• 12 Mar 2025

Lakhpati Didi Yojana in Uttarakhand

Why in News? 

Udham Singh Nagar district of Uttarakhand has achieved the highest success in implementing the Lakhpati Didi Yojana, a key initiative under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM).  

 Key Points 

• Progress Towards Targets: 
  • Udham Singh Nagar is nearing its target, with 25,918 women becoming Lakhpati Didis against a goal of 27,285. 
  • Haridwar follows, achieving 21,442 out of its 23,588 target. 
  • Pauri, Almora, and Tehri have also made significant progress. 
• Entrepreneurial Opportunities for Rural Women: 
  • Under the Lakhpati Didi Yojana, rural women have become entrepreneurs by engaging in: 
    • Value addition of coarse grains and fruits. 
    • Dairy farming and LPG distribution. 
    • Primary veterinary care and insurance schemes, earning commissions. 
    • Digital transactions, strengthening household incomes. 
• NRLM's Impact on Women’s Empowerment: 
  • NRLM has transformed the lives of women in remote villages, offering them not just financial stability but also empowerment and self-reliance. 

 Lakhpati Didi Initiative 

• About:  
  • A "Lakhpati Didi" is a member of a SHG who has successfully achieved an annual household income of Rupees One Lakh or more. 
  • This income is sustained across at least four agricultural seasons or business cycles, ensuring that the average monthly income exceeds Rupees Ten Thousand (Rs. 10,000). 
  • It was initiated by the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana- National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), wherein each SHG household is encouraged to take up multiple livelihood activities coupled with value chain interventions, resulting in a sustainable income of Rs. 1,00,000 or more per year. 
• Purpose:  
  • The initiative aims to empower women not only by improving their income but by transforming their lives through sustainable livelihood practices. 
  • These women serve as role models in their communities, demonstrating the power of effective resource management and entrepreneurship. 

 National Rural Livelihood Mission 

• About: 
  • It is a centrally sponsored programme, launched by the Ministry of Rural Development in June 2011. 
• Aim: 
  • To eliminate rural poverty through the promotion of multiple livelihoods and improved access to financial services for the rural poor households across the country. 
• Functioning: 
  • It involves working with community institutions through community professionals in the spirit of self-help which is a unique proposition of DAY-NRLM. 
  • It impacts the livelihoods through universal social mobilization by inter alia organising one-woman member from each rural poor household into Self Help Groups (SHGs), their training and capacity building, facilitating their micro-livelihoods plans, and enabling them to implement their livelihoods plans through accessing financial resources from their own institutions and the banks. 

Chaitra Chaudas Fair

Why in News? 

The three-day Chaitra Chaudas Fair will take place from 27-29 March, 2025 at Saraswati Tirtha in Pehowa, Kurukshetra. 

• During the fair, a large number of devotees from Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi gather in Pehowa to offer prayers to their ancestors. 

 Key Points 

• Administrative Coordination and Planning: 
  • The district administration has initiated preparations for the fair to ensure smooth execution. 
  • A joint meeting of all departments was held to coordinate efforts and complete preparations on time. 
  • Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) reviewed the preparations and issued necessary directives. 
• Infrastructure and Facility Arrangements: 
  • The Public Health and Engineering Department has been directed to: 
    • Ensure an adequate water supply. 
    • Install temporary toilets for visitors. 
    • The Irrigation Department will drain out the pond at Saraswati Tirtha and refill it with fresh water. 
  • Officials from multiple departments, including Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (UHBVN), Health, Municipal Committee, Food and Civil Supplies, Transport, Fire, Kurukshetra Development Board, Police, and others, have received instructions for fair preparations. 
• Security and Law Enforcement Measures: 
  • Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) stated that the fair area would be divided into eight security sectors. 
  • Police check posts will be set up at: 
    • Ambala Road 
    • Guhla-Pehowa Road 
    • Kaithal Road 
    • Galerva Road 
    • Kurukshetra Road 
  • Complete security checks will be conducted at a single point to avoid repeated stops for devotees. 
  • A large police force will be deployed to ensure devotee safety and prevent untoward incidents. 
• Enhanced Surveillance and Monitoring: 
  • CCTV cameras across the fairgrounds will be checked to ensure they are operational. 
  • Defunct cameras will be replaced, and new CCTV cameras will be installed in parking areas to prevent vehicle theft. 

