• 27 Feb 2025

Road Accidents in Chhattisgarh

Why in News? 

According to the Chhattisgarh government, road accidents in Chhattisgarh over the last six years claimed more than 33,700 lives and left 70,255 others injured in 79,523 incidents. 

 Key Points 

• Government Schemes for Road Accident Victims: 
  • The Ayushman Bharat card holders can avail free medical check-ups and treatment for accident-related injuries in government and private hospitals within the prescribed limit. 
• Compensation for Hit-and-Run Cases: 
  • The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways introduced a new compensation scheme in 2022 for hit-and-run victims. 
  • Under this scheme: 
    • Compensation for serious injury increased from Rs 12,500 to Rs 50,000. 
    • Compensation for death increased from Rs 25,000 to Rs 2 lakh. 
• Black Spots: 
  • The government identified 848 accident-prone "black spots" in Chhattisgarh during the period covered by the query. 
  • Corrective measures have been implemented in 790 locations by the responsible construction agencies. 

 Ayushman Bharat  

• Launched in 2018, Ayushman Bharat is a flagship program of the Government of India, in line with the recommendations of the National Health Policy 2017 to realize the vision of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).   
• This initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming to improve healthcare access across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels through a comprehensive continuum-of-care approach.  
• Ayushman Bharat comprises two interrelated components:   
  • Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (formerly Health and Wellness Centres or AB-HWCs) and Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). 

Kedarnath Temple Gates to Open on 2nd May

Why in News? 

On 26^th February 2025, the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee announced that the temple gates will open on 2^nd May, 2025. 

 Key Points 

• Finalized Dates for Pilgrimage Sites: 
  • With the announcement of Kedarnath temple’s opening, the dates for all four sacred sites in the Garhwal Himalayas have been fixed. 
  • Badrinath Dham will open on 4^th May 2025. 
  • Gangotri and Yamunotri Dhams will open on 30^th April 2025, coinciding with Akshaya Tritiya. 
  • These four sites together form the Chota Char Dham, an important Hindu pilgrimage circuit. 
• Decision on Kedarnath Temple Opening: 
  • Religious gurus and Vedpathis determined the auspicious hour and date for Kedarnath’s opening on Mahashivratri. 
  • The decision was made after offering prayers at the Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath, the winter abode of Baba Kedar. 

 Char Dham Yatra  

• Yamunotri Dham:  
  • Location: Uttarkashi district.  
  • Dedicated to: Goddess Yamuna.  
  • River Yamuna is the second-most sacred river in India after River Ganga.  
• Gangotri Dham:  
  • Location: Uttarkashi district.  
  • Dedicated to: Goddess Ganga.  
  • Considered the most sacred of all Indian rivers.  
• Kedarnath Dham:  
  • Location: Rudraprayag district.  
  • Dedicated to: Lord Shiva.  
  • Situated on the bank of the Mandakini River.  
  • One of the 12 Jyotirlingas (divine representations of Lord Shiva) in India.  
• Badrinath Dham:  
  • Location: Chamoli district.  
  • Home to the sacred Badrinarayan Temple.  
  • Dedicated to: Lord Vishnu.  
  • One of the holy shrines for Vaishnavites

Uttarakhand’s Afforestation Body Mismanaged Funds

Why in News? 

After the Comptroller and Auditor General’s (CAG) report on Uttarakhand's Compulsory Afforestation Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) was released, the body’s Chief Executive Officer stated that they are addressing the flagged issues. 

• The report, covering 2019-20 to 2021-22, found improper spending from Rs 753.89 crore in 43 forest divisions. 

 Key Points 

• CAG Flags CAMPA Expenditure: 
  • The CAG flagged Rs 13.86 crore of the total allocated funds for CAMPA. 
  • The Chief Executive Officer stated that the audit needs verification to determine if the expenditure was approved by the administration. 
• Disputed Purchases: 
  • It was noted that only two mobile phones were purchased and that CAMPA rules do not prohibit such purchases. 
  • CAMPA rules allow spending on communication and IT equipment for forest and wildlife protection. 
• Major Fund Diversions Identified: 
  • The Haridwar, Tons, Nainital, and Narendranagar forest divisions spent Rs 3.6 crore on building renovations, Harela, and fencing, which the CAG flagged as “major diversions.” 
  • The Kalagarh Tiger Reserve (Lansdowne division) diverted Rs 1.71 crore for: 
    • Motor road construction for a tiger safari 
    • Elephant protection wall 
    • Forest Rest House repairs 
    • Solar fencing and lantana removal 
  • The CAG stated that the scheme was included in the Annual Plan of Operations (APO) without proper ground-level analysis. 

 Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) 

• The CAG of India, as per Article 148 of the Constitution, heads the Indian Audit and Accounts Department (IA-AD).  
• He/she is responsible for safeguarding the public purse and overseeing the financial system at both the central and state levels.   
• The CAG upholds the Constitution and parliamentary laws in financial administration and is considered one of the key pillars of India's democratic system, alongside the Supreme Court, Election Commission, and Union Public Service Commission.  
• CAG of India is governed by the Comptroller and Auditor-General's (Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service) Act, 1971, with significant amendments in 1976, 1984, and 1987. 

