State PCS

• 21 Aug 2023

Didi Cafe to be opened in 17 municipal corporation cities of U.P.

Why is News?

On August 21, 2023, District Urban Development Agency (DUDA) officer Kaushal Kumar informed that Didi Cafes are to be opened in 17 municipal corporations of the state under the Urban Livelihood Mission. A suitable place for this will be selected soon.

Key Points:

• On the lines of Varanasi, the price of food items available in Didi Cafe, which will be opened in government offices, will be low.
• Under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana, women of self-help groups in the city will run these cafes.
• In the first phase, these cafes will be opened in Lucknow, Kanpur, Ghaziabad, Agra, Aligarh, Bareilly, Meerut, Moradabad, Saharanpur, Prayagraj, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Jhansi, Firozabad, Shahjahanpur and Mathura-Vrindavan.
• The main objective of starting Didi Cafe is to provide employment opportunities to women associated with urban poor support groups and people will get clean food at reasonable prices.
• Based on the experience of the canteen running in Varanasi, the proposal will be prepared from DUDA. On the basis of this proposal, Didi Cafes will be started in all the bodies.

U.P. Govt. will also give free books to students of class 9th to 12th

Why is News?

2023, in a high-level meeting held at the government level, it has been decided that books will be given free of cost to the students of class 9th to 12th.

Key Points:

• Students studying in class 9th to class 12th in 2428 government secondary schools in Uttar Pradesh will also be given free books.
• For this, the government will have to spend extra. The government will spend Rs 19.70 crore to make these books available.
• There are many more states in the country, where this facility is given to students already studying in government schools. These include Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Now Uttar Pradesh will also be included in this list.

NTPC's 660 MW Super Thermal Power Project at Barh in Bihar dedicated to the nation

Why is News?

On August 18, 2023 Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy R.K. Singh dedicated to the nation the 660 MW unit of Barh Super Thermal Power Project at Barh in Bihar.

Key Points:

• The inaugurated 660 MW unit is Unit-II of Phase-I of the project. The commissioning of this unit will prove to be another milestone in the government's effort to provide reliable and affordable power to the nation.
• Barh Super Thermal Power Project is a 3GW supercritical coal-based power station, which is being developed by National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) at Barh, Bihar.
• The power plant will have a total of five coal-based power generation units of 660 MW capacity.
• The mega power project is being developed in two phases. Phase I comprises 3 units for a total installed capacity of 1,980 MW and Phase II comprises 2 units for a total installed capacity of 1,320 MW.

Foundation stone laid for expansion of Power Grid sub-station at Lakhisarai

Why is News?

On August 18, 2023, Union Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy R.K. Singh laid the foundation stone for the expansion of POWERGRID's 400/132 KV Lakhisarai sub-station at Lakhisarai in Bihar.

Key Points:

• This sub-station has been constructed by Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID). It is a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power, Government of India.
• As part of the project, 220 KV GIS will be constructed with installation of 2 transformers of 500 MVA capacity in the existing sub-station premises.
• Union Power and New and Renewable Energy Minister R.K. Singh said the expansion of the power grid substation at Lakhisarai would significantly improve the availability of power in the region. This will benefit the entire Bihar.
• The expansion of the substation at Lakhisarai will improve the availability of electricity in Lakhisarai, Sheikhpura, Munger and Jamui districts and also ease the supply of power to meet the future energy demand.
• The installation of state-of-the-art GIS technology of 220 kV voltage level at Lakhisarai sub-station will further strengthen the connectivity of the region to the national grid. The provision of uninterrupted power supply will also lead to industrial and commercial development of the region.

Noor Shekhawat became the 1st Transgender of Rajasthan to have a Jan Aadhaar card

Why is News?

According to the information given by the Information and Public Relations Department of Rajasthan on August 20, 2023, Noor Shekhawat, a transgender studying in Rajasthan University, has become the first transgender of Rajasthan to have a Jan Aadhaar card.