Wular Lake Contribution to J&K Fish Production

Why in News? 

The Jammu and Kashmir government dismissed reports claiming that the degradation of Wular Lake has had a negative impact on the fishing community. 

 Key Points 

• Discussion on Wular Lake and Its Impact on Fishermen: 
  • A question was raised in the Assembly regarding the impact of Wular Lake's deterioration on the fishing community. 
  • The Minister In-Charge of Forest, Ecology & Environment Department denied claims of adverse effects on fishermen in a written reply. 
  • He stated that Wular Lake contributes nearly 60% of Kashmir’s total fish production. 
  • The lake currently supports 5,200 registered fishermen, and fish production has increased over the past three years. 
• Fish Production Statistics: 
  • In 2023-24, the fish production recorded was: 
    • 1,215.25 metric tonnes (MT) of local fish 
    • 3,378.611 MT of carp 
• Restoration Efforts for Wular Lake: 
  • In response to another query on restoring Wular Lake’s pristine condition, the minister highlighted significant conservation measures undertaken. 
  • The government recognizes Wular Lake as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. 
• Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA): 
  • The government has established the Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA) to oversee lake restoration. 
  • WUCMA has been implementing a Comprehensive Management Action Plan (CMAP), which includes: 
    • Survey and demarcation of the wetland. 
    • Improving water regimes of Wular and associated wetlands to restore ecological services and economic benefits. 
    • Biodiversity conservation efforts to maintain the lake’s environmental balance. 

 Ramsar Convention 

• The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, under the auspices of UNESCO, aimed at conserving wetlands of international importance.  
  • In India, it came into force on 1st February 1982, under which wetlands of international importance are declared as Ramsar sites. 
• Montreux Record is a register of wetland sites of International Importance where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur as a result of technological developments, pollution or other human interference.  
  • It is maintained as part of the Ramsar List. 

Maharashtra Budget 2025

Why in News? 

The Maharashtra Finance Minister presented the Rs 7-lakh-crore budget for 2025-26 in the Assembly, emphasizing industrial growth, infrastructure development, and job creation. 

 Key Points 

• Budget Outlay and GSDP Share: 
  • The total budget outlay constitutes 14.17% of the estimated Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of Rs 49.4 lakh crore. 
  • This is lower than the 14.8% of GSDP allocated in the 2024-25 Revised Estimates, making this budget smaller than the previous one. 
• Fiscal Deficit Reduction: 
  • The government has lowered the fiscal deficit to 2.7% of GSDP, down from 2.9% in the 2024-25 Revised Estimates, by budgeting lower spending. 
• Industrial Policy and Job Creation: 
  • The Finance Minister announced plans to introduce an industrial policy for 2025. 
  • The policy aims to attract Rs 40 lakh crore in investments and generate 50 lakh jobs over the next five years. 
• Decline in Capital Expenditure: 
  • Capital expenditure is projected to fall by 14.5% in 2025-26, from Rs 1,09,031.5 crore in the current fiscal to Rs 93,165.5 crore. 
  • Its share in the total budget outlay has been reduced to 13.3%. 
• Ladki Bahin Yojana Allocation: 
  • The scheme has been allocated Rs 36,000 crore, which is 21% lower than the current fiscal’s allocation. 
• Government's Five-Point Agenda: 
  • The State Chief Minister stated that the budget is based on five key focus areas: 
    • Agriculture 
    • Industry 
    • Infrastructure 
    • Employment 
    • Social Welfare 

 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. 

New Frog Species in Maharashtra

Why in News? 

Researchers from Maharashtra have discovered a new endemic frog species,‘Minervarya ghatiborealis’ at Mahabaleshwar. 

• They included it in the genus Minervarya, commonly known as the ‘Cricket frog’. The international journal Zootaxa has published their study on this species. 