 Kalagarh Tiger Reserve (KTR) 

 

• About: 
  • It is situated in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. 
  • It was formed in 1974 when the northern region of Jim Corbett Park was renamed Kalagarh Tiger Reserve. 
  • Named after the Kalagarh Dam, built on the Ramganga River. 
  • Covers 301.18 sq. km, including Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary and Jim Corbett Park. 
• Terrain: 
  • Located in the foothills of the Himalayas. 
  • Features a diverse landscape of forests, grasslands, and hills. 
• Flora: 
  • Home to trees like sal, sheesham, semal, bakli, haladu, tun, sain, fig, and bamboo. 
  • Rich in medicinal plants. 
• Fauna: 
  • Hosts a high density of tigers, leopards, elephants, and other wild cats. 
  • Inhabited by various deer species, including chital, barking deer, goral, sambar, and hog deer. 
  • Home to more than 580 bird species, such as kingfishers, wagtails, forktails, pheasants, and hornbills.  

Communal Violence in Jharkhand

Why in News? 

Hindu and Muslim communities clashed in Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh district 26th February 2025 over decorations for Maha Shivaratri and the installation of loudspeakers.  

• During the violent confrontation, both sides pelted stones, set several shops on fire, and torched multiple vehicles. 

Key Points 

• Communal Clash in Hazaribagh: 
  • The clash occurred in Dumroan village. Several people sustained injuries and were taken to Hazaribagh Sadar Hospital for treatment. 
  • According to the police, Muslims protested against fixing Maha Shivaratri flags and installing sound systems at Hindustan Chowk. 
  • Arguments between both communities escalated, leading to stone pelting from a nearby madrasa. 
    • In retaliation, Hindus also threw stones at the opposing side. 
• Official Statements: 
  • The officials urged people to maintain peace and celebrate Maha Shivaratri with brotherhood. 
  • They assured that police are stationed at the site, the situation is under control, and legal action will be taken against those responsible. 

 Communal Violence 

• The Indian Penal Code (IPC) defines communal violence as any act that promotes enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and does acts prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony.  
• BNS Provisions on Communal Violence:   
  • Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 196 aims to prevent and punish actions that promote enmity and hatred between different groups based on various grounds.  
  • It seeks to maintain social harmony by penalizing such acts with imprisonment and fines, especially when these actions occur in places of worship or during religious gatherings. 

HC Directs Union Ministry to Reduce Toll Rates in J&K

Why in News? 

The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has directed the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to reduce hefty toll fees in the Union Territory within four months, providing major relief to commuters, including pilgrims to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. 

 Key Points 

• High Court Directives: 
  • The High Court directed that Lakhanpur and Bann toll plazas charge only 20% of the previous toll rates (before 26th January 2024). 
  • The reduced toll fee will remain in effect until the Lakhanpur-Udhampur national highway becomes fully operational. 
• Background of the Case: 
  • A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) sought an exemption from toll collection on the Jammu-Pathankot Highway (Lakhanpur to Bann) until the completion of the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway. 
  • The highway is being extended to connect with the expressway. 
• Concerns Raised by the Court: 
  • The court criticized the "mushrooming of toll plazas" in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, calling it a strategy to extract money from the public. 
  • It noted that the Bann toll plaza charges excessive fees, and other toll plazas also have high rates. 
  • The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and private contractors have accumulated thousands of crores of rupees through toll collection. 

 National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) 

• NHAI was constituted by an Act of Parliament in 1988 under the administrative control of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways as a Central Authority to develop, maintain and manage the National Highways entrusted to it by the Government of India. 
  • The authority, however, became operational in February, 1995. 
• The Authority consists of a full time Chairman, and not more than five full time Members and four part time Members who are appointed by the Central Government. 

51st Khajuraho Dance Festival

Why in News?  

The 51^st Khajuraho Dance Festival was organised in Khajuraho, Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh from 20 to 26 February 2025 . 

 Key Points  

• About Khajuraho Dance Festival: 
  • It was organised by the Culture Department and Tourism Department of Madhya Pradesh. 
  • The festival was held against the backdrop of the historic temples of Khajuraho , which are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. 
• Initiation: 
  • Khajuraho Dance Festival was started in 1975 and since then it is being organised by Ustad Alauddin Khan Music and Arts Academy under the Culture Department of Madhya Pradesh Government. 
• Objective of the celebration : 
  • Various Indian classical dance forms like Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, Kathakali, Yakshagana, etc. are showcased through this festival. 
  • Along with traditional dance, new experiments in dance and rich forms of choreography are encouraged. 
  • Through this festival, the historical and cultural heritage of Khajuraho is promoted at the global level. 
  • The festival provides a platform to various artisans and handicraft artists to showcase their art and crafts. 
• Major activities of the festival : 
  • Classical Dance Marathon (Relay) 
    • 139 artists created a Guinness World Record by performing classical dance for 24 hours 9 minutes 26 seconds. 
  • Grand classical dance performances : 
    • Dance forms like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, Kathakali, Yakshagana etc. were performed. 
  • Hunar Mela – Handicrafts and Art Exhibition : 
    • An exhibition of traditional handicrafts, paintings, jewellery and artefacts of Madhya Pradesh was organised. 
  • Live Exhibition : 
    • Exhibition of terracotta art, Bundeli paintings, bead jewellery and other local arts. 