Key Points:

• For the 1st time in the state, the Jan Adhaar Authority has issued a Jan Adhaar card to a transgender, setting a new precedent.
• Joint Director of Rajasthan Jan Adhaar Authority Sitaram Swaroop said that this is the first time that a Jan Adhaar card has been issued in the name of a transgender.
• He said Noor Shekhawat had met him and explained her problem that she did not have her own Aadhaar card due to rejection by the family, due to which she was not able to take advantage of any scheme run by the state government.
• According to the rules, only a woman above 18 years of age or a man above 21 years of age can be made the head of any Jan Aadhaar family. So far, no transgender has been made the head of the family nor has any transgender approached the authority so far and applied for the post of head of the family. For this reason, Noor Shekhawat was also disappointed in her efforts.
• When contacted by Noor, Sitaram Swaroop directed his technical team to make changes in the software and handed over an E-copy of the Jan Aadhaar card to Noor Shekhawat by enrolling her in Jan Aadhaar.
• With the receipt of Jan Aadhaar card, Noor will now be able to easily get the benefits of various schemes of the state government like other beneficiaries.

NLC India Ltd. signs long term power use agreement with Rajasthan for 300 MW solar project

Why is News?

On August 17, 2023, NLC India Limited (NLCIL), a Navratna Central Public Sector Undertaking under the administrative control of the Ministry of Coal, has entered into a long-term power use agreement with Rajasthan Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (RUVNL) for supply of 300 MW solar power under CPSU scheme in Rajasthan.

Key Points:

• A capacity of 300 MW solar project is being implemented at Barsingsar in Bikaner district of Rajasthan. The EPC contract for the project has been awarded to M/s Tata Power Solar Systems through competitive bidding.
• The project will generate 750 million units of electricity annually and the total green power generated will be supplied to Rajasthan. The project will help Rajasthan meet its renewable energy purchase obligation targets.
• The power generated from this project will help reduce 0.726 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions every year. With regard to renewable energy, NLCIL is expanding this capacity to other states for the first time in addition to the existing 1.40 GW capacity in Tamil Nadu.
• NLCIL currently has a capacity of 1,421 MW of renewable energy. According to the company's corporate plan, it is looking at installing 6,031 MW capacity by 2030.
• The company has achieved 510 MW solar project capacity in Link-III of CPSU Scheme Phase-II initiated by Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) through competitive bidding.

Union Home Minister released the Report Card of M.P.

Why is News?

On August 20, 2023, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah released the report card (2003-2023) of Madhya Pradesh at the Garib Kalyan Mahaabhiyan at Kushabhau Convention Centre in Bhopal.

Key Points:

• A film focusing on development dimensions of Madhya Pradesh was screened on the occasion of presenting a report card of the development work done in Madhya Pradesh in two decades (2003-2023) under the Garib Kalyan Maha Abhiyan.
• A short film on the remarkable work and achievements of the Central Government in the last 9 years was also screened. Also, a song based on poor welfare schemes was launched.
• Subject-wise mention of achievements of Madhya Pradesh by Union Minister Amit Shah-
• If 10 percent of the population in the country has come out of the cycle of poverty in the last ten years, then Madhya Pradesh has contributed the most.
• The budget size of Madhya Pradesh was Rs 23,100 crore in 2002. Now it is more than 3 lakh 14 thousand crore rupees.
• The budget for education in Madhya Pradesh has increased from Rs 2556 crore to Rs 38 thousand crore.
• In Madhya Pradesh, the health budget was only Rs 580 crore during the previous government, which is now Rs 16,000 crore. It does not include the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
• Only Rs 844 crore was spent in the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, now about 7 thousand crore rupees are being spent.
• There has also been an increase in the budget on the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes. Earlier, an amount of Rs 1056 crore was spent, now Rs 64 thousand 390 crore is being spent.
• Only Rs 844 crore was spent in the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, now about 7 thousand crore rupees are being spent.
• The per capita income in Madhya Pradesh was Rs 11,700 earlier, which has now increased to Rs 1,40,000.
• In the MSME sector, 4 thousand 299 industries were registered throughout the year. Now their number is 3 lakh 61 thousand.
• Important work has been done in road construction. Earlier there were only 60,000 kilometers of roads. Now there are more than 5 lakh 10 thousand kilometers of roads in the state, which is more than eight times. The length of NH roads increased from 4800 to 13 thousand kilometers.
• The agricultural growth rate in the agriculture sector has increased six and a half times. Wheat procurement has increased from 4 lakh 38 thousand metric tonnes to 70 lakh 96 thousand metric tons and paddy procurement has increased from 0.95 thousand metric tons to 46 lakh 30 thousand metric tons. More than 90 lakh farmers have been given benefits of more than Rs 19,000 crore in the state.
• In Madhya Pradesh, only 52 lakh families used to get the benefit of free ration distribution, which is being given to about 1.25 crore people.
• The number of medical colleges in the state has increased from 4 to 24. Medical seats were 620, which is now more than 4 thousand.
• Eklavya residential model schools were not there at all. Their number is now 63. The number of ITIs has increased from 159 to 1514.
• Due to the construction of roads in the tourism sector, the number of tourists has increased. At one time only 64 lakh tourists used to come annually, now their number has increased to 9 crore.
• Airport development and terminal construction works are being carried out in three cities of the state - Rewa, Gwalior and Jabalpur. Indore has been included in the Delhi-Mumbai corridor. Metro rail projects are being implemented in Indore and Bhopal.
• The energy potential of the state is more than 29 thousand MW. More than 47 lakh hectarearea is being irrigated due to the expansion of irrigation means.
• More than 46 lakh girls have been benefited in the state by connecting them with 'Ladli Laxmi Yojana' and more than 53 lakh sisters have been linked to self-help groups.
• In the interest of tribal society, a museum is being set up in the state to implement pesa law and show tribal culture.
• Madhya Pradesh has become a favorite destination for industrial investment.
• A power generation unit is being started at Omkareshwar in Khandwa district at a cost of Rs 2400 crore.
• An initiative has been taken to construct an international cricket stadium in the state.
• The economic growth rate of the state is more than 16 percent.

