• 21 Mar 2025

NGT Notice to Haryana Government

Why in News? 

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notice to the Rajasthan and Haryana governments to comply with its 9th December 2022, judgment. 

• The tribunal instructed both states to establish a monitoring committee and conduct periodic reviews to remove illegal constructions from protected Aravali land in Gurgaon, Faridabad, Nuh (Haryana), and Alwar (Rajasthan). 

 Key Points 

• Compliance with 2022 Judgment: 
  • These lands are classified as ‘gair mumkin pahar’ (uncultivable hill), where construction is prohibited. 
  • Despite clear instructions, the states had not submitted any compliance report or taken necessary action. 
• Background of the Case: 
  • Activists had originally filed a plea highlighting encroachments on Aravali land. 
  • The case has been under NGT’s scrutiny for over a decade, focusing on violations of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) notification dated 7th May 1992, which prohibits construction in designated areas. 
  • The tribunal had monitored the matter for over 10 years before issuing the December 2022, judgment. 
• NGT’s 2022 Judgment and Directions: 
  • NGT had noted that encroachers were identified, and both states had formed a monitoring mechanism. 
  • Chief secretaries of both states were instructed to oversee compliance through quarterly reviews. 
  • Aggrieved parties were allowed to seek legal remedies for any violations. 
• Extent of Illegal Constructions: 
  • A forest department survey revealed that at least 500 illegal farmhouses were built on Aravali land in Gurgaon. 
    • These were concentrated in areas like Gwalpahari, Abheypur, Gairatpur Bas, Sohna, Raisina, and Manesar. 

 Aravali Mountain Range 

 

• The Aravallis, is the oldest fold mountains on Earth. Geological studies indicate that it is three billion years old. 
• It spans over 800 km from Gujarat to Delhi (through Rajasthan and Haryana). 
• The highest peak in the Aravalli Range is Guru Peak on Mount Abu. 
• Influences Climate: 
  • The Aravallis have an impact upon the climate of northwest India and beyond. 
  • During monsoons, the mountain range gently guides the monsoon clouds eastwards towards Shimla and Nainital, thus helping nurture the sub-Himalayan rivers and feeding the north Indian plains. 
  • During the winter months, it shields the fertile alluvial river valleys of the Indus and Ganga from the harsh cold westerly winds blowing in from Central Asia. 

Avalanche Alert in Uttarakhand

Why in News? 

The Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment (DGRE) has issued an avalanche warning for high-altitude areas across five districts of Uttarakhand. 

 Key Points 

• Avalanche in Chamoli: 
  • The alert follows a deadly avalanche in Mana (Chamoli), near the Indo-China border in Chamoli district. 
  • The avalanche claimed the lives of eight contractual workers from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). 
• Avalanche Warnings: 
  • The DGRE issued an orange alert for high-altitude areas in Chamoli, indicating a high risk of avalanches. 
  • A yellow alert, signaling moderate risk, was issued for Uttarkashi, Pithoragarh, and Rudraprayag districts. 
  • A green warning, indicating a low threat level, was issued for Bageshwar district. 
    • Fresh snowfall has led to increased snow accumulation on slopes, significantly raising the risk of avalanches in these regions. 
• Safety Recommendations: 
  • The DGRE advised restricting movement to safer and carefully selected routes through the valley. 
  • It urged extreme caution while traveling and warned against venturing onto snow-loaded slopes. 
  • Authorities recommended evacuating unprotected settlements near avalanche-prone paths. 

 Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment (DGRE) 

• About: 
  • DGRE is the only establishment within the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) that provides advanced terrain intelligence solutions to the Armed Forces. 
  • It specializes in mapping, forecasting, monitoring, controlling, and mitigating landslides and avalanches in the Indian Himalayas. 
  • DGRE was established on 15th November 2020, under the Armament & Combat Engineering Cluster of DRDO. 
  • It was formed by merging two premier DRDO labs: 
    • Snow & Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE), Chandigarh 
    • Defence Terrain Research Laboratory (DTRL), Delhi 
  • The headquarters of DGRE is located in Chandigarh. 
• Research and Meteorological Centres: 
  • DGRE operates five Research & Development Centres (RDCs) in: 
    • Manali (Himachal Pradesh) 
    • Delhi 
    • Tezpur (Assam) 
    • Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh) 
    • Lachung (Sikkim) 
  • It also has three Mountain Meteorological Centres (MMCs) in: 
    • Srinagar (J&K) 
    • Auli (Uttarakhand) 
    • Sasoma (Ladakh U.T.) 
• Objectives: 
  • Ensuring the safe mobility of troops in challenging terrains. 
  • Assessing the military potential of different terrains using modern evaluation techniques. 
  • Mission Priorities: 
    • Geospatial Information System – Develop a system for operational planning and military intelligence. 
    • Engineering Solutions – Provide cutting-edge engineering solutions to ensure safe troop movement, particularly in avalanche- and landslide-prone areas. 
    • AI-Enabled Systems – Build intelligent, AI-powered solutions for optimized deployment and operational efficiency. 

 Avalanche 

• About: 
  • An avalanche is a sudden, rapid flow of snow, ice, and debris down a mountain or slope. 
  • It can be triggered by various factors such as heavy snowfall, rapid temperature changes, or human activity. 
  • Many regions that are prone to avalanches have specialized teams that monitor and control avalanche risks by using various methods such as explosives, snow barriers, and other safety measures. 
• Types: 
  • Rock Avalanches which consist of large segments of shattered rock. 
  • Ice Avalanches which typically occur in the vicinity of a glacier. 
  • Debris Avalanches which contain a variety of unconsolidated materials, such as loose stones and soil. 

Revocation of West Bengal Incentive Schemes

Why in News? 

The West Bengal Industries Minister tabled the Revocation of State Incentive Schemes and Obligations in the Nature of Grants and Incentives Bill 2025 in the assembly. 

 Key Points 

• Challenges with the Existing Scheme: 
  • The Chief Minister of State stated that the West Bengal Incentive Scheme dates back to 2001-02 and has become difficult to sustain. 
  • She highlighted the transformation in the state’s industrial scenario since 2000-2001. 
  • Earlier, IT and related industries were nearly non-existent, but now: 
    • Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a major industry. 
    • Tourism has expanded significantly. 
    • Green industries have gained prominence. 
    • The mining policy differs for coal and iron ore. 
• New Policy Under Development: 
  • The government has set up a committee led by the Chief Secretary to consult stakeholders on the new scheme. 
  • The new scheme will be introduced keeping the state’s financial health in mind. 
• State Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Bill 2025: 
  • The state government has introduced a bill in the assembly to increase the borrowing limit. 
  • The borrowing cap will rise by 0.5% of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), from 3% to 3.5% for 2024-25. 
  • This additional borrowing flexibility aligns with the 15th Finance Commission’s roadmap and is linked to power sector reforms. 

Increase in Chhattisgarh Mineral Revenue

Why in News? 

Chhattisgarh's efficient mineral resource extraction has propelled an unprecedented 30-fold increase in the state's mineral revenue since its formation, reaching Rs 13,000 crore in 2023-24.  

 Key Points 

• Successful E-Auctions of Mineral Blocks: 
  • Chhattisgarh has conducted e-auctions for 44 mineral blocks, ensuring transparency and efficiency in resource allocation. 
  • India’s first lithium block auction was conducted in Chhattisgarh, with the Katghora lithium block in Korba district allocated to South Maiki Mining Company at a 76% premium. 
  • Further lithium exploration is underway in Sukma and Korba districts, with officials reporting promising reserves. 
• National Critical Minerals Mission: 
  • Recognizing the importance of critical minerals, the Government of India launched the National Critical Minerals Mission in January 2025. 
  • In alignment with this initiative, Chhattisgarh has prioritized exploration, focusing on 31 out of 56 ongoing projects on critical and deep-seated minerals. 
• Iron Ore Mining and E-Auction Expansion: 
  • Bailadila region remains a major iron ore mining region, housing one of India’s largest iron ore reserves. 
  • The state is conducting e-auctions for three new iron ore blocks, expected to conclude by March 2025. 
  • The Hahaladdi iron ore block in Kanker district is in the final auction stage. 
• Chhattisgarh’s Rich Natural Resource Base: 
  • The state is home to 28 types of minerals, including Coal, Iron ore, Limestone, Bauxite, Gold, Nickel, Chromium, Platinum group elements. 

 National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) 

• Objective: The NCMM aims to reduce India's dependence on imports of critical minerals and ensure self-reliance for high-tech industries, clean energy, and national defense.  
  • The mission will cover all stages, including mineral exploration, mining, beneficiation, processing, and recovery from end-of-life products.   
  • The mission will intensify the exploration of critical minerals within the country and in its offshore areas.  
• Approach:  The NCMM will adopt a "whole-of-government" approach, working closely with various ministries, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), private companies, and research institutions.  
  • A fast-track approval process will be established to expedite mining projects for critical minerals.  
• Stockpiling Minerals: NCMM provisions to develop stockpiles of critical minerals will ensure that India has sufficient reserves to meet future demands.  
• International Strategy: Encourages Indian companies to acquire critical mineral assets abroad and build trade ties with resource-rich nations.  
• Infrastructure: The mission will establish mineral processing parks, promote recycling of critical minerals, and support research in related technologies, including the creation of a Centre of Excellence for Critical Minerals.  
  • Encourages industries to establish processing units within India through financial incentives.  
  • Expands Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Startups And MSMEs (PRISM) initiative to fund startups and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in the critical minerals sector. 

Government Digitech Awards 2025

Why in News? 

Uttar Pradesh was awarded 5 awards in various categories of digital governance at the ET Government Digitech Awards held in New Delhi on 18th March, 2025. 

Key Points 

• The awards received by Uttar Pradesh: 
  • Best use of AI/ML, Data Analytics and emerging technologies in public services 
    • Recipient: Prayagraj Smart City Limited and UP Police 
    • Reason: To use AI-based surveillance and crowd management system during Maha Kumbh 2025. 
  • Excellence in Smart Mobility and Transportation Technologies 
    • Recipient: Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC)  
    • Reason: To ensure comprehensive safety through Vehicle Location Tracking Device (VLTD) and Panic Button. 
  • Innovative Digital Health Services and Public Health Data Analytics 
    • Recipient: Hamirpur District Administration 
    • Reason: For 'Project Jagriti, TB Free Hamirpur' initiative . 
  • Innovative use of digital technology in enhancing public service delivery 
    • Recipient: UP Development Systems Corporation Limited (UPDESCO) 
    • Reason: For effective use of digital technology under Swami Vivekananda Yuva Sashaktikaran Yojana . 
  • Innovations in Digital Governance 
    • Recipient: Government of Uttar Pradesh 
    • Reason: To improve administrative functions through various digital initiatives and technological upgradation . 
• About Government Digitech Awards: 
  • The ET Government Digitech Awards is supported by  the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology . 
  • These awards recognise pioneers who have played a key role in shaping the digital transformation in public services . 
  • 30 winners from across India were felicitated at the event . Several states including Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Telangana, Odisha, Kerala, Tripura, West Bengal and Haryana were also awarded in various categories. 

Digital Governance 

• About: 
  • Digital governance is a framework for establishing accountability, roles, and decision-making authority for an organization's digital presence . 
  • This includes the organization's websites, mobile sites, social media channels , and other Internet-based services . 
• Importance: 
  • Digital governance ensures clear decision-making processes in organizations . 
  • It coordinates design, materials, technical infrastructure, security and financing through  effective management . 
  • A strong governance framework reduces unnecessary debates over an organisation’s digital presence and enhances public trust through improved services, stronger organisational performance and effective customer experience.

Bihar Awarded in Digitech Awards 2025

Why in News? 

Bihar was awarded the Gold Award for the successful implementation of ‘Bihar Krishi' App and ‘Smart Prepaid Meters’ at the Government Digitech Awards 2025 ceremony held in New Delhi on March 18, 2025 . 18th March, 2025. 

