• 23 Oct 2023

PM launches India's First Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh

Why In News?

On October 20, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the priority section of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor at Sahibabad RapidX station in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh and launched India's first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS). The 'Namo Bharat' RapidX train connecting the depot was also flagged off.

Key Points:

• Along with this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also dedicated two lines of the East-West corridor of Bangalore Metro to the nation. The Prime Minister also traveled in the regional rapid train 'Namo Bharat'.
• On this occasion, the Prime Minister said that the newly inaugurated Namo Bharat train is 'Made in India'. The support staff and locomotive pilots in Namo Bharat trains are all women.
• Prime Minister Modi said that to improve connectivity and create new employment opportunities, a similar system will be prepared in other parts of the country in the coming days.
• He said that this trinity of 'Amrit Bharat', 'Vande Bharat' and 'Namo Bharat' will become a symbol of modernization of Indian Railways by the end of this decade.
• Highlighting multi-modal connectivity, the Prime Minister said that Delhi's Sarai Kale Khan, Anand Vihar, Ghaziabad and Meerut bus stations, metro stations and railway stations are being connected to the Namo Bharat system.
• Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor
  • The 17 km long priority section of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor will connect Sahibabad with 'Duhai Depot' along with Ghaziabad, Guldhar and Duhai stations. The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor on March 8, 2019.
  • In line with the Prime Minister's vision of transforming regional connectivity in the country through the creation of new world-class transport infrastructure, the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) project is being developed.
  • RRTS is a new rail-based, semi-high speed, high frequency computer transit system. 180 km. With speeds of up to one per hour, the RRTS is a transformative, regional development initiative designed to provide high-speed trains for intercity commutes every 15 minutes, moving up to a frequency of every 5 minutes as required.
  • A total of eight RRTS corridors have been identified to be developed in the National Capital Region (NCR), out of which three corridors have been given priority for implementation in Phase-I, which include Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor, Delhi-Gurugram- SNB-Alwar corridor and Delhi-Panipat corridor are included.
  • The Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS is being built at a cost of over Rs 30,000 crore and will connect Delhi to Meerut in less than an hour, passing through the urban centers of Ghaziabad, Muradnagar and Modinagar.
  • The indigenously developed RRTS is a state-of-the-art regional mobility solution and can be at par with the best in the world. It will provide safe, reliable and modern transportation facilities from one city to another in the country. In line with the PM Gatishakti National Master Plan, the RRTS network will have extensive multi-modal integration with railway stations, metro stations, bus services, etc.
  • Such transformative regional mobility solutions will boost economic activity in the region, provide better access to employment, education and health care opportunities and help significantly reduce vehicular congestion and air pollution.

Naval Valor Museum to be Built in Lucknow

Why In News?

On October 21, 2023, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath performed Bhoomi Pujan and laid the foundation stone by pressing the button for the construction work of the Naval Valor Museum to be built at a cost of Rs 23 crore in CG City near Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.

Key Points:

• On this occasion, the children of Bhatkhande Sanskriti University presented the national anthem and the band of the Indian Navy.
• The legacy of INS Gomti will be housed in an open museum, where many of its combat systems will be displayed as military and war relics.
• INS Gomti strengthened the strategic posture of the Indian Navy by enhancing its capabilities for 34 years, while the ship, which was involved in Operations Cactus, Parakram and Rainbow, was decommissioned in May 2022.
• It is known that recently the Navy has also received its indigenous symbol.
• INS Gomti was named after the Gomti River and was commissioned into service at Mazagon Dock Limited, Bombay (now Mumbai) on 16 April 1988 by the then Defense Minister KC Pant.
• INS Gomti was the third ship of the Godavari class guided-missile frigates. It was also the oldest battlecruiser in the Western Fleet.

Now the Families of Martyred Policemen in Bihar will get a Compensation of Rs 25 lakh.

Why In News?

On October 21, 2023, Bihar Director General of Police (DGP) RS Bhatti told the Police Memorial Day program at the Special Armed Police (B-SAP 5) complex in Patna that financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh will now be given to the families of the martyred policemen of the state. Earlier the compensation amount was only Rs 2 lakh.