Khajuraho Temple 

 

• Introduction:  
  • Built by the Chandela dynasty in the 10^th and 11^th centuries, these temple groups present a unique example of architecture and sculpture . 
  • The number of temples built in Nagar style has now reduced to only 20, among which the temple of Kandariya Mahadev is especially famous. 
  • The temples here belong to two religions – Jain and Hindu . 
• World Heritage Site :  
  • It was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the year 1986 . 

Global Investors Summit (GIS) 2025

Why in News?  

Global Investors Summit (GIS) 2025 was organized in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh on 24-25 February 2025 in which Memorandum Of Understandings (MOUs) worth a total of Rs 30 lakh 77 thousand crore were signed.   

Key Points  

• About GIS: 
  • This two-day Global Investors Summit was organized at the National Human Museum in Bhopal . 
  • The Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister stated that the GIS is a historic initiative to take the state's economy to new heights. 
  • The theme of the summit this year was 'Infinite Possibilities'. 
  • The Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation mentioned the goal to make India a fully developed nation by the year 2047 and the third largest economy by 2027 . 
• Objective:  
  • The objective of this summit is  to attract investment and increase employment opportunities in Madhya Pradesh . 
  • Through this summit, investments will be made in many sectors like science, technical education, skill development, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and health services. 

• Participation and Investment: 
  • The conference had over 25,000 registrations. 
  • Over 100 foreign delegates from over 60 countries participated. 
  • Nine countries contributed as partner countries, including Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, Morocco, Poland, Russia, Rwanda, and the United Kingdom. 
  • A total of MoUs worth Rs 30 lakh 77 thousand crore were signed , which will help in setting up large and ancillary industries in Madhya Pradesh.  
  • It will promote employment, development and industrial growth in the state. 

12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum

Why in News?  

India is going to host  the 12^th Regional 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle)  and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific. It will take place at the Rajasthan International Centre in Jaipur on 3-5 March 2025. 

  Key Points   

• About the Forum:  
  • The theme of the event will focus on “Realising Circular Societies Towards Achieving SDGs and Carbon Neutrality in Asia Pacific”. 
  • Objective: 
    • This conference will serve as an important platform to promote 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) and circular economy in the Asia-Pacific region . 
    • It aims to provide policy inputs to government officials and exchange best practices.  
    • The forum focuses on promoting circular economies and supporting progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and carbon neutrality in the Asia-Pacific region. 
  • India's Leadership and Vision: 
    • India's 'India Pavilion' will showcase its achievements in the field of 3R and Circular Economy, reflecting India's holistic government approach.  
    • India has hosted this forum earlier at Indore, Madhya Pradesh in 2018. 
• Jaipur Declaration: 
  • The Forum will conclude with the adoption of  the 'Jaipur Declaration' to promote the transition to a resource-efficient, circular economy in Asia-Pacific countries . 
  • The Jaipur Declaration (2025-34) will build on the Hanoi Declaration (2013-23) and will provide a framework for developing 3R and circular economy policies. 

 The Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum 

• This forum was launched in the year 2009 by the United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD). 
• It plays an important role in promoting sustainable development in Asia-Pacific countries. 
• It aims to provide policy strategies for mainstreaming 3R (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) and circularity in the Asia-Pacific region and to serve as a platform for sharing 3R best practices. 

PM-KISAN Scheme

Why in News?  

On 24^th February 2025, the Prime Minister released the 19^th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme in Bhagalpur, Bihar. The scheme benefited more than 9.8 crore farmers including 2.41 crore women farmers across the country.   

Key Points  

• Under this scheme, Rs 2000 were transferred directly to the farmers' accounts. 
• This will provide financial support to farmer families and increase their income and also help in meeting agriculture related expenses. 
• In October 2024, the Prime Minister released the 18th installment of the PM-KISAN scheme at Washim in Maharashtra. 
• PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme: 
  • About:  
    • It was launched on February 24, 2019 to meet the financial needs of landholding farmers. 
    • The financial benefit of Rs. 6000 per annum is transferred in three equal installments every four months into the bank accounts of farmer families across the country through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode. 
    • The scheme was initially meant for small and marginal farmers (SMFs) who owned land up to 2 hectares , but was later extended to cover all landholding farmers . 
    • It is a centrally sponsored scheme, and implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. 
  • Objective: 
    • It aims to meet the financial needs of small and marginal farmers for purchasing various inputs to ensure proper crop health and yield in accordance with the expected agricultural income at the end of each crop cycle . 
    • To save them from the clutches of money lenders to meet such expenses and to ensure their continuity in farming activities. 
  • PM-KISAN Mobile App:  
    • It is developed and designed by the National Informatics Centre in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology .