1. UP govt has decided to set up digital libraries
Tags: State News
Why in the news?
- In a significant step toward modernising education in remote areas, the UP govt has decided to set up digital libraries across all the gram panchayats in Uttar Pradesh.
Important points:
- Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in a high-level meeting, directed officials to implement the first phase of this initiative byestablishing digital libraries in 22,700 gram panchayats.
- The digital library will offer books, quizzes, videos, audio lectures, and other educational resources to make learning more engaging.
- The responsibility for managing these libraries will be given to the gram panchayats, with gram pradhans and secretaries overseeing the operations. Assistant officials will be appointed to ensure the smooth functioning and maintenance of the facility.
- Assigning abudget of Rs 4 lakh for each digital library, half of the funds will be used to purchase digital resources such as computers, printers, internet facilities, or broadband services, and the remaining Rs 2 lakh for buying stationery and books that will be stored in the libraries for those who want to study within the facility.
- The libraries will provide not only textbooks but also e-books and advanced study materials on various subjects.
Aims:
- The initiative aims to provide children inrural areas with access to advanced educational resources, ensuring they keep pace with the digital era.
- In the meeting, the CM highlighted the need to connect rural students with digital education and provide them with high-quality learning materials.
- Additionally, students will have access to modern audio-visual tools and internet connectivity for online learning and research.
2. Yogi adityanath announced five spiritual corridors in uttar pradesh
Tags: State News
Why in the news?
- The Uttar Pradesh government claimed that the recently concluded Maha Kumbh has “led to development of five spiritual corridors in the state that would connect Prayagraj to different regions of the state” and that these would be developed further.
Important points:
- Officials said these include Prayagraj-Vindhyachal-Kashi Corridor, Prayagraj-Ayodhya-Gorakhpur Corridor, Prayagraj-Lucknow-Naimisharanya Corridor, Prayagraj-Rajapur (Banda)-Chitrakoot Corridor and Prayagraj-Mathura-Vrindavan-Shuk Teerth Corridor.
- Thesefive corridorswould include places of religious significance and pilgrims were seen travelling through these routes either before or after taking bath at the Sangam in Prayagraj.
3. Cow induction, gift milk and market support for OMFED initiatives of National Dairy Development Board launched
Tags: State News
Why in the news?
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu virtually inaugurated/launched Cow Induction, Giftmilk and Market support for Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers' Federation (OMFED) initiatives of the National Dairy Development Board from Rashtrapati Bhavan on 13th January, 2025.
Important points:
The President said that livestock plays an important role in the rural economy and rural household income.
India has a diverse range of livestock breeds.All those breeds have contributed to the rich agricultural heritage of the country.
To support and promote our livestock, several measures and policy efforts have been taken by the government for breed development and genetic upgradation of livestock.
The productivity of our Milch cattle has also seen extraordinary growth in the last 10 years. All these achievements reflect our commitment to excellence in animal husbandry.
4. Kalagram at Maha Kumbh: A Celebration Beyond Boundaries
Tags: State News
Why in the news?
The Kalagram at Maha Kumbh, set up by the Ministry of Culture, Govt of India, encapsulates India’s unity in diversity, weaving art, spirituality, and culture into an unforgettable experience.
Important points:
With support from the Uttar Pradesh Government, this initiative reaffirms India’s commitment to preserving its heritage while offering a transformative journey for devotees and visitors alike.
Kalagram at Mahakumbh 2025 is more than an event-it is a living canvas of India’s glorious past and vibrant present, ready to inspire generations to come.
Kalagram is a testament to the Ministry of Culture’s commitment to showcasing the nation’s timeless traditions through crafts, cuisine, and cultural performances, blending spirituality with artistic brilliance.
Visitors will be greeted by a magnificent 35-ft wide and 54-ft high grand façade entrance, adorned with intricate depictions of the 12 Jyotirlingas and the mythological tale of Lord Shiva consuming Halahal, setting a majestic tone for the journey within.
The vibrant Kalagram will host a magnificent 10,000-capacity Ganga Pandal, alongside three additional stages in Areil, Jhunsi, and Triveni areas, accommodating 2,000 to 4,000 spectato
5. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to Inaugurate All India Radio’s Special 'Kumbhvani' Channel and 'Kumbh Mangal dhwani’.
Tags: State News
Why in the news?
- Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to Inaugurate All India Radio’s Special 'Kumbhvani' Channel and 'Kumbh Mangal dhwani
Important points:
The live updates broadcast byKumbhVani will be especially beneficial for those who are unable to attend the Kumbh in Prayagraj.
This will help bring the atmosphere of this historic Mahakumbh to people across the nation and the world.
Prasar Bharati, the country’s public service broadcaster, is taking this initiative to not only promote India’s historical religious traditions but also provide important information to devotees and offer them a cultural experience from the comfort of their homes.
Kumbhvani Channel:
Broadcast Period: January 10, 2025, to February 26, 2025
Broadcast Time: 5:55 AM to 10:05 PM
Frequency: FM 103.5 MHz
6. ‘Shahid Madho Singh Haath Kharcha Yojana’
Tags: State News
Why in the news?