Key Points:

• This decision has been taken for the welfare of the policemen and this amount should be made available to the dependents of the martyr as soon as possible, so that their problems can be solved.
• This amount will not be payable in case of policemen committing suicide. Along with Indian Police Service officers, Bihar Police Service officers will also be able to get such benefits. On the initiative of Police Headquarters, about lakhs of policemen have been included in this benefit.
• This amount of grant will also be given in case of death during the raid. At the same time, this amount will also be given in cases of death during militant encounter, criminal encounter, landmine, Naxalite attack, riot, accident or death during treatment after getting injured in these incidents.
• The DGP has also announced changes in the accommodation and transfer-posting policy of Bihar Police. These changes will be completed soon to maintain balance between the personal life and duty of Bihar Police officers and personnel.
• The state government is working on a systematic housing policy, so that the families and children of all the officials and personnel who are on duty can stay at one place, study and live a normal life.
• The policy of second transfer posting of Bihar Police is also being changed, so that there is a balance between personal responsibilities towards your family and responsibility towards duty. Considering that the number of women is going to be one-third, a change in policy is necessary.
• It is known that every year Police Memorial Day is celebrated on 21st October.
• On October 21, 1959, 10 brave soldiers were martyred in an attack by Chinese invaders on a base of the Central Reserve Police Force in the snowy heights of Ladakh on the India-China border. After this, in the conference of Inspectors General of Police in 1961, it was decided that every year on 21 October, Police Memorial Day would be celebrated throughout the country, since then this tradition has been going on.

JTBS Scheme

Why In News?

According to the information received from the media on October 20, 2023, Samastipur Railway Division of Bihar has started the JTBS scheme for unemployed youth, under which the Railways will deploy ticket booking agents at a total of 28 stations including Samastipur.

Key Points:

• People will be able to buy unreserved tickets through JTBS at these stations. Apart from this, they will also get the facility to buy monthly season tickets and platform tickets. Nearby stations have been selected for this.
• Local youth will be given priority in the selection process. Also, youth with a clean image will be selected. Samastipur Railway Board will take applications for this. These will be paid on commission basis.
• It is known that at present the payment of Rs 2 per ticket and Rs 5 per monthly season ticket is fixed by the Railways.
• For JTBS scheme, Samastipur, Darbhanga, Saharsa, Raxaul, Bapudham Motihari, Jaynagar, Sitamarhi, Bettiah, Madhubani, Narkatiaganj, Janakpur Road, Sugauli, Bagaha, Bairagnia, Laheriasarai, Madhepura, Supaul, Jhanjharpur, Rusera Ghat, Simri Bakhtiyarpur, Chakia, Harnagar, Banmankhi, Sakri, Purnia Court, Murliganj, Hasanpur Road and Motipur stations are included.

Rajasthan Excellence Received 'Tobacco Control Award' at National Level

Why In News?

Rajasthan was honored with the 'Tobacco Control Excellence Award' at the national level for its excellent work towards tobacco control and prevention in a program organized by the Union Health Ministry in Delhi on October 20, 2023.

Key Points:

• Additional Chief Secretary Medical and Health Shubhra Singh said that Additional Secretary Hekali Jimomi and Additional DDG Dr. L. Swasthicharan in the Union Health Ministry have given tobacco control excellence award to Rajasthan for innovations in the field of tobacco control and excellent implementation of COTPA Act.
• State Nodal Officer, NTCP Dr. SN Dholpuria and Additional SPO Shri Narendra Singh received this award.
• Participation of youth has been ensured through Tobacco Free Youth Campaign in the state. Under this, a 60-day tobacco-free Rajasthan action plan was implemented and various activities including awareness programs, oath taking were conducted.
• It is noteworthy that Rajasthan has topped in all the activities of Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 2023. In the Tobacco Free Youth Campaign-2023, maximum challans were issued in Rajasthan under Section 4 and Section 6 of the COTPA Act. Similarly, under the campaign, Rajasthan has also topped in IEC activities, tobacco free villages, tobacco free educational campuses etc.

Chhindwara is at First Place in the Ranking of CM Helpline.

Why In News?

On October 21, 2023, the Urban Development and Housing Department of Madhya Pradesh released the ranking of CM Helpline for the month of September, 2023.

