1. More than 90% of funds allocated under Smart Cities Mission utilised
Tags: National Government Schemes National News
Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has announced that more than 90% of the funds allocated under the Smart Cities Mission are being utilized and 73% of the projects have already been completed.
An overview of the news
The smart city project was to be completed within five years of the selection of the city.
However, in 2021, the ministry changed the deadline to June 2023 for all cities.
About Smart Cities Mission
Smart Cities Mission is an initiative of the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs which was launched in 2015.
It aims to transform urban areas into sustainable, citizen-friendly and technologically advanced cities.
The mission's primary objective is to enhance the quality of life for citizens by providing them with improved infrastructure, better governance, and increased economic opportunities.
Between January 2016 and June 2018 (when the last city, Shillong, was selected), the ministry selected 100 cities for the mission in five rounds.
Selection Process
The mission follows a competitive approach where cities submit proposals based on specific criteria, including the adoption of smart solutions, citizen engagement, and sustainable development.
The selected cities undergo redevelopment in a phased manner.
Core components
Infrastructure development: Emphasis is placed on developing physical infrastructure such as transportation systems, water supply, sanitation, and affordable housing to meet the needs of the urban population.
Technology integration: The mission integrates technology to improve service delivery, including data analytics and smart grids devices for efficient resource management and real-time monitoring.
Citizen engagement: The mission focuses on citizen participation and engagement through mobile applications and feedback mechanisms, empowering them to contribute to decision-making processes and hold authorities accountable.
Sustainable practices: The mission promotes sustainable development by encouraging the use of renewable energy sources, green building practices, waste management systems, and efficient urban planning.
Funds Utilisation
Till 1 May 2023, a total of Rs 38,400 crore was released for the Smart Cities Mission.
Out of this amount, ₹35,261 crore has already been utilized for various projects.
Project Completion
The Smart Cities Mission includes around 7,800 projects worth Rs 1.8 lakh crore.
Of these projects, more than 5,700 projects worth Rs 1.1 lakh crore have been completed.
The remaining projects are expected to be completed by June 30, 2024.
Currently, only 22 out of 100 designated cities have successfully completed all the projects under the mission.
2. Ministry of Education and PARAKH organise the 1st National level workshop
Tags: National Government Schemes National News
Recently, the Ministry of Education organized a workshop in New Delhi to discuss the integration of 60 school examination boards operating in different states and union territories.
An overview of the news
The key component of the scheme is PARAKH, a National Assessment Center set up under the National Council of Educational Research and Training.
The central government is planning for uniformity of boards to facilitate seamless transition for students in different boards or regions.
It aims to align curriculum standards, grading system and evaluation methods so as to enhance the credibility and recognition of certificates and grades obtained across all boards.
The workshop highlighted the need to re-evaluate the rote-examination culture prevalent in the education system.
What is PARAKH?
PARAKH full name is -Performance Assessment, Review and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development.
It will act as a constituent unit of the NCERT.
It will also be tasked with conducting periodic learning outcome tests like National Achievement Survey (NAS) and State Achievement Survey.
This framework will seek to curb the emphasis on rote learning as envisaged by the National Policy on Education (NEP) 2020.
It will be the proposed implementing agency and also will be part of the NEP proposal.
Its team will consist of leading assessment experts with a deep understanding of the education system in India and internationally.
3. Madhya Pradesh cabinet approves 'Mukhya Mantri Sikho Kamao Yojana' for unemployed youth
Tags: Government Schemes State News
The Madhya Pradesh cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, on May 17 approved the 'Mukhya Mantri Sikho Kamao Yojana' for unemployed youth.
About Mukhya Mantri Sikho Kamao Yojana
It was decided in the meeting that the name of Mukhya Mantri Kaushal Kamai Yojana will be 'Mukhyamantri Sikho-Kamao Yojana' (Chief Minister Learn-Earn Scheme).
Under the scheme, at least one lakh youths will be provided training in establishments.
All the youth who have done 12th pass, ITI, Diploma, Graduation and Post Graduation will be eligible for this scheme.
After the training, the State Council for Vocational Training (SCVT) certificate will be given by the Madhya Pradesh State Skill Development and Employment Generation Board (MPSSDEGB).
Prestigious industrial and private institutions of the country and the state will be connected with the scheme.
Establishments will be able to train student trainees up to 15 percent of their total workforce.
Under the scheme, youth will be taught work and in return they will be given stipend by the government.
Under the scheme, 12th passed trainees will be given 8 thousand rupees, ITI passed 8 thousand 500 rupees, diploma passed 9 thousand rupees and graduate passed or higher educational qualification will be given 10 thousand rupees per month stipend.
About Madhya Pradesh
In terms of area, it is the second largest state of India after Rajasthan.
According to the Indian Forest Status Report-2021, Madhya Pradesh has the maximum forest cover in the country in terms of area.
25.14% of its area is covered by forests.
