Uttar Pradesh

• 11 Mar 2025

Integrated Solar Manufacturing Unit

Why in News?  

On 8th March 2025, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh laid the foundation stone of Avaada Group's 5 gigawatt (GW) integrated solar manufacturing unit in Gautam Buddha Nagar (Noida), and inaugurated a 1.5 GW solar module manufacturing unit 

• Avaada Group is a leading Indian green energy company, headquartered in Mumbai, engaged in renewable energy generation through solar, wind, pumped hydro and green fuels. 

Key Points 

• According to the Chief Minister, this initiative not only strengthens our state's contribution to renewable energy but also boosts employment and supports our vision of a USD 1 trillion economy . 
• This effort contributes to Uttar Pradesh's goal of reaching 22,000 MW of solar power generation by the year 2026-2027 .  
• The Chief Minister described it as an important step towards realising the vision of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. 

Renewable Energy  

• About: 
  • Renewable energy is energy derived from  natural, replenishable sources such as solar, wind, hydropower, biomass, geothermal and tidal . 
  • These sources are sustainable and environmentally friendly, reducing dependence on fossil fuels. 
• Type: 
  • Solar energy: obtained from the sun's radiation using  solar panels or solar thermal systems . 
  • Wind energy : Produced by converting  the kinetic energy of the wind into electricity using wind turbines . 
  • Hydroelectricity: Produced using the energy of flowing water (rivers, dams, waterfalls). 
  • Biomass energy: Made from organic materials such as plant residues and animal waste for heating, electricity and biofuels . 
  • Geothermal energy: Obtained from the Earth's internal heat (hot water, steam) for electricity production and direct heating . 
  • Tidal and wave energy : uses the motion of sea water (gravitational pull or surface waves) to generate electricity . 
    • Coastal areas like the Gulf of Kutch and the Sundarbans offer potential for tidal energy. 

New Schemes on Eminent Figures

Why in News?  

The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh announced the launch of 10 ambitious new schemes named after eminent figures to immortalize their contributions. 

Key Points 

• These schemes will drive progress in agriculture, industry, education, and social welfare while also fostering employment generation, women’s empowerment, and intellectual growth. 
• Important Schemes: 
  • Mata Shabri Canteens and Rest Houses in Krishi Mandis: 
    • The government will establish canteens and rest houses in Krishi Mandis under the name of Mata Shabri, offering farmers and workers affordable food and rest facilities. 
    • In a similar initiative, a Shabri Restaurant has also been set up in Ayodhya to honor her legacy. 
  • Sardar Patel District Economic Zone: Boosting Employment and Development 
    • The District Economic Zone, named after Sardar Patel, will be developed as an employment hub to ensure job opportunities for at least one person from every family. 
    • Designed according to the unique strengths and potential of each district, the zone will be established on 100 acres of land under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. 
    • This initiative honors Sardar Patel, India's first Home Minister, and aims to drive economic growth and job creation at the district level. 
  •  Mata Ahilyabai Holkar Working Women’s Hostels: 
    • The government will establish working women’s hostels in Varanasi, Meerut, Prayagraj, Gorakhpur, Kanpur Nagar, Jhansi, and Agra to provide safe and comfortable accommodation for employed women. 
    • These hostels will be named after Mata Ahilyabai Holkar, a trailblazer of cultural renaissance, in honor of her 300th birth anniversary. 
  • Maharani Laxmibai Meritorious Girl Student Scooty Scheme: 
    • The government has launched a scheme to provide scooties to meritorious girl students, honoring Rani Laxmibai, the valiant heroine of India’s freedom struggle. 
  •  Sant Kabirdas CM Mitra Park Scheme: 
    • The government will establish 10 textile parks across the state in honor of Sant Kabirdas, who championed the values of humanity and labor. 
    • Additionally, the PM Mitra Park, currently under construction in the Lucknow-Hardoi region, is also dedicated to Sant Kabir. 
  • Sant Ravidas Leather Industry Park: 
    • The government will develop two leather industry parks in the state, honoring Sant Ravidas, who advocated for equality and the dignity of labor. 
    • One of these parks will be established in Agra, serving as a major hub for the leather industry. 
    • This initiative will revitalize the leather sector while creating employment opportunities for thousands of artisans and workers. 
  • Bharat Ratna Chaudhary Charan Singh Seed Park in Lucknow: 
    • The government will establish a Seed Park in Lucknow, dedicated to former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Chaudhary Charan Singh. 
    • This initiative aims to provide farmers with high-quality seeds and essential agricultural resources, enhancing productivity and sustainability in the agricultural sector. 
  • Atal Bihari Vajpayee Urban Libraries: 
    • In honor of the birth centenary of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the government has allocated a budget to establish libraries in urban areas across the state. 
    • This initiative aims to promote education, knowledge, and intellectual development while commemorating the legacy of the former Prime Minister. 
  • Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Hostel Scheme: 
    • The government has dedicated the reconstruction and development of social welfare hostels to Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar. 
    • This initiative aims to support students from Dalit, backward, and economically weaker sections, ensuring better access to education and accommodation. 
  • Birsa Munda Tribal Museums in Mirzapur and Sonbhadra: 
    • In commemoration of Birsa Munda’s 150th birth anniversary, celebrated as Tribal Pride Year, the government will establish two tribal museums in Mirzapur and Sonbhadra. 
    • The budget has allocated the necessary funds for this initiative, aiming to preserve and showcase tribal heritage and culture.