 

 Key Points 

• Etymology and Meaning: 
  • The species' name combines the Sanskrit word ‘Ghati’ (Western) and the Latin word ‘Borealis’ (Northern). 
  • It translates to ‘from the north-western Ghats’, reflecting its habitat. 
• Distinctive Features: 
  • Frogs of the Minervarya genus have parallel lines on their abdomens, making them easy to identify. 
  • They nest near standing water or small springs. 
  • Their calls resemble nightingale sounds, a unique trait among frogs. 
    • Male frogs of this species produce distinct breeding calls, which set them apart from other Minervarya species. 
• Conservation Importance: 
  • The need for continuous conservation efforts in the Western Ghats was emphasized. 
  • The Mahabaleshwar Plateau is now recognized as a key area for endemic species, requiring enhanced conservation measures. 

The Western Ghats 

 

• About: 
  • These are the mountain ranges running parallel along the western coast of India starting from Gujarat and ending in Tamil Nadu. 
  • Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala are the six Indian states covered by Western Ghats. 
  • The mountain range is also a “Hottest Hotspot” of biodiversity. 
  • The Ghats are often called the Great Escarpment of India and are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 
  • High Biodiversity and Endemism are special features of Western Ghats along with the presence of Evergreen Forests. 
• Significance: 
  • The Ghats influence the Indian monsoon weather patterns that mediate the warm tropical climate of the region. 
  • They act as a barrier to rain-laden monsoon winds that sweep in from the south-west. 
  • Western Ghats are home to tropical evergreen forests, as well as to 325 globally threatened species. 
  • Plateaus are the dominant landscapes in the Western Ghats, significant because of the predominance of endemic species. 

Shaurya Vedanam Festival

Why in News? 

The first Shaurya Vednam festival was organized in Motihari, East Champaran district of Bihar on 7-8 March 2025 . 

Key Points 

• About the festival:  
  • Objective: 
    • The aim of this festival was to showcase the military might of the Indian Armed Forces and to make the youth and common citizens aware and inspire them towards the defence forces. 
  • Events and Chief Guests 
    • The festival was organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and East Champaran District Administration . 
    • The festival was inaugurated by Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan and the chief guests included Radha Mohan Singh (Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence), Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta and other senior officials. 
  • Military exhibits and attractions: 
    • The event showcased modern military technologies and equipment of the Army, Navy and Air Force , which included: 
      • The Indian Army showcased advanced equipment like the K-9 Vajra gun, T-90 Bhishma tank, Swati radar and BMP combat vehicle . 
      • The Navy displayed models of submarines, destroyers and aircraft carriers , providing a comprehensive demonstration of naval power. 
      • The Indian Air Force showcased its might through a flypast and display of fighter jets and helicopters . 

 Motihari 

• Motihari is an important historical town in East Champaran district of Bihar.  
• It is the headquarters of East Champaran district, located on the Nepal border. 
• According to legend, Motihari was named after two men, Moti Singh and Hari Singh . 
• It is the birthplace of the famous writer George Orwell and has been the main centre of Mahatma Gandhi's Champaran Satyagraha . 
• Scenic Spots: 
  • Kesaria Buddhist Stupa: Located in Kesaria, it is one of the tallest Buddhist stupas in the world. 
  • Ashoka Pillar: This 36½ feet high pillar located in Lauriya village was installed by Emperor Ashoka in 249 BC. It is also known as " Sthamb Dharma Lekh". 

Women's Taekwondo Championship

Why in News?  

Khelo India Women's Taekwondo Championship was held in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh on the occasion of International Women's Day on 8th March 2025

 Key Points 

• About the Championship:  
  • Events :  
    • This championship was organized by the Union Ministry of Sports and Youth Welfare, Khelo India, Sports Authority of India, Taekwondo Federation of India and Uttar Pradesh Taekwondo Association . 
    • In this championship, senior category competitions were organized in various weight categories.
  • Chief Medalist: 
    • Lucknow - 4 gold, 4 silver, 6 bronze 
    • Agra - 4 gold, 1 silver 
    • Mathura, Farrukhabad – 1-1 gold and other medals 

 Taekwondo 

• About: 
  • Taekwondo is a Korean martial art characterized by punching and kicking techniques 
  • It emphasizes head-high kicks, spinning jump kicks, and fast kicking techniques.  
  • It not only develops physical skills but also mental strength. 
• History: 
  • Taekwondo's roots date back to Korea's Three-Kingdoms era (c. 50 BC) . 
  • The Hwarang , warriors of the Silla Dynasty, developed a martial art called Taekkyon ("foot-hand") . 
  • In the early 20th century, it became the dominant martial art in Korea. 
  • In 1973 the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) was founded. 