Key Points:

• Among 16 municipal corporations, Chhindwara stood first and Burhanpur stood second, while Ujjain stood third and among the four metros, only Jabalpur came in the top 5.
• Gwalior is at 10th place in this list. It has also been given 'A' grade. However, out of 16 municipal corporations, 13 have got 'A' grade and three have got 'B' grade.
• Bhopal stood at sixth and Indore at number 13, while Morena Municipal Corporation was at the lowest position among 16 municipal bodies.
• These 16 municipal corporations of the state are included in this ranking – Gwalior, Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Chhindwara, Burhanpur, Ujjain, Ratlam, Singrauli, Khandwa, Sagar, Katni, Dewas, Rewa, Satna and Morena.
• Among the 16 Municipal Corporations, the highest number of complaints in CM Helpline are 3872 in Bhopal, 3637 in Indore, 2510 in Jabalpur, 2447 in Gwalior, while the least number of complaints were received in Burhanpur at 201.

15 Khelo India Centers Inaugurated in Haryana

why in discussion

A total of 15 Khelo India Centers (KICs) were launched in Haryana on October 20, 2023 by Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khater in the virtual presence of Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) Anurag Singh Thakur.

Key Points:

• Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur, while addressing the event virtually, said that the Government of India has already notified 1000 Khelo India Centers (KIC) across the country.
• He said that these 15 Khelo India centers started in Haryana will help in preparing future champions. These centers will include 15 former champion athletes, who will train the next generation of athletes who are eager to win medals.
• Through the 'Khelo India' scheme, while the Government of India has provided support to the athletes in the best possible way, the Chief Minister of Haryana is also playing a commendable role in motivating the athletes through financial and job related assistance.
• At KIC, former champion athletes become coaches and mentors of youth, run sports training centers autonomously and earn their livelihood. Under the 'Khelo India' scheme, initial and annual financial assistance is also provided to these former champions as well as these centers for sports training, coaching and operations.
• Mini Khelo India Centres help in strengthening the sports ecosystem at the grassroots level by enhancing the utilization of existing sports infrastructure available in schools, organizations and other eligible agencies at the block or district level.

Haryana Government makes Record Increase in Monthly Pension of Journalists

Why In News?

On October 19, 2023, Dr. Amit Agarwal, Director General, Information, Public Relations and Languages Department, Haryana, during a meeting with the members of the Press Council of India (PCI) informed that the state government has increased the monthly pension being given to journalists from Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000, which is the highest in the country.

Key Points:

• Haryana Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Manohar Lal, is continuously implementing unique and pioneering schemes for the welfare of journalists. In this series, recently the monthly pension given to journalists has been increased from Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000.
• Additionally, under the Haryana Media Personnel Welfare Fund Administration Scheme, financial assistance amounting to Rs 161.74 lakh has so far been provided to their dependents or legal heirs in cases of critical needs such as illness, death, accident or other unexpected emergencies.
• Dr. Amit Aggarwal said that keeping in mind the welfare of journalists, the Haryana government is also implementing a term/group insurance scheme of Rs 10 lakh for 1,269 accredited journalists in the state. This insurance scheme provides the necessary financial security to journalists.
• It may be noted that the Journalists Welfare Fund has been established in the state, under which financial assistance is provided for the treatment of serious illnesses.

Ranchi Gates Hosting of Another International Hockey Tournament

Why In News?

According to information received from the media on October 21, 2023, another international hockey championship will be held in Jharkhand's capital Ranchi, which will be a qualifying championship for the Olympics to be held in Paris in 2024.

Key Points:

• The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has handed over the hosting rights of the Women's Olympic Qualifiers to India (Ranchi). Earlier this qualifier was to be held in Changzhou, China, but now it will be held from January 13 to 19 at Ranchi (Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium).
• Apart from India, seven countries will participate in this qualifying tournament, out of which the top three will confirm their place in next year's Olympics.
• FIH's other Olympic qualifiers will be played in Muscat, Oman (men, January 15-21, 2024) and Valencia, Spain (women and men, January 13-21, 2024).
• The Indian women's hockey team had finished third in the recently concluded Asian Games in Hangzhou, China and missed out on qualifying for the Paris Olympics.
• India lost 0-4 to hosts China in the women's hockey semi-finals of the Hangzhou Asian Games. The team then had to settle for the bronze medal by defeating Japan 2-1.
• Before the Olympic qualifiers, the Indian team will play in the Women's Asian Champions Trophy in Ranchi from October 27 to November 5. In the tournament, the home team will face Japan, China, Korea, Malaysia and Thailand.

