Uttar Pradesh

• 20 Jun 2024

PM-KISAN Scheme

Why in News?

The Prime Minister of India granted the disbursement of the 17^th installment of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), reflecting the commitment of the government towards farmer welfare.

Key Points

• The 17^th installment will be given to more than Rs 20,000 crore to around 9.26 crore beneficiary farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) through Direct Benefit Transfer.
  • So far, more than 11 crore eligible farmer families have received benefits of more than Rs. 3.04 lakh crore under PM-KISAN.
• Certificates to more than 30,000 women from Self Help Groups (SHGs) as Krishi Sakhis were also granted.
• Krishi Sakhi Convergence Program (KSCP) aims to transform rural India through the empowerment of rural women as Krishi Sakhi, by imparting training and certification of Krishi Sakhis as Para-extension Workers.
• This certification course also aligns with the objectives of the “Lakhpati Didi” Program.

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)

• Under the scheme, the Centre transfers an amount of Rs 6,000 per year, in three equal installments, directly into the bank accounts of all landholding farmers irrespective of the size of their land holdings.
  • It was launched in February 2019.
• It is a Central Sector Scheme with 100% funding from the Government of India.
• It is being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
• The entire responsibility of identification of beneficiary farmer families rests with the State / UT Governments.
• Objective:
  • To supplement the financial needs of the Small and Marginal Farmers in procuring various inputs to ensure proper crop health and appropriate yields, commensurate with the anticipated farm income at the end of each crop cycle.
  • To protect them from falling in the clutches of moneylenders for meeting such expenses and ensure their continuance in the farming activities.

Lakhpati Didi Scheme

• The government's goal is to create two crore "lakhpati didis" (prosperous sisters) in villages. This scheme aligns with the broader mission of poverty alleviation and economic empowerment.
• Under this scheme, women will be provided skill training so that they can earn over Rs 1 lakh per year.
• Features:
  • Drones will be provided to women SHGs for agricultural activities.
  • This initiative aims to leverage technology to transform the agricultural landscape while empowering women in rural communities.
  • Around 15,000 women's SHGs will be given training in operating and repairing drones.
    • This training will not only create new avenues for income generation but also equip women with cutting-edge skills.
• Drones have the potential to revolutionize agriculture by enabling precision farming, crop monitoring, and pest control.
• Under the scheme, women will be trained in skills like LED bulb making, plumbing, among others.

Development of Varanasi International Airport

Why in News?

The Union Cabinet approved a comprehensive development plan for Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi, with a projected cost of Rs 2869.65 crore.

• The Airports Authority of India (AAI) will oversee the project, which aims to significantly enhance the airport's passenger handling capacity.

Key Points

• The project involves building a fresh terminal, lengthening the runway, and enlarging the apron.
  • The upcoming terminal will span 75,000 square meters, catering to 6 million passengers annually and handling up to 5,000 passengers during peak hours.
  • This will showcase Varanasi's cultural heritage, providing travelers with a unique experience.
• The airport is on track to transform into an eco-friendly airport by prioritizing environmental sustainability through energy efficiency, recycling waste, reducing carbon emissions, harnessing solar power, and maximizing natural light.

Airports Authority of India (AAI)

• It was constituted by an Airports Authority of India Act, 1994 of Parliament and came into being on 1^st April 1995 by merging erstwhile National Airports Authority and International Airports Authority of India.
• The merger brought into existence a single organisation entrusted with the responsibility of creating, upgrading, maintaining and managing civil aviation infrastructure both on the ground and air space in the country.