1. Madhya Pradesh ups women quota in state services to 35%
Tags: State News
Madhya Pradesh ups women quota in state services to 35%
Why in news?
- The state cabinet has cleared a proposal to increase the reservation for women in all state government services from the current 33 per cent to 35 per cent.
Key features:
Other states having women reservation in government jobs 30%or more than 30%:
- In 2016, the government extended the 35% reservation for women to all government jobs in Bihar for which direct recruitment is made.
- At the stage of direct recruitment, 30 percent posts shall be reserved for women candidates in accordance with the provision of Chhattisgarh Civil Service (Special Provision for Appointment of Women) Rules, 1997.
2. Tripura's CM Manik Saha Launches CM-SATH Scheme
Tags: State News
Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha officially launched the CM-SATH scheme at Agartala Town Hall to support meritorious students.
An Overview of the News
The scheme aims to provide financial assistance for higher education to students excelling in the Madhyamik and HS+2 exams.
200 students will benefit, with top 100 students from Madhyamik receiving assistance for two years, and another 100 higher secondary students for three years.
Beneficiaries will receive a monthly stipend of ₹25,000, with selections made by District Education Officers from various administrative regions.
Financial commitment: ₹1.2 crore in the first year, ₹22.4 crore in the second year, and ₹3 crore annually from the third year onwards.
Additional Educational Initiatives:
Super-30 Scheme: Provides financial aid to the top 30 Class X students for coaching in NEET and JEE, with an annual allocation of ₹25.3 lakh.
Centralised Question Paper System: Introduced for students in Classes III to VIII to standardize education.
Talent Search Programs: Implementation of the 'Tripura Science Talent Search Examination' and 'Math Talent Search Examination' to encourage scientific and mathematical aptitude in Class IX students.
Nipun Tripura Project: Focused on improving basic skills among Class III students.
Infrastructural Improvements:
Vidyajyoti Scheme: Launched in 2022 to improve educational standards, with 125 schools already benefiting.
Bicycle Distribution: Around 1 lakh girl students who passed Class IX have been provided with bicycles to aid their education.
3. Madhya Pradesh Pioneers India’s First Paperless Election
Tags: State News
Madhya Pradesh State Election Commission (SEC) has conducted India’s first paperless election.
An Overview of the News
The pilot project took place during a Panchayat by-election in Ratua Ratanpur village, Bhopal, for the position of Sarpanch, achieving an 84% voter turnout.
The initiative aims to digitize manual voting processes previously conducted on paper.
Voter identification now utilizes thumb impressions and electronic signatures to ensure authenticity and prevent proxy voting.
Benefits of the Paperless System
The new system generates real-time data and improves accuracy while requiring fewer human resources.
It enhances transparency and facilitates a smoother election process.
Online Monitoring and Communication
Voting percentages and ballot accounting are conducted online, with updates provided every two hours across all platforms.
After polling, accounts of ballot papers are electronically sent to candidates and polling agents via email.
4. Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma Launches Mizoram's Flagship 'Handholding Scheme
Tags: State News
On September 19, 2024, Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma officially launched Mizoram's new flagship initiative, the Handholding Scheme (Bana Kaih).
An Overview of the News
The launch event took place at Vanapa Hall, Aizawl. The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to entrepreneurs and farmers to promote economic growth and self-sufficiency.
Key Features of the Scheme
The Handholding Scheme includes five key components designed to support progress partners (beneficiaries).
The main feature is a collateral-free and interest-free loan system, offering up to Rs. 50 lakh through partner banks.
The state government will act as a guarantor for the loans, utilizing national credit guarantee schemes.
Beneficiaries who repay consistently may receive up to 100% interest subvention, making it the first scheme of its kind in India.
Additional Financial Support and Market Assistance
The Chief Minister's Special Category Scheme offers a grant-in-aid of up to Rs. 1 lakh for individuals unable to avail loans.
A Minimum Support Price (MSP) has been introduced for four key crops: Ginger, Broom, Turmeric, and Mizo Birdeye Chilli.
Farmers unable to secure market rates higher than the MSP will receive government support to match the declared rate.
A pilot procurement program for Paddy in Kolasib and Mamit districts offers a support rate of Rs. 30 per kg.
Implementation and Pilot Phase
The government of Mizoram has declared the current year as the "Year of Consolidation".
The Handholding Scheme will be implemented as a pilot project during the current financial year.
Market and departmental support will be provided to ensure the effective execution of the scheme.
5. Pune Airport to be Renamed Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj Airport
Tags: State News
The Maharashtra government approved the renaming of Pune Airport to Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj Pune International Airport. The decision was taken during a state cabinet meeting.
An Overview of the News
The proposal for renaming was put forward by Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, who is from Pune.
The state cabinet has approved the proposal, which will now be sent to the Centre for final approval.
About Sant Tukaram:
Sant Tukaram was a renowned saint and poet from the Bhakti movement.
He was born in Pune district and is revered for his spiritual contributions.
About Maharashtra
It is a state located in the western part of India and covers a significant part of the Deccan Plateau.
Chief Minister -Eknath Shinde
Governor - C. P. Radhakrishnan
Additional Information:-
Maharashtra Adopts 'One Village, One Ganapati' Initiative for Unified Ganeshotsav
President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Vishwashanti Buddha Vihara in Udgir, Latur district, Maharashtra.
Sujata Saunik Appointed Maharashtra's First Woman Chief Secretary.
