1. Telangana achieves 100% coverage of PMJDY
Tags: Government Schemes State News
The state of Telangana achieved 100 percent household coverage of banking services through the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY).
An Overview of the News
According to the Social Security Administration survey, the state achieved 100 percent coverage of 135 welfare schemes and programs in 20 departments.
Telangana has more than 1 crore 11 lakh Jan Dhan bank account holders with a total balance of over Rs 3 thousand crore.
Around 61 lakh people in rural areas have opened Jan Dhan accounts, while in urban areas around 50 lakh people have zero balance accounts.
Over 84 lakh Jan Dhan account holders in Telangana actively use RuPay cards, which provide additional benefits like credit facilities.
About Telangana
It is a state located in south-central India on the high Deccan Plateau.
It is the eleventh largest state of India by area.
Telangana was carved out of the northwestern part of Andhra Pradesh on 2 June 2014 and became the newly formed state of Telangana with Hyderabad as the capital.
Telangana is bordered by Maharashtra to the north, Chhattisgarh to the northeast, Karnataka to the west, and Andhra Pradesh to the east and south.
As of 2019, the state of Telangana is divided into 33 districts.
Governor - Tamilisai Soundararajan
Chief Minister - K Chandrasekhar Rao
Council - (40 seats)
Legislative Assembly - (119 seats)
Rajya Sabha - 7 seats
Lok Sabha - 17 seats
2. SAMARTH Abhiyan launched by Union Minister Giriraj Singh
Tags: Government Schemes
Union Minister Giriraj Singh launched the SAMARTH campaign to promote digital transactions at the Gram Panchayat level.
An Overview of the News
- The campaign aims to empower women and promote digital transactions in rural areas.
- The campaign was launched in Lucknow as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
- It is an initiative of the Ministry of Rural Development.
- It aims to promote digital transactions in 50,000 gram panchayats across India.
- The campaign is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to mark 75 years of India's independence.
- The campaign started on February 1, 2023 and will run till August 15, 2023.
3. Ministry of Civil Aviation launches UDAN 5.1
Tags: Government Schemes National News
The Ministry of Civil Aviation in India has launched UDAN 5.1 on 24 May, a special edition of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, with a special focus on helicopter routes.
The main features of UDAN 5.1
For the first time under Regional Connectivity Scheme RCS-UDAN, this round is designed specifically for helicopter routes.
There will be an increase in the scope of operations for the operators, which will now also allow routes where one of the origin or destination points is in the priority zone.
The airfare ceiling has been reduced by 25% to make flying in helicopters more affordable for passengers.
The Viability Gap Funding (VGF) cap for single and twin-engine helicopter operators has been substantially increased to enhance the financial viability for operating the routes.
So far 46 helicopter routes have been operationalized under the scheme, benefitting many hilly and North East states and UDAN 5.1 is targeting coverage of a much larger number of routes.
About UDAN Scheme
Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) was launched in 2016 as a Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) under the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Its objective is to make affordable, economically viable and profitable air travel on regional routes available to the common man even in small towns.
It seeks to improve air connectivity to tier-2 and tier-3 cities through revival of unused and underused airports.
The scheme will be jointly funded by the central government and state governments.
The scheme will run for 10 years and can be extended thereafter.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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
