• 16 Jan 2024

Gunfight Between Banned Maoist Group and Security Forces

Why in News?

Recently, in Jharkhand's Chatra district a gunfight broke out between members of a banned Maoist outfit and security personnel.

Key Points

• During a combing operation in Angarha forest in Kunda, around 200 km from the state capital Ranchi, cadres of the outlawed Tritiya Sammelan Prastuti Committee fired upon the security forces.
  • The Tritiya Sammelan Prastuti Committee is a breakaway faction of the banned Communist Party of India (CPI) (Maoist).

The Tritiya Prastuti Committee (TPC)

• It is a splinter group of the Maoist Communist Centre of India. TPC has declared CPI (Maoist) as its main enemy, not police machinery.
• The areas of influence of TPC are in Chatra, Palamu and Latehar district of Jharkhand. TPC is a rival of other Maoist outfits.
• It was formed in 2002 when several cadres broke away from Maoist Communist Centre (MCC) due to its perceived domination of Yadav caste in decision making and led to the formation of the TPC by non-Yadavs chiefly the Mahtos, Ganjhus, Bhogta, Oraon and Kharwars among others.

Uttar Pradesh's Priority Sector Jump

Why in News?

According to the State Focus Paper 2024-25 for UP, prepared by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), credit flow into UP’s priority sectors is estimated to touch Rs 5.73 trillion in 2024-25.

• Agriculture, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), and services sector are identified as priority sectors by the government.

Key Points

• To achieve the USD1-trillion economy target, the state would need a growth rate of 250% in agriculture, 300% in MSME, and 450% in services sectors.
  • Underscoring the importance of credit as the catalyst for growth, the UP government has nudged bankers to improve the state’s credit deposit (CD) ratio.
  • A state delegation is participating in the World Economic Forum (WEF) at Davos, Switzerland to showcase UP as a leading investment destination.
  • The state is also promoting startups for job creation.The Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) of UP partnered with Bharat Startup & Innovation Society (BSIS), a charitable society that works on nurturing and mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs.
• The Chief General Manager of NABARD, UP, has referred to the state as the "growth engine" of India, with an estimated growth rate of 19.2%.
  • In terms of ease of doing business, the state has moved to the 2^nd position from 14^th in 2017.
• The State Focus Paper aggregates the credit potential at the ground level for all the 75 districts.
  • Based on the paper, the annual credit plan for 2024-25 will be finalised by the state level bankers’ committee (SLBC) in UP.
• The state is taking steps to boost farm exports by improving the harvest quality.
• UP accounts for 20% of total millet production of India, but the exports were only 1%.

The World Economic Forum (WEF)

• It is a Swiss nonprofit foundation established in 1971, based in Geneva, Switzerland.
• Recognized by the Swiss authorities as the international institution for public-private cooperation.
• Committed to improving the state of the world by engaging business, political, academic, and other leaders of society to shape global, regional, and industry agendas.

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)

• NABARD is a development bank focussing primarily on the rural sector of the country. It is the apex banking institution to provide finance for Agriculture and rural development.
  • Its headquarter is located in Mumbai, the country’s financial capital.
• It is responsible for the development of the small industries, cottage industries, and any other such village or rural projects.
• It is a statutory body established in 1982 under the Parliamentary act-National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Act, 1981.

'Divya Ayodhya' App

Why in News?

Recently, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched 'Divya Ayodhya', a mobile app centered on tourism, designed to enhance the navigational experience for devotees and tourists visiting Ayodhya.

• The 'Divya Ayodhya' app, by combining technology with cultural experiences and highlighting rural homestays, is poised to transform the way tourists connect with the sacred city, offering a more immersive and enriching experience for all.

Key Points

• This all-in-one platform addresses various needs, ranging from itinerary planning and exploration of hidden gems to immersing in Ayodhya's cultural richness.
  • It would also help in exploring key landmarks, temples, monasteries, and historical sites, all accompanied by detailed descriptions and timetables.
  • The app facilitates the booking of e-cars and e-buses, offering real-time tracking of their routes and convenient boarding and deboarding options.
  • Users can also reserve homestays, hotels, or tent cities through the app, which connects them with locally trained tourist guides.
  • Additionally, the app provides the option to book wheelchairs and golf carts for seamless sightseeing.
• According to reports, the UP government is in the process of identifying locations on the outskirts of Ayodhya to introduce rural homestay options.
  • People visiting Ayodhya can now rent a portion of a house in Daulatpur village for a unique farm stay experience.
  • These initiatives not only aim to boost tourism but also contribute to the local economy while promoting sustainable tourism practices.
• The state government is also set to enhance facilities for tourists and pilgrims visiting key destinations such as Ram Janmabhoomi and temples in Ayodhya. The introduction of electric buses on the 'Dharma Path' and 'Ram Path' is part of these efforts, aiming to provide essential services.

Study to Analyse Air Pollution in Bihar

Why in News?

Recently, the Bihar government has decided to conduct a real-time apportionment study in Muzaffarpur and Gaya to identify sources of air pollution.

• The decision was taken because Muzaffarpur, Gaya and the state capital Patna are among the 122 non-attainment cities in terms of air pollution trends.