Key Points 

• Smart Prepaid Metering: 
  • This award was given to Bihar State Power Holding Company Limited (BSPHCL) for the effective implementation of smart prepaid metering. 
  • The state's initiative 'Bihar - Proud Torch Bearer of Universal Smart Prepaid Metering for the Nation' was declared the best in the Digital Transformation Leader in Public Sector category. 
    • Smart prepaid metering is a modern energy management system . It is more transparent, efficient and consumer friendly than traditional metering . 
    • It aims to empower consumers, bring transparency in the billing process, save energy and improve revenue recovery . 
• 'Bihar Krishi' App: 
  • The Agriculture Department of Bihar was awarded the Gold Award for the successful implementation of this app. 
  • 'Bihar Krishi' App is a single digital platform developed by Bihar Agriculture Department , which provides farmers access to agriculture schemes, crop prices, weather, grievance redressal, soil health card, government announcements and agriculture related contact information . 
• Government Digitech Awards:  
  • The ET Government Digitech Awards is supported by  the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology . 
  • These awards recognise pioneers who have played a key role in shaping the digital transformation in public services . 
  • 30 winners from across India were felicitated at the event . Several states including Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Kerala, Tripura, West Bengal and Haryana were also awarded in various categories. 

RMSCL in Digitech Awards 2025

Why in News? 

On 18th March, 2025, Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation (RMSCL) was awarded the ET Government Digitech Award 2025 . 

Key Points 

•   About the Award: 
  • This award has been given  to Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation (RMSCL) for strengthening oxygen resource management through digital technology . 
  • It aims to promote innovation, digitisation and effective resource management in medical services . 
• Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation (RMSCL): 
  • It is a state government -run public sector undertaking, established to  strengthen medical and health services in Rajasthan . 
  • It was established in the year 2011 by the Government of Rajasthan. 
  • Its main function is to ensure the supply of essential medicines, medical equipment and other health facilities in the state . 
• Government Digitech Awards  
  • The ET Government Digitech Awards is supported by  the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology . 
  • These awards recognise pioneers who have played a key role in shaping the digital transformation in public services . 
  • 30 winners from across India were felicitated at the event . Several states including Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Telangana, Odisha, Kerala, Tripura, West Bengal and Haryana were also awarded in various categories. 

Poverty Free Village Scheme

Why in News? 

The Chief Minister of Rajasthan has announced to make 5000 villages of the state poverty free under “Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Poverty Free Village Scheme” . 

Key Points 

• About the Scheme: 
  • Under this scheme, an amount of Rs 300 crore has been sanctioned  with the aim of bringing all the Below Poverty Line families of the identified villages above the poverty line . 
  • Under this, leases will be provided to people living in illegal colonies . 
  • In the first phase of the scheme, the government will cover 5,000 villages, offering development initiatives, self-employment opportunities, skill enhancement programs, and financial assistance, along with support in education and healthcare. 
  • Additionally, better transportation facilities will be provided to the villages through Major District Roads (MDRs), enhancing connectivity and livelihood opportunities. 
• Objective: 
  • This initiative will strengthen the rural economy and will be an important step towards making the state poverty free .  
  • The aim of the government is to make every citizen self-reliant and eradicate poverty. 

 Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya 

 

• About:  
  • He was born on 25 September 1916 and was an Indian politician, philosopher and ideologue or theorist of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS). 
• Contribution:  
  • He focused on Antyodaya i.e. upliftment of every person in the society and meeting the needs of the most deprived . 
  • He was the pioneer of the philosophy of "Integral Humanism" which emphasized welfare, social justice, economic equality, and self-reliance. 
• Recognition:  
  • Since the year 2014, his birth anniversary is celebrated as Antyodaya Diwas in honour of his contribution to the nation . 
  • In the year 2015 , the name of National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) was changed to Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-NRLM. 
  • In the year 2018, Mughalsarai Junction in Uttar Pradesh was renamed after him.