State PCS - Maharashtra (MPSC)

• 15 Apr 2025

B.R. Ambedkar’s 135th Birth Anniversary

Why in News? 

On the occasion of the 134th birth anniversary of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, thousands of followers gathered at Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur and Chaityabhoomi in Mumbai. The day was observed with deep reverence, cultural programmes, and tributes. 

 Key Points 

• Important sites: 
  • Deekshabhoomi: 
    • The site holds historical significance as the place where Ambedkar embraced Buddhism in 1956, initiating a major socio-religious movement. 
    • Followers offered floral tributes at the sacred stupa and to Ambedkar’s preserved ashes. 
  • Chaityabhoomi:  
    • Situated in Dadar, Chaityabhoomi is a memorial that has become a major pilgrimage site for Ambedkarites nationwide. 
    • The Maharashtra government and Mumbai civic bodies arranged medical camps, water supply stations, and special traffic controls to manage the crowd. 
  • Both the sites are part of the Ambedkar Circuit, a set of important sites related to Dr. Ambedkar’s life. 

 Ambedkar Circuit 

• The government had first proposed the Ambedkar Circuit, or Panchteerth, in 2016, but the conceptualisation of the plan could be held recently. 
• The five cities in the tourist circuit as announced by the government are: 
  • Janma Bhoomi- Ambedkar’s birthplace in Madhya Pradesh’s Mhow. 
  • Shiksha Bhoomi- the place in London where he stayed while studying in the UK. 
  • Deeksha Bhoomi- the place in Nagpur where he embraced Buddhism. 
  • Mahaparinirvan Bhoomi- the place of his demise in Delhi. 
  • Chaitya Bhoomi- the place of his cremation is in Mumbai. 

Free Electricity for Maharashtra Farmers

Why in News? 

Maharashtra Chief Minister announced that the government will provide free electricity to 80% of the state’s farmers by December 2026.  

• The Chief Minister emphasised that the government is working to generate 16,000 MW of solar power under the Mukhyamantri Saur Krishi Yojana to ensure 12-hour daytime electricity. 

 Key Points 

• Mukhyamantri Saur Krishi Yojana: 
  • This program is a Maharashtra government initiative aimed at promoting solar-powered agriculture through various schemes, including off-grid solar pumps and decentralized solar power projects. 
  • The scheme aims to decouple the irrigation sector from power subsidies, ease the financial burden on other electricity consumers, replace diesel pumps to curb pollution, and promote environmentally sustainable agriculture. 
• Sub-schemes included under this are: 
  • Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Pump Yojana: 
    • This component aims to provide solar-powered agricultural pumps, especially in off-grid areas, to reduce dependence on diesel and ensure reliable daytime irrigation.  
    • It targets the installation of 100,000 off-grid solar pumps, offering subsidies primarily to farmers with small landholdings. 
  • Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Vahini Yojana (MSKVY) 2.0: 
    • The scheme aims to solarize 30% of agricultural feeders through the installation of decentralized solar power projects with a combined capacity of 7,000 MW.  
    • It seeks to ensure daytime electricity for farmers, ease pressure on the conventional power grid, and encourage private sector investment in solar energy. 

 Sustainable Agriculture  

• About: It is a holistic farming approach that meets current food and fiber needs while preserving resources for future generations.   
  • It includes practices like crop rotation, organic farming, and community-supported agriculture, ensuring environmental health, economic viability, and social equity.  
• Benefits:  
  • Environmental Benefits: Improves soil health, conserves water, protects biodiversity, and reduces the carbon footprint.  
  • Economic Benefits: Ensures long-term productivity, lowers costs, creates market opportunities, and enhances climate resilience.  
  • Social Benefits: Produces healthier food, generates employment, and strengthens food security.  
  • Resilience to Climate Change: Organic farming, conservation tillage, and agroforestry sequester carbon, reduce emissions, and boost climate resilience.