Food festival organized at Madhya Pradesh Bhavan, New Delhi

Why is News?

'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Food Festival' were organized at Madhya Pradesh Bhawan, Delhi from August 18-20, 2023.

Key Points:

• Residential Commissioner Pankaj Raag and Media Advisor, Chief Minister ICP Kesari inaugurated the festival.
• Special dishes from Madhya Pradesh such as Bhute Ki Kiss, Indori Poha, Sev Bhaji, Besan Gatta, Matar Nimona, Dal Bafla, Pilaf, Mutton Sailana and Bhopali Murg Rejala as well as Malwa Thali, Bundelkhand Thali and Madhya Pradesh Special Thali were tasted by the visitors.
• Dishes like Millet Kheer, Churma Laddu and Ragi Halwa were also available to promote Sri Anna. The sale of milk products of Sanchi & the exhibition of handicrafts and Khadi products of the state were also organized in the festival.
• It is worth mentioning that the Union Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with various State Governments is organizing 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Food Festival' in the State Houses/Buildings located in New Delhi of the participating States. It aims to celebrate India's rich diversity in the field of culinary arts.

Amendment in Mukhyamantri Medhavi Vidyarthi Yojana

Why is News?

On August 18, 2023, the Madhya Pradesh state government issued an amendment order in the 'Mukhyamantri Medhavi Vidyarthi Yojana'. Students belonging to SC/ST category, whose father/guardian's income is up to Rs 8 lakh, will be able to get the benefit of this scheme.

Key Points:

• According to the order, such students, whose father/guardian's income is less than Rs 8 lakh, will be eligible for the scheme, but such students whose father/guardian's annual income is up to Rs 8 lakh and they are BPL card holders, SC, ST category students and are not able to join the scheme due to the conditions mentioned in the clause no. 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 and 3.5. Considering these as special cases, they will be able to get the approval of the competent officer in departmental coordination in respect of them and include them in the scheme.
• Such students, who once the benefit is received in the scheme, will be eligible for the benefit of the scheme till the completion of the course, even if the income limit exceeds Rs. 8,000 lakh, subject to the conditions as specified. This amendment will be applicable from the academic session 2023-24.

Another Industrial Township to be developed in Haryana

Why is News?

On August 20, 2023, Haryana Deputy CM Dushyant Chautala announced that an industrial township would be developed in Mothuka village adjacent to Yamuna Khadar in Faridabad district. A plan has been prepared for this.

Key Points:

• There is a plan to develop an industrial township in about 100 acres. In such a situation, IT centres, data centres or manufacturing plants can be set up here. This will also create employment opportunities for the youth in this area.
• Apart from this, JBM company will make electronic bus in Palwal. With the coming of industries in both these districts, employment opportunities will be created.
• He told that with the efforts of the Haryana government, a mobile factory is being set up in Mewat on 180 acres, in which mobile batteries will be made. Production is likely to start in this company from next year. Apart from this, a huge warehouse is being built in Manesar.