Rajasthan Coaching Center (Control and Regulation) Bill 2025

Why in News?  

The Rajasthan Cabinet approved the 'Rajasthan Coaching Center (Control and Regulation) Bill-2025' to regulate the coaching institutes of the state and provide a safe and friendly environment to the students. 

Key Points 

• About:  
  • This bill will apply to all government departments, autonomous bodies and institutions under the control of the state government . 
  • Under the Rajasthan Coaching Centre (Control and Regulation) Bill-2025, registration has been made mandatory for all coaching institutes. 
    • Institutes with 50 or more students will come under legal scrutiny.  
    • A special regulatory authority will be constituted to ensure compliance with the rules 
• Objective of the Bill:  
  • The main objective of this bill is to protect the rights of students and strengthen their mental health. 
  • It focuses on ensuring transparency and accountability in coaching institutes as well as providing a safe and supportive environment for students.  
• Transparency and Monitoring:  
  • To ensure transparency and monitoring of coaching institutes, a state-level portal and 24x7 helpline will be set up to provide mental health support and other services to students. 
• Penalties and Compliance:  
  • The rules impose strict penalties for violations, including a Rs 2 lakh fine for the first offence, Rs 5 lakh for the second offence, and registration cancellation for repeated violations. 

The Poshan Abhiyaan

Why in News?  

On 8th March 2025, Poshan Abhiyaan marked seven years of implementation, during which significant efforts were undertaken to enhance nutrition levels and eradicate malnutrition across the country. 

Key Points 

•  About POSHAN Abhiyaan: 
  • Poshan Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission) was launched on 8th March, 2018 on the occasion of International Women's Day from Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan.  
  • It focuses on meeting the nutritional needs of adolescents, pregnant women, lactating mothers and children (0-6 years) through a targeted and integrated approach . 
• Objective:  
  • It aims to reduce stunting, under-nutrition, anemia (in young children, women and adolescent girls) and the incidence of low birth weight babies . 
• Strategic Pillars:  
  • Its implementation is based on four strategic pillars : 
    • Quality Services: Strengthening health services through Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) , National Health Mission (NHM) and Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) with a focus on the first 1,000 days of the child. 
    • Coordination between sectors: Coordinating efforts across ministries such as water and sanitation for holistic nutrition. 
      • The National Council on India's Nutrition Challenges, under the guidance of NITI Aayog , guides policy and reviews nutrition convergence quarterly. 
    • Technology: Use of Nutrition Tracker for real-time data and monitoring and use of ICDS-Common Application Software for strengthening the delivery of Anganwadi services. 
    • Jan Andolan: Promoting community-driven nutrition awareness and behaviour change. 
• Major achievements:
  • According to the Nutrition Tracker data of December 2023 , about 7.44 crore children below the age of six were assessed, of which 36% were stunted, 17% were underweight and 6% of children below 5 years were wasted. 
  • According to the recent report of National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) 2019-21 , there has been an improvement in the nutritional indicators of children under five years of age as compared to NFHS-4 (2015-16): 
    • Stunting decreased from 38.4% to 35.5% . 
    • Malnutrition decreased from 21.0% to 19.3% . 
    • The prevalence of underweight decreased from 35.8% to 32.1% . 

 National Health Mission (NHM) 

• NHM was launched by the government of India in 2013 subsuming the National Rural Health Mission (Launched in 2005) and the National Urban Health Mission (Launched in 2013). 
• The main programmatic components include Health System Strengthening in rural and urban areas for - Reproductive-Maternal- Neonatal-Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCH+A), and Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases. 
• The NHM envisages achievement of universal access to equitable, affordable & quality health care services that are accountable and responsive to people's needs.
  

Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) 

• PMMVY is a maternity benefit programme being implemented in all districts of the country with effect from 1st January, 2017. 
• It is a centrally sponsored scheme being executed by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. 
• Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme: 
  • Cash benefits are provided to pregnant women in their bank account directly to meet enhanced nutritional needs and partially compensate for wage loss.