
• Central and state governments co-fund the project.
• "Nari Shakti 5.0" is a campaign by the Uttar Pradesh government.
  • The aim is to enhance the safety and awareness of women and children.

Mission Shakti

• About: Mission Shakti’ is a scheme of the Ministry of Women and Child Development aimed at strengthening interventions for women safety, security and empowerment.
  • It seeks to realise the Government’s commitment for “women-led development‟ by addressing issues affecting women on a life-cycle continuum basis and by making them equal partners in nation-building through convergence and citizen-ownership.
• Sub-Schemes: It has two sub-schemes - 'Sambal' and 'Samarthya'. While the "Sambal" sub-scheme is for safety and security of women, the "Samarthya" sub-scheme is for empowerment of women.
  • Sambhal:
    • The components of 'Sambal' sub-scheme consist of erstwhile schemes of One Stop Centre (OSC), Women Helpline (WHL), Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) with a new component of Nari Adalats - women's collectives to promote and facilitate alternative dispute resolution and gender justice in society and within families.
  • Samarthya:
    • The components of 'Samarthya' sub-scheme consist of erstwhile schemes of Ujjwala, Swadhar Greh and Working Women Hostel have been included with modifications.
    • In addition, the existing schemes of National Creche Scheme for children of working mothers and Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana under umbrella ICDS have now been included in Samarthya.
      • A new component of Gap Funding for Economic Empowerment has also been added in the Samarthya Scheme.

Public Holiday for Navami in UP

Why in News?

Recently, the Uttar Pradesh government declared a public holiday on 11^th October, 2024, in observance of Navami, a significant day in Hindu traditions.

Key Points

• Navami marks the end of Navratri with rituals like ‘Kanya Bhoj’ and havan (sacred fire ceremonies).
• In the Hindu calendar, Navami is the ninth day of the lunar fortnight (Paksha). Each month has two Navami days, one on the ninth day of the "bright" (Shukla) fortnight and one on the ninth day of the "dark" (Krishna) fortnight.
• Navami is also associated with two festivals in Hinduism.
  • Maha Navami: The ninth day of Sharad Navratri, Maha Navami commemorates the day when Goddess Durga defeated the demon Mahishasura. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.
  • Ram Navami: A festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Rama.

Classification of Calendars in India

Calendar	Type	Zero Year	Origin	Key Features
Vikram Samvat	Hindu Lunar Calendar	57 B.C.	Introduced by King Vikramaditya after victory over Sakas	Lunar-based; 12 months with 354 days; divided into Shuklapaksha (bright half) and Krishnapaksha (dark half); 13th month (Adhik Mass) in certain years.
Saka Samvat	Hindu Solar Calendar	78 A.D.	Introduced by Saka rulers after defeating the Kushanas	Solar-based; adopted as the official calendar of India in 1957; each year has 365 days.
Hijri Calendar	Islamic Lunar Calendar	622 A.D.	Originated in Saudi Arabia	Lunar-based; 12 months with 354 days; the 9th month, Ramzaan, is observed for fasting.
Gregorian Calendar	Scientific Solar Calendar	1582 A.D.	Introduced by Pope Gregory XIII	Solar-based; replaced the Julian calendar; civil calendar in use today; 365 days with leap years to correct for 365.25 days.

Haryana Assembly Profile Overview

Why in News?

Recently, the new Haryana Assembly was elected, marking notable changes in age, wealth, and gender representation.

Key Points

• Demographics & Age:
  • Average age of MLAs is 55.6 years, slightly older than 2019 (54.8 years).
  • The youngest MLA is 25-year-old Aditya Surjewala , and the oldest is 80-year-old Raghuvir Singh Kadian.
• Criminal Cases:
  • 13 MLAs face pending criminal cases: 7 from Congress, 3 from BJP, and 3 Independents.
  • Former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda has the most cases (8).
• Wealth & Assets:
  • The average assets of MLAs have increased to Rs. 24.87 crore from Rs. 18.29 crore in 2019.
  • Savitri Jindal (Independent, Hisar) is the wealthiest MLA with assets worth Rs. 270.66 crore.
  • The least wealthy MLA is Kapoor Singh (BJP, Bawani Khera) with assets of Rs. 7.2 lakh.
• Education & Occupation:
  • 61 MLAs are at least graduates, with graduates forming two-thirds of the Assembly.
  • 44% are involved in social/political work, 41% in business, and 27% in agriculture.
• Women Representation:
  • The number of women MLAs has risen to 13 from 9, matching the record set in 2014.
  • Women make up 14% of the new Assembly, with 5 from BJP and 7 from Congress.

Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary to be Declared a Tiger Reserve

Why in News?

Madhya Pradesh's Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary, located near Bhopal, is set to become the state's 8^th tiger reserve.

Key Points

• Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary: The sanctuary, known for its rich biodiversity and cultural significance, has met all the requirements of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and is awaiting final approval at the state wildlife board meeting.
• Location and Area: Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary covers approximately 3,500 sq km in the Raisen, Sehore, and Bhopal districts. Of this, 1,500 sq km will be designated as the core tiger area, while 2,000 sq km will serve as a buffer zone.
• Tiger Population: The sanctuary is home to about 40 tigers, with an additional 12 tigers regularly moving within the forest areas near Bhopal.
• Tourism and Economy: The designation as a tiger reserve is expected to boost tourism and improve the local economy through increased government funding.
• Safety Measures: To prevent tiger deaths due to accidents and poaching, 25 overpasses and underpasses will be constructed, and villages in the core area will be relocated.
• Biodiversity: Apart from tigers, the sanctuary supports a variety of wildlife, including leopards, hyenas, jackals, and various herbivores such as chital, sambar, and nilgai. It also hosts more than 150 bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers .
• Historical and Cultural Significance: The sanctuary houses the Bhimbetka rock shelters, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and several historical landmarks, adding cultural value to the region .