Haryana Govt. to launch Spirulina-based products to tackle malnutrition

Why is News?

On August 19, 2023, the Haryana government announced the introduction of Spirulina-based products to tackle malnutrition among children with a six-month pilot project in Nuh district.

Key Points:

• Under the Poshan Abhiyan, three nutrition-enriched programs will be implemented in all the blocks of the aspirational district Nuh.
• The objective of these programs is to reduce malnutrition and anemia among children and women.
• Nutritional support in the form of ready-to-eat foods, nutrition packets and antioxidant-rich foods will be provided to children and women in all blocks of Nuh district.
• The Women and Child Development Department will provide 'Orthonut' (peanut mixture) under the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) to the severely acute malnourished and moderate acute malnourished children in Nuh district on a pilot basis.
• A study conducted by the Institute of Health Management and Research (IHMR), Bangalore showed a reduction in malnutrition in children given spirulina for six months.
• Spirulina, an algae that grows in both freshwater and salt water, is known to be rich in nutrients and have antioxidant properties.

Tourist Corridor will connect Getalsud Dam and Jonha-Hundru Fall

Why is News?

According to the information received from the media on August 20, 2023, the state government is working on an action plan to develop the Getalsud Dam area located in the capital Ranchi like Patratu. The government has planned to connect Getalsud Dam, Hundru Fall and Jonha Fall with the tourist corridor.

Key Points:

• These tourist places have been given the status of state importance by the government. A resort, boat shed, boat landing facility, camping ground, caravan park, holiday cabin, hotel, houseboat, marina, motel, playground, refreshment room, and shop will be constructed in Getalsud Dam area. It will be looked after under the JTDC.
• Jonha, Hundru Falls and Getalsud Dam will be developed to attract tourists. The government is planning to attract tourists. There is a plan to spend crores of rupees on this in five years. Under the scheme, the road will be strengthened to reach here.
• Silli’s MLA Sudesh said that the construction of the corridor will increase employment opportunities in the area, as well as the development of the area.
• The tourism department is exploring the possibility of setting up ropeways at Jonha, Hundru and Dasam Falls. For this, the Tourism Department has signed an MoU with RITES. It has been decided to conduct an accurate assessment of the technical and environmental aspects of the ropeway at these places. For this, feasibility studies will be ensured in the project.

CM Made Online Payment of Rs. 2055.60 crore to the Beneficiaries of Justice Schemes (Nyay Yojna)

Why is News?

On August 20, 2023, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel made online payment of Rs 2055.60 crore to the beneficiaries of Nyay Yojana, farmers, labourer’s, villagers and cattle rearers on the occasion of 'Harmony Day' the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna late Rajiv Gandhi, at the High School ground in Mahasamund.

Key Points:

• Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel paid Rs 1810 crore as the second installment of the scheme to the beneficiaries of 'Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana' in the programme. Including this amount, input subsidy of Rs 21 thousand 912 crore has been paid to 24.30 lakh farmers of Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana so far.
• The Chief Minister paid an amount of Rs 168.63 crore as the second installment to the beneficiaries of 'Rajiv Gandhi Gramin Bhumihin Krishi Mazdoor Nyay Yojana'. Including this amount, Rs 758.03 crore has been paid so far to 5.6 lakh beneficiaries of the scheme.
• Bhupesh Baghel also transferred an amount of Rs 66.21 crore to 'Rajiv Yuva Mitan Clubs' in the programme. An amount of Rs 132.48 crore has been paid so far to 13 thousand 242 clubs formed in the state to connect the youth with creative activities.
• In this episode, the Chief Minister paid an amount of Rs 9.65 crore to the beneficiaries of 'Godhan Nyaya Yojana'. Including this amount, Rs 551.31 crore has been paid to women self-help groups, Gothan committees and villagers so far under the scheme.
• Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel transferred an amount of Rs 1.11 crore to the gram panchayats of non-scheduled areas under 'Mukhyamantri Parab Samman Nidhi Yojana' in the programme. Including this amount, an amount of Rs 6.11 crore has been paid to 6,111 gram panchayats for celebrating local festivals.

CM Virtually Inaugurated 13 New Subdivisions and 18 New Tehsils

Why is News?