Maharashtra becomes the first state in the country to approve Good Governance Regulations.
6. Kerala Tops State Food Safety Index 2024 for the Second Consecutive Year
Tags: INDEX State News
Kerala has topped the State Food Safety Index (SFSI) for the second year in a row, as announced in the SFSI 2024 report.
An Overview of the News
The index was released during the Second Edition of Global Food Regulators Summit 2024 by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Previous Rankings:
Kerala first topped the index in 2023.
In 2022, Kerala held the second position, with Gujarat ranking first.
Criteria for Ranking:
The State Food Safety Index measures performance based on five parameters:
Human Resources and Institutional Data
Compliance
Food Testing – Infrastructure and Surveillance
Training & Capacity Building
Consumer Empowerment
Top Ranking States:
Following Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Jammu & Kashmir, and Gujarat secured second, third, and fourth places, respectively.
Special Mention for Nagaland:
Nagaland received special recognition for improving its food safety ecosystem compared to the previous year.
7. Telangana CM Unveils MSME Policy-2024
Tags: State News
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy launched the new MSME Policy-2024.
An Overview of the News
The policy aims to address six key challenges faced by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
It includes a ₹4,000 crore investment over five years.
The launch event took place in Hyderabad, with Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and IT Minister D Sridhar Babu also present.
The policy promotes industrial opportunities for Dalits and women, encouraging their participation in MSMEs.
The government has partnered with TATA to upgrade Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) with an investment of ₹2,400 crore.
About Telangana
It is in south-central India, on the Deccan Plateau.
11th largest Indian state by area.
Formed on June 2, 2014, from Andhra Pradesh.
Borders Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
Capital: Hyderabad
Governor: Jishnu Dev Varma
Chief Minister: Revanth Reddy
Rajya Sabha: 7 seats
Lok Sabha: 17 seats
Additional Information:- Telangana Registers First FIR Under New Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at Charminar Police Station
8. India Conducts First 'Teal Carbon' Study at Keoladeo National Park
Tags: Science and Technology State News
India has conducted its inaugural study on 'teal carbon' at Keoladeo National Park (KNP) in Rajasthan’s Bharatpur district.
An Overview of the News
Teal carbon refers to carbon stored in non-tidal freshwater wetlands, including carbon in vegetation, microbial biomass, and organic matter.
These wetlands serve as natural carbon sinks, crucial for regulating greenhouse gases, but are vulnerable to degradation from pollution, land-use changes, and water extraction.
Study Objectives
Estimate the carbon storage capacity of non-tidal freshwater wetlands in India.
Identify critical threats to these wetland ecosystems and their carbon sequestration potential.
Provide recommendations for wetland conservation and restoration.
Raise public awareness about the role of wetlands in climate change mitigation.
Importance of Wetlands
Wetlands offer essential ecosystem services such as water purification, flood control, and wildlife habitat.
Their carbon sequestration potential is significant, making their conservation vital for ecological balance and climate resilience.
Threats and Challenges
Wetlands face threats from urbanization, agricultural expansion, and pollution.
Addressing these threats requires a multi-pronged approach, including scientific research, policy interventions, and community engagement.
Keoladeo National Park
Location: Rajasthan
National Park Status: Declared in 1982
UNESCO World Heritage Site: Designated in 1985
9. Manipur’s T.G. English School Wins 63rd Subroto Cup Junior Boys Title
Tags: Sports State News
Manipur’s T.G. English School won the Junior Boys title at the 63rd Subroto Cup International Football Tournament.
An Overview of the News
They defeated Meghalaya’s Myngken Christian Higher Secondary School 4-3 in a sudden-death tiebreaker after a 1-1 tie in regulation time.
The final was held at BR Ambedkar Stadium in New Delhi.
This victory marked the third time in history and the first time in 44 years that a team from Manipur has won the prestigious trophy.
Match Highlights
Manipur took the lead with a goal from Namdigong Kamei in the 32nd minute.
Meghalaya equalized with a penalty from Banpliebok Khongjoh in the 64th minute, just before the end of regulation time.
In the sudden-death tiebreaker, Meghalaya’s goalkeeper Wanpli Malang missed his spot-kick.
This miss allowed Manipur to clinch the title.
Tournament Background
The Subroto Cup is one of Asia’s oldest football tournaments.
It aims to promote grassroots football across the country.
10. State Cabinet Approves Five Additional POCSO Fast-Track Courts in West Bengal
Tags: State News
West Bengal will establish five new POCSO fast-track courts, Bringing Total to 67.
An Overview of the News
The state currently has 62 POCSO courts and 6 e-POCSO courts.
Minister of State (Independent Charge) Chandrima Bhattacharya announced the decision at a press conference.
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO) aims to ensure speedy justice for sexual offences against children.
The proposal for the new courts was previously submitted by the judicial department and has now been approved by the state cabinet.
After this addition, there will be a total of 67 POCSO fast-track courts and 6 e-POCSO courts in West Bengal.
About West Bengal
Neighbouring Countries - Bangladesh borders it in the east, Nepal, and Bhutan in the north.
Neighbouring States - Assam, Jharkhand, Bihar, Sikkim, and Odisha are joined by its border.
Capital- Kolkata
Governor- C. V. Ananda Bose
Chief Minister- Mamata Banerjee
Lok Sabha seats- 42
Rajya Sabha seats- 16