Proposal for Formation of Rajaji Tiger Conservation Foundation Ready

Why In News?

On October 22, 2023, Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal said that a proposal has been prepared for the formation of Rajaji Tiger Conservation Foundation on the lines of Corbett Tiger Foundation. Now it will be placed for approval in the upcoming cabinet meeting.

Key Points:

• It may be noted that the decision to form the Foundation was taken in the Wildlife Board meeting. The proposals have got the green signal from the Department of Justice and Personnel.
• The main objective of formation of Rajaji Tiger Conservation is to accelerate and facilitate ecological, economic, social and cultural development in the reserve area and its surrounding areas.
• Under the foundation, people living around the area will be linked to alternative livelihood schemes which are dependent on forests. Through different schemes, efforts will be made to reduce their dependence on forests and eco-tourism activities will be promoted to improve their economy.
• Apart from this, such measures will also be taken to resolve human-wildlife conflict and curb wildlife hunting and other criminal activities.
• Provision for a regular budget will also be made to support environmental education. Steps will be taken for the welfare of the employees posted in the Tiger Reserve, their wild habitat protection and wildlife protection.
• There is also a proposal to create a trust under the foundation. Its registration will be done as per rules. It will have a governing body. The State Government will be able to protect the functioning of the Foundation.
• After the formation of the Foundation, the income received from tourism activities in the reserve area will have to be deposited in the treasury of the state government. Later the government will return it to the Foundation in the form of a grant.

PM Vishwakarma Yojana

Why In News?

According to the information received from the media on October 22, 2023, four districts of Kumaon division of Uttarakhand, Almora, Bageshwar, Champawat and Pithoragarh have been selected in the first phase for 'Pradhanmantri Vishwakarma Yojana'.

Key Points:

• In this regard, Director General Industries Rohit Meena has issued a letter to the District Magistrates of the four districts and instructed the heads of gram panchayats to onboard the portal of the scheme.
• In the first phase of this scheme, gram panchayat heads in four hilly districts of the state - Almora, Bageshwar, Champawat and Pithoragarh will be onboard on the PM Vishwakarma portal through common service centers (CSCs).
• Of these four districts of Kumaon division, Almora has 1,160, Bageshwar has 407, Champawat has 313 and Pithoragarh has 686 gram panchayats.
• Carpenters, boat-makers, armorer, blacksmiths, repairers, hammer and toolkit makers, sculptors, stone breakers, goldsmiths, potters, cobblers, masons, basket and broom makers, dolls and toy makers, barbers, garland makers, washermen, tailors, fishing net makers etc. will be registered on the PM Vishwakarma portal.
• It may be noted that the PM Vishwakarma Yojana was inaugurated on September 17. Under the scheme, the government will give cheap loans to the artisans to start work. The scheme provides for first training and stipend to the beneficiaries of 18 traditional works.
• The verification of online application forms will be done in three phases. In the first phase, village heads and executive officers of municipal bodies in urban areas will conduct verification. In the second phase, the District Implementation Committee constituted under the chairmanship of the DM and in the third and final phase, the DFO, MSME will conduct the verification of the state-level committee formed under the chairmanship of the Central Government.

Policemen's Residences will be Built with Rs 100 crore

Why In News?

On Police Memorial Day on October 21, 2023, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced Rs 100 crore to solve the housing problem of policemen and Rs 2 crore to the Police Martyrs Welfare Fund for financial assistance in case of death while on duty.

Key Points:

• On Police Memorial Day, the Chief Minister paid tribute to 188 policemen of the country, including four Uttarakhand Police personnel, who were martyred in the line of duty this year.
• The Chief Minister said that Uttarakhand is sensitive because it shares borders with two countries and two states. The responsibility of maintaining internal security and law and order here rests with the paramilitary forces and police. Many policemen are martyred every year in the line of duty. In such a situation, they are given one lakh rupees as immediate financial assistance.
• Many times this process gets delayed, hence to further simplify this work, Rs 2 crore will be given to the Police Martyrs Welfare Fund.
• The Chief Minister said that at present the policemen are facing a big problem of housing. There are many policemen who do not get accommodation or are far away from police stations and duty places. To solve this housing problem, Rs 100 crore will be given within three years.