On August 20, 2023, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel virtually inaugurated the newly formed 13 revenue subdivisions and 18 tehsils at Mahasamund's high school ground on the occasion of 'Harmony Day', the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna late Rajiv Gandhi.

Key Points:

• With the introduction of these new tehsils and subdivisions, there are now 122 revenue subdivisions and 250 tehsils in the state.
• It is noteworthy that Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has been announcing formation of new districts, subdivisions and tehsils in the state in the last five and a quarter years with the aim of bringing governance closer to the general public, bringing transparency and tightening in administrative work.
• In the year 2018, the number of districts in the state was 27. After the formation of Gorela-Pendra-Marwahi, Sakti, Saranggarh-Bilaigarh, Mohla-Manpur-Chowki, Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai, Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur districts, the number of districts in the state has increased to 33.
• Similarly, the Chief Minister recently announced the formation of 13 new subdivisions and 18 new tehsils in the state, which will be formally inaugurated on 20 August. Establishment of new sub-divisions and tehsils will facilitate smooth implementation of government schemes and tightening of administrative work. Schemes and basic facilities of the government will be easily available to the general public.
• In the year 2023, 13 new subdivisions, Bakwand under District Bastar, Subdivision Chhindgarh under District Sukma, Subdivision Ramanujnagar under District Surajpur, Subdivision Daundi under District Balod, Subdivision Farsabhar under District Jashpur, Subdivision Palari under District Balodabazar-Bhatapara, Subdivision Chhura under District Gariaband, Sub-division Usoor (Awapalli) under district Bijapur, sub-division Basna under district Mahsamund, sub-division Lundra (Dhaurpur) and sub-division Udaipur under district Surguja, subdivision Kelhari under district Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur and subdivision Shankargarh under district Balrampur-Ramanujnagar have been formed.
• Newly formed 18 tehsils – In the year 2023, 18 new Tehsil Kapu under District Raigarh, Tehsil Bhatgaon under District Surajpur, Tehsil Kukdur under District Kabirdham, Tehsil Karpavand under District Bastar, Tehsil Dornapal and Tehsil Jagargunda under District Sukma, Tehsil Ghumka and Tehsil Kumarda under District Rajnandgaon, District Bilaspur Tehsil Pachpedi, Tehsil Bagbahar under District Jashpur, Tehsil Bande under District Kanker, Tehsil Amabeda and Tehsil Koylibeda, Tehsil Chandrapur under District Sakti, Tehsil Fingeshwar under District Gariaband, Tehsil Beard under District Bemetara, Tehsil Bhotia under District Sakti and Tehsil Bhotia under District Sakti. Tehsil Sarsiwa has been formed.

Kartik Swami Temple to be Connected by Ropeway

Why is News?

On August 20, 2023, Uttarakhand's Tourism Secretary Sachin Kurve said that a ropeway will be constructed for easy and accessible access to the Kartik Swami Temple, for which a pre-feasibility survey has been done. Facilities will also be provided on the pedestrian path of Kartik Swami.

Key Points:

• It is known that the only temple of Lord Kartikeya in North India is situated on Kraunch mountain in Rudraprayag district, which is called Kartik Swami. To make it easier for devotees to reach this temple, it will be connected by a ropeway.
• A 1.4 km long ropeway will be built from Kanakchauri, the base point of the temple, to Kartik Swami, for which pre-feasibility survey has also been done. According to officials, the final DPR for ropeway construction will also be prepared by September.
• Devotees reach Kartik Swami Temple throughout the year to have darshan of Lord Kartikeya, revered as the deity of more than 360 villages of Chamoli and Rudraprayag districts. To reach the temple, devotees have to walk about 4 km from Kanchauri. The climb has to be decided, but now an action plan has been made to connect the temple with the ropeway.
• The length of the ropeway to be built from Kanakchauri to the temple will be 1.4 km. With the construction of a ropeway, Kartik Swami temple can be reached from Kanakchauri within 10 minutes.
• Shatrughan Singh Negi, President of the Kartik Swami Temple Committee, said that the availability of facilities till the temple will boost employment along with pilgrimage.
• Chandrapuri-Bajbadu-Kartik Swami 10 km to make the journey to Lord Kartikeya's temple Kartik Swami easy-accessible. The road has also been approved. The survey of the route will be done soon by the Ukhimath Division of the Public Works Department.