Key Points

• The study will be conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (Delhi and Patna) along with the Bihar State Pollution Control Board.
  • The study will identify the "seasonal mass concentration level of PM2.5 and PM10 in ambient air" of the extended urban areas of both cities.
  • PM 2.5 and PM 10 are minute particles present in the air, and exposure to these is harmful to health.
• Real-time source apportionment studies help identify factors, such as vehicles, dust, biomass burning, and emissions from industries, responsible for an increase in air pollution in an area
• The Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development, Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is already conducting the study in the Bihar capital and it is expected to be completed by September 2024.
• The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change launched the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which proposed strategies to reduce air pollution.
  • The NCAP identified 122 non-attainment cities that violate the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
• Apart from conducting emission inventory, carrying capacity and source apportionment of particulate matter, experts will also collect data on the contribution of river bed material (soil) and source of road dust.
• Covering of construction materials during transportation, mandatory green shields for building construction, development of green belts, promotion of e-vehicles and use of environment-friendly fuel, stringent checking of vehicle emission and use of smog guns are some of the steps that are being taken by the authorities concerned in the state.
• The Indo-Gangetic plain faces massive aerosol loading, which is also one of the reasons for air pollution in several cities.
  • Aerosol is defined as a suspension system of solid or liquid particles in a gas.

National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)

• NAAQs are the standards for ambient air quality with reference to various identified pollutants notified by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
  • List of pollutants under NAAQS: PM10, PM2.5, SO₂, NO₂, CO, NH₃, Ozone, Lead, Benzene, Benzo-Pyrene, Arsenic and Nickel.

Concerns Over River Interlinking Project

Why in News?

According to a report, a major dam project in Madhya Pradesh, part of the ambitious river interlinking project, has been found to be in violation of environmental clearances by a central government's expert committee.

Key Points

• The dam project under the scanner is the Lower Orr dam which began in 2019. It is part of the Ken-Betwa river interlinking project.
• The national interlinking of rivers (ILR) is the idea that rivers should be inter-connected, so that water from the surplus rivers and regions could be transferred to deficient regions and rivers to address the issue of water scarcity.
  • This led to the setup of the National Water Development Agency (NWDA) in 1982.
• There are four major projects for which detailed project reports (DPRs) have been prepared are: Ken-Betwa link, Damanganga-Pinjal link, Par-Tapi-Narmada link, and Mahanadi-Godavari link.
  • The criticism of interlinking of rivers ranges from ecological consequences, displacement of natives, to the flawed premise of the exercise.
• The Lower Orr project under the scanner involves the construction of a dam and a canal network.
• As of 2022, when the alleged irregularities came to the light, around 82% of the dam and 33.5% of the canal network had been completed without a clearance from the Union Ministry of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, as per the findings of the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC).

Ken-Betwa River Link Project (KBLP)

• It is the first project under the National Perspective Plan for the interlinking of rivers, which aims to transfer surplus water from one river basin to another to address water scarcity and enhance irrigation.
• The KBLP involves transferring water from the Ken River in Madhya Pradesh to the Betwa River in Uttar Pradesh, both of which are tributaries of the Yamuna River.
• The project has two phases, with mainly four components:
  • Phase I will involve one of the components- the Daudhan Dam complex and its subsidiary units such as the Low-Level Tunnel, High-Level Tunnel, Ken-Betwa Link Canal and powerhouses.
  • Phase II will involve three components: The Lower Orr Dam across the Orr River, a tributary of the Betwa, the Bina Complex Project, and the Kotha Barrage.

Good Governance in Rajasthan

Why in News?

Addressing a meeting of divisional level officials at Tripura Sundari Temple complex located in Umrai, Banswara, the Chief Minister of Rajasthan laid emphasis on holding public hearings at the gram panchayat level.

• Asserting good governance is the Rajasthan government's priority.

Key Point

• The Rajasthan government is taking important decisions to ensure the progress of the state.
• The role of every officer and employee is very important in implementing the public welfare schemes and the decisions of the government on the ground and providing benefits to the eligible persons.
• CM gave instructions for effective monitoring of the Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra, reviewed the schemes and programmes run in the division and gave necessary guidelines.
  • Regular public hearings should be ensured at the gram panchayat level so that people do not have to come to the district headquarters and the capital for their grievances.
  • As part of the state government's zero tolerance policy the officials are directed to take strict action against the corrupt, mining and land mafia.

Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra

• The Yatra launched on 15th November, 2023 on the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas.
• It aims to promote and publicize government welfare schemes.
  • To enroll potential beneficiaries of these schemes by collecting details during the yatra.
• The schemes that will be publicized through the yatra include Ayushman Bharat PMJAY, PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana among others.
• Five specially designed IEC (Information, Education and Communication) Vans will carry the message of the Government’s flagship welfare programmes.
• The target is to cover over 2.55 lakh Gram Panchayats and over 3,600 urban local bodies by 25th January 2024.

Plan to Prevent Human-Wildlife Conflict

Why in News?

Recently, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami issued directions to the Forest Department to prepare an action plan to prevent human-wildlife conflict.

• This comes after rising incidents of leopards attacking children in different parts of Uttarakhand.

Key Points

• The officials are asked to prepare a proposal to increase from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 6 lakh financial assistance paid to the families of those killed in human-wildlife conflicts.
• The chief minister also warned of strict action against officials who are found negligent in this regard.

Wildlife Rehabilitation and Rescue Centers

• These are important facilities to care and cater for the helpless wildlife that may have been injured in an accident or have been illegally attempted for poaching or illegally captured and are in need of immediate medical attention and rehabilitation.

Haryana Declares Dry Day on January 22

Why in News?

Ahead of the inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced a dry day on January 22.

Note

• The CM also laid the foundation stone of a medical college in Panchkula.
  • Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) is being built on nearly 30 acres at Sector 32 adjacent to the Ghaggar river at an estimated cost of ₹650 crore.

Key Points

• Haryana has become the seventh state to ban liquor sales on the day of the Pran Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony at Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
  • These include Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Chhattisgarh.