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the annual ‘Adivasi Mela’ here and launched ‘Shahid Madho Singh Haath Kharcha Yojana’.
Important points:
Under the scheme, the government would provide financial assistance of Rs 5,000 to each tribal student, studying in classes 9 and 11 in government and aided schools across the state.
To begin with, the chief minister on Sunday transferred the financial assistance of Rs 80 crore to 1.6 lakh tribal students.
The government would provide the financial incentive to about 2 lakh tribal students every year.
Objective:
The aim is to address dropout among tribal students.
7. PARTH Yojana
Tags: State News
Why in the news?
Madhya Pradesh has launched an innovative scheme called PARTH Yojana (Police Army Recruitment Training & Hunar).
Key points:
The PARTH Yojana, short for Police Army Recruitment Training and Hunar, is a targeted initiative designed to prepare the youth of Madhya Pradesh for recruitment in defense and law enforcement agencies.
Under this scheme, candidates will receive comprehensive pre-recruitment training, which includes physical fitness preparation, written examination coaching (focusing on subjects like general knowledge, mathematics, and English), and personality development guidance.
Training centers will be established at divisional levels, and the entire program will be overseen by district sports and youth welfare officers.
Support will also come from rural youth coordinators and departmental employees.
Objectives:
To prepare its youth both physically and mentally for careers in the Indian Army, police, paramilitary forces, and other such services.
This initiative seeks to foster patriotism, skill development, and employability among the state’s energetic and patriotic youth.
8. Chhattisgarh became the first state in India to link its forest ecosystem to the Green Gross Domestic Product (Green GDP).
Tags: State News
Why in the news?
Recently Chhattisgarh became the first state in India to link its forest ecosystem to the Green Gross Domestic Product (Green GDP).
Key points:
The plan ensures economic progress while preserving the environment for future generations.
Key benefits like climate regulation, soil enrichment, water purification, and carbon absorption will now be integrated into the state’s economic planning.
The initiative aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of a "Developed India 2047."
The plan emphasizes both the economic and environmental benefits of forests in budget planning and policy-making.
This approach highlights the economic and environmental value of forests, focusing biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation.
Importance of Forest Resources in Chhattisgarh:
With 44% of its land covered by forests,Chhattisgarh’s natural resources are vital to millions.
Forest products such as tendu leaves, lac, honey, and medicinal plants significantly boost the rural economy.
Forests absorb carbon dioxide, playing a crucial role in combating climate change.
9. Uttarakhand set to introduce green cess on private vehicles from other states.
Tags: State News
Uttarakhand set to introduce green cess on private vehicles from other states.
Why in the news?
- In a proactive step towards environmental conservation, the Uttarakhand government is gearing up to impose a green cess on private vehicles entering the state from other regions.
Important Points:
- According to the state transport department, the proposed fee will range from Rs 20 to Rs 80, depending on the type of vehicle.
- As per the proposed rates, three-wheeler vehicles will incur a fee of Rs 20, four-wheelers Rs 40, and medium and heavy vehicles will be charged Rs 60 and Rs 80, respectively.
- Notably, two-wheelers, electric vehicles, CNG vehicles, ambulances, and other essential service vehicles will be exempt from this charge.
- According to the Transport Department, the implementation of this initiative is expected by the end of this month or in January next year.
- Currently, only commercial vehicles from other states are subjected to a green cess, which is utilized for road safety initiatives and pollution control measures.
- The Transport Department revealed, " The green cess collected from out-of-state commercial vehicles are directed towards projects aimed at improving road infrastructure and reducing vehicular emissions."
10. Maize flour ‘Himbhog’ produced via natural farming to be launched by Himachal Pradesh.
Tags: State News
Maize flour ‘Himbhog’ produced via natural farming to be launched by Himachal Pradesh.
Why in the news?
- Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu y said that the state government would soon introduce maize flour produced through natural farming under the brand name ‘Him Bhog.’
Key points:
- He said that more than 4,000 quintals of maize had been procured from 1,506 farmer families practising natural farming in the state, with the exception of Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur districts.
- The Chief Minister said that Himachal Pradesh was the first state in India to offer the highest minimum support price (MSP) for wheat and maize.
- “The government is providing Rs 40 per kg for wheat and Rs 30 per kg for maize produced through natural farming.
- The government is promoting natural farming on 35,000 hectares, benefiting 1.98 lakh farmers.
- Sukhu said that free certification had been provided to over 1.5 lakh farmers and an additional 36,000 farmers were being connected with natural farming.
- He said that the government was also focusing on linking agriculture with employment through phase-III of the Rajiv Gandhi Start-Up Yojana that had been started with a budget of Rs 680 crore.
About Maize:
- Maize, also known as corn in North American English, is a tall stout grass that produces cereal grain.
- It was domesticated by indigenous peoples in southern Mexico about 9,000 years ago from wild teosinte.
- Native Americans planted it alongside beans and squashes in the Three Sisters polyculture.