Chief Minister - Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Capital - Bhopal
4. Jal Jeevan Mission Achieves Milestone Of 12 Crore Tap Water Connections
Tags: National Government Schemes National News
The Jal Jeevan Mission, a flagship program launched by the Government of India, has achieved a significant milestone by providing 12 crore tap water connections across the country.
An overview of the news
This achievement marks a major step towards ensuring access to clean drinking water for every household.
At the time of announcement of launch of JJM only 3.23 Crore (16.64%) households in villages had access to piped water connection.
Himachal Pradesh at 98.35%, followed by Bihar at 96.05%, are also set to achieve saturation in the near future.
Goa, Haryana, Punjab, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Puducherry, D&NH and D&D are 'Har Ghar Jal' certified States/UTs.
100% tap water coverage
Till date, 5 states (Goa, Telangana, Haryana, Gujarat and Punjab) and 3 union territories (Puducherry, Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Andaman and Nicobar Islands) have reported 100% coverage.
Three aspirational districts from Telangana (Komaram Bheem Asifabad, Jaishankar Bhupalpally and Bhadrabari Kothagudem), two districts from Gujarat (Dahod and Narmada) and Punjab (Moga and Ferozepur) and one district each from Haryana (Mewat) and Himachal Pradesh (Chamba) 100% tap water coverage has been achieved.
About Jal Jeevan Mission
It is a flagship programme of the Government of India which was announced from the ramparts of Red Fort by the Prime Minister on August 15, 2019.
The objective of the mission is to supply potable tap water in adequate quantity, prescribed quality and on a regular and long-term basis to every rural household of the country by 2024.
It is implemented by the Government of India in partnership with the States/Union Territories.
This mission comes under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Funding Pattern :
The fund sharing pattern between the Center and the states under the mission is 90:10 for Himalayan and North-Eastern states and 50:50 for other states.
In the case of Union Territories, 100% contribution is made by the Centre.
5. Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana completes 8 years
Tags: Government Schemes National News
Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Atal Pension Yojana completed eight years on 9th May.
An overview of the news
These schemes are playing a vital role in providing social security and affordable insurance to the people.
These three schemes were started by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on this day on May 9, 2015 from Kolkata in West Bengal.
The government had launched two insurance schemes Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana to make the people belonging from unorganised sections financially secure.
The government also introduced Atal Pension Yojana to cover the exigencies in the old age.
Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana
This plan is a one-year life insurance plan that is renewable from year to year to offer coverage for death due to any reason.
The plan provides life cover of Rs 2 lakh in case of death due to any reason for a premium of Rs 436 per annum.
Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana
This is a one-year accidental insurance scheme renewable from year to year offering coverage for death or disability due to an accident.
The scheme provides accidental death cum disability cover of two lakh rupees against a premium of 20 rupees per annum.
Atal Pension Yojana
Under this scheme subscribers would receive the guaranteed minimum monthly pension ranging from one thousand to five thousand after the age of 60 years, based on the contributions made by the subscriber.
6. Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar launches Phase-III of Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojana
Tags: Government Schemes National News
Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare on 8th May launched the third phase of Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojana (TBSY) of the Health Ministry.
An overview of the news
She also launched the Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojana Portal.
Dr Pawar also released the Standard Treatment Workflow for Sickle Cell Disease on the occasion. This has been developed by ICMR.
The Union Minister further highlighted the need to take advantage of various initiatives of the Union Government for treatment of diseases like sickle cell anemia such as the e-Raktkosh portal for blood transfusion requirements.
Phase-III of Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojana
The third phase of the program will continue to provide financial assistance towards the package cost of 10 lakh per HSCT, which will be directly transferred from CIL to the institutions performing HSCT.
The program will benefit underprivileged thalassemia patients and people with aplastic anaemia.
10 reputed hospitals across India have been empaneled under the programme.
About Thalassemia
Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder that causes the human body to have less haemoglobin than normal.
World Thalassemia Day is observed every year on 8 May to spread awareness about this condition.
Iron deficiency is the most common and can cause extreme tiredness, shortness of breath, weakness and cold hands and feet.
Iron is a mineral that our body needs for growth, development and making haemoglobin.
Haemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body.
Iron is a cofactor for neurotransmitters and is important for the synthesis and metabolism of hormones.
7. Border Roads Organisation Project Dantak 64th Raising Day
Tags: National Government Schemes National News
The Prime Minister has praised the initiative by Border Roads Organisation Project Dantak to commemorate 64th Raising Day.
About Project Dantak
Project Dantak is one of the oldest projects of the Border Roads Organization (BRO).
It was established on 24th April1961.
It was a result of the visionary leadership of the King of Bhutan and Jawahar Lal Nehru, then Prime Minister of India.
It was established under the provision of the Indo-Bhutan Treaty of Peace and Friendship, 1949.
The project is playing a major role in identifying the most important aspects of connectivity and promoting the socio-economic growth and development of Bhutan.
It is tasked with the construction and maintenance of roads suitable for motorized transport in Bhutan.
About Border Roads Organisation (BRO)
BRO, a pioneer in the field of infrastructural development in the border areas of the country.
BRO is a major road construction agency under the Ministry of Defence with the primary objective of providing road connectivity to the border areas.
BRO was formed on 7th May 1960.
It develops and maintains the road network in India's border areas and friendly neighbouring countries.
This includes operating infrastructure in 19 states and three union territories (including the Andaman and Nicobar Islands) and neighbouring countries such as Afghanistan, Bhutan, Myanmar, Tajikistan and Sri Lanka.
One of the biggest infrastructural achievements of BRO - longest highway tunnel built in Himachal Pradesh, and its name is Atal Tunnel.
Atal tunnel under Rohtang Pass is an 8.8-kilometer-long tunnel.
This will reduce the distance between Manali and Leh by 46 kms and will save on transportation costs.
Director General of BRO - Lieutenant General Rajeev Chaudhry
8. Uttar Pradesh government plans to develop a theme park on the lines of Disneyland
Tags: Government Schemes State News
The Uttar Pradesh government plans to develop a theme park named 'Ramland' in Ayodhya on the lines of Disneyland to showcase the story of Lord Ram and attract tourists.
An Overview of the News
The park aims to provide visitors a unique learning experience with entertainment, catering to both children and adults.
The development of Ayodhya as a global tourism hotspot is part of the 'Ayodhya Vision 2047' initiative, which includes around 260 projects covering various sectors such as tourism, infrastructure, housing, medicine, energy, culture, urban development and transport.
Around Rs 30,000 crore is expected to be spent on the rejuvenation of Ayodhya, and this expenditure will be borne by the Center and the UP government.
Some of the projects under the initiative include Smart City Mission, modernization of bus terminals, widening of roads, cleaning of overhead power supply cables, beautification of ghats and setting up of cultural centres.
About Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh is a state located in the northern part of India.
It is the most populous state in India as well as the most populous subdivision in the world.
The state was officially established in 1950.
Chief Minister - Yogi Adityanath
Capital - Lucknow (Executive Branch)
Governor - Anandiben Patel
Rajya Sabha - 31 seats
Lok Sabha - 80 seats
9. Government launches Vivad se Vishwas scheme
Tags: Economy/Finance Government Schemes National News
The Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, has launched the scheme, “Vivad se Vishwas I – Relief to MSMEs” for providing relief to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for COVID-19 period.
An overview of the news
The scheme was announced in the Union Budget 2023-24 by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
The relief provided under this scheme is in continuation to the efforts of the government in promoting and sustaining the MSME sector.
Under the scheme, ministries have been asked to refund performance security, bid security and liquidated damages forfeited/ deducted during the Covid pandemic.
Additional benefits to eligible MSMEs, affected during the COVID-19 period
95% of the performance security forfeited shall be refunded.
95% of the Bid security shall be refunded.
95% of the Liquidated Damages (LD) deducted shall be refunded.
95% of the Risk Purchase amount realized shall be refunded.
Eligibility Criterion
Registered as a Medium, Small or Micro Enterprise as per relevant scheme of Ministry of MSME on the date of claim by supplier/ contractor.
MSME could be registered for any category of Goods and Services.
10. Total enrolment under Atal Pension Yojana crossed 5.20 crore mark
Tags: Government Schemes National News
The Finance Ministry has said that the total enrollment under the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) has crossed the figure of five crore 20 lakh till March 31 this year.
An overview of the news
The scheme envisages enrollment of more than one crore 19 lakh new subscribers in the financial year 2022-23 as compared to 99 lakh in the previous financial year, showing a growth of over 20 per cent.
According to the ministry, the total assets under management in APY is more than Rs 27 thousand 200 crore and the scheme has earned an investment return of 8.69 per cent since the inception of the scheme.
In the public sector banks (PSBs) category, nine banks achieved the annual target, while Bank of India, State Bank of India and Indian Bank opened more than a hundred APY accounts per branch, according to ministry data.
Under the category of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), 32 banks achieved the annual target, while Jharkhand State Gramin Bank, Vidarbha Konkan Gramin Bank, Tripura Gramin Bank and Baroda Uttar Pradesh Gramin Bank opened more than 160 APY accounts per branch.
About Atal Pension Yojana
Atal Pension Yojana is a guaranteed pension scheme of the Government of India administered by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).
The scheme allows any citizen of India between the age group of 18-40 years to join through bank or post office branches where the person has a savings bank account.
Under this scheme, a subscriber will receive a minimum guaranteed pension of Rs 1000 to Rs 5000 per month from the age of 60 years, depending on his contribution.
On the death of the subscriber, the pension is guaranteed to the spouse for life.
In the event of death of both the subscriber and his/her spouse, the full pension amount is paid to the nominee.
